My Office Room in University of London

My office room at the University of London. I had to take pictures so that I do not get lost. There is a wonderful tea and coffee room downstairs but each room is equipped with necessary infrastructure to make tea and coffee. Every room including the washrooms open with a code. I am getting to know the History of Birkbeck where I am attached and this was established in 1823, by George Birkbeck under the name of London Mechanics Institute. When the University of London was established in 1836,it became part of this but maintained its separate identity. I was informed by the office who prepared my identity and Library card and showed me the various facilities, that I am allowed to spend 300 pounds per month for inviting  other scholars and students  to have  beer   and wine or even a meal or two with me. I really wanted to ask if whisky is also allowed but kept quiet and told myself, I will get a clarification later on. Wow, why do we not have these kind of provisions  in the Indian Universities. Imagine faculty getting funds to treat their students to a glass of bear or whisky. Even the thought is  beyond me.

 

Birkbeck Institute at the University of London.

On 28th May, 2019, visited the Birkbeck Institute at the University of London. I met Rebecca Darley from the History Department who is organising my Program here. Suresh Gopati who has lived in London from ages and is from Hyderabad came to receive me at the airport and took us around London  and was, very helpful in getting us familiarised with London. We all had lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Central London. With Suresh Gopati we could   just go across the counter and get a SIM for my mobile and now I have a London mobile number. I could not help but think how cumbersome it is in India to get a SIM and we need an Adhar card, a pan card to get a new SIM. I am coming to London after nearly ten to twelve years but some how every thing looked the same. I could hardly find any crowds. I was not in the Tube during rush hours. In India our population increases so much in a decade that every town looks over crowded. I could recollect all the stations, Hounslow west, central, Hounslow East, Picadelli line, Russel Square. Travel in London is so easy and the public transport excellent. One does not have to depend on any one. This is a place so filled with history and I can really see all of this. I count London as one of my favorite tourist destinations.

Lok Sabha Election results

 Who thought India would look like this on 24th May, 2019, morning. Very happy that , Indian voters have become mature and not moved by caste, religion, community but with new agendas that are relevant in a globalised world.

Nidhi with Mehendi

 My lovely daughter in law, Nidhi Pande with Mehendi.

Board Meeting, College for Wome, Koti

 The Centre for Women's Studies at the University College for Women at Koti, Osmania University had its Board meeting on 4th May, 2019 and both Shahida Murtaza and I attended this as members. This  new group which is now involved with Women's Studies is a very young lot who is very enthusiastic and wants to do a lot. We discussed a large number of programmes and laid a road map for the future actions. I am sure under the leadership of their young Principal, Kavita and Aruna will be able to achieve a lot.