Srinivasa Ramanujan

22-Dec-2022

Srinivasa Ramanujan: The Mathematical Prodigy Beyond Bounds

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a name that resonates in the realm of mathematics as a true prodigy, left an indelible mark on the field through his astonishing contributions to number theory, infinite series, and mathematical analysis. Born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India, Ramanujan's life was an embodiment of unparalleled mathematical intuition and a relentless pursuit of the unknown. Despite his modest upbringing and limited formal education, Ramanujan's brilliance illuminated the corridors of mathematical understanding, revolutionizing the way we perceive numbers and patterns.

From a young age, Ramanujan displayed an extraordinary aptitude for mathematics. His fascination with numbers led him to explore various mathematical concepts independently, often delving into self-study of textbooks and research papers. He was particularly drawn to number theory, a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relationships of integers. Ramanujan's insights into number theory were so profound that they left seasoned mathematicians astounded. His ability to discern patterns and relationships among numbers seemed almost mystical, earning him a reputation as a mathematical wizard.

One of Ramanujan's most remarkable contributions was his work on partitions, which involve expressing a number as a sum of positive integers. His insights into the theory of partitions revolutionized the field, and his work laid the foundation for significant advancements in number theory. His formulae and theorems in this area were groundbreaking, providing elegant solutions to problems that had baffled mathematicians for generations.

Another area where Ramanujan's genius shone was infinite series. He discovered several ingenious methods to evaluate infinite series, some of which were previously unknown to the mathematical community. His formula for the sum of the reciprocals of the powers of integers, known as the Ramanujan-Hardy series, astounded his contemporaries and continues to be a subject of study and fascination for mathematicians today. Through his work on infinite series, Ramanujan expanded the boundaries of mathematical analysis and challenged conventional notions of convergence and divergence.

Ramanujan's interactions with the renowned British mathematician G.H. Hardy marked a pivotal phase in his life. In 1913, Ramanujan wrote a letter to Hardy, enclosing a compilation of his theorems and discoveries. Recognizing the immense potential of Ramanujan's work, Hardy invited him to Cambridge University. This invitation marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the two mathematicians. Working alongside Hardy, Ramanujan's ideas were given a formal structure and mathematical rigor, leading to the publication of several groundbreaking papers.

Despite his accomplishments, Ramanujan faced numerous challenges during his time in Cambridge. The unfamiliar climate and cultural differences took a toll on his health, and he struggled to adapt to the academic environment. His health deteriorated, and he returned to India in 1919. Tragically, Ramanujan's life was cut short when he passed away on April 26, 1920, at the age of 32. His untimely death was a great loss to the world of mathematics, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and guide generations of mathematicians.

Ramanujan's work went on to influence various branches of mathematics, ranging from modular forms to elliptic functions. His discoveries found applications in diverse fields, including physics and computer science. The Ramanujan theta functions, for instance, have been instrumental in understanding properties of partitions and modular forms, and have even found applications in string theory and quantum physics.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the mathematical community has paid tribute to Ramanujan through various honours and awards. The Ramanujan Journal dedicated to publishing research articles in number theory and related fields, stands as a testament to his enduring influence on modern mathematics. The Ramanujan Prize, established by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in partnership with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), acknowledges outstanding mathematicians from developing countries who are in the early stages of their career.

Ramanujan's life story also inspired numerous works of literature, art, and cinema. Books such as "The Man Who Knew Infinity" by Robert Kanigel and the movie adaptation of the same name brought Ramanujan's journey to a wider audience, showcasing his extraordinary talents and the challenges he faced.

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan's legacy transcends the boundaries of time and space. His innate mathematical prowess, his fearless exploration of the unknown, and his unwavering commitment to his passion continue to inspire mathematicians, scientists, and enthusiasts around the world. Ramanujan's ability to see the beauty in numbers and uncover the hidden patterns within them has left an indelible imprint on the landscape of mathematics, reminding us that the human mind is capable of reaching beyond the known and exploring the uncharted territories of intellectual discovery.

What is so special about Ramanujan number '1729'?

In 1918, Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan was admitted to the hospital in London, where he was visited by his colleague and long-time friend G H Hardy. The fellow mathematician had arrived in a taxi which was numbered '1729' and had thought about it on his way to the room, upon entering Ramanujan's room, Hardy blurted "it was rather a dull number," after a brief hello.

When Ramanujan came to know of the number, the mathematician said "No Hardy, it is a very interesting number. It is the smallest number expressible as the sum of two cubes in two different ways." This conversation, which is the base of the mysterious Hardy-Ramanujan number is documented in his biography 'The man who knew infinity' by Robert Knaigel

THE MYSTERY OF RAMANUJAN NUMBER

Ramanujan explained that 1729 is the only number that is the sum of cubes of two different pairs of numbers: 12^3 + 1^3 and 10^3 + 9^3.

It was not a sudden calculation for Ramanujan. According to his biography, "Years before, he had observed this little arithmetic morsel, recorded it in his notebook and, with that easy intimacy with numbers that was his trademark, remembered it."

The unique number later came to be known as the Hardy-Ramanujan number.

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY

December 22 is marked as the National Mathematics Day every year, remembering one of India's greatest mathematicians Srinivasa Aiyangar Ramanujan, who contributed to explaining the analytical theory of numbers and worked on elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series.

Born on December 22, 1887, in a small village Erode southwest of Chennai in a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family, a student who failed exams due to his negligence for non-mathematical subjects, Ramanujan worked on summing mathematical geometric and arithmetic series.

Ramanujan's flair for mathematics was first recognised by a colleague when he started working as a clerk in the Madras Port Trust in 1912. His work was documented in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society, where he showed the relations between elliptic modular equations.

In 1913, Ramanujan, who had not been a university graduate, was invited by G H Hardy to Cambridge and then began their long-standing collaboration that changed the field of mathematics. He graduated from Cambridge in 1916 with a Bachelor of Arts by Research. In 1918, he was elected a fellow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, followed by an election as a fellow of the Royal Society of London.

At the time of his death in 1920 (26^th April), Ramanujan had discovered his own theorems and independently compiled 3900 results.

NATIONAL MATHEMATICS DAY

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2012 declared December 22 as National Mathematics Day to honour the legendary mathematician.

[Sources: Internet & AI]

Explained: The Hindu Rate of Growth

2-Dec-2022 | The Hindu Rate of Growth

The term "Hindu rate of growth" was coined by the Indian economist Raj Krishna in 1978. It refers to the annual growth rate of India's economy before the economic reforms of 1991, which averaged 4% from the 1950s to the 1980s. The term is often used pejoratively; to suggest that India was content with low growth rates and that there was a cultural or religious obstacle to economic development.

There are a number of factors that contributed to India's low growth rate during this period. These include:

·       The legacy of British rule, which left India with a weak industrial base and a large agricultural sector that was inefficient and prone to drought.

·       The adoption of socialist economic policies, which emphasized state control of the economy and discouraged private investment.

·       The high level of population growth, which put a strain on resources and limited the amount of investment that could be made in other areas.

The term "Hindu rate of growth" is controversial. Some economists argue that it is a simplistic and inaccurate way to describe India's economic performance during this period. They point out that the growth rate was not uniform, and that there were periods of higher growth, such as the 1960s. They also argue that the term is offensive, as it suggests that there is something inherently wrong with Hindu culture or religion.

Other economists argue that the term is a useful way to highlight the challenges that India faced in its early years of independence. They point out that the low growth rate was a major obstacle to poverty reduction and social development. They also argue that the term is a reminder of the importance of economic reforms in order to achieve sustained growth.

The term "Hindu rate of growth" is no longer widely used, as India's economy has grown significantly since the 1990s. However, it remains a reminder of the challenges that India faced in its early years of independence and the importance of economic reforms in order to achieve sustained growth.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other reasons why the term "Hindu rate of growth" was coined. First, the low growth rate was seen as being at odds with India's potential. The country had a large population, a rich natural resource base, and a skilled workforce. However, these factors were not being fully utilized, and the economy was not growing as fast as it could have.

Second, the low growth rate was seen as being a result of India's economic policies. The government had a large role in the economy, and many industries were state-owned. This led to inefficiency and a lack of competition. Additionally, the government's policies often discouraged private investment.

Third, the low growth rate was seen as being a problem for India's social development. Poverty was widespread, and the country was not able to make significant progress in reducing poverty or improving living standards.

The term "Hindu rate of growth" was controversial, but it did raise important questions about India's economic performance. The term helped to highlight the challenges that India faced, and it also helped to push for economic reforms. Today, India's economy is growing much faster than it was in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the term "Hindu rate of growth" still serves as a reminder of the importance of economic growth and the challenges that India still faces.

[Source: AI]

Views Validated

30-Nov-2022: My Views are corroborated by the Prime Minister and the President of India

It's heartening and encouraging for me to have been corroborated by the Prime Minister and the President of India. Let me explain! 

Sometimes back (about four months), I wrote here about Judiciary Reforms in India, and suggested several measures. Please find this blog here:

Himansu Sekhar's BLOG: Judiciary Reforms (hisema.blogspot.com)

One can find the views and suggestions expressed in this blog are matching the views and suggestions of the Prime Minister and the President expressed recently during their public addresses.

It gives me great satisfaction, encouragement and fulfilment. Thank you all.

Please visit my Web presence for a variety of subjects:

​Amazon Author: amazon.com/author/himansu.s.mahapatra
Articles at http://www.scribd.com/Hisema
Slides at http://www.slideshare.net/hisema
Blogs at Himansu Sekhar's BLOG (hisema.blogspot.com)
LinkedIn Articles at https://www.linkedin.com/in/himansu-s-mahapatra-30274376/recent-activity/
And Photos at www.500px.com/himansu 

[These Links are listed under "My Links" in the Left-side Bar of this Page]

Dogs' Day Out

16-Nov-2022: A National Dog Policy in the backdrop of Stray Dog feeding controversy

Currently, there is a case pending in the SCI (Supreme Court of India) about who can feed a street dog and how?

Sometimes back I had written about dogs and how they enjoy the esteem of a very sizable and powerful section of the society. These developments made me think and come out with a suggestion for our country's dog policy which we don't have till now.

Two important points make it necessary for this serious thinking. They are:

• On one hand we have a large population of dog lovers, pet dog owners, and we can't ignore their love for animals. We can't curtail their democratic freedom to express their emotion. Some sections of society and organisations plead for their life and dignity (Dog's Life Matters).

• On the other hand, we have the grueling menace of street dogs, disturbance to residential areas, unsafe public interaction, and dangerous situations. Many instances of dog bite have occurred of late- a potential hazard to children, the weak, elders, etc.

Unfortunately, we can't have both situations uncontrolled. Many countries have Dog Policies. Our country doesn't have one. Why not have one now when the time is ripe?

It's on this backdrop, these suggestions have been based. They are the following:

• Ban the street dogs completely. Subsequent points will tell how to manage the existing crowd of dogs.

• Pet dogs must be registered with the local body or municipality renewable every 1 to 5 years by paying a reasonable amount of fees. This will eliminate non-serious pet owners. 

• The municipality shall have adequate provision of veterinary and kennel services and may be funded by these fees.

• The municipality may from time to time declare the prohibition of ferocious breeds, which must not be adopted as a pet.

• There must be stringent rules & laws to control and establish public safety, preventing litter, and other guidelines. More of these in subsequent paragraph.

• 
  

Subhash Bose

18-Aug-2022: SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE DEATH ANNIVERSARY:

August 18 is the death anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose, one of India’s most enigmatic freedom fighters, a revolutionary and a nationalist who continues to inspire millions of Indians. He believed military strength was required for India to win its independence. He was also a follower of Swami Vivekananda.

Bose proclaimed the establishment of a provisional independent Indian government on October 21, 1943, and fought the British alongside Japanese troops. Let’s remember one of India’s bravest freedom fighter with some his memorable quotes:

• “Give me blood and I will give you freedom!” One of his most quoted lines is from a speech that Bose delivered to the soldiers of Indian National Army that he commanded along with Mohan Singh.

• “Freedom is not given – it is taken”

• “India is calling. Blood is calling to blood. Get up, we have no time to lose. Take up your arms! we shall carve our way through the enemy’s ranks, or if God wills, we shall die a martyr’s death. And in our last sleep we shall kiss the road that will bring our Army to Delhi.

• “It is only on the basis of undiluted nationalism and of perfect justice and impartiality that the Indian Army of Liberation can be built up.”

• “No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.”

• “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”

• “Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible.”

• “The secret of political bargaining is to look more strong than what you really are.”

• “We should have but one desire today – the desire to die so that India may live – the desire to face a martyr’s death, so that the path to freedom may be paved with the martyr’s blood.”

• “When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a wall of granite; when we march, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a steamroller.”

Income Tax Reforms

08-Aug-2022: Income Tax Reforms

Income Tax being the major source of direct & personal taxes, is a very complicated system and has many hassles to while complying to it. This is one of the many reasons why people get discouraged and shun it. What is more astonishing is that in the name of “Simplification & Rationalisation” the IT Dept only complicates the system further. A classic example is the ITR-2 form which runs into 41 pages.

Here, I take the opportunity to suggest some basic ideas which may cut down the complicity of this system. These may look too simplistic, but have great comprehensive nature. Let’s see:

1. Our Financial Year is from 01-Apr to 31-Mar next year. Let’s simply make it the calendar year- 01-Jan to 31-Dec. This will remove great confusion about 2020-21, 21-22, and things like that. This suggestion was given by me in an article way back in 2012. And the GoI wanted to implement this feature in 2017-18, but later it was postponed indefinitely, don’t know why.
2. The concept of Financial Year (FY) and the Assessment Year (AY): these are coined because, what you earn in an FY has to be declared and paid tax in the next year named AY. But I say why the confusion? In any case when you enjoy any service in one period, you compensate it in the next period. Ex. House rent. The only exception is the Insurance premiums which need to be paid in advance. Well, what I suggest is to keep only “Financial” or “Accounting” Year nomenclature and while declaring & filing, just refer to the FY. Simple. It would reduce confusion.
3. The Rounding Off of the final figure to nearest Tens is now redundant because, the computer system has taken over for payment, refund etc. Earlier, small changes currencies were a problem physically. It will reduce system time.
4. The conception of Nominal (ex- in rents, etc.) and Accrual (ex- in receipts). These are imaginary figures, which may change from time to time. Also, taxing something which one has not “earned” but likely to earn because it has become due to him, is not a sound idea. It creates a lot of calculation which may change later when it is finally received at the hands of the Tax Payers. Then there is the chance of duplicate calculation when actually paid. These concepts need to be removed.
5. Double Taxation: For example, the MF AMCs pay dividend Tax to the exchequer, and again the Dividend is taxable at the hands of unit holders. For simplicity one of them must be removed- preferably the retail unit holders’.
6. TDS is another area of improvement. Though the GoI has enhanced the threshold limits, they are still less. For NBFCs & MF Dividend it is still a meagre amount- Rs. 5000 & Rs.4000, respectively. The following are the suggestions for the limits:
• Bank Interest for Senior Citizens: Rs. 1 Lakh, in a year
• Bank Interest for General Citizens: Rs. 80 K, in a year
• NBFC Interest: Rs. 50 K, in a year
• MF Dividend: Rs. 40 K, in a year
7. TDS, again: The IT Dept deducts TDS and finally, after the ITR filing determines the Tax liability, it refunds the excess TDS. Now it is seen that the TDS refund is more than 50% of the TDS collection. It means that the valuable resources are utilized during collection & refund, apart from the time delay outweigh the gain in tax receipt. It should be so adjusted that the refund be not more than 20% of the collection.
8. About the PAN Card: The Govt. says that PAN is invalid if not linked to Aadhaar. Well, then why not discard the PAN altogether and work with only Aadhaar. This will reduce a lot of paper work, risks, etc.
9. And finally, let me suggest the IT rate for taxable slabs:
• Up to Rs. 5.0 L – Nil (General), Rs. 7.5 L (Senior Citizens), 10.0 L (Super Senior Citizens),
• From Rs. 5.0 / 7.5 /10.0 L to Rs. 10.0 L – 10% plus the Lower Slab Amount,
• From Rs. 10.0 L to Rs. 20.0 L – 20% plus the Lower Slab Amounts,
• From Rs. 20.0 L to Rs. 50.0 L – 30% plus the Lower Slab Amounts,
• From Rs. 50.0 L to Rs. 1.0 Cr – 40% plus the Lower Slab Amounts,
• Above Rs. 1.0 Cr – 50% plus the Lower Slab Amounts,
• There shouldn’t be any surcharge over & above this.
10. Example: If one has an income of Rs. 1.2 Cr per annum, then the tax liability will be: 50K + 2L + 9L + 20L + 10L = Rs. 41.5 L (about 34.6% of the Taxable Income).

With these suggestions, I hope the Tax compliance will greatly improve. What do you say?

Judiciary Reforms

04-Aug-2022: Judiciary Reforms in India

Recently, the CJI and other Justices have expressed their views about two very pertinent aspects of our Judiciary System:

• That the poor have no reach to the expensive and elusive houses of Law, and they suffer in silence.

• That sizable section of under trials are resigned to their fate, having no physical, legal, social, financial support.

If you closely look deep inside it, you will be surprised these observations are obvious, and one doesn't require the stature of CJI or Justices. Any average person can guess it. In fact, I have mentioned this very facts in one of my articles 15 years ago.

Well, the pertinent question here is what the CJI or the Justices or for that matter the Judiciary have done about it. Perhaps "Nothing". Everybody knows that the SCI is more interested in advising GoI and other State Govt.s rather that doing its own moral duties.

We must remember that there are over 4.5 crore cases pending in various courts in India (about 75,000 in the SC). And the number of judges stand at about 29,000 (about 33 in SC). If a judge clears one case per working day, it will take 6 years to clear the back log only, leave aside the new cases in these 6 years.

We frequently hear the statement: "Bail is the norm and Jail is exception". But for whom? For people with money & influence, not for poor and innocent people.

Here and now, I suggest some very simple steps to go about or just to initiate Judiciary Reforms. Why simple? It is said that the best solutions are always simple. 

• All the vacancies in all the courts should be filled up on an urgent basis.

• All the courts must work for 8 hours a day and 6 days in a week.

• There shouldn't be any "Summer  / Winter Vacation" for the Judges (That was a Btitish Legacy). We must have 300 working days at the least.

• All the under trials who have already put up time more than if they would be convicted, must be released with immediate effect.

• Then there are some weird cases like one case is still lingering for the accounting mismatch of Rs, 28 only. Such cases must be wound up at once.

• There are still cases where things were delayed deliberately, hearing adjourned on flimsy ground, because the Lawyers get to benefit out of these. Such cases should be stopped out rightly.

• There are several instances of poor bailees who are not released from Jail because of some red-tapism or procedural issues. 

• Unnecessary / uncalled for review petitions must be prevented.

• Special treatment to the influential section must be stopped- like opening the court at the middle of the night, going straight to SC, etc.

• In courts, where there are heavy back-log of cases, extra courts and judges may be created, like Fast Track Courts, Lok Adalats, and Gram Nyayalayas, Family Courts, etc.

• Legal assistance to be accorded to the weaker sections of society.

• In PIL cases, the petitioner has to get at least 1000 signatures of public, prove his integrity & back ground free of any criminal case, and also has to prove his stake / involvement.

• The courts should do away with archaic and British related laws which have lost their relevance today.

• Still there are cases where the Judge is taken to task because of speedy judgement. These things should be encouraged, of course with correct procedure, not taken to task.

These suggestions look simplistic and don't require any special ability to spell out, but difficult to implement in our own scheme of things. But there must be a start sometime- the sooner the better. Now the question is who will initiate it? It's the CJI of the SC of course.

Think it over!

Fuel Price

30-July-2022: Fuel Price Calculation in India

In our country, the price of petroleum products is a very critical and sensitive issue. And it is made still worse by propaganda, mis-information, rumour, dis-information, etc. Here, I have tried to explain the method of calculation for the Fuel Price, in a very simple way.

Before that, a few important points to remember:

• Our country, having a population of 1.4 Billion (140 Crore) people has huge consumption.

• But we have the internal resources for only 15 - 20%, the rest 80 - 85% has to be imported.

• We have to purchase the Crude oil from the international market, by paying in USD.

• So the Forex Rate and Forex Reserve come into play significantly.

• Being the cash-cow of the Government, the taxes remain very high- excise for Central Govt., and VAT for State Govt. None of the parties are willing to sacrifice this in private, even though some protest it publicly.

• The Public Sector Oil Manufacturing Companies (OMCs) must be profitable else they will be a burden to the exchequer.

• Then there are other things like shipment, transportation, dealers’ commission, etc.

Now let’s try to calculate the Petrol / Diesel in India. These can be done in 5 simple steps:

SN.	Description	Petrol	Diesel
1.	Input cost per Litre = [Crude Price in USD / Barrel] X [USD / INR Rate] / [ Litres / Barrel]. Note: One Barrel contains 159 Litres. Crude Price includes shipping Freight etc.
	So if Crude Price is 97 $, Forex Rate is 79 Rs/$, then Input Cost = (Rs./Ltr)	97 X 79 / 159 = 48.20	97 X 79 / 159 = 48.20
2.	Cost of Processing: For Petrol 15 % and Diesel 18 % Approx. (Includes Transport)	48.20 + 15%	48.20 + 18%
	So the Base Prices are (Rs./Ltr)	= 55.40	= 56.90
3.	Central Excise Taxes are approx Rs. per Ltr respectively	= 19.90	= 15.80
	Gross Prices at the entry of Petol Pump. (Rs./Ltr)	= 75.30	= 72.70
4.	The Dealers’ Commission added. (Rs./Ltr) Approx	=   3.50	=   2.50
5.	State VAT – Varies from 15% to 35% (Rs./Ltr) Approx	= 22.60	= 13.80
	Final Price for Customers (Rs./Ltr) Approx	= 101.40	= 89.00

This example is closest to the Bangalore price as of today. Since the Crude Price and the USD exchange rate varies on the day to day basis, so the GoI refreshes the Prices every day at 6 AM.

There are some States, which impose other surcharges additional to VAT.

Disclaimer: Please note that this calculation is for understanding the mechanism, and is not purported to be the actual one.

[ Source: Various Websites ]

Smt Droupadi Murmu (2)

22-July-2022: Smt Droupadi Murmu - 15th President of India

Smt Droupadi Murmu’s journey to the top office

1. She Belongs to the Tribal Santhal Community

Draupadi Murmu was born on 20 June, 1958, in Uparbeda village under Kusumi Tehsil of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. Coming from the Santhal community, Murmu struggled with poverty in her early years in one of the most remote and underdeveloped districts of the country. The Santhals have a higher literacy rate than other tribes in India.

She will succeed Ram Nath Kovind, will be India's second woman President. She will also be the youngest and India's first President to be born after Independence.

It is believed that Murmu is deeply spiritual and a keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after losing her husband, two sons, brother, and mother between 2009-2015.

2. First Jharkhand Governor to Complete a Five-Year Tenure

Draupadi Murmu served as the Governor of Jharkhand from May 2015 to July 2021 and became the first governor to complete the five-year term in the state. Jharkhand was formed in 2000. Also, she was the first Odia woman and tribal leader to be appointed governor of an Indian state. After completing her tenure, she devoted her time to meditation and social work in Rairangpur.

3. Education

Draupadi Murmu attended High School in Bhubaneswar. Murmu passed her matriculation from the Unit II Girl’s High School in 1974. She studied there for three years (Class 8, 9 and 10) before joining Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar for a bachelor's degree in Arts.

She completed her graduation from Rama Devi College, which is now a university. Born into a Santhal family, Murmu is considered to be an excellent orator in Santhali and Odia languages.

4. Started Out As a Teacher

She worked as a junior assistant in the Odisha government’s irrigation and power department from 1979 to 1983, before joining Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Rairangpur as a teacher in 1994 and continued till 1997.

5. She Joined BJP In 1997

Draupadi Murmu joined the BJP in 1997, and she was elected as the councillor of the Rairangpur district of Odisha in the same year. In the same year, she also became the Vice - Chairperson of Rairangpur. This began her political journey.

She later went on to become a minister in the Odisha government from 2000-04, where she handled ministries such as transport, commerce, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

Murmu was also the BJP's vice president and later president of the Scheduled Tribe Morcha in Odisha.

She was elected the district president of Mayurbhanj (West) unit of the BJP in 2010 and re-elected in 2013. She was also named a member of the BJP National Executive (ST Morcha) the same year.

During the BJP and Biju Janata Dal coalition government in Odisha, Murmu served at several posts as a Minister. She has been an MLA twice on a BJP ticket from Odisha's Rairangpur (2000 and 2009). She held on to her seat when BJD snapped ties with BJP in the 2009 elections.

She continued rising through the ranks in the BJP as well as the government. Murmu was elected as BJP's district president of the Mayurbhanj (West) unit in 2010, and she was re-elected in 2013. The leader was also named as a BJP National Executive (ST Morcha) member the same year.

6. Family

Draupadi Murmu was married to Shyam Charan Murmu and they had three children. But her husband passed away earlier due to a cardiac arrest. She also lost two of her sons, one under mysterious circumstances in 2009 and the other in a road accident in 2012. Her daughter works in a bank in Odisha.

7. Best MLA Award

The former Odisha Minister Draupadi Murmu was awarded the ‘Nilakantha Award’ in 2007 by the Odisha Legislative Assembly for being the best MLA of the year.

(Resources: Various Websites)

Smt Droupadi Murmu (1)

21-July-2022: About Our President Elect Smt Droupadi Murmu

General

·         From Rairangpur, Mayurbanj, Odisha

·         2nd ever Woman President of India

·         1st ever Tribal President of India

·         Widow + 2 Sons (deceased) + 1 Daughter – from very Humble background

Professional

·         Governor - Jharkhand (May 2015 – Jul 2021)

o   Longest reigning and the only Governor of Jharkhand to complete full tenure (6 yrs plus)

o   1st woman Governor of Jharkhand

o   1st Woman & Tribal Leader from Odisha to be appointed as Governor in any state

·         Former Minister – Govt of Odisha

o   MoS (Independent) - Fisheries & Animal Resources Development (2002-04)

o   MoS (Independent) - Commerce & Transport (2000-02)

·         2-time MLA

o   Rairangpur (ST) - BJP MLA (2004-09)

o   Rairangpur (ST) – BJP MLA (2000-04)

o   Councillor of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat (1997)

·         Junior Assistant – Irrigation Dept, Govt of Odisha

·         Hon. Assistant Professor – Sri Aurobindo Integral and Education Research, Rairangpur

·         25 yrs in BJP (1997 – present)

·         Former VP – BJP ST Morcha

Personal

·         Caste and Religion – Hindu, ST (Santal) – 3rd largest ST in India

o   From Tudu sub clan married into Murmu clan; daughter married into Hembram clan

o   Dominant in East India (JH + OD + WB)

·         Date of Birth – 20-Jun-1958, 64 years Old

·         Domicile – Uparbeda village, Kusumi block, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha

·         Education - BA - Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar (1979)

·         Diet – Vegetarian

·         Background – from very modest family, starting off as government clerk in Irrigation department … till 2009 did not even own a house

Family

·         Father (Biranchi Narayan Tudu)

·         Husband (Shyam Charam Murmu) (deceased) – was UCO Bank manager

·         2 sons (both deceased)

·         1 daughter: Itishree Murmu – Bank Employee

·         Son-in-Law: Ganesh Hembra) – Rugby Player

( Resource: Various Websites )

GST Slabs

25-June-2022: GST Slabs

I have been thinking of the GST Slabs in our country for a while. Suddenly it occurred to me that why not go for a rationalised set of Slabs, instead of haphazardly chosen ones. Here are some suggestions: In the following Table, the suggested Rate/Slab is followed by a few examples.

• 2 % - For Insurance Products & Premiums

• 4 % - For Day-to-Day consumption & Essential Items for General Public

• 8 % - For Manufactured Items, 

• 16 % - For White Goods, and All Services

• 32 % - For Automobiles (Indian) & Highly Luxurious Goods

• 64 % - For Petroleum Products, Imported Cars

• 128 % - For Imported Luxury Cars

Note that: 

• These slabs are arranged in an exponential scale starting for the Minimum at 2% through the Maximum at 128%.

• There is a Rational & Logical place and Rate for Petroleum Products.

• While fitting the existing rates, the nearest Slab should be selected with logical reason