Striving Towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Three decades ago, when I was pursuing my graduate studies, the digital landscape looked vastly different from today. Social media platforms simply didn’t exist, and the internet was still in its infancy. When I first arrived in this wonderful country to begin my academic journey, I didn’t even own a personal computer—a luxury that many students couldn’t afford at the time.

My connection to the online world came through regular visits to the university library, where I would patiently wait for my turn at one of the shared computer terminals to check email and browse the early web. During those graduate school years, I developed a routine of visiting Late Ramesh Mahadevan’s website and eagerly reading articles by Vijaysree Venkatraman, a talented writer /scientist who had also made the journey from India to attend the same institution. These digital encounters became a cherished part of my academic routine, offering both intellectual stimulation and a sense of connection to the broader Indian academic community abroad.

The years passed, and life took us all in different directions. So imagine my delight a few days ago when I received an unexpected email notification—Vijaysree had discovered my website and left a thoughtful comment. After decades of silence, this reconnection felt like stumbling upon a long-lost friend. It was one of those serendipitous moments that remind us how small our interconnected world truly is.

I’ve always been captivated by Vijaysree’s distinctive writing style—eloquent yet accessible, scholarly yet engaging. Her intellectual curiosity knows no bounds, and she seamlessly weaves together an extraordinary range of subjects. One day she might explore the intricacies of chemical processes, and the next she’s painting vivid portraits of life in Chennai. She can transition effortlessly from celebrating the groundbreaking discoveries of Marie Curie to capturing the cultural richness of Madurai. This remarkable versatility makes every piece a delightful surprise.

I cannot recommend her work highly enough. Whether you’re interested in science, culture, travel, or simply beautiful prose, her writings offer something meaningful for every curious reader. When you get a chance, please check out her writings here.