We often hear the phrases like "Universe sending messages" or "Serendipity" whenever people describe an unexpected life-changing event, or an invention that happened unexpectedly as a totally unintended consequence of otherwise normal course of actions. As a Scientist, I do think that no new invention happens by either best design of experiments or coincidental chance taken alone. A deeper analysis always reveals that any notable invention is often the result of a synergistic meeting of statistical probability with well planned strategy, i. e. it's a combination of uncertainty with certainty that occurs at right time in right place. As Louis Pasteur said it correctly, Chance always favors only the prepared mind. So in my view, you must keep your mind alert, sharp and well prepared at all times while working on your goals, because you never know when Serendipity would visit you, or when Universe would tap on your shoulder to give you the serendipitous signs. Only your prepared mind would enable you to welcome wonderful Serendipity in your life, and understand the subtle signs sent to you by Universe.

More Quotes by Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate

Sharing a strange experience from my student years at Manchester, England, during late 1970's. I had just arrived in England from India, and was searching for an accommodation, basically a room to rent. I always used to call the English landlords by phnoe first, to ensure that a room was available, and then visit those addresses, located miles away, by taking the bus or a train. Upon my arrival, I was always told that either there was no room at all or that the room was just rented. After a dozen or so such frustrating experiences, it became clear to me that the room was always available - but those English landlords and landladies were reluctant to rent it to someone like me, an Indian or a non-white person. Interestingly, the room was always available to my voice on the phone, because my voice could not reveal either my skin color, or my race, or my national origin. The mystery was thus dispelled, and yet that realization was surely a rude awakening to the true color of English society. It was my first encounter with prejudice and discrimination, and the most shocking moment that shatters one's innocence completely - especially after coming from a noble culture and the best upbringing that takes pride in Equality. I shall always remain thankful to England for the best education that I received during my M.S. and Ph.D., as much as for such exposure to the dark side of the real world. Years later, after coming to America, I realized that America is a whole new wonderful world that welcomes all, and treats everyone with respect and dignity they deserve. God Bless America!