PLUMS, PEACHES AND PEARS OF EDUCATION

The title of a book is like the name of a person, which amongst the Hindus, in particular, is very significant. It is generally given in a naam sanskar (naming ceremony). A family astrologer or temple priest describes the characteristics of a newly born baby based upon the Zodiac signs or horoscope duly prepared. A propitious time and name are chosen accordingly. For me, this process is no less important even when it comes to choosing a title of my book or a Reflection. After having given titles to over a thousand Reflections and eight books, it still takes considerable amount of time and thought for the naming of a new one. The process involves frequent tinkering with both syntax and semantics.

Satish C. Bhatnagar has been professor at UNLV since 1974. In 1961, he accidentally started college teaching and taught in the colleges at Bathinda, Shimla, Kurukshetra, and Patiala. In 1968, he joined Indiana University, Bloomington for an American PhD. A one-year visiting position brought him to Las Vegas, which is a home of his extended family. Annual overseas trips, long walks and yogercises keep him oxygenated for Reflections on varied aspects of life. The Reflections are independent and easily digestible! His interests in mathematics, history, literature, philosophy and religion go back to his college days in India. But, they nurtured in the US. This book is a culmination of his family traditions in education and his journey as a lifelong seeker of knowledge both within and without the confines of formal schools