Archives : Think #02

Archived Records # 02 : Articles April 06 To December 06

211206 : "Social Poison : Our soaps" : I am very proud and happy of a practice I undertook long time back - stopped watching the soap-serials on junk box - TV. Reason ? Simple. In a very short time, I realised, the craze that it was leading to. It was an addiction that had us held to the edge of the seat...giving severe anxious moments. Most of the stories, dragged infinitely and had many of us worrying more about the lives of the characters in the soap, than our own lives. More particularly, since the genre at the time (1999-2002) was stressed on melodrama... it really set a spiralling bout of unhappiness after watching such serials. This was still within acceptable levels of risk. The worst part was yet to come - portrayal and part glorification of vile characters, vixens, and scheming lot of characters who spread evil ideas and plot for bringing discord amidst family and friends - at times even sending goons for killing all for cause of selfish ideas. The question is, is this really a good way of selling entertainment ? Or is is just a devilish plot to spread negative thoughts among people .... and destabilize the society ? I was really stunned at some of the examples, which were too crude and devilish to fathom in an ordinary life. I drew a clear and unambiguous line - stay clear of such soap serials. Unfortunately, most in the the society haven't had the insight to discard such cruel and deliberate implosion of devilish ideas into their homes. Proof ? For one, the rising popularity (and advertisers list) for such programs. Second - many people actually making a beeline for paternity test to find out if their child is really fathered by them !! Wow !! Most of these cases, were reported from Gujarat and in one instance, it also quoted two parents, with tears in their eyes coming over for the test - their daughter just won't believe that she was their daughter !! The doctors weren't the one to complain. They coolly pocketed the Rs.32 K odd that the test costs and confirmed triumphantly the fact that she was indeed their daughter (much to the relief of fear of unknown!). The question is, who did finally emerge happy - parents or the daughter ? I bet, the doubts are cleared, but the emotional scars are going to remain for a long long time. Dear people, its high time to beware of such soaps - it is nothing but a growing social poison.

191206 : Forward or backward ? : In the world of email and e-greeting cards, most of us have come to reality with the unwelcome gifts that we get along with such e-communique - spams and bulk mails. Fortunately, most of the established email providers, including Yahoo! and GMail have systems that weed out such nuisance directly to spam or bulk folders, at least to a significantly large extent. There is another significant risk of dangerous and malicious programs / cookies riding a very friendly looking mail from your very close friend. Surprised ? Here's how it works : most of us do get mails from our known friends / contacts on various amazing photographs or prophesies, or works of imaginations (Cities of 2030 !! etc). One careful look and you see that most of such emails have grown very very long from the continual process of mail forwarding, from god knows what all source. One common trick into forcing every recipient is to provide an incentive for forwarding ("...your wishes will come true if you forward it to 10 people....!!) or dis-incentive for not forwarding ("...if you do not forward this, bad luck and mortal danger will prevail over you...." ). The immediate response would be to forward such mails, either by fear of god, or fear of unknown or for greed of the incentive or whatever. It may even be with a honest intention of sharing an amazing info (like imagined photo of Delhi in 2030) with friends. Beware !! By such thoughtless and naive forwarding, you could actually be innocently conniving with virus and adware cookie spreaders. While computers may check for viruses, few actually check for adware and spyware cookies, which can easily be attached as a part of HTML / XML scripts embedded in such files that go around. Besides, by merely forwarding such emails, email addresses of all the previous addressees are going around in the net, which is a common source to get email Ids for targeted spam. So my dear friends, beware of such mindless forwarding and avoid getting belittled by the veiled threats or attractive incentives for such forwarding. It is nothing but superstition, by which, you could end up putting your own friends in difficulty.

181206 : One million-a-dime money : Who are the people who bid $15 Mn for a diamond studded 'Victoria's Secret' Bra ? Ever wonder what kind of 'richy' money people have when they pay Millions in bid for a rare coin being auctioned - in the name of private collection. Do you envy the people who leave huge tips at restaurants, which you may rather call as 'tops', going by pure enormity of the amount left ? Well, consider this : the part owners of Hutchinson are all set to offload their international holdings for Rs 1500 Crores in Mauritius, and believe me, all tax free !! (Quote : TOI). Since the holdings are based in Mauritius, which is a tax free country, there is no tax. Provided of course, that the money is not brought in to India, for, if done, there will be a huge tax liability. What do you do ? Keep the money in Mauritius, and enjoy while on trips there ? But just imagine how do you spend such huge sums, knowing that it has to be spent only on vacations ? Well, how else, look for the next diamond studded bra in 'Victoria's Secret' of course !! It all goes to say, that the age old effort by all and sundry to do away with the abysmal gap between the rich and poor, cannot be a reality so long as the man's (hello, and women too !!) greed for money and its spoils remain so.

171206 : Patriotism in reversing : Delhi, a fast growing metropolis, is infested, very very seriously. No, not just with mosquitoes, but also their mechanical brethren : motorcycles, scooters, cars, bi-cycles, cycle rickshaws - name it and you have it. The amazing traffic congestion is not just crowding the roads in Delhi, but the effects are also there to see in residential areas. Most of the residential areas in Delhi have grown and developed, unmindful of such a scenario. Walk into any area, and Cars of all size-shape-make are parked in the most unimaginable manner. A smallest possible nook available, and you will find a Maruti 800 cramped in. So much so that, parking and taking out a car itself can take considerable tact - and time. Not to mention the umpteen number of times of gear shift - which brings another nightmare - the reverse horns. The sounds of a car reverse horn blowing all the way down till the end of road, has become a common thing. Amusingly, the reverse horn comes in all sorts of tunes and songs, and one such tune very popular is the patriotic "Saare Jahan se accha...". Ironically, cars are playing such glory for nation while reversing their car.... I am amused, is our nation advancing or taking two steps back with every step forward ? However, no respite seems to be there in near future. A recent study, so sadly concluded, that in spite of introduction of Metro train in Delhi, little has it contributed to reduction in traffic on road. Not surprisingly so - Metro is still pretty expensive for regular travel, and hence, it cannot seek to replace the common mode of transport - bus and two wheelers. Till such time, the state of confusion is going to stay and I guess, our going back on the tunes of "Saare Jahan se accha....!!"

161206 : Nuisance on the move : What is a bigger nuisance than getting wrong numbers on your mobile ? Getting SMS advertisements from the network providers themselves. You are in midst of your afternoon siesta, when the door bell rings...." sir, we have for a highly advanced formula of this washing....." 'BANG !' . I shut the door right on the salesman's face. In the middle of an interesting program on TV, comes in a call (on landline), "Sir we are calling from ICICI Bank... we have a number of tax savings scheme for...." "CLICK !" Pin pointed form of advertisement has been catching on quite furiously of late. With the LPG (liberalization, privatization & globalization) policy advent of 1991, this aspect of an open economy has been seen on a dramatic rise. Be it the highly annoying number of ads in the middle of popular TV programs, and even news programs or just the bunch of ad streamers bursting at its seams that comes everyday with the morning newspaper. True, it is supposed to make the service rendered economical for the consumers, but my dear, who is bearing the tab for the advertisement ... certainly not the service providers. If one were to minutely scrutinise the cycle, we are ultimately payers for our own annoyance and the disturbance in our siesta. It is about time now, some regulations fall into place strictly against such advertising practices, which invade private time and are at the expense of annoying consumers.

151206 : New-clear issues : As India and US inch towards a bilateral Nuclear agreement, claps and gasps are being heard almost equally loud. Is world really nearing to a greater nuclear understanding with two major powers joining hands ? I doubt. The first comers to the Nuclear club, mostly the big 5 countries, have got away with the most of the bullish experiments that they could and have huge stockpiles of nuclear arsenal, partly as hunting trophies and partly as a brutal baton to beat the rest of the incoming world. In a way, its akin to someone climbing up the ladder, and turning around to push it off the ledge as others reach the top. Yes, I fully understand, and everyone should, it is a stark reality that today's nuclear weapons far unbelievably far more powerful than the vintage 'Fat Man' and 'Little Boy'. Truly, any one nation using it against any other, is nothing short of axing their own foot. The cataclysmic side effect on the environment is a double poison dose. Why then do the Nuclear bigs' insist on retaining their kitty and insist on others towing their directions ? Why. If peaceful use really is the major contention, as is often blandly quoted, then declare it so. Is the world going to wait till the last moment, carrying around the dangerous kitty and having the risk of terror groups come around sniffing ? That is where, I have always found Indian Nuclear policy to be very mature. On one end, it has ensured a minimum deterrence for itself and strategic passive deployment. At the other end, it is guided by a self declared prohibition of weapon grade fissile material development. India had to summon all its guts and will to stand estranged for last two decades by refusing to sign the NPT. How does the country now justify the special arrangement with US ? Has India succumbed to pressure or has it seen this step as a being towards de-nuclearization of nuclear bigs' ? The reason is beyond me. I only do hope for India and world's sake, that this was not a knee jerk policy shift. While I admire US for its world-favor policy, needs to come out in open and as a leader of the world, lead from the front towards total dismantling of its Nuclear kitty, towards a safer world.

141206 : Un-earthly Storm : Thanks to mother Earth, we feel safe and sound, even when there are storms : contented that every storm has to end sooner or later. Even the worst of calamities in recent past, be it the Katrina Hurricane that struck Florida last year or the Tsunami that hit southern Asia in 2003, ended in under three days. I say thanks to mother Earth, because, consider this : if we were to be living on Jupiter, many of us would have spent our entire lifetimes in storm, and still not see the end of it !! Jupiter reveals a cluster of three white oval-shaped storms that lie southwest (at the bottom of the planet) of it's Great Red Spot (dark oval-shaped object near the planet's right edge). Two of these storms formed in the late 1930s, and they're still creating havoc on the planet !! I do hope we humans will be able to take enough good care of mother Earth, so that we and our children may not have to see such a disaster on this planet.

131206 : Humble Forbidden fruit ?: One of my colleagues often used to say, a great persona is like a tree full of sweet fruits. The more the fruits (intending to say worldly success or even bluntly, money), the lower the tree branches - overwhelmed by the weight of fruits supposedly, but intended to show humility and humbleness. What a thought ! But pray, Is it not a rather selfish thought on the part of advocaters of the thought ? Now, I agree and believe in being humble. If one were however to understand the way the world works today, a tree overwhelmed with fruits, in today's times will be mercilessly stripped of all its fruits, not to mention the damage that the tree itself would suffer in the process. I draw a simile with humans. There are 'n' number of people out there, waiting, to pounce upon such humble gestures and make a quick buck at the other's expense. A more rational thought would be to look at the inspiration the tree gives in others to live a healthy life, bear good fruits and learn to share rather than just give !! After all, hissing is a very important function for snake**, even if it becomes good and does not bite any one !!!

(**Read Article dated 150506 for reference.)

121206 : A Dozen Dates : A really unique day today. Numerically speaking, it is 12th of 12th month. Make a numerological addition and 1+2+1+2+0+6 gives 12 again !! Wow !! So with rather demure expectations, I had a slight inkling, something dramatic is coming by today. And lo ! behold ! A very close buddy of mine breaks the news to me ...."hey buddy, I dunnit !!" He and his wife are expecting ... their first production. A great news indeed and I promptly congratulated him. "Its been two months now", he gushed. Indeed, I am gonna be a proud Uncle too, and I am certainly happy for my friend and his wife. All the while, however, subconsciously I went over the countless unearthly hours at night my friend would henceforth be spending on nappy changes and running errands, to the neighbourhood pharmacist for baby formulas. Sigh ! While I was still digesting this news, I get another call from another close friend...a sense of Deja Vu prevailed when he cooed in the ear phone ...." hey buddy, I dunnit !!!" Oh ! great ! Hey, hang on, how can you do it, you aren't even married....!! I virtually had to bite my tongue into stop uttering those words....cause, he was actually conveying his engagement and marriage!! Oh! yes- yes, a great news...and some where in the dungeons of my mind, Abhijeet was rankling away at a popular line...."Ek bechara, phir gaya maara..." Now, yes, I am genuinely and truly happy for him and his good news. But I was forced to give a thought, why do we express our happiness at inviting another person into our notorious club.... when somewhere in our mind escapes a subtle but clear sigh !! Wisdom of the unknown or is it the comfort of having another fellow traveller in the troubled boat ? I leave it to the philosophers to ponder and find a suitable answer !! As for you, my good friends, Welcome Aboard !!" and I wish you all the very best, for, you are very much going to need it !!

111206 : As a professional Banker, I have often marvelled at the thought process of the person who defined a banker as " a person who lends you an umbrella when the Sun shines, and takes it away when it rains !!" As an insider to Banking Industry, I find it to be true very often, if not every time. Bankers in general are reluctant to lend to needy, and not without any logic at their end. While the pinch of it, however, I may not (hope not!!) feel as a 'privileged banker', I often draw a simile between us and other such "Umbrella holders" like the Insurance and Consumer companies. Many would agree, in spite of the best of comforting advertisements and assurances, it really is hard to dig into the pockets of Insurers when things go wrong, at least in India. Despite all the documents and proofs and everything, it really is hard to get what we need - service - when things go wrong and we are armed with guarantees / warranties. At times such laborious process delay are garbed in mentions of misuse prevention or prevention of fraudulent claims. I do agree. However, for a reasonably good quality product manufacturer, less than 5% of products come back for post sale repair / replacement requirements, most of which are minor in nature. What then, stops the manufacturers, to promptly replace the defective product with a new one, at lest for the major defect cases, to the complete and total satisfaction of customer (don't forget the marketing good will that it creates). Assuming a certain lot goes in for unscrupulous acts, how big a number could that possibly be ? Isn't it time for corporates to start acting out as the friendly good Samaritans, and set a precedent for society ? Come to think of it, we Bankers need to re-look into our Umbrella policy too !!

101206 : "You need to reduce some body weight" is an oft repeated adage for quite a few of us today. Sigh, OK!! But how much ? Did I hear it right ? Fifteen Kilos ? That's more than Thirty Pounds ? WOW!! Perhaps, my experience says, the biggest problem with weight loss programs are that as soon as we loose a couple of kilos around our waist, we feel happy and tend to go back on our regular care-free eating sprees. The speed at which the 'tyres' re-appear would put the fastest car to shame!! Come to think of it, however, where is the scope for reduction of fifteen Kilos from my body ? The abdomen (read belly!).. OK, so maybe couple of Kilos, 6 at best. 'Where, pray, lieth the rest of the Nine ?!' I shudder to look at myself in a bony form ... not quite the usual self, I suppose. But seriously, I guess it is time to have a one to one word with a weight loss specialist to ask just one question ..."where lieth the rest nine...!!" Talk about giving an arm and a leg for weight loss!!

091206 : Today when we talk about making a place for oneself in this 'big-bad-cruel-world', by no means is it a small task. In an environ when everyone struggles with the best of education, technology and management tips available at the drop of a hat, wriggling ahead of others in spite of them and establishing a brand identity for one's name is an achievement far far difficult from what it used to be, say 20 years ago. Not to mention the accelerated increase in world population and lesser - shorter time available to anyone to prove their mettle. I just gave a thought on how the famous Ekata Kapoor must be feeling on having reached the mark ahead of others. Come to think of it, her achievement has been brilliant and ahead of others, in fact, path breaking. Be it her style of adding an extra 'K' to her serial names, or adding a dash of fashion jewellery / dressing style to all her soap opera characters, even when they are just out of bed, perfection in dressing style down to the last pedicure - manicure, adding a devout colour by chantings of the Maha-Mrityunjay and Gayatri Mantra Chants, and other video graphics. All these are now considered tips for upcoming soap opera makers...it is there for every TV viewer to see !! Needless to add, imitation is the best flattery, and credits go overwhelmingly to Ekata (or shall I say Ekkata !!)for defining her own road to success in today's world - an act of courage and innovation, that automatically commands respect. Whether the extra 'K' in the names of her soap operas has anything at all to do with Vaastu or Feng-shui is any body's guess. But one thing is sure, that it definitely gives her a distinct identity and instant recognition (read instant marketing !!) for her production, sans the credits at the end !!

081206 : Children who are constantly under pressure from their parents / peer for higher and better performance often land themselves in trouble when they come across less than expected grades. Failure or a second place, is often branded and is a taboo, coping with which is a difficult task for many children. This often leads to personality developments in form of telling a lie, doctoring records, exhibiting dishonesty, feeling depressed and scared, followed at times by secondary problems of drugs and causing self injury. One important aspect in child development is Failure Management. Teaching children to cope with failures, and to be prepared to expect and accept failures as a part of progress. To take failures as opportunities to be able to turn around and show resilience in ability and personality. Such approaches also prepare children for psychological development into a positive living approach. This also is necessary to do away with cases of failure to perform due to fear and panic caused by "anticipatory failure". Life is not a bed of roses (and certainly not only a bed of thorns !!). As growing adults and tomorrow's citizens, they must learn to face failures, be able to critically analyze, learn from it and throw it behind them to move on. Life has often been compared to a flowing river, in all respects. Ups and downs, rapids and breaks, obstructions and falls are all a part of the course. Yet, the river progresses, unmindful of obstructions, changing its course at times, mindful of only one aspect - to carry on and achieve its journey. The same holds true for men and this needs to be embedded into the young minds of our children ab-initio. Let us resolve into a more positive child development by teaching them to manage their failures : and support them when they need us the most.

071206 : Beer-Bazaar : literally meaning the Thursday Market (pronounced as "bir bazaar"), is an amazing trend in social development, or so it appears. A weekly market with no formal coordination committee or managers or even an official place, is one of the biggest markets in west Delhi area of Vikas Puri. Every Thursday, vendors big and small throng the main road of Vikas Puri with their wares, settling down to display and trade by the sides of the main road on either side. Vegetables, both specialised and regular, crockery & china, plastic ware, cosmetics, artificial jewellery, hosiery, woollens, T-shirts & jeans, garments, baby supplies and clothing, general clothing, decoration stuff, artificial flower decor, the juice corner, the Chole Kulche corner, the weekly library of used books, etc etc etc, name it and they are there. You want to buy a good branded stuff ? available. You are poor and want to buy a winter jacket for as little as Rs.50/- ?, it is available. It is not amazing how such market gains quick popularity - it has something of everything for everyone !! Over the years, the market has not only grown in trade, but also volume and set up. What initially started as a small weekly market for a stretch of about 1/2 Km around the PVR theatre (erstwhile Sonia theatre), is more than a 2 KM market now, starting right at Budhela and extending well beyond 'M' Block. As a Banker, my mind naturally went into the economics - popular location, no establishment cost, no middlemen for sellers, abundant bargains - so both sides are happy, everybody gets to buy according to their budget and a reasonably fair quality for money, one point shopping - shop for essentials to fancy, have a cool drink of your choice or have Chaat / Golguppes and ride home courtesy the friendly neighbourhood rickshaw puller for just 5/- bucks !! The vendors get their pound of flesh in an estimated over Rs. 1.50 Crore turnover (Rs. 15 Million : nearly half a Million US Dollar!) Now, compare this to a shopping trip to Karol Bagh - 1.5 hrs of travel in highly polluted Delhi by car, not to mention all the unruly traffic and countless red lights, spend 50 bucks on parking your car; then drive back the equally gruelling way - a dragging saga of over 5 hours !! An amazing sight, however, is how the traffic manages around the market - and it is absolutely crazy!! The already narrow road, becomes super narrow with the market set up, and there is barely a space for just one bus to crawl by. Yet, almost every bus that passed through had a common modus - their shrill horns start blaring right at the beginning of the road, and wonder of wonders, everyone just coolly walks aside, even without so much as looking at the bus! As the blaring horn passes by, again, without a glance or wince at the sharp sound, the crowd is back on the road. When a bus is not there to disturb, the road is an amazing mess of people, scooters, bikes, rickshaws, cars and mobile vendors alike. Now, hold your breath, there hasn't been a single incidence of any traffic accident / runover during the market since the market started more than 20 years ago !! Touche !! Truly, I have often heard people mutter, when they get to the amazing statistics of India and Indian culture - for sure, God lives in India, and is busy warding off accidents at the Beer-Bazaar !!

061206 : People who claim to be born leaders are as much a leader as anyone born as a Christian or Hindu. It is not the genetic combination (at least major part of it) but the environ and circumstances that prod people to become leaders and great leaders. Great Leaders like Mohandas K Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandella etc all come from a relatively little known background, but rose to great heights only by sheer determination, supported by equally supporting environ at home, family and friends. Add to that the socio-political situation existing in respective places. So when does a child begin to show signs of leadership ? Believe me, it is early on. A leader is someone who believes in self and has fairly good levels of intelligence and emotional stability to defy any amount of pressure and adverse conditions. Right through childhood, allowing kids to take steps so has to develop belief in their own ability is like laying the foundation stone towards the tomorrow's leader. At the same time, extending unstinted support when they fail by helping them to learn and move on forms a vital supplement to leadership development. Here's a small article I came across which I reproduce in toto [Credits to Mothers Pride ] from their article "How to Invoke the Leader in your child" : In the interest of all those young parents out there!! How can you make your child a leader ? Remember the 'a b c' of leadership building : (a) Encourage your child to take decisions big or small, from what to wear to a party to what subjects to choose for graduation. (b) Give your child opportunities to lead. Extend support and encourage your child to participate in or get enrolled in the school club, community activities etc, whatever the level of success / outcome. (c) Let your child follow his dreams. Don't scoff at your child if he wishes to be a rocket scientist or a radio jockey. Believe in them, respect their individuality and give them unconditional love so they do not become a follower but a leader in their own right. So, Good luck everybody !!

051206 : I have an extension to belief in Gender equality : Men and Women are expected to behave as nature expects them to. Going against the much hyped "macho" image and to the risk of being labelled a MCP, I firmly believe that women by nature and build are designed for a comparatively soft life style. When I say soft, I mean physically; for, mentally, women are designed stronger than men. (Not surprising that behind the success of most men have been the woman in their respective lives). Women have traditionally managed soft responsibilities such as home managers, social works, educationists, medical practitioners, etc., which suit them better than modern tough life styles like combat soldiers/fighter pilots, and jobs which gruel them into odd hours of working, especially consistent late night shifts. Think of a situation where a woman officer is dragged off by enemy as a POW. Think of a situation of a lonely lady pilot returning back after her mid-night flight in from Rome, hailing a cab. Or think of a situation where a lady soldier is required to man a critical post high up at the Siachen. Think of a situation where a bunch of lady constables are holding off a crowd pelting stones on a religious procession. Concerned ? Now picture, in all the above cases, a man / men instead. Feeling relieved ? I don't blame you. I personally strongly question the wisdom in forcing women to participate in traditionally male arenas, in the garb of gender equality. History teaches us, some very brave women who have done wonders in our society. However, if a pattern is observed, almost all the cases, that I can reckon with, either the work environ for them was social in nature or were forced into such a power-role profile. (and that is the beauty of the women power: when forced into a corner, they fight like cats!!). The dormant woman power reigns supreme, when the first line of defence - men - have perished or disabled. True, there have been likes of Kiran Bedi and Aung San Sui Ki. But how many ? Such cases, are more exceptions than universal. To my belief, women have a greater role defined for them by nature : to provide the second line support & power to the first line work horse stallions. Anyone who knows how corporate worlds work, knows that the appellation 'first' and 'second' are only nomenclature. Practically, both have comparable importance and moments of power and weakness. If I may, I compare men to tooth and women to gums. While tooth do most of the work, gums provide the much needed support to keep the tooth stable and in line of action. One cannot do without the other. But if we invite (or force by gimmicks such as women reservation) the gums to bite into something, the result would be disastrous. Nor can the role for tooth be reversed. Out there, 'n' number of people cry hoarse over labelling home managers as 'servants' or 'house workers', or calling Air hostesses as 'glorified waitresses'. I can only dismiss such notions as utterances of ignorant, naive and unsophisticated persons. A simple case in example, would be men trying to hold the forte at home when women are away, and realising the difference between the women's management and theirs in such an area! Perhaps, one of the worst fallout of the 'gender equality' can be seen in media, where, more and more of the women are throwing in their towel to, so to say, make a career for themselves. Most advertisers sell a woman's body rather than the innocuous looking car parked aside or the bathroom fixtures that they are actually intending to sell. Most film makers actually sell the sleazy dance numbers and not the story or poetry. What has, however, surprised me the most, is not the slandering of image of women at the hands of men, but the willingness of today's women to participate in such a historic blunder. Today's women ignore even the warnings that start early on - a innocent seeming pat on the cheek, a friendly seeming hand on the shoulder / back and that challenging look dare-this-drink. Consciously / subconsciously, I am sure women know where they are headed to, amazing thing is, what prompts them to carry on ? Looks like India is developing....towards a culture and society, where we attend a marriage, where the best man is the groom's son and a special invitee is the bride's ex husband, and going by the looks of it, everybody is 'cool' with it! Does the society hear the alarm bells ringing ?

041206 : One of the first things that I noticed after landing back in India was the abysmally low tolerance limits the Delhiites had. This wasn't the case with the Delhi that I knew as a child. You request the bus conductor to give you a currency note instead of five rupee coins, he fumes. You ask a shopkeeper two questions about a product, he fumes. You overtake another vehicle on road, he gestures his fist in air at you. You question the wisdom of a two wheeler rider jumping red light ahead of you, he is ready with his choice swear words in chaste hinglish. OK, OK, perhaps, Delhi has become too hectic. Check out in Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli, the responses are similar, if not as rude. Driving around in Delhi / Bangalore has become a nightmare, with threats of road rage at every nook and corner. Two wheelers and cars zip by alike, as if the whole of Delhi is on fire. Clashes of ego on road is reflected in road rage. Increasing peer group pressure to perform, odd hour working with introduction of Call centre work culture, extending working hours, including weekends, nuclear families with no elders to guide (not that today's youngsters listen, anyway!!), increasingly less time for personal leisure with the advent of internet added to TV and game stations have all been contributory factors. People spend less time on personal hobbies and leisure. Family time is now limited to the dining table, except that all eyes are glued to the TV and food going into respective mouths by 'fly-by-wire' automatic gestures. The so called modern approach to family life with most households having working parents, albeit has brought in extra cash that helps, has led to children developing adult approaches to life prematurely. Says, the Kashi Math Seer, Swami Sudheendra Theertha Swamiji, "Each person is expected to, and should, behave according to his age and maturity. A child must behave like one; A teen must behave like one; An adult must be mature like one; and likewise, an aged person must spend his time as per his age." Well said Swamiji, I agree in toto. In today's society children are forced to grow faster than they should. Teens are constantly chided to "grow up". This accelerated growth ends up as a pent up pressure when as mature adults, most find themselves mired in tough and demanding working conditions and a family demands to meet. No wonder the steam comes out on the hapless shopkeeper or the naive rickshaw puller. Actually, the intolerance shown is not on the person being interacted with at that point of time, but the gradual but steady release of built up steam over the years and compounded by today's hectic and fast lifestyle. Add to this the the growing sense of insecurity due to growing population and shrinking resources. An average unsophisticated mind complicates such situation and has a cascading effect on the stability of the state of mind. One must learn to sometimes 'pause' your life, learn to relax and enjoy the goodness of life. Live life deliberately than rushing through it. Live every moment fully to its extent. When you realise the difference between reaching your office driving at 80 and 50 is just a couple of minutes, the unworthiness of such a rash driving is felt. When you realise the difference between working the extra one hour late at night and rushing through life, and doing the leftover the next day is not much of a difference, suddenly it would not feel worth doing. Of course, these modalities stand 180 degree opposite to Corporate concerns and approaches to service etc. However, is it worth the pangs of pressure, guilt, pressure, intolerance and shortened life that we risk in return ? Time to think, and think hard !!

031206 : Often it is said, that what we are is because of what we do. In ancient Hindu religious teachings, it is mentioned the end results of good and bad deeds, as having a bearing on the quality of life in next birth. While we may not be very sure about the next birth, but is is however an established fact that it definitely defines on what we are going to be. A few years back, US scientists established a definite pattern between the quality of a person's nature / deeds and the symmetry of their appearance and body. Persons with pleasant nature showed a mathematically more symmetrical face structure and this was matched with a higher level of positive thoughts and actions. Persons who showed trends of asymmetry or crookedness in features, often had pessimistic approach towards life and unhealthy practices pattern. It then goes a long way to show, we become what we actually do or think and believe, which goes to say how important it is to have a healthy, optimistic and positive outlook in life and deed. Our frequent negative outbursts or treatment of others, actually creates a negative 'second nature' in our persona, which is ugly and reflects ultimately in a series of misfortunes, which stem from drudgery, ill health, and loneliness feeling. Continual and frequent negative thoughts and actions are known to cause unusual hormonal activity in body, which retard growth and lead to reduced immunity. While further and more complex study patterns are in process, this once again goes to prove how advanced the ancient Indian culture was in all such 'Shastras'. While I was still musing over this article, I was therefore amused when I came across this anonymous email creation doing the rounds. A carpenter, after decades of service life, decides to quit and conveys his intention to his contractor. The contractor was very sad, for the carpenter was indeed a very skilled worksman and his quality of work was beyond fault and comparison. He had indeed been an invaluable asset to him over the years. He pleads to the carpenter not to quit, but the carpenter was adamant, for he wanted to sit back and relax. After a bit of thought, the contractor pleads to him to do just one more house. The Carpenter reluctantly agrees to. Having set his reluctant mind frame, the carpenter proceeded to build the house. But since he had a negated state of mind in the work, his quality of work dropped sharply. He used inferior quality wood, the planning was faulty and even the finishing was clearly below standard. When the house was ready, the contractor came over, inspected the house, and then quietly handed over the keys of the house to the carpenter, as a parting gift for lifetime service. The carpenter was aghast! Had he known that he was building his own house, he would have built it differently, with lots of good quality input and quality finishing! He felt remorse for his reluctant and not so positive approach to his work. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. We are the carpenter of our lives. Each day, we hammer a nail, place a board, erect a wall. Our attitudes and choices we make today, build our "house" for tomorrow. The moral of the story is : "Build Wisely !!"

021206 : Here's something very interesting for stress management : A professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see, and asked the students " How much do you think this glass weighs?" "50 gms.....100gms.....125gms..." the students answered. "I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor, "but my question is - What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?" "Nothing" .... the students said. "OK, what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?" the professor asked. "Your arm would begin to ache", said one of the students. "You are right. Now what would happen if I held it up for a day ?" "Your arm could go numb, have severe muscle stress and paralysis, and surely you might have to go to the hospital !", ventured another students, and all the students laughed. "Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change ?" asked the professor. "No" was the answer. "Then what caused the arm ache and muscle stress ?" The students were puzzled. "What should I do now to come out of the pain ?" asked professor again. "Put the glass down!" said one of the students. "Exactly!" said the professor. "Life's problems are something like this !!" "Hold it for a few minutes in your head and they seem OK. Think of them for a long time and they begin to ache. Hold it even longer, and they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to anything!!". "It is important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, but even more important is to "Put them down" at the end of every day before you go to sleep!!" "That way, you are not stressed, you wake up everyday fresh and strong and can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!!" What a wonderful way to illustrate a problem. Hat's off to the gentleman (or lady) who thought of this approach. So my dear friends, beginning today, when you leave your office after work at the end of the day / in the evening, REMEMBER TO PUT DOWN THE GLASS EVERYDAY !!

011206 : "Sleepless in City!" - screamed a popular newspaper article. It rightly addressed a growing cause of concern over fallout of over urbanised lifestyle - less sleep time. With the advent of Call centre culture and hip culture on late night parties, average person now a days spends increasingly less time sleeping, which is an in-built re-charger system the nature has for living beings. While, over a period of time considerably small sleep time or even odd hour / irregular sleep time can be managed with, the repercussion is increasingly being felt in terms of high levels of irritability, lack of concentration, fatigue & stress, depression, and worst, suicidal tendencies. Scientifically, it is well established that Serotonin, a chemical hormone produced in body, is common both for sleep as well as depression and suicidal tendencies. Sleep is an essential factor in growth consolidation of living beings and a well slept night always leads to a refreshed awakening - both literally and virtually. We may compare it crudely as the difference between an overheated - over strained engine's poor performance vis-a-vis the gentle purring of an overhauled - well oiled engine. Not to mention, but undertaking such high levels of fatigue is nothing more than burning the candle of your life at both ends. An average mature adult needs about 7-8 hrs of sleep. Women tend to need a little more sleep. Children and teen require the highest, while older people need less sleep hours. Modern lifestyle of TV, Internet, late night partying etc have compounded the situation. Surprisingly, it is often the reason behind such common ailments as stomach upset, indigestion, weak immunity, muscle pains etc, for which doctors squarely agree the solution is not in pills but a pillow !! So friends, let us extend that hand to switch off TV / Internets by 10pm and enjoy the blissful rejuvenation by at lest 8 hours of sleep a day. After all, it is best to let the sleeping dog lie, lest we end up with a strained and whining body in prime youth!!

101106 : Thanks to our Airlines (No prizes for guessing the name... Air India ) we arrived from New York minus our baggage; in fact all the JFK passengers via London had this problem. Making matters worse was the security restrictions, so that we were travelling practically empty handed, and so we walked to our home. Well, two days later, we did get our bags, in good condition, and with little running around. As I sat down at the seat of compensation paying officer, the officer expressed that there was no regulated policy as such, but I could claim, an amount for what I felt was put to loss. Believe me, partly out of my honesty and partly with my level of experience on price index that I had in mind of my pre-departure abroad (2004), I wrote down Rs.1000/- and handed over the claim form with some hesitation. Without much fussing about, the same was paid!! My surprise and pleasure was to last only a few hours. Later that evening when I went to the market, I was shocked to see the fall in purchase power of Rupee. Prices of most common commodities had gone up by at least 50% !! By that comparison, what I claimed was virtually peanuts!! No wonder, the Airline officer was quick in accepting my claim, lest I became wiser !!

091106 : The feeling was unmistakable. The odour was familiar. The stench left no doubt. Much as I dislike to be-little my country, it was deja vu all over again. Returning back to India after two years, the familiar but unwelcome sight (of men standing astride & relieving themselves) was there for us to see, feel and shake our head in disbelief and agony. It was, as if, returning from paradise to hell. In my childhood days, I remember, the area surrounding the International Airport at least was spared and the aura and awe of a "Phoren" outlook existed. Looks like, that is not the case now. My immediate instinct was to turn around and have a look at the airport zooming away as our taxi sped on.... as if, longing to run up the flight of stairs that brought me (literally) down here and go back to the paradise, where toilets are given a new meaning by redesign as Restrooms and people, high and low used them gentlemanly.

181006 : Of all the weird voodoo culture and amazing cultural practices that I came across, picture this practice of Madagascar: FAMADIHANA. It is an important Malagasy traditional feast which is related to the returning of the rests and bones of the RAZANA so that they can be repacked in new layers of LAMBAMENA. For this, the buried body is exhumed, and paraded in wrapped blankets or Lambamena, the event is celebrated and a feast is actually served on such occasions !! After the Famadihana is over, the body is re-packed in fresh material and re-buried, till the next year Famadihana, when it will be exhumed again. With all due respect to their culture, this is one feast that I am NOT in a hurry to attend !!

300906 : Here are some powerful words spoken by Swami Vivekananada.

When I Asked God for Strength, He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face

When I Asked God for Brain & Brawn, He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve

When I Asked God for Happiness, He Showed Me Some Unhappy People

When I Asked God for Wealth, He Showed Me How to Work Hard

When I Asked God for Favours, He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard

When I Asked God for Peace, He Showed Me How to Help Others

God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted, He Gave Me Everything I Needed.

020606 : Do What your heart says.....: Here's a wonderful article that I came across.. and guess the source, of course, another good friend !!

Horror gripped the heart of a World War-I soldier, as he saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. The soldier asked his Lieutenant if he could go out to bring his fallen comrade back. "You can go," said the Lieutenant, "but don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away."

The Lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend, hoisted him onto his shoulder and brought him back to their company's trench. The officer checked the wounded soldier , then looked kindly at his friend.

" I told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded." " It was worth it, Sir," said the soldier. "What do you mean by worth it?" responded the Lieutenant. " Your friend is dead." "Yes Sir," the soldier answered, " but it was worth it because when I got to him,he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him say...." Jim...I knew you'd come."

Moral:- Many times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not, really depends on how u look at it. Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do so that you may not regret not doing it later in your life........

010606 : Fortunate are people who have good friends to guide them and constantly remind that Life is more to do than just gathering money all the years along and then leaving one fine morning to god knows where. Today while having a rather solemn discussion with my friend, I casually mentioned .... well, do you know the meaning of a 'pariah' ? She was prompt to go fetch her pocket dictionary. The moment she deciphered it, she understood what was working in my mind. She just said, "just bide your time and you will see that better days are not very far off". "Just remember", she said "like all humans for they are the creation of god. War only with the vices that they have, not with them !!" Well said.

270506 : Once I visited one of my friend at his office. Had not seen him for quite some time. Tired, coming from office, and rather exasperated at the end of a really long day...I said to him, "...looks like I am ready to throw in the towel..." The words that tumbled out of his mouth astonished me. He said, "....listen, are you satisfied with what you have done today at office ? were you able to do your best during the day ? In spite of all the hiccups and bickering from your boss, did you do the best of your work honestly ? If so, you have no reason to be feel down or frustrated at anything. Just live the day fully and continue. God is there to see that all other things go well. Just wait for the time patiently." And suddenly I realized, he merely reflected the essence of my Guru Mantra "Trust in God and live one day at a time." How true. I am grateful to God that I have friends who remind me from time to time the ideals of life that lead us into living life fully and honorably. And as I reminisce into these thoughts, somewhere in the background Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was echoing "....kaya hi pandhari, atmaha vithali..". These are truly momentous moments.

260506 : I came across this very interesting comparison on value and importance of time. I think nothing else could define the significance of time better than this :

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who could not get his promotion.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have!

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery.

Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!!

250506 : I sometimes wonder, rather worry at times, what would happen if I were ever to win say One million dollars. Would that make me greedy, or benevolent, or perhaps anxious at being mobbed / robbed. But seriously, I think time is more precious than anything, even money. With today's lifestyle riding surf board on rough seas, it is not surprising that it is very difficult to find time to do so many little things that we wish to do. While at times, this may be due to procrastination, at other times, you just do have an explanation, that despite seemingly rushing full day long, where have all those 24 hours gone of to!! where did all those 1440 minutes have gone off to !! Sometimes, I just wish that rather than a million dollars, if I could win its equivalent in time so that life can be lived with more leisure !!

220506 : Life can bring across us everyday a kaleidoscope of sequences, some good, some bad, some funny and some not so funny. There are times, when it looks like it is really not possible to carry on any further. The role of soothing words from friends at such a juncture can prove to be a turn around. I write this because, I came across a wonderful card today at one of the shop, and I immediately remembered a friend I had lost. "It takes a special person to face problems and have the courage to begin again.......You should feel especially proud knowing you are that kind of person - one who others are so proud of as well." I hope my friend reads this, wherever he is.

210506 : "Laughter is the best Medicine" (© Readers digest) : Laughter should be bottled up and given away in every drug store. ... unfortunately, that is not possible. We once had a colleague, who dropped by our office on work. During lunch, he started telling jokes. We all enjoyed the jokes and none of us had never heard of. After a string of laughter, then he asked everyone at the table to tell at least one joke. Having pepped up our adrenalin, everyone was raring to go. Later I asked him about the secret of telling all unheard of jokes. What he said really astonished me. At his home, TV was absolutely a no-no at dinner time. "Family time", he said very earnestly. So, not everybody would have much to talk of everyday, he thought out this bright idea ... everyone at the table was responsible for telling at least one joke at the dinner table, with a condition that the joke must be absolutely unheard of !! Repeated jokes are penalised with additional jokes, so everyone tries hard to search something unique. Guess whose family would be enjoying a healthy laugh at the end of the day ?!!

200506 : Today I came across a very well said fact about life. "Life sucks. But the alternative, is unacceptable." How true. For all the troubles and problems and hiccups and miseries of life, life is still something wonderful to be cherished and enjoyed at every step. It is but a matter of perspective (The glass is half "full" !!) as to which side of the life one wishes to look into. For if , as the saying means, if you do not like your life, the alternative is hardly a consolation !! So, live life fully to the best of your abilities and for the best of your family, friends and society.

190506 : When I first started out writing my daily blog under "Daily Cranium", there was one factor that I did not factor in : time to write down in black and white. Time, the most important dimension in world. A few years back, I would not have thought that trying to get some private time every day is going to be such a difficult task. Life seems to be moving at break-neck speed and all these moments, that I should actually stop and enjoy, are whizzing past me at amazing speed. It is May end round the corner and soon, this year too would end up as a yester year. Just reminds me an oft repeated saying : "Yesterday is gone and you cannot do anything about it. Tomorrow is but a dream. What you actually have is today, and Now . So, make the best of it !!"

180506 : I have often wondered at the expanse of Universe. What is the limit of the Universe ? or does it really have one ? If it does have a boundary, what is beyond it and what is the extent to which that extends ? For the limited knowledge that Mankind has, we often relate every thing by defining its own limits. "My Hand", "My body", "My Home", "My Country" etc. Each has its own fairly well defined limit. That is where, however, the human mind is unique.... its imagination is not bound by any limits. Both internal and external. However, perhaps, in one way, the mind meets its match when its comes to Universe. Ever wonder what we might come across, should we continue to keep going in this universe, assuming time, age and speed are no bar..... just imagine....any bright thoughts ?? I think, it is even beyond the purview of mind to imagine into something so mysterious as the Universe.

170506 : How often we all must have come across, someone saying, "do not give up" or with a firm "keep trying till you succeed" quote ? I came across someone quoting "Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go." Very-very thought provoking, I must say !!

160506 : Today, in the cafeteria, someone threw up a set of 4 questions which challenged everyone to fulfill seemingly simple conditions in 1 minute flat. Barely two persons out of the group were able to complete within the time and only one of them actually had nearly all right. If someone asks you "write anything in the space given below" what would be the most tactful and correct answer ? The answer being "anything", because, that is what the question is asking us to write !! Actually, this is the science of Lateral Thought and of late has gained popularity amidst scientific and common community alike. It is a well known fact that in most adult mature brains, only one half of the brain is actually used for day to day activity like memory, intelligence and comprehension etc. The other half (right hemisphere in right handed persons and vice-versa) remains idle. This hemisphere gets activated by anything where creativity and imagination comes into picture. And people who have creative and unique hobbies and interests, actually, and literally have a 'balanced' mind !! Lateral thinking also emphasises on how one uses common sense and average knowledge to show positive results, by focusing on solution oriented approach. Believe me, I have actually seen some people use this technique and come out with flying colours in whatever they do. Picture this : One interviewer asked his candidate, what is the colour of the wall behind him. The candidate did not have to turn around, to answer the colour of the wall. Do you get the point ? !!!

150506 : Every person who believes in peaceful and decent social behaviour must have been put in a rather embarrassing spot on more than one occasion in his / her life. What is the best approach at such times. Allow the con man to take you for a ride or jump to his levels and use the filthiest language and choice abuses to show him his place ? What is the definition of socially acceptable behaviour ? In a country (Bahamas), where people are exceptionally polite in public, even more so towards foreigners (tourists, actually), I was taken aback by extraordinary rude behaviour by one person in a public place towards me and for no apparent provocation from me. I shot back and showed him his place, although, without using any abusive language, and finally ending my emphatic statement with a "Sir". That decisively shut his mouth and did a round-about on his attitude. Reminds me of a moral story I read as a child, regaled by a Bodhisatva (incarnations of Gautam Buddha - literal meaning - 'one who is bound for enlightenment'). Apparently, he gospeled a poisonous and notorious snake not to bite passersby. When the Bodhisatva returned to the Snake after 1 year, he found it to be frail and near-dying. He learnt, that locals, having learnt that the snake had turned to harmlesss ways, turned tables by torturing the snake and street vegabonds throwing stones at him. The kind hearted Bodhisatva bent down, picked up the snake and nursed its wounds, and then said, ".... I asked you to stop biting people, but definitely, I did not ask you to stop hissing !! When attacked, you must use it to frighten them away !!" Having remembered this story suddenly, I immediately felt my guilt feeling vanish off at having used very very strong words on that poor gentleman ! Touche !!

140506 : "Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you’d better be running." Interesting simile to describe the fast moving life ! Like I said earlier, I strongly wish all of us are able to slow down a bit and feel, experience and enjoy the journey of life, than just running from Morning to evening - Monday to Friday. Otherwise, before we know, this running would stop at a wall, for there would not be life left anymore to relish and enjoy ! As I always say, in life there are only two things on earth which are ahead of time, and must be done right away and urgently. One, when it is a question of somebody's life and death. And the other, when nature calls; when you gotta 'P', you gotta 'P' ! Rest everything must wait patiently for its turn !! So friends, slow down and enjoy life. Caution : I am NOT advocating complacency or lethargy...what I have to say is live life every moment, rather than rushing through it. Good Luck !!

130506 : Ah! what a beautiful day today. It is the 13th of May !! This is one day I shall never ever forget in my life. For on this day, 8 years ago in 1998, there occurred two distinctive and definite detonations, that changed my life forever in more ways than one. The time was a few minutes past 11 a.m., and I was in this intimidating chamber, answering away questions fired to me by this Interview board. They asked me all sorts of questions ranging from India's economic policy, foreign policy and Nuclear policy and what India can do and how I can contribute for bettering our economy. There was this one gentleman on the board, a very affectionate looking elderly person, who was just staring at me with a rather serious expression, like the sphinx, and did not speak at all. When the board was through with me, the Spinx spoke. He asked me about my family, about me and my interests and he noted that I had written 'writing English Poetry' as one of my hobbies. He asked me what type of poetry I wrote, and he put me to test if I could narrate any one of them. Whether it was to test the veracity of my claim or was he himself a poet, is a fact that I would never know. But I was definitely the happy man to deliberate on what I write. By the time, I was through with the grandiose narration of "Will to Survive" he and the rest of the board members were smiling from ear to ear. At that precise moment, I felt Yes!! "The Buddha has smiled !!" Later in the evening, I heard the news that India had detonated a Nuclear Bomb at 11.10 a.m. that day, and that the Prime Minister was conveyed the news in code "The Buddha has smiled !!". India was never the same again, nor was I. To 13th of May shall I raise my toast for years to come, in my life, for it was not one but two powerful detonations that took place on this day, that I can be proud of !!

120506 : For all the smartness, ability, techno-savvy and other abilities, there are times, when one reaches blind alley in whatever they do. You pick something from a fresh lot, and are more likely to come up with the only rotten apple in the lot !gnnnngh !! These are the times, when you wish you had more luck and some good luck charm. One of my friends, once said, "It is better to be lucky than to be smart" perhaps, in one of such phases of life. While we all the know the formula (more or less) of success, and victory, I often wonder if anyone out there knows how to improve upon being lucky ? Should I ever come across such a formula, I will definitely share with you all !!

110506 : Life is a a journey constantly "on the run". Parents want their baby to grow fast and watch them walk on their own... when they do, they want them to talk and speak soon.... then they wait for their going to school and get good grades...soon the kids develop their own persona and want to grow up soon because, they want freedom and independence. They go into teens, and want to become adult soon because they are tempted to have their own car or apartment, go on their own to see various places...get married et al. Soon the cycle repeats and then as adults they sigh wish they were kids again so that they had more time for themselves !! STOP !! Slow down..smell the air, feel the warmth of sun, listen to the bird sing and crickets chirp...touch that tree and feel a bonding with another unique living being...smell those sweet flowers....spend some time with little children to experience the joy of their pure honest nature....do not rush through life!! Someone so truly said, "Happiness is found on the way, not at the end of it !!" Slow down and feel that happiness and joy life has to offer. Life is full of happiness, encash it !! Life is a succession of moments; to live each one of them fully and purposefully, is to be happy and successful.

100506 : Integrity. We often find ourselves expressing "his integrity is of the highest order" or someone saying "his integrity is above question". As a banker, handling money for general public, I have been in the business of evaluating the integrity of people. Realising the significance of this basic factor, I think has been the cutting edge that made me a successful banker. But as to the question of what is the test for Integrity, I will never forget the simple but wholesome definition one of my professional Gurus advised to me. He said, "Integrity is something to be tested when things go wrong." How true, when things are right and comfortable, everyone shows good and positive approach. But does the integrity level remain to same standards when chips are down ? Incidentally, I think this aspect applies to all the positive character definitions. The following definition should really make it clear what I have to say. "Discipline is what you do when nobody is watching you !!"

090506 : Ancient Hindu scriptures describe of various Ashrams or stages in human life. One of the most significant in that is the Brahmacharya Ashram when in the prime of youth (actually beginning teens) a person is supposed to lead rigorous life and learn the world affairs and gain knowledge. The entire guiding principle, is described in the form of a shloka. "Kaaka Chestha, Bako Dhyana, Shwana Nidra, Alpa-ahaari, Griha tyagi; panchalakshanam brahmacharyam". To describe in brief, a Bhramachari is to practice and have the Perseverance of a Crow, alertness of a Crane, (light) sleep of a Dog, must eat limited food and must go out into the world to learn the worldly affairs. Not that I was a perfect as a Brahmachari, but a look at today's growing youth's habits shows significant degradation of social values of learning and making an effort to mark oneself into society. Evidently, when short cuts are available, who has the time to take the right path?

080506 : Progress is wonderful. But unfortunately, it is also relative. A snail moving one meter in any direction is excellent. A space craft entering earth overshooting by one meter is a catastrophe. A beggar wearing Levis (in shreds) is progress. The PM of India being forced to go around in Ambassador is a shame. An auto driver sporting a mobile is progress. Aishwarya sporting ordinary cell without a Cam and bluetooth is a turnoff. Is it true that poverty cannot be got rid of, that it can only be re-defined ? Years after the Industrial revolution and years after the development of latest in soft, hard and all sorts of wares, the hardships of people living hand-to-mouth, of struggling in heat, dirt and grime continues till date. This, not just the case of underdeveloped or developing countries, but even in Developed countries. The abyss between the rich and poor, affluent and so called scum of society continues unashamedly even in modern times. Has humanity really made a progress ?

070506 : Today I came across a very thought provoking quote...and I am forced to agree to a significant extent. I always maintain, that while money is not everything, money is something !! In a different stroke of brush, a gentleman quotes.... and I rather agree that ....."Those who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop !!"

060506 : Degree of pretense is the extent to which one goes in hiding their emotions or feelings, and is normally inversely proportional to age. Children are honest and innocent with the least levels of pretence ( you must have heard the kids who declare in the midst of parties with "...mama I want to go pee-pee.." As age goes up, people become prententive, and pretend everything is alright when things are not, spend money when actually the credit card bills are piling up go on shopping spree or buy property when actually they should be saving a little for the future, all in the name of show off or high levels of pretence. Often this high level of pretence or show off also is pretended with a formal name as "diplomacy" or "social acceptance". I pity the household that comes within the ambit of such a pretence. Agreed, to some extent, social diplomacy is must, to, however, what extent can a person go, is anybody's guess on wisdom. Perhaps we need kids like the little boy who pointed to the real state of the Kings new dress ("...the kings is not wearing anything at all....")!!

050506 : We all know that 1+1 is 2 and that 2+2 is 4. Can there be a situation when 2+2 is 5 and 1+1 is 11 ? Amazing ? Impossible ? The fact is, it is possible, not just metaphorically or philosophically, but even scientifically. Synergy as a concept have thrown off gear even the well established third principle of Newton. It is now known that certain elements under certain environ behave in a surprisingly different and unexpected levels of output, disqualifying the Newton's third law. In our lives too, Synergy plays a key role. What each of the fingers cannot achieve individually, the hand achieves. What individual player cannot do, a team can, subject of course, to the fact that they work in unison. Many of us, I am sure have heard of the Bijbehara Mandir where the heavy greenstone stone piece is lifting by 11 people together, using only their index fingers. While I do not question the contribution of religion or faith in the matter, what is definitely playing a key role there is the synergy of the 11 people. Thus my belief, life force is but a the force resultant of various parts and organs of our body working together in perfect unison generating the synergy of life.

040506 : We must have come across may elders / success gurus advising a good way of life, telling us to be positive in our lives and to be optimistic, see the good in things. Surprisingly, this needs to be told over and over again, because, nature's law states the fact the other way round. People are known more often by their imperfections rather than plus points, at least to begin with. How often have we come across comments like "...hey, the shorty won again!.." or "...his bald pate covers a clever brain.." or "....the book worm came out with 100 again !!...". Indeed the fact that even nature is caught in the imperfection trap, is brought out very well by Thomas Hardy's observing in Far from the Madding Crowd - to quote - "We learn that it is not the rays which bodies absorb, but those which they reject that gave them the colours they are known by; and in the same way, people are specialised by their dislikes and antagonisms, whilst their goodwill is looked upon as no attribute at all." The good news is that, this is what keeps the gossip and rumor mill in society going at full steam. Indeed therefore, a lot of will and effort goes into being a really positive and optimistic person.... to see good even in the not so good.

030506 : Success and victory must come with hard work and effort. Little are such things appreciated when it is achieved overnight. The infant who tries to stand up without learning the kinetics of body motion falls down and may even hurt itself. The student who tries to clear his exams on mugging may be lucky with one exam, but never in the long run. The entrepreneur must toil and struggle in an established market before he can win accolades. Those who strive for quick overnight success, end up either doing something unacceptable, or fall before they even relish what they have achieved. The same goes in nature, when survival of the fittest rule works in tandem with effort. Even if a lion is on top of the food chain, he must hunt to satisfy his hunger. Indeed, I recollect Clay Harrison's words here, that "Everyone must crawl before they are grown." How true.

020506 : There is a common humour that the strongest muscle in our body is "the tongue". Indeed, tongue has the power to generate words (metaphorically speaking) which can move the worlds. Words are so powerful, a missile may be diverted / self destroyed after its launch, but words cannot be reversed. Even an expression of regret by "sorry" leaves the damage that was done. It is therefore, in my opinion, most unwise to form an opinion / bias / favour on somebody, by listening to third person's description of their personality. Often, it is a coloured version. Unfortunately, that is what most people do; form an opinion on a person by listening to the version of third person. Other day, I came across a person, of whom I had heard, but meeting for the first time. He immediately said, " .... Oh so you are Sudhir, eh ? I know about you...." and the mannerism in which this was uttered, convinced me that what he must have heard are not the best of my virtues, or perhaps not even in my character. What to say, I just looked at him, smiled, and just said "....I now know you too !!"

010506 : Strikes in work place. There is an age old adage that the baby that cried, got the milk. Often, our protest, scorn, strikes etc, are an indicator, that the aggrieved group is asking for something, that they feel they deserve (here I say often, so as to exclude politically motivated strikes). As in the case of the baby, you could feed it with milk (what it wants) or deprive and make it more aggravated by ignoring. Often, protest and scorn are indicators of attention seeking and deserve a sincere look. And just as in case of a child, you could spank the child and make the situation more worse, or give a sincere look into the demand, make good if reasonable and explain in a polite but firm way why it cannot be fulfilled, if not reasonable. I am sure, any mature group would understand. Secondly, the responsibility on the striking group also come that since it is intended as an attention seeker, it might be a good idea to resort to strikes of Japanese style, so others are not put into inconvenience, including the nation's economy as a result of the strike. I believe, Japanese have unique way of striking work.... such as a shoe factory producing shoes of only left feet when striking !!.... work goes on, but definitely call for urgent attention to resort differences!!

300406 : Today, one of my very close friend and mentor, was telling me about how to show patience for persons in our lives who show utter disregard for ethics and accepted social standards. Then he said, what happened in Ramayana and Mahabharata, still hold relevance today. And immediately, the truth dawned on me. Spoils of life go with unscrupulous persons and sacrifice and responsibility go to good people. But in the end, the triumph will always come to good. At times, rather most of the times, good people have to show extreme restraint, patience and a sense of stoic sacrifice, even as the lesser mortals enjoy the spoils. But ultimately, the truth triumphs and the final victory will always go with the good. Transformed in real life, it might at times feel, for example, very tempting to follow the guy in next car driving up the wrong lane and cutting you off. Patience and restraint will take you to your destination, and some day the driver in other car will definitely meet what he deserves.

290406 : There was a unique experience to me one day. As a bachelor, I used to visit a temple regularly, and would often spend some pondering moments at its cool and soothing steps. One day, as I sat, I saw a familiar face enter the compound of the temple. I soon realised, it was my business client. As he passed the temple, he bowed down and folded his hands. Instinctively, I nodded at him. He hesitated, acknowledged a nod and then carried on with his "Darshan". This happened with a couple of other persons too, before I realised that I was sitting with my back to god and it was actually to the sanctum that they were bowing and folding their hands in prayer, and not saying namaste to me. The moment of realisation, was a totally different feeling. Somehow, my thoughts went to real life simile, when, riding on our role in society, we feel proud and vanity sweeps in. The fact is, till the individual is not really respected, the respect and accolades that he/she gets would not be to the person in real sense, but to merely to the social role that he is representing and would vanish with the role. That day I resolved, that my objective of my life is to live it wholly as a good person, willing to help others, than let my social role as a Banker earn respect for me.

280406 : I believe God exists in the form of a unique dimension - within ourselves. When we believe in ourselves and focus on our task / mission ahead, we believe in god. Thus aptly, "God helps those who help themselves". If you do not study and pray 24X7 to God, trust me, you don't want to know the result. On the contrary, pray to god every day, and work hard on your preparations, rest assured, your grades are reserved and then you can thank God. The reason, that I believe that religions use some form to describe god (Idols / holy books / holy animals etc) is because not everyone is able to understand and appreciate the concept of imagining the power within and seeing it in a form within average human comprehension. This also is the reason, that Atheists survive and do well, not because they are antagonists on the subject, but because, they believe in themselves. To my belief, nobody can survive, without at least a certain degree of believing in self and that is akin to having faith / belief in God. I always admire the quote "Trust in God, but for god's sake, lock your scooter when you park!"

270406 : On one of my favourite discussion sites, one gentleman asked, "what is the difference between existing and living". My thought : to live is more than to exist. As an intelligent human being, one must be able to make a value addition for being there and able to exert a positive influence to one's surroundings. As swami Shri Sudheendra says: "Even a stray dog exists, eating, drinking, sleeping and doing all that a human does. Man is able to appreciate his life better and he makes it even more better by believing in God and doing good for the society, and not just for himself. " We must all strive for the value addition and believe in God all the while, and do our best to extend that very special touch of being a "live" human being, and not just "existing" in society.