First of all in order to find love, you have to love yourself

Recently, Power Publishers and Oxford Bookstore organized a twin launch event of popular Australian author and globe trotter Geri Hemer's books FOXY LADY and HOW TO WIN YOUR MAN AND KEEP HIM along with the audiobook versions of these two books, at Oxford Bookstore, Kolkata.

You have mixed with the A-List of the music world, foreign dignitaries and captains of industry. How do you think that wealth of experience influences your present career as an author?

Spending time and talking to people is one of my favorite pass time. I am a good listener and I always find the deeper meaning in a conversation besides what they are talking about. I find that fascinating especially when they asked me about my relationship.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired by my spouse in a lot of ways. Firstly the love that we share together and how fortunate we are to have this experience Love does not come easy so I appreciate every single moment.

Can you please tell us about your approach to writing? For example, do you follow structures and writing rules? Or do you write in a free flow way?

When it comes to writing, I just let it flow. Whatever comes to mind i write and later I would go over it and correct when necessary. Things just pop into my head especially when I am having a glass of champagne.

If you could have people take away just one lesson from this book, what would it be?

The lessons I would like to send to people .First of all in order to find love, you have to love yourself. You have to trust each other.

What is your best advice for them when it comes to finding a spouse?

Every one has a soulmate out there just waiting to find that one someone special .If you tell yourself that you will never find love, it would be forever lost.

What’s that one piece of advice you’d give to everyone to stay happy?

Happiness comes from within. In a relationship you have to find time for each other. A time to talk, a time to love, a time to give and most of all a time to listen. And remember that trust is always essential in a relationship. Love is like flowers, if you don't water them they wilt and die.

Can you please tell us what we can expect to see from you in the future?

Currently I am working on another novel. Also we will be making a film here in India from one of my latest book FOXY LADY.

Pic courtesy : Power Publishers

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A good guitarist should be a good critic towards himself in order to better him/herself everyday

In 2011, Raphael Bereau and Tizoc Romero joined forces in 2011 to create the “R2T2” guitar duo. Currently based in Paris, the R2T2 guitar duo has performed in North America, and across Europe including Paris, Vienna, Alcobaca, Ontinyent, Barcelona, Gorizia .They have been featured musicians at the International Guitar Festival of Paris in 2014 and the International Guitar Festival of Elx in Spain 2015.In November 2014, R2T2 published their first CD with Baros Records. Recently they performed at the “Monsoon Music Festival” which was organized by The Calcutta Classical Guitar Society and the Indian Guitar Federation.

What led to the formation of R2T2 guitar duo? How did the name come about?

We met for the first time at the age of 11 and 15 years old (Raphaël is 4 years older than me) we were in a guitar camp with same teacher and have kept in touch since then. After a few years we both went to Study with the same teacher Alvaro Pierri in Montreal, it is there that we started to play together and started the "R2T2 guitar duo" in June 2011. We created a large repertory with composers of the Baroque period as well as composers still alive. The name R2T2 guitar duo came out after we had a course with our teacher, he once told us (after we had played for him and we didn’t play so well) : Guys you sound like the robot "R2D2" !" After that we came out with the name R2T2 (replacing the "D" by "T" for Tizoc, the number 2 for the duo and "R" for Raphaël) therefore the name "R2T2 guitar duo" was created. 

Could you tell us a little bit about your influences?

Our influences were made by several duos around the world such as the Melis duo, Gruber Maklar, and many more; however we tried to find our own way of playing in order to perform the pieces of our repertoire in a more personal manner. However our musical influences are not limited to the guitar world but to the music in general, for Raphaël composers such as Steve Reich, Stravinsky and minimalist music in general, for myself having started music with my father who is a traditional mariachi Mexican musician, I was influenced by traditional mariachi Mexican music which had a big influence on my game today. This is also why we made several transcriptions from Spanish music such as Albeniz, Granados and more. 

Do you think it’s possible to talk about improvisation for classical music or we have to turn to other repertories like jazz, contemporary music, etc.? 

Improvisation may be more adapted for Jazz however in classical music during the Baroque period, improvising was also used but in a different way with composers such as Rameau, Bach or Couperin who used ornamentation to improvise. Also in music some interprets tend to take "musical" tubes in order to then improvise on them. In way through musical history improvisation has taken many forms.

What are some elements that you think make a good classical guitarist?

To say that someone is a good guitarist is to say that he does not only stay in the guitar world, many guitarist make the mistake to stay in their own guitar world without opening enough to other types of repertoire of instruments. Also a good guitarist should be a good critic towards himself in order to better him/herself everyday. He should not only focus on the technical aspect of the music but also on the musical part, the technique should only be a tool to serve the music. He should also be open to any type of music in order to get positive influences from different types of music around the world.  

You have performed in several cities around Europe and North America. What are some of the differences you  notice between the American and European audiences?

Concerning the different audience, every audience reacts different to classical guitar, it all depends how much the audience is open to discover classical guitar repertoire, however we tend to see that the north of Europe tends to be less warm than south European countries however in general we had good experiences with all the audiences regardless of where they were from including North America. 

Pic courtesy - The Calcutta Classical Guitar Society

How important are guitar festivals according to you?

Guitar festivals are important for student musicians because they are a mixture of concerts, masterclass, and help the students to help motivate each other during the working process, it is like a guitar camp that allows students to develop themselves at the best that they can.    

What are your favorite scores?

For myself my favorite music scores are more oriented towards south American music, which can be learned by ear than by reading music scores, however some composition from traditional south American composers or Debussy, Mahler, Rachmaninov speak a lot to me. For Raphaël he was since very young attracted to composers such as Steve Reich, and minimalistic music in general as well as contemporary music in general. 

How much do you think it’s important for a modern musician to know marketing? How much is crucial to be good promoters of themselves and their works in the world music of today?

Marketing is a very important for a musician and even an essential part.You can play extremely well but if you are unable to sell yourself not much people will pay attention yo your music. Sadly these days many times a good looking but average artist will be more exposed if he can sell himself well than an artist who is not as good looking, lacks charisma but plays very well. Also finding an agent can be very useful because you don't have to care then about the logistics and you can focus on your music. This also allows you in many cases to live from your passion.   

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I think drummers are the "energy catalyst" in a group - Matteo Fraboni

                                                                        - Matteo Fraboni

Drummer and Composer - Vic Firth Artist from the European jazz scene, Matteo Fraboni graduated in Jazz Composition and Arrangement at Conservatoire G.B Martini in Bologna.  At the age of 27 he recorded in Brooklyn, New York, his first album "Matteo Fraboni Quintet - This is my music", as a drummer and composer with the great tenor saxophone George Garzone,(Professor Berklee College of Music), Logan Richardson on alto sax (Blue Note) Aruan Ortiz on piano and Rashan Carter on doublebass, published by the Italian prestigious Label, VIA VENETO JAZZ - VVJ n075 (Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani).Recently  a special performance featuring live soundtrack  was done by Marcello Allulli(saxophone); Giovanni Ceccarelli (piano) and Matteo Fraboni (drums) during the screening of a silent Italian film made in 1916, Cenere directed by Febo Mari at the  at Victoria Memorial Hall (Western Quadrangle)

Why you play drums?

I started playing 'cause the music made me dream of a better world, an ideal. Now I play 'cause, despite the lively market a complicated time, I enjoy to be a force for good in this world. I like to bring something good, positive to people.

What made you take up the drums?

I started play drums when I was almost 13 years old, I was fascinated by the energy of this instrument and my attention about it increased really fast, trying to understand the styles and the sounds of this instrument. My constant perception of this instrument is always like a big toy, if you want, so you can find many different colours, and is a long journey to  discover all the possibility of your instrument.  

What was your biggest hurdle while you were in your learning stages as a drummer? Any particular pattern,notes etc?

First of all, when you start play drums, you have to manage your independence of the arms and legs, plus the sticks control techniques and being confident with your drum set. After years, you grow as a person and as a musician too - if you study- and you start thinking about many sides of music, discovering different genres and way to play with the other musicians... These thought are beyond the basic role in music, that off course you have to study.

Giovanni Ceccarelli, Marcello Allulli, Matteo Fraboni

Which was the best moment of your career?

As I am 33 years old, my career is still going on, and I think I had many best moments and I hope to have many more off course.

For sure I can't forget my studio session in Brooklyn, New York, playing with my American quintet that was totally amazing to me, like live a real dream.

Is a drummer the better band leader because he determines the rhythm and the timing?

Well, I think trying to find "the best" in any behavior of life is not correct. In particular in music, competition is dangerous and doesn't help to grow, in any case. Music should be something we share with people and a beautiful and privileged way to say to the world what we think and how we feel this historical period we are leaving. At least, yes, rhythm is a very important part in music and also in the classical orchestra, the "2nd director" is the percussionist, who gives the start to the others elements and off course as an important role. Personally I think drummers are the "energy catalyst" in a group, we can control the volumes and determine the sound of a band for sure, and I love doing that.

What is the difference between a good drum part and a great drum part?

In my opinion the great drum part happens only when a drummer sing with his drums, and don't show only how fast he can go... "Competitions are for horses" said B.Bartók.

You are a faculty in Percussion KM Music Conservatory by A.R.Rahman in Chennai. How has been your experience so far?

The KM Music Conservatory in Chennai is absolutely a beautiful high level school here in India. They have all the highest pro instruments a student can require in terms of acoustic and digital. The programs offers cover from Hindustani, Western Classical and Contemporary music languages for voice, piano, guitar, bass, tabla, mridangam, drums, classical percussion, violin, composition, (classical, jazz and contemporary) and also computer music, with amazing devices and many more.

All the faculty staff comes from different part of the world and is really high level, always kind and enthusiastic of what they are doing with all the talented students we have, and this determine a very good atmosphere inside KM.

I invite all the guys who wants study music seriously to keep an eye out KMMC, because is the only Conservatory of his genre in all India, and definitely I'm enjoying my time there, it's a lovely experience share what you love since you're almost a child, with the students over there.

Any advice/message to the budding drummers/musicians?

Like Charlie Parker said, "Study whatever is on your power about music, but when you play forget it and play what you feel in that moment !"

PIC COURTESY - AMLAN BISWAS

Check out his pages

https://www.facebook.com/matteofraboniquintet/
https://www.facebook.com/MatteoFraboniOfficial/

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“My advice to young people is to seek self-knowledge”

Luciana Fiel is a Mentor, Master Coach, writer, facilitator of courses and workshops, like writing words of motivation, enthusiasm, and support and teaches people through tools and personal development techniques to achieve goals, to have better quality of life and live a happy and meaningful life. She is a pioneer in Brazil in the Executive Training, the Parental Training - Families, Adults, Adolescents and Children with Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity and Impulsive.

Could you please explain your core philosophy?

My philosophy is that the LEV Method - The Leader That Is In You is based on love and follows five principles:
 1. Take full responsibility for your results. 
2. Hold an open mind. 
3. Minimize their julgamentos.
4. Desafie your limiting beliefs. 
5. Foque in your personal improvement

What is the methodology of LEV?

The LEV Methodology is an educational method of personal development, tested and proven to accelerate results and help people develop skills and competencies through training strategies, tools and techniques. All can be leaders and make a difference in people's lives, achieve their personal and professional achievements.

How would you explain be a Multiplier Method "The leader in you"?

Wisdom is in the eyes and dreams of each one, the ability to become a better person every day, by their own will and determination. Wisdom is the passion for life, the resolutions and attitudes that transform the world. In this context, education plays a key role. Help more people discover your skills and talents, becoming self - reliant and building a better world!

To be a multiplier is necessary to love the human being in its entirety, to seek their spiritual essence of light and commit to personal improvement. This method has the focused leadership in those sources as common as ours, but that evolved throughout his life, faced challenges and obstacles, rather than bend the face of difficulties, managed to make every barrier source of inspiration and overcome to reach the goals set for your life. The leadership of this kind is what we call genuine leadership.

In that case, the leader is not one who achieves results through people, but with people. It goes beyond the characteristics of unusual leaders, untouchable icons that are part of human history and filled the centuries as strong figures. In this perspective, the real leader is a man of action, consistent between the verb and action, and with their perception, experience and sensitivity, know how to drive so well the symphony that emanates from a hybrid team, like a great conductor governing a great tuned orchestra, managing to bring out each person's enthusiasm necessary to differentiate everything it claims to do this universe unstable, dynamic and evolving.

What is your advice to the youth of today?.

My advice to young people is to seek self-knowledge, define what you want, have a specific objective with short targets, medium and long term. Focuses on the process while the result is not enough, ie have consistency in the actions, do a little action every day on the way to your goal and finally believe you! To keep motivation is important you celebrate your small achievements and the second step is important you reduce the daily targets to give you feelings of fulfillment and not frustration. Only fail who gives up, never give up on you and your dreams.

How was your experience in Kolkata?

It was an experience of transformation, this city welcomed me and contributed to my growth with all its variables. I am a devotee of Mother Teresa, I admit the love she had a leader who inspires me and also follow the philosophy of Ananda Kirtan, meditation, silence and vegetarian food.

(Next year the LEV method will bring a group to immersion in Kolkata, with coaching and meditation)

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“Cinema festivals play a key role concurrently with distribution networks”

Arnaud Gaspart , First Secretary, Embassy of the kingdom of Belgium in India and Andre Ceuterick,
executive director of FIFA at SRFTI. ((pic courtesy -SRFTI)

Recently, Embassy of Belgium with Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI), Goethe institute Max Mueller Bhavan, Italian Embassy Cultural Centre,  Camões-Portuguese Embassy Cultural Centre  & Embassy of Switzerland in India, in association with Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, & Culture Monks presented the 1st edition of the ' Festivals from Europe" in Kolkata, from September 30, 2016 to October 2, 2016, at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata partner. This film festival brought together a selection of 11 short films, 4 documentaries, 5 long feature films from the following film festivals in Europe - Berlinale (Germany , Festival Du Film D’amour De Mons (Belgium) ,  Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival (Portugal) , Festival del Film Locarno (Switzerland) & Rome Independent Film Festival (Italy).

Mr. André Ceuterick, Executive Officer of the ‘Festival du Film d’Amour de Mons’ (aka FIFA) was present at the event and shared his views.

How would you characterize the current state of the film industry in Belgium?

The Belgian film industry is doing quite well in comparison with neighbouring countries, but our tax system has a lot to do with this: our “Tax shelter” not only supports Belgian cinema, but also attracts foreign directors, whose films are then credited to Belgium.

The Flemish audience is more responsive than the Walloons (French-speaking Belgians). About 50 Belgian films are released each year. It is less than Germany, France or Spain, but it’s not so bad for a small country with only 11 million inhabitants.

How does the government support the industry and what kinds of films does it support?

The Centre for Cinema and Audiovisual Media aims primarily at supporting and promoting audiovisual works. It is therefore competent at helping to produce, co-produce, promote and distribute films in cinemas. It also helps audiovisual operators, festivals, distributors, cinema managers as well as digital broadcasting facilities. This concerns feature, short as well as documentary films.

Master class with (from the right) Arnaud Gaspart , First Secretary, Embassy of the kingdom of Belgium in India
and Andre Ceuterick, executive director of FIFA  held at SRFTI (pic courtesy -SRFTI)

What kinds of stories do Belgian filmmakers want to tell?

Belgian cinema is basically an art-house cinema, which generally tackles human and social subjects, which may also be dealt with in a light-hearted and humorous way. Most of the time, Belgian cinema does not take itself seriously. There is no “star system”. We cultivate a historical taste for surrealism as well. Since the nineties our films have regularly been given awards in international festivals. Our directors are famous everywhere. We are therefore really proud of the world-wide reputation of our cinema.

What is the role of film festivals? Do you believe that the festival could also act as a bridge to define international relations on the basis of political power and geographical spaces?

Cinema festivals play a key role concurrently with distribution networks: they promote films before their official release, and also allow films - more and more numerous - which will sometimes never be released in our country’s cinemas to be shown. Within this framework bilateral exchanges and the strengthening of north-south relations make it possible to broaden horizons, to allow audiences to discover works from different cultures and cinema works to circulate.

How was your experience in India?

It was an intense and fascinating experience with rewarding exchanges, nice meetings and the discovery of a complex and fascinating cultural world. I really hope that I will have the opportunity to extend and broaden this first experience. 

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“The exchange of art between two nations will adorn part of the history”

                                                                                 Pic courtesy : Amlan Biswas

The Department of Painting, Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti initiated an exchange programme on the basis of an exhibition with Daegu Fine Arts Association, South Korea in 2014-15. The whole intention behind this exhibition was to generate a new dialogue between art practice of Daegu in particular and Kala Bhavana,  Shantiniketan. Park, Byung- Ko, President of Daegu Fine Arts Association shares thought about the exchange exhibition.

What is your expectation from this exchange exhibition between Daegu Fine Arts Association and Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti?

The exchange of art between two nations will adorn part of the history. This event was a great chance to introduce the Indian fine arts to Korea which is unfamiliar to many Koreans and make the Korean arts spread in India as well.

What are your thoughts on the contemporary art landscape in Korea?

Pic courtesy : Amlan Biswas

We could say diversity which is not only related to the medium of art but also to the mind of artist. The mind (or the attitude) of artist follows up the object where artist does not just convey meaning any more. In Korea contemporary arts, let me say in terms of fine art that is to say visual art. muninhwa(literary   painting) was originally based on sunbi(intellectual) who enjoyed writing poems, calligraphy and paintings with only black water colour and empty space in a paper or silk. It was all for the harmony between nature and man. SunBi played like this. For instance, when they painted mountains and waters sunbi does not tried to make real nature, or rather the mind. During several hundred years until now this tradition has continuously remained. This is the spirit of Muninhwa. However the way of expressions has been explored in various styles. For instance, the contemporaries use the canvas instead of paper as well. It is depicted anything included ume flower (blossom), orchid, chrysanthemum, bamboo etc. The young Korean artists have done much better with fusion of media. HANKUKWHA, WHICH means literally Korean painting, or Dongyangwha, which means literally far eastern paintings, was confronted to the western art. From at the end of nineteenth century through twentieth century it was formed during Japanese colonized period. That is to say Hankukwha portrayed nature and portraits with traditional water colours. Such a feeling and vision of China, Japan and Korea is doubtless a kind OF OLD root of art.

Since modern era (mainly 20th century) Korean artists have lots of chance to learn western trends of art. In 1960s, mulpa influenced Korean art landscape, which is similar to minimalism at the same time more eastern philosophical. Lee u fan is one of best artists. From1970s, there has been occurred so many roads of art. For example, installation works performance, photo realism, and reflection images and so on. Nowadays, in short, it is very difficult to descript clearly Korea contemporary art like other countries.


What are the main activities of Daegu Fine Arts Association (DFAA)?

There are 2,200 artists members of DFAA. We do give support to young ARTISTS (residency program, space for work, seminar, workshop, and money etc.) We conduct international exchange programs for mutual development (China, Germany, Japan, Hungary and India). It is to be noted Daegu city government sponsors and supports many programs through which Daegu has becomes one of the best art cities in Korea.

According to you how important are cultural exchange programs?

There are no boundaries in art. Definitely, through this exchange program we could know each other’s Culture and work. This was possible due to mutual confidence. So it is more powerful than politics and diplomatic.

Could you share your experiences here in India during 2014 and 2016?

I found out that India contemporary art spreads due to the Indian traditional thoughts though there are so many different ways of expression of art in India. This impact of Indian civilization contributes not only Indian art but also global art. Through the meetings of the teachers of Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti, I feel very deeply their pure passion for art and compassion for others. It remains forever to me.

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"Each memory in my career has a value."

George Mihalache was born in Bucharest/Romania in 1971. He was raised in a family of musicians with it's roots in the old tradition of gypsy music and the family musicianship goes centuries back. George is of the 6th generation.

George's music education began when he was only 6-7 years old, studying music with his grandfather and learning gypsy music and Romanian folk tunes by ear. As a 15-year old he had already been working with several reputable and coveted musicians and playing with most bigger ensembles in Bucharest, and he had been touring several European countries.

Shashank Meets Lelo Nika Trio

George Mihalache's musical repertoire comprehensive and versatile, ranging from the gypsy music traditions of Romania through evergreen traditionals and classical favorites. He has been living in Copenhagen since 1994 and worked with many musicians within the genres of world music, jazz and classical music. Recently, he was in Kolkata  to participate in "Shashank Meets Lelo Nika Trio" as part of the 10th edition of The Park’s New Festival- 2016.With over 30 years in the field of Indian classical music, Shashank has performed at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Denmark and Skopje Jazz Festival - Macedonia among others. Lelo Nika along with Thommy Andersson (bass) and George Mihalache (cimbalom) teamed up with Shashank Subramanyam (flute) for a soul stirring evening of melodious music.

How would you briefly describe your journey towards music?

I grow up in a musical family with deep roots in gypsy musical tradition. I am in the 7 generation.

Can you tell us a bit about the history of Gypsy music and harpsichord?

The gypsies have been wandering for 400 years. The trip start in North Western India. Musical instruments as they brought has evolved over time. The Indian Saturn will be in Romania (Tambal) cimbalom.

What are your feelings about the globalization of Gypsy music?

It is well. I have the opportunity to play and rather than at international level.

You have played with many musicians of different styles. Are these mergers difficult? How to mix different musical influences and genres?

No it's not difficult. There is a provocation every time and it works fine.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career?

Each memory in my career has a value.

How was your experience performing here?

Fantastic.

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“I believe that all of mankind's aptitude is a mixture of genetics, culture, education and training.”

Cédric Villani, one of three Editors-in-Chief of Elsevier’s Journal of Functional Analysis is the recipient of the 2010 Fields Medal in mathematics. Professor Villani was awarded the prize for his work on proofs of nonlinear Landau damping and convergence to equilibrium for the Boltzmann equation..

In 2009 Prof. Villani was appointed the Director the Poincaré Institute at the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris.  He was awarded the Henri Poincaré Prize that year, presented by the International Association of Mathematical Physics.  He has served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Functional Analysis and was invited by the late Prof. Paul Malliavin to the role of Editor-in-Chief, joining Field Medalist Alain Connes and Daniel Stroock.

What first drew you to mathematics?

I could not say and it always looked like a naturally interesting subject to me. I don't remember a time when I was not interested in it. But after all, we all study it at school. I also had some secondhand books for math for children, which were quite nice.  

Are there any mathematicians, living or dead that you have particularly looked up to?

Oh yes,  so many of them! Well, when I set up my Web page, 13 years ago(in those days it was a big deal to have a Web page!), I chose 5"heroes" and put them on my page with some eulogies: Ludwig Boltzmann, James Clerk Maxwell (both of them physicists but with a strong mathematical inspiration), Mark Kac, Alan Turing, John Nash. I regularly lecture about John Nash and Henri Poincare, both of them geniuses with their specific style.

One must have wondered a number of times why a formula or a theorem comes so easy to a person while other cannot even decipher a simple problem. Is Math a part of one's genetic makeup? 

I believe that all of mankind's aptitude is a mixture of genetics, culture, education and training. Anyway the example of Ramanujan cannot be explained by just culture, education and training, so there has to be some genetic component. Why not?

 How important, in your opinion, is mathematics in Indian culture?

The respect for math is very important, for sure, and also the development of calculation recipes. India has produced a number of amazing mathematicians. On the other hand, the core of India's math education is very much applied, and there is a clear tendency in research institutions to, on the contrary, explores very fundamental subjects.

How should maths be taught? Because a lot of people say, "oh God, maths I can't stand it.

Nobody knows how math should be taught, probably because there is not such a "must-be" way of teaching. It depends on the teacher, on the child, on the society. Nowadays there are many opportunities to enrich the teaching, with online games, enigmas, advice, experiments, public lectures, etc. But eventually it depends mostly on master and student relation, not the method.

Apart from research and teaching, what are the future career options we can pursue only doing maths?

Doing only math these are the main areas. But if you allow for blending with other sciences, mathematicians can do great engineers, developers, algorithm wizards, and so on. The field is so full of opportunities that 'mathematician' was ranked several times "No.1 job in the world" by the American company Career Cast.

What research problems and areas are you likely to explore in the future? 

Problems at the intersection of geometry, analysis and classical physics are for me.

What advice would you give a young student trying to learn mathematics in India?

Widen your views as much as possible, and please travel widely for learning.

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LILA YOGA is unity within life

Yogacharya Erica Kaufman - Erica Kaufman, MFA, E-RYT500+, is the founder of Lila Yoga and the owner of Lila Yoga Studios in PA, USA. She is a life long student of JidduKrishnamurti’s philosophy and Krishnamacharya’s teachings. Erica’s mother introduced her to yoga at age 9 and she has continued as a devoted practitioner ever since.

Teaching since 1984, Erica has the highest Registry with Yoga Alliance, been awarded Yoga Journal’s Karma Credit, and is featured in numerous publications: The Times of India, DNA India, THE WEEK-SMART Life Magazine, Centered Magazine, and Center Daily Times, along with European and American TV.

Workshop at The ICCR, Kolkata

Erica is faculty at Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado, the world famous International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, India and at the Penn State University in America. Erica teaches the ancient wisdom of yoga as a daily practice and is dedicated to wellness and appreciation of life. As a mentor to yoga teachers, aspirants, and community members alike, Erica tours the USA, Europe, Israel and India teaching the full spectrum of master classes, workshops, and teacher training programs on Lila Yoga, Movement Improvisation, and Contact Improvisation. Recently Erica conducted a  4-day programme on Lila Yoga Surya Namaskar and Lila Yoga Asana Practice at the  Abanindranath Gallery, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Kolkata and taught in Chennai as well.

What is Lila Yoga?

LILA YOGA awakens energy in our yoga practice & our lives. It is a holistic vinyasa practice that aligns body, breath & intentions. Yoga postures become playgrounds to awaken, explore and unite with prana—the universal life energy.

You see LILA YOGA combines physics & consciousness. Lately it’s feeling like a revolution of love and life! You see lila is the Sanskrit word for the loving-creative divine rhythm of life. Yoga is Sanskrit for unity. So LILA YOGA is unity within life.

Why practice YOGA in a class?

One of the most magical things about yoga is how it can melt away differences and illuminate our common humanity. Yoga is a practice that continues throughout our lives. We learn from each other. We are a community of diversity with a common heart truth.

What we do on our yoga mat should not stay there. In fact what we do on our yoga mat is only useful if it is applicable in our lives at large and how we relate to each other, ourselves, and situations.

I am forever thankful to the community of people I meet and the opportunities to learn and grow and discover.

As a teacher, I learn from each person who practices with me. I learn from teachers who I once taught and trained. Life is a beautiful opportunity to learn and evolve.

Being together in a yoga class offers us the opportunity to be in each others presence and respect and honor the journey we each need to go through. Yoga is a life long practice that provides tools to support a healthier way of being.

How did yoga become such an integral part of your life?

I was sick as a child. I was suffering a lot with health. My mother is  a smart marvelous creative being who was very interested in  Krishnamurti and his philosophy. Through this she learned about yoga and Krishnamacharya. She started to teach me pranayama, meditation & simple yoga postures. It had a profound effect on me. The first time we practiced, I felt a sense of ‘vacation from suffering’. That’s what I told my mom. It was powerful in a great way, so I wanted to continue practicing and we did. We continued ever since.

What do you like most about yoga?

I like that there is no end to it. Yoga is an extraordinary expansive and complete science of the human experience and our potentials within that experience. I so appreciate that every aspect of human  nature is addressed within it.

Stress, tension, frustrations, depressions are key things identified in today’s youth life. How can one get rid of such symptoms through Yoga?

Yoga is extremely powerful.  Even just allowing 10/15 mins a day to practice can enable healthier thoughts and energy within our lives. Yoga enhances our coping abilities, recovery capabilities and capacity for joy. And all of this is measurable in the neural receptors of our brain. Science has shown if you practice yoga, you can actually create an environment within the brain that is more receptive to positivity and to relaxation.

Workshop at The ICCR, Kolkata

Many of today’s youth have grown up with constant access to computer devices. These devices are amazing but can also pull us out of the current moment. Think about how rare it can be to just walk down the street and not being caught inside of your own thoughts or inside of your own computer/phone. I think this has been a real challenge for the youth. They grew up with it.

It used to be that doctors were the only ones who had to deal with the stress of being on call. Now everybody is on call all the time. We don’t have as much down time that is free of devices (phone, television, etc).  I’ve seen first hand how many youth suffer from anxiety, stress, tension and even panic attacks. Those of us who are in the field of yoga can extend ourselves with compassion to our marvelous youth and offer to sit quietly with them for a few peaceful minutes.

Yoga has tremendous benefits for children and it would be fantastic to see this integrated in schools. Do you possibly see this happen in the future?

 Yes. Traditionally India has offered yoga in school. I think India  is at a pinnacle point right now between tradition and modernity. I  hope India keeps its India spirit…and yoga is a big part of that beautiful spirit. Perhaps some think that it’s more modern or sophisticated to abandon the great science of  yoga. But honestly, I have never encountered anything more current or sophisticated than yoga. So, no matter how modern or posh a school is, I do hope that the basics of life skills that yoga can offer us continue to be an integral part of education.

Do you see any trends or tendencies in yoga industry?

In the US, for the general public, there’s been an emphasis mostly on fitness and the physical beauty that results from the physical practices of yoga. Now, there seems to be more interest in meditation. In India I’ve noticed that there’s a shift happening in the past 7 years or so, where yoga is not only being offered in traditional ashrams and schools but in studios as well. I plead to all of India to keep the heart of yoga honest. As yoga becomes more available in studios, I plea to the studios owners to keep the integrity and depth of yoga as a central focus.

My body is very fit, but that’s not my focus. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Yoga supports me and feeds me, excites and stimulates me. Through the application of yoga practices I learn how to rest my troubles; how to broaden or clarify perspectives; how to elevate awareness. These aspects of yoga are profound and have contributed into my health in all aspects of my life.

Do you have any advice for beginners? How do we start?

Find a good teacher. Even before you find a good teacher know  that inside of each of us is a wise teacher. There is a part of us that  is wiser than our years. We just don’t listen to our wiser self. We don’t listen to our higher soul. Even if you are not in a position to finding a teacher, try to sit with yourself (even for few minutes) to be peaceful. Relax your body. Relax and slow your breath. Feel a peaceful heart. Allow yourself to enjoy being in a quiet state of being. Allow yourself to develop a relationship to that particular state of being.

Here it is in a nutshell: What you think and how you are, affects  everything about the way you act in the world. Taking a few minutes a day to relax and be peaceful can allow a calmer mind to make wiser decisions that are in harmony with the heart.

Workshop at The ICCR, Kolkata

Do you believe yoga can act as a catalyst for World Peace?

Lately I’ve been interested in inner-peace. Science shows that when we are within a calm, peaceful, healthy mind, we make better decisions. Yoga can bring about these qualities and help establish them within our ways of living. If we can start locally, I believe it will affect us all globally. Let’s each take time to cultivate a calm mind and a peaceful heart. And within that state of being, wish well for everyone, everywhere always.

This conviction is evident thought yogic literature and traditions. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the first ethical declaration is ahimsa—non violence. He states that when we are firmly established in yoga, all hostilities cease. In order to live peacefully, our breath, heart, mind, words, actions towards others must also be peaceful.

So yes…I do believe that the tools of yoga can be a powerful catalyst for inner-peace, which in turn leads to peace within thoughts and actions, which leads to more and more peace in our world. There is a beautiful mantra often recited in yoga practices that serves as a declaration of such peace:  Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu—May All Beings Everywhere Be Happy and Free.

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