Happened to see some of the old pictures in my computer today and realised time has passed by quickly. We know that this is one constant & inevitable aspect of human life yet we fail to notice it and be an observer to this process. With this realization comes a question- Where am I heading? What next or why am I here? What is the purpose of this life? Are we here for some unique reason? Is human life a noble journey or a futile incident in this universe?
An interesting way to think about it is that we reap what we sow. So we continuously keep writing our future and therefore life is just our actions. Choice is ours as to how to spend time here on this planet. So one should follow his dreams. He should work to seek a future that he desires. The existence is reason for itself. One should act so as to balance his current vs future happiness.
But sometimes a thought comes to mind, How will I look at life when I turn older. At some point would I start to see life that it will come to an end someday. What would my thoughts be then? Would I look at my accomplishments of the past and be happy or will feel I missed the grander purpose? Can human mind not believe life could be futile? Does it give too much importance to itself?
why are we here? If any thoughts please share. I plan to read some research in this area, speak to some Old people & read Victor Frankl's Man's search for meaning. Will update if any progress !!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Yeah-Yeah Civilization
All human beings are born different. However some similarities are bound to happen for we human beings have a large population on this planet and howsoever low the probability may be, some similar outcomes will happen. I remember my childhood and there seemed to be an originality attached to it. Each of my friends, neighbors had different behaviors, life style etc. Being observant as a child, I always enjoyed this variety in people and sometimes even thought about God's role in making sure that world is full of different flavors. The same also reflected in the food we shared with each other during interval at school ;-). I never thought so much about what I wanted to be as a child. I just wanted to stand first in my class. That was my sole purpose of existence on this planet.
Later as I followed the herd for the first time while deciding to become an engineer, I saw similarities in people whom I was competing with but there were more differences than similarities. I reached NIT and saw people from different states and my heart took leaps of joy to find so many new and different people. Each of them had his own style, own background and a Bihari babu, a UP Yadav, a Xavier's passed out Babu Moshai all were present there. All 346 of us who stayed in Boys hostel had great fun during those 4 years.
But during our placement interviews I realized, we had become similar during these 4 years. Our Individuality which should have grown over the last 4 years had been curtailed to certain extent. Then further higher education followed and process repeated itself. Today I work in a corporate and there are many more similar to me. We find it very comfortable talking to each other on any topic. We are even comfortable talking to any stranger on a flight as we all speak the same language.
This train of thought crossed my mind the other day when I was sitting relaxed having my breakfast in one of the Hotels during my business trip. This hotel had a beautiful property with lake on one side and distant mountains on other. I saw few families who had come on a vacation. In one of those families, I saw a father speaking on his phone to some business vendor and while trying to listen to him and saying "Yeah Yeah". The child mentioned to Mother, "Mumma mumma Yeah Yeah toh phone par baat kar raha hai. Nashta nahee kar raha hai" Mother laughs at this comment and says "Beta, Maine mana kiya hai na, Papa to Yeah-Yeah nahee bolte. Chalo Papa bolo." Suddenly My attention was broken by a call from this person whom I was about to meet in a short while and while I nodded listening to his Kannada accented English, I also inadvertently started saying "yeah- yeah". Even more funny are those people who continue to repeat this "Yeah Yeah" sound in quick succession and make "Yea..yea..yea..yeah" to assure someone that they are in agreement to what he/she person is saying. Most of us professionals have developed this habit. We are integral part of a strong, money minting, fast, rapidly growing Yeah-Yeah Civilization.
The irony to this situation is that the desire to become different has only grown in past few years as you see yourself becoming similar to everyone else, the pain/desire becomes stronger. On a deeper thought I think it is because this similarity makes us feel we are fake and we want to be our original self and our originality leads to need for differentiation, hence we want to be different. Social media platforms are also playing an important role in making us a herd as we now stay connected more than probably we should.
So what is it while can break this Yeah Yeah civilization? I think one of the most strongest tools is reflection. One should find some time to reflect on his day to day life. One should find time to have a third person's view on himself and see his original self, may be have a laugh at it sometimes !!
Later as I followed the herd for the first time while deciding to become an engineer, I saw similarities in people whom I was competing with but there were more differences than similarities. I reached NIT and saw people from different states and my heart took leaps of joy to find so many new and different people. Each of them had his own style, own background and a Bihari babu, a UP Yadav, a Xavier's passed out Babu Moshai all were present there. All 346 of us who stayed in Boys hostel had great fun during those 4 years.
But during our placement interviews I realized, we had become similar during these 4 years. Our Individuality which should have grown over the last 4 years had been curtailed to certain extent. Then further higher education followed and process repeated itself. Today I work in a corporate and there are many more similar to me. We find it very comfortable talking to each other on any topic. We are even comfortable talking to any stranger on a flight as we all speak the same language.
This train of thought crossed my mind the other day when I was sitting relaxed having my breakfast in one of the Hotels during my business trip. This hotel had a beautiful property with lake on one side and distant mountains on other. I saw few families who had come on a vacation. In one of those families, I saw a father speaking on his phone to some business vendor and while trying to listen to him and saying "Yeah Yeah". The child mentioned to Mother, "Mumma mumma Yeah Yeah toh phone par baat kar raha hai. Nashta nahee kar raha hai" Mother laughs at this comment and says "Beta, Maine mana kiya hai na, Papa to Yeah-Yeah nahee bolte. Chalo Papa bolo." Suddenly My attention was broken by a call from this person whom I was about to meet in a short while and while I nodded listening to his Kannada accented English, I also inadvertently started saying "yeah- yeah". Even more funny are those people who continue to repeat this "Yeah Yeah" sound in quick succession and make "Yea..yea..yea..yeah" to assure someone that they are in agreement to what he/she person is saying. Most of us professionals have developed this habit. We are integral part of a strong, money minting, fast, rapidly growing Yeah-Yeah Civilization.
The irony to this situation is that the desire to become different has only grown in past few years as you see yourself becoming similar to everyone else, the pain/desire becomes stronger. On a deeper thought I think it is because this similarity makes us feel we are fake and we want to be our original self and our originality leads to need for differentiation, hence we want to be different. Social media platforms are also playing an important role in making us a herd as we now stay connected more than probably we should.
So what is it while can break this Yeah Yeah civilization? I think one of the most strongest tools is reflection. One should find some time to reflect on his day to day life. One should find time to have a third person's view on himself and see his original self, may be have a laugh at it sometimes !!
Monday, November 7, 2011
"Jai Shree Raam"
Taking clues from the title you may be expecting a serious article on "Hinduism", Ram Janma Bhoomi issue or BJP & the politics involved. If so, you are in for a surprise because I am about to tell you a funny story from my childhood which even today makes me laugh each time I think about it. On a serious note, the incident also highlights the impact of television media on children's perceptions. The thought of writing this article came to my mind, when I went to my Buaa ji's place this Diwali and saw my nephews watching Cartoon Network showing animated versions of Indian mythological stories (Chhota Bhim, Krishna etc.)
I distinctly remember that every Sunday, Ramayan used to be aired on Doordarshan around at 10:00 am. My family used to stay in a small town called "Kurara" that time and we used to stay in a small two room set on the roof of a "Daal mill". On Sunday all workers of the mill will come to our house to watch Ramayana. My mom will ensure that we had taken a bath before 10:00 am. 10-15 minutes before the Ramayana, everyone will do a small "Aarti" in front of the black and white Onida TV set and then everyone will say in unison, "Jai Shree Raam". (A tangential thought comes to my mind that if Ramayana was never screened on Doordarshan, would Ram Janma Bhoomi Aandolan of BJP have got the same support from Hindu section of the Indian society?)
When Ramayana used to be aired, it would seem as life in the town had come to a standstill. The streets would become empty. I remember my mother used to tell me mythological stories before sleep. We used to make bows and arrows of plywood, Bamboos and used them as toys. I would play character of Laxman, another friend of mine will become Ram. We would go and hunt Ravan and Rakshas Sena (Demon Army) then. I was in class 4th then.
Once day, my mom and dad had to go somewhere for some work. I and my sister were left at home. We were given one rupee each. But the doors of the mill were closed from all the sides and we were locked inside. We had two big roofs (each around 7200 square feet big in area) at our disposal to play whatever game we wanted. But I desperately wanted to eat a toffee called "Swaad", which was very popular back then. It did not use to be sweet but had a different taste which would make your eyes pop out of their sockets and corrode the upper surface of your palate.
What do I do? I was locked. So I decided to use my lateral thinking or creativity whatever you term it as and decided to jump from the roof. The height of the roof must have been around 40 feet. It may sound suicidal now but I had a logic supporting my idea of jumping from the roof!!! At one side on the ground, there were many heaps of river sand. I thought, it will serve as enough cushion for me. My sister, who is one year younger to me, started crying as soon she figured out what I was about to do. She tried to hold me back but I was physically stronger than her, therefore her attempts were unsuccessful. As I reached near the edge to jump, I became terrified looking at the distance of the ground and decided to discard the idea of jumping and rather wait for my parents to return. But then this friend who used to play "Raam" came there and asked what I was planning to do. After hearing my he said that, "you say 'Jai Shree Raam' loudly before you jump and nothing will happen to you". I told him that it is not going to be helpful. He tried to convince me that Lord Rama will definitely protect me and for a moment I also believed him. And then as an obedient brother "Laxman" to my brother "Raam" (in this case my friend), I jumped from the roof shouting "Jai Shree Raam" loudly. I still remember the moments when I was in the air. I remember to have thought about Newton and his apple of enlightenment. And I also remember the pain after I had reached the ground on my back. As it turned out since it had rained two days ago, the sand had become hard. This was something I had not considered. Still sand served as a minor cushion and I had only minor injuries. I was lying there still for 5-6 minutes and then tried to get myself up. My back was aching but temptation of buying a "Swaad" had not ended yet. I went to the nearest shopkeeper bought a "Swaad". My nose was bleeding and the shopkeeper asked me to lie down. By then my parents had returned and my sister had told them the full story. They came running to the shopkeeper's house and then took me to a doctor.
There were only minor injuries and next day I was able to go to school. But everyone at school had come to know about my adventure in advance and I had become a common subject to mockery. When in my class my teacher asked about the incident, I had to twist the description of the incident by mentioning that my sister had pushed me by mistake and therefore I fell from the roof.
But today when I think about this incident, I think that for a moment I believed what my friend said, that Lord Rama will definitely protect me. Even today when someone asks me even if I have ever told lies in my life, I always remember about what I told to my teacher about my sister pushing me off the edge of the roof. Even while I was filling forms for some MBA entrance interviews, I thought about this story multiple numbers of times. It may sound funny today but watching "Ramayana" on Doordarshan had impacted me a great deal.
This Diwali, when I saw my two year old nephew watching mythological series on Cartoon Network (CN) in animated form, with Lord Krishna flying and fighting Demons(As I heard from my cousin who told me that they are crazy about these episodes), I wondered how it would impact him. In Doordarshan days, these demons were shown mostly in human form, though very big in size with magical powers. But now Demons were mostly in anthropomorphic form with faces of wolves etc. Animation has opened multiple possibilities in portrayal of mythological stories. I am sure with kids getting more access to television than ever; a more pronounced imagery the impact will be even more on children. I am not suggesting that they will do anything as silly as I did. It is also necessary to mention that I was also impacted in a very positive manner by the mythological stories. They were my first reference to relationships in a family, moral code of the society, perfection of a human and even politics. I am sure these children will also be impacted positively by it. But it will be interesting to see, how it helps to shape their perception about various things in life because I am hundred percent sure about one thing that It will definitely have a role in it. On the finishing note, I wonder if today's children will be subject to an information overload by television and if their perceptions about things will be more flexible than ours.
I distinctly remember that every Sunday, Ramayan used to be aired on Doordarshan around at 10:00 am. My family used to stay in a small town called "Kurara" that time and we used to stay in a small two room set on the roof of a "Daal mill". On Sunday all workers of the mill will come to our house to watch Ramayana. My mom will ensure that we had taken a bath before 10:00 am. 10-15 minutes before the Ramayana, everyone will do a small "Aarti" in front of the black and white Onida TV set and then everyone will say in unison, "Jai Shree Raam". (A tangential thought comes to my mind that if Ramayana was never screened on Doordarshan, would Ram Janma Bhoomi Aandolan of BJP have got the same support from Hindu section of the Indian society?)
When Ramayana used to be aired, it would seem as life in the town had come to a standstill. The streets would become empty. I remember my mother used to tell me mythological stories before sleep. We used to make bows and arrows of plywood, Bamboos and used them as toys. I would play character of Laxman, another friend of mine will become Ram. We would go and hunt Ravan and Rakshas Sena (Demon Army) then. I was in class 4th then.
Once day, my mom and dad had to go somewhere for some work. I and my sister were left at home. We were given one rupee each. But the doors of the mill were closed from all the sides and we were locked inside. We had two big roofs (each around 7200 square feet big in area) at our disposal to play whatever game we wanted. But I desperately wanted to eat a toffee called "Swaad", which was very popular back then. It did not use to be sweet but had a different taste which would make your eyes pop out of their sockets and corrode the upper surface of your palate.
What do I do? I was locked. So I decided to use my lateral thinking or creativity whatever you term it as and decided to jump from the roof. The height of the roof must have been around 40 feet. It may sound suicidal now but I had a logic supporting my idea of jumping from the roof!!! At one side on the ground, there were many heaps of river sand. I thought, it will serve as enough cushion for me. My sister, who is one year younger to me, started crying as soon she figured out what I was about to do. She tried to hold me back but I was physically stronger than her, therefore her attempts were unsuccessful. As I reached near the edge to jump, I became terrified looking at the distance of the ground and decided to discard the idea of jumping and rather wait for my parents to return. But then this friend who used to play "Raam" came there and asked what I was planning to do. After hearing my he said that, "you say 'Jai Shree Raam' loudly before you jump and nothing will happen to you". I told him that it is not going to be helpful. He tried to convince me that Lord Rama will definitely protect me and for a moment I also believed him. And then as an obedient brother "Laxman" to my brother "Raam" (in this case my friend), I jumped from the roof shouting "Jai Shree Raam" loudly. I still remember the moments when I was in the air. I remember to have thought about Newton and his apple of enlightenment. And I also remember the pain after I had reached the ground on my back. As it turned out since it had rained two days ago, the sand had become hard. This was something I had not considered. Still sand served as a minor cushion and I had only minor injuries. I was lying there still for 5-6 minutes and then tried to get myself up. My back was aching but temptation of buying a "Swaad" had not ended yet. I went to the nearest shopkeeper bought a "Swaad". My nose was bleeding and the shopkeeper asked me to lie down. By then my parents had returned and my sister had told them the full story. They came running to the shopkeeper's house and then took me to a doctor.
There were only minor injuries and next day I was able to go to school. But everyone at school had come to know about my adventure in advance and I had become a common subject to mockery. When in my class my teacher asked about the incident, I had to twist the description of the incident by mentioning that my sister had pushed me by mistake and therefore I fell from the roof.
But today when I think about this incident, I think that for a moment I believed what my friend said, that Lord Rama will definitely protect me. Even today when someone asks me even if I have ever told lies in my life, I always remember about what I told to my teacher about my sister pushing me off the edge of the roof. Even while I was filling forms for some MBA entrance interviews, I thought about this story multiple numbers of times. It may sound funny today but watching "Ramayana" on Doordarshan had impacted me a great deal.
This Diwali, when I saw my two year old nephew watching mythological series on Cartoon Network (CN) in animated form, with Lord Krishna flying and fighting Demons(As I heard from my cousin who told me that they are crazy about these episodes), I wondered how it would impact him. In Doordarshan days, these demons were shown mostly in human form, though very big in size with magical powers. But now Demons were mostly in anthropomorphic form with faces of wolves etc. Animation has opened multiple possibilities in portrayal of mythological stories. I am sure with kids getting more access to television than ever; a more pronounced imagery the impact will be even more on children. I am not suggesting that they will do anything as silly as I did. It is also necessary to mention that I was also impacted in a very positive manner by the mythological stories. They were my first reference to relationships in a family, moral code of the society, perfection of a human and even politics. I am sure these children will also be impacted positively by it. But it will be interesting to see, how it helps to shape their perception about various things in life because I am hundred percent sure about one thing that It will definitely have a role in it. On the finishing note, I wonder if today's children will be subject to an information overload by television and if their perceptions about things will be more flexible than ours.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Technology & Human beings (i phone 4GS)
Steve Jobs died today !!! He was someone who has impacted our day to day life, even if many of us don't possess a Macbook, iphone,ipad or an ipod. When I heard the news, I felt that the world has lost someone who was a guiding force. I felt sorry as if I had lost someone very familiar. I opened Facebook and found out as expected that many of us felt the same way. I would be very happy and satisfied with my life, if on the last day of it, I know that I have created even 1/10000th of the impact that he has created on human life today.
Incidentally yesterday only Apple launched iphone 4GS. I had thought of writing this post prior to today's tragic news. I was watching the demo of i-phone yesterday and was awestruck to see the changes that this technology can bring to human life. I mean people can buy an omniscient & never forgetting assistant for themselves. Its like you have got a Genie for yourself. In last 10 years, the internet has impacted our lives drastically. Google has virtually precluded the need to remember anything. I think about the time when people with good memory, knowledge of things had a distinct advantage over others but that advantage has diminished in the past few years since information is everywhere spread on internet now.
This led me to thinking of the way in which human has changed because of its inventions. Our ancestors possessed great physical strength. They had to protect themselves from wild animals and had to hunt for food themselves. At that time people with higher physical strength were leaders of the group. Then the fire weapons were invented which obviated need for physical strength. Then Strategic & political skills, vision provided people edge over others. Simultaneously physical strength of average human also decreased. After further progress of Science and specially after invention of Computer importance of mental skills increased. People who possessed great intelligence got an edge over others. But because of the lack of physical activity various lifestyle diseases became prevalent. Then the Gyms became popular. People started going to gym to keep themselves fit.
I was wondering with the current invention of Apple and many such future enhanced versions need to remember, even calculate or applying logic will be obviated. For instance if I am working in Corporate Banking, my future phone will be capable of remembering various techniques, calculations that I do in my mind currently and it will do them for me. My life will become very comfortable. But with this kind of invention, we will hardly exercise our mind. Then some diseases like amnesia may become prevalent. On some day a concept of Mental gym will come in.
In these mental gyms you will possibly go after coming from work and solve a sudoku puzzle to keep your mind fit. Well, you may say that this is my wild imagination which to certain extent it actually is, I wouldn't agree though that it is impossible to happen in our lifetime.
Technology has impacted us greatly in past few years. But because of technological inventions if human capability to think diminishes, the technology itself will thwart its progress. What will that human be then? I mean the devices like iphone 4GS will become our need rather than luxuries that they are today !!! You can again say that this is a far fetched conclusion, I wouldn't disagree to that. But I am sure you will see some merit in my argument. I just wonder that the world may never remain the same after Apple iphone 4GS ;-)
Incidentally yesterday only Apple launched iphone 4GS. I had thought of writing this post prior to today's tragic news. I was watching the demo of i-phone yesterday and was awestruck to see the changes that this technology can bring to human life. I mean people can buy an omniscient & never forgetting assistant for themselves. Its like you have got a Genie for yourself. In last 10 years, the internet has impacted our lives drastically. Google has virtually precluded the need to remember anything. I think about the time when people with good memory, knowledge of things had a distinct advantage over others but that advantage has diminished in the past few years since information is everywhere spread on internet now.
This led me to thinking of the way in which human has changed because of its inventions. Our ancestors possessed great physical strength. They had to protect themselves from wild animals and had to hunt for food themselves. At that time people with higher physical strength were leaders of the group. Then the fire weapons were invented which obviated need for physical strength. Then Strategic & political skills, vision provided people edge over others. Simultaneously physical strength of average human also decreased. After further progress of Science and specially after invention of Computer importance of mental skills increased. People who possessed great intelligence got an edge over others. But because of the lack of physical activity various lifestyle diseases became prevalent. Then the Gyms became popular. People started going to gym to keep themselves fit.
I was wondering with the current invention of Apple and many such future enhanced versions need to remember, even calculate or applying logic will be obviated. For instance if I am working in Corporate Banking, my future phone will be capable of remembering various techniques, calculations that I do in my mind currently and it will do them for me. My life will become very comfortable. But with this kind of invention, we will hardly exercise our mind. Then some diseases like amnesia may become prevalent. On some day a concept of Mental gym will come in.
In these mental gyms you will possibly go after coming from work and solve a sudoku puzzle to keep your mind fit. Well, you may say that this is my wild imagination which to certain extent it actually is, I wouldn't agree though that it is impossible to happen in our lifetime.
Technology has impacted us greatly in past few years. But because of technological inventions if human capability to think diminishes, the technology itself will thwart its progress. What will that human be then? I mean the devices like iphone 4GS will become our need rather than luxuries that they are today !!! You can again say that this is a far fetched conclusion, I wouldn't disagree to that. But I am sure you will see some merit in my argument. I just wonder that the world may never remain the same after Apple iphone 4GS ;-)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Ambition Vs. Pleasure of Small things
The city that never sleeps can challenge your basic belief system of life. The mad rush that starts with the ringing of the door by maid ends only at the night when you watch an episode of Friends or listen to some soft music. Sometimes this continues even in the dreams despite all the palliatives.
The last paragraph pretty much sums up my first few days at Mumbai. Coming from a middle class background and from a small city, I always derived pleasure from small things. Sometimes from a cup of Ginger tea, from the dim light of lantern when there is a power cut, from the deep silence at 11 pm in the night, from the noise of a Baraat, from the chants of Shlokas at the temple nearby, from the little drops of rain on the window pane. But city that never sleeps does not appreciate the concept of "Small". Here "Unlimited" is the best way to live.
Some people say that the city inspires you to achieve the maximum. And everyone in the city is after that "Maximum". Is this the basic nature of Human beings? Are we inherently ambitious? Or it is the effect of times that we live in?
In my opinion there is a Dichotomy in this aspect of life as well. Either a man can choose to be ambitious or he can decide to live peacefully. And the good thing is that he can be happy both ways. But if he is ambitious he should be aware of the fact that he is ambitious.
Because If one is ambitious, he will have big Goals for himself. And given average luck that most of us have, he has to work hard in life to achieve those goals. If he does not work hard enough to fulfill his desires, there will always be a dissonance in his life. He will be happy at the end of the day only when he knows that he is giving his 100% to achieve what he wants to achieve. ( That is similar to Concept of "Karma Yoga")
On the other hand one who has decided to live and enjoy the peaceful life, will nevertheless enjoy his life. But there will be sometimes a dissonance when the thought will come to his mind that he has not done enough. But that day if he is aware that this is the choice he made for himself, he can be very happy.
Therefore the most important thing in life is to hold yourself responsible for your choices and act according to your choices.
Well, this seems a Matrix (Morpheus) like statement !!! But this is a very comforting thought as fast as I am concerned. I guess, I have slowly slowly started loving this city that never sleeps. And may be some day I will be saying, "Mumbai, Meri Jaan" !!!
The last paragraph pretty much sums up my first few days at Mumbai. Coming from a middle class background and from a small city, I always derived pleasure from small things. Sometimes from a cup of Ginger tea, from the dim light of lantern when there is a power cut, from the deep silence at 11 pm in the night, from the noise of a Baraat, from the chants of Shlokas at the temple nearby, from the little drops of rain on the window pane. But city that never sleeps does not appreciate the concept of "Small". Here "Unlimited" is the best way to live.
Some people say that the city inspires you to achieve the maximum. And everyone in the city is after that "Maximum". Is this the basic nature of Human beings? Are we inherently ambitious? Or it is the effect of times that we live in?
In my opinion there is a Dichotomy in this aspect of life as well. Either a man can choose to be ambitious or he can decide to live peacefully. And the good thing is that he can be happy both ways. But if he is ambitious he should be aware of the fact that he is ambitious.
Because If one is ambitious, he will have big Goals for himself. And given average luck that most of us have, he has to work hard in life to achieve those goals. If he does not work hard enough to fulfill his desires, there will always be a dissonance in his life. He will be happy at the end of the day only when he knows that he is giving his 100% to achieve what he wants to achieve. ( That is similar to Concept of "Karma Yoga")
On the other hand one who has decided to live and enjoy the peaceful life, will nevertheless enjoy his life. But there will be sometimes a dissonance when the thought will come to his mind that he has not done enough. But that day if he is aware that this is the choice he made for himself, he can be very happy.
Therefore the most important thing in life is to hold yourself responsible for your choices and act according to your choices.
Well, this seems a Matrix (Morpheus) like statement !!! But this is a very comforting thought as fast as I am concerned. I guess, I have slowly slowly started loving this city that never sleeps. And may be some day I will be saying, "Mumbai, Meri Jaan" !!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Silence of the Statues
There are 12 of them, all pointing to different directions. Their bodies are covered with Black cloth. Their hands are tied. Their faces are covered too, and there is rope around their neck. They seem like they are there to be hanged. They are standing there in the scorching sun when the mercury in thermometer reads 49 degree Celsius. They seem to be silent. The crows are flying above their heads not realising that they are just statues. They all stand in a park. The surrounding road is very busy with people running in their mad rush. They don’t pay attention to these statues any more. They are invisible to them.
When I passed through them, I heard someone crying. I thought to myself, the heat must have got on to me. I asked the auto driver to stop there. I heard a definite sob. Who was it? Who was crying? Suddenly I saw them, 12 of them, standing there, breaking their silence. My auto-driver was shouting at me: ”Sahab 50 Rs.mein Idhar dhoop mein rukna nahee chalega”. I ignored the sob and came back to my place.
Later I found that these statues were built to represent the glory of our mother nation, India. The hard-earned money of the Indian taxpayer was wasted on them like water. There were multiple corruption scandles and many people made fortunes in the process. The end result was a case in the inefficient judicial system of India, which put a stay on inauguration of these statues. The motive behind the case filed was the struggle for political mileage between different parties of Indian political system. In a country where the eighth wonder of the world can become a reason for dispute, this was a complete non-issue.
In a far village, a child was waiting for his father to return. A case had been registered in the local Kotwali that a man, who had gone to the city to build the monument of Indian glory, was missing. Some of the other workers say that he had gone mad before he was missing one morning from their tent near the construction site. They say that he sometimes used to wake up in the night and start to utter random things. Some say that he talked about selling one of his kidneys to pay the fees of his child’s education. Some say he had died but sometimes he could be seen near those statues. Some others say that he had become one of the statues.
I again went again to that place the next day. I found that one of the statues was covered in blood. Onlookers said there was a man there in the morning crying. But I could still see a man standing there and pointing his fingers at me.
Later that night I had a dream, where the same man came to me and said," I don’t need any sympathies from you. You are also a part of the system. Because you ignored me when you could have made a difference!!!"
When I passed through them, I heard someone crying. I thought to myself, the heat must have got on to me. I asked the auto driver to stop there. I heard a definite sob. Who was it? Who was crying? Suddenly I saw them, 12 of them, standing there, breaking their silence. My auto-driver was shouting at me: ”Sahab 50 Rs.mein Idhar dhoop mein rukna nahee chalega”. I ignored the sob and came back to my place.
Later I found that these statues were built to represent the glory of our mother nation, India. The hard-earned money of the Indian taxpayer was wasted on them like water. There were multiple corruption scandles and many people made fortunes in the process. The end result was a case in the inefficient judicial system of India, which put a stay on inauguration of these statues. The motive behind the case filed was the struggle for political mileage between different parties of Indian political system. In a country where the eighth wonder of the world can become a reason for dispute, this was a complete non-issue.
In a far village, a child was waiting for his father to return. A case had been registered in the local Kotwali that a man, who had gone to the city to build the monument of Indian glory, was missing. Some of the other workers say that he had gone mad before he was missing one morning from their tent near the construction site. They say that he sometimes used to wake up in the night and start to utter random things. Some say that he talked about selling one of his kidneys to pay the fees of his child’s education. Some say he had died but sometimes he could be seen near those statues. Some others say that he had become one of the statues.
I again went again to that place the next day. I found that one of the statues was covered in blood. Onlookers said there was a man there in the morning crying. But I could still see a man standing there and pointing his fingers at me.
Later that night I had a dream, where the same man came to me and said," I don’t need any sympathies from you. You are also a part of the system. Because you ignored me when you could have made a difference!!!"
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
You must not necessarily follow !!!
The packet of Wills Classic had just been finished. It was the World Environment Day. Those few, who cared about the environment were requested to switch off all the electric appliances and lights in their houses, between 8 to 9 pm. It was 8:30 pm. Pari and Rahul were sitting in the Balcony. Pari was playing guitar and Rahul was singing. For the month of June, It was a beautiful weather. It had rained some hours ago and mild breeze was blowing in the balcony. The smell of first showers was still in the atmosphere. The scene from balcony consisted of a park and many multi-storied buildings.
It was a pleasant break from their daily routines. For last some days, Rahul had started feeling that his life was empty. It was the same office, same friends, same bus, same piece of software code, same everything daily. His life of so full yet empty. He wanted something else. He felt that he was going nowhere.
The maid had not come that day. Pari had cooked Khichdi. Rahul and Pari(Paritosh) had become good friends in last 2 months, after Pari had come to the apartment as Rahul's new roommate. Rahul today wanted to cry. He wanted to tell Pari about his pain. But he had no words to describe the same. He himself did not know what was causing the pain.
After the session of Guitar and songs, Rahul and Pari had dinner together. It was 1:00 am and Rahul came back to his room to sleep. He had to wake up early in the morning. He tried to sleep but he could not. He got up and started thinking about what he really wanted to do. He wanted excitement in his life. He desperately needed a feeling that he was moving ahead in life. He thought about his career and then, in a flash thought of doing an MBA came to his mind. He rejected it completely at first. But then he mulled over it and decided to apply for the CAT coaching.
Ten months later, he got an offer letter from one of the premier Business Schools of the country. He was elated. He informed Pari about it. Pari was very happy. But he was also sad that he will loose a nice roommate who had become a very good friend. It was 8:30 pm. Pari asked Rahul to come along for a walk. They bought a cigarette on their way and went to the park nearby. Pari told Rahul about all the Booze parties and life style in the premier Business Schools of the country. He said, "Fod dena Dost". Rahul and Pari came to their apartment and then they had a Guitar session at the balcony.
Some days later, the day came when Rahul was leaving the apartment. Pari came to his room and wrote on his his wall with paint, "You must Follow". He said to Rahul that he would like others also to find out what they really wanted to do in their life and move ahead. Rahul told Pari that that was the lucky room of the apartment and everyone who stayed there, moved to a better place in his life. He jokingly suggested Pari that he should shift to that room. Pari said that he was happy with his life and he had all what he want. Then they bid good bye to each other.
Two years later, Rahul had completed his MBA. He went back and met Pari. He found that Pari was almost the same as before. That night they played Guitar. They went for a walk. They again smoked a cigarette together. Pari cooked Khichdi. Next day, Rahul had to go to Mumbai to join a big renowned consultancy firm. Pari was sleeping when he was leaving. There was a smile of Pari's face. Rahul did not want to wake him up. He saw a box of paint kept in the corner of the apartment.
He went to his old room and wrote two more words. Now the message read, "You must not necessarily follow". Rahul smiled and left the apartment.
It was a pleasant break from their daily routines. For last some days, Rahul had started feeling that his life was empty. It was the same office, same friends, same bus, same piece of software code, same everything daily. His life of so full yet empty. He wanted something else. He felt that he was going nowhere.
The maid had not come that day. Pari had cooked Khichdi. Rahul and Pari(Paritosh) had become good friends in last 2 months, after Pari had come to the apartment as Rahul's new roommate. Rahul today wanted to cry. He wanted to tell Pari about his pain. But he had no words to describe the same. He himself did not know what was causing the pain.
After the session of Guitar and songs, Rahul and Pari had dinner together. It was 1:00 am and Rahul came back to his room to sleep. He had to wake up early in the morning. He tried to sleep but he could not. He got up and started thinking about what he really wanted to do. He wanted excitement in his life. He desperately needed a feeling that he was moving ahead in life. He thought about his career and then, in a flash thought of doing an MBA came to his mind. He rejected it completely at first. But then he mulled over it and decided to apply for the CAT coaching.
Ten months later, he got an offer letter from one of the premier Business Schools of the country. He was elated. He informed Pari about it. Pari was very happy. But he was also sad that he will loose a nice roommate who had become a very good friend. It was 8:30 pm. Pari asked Rahul to come along for a walk. They bought a cigarette on their way and went to the park nearby. Pari told Rahul about all the Booze parties and life style in the premier Business Schools of the country. He said, "Fod dena Dost". Rahul and Pari came to their apartment and then they had a Guitar session at the balcony.
Some days later, the day came when Rahul was leaving the apartment. Pari came to his room and wrote on his his wall with paint, "You must Follow". He said to Rahul that he would like others also to find out what they really wanted to do in their life and move ahead. Rahul told Pari that that was the lucky room of the apartment and everyone who stayed there, moved to a better place in his life. He jokingly suggested Pari that he should shift to that room. Pari said that he was happy with his life and he had all what he want. Then they bid good bye to each other.
Two years later, Rahul had completed his MBA. He went back and met Pari. He found that Pari was almost the same as before. That night they played Guitar. They went for a walk. They again smoked a cigarette together. Pari cooked Khichdi. Next day, Rahul had to go to Mumbai to join a big renowned consultancy firm. Pari was sleeping when he was leaving. There was a smile of Pari's face. Rahul did not want to wake him up. He saw a box of paint kept in the corner of the apartment.
He went to his old room and wrote two more words. Now the message read, "You must not necessarily follow". Rahul smiled and left the apartment.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Complan Boy
It had been a hectic trip before that Shared Auto ride from Konch to Ait (2 Small towns of Uttar Pradesh). The trip eased my mood a bit and my head was also aching lesser now. The sun had almost set. It was a huge plain landscape. There were fields on both the sides, which had heaps of already cut wheat crops kept stacked in them. Mild breeze was blowing and there were no other vehicles on the road. The Auto driver was playing "Sheila ki Jawani" and some remix songs which ideally were not suited to the ambiance but nevertheless, I liked the experience.
At the end of this 18 KM trip, I reached the Ait Railway station. It was one of the smallest stations that I had seen before. There were no lights on the platform. Only a small lantern was lit in the Station master's room. I went and sat on a bench and took a deep breath. I looked around and noticed that there were hardly 4-5 passengers on the platform. I was very hungry and thirsty. At first it seemed like, I would not get anything to eat or drink there. Later I saw a hawker at the end of the platform with his "Thela", containing some biscuits, Laddoos, Gulab Jamuns and Samosas. Amongst all of those previously unknown Brands, I found Britannia "Time pass" Biscuits and bought a packet of the same. I came back and went to the Station master's room and en-quired about the train timings. He did not say anything. But he switched a Button on which led to lighting of two CFLs at the station and the station was lit now, though poorly.
I looked around and saw a boy curiously looking at me. He seemed to be well fed but was wearing very dirty clothes. I had already eaten a quarter of my Britannia biscuits when he signaled to me that he was hungry and wanted something to eat. I was hungry but I decided to give the rest of my packet to the boy. As I went near him, a foul smell came from him. I gave him rest of the biscuits and quickly came back to my seat. The boy ate all the biscuits in no time at all and then he even ate from the ground whatever had fallen out of the packet while he was eating at first. I noticed that the boy was wearing his pant inside out and there was a lot of dirt on it. The boy then lied down on the platform and laughed. He started moving his body as if he was doing butterfly strokes on the platform. Then he looked at me and laughed again. I was reading something but was not able to concentrate and was noticing him.
Suddenly there was a lot of hustle-bustle on the platform and a bell was hit by the son of Station master. It was a sign that some train was reaching the station. The boy stood up and became a little curious. As the train arrived, a lot of Samosa vallahs, Chai Vallahs, Cold drink vallahs attacked the train as if this was their only chance to earn some money through out the day. I thought they deserved to sell their cold drink at more than MRP irrespective of what the law says. I looked around but could not find the boy. For a moment I thought if the boy was actually there or I had just imagined him.
Then, I located him looking at a compartment with curiosity. He seemed to be meditating. Dogs had surrounded him from all sides. He looked at the platform gate and then at the Station Master. Then he looked at me and smiled. He kept looking at me, and I felt very weird. Then the train started moving, the boy jumped and reached near the train. I thought that the boy will hurt himself. I approached him to save him but he ran faster and then Jumped in to a compartment. Standing at the gate he shouted, "I am a Complan Boy. I am a Complan boy". I looked at him, he seemed happy. I looked at the station master, He seemed happy.
I went to the Station master and asked him, who this boy was. He said nothing. He switched the lights off. Again there was only one lantern lit at the station. Only a Complan boy was missing from the platform.
At the end of this 18 KM trip, I reached the Ait Railway station. It was one of the smallest stations that I had seen before. There were no lights on the platform. Only a small lantern was lit in the Station master's room. I went and sat on a bench and took a deep breath. I looked around and noticed that there were hardly 4-5 passengers on the platform. I was very hungry and thirsty. At first it seemed like, I would not get anything to eat or drink there. Later I saw a hawker at the end of the platform with his "Thela", containing some biscuits, Laddoos, Gulab Jamuns and Samosas. Amongst all of those previously unknown Brands, I found Britannia "Time pass" Biscuits and bought a packet of the same. I came back and went to the Station master's room and en-quired about the train timings. He did not say anything. But he switched a Button on which led to lighting of two CFLs at the station and the station was lit now, though poorly.
I looked around and saw a boy curiously looking at me. He seemed to be well fed but was wearing very dirty clothes. I had already eaten a quarter of my Britannia biscuits when he signaled to me that he was hungry and wanted something to eat. I was hungry but I decided to give the rest of my packet to the boy. As I went near him, a foul smell came from him. I gave him rest of the biscuits and quickly came back to my seat. The boy ate all the biscuits in no time at all and then he even ate from the ground whatever had fallen out of the packet while he was eating at first. I noticed that the boy was wearing his pant inside out and there was a lot of dirt on it. The boy then lied down on the platform and laughed. He started moving his body as if he was doing butterfly strokes on the platform. Then he looked at me and laughed again. I was reading something but was not able to concentrate and was noticing him.
Suddenly there was a lot of hustle-bustle on the platform and a bell was hit by the son of Station master. It was a sign that some train was reaching the station. The boy stood up and became a little curious. As the train arrived, a lot of Samosa vallahs, Chai Vallahs, Cold drink vallahs attacked the train as if this was their only chance to earn some money through out the day. I thought they deserved to sell their cold drink at more than MRP irrespective of what the law says. I looked around but could not find the boy. For a moment I thought if the boy was actually there or I had just imagined him.
Then, I located him looking at a compartment with curiosity. He seemed to be meditating. Dogs had surrounded him from all sides. He looked at the platform gate and then at the Station Master. Then he looked at me and smiled. He kept looking at me, and I felt very weird. Then the train started moving, the boy jumped and reached near the train. I thought that the boy will hurt himself. I approached him to save him but he ran faster and then Jumped in to a compartment. Standing at the gate he shouted, "I am a Complan Boy. I am a Complan boy". I looked at him, he seemed happy. I looked at the station master, He seemed happy.
I went to the Station master and asked him, who this boy was. He said nothing. He switched the lights off. Again there was only one lantern lit at the station. Only a Complan boy was missing from the platform.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
B2B ( Back 2 Blogging)
So here I start blogging again and I hope to be more regular from now onwards.
Since my last post, I have spent great time at XLRI Jamshedpur, memories of which will remain with me for ever. It was an immense learning experience and I also made some great friends. Last few days at the campus were very emotional, followed by an awesome trip to Goa. And then we received our degree on 26th of March, with our Convocation speaker Mr. Vineet Nayar ( Chairman and CEO of HCL Technologies, an alumnus of XLRI, Batch 1985) telling us to honestly assess ourselves and then to fly.
Then came the moment which filled the heart of now 1.21 million Indians with Joy, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup. I also went out on streets watching people hugging each other without even knowing them. The Bond, called Indianness that connects the hearts of denizens of Second most populous country of the world was on display. I also jumped, danced, laughed, shouted and hugged everyone. On our way back we found a severely injured person lying on the road in unconscious state. People were passing by completely ignoring his need for urgent medical attention. They were busy hugging each other and shouting, "Bharat Mata kee Jai". I and three of my friends stopped, admitted the person to the hospital and then came back to our place. I could not help thinking that this "Bond" called Indianness is only available in the comfort of Inaction. We can not act together on issues that matter to the nation most or even act sensibly as human being. We can sign virtual motions but when it comes to sacrifice our personal interest for a larger cause, most of us may turn a blind eye. Then I realized, that I may be thinking cynically, so I decided simply not to think, have a beer and sleep.
Days passed and more incidents took place. News papers have been filled with applaud for Charismatic leadership of Dhoni, Coach Gary Kirsten and Passion of Men in Blue. One thing that I liked the most, was from an interview of Gary Kirsten where he said that apart from planning and hard work the team Believed that they will win. they did not think about any other outcome. I am sure one of the factors of success of Team India in the recent past has been this "Belief" that they can win. We all can learn from it and apply it to our lives.
Then the news of Anna Hazare has flashed in the media. Again my email is filled with multiple mails to support the cause. BJP leaders and Baba Ramdev have been shown in the media meeting Anna. Headlines are, "Today I am also Anna". Everyone says that Corruption should end. I decided to call some of my acquaintances and asked them what they know about "Lokpal Bill". None of them knew about it. Yet they had sent me mails supporting Anna. I asked them if they made an effort to find out what the Bill is all about. They answered in negative. I thought that it is enough that they knew that the fight is against corruption. Then I received a call from one of my friends boasting about his "Miraculous" escape from a Traffic Police person at the expense of 50 rs. and then talking about Anna in the same breath, I thought that Corruption also is a Bond that Connects at least an optimistic figure of 90% of Indian population together. So even if someday, India doesnt win a world cup, terrorists don't attach Mumbai, We can remain together as Indians.
I again thought, I am being cynical. And hence I went for a walk and had Golgappas at a Kiosk on Jhansi streets. I am sure this delightful activity also connects a lot of people in our Fabulous country.
Since my last post, I have spent great time at XLRI Jamshedpur, memories of which will remain with me for ever. It was an immense learning experience and I also made some great friends. Last few days at the campus were very emotional, followed by an awesome trip to Goa. And then we received our degree on 26th of March, with our Convocation speaker Mr. Vineet Nayar ( Chairman and CEO of HCL Technologies, an alumnus of XLRI, Batch 1985) telling us to honestly assess ourselves and then to fly.
Then came the moment which filled the heart of now 1.21 million Indians with Joy, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup. I also went out on streets watching people hugging each other without even knowing them. The Bond, called Indianness that connects the hearts of denizens of Second most populous country of the world was on display. I also jumped, danced, laughed, shouted and hugged everyone. On our way back we found a severely injured person lying on the road in unconscious state. People were passing by completely ignoring his need for urgent medical attention. They were busy hugging each other and shouting, "Bharat Mata kee Jai". I and three of my friends stopped, admitted the person to the hospital and then came back to our place. I could not help thinking that this "Bond" called Indianness is only available in the comfort of Inaction. We can not act together on issues that matter to the nation most or even act sensibly as human being. We can sign virtual motions but when it comes to sacrifice our personal interest for a larger cause, most of us may turn a blind eye. Then I realized, that I may be thinking cynically, so I decided simply not to think, have a beer and sleep.
Days passed and more incidents took place. News papers have been filled with applaud for Charismatic leadership of Dhoni, Coach Gary Kirsten and Passion of Men in Blue. One thing that I liked the most, was from an interview of Gary Kirsten where he said that apart from planning and hard work the team Believed that they will win. they did not think about any other outcome. I am sure one of the factors of success of Team India in the recent past has been this "Belief" that they can win. We all can learn from it and apply it to our lives.
Then the news of Anna Hazare has flashed in the media. Again my email is filled with multiple mails to support the cause. BJP leaders and Baba Ramdev have been shown in the media meeting Anna. Headlines are, "Today I am also Anna". Everyone says that Corruption should end. I decided to call some of my acquaintances and asked them what they know about "Lokpal Bill". None of them knew about it. Yet they had sent me mails supporting Anna. I asked them if they made an effort to find out what the Bill is all about. They answered in negative. I thought that it is enough that they knew that the fight is against corruption. Then I received a call from one of my friends boasting about his "Miraculous" escape from a Traffic Police person at the expense of 50 rs. and then talking about Anna in the same breath, I thought that Corruption also is a Bond that Connects at least an optimistic figure of 90% of Indian population together. So even if someday, India doesnt win a world cup, terrorists don't attach Mumbai, We can remain together as Indians.
I again thought, I am being cynical. And hence I went for a walk and had Golgappas at a Kiosk on Jhansi streets. I am sure this delightful activity also connects a lot of people in our Fabulous country.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Independence Day Speech at XLRI
Respected Director Fr Abraham, Dean Academics Prof. Pranabesh Ray, Dean Administration & Finance Fr C. L. George, Associate Dean of Student Affairs Fr Panka Toppo, distinguished faculty members and my dear friends, it gives me a sense of immense honor standing before you on the Independence Day of our motherland and addressing such an intelligentsia.
India today is celebrating its 64th Independence-day and we are standing here to remember the contribution made by every man and woman who stood up in the remote corners of this country and fought for freedom. It is because of their sacrifices and contribution India is what it is today!!
After every Independence-day ceremony that I have attended in last few years, few questions have invariably come to my mind? “What is the take away from this ceremony? How am I contributing to the nation? And if I am contributing, am I doing enough?”
This ceremony invariably generates a sense of pride, love for Mother Nation in all of us but how far does that sense of pride and that love go? Does it lead to any action or any particular behavior in the long run? How conscious we are about problems that our country is currently facing and do we realize our role, or assume any responsibility for ourselves in finding out solutions to those problems?
If the answer to some of the questions I raised before is Yes, then attending this ceremony today and in the coming years makes sense to me. I am raising these questions here knowing every one of us has different answers to these questions and everyone has to find it himself/herself. But I think it is necessary that we do ask this question to ourselves and find out how we are actually contributing to the nation.
I truly believe that XLRI is a unique institute in the sense that it is able to generate a sense of concern for Society & Nation in its students. And it is visible in many ways in our day to day lives. Now in command of our own destiny, we the younger generation of this nation are perhaps the most fortunate generation of Indians in last five decades. We are the greatest beneficiaries of India’s rise as an economic superpower. We have opportunities that our parents never had. We as the future of India have this great responsibility on us. We need to take care of the world around us, to make it as beautiful for others as it is for us today.
To quote our first Prime Minister Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, who in his speech on the Granting of Indian Independence, on August 14, 1947 said
“The future beckons to us. Where do we go and what shall be our Endeavour? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman."
I earnestly believe that this dream can be translated into reality and this is where the role we future leaders of this country come into picture. I am sure that all of us present here believe that we have it in us to achieve this dream and that India can achieve this dream. Jai Hind!!
India today is celebrating its 64th Independence-day and we are standing here to remember the contribution made by every man and woman who stood up in the remote corners of this country and fought for freedom. It is because of their sacrifices and contribution India is what it is today!!
After every Independence-day ceremony that I have attended in last few years, few questions have invariably come to my mind? “What is the take away from this ceremony? How am I contributing to the nation? And if I am contributing, am I doing enough?”
This ceremony invariably generates a sense of pride, love for Mother Nation in all of us but how far does that sense of pride and that love go? Does it lead to any action or any particular behavior in the long run? How conscious we are about problems that our country is currently facing and do we realize our role, or assume any responsibility for ourselves in finding out solutions to those problems?
If the answer to some of the questions I raised before is Yes, then attending this ceremony today and in the coming years makes sense to me. I am raising these questions here knowing every one of us has different answers to these questions and everyone has to find it himself/herself. But I think it is necessary that we do ask this question to ourselves and find out how we are actually contributing to the nation.
I truly believe that XLRI is a unique institute in the sense that it is able to generate a sense of concern for Society & Nation in its students. And it is visible in many ways in our day to day lives. Now in command of our own destiny, we the younger generation of this nation are perhaps the most fortunate generation of Indians in last five decades. We are the greatest beneficiaries of India’s rise as an economic superpower. We have opportunities that our parents never had. We as the future of India have this great responsibility on us. We need to take care of the world around us, to make it as beautiful for others as it is for us today.
To quote our first Prime Minister Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, who in his speech on the Granting of Indian Independence, on August 14, 1947 said
“The future beckons to us. Where do we go and what shall be our Endeavour? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman."
I earnestly believe that this dream can be translated into reality and this is where the role we future leaders of this country come into picture. I am sure that all of us present here believe that we have it in us to achieve this dream and that India can achieve this dream. Jai Hind!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Dynamism
Some days Ago I was watching a movie. In the movie there was a scene with a large field of mustard flowers, a long road, sun shining and a lazy farmer. The Farmer woke up, looked at sun and slept again. Warm breeze was blowing through the fields. It looked as if time had stopped. There was a charm in this pause. Doing things at slow pace, relaxing and sitting back also gives a lot of pleasure in life.
If so, why do we run after so many things? What would be end state? What would make us happy? Do we stop anywhere? And if we do at that point would we be healthy, capable enough to relish that moment. Why achievements matter to us?
I thought about it. Would a static life like where I do nothing and just sit back make me happy? For how much time would I enjoy it? But am I enjoying what I am doing? I know the good thing is that I am experiencing so many new things. But do I relax enough and observe these experience and enjoy them. After all purpose of life probably is to live and nothing else. And if it is so, One should live happily.
The ideal state according to me would be being dynamic and enjoying everything that one does. And you would enjoy it only when you are able to observe yourself involved in these activities. It should be the dynamism that makes one capable of having the best possible pleasures out of life.
As it is said by Buddha, Be dynamic. Never stop. Charaiveti charaiveti.
If so, why do we run after so many things? What would be end state? What would make us happy? Do we stop anywhere? And if we do at that point would we be healthy, capable enough to relish that moment. Why achievements matter to us?
I thought about it. Would a static life like where I do nothing and just sit back make me happy? For how much time would I enjoy it? But am I enjoying what I am doing? I know the good thing is that I am experiencing so many new things. But do I relax enough and observe these experience and enjoy them. After all purpose of life probably is to live and nothing else. And if it is so, One should live happily.
The ideal state according to me would be being dynamic and enjoying everything that one does. And you would enjoy it only when you are able to observe yourself involved in these activities. It should be the dynamism that makes one capable of having the best possible pleasures out of life.
As it is said by Buddha, Be dynamic. Never stop. Charaiveti charaiveti.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Leading for Change
Recently realized that Leading people for change is a very arduous task. Nobody likes change. I think a leader has to be very motivated, Driven and assertive if he wants to bring any change to the existing system. Making promises for a leader is also very easy but carrying out your promises is a very difficult. Because when it comes to follow your vision, you need to change the way things have been working for last so many years. Certain things I think are very important in this regard:
1- A clear vision for future has to be there. This should not get lost in Day to day activities Long term focus should not be lost.
2- A leader has to stand for what he believes.
3- A leader has to change himself first.
4- A leader should not have Ego but should be very assertive.
5- A leader has to be considerate also otherwise he can easily loose connect with others.
1- A clear vision for future has to be there. This should not get lost in Day to day activities Long term focus should not be lost.
2- A leader has to stand for what he believes.
3- A leader has to change himself first.
4- A leader should not have Ego but should be very assertive.
5- A leader has to be considerate also otherwise he can easily loose connect with others.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Learning continues@XL
It seems that yesterday only fourth term had started. Last 20-25 days have passed very quickly. During these days I have been busy with a lot of day to day activities and have really not been able to focus on Long term plans. I saw a lot of ego clashes also during these days. I also learnt theories related to Latent motives, Manifested motives and now I can see all my altercations, discussions with people using this perspective. I also got a chance to learn Finance as Philosophy and similarity was striking. I had some emotional moments and found my friends standing by me whenever required. I learnt Power of Belief and some Indian Philosophies. I saw some enthusiastic people and some seasoned business men. I saw myself running behind time trying to do my best but still not being able to catch up. I thought I could be more rational but sometimes logic did not seem to work. One thing that I think I learnt and is really unique is to keep smiling with everything going around. I read Siddartha from Hermann Hesse before coming to XL in this term and that small book has been very relevant all this time :)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
"Pragya if you understand it, else it is wisdom"
Gita says,"Man should act and should be indifferent to the results".
With most of the things in my life I have been able to follow this philosophy. Gita however Reinforced my belief that it is a good way to approach life.
Some recent experiences made me see the paradox in this approach however.
Then I realised Gita also has an assumption of one Supreme power !!!
Can we assume that ever??
With most of the things in my life I have been able to follow this philosophy. Gita however Reinforced my belief that it is a good way to approach life.
Some recent experiences made me see the paradox in this approach however.
Then I realised Gita also has an assumption of one Supreme power !!!
Can we assume that ever??
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
< To be Decided- 3>
PS: This part is continuation of last Part 1 & 2. Please go through them once before reading this part.
Next Day Amay Called Raksha in the morning and told her he would talk to his parents about them getting married. Raksha smiled and some drops of tears fell from her eyes. Amay told Raksha that he had some work at Cannaught place in the afternoon and they would meet at Metro walk on Sunday. Raksha was feeling like hugging Amay and say "Cutoo" in his ears.
Raksha also had some work at office. She went to office and came back in afternoon. She was feeling very sleepy. She ate some Bread Jam and went to sleep. She woke up around at 8:00 pm. She thought Amay should have called her by now. She tried calling Amay but his phone was switched off. She had received some missed calls from her home but she thought she would call home later.
She went to the kitchen and put some "Khichdee" to be cooked in the Cooker. She took a bath and then put on some light music. She opened the cooker and then then switched on the TV. She thought that first she should call her home and she called home. Her Mom picked up the phone and asked with anger where she had been and why was not she picking up the call. She calmed her mom and asked, "Kya hua Mummy??" Her Mom said, "Are tumhein pata nahee Delhi mein Serial Blasts huye hain, Kahan thee tum??". She was shocked. She almost cried,"Kya?? Accha mumma abhee mai phone rakhtee hoon..aur dekhtee hoon kya hua hai.." Her Mom said, " Dekho Jyaada Baahar mat nikalna.." Raksha had disconnected the phone by then.
She tried to call Amay but he was picking up the phone. She browsed through the channels and reached Aaj Tak.
Delhi was rocked today by serial Blasts. There were Blasts at Cental park, Cannaught Place and......
The worst ran in front of her eyes. She could not move her hands. Khichdee was getting cold. But her hunger had died. She tried Amay's number again. But Phone was switched off. She called his friend Raman. But Raman's phone was busy.
What could she do?? She had a shivering feeling. She felt as if she was not able to breathe properly. But she calmed herself that it is not possible. She did not want to think about it. She tried Raman's number again.
< TO BE CONTINUED>
Next Day Amay Called Raksha in the morning and told her he would talk to his parents about them getting married. Raksha smiled and some drops of tears fell from her eyes. Amay told Raksha that he had some work at Cannaught place in the afternoon and they would meet at Metro walk on Sunday. Raksha was feeling like hugging Amay and say "Cutoo" in his ears.
Raksha also had some work at office. She went to office and came back in afternoon. She was feeling very sleepy. She ate some Bread Jam and went to sleep. She woke up around at 8:00 pm. She thought Amay should have called her by now. She tried calling Amay but his phone was switched off. She had received some missed calls from her home but she thought she would call home later.
She went to the kitchen and put some "Khichdee" to be cooked in the Cooker. She took a bath and then put on some light music. She opened the cooker and then then switched on the TV. She thought that first she should call her home and she called home. Her Mom picked up the phone and asked with anger where she had been and why was not she picking up the call. She calmed her mom and asked, "Kya hua Mummy??" Her Mom said, "Are tumhein pata nahee Delhi mein Serial Blasts huye hain, Kahan thee tum??". She was shocked. She almost cried,"Kya?? Accha mumma abhee mai phone rakhtee hoon..aur dekhtee hoon kya hua hai.." Her Mom said, " Dekho Jyaada Baahar mat nikalna.." Raksha had disconnected the phone by then.
She tried to call Amay but he was picking up the phone. She browsed through the channels and reached Aaj Tak.
Delhi was rocked today by serial Blasts. There were Blasts at Cental park, Cannaught Place and......
The worst ran in front of her eyes. She could not move her hands. Khichdee was getting cold. But her hunger had died. She tried Amay's number again. But Phone was switched off. She called his friend Raman. But Raman's phone was busy.
What could she do?? She had a shivering feeling. She felt as if she was not able to breathe properly. But she calmed herself that it is not possible. She did not want to think about it. She tried Raman's number again.
< TO BE CONTINUED>
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Aaraam Karo :)
A beautiful Poem:
http://www.manaskriti.com/kaavyaalaya/aaraam_karo.stm
Hasyaras kee uttam rachna :-)
( Taken from FB post of Ankur Sir)
NOTE: The story < TO be Decided> would be completed soon. I could not continue with it because of illness for a while.
http://www.manaskriti.com/kaavyaalaya/aaraam_karo.stm
Hasyaras kee uttam rachna :-)
( Taken from FB post of Ankur Sir)
NOTE: The story < TO be Decided> would be completed soon. I could not continue with it because of illness for a while.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
< To be Decided- 2>
This post is continuation of last post.
Raksha warmed "Daal Chawal" while Amay helped her with preparing some Salad. Amay mixed some "Haldiram Mixture" in “Daal Chawal” as this was the way he liked it most. While Amay was eating Raksha was looking her. He used to eat as if nothing else mattered to him while he was eating. Raksha found it very cute. As soon as they finished their food, Raksha kissed Amay. Amay was little surprised at this, but he smiled and kissed her back.
Amay Switched on the TV while Raksha went to Kitchen. After she came back, she switched off the television and asked Amay that she wanted to talk to him. Amay sensed something in her eyes and became a little serious.
Raksha: Amay, Mom ka phone aaya tha. She was asking me that I should get married first and then continue with higher studies. Papa kee Tabiyat bhee thodee Kharaab rahtee hai aajkal.
Amay: Raksha, You know that I want to marry you too. But I cannot marry in next 2-3 years. I need to support my family.
Raksha: But I don’t understand how you marrying me is exclusive from that.
Amay: Raksha kuchh aur bhee problems hain jo mai tumhein nahee bata sakta. Tum apnee Mom ko kyon nahee samjhaatee that pahle tumhein Higher studies karnee chahiye and then marriage. This way we both will get time also.
Raksha: Amay, Maine bahut samjhaya hai unko. Par Mom nahee maantee. She asked if I already have someone whom I want to marry. What should I tell her?
Amay: Raksha, You don’t understand my position. There are some other problems in my family which I cannot tell you. Even I am afraid if I would be able to marry you or not. But what you know that I would try my best.
Raksha's eyes were wet. It looked as if she was about to cry. Amay holded her hand and told her that he would do his best for them to be together and that Raksha should give her some time. He would sort the things out. Raksha Hugged Amay .
It had become dark as Amay reached his home. He was having a slight headache. He took 2 Disprins with water and felt relieved. He called his home and talked to his Mom. He picked the novel "A Thousand splendid suns" and slept as he was reading it.
Raksha went to temple near her home, came back prepared coffee for herself. She checked some websites about GMAT preparation then slept after some time.
Both dreamt the same dream in night as they smiled in their sleep.
TO BE CONTINUED..
Raksha warmed "Daal Chawal" while Amay helped her with preparing some Salad. Amay mixed some "Haldiram Mixture" in “Daal Chawal” as this was the way he liked it most. While Amay was eating Raksha was looking her. He used to eat as if nothing else mattered to him while he was eating. Raksha found it very cute. As soon as they finished their food, Raksha kissed Amay. Amay was little surprised at this, but he smiled and kissed her back.
Amay Switched on the TV while Raksha went to Kitchen. After she came back, she switched off the television and asked Amay that she wanted to talk to him. Amay sensed something in her eyes and became a little serious.
Raksha: Amay, Mom ka phone aaya tha. She was asking me that I should get married first and then continue with higher studies. Papa kee Tabiyat bhee thodee Kharaab rahtee hai aajkal.
Amay: Raksha, You know that I want to marry you too. But I cannot marry in next 2-3 years. I need to support my family.
Raksha: But I don’t understand how you marrying me is exclusive from that.
Amay: Raksha kuchh aur bhee problems hain jo mai tumhein nahee bata sakta. Tum apnee Mom ko kyon nahee samjhaatee that pahle tumhein Higher studies karnee chahiye and then marriage. This way we both will get time also.
Raksha: Amay, Maine bahut samjhaya hai unko. Par Mom nahee maantee. She asked if I already have someone whom I want to marry. What should I tell her?
Amay: Raksha, You don’t understand my position. There are some other problems in my family which I cannot tell you. Even I am afraid if I would be able to marry you or not. But what you know that I would try my best.
Raksha's eyes were wet. It looked as if she was about to cry. Amay holded her hand and told her that he would do his best for them to be together and that Raksha should give her some time. He would sort the things out. Raksha Hugged Amay .
It had become dark as Amay reached his home. He was having a slight headache. He took 2 Disprins with water and felt relieved. He called his home and talked to his Mom. He picked the novel "A Thousand splendid suns" and slept as he was reading it.
Raksha went to temple near her home, came back prepared coffee for herself. She checked some websites about GMAT preparation then slept after some time.
Both dreamt the same dream in night as they smiled in their sleep.
TO BE CONTINUED..
Friday, April 16, 2010
< To be Decided>
It was third traffic Jaam she was caught in today in her way. Raksha almost cried and said to Auto Driver, "Bhaiya Mai yaheen utar rahee hoon, Aap paise lelo" and she started walking towards Keshav Nagar Metro station. Raksha had promised Amay that she would meet him there at 3:00 pm. But it was already 3:45 by her watch. She was thinking that Amay never kept her waiting. Amay had met Raksha through a social networking website. They had known each other before that also but had never talked to each other. Amay had done his graduation from IIT Madras and was working as a Business Analyst in a firm in Gurgaon. Raksha had completed her Engineering from NIT Warangal and was working with a public sector company at Delhi. Both belonged to same city howver these days both were staying at Delhi. The most loving thing Raksha found in Amay was that he cared for everyone and for her he cared the most. He was slightly Chubby and Raksha had nicknamed Amay as "Cutoo". Amay thought Raksha was very beautiful and one thing that made him fall for Raksha was that she was only girl who could understand him well. Today it was a Sunday and they had decided to go to "Delhi Haat". However it has started to rain since morning and now only in the afternoon rain had stopped. Weather was pleasant and Raksha was very happy today. She did not want to go to "Delhi Haat" rather wanted Amay to come with her to her place where she had cooked "Daal Chaawal" for him which he liked very much.
Reaching Keshav Nagar Metro Station, Raksha saw Amay. Amay smiled seeing her and she smiled back. Both grabbed each other's hand and Amay told Raksha that lets not go to "Delhi Haat" today, lets go somewhere else. Raksha smiled and said," Mere Ghar chalte hain". Amay Said,"Tumhare ghar kyon..I am very Hungry. Lets go and have something". Raksha said," Are Mai hoon naa" and she smiled. Amay suddenly understood something and smiled.
Raksha had a decent work profile but for further growth in her career she wanted to pursue MBA. Raksha was an Engineer but had also worked for CNN IBN as a part time reporter. She also had worked for many social initiatives and also with many Nationwide covered magazines during her graduation. Considering her profile Amay suggested her to write GMAT and apply for ISB and foreign B schools. Raksha however on the other hand did not want to leave Delhi as Amay was there. Amay did not want to quit his company and also had no plans for higher studies. His family was pretty much dependent on him and he wanted to support them. Raksha many times thought that she would marry Amay and they would happily stay at Delhi. But She was not sure about her parents agreeing to the marriage. Amay & Raksha had never discussed their future seriously and Raksha was not even sure what Amay thinks about it. She had however convinced herself that she would sacrifice her career ambitions if Amay agrees for marriage.
Raksha had applied for GMAT and was planning to appear next month for the same. But today she had decided she would talk to Amay about them getting married. Her parents were already receiving many proposals at her home town and she had told her parents that she wanted to pursue higher studies and hence she was not ready to marry right then.
Amay and Raksha reached Raksha's place. Raksha opened the lock still holding one hand of Amay.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Reaching Keshav Nagar Metro Station, Raksha saw Amay. Amay smiled seeing her and she smiled back. Both grabbed each other's hand and Amay told Raksha that lets not go to "Delhi Haat" today, lets go somewhere else. Raksha smiled and said," Mere Ghar chalte hain". Amay Said,"Tumhare ghar kyon..I am very Hungry. Lets go and have something". Raksha said," Are Mai hoon naa" and she smiled. Amay suddenly understood something and smiled.
Raksha had a decent work profile but for further growth in her career she wanted to pursue MBA. Raksha was an Engineer but had also worked for CNN IBN as a part time reporter. She also had worked for many social initiatives and also with many Nationwide covered magazines during her graduation. Considering her profile Amay suggested her to write GMAT and apply for ISB and foreign B schools. Raksha however on the other hand did not want to leave Delhi as Amay was there. Amay did not want to quit his company and also had no plans for higher studies. His family was pretty much dependent on him and he wanted to support them. Raksha many times thought that she would marry Amay and they would happily stay at Delhi. But She was not sure about her parents agreeing to the marriage. Amay & Raksha had never discussed their future seriously and Raksha was not even sure what Amay thinks about it. She had however convinced herself that she would sacrifice her career ambitions if Amay agrees for marriage.
Raksha had applied for GMAT and was planning to appear next month for the same. But today she had decided she would talk to Amay about them getting married. Her parents were already receiving many proposals at her home town and she had told her parents that she wanted to pursue higher studies and hence she was not ready to marry right then.
Amay and Raksha reached Raksha's place. Raksha opened the lock still holding one hand of Amay.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Egos & Limited perspectives !!!
I recently faced many situations where EGOS of various persons were involved. And I noticed one thing that people can be very silly due to their Egos. People get stuck only with a single stand because it feeds their egos. They do not want to see other side of the issue. They do not want to take a larger perspective and look at things with very limited perspectives.
In Organisational Behavior course we read about Sub-unit orientation. I thought this is because an unit in an organisation sees things from its perspective and hence misses larger perspective. But after my recent observations I think the main reason for sub-unit orientation is that people cant think beyond serving their Egos. They don't want to be defeated by accepting a different view point than that of their own. They do it even it they know what they are saying is illogical to a large extent.
If you see from Historical perspective it is the Ego of human that has driven progress of mankind to a large extent. However the same ego caused battles as big as "Mahabharata" which decimated whole civilizations. so effect of EGO is paradoxical in some sense. Some confuse EGO with Individualism which I think is a very gross mistake to do. I personally think that Individualism is key to development of any civilization but at the same time Egos if inflated can create havocs.
Well, from last some exchanges I understood that if you come across such a situation where inflated EGOs are involved, always be determined and make sure that you put your point forward. Give the person sometime to think beyond his ego and talk to him later again. There is a chance that person sees the other perspective also. This worked for me and I think can always work as an effective strategy in similar situations. :-)
In Organisational Behavior course we read about Sub-unit orientation. I thought this is because an unit in an organisation sees things from its perspective and hence misses larger perspective. But after my recent observations I think the main reason for sub-unit orientation is that people cant think beyond serving their Egos. They don't want to be defeated by accepting a different view point than that of their own. They do it even it they know what they are saying is illogical to a large extent.
If you see from Historical perspective it is the Ego of human that has driven progress of mankind to a large extent. However the same ego caused battles as big as "Mahabharata" which decimated whole civilizations. so effect of EGO is paradoxical in some sense. Some confuse EGO with Individualism which I think is a very gross mistake to do. I personally think that Individualism is key to development of any civilization but at the same time Egos if inflated can create havocs.
Well, from last some exchanges I understood that if you come across such a situation where inflated EGOs are involved, always be determined and make sure that you put your point forward. Give the person sometime to think beyond his ego and talk to him later again. There is a chance that person sees the other perspective also. This worked for me and I think can always work as an effective strategy in similar situations. :-)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
busy times at XLRI
#I have had very hectic last few days and many more such days are awaiting me. Have been forced to use all sorts of methods to manage my time ( prioritization/avoiding work/slogging hard etc.) Still have not been able to focus of all the things. But I foresee good times ahead.
#I have also been completely out of touch with many friends and infact have not talked to some of them in last 4-5 months.
#Learned many things about myself and others during this period. That has been the best thing in these days.
# XLRI evenings & nights have become beautiful. A tree graced me with beautiful flowers today. felt like going back to Almora. I decided to buy a good Camera.
# Made some good friends in recent days. That is another good thing.
# A Friend of mine @ IIMB writing a book. waiting eagerly for the same.
#I have also been completely out of touch with many friends and infact have not talked to some of them in last 4-5 months.
#Learned many things about myself and others during this period. That has been the best thing in these days.
# XLRI evenings & nights have become beautiful. A tree graced me with beautiful flowers today. felt like going back to Almora. I decided to buy a good Camera.
# Made some good friends in recent days. That is another good thing.
# A Friend of mine @ IIMB writing a book. waiting eagerly for the same.
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