You Touched My Life

A real thank you note to all my friends in this friendship week!!!!

From no where came the lights
To brighten my darkened life
Touched my soul in the little way
Showing me shine amidst the foggy bay

Friends who shared my desks
Played with me at the parks
Ran with me in the running race
Kept with me smiling in the pace

Total Strangers came in my life
From the borders un-designed
Just to show that little care
That touched my life to redesign

When I stumbled upon the rotten eggs
Friends came in my life with twigs
Those blossomed with real freshness
And the spirits to regain the happiness

As the winds blew head strong on me
I disdained with fears unknown to see
Submerged in the tears of my own oceans
Always had a friend throwing me a log to swim

When the fears of fire engulfed my silent life
Haunting memories of being a tolerant wife
There came a rain of friendship to bring back life
Shouldering my tears and letting me cry

The more aspiring I became to fight the odds
I know for sure, the journey is designed by Gods!
Every day tumbled upon turbulences unknown
Each time found a friend who never let me frown

Beckoned with the lights of people who lit
The charm of chariness and kindness in wit
I cherish today a dream of unparalleled success
For I know my life is in abundance with Friends

Who never let me sleep!
Who dream with me to run all those miles to leap!

The Joy of Java!!!

As a Coffee Lover, whose addicted to coffee like to books, I was just wondering how many flavours this seed has and how much of energy it gives to the people who love to savour it. Off late, I am trying to figure out the various coffee seeds that are within my reach to experience and I ended up in finding some real strong flavours that I would love to make my coffee with. India is the 7th largest producer of Coffee seeds in the world and is also in the top 10 exporters to the world.

Here is one of the best witting coffee images I have come across..."Do Stupid things faster with more energy!!!" quite a twitter!!! ...

One more art that amazed me with the blend of love for art and coffee...here you go!

For those who love the aroma of the coffee plants, you just need to be there to enjoy it, in Coorg in India.

Every day begins with a hot cup of coffee, that energizes your mind, keeps your active, and gives you thoughts to pep up your day...So coffee lovers, continue your patronage!!! With the Joy of Java!!! Always!!!

Golf - Buick Open- Tiger Woods

My first ever interaction with the most sophisticated sport of today, was in 2004. GOLF. Yes, you got me right. The name that determines focus, concentration, hard work, physical fitness, emotional stability and above all the fundamental intention of the game unchanged for more than 500 years. One lazy Saturday afternoon sitting in the lawns of Cosmo Golf Annexe in Chennai, watching some serious golfers getting ready for a tournament, I got curious. The game and its agenda is simple - to advance the ball into marked cups, using as few strokes as possible. But the sophistication surrounding the game of golf is not simple.

Today after many years, watching Buick Open Third Round and the swaying energy of Tiger Woods reminded me of a forgotten passion. Its all about loving green lawns, aiming at the destination, focus and concentration on the challenges to win over, and its competing against your own self and performance by improving your scores. Players having no influence on the score of the opponents really prove what best they are as individual players. That's what I like in this game the most. Being yourself.

One other time, I kept watching at the lawns of Gymkhana club in Chennai, a team of golfers excited about their camaraderie, enjoyment, shared challenges and the summer noon. Thanks to my friends who introduced me to the sport, first ever time I took a club in hand for that very first stroke. Watching my friends Caddie carrying his loads of club heads and balls, and other accessories, I felt, the sport is not simple as it seem to be. Later couple of years back, when Chennai Golf emerged with the first ever woman tournament with a prize money of 2 crores, I know that this game is here to stay... its cosy, costly and comfort and its all about GOLF and nothing less.

The latest results of round 3 from the lawns of Buick Open- Tiger Woods is leading. The history so far is that in the 8 of the tournaments at Buick Open, Tiger had been either a winner or a runner up always.... and for those who knows Tiger, it is his kingdom to rule around!. Keep Rocking Woods! Nothing stops you!

This is my first ever post on Golf and seems to be getting into my head again, after all the experiences I had in the past having this passion for Golf. May be 5 years from now, I would have my own club set, caddie and a passionate lawn where I would spend my lazy Saturday's again. This time, playing it myself!!!! Till then, will keep blogging about it if not golfing !!!!

Kargil War 10th Anniversary & Women in BSF

What can be the proudest moment than this for the Indian Border Security Force.... BSF got its first ever women battalion of more than 1000 women joining in Border Security. Proving that no hurdle is difficult to cross, no challenge is difficult to handle and gender is never a reason not to prove our love for the security of the Nation. This job unlike any other needs three things- Physical Ability, Emotional Balance and above all the Heart to Sacrifice.

The tenth anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War is a symbol of our Army's best contributions, the memorial at DAS built in memory of those who laid their lives for the Nation in 1999, reminds that all battalions and regiments of India stood together, all states of the Nation united in an endeavour and the sacrifices made by the families of these men who laid their lives is unforgettable. I still remember a widow of Army Major Ajay who spoke out bravely during her husband's funeral, stating that she would not hesitate to send her son who was then just 2 years old, to the Army for the sake of Nation in the future. Hatts of to those Parents and spouses and children who stand bravely in the moments of personal grief but with a unparalleled pride of having done their duty for the Safety and Security of the homeland. God Bless Brave Hearts!

Awfully Workaholic!!!

Dived deep into a midnight and buried hard in the work, I started feeling pain all over and then realised that I am glued to my laptop for long..... ha ha .... became my routine once again!! though I enjoy, doing it with passion towards aiming perfection, I took 2 minutes break to ponder over a rhyme that kept on lingering in my thoughts......

slogging like a dog

sleeping like a log

standing amidst all fog

yet smiling as I prolong........

I think those were real apt words for me for the last few weeks trying hard to figure out to get myself more clarity on things around me!!! Cool! Is this my diary or a chronology,,, Na, but why do I describe this hear then!! Yeah, gotcha realised my heart for many a moment I wanted to draft the history of the last 2 weeks on those topics that I loved to write about... Just a recap and if time permits would write alot about these passionate topics over the weekend

1. Walter Cronkite- Father of Journalism passing away- I have grown all my years watching and iconizing Prannoy Roy, who almost was more or less like Walter.
2. Moon Landing Celebrating 40th anniversary- The Mission and the myths
3. Dr Kalam's Security Checks by Continental Airlines- Are VIPs above human vulnerabilities or do we really need to regard one of the Finest Presidents of India with due respect and identity?
4. Mumbai terror attacks and Kasab's confessions.... Time to show actions to stop terrorism and its nonsense
5. Media just don't let Micheal Jackson to rest in peace...Why ?
6. Goldman Sachs, Ford, Bank of America, Citi reported Quarterly profits- Is that an indicator for the worst recession getting over?
7. My most favorite of all- Solar Eclipse - Longest in the Century- coming after 124 years on 22 Jul 09 giving a spectacular experience to people interested in the planet
8. Last one but not the least, a topic on professional challenges, on how to handle people who manipulate things for their own survival and security? No reference but a general thought, looking beyond imperfections!!! and Focusing on the goals and the ultimate vision.

Missing my time to write but surely would do shortly to help my quest for creative writing end sooner than later for now!!! Weekend is not too far and hope to grab my own time!!!

Magic P's of Success

Its no man's secret what makes one person more successful than the other.. Just the Magic of P's that matter alot, that makes the vital difference.... the one thin line between Success or Failure.

Planning

Preparation

Paying Attention

Process Oriented

Persistent

Powerful

Partner

Pleasant

Pace Yourself

Be Right Professional

Perseverance

Passion for Success

There is no room for personal emotions, prejudice or favoritism for the right people to grow professionally. Hard work, perseverance coupled with a real zeal, a fire to succeed and a passion to achieve doesn't stop achievers amidst adversity, trouble, confrontation, solid issues and tough times. Nothing Stops Achievers!!!!

Duffer's Wandering Thoughts

Sometimes the duffer in me
Smitten my thoughts
Towards an unending sea
Ridden by unsaid dreams
Grottos dug so deep
Frightening your spirits
But thoughts taking leap
Fuelling the raging fires
Sun is shining bright
Weeds and flowers in fight
Spun is growing in its right
Around the world with light
Gone are my thoughts
Wandering afar the shores
Towards the disdaining stars
Bringing in hearts afar
Looking at the green around
Thinking about the calmness
Hugging me all time profound
Love is there in my every thought
Of the people who give it back a lot
The battle of bygones ever
That never let go of who you are
Facts of being shaped through
The love and life it threw
In your way of wisdom fine
Never letting you sad to whine
Just Live the moment of life
Just Live the moment of life!!!

Back to School? If not School Mates!!!!

Last two days, Internet and television in US, is continuously running advertisements asking mothers to get back to school. Ha ha, not a bad idea. But after having completed the school and graduation successfully, I don't think personally I have plans to go back to school, may be to learn a new language, philosophy , psychology, social service, communication or even a diploma in film making, wow, that's a good idea., may I would be interested in. Thanks Obama anyway for your invitation and of course with all happiness to go back home at the end of my assignment, I thought I can take your idea in a different stride. If not getting back to school, why not get back to some of your school mates.
Lovely idea. Thanks to Orkut, Face book, FaniQ, Hi5 and of all to the Internet, the world has become too small. The people I wanted to be in touch for long many years, suddenly re-entered into my friendly kingdom of happiness. The people who shared my childhood, classes, classroom, teachers, playground, library, sports, parliament (yes, the mock parliament where we had Prime Minister, Opposition leader and a good amount of ministers,,, wow, I remember being an opposition leader, for gosh, i lost in the SPL election in 10th)... not bad a memory. Happiest part is the annual day, sports day (March Fast-- Hmm, still remember my teachers, running with a stick cautioning us on Left and Right), and the big grand Christmas party...that always had Sunitha as Mary, and sirisha and my sister Jay as angels... and Lakshmi Suguna as Jesus Christ... hmm, I remember being once, among the Three Wise Men, once being a sheep, once being one of the disciples and only being just in the crowd. I loved my dramatics. The drama of Last Judgement and being in the great play made me remember and tell one line to my husband even till this day " You tooooo Brutus""" and I love it. Flag bearers of every special salute to chief guest used to be Archu and Siri, with their smart looks, may be I watched them so much in life, that Aish looks more like a combo of them....great one.
Scout and Guides- Satyavathi teacher- the first one to pat me on the back and made me shed my introvert nature in life,...cant believe right, that i was a back bench er, talkative but not active, never in the first ranker's, nor remember being a real class leader than in 5th standard for a while with Kranthi, the boy who got first rank. After her initial encouragement, nothing stopped me. The inner strength in me flew like a river that was controlled all the while by a stupid dam. I was the best orator in school both in Telugu and English... forget about Hindi and special hindi batch that we fondly belonged to.... still remember the day, my music teacher throwed me out of the class, may be she was scared I would attract Donkeys!!!! I think that would have been the reason, why I made my child get into singing...prove a point, that if not me, My child would do it,...be a master in music!!!! Just kidding!!! Dancing is something that I never experimented till I hit the floor on Flames in later part of my life.... a hidden talent of course, not in school but.
Science Fairs--one whole week-- One other lovely affair where we end up meeting people from other schools and enjoyed with our experiments and model,,after winning in District level and moving to State level, was a feather in my cap... Science Huh,, I still wonder how come??
Social service camps at Godavari pushkarams, where we spent more than 15 days doing lot of things- controlling crowds, helping old people, safeguarding baggages, counting pilgrims, support at the first aid centre, and yeah, finding one child her lost parents! I did it, and of course we used to cook, clean and play at the end of the day in the camps.... we used to go rock tired, but never used to sleep for we used to enjoy talking, singing and playing with others at midnight.... remembering loosing my white shoes!!! And my picture with sowji announcing medical tips got published in Deccan chronicl on 17th August 1991,,,cant believe, 6 years later getting married on the same day!! Irony!!!!
My tree- You know what, after 10 long years of leaving school, I went back and one thing that did not change is my good old tree under which I ate all my lunches in school. Love you old heart... I could see flowers falling one me and leaves that kissed me as I went and hugged her for long. The tree got a round cement now and still stands in the playground of the school. The school building colors changes but the walls speak volumes of the students who studied there and went across the globe. Strongest foundations of the best education was laid in my Alma Mater.
Prayer is one thing, that I transferred to my family from school...It has a powerful vibration that keeps you active and enthusiastic and towards righteousness. My motive of school is love and service and I can see that very much in every bit of me!!! Church is one other place that I loved to spend my silent hours speaking to god. Born in a Hindu family, brought up and educated in a convent, having Muslim friends giving righteousness, the secularism got integrated in my thoughts and actions all the time. Love you St.Theresa's for what you have given me in life, a new lease of life towards the best in life.
Friends! for lifetime. Teachers! who guided me the best. School Stage: That made me extrovert and confident. School Prayer: That built my faith. Tree: That showed me a way for environment consciousness. Science fairs: Made me creative and innovative. Forest Dept Competitions: Made me a strong Orator. UN Tests: Made me have a global aspirations. Scouts Camps: Rekindled the service spirit. Classroom: Where my childhood is shared. Library: That not only made me a voracious reader, but inspired me to write!.... my sisters: who always been there for me. My Dad and godmother: Parental care with interaction with teachers that made difference. My mother- my fear to gain marks. My headmistress Sister Florence, who believed that I am the best outgoing student in 1oth. and awarded me for it. Rs.50, that will be my best price money ever getting the first Award as "Durgabai Deshbook Student of the Year"- I love remembering this getting from Dr Ajay Kalam, collector of West Godavari District and Collector Madan Mohan Reddy advising me personally that I should read 10 words from the dictionary every day while giving me the best orator award in the Forest Department Annual celebrations... I think that helped me to improve my command over language and communication. Above all! My Alma Mater: All my childhood from 4 years to 15 years spent happily, productively and confidently in the lawns of St.Theresas Girls High school, Eluru. Thank you

The Funeral- A Man's Last Journey

A silent winter morning, the birds chipping at far, and the sun beams slowly getting out of its cheerful sleep. The shores of two rivers that intertwine in love and radiance of flowing together for a while like a couple in love reminds of a god's creation. I have not slept the night and lived my thoughts into the skies where I can see one beautiful star added to the sky the previous day. Besides the heaviness of heart that failed to register the fact of a dear one's loss, there emerged courage of a small girl in a silent town on the coastal winds. Having nested for years under the protective arms of a beautiful parenthood and having no exposure to the realities of the world outside my own happy kingdom, there were silent tears unshed. Holding back the moments of despair and truth, the audacity of nature and tranquility of facts that surround an unexpected moment of grief in life. Trust of a relationship, that left and a soul that is slowly tipped away from my fingers of love, all I can ask in that moment was courage.
With the frighten eyes watching my every move, I know for sure, I have a responsibility beyond imagination of those starring at me. I was clear. I was not lost in the moment that was unpredictable. Nothing emerged in my heart than the fact that I have to shoulder the pain of my bereaving family, stand tall amidst adversity of life that surprisingly kissed me at the moment. Just for a moment, I escaped from the vicinity of those frightful eyes around me. All I did was to find a solace leaning on the shoulder of my friend who stood by me throughout. Heaviness subdued and a sense of acceptance started to creep in as I decided to take stock of the situation. All that was left in the world around me for a moment is the loss of the only man in the family. My Dad. Having women who were vulnerable, scared to face life at that day and my siblings confused and inconsolable.
Ages after I look back to that old memory of lifting the pyre fire, the shivering of the little fingers that took charge of the day. As my dad got laid to rest, and the flames of his cremation rose, I looked into the fact of life. Nothing. It starts in vacuum and ends in one. The quest in between is an insurgence of the materialistic world. Nothing impresses me today for real. Fame, Money, Success, Happiness, Sorrow, and every other emotion is just a small phase in life. Nothing is constant. Change is the only constant thing in life. Acceptance of this reality is tough, but for those who do, life becomes easy. Meaningful and real. I did not cry for 4 days. My friend got scared of the kind of reactions a teen was showing on her dad's last journey. He pulled me to the graveyard, just to show me the ashes of the person who was real, who was there, and who was just there for me. I cried.
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Seeing Paris Jackson, ending up in tears in her dad's memorial service, only reminds, that one day this little one will look back at life, and re-live the dreams of the man who loved her than anyone else could do.
A real tribute to the fathers of this world who silently dream the dreams of their children
Love you Dad!
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The New GM

The news that General Motors emerged from Bankruptcy and declared to be a new company yesterday is quite a pleasing news. Every fall has a rise, towards a better rise. Its ok if they start it all over again, but the willingness to emerge, vision to success and focus towards set goals makes the difference. The success doesn't always is in the continuous growth, but certainly to emerge from a tiring consequences and look forward for a newness. American Automobile industry will find a new GM, leaner, smarter and focused. Taking the clues of competitive advantages, the brand of America would definitely resell the GM brand at more meaningful way. The once glorified old GM gave loads of opportunities for almost a century in the American history. Gave wide opportunities to dealers, vendors, dependent ancillary industries, technology experts, and who just believed in its brand. The new GM will have its lessons learnt, but the good ones and vice versa. Careful management, structured objectives, focused core committee and backed by taxpayers equity share, which GM is aware need to be returned at the nearest future to become a stronger, vibrated new GM on its own very soon. I would wait for the day to come in the near future, where I would also post the same news here again. 16 more plants and 20000 more jobs would cost in this endeavour, but still if GM succeeds again in its new objectives, it will be a far more opportunity to the world creating jobs, revenue and rebuilding lives the same way it is going to rebuild itself. Good Luck "The New GM".!!!

Miss you Micheal Jackson

Since the morning of 25th June 2009, I have been under a kind of a writer's block...for there are mixed emotions from the time I saw Reena's SMS about MJ's death. Micheal had been part of my teenage and very much there creating a wave of hope on where the lyrics can take a person one day.. Every song he sang had an in depth meaning, a message, ardent devotion, an intricate human emotion. Every move had shown what a talent can achieve, vibrate the very essence of humanity, bring in a bondage and many things beyond expression. Those were the days when MTv mania was strong and thanks to my friend Vinodhini who introduced me to MJ's mystical world of music.

What else could be a testimony of my passion for his lyrics and songs, as a poet myself and an ardent music lover,, that brought me back to US a day before his final journey. Micheal Jackson. He is no more..But his legendary music will mystically entertain generations to come. A life more controversial, trails and trauma, hurt and disguise is part of any celebrity life. Beyond this layer of frustration and agony, pain and loneliness, there was an innocent soul ardently searching for care and love. Wanting to give back love beyond imagination, back to the world. And to his children. Of course he did do it with grace. Here is my tribute to MJ- the Planet's most best entertainer during his times:-)

You are beyond joy and sorrow

Have left the love for tomorrow

You shined like an unknown star

and travelled sadly to shores afar

MJ is not just an singer's name

its the synonym for real talent and fame

You have been an inspiration

bringing in an in depth passion

Of bringing back childhood that's lost

making every day relive the golden past

Agony of getting subjected to reality

of the vulnerable moments in atrocity

beyond all the gulf of pain and tears

stood the shining star with inner fears

You are just not gone

For with every song, you are reborn

You are Just what you are!

Incredible Micheal Jackson!

The son of God, in his own way!

No one is perfect, and who am I

to judge your beyond the curtains eye

Just love what you gave to the world

your love and peace to heal the World!!!

Thank you Micheal for the music you gave to this world that will live for ever!!!

Sri Balaji Temple- Aurora Greater Chicago

Music School in Nanganallur Chennai

Music is a ocean of joy and finding the eternity is like searching pearls in this ocean. Music bring in happiness, creates a manifestation of oneself in divinity, transforms one's situation to a different world, creates a syndrome of peace and tranquility. It bonds across borders, re vibrates emotions and refreshes mind, body and soul. Carnatic Music forms the basic essence on which any kind of music can find its roots to. The immense value of ragas and the rejoice of finding different compositions, songs, talams, kirthanas and singers is itself a bondage. A binding relationship. For those who are in the quest of finding a school for music for your children in the neighbourhoods of Adambakkam or Nanganallur in Chennai, here is my recommendation

Smt. Vasanthi Gopal
Sree Krupa Institute of Music
H.O. A55/2. No.26, 3rd Main Road
Nanganallur, Chennai - 600 061

Branch: New No 6, Old no.5
Income Tax, 4th Street
Adambakkam
Chennai- 600 088
Mobile: 9841271539
Phone: 22323269.

As a parent, I liked the way, Vasanthi Mamm teachers her disciples and also the way she handles the needs of each child. Its a sure destination for zestful mothers whose children have interest in music and learning.
You would enjoy being part of this lovely growing Music school in your neighbourhood.
Enjoy Music, learning and Singing to your heart's content!!! In the Divine Saga

The Winning Team

The real essence of any project's success is the composition of a winning team. Getting all the right people at the right time - having a shared vision and aiming at the goal makes the project a success story. Be it a movie making, a cricket match, a parliament house or a software project. Core ingredients that contribute to success are similar. They are the main parameters in line with the engineering achievements. Not a easy task tough. Its like all the wheels of truck make it move forward. Even if one wheel is flat, the travel is sure to stop. Every team is similar to this process. Every one need to contribute in their own roles and responsibilities at par, aiming at the same success, then alone it happens.
Getting this winning team is not easy as I said, but once formed, will make the success stories repeat as they proceed together with project after project. First time, the effort is enormous, but emulating the same every time, makes it a easy walk. They are called "combinations" . Right combinations rather. They form a team of achievers. Here each individual achieves the objective set for them in a combined effort. The team as a whole succeeds at large.
Creative Solutions:
The creativity forms the core reason of handling a past thing or a usual thing in a different way. Creative solutions bring in a freshness, a new ness that's unexpected but at the same time which makes it more meaningful giving it a advantage in terms of cost, effort and planning. The real execution of a project becomes easy if there is a creative way of handling a same routine in a different but optimized solution which demands less efforts but gives a better Return on Investment.
Courage:
Here the courage is to take risks, go that extra miles, handle little more stress, managing difficult things with ease. Everyone has the capacity hidden in them to build a success story, but not many discovers the same, and have the courage to take that extra risk or a quick decision for they have the fear of failure. A real team and a winner is the one who is not bothered about the end result, but meticulously plans every task, organized way of handling things, and plans every day task. Ensuring that plans are executed and do not remain just as plans. That makes the different. Learning to say no, manage and convey exact decisions, delegate right work and share responsibility, accept mistakes and make corrective actions is the courage of real winning team.
Commitment & Self Discipline:

Do not do something because someone is watching... Do something that is guided right by your consciousness. Integrity is something that a leader should pass on to the team. In today's competitive world, and exposure to the global war fare, Self-Discipline is tough, but in the long run, is the only factor that saves our respect and growth. Consistent performance and commitment to our set objectives is winning mantra. Once you win something, it is always expected that your work should win. You are setting up your won bench marking that you are disciplined to achieve. Doing these expectation is just a normalcy, but exceeding them is the mantra of a winning team. Its like a Manmohan Singh government or a ManiRatnam movie, is it not?
Continuous Learning
No one is this world is an exception to this learning. If we decide to live with the learning we have today, we would lag behind tomorrow. Its like a knowledge abandoned for ever. Learning is a continuous journey and not a destination. Knowledge is a continuous affair and we need to be in love with it. If we stay away in our comfort zone with the knowledge we have tomorrow, we would become nothing but history. New technology improved Cinema, New young members improved Parliament, New economies opened up global markets, New thinking enabled environmentalists to fight against global warming, all this "new-ness" is part of the learning process. Keep learning, after all, we need to sharpen our axes always!
Responsible:
Do not hold anyone responsible for your mistakes. Don't give excuses or reasons but introspect where and why you failed. Taking responsibility for our own actions is like taking success in our stride. Failure happen but they will not repeat if you know to handle things with responsibility. You will also help others to handle their own tasks and expectations with caution. Leader sets an example here also, for people follow the leader in most of the cases. Winning team do not have a confusion on the who their leader is, but they respect the leader and follow. So the leader's responsibility becomes much more crucial. Accountability is a very unique management concept, and learning to look beyond imperfections and learning to make it a more accepted way towards aiming perfection is what is part of a winning team.
So, what you want to be part of ? A Winning Team that makes success a continuous affair? Then, you are in the right page. Just follow five things- Be creative, Have courage, Contribute with Commitment, Continue learning and be responsible. Success is not far!

Lost and Found- Part 1

"Out there in the trailer park, there's a million souls in the lost and found".These words from the Refreshment's "Interstate", there ought to be something in life lost to to be realised how important it was to us and finding it is like a paradise found

This painting of Adam & Eve dated 1528 A.D, is taken in Detroit Institute of Arts in June 2008.

Every time, I look at this picture in my album, it sends me vibes of different kinds. Provokes me towards the realisation of mankind and its evolution, existence and may be sooner or later extinction. But in the entire process, gives one an immense happiness for the life we have and the happiness of being a human being, able to enjoy life, experience various thing, emotionally express what we feel and explicitly avoid things that we don't want to think of. This picture also triggers a writer in me to write a little beautiful love story that is in my mind for a while now:

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Lost & Found

Sara looked out of the window. The sun has set for the day. The birds started to leave the nest and there is a warmth in the fresh flowers wavering the garden. Lush green grass brought the day's charm to her eyes. She closed her eyes. All that was in visual memory suddenly seem to be changing. Darkness, silence and rain. The tears that got disappeared into the cyclonic Storm of leaves. Departure. A painful emotion. Silence that is haunting her for sometime, amidst many people in life cheering it up everyday. Sara could hear the rain drops flowing all her face and there is a slight wave of chillness going down her spine. Not able to bear this visual imagery, she opened her eyes looking back at the sunlight, green grass and flying birds. She took a deep breath and realised the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.

It was just few hours ago, that Sara was in midst of emotional ecstasy, cherishing every moment of the pampering of her man, and the immense love that he shared with her. Finest moments of a couple who love each other, adore passionately and celebrate the bonding of oneness, like any other happily married couple. Adoration beyond imagination makes the man his woman's son at times, giving her a new strength to win over the male chauvinism and giving her ego a boost on her feminist ideology. There the competition between the male ego and female sublimes comes to an end and what wins is the happiness of a relationship.

Sara was a young girl whose aspiration run royally into the skies her thoughts could take. Charming and friendly Sara was every one's favourite in college and she dreamt of making it big in her career - acting in movies. Her usual beaming smile and charming cheeks made her look like a girl next door with an unusual attraction and mesmerising eyes. She was in every man's imagination in her neighbourhood. She enjoyed the attention and the kind of attraction she commanded on people around her and cherished her smiles to make them always happy.

Keshav popularly called as Kesh was travelling back from abroad after his year long work assignment in Australia. Kesh is a software engineer who have the required education and attitude to make it big in his field. It was in the Melbourne airport that Sara met Kesh as she was coming back after shooting for an ad film. No wonder Kesh was attracted to her in the first meeting. Surprising getting neighbouring seats in the flight gave them abundant time to start a conversation, which eventually gave a beginning to a new relationship. What destiny have in fold for them was not a usual love story to unwind. They were not just crossing the seas together but were getting ready for facing the storms. Not a typical love affair that began where there are opponents to accept this relationship, but what began was an era of uncertainty.

Happiness and Emotional Equations

Happiness - is the one word that I always struggle to find the real meaning. The things that make me happy sometimes, do not really let me be at peace other times. Why? I do not know. Being happy or wanting to be happy are two unrelated aspects of human life. Life is entangled with relationships that make us happy, sad, sick, joyful, successful, fail, fall, arise and let us experience various emotional equations. Man is a social being and we cannot live alone in this otherwise overcrowded lives of ours in the modern society. The human intelligence is in par with the emotional quotients, for it is the man's emotion and urge to succeed that brings in more and more innovations and achievements world over. It is the quest, in the search of something different, new and intellectually accepted new thing that man craves to find every day. Then, where is the happiness is an inquisitive mind that is in the ardent search for that something.
True to its inner meaning and interpretation, happiness is a wide thing at times, the most simplest thing and it all depends on how our mind perceives it. The pursuit of acceptance and contentment are the real reasons behind the volume of happiness in our lives. For example, man's quest started when he had to find something to eat, to kill his hunger and survive, later the same man searched for something that he can grow and be healthy, the same man over the years looked for change and improvement in the things he ate, later, the diversity ended with multiple cuisines, traditional and contemporary, fast food and junk food, and slowly vitamins and other mineral available in the forms of tablets and medicines... still the quest continues, and there is no end or happiness to this quest. This is just an example.
Happiness by it means can mean different things to different people. For a student getting first rank is happiness, for employee, getting promotion is happiness, for a mother, having a healthy child is happiness, for a priest making right prayers is happiness, for a writer, his book is his happiness, for a teacher, his student is a happiness, for a player, winning is happiness, for some people learning is fun, for some teaching is fun, for some, blogging is fun and so on. Happiness cannot be measured. Can someone measure the blushing of a new bride? Can someone measure the smiles of a little child? Can someone measure the happiness of new mother? Can someone measure the happiness of a peaceful death? Nothing, happiness cannot be quantified.
Emotional equations end with the kind of human relationships we maintain, as long as our equations with the people we interact on our day to day basis, during social occasions, during professional acquaintances and during community activity and during the Nation Building, is harmonious, peaceful, negotiable, interactable, growth oriented and healthy, emotions become the basis of happiness. Nothing can bring in peace except yourself. Its me and how I manage my emotions result in the new and continious happiness. No once can decide if I wanna be happy or not except myself. If I decide to be happy, nothing in this world can stop me from that. If otherwise too..... Hence, emotional equations alone can decide our happiness and nothing else than you! Be Yourself! Be Happy :-)

My Post that got published in IBNLive

http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/analysethis/2480/53425/selections-beyond-elections.html
Friday , May 15, 2009 at 10 : 21
Umasree Raghunath Chennai
Selections Beyond Elections
The common man and ordinary voter in India is not sure if at all his vote will make the difference in the General Elections, for its the selection beyond elections that matter. I as a individual voter do not know if I have to think about just my candidate in the constituency or the ultimate party that is going to make it to power.Anyway, here is the edge of it and not the end anyway Return of coalition politics is only going to happen. No single party can manage to cross the 272 mark, for we dont have a sympathetic situation like in the past that saw huge majority for Rajiv Gandhi or P.V.Narshimha Rao's regime. Ideal scenario would be Congress and allies able to pull the golden mark of 272. Ironically, Congress will go ahead to old friends for help, but any wrong move will make it regret in the near future. Best scenario is to rope all existing and earlier allies and bringing back the original form of UPA back for the benefit. Bring in more of young leaders to the fore fray and project that its a new blend of old win in new bottle kind, with an old party with young and energetic leaders in the front. That is what aspiring young India wants for its growth and difference.BJP with allies can become once again the toughest opposition, unless otherwise surprising new allies turn towards BJP. But the BJP manifestos will in fact impact on the secular framework of the Nation dividing the society in the name of religion. We don't want a communal politics at this time of global economy under crisis,, for we want economists who can help the Nation survive the financial downtime.Setting aside the fact of dynasty politics- we need to look at the visibility factor and knowledge factor of the young politicians. Obama with just 4 years in public life could make it to the white house and take astounding decisions on world issues. Surely young people like Rahul and his young MP crew can make a difference for they have insight into to India politics, required power and party support, knowledge on burning issues, way to handle crisis and above all energy and confidence to bring in a new way of growth in the country. Its time we accept this and set in road map for new leaders. Its all in the next 24 hours to decide the fate of the largest democracy in the world towards its nearest future. Lets wait and watch
Posted by Analyse this

General Motors- An Empire Set to be rebuilt

Today is one of those different days where all my thoughts profoundly are centred on a single subject. Today the world is looking at a Corporation that's heading towards its humble turn. General Motors. The auto-industry pioneer which ruled US markets and accelerated the economy for exactly 100 years so far is all set to take its new turn. I would not want to call it an unprecedented or a worst turn for I as an economic analyst is sure of one fact that this day will bring in. General Motors will re-emerge as a small and focused company and slowly rebuild its past glory. It is not just a company where nearly 5,14,000 employees worked in 1950, and the industry which catered to the defense and domestic US markets, General Motors in its own right have added value and wisdom to the US economy at large. The dependent and ancillary industries that relied solely on the revenue that GM generated is huge and unparalleled in Detroit even today. Michigan and the entire North America once glorified GM's existence with Pride and Decorum. Today, over decades of unexpected twists and turns, calculated risks that avers ed beyond repair and the recession hit Nation that is not able to make any difference with calculated administrative support. But GM will scale up again with new vision and focus, resetting its goals and objectives and soon become a viable auto-maker bringing in a new paradigm of change. What ever may be the end result of today's Chapter 11 filling of a global giant, GM will for ever remain as the only largest automaker who made America's History a glorified one. No other automaker in the near future will be able to recreate the History, that GM had strongly left on the shores of Detroit. The pride and passion of the brand GM will remain intact in the books of American History for ever!

Rahul Gandhi

My eagerness to follow what Rahul does in life began in 1984 when the little boy was held tightly in the hug of his dad as the tragedy stuck the family in the name of Indira Gandhi assassination. A little toddler with specs was seen crying silently amidst the chaos of the fall of National Leader who was synonym to the woman power and iron leadership. Those were the first pictures of Rahul in my memory.
It was in 1991 May 25th that the same boy, then in his early twenties stood bravely consoling his mother as the funeral possession of his dad was happening. This time, there was little more matured adult seen in the screens of Indian television. His composed self with Priyanka Gandhi gave me lot of courage as the same tragedy of losing my dad stuck me just few months after that gruesome assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. I know, somewhere inside me I am following the moments of Rahul, silently but inspiring little Gandhi.
It was once again in 2004 during India General Elections, emerged a silent Gandhi from his usual composed self. This time, not holding his mother's hand but walking in parallel. In spite of all the woes and cries against dynasty politics in India, there emerged a true leader, born in a family that is grown amidst politics, national leadership, freedom struggle and which played a major role in drafting the Indian History ever since its Independence in 1947.
Rahul though compared alot with his dad, is definitely a different specie. Rahul is a sure strategist, and handles politics as entrepreneurship. He is slowing getting in the corporate way of handling things to manage micro-level participation of his party and activities in the growth process of Emerging New India. Like Rajiv, Rahul also had got a very high charisma that attracts general public very easily, and he got a style of handling things and most importantly he knows how to touch people's hearts. Unlike Rajiv, Rahul is a more confident politician who was made slowly and steadily and not pushed into politics by force like in case of Rajiv, as it happened twice during Sanjay's death and Indira's assassination. Rahul took his time to understand the real political scenario and also analytically approach the grassroots problems of the common man. The best part of this young hero is his approach to re vibrate the youth energy in the country. Near to 70 MPs today are below 40 years of age and near to 10% of Parliament is Women. Politics for the first time, came within the reach of the common man.
Recognizing of education, value system and most importantly, the political objectives were more clear than making politics just a platform to earn money.
Rahul and his brigade will change and transform the way the various government institutions function today. It is not just a hope but a plan put in action and will be executed. It is not easy to bring a 100 Crore population to one single thread of understanding, and this time, Rahul with his ability to convert his charisma and integrity to vote bank proved that it is possible. He brought in a voter consciousness in the 2009 general elections and proved that Congress is a capable National Party that can provide good governance, stability, integrity and aim at overall National growth and security. Its just a matter of time, that this young leader will become the leading star of Indian Politics and become the Nation's most sought Prime Minister.
Its just a 4 years exposure into National Politics that made a lawyer become a renowned President of United States and Obama-mania has hit the world positively like never before. Here we have a boy born in a politically- rich family, have seen politics and governance all his life, grown as a responsible Youth leading the energies of this vast diversified democratic Nation and a matured adult who is a keen politician, best orator, a self grown strategist and the new face of Gandhi Family, who emerged amidst adversities of tragic assassinations, political battles, threats and dilemmas but truly towards one single long term objective- to lead this Nation one day. No wonder, Rahul-Mania will overgrow and become more charismatic than obama-mania!

Elections Fails! Forgotten Realities of India

No matter who wins this election and who rules the Nation. Somethings are frustratingly real and do not change even after 6 decades of independence. There are no fundamental things made possible in the Nation by any politician who is away and afar from the so called political manifestos that can never understand the need of a common man in India. India is diversified nation with largest democratic setup, millions and millions of people divided by language, region, caste and education, society, status, employment and there is no common thread on which the entire nation can be brought under one parlance. I am ashamed and troubled to see hundreds of different color flags and party symbols all around and fail to locate even one National Flag flying high along with the party flags or the Ashoka Chakra or the National Emblem getting its predominance. As an angry young Indian, I am frustrated on the system that cannot bring in a sense of patriotism and a wave of Indian-ness in my country.
Some Disturbing Facts:
POVERTY LINE definition, as per Government of India, at Rs. 10 per day, per person, approx- all you need is Rs 300 per month to maintain yourself. But even this is not available for about 300 million (30 Cr.)
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320 million people work in the Unorganised sector- where are their taxes going?? Swiss accounts can be seized and black money in foreign banks can be brought in, but how to tap in the in house hidden money that is rightfully needed for the Nation Building.
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Around 700 million people are below 35 years of age and at the same time, nearly another 300 million people do not have any kind of employment. There is a need to create near to 10 millions new jobs every year in India. Is the government hearing???
Remind you, there is no social security network that provides compensation against unemployment in India
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Number of people, in India, who work in the organized Public Sector, i.e. with the Central and State Governments are only 19 million and another 8 million work in the organised private sector. So imagine the tax payers income?
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Corruption Kings are no where as vast as in India. From the birth certificate to the issuing of a death certificate, everything goes with the UTT?? (Under the Table) transactions. It is not easy getting a gas connection, ration card, election card, electricity connection, a phone line and above all a SCHOOL ADMISSION. Corruption in the form of Building Fund, Donation threaten the best of education systems in India. Colleges are far above all this, with each medical or engineering seat having its own price tag.
To get a building plan approved, get a three phase EB connection, to get a driving license, to get a community certificate, to get the marriage registered, to get a water connection and finally to even get a sewage connection, you have to take care of the corresponding government servant,,,sorry sorry government lords of the Nation.
For your pension to get approved after 30-40 years of work, you still have to bribe your people. To get the government posting, or even a transfer or deputation, you have to pay that extra tip. For even getting a contract daily wage posting of a bus driver for Rs 240 a day, you have to pay nearly Rs 2 lakhs as UTT....
Traffic police uncles are known for collecting those little tit bits and second is our RTO brothers, competing in who gets more on the so called Kimblam ( Add on to Sambalam (Salary))...
Gosh, I forgot the medical fraternity. Two types of loooooti- one in the name of C-section deliveries and other in the name of Fertility Clinics. Heights of tolerance.
Hospitals are no more live savers, from a medical emergency they push you to a financial turmoil.
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Sarath (IIM-A) contesting this General Elections from Chennai South, said on Mom's day proudly - " I know what hunger is all about" . Millions of my breather en in India knows it including me. But our so called obese politicians may not know it. There are two bigger segments- one is people who do not have enough food and people who do not know how to have enough food ( getting obese with too much of junk food and wrong eating habits spending so much on VLCC etc)... Hmmmm.
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Illiteracy- Though measures are taken to bring in 100% literacy, we still have our charts showing only 70% of literacy rate in India. States like Bihar, Jharkand are lagging behind where as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and few north states are getting closer to the literacy objectives. Still a long way to go!
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Rural Underdevelopment, Communal ism, Pollution, Crime, Population explosion, Water scarcity, brain drain are other threatening factors for our nation to become the world's best Super Power.
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Making our Nation the Super Power
We have abundant natural resources, fertile lands, rivers that need proper integration, abundant human intelligence, hardworking professionals, committed manual labour, empowering women, entertaining media and press, educating organizations, self less NGOs, leaders with a vision, men who dream big, children who aspire skies and a Nation which has got rich heritage, centuries of civilization, history that shows abundant tolerance and acceptance, commerce and trade that is universal, wisdom and enlightenment that is world's spiritual destination and India as such is a Prideful Nation with high level of confidence to defend its borders, army that is selfless and strong, and young energy that is making difference world over. All we need is a fine leadership at National Level that will take India towards a much strong and supreme level hood amongst the world nations. Dr Manmohan Singh as an abled economist and Prime Minister had given India, its much needed financial edge since the times of P.V Narsimha Rao regime and irrespective of dynasty politics or controlled leadership, Dr Singh proved to be an efficient leader. We need such intellectual brilliance, economic understanding and young and capable leadership to continue, and people like Dr Singh can guide them being the Nation's backbone to the leaders who are energetic, young and visionaries.