Latest news with #Madhavi
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Meet G. Madhavi Latha, woman who played important role in construction of Chenab bridge, not IIT, NIT, once wanted to become...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river, which was completed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore in more than eight years. This bridge is a remarkable feat in the fields of engineering and technology. However, many of you do not know that the key contributor behind this monumental project is a woman. Yes, you heard it right! She is a professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, who dedicated 17 years to its development as a geotechnical consultant. Her name is Professor G Madhavi Latha. Northern Railways also brought in rock engineering expert Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, who played a crucial role in planning, designing, and constructing the bridge structure, addressing the challenges caused by the terrain and slopes in collaboration with the contractor company, Afcons. Currently, she works as an HAG professor at IISc. Speaking about her educational qualification, Madhavi earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada in 1992. According to the media reports, she secured first class with distinction. Dr. G. Madhavi Latha earned a gold medal during her studies at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, where she specialized in Geotechnical Engineering. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from IIT Madras in the year 2000, further cementing her academic excellence in the field. 'Madhavi's research interests center around the fundamental aspects of soil reinforcement and understanding the shear mechanisms at a micro level. Her recent work on this subject area is to use image-based techniques to understand the micro-topographical surface changes in geosynthetics sheared by sands and relating them to the macro level strength improvement,' reads the official website of the IISc. 'Other topics explored in this area include seismic response of geosynthetic reinforced retaining walls and slopes through shaking table studies. Madhavi also maintains an active interest in rock engineering, including numerical modelling of jointed rock masses and stability analysis of rock slopes and tunnels,' it further reads. Before joining IISc, Madhavi was an Assistant Professor at IIT Guwahati for a year (2003-2004). She even worked as a postdoctoral researcher at IISc from 2002-2003. Over the years, Dr. G. Madhavi Latha has been the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades recognizing her contributions to geotechnical engineering and education. In 2007, she was honoured with the 'Teacher Extraordinaire' award by the Builders Association of India, Mysore Centre. The same year, she received the Best Paper Award at the First Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (FIYGEC-2007) for her research paper titled 'Comparison of Different Failure Criteria for Modelling Jointed Rocks.' Earlier, in 2002, the Indian Geotechnical Society awarded her the Best Paper Award for her publication 'Finite Element Analysis of Strip Footing Supported on Geocell Reinforced Sand Beds' in the Indian Geotechnical Journal.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Madhavi Gunasheela unveils the mysteries of southern India in ‘If Only They Knew'
Madhavi Gunasheela is a physician-turned-author whose debut novel, 'If Only They Knew', explores the rich landscapes and indigenous cultures of Southern India through the lens of a gripping crime thriller. Inspired by the Western Ghats and the indigenous Paliyan tribe of the Palani Hills, Madhavi blend's themes of fate, ambition, and morality with vivid settings and complex characters. Balancing a demanding medical career and single motherhood, she completed her novel with passion and discipline. Madhavi's work has resonated deeply with readers, marking her as an emerging voice in contemporary Indian fiction. Excerpts from an interview: 1. What inspired the story of If Only They Knew, and how did the idea first take shape in your mind? The story of 'If Only They Knew' was very much a journey rooted in life experiences and humanity itself. The inspiration came from the beautiful Western Ghats, the stunning mountain range running through Tamil Nadu. Having always loved the hills; I knew the story had to be set against this magnificent terrain. Initially, it started as a tale about everyday life in the town of Madurai, Southern India, but it naturally evolved to include the indigenous Paliyan tribe of the Palani Hills. Their close relationship with nature fascinated me as a writer. Meeting the Paliyans personally solidified my determination to make them the heart of the novel. Over time, the story organically transformed into a crime thriller, intertwining nature, culture, and mystery. 2. Your protagonist, Alagavel, faces tough ethical choices. What message were you hoping to convey through his journey? Alagavel is a smart, ambitious young entrepreneur, embodying the mindset of many youngsters setting out to make their mark in life. However, life's journey is rarely straightforward — it's an adventure that often leads into uncharted territories where the boundaries between right and wrong blur. Through Alagavel's ethical dilemmas, I wanted to explore how ambition can sometimes cloud judgment and lead to unintended consequences. Yet, I also wanted to emphasize that having a strong moral compass and the courage to pause and evaluate choices can help navigate even the toughest situations. It's a reminder that while life throws curveballs, ethical decisions can guide us through. 3. The book is set in Madurai, a city not often featured in mainstream fiction. How does the setting influence your narrative? Madurai is a culturally rich temple city with a history spanning over 2,000 years, once ruled by the Pandyan and Chola kings. It's a place full of warmth, tradition, and delicious South Indian Street food at every corner. Madurai's proximity to the Palani Hills made it the perfect backdrop for the story. Although I am a Kannadiga from Bangalore, I chose Tamil Nadu because of my vivid memories of visiting Kodaikanal as a college student. That experience left a lasting impression and drew me toward setting the story there. 4. You've blended crime fiction with deeper themes like fate, ambition, and morality. Was this intentional from the start? Not at all. When I began writing, the story was simply unfolding. But as the characters faced dilemmas and made choices, I felt a responsibility to reflect on their ethical struggles. The concept of fate, or Karma as I believe in, naturally intertwined with their actions and consequences. The novel became a reflection of how choices and destiny are linked, and how our actions shape our journey. 5. What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this novel, and how did you overcome it? The biggest challenge was simply learning how to write creatively. As a doctor with no formal creative writing training, I had to understand the nuances of storytelling from scratch. Being a single mother of two daughters, finding time was tough. Writing often took a backseat due to other responsibilities. But eventually, I reached a point where I had to either give up or fully commit. I began dedicating 8 to 10 hours a day to writing, driven by passion and discipline. Despite the hurdles, the joy of writing kept me going and helped me overcome obstacles. 6. How have readers responded to the book so far? Any feedback that stood out? The response has been overwhelmingly positive and very gratifying. It's rewarding to know that readers appreciate the labor of love that went into this book. Of course, there have been some less complimentary reviews, but I respect all opinions — everyone is entitled to their own perspective. 7. Are you working on another book? Can you give us a sneak peek? I'm about to start my next literary journey soon. The idea is still hazy, and I'm not quite sure where it will lead yet. I'm excited to explore new themes and see how the story develops.
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
To reclaim forgotten feminist icons
Beyond sacred texts According to Vaishali, Indian literature contains richly layered female characters who go far beyond roles of sacrifice or duty. These women experience and express jealousy, desire, lust, fury — emotions often scrubbed away in retellings. Understanding feminism in ancient Tamil classics, she says, requires acknowledging the era in which these works were created. 'The time period of these stories was oppressive. But if you acknowledge the patriarchy that was prevalent and strip away these constructs, we find some women who are not subservient,' she notes. 'These are the women who ask fundamental questions that make us think, make bold choices, and who fully embrace their identities.' Through extensive research and personal insight, the TEDx speaker came to define a feminist character as someone who, despite societal limitations, asserted agency, created space for herself, and made choices that challenged norms or widened possibilities for others. 'These figures may not have used the language of feminism as we know it today, but through their actions, intellect, and moral strength, they carved paths that hinted at autonomy and empowerment,' she adds. 'These may not necessarily be women who rejected traditional roles, but even within those roles, chose to question oppressive thoughts and live according to what felt right.' She cites Madhavi as an example — often miscast as a home-wrecker or victim, she was in fact self-made, principled, and loyal.
