"When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection." "Why" - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

In the humble environs of my boyhood, books were a scarce commodity. By local standards, however, the personal library of STR Manickam, a former ‘revolutionary’ or militant nationalist, was sizeable. He encouraged me to read all I could and I often visited his home to borrow books.

A large number of scientists and engineers leave this country at their first opportunity to earn more money abroad. It is true that they definitely get greater monetary benefits, but could anything compensate for this love and respect from one's own countrymen?

Let not thy winged days be spent in vain. When once gone, no gold can buy them back.’ It meant that the best days of our lives were now, when we were learning, and we had to make the most of this time. Once gone, the time would run like sand between our fingers and we would never get it back again. The words filled me with hope and expectations and also helped me put aside my homesickness and look forward to all that I would learn at this new school.