Dad and Mom cemetery, St. Gregorios church, Elamkulam, Ernakulam

Pictorial history of Christianity..

Visit to Amazon BLR-8 warehouse in Bangalore.. 24 Sept '26.

Inside Amazon BLR8: Where Standardisation Meets Scale

Textbooks describe fulfilment centres in neat flow diagrams. Walking through Amazon's BLR8 facility, I got to see how those diagrams behave when they meet 53 dock doors and a building of roughly seven lakh square feet.

The first surprise: it never really stops

The facility works through weekends. Demand doesn't take Sundays off, so the operation doesn't either. Continuous flow is a design principle here, not a slogan.

Measure everything at the door

Incoming packages pass through a Cubiscan station, which captures dimensions and weight before anything else happens. That data feeds the item master and drives storage and transport decisions downstream. Receiving also involves 100% checking, which is a costly choice, but it prevents errors from travelling deeper into the system. A defect caught at the dock is far cheaper than one found at the customer's door.

Visual management at work

Stock moves floor → aisle → bin, and totes are colour-coded: blue and red for different streams, yellow for end-of-order totes. Anyone can read the system at a glance. A fixed tote weight cap of about 22.5 kg keeps manual handling within ergonomic limits. These are simple, low-tech rules doing serious work, close cousins of the poka-yoke thinking we teach in class.

**Safety and people**

What stayed with me was how visible the care for workers was:

- AC vents and blowers along each aisle

- A one-stop health station for first aid and medical needs

- Free drinks and meals for staff

- Community initiatives, including what appeared to be an education scheme for children

In operations we often treat safety and productivity as trade-offs. Here they were presented as the same thing.

Waste as a process

A segregation station separates waste streams for recycling, and a shredder handles packaging material. Sustainability is built into the workflow rather than added afterwards.

Questions I am left with

- Are items identified by barcode or QR code, and what drives that choice?

- How is truck arrival tracked, and how is yard congestion avoided?

- Does the dock area ever gridlock at peak?

Takeaway

Scale doesn't come from complexity. It comes from standardising the small things so thoroughly that the big things become predictable. For my students, BLR8 is a live case in why operations excellence is mostly disciplined basics.

Visit to Cambridge and Oxford universities..

CET 86 M1 meet at 40

Diamond and Surat ..

Surat as the world's diamond-cutting capital

Surat cuts and polishes roughly nearly 90% of the diamonds globally, in an industry running on around 5,000 units employing upwards of 600,000 people. Other estimates put the figure even higher — 90% of all diamond cutting and polishing on the planet takes place in Surat, and older reports cite figures as high as 92 percent of the world's diamonds cut and polished in Surat. Either way, roughly 9 or 10 out of every 10 diamonds worn anywhere in the world passed through Surat's workshops. [Dimming lustre +3](https://www.outlookbusiness.com/state-of-the-economy-2020/dimming-lustre-5660)

**How it works**

- India itself mines no significant rough diamonds — the raw stones arrive mostly from mines in Africa (and Russia), get shipped to Surat, and are cut, polished, and finished there before moving on to cutting centers like Antwerp, Israel, or Hong Kong for final trading and export as jewelry.

- The industry is built on skilled, low-cost labor — small karigars (artisans) trained in generations-old cutting techniques working alongside modern computerized planning and laser-cutting technology, which lets Surat handle both mass-market small stones and high-value pieces at scale.

- Diamond bourses and the massive Surat Diamond Bourse (one of the world's largest office complexes, built to consolidate the trade under one roof) anchor the formal trading side of the business.

**Economic significance**

- The cutting and polishing of diamonds for the global middle class has helped create close to 500,000 jobs in the city — a scale nearly half as large as India's entire IT industry, making it a major source of employment for migrant workers from across Gujarat and neighboring states. 

- The industry has historically leaned heavily on China as an export market — China has been Surat's second largest market at around 35% of total diamond exports, since polished stones are often set into jewelry there before re-export to the US and Europe. 

**Boom-and-bust cycles**

The trade is highly exposed to global demand swings — the COVID-19 lockdown, for instance, left the industry sitting on an inventory worth around $2.3 billion when exports froze, and trade tensions, shifting demand (including competition from lab-grown diamonds, which Surat has also increasingly moved into), and price volatility periodically hit smaller units hardest while larger export houses tend to weather downturns.

In short, Surat's status as a diamond hub is a modern extension of the same trading-city DNA that made it a Mughal-era port: a place where raw material from elsewhere in the world is transformed by concentrated craft skill and then sent back out to global markets.

A trip to Trivandrum alumni meet CET40

While proceeding to Trivandrum for the CET86 40year meet, a long-distance interstate bus journey between Bangalore and Trivandrum along the National Highway 44 backbone offers a deep, front-row seat to the changing textures of South India.

Here are the top ten insights you can gain from this classic road trip:

Geographic & Cultural Transitions

• The Rapid Urban-to-Rural Shift: Leaving the massive tech hub of Bangalore quickly exposes the sheer speed at which high-tech metropolitan life gives way to sprawling, quiet agricultural belts as you roll south into Tamil Nadu.

• The Deccan Plateau Descent: Watching the rocky, dry boulder formations of the southern Deccan region slowly flatten out and soften into fertile plains reveals how dramatically the elevation determines local life and livelihoods.

• The Linguistic Blueprint: Tracking the highway signage offers a perfect visual map of South India’s distinct languages, watching Kannada smoothly morph into Tamil, and ultimately transitioning to Malayalam as you approach Kerala.

Infrastructure & Architectural Evolution

• Engineering Scale vs. Local Access: Observing how massive flyovers and wide highway grids bypass historic towns highlights the friction between the modern urge for speed and the survival of traditional highway economies.

• Regional House Design Aesthetics: The change in residential architecture tells a story of climate. Flat concrete roofs common in dry Tamil Nadu give way to the iconic, steeply sloped crimson tiles built to withstand heavy monsoons in Kerala.

• The Scale of Rural Industrialization: Passing industrial pockets in Salem and Madurai shows how tightly woven modern manufacturing hubs are into otherwise completely agrarian landscapes.

Natural Landscapes & Travel Dynamics

• The Dramatic Green Surge: The visual shock of crossing into Kerala shows a sharp shift in natural color palettes, where the semi-arid shrublands of interior Tamil Nadu instantly turn into dense coconut groves and deep emerald vegetation.

• Western Ghats Topography: Tracking the mountain silhouettes out your window illustrates how the massive Western Ghats act as a colossal climatic wall, keeping the interior plains dry while locking rain and mist onto the coast.

• Highway Food Economics: Watching how roadside stops change from North Indian-influenced dhabas to Tamil idli-vada joints, and finally to Kerala parotta stalls, provides a literal taste of changing regional agricultural staples.

• The Unique Rhythm of Long-Distance Transit: Spending a full half-day or overnight block inside a bus provides a deep lesson in patience. You get an intimate look into the shared community of long-haul travel, marked by rhythmic engine sounds, late-night tea stops, and early-morning arrivals.

From Google Gemini AI.

Giving back to society.. #66 ..

When I was 14 years, on 7 April, 1978, I met with a bus accident in Aroor, Alleppey returning from Adoor on way to Irinjalakuda, (adoor is mother's place) after vacation. 

Lost my elder brother in the accident and I was unconscious with a serious head injury for 2 days in Medical Trust hospital Ekm. 

After lot of blood transfusions over2 days (from total strangers

) regained consciousness and came back to life. 

This is my way of giving back to that same society. Not told this incident to any of our classmates. 🙏🙏🙏👍👍

Visit to Uty of Oxford '26

This stunning panoramic view was taken in Oxford, England, from the tower balcony of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin on High Street.

​Climbing the tower offers the most famous vantage point in the city, looking directly over the heart of the *University of Oxford*. 

Here is what you are looking at:

​1. *The Round Building*: Radcliffe Camera

​The magnificent circular building on the left is the Radcliffe Camera (built 1737–1749). Designed by architect James Gibbs in the English Baroque style, it was built to house the Radcliffe Science Library. Today, it serves as a reading room for the world-famous Bodleian Library and is one of the University of Oxford's most iconic landmarks.

​2. *The Gothic Complex: All Souls College*

​The sprawling, ornate stone complex stretching across the center and right background is All Souls College (founded in 1438) in the University of Oxford.

​The prominent twin towers you see rising into the sky are the famous Codrington Library towers, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in a distinct Gothic Revival style.

​All Souls is one of the most prestigious and unique institutions in the world—it has no undergraduate students, and its members automatically become Fellows, elected through what is widely considered one of the hardest academic examinations in existence.

Visit to Uty of Cambridge.. 2026

​The stunning buildings on the riverbank behind you belong to King's College, Uty of Cambridge:

​King's College Chapel (Right): The magnificent Gothic building with the tall spires is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the world. Started in 1446 by King Henry VI, it features the world's largest fan-vaulted ceiling and spectacular medieval stained glass.

​The Gibbs Building (Center-Left): The long, elegant Neo-classical building sitting just to the left of the chapel is the Gibbs Building, constructed in the 1720s.

​The Bridge (Far Left): In the distance, you can see one of Cambridge's historic stone bridges arching over the water.

How much has AI has entered my life ?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword for all manufacturing / management professional out there. AI could redefine how humans think and act, how humans would act to increase the output optimally at the best costs and utilisng minimum of resources. This is definitely going to help planet earth in the long run. 

But can we sustain the the utopian dream on planet earth as portrayed by scientists and AI professionals world over. What are the basic challenges affecting growth, development and implementation of AI 

1. Poor awareness of artificial intelligence with the common public, even the educated

2. Poor penetration of AI concepts to the workmen. Workmen are being constantly threatened telling about the potential job loss that result

And many..

Boat from ernakulam to fort kochi

A big Thanks to God ..

A poem of heartfelt gratitude to God, written in free-verse poetic form:

---------------------------

O Giver of breath, I bow in quiet wonder  

for the steady pulse that still dances in my chest.  

You painted health into these limbs,  

so they carry me through dawn and dusk without complaint.  

For the gift of learning—open books, patient teachers,  

a mind that learned to question and to kneel in awe.  

I thank You for the warm circle called family,  

parents whose hands first held me, whose love never wavered.  

For siblings who laughed with me, fought with me,  

and still choose to walk beside me.  

You sheltered me beneath this roof,  

walls that keep out rain, a home that holds our stories.  

Grateful for the work that finds my hands each morning,  

a job that lets me rise, contribute, grow.  

For the salary that turns into rice on the table,  

clothes on our backs, school fees paid, small kindnesses shared.  

Thank You for friends—those rare, steady souls  

who see my flaws and still stay, still call me by name.  

Every sunrise reminds me: nothing here was owed.  

All of it—grace upon grace—flowed from Your open hand.  

So here I stand, small and full, whispering thanks  

into the One who gave me everything worth loving.

Kothi kallu at Giby's Farm Mala, Trissur

On our trip to Mala Giby's farm on Dec 25th of 2025 to attend Reenu's marriage, I was surprised to find Kothi kallu in the outer boundary of the property. I had found a similar Kothikallu in my daughter-in-law Anna's property in Aarakkunnam. The info then was totally new to me and I was taken aback by it. The highlight of her property in Aarakkunnam is this stone, no doubt. 

History sleeps in that place. This was the main trading areas during the Muziris port times, about 2000 years back, though the stones are just around three hundred  years old, the age of Travancore and Kochi kingdoms. These stones are part of history and are preserved by the owners as very valuable property. Here is some info on these stones. 

Kothi Kallu (also spelled Kothikallu or Ko-Thi Kallu) refers to ancient boundary stones erected to mark the border between the erstwhile princely states of the Kingdom of Cochin (Kochi Rajyam) and the Kingdom of Travancore (Thiruvithamkoor) in Kerala.

These stones, often made of granite and shaped like milestones (typically 6–10 feet tall with a square cross-section), feature inscriptions:

- The Malayalam letter "കൊ" (Ko) on one side, facing the Cochin side.

- "തി" (Thi)on the opposite side, facing the Travancore side (short for Thiruvithamkoor).

They were placed along the boundary line, sometimes 15–30 meters apart in certain areas, to clearly demarcate territories and resolve disputes. This was particularly important for trade, customs, and administration, as goods moving across borders (especially via waterways in the coastal Muziris region) required clear demarcation.

Historical Context

The boundary stones date back to the 18th century, during the expansion of Travancore under rulers like Marthanda Varma and Dharma Raja, who extended their kingdom northward to the borders of Cochin. Areas like North Paravur and Alangad shifted hands, and these stones helped formalize the borders. Some were placed near forts, canals, rivers, or significant houses.

Many surviving Kothikallu are found in the ancient Muziris heritage region (around Kodungallur-North Paravur in present-day Ernakulam and Thrissur districts), as well as other spots like:

- Chathedam–Thuruthippuram

- Cherai

- Palarivattom

- Tripunithura

- Karingachira

- Annamanada

They hold archaeological significance as remnants of Kerala's pre-independence princely state era.

After India's independence, Cochin and Travancore merged in 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin (Thiru-Kochi), and in 1956, this united with Malabar to form modern Kerala, rendering the boundaries obsolete.

Some of these stones today are preserved by the owners of the land or noted in heritage sites, and they serve as references in local land surveys. They symbolize the historical division (and eventual unity) of these kingdoms.

Fishing at Giby's Farm Mala Trissur..

At Giby's Farm, Mala, Trissur.

A Hidden Sanctuary in Mala, Trichur, Kerala.

With family we are currently unwinding at a hidden gem called Giby’s Farm in Mala, Kerala to attend to my niece Reenu's marriage with Sharath. It is nothing short of a paradise. 

Tucked away and embraced by backwaters on three sides, this place feels like a private island of calm.

The landscape is a beautifully curated mix of the wild and the manicured. Dense mangroves line the water's edge, creating a natural sanctuary for countless birds—their calls are the only "noise" you hear here. 

The property itself is lush with exotic flora; majestic Mahogany and Teak trees stand tall, providing cool shade, while vibrant flowers bloom in every corner, showing just how lovingly this place is maintained.

It is rare to find a spot that feels so untouched yet so comfortable. I’ll be soaking in this tranquility and fresh air until Sunday evening. If you are looking for a place to pause and breathe, this is it. 👍👍👍

Marble bust of self..

Orthodox way of life - AI

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-693e8bd27868819195a8888efed01171-malankara-orthodox-guide  

This is an excellent AI based guide on the Malankara orthodox church and way of life in India. Any doubt you have, feel free to ask here and get an intelligent and gainful answer to all your queries ..

3 day AI workshop in ASoB, Bangalore..

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Three-Day AI Workshop: Summary Report (10–12 December)

Overview

Over three days (10–12 December), I participated in an intensive AI workshop focused on applications of Artificial Intelligence in management, operations, strategy, and digital transformation. The workshop blended conceptual learning, hands-on experimentation with AI tools, and the development of practical academic artefacts such as case studies, presentations, quizzes, and course outlines.
It had a deep engagement with AI for teaching, content creation, operations management, and strategic decision-making.

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Day 1 — 10 December: AI for Operations, Case Writing & Strategic Thinking

Key Topics Covered

• AI-assisted case study development for major Indian organizations (Bengaluru Metro, ISRO, Infosys, Tata Sons, Google & Amazon investment cases).

• Application of AI for scenario planning, sustainability, and infrastructure operations.

• Using AI tools for analysis of large-scale projects (metro systems, airports, corporates, aerospace).

Hands-On Activities

• Creating detailed case studies with:

  • Origins and evolution

  • Operational challenges

  • Strategic opportunities

  • Environmental & economic impact

• Generating multi-slide presentations and operational analyses.

Learning Outcomes

• Learned to use AI to structure rich academic narratives.

• Understood how AI can support operations strategy, benchmarking, and comparative analysis.

• Strengthened capability to transform raw queries into teaching-ready content.

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Day 2 — 11 December: AI for Teaching, Assessment & Course Design

Key Topics Covered

• Designing AI-supported MBA teaching materials.

• Creating syllabi, lesson plans, CDAPs, and detailed course files.

• Developing objective quizzes mapped to COs/POs for accreditation standards.

Hands-On Activities

• Producing:

  • 30-hour Operations Strategy & Sustainability syllabus

  • Detailed CDAP aligned with AACSB-style learning outcomes

  • Case banks for classroom discussion

  • Faculty course file components

  • Hour-wise lesson plans & teaching slides

Learning Outcomes

• Mastery of AI-assisted academic documentation.

• Ability to automate repetitive teaching tasks.

• Understanding of AI’s role in curriculum development and instructional design.

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Day 3 — 12 December: AI for Entrepreneurship, Simulation, Analytics & Personal Productivity

Key Topics Covered

• AI for startup ideation, financial modeling, and payback analysis.

• AI in corporate simulations, crisis decision-making, and strategy formulation.

• Document auditing: CDAP review, auditing frameworks, templates.

• Technical understanding: How to create a GPT and practical use of AI for automation.

Hands-On Activities

• Developing a complete startup concept (adventure gaming):

  • Problem framing

  • Solution differentiation

  • Target customer

  • Minimum investment

  • Payback period calculation

  • Abstract & slide deck

• Running CEO-style business simulations.

• Auditing academic documents with AI assistance.

• Exploring AI model creation and architectural basics.

Learning Outcomes

• Integrated AI into entrepreneurial reasoning, financial estimation, and storytelling.

• Learned AI-supported corporate decision-making workflows.

• Gained clarity on the conceptual process of building custom GPT systems.

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Overall Learning Reflections

1. AI as a Productivity Multiplier

Using AI to create high-quality teaching materials at a speed and depth that traditional methods cannot match.

2. AI for Operational Excellence

Repeated case study work showed how AI can benchmark operational performance and uncover insights for:

• transportation systems

• manufacturing firms

• aerospace organizations

• technology companies

3. AI for Academic Leadership

Tasks reveal a shift toward becoming an AI-augmented educator, designing modern curricula aligned with industry and accreditation needs.

4. AI for Strategic & Entrepreneurial Thinking

The workshop demonstrated how AI supports:

• startup analysis

• risk management

• strategic simulations

5. AI for Everyday Administrative Efficiency

Document audits, presentation generation, and quiz preparation highlighted AI’s ability to streamline faculty workflows.

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Conclusion

Across the three days, engaged deeply with AI as a tool for operations management, strategy, teaching, research, and innovation. The pattern of tasks suggests that the workshop successfully enabled  to integrate AI into both academic responsibilities and strategic thinking—positioning one to lead AI-driven initiatives in education and management. 

How AI can redo things ?

An AI generated pencil sketch of myself.