Well, the Nobel prizes are being announced. So, what's new for me? It's tragic that one of the winners died just a few days before the announcement and will luckily still get awarded posthumously. But honestly, what gave me the complex was a 41-year-old co-winner for the physics Nobel prize. Here was a person a little younger than me getting the ultimate recognition. So, the moot question I had to ask myself: "What have I been upto?" My mind also raced back to my Delhi Univ. days. As I was escorting my friend to a cycle rickshaw one evening after he visited my home, he cast his eyes on two skirted beauties passing by in one rickshaw. Out came the memorable lines (for me) from him:" Had it not been for these distractions the Nobel would have been mine."
Well, I can't honestly blame such distractions. My economist father argues that most Nobel prize winning work happens in the late 20's and 30's. while people may actually get the award later, typically in late 50's and 60's. Lawrence Bragg was possibly the exception getting it at 25 with his father. I can't argue with facts. With 30's behind me, options have narrowed down haven't they? Especially with no original research work behind me. I suppose that rules out Nobels for Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economics. The only hope lies in Literature and Peace Nobels. The only solace: there have been high achievers beyond Nobel. Jesus, Alexander, Swami Vivekananda and very few others finished their this-worldly business by age 32. I need not feel too bad about underachieving. But it sure looks like a lot of writing lies ahead to get the literature Nobel. This blog might just be a good begining. Talk of steep odds.
Well, I can't honestly blame such distractions. My economist father argues that most Nobel prize winning work happens in the late 20's and 30's. while people may actually get the award later, typically in late 50's and 60's. Lawrence Bragg was possibly the exception getting it at 25 with his father. I can't argue with facts. With 30's behind me, options have narrowed down haven't they? Especially with no original research work behind me. I suppose that rules out Nobels for Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economics. The only hope lies in Literature and Peace Nobels. The only solace: there have been high achievers beyond Nobel. Jesus, Alexander, Swami Vivekananda and very few others finished their this-worldly business by age 32. I need not feel too bad about underachieving. But it sure looks like a lot of writing lies ahead to get the literature Nobel. This blog might just be a good begining. Talk of steep odds.
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