Hi, I’m Gaurav Kapoor

AI / ML – history, evolution, application and career prospects

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI / ML) is a field of modern computing which has seen meteoric rise during the past decade. From being just another fantasy jargon in robotic sci-fi movies, AI / ML is now finding application in areas which cut across all kinds of businesses. Growth in demand for AI / ML professionals has inevitably led to more job options and opportunities for start-ups.

So, what is AI / ML? What does it take to make a career in this domain? What is the secret mantra to concoct an idea for a high-performing AI / ML start-up? Read on to understand the evolution of AI / ML and how it can benefit you.

History of AI / ML

It all began during World War II. By 1941, German military was advancing almost unchallenged, bombing areas deep within the English heartland. The Allied forces were staring at imminent defeat at the hands of the German blitzkrieg. At the core of German success was the ‘Enigma’ machine – a machine capable of generating such encrypted messages, that no human could intercept and decipher them. No human, until mathematician Alan Turing designed a machine to break the Enigma code. With the help of Turing’s machine, intelligence teams were able to predict the enemy’s moves far more accurately. Eventually, by the fall of 1945, the allies successfully turned the tables on axis powers and won the war.

Turing continued his research after the war and went on to develop the famous ‘Turing test’. This simple test forms the basis of machine learning as we know it today. Turing test is conducted by a human ‘judge’ who compares answers to a given problem from a machine and another human. The machine passes the Turing test if the judge is unable to distinguish between the human answer and machine’s answer.

Alan Turing proved that logic-based machines can display human-like intelligence. His seminal work changed our perception of algorithms forever.

Turing’s findings inspired many other researchers – mostly in cryptology and science institutes. Soon, John McCarthy, an American computer scientist proposed a conference calling together the machine learning intellectuals of his time. In 1956, eleven mathematicians and scientists in the conference at Dartmouth College formed the basis of Artificial Intelligence. McCarthy went on to be known as the father of AI.

Are AI and ML different?

Although often used interchangeably, AI is different from ML. Machine Learning focusses on mathematical modelling and pattern recognition to perform specific tasks (such as breaking military code). For instance, self-driving module of a car can be an example of an ML-based system.

Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, leverages the power of ML to mimic human cognitive abilities and solve more complex problems. For instance, AI-based voice assistants like Alexa, Bixby or Siri on your phone can perform multiple tasks such as voice recognition, song recommendation, text to speech and appointment handling – just to name a few. While AI systems are like all-rounders, ML systems are often designed to be specialists.

What made AI / ML mainstream?

You may be wondering why is it that the demand for AI / ML has risen only recently, despite being researched since more than seventy years ago? Well, until the 1980s, AI / ML was confined to the laboratories of educational and research institutes. Owning a personal computer was a luxury back then. But in 1981, the IBM PC was launched, and this changed everything. For the first time it was possible to run complex algorithms with millions of instructions on affordable machines.

Telecom revolution

Within the first decade of the 21st century, telecommunication revolution connected millions of people with one another. Riding on the social media wave, Web 2.0 enabled people-generated data and replaced static websites. Over the past decade, billions of IoT devices (‘Internet of Things’ – enabled devices such as smart lights, smart meters, etc.) got connected to the web and began recording trillions of data points. Hardware manufacturers went into a frenzied race for higher computing power packed into smaller spaces with lower price tags. Large tech companies leveraged the power of the telecommunication boom and advanced cloud computing as a scalable and affordable alternative to owning server assets. It is no coincidence that the three largest cloud computing platforms are owned by technology companies Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. It’s all related to AI / ML.

Your phone has at least a thousand times more computing power than the 1969 Apollo spacecraft which carried man to the moon.

IoT and big data

Without even realizing it, we generate enormous amounts of data on apps, websites, and social media platforms. Every click, every conversation, every transaction that you make on your device gets recorded somewhere on the cloud. Similarly, IoT devices continuously stream data from sensors and cameras to the cloud. The sheer volume of data came with its own set of challenges – How to analyse this enormous data? How to visualize the data? And most importantly, how to use this data to make better business decisions?

As a result, ‘Big Data Analytics’ was born. New visualization tools such Power BI and Tableau were created. But nothing outshined the benefit that AI / ML had to offer.

How does AI / ML work?

A machine learning algorithm works on identifying patterns in data based on statistical analysis. It is much like how children learn the alphabet for instance. You show the kid pictures of ‘A for Apple’, ‘B for Ball’ and keep adding verbal cues at each alphabet. In time, the child associates each alphabet with specific sounds. Eventually the child would be able to correctly recite the alphabet without any help. Similarly, a machine can be programmed (usually in Python code) to identify patterns in training data and form a statistical model for the output. This mathematical model can be tested with the help of a ‘test data set’. If the model holds good, it can be deployed suitably in microcontrollers (mainly for IoT devices) and / or apps. As more and more data flows in, the model gets better and better at recognizing statistical patterns and predicting the output.

For instance, let us take the example of your YouTube feed. As you watch more and more content on YouTube, the backend algorithm gets better at predicting your choices and recommending you relevant content. The input variables can be type of videos watched, watch duration, engagement (likes, comments, etc.). These input variables are fed into the statistical model which gives output pinpointing the best and most relevant content from millions of videos. The output of a machine learning algorithm is usually a block of code called the model or the ‘pickle’. This is just a simplified explanation and if the curious reader wishes to indulge deeper, the author recommends getting in touch for a guided tour of the AI / ML world.

Opportunities for employment in AI / ML

AI / ML practitioners typically start their career as Data Analysts or Jr. Data Scientists. As you may be aware, Data Scientist profiles are currently selling like hot cakes as the opening salaries for a fresh candidate is usually upwards of INR. 6 Lacs per annum (Bangalore / Delhi location). If you venture to click on one advertisement or even mention machine learning in your online searches – expect to get bombarded with ads from coaching institutes promising to make you a Data Scientist in weeks. Unsuspecting jobseekers usually succumb to prospects of the magical 6 – figure salary – often without getting a deeper understanding on what skills they need to acquire and what is being offered by the coaching institutes.

There is a wide spectrum of institutes offering AI / ML courses – from IIMs right down to the neighbourhood tuition centre. I would advise the job-seeking reader to evaluate freemium content on mass online platforms like coursera.org before any serious time / money investment.

Data Scientists are indeed in high demand. However, good ones are in short supply. Quick learners can make as high as INR. 20 Lacs in 3 – 5-year experience range. (Salary data was sourced from Glassdoor.com at the time of writing.)

Data Scientists must possess three main skillsets in their arsenal. Statistical thinking, understanding of business logic and command over python programming language. The job of a Data Scientist is to understand the business scenario first. Then they prepare the statistical model and implement the model in software code. Therefore, you should ideally pick a course which can teach you all these aspects in equal measure.

Opportunities for start-ups

According to NASSCOM there are more than 3,000 AI / ML-based start-ups in India (as of August 2022). Some of these start-ups work in the conversational AI space and provide chatbot-based applications. Others provide ML-based predictions to solve common customer problems. However, there are still loads of unexplored spaces where start-ups can capitalize on AI / ML to help improve businesses and people’s lives.

One such area is image recognition. Recently, a tech start-up has been able to use image recognition to ensure adherence to norms for the government’s sanitation drive. Their machine learning model has been designed to identify standard toilet layouts. All with washbasin and sanitaryware sizes as per the government specifications. The model can also classify clean versus dirty toilets. This helps the government to monitor the progress of toilet construction under ‘Swatch Bharat’. It also helps to incentivize or penalize contractors responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of those toilets.

Another innovative start-up is helping companies to screen candidates based on their facial expressions during interviews. As candidates appear for online interview, the algorithm rates their confidence level through expressions, vocal modulation, and the quality of their answers. This helps companies to screen the best candidates from thousands of job applicants – all without human intervention.

By the way you should read my article on Designing an innovative startup here

Conclusion

The field of AI / ML has achieved only a fraction of its true potential and there is far more ground to cover. In future, this field is expected to evolve much faster as 5G gets rolled out in next couple of years. Apparently, 5G will come with 20 times the speed of 4G and hence brings possibilities to leverage speedy online experience for users. There is also potential to marry AI / ML with newest technological advances such as Augmented Reality or Extended Reality and create something unique. In my opinion, the key to building a career in AI / ML is to build strong concepts in statistics even before learning to write python code – which trust me, is the easiest part.

Designing an innovative startup the M-I-T way

Some years ago, I took a course in innovation and commercialisation. This course helped me immensely to think about the innovation process and how it can be used to build better designs for start-ups. So in this article, let me walk you through M-I-T (or MTI or whatever sequence you like) for designing an innovative startup.

What is innovation?

Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, products, or methods, or improving existing ones, in order to solve problems or meet new needs. It is an important aspect of business and economic growth. It allows companies to stay competitive and find new ways to meet the changing needs and preferences of customers. Innovation may involve the development of new technologies. It might mean introduction of new business models or processes. Implementation of new policies or practices also falls under innovation if they can generate additional revenue for the company. Innovation can also involve the combination of existing ideas or technologies in new and creative ways.

What is the difference between innovation and creativity?

Creativity is the ability to generate new and original ideas. On the other hand, innovation is the process of turning those ideas into something useful or valuable. Creativity is a crucial component of innovation. It provides the source material for new products, processes, or ways of doing things.

However, innovation involves more than just coming up with a new idea. It involves the development and implementation of that idea. Successful innovation often involves as the ability to effectively communicate and sell the idea to others.

Creativity is the spark that ignites the innovation process, while innovation is the fuel that powers it forward. Both are important for driving progress and finding solutions to problems. But they serve different roles in the process.

Good time for designing an innovative startup in India

The start-up ecosystem in India is slowly and gradually picking up. Like every cloud has a silver lining, every crisis comes with an opportunity. The volatility of the job market due to recent mass layoffs by tech giants like Meta and Twitter (and recently Google) is expected to fuel and propel the start-up ecosystem much more.

At the same time, is estimated that more than 90% start-ups fail to gather momentum and make it big. However, the associated sense of achievement of creating something unique, to be one’s own boss and to be a source of income generation for others far outweighs the risk of failure. The author himself has failed on a couple of occasions but the drive to keep trying hasn’t diminished one bit. 🙂

The M-I-T of innovation

M-I-T of innovation refers to Market, Implementation and Technology. Innovative start-ups require three main ingredients to thrive – Market, Technology, and Implementation. They are the core important considerations during the innovation process.

Market

The market refers to the target audience or customers for the innovation. Understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviours of the market is essential for creating products or services that will be successful.

Your product or service must address a critical problem and people should be willing to pay for the solution of that problem. In other words, there must be a ‘Market’ which is willing to buy your product or service.

Sometimes companies even create new markets or market needs. For instance, the iPod was a product without any apparent market need. Sony Walkman was doing just fine. However, Apple created the market by offering a sleek, good-looking audio player that could fit comfortably in the jeans pocket and play thousands of songs without having to change cassettes or CDs.

AI based content creators like ChatGPT and Hypotenuse.ai are latest innovations which have carved out a new market recently.

Similarly, the start-up you want to build should address a Market. Key questions that you may want to think about are –

• What common problems you can solve?
• What market need can you create?
• Will your solution enhance productivity or efficiency?
• Will it save money for people, corporates or governments?
• Who are the stakeholders?
• Which stakeholders are willing to pay?

These are some of the questions you should be contemplating – even before dwelling into the Technology part.

Technology

Now that you have identified the problem, think about what technology do you have at your disposal to solve that problem. Technology refers to the tools, techniques, and processes used to create the innovation. Advances in technology can often enable new innovations, and the development of new technologies can also be a source of innovation.

In terms of technology, key questions that you may want to think about are –

• What kinds of technological platforms are available to address the market?
• Is it possible to address the market through new technologies?
• What are the emerging trends and breakthroughs to address the market?
• Is it possible to enhance the user experience through your technology piece?
• Can all the technology costs be recovered from your users?
• Are there going to be any major changes in technology soon?
• What do the tech pundits say? Is the technology here to stay?

For instance, for an App-based setup, think about the user experience – what framework would suit the reliability and scalability needs? Do you want to stick to native (say Android only) or go cross-platform (support iOS, Android, web, etc.)? It is also important to consider the backend services and associated costs.

Implementation

Implementation involves the development and rollout of the innovation. This includes designing and testing prototypes, as well as developing a plan for how the innovation will be produced and delivered to the market. It is important to have an implementation plan in mind. But sort out the market and technology part first before you start diving into the action plans. This will save you a ton of trouble.

If your market and technology assessment are correctly done, implementation shouldn’t be much of a headache. Yet this is the phase where most startups don’t get it right and fail. Your implementation of a business model may be different from that of a competitor. For instance, look at Ola, Uber and In-Drive – all three address the same market. All three use the same technology. Yet they differ slightly in implementation and offer different customer experiences and price points for the same kind of service.

In terms of implementation, here are a few questions you can ponder upon –

• Is there a better way of serving the customers?
• What causes customer delight?
• What are the non-value adding activities in the process?
• How can cost be minimized without compromising customer experience?
• How to reshape the existing business model?

How to nurture innovation

Innovation is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and thrive in today’s fast-paced, constantly-evolving world. You need to design your startup to nurture innovation right from the word go. However, nurturing a culture of innovation within an organization is not always easy. It requires a dedicated effort and the right set of conditions to be in place. Here are some key ways to nurture innovation in your upcoming start-up:

Encourage a growth mindset

Encourage employees to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth, rather than as threats. This can be fostered through training and development programs, as well as through leadership that models a growth mindset.

Innovation is the fuel for growth. When a company runs out of innovation, it runs out of growth.

Gary Hammel, London Business School

Foster collaboration and idea-sharing

Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members, and create channels for employees to share ideas and give feedback. This can be done through regular team meetings, suggestion boxes, and other feedback mechanisms.

Provide resources and support

Give your employees / team members the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into reality. This might include funding for research and development, access to training and development opportunities, or support from leadership.

Encourage risk-taking

Innovation often requires taking calculated risks. Encourage employees to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

If the size of your failures isn’t growing, you’re not going to be inventing at a size that can actually move the needle.

Jeff Bezoz, CEO – Amazon

Foster a culture of continuous learning

Encourage employees to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, and to be open to learning new skills and knowledge. This can be done through training programs, workshops, and other learning opportunities.

Celebrate and reward innovation

Show appreciation for employees’ innovative ideas and efforts, and consider implementing a rewards or recognition program to incentivize innovation.

By implementing these strategies, organisations can create a culture that values and encourages innovation, leading to a more dynamic and successful business.

Conclusion

Together, these three factors – market, implementation, and technology – play important roles in the success of designing an innovative startup. These are the building blocks of future-ready ideas. It is also fruitful to nurture innovation early on during the design stage of your startup. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of these aspects and prepare adequately even before you jump into pitching your breakthrough idea. And for that – I wish you all the best!

The sound of music tour, Salzburg

Salzburg is a city in Austria, located on the border with Germany. It is the capital of the state of Salzburg and is known for its beautiful Alpine setting, as well as its rich cultural and musical history. Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and was the setting for the film “The Sound of Music.” The city is home to several universities and a thriving tourism industry, with many visitors coming to see its historic sites and beautiful natural surroundings. Salzburg is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports, as well as for hiking and mountain climbing in the summer months.

Sound of Music – the movie

The Sound of Music is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who becomes a governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp. The story is based on the real-life von Trapp family, who escaped from Austria to the United States in 1938 to avoid Nazi persecution. The musical features classic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and the film adaptation was released in 1965, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The movie is has won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture

Sound of music tours in Salzburg

There are several “Sound of Music” tours available in Salzburg that allow visitors to explore the city and visit some of the locations where the movie was filmed. These tours typically include visits to landmarks such as the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which were featured in the movie, as well as other iconic locations such as the Nonnberg Abbey and the Salzburg Cathedral. Some tours also include a visit to the von Trapp family’s home, which is now a museum. The tours usually last for several hours and are led by guides who are knowledgeable about the film and the city’s history. Many people enjoy taking a “Sound of Music” tour when visiting Salzburg because it allows them to learn more about the movie and see some of the beautiful locations where it was filmed.

Design thinking approach – lessons from a remote control

I use both Samsung and Sony TVs at my place. Both Sony and Samsung are well-known consumer electronics companies that offer a wide range of TVs, each with its own remote control. Both TVs have their own set of pros and cons – but Im not going into all that. The reason Im writing this article is that the remote control modules of both these TVs offer a lesson in design thinking approach. I want to share this lesson with you, my dear reader. So that you can appreciate and perhaps apply these concepts to your own work.

The issue with remote controls

Let us try to jot down the issues that users face with remote controls. There are a few common issues that people often have with remote controls:

1. Complexity: Many remote controls have a large number of buttons and functions, which can be confusing and overwhelming for some users.
2. Size: Remote controls can be large and awkward to hold, especially for people with small hands or mobility issues.
3. Durability: Remote controls are often subjected to wear and tear, and the buttons can become worn or broken over time.
4. Batteries: Remote controls often require batteries, which can be inconvenient if the batteries run out at an inopportune time.
5. Compatibility: Different devices often require different remote controls, which can be confusing and inconvenient for users who have multiple devices.
6. Lost or misplaced: It is easy to misplace a small remote control, which can be frustrating if you need to use it to access certain functions on your device.
7. Interference: Remote controls can sometimes interfere with other electronic devices, causing them to malfunction.

Design thinking can be used to address some of these issues by focusing on the needs and desires of the people who use remote controls, and coming up with innovative solutions that are simple, durable, and easy to use.

What is design thinking approach?

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathy, creativity, and experimentation to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. It is often used in the design of products, services, and experiences, but it can also be applied to a wide range of other fields and industries. The goal of design thinking is to come up with novel and useful ideas that meet the needs and desires of the people for whom they are intended, while also taking into account technical and business constraints. To do this, design thinking typically follows a structured process that includes:

1. Empathize: Understand the needs and desires of the people for whom you are designing.
2. Define: Identify the problem you are trying to solve and define it in a clear and concise way.
3. Ideate: Generate a large number of ideas for solutions to the problem.
4. Prototype: Create a physical or digital representation of one or more of your ideas.
5. Test: Gather feedback on your prototypes and iterate based on what you learn.

Design thinking can be an effective way to approach complex problems because it encourages an open-minded and iterative approach to problem-solving. It also places a strong emphasis on understanding the needs and desires of the people who will be using the solution, which helps to ensure that the final product is useful and relevant.

Why design thinking was required in TV remotes?

The technology in entertainment industry has shifted from set-top box channel-based viewing to streaming platform-based viewing. People are now more accustomed to binge-watching Netflix or Amazon Prime rather than to wait for new episode of a serial drama. This is particularly true of the young generation. All related to patience, I believe. But nevertheless, things have changed inevitably. Therefore, a rethink was necessary in TV interface as well as remote design.

Sony versus Samsung TV remotes

So, with the advent of streaming platforms, changes were required in remote controls and TV interface. It is worth noting here, that TV remotes are generally not the deciding factor for a customer to choose a particular brand of TV. There are hundreds of more important factors such as picture quality, sound quality, price point, service, etc. The list goes on. Now coming to the differences. Sony’s design change is simple – just a couple of buttons added. One for YouTube and the other for Netflix. There are a couple of orientation changes such as the number pad has been shifted up. But nothing major.

Samsung TV remote on the other hand, went through two iterations. In the first iteration, they tried almost the same approach that Sony took. Added a few white buttons for Amazon Prime and Netflix. But look at the next iteration. They completely removed all the buttons and gave it a new, unique feel with the round navigation button in between. This navigation button works seamlessly with the TV’s on-screen interface so that a user can navigate to the appropriate app and select easily. Volume and channel controls are based on UP and DOWN toggle – which feel intuitive. Infact, one can perform all necessary functions using the navigation, volume and channel selection buttons. There is a mic button as well which helps to deliver voice control. It can also be used with Alexa or Google home – whichever you may have configured in your TV.

Why I feel Samsung has applied better design thinking approach

All in all, I feel Samsung has deployed a better design thinking approach compared to Sony TV. Although Sony had the advantage of having a gaming business already. Remember the PlayStation? But seriously, Samsung did a better job. So much so, you don’t even have to look at the remote to navigate on the screen. Just looking at the screen is enough. Very intuitive feel.

What do we learn from design thinking approach?

This case observation between Samsung and Sony teaches us how we can radically change customer experience with the help of design thinking. We can have multiple iterations in our approach. But the key is to constantly relook, re-think and re-design our offerings. Ultimately the customer is the best judge of our efforts. Better make it worthwhile for them.

Mandav – the fortress town

Mandu is also popularly known as Mandav or Mandavgad. Sometimes people even spell it Mandavgadh. It was once named “Shadiabad” by an emperor bygone. The literal meaning is “city of joy” – which at some period in medieval history it certainly was. Although one can’t say that any longer.

Location of Mandav

The drive was good especially since our driver had a good collection of music and a wonderfully clean car. Most of the areas by the side of the road are paddy fields with the exception of a few newly constructed buildings on the outskirts of Indore. So good music, smooth roads, and an unending green landscape on a bright sunny morning is definitely on. And once you start the uphill part of the journey, you’ll know Mandav is not far.

Names and alternate names

Mandu is also popularly known as Mandav or Mandavgad. Sometimes people even spell it Mandavgadh. It was once named “Shadiabad” by an emperor bygone. The literal meaning is “city of joy” – which at some period in medieval history it certainly was. Although we can’t say that any longer.

At first glance, Mandu seems like an ancient ghost-town – devoid of people with ruins of archaic palaces and structures doting the landscape. however, you have to connect with its rich and interesting history to appreciate the true beauty of this place. There are a number of places to visit and a full-day is just enough to cover all that this place has in store for you.

History of Mandav

The famous 11th-century Paramara Rajput king – Raja Bhoj originally founded Mandu as a fortress for monsoon retreat. As Malwa empire’s capital, Dhar (then known as Dhara Nagar) prospered under his reign from 1010 to 1055 BC. Bhoj was an ardent scholar of science, arts, and literature and he is believed to have reinforced the Mandav fort. For the next 4 centuries, the Malwa kingdom saw many different rulers and dynasties – from Bhoj’s Paramara dynasty to Delhi Sultanate.

In 1401, the Mughals were closing in on Delhi. Their general, Dilawar Khan was made governor of Malwa. He promptly shifted the capital from Dhar to Mandav and declared it as an independent kingdom. After Dilawar Khan, his son Hoshang Shah took the throne and went on to make a brilliant career as a ruler well-liked by his subjects. He went on to rule Mandav for some 30 odd years and carried out a slew of reinforcements on the fort. Hoshang Shah died in 1435 and his son Mahmud Shah was poisoned by Mahmud Khan who assumed thone establishing the Khalji dynasty in Mandav. Mahmud Khan ruled for another 30 odd years succeeded by his maverick son – Ghiyas-ud-Din Shah. Ghiyasuddin was some kind of a Casanova. It is said that he had 15,000 women in his harem.

Jahaz Mahal of Mandu

Ultimately it came under the rule of the famous lover-boy king Miyan Bayezid Baz Bahadur Khan. The legend goes that Baz Bahadur (sometimes spelt as Baaz) was an ardent music buff and had no interest in battles and wars like the other kings of his time. Once he came across a beautiful maiden singing and dancing with her friends in the forest. It was love at first sight. Baz Bahadur soon found out she was Roopmati, an exceptionally talented and beautiful lady. He eventually asked her hand in marriage to which she agreed on one condition. She wanted a palace overlooking the Narmada river which she was spiritually devoted to.

It is said that Baz Bahadur constructed the Rewa Kund (Rewa is an alternate name for Narmada and Kund means reservoir) in front of the Jahaz Mahal. Just so that his beloved Rani Roopmati could pay homage to the river goddess every morning. Their love story continued to propagate far and wide. The love saga is still heard in the folklore till today. Roopmati went on to write a collection of poems that got translated into multiple languages.

Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati

Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati’s love affair ended abruptly and rather tragically in 1561 when Mughal emperor Akbar sent Adham Khan to seize control of Mandu. Eventually, Baz Bahadur had to flee – he was never meant for wars. It is said that Adham Khan had a thing for Roopmati and fancied her because he had heard of her exquisite beauty. Roopmati apparently knew this and as soon as she realized her lover had been defeated, she committed suicide by poisoning herself.

You might have noticed this story has a lot of similarities with the story of Rani Padmavati. In fact, when I was watching the 2018 movie Padmavat, I was instantly reminded of the Mandu story. Maybe it was common for queens to commit suicide during the enemy siege. Maybe a story got weaved around it – a glorified legend passed on from generation to generation. Who knows?

The Jahaz Mahal is known for it’s romantic beauty. It stands length-wise in a narrow strip of land between the waters of the Munja and Kapur tanks.

When to visit Mandav?

It is widely believed that the best time to visit Mandu is during monsoon. Logic – the lakes are full and the clouds inspire a romantic feeling somehow. I don’t quite agree with this. We visited Mandu on a clear and pleasant December morning. It was awesome for photographs and the weather provided a cheerful background to the otherwise gloomy and somewhat depressing surroundings. So in my opinion, choose a bright sunny morning – winters are not that cold in M.P anyways – pack some beer and you are good to go.

10 things I loved about Vietnam

Vietnam is one country which should be in your must-visit list. It is a burgeoning economy and flourishing tourism destination. Vietnam can offer a variety of activities that holiday travellers would certainly look forward to. What’s more, it ticks all the right boxes when it comes to being light on pocket, friendly towards foreigners, with a clean and positive environment. Here is a list of different things which I liked about Vietnam and makes me recommend this destination for your next travel.

1. Hardworking people

A huge part of travelling is interaction with different kinds of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In Vietnam, people are strongly rooted to their culture, at the same time, they are welcoming to people from other countries. This is quite surprising given the violent colonial history of the country. It is probably because Vietnamese people are pragmatic. In all the three cities we went to, hard work was a common thread we all observed. The primary source of income is through tourism, industry, and farming. The country has recovered from the post-colonial, cold-war era, when things did not look bright for the war-torn country.

Vietnamese people have had their share of hard times The country went through three different periods dominated by pointless wars. Despite wars and the large scale destruction that followed, Vietnam is now one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. In 2019, it was growing at about 11% before the pandemic hit. It goes on to show that whatever political ideology, your country follows, if the people are hard-working, prosperity is achievable. Quite so in the case of Vietnam.

2. Art and culture

Everything in Vietnam is artistic and full of life. People strive to make things look beautiful. And this reflects in how the Vietnamese people are as human beings. Open on the walls of shops and bridges you would find vivid caricatures I’m interesting colour pallets. This gives the entire place warm, welcoming and pictures look and feel.

3. Da Nang

Da Nang has a rich history and is considered one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. It is believed that the first French colonial ships arrived at the port in Da Nang in the 19th century, making it an important historical site. In present times, the city continues to be a major economic and cultural hub in Vietnam. It is home to a number of important industries, including shipbuilding, electronics, and textiles. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife drawing visitors from around the world.

In addition to its historical importance, Da Nang is also known for its natural beauty. The city is located on the eastern coast of Vietnam and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. It is also home to a number of national parks and protected areas, including the Con Dao National Park and the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. Overall, Da Nang is a city with a rich history and a vibrant modern culture. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

4. Reliable taxi services

taxi rides are you breathe in Vietnam. You just need to make sure that you have the right app installed on your phone. We found that the Grab app works well for taxi hailing. Grab is the Uber equivalent in Vietnam. Cab services are available much affordable rates compared to other parts of Southeast Asia specially India. We usually got neat and clean vehicles, decent cab drivers. Although many of them could not speak English, we didn’t have much issues in navigating, thanks to Google translate. I guess most of drivers were used to tourists with app based translators. Their politeness, humility, and honesty more than makes up for the little inconvenience you may face on account of language issues.

5. Good hotels

Our tour group generally prefers Airbnb apartments over hotels. Airbnb is a popular platform that allows people to list and rent vacation homes, apartments, and other short-term accommodations in different locations around the world. Airbnb properties are usually neat and clean with minimalistic decor. With a little effort, we could find comfortable, yet affordable properties. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and looking for a unique and affordable place to stay, Airbnb can be a great option to consider.

Most owners left easy to follow instructions to use the property. It is a good practice to clean the rooms after use as you found them.

6. Cafes

Vietnam is known for its vibrant and bustling cafe culture, which can be experienced in many cities and towns across the country. In Vietnam, cafes are not just places to grab a cup of coffee – they are also social hubs where people come to relax, work, and meet with friends. Some popular types of cafes in Vietnam include traditional Vietnamese coffee shops, Western-style coffee shops, and concept cafes with unique themes and atmospheres. Some well-known cafes in Vietnam include Cong Caphe, Trung Nguyen, and The Workshop.

7. Beer

Hanoi is home to a thriving beer scene, with many local breweries and bars offering a wide variety of delicious and refreshing beers. Some popular brands of beer in Hanoi include Bia Hoi, Bia Hanoi, and Bia Saigon. These beers are typically light and easy to drink, and are often enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. In addition to these local brands, you can also find a wide selection of international beers in Hanoi, including many popular European and American brands. I particularly liked Hanoi beer as it was readily available and just the exact bitter for my taste.

8. War museums

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was a significant event in modern history. Its impact can still be seen and felt in Vietnam today. If you’re interested in learning more about the war and its effects on the country, there are several museums in Vietnam that offer a glimpse into this important part of Vietnam’s history. Some of the most well-known museums related to the Vietnam War include the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi, and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. These museums offer a range of exhibits, displays, and artefacts related to the war, and provide valuable insights into the experiences of the people who lived through it.

For me, it was refreshing to see the war from the Vietnamese perspective – a fare cry from the US propaganda available online.

9. Awesome street markets

Ben Thanh Market is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is a large, bustling marketplace located in the heart of the city. Ben Thanh is known for its wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and much more. The market is divided into different sections, each with its own unique offerings and atmosphere. For example, the wet market features fresh seafood and meat, while the dry market offers a range of clothing, household goods, and souvenirs. Ben Thanh Market is a great place to experience the vibrant culture and atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.

10. Beaches and cruises

The coastline of Vietnam is approximately 3,260 km (2,025 mi) long and features a variety of beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. The eastern coast of the country is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches. The western coast, on the other hand, is more rugged and rocky. Some of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam include Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc Island. These areas are known for their crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and picturesque landscapes.

The Vietnamese coastline is also home to a number of national parks and protected areas. These include the Con Dao National Park, the Cat Tien National Park, and the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. These areas are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. They offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Overall, the coastline of Vietnam is a major draw for tourists. It provides a stunning backdrop for a variety of activities and adventures.