The author engaged in an enlightening discussion with the guests, upon matters of lateral thinking drawing unusual comparisons between locks, mathematics and the great Indian epic Mahabharata, the author kept the audience in rapt attention. This was followed by a book reading and signing session.
‘Locks, Mahabharata and Mathematics’, explores the well-established anecdote on Indians that they are the best lateral thinkers in the world. Taking it forward the author has expressed the thinking pattern with the Mahabharata in the backdrop. The book astutely amalgamates the three diverse things like Locks, Mahabharata and Mathematics together in the form of numerous stories. With the Mahabharata in context the author delves into the paradigm of polynomials juxtaposing Draupadi as an answer to all the Pandavas as she was married to each of them. Therefore, like a lock to five keys. In another story Jarasandha resembles split locks and symmetries. He has linked all of these characters and their life instances with mathematics. The reference to the parallels that bind the three non–parallel realms thus makes the book a fascinating read.
About the book:
A delightful exercise in lateral thinking
There could be no three more disparate things than locks, mathematics and the Mahabharata. However, as Locks Mahabharata Mathematics shows, this is as entertaining a combination as any. Given here is a treasure trove of stories drawn from all three subjects. What could be more beguiling than a book that mixes Draupadi, a lock with five keys, and the quirky world of polynomials? Or Jarasandha – who could be split apart but whose two halves could never be kept separate – split locks and symmetries? Profusely illustrated with drawings of locks from his personal collection, this is a neatly original book like few others. These are tales that combine reason with fantasy to elevate the spirit.
About the author:
V. Raghunathan's first career was as an academic – as Professor of Finance at IIM, Ahmedabad, for nearly two decades, until early 2001. His second- a corporate one- started in 2001, first as President, ING Vysya Bank for about four years, and then with the GMR Group – an infrastructure major. He is currently CEO, GMR Group Varalakshmi Foundation. Also, since 1990 he has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bocconi, Milan, lecturing in behavioral finance.
Raghu has published over 400 academic papers and popular articles, and six books. He is the author of the best-seller Games Indians Play – Why We Are the Way We Are( Penguin, 2006), and Stock Exchange, Investments and Derivatives (Tata McGraw Hill,2007). He also writes a regular guest column in The Economic Times and monthly pieces in Mint and is a busy public speaker.He has probably the largest private collection of old locks in the country, has been a cartoonist with a national daily, has played chess at all-India level, and sketched competitively in the past. His website is www.vraghunathan.com.
About HarperCollins India:
HarperCollins India is a joint venture between the India Today Group and Harper Collins Publishers worldwide. The partnership brings together the dynamism and reach of one of India’s largest media groups and the publishing experience and expertise of a premier international publishing company. It publishes a wider range of books than any other publisher, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction, to thrillers, from fantasy literature and children’s stories to enduring classics apart from the non-fiction titles that include biographies and current affairs which are of immense relevance and interest to readers across a broad spectrum. HarperCollins India is headquartered in NOIDA, NCR.
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