Under the title “Manipal International Summer School 2024 (MISS 2024)”, a small group of Montanists traveled to a country that was previously unknown to them. India, a country that seems so far away and foreign, of which one has only a vague idea and stories from hearsay largely determine expectations. Our horizons were broadened in Manipal. India opened up to us from one of its most beautiful sides. While sweltering heat is an essential part of July in Austria, in Manipal it was the rain, triggered by the “monsoon” weather phenomenon. MIMS 2024 would therefore be a more accurate title.

Machine Learning Principles & Applications

Despite the rain, there was plenty of program. The morning always consisted of the chosen course. In my case, I was able to immerse myself in “Machine Learning Principles & Applications”. The group size was extremely pleasant. My Israeli colleague Lidor and I were the only participants in this course alongside around 4 members of the department. Perfect for asking questions and discussing them in detail. Our professor Sudarsan Acharya was a luminary in his field. In the first week, the class dealt with the basics and programming of a machine learning algorithm. By applying algebraic matrix/vector operations, this enables images to be assigned to their respective categories with very low error rates. The second week was used to carry out the same complex implementation with the specially created package “Tensor Flow” and to understand and implement other important concepts of modern algorithms.

For me, this course was an eye-opener in the application of algebraic matrix vector operations using Python. Specifically, the experience gained from the course has enabled me to improve the implementation of my evaluation program from my master's thesis and make it more efficient. In the future, I hope to be able to delve even deeper into the subject of machine learning and use it to solve specific problems in process engineering. The basis for this has now been laid, but the topic is so complex for me that it will be a long road ahead.

Learning to understand India

Apart from the excellent teaching by Professor Acharya, the university organized a wide range of afternoon events, all with the aim of bringing the Summer School participants closer to India, its people and its culture.

On Tuesday, July 16, we went to a large Hindu temple complex, which housed several temples of Indian deities. A doctoral student of Indian philosophy accompanied us and explained a lot about the world of Hinduism and the traditions associated with it. It was a bit of a culture shock that we were only allowed to enter the busy temples barefoot, but with a little effort it was no problem and very pleasant given the climatic conditions.

The next day we visited a park full of historical buildings from all over the region and from different eras with a professor of architecture. This was a first taste of the influence that the eras and changing governments in India have had on the architecture. Indian, Arabic and European styles and elements were found in abundance in a wide variety of forms. Modern India continues to draw on its varied history in both good and bad ways.

Many other excursions and activities followed, including the Indian film “Lunchbox”. This brilliant work touched us deeply, as it showed the difficulties that a simple life in a big city with unfulfilled dreams and desires can bring, but also the hope that arises from a very strange coincidence and the resulting friendship.

Conclusion

The two weeks in Manipal were like attending a school of life. A booming country full of people, with an incredible variety of languages, religions and subcultures cannot be grasped in such a short space of time, but it did open up a lot. As I was able to experience for myself one Sunday, churches in India are also flourishing in a very dynamic way.

Nevertheless, many things that we take for granted are closed to many Indians. Away from our small university town, the grimace of poverty could be seen from time to time. We also experienced the odd power cut. The ditches are littered with garbage and stray dogs are a daily companion, sometimes literally. In rural regions, the abolished caste system is still practiced to this day, so at least theoretically ~260 million people are “untouchables” and condemned to “menial services”.

In all the apparent chaos, however, there is great resilience and flexibility in the face of difficulties. Resilience is part of the Indian DNA. This experience has also made me more prepared and relaxed in the face of difficulties and changes of plan (the flight from Mumbai to Mangaluru, which was delayed by 26 hours, was a great test of patience). 

I was very impressed by the helpfulness and friendliness of the people: if you smile at an Indian, 45% of them smile back (50% smile before that). Our Austrian society could also use this quality. But we can also learn about collectivism. In a cultural unit, it was explained to us that people in India take great care of each other, partly because the circumstances require it, and partly because the extended family and environment are much more important than in the more individualistic West.

The time with the new acquaintances from Austria, Israel, England and Oman soon became a time with new friends from Austria, Israel, England, Oman and not to forget India. We all agreed to approach each other much more openly during this time than we would under “normal” circumstances. A change of location can simply be a change of location, but it can also be much more than that and be incredibly enriching. The latter can be said about my time in Manipal!

Many thanks to everyone who made this possible!

Markus Aigner