2376: AI in Research at ASM Group of Institutes

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the visionary leadership of the ASM Group of Institutes for organizing the expansive "AI Fest 2026." It was truly impressive to see an initiative that bridged every academic layer, from young school students to seasoned scholars.

A heartfelt thank you to the Directors, Principals, and the entire execution team for inviting me to contribute to this fest. Engaging with an institute that carries a legacy of over four decades was a privilege. The enthusiasm and active interaction from the participants made the sessions truly memorable.

The "cherry on top" was the seamless coordination. From the initial exchange of messages and calls to the meticulous arrangements at the venue, the attention to detail was superb. I am particularly touched by the thoughtful selection of the "more than perfect" bag provided for my goodies, bouquet, and certificate a small gesture that spoke volumes about the institute's hospitality.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping me reach a significant personal milestone: my 281st Faculty Development Program (FDP) on "AI in Research."

2375: Reaching the Roots

Today, my horizon increased. This invitation offered me a unique opportunity to reach back to the roots an experience that presented a refreshing intellectual challenge. While my typical audience consists of PhD researchers and post-graduate students, translating the complex world of AI into the intuitive logic of middle-school students proved to be a profound exercise in clarity and perspective.

I was honored to serve as the Chief Guest for the inauguration of "AI Fest 2026" at ASM' Empros International School, Talegaon. Having spent years conducting research workshops and teaching at advanced levels across Engineering, MBA, and Healthcare, I found immense value in distilling these concepts for students in 6th to 9th standard.

Explaining AI’s impact on society through relatable stories touching on Agriculture, Railways, Aqua Life, and Artificial Limbs was a breath of fresh air. I will not soon forget those bright, enthusiastic faces. Their discipline and interactive spirit created a superb energy that made the session truly memorable.

This successful initiative is a testament to the visionary leadership of the ASM Group, whose strong tech background truly empowers the school's academic culture. I am also deeply grateful to Respected Prof. Dr. Puri Mam, the Group Director, for inviting me; to Respected Ms. Sahastrabudhe Mam, the Principal; and to Prof. Dr. Desale Sir for their seamless coordination.

By reaching these roots, I found my own perspective broadened in ways I hadn't anticipated. It was a powerful reminder that the most fundamental levels of education are where the future is truly built.

2374: No one else can match the bond

The world is celebrating the week of love, and I still recollect his words exactly, as if he is saying them right now literally as if he is sitting right in front of me.

"You love me so much beta, it is so visible right now. You proved it."

At the time, I was zapped and clueless. I was in my tender years and didn't understand what was going on. Then it hit me: that was the day I made my first cup of tea for my dad. He enjoyed it thoroughly in his own style, and being a true linguist, he said that line because I had unknowingly poured in far too much sugar. I was simply unaware of the correct measurements per cup.

Just look at his awesome level of motivation. Those were the days, and that was the old generation. He had the option to scold me or shout, but he opted for the other side of the coin. No wonder he was the best in his class. He is my true "Galentine" or "Family Valentine" "Just Valentine"; there is so much to learn from him.

Love you, Dad. You are the only one.

2373: The invisible ingradient

 My dad was my universe, my university, and my hero literally. When I started cooking very early, I used to ask him why my dishes weren't as tasty as mom’s. I followed every step, observing everything, yet something was missing. He used to tell me that I wasn't pouring in that "extra special masala" that mom always used. He explained that her motherly wishes, the deep desire for her kids to eat well and grow poured into the pot automatically. He would encourage me, saying, "It’s okay, this is your dish with your flavors."

My beloved daughter and my superb soul of a son both love to eat, especially stuffed parathas. Today, I made and ate parathas, but the taste was different. Something was amiss, big time. I got the answer from my dad again virtually, this time. That one "masala" is still missing.

The way my kids used to enjoy those piping hot parathas, their satisfaction, our shared presence, and the fulfillment of making food for them all of that is completely absent. How can my own parathas taste the same without them? All the ingredients are fresh, and I am the same cook, but the experience is not the same. I miss my foody kids today a lot. It is difficult to eat a paratha alone; I am simply not used to it.

2372: Connecting the dots

 On one fine afternoon, a call arrived. A beautiful voice began a conversation that led to an invitation a request for me to speak on IPR, innovation, and AI at a prestigious institute in Pune. I went, I delivered the session, and from that day on, something changed. I began seeing innovation posts everywhere. Like a stream pouring in from all directions, I kept forwarding these gems to the same professor, requesting her to pass them on to her students. I continued this habit, always sharing, never quite knowing why I felt so compelled to do so.

Today, I finally understood why.

I am fortunate enough to have been invited by an international school to speak on AI, which is now an integral part of the CBSE curriculum. I am taken aback by the timing; salutes to HIS help, always.

When I sat down to prepare, I realized something wonderful. Instead of speaking only on AI, I prefer to focus on innovation first and the presentation was already there. It was hidden in all those forwards I had been sending out for months. My material was ready before the invitation even arrived. I am truly speechless at how the universe prepares us. I am now looking forward to this upcoming session and the vibrant energy that only vibrant, energetic school kids can bring.

2371: Stand-si

For years, as a teacher, standing was my superpower. Walking the aisles and reaching out to my students was second nature to me. But after dealing with leg issues, I found myself retreating. I became "glued to the chair," sitting whenever and wherever I could. Even into retirement, that habit of sitting stayed with me until recently.

A bit of a curveball has been thrown. Due to some temporary issues, sitting has become a trigger for pain. For now, sitting is off the table. But here is the beautiful thing: I refuse to see this as a restriction.

Instead of mourning the chair, I am celebrating the stand!

Something is forcing me to stand tall and firm again, and I am leaning into it with everything I’ve got. I am rediscovering the deep, visceral meaning of "standing on your own feet." My legs have regained the strength to support me through all my daily activities.

Yet, I am also looking at the other side of this same coin. I recognize that every small change is a challenge that tests the spirit. It requires effort to adapt, to shift, and to stay patient. But I remind myself that this season this discomfort and this forced change has come only to go. It is not permanent; it is just a passing cloud across the sky.

2370: Architecture of Forgiveness

Yet another extension of my journey in continuous learning arrived through a movie about the profound truth of forgiveness. Yesterday was a long day, one where aches and pains were in constant conversation, yet the title looked attractive enough to draw me in. I initially intended to just start it and save it to my library, but I found myself seriously glued to the screen from the very beginning.

This is truly my genre, and I loved every bit of it. The movie is titled "Christmas A La Mode." It is a nicely crafted piece of art, simple, with no unnecessary "hungama" or thriller sequences, yet deeply moving. I am well aware that movies are often true stories brought to life by familiar faces in studios, but this one carries a message that resonates beyond the screen.

If anyone proudly questions what it takes to forgive, or stands on the far end asking "why should I forgive," this is the movie to watch. I insist that you take out the time to watch it until the end. Even if this isn't your usual style, watch it for a change; it is truly an awesome piece of storytelling that provides the answers many are looking for.