Poetry Chain Started....Da Rain, Da Heart!

Da Rain, Da Heart!

Da Rain...Midst the warm winds of showers!

Into the paradomic rainfall of tears

The woman in a vulnerable trans little home

Awaiting that one hand, to rescue and solace

Da Home, Da Heart, will you be mine
To make HER feel warm, calm and fine?!

Where is the woman looking for sunshine
Looking for the solace in the tears of moon
Da home , Da heart will always be fine......
B' cause you are always mine..
(Manasi...)

I come to thee, oh lady!
A bright and shining beam;
Amidst the deep dark sky
Go ahead! Dare to dream……
(Sharmila.....)

we rejoice, the victory of creation
the woman in me, thy renunciation
Yet, begetting all the traumas of the world
I cry in silence as the seasons unfold....

Da Rain...Midst the warm winds of showers!

Into the paradomic rainfall of tears

The woman in a vulnerable trans little home

Awaiting that one hand, to rescue and solace

Da Home, Da Heart, will you be mine

To make HER feel warm, calm and fine?!

The nip is in the air
The smoke and dust is thick
Another winter morning
The city is quiet
A feeling of gripping restlessness
(Mita's line)

Across the smoky mountains
I heard the Winter breeze
Yet behind those tempting brooks
I could see the Sun Shine Again
Letting me shout aloud
...The City has to awaken again!
(Uma....)

.....thanks to Manasi, Mita and Sharmila, my friends who added lines to these verses:-)....I will update as the chain continues....

Deivam Thantha Veedu- Kannadasan - With my English Translation

It had been a 12 hour day at work, and then I surely needed something to take off my day's stress...and I found none other than my love for Kannadasan overwhelming me to sit for 10 mins and try one of his ever green lyrics for my level of English translation....I should tell...it wasnt easy...for its too difficult to get equal words that match the depth of original lyrics by the great legend.... hope my attempt is little best than before!

deivam thandha veedu veedhiyirukku


indha oorenna sondha veedenna njaana pennae

vaazhvin porulenna nee vandha kadhai enna

God’s created home is my street

Whats there in the town, whats there in my home

Oh knowledgeable girl!

Whats there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

naan kaettuth thaaythandhai padaitharaa

illai en pillai enai kaettu pirandhaanaa

dheyvam seydha paavam idhu podi thangachi

kondraal paavam thinraal poachu idhudhaan en katchi

Was I born to my parents with my consent?

Or was my child born after I asked for it?

Are these are god’s plays..oh my little sister!

Sins of killing for food are gone with consuming…

And this is my philosophy

aadhi veedu andham kaadu

idhil naan enna adiyae nee enna njaana penne

vaazhvin porulenna nee vandha kadhai enna

Beginning at home and ending at grave

Who am I or you in between., oh wise girl?

Whats there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

deivam thandha veedu veedhiyirukku

indha oorenna sondha veedenna njaana pennae

vaazhvin porulenna nee vandha kadhai enna

God’s created home is my street

Whats there in the town, whats there in my home

Oh knowledgeable girl!

Whats there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

verum koavil idhilenna abhishaekam

un manam engum therukkooththu pagal vaesham

kallikkenna mullil vaeli poadi thangachchi

kaatukkaedhu thoattakkaaran idhudhaan en katchi

kondadhenna koduppadhenna

idhil thaay enna……manandha thaaram enna njaana penne

vaazhvin porulenna nee vandha kadhai enna

Buildings called temples with stone idols in worship

When inner self is hidden in fake dramatic piece

Thorns fencing not for the weeds; go away my little sister!

Where the need for gardener for the forest, this is my view of life

What is that we brought, and what is that we take (When we die)

So in between, why the difference between mother or a wife..oh wise girl!

What’s there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

deivam thandha veedu veedhiyirukku

indha oorenna sondha veedenna njaana pennae

vaazhvin porulenna nee vandha kadhai enna

God’s created home is my street

Whats there in the town, whats there in my home

Oh knowledgeable girl!

Whats there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

thelivaagath therindhaalae siththaandham

adhu theriyaamal poanaalae vedhaandham

mannaith thoandith thanneer thaedum anbuth thangachi

ennai thoandi nyaanam kanden idhudhaan en katchi

unmai enna poymai enna

idhil thaen enna kadikkum thael enna nyaana penne

vaazhvin porul enna nee vandha kadhai enna

deivam thandha veedu veedhiyirukku

When everything is clear and known, it’s a canon

When something is unknown, it’s unclear scriptures

Digging earth in search of waters…oh beloved sister

Delving within myself, discovered my eternal wisdom,

This is my view of life 

Where is the truth and where is the false?

In this, where is the honey, or the scorpions bite?..oh wise girl

Whats there in the life’s valuables? What’s the purpose of your life?

God’s created home is my street…..

Common Wealth Games 2010: Is it a Red Project turned Green? Or Just a Failed Attempt?

Common Wealth Games 2010 was in mind as the Post for a long time now, and I know this is the right week to write it with a 360* view.
 
Like all Red project that teach us, bitter but better lessons, CWG., had also been a tremendrous, noteworthy project for India.  Here the only difference is that the PMO was our Prime Minister's Office instead of Project Management Office.

Leaving behind its curtains, all the scandals, media hype, adverse situations, infrastructure delays, haphazard things, and hundred other things that shook the CWG with corruption, lack of integrity, red tape, imperfection, missing deadlines, improper organizing, lack of adequate health and medical facilities.. the Opening Ceremony was like the First Tolgate.  Which the Project called CWG 2010... crossed successfully as planned on the D-Day with much cherished cultural display of India's -The Best.

Now, it is saddening to see the CWG Events Stands -  Almost 80% vacant... Where did the spirit go?   Trying to buy the tickets-  Sorry they are all sold...Then, where are the people???? Mystically, the whole project which suddenly looked Green, is now again looking Grey :-(   

3 more days and its all gone...leaving behind an exchequer deficit of 50000 crorers... atleast hope that this is a good lesson for us to handle such massive sports events going forward as a Nation.  Hope this event atleast showed the world our best of talents and a solace is the Winning Medals .... Jai Hind! India! 

Father of India's Green Revolution- Dr. M.S.Swaminathan.

Proud moments of Inner Wheel Club of Madras South to have had Dr M.S.Swaminathan in one of the Club's cherishing charity projects.  With their fullest permissions, here are the pictures. 

Inspired by Mrs.Sarada Ramani's blog post on M.S.S, here they go:-)


Link to Sarada Akka's blog about M.S. Sir.
http://saradaramani.blogspot.com/2010/10/father-of-indians-green-revolution.html

Refined Judiciary is the need of the hour

Last couple of Media hyped cases have seen a tremendous change in the way the verdicts have been pronounced in the Indian Courts.

When the whole world applauded Ayodhya verdict, and subsequent verdicts that proved that finally Indian Judiciary is taking its realm towards better judgement...there are string of cases especially those of Women Rape and Murder cases where the acquitted are most from the effluent and powerful backgrounds...where there seems to be no Justice Attained.

It was in 1999, for the first time, I started following such cases., with that of Journalist Shivani Bhatnagar being strangled to death in her Delhi flat as her 10 month old child crawled to her dead body and cried.   Senior politicians and Delhi police commissioner being involved in the case., it took one complete decade even to proclaim Sharma as the main accused and convict.

Priyadarshini Matoo,  Pratiba Murthy, Arushi Talwar, Scarlet Keeling, Jessica Lal,  Ruchikha, and lot more Indian girls have been harassed, brutally and sexually abused and violently killed.   Most of these high profile cases saw famous and rich kith and kin involved and escape from the judicial purview.  What are the main reasons for such loopholes in the system and where is the solace to this?

Witness Security:    The first and foremost reason is that people not coming forward to be witnesses in the case.   Witnesses not only face coercion, strong emotional trauma and physical harassment, they are also threatened to be killed and troubled for life to them and their families.  There is absolutely no security to the people who want to fight for justice and come forward for helping others.   Witnesses being confidential is the only way to prevent witness harassment and this would enable most people to come forward.

Loss of Forensic Evidence:   In the United States, the minute crime happens, the whole place is sealed for any kind of movement.   The forensic evidence remains in tact for the investigation authorities to take the right steps in the right direction.  It is exactly opposite in India, where people get emotional and in the traumatic moments, we act hysterical and destroy the whole valuable evidence that is very much need to crack these cases.  Arushi Talwar case is a classic example.

Misuse of Authority by Police and Administration:    The rich and affluent always escape as the local police are easy to handle.   FIR are not filed immediately, and people under suspicion are not taken into custody until someone really forces them to do so.  This is worse when the people involved are politicians or from the rich background.  Police instead of being a protective force acts in vested interests, there by delaying the whole process of justice.

Prolonged time frame to resolve cases:    Many middle class people do not even find it relevant to fight the legal battles., which are not only costly, time consuming and emotional trauma.   The kind of questions asked in courts, the kind of harassing police investigations, the kind of lawyer fees and running behind hearing after hearing,., the victims find it more easy to leave the fate to God, and leave their destiny to time to heal the injuries in life.    Imagine it took 5 years for a fast court to resolve and convict Pratiba Murthy's killer.

Red-Tapism at highest peak:    The jails in India are filled with 25% of people awaiting court judgements... they are just suspects or they are proxies to the real convicts who happily live in the outside world.   Thousands of cases are pending in courts at every level, and if all the lawyers and judges work sincerely for a year, without taking Winter Session Holidays, Summer Session holidays like school children, and work with appropriate paper work, clear hearings and quick judgements, at least 10% of the cases will be resolved.   Justice delayed is Justice denied.   Unfortunately, here Justice is almost dead

Public Prosecutors and Age old law books:     Look at every famous case, where the convict gets less punishment or escapes one, it is because of their strong defense lawyers, who are not only uptodate and have classical cases as examples, and good library of world judgements to refer to and good amount of junior lawyers to do good research and find loopholes.   Public Prosecutors are government servants who act like any other.   To them, that day the court hearing has to go.  They are not worried about justice, who wins, who losses or what punishment.   Defense lawyers very easily prove that every crime is not the rarest of the rare to result in Capital punishment

Changes to appeal to higher courts:    If the entire judicial system is following, the Indian Penal Code, and if the entire lawyers are well versed and strong in their subjects,. why are we giving chance for people to appeal and appeal and appeal to the higher courts and finally the capital punished people to file mercy petitions with President of India.  There why the lower courts.   It is not the time to de-centralize Supreme Court, but the amount of cases piling up at Supreme court can never ever be redressed.  Moreover the higher courts ruling away the judgement of the lower courts just by saying that the case is in favour of the convict, is a sham on the system.  Mattoo Sr felt the judgement disgusting but the convict thanked his stars.

In small projects we have deadlines., fear of not finishing on time., quality ., customer service and what not as professional.....Nothing like that to Professional Lawyers and Judges.... Are they just like the age old Judicial laws written during Independence Era and based on British Rule and Judgement. 

What a shame when Rathore escapes with Rs 10000 fine and 6 months prison after harassing a teenage talent to death by molesting her.    Why the hell our system is not instilling the fear in the people who think that they can do anything just because they have law in their hands?    There are thousands of Ruchikha's silently suffering in this world.  Where is the Women Empowerment we are talking about?  There are hundreds of girls silently tolerating the harassment in industries, factories and offices and homes of India??? What is the enablement of Women we have achieved?  

There is a need to Refine the Indian Judiciary System., People to go fearless to the Police Stations, File complaints, Fight court battles, bring in Media attention and finally fight for Justice.   Will we get ministers who can bring in this change?   Youth who would boil down to the justice denials happening all around....Will our Citizens feel empowered to bring in Crimeless Society and Fearless Nation to live????   

Gandhian Principles and Vivekananda's inspiration unfortunately just remains in our History Books!!! Wake up India , Wake Up!!!!

One Population, One Database ! UID Project Aadhar... A Grand Phenomenon begins

India is one of the largest democratic Nation's in the world with the Second Largest Population, most diversified in terms of economical status, religion, education, langauge, food habits, culture, traditons and so on.   To bind this entire Nation,  with a uniformed structure is no small task.   I think in terms of the Project Strength, this would be the World's largest Project involving the largest number of stakeholders....Entire India!     This enormous and most ambitious project headed by Nandan Nilekani, is not only the most wanted project but also the most difficult project to accomplish.    

First time ever in the History of India, a Government database will not be divided in the name of Caste or Geographical diversity.   Personal details like date of birth, name, finger prints, IRIS records and photograph will be included in the Unique Identification Card that will be issued to every Indian probably over the next few years.   It is estimated that it will take close to next 5 years to get every Indian in the database.  Every person above 15 years will be issued the UID card as per the Aadhar Project. 

Key Highlights of this project are:

1. Every Indian will have a Unique Indentity with 10 digit number
2. Entire population will be recorded with its biometric scans, face, name and finger prints
3. Project Aadhar will enable the economically backward and rural India to gain its own identity
4.  Irrespective of the socio-economic conditions of the person, there will be a common thread that binds the nation
5.  Government initiatives to support the economically weaker sections of the soceity will get its bigger focus
6.  Historical steps to help the Rural India and Poor who need banking and other infrastructure access
7.  Development programmes initiated by government  and unemployment support initiatives will find better access by the common man
8. Usage of the UID in every transaction and banking operations, will bring in more of the black money to market
9.  This should be the first step to stop the misuse of government funds and grants
10.  Long run, UID, should create a tracking database to end corruption and bring in more stablization of the money flow in the country.

Three Cheers to Nandan and his team for having shouldered this enoromous project and Wish Project Aadhar a grand success!

Ayodhya Verdict: Babri Masjid Vs Ramajanamabhoomi...Need to look beyond

Another tense day in making towards the History of India...ripping the social secular fabric of the Nation.  Are our minds so narrow and maturity so conservative that we are living in a pre-civilized thinking!.  Is it not time to ponder over our past and create a better future for our children of the Nation.... Too many things to think and react

Any sensible Citizen of the country would understand few facts

1.  Over centuries India had the history of foreign invasions and lot of other religious people destroying Hindu temples and building over had been prevalent.   They exploited the temples for the precious treasure and artistic excellence that the Hindu community possessed ages ago.   Even Taj Mahal is disputed and debated over years, as a old shiva temple called as Tejomahalaya.... does it mean that now we will break it to see what is under the main edifice?  Tolerance had been in the blood of Indians, and over the years, this started to slowly diminish.    So the chances of the Hindu temple broken and buried under the structure of mosque in Ayodhya is quite possible and we have to leave it for an archaeological survey and debate.

2.  Demolishing Mosque in the name of finding a temple remains, is any day not the right thing.   Respecting the faith of other religions is the only way of salvation.   So, what ever happened in 1990 Dec 6th is bleak in the history of India.   Time to repent, and take steps not to repeat.    

3.  Today Ayodhya and its people, both Muslims and Hindus are living in peace and harmony.   The fire, riots and bad memories have only united them and media's any kind of negative debate, portrayal, will only kill this peace lasting since last decade.   Media have to maintain utmost sensitivity in the way the news is telecasted and events are portrayed, as it is not Ayodhya that will burn, but whole of India, will there be any kind of unnecessary triggers.

4.  Lastly, towards an amicable solution,.  If I were, to provide this judgement, my verdict would be to leave the place as is, make it a heritage spot., build a University for Students of India, for Arts and History, similar to something of IIT for Engineering and IIMs for Management, and preserve the dignity of the place with honour.... and then, provide abundant space on either side, one place for Hindu's to move their Rama lalla and Sita Mata idols and begin worship and on the other side, a site for Muslim's to build a mosque and allow them for peaceful worship.      

We have spend 700 crores for Common Wealth Games for getting the worst of Inputs from the world over,  every election costs us close to 500 crores both official and unofficial,   and the whole of the above given project, may not take even 100  crores.  In one way, this project would give employment opportunities to the local people driven and living in fear, and frustration over the years,...Provide world class education, reliving the similar glory of Nalanda, the first university in the world,  and same time, respecting the sentiments of both the communities involved.  

Forget about the differences and look at the similarities of Hindu-Muslim unity and friendship over centuries now in India,  and this is one opportunity for us to proclaim, our long lasting song of "Unity in Diversity"  ...Jai Hind.

let rest of India, continue its business as usual.... I think only jobless people have time and tide to make a mole out of mountains and make issues, become National Calamities...... Lets learn to live in harmony...

------------------

Extract from IBNLive on the "All you want to know about Ayodhya dispute"

Ayodhya title dispute

December 1949: Idols of Ram Lalla & Sita Mata appear 'miraculously' inside the Babri Mosque.
Hindus claim lord Ram has appeared in his birth land, hence land belongs to Hindus.
Total of five title suits filed before the courts claiming ownership of the land.
Two title suits clubbed. Now there are four title suits pending before the courts.
First suit filed on Jan 16, 1950, seeking permission to worship deities in the disputed structure, second suit filed in Dec 1950 by Head of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, seeking permission to worship deities, first two suits clubbed together by Civil Judge in Faizabad.
Third suit filed in Dec 1959 by Nirmohi Akhara seeking to take charge of the 'temple' from a rival.
Fourth suit filed by Sunni Central Boards of Waqfs, UP, in Dec 1961 seeking removal of idols & possession of mosque.
In April, 1964, all three suits filed by Hindus and the one filed by the Waqf Board are consolidated.
In 1989, petition on behalf of Ram Lalla filed by retired HC Judge claiming ownership of disputed land.
In 1989 Allahabad HC rules that a special three-judge bench will hear all five suits in the lower courts.
HC directs all parties to maintain status quo at the site till matter is finished.


Babri land dispute
1528: Babri Masjid is built, Hindus claim the land was built after demolishing a temple.
1859: British erect fences to separate Hindu, Muslim areas of worship.
1949: Hindus & Muslims file title suits claiming the land, the government takes over the disputed site.
1994: SC orders status quo on all cases till the title suit is settled.
December, 1992: Babri Masjid is razed by kar sevaks, 2,000 people die in post-demolition riots.


Attempts at amicable settlement
Dec 1990: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Muslims should respect sentiments
Muslims: Issue can't be dragged backwards
Dec 1990: Hindus & Muslims meet in presence of Mulayam Singh, Sharad Pawar & Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Hindus: Excavations reveal a temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque
Jan 1991: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Remains of temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque

Honour Killing is a disgrace to humanity

We are living in a world which is a global village. Yet, we are so influenced by the so called social imagery that we do not realize that the world around us has move ahead of the 21st century. Let me put it with a right example. The minute you travel to the other side of the planet, what happens, is the fact that you are identified as an Asian First (Based on the continent and color). The minute they realize that you are from South Asia, you are regarded with your country….here all Indians Unite…we look for Indian neighborhoods’, search for temple, look for cultural associations and good schools….here what matters the bonding is ‘Indian-ness’. Then, people speaking one language unite over the social events, calling themselves as Telugu Associations, Tamil Sangam’s, Bengali Unions, Gujarati Temples… and then we bring in the divide which we had back home in India…yet there is unity. Here the language unites.

Over the borders, and besides the transformation, the identity in the name of Religion and Caste fades away. Slowly even this generation of regional identity is ignored, and the communities based on professions emerge…like doctors club, engineer’s wing and auditors lounge… so there is no time or reason to keep up the fake social image any longer based on caste or religion.

As such the world is getting divided in the name of Religion to a greater extent influencing in all wrong reasons possible. This honour killing is just a fancy term eating away the fruitful younger generations. Every adult have a right to marry or love the person of his or her choice and fundamental rights of India, provide freedom in all means possible to its citizens. In the name of fake prestige, honour and caste, we are killing the very fabric of secularism. Do the relatives or the society around such orthodox parents have time and thought to worry about this issue when there thousand other things to take care of. Society should come out of the rigid and useless sentiments in the name of caste and community. The real honour lies in acceptance of a person from a totally different religion, faith, community with warm hands to welcome and bond with tolerance and consideration, to bring in a fruitful society.

Killing people in the name of honour is just a media –fiasco and more and more people want to get into a limelight making this a new social issue. The humiliation will end to those victims with death, but to the parents and families, the trauma is for lifetime. For media, it is yet another breaking news, so the best way is ignore it and bring in a amendment to laws that would punish people involved in such incidents and do not give it a national coverage. Stringent laws and implementation of those laws, and providing protection to those who seek the help of law and order, would end this menace very soon. It is not just a disgrace but it is beyond comprehension to kill our own kith and kin in the name of social prestige. It is the time to think beyond and look at the longer horizons of truth and end this unnecessary social evil.

Awareness about Character Building

“Character maketh a man”. We have been growing all these years hearing this adage, and all the moral values that our long heritage and traditions have taught us. Despite all the upbringing, the big bad world out there is easy to provoke us towards an easy character assassination and many times, people get succumbed to it even without realizing it. Many of the people who lost social respect, self-esteem, confidence and bigger goals, are those who first failed in their character.

Is character just a social image? It was. It is no longer a social image, but an inner discipline that guides us and leads us through a virtuous path of living. Character is not built in a day. It is like building a city. It takes years, and also a long effort to maintain it. It takes years to build a process of self-discipline and it just takes one stray incident, one vulnerable moment and one odd circumstance to ruin it.

Character building begins at home. It begins with every mother. The very way, how we act, behave and endure certain things over certain period of time, influence our children without saying. As elders, we have the utmost responsibility to maintain ourselves in such a fashion that children, will learn from us, and would be following us. Then comes our teachers, society and the people around at large who could influence. Limiting the time and programmes of what children watch and keeping a guard on their activities on internet, brings in a sense of security in children though they may find it frustrating at the beginning.

 

Character essentially does not mean to follow sentiments and orthodox ways of living. It has to be a right blend of modern thoughts, dreams of future, a focused path of growth and a guided faith. Here the faith is in the future of the upcoming generations; generations free of doubt, fear and intimidation and filled with truth and real moral fiber built with right attitudes and respectful character personalities. Let us rebuild our societies with good moral values, human virtues of friendship, tolerance, care and concern and empathy…to bring in a world of peace, harmony and brotherhood…ending wars of Nations, religions and materialistic greed.

The Pursuit of Happiness... A Real Story unfolded today:-)

An year ago, when I watched the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness', I found one inspirational father, struggling to make a living for him and his son, the troubles, the perseverance and the happy ending. ....

Today,  when our friend in the neighbourhood Glendale Church of Brethren invited us to help us with dinner serving in one such shelter, a home for the homeless people searching for jobs,  I had little to think to extend our help.  

When me and Raghu, joined other 4 people and got the dinner tables ready for close to 40 people, of whom nearly more than 10 were children.,, I just had this movie rolling in front of my eyes.  

With the every plate I served, I only wished that they find work soon, could afford a home and go back to a permanent living at one place..   I wished each one of their lives' would change and reflect that of real Chris Gardener.   The children were so happy, not only to find a home cooked meal, good cookies, but also the real happiness of having a shelter to sleep,.... As we kept serving, we noticed more and more people walking in carrying their hand luggage filled with clothing and other essential stuff.

They were provided with a row of beds, a common  kitchen, decent sanitary facilities, a television and play area for kids, couple of computers to browse for jobs and big thank you board where people while leaving for good have left behind inspiring messages and thank you notes and job postings.  

Amidst all the day to day struggles, they would be going through, for they have to leave the place every day morning and return after 5 in the evening,  still I could see a true sense of gratitude and smiles on their faces.   That shows their optimistic look towards life and definite faith in the good things to come. 

We left the place with fullest gratitude to God, for having given us all good things and also enablement to help others in the smallest ways possible.   I have participated in lot of charitable work back home, but being part of such an endeavour here in States,  I have no words.... Except thankfullness to God....its my real pursuit of happiness...This day made a difference for sure.... I only wish, God takes care of every child who got our meal today :-) 

New Direct Tax Code- Indian Govt Financial Reforms...Quick View

It took close to 40 years to bring in changes to the much cherish Income Tax Act of 1961 and Wealth Tax Act of 1957 to pace with the growing economy.   Of course new course content to Economics Students and Accountants to handle these changes :-)

The New Direct Tax Code will implemented from April 1, 2012.  But it is a good news and this waiting period will help Auditors and Accountants to understand the new regulations that give solace to an ordinary tax payer in India.

Highlights of Direct Tax Code Bill

• First Amended law after Independence that scrapped exemptions to women based on gender... as a woman,  I applaud this decision.  
• The Income Tax Exemption extended from Rs.160000 to Rs. 200000 with no additional exemption to women
• Tax incentives on Leave Travel Allowances (LTA) is scrapped.
• Housing loan interest exemption up to Rs.1.5 lakhs retained....cheering Real Estate markets
• Income between 2- 5 lakhs will pay 10% tax
• Income between 5- 10 lakhs will pay 20%
• Income above 10 lakhs would attract 30%  (additional savings of around Rs 40000 for income over 10 lakhs as against the current slab)
• Marginal increase to the exemption on Senior Citizens from 2.4 to 2.5 lakhs per annum
• Corporate Tax to be flat 30% (against current 33.34 %)
• Wealth Tax exemption limit increased from Rs.15 Lakhs to Rs.1 Crore as against the proposed Rs.50 crores.
• Wealth tax imposed as 1% where as Non-profitable organizations are exempt from wealth taxes
• Exemption on Pension, Provident Funds and gratuity to be Rs.1 lakh, where as Rs 50000 pure exemption is now available on tuition fees and insurance products including health insurances
• Existing provision of zero tax on long term capital gains to continue...
• Revisions made to short term capital gains
• Income between 2-5 lakhs, would pay 5% on short term capital gains (as against current 15%+2%Cess)
• Income between 5-10 lakhs, would pay 10% on short term capital gains
• Income above 10 lakhs, people would pay 15% on short term capital gains
• Dividends on Unit-linked Mutual funds and ULIPS attract 5% tax on these investments
• MAT increased from 18% to 20% on the book profit to the companies

Insinuations of this proposed Bill on Direct Tax Code

• Housing market will breathe again with exemption on the interest on housing loans continued.
• Middle class marginal savings would be increased as investment in approved funds and insurance is increased from 1.2 to 1.5 lakhs
• Regulations on wealth tax will see more of compliance as many properties would fall within the limit set by the government.
• Boost investment flow into long term capital gains for country's infrastructural needs
• Special Economic Zones will enjoy special tax benefits to boost economy empowerment
• Profit linked deductions to SEZ units will have an adverse impact, but have to be rationalized
• Increase in MAT will balance the benefits received in lowering the corporate tax
• Enhance Foreign companies operations in India,  promote foreign institutional investors and global mergers and acquisitions
• Right to equality to women, have first time achieved in reality. Once we earn, we pay the taxes, no matter who we are by gender.
  

The Best Part of this Direct Tax Code bill is that we don't need to wait for the Finance Budgets coming in every year from the Finance Minister's tables and await changes as these would no longer be part of the Country's Annual Finance Bill.  

This firmness and reformed tax structure will enable tax payers and accountants to follow these guidelines moving forward.The power of the Tax Authorities under the General Anti-Avoidance Act remains the same.

Yet, there is a long way to go as far as regularizing the income tax payers in India, bringing in the rich, rater rich to pay more and help the economic ambitions of the country to fulfill.    90% of our Direct Tax payers are in the middle income group and fall under salaried class and only constitute around 30% of tax revenue to the government, where as the 5% of the high income cream layer of the country constitute 70% of the Tax revenues to the government.   Now it is the time to put a reality check on this 5%....are the richer-rich of the country only constituting 5% of tax payers..... are we not accounting our politicians, film fraternity and business world,...... may be time of Tax Payer Reforms and Regulations :-)  Dr Singh, are you listening....?

Made in .............. The Reality of the US Consumer Market

After reading N.S.Ramanathan's article in IBNlive from Forbes India, one 'Indian techies working abroad on choppy waters'..... I found a new topic for my post.

Disclaimer: This post has no correlation to me being in US now or at on site on a Project....but the writer's thoughts on the realities I have witnessed over the years...   This also have no reference to my organization or its employees....

Now towards the reality....

The fact is that the grass is always greener on the other side.    Lot of the comments to the original post, says that the ultimate loser in the game of globalization, outsourcing and new visa reforms, is the common  IT worker..this includes both Indians and Americans..

One side countries try to take cost advantage, use shared services, improved data centres and focus on cloud and other computing technologies that enhance the utility services... there by creating innovation, technology and new platforms for emerging markets.....

The other side, creeps in the economic imbalances, financial downfalls,  manufacturing industries struggling to make domicile decisions and countries suffering from self-reliance.     What every American today feels is what every Indian  felt in 1940's.....Swadesh!.... We have read in our history, how the Nation boycotted foreign goods and called in for Indigenous products and industries to relive its original glory....Today, forget about the IT industry... at least 7 out of the 10 products that people buy in United States today is not manufactured here....Which means that it has become a buyer's market where close to 70-80% of consumer spending is driven towards a different country manufacturing the product.  So it is not just the IT industry but the overall, consumer market have to be re looked just in case they do really want to bring jobs back and bring in more of consumer spending go back to the American grassroots....to rebuild economy, and go back to globalization than going towards centralization in States....

Enterprise Project Management - Methodology

Projects are driven by people who efficiently manage projects using right tools. 

Organization over the years build Enterprise Project Management methodology to handle a suite of projects with a uniformed governance.  This method helps them to have a structure to handle all projects for all customers in an organization to handle from inception to closure.

A structured process attempts to solve most of the Project Management problems in a proven process, at the same time, there is a need to have a customized approach to handle project specific issues. 

EPM ensures there is a structure providing guidelines, templates and checklist for every stage of Project.  Same time, there should be an adequate provision for Tailoring and Waiver and extensively used by Project Managers using their logical thinking, project specific needs and expert judgement.

Decision Making, problem solving and effective attention to management of details should be inclined with the EPM and also consider the big picture of the Organizational Goals and Objectives.  Tool should help project managers achieve their objectives and not complicate the process. 

Hence EPM should be looked as an effective management tool than a cumbersome process built over the years in an Organization.

How to move folders in Sharepoint?

Go to the Action Menu on the sharepoint and click on the Explorer View. 

In the Explorer view, you can drag and drop folders/ files to other locations or cut, copy and paste as needed.

Or use the "Content and Structure" tool in Site Settings

***IT tips are small tit-bits that usually hinder our quick work flow, and thought could help many people who use Sharepoint on regular basis****

Celebration of Joy- Thanks Giving

 

India had been influenced by West over generations now and most of the lifestyles and our way of culture are slowly integrating with the global platform.  Be it the education, environment, festivals or cultural integrity, today, India stands nowhere behind any of the generalized protocols of the world.  Indian media and marketing have not left behind by bringing in the festivals of ‘Valentine’s day’, ‘Friendship Day’ and ‘Cancer Awareness day’ and so on.  But one festival that is yet to reach our entire Indian shores and make an impact in the younger generation is ‘Thanks Giving”.

Gratitude had been in our blood ever since Indian Civilizations emerged.  We do thank people for their kindness, help, care and affection in all ways possible.  To me, Thanks giving should be one festival that should integrate into our lives, irrespective of the religion or nationality, because we should take a moment to pause in life and explicitly express our solidarity and thankfulness to all people who brought in the difference in our lives.  Thanksgiving especially is a harvest festival giving thanks to God for the harvest and primarily celebrated in US and Canada.  It also becomes an important day to express gratitude to all things that brought happiness, all the moments of trouble that we overcame,  all the strength that emerged by lessons learnt, and all the good people in our lives.  We have local festivals like Sankranthi, Pongal, Onam celebrating in similar lines and this urge is only towards a common thread that can bind the entire nation in gratitude.

I take this opportunity to thank God, my parents, my spouse and child, my teachers, my friends and colleagues and all people who influenced towards the best in my life so far and especially to Inner Wheel that makes us commit for a cause with conviction, compassion and consistency.

 

--- Umasree Raghunath,   Inner Wheel Club of Madras South

Response to Medical Emergencies...Thanks to 911

3 weeks gone from the time I wrote this post, and I justed waited for the right time to click on the "Publish Post" button.... my own experience and incident in Nashville in second week of July when I went on business trip.   Now that I am back to action at both home and work, fully recovered and normal, I thought I need to publish this post now....For all my friends and family, I am fine, and just doing great as ever!

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30000 feet above sea level, up in the skies , far above the clouds, sitting in the AAflight 882, I could think of nothing more than the human touch, of the events that touched my life since I started to Nashville. The beginning was like any other business trip I made in the past few years, and usual, family were with mixed thoughts to see me leaving for a week, this time, the shortest trip. All was fine the day 1, enjoying the connecting flights over Dallas, and wishing SRG from the skies of the Texas, and above, all it was such a fine flight. To me, being a lover of traveling and visiting new places, I could imagine all good things that I planned to do and exploring the Music City… and if time permits make a visit to Mphesis, to see Graceland…


Tuesday evening, returning from work, never expected the unfolding drama… the wet floor close to the car park of the Marriott hotels, and my thoughtless step made me meet with a unexpected accident, within a minute, I just went and hit the floor straight with my face down to the ground with rock surface, and my specs flew few feet away. I remember yelling in pain. Within seconds, I saw my Nigerian Cab driver Frank running to me and lifting me with such a care and also another guest of the hotel coming to pick my things that fell to the floor, my thought was where is my laptop. I just didn’t think that I was bleeding all over my face, and within seconds I saw the hotel manager and lobby attendant running to my aide with ice cubes. I didn’t realize till then that I was hurt, and hurt badly. They just managed to slowly lift me to the hotel lobby to a much comfortable place, and within 10 minutes, I saw paramedics of 911 respond. They were so quick, that I didn’t even realize that I needed them so badly till they started working on me quickly checking my pulse and other vital signs. They moved me with such a caution to let the parts of the body be there as is, whether broken, bruised or bleeding. I was neatly strapped to the ambulance stretcher and let inside and one of the paramedics picked my stuff carefully. Hotel manager Ted was quick to extend his card to be called in an emergency. Unlike in the accident scenes I have seen in the most of my life, the witnesses waited to give all information than running away. Mine was a very minor one, but the kind of caution, care and attention they showed made me salute them with gratitude. Within 15 minutes, I remember getting rushed to the emergency department of Summit Hospital in Hermitage, where doctors immediately attended. Cleaning up the wounds, and completely confirming that I haven’t broken any of my bones, except a bunch of my bunny teethes, and with gushes of cuts in the face, and broken lips and disintegrated mouth for a minute. .doctors gave back me a much awaited smile.

I never knew being organized helps to a great deal in personal life, every year at the starting of the new diary, I dedicate a page to fill in the emergency details including my contact list, insurance details and blood group, and my fullest wish to donate my eyes and organs in case of an eventuality. As the paramedic kept asking for my name, contact and date of birth and insurance details, all I did was to pull out the dairy from my bag and showed him. He looked at me with a strong surprise. His look had a question , “was I awaiting this to happen?” , I smiled, and told him that it’s my usual practice, especially I keep things handy when I travel. This not only helps ourselves but also makes life of people around us easy. They just didn’t have to call anyone till they were done with the complete medical procedures of fixing my torn skin on the face and doing first aid to my teeth. Suddenly after 3 hours of lying down in the hospital bed and letting the doctors do their duty, I realized, my specs gave up on me, and it’s broken. I obviously cannot make it to the hotel or the pharmacy to buy my prescription alone. A little bit of fear started to creep in, and that’s when the nurse came to me saying that I can go back home the same night after an hour. I told her that I am a guest in Nashville, and don’t have a home but a hotel room awaiting me, before I finished, another nurse came in to say that the hotel security would be on the way to guide me to getting back to the hotel. After an hour, Danny, the elder security of the hotel came to me and said that we can leave. I only saw our God, Lord Sai baba in his way he approached me, took me to the pharmacy to pick my medication and then slowly hold my hands to make me get back to my room. Ted, the manager was awaiting my return. He was so tired, but was so sure, that he desperately waited my coming back. After taking couple of details from me, to file an incident report, he dispersed by getting me milk and water. That’s when I really thought, am getting back to life. Suddenly, I saw my phone red button blinking, saying that I have close to 8 messages waiting. Hoops, I was so sure, that half the calls would be from my little girl. And yes, I tried to be careful not to narrate this whole episode to her and sounded normal on the call, but the minute, Raghu came on line, I could not hold back my tears. I had to tell him not to react but listen to my outpour. He said he would fly down immediately, but I had to stop him from scaring my girl. What a beautiful family, I know nothing will happen to me with them in life and around. Couple of desperate calls from my friend vk and pg, who were trying to touch base with me… and I felt my life so abundant….Sedatives and anestisia, made me slip down into sleep soon after passing on the emotional pain to my perseverant husband.

Next morning, I pulled my energies to mail to my boss and inform my client on the happening, as I don’t want them to search for me when I am on a business trip. Had not my specs given up on me, I would have mustered courage to push me to office, but alas, same time, didn’t want to scare people around with a swollen red face filled with bandages…. Thankfully, I managed to get both the specs and dentures leveled up the next day and again, slipped off to a long and much needed sleep. After a day, I had two choices, either to fly back, or continue with my agenda. Both had its own positives, first one basically will make my man comfortable to the fact that I am back home safe, and can get the required medical attention. Second option, will make my things planned on the trip happen, and also is an opportunity to gain respect with my new project team. I didn’t want to give up on the opportunity and decided to muster courage to continue with my plan. The takeaways are the fact, that no matter what woman goes through, we are also equally professional and tolerant, and keep professional calling above personal hindrances. For lot many people around me, believe that women employees, are not fit to work on tough situations and I always took every single opportunity to prove them wrong and prove us right that we are also professionals no matter what of the gender. Neatly, to me, it is the bonding time with the new client and new team and the team responded to me so well. People came forward to help with setting up the required infrastructure and also making me comfortable all through my remaining stay in Nashville. I always write in my blog and articles that no matter what managers have to be looking beyond projects and especially People. I am always blessed to have had and still have such managers who make my professional life more meaningful. My manager and the administration, friends and colleagues not only shared their empathy but also showered a high confidence and respect and much touching care and affection, that made my commitment stronger and fruitful. I was driven to a totally emotional imbalance when my elder sister cried over phone to hear about this incident, having known her as a strong professional herself and a very strong HR manager, I just didn’t expect this from her, but I think first of all, both my sisters are my best friends and great sisters that to them, what matters most is my well being. To me challenges, are always fun. They keep coming my way every now and then. I love fighting them out. And also moving forward. With such a beautiful bonding of family ties, strong support of my colleagues and ever pouring affection of friends and innate courage and strong will, I know, nothing would deter my determination and dreams.



Few best takeaways are the Western Values that we Indians need to really learn from:



1. Response to emergencies, no matter what act fast – to save that golden hour. Thanks to 911. Promote 108 in India and support NGO’s like Alert who are working for this cause.

2. Help unconditionally, don’t run away from responsibility. Thanks to Marriott

3. No matter, what race or country, be helpful and care. Thanks to Frank. I still remember the incident where accident victims are stolen of their things and are left helpless on the roads.

4. Have proper medical insurance. Thanks to SRG who takes care of our insurance details on the day 1 of our arrival in United States, only wish atleast 90% of Indians are driven towards this objective. Statistics show that less than 21% of Indians only have medical insurance.

5. Be Organized. Especially when you travel, keep your things organized and inplace updated, this helps none other than yourself…. Thanks to Thyself!!!

6. Manage things that are manageable. Don’t make personal hindrances reason for not being committed to professional calling. Be truthful and act appropriately

7. Communicate on time. Inform all people concerned of any incidents that may affect the business plans. Communication is vital when you are not available.

8. Limca Communication - This is giving a bad news in the most softest way possible, I think I goofed up here by describing the incident to my sisters,..Hoops!

Watching B.R.Chopra's Mahabharat ....after close to 15 years again

Last few holidays, I spent my time watching B.R.Chopra's Mahabharat...in fact showing it to my child who was curious to know the characters of the great epic.  I probably could not explain to lot of her questions and found it more interesting and easy to make her watch "Mahabharat" on YouTube.   Believe me, the television scenes that I watched almost 15 years ago were so fresh and alive in front of me, and  it is not about a sharp memory, but the kind of involvement we had those days to this great serial of all times in the history of Indian Television.   As a strong believer, that "Kalachakram" will have answers to all questions, every time I saw the same repeatedly saying how the Past and our own destiny will impact our very future, is in fact a strong lesson to many of us as grown up adults today.

The epic with its poise and grandeur have every thing that no management institution can explain, it has every political angle of administration that no parliament today could adapt every bit of "Rajanithi" proclaimed years and years ago.  

The most important takeaways any day of this great epic would be

• Dharmam (Justice)
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Trust
• Passion and Love
• Determination
• Truthfulness
• Tolerance
• Acceptance
• Perfection
• Timelessness
• Priceless
• Abundance
• Honour and Self-Respect
• Relationships
• Emotions
• People
• Borders and Wars

As a parent, I thought it is my responsibility to introduce this great epic to my child, for few reasons.

1.  Indian History is not only the most ancient but also the most tolerant and politically strong heritage

2.  Every problem will have a solution, and Mahabharat teaches you to think from all angles

3.  Be it your relation, friend, or a teacher, if for Justice, it is right to fight against them.  This is a very big lesson that today's world of selfish and greedily attitudes should learn from this beautiful history of all times

4.  Truth alone wins.  What ever may be the battles of life, stand by truth and it wins

5.  Lot of lessons to handle relationships, emotions, patriotic feelings, war with wisdom and integrity to the land and the people, friendship and sacrifice, secrets and mazes of life, unwind at ease in Mahabharat, which will be difficult to explain to our modern day kids. 

I have grown up watching this great epic, and I strongly believe that lot of my actions and judgements are purely driven by self-conscious effort of what I learnt from this great television serial.  To us, it wasn't a serial, it was a visual way of teaching what no historical books or reading could have done.   Swami Vedanta tries to explain "Bhagavat Geeta" in all his lectures.  BR.Chopra ever lasting Mahabharat should be retelecasted for generations and generations for it is the core of Indian Heritage that all children should be exposed to.   It is an immense treasure of knowledge that every parent should pass on to the children.  For what stands as a testimony to the truth of life, is not the wealth but the wisdom we pass on to our generations to come.  I would request all my friends and readers of this blog to attempt the same, for our children will find direction, a sense of responsibility, an understanding to the lives realities, and a sharp thinking capability to handle any life's given situation.   With all gratitude to the whole team of Mahabharat who are for ever green in the Indian Television history, I end...

Finally Rupee Joins the Elite Club of Currency Symbols

As one of the early blogger and also an initial contestant who submitted my entry on the Indian Rupee Symbol, I am delighted. 

My currency finally has a global face value. Wow... The symbol really looks good despite the controversial statements that went into the discussion on the selection process. Anti-Hindi states may also dislike the new symbol. But the fact is that it is now formal. Easy to adopt. Will find a place on the keyboards may be in the next 2 years. Close to 6 months down the lane, all official communication of the Indian Administration will have this symbol just like $ or any other elite currency.


With the growing economic advancement of India, sooner, I am sure we will also join the elite club of World Nations called as Developed Nations, if not at least as a Developed Economy.   Sooner a day would dawn in the history of India, where valuing its conversion rate against many other global economies would be to the beneficial to the Nation and its citizens.   Also wish this trend would initiate and further provoke  a reverse brain drain to India, bringing back its intellectual strength like never before.  

This is certainly a prideful moment to all of us, for having taken the step to gain our own recognition amongst world economies.  We as Citizens of India, do not only hold this pride, but also our equal responsibility in the upliftment of our brethren in India, eliminate poverty, bring in more prosperity, marvelling scientific and nuclear ability, creating a much dominated  brilliance, energized and educated India, that would surely stand tall with its core ingredients of Unity in diversity, cultural tolerance and secular fabric of the Nation. 

It is the moment, where Swami Vivekananda's worlds in Chicago in 1893 still echos...with the same pride and wisdom..."As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee."    This is a small step towards our greater achievements as an emerging World Economical Super Power!!!  Jai Hind!  Jai Ho!!!

Is Jaundice Life Threatening?

Today is one of the disturbing days...hearing the news of a 28 year old colleague in HP, Karthick Sitaraman's death.   Getting succumbed to acute jaundice.  What a unfortunate event leaving behind a young bride of 2 years and a 8 month old daughter.   A very talented software professional, revered to be calm and friendly to his colleagues, with good health habits meeting with this tragedy.  Unbelievable.  

People may jump to conclusions that our stress and lifestyles are the reason behind the health taking a toss.  Most of us in our quest for achievements,  work hard day and night, eating at odd times, sleeping at unearthly hours and keeping life on toes.  Such incidents give it a halt with a jerk.   Since last few years, I have been witnessing such tragedies more,  Radhika,  my friend who died at the age of 28 to Dengue fever,  Sowmya, another colleague at 28, died on diwali night last year with high BP,  Prabhu at the age of 30, passed away with acute ulcer and now Karthick... too tragic for the families and friends.

Coming to Jaundice...today Jaundice have vaccines for our future generations to be prevented from this disease.  Drinking more water and liquids and fruit juices will prevent trouble to the most delicate organ- Liver.  Having been a victim to this very disease during my college days, my mom took me to a "traditional jaundice healer" in Triplicane Chennai.  You have to go to this  doctor early in the morning without food and he would give you the medicine for few days that would heal you.  I remember getting this medication as serial injections, but believe me, it cured the most acute form of illness I suffered...,,which in fact antibiotics could not make me recover.  I think it is Zohari Madani Hospital now, which is at 58 Triplicane High Road, Chennai.    Alternative medicine always had its importance and can be recommended if found appropriate.

Few Precautions that all of us need to know and watch out:-)
1.  Liver is a critical and delicate organ- so watch out your eating habits .  drink lot of fluids
2.  Do not abuse your organs by alcohol abuse or drugs intake
3.  Do not drink sugar cane juices and other drinks sold road side or aerated drinks where the source of water is not good  for they carry the hepatitis virus more
4. Drug metabolism of liver is faster, so use drugs only on prescription and from low doses on recommendation of doctors
5. Please go to doctor immediately when fallen sick and take appropriate steps not to lose the most precious life due to carelessness and negligence.
6. Look at the genetic history of the family and schedule periodic health checkups

I am sure, people died young would not have thought about it at all, they also would have had dreams and aspirations like any of us,  have families and children dependent on them, have colleagues and friends who respected them and miss them and above all, parents who are so unfortunate to witness their beloved one's early passing away.  To all of us, this is again a lesson, to take "STOP" signals like at the every end of a road , and watch out and proceed in life.  The things to watch out are clearly our sleeping patterns, work-life balance, eating habits and lifestyle.  Respect the life that god blessed us with and live it to the fullest with health, happiness and security to our families. 

Spirituality as part of Self-Management

Gone are the days when spirituality is considered as an activity during our last lap of our lives. Today it became quite evident that a bit of self-realization, spiritual understanding is essential to combat the stresses of our every day to day activity. Not only individuals, but also Corporates’and Government is taking measures to bring in ways and means to combat the pressures of the modern world.

Everything in this world is moving at rapid pace. Even the wait at signals for seconds, seems to be too much of a waiting for people. The countdown begins everywhere and for everything. Catching the school bus, carpool on time, swiping in time at offices on time, planned cooking or surviving in pre-cooked food, back to back conference calls and meetings, deadlines and deliverables, just like that updating attendance to social events and functions, doing hundreds of things and not giving a closer watch to anything has become a routine to many people in this modern world.

The end result: Ill-health, unwarranted lifestyles, unsatisfied relationships, broken families, below expected work performances, loss of friends and extended family, lack of social recognition, unplanned finances and meager savings and retirement plans. The outcome: Stress and Burnout.

There is an absolute need to stop. Just stop for a while and re-assess where this life is heading to. Is this stress worth? Speaking to lot of my friends who settled in west over the decades do tell me, that irrespective of the so-called hi-lifestyle and happiness they project to people back home in India, most of them go through immense stress of balancing life within very limited resources, chasing deals and second hand goods, demanding children and socialializing and expectations of the people back home to support, understand and share the wealth, which in reality is just a myth. Finally they end up feeling nowhere, not belonging to the country they left behind, nor totally absorbed in the country they migrated to, for they still want to be Indians, dress that way, eat the Indian food, follow Indian festivals and rituals. The challenge is not being able to break the bridge at some point and adopt in totality. The stress of synchronization is immense in families spread across the world.

So how does the spirituality help in this self- management? The good old rituals of getting up early, eating on time, leaving to work on time, come back by sun set., sit in the verandah and update each other the happenings in the family, spend some time together in prayers, and having family dinners together and sleeping early used to be stress-free. But now, working different time zones, different cultures and different technologies, and companies, have disturbed the whole fabric of a routine life.

Spirituality is all about self-realization. Getting more organized and believing in the strength of a super power that guides us, and reinstating the fact that, “no matter what, what is destined to happen, would happen”. Spirituality in truth understands the purpose of your existence. Visualizing what you want to be today, tomorrow, in the next few years, towards the end of your life. Spirituality is attaining an immense happiness coupled with satisfaction on the life lived...For there is absolutely no evidence that we can relive the life that once gone by?

The spiritual quest can be in any way. Some do meditation and yoga. Some go to temples and spend time. Some go to lectures and gurus for seeking guidance and setting up a path. It is not an entertainment that provides refreshment to life. It is an endeavor to make life more easy and meaningful. Re-questioning oneself time and again, on what is that we want in this life will create a pattern of understanding the urge within. The urge is absolutely connecting to the divine. Here the divine can be of any religion, any practice, any culture, any methodology, any path, but as long as the divine spells out the truth of what you want to achieve in life, it is fine.

Spirituality unknowingly brings in a disciplined way in which each one of us can lead our lives. It connects you not just to any God or Religion of your choice, but to your inner-self. All of us would accept the fact that what we portray in our professional lives, we are not the same in our personal lives. It is not a split personality. It is all about being as expected in professional lives and being natural in personal lives. For example, though I may be angry with my boss, I would still smile at him and say that I would do the task assigned for I may not like the idea of getting into the wrong books…at the same time, I take the liberty to express my anger and frustration with my spouse and do not mind fighting with him openly, for we take our own people for granted. Spirituality gives strength to gain a balance in these two ways of handling a similar issue or expectation.

I always write to myself, that “when it is beyond me, I look upon God”. This goes with the Management concept of “Line of Control”. What is within my ability and line of control can be controlled. What is external to my control, I leave it as an unknown unknown. Same time, make contingency plans and mitigation strategy to handle unknown unknowns. So acceptance of this fact becomes an important way to handle things. Stop getting frustrated for the things not in your control and making adequate space and giving thought to handle known unknowns is possible through a spiritual path. Yoga provides a way of life that helps to maintain good health, physical exercise and mental strength. Prayers provide a solace to people burdened with the day to day stress…the belief that there is super natural power that could help is always a hope and a way of leaving things to an external control and focusing on the things in hand. In one way, some of our ancient practices have a scientific reason and logical meaning to follow even today.

Thus, spirituality as a method of self-management supersedes every other management practice as this control individuals and their way of life. After all management is all about people doing different things in different ways. As long as it is in the most organized and fruitful manner, there is no harm in practicing an old trick that will do the trade :-)

Thanks to Sundar, who suggested that I should write on Spirituality and I thought I would write something that is very much applicable to me as well :-)