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Subject: Re: Body of Knowledge on Hinduism(BoKH)
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 07:37:20 +0000
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Dear Visu (akandabaratam newsgroup),
Thank you again for your continuing support and meaningful suggestions
drawing analogy from the French effort to build a body of knowledge on
Mathematics. Let me respond to some of these suggestions in terms of
relevance to our proposed Body of Knowledge on Hinduism (BoKH):
************************************************************************
(1)Visu wrote:
".. A group of (insert: French)mathematicians decided to organize a body of
knowledge in abstract math. In those days, this was the area that was
producing many applications in physics..... Traditional and long-standing
subjects like the theory of numbers, differential equations, and algebraic
geometry, were not included in the compilation of knowledge, since many
fine books were already there in these areas. And it was expected that once
the abstract body was ready, number theory and geometry would undergo great
renaissance. (They did in fact)."
Sathia' response:
It appears that the mathematicians decided:
- to prioritise subjects in terms of its immediate value in applications.
[For example, in the case of BoKH, one suggestion could be to organise what
can be taught to primary and secondary and tertiary levels of education
worldwide.]
-not to rewrite those areas on which excellent books are already available.
We can certainly make use of the above observations.
We need to consider the beneficial effects on society of each step that we
take.
(2)Visu wrote:
The French mathematicians were the first ones to propose the idea. At
first,the group was French. It was so until the second world war, after
which some American mathematicians also participated in the compilation. The
group gave itself the pseudo-name of BOURBAKI, a French general of yore.
Sathia's response:
Today we are in a different environment. If the power of Internet can be
harnessed a wide group of nationalities can participate. All publications
can be in the name of one common pseudo-name for ease of identification as
the product of BoKH.
(3)Visu wrote:
Thus the series of about 20-25 books was written by groups of
mathematicians.
Sathia's response:
We can write a series of books, record songs and poems and lyrics, create
videos and animations, and illustrate with drawings, photographs, and
graphics. All of these can transmitted over Internet.
(4)Visu wrote:
Each book came in course of time, and each book was prepared by a subgroup
and discussed by the entire group before it was published. The BOURBAKI
series had the title: Actualities in mathematics --- Modern ties in math.
Sathia's reponse:
Creating subgroups to work on each topic is an excellent way of
accomplishing the task. There has to be great degree of coordination before
writing and during writing. The quality control measures must be agreed
upfront, used to check if work in progress is on course and to endorse the
final product.
(5)Visu wrote:
I understand that generally the first version was usually torn to pieces by
the criticism of the other members....Each version was relentlessly
criticized, and rewritten a second, possibly a
third time. But it was written. During the course of about 20 years (take
away the war years), the books came steadily. The mathematical public
awaited the publication of the next book in each series with awe, and
expectation.
Sathia's response:
There is no shortcut in this process. What the French achieved was awesome.
We need people who has the courage to accept criticism, has the humility to
accept mistakes and still survive to carry on to the finale. If the people
across the world accept the BokH publications, that would be greatest
endorsement that we can get.
(6)Visu wrote:
Even though written in French, the books were avidly sought by graduate
students and mathematicians. An English translation did not come until the
late 60's. The French became famous and the writings helped them to produce
original papers of their own.
Sathia's response:
Precisely! Our proposed BoKH should aim high and be able to attract world
interest. Our future generations should be able to build on from where we
left.
(7)Visu wrote:
I understand that the groups met in monthly or quarterly meetings to discuss
each chapter. A chapter is a book. They all traveled to a center, where the
discussion took place, the criticism mounted and the revised version
designed. The first version always would require considerable research and
compilation.
The math, abstract though it is, is written in easy French.
I would like to suggest a similar venture. We need to think of, say, two
parallel series with cross participation. One subgroup will be in charge of
a particular book of a series with reasonable timeline, the book not
exceeding 150 pages. Once it is ready, the entire group will discuss it.
Then a second version will be written by the same subgroup or an enlarged
subgroup. Once the entire group is satisfied that the book is ready for
publication, then we can put it on the Internet and ask for comments and
revisions. Of course, we need to use the Internet to discuss
suggestions,doubts, questions, and answers at all times.
If we go to the Internet right away, the project may become unmanageable. Of
course, the subgroup may elect to use the Internet from the beginning.
Sathia's response:
Excellent idea.
(8)Visu wrote:
Because we are not so concentrated geographically as the French were in the
case of BOURBAKI, we may organize a conference twice a year. Even this may
be difficult. But an annual conference is a must.
Sathia's response:
A very fruitful idea. Face to face spontaneous discussions will help to
cement relationships and improve communications.
************************************************************************
I have earlier sent a mail inviting you to generate questions relating to
this project so that in finding the answers to the questions, we can clarify
what we are setting out to do.
May I request all readers of this mail to come forward with your suggestions
on how to make BoKH a reality and the way to go forward. Let it be an
international cooperative effort in saving our heritage for the future.
Thank you.
With best regards,
Sathia,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
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