DISTILLATION

 

Distillation was familiar to me when I had been a student of Chemistry.

But an editorial in the Times of india of 25th February 2026 teaches me 'Distillation' is an important term in the IT segment apart from Chemistry.

Excerpts from the editorial;

 Anthropic doesn't want rivals cloning Claude for free, but that is what three Chinese firms, including last year's newsmaker DeepSeek, allegedly tried doing.  Anthropic says they used Claude as a teacher for their "student" models. Hardly two weeks earlier, Anthropic's bigger rival OpenAI had accused DeepSeek of extracting its model.  And last year, DeepSeek's market shaking debut was clouded by similar allegations.

Distillation is a decade old idea that was rejected when first presented at a conference. The way it works is that a rookie AI poses millions of questions to a leading AI model like ChatGPT. It seeks not only final answers but also steps used to arrive at them.  This reveals the larger model's "thinking,"  which the new model copies to deliver pretty good answers most of the time, using a fraction of hardware and energy.

Distillation isn't always a bad thing. AI firms distil their own models for speed and efficiency regularly. But it is unfair when rivals use distillation to catch up. It can also be dangerous. Recall that Claude was reportedly used in America's Venezuela operation to extract Maduro.  If Chinese firms figure out Claude's reasoning, but strip it of all safeguards, the resultant AI could be used to cause havoc. AI firms will have to improve their capabilities to detect and thwart unauthorised distillation attempts. As AI aspirations and capabilities grow, its models might also face such attacks. It is evident AI defences should be built starting now.

RAHUL PATIL

 Rahul Patil is from Bengaluru. He did his schooling and engineering there. Later he emigrated to USA. He holds a master's in computer science from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Washington. He has over 20 years of experience in enterprise-scale infrastructure, with previous leadership roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS)Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

As of early 2026, the most prominent individual  in technology is Rahul Patil,   the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at AI startup Anthropic, a major AI company. He was appointed at Anthropic  in October 2025 to lead infrastructure and engineering and security.  He is an experienced technology leader based in the US. He was formerly a senior vice president at Oracle and CTO at Stripe. He is recognized for managing massive-scale infrastructure. He has now taken over as CTO at Anthropic,  Formerly the CTO at Stripe, he succeeded co-founder Sam McCandlish, who moved to a new role as Chief Architect to focus on pre-training and large-scale model development. The new CTO at Anthropic, is to oversee product, compute, infrastructure, inference, data science, and security to strengthen Claude's position as an enterprise AI platform. 'Claude' is from Anthropic.

'Claude' derives the name from Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. He had , established in his 1948 paper "A Mathematical Theory of Communication,"  the foundational framework for modern digital technology, defining information as quantifiable, probabilistic, and measurable in "bits." It measures information through entropy (uncertainty) and establishes maximum transmission rates (channel capacity), disregarding semantic meaning for efficient, reliable data encoding. 

It is said that within days of the unveiling of Claude, there had been a substantial reduction in the share value of IT companies.

I was inspired by an article by P. Kishore  in the Malayala Manorama newspaper of 23rdFebruary 2026 in its business folio to write this post. The article tells us how much one could aspire. It has no limit. Especially when you are from India, that too with roots in a village in the Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. The district is familiar to me as I had worked there for a short period and had been visiting the place frequently later on. Those days development was a distant dream for the people there. To compose this post I have relied on data available in the internet. 

Rahul Patil has set the benchmark high. He is an apt role model for all Indians. He has shown us the way forward. It is for the aspiring to go forth and reach for the stars.

SAM ALTMAN - LISTENING TO OLD PEOPLE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE

 

SAM ALTMAN - LISTENING TO OLD PEOPLE BIGGEST MISTAKE 

Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, investor, and the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and DALL·E. As a key figure in the AI boom, he has led OpenAI toward for-profit status, secured massive investments from Microsoft, and predicted the rapid advent of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Recently he has stated, “Listening to old people is the biggest mistake young people make. In the age of AI, following parental career advice (or even trusting the Open AI CEO) might be riskier than rewriting it. For a predictor of what the world is going to be like going forward, I don’t think you should trust me for having good intuition of the rate of change. Young people always figure this out the best, and the world you are all inheriting is going to be very different, and you’ll have to be very different, and you’ll have to quickly develop your own intuitions.”

The Times of India of 26 February 2026 has come up with an editorial on the statement.

Quoting excerpts from the editorial:

The explosion of Indians’ careers post 1991 liberalization took a lot of saying, “no, no, no” to the family who were scared of every new fangled choice. Parents, who have lived a “just stick to this job and you’ll own a home” life, are forever trying to rein back their children’s career adventures, even when economic reality has literally become unrecognizable from one generation to the next.

There are uglier sides to this paternalism, as when elders try to drag the next generation inside the cage in which they have lived. And living by someone else’s code, a person never gets to discover what their own, true self is.  This is a life lived incompletely. It stops society from healing its open wounds. As the critical role of mentors in Altman’s own life indicates, elders’ life experience, resilience and practical wisdom can be invaluable. The real harm is when generational authority overrides individual agency.

The real mistake is not listening to old people, it is listening uncritically.

Let me dwell on certain scenarios.

Our children are uncomfortable if we are present where they assemble along with their young friends. The elders are unwanted there. 

Even little children gravitate to little children. You find age bars you from them.

Recently when a mother  and  daughter  visited a CDC with their child, the consultant did not like conversing with the elderly woman.  The consultant appeared to be holding the view that the lady was ignorant. When she mentioned a contrasting view by a 60 year old senior Pediatrician the young consultant didn’t like it. The consultant ridiculed the view of the senior doctor with the comment, “It is a misconception.” The daughter rooted for the consultant. Similarity in age propels the branding of young as the smartest in the world.

When a young man wanted to tread an unorthodox path, the family was initially against it. The elders in the family had been brought up by conservative traditions. It was difficult for them to shake off the culture ingrained in them by their predecessors  But as the family was progressive in outlook  to a small extent, they revisited their view and extended support  to the young man. He has gone after his passion. Though overwhelming success is not apparent, the venturer toils hard to establish himself.  

The conclusion is, the elders are an invaluable asset and Sam Altman’s assertion, "Listening to old people, the biggest mistake," sounds hollow. 

Sam Altman must be 100% right in the American or European context. But he is absolutely wrong in the Indian context. While in the former regions, the young do not stay with the parents, in India, the young stay with the parents if possible. The concept of joint family thus prevails in India

There is some kind of pooling of resources there which brings in economic uplifting or upgradation for the entire family. If and when there are grandchildren they are well looked after by the grandparents. 

Shift the scenario to America or Europe. They depend on external assistance for the basics such as the raising of their kids. When the baby sitters are stepping in just for the money it generates for them, the children experience no love and affection. This love and affection is very much essential for the growth and development of the children.  It emanates from the parents alone and to a great extent from the grandparents who can never be bland like those on hire.

As the children grow up, they learn quite a lot from the elders that they inculcate. 

When the children grow up and step into the world, the elders are the steadying force when they are in a crisis. The experience elders have is on hand. It is the perfect scaffolding. 

The biggest tamasha is, when the young emigrate to foreign countries, they do not have anyone to take care of their children. 

They manage Visas for their parents to visit the land of plenty. Once the parents are there, they are not allowed the freedom to freely move around or roam the countryside. They are made to confine themselves within the four walls that is the home. Their lone assignment is to take care of the children. It is cheaper for them as the parents are not employees. Mind you, these elderly might have been leading a healthy and productive life at their own place.  They are experienced. They think. They have analytical minds.

The sojourn abroad literally kills them. What they really hope is to somhow get back to India and resume their days of happiness.

It is obvious,  casting off the elders into oblivion is going to be the biggest mistake  we would ever commit by falling in line with Sam Altman's views on 'OLD PEOPLE'

PRASANTH BALAKRISHNAN NAIR

 

PRASANTH BALAKRISHNAN NAIR 

AT  YUVAKSHETRA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, MUNDOOR

Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain, Indian Air Force was at the Yuvakshetra Institue of Management Studies, Mundoor.

Trained to participate in the Space Mission, he has been awarded KEERTHI CHAKRA by the Government of India.

He says, "Our most efficient teachers are the extreme adversities we are forced to tackle or those who act against us tacitly or otherwise. We must learn to enjoy life wherever we are. It could be conducive environments or destructive environments, but life has to be savoured.

We have to keep on learning, our entire life - in other words, we have to remain as students  forever. 

The process of learning never ceases. It's a continuous process. It's an ongoing journey. People invariably fail in life when they shut down the learning process at some point in life."

MUTATION OF PROPERTY

 

When C A Chako had passed away on  5thApril2008, he had left behind everything in order. He had infact  left his assets through the execution of a registered will to his son, Laji.

After a few months of the sad demise of his dear father, Laji presented the documents at Village Office for effecting mutation of property.

Laji's troubles began there. 

He had to visit the Village Office four times in a row to submit the documents. He had been turned away thrice.  The reason adduced had been varied. At first  he was told the Village Officer  was on leave. The second time, he was advised that the official was deputed to the Taluk Office. And the third time Laji came to know after waiting at the Village office from morning till evening that the Village officer was out on inspection duty. There was no acting Village Officer to look after the requirements of the citizens of India in place of the incumbent who was just unavailable. Laji cursed his stars as he had to travel 30km from the place of his posting - he was staying there - to reach the Village Office. At last, the Village Officer was there when he approached the Village Office, the fourth time. The esteemed official accepted the documents Laji presented.  He was advised that suitable action would be initiated after proper verification. Though Laji asked when the mutation would be effected, he was advised it could take a maximum of  three to four months  or a minimum of a week. When Laji asked how he would know, the suggestion from the ofiicial was either Laji or his representative could visit the ofice every week to  ascertain the progress. Laji told him, he was employed 30km away and he had to avail leave for each enquiry, the curt reply was, 'It is none of my business.' The unkind brushing off was akin to banishment of the grieving Laji to a pack of wolves.

Laji was a busy official in a prominent Government organisation.  It was very difficult for him to avail leave. As Laji had no one else to appear at the Village Office, his boss had granted him leave with reluctance. The boss drew the line, at the third time. Laji was told , mutation or no mutation, no further leave would be granted to him. Laji had somehow managed to obtain leave for the fourth visit after a lot of pleading and literal thumping of his chest before the superior. He was on the verge of tears.

Surendran, Laji's friend at the place, felt bad at Laji's plight. He assured he would make enquiries at the Village Office every week on behalf of Laji and the progress would be conveyed to Laji over phone.

Laji was much relieved.

But it was too soon.

Surendran made enquiries at the Village Office during the succeeding weeks. Each time he was told by the Village Officer that as he had been very busy , he had little time to waste on such trivial matters. After three months Surendran advised Laji, nothing seemed right and the Village officer was least interested in effecting the mutation of property.

The District Collector, under whose jurisdiction the Village under reference  came, was Laji's wife Elsy's classmate for the degree and PG classes. They used to meet occasionally as a family  at each other's place. Once when they met, Laji narrated the frustrating experience he had had at the Village Office and showed the official copies of the documents that had been submitted at the Village Office. The Collector scrutinised the documents and wondered why such a simple matter was kept to vegetate.  .

He advised Laji to request  Surendran to make an  enquiry at the Village Office the next day. He  further told Laji to let him know at once whatever that  transpired there.  

As advised, Surendran visited the Village Office the next day. However, the Village Officer shouted at him. The infuriated official asked him why he was coming to the Office almost  every other day to bother him. He was told plainly, the mutation of the property of Laji was not going to happen in the near furure. He asked Surendran to get out and  never be in the precincts ever again.

Surendran, quietly slipped out. He phoned Laji and appraised him of the unsavoury reception at the Village Office.

Laji did  exactly what  the District Collector had told him to do. The Collector asked Laji to tell Surendran not to leave the premises of the Village Office.

Surendran remained there at the courtyard.

Later Surendran conveyed to Laji the aftermath.

"I heard the telephone ringing in the office.  I could hear an unending series of 'Yes Sir." Once it was over, the Village Officer came out of his office and located me. He shouted at me - why did you call the Collector. I replied I knew no collector. But I had conveyed to the people who had sent me to your office a true transcript of what had happened here when I had approached you."

"The Villlage Officer told me to bring an autoriksha as he wanted to inspect the property of Mr. Laji. I complied with the demand at once. Together we reached the property that was just 2km from the Village Office."

"Once we reached the destination, the Village  Officer stepped out of the vehicle. He stood in front of the gate. for a minute. He said, "I want a glass of lime juice and a murukkan(Pan)."

"I furnihed that immediately. The Village Officer, after satisfying his thirst, boarded the autoriksha  chewing the murukkan."

"He said he watned to return to the Village Office"

"Back at his domain he went in to his own office. He called me after ten minutes and handed over a document."

"He said, "Mutation of Mr.Laji's property has now been effected. Here is the certificate. Please acknowledge in this register."

Surendran phoned Laji and conveyed  the happy news that the mission entrusted to him had been successfully completed.

Laji at once expressed his appreciation for what Surendran had done for him.

Laji, then phoned the District Collector. He told him they as a family were deeply indebted to him for making possible the impossible.

The Collector replied that if the Government was not for the people, there was no justification for that Government to exist.

He assured  that he would always stand for the people.

CSS // CONVERSATION WITHH CSS

 

 On August 18, 2025. the book  A WALK THROUGH THE RAIN

 had been released by the KUTS Publications, KUT Seminary, Kannammoola, Trivandrum in a glittering function.

On February 1, 2026 it was awarded the Njananikshepam Award for the best book - general - published in 2025, at the CSI MKD Convention at Kottayam. 

The book is available at the KUTSeminary for sale.

Whatever it generates is for the KUT Seminary

Judging it, is not for the writer.  It is left to CSS

CSS responded:

Please let us know what is the help expected.

It elicited a reply:

"As I said it is published and marketed by KUTSeminary.

And whatever it generates is for the KUTSeminary.

The initial edition is almost exhausted

The Seminary is planning to bring out  the second edition with a few corrections by the middle of March 26.

I'd be happy if you could contact the Principal,  Rev Dr. C I .David Joy  and discuss the modality for the sale of the book through CSS.

It was affirmed in the introduction to the book, "A writer will write. It's not for him to self-evaluate." 

It is the truth

I'd request you to evaluate the book and if possible arrange for its display and sale.

I may add, as the author is unknown, it'll be tough to evoke acceptance.

One thing it is certain. It'll gain acceptance if it rises up to the perception or expectation of the readers on quality publications

Reading the book, Rev Dr. C I .David Joy had commented that each article there conveyed a message.

Of course there would be quite a lot of adverse comments as well.

The request is, if possible please try and arrange for its sale through outlets of CSS, as it could assist KUTSeminary in its journey."

OUR FRIEND INTRODUCES US TO MINDFUL CDC

We were concerned when there was delay in the development of speech  in our 23 months' old grandchild 

Our friend introduced us to Mindful CDC

We wrote to the friend.

Grateful to you for sparing your precious time.

The conversation was invigorating.

It helped in assessing us from the eyes of another person who is in  no way associated with us or knows us.

As for us this is the fifth child who is growing up in front of us. Two were our own sons, three, our grandchildren.

Rearing children is a tough proposition. We look at it first from how we had been brought up. Those were difficult days - of poverty and insufficiency. Yet we have reached this far.

One thing I am certain. The experiences were never alike.

I know very well there is nothing wrong with the young child. A well known and a very senior Paediatrician had assured us there was nothing wrong with the child and we dont't have to worry till he crosses the 36th month.

But when someone, especially the mother raises concern we cannot afford to ignore it.

That makes us go along.

Thank you once again. Will get back to you for your opinion on this issue when we are at a four cross junction. 

We need to be certain the track doesn't lead us on a wild goose chase.

I reverted to my friend today:

"We kept the appointment today

The child, his mother and the grandmother:.

They said everything was good there at Mindful CDC. And they saw at least 20 children coming there. The youngest was our child.

The consultant said, the child needs immediate treatment or therapy.  And a few sessions alone would help them diagnose the extent of disability that they said was due to excessive screen time.

While they were insistent on scheduling the next appointment, the grandmother told them, they would revert after thinking over it at home.

While they revealed  the opinion of the senior Paediatrician that Consultation with CDC - he had said the CDC at SAT was very good - was required only after the child turned 3 years in age, the reply from the consultant was,"It is a misconception."

We are at a loss to assess who is right.

The Senior is at least 60 and he must have attended to a very large number of children. When both the children had severe cough related issues, the local Paediatrician at Lords with MD was treating them. But the symptoms worsned. We were at our wit's end. Suddenly,a thought crossed my mind. "Take them to the Senior doctor who had looked after our eldest grandson." I can only say God had put that into my mind because we had never thought of him for the past several years.

Sum and substance is, the children were back to normal with his treatment

When we go there we observe the presence of many children as patients.

I was reminding the people here, my friend had told me, we should start worrying after a few more months only.

Any case, I am leaving the future course of action to the parents of the child."

The friend talked to us through voice message late in the night, yesterday 

It is the sanest opinion we have ever received.

We are reminded, the child is not yet 2 years in age. Taking him for therapy is the worst thing we could do to him. Give him more room. Talk to him. Play with him. Attend to his antics. Cut the screen time to the minimum. 

They have a child like this, far elder to our child. His development of speech too was slow. They did take him for therapy when he turned three. A few sessions afterwards, they discontinued it. They are sending him to school now. The teachers tell them he is slowly picking up.

Please obtain a third or even a fourth opinion from experts before settling on therapy, she suggested.

Placing here my response today

Grateful indeed for your message. It was the most sensible message I have received ever in my life.

Sharing and brainstorming always gives you answers for the cascades of tormenting issues. You have exactly done that.

Though life has taught me so much I am still learning.

The greatest lesson I have learned is I am a nobody when I compare myself with others.

Three days ago, Tom, my cousin's husband at our native place had phoned me. He had a message to convey.

Then we went chitchatting. He enquired how the children were doing. Something we all invariably do.

But he was aware of the minor health issues that occasionally had plagued the children.

I replied they were ok now and added that the younger one is falling behind in speech development.

Though this is already long, please let me  quote his response.

Tom tells me, his younger son had started speaking only after 3 and a half years.

He says though he began speech at that age whatever he conveyed lacked clarity.

Clarity came after he turned eight 

The boy finished his engineering later as he grew up.

He's now employed at Dubai

To conclude, I can only say we - I mean us - normally worry over nothing as we wrongly think  we have  nothing to worry about. I can't ever generalise on that. It is because events always threaten to overtake us or they just dawn on us out of the blue.

The friend writes again

Thanks a lot for your kind words. It is good to share the experience we get with someone. Moreover 2 yrs is a very young age. My opinion is that more time should be given to them. All kids might not be same . As long as they are active I think nothing should be worried . Anyway thanks a lot once again for sharing your experiences too. We’ll hope for the best.