India is a 'Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic'. My homeland is known for its tolerance and secularist fabric in which people of various faiths, and the largest diversified society existed in harmony and peace. This pride seems to be no longer holding good and it is an innate pain to see the very edifice on which the fundamentals of a Nation is built is under threat.
Not pointing any specific group or organization, but in general the warmth of co-existence seems to be slowly fading away in the name of language, regional and religion. Today millions of Indians are working in various countries and they are accepted, regarded and respected for the best of the things that Indians are able to transform in the world all over. What is that we are fighting within us in our home? What if the world nations, feel that we are outsiders? Can the economy and global outreach possible? The very people should understand that as far as India is concerned, every city and every state has a responsibility to treat fellow Indians with warmth, care and cooperation. Why can't other state people live in Maharashtra? What is causing havoc in Orissa? Why are certain faiths attacked in Kerala and Karnataka? Whoever it is, raising tantrums in the name of region and language should first realise that we are building our own graves killing the securalistic sentiments of a Nation. India was, is and will be a 'Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic', and the people at large have to join hands to make this possible. Few marginalised and self-centred groups should not be allowed to overtake a Nation's integrity and our pledge in our unity in diversity.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Golden Chain
The chain
One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson." Well, all she had was a flat tyre, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tyre. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "And think of me." He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: "You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you." Under the napkin were four more $100 bills. Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.... She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything' s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson."
- Author Unknown
Magic of Mahabalipuram
The best of the Mahabalipuram is its Shore Temple- having the Vishu and Shiva idols inside- still surviving the test of time.. one of the most cherished remains of the era that excelled in sculptural excellence of India
The Tiger Caves of Mahabalipuram, more than 1400 years old, stands tall as testimony to the Indian art and sculptural significance. Mind boggling art in pure granite, carved on a single stone, stands on a sea shore withstanding the wavieries of time and climate. 
The ancient Shiva Temple that represents the artistic beauty and sculptural excellence of 
ancient India.
The ancient Shiva Temple that represents the artistic beauty and sculptural excellence of 
ancient India. Sunday, October 26, 2008
Visit Andhra Pradesh
No post would be idealistic to begin on Travel India, than my birthplace. Having born in a town called Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, I always feel that my country has got a lot more to explore and enjoy. Today, as we Indians enjoy the universe as world travellers, we fail to recognise the warmth and beauty of our homeland. This sequence of Travel India, is an additional endeavour to map the charm and beauty of my mother land.
Ma Telugu Talliki Malleypu dhanda
Ma Kanna Talliki Mangalarathulu
I have grown listening to this dedicated song to Telugu goddess. Andhra is a land of chivalry and pageantry, destined with heritage that speaks of immense wealth and wisdom. Temples that speak volumes of the cultural significance of our land. The artistic beauty in the walls of the temple and fortresses, and rhythm of the lyrics of Ramadas, Annamaya and Thyagaraya kirtanas that unwind us from ourselves to a divine happiness.
Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara that captures the faith of millions across the globe and the ultimate destination of Hinduism. Srikalahasti Vayu lingam, Srisailam Jyothirlingam, Bhadhrachalam Ramalayam, Dwarakatirumala, Thousand pillar temple in Hanumakonda, 2000 year old Jain temple in Kolanpuka, Pancharma, Dharmapuri, stone carvings of Ramappa temple, Vijayawada kannakadurga.... these temples speak about centuries old heritage and rich culture and traditions of Andhra Pradesh. They stand tall as specimens of old Hindu religion. Mecca masjid of Hyderabad is a centre of Muslim culture, which in fact is thronged by many Hindus as well, showing the unity of people and secularist beliefs of the state
Andhra Pradesh called as the food bowl of India, for its rich agricultural products, and diverse landscape, coastal line, wide variety of wild life and natural beauty. Andhra is also world famous for its spicy food habits and is called as Annapoorna which means, the godess of food. Andhra Pradesh is well known for its beautiful language Telugu regarded as the sweetest Indian language, rich literature and vibrant Kuchipudi dance form. Ruins, Palaces, Museums and Ports that speak about the ancient history of Andhra. India's best pelican refuge at Kolleru lake is regarded as the haven for the migrating birds and one of the famous tourist destinations.
Godavari and Krishna are the two major rivers that flow through the heart of Andhra Pradesh, and glad that I was born in the belt where these two rivers tow into a lake called Tamileru. Tungabadra is one another tributary of Krishna that flows in Andhra. Ancient history mentions Andhra as Dakshina Padh and has reference to more than 100 decades old. Gupta dynasty, Maurya, Challukyas, Kakatiyas and the famous Vijayanagar empire ruled ancient Andhra.
The modern Andhrapradesh produces techies and today every household in Andhra has at least one person working abroad. Education and employment opportunities have welcomes people from all other states in Andhra and other parts of the world and merge with ease and understanding. Buddists, Muslim breatheren and hindu traditions co-exist in peace and harmony in the state capital Hyderabad, which is also the destination for the best of software industry in India. Hyderabad with its changed infrastructure and increased facilities had become a most desired destination for world class companies. Sriharikota stands tall with hosting the nuclear sciences of the Nation and also parenting the strength of a nation's security.
For those who want, to have a holiday in peace, the villages of Andhrapradesh are a must see. Sitting at the banks of river krishna, one can see the happiness as the life flows with its rhyme and rythm, transforming you with a magic spell of nature. That's Andhra for me!
Ma Telugu Talliki Malleypu dhanda
Ma Kanna Talliki Mangalarathulu
I have grown listening to this dedicated song to Telugu goddess. Andhra is a land of chivalry and pageantry, destined with heritage that speaks of immense wealth and wisdom. Temples that speak volumes of the cultural significance of our land. The artistic beauty in the walls of the temple and fortresses, and rhythm of the lyrics of Ramadas, Annamaya and Thyagaraya kirtanas that unwind us from ourselves to a divine happiness.
Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara that captures the faith of millions across the globe and the ultimate destination of Hinduism. Srikalahasti Vayu lingam, Srisailam Jyothirlingam, Bhadhrachalam Ramalayam, Dwarakatirumala, Thousand pillar temple in Hanumakonda, 2000 year old Jain temple in Kolanpuka, Pancharma, Dharmapuri, stone carvings of Ramappa temple, Vijayawada kannakadurga.... these temples speak about centuries old heritage and rich culture and traditions of Andhra Pradesh. They stand tall as specimens of old Hindu religion. Mecca masjid of Hyderabad is a centre of Muslim culture, which in fact is thronged by many Hindus as well, showing the unity of people and secularist beliefs of the state
Andhra Pradesh called as the food bowl of India, for its rich agricultural products, and diverse landscape, coastal line, wide variety of wild life and natural beauty. Andhra is also world famous for its spicy food habits and is called as Annapoorna which means, the godess of food. Andhra Pradesh is well known for its beautiful language Telugu regarded as the sweetest Indian language, rich literature and vibrant Kuchipudi dance form. Ruins, Palaces, Museums and Ports that speak about the ancient history of Andhra. India's best pelican refuge at Kolleru lake is regarded as the haven for the migrating birds and one of the famous tourist destinations.
Godavari and Krishna are the two major rivers that flow through the heart of Andhra Pradesh, and glad that I was born in the belt where these two rivers tow into a lake called Tamileru. Tungabadra is one another tributary of Krishna that flows in Andhra. Ancient history mentions Andhra as Dakshina Padh and has reference to more than 100 decades old. Gupta dynasty, Maurya, Challukyas, Kakatiyas and the famous Vijayanagar empire ruled ancient Andhra.
The modern Andhrapradesh produces techies and today every household in Andhra has at least one person working abroad. Education and employment opportunities have welcomes people from all other states in Andhra and other parts of the world and merge with ease and understanding. Buddists, Muslim breatheren and hindu traditions co-exist in peace and harmony in the state capital Hyderabad, which is also the destination for the best of software industry in India. Hyderabad with its changed infrastructure and increased facilities had become a most desired destination for world class companies. Sriharikota stands tall with hosting the nuclear sciences of the Nation and also parenting the strength of a nation's security.
For those who want, to have a holiday in peace, the villages of Andhrapradesh are a must see. Sitting at the banks of river krishna, one can see the happiness as the life flows with its rhyme and rythm, transforming you with a magic spell of nature. That's Andhra for me!
Happy Diwali
Diwali is the time of celebration of victory over evil, joy of enjoying the oneness of a country, that raises beyond religions and faiths to celebrate the festival of lights. Diwali is an occasion to unite families and bring in friends together to cherish the happiness of celebrations together.
To me, Diwali reminds me of a nostalgic era that brought with it wonderful memories. The memories of happiness, the memories of having crackers a month ahead, new dresses, lots and lots of sweets and savories, lot of visitors and pujas in the temples. There used to be a competitions on who burst the maximum crackers. The most colourful neighbourhood with Thoranas, rangolies and beautiful girls in half-sarees and young boys trying their first vesties. The charm used to be sharing sweets- most of them home made and the hot and spicy vada and adursam, the one sweet my mom used to make at home...... slowly years went by, changes came in, and city life limited its celebrations to one or two days...Home made sweets replaced the packages came in from Krishna Sweets or Adyar Ananda bhavan- with the same home made taste and the puja ingrediants as well- along with a music cd...the time spent with friends and families slowly started to get replaced by people getting hooked to the special programmes on the TVs..new movies released, the celebrity interviews, and also some programs reminding you of the Diwali purpose and meaning.....when people started to move across the globe, this started becoming an universal festival- White house celebrating Diwali a day ahead...lot of bhajans and puja's organised in the local Hindu temples.. where for that day, people get to be there together in the Indian attire, sings songs together and have food in the communal kitchen, some children tasting Indian sweets first time. The spirit of Diwali do not change, only the way of celebration does.
Wishing all my friends and family a very happy and colourful diwali..let the lights bring in peace, happiness, joy and prosperity. Happy Deepavali!!!
To me, Diwali reminds me of a nostalgic era that brought with it wonderful memories. The memories of happiness, the memories of having crackers a month ahead, new dresses, lots and lots of sweets and savories, lot of visitors and pujas in the temples. There used to be a competitions on who burst the maximum crackers. The most colourful neighbourhood with Thoranas, rangolies and beautiful girls in half-sarees and young boys trying their first vesties. The charm used to be sharing sweets- most of them home made and the hot and spicy vada and adursam, the one sweet my mom used to make at home...... slowly years went by, changes came in, and city life limited its celebrations to one or two days...Home made sweets replaced the packages came in from Krishna Sweets or Adyar Ananda bhavan- with the same home made taste and the puja ingrediants as well- along with a music cd...the time spent with friends and families slowly started to get replaced by people getting hooked to the special programmes on the TVs..new movies released, the celebrity interviews, and also some programs reminding you of the Diwali purpose and meaning.....when people started to move across the globe, this started becoming an universal festival- White house celebrating Diwali a day ahead...lot of bhajans and puja's organised in the local Hindu temples.. where for that day, people get to be there together in the Indian attire, sings songs together and have food in the communal kitchen, some children tasting Indian sweets first time. The spirit of Diwali do not change, only the way of celebration does.
Wishing all my friends and family a very happy and colourful diwali..let the lights bring in peace, happiness, joy and prosperity. Happy Deepavali!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sandwiched or Empowered? Whazzup!!!
Sandwiched between two powerful siblings
one way felt tough to keep on compete
But the fact is that I am empowered being in between
for one guided me and other followed me all times
Challenge was to learn what I could
when times did not permit me what I wanted to
I think Science is saved for I took commerce
Succeeded did I for it went on with my attitude
Took on a career that came on my way
Had I taken the choice of my heart
Am not sure I would not be where I am
Would have been auditing papers with red inks
I had a choice, either to marry the man whom I loved
or marry the man who loved me,
When I took the second choice as my decision
It only made my life get more meaning
I had a choice, either to do just a CA
or going in for Bcom, HDSE and CWA
When I took the second choice as my decision
that made me a person of both Finance and software tree
I had a choice, to be part of a publishing company
or being on my own as a freelance writer
Taking the second choice made me empowered
for it let me write what I thought
Had a choice to compromise all my life
or at times be a rebel to regain your life
When I took on second toughest choice
success started to come with strong edifice
When I got sandwiched between two people
Always thought who needs me more
That's where I always made my decisions
for there is a need, there will be a care true
Where I got sandwiched between my friends
friends behind whom I loved to hang around
or friends who love to hang on around me
I took the choice 2, for it made a difference to be
Where I got sandwiched to write a fiction or a poem
I always preferred to write a poem
for I can put in my fiction in a rhyme
which can be my strength as a poet too
When I get sandwiched between religion to follow
Born Hindu and an educated christian
to me all religions mattered the same
and I decided to be omni potent human being
When sandwiched between my day and night
I decided not to fight, for at times
A Day makes me shine with newness it brings
and nights let me sleep in the much needed peace
This is nothing but a proclamation that
I am empowered every time,
I feel that I am sandwiched
between two different but important things
Life is nothing but an alignment
to make it more empowered at troubled times
Life is nothing but a passage of time
where you transform everything beside....
one way felt tough to keep on compete
But the fact is that I am empowered being in between
for one guided me and other followed me all times
Challenge was to learn what I could
when times did not permit me what I wanted to
I think Science is saved for I took commerce
Succeeded did I for it went on with my attitude
Took on a career that came on my way
Had I taken the choice of my heart
Am not sure I would not be where I am
Would have been auditing papers with red inks
I had a choice, either to marry the man whom I loved
or marry the man who loved me,
When I took the second choice as my decision
It only made my life get more meaning
I had a choice, either to do just a CA
or going in for Bcom, HDSE and CWA
When I took the second choice as my decision
that made me a person of both Finance and software tree
I had a choice, to be part of a publishing company
or being on my own as a freelance writer
Taking the second choice made me empowered
for it let me write what I thought
Had a choice to compromise all my life
or at times be a rebel to regain your life
When I took on second toughest choice
success started to come with strong edifice
When I got sandwiched between two people
Always thought who needs me more
That's where I always made my decisions
for there is a need, there will be a care true
Where I got sandwiched between my friends
friends behind whom I loved to hang around
or friends who love to hang on around me
I took the choice 2, for it made a difference to be
Where I got sandwiched to write a fiction or a poem
I always preferred to write a poem
for I can put in my fiction in a rhyme
which can be my strength as a poet too
When I get sandwiched between religion to follow
Born Hindu and an educated christian
to me all religions mattered the same
and I decided to be omni potent human being
When sandwiched between my day and night
I decided not to fight, for at times
A Day makes me shine with newness it brings
and nights let me sleep in the much needed peace
This is nothing but a proclamation that
I am empowered every time,
I feel that I am sandwiched
between two different but important things
Life is nothing but an alignment
to make it more empowered at troubled times
Life is nothing but a passage of time
where you transform everything beside....
Monday, October 20, 2008
Kannadasan Endra Kadalai Thondrum Neyram - ( Digging into the well of wealth called Kannadasan)- A Tribute to the ever green Poet
Ponal pohattum poda - intha poomiyil nilaiyai vazhnthavar yaarada. Vanthathu theriyum povathu enge vaasal namakke theriyathu, Vanthavarellam thanki viddal - intha mannil namakke idamtethu, Vazhkai enpathu viyaparam - varum jananam enpathu varavahum - athil maranam enpathu selavaahum.
Meaning - Let the passions and bonds pass-by Who has lived in this land forever? Path of arrival is known - but Path of departure and the route unknown. If all who came opt to stay Where's the space in this sphere? Life is just a business -in which the birth is credit and death is debit
It was in the October 3 rd week, in 1981, that a poet and lyricst Kavingnar Kannadasan left this world at the age of 54. What is left behind is a well of wealth, the wealth of tamil literature in the form of 5000 movie songs, 4000 poems, 30+ novels, and 109 volumes of publications and his children claim that there is much of this great poet which is not published. Looks like an ocean of knowledge. As a poet and writer, I am in a kind of an obsession to the words in his poems, the indepth meaning that makes us go awe in appreciation of his great writings. One more example given below
Veedu varai uravu,Veethi varai manaivi, Kaadu varai pillai, kadaisi varai yaaro? Meaning- The kin, till the house, The wife, till the street, The son, upto the cemetery, Who will come beyond that?
It may be years and years after this was written, but the truth do not change.. so is the one given below:
Aadai inri piranthome - aasai inri piranthoma? Aadi mudikkaiyile alli chenror yaarumundo
Meaning- Though born without a dress, did we come without passions? when we complete the merriment can anyone carry their possessions?
There is one another movie song, that makes you almost silent, for the essence of the lyrics
Ullam enpathu aamai - athil unmai enpathu oomai Sollil varuvathu paathi - nenjil thoonki kidappathu neethi
Meaning - Mind is like a tortoise - in which the truth hides in silence words can bring out only the half while justice calmly sleeps
one more theme that again talks about the sorrows and joys of a common man who still manages to dream, balancing the artimetics of life...
Vazhvil thunbam varavuu suham selavu, iruppathu kanavu kaalam vahutha kanakkai inge yaar kaanuvar?
With my tributes and ardent devotion to a poet who showed a new world in his words.
Thanks to my friend Partha who spent almost 5 hours online to explore Kannadasan over the weekend, translating meaning of his various songs to the otherwise illiterate uma who has no knowledge of Tamil writing. Provoking me to learn the language and explore it and make it a continious saga..... this reminds me of Kavingnar Kanimozhi's words "Ethanna nalla analum, theru en veediyil varavillayey" describing the pain of the poor that the god's chariot has not made to his street.
Poets are not made, they are born!!!.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The White Tiger - My Review
As a voracious reader who enjoys reading books that are more related to us and near to reality, I do appreciate the bold write of an young Writer Aravind Adiga. Also proud of the way, he made it to the Booker Prize. Aravind Adiga's White Tiger reflects on the injustices and poverty that is still scaring India. The rapidly changing face of India with still persistent problems that we endured for almost 6 decades after Independence in one way reflects India in poor light. The edifice on which the development and growth of the Nation happened and still previaling the rich ruling the poor in the country once again throws us to an debate of the emerging India.
India is currently in the verge of becoming a super power and very shortly accepted as a developed Nation. One way, the book represents the actual India.. In other way, it represents what we could best avoid in a global scenario. This is like the world channels still showing India as a land of elephants, cows and people moving around half naked, sleeping on streets and children carrying concrete bricks for survival.
Unlike most of the critics, I want to highlight one core aspect of Adiga's White Tiger. The huge disparities of wealth , the way rich treats the servants and poor, the greed and theiving which happens in form of growing corruption, is clearly drafted in various sequences in the book. The book also highlights on the emotions, sorrows and aspirations of the invisible poor. In one way, it dares to proclaim that anyone can dream big in this country. The other aspect is not just a villager moving from a rural village to a urban city, the feeling is the same when an Indian immigrates to a foreign land as well. For those who are not exposed to the different cultures, climate, food and way of business, there is always a cultural shock that awaits them.
One thing that hurts me really when took a look deep into Adiga's White Tiger is that it talks more about the bad and troubled things in India. At a time, when India is highly regarded across the globe for the best of hi-tech advancement, human intelligence and we being the best in the fashion world, information technology, science and bio-technology, nuclear physics, spiritual enlightenment, world economy and lot of other good things. I only wish India is shown to the world around for the best of traditions, our rich heritage, our spiritual enrichment, intellectual brilliance, and hardworking Indians, the people of a nation who stand united being so diversified in languages and regions, we should be proud for what best we hold.
I would like to leave a note for Aravind : Think from making the best of your writing skills to promote India for the other side of the coin. I am sure we are no more a land of snake charmers and rope walkers alone with Chandrayan ready to hit the moon coming wednesday. Hats off India, for the way you go towards becoming a developed nation, making Dr Kalam's dream of 2020 a reality very soon.
India is currently in the verge of becoming a super power and very shortly accepted as a developed Nation. One way, the book represents the actual India.. In other way, it represents what we could best avoid in a global scenario. This is like the world channels still showing India as a land of elephants, cows and people moving around half naked, sleeping on streets and children carrying concrete bricks for survival.
Unlike most of the critics, I want to highlight one core aspect of Adiga's White Tiger. The huge disparities of wealth , the way rich treats the servants and poor, the greed and theiving which happens in form of growing corruption, is clearly drafted in various sequences in the book. The book also highlights on the emotions, sorrows and aspirations of the invisible poor. In one way, it dares to proclaim that anyone can dream big in this country. The other aspect is not just a villager moving from a rural village to a urban city, the feeling is the same when an Indian immigrates to a foreign land as well. For those who are not exposed to the different cultures, climate, food and way of business, there is always a cultural shock that awaits them.
One thing that hurts me really when took a look deep into Adiga's White Tiger is that it talks more about the bad and troubled things in India. At a time, when India is highly regarded across the globe for the best of hi-tech advancement, human intelligence and we being the best in the fashion world, information technology, science and bio-technology, nuclear physics, spiritual enlightenment, world economy and lot of other good things. I only wish India is shown to the world around for the best of traditions, our rich heritage, our spiritual enrichment, intellectual brilliance, and hardworking Indians, the people of a nation who stand united being so diversified in languages and regions, we should be proud for what best we hold.
I would like to leave a note for Aravind : Think from making the best of your writing skills to promote India for the other side of the coin. I am sure we are no more a land of snake charmers and rope walkers alone with Chandrayan ready to hit the moon coming wednesday. Hats off India, for the way you go towards becoming a developed nation, making Dr Kalam's dream of 2020 a reality very soon.
Earn-and-Burn Generation
This used to be the usual comment from my friend Hari's father, that we folks do belong to a generation which can be called EB Group. My mom used to sing the same song. The song that they managed families within 4 digit incomes, many more children, limited spending, and safe savings. The usual complaint not just from these two parents but almost all of the retired group that I met was that the young generation do not know the value of money. Most of the young lot would just knock their ideas and suggestions by saying that these people never know to enjoy their lives.
All her life, I have not seen my mom even accepting a debit card from the bank, for she thinks that the 1- 2% charges of the shopping made by swiping the debit cards is also ridiculous. And a credit card is a definite no-no. But to us, plastic money is handy, convenient and a usual thing. What started as a pride to have credit cards, slowly became an addiction to spend more. Thinking that every transaction has a record, and the convenience to purchase what we want at the time of when we want, irrespective of when we could afford in fact had ruined many people who never tried to look at the backside of their credit card bills. The cumulative effect of the interest rates laid, the hidden costs, taxes and service charges, surcharges and every aspect of the charges levied have a Banking Act reference, making it a more legal document. It is like signing an P-note without reading it at all.
In US, I have seen people making payments even for $1 by credit cards. There are no hidden charges that threaten the people here as the system is so regulated and controlled. But that is not the scene in India. We do not have the option of declaring individual bankruptcy and taking the social security to fight our difficult situations. The thing which started as a pride on the day you went to an ATM to draw money from your debit card, lured by the well-trained credit card agents of various banks who made you feel like a king when the offer is made is in long run a doom. Taking multiple credit cards to manage one after the other and finally by just making the minimum balance payments, the 45 day cycle of the credit time given expires to land up in more cumulative costs which the customer is not even aware of. The banks which have their own primary system of call centre followup on credit card payments, and legal letter and notices on defaulters, and subsequent personal visits of the credit collection agents of the banks have also the secondary system of collections. The system of Dada-giri or goonda-giri which I am sure the massive defaulters would know what I am referring to.
The second most biggest threat in a bad economy for the salaried middle class is the EMI's. In 1980's, I have seen people struggling to get a home loan, which was given by LIC, or few banks after so much of documentary verification and assessment. In beginning of 2000, this changed drastically, where Loans were sanctioned at the click of few mouse strokes. Online processing, real estate melas, and limited verifications, and minimum requirements like 2 months salary slips, confirmation from employer, 10 open cheques, few photographs made loans for homes, cars, and foreign education, personal needs like marriages, household goods, foreign travel a reality to many people. All for an easy-monthly-installment.
For almost 40% of the salaried class in urban India today, nearly 20-40% of their monthly income goes of in paying for the credit cards or EMIs.
The Third biggest disadvantage of the EB generation is investing in the speculation market. Nearly 20-25% of the investment of young India is shares and stocks, with limited or near to no knowledge on the markets is a major risk. Expecting high returns, quick money and going by own assessment would prove costlier in a bad economy. The concept of recurring deposits, investments in nationalised banks have considerably reduced.
One good option that survived is investing in the yellow metal and real estate that for sure in India is ever booming. Though in general, we hate to adhere to the advice of our old gen, sometimes, giving a thought too helps.....
All her life, I have not seen my mom even accepting a debit card from the bank, for she thinks that the 1- 2% charges of the shopping made by swiping the debit cards is also ridiculous. And a credit card is a definite no-no. But to us, plastic money is handy, convenient and a usual thing. What started as a pride to have credit cards, slowly became an addiction to spend more. Thinking that every transaction has a record, and the convenience to purchase what we want at the time of when we want, irrespective of when we could afford in fact had ruined many people who never tried to look at the backside of their credit card bills. The cumulative effect of the interest rates laid, the hidden costs, taxes and service charges, surcharges and every aspect of the charges levied have a Banking Act reference, making it a more legal document. It is like signing an P-note without reading it at all.
In US, I have seen people making payments even for $1 by credit cards. There are no hidden charges that threaten the people here as the system is so regulated and controlled. But that is not the scene in India. We do not have the option of declaring individual bankruptcy and taking the social security to fight our difficult situations. The thing which started as a pride on the day you went to an ATM to draw money from your debit card, lured by the well-trained credit card agents of various banks who made you feel like a king when the offer is made is in long run a doom. Taking multiple credit cards to manage one after the other and finally by just making the minimum balance payments, the 45 day cycle of the credit time given expires to land up in more cumulative costs which the customer is not even aware of. The banks which have their own primary system of call centre followup on credit card payments, and legal letter and notices on defaulters, and subsequent personal visits of the credit collection agents of the banks have also the secondary system of collections. The system of Dada-giri or goonda-giri which I am sure the massive defaulters would know what I am referring to.
The second most biggest threat in a bad economy for the salaried middle class is the EMI's. In 1980's, I have seen people struggling to get a home loan, which was given by LIC, or few banks after so much of documentary verification and assessment. In beginning of 2000, this changed drastically, where Loans were sanctioned at the click of few mouse strokes. Online processing, real estate melas, and limited verifications, and minimum requirements like 2 months salary slips, confirmation from employer, 10 open cheques, few photographs made loans for homes, cars, and foreign education, personal needs like marriages, household goods, foreign travel a reality to many people. All for an easy-monthly-installment.
For almost 40% of the salaried class in urban India today, nearly 20-40% of their monthly income goes of in paying for the credit cards or EMIs.
The Third biggest disadvantage of the EB generation is investing in the speculation market. Nearly 20-25% of the investment of young India is shares and stocks, with limited or near to no knowledge on the markets is a major risk. Expecting high returns, quick money and going by own assessment would prove costlier in a bad economy. The concept of recurring deposits, investments in nationalised banks have considerably reduced.
One good option that survived is investing in the yellow metal and real estate that for sure in India is ever booming. Though in general, we hate to adhere to the advice of our old gen, sometimes, giving a thought too helps.....
Attrition coming down to a single digit
First time in the several years, reports have stated that attrition had seen a serious fall from 13% to 8%. This brings in a cheer to the HR community which otherwise struggled for several years with the paper work, resource hunt and a critical match path of the right people for the project needs. HR community also faced a biggest challenge of identifying the right profiles, and over the period of time, became experts to identify fakes certificates and experiences. The wildfire of attrition has stopped in the BPO and IT industry for a while. Major reason being "IT companies stopped hiring". This is a generic statement and there are exceptions like Infosys who are still head hunting. But overall, the market mood is sober and unpredictable.
A year back, the situation was different. Retention was a major concern to organizations with people hopping jobs at the fall of a hat. There were several reasons and major demand across the sector and people took things for granted. Now the Ring of Fire is different. Now it’s the companies which are having a Tea Time. In the sense, that with appraisal cycles round the corner in the last quarter of the year, lot of companies is at the advantage to handle people and their demands in a more passive manner. It would not have been the state a year back. But things are different and people are now backing in form, expecting job security, consistent projects, known environments and loyal atmosphere. This infact is going to bring back the lost loyalty of the people in the organizations. People would now naturally get back to the mode of being connected to the companies they work for. For one reason, they would not like to be detached in such an economy for a job in hand. There is nothing wrong in the change that is going to happen in the mind set of the IT professional, for one reason, that they are seeing such a chain reactions of the economy at a large for the first time after the recession of 2001.
IT companies overall revenue is estimated to be in the range of 40- 65% happening from the Banking, Financial and Insurance industry and related sectors. Travel and hospitality industry also had seen greener days as the IT and BFSI sectors worked towards rapid growth in the last several years. It is time for the ROI for IT companies which have invested on the human capital in terms of training, recruitment, travel, recreation etc. The overall IT spend will be coming down as there are going to be less and less of projects coming from UK and USA at least in the next one to two years. The support, maintenance and operations contracts would still survive. It is going to be very challenging for the sourcing teams who would pursue new projects. Employees also would understand the need to make use of the economies of scale and learning to be contributing to the company cost cuts. The first and foremost responsibility would be for everyone in the organization to feel the need to minimize costs, increase productivity and understand that only the best would survive under such a situation. This paradigm would continue at the current environment where supply is over stripped to the market demand. It’s no more a choice but a nomenclature to live within one's means.
A year back, the situation was different. Retention was a major concern to organizations with people hopping jobs at the fall of a hat. There were several reasons and major demand across the sector and people took things for granted. Now the Ring of Fire is different. Now it’s the companies which are having a Tea Time. In the sense, that with appraisal cycles round the corner in the last quarter of the year, lot of companies is at the advantage to handle people and their demands in a more passive manner. It would not have been the state a year back. But things are different and people are now backing in form, expecting job security, consistent projects, known environments and loyal atmosphere. This infact is going to bring back the lost loyalty of the people in the organizations. People would now naturally get back to the mode of being connected to the companies they work for. For one reason, they would not like to be detached in such an economy for a job in hand. There is nothing wrong in the change that is going to happen in the mind set of the IT professional, for one reason, that they are seeing such a chain reactions of the economy at a large for the first time after the recession of 2001.
IT companies overall revenue is estimated to be in the range of 40- 65% happening from the Banking, Financial and Insurance industry and related sectors. Travel and hospitality industry also had seen greener days as the IT and BFSI sectors worked towards rapid growth in the last several years. It is time for the ROI for IT companies which have invested on the human capital in terms of training, recruitment, travel, recreation etc. The overall IT spend will be coming down as there are going to be less and less of projects coming from UK and USA at least in the next one to two years. The support, maintenance and operations contracts would still survive. It is going to be very challenging for the sourcing teams who would pursue new projects. Employees also would understand the need to make use of the economies of scale and learning to be contributing to the company cost cuts. The first and foremost responsibility would be for everyone in the organization to feel the need to minimize costs, increase productivity and understand that only the best would survive under such a situation. This paradigm would continue at the current environment where supply is over stripped to the market demand. It’s no more a choice but a nomenclature to live within one's means.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Broken Bridge - Part 6 and Final
After 2 years of that important conversation that turned our lives altogether is when I received the most unexpected phone call. About her untimely death.
Just before a month of the tragedy, she called me. Telling me about her failing health and the kind of fear that is engulfing her progress in everything in life. She sounded depressed and lost. I have never seen Sindhu being so low and talking about failure, depression and death. First time in life, she was telling me on the arrangements she made for her family back in India and about her property and other things in Germany. I gave her my usual motivational speech, guaranteed her that things will fall in place and she would get better and back to track in life. Once again, I called her to come back to India. This time, Asha joined me in calling her back home. Sindhu promised us that she would come back very soon.
Many times after that distressed call, me and Asha used to talk about Sindhu. Never did we expected that she would come so soon, but this time, wrapped up in a casket. My mind is so heavy and the cars in the distance from where I had been watching them all this while look so tiny to me. Somewhere in the distance I could hear an aeroplane zooming above the building. I wished I took the next flight to Frankfurt. I know I have no reason to do so anymore. The words of Sindhu echoed in my ears. " Asha, I know I need Bala in life. He has become almost everything to me and I also know that it will be equally difficult for me to live without him. But let me tell you the truth. He can never be my husband. Sometimes, you need some people in life, just for what they are and not because what you want them to be in life for you. I am a person who can accept the reality and move on. When I came to India with Bala, one thing that I realised. For me to have his support and emotional bonding, I don't need a commitment called marriage. All I need is an understanding of you that Bala to me is a mentor, guide and a strength who cares for me and helps me to remove my mental blocks to move on with life. As long as you don't suspect our relationship and understand the beautiful bondage of two friends, we don't need to change anything in our lives the way we are living today. I promise you, I had not been his wife anytime. He had been my shoulder to lean on from the day one. If you could accept and be a part of this unique bonding, I think I am all set to go back". I remember Asha suddenly going and embracing Sindhu and giving her a big hug. Later that night, I asked Sindhu, what made her change her decision. She replied, "Asha needs you more than me!". She went back to Frankfurt taking my promise that I would not go there anymore. She broke my bridge! This time for ever!
Just before a month of the tragedy, she called me. Telling me about her failing health and the kind of fear that is engulfing her progress in everything in life. She sounded depressed and lost. I have never seen Sindhu being so low and talking about failure, depression and death. First time in life, she was telling me on the arrangements she made for her family back in India and about her property and other things in Germany. I gave her my usual motivational speech, guaranteed her that things will fall in place and she would get better and back to track in life. Once again, I called her to come back to India. This time, Asha joined me in calling her back home. Sindhu promised us that she would come back very soon.
Many times after that distressed call, me and Asha used to talk about Sindhu. Never did we expected that she would come so soon, but this time, wrapped up in a casket. My mind is so heavy and the cars in the distance from where I had been watching them all this while look so tiny to me. Somewhere in the distance I could hear an aeroplane zooming above the building. I wished I took the next flight to Frankfurt. I know I have no reason to do so anymore. The words of Sindhu echoed in my ears. " Asha, I know I need Bala in life. He has become almost everything to me and I also know that it will be equally difficult for me to live without him. But let me tell you the truth. He can never be my husband. Sometimes, you need some people in life, just for what they are and not because what you want them to be in life for you. I am a person who can accept the reality and move on. When I came to India with Bala, one thing that I realised. For me to have his support and emotional bonding, I don't need a commitment called marriage. All I need is an understanding of you that Bala to me is a mentor, guide and a strength who cares for me and helps me to remove my mental blocks to move on with life. As long as you don't suspect our relationship and understand the beautiful bondage of two friends, we don't need to change anything in our lives the way we are living today. I promise you, I had not been his wife anytime. He had been my shoulder to lean on from the day one. If you could accept and be a part of this unique bonding, I think I am all set to go back". I remember Asha suddenly going and embracing Sindhu and giving her a big hug. Later that night, I asked Sindhu, what made her change her decision. She replied, "Asha needs you more than me!". She went back to Frankfurt taking my promise that I would not go there anymore. She broke my bridge! This time for ever!
The Broken Bridge - Part 5
I could not face Asha. It was almost my umpteenth visit to Frankfurt. Asha started to slowly understand why most of my business is happening in Germany. Fears of her own and not wanting to hear me accept the truth and go ahead with the unexpected twists and turns in my life, Asha never dared to ask me straight. But slowly I could see the change in the way she handled children and sometimes with me.
This time I returned from Frankfurt with my decision. It is not that I have some problem being married to Asha, but because I could not run between two parallel priorities. It is going to be tough to handle but unfortunately if one of your priorities take the maxim, you have to make a decision. This time, I returned to India with Sindhu. Asha as usual maintained her composure which in fact surprised me alot, startled me too.
Three of us were sitting in our living room. I started to speak to Asha. "Asha, I know this is not going to be easy..." She stopped me. "No Bala, I don't want to listen to anything. I don't have the energy or strength to listen to you telling me that you love another woman in life. I cannot accept for what so ever reasons, that I have to go on my own for no fault of mine". I felt very painful. There is justice in her words. But sometimes, I hate to understand why love becomes so blind and what is that binds us for unexpected relationships. First time, I felt guilty. I felt stuck between two important people in life. One who has no other world than me, and the other person vulnerable in the open world. For a moment, I wished I did not meet Sindhu again.
"Asha, for heaven's sake, listen to me. Bala had been my greatest strength and my worst weekness ever. I don't deny that. At the same time, I am not a person to break your relationship and build mine. He had been coming to Frankfurt for almost 5 years now, which I am sure you are aware. But understand that I have got to tell you something. Something that is important to all three of us" Sindhu stopped for a while.
This time I returned from Frankfurt with my decision. It is not that I have some problem being married to Asha, but because I could not run between two parallel priorities. It is going to be tough to handle but unfortunately if one of your priorities take the maxim, you have to make a decision. This time, I returned to India with Sindhu. Asha as usual maintained her composure which in fact surprised me alot, startled me too.
Three of us were sitting in our living room. I started to speak to Asha. "Asha, I know this is not going to be easy..." She stopped me. "No Bala, I don't want to listen to anything. I don't have the energy or strength to listen to you telling me that you love another woman in life. I cannot accept for what so ever reasons, that I have to go on my own for no fault of mine". I felt very painful. There is justice in her words. But sometimes, I hate to understand why love becomes so blind and what is that binds us for unexpected relationships. First time, I felt guilty. I felt stuck between two important people in life. One who has no other world than me, and the other person vulnerable in the open world. For a moment, I wished I did not meet Sindhu again.
"Asha, for heaven's sake, listen to me. Bala had been my greatest strength and my worst weekness ever. I don't deny that. At the same time, I am not a person to break your relationship and build mine. He had been coming to Frankfurt for almost 5 years now, which I am sure you are aware. But understand that I have got to tell you something. Something that is important to all three of us" Sindhu stopped for a while.
The Broken Bridge - Part 4
Asha and kids wanted to come with me on my business trip to Germany. It was summer time for children and I was not able to give them enough time during the last few years and don't remember taking them on a long holiday. So thought I can make this trip a combined one with professional objectives and pleasure time with the family too. After completing my usual work in office, I drove down to the Hotel Hilton. Kids were waiting for me and quickly changed to my casuals and picked the fishing rods and sand castle stuff. Asha commented that sometimes I behave more worse than the kids.... I laughed. Yeah, she is right. After 4 hours in the beach and having good Mexican food on the way back, return to retire in our rooms.
As the night clicked its wings across the black canopy dazzling in a twilight of stars, I could not sleep. My restlessness was new and my intuition was going strong back to my old memories. Slowly I moved away from Asha and kids, and started to walk in the lobby of the lighted Hilton in the night.
I could not believe my eyes when a woman walked into the lobby with her travel bags and was checking into the hotel where I stayed. This is the woman whom I know so well. Never thought that after 3 years I would meet her again. " Sindhu.........." I gave a call in the most slightest voice possible. She turned and gave me a surprise look. " Bala!... Oh,what a pleasant surprise. I never thought we would meet again." So did I. I asked her about her husband and child and her work. Sitting opposite to me in the lobby, she did not speak. Her eyes conveyed her loneliness and betrayal. "Its all over! " She said. I could not ask her more. As she checked into their new hotel room, I also went in with her. Suddenly, she turned and hugged me tightly and cried. I did not stop her. An old friend lending a shoulder to shed the tears. I felt so lifted being able to stand beside her and solace her.
It was in the morning, when I introduced Asha to Sindhu. Sindhu was happy to see my daughter and son and joined us in the long drives and picnics in the same week. Asha initially raised so many questions as to why Sindhu is moved to a hotel, where she is working and what happened to her family and so on. I could not reply to her for I myself do not have those answers. Sometimes, silence is better when words may hurt people's thoughts.
After15 days, of both business and holidaying, it was time for us to return to India. Loads of shopping, memories captured in pictures, and tokens of the places we visited made kids and Asha very excited. Inside me started a train of thoughts on how to leave Sindhu and go back. Made an attempt telling her to come back and start life all over again. She refused, this time, the one decision I expected from her.
Sindhu came to airport to see us off. This time, I found her face brightened up. There are no traces of dejection or a battle in life that she is undergoing. After the flight took off from Frankfurt, it flashed in my head on what made Sindhu look afresh. A new hope. A hope that emerged from my interaction with her. I know, that very soon, I am coming back to Frankfurt.
As the night clicked its wings across the black canopy dazzling in a twilight of stars, I could not sleep. My restlessness was new and my intuition was going strong back to my old memories. Slowly I moved away from Asha and kids, and started to walk in the lobby of the lighted Hilton in the night.
I could not believe my eyes when a woman walked into the lobby with her travel bags and was checking into the hotel where I stayed. This is the woman whom I know so well. Never thought that after 3 years I would meet her again. " Sindhu.........." I gave a call in the most slightest voice possible. She turned and gave me a surprise look. " Bala!... Oh,what a pleasant surprise. I never thought we would meet again." So did I. I asked her about her husband and child and her work. Sitting opposite to me in the lobby, she did not speak. Her eyes conveyed her loneliness and betrayal. "Its all over! " She said. I could not ask her more. As she checked into their new hotel room, I also went in with her. Suddenly, she turned and hugged me tightly and cried. I did not stop her. An old friend lending a shoulder to shed the tears. I felt so lifted being able to stand beside her and solace her.
It was in the morning, when I introduced Asha to Sindhu. Sindhu was happy to see my daughter and son and joined us in the long drives and picnics in the same week. Asha initially raised so many questions as to why Sindhu is moved to a hotel, where she is working and what happened to her family and so on. I could not reply to her for I myself do not have those answers. Sometimes, silence is better when words may hurt people's thoughts.
After15 days, of both business and holidaying, it was time for us to return to India. Loads of shopping, memories captured in pictures, and tokens of the places we visited made kids and Asha very excited. Inside me started a train of thoughts on how to leave Sindhu and go back. Made an attempt telling her to come back and start life all over again. She refused, this time, the one decision I expected from her.
Sindhu came to airport to see us off. This time, I found her face brightened up. There are no traces of dejection or a battle in life that she is undergoing. After the flight took off from Frankfurt, it flashed in my head on what made Sindhu look afresh. A new hope. A hope that emerged from my interaction with her. I know, that very soon, I am coming back to Frankfurt.
The Broken Bridge - Part 3
"Bala, Can you drop me at home for my car is gone for service?'' Sindhu called me. I was more than ready to offer her a drop, on condition that she would go for a coffee with me. "You guys are all like this!" . She gave me a free statement along with her acceptance. Moccha, our favourite coffee shop is always full of energy, and young crowd hanging around. Sindhu also loves both coffee and Moccha...so it was my pleasant evening when I could go there with her.
She is such a lively girl that I used to keep on watching her while she is at work. Multi-tasking specialist and very friendly person. A person who strongly believe that women makes better managers as they can get things done by intuitive management. A very revolutionary thoughts of this young woman inspired not just me but lot of my colleagues in senior management.
One day, she called at my desk. I was in midst of my phone call and asked her to sit. She was looking very tensed and troubled. After the call, I asked her what is bothering her. She forwarded her resignation to me. I advised that she is recognised here and have lot of growth opportunities and she should not go just because she gets a salary hike. As usual she was adamant. Sometimes, she is so strong in her decisions, despite the fact that she will not think of it, once taken even if it proves wrong to her later. Knowing her attitude, I signed the acknowledgement and handed over to her.
"Bala, will you not ask me to stay back!" She gave me a jerk with her question and a statement. I replied to her that I already made an attempt to stop her from going. "No, I am not asking you to stop me as my Boss, but you could try to stop me as my................." She stopped there. Took the piece of paper I signed and walked out of the room. I stood from my seat in a kind of disbelief. What did I hear from her now? My mind was boggling me like never before.
She is such a lively girl that I used to keep on watching her while she is at work. Multi-tasking specialist and very friendly person. A person who strongly believe that women makes better managers as they can get things done by intuitive management. A very revolutionary thoughts of this young woman inspired not just me but lot of my colleagues in senior management.
One day, she called at my desk. I was in midst of my phone call and asked her to sit. She was looking very tensed and troubled. After the call, I asked her what is bothering her. She forwarded her resignation to me. I advised that she is recognised here and have lot of growth opportunities and she should not go just because she gets a salary hike. As usual she was adamant. Sometimes, she is so strong in her decisions, despite the fact that she will not think of it, once taken even if it proves wrong to her later. Knowing her attitude, I signed the acknowledgement and handed over to her.
"Bala, will you not ask me to stay back!" She gave me a jerk with her question and a statement. I replied to her that I already made an attempt to stop her from going. "No, I am not asking you to stop me as my Boss, but you could try to stop me as my................." She stopped there. Took the piece of paper I signed and walked out of the room. I stood from my seat in a kind of disbelief. What did I hear from her now? My mind was boggling me like never before.
The Broken Bridge - Part 2
Asha and me returned home after a long day. The day was full of various emotions and pain. I stood there among hundreds of people, friends, associates, well-wishers and family when she was getting ready for her final journey. The end is only to the mortal remains of a human being who transformed lives around her. Along with me, I have heard people who kept on telling that there can be no death to the person who lives in the thoughts of others. May be this is what is called Atma (The Soul) and its eternity. I think this tragedy had made me give myself a spiritual look, which otherwise was a distant activity in my life.
All through the 24 hours that passed, Asha did not speak to me. I could see a different pain in her eyes. A look that only scared me more. I thought it is natural when a dear one passes away. Did not want to think anything more, and I just went and tried to catch up a quick sleep.
After couple of days, everything started to become normal. Kids started to go to school, and Asha as usual started to become busy at home. I had no rhyme or reason to be away from work. So I called Ram and packed myself to work.
After 3 days of being away, I had loads of tasks to attend. Meetings that got post phoned, proposals that are pending from review, and outlook was over pouring with the mails. By the time I realised that I am hungry, it was 4 pm. For a while I closed my laptop and took a walk to the office cafeteria. With a cup of coffee and a sandwich, I took my usual table and looked outside the window. The cars are all like little ants running behind each other. The fourth lane was full of trucks. Here everything runs. People, Cars, Machines, Shares, Money, in fact everything in the world today just runs! Run! I grimed at myself for not having born in the previous century. Life would have been more peaceful.
Within few days, things started to become much more normal. Once in a while Asha mentioning about the grieving family. I behaved as if I did not listen to her. But inside me, there started a vacuum and a sense of guilt. May be I could have changed the things for her. May be I could have handled issues differently. May be, may be , may be- I got wild at myself for this May be!. Sometimes, just like the ship wrecks, few broken bridges also haunt for life. My broken bridge is no different.
All through the 24 hours that passed, Asha did not speak to me. I could see a different pain in her eyes. A look that only scared me more. I thought it is natural when a dear one passes away. Did not want to think anything more, and I just went and tried to catch up a quick sleep.
After couple of days, everything started to become normal. Kids started to go to school, and Asha as usual started to become busy at home. I had no rhyme or reason to be away from work. So I called Ram and packed myself to work.
After 3 days of being away, I had loads of tasks to attend. Meetings that got post phoned, proposals that are pending from review, and outlook was over pouring with the mails. By the time I realised that I am hungry, it was 4 pm. For a while I closed my laptop and took a walk to the office cafeteria. With a cup of coffee and a sandwich, I took my usual table and looked outside the window. The cars are all like little ants running behind each other. The fourth lane was full of trucks. Here everything runs. People, Cars, Machines, Shares, Money, in fact everything in the world today just runs! Run! I grimed at myself for not having born in the previous century. Life would have been more peaceful.
Within few days, things started to become much more normal. Once in a while Asha mentioning about the grieving family. I behaved as if I did not listen to her. But inside me, there started a vacuum and a sense of guilt. May be I could have changed the things for her. May be I could have handled issues differently. May be, may be , may be- I got wild at myself for this May be!. Sometimes, just like the ship wrecks, few broken bridges also haunt for life. My broken bridge is no different.
The Broken Bridge - Part 1
It was around 9 pm in the night. I have put children to bed and took a book in hand. My wife Asha is still in the kitchen. I gave a smile, wondering what women keep on doing there. But never dared to ask her that for I don't have time to take it up in case she entrusts the tasks of the kitchen to me in anger!. A man's precaution. My phone rang. Reluctantly expecting another business call, I took the phone. It is the last news that I can expect. My hands started to shiver and panic gripped me all over. I throw ed the phone off, thinking it would let me not hear what I have been hearing on the other side. She is no more.
I know it is going to be a long drive to airport, which is almost now 2 hours journey from home. Asha wanted to come with me, but I told her not to as kids are already sleeping. But I was not sure if I could drive myself. So called the driver and by then started to get ready. As I got into the car, suddenly remembered something and ran inside to pick a thing that I kept for her for long. Was just waiting for her to come back. It is a saree that she pestered me to buy on her birthday.
By then Ram, my driver started to drive towards Airport. I know the flight would only reach by 3 am, but I was not in a position to wait any longer. There is a pain in this waiting. I have waited for her many times in the several years in the past. However, knowing that this is going to be final waiting for her, I wanted it to be long and a lonely wait. Distressed thoughts engulfed my mind and a heaviness surrounded my heart for the first time in the recent past. I closed my eyes in pain. She came as a wave with a smile. I could visualise her in front of me bidding me a final adieu. For a moment, I wanted the phone call to be fake, I wanted my drive to airport to stop, I wanted my thoughts to stop and I wanted my past, present and future to stop. But I know I do not have control on any of these. My driver turned back and gave me a stern look. Probably the few tears that sprang unknowingly would have been the reason for his surprised look at me. What he do not know is that my silence is actually awaiting a roar of trauma of a broken bridge. The river of tear is ready to flow beyond any control. Can men be also capable of such a emotionally disturbed state? I would not have acknowledged had I not come across this painful day. The day I realised that the person of my love is no more.
I know it is going to be a long drive to airport, which is almost now 2 hours journey from home. Asha wanted to come with me, but I told her not to as kids are already sleeping. But I was not sure if I could drive myself. So called the driver and by then started to get ready. As I got into the car, suddenly remembered something and ran inside to pick a thing that I kept for her for long. Was just waiting for her to come back. It is a saree that she pestered me to buy on her birthday.
By then Ram, my driver started to drive towards Airport. I know the flight would only reach by 3 am, but I was not in a position to wait any longer. There is a pain in this waiting. I have waited for her many times in the several years in the past. However, knowing that this is going to be final waiting for her, I wanted it to be long and a lonely wait. Distressed thoughts engulfed my mind and a heaviness surrounded my heart for the first time in the recent past. I closed my eyes in pain. She came as a wave with a smile. I could visualise her in front of me bidding me a final adieu. For a moment, I wanted the phone call to be fake, I wanted my drive to airport to stop, I wanted my thoughts to stop and I wanted my past, present and future to stop. But I know I do not have control on any of these. My driver turned back and gave me a stern look. Probably the few tears that sprang unknowingly would have been the reason for his surprised look at me. What he do not know is that my silence is actually awaiting a roar of trauma of a broken bridge. The river of tear is ready to flow beyond any control. Can men be also capable of such a emotionally disturbed state? I would not have acknowledged had I not come across this painful day. The day I realised that the person of my love is no more.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Obstacles are inevitable in our path to Success!
The journey is tough but not impossible. Everytime I feel that I am stopped by an unsurmoutable obstacle, it reminds me of the Story of Abraham Lincoln, who said that he used to alway fail in his all endeavours till he was 49, and that is the first time he saw success. The success of becoming the President of United States. Another story is of our own Dr Abdul Kalam. Hailing from a poor fisherman family, Dr Kalam is one of the most influential personalities in India who can sway the Young India in the right direction with his magic- the magic of surmounting the obstacles with determination, perseverance and hardwork.
Remember the sequence of incidents that would deter one's confidence and faith to proceed. But still, keep up you spirits high and belief in yourself and the power of God guiding you in the righteousness and this would surely one day achieve the objectives set and success craved for!.
Remember the sequence of incidents that would deter one's confidence and faith to proceed. But still, keep up you spirits high and belief in yourself and the power of God guiding you in the righteousness and this would surely one day achieve the objectives set and success craved for!.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Varavu Ettana, Sellavu Patthana, Bakki Thandana Thandana!!!!
This is a famous song from the ever green Tamil movie "Bhama Vijayam". This movie was released in 1967, those times when there was no fears of recession, big salaries or layoffs. What makes this song relevant now? The fact that this is relevant at all times. Much more now. For simple reason that that consumer's purchasing power was always overtaken by the market's consumer buying behaviour in the recent decades. The buyer behaviour was never in the means and limits of the buyer's purchasing power after the plastic money got its predominance.
The Plastic money or the easy credit laid a bullish impact on the middle class salaried income group who started to spend more than they could actually afford. This does not have a wider impact on the business or the high income groups nor on the low income groups who survive on daily wages and other sources of income. Almost 60% of the spending group comes from the middle layer and this is the layer that is struggling to make both ends meet as the economy and subsequent recession impacts started to show its devilish realities. Cost of living has been increased, inflation floated around 12% and standard of living of the people in general became more high due to the increased consumer's buying behaviour. If 6 out of 10 could afford to pay a price "X" for a product, which other wise could only be sold at "X-1", the seller tendency would be to aim for X or X+1 and this is the chain reaction on what we are seeing in the domestic markets today, be it consumables, food products, perishables or even household goods- everything coming up with inflated high prices.
All is set and done till this segment is hit by recession drastically. Consumers should understand that it is not a situation which has to be blamed, nor we expect the global markets, banks, economy or the government to be held responsible for this dire consequences of the spending habits of the common man. The common man should understand what is his limits and learn to live within the means. Otherwise, it doesn't stop you from singing- Varavu Ettana, Sellavu Pattana, Baki Thandana, Thandana, Thandana!!!!
Let me write more on how this plastic money is actually impacting our pockets!!!!- with more proven statistics on the credit cards management in India.... in my next post!
The Plastic money or the easy credit laid a bullish impact on the middle class salaried income group who started to spend more than they could actually afford. This does not have a wider impact on the business or the high income groups nor on the low income groups who survive on daily wages and other sources of income. Almost 60% of the spending group comes from the middle layer and this is the layer that is struggling to make both ends meet as the economy and subsequent recession impacts started to show its devilish realities. Cost of living has been increased, inflation floated around 12% and standard of living of the people in general became more high due to the increased consumer's buying behaviour. If 6 out of 10 could afford to pay a price "X" for a product, which other wise could only be sold at "X-1", the seller tendency would be to aim for X or X+1 and this is the chain reaction on what we are seeing in the domestic markets today, be it consumables, food products, perishables or even household goods- everything coming up with inflated high prices.
All is set and done till this segment is hit by recession drastically. Consumers should understand that it is not a situation which has to be blamed, nor we expect the global markets, banks, economy or the government to be held responsible for this dire consequences of the spending habits of the common man. The common man should understand what is his limits and learn to live within the means. Otherwise, it doesn't stop you from singing- Varavu Ettana, Sellavu Pattana, Baki Thandana, Thandana, Thandana!!!!
Let me write more on how this plastic money is actually impacting our pockets!!!!- with more proven statistics on the credit cards management in India.... in my next post!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Troubled with Anger- Borewells or Deathtraps??
It makes me write this post with terrible anger to see a child dying in an open borewell. A huge machinery put into action once the tragedy stuck. Why can't the local authorities, neighbourhoods and people wake up before these incidents happen. Time and again, we have been hearing news of such miserable things around us. 150 feet borewell to 3 feet sanitation manholes, everything is causing a concern in the country. No roads are safe to walk. Thanks to municipalities and corporations who dig pits and forget to close them, manholes that get the irons lids missing, not sure how many people disappeared into the open drains in the country, garbage dump yards which were earlier water beds suck people unknowingly stepping into the traps, electricity boards leave the open cables for the rains to lavish the lives of people walking. Roadways are not immune from not contributing, broken railways gates are not fixed immediately, telephone companies leave the work half done, construction companies leave the concrete slabs in hap-hazard ways for the people to get hit and fall. Who is failing? Government machinery or the people or its a collective failure? How many of us care to close a open pit in our neighbourhood as we cross it. We don't care for something unless we are directly impacted by the carelessness of whoever concerned. Lets stop this attitude. Local councillors should be held responsible for maintaining the local areas... least they can do is pay little more for the garbage collectors on a weekly basis assigning them the responsibility to close the open pits. Media. I hate to describe the way the live televisions covered sonu's death. What the hell is happening in our country. The very media that takes survey of Tom, dick and harry issues, never bother to bring in statistical facts on loopholes in the local machinery, for they are not going to increase their TRPs... Bring in a portal where every citizen journalist can input the minute they find such bore wells, or open manholes and let this list be forwarded to the local authorities... a simple call centre technique..but for us what matters, right... whose bothered.. This is exactly the attitude of everyone, including politicians, bureaucrats, authorities, media and general public unless and until they find some news to debate, gossip, and gather useless views and suggestions. Guys, please wake up, lets make our neighbourhoods safe for our children to survive...Please!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sister Alphonsa is now Saint Alphonsa
Being a product of St.Theresa's convent and having had the opportunity to look closely into the lives of Sisters who are dedicated to God and serve all their lives, I thought today is definitely a day marking in the history of Catholic community in India. A proud moment when Sister Alphonsa is declared as the Saint by Vatican. A short life of 36 years, full of human suffering that did not stop a soul from her service to her fellow beings, and a person who is believed to be making miracles from her tomb is regarded as the most blessed person in the world today as she attains her sainthood, the highest honour conferred by Vatican.
I have studied in the convent for good 12 years, almost spent my childhood in the lawns of the school maintained by the St.Ann's congregation. Few things that need to be mentioned. Discipline, spiritualistic attention, utmost care, unparalleled love and a great amount of service. I know few sisters who have not gone back to families for ages. To them, we the students were everything. They used to nurture us like flowers in a garden. One or two used to be very angry and show their temperaments on us, but again, they are also human beings. Overall, they are the self-less souls who had taken up the most toughest decisions to be nuns, for it is not easy a task to do. But I have not seen any of them regretting their decision, they did their chores with happiness and a contentment. Unlike what I hear in general, there was never a thrust upon us for converting or what so ever.
Every Good Friday, we got a chance to look at the old movie"Karunamayudu" or "Dayamayudu" and I remember lot of children sitting and crying along with the sisters watching Christ getting crucified. Christmas was time to rejoice, for we always celebrated the festival either on Dec 21 or 22, just before our holidays began. I remember one of my friend who always donned the role of Mother Mary and one another, a girl cutely dress up as Jesus Christ. One play that is still getting enacted in the school on this day is "The Last Judgement". I remember shouting on the stage one day "You too Brutus.." and falling down to the ground. I have been one among the sheep, one among the three wise men from east, remember my younger sister as an Angel always standing next to the Baby Jesus..and it was all fun. The sisters rediscovered their happiness and life in seeing us grow and become good citizens. When I took my family to the school after 10 long years, I was stuck with amazement when most of my teachers recognised me and sisters took me inside the convent, a rare instance. I got my chocolates from them after several years.....that's my love for my Alma Mater.
I have studied in the convent for good 12 years, almost spent my childhood in the lawns of the school maintained by the St.Ann's congregation. Few things that need to be mentioned. Discipline, spiritualistic attention, utmost care, unparalleled love and a great amount of service. I know few sisters who have not gone back to families for ages. To them, we the students were everything. They used to nurture us like flowers in a garden. One or two used to be very angry and show their temperaments on us, but again, they are also human beings. Overall, they are the self-less souls who had taken up the most toughest decisions to be nuns, for it is not easy a task to do. But I have not seen any of them regretting their decision, they did their chores with happiness and a contentment. Unlike what I hear in general, there was never a thrust upon us for converting or what so ever.
Every Good Friday, we got a chance to look at the old movie"Karunamayudu" or "Dayamayudu" and I remember lot of children sitting and crying along with the sisters watching Christ getting crucified. Christmas was time to rejoice, for we always celebrated the festival either on Dec 21 or 22, just before our holidays began. I remember one of my friend who always donned the role of Mother Mary and one another, a girl cutely dress up as Jesus Christ. One play that is still getting enacted in the school on this day is "The Last Judgement". I remember shouting on the stage one day "You too Brutus.." and falling down to the ground. I have been one among the sheep, one among the three wise men from east, remember my younger sister as an Angel always standing next to the Baby Jesus..and it was all fun. The sisters rediscovered their happiness and life in seeing us grow and become good citizens. When I took my family to the school after 10 long years, I was stuck with amazement when most of my teachers recognised me and sisters took me inside the convent, a rare instance. I got my chocolates from them after several years.....that's my love for my Alma Mater.
Finance Ministers Urge to maintain CALM??
Did I hear it right in the morning news? Finance Ministers urging people to maintain Calm??. I once again looked into the news in detail. I know its not the time to be too pessimistic but it also do not give us enough reasons to be optimistic the way we are always. Its getting very hard not to believe that the global contagion is getting hit from all sides and struggling to keep intact what was other wise a smooth sail so far. Never in the history have heard COUNTRIES going BANKRUPT. With the news of ICELAND in the brink of bankruptcy, it urges us to look deeper into the economic transformation of the world happening in the last few days. Rumours are that Pakistan is next in line.
What is happening in India? For those who for several years have made a hue and cry that Indian banks are not totally privatised, I think it is now time to acknowledge the fact that we are more regularised and regulated Financial System with India leading the growth trajectory, exercising caution always. Other than complaints on a poor service, I think most of the public sector banks do have a very regularised lending pattern which saves them from the economic turbulence. Except for the rumours on ICICI, there are no major consequences on the Indian Banking industry.
Somehow, it does not give us a sense of security when it is been repeatedly said by every economist and bureaucrats of the country that our fundamentals are strong. Then why is the sensex dipping day by day as a reflection of the global markets. RBI Governor's repeated statements that we are not having a direct impact raises its own direct questions, then why is RBI introducing the dreadful p-notes which were curtailed from the market earlier? Why are measures taken to cut the CRR rates for 7.5% and what makes him be in Washinton DC discussing consequences with the worlds' finance ministers if every thing back home is safe and secured?? May be the new governor Dr Subba Rao have lot more work to do and challenges to upkeep the reputation created by his predecessor Y V Reddy.
The sensex and nifty is going low every day making investors and companies have sleepless nights and it is impacting the every corner of the Indian economy no doubt. So there cannot be a wave of calmness unless people are rest assured that we are not sinking along with the global ships. Time to maintain calm, I doubt. Least we could do being born optimists is that to keep trying for what our finance ministry is asking us to do!!!
What is happening in India? For those who for several years have made a hue and cry that Indian banks are not totally privatised, I think it is now time to acknowledge the fact that we are more regularised and regulated Financial System with India leading the growth trajectory, exercising caution always. Other than complaints on a poor service, I think most of the public sector banks do have a very regularised lending pattern which saves them from the economic turbulence. Except for the rumours on ICICI, there are no major consequences on the Indian Banking industry.
Somehow, it does not give us a sense of security when it is been repeatedly said by every economist and bureaucrats of the country that our fundamentals are strong. Then why is the sensex dipping day by day as a reflection of the global markets. RBI Governor's repeated statements that we are not having a direct impact raises its own direct questions, then why is RBI introducing the dreadful p-notes which were curtailed from the market earlier? Why are measures taken to cut the CRR rates for 7.5% and what makes him be in Washinton DC discussing consequences with the worlds' finance ministers if every thing back home is safe and secured?? May be the new governor Dr Subba Rao have lot more work to do and challenges to upkeep the reputation created by his predecessor Y V Reddy.
The sensex and nifty is going low every day making investors and companies have sleepless nights and it is impacting the every corner of the Indian economy no doubt. So there cannot be a wave of calmness unless people are rest assured that we are not sinking along with the global ships. Time to maintain calm, I doubt. Least we could do being born optimists is that to keep trying for what our finance ministry is asking us to do!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Blogging Bug Bitten me strong
Lot of my classmates would vouch that I am bug bitten by imagination. If talking had been my USP, story telling is part of it. In this process, I have gained few people and lost few too. But what doesnt really stop is my talking! Can't help!...Now that I have less or literally no people who would listen to my scrap, I think I am happy talking what I feel like in my blog. Its like praticising tennis or squash in a closed net room, just yourself. It helps, for there is no opponent who would judge you or get irritated if you take time to practise. Happy I am for I have born in a country where I have freedom of speech. Blogging had become a habit, to show our reactions, emotions, thoughts, justifications and validations of what is happening around us. Ranging from current affairs, travel, social issues, economy,people issues, jobs, organizations, products and services, you will find millions of bloggers expressing their views, opinions, suggestions and information on net. In one way, these bloggers are recording history. Bloggers do it for their self satisfaction, finding it a right platform of expression and also chronologically assessing the changes happening in the world. Sooner,this would become a profession. People like Amit Agarwal had already made a beginning whereas Amitabh proclaims that he is an addict to his blog. So we are! It doesn't mean that we neglect our core responsibility. This has become an outlet for millions of people across the world. I am not an exception to this fact. No wonder if this becomes an industry on its own and gets into the more organized sector of media. No one can deny the power of pen to the sword ... the only difference is its no more just a pen, but what shares is the keyboard as well!!!!Blogging is fun, a passion, an expression, an way of creating history. Be part of it. Enjoy it , cherish it and never use it to hurt others. Be yourself!!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Kabuliwala
It was a cold winter morning. Men were all sleeping in the village outside their houses on the wooden cots. Most of the doors of the homes were not locked. There was no fear of theft or any other reason for the people of the village to close their doors. The old clock stuck 4 a.m and birds started their crippling sounds making attempts to begin their fly for the day. People could hear the sound of the kabuliwala in a distance... singing the fate of the day in front of every house and going on...
Slowly the elder women started to wake up and water their lawns and draw the kolams before sunrise.
"Kamala, Kamala, get up and get ready before sun-rise" Called the father at 5 am. The bullock cart got ready and the family of two daughters, parents and grandparents set to the weekly village fair. Kamala came out and suddently noticed her father talking to the Kabuliwala. She brought him the tea in a mud cup and the old kabuliwala looked at her.
" Bless you my child. Huh,, don't know how you are going to live?" and he gave back the cup to her and went off. Father stood looking in the way the old man went.
Kamala did not understand the statement. She asked her father what he meant. His father smiled and patted her on the back and got into the cart and all of them drove away.
On the way back, she could not hold her inquisitiveness and asked her father what the kabuliwala said.
"Kamala, he is my friend for ages, for every day he said that I am going to do good, things went so well for me. Today for the first time, he told me good bye. Even I don't understand what he meant".... explained the father.
Few days later, the father died suddenly in an accident. Unusually, the kabuliwala did not come to the street for that week. Kamala was shocked. Is that what the kabuliwala already indicated to her and her family. She could not believe it.
Kamala with her family left to the town to stay with her maternal uncle's family after the tragedy. It was after several years, that she suddenly came across Kabuliwala in a railway station. She ran behind him and caught him to speak.
"Sir, what you said year backs, I am still not able to understand? Can you explain to me " For this question from Kamala, Kabuliwala said that they go by the intuition to predict things and when the predictions happen for wrong reasons, they leave the place and go. He had hinted that he may not see her father after that day and that is what had happened and he could not return to the village where his old friend is no more. Kamala looked bewildered, was it his friendship that made him have this instinct or is the concept of kabuliwala real...she stood there still wondering as the old man took his next train...........
Slowly the elder women started to wake up and water their lawns and draw the kolams before sunrise.
"Kamala, Kamala, get up and get ready before sun-rise" Called the father at 5 am. The bullock cart got ready and the family of two daughters, parents and grandparents set to the weekly village fair. Kamala came out and suddently noticed her father talking to the Kabuliwala. She brought him the tea in a mud cup and the old kabuliwala looked at her.
" Bless you my child. Huh,, don't know how you are going to live?" and he gave back the cup to her and went off. Father stood looking in the way the old man went.
Kamala did not understand the statement. She asked her father what he meant. His father smiled and patted her on the back and got into the cart and all of them drove away.
On the way back, she could not hold her inquisitiveness and asked her father what the kabuliwala said.
"Kamala, he is my friend for ages, for every day he said that I am going to do good, things went so well for me. Today for the first time, he told me good bye. Even I don't understand what he meant".... explained the father.
Few days later, the father died suddenly in an accident. Unusually, the kabuliwala did not come to the street for that week. Kamala was shocked. Is that what the kabuliwala already indicated to her and her family. She could not believe it.
Kamala with her family left to the town to stay with her maternal uncle's family after the tragedy. It was after several years, that she suddenly came across Kabuliwala in a railway station. She ran behind him and caught him to speak.
"Sir, what you said year backs, I am still not able to understand? Can you explain to me " For this question from Kamala, Kabuliwala said that they go by the intuition to predict things and when the predictions happen for wrong reasons, they leave the place and go. He had hinted that he may not see her father after that day and that is what had happened and he could not return to the village where his old friend is no more. Kamala looked bewildered, was it his friendship that made him have this instinct or is the concept of kabuliwala real...she stood there still wondering as the old man took his next train...........
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
Music is one thing that binds the world. It does not have boundaries of Nations, it does not stop with one media, it does not have limitations of language, religion, caste, creed or community. It does not stop with an instrument or a way of performance. Be it Hindustani, Classical, Folk, Carnatic or Western, what ultimately becomes a world class phenomenon is when the listener's get immersed in it.
SaReGaMaPa- A hunt for the world's best talent is currently going on. What makes it a pride thing is when our brothers from Pakistan sing our songs with the same pitch and vibes, it makes us recall the 20 year old of song that first came in DD- Miley sur mera thumara.... only wish we never had this split with Pakistan and as Mrs Sarada Ramani, CEO of CI International says, our country would have been the world best in many things long time back for our energies would not have been diverted to resolve issues with our neighbouring countries. Hope SaReGaMaPa and many other such events bring back a little amount of solace to other-wise troubled neighbours. Hats off to Zee TV for this endeavour.
హేల్లపురి కాలింగ్ యు బ్యాక్
ఏ దేసమేగిన ఎందు కాలిడిన పొగడరా నీ తల్లి బుమ్మీ బారతి నే, నిల్లుపుర నీ జాతి నిందు గవ్రవము
కానంతరాలు దాతి వచ్చిన, ఎన్నో ఏళ్ళు గడిచిపోయిన మనసూ మాత్రం పుటిన ఉరుకీ పరుగులు తిసుడ్నది. శ్రీ శ్రీ కవిత్వం లాగా పరుగులు తిస్తున నా అలచోనలికి సరిహదు లేయకుండా వస్తునాయి. గోదావరి గట్టు కింద కూచొని ఎద్దుసతున పిల్లవాడిల్ల చిళ్ల చిల్ల వినిపిస్తునాద్ఐ నా మనసు. రా అన్తునది నా బల్ల్యం , నా కోసం రా అన్తునది నా తొలి ప్రేమ , నా కోసమేయ్న రా అన్తునారూ నాన ..ఎవరికోసం కాకా పోయిన, నా కోసమీ నెయ్నూ నా ఉరికి పరుగులూ తిస్తునా ప్రతి రోజ్జు నా ఊహలలొ
Be a Sun when you are alone- Shine as a star when you are around!
Utterly bitterly being alone
Hardly have time to be frown
For I am happy being myself
Encompassing every gulf
Nor do I miss my day with fun
For I smile at myself in the run
I look upon the sky and the sun
Smiled at him for he is all alone
The night came to my thought
I smiled back at the moon in twilight
For I know for sure, I have more fun
Being one amongst the stars to run!
Hardly have time to be frown
For I am happy being myself
Encompassing every gulf
Nor do I miss my day with fun
For I smile at myself in the run
I look upon the sky and the sun
Smiled at him for he is all alone
The night came to my thought
I smiled back at the moon in twilight
For I know for sure, I have more fun
Being one amongst the stars to run!
Fatima Oldage Home- A Shelter for the autumn leaves
With a heavy heart went in search of the Fatima Trust and Oldage Home in Thoraipakkam in Chennai, after knowing that one of my old aunt who is ailing, bedridden and counting days is moved to this oldage home. First time in life, I felt so useless to myself, for I could not help the situation for her. I cursed myself for having little or no possibility to take care of her bringing her home and was silently in tears as we were nearing the place. Sometimes though our hearts ache and urge for making things differently, our unfortunate circumstances do not support our thoughts. My situation was very much the same, for this aunt was widowed at a very young age, had no children, and worked as a school teacher and retired, and she had been very close to me as a child. I stood with shame and helplessness for a moment.
But my feelings got a better solace as I stepped inside. The place is well maintained, and inmates are well taken care of by providing appropriate diet on time, medical care being provided, and the caretaker taking full efforts to make the place a real home. Thankfully I found that people found company in each other and lot many returned my smile with real happiness to see a visitor. Almost 70% of the inmates were sick and needed medical attention and timely care. I was amazed to see an old freedom fighter having all his photos, certificates and memories hanging in his room and was taken by awe to see our National Flag near his pillow. Inadvertently I went ahead to salute him with pride. Then I took few minutes to talk to the care-taker and discuss about the welfare of my aunt. Talking to her I felt, that she is in the safe hands of a person who have abundant care and love for her fellow human beings. I was shocked to hear that most of the inmates want the final journey to be made from the home and the home also takes care of doing this most pious responsibility. I had no words. All I could do is stand up and put both my hands together in salutation to the care-taker and walk ahead without looking back.....
On the way back, glad my husband told me that we would one day run such an institution when both time and money permits and do our best back to the society. I did not reply him. Tears flooded my eyes and thoughts!!!
But my feelings got a better solace as I stepped inside. The place is well maintained, and inmates are well taken care of by providing appropriate diet on time, medical care being provided, and the caretaker taking full efforts to make the place a real home. Thankfully I found that people found company in each other and lot many returned my smile with real happiness to see a visitor. Almost 70% of the inmates were sick and needed medical attention and timely care. I was amazed to see an old freedom fighter having all his photos, certificates and memories hanging in his room and was taken by awe to see our National Flag near his pillow. Inadvertently I went ahead to salute him with pride. Then I took few minutes to talk to the care-taker and discuss about the welfare of my aunt. Talking to her I felt, that she is in the safe hands of a person who have abundant care and love for her fellow human beings. I was shocked to hear that most of the inmates want the final journey to be made from the home and the home also takes care of doing this most pious responsibility. I had no words. All I could do is stand up and put both my hands together in salutation to the care-taker and walk ahead without looking back.....
On the way back, glad my husband told me that we would one day run such an institution when both time and money permits and do our best back to the society. I did not reply him. Tears flooded my eyes and thoughts!!!
Live-In Relationships- A new paradigm in India
Off late, people have been running behind issues that exist in India for a long while. But now the run is different. The chase is for legalizing and institutionalizing every thing with an opinion to keep in pace with the changing world. The issue of legalizing homo-sexual relationships, accepting gay marriages, providing legal status to transgender, streamlining and legalizing prostitution and now the government’s intervention to legalize live-in relationships, and giving the status of "wife" to the woman involved. People who had their own reasons why they could not bind themselves as man and wife in a marriage will now have to think about this new emerging proposal. There are multiple ways of looking at this issue.
Let’s look into the way people who support this proposal assume and otherwise:
A legal status to the relationship, so that in case something happens to the man, the woman in live-in will get a legal status to claim his property etc as a legal heir.
Neither the man nor the woman can escape the binding factors under law once they started to live together for what so ever reasons.
The statement in the proposal of the "Reasonable time" has to be defined. Or else, for few people living once together would become a life time emotion, and how can you define what is a considerable amount of time in such a situation.
This also raises questions on what happens in cases where a married man or a woman is having another relationship under the tag "live-in". Will the first husband or the first wife lose their legal status once the extra-marital affair gets legalized under the live-in law?
The proposal talks about benefiting the urban communities where this change is become inevitable as lot of people are in live-in relationships to the given fact that they cannot bind to the marriage due to work pressure and other commitment factors- Then what is that this new law is going to achieve, when the people involved themselves do not want to have a commitment, that is the very objective of people in live-in relationships why they don't tie the knot?
The proposal also states that the rural woman will be protected as most of the men end up in polygamy where there exists no legal right for the second wife under law. There arises another question- Are you legalizing multiple marriages or multiple wives by giving the second wife a legal status as well under the tag of live-in? In such cases, does the woman also have an equal right to have multiple husbands? This sound absurd and illogical.
Can the man and wife in the live-in also divorce and does the existing law of separation apply to them as well?
When a law is made and an amendment done at a government level, the proposal should consider all aspects of the issue. Above statements are the points showing the weaker side of the proposed law. It is for the government and legal framework to dig deep into the issue with wide statistics that need to be considered before this become a new law in the country. To me this proposal looks like a mixed up requirements with no clarity- Cant help being a business analyst!!
The other side of the coin- For those who talk about Culture and Heritage.
What is culture- Culture is the way in which people live over civilizations in a country. If the current civilization has a changed way of living, accept it. Look at the larger picture of people in the country today. There are no more Rama's nor there are any Draupadi's in the country today. Our culture, our epics and our heritage had references to the live-in relationships. When we could regard Pandavas being born to Kunti for each God, and for the country which believes in Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu's Mohini avatar, and lot many other references, Jesus was blessed to Mother Mary... and lot more, what is that you are contradicting the live-in relationships stating not in our culture. Instead of referring culture as a reason, I would suggest people think from other areas - like this may encourage mutiple partners, throw in more of health hazards and disrupt the sacred Institution of Marriage in its present form which is regarded as the world- best institution. I am not supporting the proposal as is, but definitely would support the emotions of the people who are into such a relationship for what ever known personal reasons. As long as the major questions of this proposal are addressed, the country can vote for the proposal. Unless the clarity is arrived and people do not get caught unaware of the loopholes of the new law, this can go. Otherwise, this will become a well dug deep to bury everyone involved- both emotionally and legally!
This reminds me of a line- "My kids and your kids play with our kids"
How is this concept in rest of the world:
To the western and European world, this concept is not new. But the law becomes a binding factor when there are children out of the live-in relationships. Irrespective of whether the father and mother are married or no, the child get the legal status as a legal heir to both the parents individually. Such parents end up in a contratual obligation for sharing the responsibility of the children even if they decide to part ways later or stay together. If they decide to part without children, then there is no legal binding where the partners can claim alimony or legal rights to the property of the person with whom they lived for a while. I have seen people who got married when they had teenage children and when they thought that their relationships can work for a life time. Government's current proposal should see the proven theories of the world to make it a more practically viable law that can be accepted by the people of the country. Its not like some one wrote some rules fifty years back and we are still bound to follow them..Things are changed a lot in Modern India and this should be reflected in our policies and proposals as well.
A last statement- My Opinion:
This is something personal to people involved. There are thousands of social issues that the government can really look into like providing shelther to homeless, eradicating poverty, providing wide spread employment opportunities, making India a world class tourist destination, protecting people against communal violence and terrorism, making proposals for people's participation in Army and Border security, providing support to military personnel who are risking the lives to protect our Nation and lot many. Instead of diverting our attention to issues that people can handle themselves, it is for the government to concentrate more on the major issues that are common to everyone in this country. If they are really serious of making laws, I would suggest Government looks at making amendements to the existing books of law that were written in pre-independence era - Like Rs 500 fine for a rape accused, 5 years of prisonment for a drunken drive killer and a fine of Rs 100 for person who breaks a law at the fall of a hat! Wake Up India. Wake up for real burning issues that my country is bleeding with...
Let’s look into the way people who support this proposal assume and otherwise:
A legal status to the relationship, so that in case something happens to the man, the woman in live-in will get a legal status to claim his property etc as a legal heir.
Neither the man nor the woman can escape the binding factors under law once they started to live together for what so ever reasons.
The statement in the proposal of the "Reasonable time" has to be defined. Or else, for few people living once together would become a life time emotion, and how can you define what is a considerable amount of time in such a situation.
This also raises questions on what happens in cases where a married man or a woman is having another relationship under the tag "live-in". Will the first husband or the first wife lose their legal status once the extra-marital affair gets legalized under the live-in law?
The proposal talks about benefiting the urban communities where this change is become inevitable as lot of people are in live-in relationships to the given fact that they cannot bind to the marriage due to work pressure and other commitment factors- Then what is that this new law is going to achieve, when the people involved themselves do not want to have a commitment, that is the very objective of people in live-in relationships why they don't tie the knot?
The proposal also states that the rural woman will be protected as most of the men end up in polygamy where there exists no legal right for the second wife under law. There arises another question- Are you legalizing multiple marriages or multiple wives by giving the second wife a legal status as well under the tag of live-in? In such cases, does the woman also have an equal right to have multiple husbands? This sound absurd and illogical.
Can the man and wife in the live-in also divorce and does the existing law of separation apply to them as well?
When a law is made and an amendment done at a government level, the proposal should consider all aspects of the issue. Above statements are the points showing the weaker side of the proposed law. It is for the government and legal framework to dig deep into the issue with wide statistics that need to be considered before this become a new law in the country. To me this proposal looks like a mixed up requirements with no clarity- Cant help being a business analyst!!
The other side of the coin- For those who talk about Culture and Heritage.
What is culture- Culture is the way in which people live over civilizations in a country. If the current civilization has a changed way of living, accept it. Look at the larger picture of people in the country today. There are no more Rama's nor there are any Draupadi's in the country today. Our culture, our epics and our heritage had references to the live-in relationships. When we could regard Pandavas being born to Kunti for each God, and for the country which believes in Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu's Mohini avatar, and lot many other references, Jesus was blessed to Mother Mary... and lot more, what is that you are contradicting the live-in relationships stating not in our culture. Instead of referring culture as a reason, I would suggest people think from other areas - like this may encourage mutiple partners, throw in more of health hazards and disrupt the sacred Institution of Marriage in its present form which is regarded as the world- best institution. I am not supporting the proposal as is, but definitely would support the emotions of the people who are into such a relationship for what ever known personal reasons. As long as the major questions of this proposal are addressed, the country can vote for the proposal. Unless the clarity is arrived and people do not get caught unaware of the loopholes of the new law, this can go. Otherwise, this will become a well dug deep to bury everyone involved- both emotionally and legally!
This reminds me of a line- "My kids and your kids play with our kids"
How is this concept in rest of the world:
To the western and European world, this concept is not new. But the law becomes a binding factor when there are children out of the live-in relationships. Irrespective of whether the father and mother are married or no, the child get the legal status as a legal heir to both the parents individually. Such parents end up in a contratual obligation for sharing the responsibility of the children even if they decide to part ways later or stay together. If they decide to part without children, then there is no legal binding where the partners can claim alimony or legal rights to the property of the person with whom they lived for a while. I have seen people who got married when they had teenage children and when they thought that their relationships can work for a life time. Government's current proposal should see the proven theories of the world to make it a more practically viable law that can be accepted by the people of the country. Its not like some one wrote some rules fifty years back and we are still bound to follow them..Things are changed a lot in Modern India and this should be reflected in our policies and proposals as well.
A last statement- My Opinion:
This is something personal to people involved. There are thousands of social issues that the government can really look into like providing shelther to homeless, eradicating poverty, providing wide spread employment opportunities, making India a world class tourist destination, protecting people against communal violence and terrorism, making proposals for people's participation in Army and Border security, providing support to military personnel who are risking the lives to protect our Nation and lot many. Instead of diverting our attention to issues that people can handle themselves, it is for the government to concentrate more on the major issues that are common to everyone in this country. If they are really serious of making laws, I would suggest Government looks at making amendements to the existing books of law that were written in pre-independence era - Like Rs 500 fine for a rape accused, 5 years of prisonment for a drunken drive killer and a fine of Rs 100 for person who breaks a law at the fall of a hat! Wake Up India. Wake up for real burning issues that my country is bleeding with...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
An Ardent Quest
From the time I was born
I run behind the things I want
The red ball in the corner of the room
which my maid pushed with the broom
I crawled to get it back
Tried walking little slack
When I could walk a little
To me everything was a riddle
A bud turning into a flower
and a brook flowing into a river
Wondered how the birds fly
and why do the children cry
As a grown up, the quest continued
to know what I want to be in life
Everything planned went ingenuous
unplanned happiness sprang in recess
The quest did not subsidize
Became an wild fire is disguise
The quest continues to haunt
from the cradle to my grave
Not able to think beyond best
for I am happy with my ardent quest!!!
I run behind the things I want
The red ball in the corner of the room
which my maid pushed with the broom
I crawled to get it back
Tried walking little slack
When I could walk a little
To me everything was a riddle
A bud turning into a flower
and a brook flowing into a river
Wondered how the birds fly
and why do the children cry
As a grown up, the quest continued
to know what I want to be in life
Everything planned went ingenuous
unplanned happiness sprang in recess
The quest did not subsidize
Became an wild fire is disguise
The quest continues to haunt
from the cradle to my grave
Not able to think beyond best
for I am happy with my ardent quest!!!
A Trouble Tree?
For those who wonder what a trouble tree is from my earlier post, here goes a story I read from an unknown author.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trouble tree??
The Worry Tree...The Carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier."Oh, that's my trouble tree", he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again.""Funny thing is", he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
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Bottom Line: Leave your worries outside your door, for that's where the garbage is dumped.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trouble tree??
The Worry Tree...The Carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier."Oh, that's my trouble tree", he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again.""Funny thing is", he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottom Line: Leave your worries outside your door, for that's where the garbage is dumped.
Wheel of Time - Spinning which side?
Kalachakram - the wheel of time is being referred as the zing thing controlling everything happening in this universe. I used to watch the TV serial Mahabarath - where in the beginning of every episode - in the voice of Saint Veda Vyas, there used to be a reference made to Kalachakra- The Time. What does it denote? It identifies a pattern or a phenomenon in which everything in this universe happens. Right from a day after night, rotation of the earth on its own axis and also going around the sun, water evaporating as clouds, and clouds coming back as rain, and the human existence continuing with newer generations as the old disappears. This being the very phenomenon of our existence, we do not really give more importance to these natural cycles - the game of time played in our lives without even we making a notice of the same.
Having heard lot of elders telling that their time is bad, time is good,as child, used to wonder, how can time be responsible for a man's destiny. Over the years, a dawn of realization happens that the wheel of time, definitely have its importance. Man does not come with any materialistic things and do not leave this world with any either. It all starts and ends in a vacuum. A reality. Then what is the quest in between. The quest and its subsequent actions are what man leaves behind to everyone around him, to his future, to his time in the future in fact, where he is no more a part of it.
Life itself is a vicious circle. In this wheel of time, everything around is only part of the larger truth. The truth that nothing is permanent in this world. The only variation is the duration of existence for each thing. Man may live on an average of 70 years, animals for 20 years, trees may live for 100 years, buildings may survive for 200 years, monuments may stand for 2000 years, and after that what happens...Change. A change that is the core aspect that defines the wheel of time.
What makes me write this?!
Do not get succumbed to the troubles of time. Nothing is permanent.
Be courageous to face the world, what ever may be the adversity. It will have its time to vanish
Believe in yourself, that the time is ahead of you for better things.
Leave the worries behind the trouble tree and walk ahead with life.
What provoked me to think on this:
NRI Karthik Rajaram's cowardly act of killing his family and himself. A person who enjoyed quick fortune was not prepared to handle a quick disaster. People's acceptance to reality is what is the need of the hour.
Having heard lot of elders telling that their time is bad, time is good,as child, used to wonder, how can time be responsible for a man's destiny. Over the years, a dawn of realization happens that the wheel of time, definitely have its importance. Man does not come with any materialistic things and do not leave this world with any either. It all starts and ends in a vacuum. A reality. Then what is the quest in between. The quest and its subsequent actions are what man leaves behind to everyone around him, to his future, to his time in the future in fact, where he is no more a part of it.
Life itself is a vicious circle. In this wheel of time, everything around is only part of the larger truth. The truth that nothing is permanent in this world. The only variation is the duration of existence for each thing. Man may live on an average of 70 years, animals for 20 years, trees may live for 100 years, buildings may survive for 200 years, monuments may stand for 2000 years, and after that what happens...Change. A change that is the core aspect that defines the wheel of time.
What makes me write this?!
Do not get succumbed to the troubles of time. Nothing is permanent.
Be courageous to face the world, what ever may be the adversity. It will have its time to vanish
Believe in yourself, that the time is ahead of you for better things.
Leave the worries behind the trouble tree and walk ahead with life.
What provoked me to think on this:
NRI Karthik Rajaram's cowardly act of killing his family and himself. A person who enjoyed quick fortune was not prepared to handle a quick disaster. People's acceptance to reality is what is the need of the hour.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Making the best out of the Worst- A Classic Example
Having had excellent share traders in my friends, I always used to wonder what is that this biggies are trying to calculate, keep on scribbling something on their touch pads, always calling out some numbers on the phone, be in while driving, talking, or eating? Its a search for alternatives.
It was the beginning of the Millennium era, Year 2000 and around, that proved the nostalgic beliefs can be changed. Perceptions can change. Sentiments can change. Facts can change. Change for good.
Aadi Month- a tamil calendar month which begins in mid July and end in mid August is believed to be one of those months in the year where no auspicious things used to be done. No marriages, no house warming ceremonies, no buying new clothes or jewels, no investments and people used to spend time in early morning prayers and keep a very low profile over all. Suddenly, a new building emerged in the heart of Chennai called Pothys- a textile showroom calling itself Aalayam of textiles, meaning a temple. And I think this logic worked, for it was called a temple. They came up with a revolutionary concept of Aadi discounts- clothing made available at throw-away prices. People found a new energy in the otherwise non-exiting month and found shopping having a new reason. Moreover, this month just preceding the Aug-Sep season of more marriages, proved to be the correct time to hit the market. In less than couple of years, Aadi became a month of expectation from the general public for every thing to go on discounts and deals. It did not stop with textiles or home appliances but became a wide-spread concept of selling in the newly emerged markets. A new change succeeded.
What is the lesson to be learnt? - Making the best even out of the worst of circumstances. As I repeatedly tell in most of my posts, change is the only constant thing. Accept it and go ahead.
This same logic applies to capital markets also. Warren Buffet is busy investing now. So what are you waiting for. All you need is the guts to take the risk. Do little bit of homework on how to plan, proceed and succeed. Keep your ears and eyes wide open. Take the least best opportunity to find a new beginning. Do not rest, do not end your quest. Recession is bad but not the end of the world. It has to change. It has no choice.
It was the beginning of the Millennium era, Year 2000 and around, that proved the nostalgic beliefs can be changed. Perceptions can change. Sentiments can change. Facts can change. Change for good.
Aadi Month- a tamil calendar month which begins in mid July and end in mid August is believed to be one of those months in the year where no auspicious things used to be done. No marriages, no house warming ceremonies, no buying new clothes or jewels, no investments and people used to spend time in early morning prayers and keep a very low profile over all. Suddenly, a new building emerged in the heart of Chennai called Pothys- a textile showroom calling itself Aalayam of textiles, meaning a temple. And I think this logic worked, for it was called a temple. They came up with a revolutionary concept of Aadi discounts- clothing made available at throw-away prices. People found a new energy in the otherwise non-exiting month and found shopping having a new reason. Moreover, this month just preceding the Aug-Sep season of more marriages, proved to be the correct time to hit the market. In less than couple of years, Aadi became a month of expectation from the general public for every thing to go on discounts and deals. It did not stop with textiles or home appliances but became a wide-spread concept of selling in the newly emerged markets. A new change succeeded.
What is the lesson to be learnt? - Making the best even out of the worst of circumstances. As I repeatedly tell in most of my posts, change is the only constant thing. Accept it and go ahead.
This same logic applies to capital markets also. Warren Buffet is busy investing now. So what are you waiting for. All you need is the guts to take the risk. Do little bit of homework on how to plan, proceed and succeed. Keep your ears and eyes wide open. Take the least best opportunity to find a new beginning. Do not rest, do not end your quest. Recession is bad but not the end of the world. It has to change. It has no choice.
How about having "Bench" in life? -A question raised by my friend
"Bench" - No more a funny word- but the word that is threatening software professionals across the industry. For people who are not in projects for long time, and who are recruited expecting pipeline projects to materialize are said to be on Bench. First time, I heard about it, I asked, "Bench- What bench? ". Now I think I don't ask anyone this questions anymore, not sure whose on bench and whats the fate?!?!. Never know, you may end up on the Bench!!!.Be Aware!
But the same word made me have a hearty laugh after long time, when my friend Harish Mahadevan mentioned about having a bench in life?.. I believe he was asking one of our common friend, why are we not having a Bench in life, just like how we have in projects and IT companies. What a great thought!... It may sound absurd, silly, funny and all sorts of reasons that we can just laugh off and ignore and go on. I too did that when I first heard about his question this morning.
But few hours later, I thought. What made him even think about having a bench in life. Gosh, he is hinting at a much larger necessity of life- SPACE. People who are burdened at being tangled in the life's routine, busy but monotonous way of living, not having time or thought for things that are dear to our hearts do end up feeling life overwhelming. There is no space for yourself. You are searching for nothing but YOURSELF. Your every day passes by doing the things your family wants, what your work demands, what your routine takes. You are driven by everything around you and don't have that personal space for yourself. To understand or even think of what you, Just You, want in life.
Spacing is important between relationships as well. We bond and gel with the family, enjoy friendships, worship our work, and spend all our lives doing what we are supposed to do. After many years, when you turn back and look at your past, what you will find is only a life that was driven by everyone else and not you. So once in a while, a space is important. The space that is your own. The space that lets you do things that only you want. The space that is important for you to revive, re-energize and re-emerge more with new found energy to go on back again with the routine.
May be Harish, its time for a holiday of your own. Take a long drive. Take a break. You would be on bench of your own in life. A bench that would make more sense and brings in a freshness and new arm of energy to proceed with life. Go ahead Friend, its time to re-discover yourself!!!
Gaining Industrial Leadership - Magic Mantra of New India
In a small village in India, people always used to wonder, why the rich is always getting richer? For one thing, the rich had was the power of acquiring, the power to take risk, the power to look out of the box. This is exactly the state of Indian Economy and Industrial revolution happening making the dream of 2020 very near!. You may wonder, what the hell I am talking, when people are losing jobs, economy is uncertain, inflation is at 12% and credit has become a major enemy. Hold on!. Look Beyond!. Its the country's new found confidence and opportunity. The courage what made Lakshmi Mittal stand where he is today. Mr.Mittal is famous of acquiring sick industries, using the machinery, manpower and lessons learnt, revive it, re-structure it and go ahead. Today, the steel baron had made India Proud. Lot more to follow in this spree.
Indian majors like Satyam, TCS, Infosys and HCL are already in the market having millions of acquisitions in pipeline and lot many medium sized businesses also are following this process. Tata steel acquiring English - dutch Corus for whooping $12 billion. VSNL, GHCL, Reliance, and lot many Indian companies acquiring US firms have become the trend of the day.
What makes Indian companies confident to go ahead?
Reliable low cost, consistent performance, high quality of products and service and deliverable on time. These are the vital ingredients of the Indian Industry that made us having large cash flows, planning and risk taking a near possibility. Indian business is ready to handle any kind of business culture, regulations, practices and adhere to global standards and expectations. Indian Industry is no more a shy and conservative economy which had been exploited by various invasions in the past in the name of trade and commerce. Now it is the time for a new dawn in the Indian economy for a global sunrise. Be it information technology, heath care, pharmaceutical, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, FMCG, manufacturing, automobile, hotel and hospitality industry, astronomy, services sector including training, teaching and talent-acquisition, strategic planning- name it, you will find an India spreading its wings world across. Its time for the world to look upon India for every thing the best that they need- for one thing we can be very proud of - our human intellect. Nothing can be in par to it, coupled with commitment and fire to achieve our place in the global market place- towards the top- nothing less is compromised!
Indian majors like Satyam, TCS, Infosys and HCL are already in the market having millions of acquisitions in pipeline and lot many medium sized businesses also are following this process. Tata steel acquiring English - dutch Corus for whooping $12 billion. VSNL, GHCL, Reliance, and lot many Indian companies acquiring US firms have become the trend of the day.
What makes Indian companies confident to go ahead?
Reliable low cost, consistent performance, high quality of products and service and deliverable on time. These are the vital ingredients of the Indian Industry that made us having large cash flows, planning and risk taking a near possibility. Indian business is ready to handle any kind of business culture, regulations, practices and adhere to global standards and expectations. Indian Industry is no more a shy and conservative economy which had been exploited by various invasions in the past in the name of trade and commerce. Now it is the time for a new dawn in the Indian economy for a global sunrise. Be it information technology, heath care, pharmaceutical, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, FMCG, manufacturing, automobile, hotel and hospitality industry, astronomy, services sector including training, teaching and talent-acquisition, strategic planning- name it, you will find an India spreading its wings world across. Its time for the world to look upon India for every thing the best that they need- for one thing we can be very proud of - our human intellect. Nothing can be in par to it, coupled with commitment and fire to achieve our place in the global market place- towards the top- nothing less is compromised!
India Infotech - Heading towards new business opportunity
On the wall of HP office in Chennai- there is a big poster which says " Do not look at the closed door for long, for you may fail to see the new open door" something like that, not able to recall the actual sentence, any way the crux is the same.
This is exactly what is happening to India Infotech. The industry which saw a steady 30% overall growth in the last 3 years would have to settle now for anything around 20% in the next one year, probably because 40-60% of the industry is working on the Banking and Financial Services Industry (BFSI) operations work. With the global markets struggling to maintain an equilibrium, a fight for the survival continues. With huge financial companies heading towards major bottlenecks and bankruptcy filling, a new avenue of work would begin in Asian countries that can pitch in to help the west in completing the required work. Legal and Regulatory. Legal services are the most expensive work in US and UK, and India would be looked up to to handle the huge tasks associated to manage the legal proceedings, for the economies of scale are large when India Inc. participates in this activity.
Corporate governance and strong regulations to follow SOX law post experiences of the past, there is lot of work to do. Companies have to learn to handle credit, cash and customers at large. The financial vertical will see a big change with the legal vertical gaining predominance in the coming year and companies have to look on the new opportunities that are going to arise out of this crisis. Hard work always pays guys! Definitely people are working hard, having greater focus, unearthly time zones, cultural and geographic challenges, Indians have reached out to every corner of this globe. Today the major task of handling the historical 700m$ bailout activity of the US financial markets is assigned to an Indian born American. What else folks. Its time for us to look for the new door opening up or opened already- Kulja Sim Sim!!
This is exactly what is happening to India Infotech. The industry which saw a steady 30% overall growth in the last 3 years would have to settle now for anything around 20% in the next one year, probably because 40-60% of the industry is working on the Banking and Financial Services Industry (BFSI) operations work. With the global markets struggling to maintain an equilibrium, a fight for the survival continues. With huge financial companies heading towards major bottlenecks and bankruptcy filling, a new avenue of work would begin in Asian countries that can pitch in to help the west in completing the required work. Legal and Regulatory. Legal services are the most expensive work in US and UK, and India would be looked up to to handle the huge tasks associated to manage the legal proceedings, for the economies of scale are large when India Inc. participates in this activity.
Corporate governance and strong regulations to follow SOX law post experiences of the past, there is lot of work to do. Companies have to learn to handle credit, cash and customers at large. The financial vertical will see a big change with the legal vertical gaining predominance in the coming year and companies have to look on the new opportunities that are going to arise out of this crisis. Hard work always pays guys! Definitely people are working hard, having greater focus, unearthly time zones, cultural and geographic challenges, Indians have reached out to every corner of this globe. Today the major task of handling the historical 700m$ bailout activity of the US financial markets is assigned to an Indian born American. What else folks. Its time for us to look for the new door opening up or opened already- Kulja Sim Sim!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
True Love is Selfless- Kannum Kannum Review
Love is a beautiful feeling. It is a genuine emotion that sprangs from the inner consciousness of heart and soul. Sometimes, love takes a turn in life depending on what our mind says as well. In such instances, love becomes a silent sacrifice that encompasses for the benefit of everyone around. Not everyone in love gets a chance to live together. That doesn't mean that love fails, or love does not exist. It in fact reflects the original edifice on which the emotion builds its divinity.
Common Guys, don't now look at me with a confusion.... this is the review of the Tamil Movie Kannum Kannum. There is so much in this movie that a family can sit and watch happily after long many years. Lot of people would recall the way they sacrificed their love, for the benefit of the families, for the fear of losing many other things except love. How can love be sacrificed if it is so strong, genuine and so important to those in love. That is the power, that is the strength, and that is the real success of any love- Attaining selflessness.
This movie is not an extension or the other side of Autograph, but it has its own way of convincing people, how circumstances can make love sacred and silent. This is just one of the thousands of reasons that come on way of the people we love but with whom we cannot really live in life together. Dedicating this beautiful concept of selflessness and this blog to all those people who scarified their love for what ever reasons, and still go ahead with life..., respecting and remembering the cherished love within their memories and thoughts, managing to handle the pain silently and making the Love -Eternal.
Common Guys, don't now look at me with a confusion.... this is the review of the Tamil Movie Kannum Kannum. There is so much in this movie that a family can sit and watch happily after long many years. Lot of people would recall the way they sacrificed their love, for the benefit of the families, for the fear of losing many other things except love. How can love be sacrificed if it is so strong, genuine and so important to those in love. That is the power, that is the strength, and that is the real success of any love- Attaining selflessness.
This movie is not an extension or the other side of Autograph, but it has its own way of convincing people, how circumstances can make love sacred and silent. This is just one of the thousands of reasons that come on way of the people we love but with whom we cannot really live in life together. Dedicating this beautiful concept of selflessness and this blog to all those people who scarified their love for what ever reasons, and still go ahead with life..., respecting and remembering the cherished love within their memories and thoughts, managing to handle the pain silently and making the Love -Eternal.
Friday, October 3, 2008
NO SMOKING- Bold Decision- Tough Implementation Mr. Anbumani, Hats off to you!!!!
As we stopped at a gas station today to fuel the car, I found an interesting thing on the Price Board - along with Petrol, Diesel prices, one interesting thing caught my attention- the prices of Cigars! Michigan, USA, may be open for Smoking. But back home in India, another reason to celebrate Gandhi Jayanthi, when a total ban on smoking in public places got into effect with Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss, the Indian health minister voted for his bold decision. Only wish that this does not become just a rule, which again can be broken with no qualms. I still remember the day, when Helmet wearing was made compulsory in Chennai, even for pillion riders. On way to office, we were laughing at the way people were looking funny and lot of them struggling to drive with new helmets on!!!. Third day, all was back to normal. Slowly pillions riders were spared and though its still mandatory for bike riders to wear helmets, not 100% do so still. Same way, not sure, how far Mr Ramadoss would be able to bring in this change in the people across India.
Am sure, chain smokers, ITC, tobacco traders, petty shops and lot many doctors would also not welcome this decision. But to thousands of housewives and people who were hating smoking all this while, have a solid reason to smile at, atleast for few days from now!!. I can sense a rejection to this decision happening in my family and amogst friends as well...not few would be happy, especially the patroned husbands who loved smoking outside not to taste the wrath of their wives at home. Now that is gone!!!. Where come the poor smokers go???? Only wish they realise the very objective of our famous minister laying this as a rule!. Do not smoke off your lives. Please Quit Smoking!!!...
Am sure, chain smokers, ITC, tobacco traders, petty shops and lot many doctors would also not welcome this decision. But to thousands of housewives and people who were hating smoking all this while, have a solid reason to smile at, atleast for few days from now!!. I can sense a rejection to this decision happening in my family and amogst friends as well...not few would be happy, especially the patroned husbands who loved smoking outside not to taste the wrath of their wives at home. Now that is gone!!!. Where come the poor smokers go???? Only wish they realise the very objective of our famous minister laying this as a rule!. Do not smoke off your lives. Please Quit Smoking!!!...
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