Anu Acharya is an Indian Entrepreneur known to be the founder of Mapmygenome India, a leading Indian genomic diagnostic company specializing in leveraging personal genomics to optimize healthcare. ^[1]Mapmygenome In 2000, she founded Ocimum Bio Solutions as a bioinformatics company to provide global solutions for discovery, investment and genomic innovation. She was named a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum in 2011. With her innovative DNA testing solutions, she has made a name for herself as one of the leading female entrepreneurs in India.

Wiki/Biography

Anuradha Acharya was born in 1972 (age 51 years, as of 2023) in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India but basically spent most of her life in Kharagpur, West Bengal where she pursued her education. ^[2]Outlook Business She is a distinguished alumna from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) in Kharagpur, India where she completed her graduation. In 1995 she moved to Chicago, US and received two Postgraduate degrees in Physics and MIS ^[3]Management Information Systems) at the University of Illinois. ((Global Indian

Physical Appearance

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

Anuradha Acharya belongs to a Marwari family.

Parents 

She is the daughter of Prof. H. N. Acharya (deceased on 2 November 2014), who was a physics professor at IIT-Kharagpur. Her father was her inspiration and she wanted to become a physicist like him. ^[4]Outlook Business ^[5]The Man Who Inspired Me

Anuradha Acharya with her late father Prof. H.N. Acharya

Husband & Children

Acharya is married to Subash Lingareddy. He is the founder and CFO of Ocimum Bio Solutions. They have two daughters together, Neha and Akhila. ^[6]Outlook Business

Anuradha Acharya with her husband and daughters

Career

Beginnings

She was encouraged by her father to pursue the best suitable goals in life. Although she wanted to become a physicist like her father and even win a Nobel prize, she later realized her real interest lay in entrepreneurship. ^[7]Outlook Business She started working in Mantis information, a telecommunications start up in the United States where she gained experience in the Telecom, IT and entrepreneurship fields. ^[8]Global Indian After a year, she worked at a consulting firm called SEI Information, helping entrepreneurs effectively socialize. ^[9]Your Story

The idea was to be a path-breaker in whatever I did.”

It was a process of discovery for me, in terms of realising my strengths and weaknesses and capitalising on what I was best at.” ^[10]Outlook Business

Breakthroughs 

After returning to India at the end of 1999, she launched two companies called ‘Bandwidth Bazaar’ for Bandwidth trading and  ‘VoiceGram’ which was based on the idea of integrating voice and text mobile. The domains didn’t work out and eventually shut down. ^[11]Outlook Business Anuradha Acharya, however, remained unwaivered.

Entrepreneurship is not just about great ideas, it is about perseverance and dedication.” ^[12]Outlook Business

She co-founded Ocimum Biosolutions in 2000 in Hyderabad with her husband, Subash Lingareddy. ^[13]Outlook Business It was a biotechnology organization with a main focus on product development and contract research, a totally different career than she had her expertise in. From studying Physics to genomics, bioinformatics, molecular and computational biology, Anuradha Acharya took a big leap. Her endeavours started becoming fruitful with the promising progress of the Human Genome Project (HGP). Sometime after, she was joined by Dr. Sujata Pammi, another co-founder of Ocimum Biosolutions. ^[14]Outlook Business

I am always interested in learning new things and the sector was very interesting and completely new to India.” ^[15]Outlook Business

Her next achievement came in the form of Mapmygenome, a genomic company founded by her, with specialization in Genomic database computation. Despite financial crisis, she established the company with her own savings.

Mapmygenome 

Mapmygenome, a genomic diagnostic company founded by Anuradha Acharya

With personalized health solutions and actionable diagnostic approach towards one’s health, Mapmygenome helps people to understand their body better. They work towards wellness products under a diverse range of categories including wellness (Genomepatri), Beauty (Beautymap), Gut health (Mapmybiome), Sports, fitness & nutrition (Myfitgene), Drug response (Medicamap), Heart health (Cardiomap), Cancer (Oncomap), Ancestry (Genomepatri Heritage), and Nutritional counselling. ^[16]Mapmygenome

Genome diagnostic products from Mapmygenome

Anuradha Acharya at the Mint Digital Innovation Summit and Awards events, Bengaluru, 9 June 2023

Genomepatri 

Genomepatri logo, the wellness product from Mapmygenome

She developed a revolutionary product called Genomepatri that allow people to know their gene sequence and help them identify the diseases they might be prone to. ^[17]Outlook Business Genomepatri is marketed via attention grabbing campaigns, that helps more people know about the phenomenon and benefit of knowing one’s genetic composition. It is currently available at ₹7,999.00 (price may vary). ^[18]Mapmygenome

Getting your palm read is so old-fashioned. Really. Who does that? @anuacharya @mapmygenome #genetesting #dnatesting #genomics #predictandprotect pic.twitter.com/mtwDvfQVhx

— Swapan Seth (@swapanseth) July 10, 2023

Present

Anuradha Acharya has a plethora of achievements in her name. She has been appointed as a Governing Board Member at CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), and at NIBMG (the National Institute for Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal). In addition, she also held the position of President of the Hyderabad Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization in the past. She currently serves:

• On the board of Association of Biotech Led Enterprises (ABLE)

• As the Vice Chair Board on the Global Agenda Council on Genetics,

• As a board member for the Association of Biotech Enterprises,

• On the board of mentors at IvyCap Ventures

• On the advisory board for the Action for India

Anuradha Acharya at the PrecisionMed Exhibition & Summit, Dubai, 23 May 2023

Challenges 

Around the time of the launch of Mapmygenome, she has to face a number of difficulties including shortage of indigenous talent and sufficient funds. Genomic database was still a new concept in India trying to find its footing. Genomic testing was an unclear concept as per Indian regulations and hence, it was always an uncertainty. ^[19]Outlook Business Despite all these challenges, Anuradha Acharya made her dream project happen.

Remember that you are an entrepreneur, not a ‘woman tech entrepreneur’. You are likely to have it twice as difficult, be prepared for that. Build a great team and a fabulous product. Create a legacy.” ^[20]Yourstory

Literary Work

She is a poetry, literature, photography, music, and fitness enthusiast. ^[21]Yourstory She has published her book on Poetry called ‘Atomic Pohe- Random Rhymes at odd times- On Science, Non Science and Nonsense.’ ^[22]Atomic Pohe- Random Rhymes at odd times- On Science, Non Science and Nonsense. In the book ‘Pharmaceutical Outsourcing: Discovery and Preclinical Services (Pharmaceutical Outsourcing, Volume I), she has written a chapter on Research as a Service (RaaS) ^[23]Pharmaceutical Outsourcing: Discovery and Preclinical Services. She has an article named ‘What mergers can do for you,’ published in the Nature Biotechnology. ^[24]Nature Biotechnology In addition, she actively contributes in renowned newspapers and magazines.

Awards, Honours, & Achievements

• She was listed in Red Herring’s 25 Tech Titans under 35 in 2006.

• She won Astia Life Science Innovators Award in 2008.

• She was named as Biospectrum Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008.

• She received the honour as Young Global Leader in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2011.

• She was mentioned in the Member of Young Leaders Forum (British High Commission, 2013).

• She was awarded with ET Women Ahead honor by the Economic Times in 2015.

• Under her tenure, Mapmygenome has won various awards including Emerging Company of the Year 2015 (Govt. of Karnataka), T Startup Awards 2015 (Women Ahead)​, VCCircle Innovative Healthcare Startup (2015), E, Nasscom Emerge 50 (League of 10), SMART CEO ​List of Top 50 Startups, etc.

• She was listed in the W-power trailblazers by Forbes in 2018.

Favourites

Anuradha Acharya is an avid adventure sports lover. ^[25]Yourstory She also follows football. She attended the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Anuradha Acharya at FIFA World Cup 2022

Facts/Trivia

• While living on the IIT Kharagpur campus, Anuradha got intrigued with Physics and wanted to become a Physicist. During her school years, she used to spend most of her time in the library, doing experiments in the Physics lab or playing basketball. ^[26]Outlook Business

• Her father played huge role in her character development while growing up. He taught her many life lessons that enabled her to take the right course in life.

• In her childhood, her father used to reward her and her siblings for doing house chores. It was another life lesson from her father, teaching them the value of labour. ^[27]Outlook Business

• Mapmygenome raised $1.1 million in 2015 with cumulative support of angel investors. ^[28]Outlook Business

ShrutiAle

Madhukar Balvantray Parekh is an Indian Businessman, and the chairman of the Pidilite Industries, India’s leading maker of adhesives that deals with a wide range of products including stationery, car products, construction chemicals, art materials, sealants, food and fabric care, speciality industrial products, etc. ^[1]Pidilite As of 2022, he is the 16th richest man in India. ^[2]Forbes

Wiki/Biography

Madhukar Balvantray Parekh was born in 1946 (age 77 years; as of 2023) in Mumbai, India. He is a Gold Medallist Alumnus of ICT (Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Technology. He completed Masters’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, US in 1969. He then joined Abbot Laboratories and worked for a few years there before coming back to India and joining his father’s business.

Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, Madhukar Parekh’s Alma mater

Physical Appearance

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Madhukar Balvantray Parekh belongs to a Gujarati Baniya family.

Parents & Siblings

His father was Balvantray Kalyanji Parekh (1924-2013) ^[3]Pidilite, the founder of Pidilite Industries, also known as ‘India’s Fevicol Man’. His mother’s name is Kantaben. He has two younger siblings, Ajay Parekh and Kalpana Parekh. Ajay Parekh is the executive director of the family business. ^[4]Forbes His sister Kalpana Parekh is a minor stakeholder in the company.  ^[5]Forbes

Balvantray Kalyanji Parekh, Founder of Pidilite Industries, Father of Madhukar Parekh

Wife & Children

He resides in Mumbai with his wife and two daughters.

Career

He came to Mumbai in (date) to study law. However, he didn’t pursue Law and instead worked in part-time businesses along with his brother. During his ventures, he came across various flaws in the Indian furniture industry which sparked his interest. He joined his father’s company Pidilite Industries in 1972. Pidilite Industries (headquartered in Mumbai, India) was founded by his late father Balvantray Kalyanji Parekh in 1959. After joining the company, Madhukar Parekh brought many significant changes to boost its reputation. Under his leadership, Pidilite Industries has scaled great heights in terms of development and revenue (1,288.87 crore net profit, as of 31 March 2023). ^[6]ZEE Business Other notable brands under Pidilite Industries include Dr Fixit, FeviKwik, M-seal, Cyclo, Acron, Manipal, Roff, WD-40, and Hobby Ideas.

Pidilite Industries Products

Madhukar Balvantray Parekh also serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Vinyl Chemicals India Ltd. and as an independent non-executive director of Excel Industries Ltd. ^[7]Digital Yug

Awards, Honours, Achievements

• He secured rank 13 in the ‘Top 25 Business Leaders in India’, Business Today, in 2012.

• He won ‘Chemtech Business Leader of the Year’ in 2013.

• He was the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2014 in the Consumer Products category (Ernst & Young).

• ICC Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2017 from Indian Chemical Council.

• Ranked as 16th Richest Man in India in Top 50 Richest Indians (2019) by Forbes India Magazine.

• Under his tenure, Pidilite Industries has won ‘Most Promising Company of the Year’ at the CNBC-TV18, 11th India Business Leader Awards (IBLA).

Net Worth

As of July 19 2022, he has a net worth of Rs 23,170 crore.

Facts/Trivia

• He was ranked number 4 in the IIT JEE entrance test but chose chemical technology since he was interested in chemical business.
• He took up a Peon’s job at the beginning of his career.
• His family business was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in 1993.

ShrutiAle

Diki Tsering (1901 – 12 January 1981) was a Tibetan woman notably known as the mother of Tenzin Gyatso (the 14th Dalai Lama). Tibetans across the world call her ‘Gyalyum Chenmo’ or ‘the great mother’ with affection. ^[1]Lhakar Diaries In 2000, she wrote her autobiography named ‘Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story’. She is also remembered for her dedicated work towards the education and upliftment of the Tibetan refugees in India who escaped China’s invasion. She died on 12 January 1981. Even after death, she remains an important contemporary figure in the history of Tibet.

Wiki/Biography

Diki Tsering was born in 1901 in Churkha, in the district of Tsongkha in Ambdo, Tibet in a peasant family. Her original name was Sonam Tsomo. She got married at the age of 16. In 1939, she moved to Lhasa, Central Tibet, after her son Lhamo Dhondup (later known as Tenzin Gyatso) was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. She was motivated by her grandchildren to write her autobiography but since she was an illiterate, her grandson Khedroop Thondup recorded and penned down her story. ^[2]Pema Khandro  She was widely known for her selfless dedication towards the Tibetan refugees.

Family

Diki Tsering was born with the name of Sonam Tsomo in a peasant family in Tibet.

Diki Tsering, the great mother

Husband & Children

She got married to Choekyong Tsering in 1917. She was given the name Diki Tsering by her mother-in-law who was the sister of Taktser Rinpoche, the Abbot of Kumbum monastery.

Diki Tsering with husband Choekyong Tsering, elder son Gyalo Thondup and the 14th Dalai Lama, Taktser, Amdo Tibet, 1935.

Her early days as a new wife and daughter-in-law were full of hardship. ^[3]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story At the age of 19, she gave birth to her daughter, Tsering Dolma the eldest of her seven children (out 0f 16) who survived passed infancy. In her autobiography, ‘Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story,’ she revealed that had multiple dreams about the specialness of her children. It turned out to be true when three of her sons were recognized as high reincarnate Lamas. The 2nd eldest son, Thubten Jigme Norbu was recognized as Taktstar Rinpoche; the 5th eldest son, Lhamo Tsering as the 14^th Dalai Lama; and the youngest Tendzin Choegyal as Ngari Rinpoche. Her son Gyalo Thondup and daughters Tsering Dolma and Jetsun Pema did not enter the monastic. Diki Tsering’s life and status dramatically elevated due to her sons getting recognized as the reincarnate Lamas. The most significant one was her fifth son Lhamo Dhondup whom she accompanied in his travels to India and China. During China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949, she went into exile in India with her son and family members. ^[4]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story

From left to right: Diki Tsering, Tsering Dolma (Eldest daughter), Thupten Jigmey Norbu (Eldest son), Gyalo Thondup, Lobsang Sampten, Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama), Jetsun Pema and Ngari Rinpoche (youngest son)

Political Crisis & Tragedies 

When her husband died in 1947 from suspected poisoning, the same year Reting Rempoche also died of similar causes. This was followed by the death of her grandchild (Tsering Dolma’s firstborn) and a political crisis that put questions on the legitimacy of Lhamo Dhondup as the 14th Dalai Lama. The rumours were potentially laid to rest after the heavily monitored selection process proved his identity. ^[5]Lhakar Diaries ^[6]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story

Diki Tsering with the 14th Dalai Lama

Religion/Religious Views

Diki Tsering never took any religious vows, though she led a religious life and devoted herself to serving the Tibetan refugees in India. ^[7]Lhakar Diaries

Notable Works

Tibetan Refugee Collective

Diki Tsering contributed a lot to the betterment of her people who took shelter in India. She managed the Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children (an orphanage founded in 1960, Dharamshala) with her daughter Tsering Dolma. Her services towards the Tibetan refugee collective are still remembered through awards, events and songs dedicated to her memory. ^[8]Lhakar Diaries

Autobiography

Her autobiography named ‘Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story’ was published with the combined efforts of her grandchildren. After the death of Diki Tsering and her granddaughter Yangzom Doma, her grandson Khedroob Thondup published the final version of the autobiography in 2000.

It was both faith and fate that propelled me into my unbelievable life as the mother of the Dalai Lama. When it happened, it seemed as if I had lost all my courage and confidence and I became afraid, like a little child at the formidable task that lay before me. But once I began to tell myself I was Diki Tsering, the name that was given to me on my wedding day and means “ocean of luck,” a kind of rebirth kindled all the forces of determination within me. I was no longer afraid, and I willingly challenged fate, determined not to be submerged by the tide. Today I am a tiresome old woman, my body feverish with rheumatism. But however debilitated you become physically, the spirit of youth is constant and alive. It never deserts you, even in the face of the greatest suffering.” ^[9]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story

Death

Diki Tsering died on 12 January 1981 at her home, Kashmir Cottage, in Dharamsala. ^[10]Lhakar Diaries

Facts/Trivia

• In her autobiography, Diki Tsering’s life was described under two parts: ‘the daughter of peasants ‘ and ‘mother of compassion,’ depicting the events in her life before and after the discovery of her children as reincarnate Lamas. ^[11]Lhakar Diaries ^[12]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story

• After coming to Lhasa, she described her new aristocratic life as ‘strange’ and missed her simple life in Amdo. ^[13]Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story

•  She was devastated to hear about the destruction in Tibet after the China invasion. According to sources, she could never completely recover from the depression caused by those stories ^[14]Lhakar Diaries

ShrutiAle

Gendun Drub (1391-1474) was the first Dalai Lama of Tibet. ^[1]Dalai lama He was a disciple of Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa (1357–1419), the great founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Gendun Drub was the first Abbot of Ganden Monastery, the founder of Tashilhunpo Monastery and established three religious colleges in Shigatse, Tsang. ^[2]The Treasure of Lives He was a well-known scholar-saint, known for combining study and practice. He recorded his insights on the Buddha’s teachings and philosophies in 8 voluminous books. Some of his well-known works are ‘Sunlight on the Path to Freedom’, ‘Praise of the Venerable Lady Khadiravani Tara’, ‘Crushing the Forces of Evil to Dust’, ‘The Song of the Eastern Snow Mountains’ and his three extensive commentaries on the Vinaya. He passed away in 1474 while meditating at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery at the age of 84. He was given the title of the 1st Dalai Lama posthumously over 100 years after his death. ^[3]Gendun Drub, 1st Dalai Lama

Wiki/Biography

Gendun Drub was born in 1391 in Gyurmey Rupa near Sakya in the Tsang region of central Tibet. From a very young age, Gendun Drub showed a deep interest in religious symbols and practices. He was an avid learner and used to carve sacred Tibetan syllables and prayers into stones. After his father’s death, his mother sent him to Nartang Monastery to study where he was given the name of Pema Dorje. ^[4]The Treasury of Lives At the age of 15, he received the name of Gendun Drubpa Pel (dge ‘dun grub pa dpal), and after five years was ordained as a full monk in 1411. Due to his exemplary accomplishments in Vinaya studies, he earned the title of “omniscient” (thams cad mkhyen pa). In 1415 at the age of twenty-five, at Ganden Monastery, Ü-Tsang, he met the great Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa (tsong kha pa blo bzang grags pa, 1357-1419) where he became his student and learned a great deal of religious teachings culminating into his legacy. ^[5]The Treasury of Lives

Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa, Gendun Drub’s mentor

Gendun Drub met his fellow student and heir to Tsonkhapa’s tantric teachings, Sherab Sengge (1383-1445) at Sangpu Monastery. They studied and travelled together for twelve years spreading Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim teachings in monasteries including Sakya and Kadam monasteries in Tsang. ^[6]Tsemrinpoche In his life span as a spiritual teacher, Gendun Drub trained abbots of the Hadam, Geluk, and Sakya Monasteries across Tibet and Kham.

Family

The first Dalai Lama had a humble beginning. He was born in a nomadic tribe belonging to the Drom (‘brom) clan. He was raised as a shepherd for 7 years before being sent to Nartang Monastery by his mother. ^[7]Tsemrinpoche

Parents 

His father’s name was Gonpo Dorje (mgon po rdo rje) and his mother’s name was Jomo Namkyi (jo mo nam mkha’ skyid). His father died in 1398 when he was 7 years old. Unable to support the goatherd, his mother sent him to his uncle who was a monk at Narthang Monastery near Shigatse. ^[8]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin

Legends

Mahākāla

Mahākāla, Protector of the Dharma, Gendun Drub’s personal deity

As per a legend, he experienced divine intervention on the night he was born. It is said that after his camp was attacked by bandits, his mother hid him among rocks for the night. Upon returning the next day, she found him safe and unharmed guarded by a large black raven. It is believed that it was the Tibetan Buddhist guardian deity, Mahākāla protecting him in the form of the raven. ^[9]The Treasury of Lives Later, Gendub Drub became devoted to Mahākāla.

Palden Lhamo

Palden Lhamo, the protector deity of all incarnations of Dalai Lama. She is the only female Dharampala among the 8 Dharampalas

According to another tradition, Palden Lhamo, the female Dharma protectress of the Gelug tradition, and the guardian spirit of the scared lake of Lhamo Lhatso (lha mo lha mtsho) came into Gendun Drun’s vision and promised that she would protect the reincarnation lineage of the Dalai Lamas. ^[10]Tsemrinpoche To present, she remains the personal Dharampala (Dharma protector) of all the reincarnations of the Dalai Lama. Gedun Gyatso, the 2nd Dalai Lama, formalized coming to the sacred lake as a customary practice for monks to seek a vision with guidance about the whereabouts of the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. ^[11]The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama

Lhamo Latso, Gyatsa, Tibet

Ordination

Upon entering the Nartang monastery, he took upāsaka lay vows from the fourteenth abbot,  Khenchen Drubpa Sherab (1357-1423) and in 1405, at the age of 15 he took his novice vows where he received the name Gendun Drubpa Pel (dge ‘dun grub pa dpal). In 1411, he took his  Bhiksu (monk) vows and became a fully ordained monk. ^[12]The Treasury of Lives He passed the 12 grades of monkhood in 12 years, taking the highest vows after his ordination. ^[13]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin

Narthang Monastery, Shigatse, where Gendun Drub became a fully ordained monk

Career

In 1432, Gendun Drub became the Abbot of the Sakya monastery Tanak Riku and converted it into a Geluk monastery. ^[14]The Treasury of Lives After the death of Tsongkhapa’s successor, Khedrup Je (the 1st Panchen Lama, 1385–1438), Gendun Drup assumed the leadership of the Gelugpa. He later became the Abbot of Drepung Monastery, Lhasa. ^[15]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin He entered a meditation retreat at Narthang in 1441 at the age of 50. ^[16]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin He held great prayer festivals twice at Tashi Lhunpo, one in 1463 and the next one in 1474, which was attended by around 1600 monks and 10000 laypeople. ^[17]The Treasury of Lives Gendun Drub founded Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in 1477 in Shigatse, Tsang, despite strong opposition from the dominating Sakya and Kagyu monasteries. Its establishment increased the influence of Gelugpa in Tsang. He also established three religious colleges in Shigatse. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery became the fourth great Gelugpa monastery in Tibet after Ganden, Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Gendun Drub remained the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery until his death. ^[18]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin The Monastery now serves as the seat of the Paṇchen Lama incarnation line.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Shigatse, Tibet

Gendun Drub had no political role. The political intervention of Dalai Lamas began much after his time after the enthronement of the 5th Dalai Lama.

Death

In 1474, at the age of 84, Gendun Drub passed away while meditating at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Before his death, he went on foot to visit Narthang Monastery for his final teaching tour. ^[19]The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin

Facts/Trivia

• He was known as the “Perfecter of the Monkhood” and often called Panchen Gendun Drup, ‘Panchen’ being the title meaning ‘great scholar.’

• He was identified as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the compassionate bodhisattva.

• The Sakya master Tangtong Gyelpo (1361-1485) allegedly tried to prevent him from establishing Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. ^[20]The Treasury of Lives

• His mortal remains were laid to rest at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and can be seen in the present time.

ShrutiAle

Thubten Gyatso, also known as Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Gyatso Jigdral Chokley Namgyal (1876-1933), was the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet. ^[1]Dalai lama In 1877, at the age of 2, he was recognized as the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He was known as ‘The Great Thirteenth.’ He was responsible for initiating the modernization of Tibet and introduced electricity, telephone and the first automobile to the country. ^[2]Indian Defence Review He was an intellectual reformer of law and a great politician. During his regency, he restored discipline in monastic life, appointed more non-ordained members as government officials and administered a secular education system. He died on 17 December 1933 (at the age of 57) in Lhasa, Tibet. ^[3]Dalai lama He was succeeded by Gyalwa Rinpoche (22 February 1940) as the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. ^[4]Dalai lama

Wiki/Biography

Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Gyatso Jigdral Chokley Namgyal, abbreviated as, Thubten Gyatso was born on Saturday, 12 February 1876 in the village of Thakpo Langdun, Ü-Tsang, Tibet. His birth was accompanied by various auspicious signs including one tale of the Dakpo (dwags po) being destroyed in an earthquake except for his family house. From other sources, some mystical sightings were also reported. ^[5]The Treasury of Lives During his childhood, he suffered from various illnesses. Notably, he got severely ill during the Smallpox epidemic in Lhasa in 1882. He was recognized as the thirteenth Tibetan spiritual leader after the untimely demise of the 12th Dalai Lama Trinle Gyatso (1856-1875). ^[6]The Treasury of Lives He began his early studies at Potala Palace and after a long period of denying his political duties, he assumed his position in 1895. In 1899, he took the exam for the degree of Geshe Lharampa, the highest academic degree awarded within the Gelukpa monastic educational system. He became the first Dalai Lama with the Lharampa degree. ^[7]The Treasury of Lives

Thakpo Langdun, Ü-Tsang, Tibet, birthplace of the 13th Dalai Lama

Discovery of the 13th leader

In 1875, after the sudden demise of the 12th Dalai Lama, Trinle Gyatso (ta la’i bla ma 13 ‘phrin la rgya mtsho), the new reincarnation was prophesized in the South-East direction by the Nechung Oracle. Thubten Gyatso was discovered by Khenzur Lobzang Dargye (mkhan zur blo bzang dar rgyas, d.u.) at his village where he was confirmed as the next Dalai Lama. He was then brought to the Potala Palace for the official ceremony. ^[8]Tibetan Buddhism in the West On 1 August 1879, the 8th Panchen Lama, Tenpai Wangchuk, also known as Namgyal Wangdui Gyaltsen (1855–1882) ordained Thubten Gyatso as the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet. He was bestowed with the name Jetsun Ngawang Lobzang Tubten Gyatso Jikdrel Wangchuk Chokle Namgyel Pelzangpo (blo bzang thub bstan rgya mtsho ‘jigs bral dbang phyug phyogs las rnams rgyal dpal bzang po). ^[9]The Treasury of Lives

Potala Palace, where the 13th Dalai Lama was enthroned in August 1879

Family

Parents

His father’s name was Kunga Rinchen (kun dga’ rin chen) and his mother’s name was Lobzang Dolma (blo bzang sgrol ma). They were a peasant family before his discovery as the 13th reincarnation of Dalai Lama. After his enthronement, his family was ennobled by the Qing Emperor and his father was bestowed the title of Gong (a high rank of Chinese nobility, Zhou Dynasty, Han Dynasty). ^[10]Tibetan Buddhism in the West

Signature

The Personal Seal of the 13th Dalai Lama

Gaining Political Power

After his enthronement, he received the Upasaka (Tib.: ge-nyen) vows from the Regent Tatsak Rinpoche, Ngawang Palden Yeshi. ^[11]Dalai lama At the age of six, he was formally ordained as a novice monk in 1882. His tutor, Phurchok Ngawang Jampa Rinpoche, ordained him as a full monk (Tib.: ge-long)  in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, on 8 August 1895. He assumed spiritual and political authority of Tibet on 27 September 1895. He learned the complexities of international politics and the importance of foreign relations during his exile period at the time of the British invasion (1904-1909), and the Chinese invasion (1910 to 1913).

Tibetan-British Army Clash: Dalai Lama’s fulfilled prophecy

In 1880, after receiving Dalai Lama’s blessings, nine hundred Tibetan soldiers were led by Depon Ngapo (mda dpon nga phod, d.u.), and Surkhang (zur khang, d.u.) to guard the Sikkim-Tibetan border against the British army. The first armed clash occurred in March 1888 between them which resulted in the retreat of the technologically inferior Tibetan Army. ^[12]Civils Daily The recurring events led to the “Anglo-Chinese Convention Relating to Sikkim and Tibet” treaty signed by the Chinese Qing government and the British government in 1890. The treaty defined the Tibet-Sikkim frontier and granted the British government the right to trade and enter Tibet. The Tibetans refused the treaty and demanded Lhasa be in control of Tibet. This led to further clashes between the Chinese, British and Tibetan officials and resulted in Dalai Lama leaving Tibet to seek refuge in other countries. The entire event from the British invasion to Dalai Lama’s flight to several countries was foretold in his dream when he was thirteen years old (1889). In 1909, he fled Lhasa with his officials towards India. He returned to Tibet in January 1913, after the Manchu Dynasty was overthrown. He refused to accept any ranks under the new Chinese government and resumed the political and spiritual leadership of Tibet. He then went on to exercise more of his political powers aided by the knowledge he earned during his exile in India. ^[13]Tibet Swiss In 1910, he met Sir Charles Alfred Bell (1870-1945), known as British India’s ambassador to Tibet, who then wrote his biography called “Portrait of the Dalai Lama” in 1946. ^[14]Portrait of a Dalai Lama: the Life and Times of the Great Thirteenth

The 13th Dalai Lama (sitting on the right), Sir Charles Alfred Bell (left seated), Maharaj Kumar Sidkeong Trul-ku (standing) March 1910, Calcutta

Modernization of Tibet

After his return from Mongolia, China and India, Thubten Gyatso (Dalai Lama) set on a mission to bring political and modern reforms to Tibet. He then directly assumed political control of all foreign relations. In 1913, he declared the independence of Tibet from China followed by issuing Tibet’s paper currency, coins, postage stamps, standardization of the Tibetan flag, establishing the first post office, and reasserting Tibetan independence. ^[15]Buddha Land

The 13th Dalai Lama introduced the Flag of Tibet (1912), the first Banknote and postage stamp of Tibet (at the end of 1912)

Dalai Lama aimed at enforcing the Tibetan military force and organized special training for the Tibetan army in 1914. ^[16]A History of Modern Tibet, 1913–1951: the demise of the Lamaist state, Volume 1

He also established several crucial institutions including the Tibetan Medical Institute (Men-Tse Khang, Jokhang), a police headquarters in Lhasa and the first English school in Gyaltse. ^[17]Dalai lama

Men-Tsee-Khang was established by The 13th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1916. He then re-established the institute in Dharamshala, India on March 1961.

Dalai Lama established a national taxation system as a countermeasure to corruption among government officials. He then introduced a secular education system to the existing religious education system ^[18]Buddha Land, revised the penal system (abolished Capital punishment, reduced Corporal punishment), and improved living conditions in jails. Gaining knowledge from his travels across the country and some of the influential foreign representatives, Dalia Lama worked towards further modernization of Tibet. He invited foreign advisors to build educational institutions in Tibet and train the Tibetan army. ^[19]Dalai lama

The Bodyguard Regiment (Tib. Ka dang sku srung dmag sgar)(image taken in 1948-1950), created by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1913

One out of the four boys sent by him to study in England came back with an education in Electrical engineering and installed the first power station in Tibet. The other one established a telegraph line from Lhasa to Gyantse (rgyal rtse). During the end of his time, his reforms were further carried out by his personal attendant, Thubten Kunphela (1905-1963). In 1931, a modern army regimen was created and in the same year, new currency mints and munition factories driven by Tibet’s first Hydroelectric plant were established in Trapchi.

Sino-Tibetan War (1930) & Qinghai-Tibet War (1932)

Sino-Tibetan War, Qinghai, Xikang, Tibet (1930-1932)

In May 1930, the Tibetan army, under the 13th Dalai Lama, invaded the Xikang (previously Kham) and the Qinghai regions and managed to defeat the Sichuan army in the Sino-Tibetan war. ^[20]China’s Wars: Rousing the Dragon 1894-1949 However, their victory was shortlived as they were forced to retreat and lose some of their lands due to the joint attack of Ma Bufang (Ma clique warlord), Liu Wenhui (Sichuan warlord), Chiang Kai-shek (the leader of the Republic of China). Dalai Lama demoted the Tibetan generals who’d surrendered ^[21]The Water-bird and Other Years: A History of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and After and pleaded to the British government of India for aid. As a result, the war officially ended in 1933. ^[22]Historical Themes and Current Change in Central and Inner Asia

Other Notable Work

In 1913, Dalai Lama gave a public teaching of Lamrim Chenmo (lam rim chen mo, Stages of the Path, a Tibetan Buddhist textual form depicting the stages of enlightenment taught by Buddha). He also proposed the renovation of temples in central Tibet (including the Jokhang temple). He established the Shol Printing Press in Lhasa and sponsored the republishing of important religious texts. ^[23]The Treasury of Lives Although Dalai Lama worked towards the modernization of Tibet, he was opposed to some of the modern trends including Western clothing, the use of cigarettes and aristocratic ladies wearing expensive jewellery as a display of wealth. He put a ban on the import of Tobacco. ^[24]Tibetan Buddhism in the West

Proclamations

Professor Ngawang Thondup Narkyid (1929-2017, dubbed as the Father of the Tibetan Typewriter) addressed the life and works of the great thirteenth Dalai Lama at the International Campaign for Tibet on September 10, 2010. ^[25]International Campaign for Tibet Some of the takeaways are as follows.

Peace and happiness in this world can only be maintained by preserving the faith of Buddhism. It is, therefore, essential to preserve all Buddhist institutions in Tibet, such as the Jokhang temple and Ramoche in Lhasa, Samye, and Traduk in southern Tibet, and the three great monasteries, etc.” ^[26]International Campaign for Tibet

The various Buddhist sects in Tibet should be kept in a distinct and pure form. Buddhism should be taught, learned, and meditated upon properly. Except for special persons, the administrators of monasteries are forbidden to trade, loan money, deal in any kind of livestock, and/or subjugate another’s subjects.” ^[27]International Campaign for Tibet

Conflicts

The senior Gelug lamas (teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist schools) were in constant disagreement with the 13th Dalai lama’s religious practices and reforms. However, the opinions were mutual. Being a follower of Nyingma teachings, he put restrictions on the practice of  Dorje Shugden (also known as Dolgyal, a deity who punishes non-followers). His views conflicted with Pabongkha Dechen Nyingpo (pha bong kha bde chen snying po, 1878-1941) who was one of the promoters of Shugden. ^[28]The Treasury of Lives Some of the policies implemented by the 13th Dalai Lama, later on, were faced with spiralling loss of impact. Before his time, it was forbidden for any member of the Dalai Lama’s family to work in the government as a senior official. He disregarded this consensus and appointed his nephew, Kunga Wangchuk (kun dga’ dbang phyug, b.1907) as Prime Minister (srid blon) of Tibet. Lacking political experience and being just nineteen years old, Kunga Wangchuk faced difficulty to govern the country. ^[29]Tibetan Buddhism in the West Further, Dalai Lama allowed monks to serve in the Kashag (the governing council of Tibet, created in 1721, and dissipated on 28 March 1959) which was previously prohibited. However, the appointed monk officials started obstructing his amendments.

The 13th Dalai Lama (sitting) with his officials

Last Testament & Death

During his final days, Dalai Lama was aware of Tibet’s vulnerable political situation and worried about his country’s fate. ^[30]tsemrinpoche He gave his last testament, a year before his death, at Reting Monastery, where he mentioned the impending danger to Buddhism, the importance of a war-trained army, and maintaining political diplomacy with India and China.

In future, this system will be certainly be forced either from within or from outside the land that cherished the joint spiritual and temporal system. If, in such an event, we fail to defend our land, the holy lamas including “the triumphant father and son” [the Dalai Lama and the Paṇchen Lama] will be eliminated without a trace of their names remaining; the properties of the reincarnate lamas and of the monasteries along with their endowments for religious services will be seized. Moreover, our political system originated by the three ancient kings will be reduced to empty name; my officials, deprived of their patrimony and property, will be subjugated, as slaves for the enemies; and my people subjected to fear and miseries, will be unable to endure day or night. Such an era will certainly come.” ^[31]The Treasury of Lives ^[32]tsemrinpoche

On 17 December 1933, the 13th Dalai Lama bid his final farewell to the world at Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet. ^[33]Degruyter. His tomb was built in 1934-1936 in Potala Palace and is known as Serdhung Gelek Dhojo.

The tomb of the 13th Dalai Lama, Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

Facts/Trivia

• Khenzur Lobzang Dargye had a vision about him at the sacred lake of Lhamo Lhatso.

• His mother had many dreams before his birth indicating him as the next Dalai Lama.

• After the passing of his tutor and friend, Jampa Gyatso, he wrote his biography.

• When he was thirteen years old, he prophesied his exile.

• He refused to assume political power until the age of twenty because he wanted to complete his religious studies and wanted an experienced leader to administer the country.

• There have been many occurrences of prophecies implying his death. One such incident included the revelation of his murder plot by the former regent, the Ninth Demo and his family members. ^[34]The Treasury of Lives

• He ordained the Ninth Paṇchen Lama in the Jokhang in 1902.

• He learned about Russian influence in Central Asia through his tutor Agvan Lobsan Dorzhiev (1854-1938). Agvan Dorzhieve was one of his close associates who convinced him to escape Tibet during the British invasion in 1905.

• He initiated an order banning animal slaughter in Tibet, however, it was not fully implemented.

ShrutiAle

Mylswamy Annadurai is an Indian scientist presently working as vice president for the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), Chairman of the National Design and Research Forum(NDRF). Before this, he served as the Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore. He dedicated 36 years of his life’s work to ISRO and is credited as the Project Manager of Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan-1, and Chandrayaan-2. He is most notably known as the Moon Man of India.

Annadurai is an influential columnist, with some of his notable columns including the S. P. Adithanar Literary Award-winning “Kaiyaruke Nila” (2013), Tamil Weekly, Kungumam and the Manvai Mustafa Memorial Science Award-winning “Vinnum Mannum” (2021). He is also mentioned in the 10th standard textbook of the Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 6″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Wiki/Biography

Mylswamy Annadurai was born on Wednesday, 2 July 1958 (age 65, as of 2023) in a village called Kothavadi, Tamil Nadu, India. His zodiac sign is Cancer. He received his primary education in Kothavadi panchayat union school and completed high school in Kinathikadavu, Tamil Nadu. In 1980, he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electronics and Communication) from the Government College of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India. In 1982, he pursued his master’s degree in engineering at PSG College of Technology and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, his Alma mater where he completed his Master’s degree in engineering in 1982

He earned his PhD degree in the same year from Anna University Regional Campus, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

After my studies, like most other guys, I started looking for a government job, applied for ISRO and the department of atomic energy. To my surprise, it was on the same day that I received interview calls from both places. I chose ISRO because it was closer home.” ^[1]The Statesman

In the same year, he joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he served as spacecraft operations manager for the IRS (Indian Remote Sensing)-1A, IRS-1B, INSAT (Indian National Satellite System)-2A, and INSAT-2B satellite programs. He was then appointed as the deputy project director of the INSAT-2C, INSAT-2D, 2E, 3B, 3E, and GSAT (Geosynchronous Satellite)-1 programs, before getting promoted as the mission director.

Annadurai as Director at ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore

From 2015 to 2018, as the director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, Annadurai was in charge of the development, launching and operationalisation of 30 satellites. In 2019, he was appointed as the vice president and chairman for the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology and the Board of Governors, National Design and Research Forum(NDRF) respectively. He has been conducting his duties for both positions effectively and ever since playing a significant role in the incorporation of Science and technology beyond the academic level.

Family

Wife & Children

Career

Mylswamy Annadurai joined ISRO in 1982. Later, between 1985 to 1988, he handled the position of Team Leader to develop the S/W satellite Simulator. His career then took off with him transiting between various positions.

• 1988-1992: Spacecraft operations manager, IRS-1A

• 1992-1996: Spacecraft operations manager, INSAT-2A

• 1993-1996: Spacecraft operations manager, INSAT-2B

• 1994-1996: Deputy project director, INSAT-2C

• 1996-2001: Mission Director, INSAT-2C

• 1997-1998: Mission Director, INSAT-2D

• 1999-2012: Mission Director, INSAT-2E

• 2000-2010: Mission Director, INSAT-3B

• 2001-2002: Mission Director, GSAT-1

• 2003-2011: Mission Director, INSAT-3E

• 2003-2005: Associate project director, EDUSAT

• 2004-2009: Project director, Chandrayaan-1

• 2008-2013: Project director, Chandrayaan-2

• 2011-2015: Programme Director, Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) & Small, Science and Student Satellites(SSS)

• 2015-2018: Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore

• 2019-Present: Vice president, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology

• 2019-Present: Chairman, Board of Governors, National Research and Design Forum

India’s Lunar Expeditions

Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2

Illustration of Chandrayaan 1 & Chandrayaan 2

Chandrayaan 1, India’s first mission to the moon, launched by the national space agency ISRO, elevated India’s position among the moon-exploring Asian countries including China and Japan. The unmanned lunar expedition was launched on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota at 06:22 IST (00:52 UTC). Chandrayaan 1 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit on 8 November 2008.

As Swami Vivekananda says, any great thing you do, first others will neglect us, then they will laugh at us, oppose us and eventually they will recognize us. Either way, Indian scientists are motivated to work for the progress of our country.” ^[2]WION

Highlights

• Launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: 22 october 2008

• Successful launch into lunar orbit: 8 November 2008

• 2004-2008: Annadurai successfully led his team in transporting the instrumentation from NASA, ESA and Bulgaria for mapping of the lunar surface at high spatial and spectral resolutions. This was one of the ambitious projects of ISRO that established it as a world leader in space research.

• Chandrayaan 1 won various awards on national and international platforms including the coveted Space Pioneers Award for Science and Engineering in 2009. ^[3]The Hindu

Chandrayaan 2 Tragedy

• On 22 July 2029, Chandrayaan 2 was launched to study the lunar surface composition and location of water on the moon.

• Chandrayaan 2 consisted of a lunar orbiter, a lander, and the Pragyan rover.

• It was launched on 22 July 2019 at 14:43:12 IST (09:13:12 UTC ). However, due to a technical glitch in the software, the lander and the rover crash-landed on the moon’s surface. ^[4]The Week

Accept failure as a part of the game and own the responsibility. However, look for lessons from the failure, so that they are corre

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cted for future missions.” ^[5]The Statesman

India’s First Mission to Mars: Mangalyaan

The PSLV C25 leaving the First launch pad with ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission on 5 November 2013

Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission was launched on 5 November 2013 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It successfully reached Mars on 24 September 2014. This achievement made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the first country to do so in the first attempt. The ‘MOM’ team (Mars Orbiter Mission) was awarded the Space Pioneer Award in 2015. ^[6]The Indian Express

Mangalyaan aimed to study the Martian surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere to understand the planet’s climate, geology, origin, evolution, and sustainability of life.

The whole expedition cost India approx. $74 million, making Mangalyaan the most cost-effective Mars mission among the countries able to do so. ^[7]Gadgets360 China referred Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) as the ‘Pride of Asia.’

Science is not about knowing something alone. It is also about asking new and right questions.” ^[8]The Times of India

Influences

Annadurai was deeply influenced by the late Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th president, popularly known as the ‘Missile Man of India.’

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai with Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Dr Kalam exemplifies to us how to have a meaningful life. I have become a better person after being in his presence.” He added that Dr Kalam taught everyone to dream and have a meaningful life. “That is what Dr Kalam’s life teaches us.” ^[9]Edex Live

Awards, Honours & Achievements

Annadurai is the recipient of over 100 awards from various academic and professional bodies, including one Padma Shri and Rajyotsava Prashasti government Awards;  multiple doctorates from elite universities including the University of Madras, Anna University, Pondicherry University; national and international awards; social and public forum, to name a few. In 2004, he was awarded by ISRO the Hariom Ashram Prerit Vikram Sarabhai Research Award for his outstanding contributions to Systems analysis and Space systems management.

Padma Shri awarded by Pranab Mukherjee BR, the 13th President of India

Annadurai has written over six books in Tamil among which “Kaiyaruke Nila” won the S. P. Adithanar Literary Award for the year 2013 and “Vinnum Mannum” won Manvai Mustafa Memorial Science Award in 2021. Annadurai is an avid motivator towards enlightening students about Science and Technology. He frequently travels across the country to rendezvous with students and encourage them to study science.

Annadurai at Thangam Mount Litera Zee School in Salem

In Popular Culture

• In the critically acclaimed Bollywood film “Mission Mangal,” the central character (Akshay Kumar) was inspired by Annadurai.

• In the 2010 film “Chandrayaan,” Annadurai and his family members were mentioned and portrayed by South Indian actors.

Facts/ Trivia

• Muthayya Vanitha was reluctant to accept the project director’s role in the Chandrayaan 2 mission. Annadurai inspired her to take on the role.

• He has earned a Padmashri award.

• He got an interview call from ISRO and the Department of atomic energy on the same day. He chose the former since it was nearer to his home. ^[10]The Statesman

ShrutiAle