RK’s 2025: “to look back is to see Forward”

RK's 2025: to look back is to see Forward

S. Ramkumar

The year 2025 has been a remarkable journey, woven with threads of meaningful connections, quiet triumphs, and moments of pure bliss.  As we bid farewell to this final year of the millennial quarter,  what truly stands out are not just the milestones, but the people, places, conversations, and shared spaces that shaped them.

2025 : The year of STRANDOM.poems

The year 2025 marked a significant literary milestone in my life with the release of my second book, “STRANDOM.Poems,” published by Notion Press Chennai. Now available on major platforms, the encouragement, thoughtful reviews, and heartfelt responses from readers have been profoundly humbling.

The official launch of the book took place during a memorable literary evening at the Department of English, Pondicherry University. The academic discussions surrounding “STRANDOM.Poems” were particularly gratifying, especially when students engaged deeply with the text. There’s an immense satisfaction that comes from witnessing readers discover their own meanings within the words you’ve crafted – it makes the entire creative journey feel incredibly exciting and encouraging.

 

Moments of sharing the book

Moments of sharing the book with scholars, students, friends,  readers, dignitaries, and poetry lovers , were imbued with gratitude and grace. I’ve realized, once again, that poetry truly lives not just on pages, but in the intimate spaces of conversations and shared silences.

Education Beyond Classrooms: Nurturing Young Minds

One of the most satisfying chapters of 2025 was the opportunity to engage with educational institutions and the bright young minds within them. From bustling schools to esteemed universities, there’s a palpable shift towards real-life learning experiences.

I had the privilege of addressing MBA students at Pondicherry Central University, alongside the esteemed Dean and Head of the Department. This was a wonderful opportunity to share insights on leadership, purpose, and the critical importance of lifelong learning. Such interactions are a powerful reminder that dialogue keeps education vibrant and relevant in an ever-changing world.

An enriching afternoon spent with the dedicated teachers of Thrayambika Vidya Mandir School in Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu, reaffirmed my belief that modern education transcends mere instruction. It’s about truly understanding learners, fostering their individuality, and equipping them for life beyond the confines of textbooks. Teachers, without a doubt, are the true architects of our future.

International Conference of IVEF @ chennai

Achievement Award from AHD Govt. of Puducherry

Thankful in receiving the Achievement Award from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Puducherry, alongside my esteemed professional colleagues.

Inaugurating the CII–EATON “Garnishing Talent Programme”

Proud to be part of this initiative for college students from Puducherry and Pondicherry University.
Photos from the programme showcased energy, mentorship, and empowerment.

A Proud Moment in Sharjah

Grand opening of the Thumbay Veterinary Clinic — a milestone in veterinary care and education.
Honoured to join hands with Gulf  Medical University with a dedicated team and initiate a new era in veterinary education

From Students to Professionals: Journeys of Growth

There are moments when time seems to fold back on itself, offering a glimpse into the past and present simultaneously. Meeting former students, now confident and accomplished professionals, at the Kerala Indian Veterinary Association initiative and other professional gatherings was deeply moving.

Witnessing their journeys, from the vibrant classrooms to their impactful roles in the professional world, stands as a quiet testament to growth, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities of innovation.

It was particularly inspiring to see initiatives like the Digital Veterinary Directory and the significant progress toward establishing new veterinary institutions within the Government of Kerala. These moments truly underscore the joy of seeing visions transform into tangible realities.

Cultural Spaces and Collective Memory

Playing a role in initiating the SPIC MACAY cultural launch

Museum of Digital Society

Visits and participation in vibrant cultural spaces, such as the Photo Exhibition at Auroville and the grand opening of India’s first Museum of Digital Society, offered profound moments of reflection. These experiences prompted contemplation on themes of time, memory, and the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and technology.

These moments served as a powerful reminder that progress and thoughtful reflection must always walk hand-in-hand. 

Art Exhibition at Auroville

Participating as an expert member of the QRT Evaluation Committe of CIRG , ICAR

Formal field evaluation for Agricultural University of an innovation incubation at Kallakuruchi , Tamilnadu

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EDUCATION,Drowning in Examinations!

STRANDOMS: the stray and random thoughts

January 29 ,2025

Prof. S. Ramkumar

EDUCATION

EDUCATION,
Drowning in Examinations!

Where is the Education,
we have lost in Examination?
Where is the examination,
we have lost in entrance tests?

The heavy backpacks of school education cease to experience the joy of myriad of subjects that paints the Universe! The creativity of children gets dissolved in “conformity” of a class, to have the convenience of uniformity spread among all.

Every young mind is tuned into “examinations” and the “judgment- day” of results , from day one of their Schooling (from LKG). We are evolving ourselves into a society of dominant “examination system” that eclipses primary purpose of curiosity and joy of Education.

Make Education enjoyable, within the incessant examinations!
This is the challenge for good teachers and caring parents!
“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”
                                                          -T. S. Eliot (1922)

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education

what education teaches

STRANDOMS: the stray and random thoughts

January 17 ,2025

Prof. S. Ramkumar

What Education teaches ..

Education teaches how not to fall, in Life!

Do not shoulder more, than minds can carry!
Education is the learning, to understand, explore, describe and control life.
Providing a situation of stress-free learning for children, opens up the mind of every student to joyfully aspire, and achieve their individual abilities.
 
 
 

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Being a parent for toddler to teen

Being a parent : For Toddler to Teen

Children

February, 20,2023

Prof. S. Ramkumar

Being a parent : for Toddler to Teen

1. Parent-first, friend-next

Be a “friend” to your child; but always, first be a “father” or “mother”.

Never be hesitant, worried or upset to say “No” to a child for things which need not be done : nicely and truthfully narrate why you said No – let her/him realise that your No is a beautiful good!

Appreciate the child for all the good (s)he speaks and does. Never hesitate to compliment on any nice things – irrespective of whether its small or big as you may feel. “Google” your “child’s mind” to give the best. Handhold to understand and explore the world as it is!

That helps make them fit for tomorrow.

2. “Listening” parents

A child should be able to open her/his mind confidently to a parent.

Never blast at a mistake of a child in the first instance.

Listen to a child patiently. “Show” the child that you are listening. Even if you are doing something serious, just pause or postpone it for few minutes to give attention to what the child wishes to say: maybe a worry or complain. If you are attending a cell phone, keep it down or away and listen!

If you simply listen, it gives comfort to child. This comfort that you will listen and help/support/guide the child, gives confidence for her/him to tell anything to you.

Listening also includes “‘observing” your child on what is not being told by words. Keep an eye on his/her usual nature, alertness, energy, happiness.. If you feel something is not normal to your child, calmly look into and find why so.

If you are upset and angry with what your child has done or said, hold it, within you. First listen. After listening and soothing, you may add a tough voice to conclude, if needed!

Remember:

“if a child is hesitant in opening her/his mind to a parent, parenting is at flaw somewhere” – examine and change to facilitate the children to come and tell you.