Prajaktha Murali

Mandala and Warli Paintings

Team MNP

A “mandala” is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. “Mandala” has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically: a microcosm of the universe. The design of the mandala is supposed to be visually appealing so as to absorb the mind in such a way that irritating thoughts are unable to get through and a spiritual essence surrounds the individual observing the mandala, which in turn allows the individual a higher consciousness or awareness, almost as though being hypnotized. This allows the busy mind to take a break while the creative mind is allowed to run free.

Buddhist monks from Tibet make sand mandalas meant to represent the world in a divine form: perfectly balanced and precisely designed. This is an extremely laborious and intricate process. When the mandala is finished, however long it takes for the monks to deal in this divine geometry of the heavens, they pray over it – and then they destroy it. The underlying message of the mandala ceremony is that nothing is permanent.

Warli paintings use a set of basic geometric shapes: a circle, a triangle, and a square. These shapes are symbolic of different elements of nature. The circle and the triangle come from their observation of nature. The circle represents the sun and the moon, while the triangle is derived from mountains and pointed trees. In contrast, the square appears to be a human invention, indicating a sacred enclosure or a piece of land.

Team Outing to Park Resort

Prajaktha Murali

Team MNP

7^th Feb 2019 was a day of relaxation for the MNP, CCS, WCP, Genego-BC and Genego-MI teams at Molecular Connections, BSM branch. After all, ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY, right?

The day started off with all the enthusiastic employees assembling at the office and looking forward to the day ahead. We headed to Park Resort at Banerghetta road. On our arrival at the resort, we were greeted warmly with a refreshing drink by a hospitable member of the resort. We could already see some picking up the badminton rackets or a volleyball and playing teams were already being formed. Photosessions commenced and everyone was seen taking advantage of the picturesque green landscapes. There were a variety of activities to try out like water zorbing, high rope activities, ziplining, archery, rifle shooting and some indoor games as well. There was an epic tug-of-war with the teams giving it their best possible strength.

Amongst the outdoor activities, water zorbing and high rope activities were particularly fun, refreshing and challenging as well. Groups of 3 each went zorbing at a time and this tested the co-ordination amongst the group. There were a lot of falls, giggles and laughter.

High rope activities required quite a bit of focus as the path to tread on wasn’t that easy. We were required to walk on ropes (with a harness of course) and this tested the act of balancing in us. After a quick yummilicious lunch, the activities resumed for some while it was a lay back and relaxing time for others.

It was pool time by 3 p.m and there was a hilarious water polo face-off game in the pool with the players trying their best to score goals and wade their way in the wave pool. Just when people thought that it cannot get better than this, the rain dance started with people rocking the dance floor to the latest music hits. After being served delicious hot tea/coffee and snacks (soothing after the water activities), the teams headed back with a lot of memories to cherish.