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Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
The Unsung Hero: A mother's journey through the cosmos
Dr. Sahana Prasad is an adjunct faculty member, consultant, and trainer in the Data analytics domain. More than 9500 English, Kannada and Hindi articles have been published in various newspapers and magazines, in addition to research papers and books on Statistics and DataScience. LESS ... MORE All eyes were on the astronauts, who were ready to take off into space. The world watched with bated breath; the countdown reverberated in everyone's heart. Not many focused on her, who prayed silently, biting down tears that threatened to flow down from her anxious eyes. She knew that more than a mother, she had to be a patriot, just like a soldier's mom, while her son's daring journeys took him beyond Earth's embrace into the vast, unknown cosmos. Beneath the televised smiles and triumphant waves lies a quiet apprehension. As the rocket ascends, carrying her child into the heavens, she grapples with the inherent risks. Every launch is a testament to human ingenuity, but it also carries the weight of extreme danger. The world sees a spectacle; she sees her child. She would have been the bedrock of support, nurturing the seeds of curiosity and ambition, even before he dreams of spaceships and distant stars. She would be the one who encouraged questions, fed his hunger for knowledge, and patiently explained the wonders of the night sky. Maybe she bought him the first telescope, took him to science museums, or simply fostered an environment where learning and exploration are cherished. The passion of her child, lofty and improbable as reaching for the moon, was fuelled by her. As the aspiring astronaut grew up, her role would have evolved from nurturer to steadfast supporter, through years of rigorous education and demanding training. She knows that the path to becoming an astronaut is fraught with challenges, requiring relentless dedication, intellectual brilliance, and immense physical fortitude. There might have been countless rejections, setbacks, and moments of doubt. She would have provided the emotional sanctuary, the reassuring voice, and the belief that success is within reach, understanding the depth of his commitment and providing the stable ground from which they can launch their ambitions, metaphorical and literal. During the mission, her days will be filled with a unique tension. While glued to mission control updates and news reports, she will rejoice every successful manoeuvre, every scientific discovery, and every breathtaking image sent back from orbit. Each milestone is a shared triumph. However, the vast distance and the perilous environment of space mean that communication can be limited, and every silence can feel amplified. Her heart remains tethered to that distant capsule, a silent prayer accompanying her child's every orbit. The mother of an astronaut may never wear a uniform, conduct a spacewalk, or command a mission. Her contributions are not etched in scientific journals or broadcast on national television. Yet, her journey is as integral to the human endeavour of space exploration as the rockets themselves. She is the quiet force, the emotional anchor, and the unsung hero who launches dreams and anxiously awaits their safe return, a testament to the profound and enduring power of maternal love. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Is your kid afraid of Mathematics?
Dr. Sahana Prasad is an adjunct faculty member, consultant, and trainer in the Data analytics domain. More than 7000 English, Kannada and Hindi articles have been published in various newspapers and magazines, in addition to research papers and books on Statistics and DataScience. LESS ... MORE Mathematics is often referred to as the 'universal language,' yet for many children, this subject evokes fear, anxiety, and confusion. This fear, commonly known as 'math anxiety,' affects a significant number of students globally and can have long-lasting impacts on their academic and professional lives. Understanding the root causes of this fear is the first step toward addressing it. 'Get the answer first, you can learn the logic later!' 'You are so slow, all others have got the answer!' This emphasis on speed and accuracy can create pressure, leading children to feel stressed and inadequate if they struggle. Unlike subjects that allow for creativity and open-ended thinking, math is often seen as rigid and unforgiving, where one mistake can overshadow all efforts. 'You are a stupid child, can't multiply or divide correctly!' 'What do you mean you don't know percentages? It's just multiplying by 100', You mean you don't know how to calculate the discount? such a simple thing!' A major contributing factor is early negative experiences. A child who performs poorly on a test or is unable to grasp a concept may begin to associate math with failure and embarrassment. If these feelings are reinforced over time—by repeated struggles, discouraging feedback, or comparison with peers—they can evolve into a persistent fear. Parental and societal attitudes also play a significant role. When adults express their own dislike or fear of math, children can absorb and internalize those attitudes. Phrases like 'I was never good at math either' or 'math is just hard' can unintentionally reinforce the idea that struggling with math is expected and acceptable. Media portrayals often contribute to this stereotype, depicting math as a subject for only the intellectually elite. Moreover, the abstract nature of mathematical concepts can be daunting. Without real-world applications or hands-on learning, children may find it difficult to relate to numbers and equations. The lack of context can make math feel meaningless, further alienating students. To combat this fear, a shift in teaching approaches is essential. Incorporating visual aids, practical examples, and interactive methods can help demystify math. Encouraging a growth mindset—where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process—can also build confidence. Above all, creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore, question, and learn at their own pace can transform math from a source of fear into one of curiosity and achievement. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
