Musings on LSE.....

Has been good to see LSE in different avtaars....the first day when we landed up, was blustery, cold and bleak. LSE was relatively deserted - the extensive courtyards and pathways free and quiet. Term time was still 10 days away.

With the on-set of the term, LSE is swarming with people, mainly the youngsters. Undergrads and post grads are together 8000 - a huge number. the economics comes in - a vast number are on the money fetching MBA type programmes. In line with what the recruiters and the market want I guess. There is a buzz around campus. Well, campus is not a perfect word for the cluster of buildings in a broad geographical area that constitute LSE. With Bush House, Australia House & India House on one side ( the last has the longest queues in London, the famous Visa queue, that would remind one of Dhaka), and the Lincoln Inn Fiels & the Royal Courts on the other, there really is not much ofa distance. But with Covent Garden, Drury Lane and Strand next door, who is cribbing?

The entire LSE is wire internet enabled ( wi-fi), normally at blistering speeds. And everything is e-enabled. Library books are re-issued, fees are paid, Courses are joined, Clubs are formed: all over the internet. "Send me an email" or " Do it on LSE for You" are the most often heard phrases on campus. The Library, again has a vase electronic collection apart from the normal texts, and concepts as yet new to me like self- issue of books, and self- returns ( ...as in a TESCO, in the wee hours of the morning or late at night).

Eating was a bit of a problem ( cold sandwiches), till we discovered the Brunch Bowl. Nice, hot meals - a whole variety of it, at prices signficantly better than the street side). Fish and chips for 1.95, jacket potato with filling for 2 quid, salads,a stir fry bar, salads and such stuff. A decent feed for 3 pounds, and that too hot!! Enough place to sit, including an outdoor terrace for nice weather days.

Lots of bars around, open from the mornings. A pint pulled seems as popular as a coffee..and both cost about the same..the students seem to have this as the regular adda after class! With a travel agency on campus, stores and a post office next door, things are well, cool!

Gurukul has a special status: Tushar, was honoured by being asked by the prof that it was an honour to have a Gurukul scholar. and better, that we were addressed by the likes of David Held, whom the faculty has not even met!!!

Busy week next week....Pascal Lamy, India Observatory and then Geneva.....