Excellence

Excellence! You are excellent. As I kept hearing this word many times this year than never before, I was wondering what it actually means. What makes some one excellent or something of excellence? Is there a boundary on which an excellence is decided? Is there a way that people perceive a thing and rate it as excellent? There are numerous questions that flooded my thoughts.
Excellence is Exceeding Expectations.
Yes, Excellence is doing more than what is expected in a positive way, towards betterment and growth.... I expect 1000 bags of rice to be produced this year in my farm, but I manage to produce 1500 bags exceeding expectations...that's my excellence.
Excellence is a continuous process.
Once you are excellent, it becomes your standard, and you have no choice than to make it a continuous process. In my above example, now my standard and expectation will be 1500 bags of produce... and I don't have a choice to come down the same..means I have now set a new example of myself.
Excellence is a journey not a destination
If you are excellent and forget being excellent always, you would soon become a history, and get dissolved in the pages of time. New ways and means to be discovered to keep this process is a continuous journey. Never a destination
Excellence is an ongoing challenge.
The challenge is being a competition to yourself and to others. You should sharpen your axe from time to time to keep in pace with the changes around you. Identifying the strengths of your competitors and enabling yourself to equip to win over them makes you a tough person.
Excellence is a combination of all virtues
Hard work, Perseverance, Innovation, Approachability, Inter-Personal skills, Communication, Visibility, Perfection in work, deliverable on time, commitments to customers honoured, balancing your personal and professional lives, constructive education, team work, motivating others, continuous learning process, contribution to society, aspiring for growth and daring to dream new things and work towards it, entertaining your hobbies and refreshing yourself to new challenges and hold upon your loyalty, sincerity, and integrity to the organization and yourself, providing adequate attention to your family and friends, taking time off to be on your own, and above all Faith and Faith in your possibilities and the sustain supreme power beyond us, makes us Excellent!!! Yes , Par Excellence!!!

Change in Business Models is the only solution?

The change in the business model is essential for the large corporates that are struggling for existence. There has to be significant changes in the way of cost-effective operations that would provide cost effective business solutions as well. End of one tunnel may be a beginning of a better road ahead. This positive tendency has to first re-vibrate in the people to create opportunities instead of creating a pessimistic mind set of losing. Obstacles are those frightful things that hinder our growth when we lose sight of our goals. Opportunities are those new avenues that open up when the obstacles are tackled with affirmation. It is quite essential for creating a new environment and a people's perception that would make new opportunities possible. Beginning of all things is small... so with the big obstacles, we should not fail to look at those small new beginnings that may in future emerge as successful business opportunities. This is nothing but a game of treasure hunt.. and its time for the people to look for the first clue to move forward!!!

What makes you a good leader?

Quite often, I wonder why one manager is different from the other. Why one leader is different from the other.. Why one politician is different from the other... What ever may be the differences in the ways of handling things, there are quite a very proven concepts that make the best of leaders in the world. Right from a class leader, a school pupil leader, a district collector, a state governor, a minister, or a National leader, or a manager, regional head, country head or global head, there are few things that go with each of the leaders!
1. Leaders are born, they are not made! It is an innate quality that exemplifies a person's approach to circumstances and people, that make them leaders.
2. People who can set examples. Remember someone is watching you always, and when these some one's become multiple and people follow you, you become a leader
3. Some one to look upon- When there is a roadblock, and people need guidance, solace, results and revised paths, and if you could lead them to newer dimensions, you become a choice to be a leader, not by yourself, but by others.
4. Delegation of authority- It is important that you trust your subordinates, and provide them support to grow. As each one them takes one step of growth, you grow by the number of people who grows in your team. But remember, responsibility to be assigned with required authority for a job to be executed perfectly
5. Team Work- Its always WE and never "me". Especially when you are leader, you set an example..one classic theory is that a leader will stand in front when bullets are fired and stand behind the team while lifting the trophies. Dr Kalam, talks about this at length about Vikram Sarabai and his leadership in his Ignited Minds
6. Exceeding Expectations- Once you set a standard, a standard far above everyone in a group, it becomes a leader's standard and this is when you exceeds general expectations. A leader is supposed to keep up these expectations always.
7. Do not preach, but practice- Leaders who just do what they are expected are highly regarded, and mostly people follow for what they do than for what they say. When what is said and what is done is in sync, they become the most respected leaders.
8. Integrity and Respect - Sincerity, hard work, dedication,devotion to work assigned, commitment, timeliness, quality and perfection in work, transparency, appreciation and approachability are all closely watched by the people in the groups and a leader should be a role model. People automatically starts giving you more respect and take your word as final. Respect is never commanded, its given!
You want to be proven leader, see how many of the above traits you possess. Am sure all leaders will have most of these qualities in-built in them.

Be Indian - BUY Indian

"Be Indian- Buy Indian" - Did we not hear this as children? I always remember the image of Gandhiji with the wheel, working on the spinning of cotton yarn. Yes, may be its now time- after 60 years of India's independence to sing the song of " Made in India"
Made in India....Yes, I am right when I proclaim this. I am a patriot to my nation, no doubt. But still, there is an analyst and economist behind this statement. The need of the hour:
1. Create jobs and more jobs in India
2. Oil the wheels of Indian Industry
3. Creating a complete self-reliance on the manufacturing sectors.
4. Conservation and preservation of India's rich natural resources
5. Fullest utilization of the knowledge and talent of highly educated.
6. Prevention of erosion of India's rich forest reserves
7. Creating economic upheaval of rural India with micro-financing
8. Take all steps to prevent shortage of food grains and agricultural produce.
9. Bringing in the wind energy, solar energy and thermal energy efficiency
10. Lessen the dependence on the global markets for our industry inputs
11. Utilisation of indigenous products and raw materials for our plants
12. Promote Indian Products with a conscious effort. This is definitely a strong lesson that we need to learn from the global economic down-turn.
13. Save our hard earned freedom by bringing in an economic independence and a real socialistic and sovereign republic
Let me go in detail in my next post on the " Made in India" branding...the most essential crusade of the century that need to begin right away....encourage yourself, your children, friends, families and colleagues to follow this branding...doing a little in a way which is possible to you.... for every drop counts in a ocean...and lets make a oceanic difference in the Indian Economy!!! Jai Hind!

Business Processes Re- Engineering

Its now time for the world companies to look into re-structuring...which means the entire existing business processes need to be re-engineered to meet the current demands of the global economy. What does it mean? It is a strategical change in the way the things were perceived, interpreted and executed. Which means that right from the planning till the execution of the new processes, everything had to be revisited. Just like the way, people looked at the burning houses in California but the day next, ensured to re look into what best can be done to move forward. The same synthesis applies to business economics also.
Move forward! Yes, the biggest questions lies behind on what need to be changed, how to be changed, and what is the cost and time involved and a real readiness for the change from the conservative way of approach in the business. The Auto Industry need to look into more fuel efficient, economic and reliable vehicles on road. The manufacturing plants need to revamp with newer technologies which would be one time investment and time for change in tools and machinery. The travel industry need to look into more economic and viable solutions than aiming for the cosy infrastructure and advertising. The Financing industry need to start picking up lessons from the past and look into more conservative ways of financing that proved fatal and also look into the Asian financing system that much more stronger on fundamentals. The Insurance sector need to look into what the terms and conditions stated can be redefined. The health sector need to reestablish with tie up with insurance companies and corporates to bring in a more down to earth health packages and solutions to reach the common man. The Pharmaceutical industry need to get more organised with clubbing of solutions instead of we having 10 different medicines for simple headache, the medical fraternity can work towards simpled single solution that is economical, viable and effort worthy.. the fashion and film industry should bring in a change in the kind of amount that is spent on unnecessary things and can divert towards social causes. Infact the political scenario of few countries need to be changed for the political freedom is useless with out the economic independence. Our old stories of colonisation, and history of Russia, South Korea and Mexico are strong examples of how industrial growth and economy viability within the countries is essential to withstand global recessions and its impacts.
By all means, there is lot more of work coming up....especially its time for companies to look up strong strategists who can work on corporate objectives to enhance the smooth transition towards growth and re-engineering. It is a mammoth task but a definite task that need to be accomplished sooner than later. India's IIM and top university grads can help to build this process, for we have a talent pool which is a mixture of engineering skills and also economic considerations along with process orientation. Its time for Processes and Projects to go hand in hand and to be in par all times. COMMON INDIA, THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR BRAINS AND TALENTS TO RESTRUCTURE THE ECONOMIES...JUST GO AHEAD AND DO YOUR BIT TO REVITALISE AND STOP THE TUMBLING BLOCKS FROM FALLING.....

Recession, credit crunch, layoffs. cost cutting and what not!!!

Since October 2008, we had been continuously hearing the words I mentioned here in the title... Are we really in a globally worst times, or in an much exaggerated situation. Did all these companies fail and suddenly tumbled in October or what there a hidden storm unpredicted. United States, a country which is considered the most powerful and developed nation did not predict and prevent an economic tsunami?! The countries which predict weather forecast every 10 minutes on television channels, care about puppies and kittens, failed to look into the fire that was going blaze down the very living of millions of people?? Who failed and where did we fail as a global village.
As an analyst, I would like to look into this from an entirely different view point. Simple question: When does an economy tumble? It tumbles down when there is no cash flow. OK, when does the cash flow stop?? The cash flow stops when the consumers stop buying. Right, why do consumers stop buying? Either they don't have enough money, or not able to avail enough credit, or do not have jobs to support the finances or a new consumer behaviour emerges where the concept of savings begin. Paradoxically, one of the 4 above could be the reasons.
Lets look into each phenomena, do not have enough money!.. means that people's needs are more than the actual means. Or the money is just sufficient to handle the inflated prices and needs. Secondly, there is no enough credit. 9 :10 was the credit standards of the bank in US, and in Europe the lending ratio was 10.5: 10, Where as in developing nations, the credit ratio was 7:10, which means the banks lend 7 rupees against the 10 rupees liquidity or cash reserve or funding dynamics. Now the situation had come that if the 9 rupees of 10 is not paid periodically back to the bank, due to the first reason here, the banks will run out of reserves. So its a cyclic reaction. The next was that foreclosures. I have seen a sea of cars put for sale in a stadium...remember the auction began at less than 1000$ for each car which could anyway be worth of 16000$ and above... and North Perry street adjacent to where I live, is abandoned with empty houses..lot many so beautiful and well designed. Banks are struggling to maintain these houses, and keep paying the basic bills to the government. What happened to the people suddenly?? There was no major concept of savings in general. Which means, when the worst had hit, there is a no fall back plan. Companies think about the BCP and Disaster recovery plans...not able understand why and where there failed to be a Financial Disaster recovery plan...something failed strategically over the years. Last one, the loss of jobs and its direct impact on the people and the consumerism. Though its late, every dollar in hand counts today.
I remember reading in my history classes, the way East India Company conquered the trade in India, and slowly paved a way for the British to rule... because the economy and fate of the people depend on the strong trade and commerce. For a moment, though it hurts, the reality is that 8 out of 10 products that I purchased in the last ten days, do not have the stamp "Made in USA". Virtually, the entire market is flooded with products from Taiwan, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and India. My friend Lori and me were discussing this in detail... she expressed her anger that the last ship of 1945 World War II, which had been auctioned to Mexico, is now on its final journey to India to be dismantled and used for the strong steel it has..you know what, to be made as "Manhole covers" and exported back to USA. US Steel company failed for the first time in history and nearly 150 banks are struggling to make it, consumer retail product companies, airlines, manufacturing and the worst hit American Automobile industry. Lori also said in anger, that people do not acknowledge the fact that we should buy indigenous products so that jobs are created here and people earn a living. May be she is hinting at a strong lesson to all of us all over the world. First create opportunities for your own products, your own people and your own industry. Global Economy and concepts are universally accepted, but we cannot in that urge let us fail as individual countries. The minute a developed nation's economy is hit, it had its own chain reaction across the globe. May be, its a real time for all of us to think on what products to buy and make the cash flow in the economy viable for the growth of Individual Nations.
May its again time for us to raise our flags and call for a Gandhian era, where at a time, we banned the foreign goods.... Save Yourselves!!!

Succeeding within the box

"When we will get more tools and better systems"
Most of us have heard the saying "Creativity is thinking outside the box". There's alot of truth in that, but to me, the true creativity is this : Succeeding within the box.
Hitting targets, reaching goals, doing the job well and making a difference with what we already have is the QBQ way. Every organization has imperfect systems and finite resources. We may wish we had newer tools, better systems, more people and bigger bugets. But thinking too much about what we'd like to have is another cause of procrastination. Managers, for example, won't take their group through team-building until "all the right people are in place" . Individuals won't make a decision until they have all the information or take action until all the questions are answered.
Ironically, suceeding with what have makes us more likely to get the things we wanted in the first place. Listen to the wisdom of Deb Weber of State Farm Insurance: "I'll find that every time I do the job with the tools I have, I tend to receive more tools", Its a truth: We sow, we reap.
Focusing on what we don't have is a waste of time and energy. To really make a difference, let's instead focus our energy on succeeding within the box. Let's ask the QBQ "How can I achieve with the resources I already have?"
PS:"This is one post that I print and keep on my desk since 2003, from the time Johnny Tsang shared this with me, an extract from John G Miller's writing. By the way, QBQ means- The Questions behind the Question.

My Michigan Takeaways!

As I am all set to go back to my country, my city, my family and my usual routine.... I do hold lot of things in thought and have lot of things to jot as well.. Especially the kind of takeaways from my first visit to United States..... to me this is a journey which had been successful, well planned and highly educative and I am sure I have lot of good things that I can carry with me as I go back to hug my little one waiting at home.... The list in brief and if time permits, would keep this memories written and saved in my blog so that I can cherish any day... it begins
1. A Hard worked Project Success... the very objective of me coming to on site
2. Immense experience and value that I accumulated in a very challenging project
3. Gaining the people's trust and looking forward in my work- proved inter personal skills that got me friends in all teams from just being hostile colleagues from various streams
4. A childhood dream come true- Visit to NIAGARA FALLS....
5. Celebrating my child's 10th Birthday in USA
6. The Fragrance and Beauty of Tulip Gardens in Holland
7. Washington DC- Re-discovering the friendship of Srivi and family and the administration part of US- Watching Lincoln Memorial, White house, Capitol Hill and Luray Caverns
8. Amazing slide down the Sand dunes in Saugatek down to Lake Michigan
9. Cars and cars and cars-- Chrysler, Ford and GM Renaissance Centre- Only wish they survive for long, as Detroit and World needs them
10. Rediscovering Hindu faith and temple in Aurora Balaji Temple.. Beauty in devotion
11. Taking my family on top of Sears towers- the tallest towers in North America in Chicago
12. My classmate Madhuri coming to pick me up in Detroit- meeting after 16 years of school-Nothing changed
13. The Fall Colors- Enjoyed the greenery, beauty and amazing natural extravaganza of Michigan lakes, parks, roads and climate..... real Katrinil oru geetham!!!
14. The Silent hours after many years- staying alone,working average 18 hours a day, taking time off to write with passion and composing the devotional songs in weekends.. rediscovering my passions and hobbies.........just being alone..
15. Celebrating my birthday weekend with Manjit in Lake Erie on Canada Border
16. A Chance to watch the history happening with Obama winning US Election 2008
17. Last but not the least- taking with me the warmth of people in a new country who never let me feel alien here.. and few beautiful friendships that I would cherish for life
Thank You Michigan... I would write more on each of the takeaways as time permits...

To My Dad and Mom- Happy Anniversary!

12 November 1970, the day my parents tied the knot. Lucky I am to have such wonderful people as my dad and mom. Its almost 16 years that Papa passed away, but still today, he is amidst us in our thoughts and deeds. Today what these parents tranformed are three girls into very responsible citizens. Of the very few photos we have and cherish of my mom and dad, the one in this post is my beloved one...

This one was actually taken in 1982, during our first house warming ceremony.. what a lovely parents. If my mom is known for her self-less committment and responsibility towards us, dad is known for what he showed as love and goodness can be. Together, they made us just follow them. Though there are no celebration anymore on this day, we still cherish the day that brought in a couple and a beautiful family that had withstood the test of time and turbulances of a middle class urban living and sustain to grow with perseverance and faith. My mom taught us that nothing in this world is free and hardwork is the only way to success. Dedication, perseverance and responsibility towards your commitments is what she inculcated in us. On the other side, Dad taught us that money should always come to you and you should never run behind it. In simple words, do everything possible to grow in life, and do not expect anything. What is destined will happen and you are the sole owner of shaping your destiny... I dont remember them telling us or talking to us on these things, but they followed certain things that we inherited in us. Mom was like everyother mother whose anxious, vibrant and intolerant at times, but as we grew we understood the reasons why she was concerned when all three girls were in teens. Otherside my dad was a cool dude, with all smiles, always saying God is there to take care, and who put in us values of family, devotion and happiness. We love you Mom and Dad!!! You are the best!!!

Million Thoughts Day

Today happens to be one of those million thoughts days,,, where thoughts over run the words..Yet in such a bewildered moments, as you pen down your thoughts, you end up relating things and events that inter wine and make your thoughts look confused, happy, sad, hopeful and stressed too...
Today happens to be one big day at my work, where a one year's hard work is finally getting its last leg.. almost like in the last lap of a relay race.. a race that was tough, at times insurmountable, many a time tiring, challenging, commanding my private time, and thoughts, days and nights where we spent as individuals and team towards one single goal. Finally when it is all happening, I am finding it excited, tensed, and almost happy and sad. Happy for its finally happening and sad for its getting to an end. But the sadness is outgrown by the happiness, for the accomplishments and achievements it brought with it. Immense technical details, strong leadership skills, highly regarded interpersonal skills, vibrant communication, one toes on deliverable, quality in our work, team that at time forgot everything than the project, long hours we spent discussing, analyzing, communication, developing, testing, implementing solutions. Ha! What a relief. What a happiness. What a shadow of fear, a fear of being into the new thing after this is over. The happiness of starting it all again, in a new shore, in a new environment, may be in a new technology, new expectations, new customer, new team and new new and everything new.. this indicates a preparedness for change. Reiterating the fact that change is the only constant thing.
Today, personally, I am very happy. My friend's twin daughters Sanju and Sanyu celebrating their birthday today... a beautiful roses those blossomed in Dallas, the beauty of a family that loves me and just there for me always... am excited that the girls are growing..growing so beautifully.
For the first time today, I read a full book..After many long months. A book written by Nicholas Sparks - At First sight... that gives you an insight on love and trust...overwhelming, that I slept only at 4 am after completing the same... In the evening, sat with my friend Manji and watched a movie "13 on way to 30"..what a realistic movie..it was as if reflecting the teen in me in my thirties..At the age of 13, we want to grow fast, grow big, look womanly, find attention, grab big jobs, and become popular. When in reality at 30, everything keeps happening as we dreamt and work towards it, you just wish, you can redo it all over again.. you would just wanna those first teen days to come back,,want the first care of a friend to live for a lifetime, want the first fights in school to continue.. just you keep thinking that you want to really go back to high school... Very True. It happens with me, and I know it happens with my sisters and friends too.
In fact in one way, young mothers are blessed to relive their lives seeing the young daughters grow...I could not help blushing when my kid was talking about being a celebrity in school, something that I could never even think of... yes,,, today because of work, my book reading, and in a urge to do hundred things all today..missed having my usual chat with her online... that's the strength I feel...keeping connected with your dear ones..what happened to that connectedness today....Oh God... I watered my money plant, wanted it get some sunlight after I remembered the plant in the table in my Chennai office getting its required attention yesterday..
Looking at the economy and people's jobs at stake, my heart aches for a while...Being part of this economic slowdown, I can have no better reason than being regretful... one side my happiness is that I can go back to my family very soon..at the same time, I have reasons to be sad as my goals are still half baked... I have shopping to do, I have tasks to complete, I have my book to be published, friends and family to meet and lot of other things. Rejoin my crusade as a Inner wheel member, counsel people as part of Scarf, doing my reading at the blind school, arrange a party for my kid's friends and finally take a day to hit my favorite dance floor. Too much...too many things, too many thoughts.. End of it, Just picked an ice cream and sat to blog... What a beautiful day..... that I named as my MTD!!!

Obama's speech in Chicago minutes after his victory in Election 2008

President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago as released by his campaign.If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one peopleLet us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope. For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can. America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Obama- The 44th President of United States

Watching the American Obama fever tonight, it makes me write this with a very deep emotion of a Nation desperate for a real Change. People are crying with Joy, jumping in happiness and celebrating the victory of a black American first time creating a history.. Its just 5 minutes back that Obama created history by hitting 284 count on the Decision 2008 at 11pm EST on 4 Nov 2008 and 333 within 7 minutes- creating a new world history bringing in a wave of amazement, happiness and people's mandate to stop the digging of a nation with a hope of revival, and a new energy. Hatts Off Obama... the world is looking for a young and dynamic leader who could change the lives of the people in United States and bring in a transforming change that the country is awaiting. Personally, to me its a day that I would remember being in US when the history is getting created and only wish this kind of a day dawns in my Nation too, where a real people hero would emerge to make my country get set on the right path... Chicago Grant Park is jumping in joy with a Nation standing in a salute to their new found energy in their new President Sen Barack Obama. A victory over race, ethnic values, beliefs, cross-country cultures, expectations, energy and young vibrant future in making with the New President Barack Obama

Secular Fabric of my Nation is at stake

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.

Yourself

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.

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!

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!!!

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....

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!!!.

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.

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.....

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.

Happy Birthday to my dear husband Raghuma!!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!.

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!

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!

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.

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!!!