Signs of economic revival are being welcomed by the Government & Corporate Community around the world. Employees who settled for ZERO HIKES, No Promotions and in certain cases taking voluntary pay cuts to avoid layoff are updating their resumes and getting ready to move ahead. For all you guys floating around your resumes in Job Portals & with Ex-Bosses, Previous Employers and Friends consider the following factors before you quit your present Job.
1. Learning Opportunities – Adding experience to years is better than adding years to your experience. Read the previous line carefully. Does the organization provide enough learning opportunities to you? Do you have access to Journals / Internet to keep you updated on the latest developments in your Domain space? Does your organization giving importance to training? It is very important to learn, unlearn & relearn and keep ourselves abreast on the knowledge front.
2. Empowerment – As we move up the Ladder we are driven by the Power of Authority. You would want to take decisions of varied nature even though they are not related to the Organizations financial performance. For example bring out a change in the way of working, Developing/Modifying the Policies and Procedures, Granting leave to your sub-ordinates etc. Are you empowered to take such decisions? Magnitude of decision making doesn’t matter until Empowerment exists in some form or the other.
3. Voice out your Opinion – You may be working in a company which boasts of best of policies & procedures. You understand that the Policies and Procedures should have flexibility. You feel that you have not been treated fairly in the organization. Are you able to voice out your opinion to your Boss? Are you free to highlight your concerns to your Boss? You may not see any outcome but at least you would feel better that you let out your emotions freely. Believe me withholding your views creates a frustration which will do no good to you.
4. Flexibility – Most of your personal work would take a maximum of 1 - 2 hours. However you would not want to talk a full day leave from office. Are you allowed those two hours permission to complete your bank work, attend a family function, reach your loved ones who suddenly fall ill or to complete your household work.
5. Work Life Balance – Extended work hours for completing a Project, Preparing a Proposal, Meeting the deadline is unavoidable. See to that it doesn’t become a way of life. After all there is a life beyond your cubicle and the conference room. Maintaining a work life balance is imperative to taste success in both Personal & Professional life.
The above list is not exhaustive but it includes few factors which I feel are important. Before you quit an organization list down the Pro’s and Con’s of your Present Employer and Future Employer, see if it makes sense to move to a new employer and then take a decision. Do not see compensation has the only driver to quit. Remember it’s always wise to forego short term benefits for long term gains.
Wishing you a great year ahead! :)
Life's Mantra
60 year old man resting his arm on his wife (Hopefully:) ) and sharing light moments, Newlywed couple enjoying their private moments in public place, lovers playing in the sea water and two guys expressing their affection for each other.
I noticed Shravan noticing all those acts with a lost look. I sat beside him and could sense that something was wrong. He wasn’t the same person he used to be. Those rib tickling jokes, his sense of humour, pulling friends leg was all missing. He thought how good it would be to have a company like those lucky one’s he was looking at. Be it in any form-friend, lover or wife. He said “Machi, I experience lot of emotions like Happiness, Joy, Love, Sadness and Anger in my life yet I don’t know to whom I can express it. It feels really bad when you don’t have anyone to lean and cry out your emotions machan…..”. Soon I came to know his problem. He was feeling aloof.
Often while chasing our own paths in life, we forget to catch up with our old friends or likeminded persons-no more birthday parties, no more night stays, no more discussions on so called forbidden acts and no more chatting over the phone till midnight for nothing. In doing so, we detach ourselves from those selfless creatures who brought smile to our face, who stood by us during all the odds we faced and now complain of not having a company to spend time with.
I told Shravan “Before you desire, spare your shoulder for others to lean, who knows your purpose of life may be complete with them. There are certain things in life that happens for a reason. Don’t question its logic. Just move on with life and be like water that embraces everything that comes by. Good, Bad, Cheat, Hate, Disasters, Tragedy or Betrayal. These all are a sojourn. Tell yourself “This too shall passby… Eventually you will experience serenity in life. This is a time tested technique that works perfectly well. That’s the secret of my life too.”
Love deeply & passionately, you might get hurt but that’s how you live life completely!
I noticed Shravan noticing all those acts with a lost look. I sat beside him and could sense that something was wrong. He wasn’t the same person he used to be. Those rib tickling jokes, his sense of humour, pulling friends leg was all missing. He thought how good it would be to have a company like those lucky one’s he was looking at. Be it in any form-friend, lover or wife. He said “Machi, I experience lot of emotions like Happiness, Joy, Love, Sadness and Anger in my life yet I don’t know to whom I can express it. It feels really bad when you don’t have anyone to lean and cry out your emotions machan…..”. Soon I came to know his problem. He was feeling aloof.
Often while chasing our own paths in life, we forget to catch up with our old friends or likeminded persons-no more birthday parties, no more night stays, no more discussions on so called forbidden acts and no more chatting over the phone till midnight for nothing. In doing so, we detach ourselves from those selfless creatures who brought smile to our face, who stood by us during all the odds we faced and now complain of not having a company to spend time with.
I told Shravan “Before you desire, spare your shoulder for others to lean, who knows your purpose of life may be complete with them. There are certain things in life that happens for a reason. Don’t question its logic. Just move on with life and be like water that embraces everything that comes by. Good, Bad, Cheat, Hate, Disasters, Tragedy or Betrayal. These all are a sojourn. Tell yourself “This too shall passby… Eventually you will experience serenity in life. This is a time tested technique that works perfectly well. That’s the secret of my life too.”
Love deeply & passionately, you might get hurt but that’s how you live life completely!
AO – Next Frontier of Growth in Tamil Cinema
I don’t remember the last time I woke up before the sunrise. But today I got up at around 5 in the morning, took bath and got ready. Reason, not being Pongal. I was leaving home to watch the first day first show of the most awaited movie “Aayirathil Oruvan”.
Being an ardent fan of Selvaraghavan, there is always something in his movie that attracts me to the theatre. Be it unfolding a love, describing the delicate relationship between a boy and a girl or scanning through a life of a gangster, Selva is exemplary in showcasing it to the audience.
A lot of hype has been created by the film fraternity & media about this movie especially because it is a Selvaragavan’s movie and the numerous delay's in releasing the movie. Now I have all the more reason to get excited about watching this film.
I would like to move away from the storyline and talk about the few aspects of the movie. First and foremost is CINEMATOGRAPHY. The camera angles and the lightings are brilliant. The mountains, Thick Forests, Streams and Deserts of Jaisalmer are all a visual treat.
Second is the ART DIRECTION. Most of the film depicting the lives of the Chola Dynasty has been shot using the sets. These sets look so real that it takes us to their world.
Third is the SHADES used. Early mornings, late evenings, Mountains, Desert, Chola Hideouts have all been shown with great colour.
Stunts have been pictured wonderfully. I guess few sequences have been emulated from Hollywood flicks yet they are appealing.
If you shoot out a question like who is the hero of AO? In split seconds I will come up with two names. Selvaragavan & Reema Sen.
Even though the film seems to test one’s patience for 3 ¼ hours, I think selva had little control over it.
As I was dumbstuck with Selva’s daring efforts to present such film, I overheard few people leaving with disappointment. I understand perceptions are different yet I feel we need to encourage these films which takes us beyond the mundane tamil films and keeps us flummoxed every minute.. After all we all love a Titanic, 2012, Avatar for its extravaganza but simply do not appreciate Tamil Films of same magnitude(Not literally) and sensation.
Needless to say AO is one movie that belongs to the elite group of films that takes Tamil Cinema to the Next frontier of Growth.
Kudos to the entire team of AO.
The Best ever Drive
My Dad is very special to me. Today I reminisce all the selfless sacrifices he has done for me. He doesn’t drive a car, Motorcycle or even a bicycle. To put it this way, he never attempted to learn driving.
All he knew was work and me. He considered me to be his world. I recall the days when he used to carry me on his shoulders to my school which was 5 kilometers away from my house. I have always asked him to get a vehicle for himself but he refused. Not that he couldn’t afford it but for reasons unknown he never owned one.
After lot of persuasion, in the summer of 96, he got me a bicycle. No longer, I required the services of my Herculean father because Hercules MTB was there to serve me. I considered it to be the ferrari’s of the world and used to zoom across streets giving tough time to the street walkers.
One fine day, I fell down from the cycle and went home weeping. I explained whatever happened to my mother. She applied Pain balm and put me to sleep. At 1 A.M., I felt an enormous pain when someone touched my hand. It was my Father. He enquired about what happened and knowing the seriousness of the injury he didn’t wait for the dawn. He put me on his arms and marched towards the hospital which was 8 kms away for treating my fractured arm. During my stay in the hospital too, dad used to shuttle between house and hospital getting me good food. He never let my mother do those stuffs. My mom at times used to shout at my dad for being over sensitive towards me.
Even today he makes sure I’m not put into any botheration for getting his work done. I don’t know if I can refer his behaviour to be egoistic but I simply love him for what he is.
For past 25 years those legs have been working round-the-clock for me.
Today I intend to make his travel easier with this car which I have bought for him.
As I drove the car I could see smile on my dad’s face. I can make out what it means. He felt happy that I lived up to his expectations.
I will continue to do so in future too.. Love you Dad:)
All he knew was work and me. He considered me to be his world. I recall the days when he used to carry me on his shoulders to my school which was 5 kilometers away from my house. I have always asked him to get a vehicle for himself but he refused. Not that he couldn’t afford it but for reasons unknown he never owned one.
After lot of persuasion, in the summer of 96, he got me a bicycle. No longer, I required the services of my Herculean father because Hercules MTB was there to serve me. I considered it to be the ferrari’s of the world and used to zoom across streets giving tough time to the street walkers.
One fine day, I fell down from the cycle and went home weeping. I explained whatever happened to my mother. She applied Pain balm and put me to sleep. At 1 A.M., I felt an enormous pain when someone touched my hand. It was my Father. He enquired about what happened and knowing the seriousness of the injury he didn’t wait for the dawn. He put me on his arms and marched towards the hospital which was 8 kms away for treating my fractured arm. During my stay in the hospital too, dad used to shuttle between house and hospital getting me good food. He never let my mother do those stuffs. My mom at times used to shout at my dad for being over sensitive towards me.
Even today he makes sure I’m not put into any botheration for getting his work done. I don’t know if I can refer his behaviour to be egoistic but I simply love him for what he is.
For past 25 years those legs have been working round-the-clock for me.
Today I intend to make his travel easier with this car which I have bought for him.
As I drove the car I could see smile on my dad’s face. I can make out what it means. He felt happy that I lived up to his expectations.
I will continue to do so in future too.. Love you Dad:)
Beautiful things in Life:)
If I say I wish to play hide & seek, sleep in my mother’s lap, you would feel that I am being kiddish. But for a second, give it a thought. Those were the beautiful moments we enjoyed in our life when we were ourselves. Today, our life has become very monotonous & mundane, that we don’t have time to spend with our family, friends & loved ones. So I thought to pen down few things which I consider to be beautiful in life that I am missing so much.
To me,
1. Joint Family was beautiful,
2. Playing with my dad was beautiful,
3. Dad’s food is beautiful,
4. Mom feeding me was beautiful,
5. Midnight tea was beautiful,
6. Beaches were beautiful,
7. Bird Sighting was beautiful,
8. Long chat over the phone was beautiful,
9. Speaking to the loved one was beautiful,
10. Long walk with her was beautiful,
11. College tour was beautiful,
12. College bunking was beautiful,
13. Commuting through train was beautiful,
14. Night stay was beautiful,
15. Getting drenched in rain was beautiful,
16. Snooker was beautiful and
17. Birthday dinners were beautiful,
I reminisce all these moments which had been an integral part of my life and take this opportunity to thank everyone who were part of these wonderful moments. I know those days will never come back but those memories will always be etched to my heart.
To me,
1. Joint Family was beautiful,
2. Playing with my dad was beautiful,
3. Dad’s food is beautiful,
4. Mom feeding me was beautiful,
5. Midnight tea was beautiful,
6. Beaches were beautiful,
7. Bird Sighting was beautiful,
8. Long chat over the phone was beautiful,
9. Speaking to the loved one was beautiful,
10. Long walk with her was beautiful,
11. College tour was beautiful,
12. College bunking was beautiful,
13. Commuting through train was beautiful,
14. Night stay was beautiful,
15. Getting drenched in rain was beautiful,
16. Snooker was beautiful and
17. Birthday dinners were beautiful,
I reminisce all these moments which had been an integral part of my life and take this opportunity to thank everyone who were part of these wonderful moments. I know those days will never come back but those memories will always be etched to my heart.
56 Tonnes in 7 days!!!
Newsprints are never tired to fill the columns with articles on Financial Crisis, recovery signals, Inflation etc.. Amidst all these reports one distinct report caught my eyes. It’s about the yellow metal. Yes! You guessed it right.
According to reports, India has consumed 52 tonnes of Gold in 7 days i.e. from October 11th to October 18th 2009. The total worth of this is somewhere around Rs.8706/- crores.
Now tell me. Where is Recession or Slowdown? :)
Not a "Nobel" Act
As millions of Americans look up to their President for saving the Country from the biggest financial crisis, Barack Obama will boast upon his outstanding contribution to International Diplomacy & Peace Keeping that has helped him to secure the 2009 Nobel Prize for Peace, another Feather in his Cap. Oops! Did I say that? What’s startling is that he has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in less than 2 weeks of taking charge of office & before the February 1st nomination deadline. Conversely it looks like the Nostradamus syndrome has been worked out foreseeing him to excel in bi-lateral talks, peace keeping measures & reaching out to the world to curb Nuclear Proliferation. All this comes at a time when US spends nearly $ 1 Billion every year on its soldiers fighting in the borders of Afghanistan. As US cries on nuclear proliferation it is to be noted that it spends more than $2,600,000,000 for ballistic missile defense system and total spending of $35,100,000,000 on all US nuclear weapons and weapon related programs. Amount quoted was spent until 1998. I leave it to you to judge the total money spent on nuclear program as on date. His propaganda for peace hasn’t taken shape and lot of concrete work is still left. Considering all this it is really funny to know that he has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He surely deserves an award but it is too premature to award the President with a Nobel Prize.
Purpose of Life
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I came across an article “Purpose of Life” in a news column and decided to explore it on my perspective.
What is Life? This is one question which would baffle everyone. It may mean different things to different people.
Every time someone’s born, there is a meaning to their existence on this earth but seldom do they realize it. To me there are three types of people,
1. People who take life as it comes. These people are so called fun loving person who enjoy life to the fullest. They are around us and in large numbers too.
2. There are few others who challenge life and stream their destiny towards what they want. They fight the odds in their life and add meaning to others life by setting an example, being a source of inspiration to this world. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Lance Armstrong are few names I could think off.
3. Finally the most important category of people are those who try to understand the basic reason for their existence. They manage this by trying to understand themselves and speaking to their consciences. These people are very special and are hard to find. Acts of Discovering themselves, Meditation, forgoing worldly pleasures are some of the characteristics I could associate with them.
To my limited knowledge I could associate only one living person to this stage. He is none other than Resident hero of Tamil Nadu RAJNIKANTH. God has showered upon him abundant Wealth, Fame, Love, Respect & Power yet he is searching for his trueself. I don’t think it’s a Sanyasa stage but it is characterized by the search for inner peace.
It is difficult to practice this stage but surely achievable. Individuals of type 1 & 2 are controlled by their life whereas type 3 people have the ability to control their life. This is a special characteristic that sets them apart.
I Feel if anyone reaches that stage then the purpose of their existence is Justified. What do you say?
He Deserved a Better Life!
As I was rambling across Hyderabad bazaar, I bumped into this child named Dharsan. He was busy selling flags and other accessories related to Independence Day. As India gets ready to celebrate 63rd Independence day, Dharsan is one among millions of children who are deprived on their right to education. He was hard selling the flags to me but I was just thinking about the extreme conditions we live in. As the debate on brain drain is never ending, India is wasting many intellectual brains like Dharsan. Finally I offered Rs 10/- to Dharsan and told him I didn’t require the flag. He bowled me over with his response, “In that case I don’t want your money sir” told Darshan. With my jaws down I picked up couple of flags from him and started to move on thinking “HE DERSERVED A BETTER LIFE”.Think before the ink
With 15th lok sabha elections round the corner in Tamil Nadu I would like to share my thoughts with you all.
Tamil Nadu created history in the last election by voting to DMK led UPA and made them victorious by sweeping all 39 constituencies. Golden projects like free television sets, 1 kg rice for 1 Rupee, free gas stove came into existence for the past 3 years. Unfortunately these schemes have made people of Tamil Nadu lazy as never before. According to Maslow’s theory of hierarchy, man strives; sweat it out for his basic needs of food, clothes and shelter. My point is if a government satisfies his needs for free is there a need for him to work hard? I certainly believe No. A saying which fits perfect to this situation is termed in tamil as “Moolai illathavanai Muttal aakara kathai ithu”. Do you guys have any idea of what’s the next freebie from the Government. Check out the picture below.
Tamil Nadu created history in the last election by voting to DMK led UPA and made them victorious by sweeping all 39 constituencies. Golden projects like free television sets, 1 kg rice for 1 Rupee, free gas stove came into existence for the past 3 years. Unfortunately these schemes have made people of Tamil Nadu lazy as never before. According to Maslow’s theory of hierarchy, man strives; sweat it out for his basic needs of food, clothes and shelter. My point is if a government satisfies his needs for free is there a need for him to work hard? I certainly believe No. A saying which fits perfect to this situation is termed in tamil as “Moolai illathavanai Muttal aakara kathai ithu”. Do you guys have any idea of what’s the next freebie from the Government. Check out the picture below.
As you laugh think about it. Everyone talks about free television, gas stove, land etc.. but seldom they talk about creating jobs. I adore ADMK supremo for her courage, conviction she has to stand by her words. Veeraanam is an example of it. If not for her, we would be longing everyday for the metro water lorry to drop by our home. Law & order was far better in her times. I’m not trying to be pro-jayalaitha too. It’s just the comparison of two sides of the weighing machine.
Every one of us are partly responsible for what Tamil Nadu is today. So when you cast your vote on May 13th be sensible and vote for the person who would do good and misuse his power to the least degree. Afterall everyone are part of the dirtywater called Politics.
For people who wants a change, vote for Mr.E.Sarath Babu, an example of rag to riches story, IIM-A lad contesting in South Chennai constituency. For more info about him visit http://sarathbabu.co.in/in/
For cynics I would like to clarify that he may not win but a few thousand votes will make good for two reasons. One, existing politicians will get to learn that no longer you can fool around with people (atleast I believe they will). Second, it will send a strong signal across youth population who desperately want a change but doesn’t know how to go about it. It would encourage them to play a larger role in politics which will inturn foster the growth of India.
Do not waste your vote. Remember one thing, if there is a 90% voting in a particular constituency then there will be a phenomenol change in the result.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be a change you want to see”. Im trying to be a part of it by triggering your thought process.
Bengaluru Trip
Its been a long time since I had been out of town. I desperately needed this break and Rajiv's marriage was a blessing in disguise. As I was reaching my destination the cold winds passed shivers in my body just to say "Welcome to Bengaluru! :)". Hotel Brindavan was a great place to stay. Their hospitality gave me a home- away home feeling. I enquired the route for few destinations and proceeded to meet my friends. As I said Rajmahal Vilas to the Auto Driver, he immediately acknowledged and turned the meter ON (unlike chennai autowalas who have it for ritual purposes:) ). Well laid wide roads, Green wherever you turn, disciplined driving and a smooth traffic is what I experienced in the Silicon Valley of India otherwise known for its so called bad infrastructure. Probably business day stress was not on the roads I guess. I had a sense that the auto driver was not seasoned with the area but somehow took me to the right place. I had an altercation with him on the meter charge since I doubted that he would have taken the longest route. Guess what would have been his reply? He politely said, "Sir, I shall stop near the sergeant. You can enquire him if you have doubts on me." I was dumbstuck with his innocent reply. He returned me the change not withholding even 50 paise. I was impressed with him. Truly for him "Customer is king". Brigade road was happening as ever and hasn't lost its charm. CCD, Barista & Pizza corner have filled their presence throughout MG Road & Brigade Road. Perfect place to do window shopping and spend time without spending money;). Meeting Priya's mom was special and her "CARROT HALWA" was amazing. This trip would not be complete if I hadn't met this revered person Rashmi, My Close Friend. Overall if you ask me if I would love to live in Bengaluru, my answer would be a big No..No.. because of some nagging incidents that happened as I passed the streets of bengaluru which made me feel that bengaluru was not a safe or rather great place to live in. Thanks to the migrated population and the blend of various cultures thats has agitated the Youth's mind.
Happiness
Is it winning a lottery? (or) Closing a Multi - Crore business deal? (or) Accomplishing the dream house, Expensive Car and servant maids who would act upon our wish?
What is happiness?.. I questioned myself.
I am sure most of us like kids. There may be various reasons why we all like kids of which most common would be its cuteness. It is not only because it is cute but the smile which a child adorns symbolizes the happiness within the child which has a great power to melt anyone’s heart. This happiness within the child attracts every one of us. But as the child transcends through various stages of life like Child, Adolescent, Adult this smile for some reason or the other is not the same. What I mean is that the definition of happiness becomes more materialistic as we grow. We feel we are not the controller of Happiness but it is derived or defined by possession of Money, Materials, Muscle Power etc.. Of course Money, Material & Muscle Power may give us happiness but it is never sustainable because once you achieve something we are no longer happy with the same. We tend to look for something else and then else and then else.. Finally we are left with everything we desired but for happiness. This may look exaggerated but this is a fact of life.
Let me explain the same with an anecdote.
Once there was a king who was jealous of his servant maid, for simple reason being he was always happy. Every time the servant maid passed by the king was nonplussed thinking to himself “I have abundant wealth and I control this entire kingdom but I am not happy compared to what the servant maid is” The king called the servant maid and asked him how he manages to be so happy when he himself with all his wealth was not feeling contended in life. The humble servant maid replied to the king “Your Excellency! I come from a poor family and my requirements to run the life are minimum. I am able to meet this with the salary you give. My wife is responsible enough to run our family with my salary and my sons do not spend unnecessarily. Hence I am happy.”
The King not convinced with his answer called for a meeting with his ministers. He asked the same question. After hearing to the King, one of the Minister said “Your Excellency! I am not sure how he is happy. But if you desire I can make him feel disappointed in life”. The king gave a thought and said “Go Ahead”. In a week’s time a bag dropped from the roof of servant maid’s hut. He opened the bag and was surprised to see the bag full of gold coins. He started counting one by one. Soon he found out the bag contained 99 Gold coins. He was searching for one more coin to make it One hundred. He went around the hut, on top of the roof, scanned the floor but couldn’t find one. He wanted to make the total count 100 Gold Coins. So he decided to save money to buy one more gold coin. In doing so he became very stingy, he didn’t like his wife spending even to meet the daily requirements, he was angry with his children too for spending money. He felt everyone in his family were irresponsible. And consequently happiness never turned back in his life.
The essence of this story is that for a moment if the servant had thought of living with those 99 Gold coins he and his family would have been happier. But like many of us, he went on to search for something without appreciating what he had for the present and in turn lost his happiness.
Happiness is not having what we want. It is wanting what we have. Happiness is within us. We are the controller of happiness. We are the co-creator of happiness.
You don’t have to do anything extraordinary to be happy. We need to follow simple rules of life like,
- Free your heart from hate.
- Free your mind from worry.
- Live Simple.
- Give More.
- Expect Less and see happiness engrossed throughout your life.
To conclude, People are to be loved and things are to be used but my dear friends there is so much confusion in this world that things are being loved and people are being used. It is a small curve that straightens many things in life. It is within us. We seldom use it. Smile:). Smile from your heart and be happy. Make everyone happy.:)
What is happiness?.. I questioned myself.
I am sure most of us like kids. There may be various reasons why we all like kids of which most common would be its cuteness. It is not only because it is cute but the smile which a child adorns symbolizes the happiness within the child which has a great power to melt anyone’s heart. This happiness within the child attracts every one of us. But as the child transcends through various stages of life like Child, Adolescent, Adult this smile for some reason or the other is not the same. What I mean is that the definition of happiness becomes more materialistic as we grow. We feel we are not the controller of Happiness but it is derived or defined by possession of Money, Materials, Muscle Power etc.. Of course Money, Material & Muscle Power may give us happiness but it is never sustainable because once you achieve something we are no longer happy with the same. We tend to look for something else and then else and then else.. Finally we are left with everything we desired but for happiness. This may look exaggerated but this is a fact of life.
Let me explain the same with an anecdote.
Once there was a king who was jealous of his servant maid, for simple reason being he was always happy. Every time the servant maid passed by the king was nonplussed thinking to himself “I have abundant wealth and I control this entire kingdom but I am not happy compared to what the servant maid is” The king called the servant maid and asked him how he manages to be so happy when he himself with all his wealth was not feeling contended in life. The humble servant maid replied to the king “Your Excellency! I come from a poor family and my requirements to run the life are minimum. I am able to meet this with the salary you give. My wife is responsible enough to run our family with my salary and my sons do not spend unnecessarily. Hence I am happy.”
The King not convinced with his answer called for a meeting with his ministers. He asked the same question. After hearing to the King, one of the Minister said “Your Excellency! I am not sure how he is happy. But if you desire I can make him feel disappointed in life”. The king gave a thought and said “Go Ahead”. In a week’s time a bag dropped from the roof of servant maid’s hut. He opened the bag and was surprised to see the bag full of gold coins. He started counting one by one. Soon he found out the bag contained 99 Gold coins. He was searching for one more coin to make it One hundred. He went around the hut, on top of the roof, scanned the floor but couldn’t find one. He wanted to make the total count 100 Gold Coins. So he decided to save money to buy one more gold coin. In doing so he became very stingy, he didn’t like his wife spending even to meet the daily requirements, he was angry with his children too for spending money. He felt everyone in his family were irresponsible. And consequently happiness never turned back in his life.
The essence of this story is that for a moment if the servant had thought of living with those 99 Gold coins he and his family would have been happier. But like many of us, he went on to search for something without appreciating what he had for the present and in turn lost his happiness.
Happiness is not having what we want. It is wanting what we have. Happiness is within us. We are the controller of happiness. We are the co-creator of happiness.
You don’t have to do anything extraordinary to be happy. We need to follow simple rules of life like,
- Free your heart from hate.
- Free your mind from worry.
- Live Simple.
- Give More.
- Expect Less and see happiness engrossed throughout your life.
To conclude, People are to be loved and things are to be used but my dear friends there is so much confusion in this world that things are being loved and people are being used. It is a small curve that straightens many things in life. It is within us. We seldom use it. Smile:). Smile from your heart and be happy. Make everyone happy.:)
Jai Ho Rahman!
When Rahman composed for “Roja” in 1992 no one would have thought this lad would create so much waves among Music Fraternity. After the success of “Roja” there was no looking back. Truly Rahman’s music has not only transcended regionally or nationally but also internationally. Slumdog Millionaire is one such example of it. From a humble start from his backyard to setting up One of India’s best recording studio & Music teaching School his contribution to music has been phenomenal. I often wonder what makes his music very special?. I guess it should be the sheer diversity in sound tracks he comes up with in every film. Seeing him winning two Oscars, I feel as though I have won it for myself. So much connection he makes with his fans.:)
Slumdog Millionaire is not the best of his work. If he wins 2 Oscars for this itself, I think the Academy jury should take a look at his best works like Roja, Uyire, Bombay etc. I guess everyone would agree with me on this point.
What bowls me over about Rahman is that even after reaching the pinnacle of success his humility is simply amazing.
Hope to see the Mozart of Madras in Madame Tussauds:)
Whatever it may be born in a country where this lad was born or to be more precise being in a city where he lives I feel really proud…
Aella Pugazhum Iraivannukae!!!
Get-Together
As my watch tickled 7 P.M. I left my home to attend the marriage reception of my School Friend. Initially I thought of saying him a Hi! and depart from the place immediately. But thinks turned out to be otherwise.
I reached the reception hall only to feel alien. But soon couple of our friends came in and we engaged in casual talk. Slowly numbers increased and suddenly I felt as though I was in my class. Sooner the marriage hall turned out to be a Get-together party. Most of our conversations were hovering about how different people were from what they were in School. They have transformed unimaginably. Few were grown in size, couple of fatso looked as though they underwent liposuction. ;) The group had people from all walks of life like Entrepreneurs, Veterinarian, Software professionals, Bank Employees, Celebrities, Housewives etc..
It was great pleasure to meet friends who left school midway, people with whom I confide with, people with whom I had silly fights, who helped me in exams & puppy loved ones. It was all nostalgic. We revived our contact information’s and parted with a smile:)
After all a Smile costs nothing but enriches both the Giver & Receiver.
(Mobile Reminder Beeps)
Ouch! Have an alumni meet tomorrow. Have to start early. Good Night!
I reached the reception hall only to feel alien. But soon couple of our friends came in and we engaged in casual talk. Slowly numbers increased and suddenly I felt as though I was in my class. Sooner the marriage hall turned out to be a Get-together party. Most of our conversations were hovering about how different people were from what they were in School. They have transformed unimaginably. Few were grown in size, couple of fatso looked as though they underwent liposuction. ;) The group had people from all walks of life like Entrepreneurs, Veterinarian, Software professionals, Bank Employees, Celebrities, Housewives etc..
It was great pleasure to meet friends who left school midway, people with whom I confide with, people with whom I had silly fights, who helped me in exams & puppy loved ones. It was all nostalgic. We revived our contact information’s and parted with a smile:)
After all a Smile costs nothing but enriches both the Giver & Receiver.
(Mobile Reminder Beeps)
Ouch! Have an alumni meet tomorrow. Have to start early. Good Night!
The Bengal Baadshaa
November 10th 2008, It’s a memorable day in world cricket as the curtains come down over Ganguly’s Cricketing career. Over 18,000 runs in both forms of cricket,38 Centuries,111 50's accolades for his batting skills. The Prince of Kolkata is one of the best captain India has ever had. He never believed in board room meetings rather was aggressive on field. As a person who never felt shy of talking anything under the sun, his audacity against BCCI about team selection is something that speaks for himself. He needs to be credited for shaping the future of Indian cricket in the form of Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Virendar Shewag, Vijay, Yuvaraj Singh etc.. Everyone where identified by him.
It is often said that one’s strength is not in his failure but how well he learns & rebounds from his failure. This suits on the dot to Dada’s career. The way he impressed everyone with his comeback is commendable. Retiring on high note has worked well with him and is a lesson for other Indian cricketers to learn.
We Hail you Dada!!!
R Eddy-Case-On
For all those who feel my blog is boring I’m sure this will be yet another boring stuff for you to read but you better put up with me cos you have entered my space on the internet and you bloody well read whatever I have to say… he he.
Got to wear my favorite T-shirt today.. If you think how does that interest you? Well, This blog has its origin from it.. My t-shirt read “Education ruined my intelligence”. Oxford’s quote the word “intelligence” to possessing sound knowledge. If that is true then how come education ruined it? Or did I screw it up? Neither are to be blamed.. Culprit is our Education System guys.
According to me, the outdated British system of learning that we follow is Bull Shit. This system has taught us to be bookish and mug up stuff. Our society judges us on our marks alone. Certainly I agree that these marks will get us a seat in a good college & job in our placements but it doesn’t guarantee a professional life.
Most of you would agree with me that what we learn and what we do in our job are totally different. An evident example would be the “n” no. of Civil, Electrical engineers in IT companies coding for the software’s to be exported mostly to US of A. Irony is that the vocational training that plays a key role in work situations is given the least importance in classrooms. Teachers call the teamwork (or) group work in classrooms as “cheating”. (No! I’m not talking about the teamwork in exams;)
The 11th Plan Commission has allocated Rs 31,000 crores towards National Skill Development Mission to make our youth Employable. Millions of dollars are spent by corporates for training their new joinees since they do not match the skills the job demands. And the numbers are only to increase day by day since the working population in India is/will be the highest in near future.
How long are the children going to learn the same stuff “Ashokar maram valarthar.. Pari Thaer koduthaan.. Pisir Anthayaar, Koperunchozan natpu….Neil Armstrong nilavil mudhalil kaal vaithaan..”
Public Private Partnership is still at the nascent stage in the field of education. Although Infosys’s “Campus Connect” program is well appreciated it is just not enough to reach the entire nation.. Serious measures have to be taken by the bureaucrats to revolutionize our Syllabus, Delivery system, Structure across various horizons of education like School, Engineering, Management, etc..
Last but not the least it is said that the next few decades belong the those who innovate (not that we don’t innovate now but I think we are acting as a contract manufacturer for the western economies), if India needs to top the list of world largest economies then the lateral thinking, creativity has to be well appreciated, harnessed and encouraged right from School to make them employable..
Let’s revolutionize our education system for a better India!
Got to wear my favorite T-shirt today.. If you think how does that interest you? Well, This blog has its origin from it.. My t-shirt read “Education ruined my intelligence”. Oxford’s quote the word “intelligence” to possessing sound knowledge. If that is true then how come education ruined it? Or did I screw it up? Neither are to be blamed.. Culprit is our Education System guys.
According to me, the outdated British system of learning that we follow is Bull Shit. This system has taught us to be bookish and mug up stuff. Our society judges us on our marks alone. Certainly I agree that these marks will get us a seat in a good college & job in our placements but it doesn’t guarantee a professional life.
Most of you would agree with me that what we learn and what we do in our job are totally different. An evident example would be the “n” no. of Civil, Electrical engineers in IT companies coding for the software’s to be exported mostly to US of A. Irony is that the vocational training that plays a key role in work situations is given the least importance in classrooms. Teachers call the teamwork (or) group work in classrooms as “cheating”. (No! I’m not talking about the teamwork in exams;)
The 11th Plan Commission has allocated Rs 31,000 crores towards National Skill Development Mission to make our youth Employable. Millions of dollars are spent by corporates for training their new joinees since they do not match the skills the job demands. And the numbers are only to increase day by day since the working population in India is/will be the highest in near future.
How long are the children going to learn the same stuff “Ashokar maram valarthar.. Pari Thaer koduthaan.. Pisir Anthayaar, Koperunchozan natpu….Neil Armstrong nilavil mudhalil kaal vaithaan..”
Public Private Partnership is still at the nascent stage in the field of education. Although Infosys’s “Campus Connect” program is well appreciated it is just not enough to reach the entire nation.. Serious measures have to be taken by the bureaucrats to revolutionize our Syllabus, Delivery system, Structure across various horizons of education like School, Engineering, Management, etc..
Last but not the least it is said that the next few decades belong the those who innovate (not that we don’t innovate now but I think we are acting as a contract manufacturer for the western economies), if India needs to top the list of world largest economies then the lateral thinking, creativity has to be well appreciated, harnessed and encouraged right from School to make them employable..
Let’s revolutionize our education system for a better India!
Lessons from Life - Part 1
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to try out blogging long time before. But somehow was lazy to pen down. Then why suddenly? The inspiration has been a proverb that I read in my friends blog. It goes like this…
“A stitch in time saves Nine” – Crux being never postpone things.
Here goes…
My parents didn’t let me do what I wanted(Education)?..
I do not like what I am doing in my Job..
or my pay rise is low.. I wish I had a car similar to that..
why does this happen to me in life?
This is what most of us feel in life day in and day out.. Its not wrong to aspire or desire to have some thing. But in doing so, we forget how lucky are we when compared to others in this world.. A recent trip to Down south made me feel this..
We have been there for a recruitment drive. As we drove towards the destination we fairly understood the socio-economic factors of the town.. Huge acres of bare land which were not suitable for cultivation, lack of infrastructure, I.T.I’s with very minimal facility were more than a evidence for our eyes.. “Nothing as changed here for the past 20 years except the white washing of houses” my manager added..
Finally we reached our destination. As we were welcomed by the local authorities, few were helping the candidates with their resumes. Finally after an hours time all the categorized resumes came to our table. Oh my God!! The mere no of resumes moved my jaw down. Now to avoid the boredom I will write about the interaction I had with ashok.
Ashok lost his father when he was 10. His mother sold fish in the market to make a living. He has just passed out of 12th with 1012/1200(Very high compared to my scoreJ) and has applied in a Govt. I.T.I hoping to get some scholarship. This made me to sit at edge of the chair. Intrigued to know why he wants to work after getting good marks his answer made me dumb stuck.
“Whats the use of getting these marks sir. This doesn’t give my family food to eat. We are starving every day. I would rather go to work than studying. I do not want my mother to suffer anymore…” said innocent Ashok
“I will get you a seat in ITI with monthly stipend. Will you be interested” said my boss
“How much will they pay me” asked ashok
“Rs 3000/ month + Food + Accomodation.” Said my boss.
Now hesitantly ashok “I would rather work for Rs 5000/ in your company sir”
After repeated counseling too ashok saw a future in the extra 2000 bucks. Not to blame him, he like many others in that part of the state were not aware of the scope of opportunities available.. For them an I.T.I qualification was a big thing..
“God save him” my manager whispered as we selected him.
No wonder there is this absence of inclusive growth in India. Access to good education, infrastructure, industry is still a dream for many.
The point I’m trying to drive home is that many of us are so much fortunate to have many things in life that the next time you complain about something think of Ashok..
I wanted to try out blogging long time before. But somehow was lazy to pen down. Then why suddenly? The inspiration has been a proverb that I read in my friends blog. It goes like this…
“A stitch in time saves Nine” – Crux being never postpone things.
Here goes…
My parents didn’t let me do what I wanted(Education)?..
I do not like what I am doing in my Job..
or my pay rise is low.. I wish I had a car similar to that..
why does this happen to me in life?
This is what most of us feel in life day in and day out.. Its not wrong to aspire or desire to have some thing. But in doing so, we forget how lucky are we when compared to others in this world.. A recent trip to Down south made me feel this..
We have been there for a recruitment drive. As we drove towards the destination we fairly understood the socio-economic factors of the town.. Huge acres of bare land which were not suitable for cultivation, lack of infrastructure, I.T.I’s with very minimal facility were more than a evidence for our eyes.. “Nothing as changed here for the past 20 years except the white washing of houses” my manager added..
Finally we reached our destination. As we were welcomed by the local authorities, few were helping the candidates with their resumes. Finally after an hours time all the categorized resumes came to our table. Oh my God!! The mere no of resumes moved my jaw down. Now to avoid the boredom I will write about the interaction I had with ashok.
Ashok lost his father when he was 10. His mother sold fish in the market to make a living. He has just passed out of 12th with 1012/1200(Very high compared to my scoreJ) and has applied in a Govt. I.T.I hoping to get some scholarship. This made me to sit at edge of the chair. Intrigued to know why he wants to work after getting good marks his answer made me dumb stuck.
“Whats the use of getting these marks sir. This doesn’t give my family food to eat. We are starving every day. I would rather go to work than studying. I do not want my mother to suffer anymore…” said innocent Ashok
“I will get you a seat in ITI with monthly stipend. Will you be interested” said my boss
“How much will they pay me” asked ashok
“Rs 3000/ month + Food + Accomodation.” Said my boss.
Now hesitantly ashok “I would rather work for Rs 5000/ in your company sir”
After repeated counseling too ashok saw a future in the extra 2000 bucks. Not to blame him, he like many others in that part of the state were not aware of the scope of opportunities available.. For them an I.T.I qualification was a big thing..
“God save him” my manager whispered as we selected him.
No wonder there is this absence of inclusive growth in India. Access to good education, infrastructure, industry is still a dream for many.
The point I’m trying to drive home is that many of us are so much fortunate to have many things in life that the next time you complain about something think of Ashok..
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