Let us all march together,
forward into 2010,
with hopes and a new beginning.
Let God be with each one of us,
With our family members, our friends,
and the known and the unknowns;
May the New Year 2010 usher in peace, good health,
prosperity and happiness
into every one of our family;
Let good light
take care of every moments
in our life;
May I Pray the almighty,
with all my humbleness, to take care
of each one of you and your family members
and your friends, during every moment of your life in 2010.
May all your dreams come true,
and may each one of you achieve success
in this New Year 2010.
Wishing you all Good Luck!
Bhupesh Balakrishnan
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Justice Delayed = Justice Denied!
The last two day headlines in all the capital city newspapers kept me reminding two existing facts, post six decades of India’s Independence.
1. Innocent/the helpless people are always easy victims to the greed and desire of the rich and the mighty.
2. The rich and the mighty still can be brought under knees, thanks to the Indian democracy, aka the David and the Goliath Style.
Here, this time the victim has been an innocent 14 year young Ruchika, a budding tennis player and the rich and the mighty, a well-educated IPS officer, holding a high moral and responsible position in the society as State IG. Poor Ruchika after three years post-her incident, commits suicide, thanks to the rich and mighty officer’s various power tactics. Ruchika’s friend’s parents take up the case to the court of law, which is blinded for 19 long years. And, the verdict finally comes after 19 long years, with a simple 6 months jail term for the well-educated officer, thanks to his advocate wife, who fought courageously to save her criminal husband.
As I post this blog, swallowing words, controlling my anger and disappointments, I am also able to feel a sarcastic smile spread across my lips. At last, the poor girl got some justice.
Three major questions arise at this mid-night hour in my mind:
a. Should we be happy about this Justice?
b. Should we appreciate a delayed Justice (agreed, though worth, even delayed)?
c. When will the rich and the mighty stop their game of greed and desire that dangerously play with the lives of innocent people?
The quick answers that comes to my mind at this hour is,
a. Should we be happy about this Justice?
Yes. We should be proud that after 19 long years, we are able to convict a criminal. That is what Justice is. It is a testimony that it is still working in our country. Our democracy is a functioning one. It makes me feel happy.
b. Should we appreciate a delayed Justice (agreed, though worth,but, having been delayed)?
Justice at any remote hour received, needs to be appreciated, but, we need to change the way we will welcome a justice in future. A delayed justice is equal to a denied justice. The societal consequences are huge and manifold. People may stop approaching the Department of Justice. Courts of law will become courtyards for the rich and the mighty to play their dirty games. So, rather feeling a sense of appreciation, we should move ahead to ensure speedy trials and fair settlement of appeals with a sense of urgency in future.
c. When will the rich and the mighty stop their game of greed and desire that dangerously play with the lives of innocent people?
Shame on us, witnessing the brutal killing of the basic tenets of a democratic society, scoundrels and rascals in the disguise of rich and the most educated people, the wolf in the human clothing…am extremely sorry to have used these hard words, but, then, it disappoints me to say that we still live in the stone age.
I think and feel proud about my father at this hour, an advocate, who use his knowledge and power to fight for the innocent and helpless people in the court of law in my hometown; I feel proud of one such advocate, Shri Pankaj Bhardwaj, who has got Ruchika’s guardians, Shri Anand and Shrimati Madhu Parkash, the delayed Justice.
But, going back to answer the question I have raised, am sorry again. Even the God, the creator of both the victim and the rascal, will not be able to take a guess, when the rich and the mighty will stop their dirty games. I would like to live pragmatically, but, not going down without fighting for Justice. But, let me make the statement again –Justice delayed is equal to Justice denied.
c. When will the rich and the mighty stop their game of greed and desire that dangerously play with the lives of innocent people?
Shame on us, witnessing the brutal killing of the basic tenets of a democratic society, scoundrels and rascals in the disguise of rich and the most educated people, the wolf in the human clothing…am extremely sorry to have used these hard words, but, then, it disappoints me to say that we still live in the stone age.
I think and feel proud about my father at this hour, an advocate, who use his knowledge and power to fight for the innocent and helpless people in the court of law in my hometown; I feel proud of one such advocate, Shri Pankaj Bhardwaj, who has got Ruchika’s guardians, Shri Anand and Shrimati Madhu Parkash, the delayed Justice.
But, going back to answer the question I have raised, am sorry again. Even the God, the creator of both the victim and the rascal, will not be able to take a guess, when the rich and the mighty will stop their dirty games. I would like to live pragmatically, but, not going down without fighting for Justice. But, let me make the statement again –Justice delayed is equal to Justice denied.
Friday, December 11, 2009
These are my days!
Gone are the sultry days,
gone are the windy days,
gone are the rainy days,
gone are the misty days,
gone are the black days,
coming all are my days,
they are colourful days,
the air is filled with the smell of sweets,
my ears hear the beautiful tunes,
songs and dance, as I can see everywhere,
these are my days,
as I move forward,
looking for the truth,
in everything I think and see,
in everything I say and do,
with everyone around me,
I welcome these good days,
that shall be good chapters of my life,
later, when someone reads my book.
Balakrishnan Bhupesh
gone are the windy days,
gone are the rainy days,
gone are the misty days,
gone are the black days,
coming all are my days,
they are colourful days,
the air is filled with the smell of sweets,
my ears hear the beautiful tunes,
songs and dance, as I can see everywhere,
these are my days,
as I move forward,
looking for the truth,
in everything I think and see,
in everything I say and do,
with everyone around me,
I welcome these good days,
that shall be good chapters of my life,
later, when someone reads my book.
Balakrishnan Bhupesh
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Go round the World
Go round the World, you look at places,
Wow…Lovely faces, you get experience,
They are… your ox’ ygen- to live your life-
Life is great…Look through the eyes, of many lives,
You will love it…Hey, friend, live it,
Listen to me…
The world around you….Is big and big…!
The world around you…Is small and small…!
Is big big….enough, for you to grow,
Is also small, for you to meet, your friendly faces…back again.
Life is beautiful…Live it…!
Live it and feel it…in every breath… you take inside you…every moment..!
Live your way, live with your people…!
Live it…Go round the World,
You look at places, lovely faces,
Get the experience; get your oxygen…to live your life…!
Life is fun…Like a little bun….
A Sweet little bun…Jam and butter… spread in between…
Bite the bun…and have lot of fun.
Life is sweet… but never tweet…!
Get your face inside the book…
And be be your own cook…!
Life is fun…cook your own life….with lot of spice...
Merry merry go...round the world…
Life is beautiful! Go round the World…!
Song by Balakrishnan Bhupesh
Up and down is our life!
The days and the nights be
Coming and going;
The sun and the moon
be rising and setting;
The roses and the lilies be
blooming and withering;
The hair and the nails be
Growing and falling!
The bees and the flower be
hugging and kissing.
The train and the rain be
Moving and falling.
The eagle and the flight
Flying up and down;
Up and down
Like a see saw,
In the park,
I and the kid,
became friends…
I turned small, like the kid…
Laughing and running,
With the kid…While we were playing
Hide and seek, in the park.
The day became night,
The train stopped moving,
And the rain stopped falling,
The bees went home,
And the eagle soared down,
Up and down,
Is our life…!
Song by Balakrishnan Bhupesh
Coming and going;
The sun and the moon
be rising and setting;
The roses and the lilies be
blooming and withering;
The hair and the nails be
Growing and falling!
The bees and the flower be
hugging and kissing.
The train and the rain be
Moving and falling.
The eagle and the flight
Flying up and down;
Up and down
Like a see saw,
In the park,
I and the kid,
became friends…
I turned small, like the kid…
Laughing and running,
With the kid…While we were playing
Hide and seek, in the park.
The day became night,
The train stopped moving,
And the rain stopped falling,
The bees went home,
And the eagle soared down,
Up and down,
Is our life…!
Song by Balakrishnan Bhupesh
சந்தோசம் பிறந்தது
இந்த நாளும் வருமா என்றுகாத்து கொண்டிருந்தேன்
அந்த நாள் வந்தது
நான் கண்ட கனவுகள் பலித்தது
சந்தோசம் பிறந்தது!
பாலகிருஷ்ணன் புபேஷ்
அந்த நாள் வந்தது
நான் கண்ட கனவுகள் பலித்தது
சந்தோசம் பிறந்தது!
பாலகிருஷ்ணன் புபேஷ்
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Salaam India!
Salaam India!
‘Skies cry, raining I say
‘Eyes cry, paining I say
‘Losing them, living dead
‘Living dead, losing them!
‘Papa bye bye, mama bye bye
‘See you again, back at home
‘happy faces, lovely families
‘meet again, in the evening!
Uniformed men, brave hearts
Stood against terror, to save our nation
Stood in the line of fire, little hearts at home
Bravery hearts, little hearts at home!
Terrorism, I say, has no religion
Terrorism, I say, has no solution
Terrorism, I say, has taken my brave men away
Terrorism, I say, has ripped my heart away!
Salaam salaam, brother salaam salaam
Salaam salaam, sister salaam salaam
Salaam salaam, officers aalaam salaam
Salaam India, salaam salaam!
In remembrance of the 26th November 2009 Mumbai Terror attacks;
In memory of the people who lost their lives at The Taj Hotel, The Trident, Nariman House, VT Railway Station, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe and at many other places;
A gratitude to my brave men in Uniform and my brother and sister civilians who fought bravely against the evil terror and lost bravely their lives;
A sign of gratefulness to the family of the brave officers who stood in the line of fire…;
With love to my Mumbai which stood against the terror and continues to move on;
With love to my India which rise like a phoenix every time it comes under attack;
With love to all, who love for an India with Peace!
Poem by Bhupesh Balakrishnan, ex-National Cadet Corp, Armed Squadron, India
Salaam India!
In few countries, especially in India, when a great soul passes away, and on the final day of the funeral, if there is a heavy rain, it is referred to the life lived by the person-one who has lived a life of great character and has completed the purpose of their life during their stay; and, so, it is referred to as the Mother Sky crying at the loss of its Child. Similarly, when innocent souls were killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, lot many eyes cried, known and unknown, and, I refer that in comparison to the rain.
There were few brave men in Uniform who died in the line of fire to save the lives of the people held hostages and save Mumbai. We lost them, but they are revered post-their death. So, I refer to them as souls, still living in the hearts of every Indian. Whereas, the life of the family members of those brave men, who lost their lives for their nation, is not the same anymore. They are dead due the loss of their beloved ones. And, so, I refer them as living dead, on losing them.
Mumbai witnessed the loss of many innocent lives during the 26/11 terror attacks. Brave men in uniform lost their lives. Lot of people in hotels like Taj and Trident lost their lives while saving the lives of their Customers. What is shocking is, when these people left their home during the day, their children would have said, Papa bye bye, Mama bye bye with happy faces, with the hope to see them back at home in the evening. Little did they know that that would be the last time they are seeing their beloved ones forever.
When the men in uniform with brave hearts daringly fought for saving the nation, they all knew that they also have little lovely hearts-their lovely family members back at home. When the bullet hit them, what would have been the moment thought in their mind-they knew, they have done their duty to save their motherland, and also they knew their little hearts are brave hearts, who will bounce back to live life daringly post-their death.
The 21st century challenges are not self-created. They are the consequences of the World’s collective creation during the 20th century. Terrorism is one of the greatest evil off-spring of the last century. Terrorism has no religion, nor can it offer any solution. They continue to take my brave men away and keep ripping my heart.
I salute my innocent brother and sister civilians who lost their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. I salute the brave honorable officers in uniform who laid down their lives for our motherland. I salute Mother India who continues to give brave men and women to fight against the evil forces against her.
Bhupesh Balakrishnan
‘Skies cry, raining I say
‘Eyes cry, paining I say
‘Losing them, living dead
‘Living dead, losing them!
‘Papa bye bye, mama bye bye
‘See you again, back at home
‘happy faces, lovely families
‘meet again, in the evening!
Uniformed men, brave hearts
Stood against terror, to save our nation
Stood in the line of fire, little hearts at home
Bravery hearts, little hearts at home!
Terrorism, I say, has no religion
Terrorism, I say, has no solution
Terrorism, I say, has taken my brave men away
Terrorism, I say, has ripped my heart away!
Salaam salaam, brother salaam salaam
Salaam salaam, sister salaam salaam
Salaam salaam, officers aalaam salaam
Salaam India, salaam salaam!
In remembrance of the 26th November 2009 Mumbai Terror attacks;
In memory of the people who lost their lives at The Taj Hotel, The Trident, Nariman House, VT Railway Station, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe and at many other places;
A gratitude to my brave men in Uniform and my brother and sister civilians who fought bravely against the evil terror and lost bravely their lives;
A sign of gratefulness to the family of the brave officers who stood in the line of fire…;
With love to my Mumbai which stood against the terror and continues to move on;
With love to my India which rise like a phoenix every time it comes under attack;
With love to all, who love for an India with Peace!
Poem by Bhupesh Balakrishnan, ex-National Cadet Corp, Armed Squadron, India
Salaam India!
In few countries, especially in India, when a great soul passes away, and on the final day of the funeral, if there is a heavy rain, it is referred to the life lived by the person-one who has lived a life of great character and has completed the purpose of their life during their stay; and, so, it is referred to as the Mother Sky crying at the loss of its Child. Similarly, when innocent souls were killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, lot many eyes cried, known and unknown, and, I refer that in comparison to the rain.
There were few brave men in Uniform who died in the line of fire to save the lives of the people held hostages and save Mumbai. We lost them, but they are revered post-their death. So, I refer to them as souls, still living in the hearts of every Indian. Whereas, the life of the family members of those brave men, who lost their lives for their nation, is not the same anymore. They are dead due the loss of their beloved ones. And, so, I refer them as living dead, on losing them.
Mumbai witnessed the loss of many innocent lives during the 26/11 terror attacks. Brave men in uniform lost their lives. Lot of people in hotels like Taj and Trident lost their lives while saving the lives of their Customers. What is shocking is, when these people left their home during the day, their children would have said, Papa bye bye, Mama bye bye with happy faces, with the hope to see them back at home in the evening. Little did they know that that would be the last time they are seeing their beloved ones forever.
When the men in uniform with brave hearts daringly fought for saving the nation, they all knew that they also have little lovely hearts-their lovely family members back at home. When the bullet hit them, what would have been the moment thought in their mind-they knew, they have done their duty to save their motherland, and also they knew their little hearts are brave hearts, who will bounce back to live life daringly post-their death.
The 21st century challenges are not self-created. They are the consequences of the World’s collective creation during the 20th century. Terrorism is one of the greatest evil off-spring of the last century. Terrorism has no religion, nor can it offer any solution. They continue to take my brave men away and keep ripping my heart.
I salute my innocent brother and sister civilians who lost their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. I salute the brave honorable officers in uniform who laid down their lives for our motherland. I salute Mother India who continues to give brave men and women to fight against the evil forces against her.
Bhupesh Balakrishnan
Like My Taj!
Like My Taj!
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
You achieved nothing, you achieved nothing
We achieved everything, even after losing
We achieved everything, even after losing
Why the terror? What for this terror?
You achieved nothing, even after us losing
Pinnacle burnt, in my home.
As your fire doused my pinnacle
I come back again, strength to strength
Millions of lives, millions of prayers
Millions of hopes, millions of faiths
Hundreds of religion, hundreds of cultures
Hundreds of languages, hundreds and thousands
Again you come back, we will fight back
Again you come back, we will rise back.
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
Pinnacle burnt, in my home,
As you come back, we will fight back
As you come back, we will rise back
As you come back, we will stand together
As you come back, we will fight together
As you come back, we will continue to move forward, together
Like a phoenix, like my Taj
Like my Taj!
Poem by Bhupesh Balakrishnan
Dedicated to my Taj(The Taj Mahal Hotel, Tata Group), which raised back like a Phoenix post-26/11 terror attacks.
Dedicated to all my dear brave colleagues of The Taj Mahal Hotel, who lost their lives, while saving the lives of their Customers during the terror attacks.
Dedicated to all my dear brave colleagues of The Taj Mahal Hotel, who witnessed, fought back with valour and wisdom during the 26/11 terror attack, and continue to work there, with the 26/11 scars.
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
You achieved nothing, you achieved nothing
We achieved everything, even after losing
We achieved everything, even after losing
Why the terror? What for this terror?
You achieved nothing, even after us losing
Pinnacle burnt, in my home.
As your fire doused my pinnacle
I come back again, strength to strength
Millions of lives, millions of prayers
Millions of hopes, millions of faiths
Hundreds of religion, hundreds of cultures
Hundreds of languages, hundreds and thousands
Again you come back, we will fight back
Again you come back, we will rise back.
Pinnacle burnt, in my home
Pinnacle burnt, in my home,
As you come back, we will fight back
As you come back, we will rise back
As you come back, we will stand together
As you come back, we will fight together
As you come back, we will continue to move forward, together
Like a phoenix, like my Taj
Like my Taj!
Poem by Bhupesh Balakrishnan
Dedicated to my Taj(The Taj Mahal Hotel, Tata Group), which raised back like a Phoenix post-26/11 terror attacks.
Dedicated to all my dear brave colleagues of The Taj Mahal Hotel, who lost their lives, while saving the lives of their Customers during the terror attacks.
Dedicated to all my dear brave colleagues of The Taj Mahal Hotel, who witnessed, fought back with valour and wisdom during the 26/11 terror attack, and continue to work there, with the 26/11 scars.
Life Moves On...but?
Life moves on….but?
Smiling faces, happy families
Innocent hearts, brave in actions
Lost their lives, lost their smiles.
Unknown faces, unknown bullets
Unknown grenades, unknown reasons
Unknown reasons, for unknown reasons.
What’s their fault? Who’s at fault?
Who’s at fault? No one takes the blame;
Who’s at fault? No one takes the blame;
Where to go? What to seek?
Who to help? Who to support?
Where the men? Where the brave men?
Where the hearts? Where the innocent hearts?
Where the faces? Where the smiling faces?
Where the families? Where the happy families?
Unknown faces, unknown bullets
Unknown grenades, unknown reasons
What’s their fault? What’s their fault?
Life moves on….but never the same again!
As Life moves on, India moves on
But, never the same life again!
Dedicated to the family members and friends of the brave hearts and the innocent people who lost their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks;
Dedicated to each and every family members and friends of the brave hearts and the innocent people who continue to lose their lives every day to the evil forces across India and the World!
Poem written by Bhupesh Balakrishnan, Global Civilian (Civilized global Indian)
Smiling faces, happy families
Innocent hearts, brave in actions
Lost their lives, lost their smiles.
Unknown faces, unknown bullets
Unknown grenades, unknown reasons
Unknown reasons, for unknown reasons.
What’s their fault? Who’s at fault?
Who’s at fault? No one takes the blame;
Who’s at fault? No one takes the blame;
Where to go? What to seek?
Who to help? Who to support?
Where the men? Where the brave men?
Where the hearts? Where the innocent hearts?
Where the faces? Where the smiling faces?
Where the families? Where the happy families?
Unknown faces, unknown bullets
Unknown grenades, unknown reasons
What’s their fault? What’s their fault?
Life moves on….but never the same again!
As Life moves on, India moves on
But, never the same life again!
Dedicated to the family members and friends of the brave hearts and the innocent people who lost their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks;
Dedicated to each and every family members and friends of the brave hearts and the innocent people who continue to lose their lives every day to the evil forces across India and the World!
Poem written by Bhupesh Balakrishnan, Global Civilian (Civilized global Indian)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Copyright Issue
Due to copyright issue, images and photos from Public domain will not be published in my blog from now on. Images and photos from the public domain available for free circulation may be used in future blogs.Personal Efforts are being made to speak to the Photographic Editor of the newspapers and magazines-whose published photos and images may be used, with due credit.
Photos and Images used from Newspaper and magazine,in my old blogs, are being removed as a precautionary measure from today.
Photos and Images used from Newspaper and magazine,in my old blogs, are being removed as a precautionary measure from today.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rahmanism
Live the moment. This was the mantra for all of us (fans) present during the “Jai Ho” Concert of A R Rahman, the first in Chennai after winning the Oscars. The greatness of this Live Concert – it happened in his hometown, Chennai, for the Chennaites[ Image Courtesy: Google]. I was one of the few thousand Rahman fan in Chennai to sway my hands up, for each and every beat of his music, yesterday night.
Little did I realize that when our Mozart plays his tunes, we all get into action. “Power of the music” or “Power of his music” –no confusion –“ Power of the Music from the Mozart of Madras”.
Infact, my earlier day(Saturday) winded off yesterday(Sunday) early morning for me(late work at my Office), which mean, had to sleep long to relax…whereas, I decided otherwise - wanted to make it to the concert for two reasons –For The Sakthi Foundation and Rahmanism.
I wanted to meet, understand, feel, observe, and realize what Rahmanism is all about. Rahman did exactly the same… Through his vivacious music, he connected all of us…irrespective of our religion, caste, creed, education, status quo, linguistic difference, we were there, swaying and hip hopping to our Mozarts tune.
Fabulous!Fantastic!Splendid performance!Astounding Music!Marvellous! Amazing! Beautiful! Breathtaking! Incredible!
I normally have the habit of observing the people…I love it…love to do it…and here, am, all myself, watching the genius working in front of me, was unbelievably, a fascinating experience. It humbled me, to see the man who was so humbly playing his keyboard with his fingers. His eye brows, his eyes, his face, slight body movements-the concentration-with so much dedication, on the spot, taught me what it is to be a genius. I will certainly not say that Rahman is a born genius. The way he worked his music, I felt this man should be a self-made genius. Yes!!! Observing him closely, understood, my Mozart of Madras is a really very hardworking person…!
He was humane. He displayed humbleness. He spoke in Tamil…to his audience…which showed his love for his people.
He took me ages back…and I noticed myself singing along with him his tracks, which I had listened 18 years back, right from his first movie, Roja…Thamizha Thamizha….nalai un nale!!! I wondered how I was able to recollect the lyrics! Rahman then, was a new find for the Tamil Film Industry. I, born in the 80’s, grew up with my Maestro Isaignani Illaiyaraja’s music for the first decade of my life…and then came Rahman…Titled, Issaipuyal(Music Tornado in Tamil),he changed the way music was played, married Music with Technology in India. I still remember, as an inquisitive kid(yes-not a whizkid),watched with surprise, a junior girl perform in our school in her keyboard, the music for the song, Chinna Chinna Assai(Chhoti si aasha) from his movie,Roja, with her little fingers! Rahman has arrived to the music world stage with a big bang!
And, throughout the 90’s, as I grew up, started growing up, listening to Rahman’s music. The remarkable thing that happened was his journey to capture the ears and stir the soul of every Indian-this happened from his first movie, Roja and then, Bombay. He succeeded. It was a big success for someone from South; for a Tamil speaking Indian (believe me, it still exists) to break the minds of so many Hindi speaking Indians, and others, living with diversified cultures, speaking different languages. His music united everyone. I would say, if you ask me-the name of one person, connecting India, post-Independence, after Cricket, it certainly and for sure is A R Rahman.
When, one more great singer, Chitra mam arrived on stage to sing…it was a surprise. Singing Jiya jale, mesmerized, it took time for me to realize and tell my colleague, hey, shez singing the Telugu version!!! But, we listened in rapt attention!!! My friend, listen to me, I realized in front of my eyes - Music has no boundaries!
If Rashid Ali's Kabhi Kabhi Aditi made all of us go wild, then, Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se took us on top of the train.
Mustafa Mustafa carried me back to my school days, and it was great fun singing along with Rahman in front of him, seeing him…with hands flying up and down, sidewards…Believe me -he makes you become a school kid.
Jai Ho connected every one there with Rahman…It showed the spirit of India. Vande Mataram brought India in front of our eyes. Sivamani-watching him for the second time, is a class apart!!!He is vibrant, full of energy!!!
Singers were charming, pretty and sang with their soul! If Neeti Mohan's Maiyya Maiyya from Guru was outstanding(the whisper around was, she could have done the song in the film too),then, Benny and BlaaZe made us sing and dance for Taxi Taxi. Uyire from Bombay was a class from Hariharan. Thrilling was the way, Rahman took us from Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah to Veerapandi Kottayile…and I remember, started jumping with joy!!! If Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar made me appreciate Sufi, was equally Surprised to see Rahman wear the prayer cap, sit and play the harmonium…!
Humma Humma electrified the audience. Swing, dance, jump, wave, and rock…all good things has to come to a beautiful end…and so, it ended well!
Proceedings from Jai Ho concert was presented to both, The Shakti Foundation and Rahman Foundation, and my eyes became full of moist…for this concert is for a noble cause...reaching out medical facilities for the underprivileged!
Singers were charming, pretty and sang with their soul! If Neeti Mohan's Maiyya Maiyya from Guru was outstanding(the whisper around was, she could have done the song in the film too),then, Benny and BlaaZe made us sing and dance for Taxi Taxi. Uyire from Bombay was a class from Hariharan. Thrilling was the way, Rahman took us from Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah to Veerapandi Kottayile…and I remember, started jumping with joy!!! If Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar made me appreciate Sufi, was equally Surprised to see Rahman wear the prayer cap, sit and play the harmonium…!
Humma Humma electrified the audience. Swing, dance, jump, wave, and rock…all good things has to come to a beautiful end…and so, it ended well!
Proceedings from Jai Ho concert was presented to both, The Shakti Foundation and Rahman Foundation, and my eyes became full of moist…for this concert is for a noble cause...reaching out medical facilities for the underprivileged!
Recalling the words of William Penn,"I expect to pass through life but once.If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now...as I shall not pass this way again."
Certainly, it was the best of the best Sunday outing for me in Chennai, wrapping up the long long day with a dinner(early breakfast) in Mathsya, at 2 AM,and finally retiring back to my nest in Adayar forest!
Rahman said before the start of the concert,” If music makes you think, moves you to action; then I think the music is working.” Rahman anna, it was truly splendid!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Joy of Giving!
Any completion of a good initiative will bring back a sense of joy...Am feeling much happier today...thanks to some 200 associates in my office location-who overwhelmingly participated to come forward to contribute generously for the initiative, "Muskan". Yes, the silent celebration of Joy of Giving Week in my office location happened with no fanfare…no pompous…but, true for a noble cause.
Worst action could be of mine…every day morning, on reaching office, will peep into the huge, gift wrapped collection box to find how the day’s contribution has been…and as we reached the second day, curious calls came from all around in my extension number…”hey,will you extend the collection of the contribution till Monday….”…”Nopes”---I said, worried myself, further added,” hey, don’t worry, not extending the dates…but sure, you can always bring in your contribution and we can always drop the same with the NGO…”.
More worried when came Gandhi Jayanthi-it was a national holiday…and so, the final day,in the early hours of the morning session, peeped into the collection box and sighed…”oh…not enough…”and, as hours went by, I closed the activity…and, went to pick up the collection box…and there what I saw was small bundles and packs of clothes filling the box…now, I ran around to get myself assisted with couple of people to move the box into the car along with my colleague…and we drove to the Goonj, local collection center (http://www.goonj.org/) to hand over the clothes we have collected.
Worst action could be of mine…every day morning, on reaching office, will peep into the huge, gift wrapped collection box to find how the day’s contribution has been…and as we reached the second day, curious calls came from all around in my extension number…”hey,will you extend the collection of the contribution till Monday….”…”Nopes”---I said, worried myself, further added,” hey, don’t worry, not extending the dates…but sure, you can always bring in your contribution and we can always drop the same with the NGO…”.
More worried when came Gandhi Jayanthi-it was a national holiday…and so, the final day,in the early hours of the morning session, peeped into the collection box and sighed…”oh…not enough…”and, as hours went by, I closed the activity…and, went to pick up the collection box…and there what I saw was small bundles and packs of clothes filling the box…now, I ran around to get myself assisted with couple of people to move the box into the car along with my colleague…and we drove to the Goonj, local collection center (http://www.goonj.org/) to hand over the clothes we have collected.
The choice of Goonj was…out of the three most basic things in life for a human being, clothes become an all important part…whenever I am in Delhi during the winter, I find myself wearing as many as three-to-four clothes to protect myself from the winter…am blessed…but, why should the less privileged and the needy be punished…remembering these words….
A young man walked past a hungry desperate beggar and looked up and said, 'Oh God Why have you done nothing to help this man?'
God replied, ' I did - I made you...'
God replied, ' I did - I made you...'
So, if not we, then who??? Muskan was initiated to bring the smile in the face of the person in need in the society…Small contribution do make big wonders…and our small initiative was a collective contribution to the larger efforts of Goonj, an NGO based out of Delhi.
We, as a nation, happily celebrated the Joy of Giving week…!But,looking ahead,I also realize that a week’s effort is not enough to wipe out the needs of the less privileged,the deprived and the disadvantageous section in this World, rather, it should be a weekly effort throughout the year, by all privileged lots like me and even you, in this World!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Muskan
Two months ago, decided to volunteer to be the coordinator of the CSR activity in my Office location. Instead of pondering much on my capability to juggle with multiple task, plunged myself into the task of coordinating for good cause-reason-the faith that good ideas can easily find life with good people around us.
And, here comes the second activity coordinated for my location-the first one, an awareness program for Child Rights for You(CRY).
Muskan(Smile) - Starting tomorrow, 30th Sep till 3rd Oct 2009, my 200 strong counterparts shall join my initiative to donate various things, which shall be handed over to Goonj (http://www.goonj.info/).
For the last couple of days, have been seeing campaigns on Roads, Television and Print. Yesterday night, when Dr.Prannoy Roy was discussing about the Joy of Giving week with the coordinators, what surprised me was that there is no single individual and its a nation wide effort to contribute to those in need.
Visiting the website of Joy of Giving (http://www.joyofgivingweek.org/), the below-mentioned lines from Dr.Robert Goddard inspired me to plan and act much fast-the result, Muskan in the next fifteen minutes in my location was rolled out.
The inspiring lines were, "Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these." -Dr.Robert Goddard
My earnest appeal to those who read my blog -Pls. participate/contribute/share something locally at your location -it can be during the Joy of Giving week or it can be anytime later also. Let us all come together to give what we have in abundance, for one day, let us have a World, where no one is left in this world, searching in need of the most basic thing for life-Food, Shelter, Clothes and Water.
Muskan
Let's be more generous and contribute;
no one is left searching for the basic things for their life:
food, shelter, clothes and water.
Let's dream of a World-
where every individual born gets the basic thing,
and lead life with dignity and a smile:
Let's bring Muskan in the face of those in need...! Bhupesh Balakrishnan
Image Courtesy - Joy of Giving Website
Monday, September 28, 2009
Yin and Yang
The maha elections 2009 results surprised the individuals but not the nation as a whole. For, the sum of the parts resulted in a clear verdict-that even surprised the UPA government,I believe. I was one of the many who believed that the BJP as a single party may emerge as the winner, but, arithmetic alliance may decide the final composition of the coalition government and the Prime Minister. Surprisingly and fortunately, wise sense prevailed during the time of polling-end result - an UPA led coalition government with Dr.Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of India.
Dr.Manmohan Singh,Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
Congress led alliance came winning in the most crucial states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal and surprised their allies.
5 things that were clearly evident from the election results 2009:
1.The Indian Public was reluctant to go for the third front-led by the Left forces with no clear leader being "positioned" as the Prime Ministerial candidate,and with parties which are highly corrupt,like the BSP, TDP and the AIADMK.
2. Caste was not the deciding factor for the voters, when it came to electing their representative. Evident from the way few many caste based parties got wiped away in this election -the PMK in Tamil Nadu, the UP, the Bihar,and the AP.
3. Good governance matter the most-even if it means less achievement-the sign of working towards a plan with good governance means a more to the Indian Public. No India Shining campaign pls...we are not shining but let us understand that you are working towards making us shine one day!!!
4. The "wow" factor -Free television sets, the NREGA schemes with 100 day work for the poor, the various state and central sponsored schemes that aimed at reaching people below-the--poverty line.
5. The quality of the core team that shall govern the nation of one billion people...which matter the most to the Indian Public.
The Congress: With a credible person with 5 years of past achievements, it was a wise decision by the Congress to go to poll with Dr.Manmohan Singh as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Credibility, Integrity, and the Secular outlook has helped the Congress projecting Dr.Manmohan Singh and win the elections. The arithmetic poll though did contribute in many states-which were a surprise to everyone, the past performance did,did the surprise trick for the Congress. UP was a surprise and partly could be attributed to Rahul Gandhi's pro-poor agenda,leading to a resurgent Congress cadre and winning as many as 21 seats overall,beating SP and BSP.AP was the chief architect with the largest contribution to the party's total.
Overall, the Congress results are the outcome of many reasons, though, for, the same results to be met again after 5 years, needs sustaining and carrying forward its performance, with much better results in the next 5 years.
The BJP: Did the BJP miscalculated the public mood overall?
1. Non-acceptance of Mr.L.K.Advani as the Prime Minister
2. In-fighting among the party members in the top(Surprise in a party with disciplined workers from RSS???)
3. No strong coalition partners like the 1999
4.Core Ideology taking twist and turns like a movie...with Ram Temple agenda rearing its ugly head
5.Attack on the Indian Prime Minister which did not go well(They forgot that the Indian Prime Minister belonged to the middle-section of the society and represent half a billion Indian population)
6. Insecular feeling "for" the Minority community in the Country by the Majority Communities.
The BJP worked on its own burial plan very meticulously and achieved the results...
The Left Forces: Symphatize with them. Insane leadership moves, contradictory steps alienating from the public, Infighting and wide difference of opinion in Key States-Kerala and West Bengal, all paved way for their cumulative loss. When the Left forces across the World are finding a resurgence, the weakness in the Indian Politics is a cause of concern for the Socialists. They need to re-work hard on their core ideology, strengthen their party base,go back to their fundamentals, read what it made someone like E.M.S be highly successful in running a Communist Government.
They need to isolate from the anti-American view points and be more broad-minded to the changing geo-political need of the nation.
To conclude, winning party should not take this as the ultimate decision of the Indian Public. They are known to change their moods every now and then. We are fickle minded. But, a strong and good leadership with good governance and real schemes targeting poor and the down-trodden to alleviate hunger and poverty will certainly help the party to win back again.
Let's not forget to remember ourself as the Indian Public,that, for a good governance, we need a good and strong oppositions -who can counter check the Government's action and keep them at bay.
Let us continue to carry positive hopes that good governance will prevail, for its like the yin and yang!
Image Courtesy - Google
Dr.Manmohan Singh,Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
Congress led alliance came winning in the most crucial states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal and surprised their allies.
5 things that were clearly evident from the election results 2009:
1.The Indian Public was reluctant to go for the third front-led by the Left forces with no clear leader being "positioned" as the Prime Ministerial candidate,and with parties which are highly corrupt,like the BSP, TDP and the AIADMK.
2. Caste was not the deciding factor for the voters, when it came to electing their representative. Evident from the way few many caste based parties got wiped away in this election -the PMK in Tamil Nadu, the UP, the Bihar,and the AP.
3. Good governance matter the most-even if it means less achievement-the sign of working towards a plan with good governance means a more to the Indian Public. No India Shining campaign pls...we are not shining but let us understand that you are working towards making us shine one day!!!
4. The "wow" factor -Free television sets, the NREGA schemes with 100 day work for the poor, the various state and central sponsored schemes that aimed at reaching people below-the--poverty line.
5. The quality of the core team that shall govern the nation of one billion people...which matter the most to the Indian Public.
The Congress: With a credible person with 5 years of past achievements, it was a wise decision by the Congress to go to poll with Dr.Manmohan Singh as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Credibility, Integrity, and the Secular outlook has helped the Congress projecting Dr.Manmohan Singh and win the elections. The arithmetic poll though did contribute in many states-which were a surprise to everyone, the past performance did,did the surprise trick for the Congress. UP was a surprise and partly could be attributed to Rahul Gandhi's pro-poor agenda,leading to a resurgent Congress cadre and winning as many as 21 seats overall,beating SP and BSP.AP was the chief architect with the largest contribution to the party's total.
Overall, the Congress results are the outcome of many reasons, though, for, the same results to be met again after 5 years, needs sustaining and carrying forward its performance, with much better results in the next 5 years.
The BJP: Did the BJP miscalculated the public mood overall?
1. Non-acceptance of Mr.L.K.Advani as the Prime Minister
2. In-fighting among the party members in the top(Surprise in a party with disciplined workers from RSS???)
3. No strong coalition partners like the 1999
4.Core Ideology taking twist and turns like a movie...with Ram Temple agenda rearing its ugly head
5.Attack on the Indian Prime Minister which did not go well(They forgot that the Indian Prime Minister belonged to the middle-section of the society and represent half a billion Indian population)
6. Insecular feeling "for" the Minority community in the Country by the Majority Communities.
The BJP worked on its own burial plan very meticulously and achieved the results...
The Left Forces: Symphatize with them. Insane leadership moves, contradictory steps alienating from the public, Infighting and wide difference of opinion in Key States-Kerala and West Bengal, all paved way for their cumulative loss. When the Left forces across the World are finding a resurgence, the weakness in the Indian Politics is a cause of concern for the Socialists. They need to re-work hard on their core ideology, strengthen their party base,go back to their fundamentals, read what it made someone like E.M.S be highly successful in running a Communist Government.
They need to isolate from the anti-American view points and be more broad-minded to the changing geo-political need of the nation.
To conclude, winning party should not take this as the ultimate decision of the Indian Public. They are known to change their moods every now and then. We are fickle minded. But, a strong and good leadership with good governance and real schemes targeting poor and the down-trodden to alleviate hunger and poverty will certainly help the party to win back again.
Let's not forget to remember ourself as the Indian Public,that, for a good governance, we need a good and strong oppositions -who can counter check the Government's action and keep them at bay.
Let us continue to carry positive hopes that good governance will prevail, for its like the yin and yang!
Image Courtesy - Google
Saturday, September 12, 2009
They have their exits and entrances...
After a brief sojourn, am starting again to blog my thoughts on the “unexpected” election results of India 2009.It was like, a wait and watch the parties’ post-elections, after 100 days, and, then write about the results…(honestly to admit...working time did not permit me to blog and i also started reducing my blogging time...and took the easy route of sharing news item in my blog...it was more of a convenience than a choice)
...All the world's a stage
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
for certain...they have their exits and entrances…and, they have their exits and entrances...!
Before i start to write about the results and my own perception about each political party, was reminding myself of this beautiful poem of Shakespeare…during an online chat with one of my friend…."All the World’s a stage and all the men and women merely players....."
...All the world's a stage
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
for certain...they have their exits and entrances…and, they have their exits and entrances...!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Remembering Gandhiji
In tribute to Gandhi, Nehru said: “Wherever he trod became hallowed land, wherever he sat became temples.”
PURATAN BUCH
When Gandhiji went cycling at sixty!
The incident when Gandhiji, to keep up an appointment rode a cycle at the age of sixty and that too without having had any practice before, is related by Puratom Buch in the National Herald.In 1928, Gandhiji had come to a meeting in the Vidyapith from the ashram. The meeting was held in the evening, and it was attended by some citizens. It was decided that Gandhiji would return to the ashram with some one of them by car.
Accidentally, it so happened that no car was left at the end of the meeting. It was about 5.30 in the evening. When Gandhiji came out into the compound of the Vidyapith, he had to reach the ashram in time for the evening meals at my cost. “Only twenty minutes are left. How can I reach there in time? Asked Bupu. “What could be done now?” We were also puzzled and began to stare at each other’s faces. Kaka Kalelkar had to go with Gandhiji, looking at his watch which was hanging down his waist, said to me: “Can you bring a cycle?”
“Most certainly,” said I, “but …….”I was hesitating to reply wondering how he would be able to ride a cycle at his age.
“But ….why?’ Gandhiji interrupted.“Would you be able to ride it?” asked I.“You bring a cycle and then see,” said Bapu laughingly.Immediately two cycles were brought, one for Gandhiji and one for Kaka Sahib.
It was decided that they should begin cycling after reaching the main road leading to the ashram. I began to lead Bapu’s cycle.“I hope you will be able to guide me properly,” said Bapu in a jocular tone.“Yes, why not? But do you know it well or not?” I asked.“It is very easy to mount the cycle, but I hope your cycle would not collide with anything.” Both Bapu and I roared with laughter.
“No, no, I have no such fear,” said Bapu. “The only thing I have in view is to reach the ashram in time.”As soon as we reached the main road, we helped Bapu in mounting the cycle. I firmly caught hold of the seat from the back and began to lead the cycle after setting it in motion just as we do in the case of amateur cyclists. Gandhiji had begun pedalling by this time. He was confident that he would be able to cycle. So, he said to me, “Now you need not run with the cycle, otherwise you will get tired.”“All right, I would not run more,” said I, “but do you know that till now I was holding the seat?”“So, now, let me try by myself. You go back If am successful,” suggested Bapu. I let Bapu go alone and saw that he was cycling straight in the middle of the road without the slightest fear of losing the balance.“Now you have passed test and are permitted to go along,” said I, laughing, trying to control my gasping run for about a furlong, leaving Bapu and Kaka Sahib to themselves.
Next day, we came to know that bell for the evening meals was just being rung when Gandhiji reached the ashram and that he had unmounted the cycle by placing his feet on the ground like an amateur.I saw then how strictly (unflinchingly) Gandhiji carried out his fixed programme.
Even if he had not kept the appointed time, everyone could have easily understood that he must have been detained for some work-more so, because he was the head of the ashram.
Gandhiji, however, always insisted on not making any change in the fixed programme. I could understand this from his cycling from the Vidyapith to the ashram at the age of 60 and that too without any practice.
Gandhiji was not only strict in carrying out his fixed programme but he insisted on others doing so equally rigorously.
He said: “just as the sun, the moon and the stars do their work regularly and without fail, similarly why should we, human beings, not?”
Love you India
August 15,1947 (Image Coutesy: Hinduonnet.com)
Going back to History -At the stroke of midnight, on 14th August 1947, India became an independent nation,followed by the famous speech of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, titled "Tryst with Destiny".
How many human lives got lost in the struggle to this freedom...is it worth all their sacrifice..We,the present generation has to ponder and think!
"Tryst with Destiny".
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.
At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.
It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.
At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again.
The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?
Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon this assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now.
That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.
The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over.
And so we have to labour and to work, and work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for anyone of them to imagine that it can live apart.
Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so also is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join us with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.
The appointed day has come - the day appointed by destiny - and India stands forth again, after long slumber and struggle, awake, vital, free and independent. The past clings on to us still in some measure and we have to do much before we redeem the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about.
It is a fateful moment for us in India, for all Asia and for the world. A new star rises, the star of freedom in the east, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materialises. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed!
We rejoice in that freedom, even though clouds surround us, and many of our people are sorrow-stricken and difficult problems encompass us. But freedom brings responsibilities and burdens and we have to face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people.
On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, the father of our nation, who, embodying the old spirit of India, held aloft the torch of freedom and lighted up the darkness that surrounded us.
We have often been unworthy followers of his and have strayed from his message, but not only we but succeeding generations will remember this message and bear the imprint in their hearts of this great son of India, magnificent in his faith and strength and courage and humility. We shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.
Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward, have served India even unto death. We think also of our brothers and sisters who have been cut off from us by political boundaries and who unhappily cannot share at present in the freedom that has come. They are of us and will remain of us whatever may happen, and we shall be sharers in their good and ill fortune alike.
The future beckons to us. Whither 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.
We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for any one of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intended them to be.
We are citizens of a great country, on the verge of bold advance, and we have to live up to that high standard.
All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges and obligations. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the nations and peoples of the world we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom and democracy.
And to India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service. Jai Hind [Victory to India].
It's worth to recall the words of Mark Twain, the great scholar:"India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.
Saluting with all humbleness, the sacrifice of my past generations’ life for the freedom of my mother nation, through Truth and Non-Violence, Love you India.
Jai Hind.
(Image Coutesy of Gandhiji: google)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Swine Flue-What Can I Do?
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
What can I do?
Updated 11 June 2009(in WHO website)
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:
avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
When and how to use a mask?
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet. Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription
What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?
No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Can I travel?
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.
Courtesy - WHO website (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html)
What can I do?
Updated 11 June 2009(in WHO website)
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:
avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
When and how to use a mask?
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet. Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription
What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?
No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Can I travel?
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.
Courtesy - WHO website (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html)
You could have handled it much better, Mr.Health Minister
Was travelling from Chennai to Madurai for a Market visit a month back. And, my co-passenger was a gentleman working with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Department.As we started discussing on the recent Swine Flu incidents in India, i was astonished to hear that the people posted in Airports had a tough time to monitor, control and make travellers arriving inside the Country, to comply for the test and his Department's unpreparedness to combat the challenges in the coming months. Now, a month later, with the first death reported, it is becoming a major concern for the nation.
As much talked about, is the Ministry's laggardness in handling the entire episode. The recent death of a young student in Pune as well the statements of the Union Health Minister, Mr.Azad does not look like "all is well" in the Country.
We are a nation with a billion people living in close contacts to each other, and with the upcoming monsoon in many parts of the country, the spread is going to be much faster. Palpable is the sorry state of affairs of the government health centers,where the testing is done. Need of the hour is the collaboration of the Public and Private health sectors, coming together with the NGOs to educate the public through proper literature's, the preventive mechanism. Equally,the affected public have a moral responsibility to stay quarantined, if affected.If required, States should pass law to hold the affected people isolated from the mass. Travellers from swine flu affected nation should also make all possibility to post-pone their travel to India, if suspected with the flu, to avoid spreading of the Flu inside the nation(for the spread has happened due to the incoming travellers).
The health ministry has a huge role to play.The production of the TamiFlu should be increased and should be made available at drug stores to be sold against doctors prescription. The Private hospitals should be geared up to handle the testing and early treatment of the affected patients.Cost of treatment should be subsidized by the Ministry of Health-so that there is no one who will lose life due to affordability of quality treatment.And, research should be speeden up to find alternatives to kill the flu, in case, they are not muted and become immune to Tamiflu, in future. N95 mask, which is recommended for preventing Swine Flu (that could prevent 95%) should be made available across the country within the next four weeks time.
With WHO having raised the Influenza Pandemic Alert to level 6-which is the highest level, it shows how fast the influenza spreads and affects the health of millions of people, globally.
The Ministry of Health, Government of India, the Private Hospitals and the Public and state machinery's should come together to coordinate, communicate better and prevent the spread and ensure, we, as a nation are geared up as quickly as possible to stop getting affected, rather than blaming each other.
All said, the role of the Health Ministry is very crucial and most important and hence, it could have been still better handled in a more responsible and timely manner by the Health Minister. Let the health minister stop giving statements and start getting his people at all levels, to work faster, and with more care and concern in the coming days.
The role of the media should be appreciated-which is doing a commendable job in terms of communicating more news about Swine Flue-at the same time, they have to be cautious to ensure they do not overstep the border, which may result in creating more panic across the nation, as it happened in Pune.
As much talked about, is the Ministry's laggardness in handling the entire episode. The recent death of a young student in Pune as well the statements of the Union Health Minister, Mr.Azad does not look like "all is well" in the Country.
We are a nation with a billion people living in close contacts to each other, and with the upcoming monsoon in many parts of the country, the spread is going to be much faster. Palpable is the sorry state of affairs of the government health centers,where the testing is done. Need of the hour is the collaboration of the Public and Private health sectors, coming together with the NGOs to educate the public through proper literature's, the preventive mechanism. Equally,the affected public have a moral responsibility to stay quarantined, if affected.If required, States should pass law to hold the affected people isolated from the mass. Travellers from swine flu affected nation should also make all possibility to post-pone their travel to India, if suspected with the flu, to avoid spreading of the Flu inside the nation(for the spread has happened due to the incoming travellers).
The health ministry has a huge role to play.The production of the TamiFlu should be increased and should be made available at drug stores to be sold against doctors prescription. The Private hospitals should be geared up to handle the testing and early treatment of the affected patients.Cost of treatment should be subsidized by the Ministry of Health-so that there is no one who will lose life due to affordability of quality treatment.And, research should be speeden up to find alternatives to kill the flu, in case, they are not muted and become immune to Tamiflu, in future. N95 mask, which is recommended for preventing Swine Flu (that could prevent 95%) should be made available across the country within the next four weeks time.
With WHO having raised the Influenza Pandemic Alert to level 6-which is the highest level, it shows how fast the influenza spreads and affects the health of millions of people, globally.
The Ministry of Health, Government of India, the Private Hospitals and the Public and state machinery's should come together to coordinate, communicate better and prevent the spread and ensure, we, as a nation are geared up as quickly as possible to stop getting affected, rather than blaming each other.
All said, the role of the Health Ministry is very crucial and most important and hence, it could have been still better handled in a more responsible and timely manner by the Health Minister. Let the health minister stop giving statements and start getting his people at all levels, to work faster, and with more care and concern in the coming days.
The role of the media should be appreciated-which is doing a commendable job in terms of communicating more news about Swine Flue-at the same time, they have to be cautious to ensure they do not overstep the border, which may result in creating more panic across the nation, as it happened in Pune.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Hold the hand of the person who loves you
Would like to share a beautiful story that has moved my heart t'is week...
A Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand."
"What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father. "There's a big difference," replied the little girl.
"If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold yours... This message is too short......but carries a lot of Feelings.
Courtesy: Anonymous
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Success of Indian Democracy
Hats off to the Indian election commission and the various public officers/offices who had all come together to successfully complete the largest and gala festival in my home country, The Great Indian Election, 2009.
The march of the Big Indian Elephant, continues.... journey, slowly, but unfazed, ahead plenty of challenges…and promises to keep….and miles to go…but, the land marches ahead, with a billion people.
Billion Thanks
To a few hundreds and thousands of people
Who orchestrated the big Indian Election Show
And, again, a billion thanks,
To those million who came out bravely to vote
And, a million thanks to those who tried but could not vote but still thought
Countless billion thanks to the Indian Election Commission
For the success of this election 2009
For this is the success of democracy-not just Indian
Still living
And giving hopes
To rest of the World
And to itself
that - World still is a better place to live
Let’s live and let others live!
Flag Artwork Courtesy: http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/01/23/images/indian_flag_400.jpg
The march of the Big Indian Elephant, continues.... journey, slowly, but unfazed, ahead plenty of challenges…and promises to keep….and miles to go…but, the land marches ahead, with a billion people.
Billion Thanks
To a few hundreds and thousands of people
Who orchestrated the big Indian Election Show
And, again, a billion thanks,
To those million who came out bravely to vote
And, a million thanks to those who tried but could not vote but still thought
Countless billion thanks to the Indian Election Commission
For the success of this election 2009
For this is the success of democracy-not just Indian
Still living
And giving hopes
To rest of the World
And to itself
that - World still is a better place to live
Let’s live and let others live!
Flag Artwork Courtesy: http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/01/23/images/indian_flag_400.jpg
Monday, April 6, 2009
March 2009
March is the financial closing year for all the Industries. It has been a challenging year for all of us in the Industry. And, no less, will be the challenges, that shall be confronted by all of us, in this coming financial year. The fight to retain the present market shares and achieve growth simultaneously in a market, which is witnessing a contraction in consumer demand, is going to be much bigger challenge. World over, Government’s action of pumping more money into the market to turn them vibrant is not changing the course of the market.
The consumer’s confidence is at its lowest ebb at this point of time.
At home, the Indians saw the big fight between IPL organizers and the Government against the decision not to provide security. As the Hindu editorial “Over the top” (March 25) has pointed out,"... even children knew that the general election was scheduled for April and May. Surely, this could not have missed the attention of the IPL organizers. But their business acumen and the weakness of our people for cricket have made them shift the tournament out of our country. "It was surprising to note that hasty statements were made in the media by many including few opposition parties. As any ruling government would have done, the UPA’s decision to concentrate on the elections was a wise call.
Also, the public bashing of certain community by the fascist BJP through young Varun Gandhi only revealed one of the many faces of the BJP, which continue to disturb the communal harmony in this nation.The unfortunate part was that someone from the Nehru family was used as the pawn.
The month also saw the final launch preparations for the nano car in the Indian market.The mood is high, especially among each and every member in the Tata Group, and among everyone across the Industries. The smart work by my colleagues in the Nano marketing team is surely going to make "nano" carve out its own market share in its segment.
Finally the good piece is that the Indian cricket team is in the verge of winning the series in New Zealand after some 4 decades.
Lets hope the new financial year revives the World economy sooner.
March 2009 Animation Courtesy - My Sister!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
During one of the days of February, I reached my transit flat in Coimbatore from Bangalore on an early morning. Our wonderful Caretaker, Mr.Selvam, a young entrepreneur in the past, greeted me with his kind smile. He knows that, am one of the biggest admirer of his culinary capabilities. Not just because am a home food starved young bachelor in the company, but, because, I am a highly interactive person with him. So, he takes special care to ask what I would like to have for the day and would be happy to serve me with all affection, the best of the home made foods.
Selvam is a wonderful gentleman, in his late twenties. He has been in our guest house for the last couple of years. He has his own fans in our company. In fact, when we (a group of associates in the company who keep traveling across markets throughout the year, from all divisions), keep meeting in the breakfast table in various locations, we rate our caretakers. And, Selvam will certainly top the list. In fact, last year, when I had a fairly couple of days stay in Coimbatore for my brand store opening, the night, he told me about his successful stint as an entrepreneur in Pondicherry. That day was wonderful for it helped me understand couple of mistakes any entrepreneur normally makes in his/her company. Selvam exactly did the same thing, and one day, had to wind of his business. At around one ‘O clock that day,When the city was seeing some beautiful drizzles, their I sat in our Balcony,with Selvam, telling me how he build his business and how he also lost the same. And, surprisingly I asked him, his future moves and he told with grit and wit, that he will again get back to his business soon and will ensure this time, he wins. I prayed to God that night, that, God, give Selvam all the courage to build his business again and protect him with all wisdom, not to repeat the mistakes he made earlier and give him all wealth. Selvam was not greedy. He was content but had ambitions. He was honest. I know that, sooner, one day, I will meet Mr.Selvam, the successful business man in Pondicherry. For am sure, God will make that happen.
India needs such Selvam kind of businessman, who will build honest business. (I need a separate blog to write about Selvam’s business and the way he built it to lose one day). A smart guy, who can smell opportunity(shall just share with you his business in a nutshell –He used to buy broomstick-a particular kind in a remote village in Tamil Nadu and sell it to big time wholesale seller in Bangalore market, where the product has a Customer base).
But, World cannot afford greedy businessmen. They kill the trust of millions of people and their associates. Unknowingly, one can commit errors that shall lead to wisdom and finally Self-Realization. Certainly not in the name of smartness like what few do today.
Anitha Roddick, The founder of Body Shop, wrote beautifully in her book, that, Business is larger than Nations and Churches. Such is its power to change the way people live their life.
I had been to the Indian Parliament twice. Once when Shri.V.P.Singh was the Prime Minister and I was a kid. And, this time, a year back, the day before the Independence Day. I had attended sessions in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as a Visitor. It was not a surprise to see an ordinary budget being passed before the final session-Since, it was an interim budget by a caretaker government before the elections. What surprised me was the women reservation bill that did not see the light.
The month saw the Indian Women Cricket team winning the Australians to reach the third place in the World Cup.
The month also saw Shri.A.R.Rahman winning two academy awards along with Resul Pookutty, winning one. It was a heartfelt scene to see the young little cute kids from the slums of Mumbai to address the press standing in the red carpet, along with the Industry’s top performers.
What great words they are….from Rahmanji….”In my life,I always had a choice between love and hate and I chose love. And, I am here...”
Right words at the right moment to World-when it looked for such caring words. How true and powerful philosophies they are.
Courtesy: My sister who had animated the month Feb in such a beautiful way for my blog.
Other Photos courtesy, Google Images.
Self-Realization
You will realize God when you respect His creations!
God is an invisible distributed energy. He resides in every human being, plants and animals. The human beings are endowed with sixth sense, which should be used in realizing God. You will realize God only when you love, care and respect His creations. God expects you to carry out his functions. If you do that you become an ideal for others. God does not reside in temples. Once you are aware of the presence of God then you realize the futility of visiting temples.
We all commit mistakes. But when the same mistakes are repeated it becomes a sin. Seeking pardon for your sins results in self-realization. Your consciousness is God. Respect your consciousness, God will always be with you.
(Thanks Sister. This was sent by my sister to be put up in my blog!)
God is an invisible distributed energy. He resides in every human being, plants and animals. The human beings are endowed with sixth sense, which should be used in realizing God. You will realize God only when you love, care and respect His creations. God expects you to carry out his functions. If you do that you become an ideal for others. God does not reside in temples. Once you are aware of the presence of God then you realize the futility of visiting temples.
We all commit mistakes. But when the same mistakes are repeated it becomes a sin. Seeking pardon for your sins results in self-realization. Your consciousness is God. Respect your consciousness, God will always be with you.
(Thanks Sister. This was sent by my sister to be put up in my blog!)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Soil 2045
2045 AD. A dream comes true as I was waiting for my turn to get down from the Skybus. I saw around me the people with whom I have traveled along with from my place. They looked all different-their dressings, their discussions, the dialect they spoke, and the things they were carrying. Forty years back and now, the whole world looked different. I could not recognize anyone standing along with me. At sixty five, comparing myself with those standing near me, could notice that they all are living a healthy life style, compared to me, myself a pale shadow of my youthfulness now.
The discussion they were having all revolved around their nation’s vibrant economy, which is bullish, the laurels through bigger achievements in various fields like industrial growth, agricultural production, sports, arts & literature, healthy and positive lives lived by them, with a government by them, for them, giving good governance. They were proud of their nation’s achievement- an achievement without invading any other nation, an achievement with piousness for the betterment of their nation and the world, promoting peace.
These people all stayed in my motherland to sweat & toil, when I moved away for better prospects and wealthy lifestyle. They survived and have achieved in my own motherland against all odds, when I set my family in an alien land. Though I did achieve much in my career, lived a healthy and wealthy lifestyle, it took after forty years for me to feel that I am missing something. I decided to search for what I am missing in my life. And, the search brought me here back to my motherland, my place. Now, am here standing along with my own people in this skybus. Forty years back, we used to wait for the 8’0 clock bus to reach my Village. Today, every 15 minutes, there is a skybus flying from the city to my village. A journey that used to take 2 hours is now taking just 15 minutes. Indians in India have done it. I feel proud but unable to take privilege and feel the pride since something is missing.
The door has opened. And, I stepped out of the skybus, hurried outside the station, into my village along with my people.
As soon as I stepped out, I knew I have found the missing thing in my life. I felt the breeze- the air with which I grew up forty years back. I ran inside the agricultural field nearby, and bent down to grab a handful of them-and brought it near my face-and felt it with my skin. I knew have got what I was missing in my life. Tears trickled down my face. I am now with my Soil.
(When I wrote this as a small piece of story, I was traveling somewhere into the hinterland of Andhra Pradesh in June 2008 along with a fellow Indian, who had come back from the US on a short trip, from Philadelphia. I understood that he was here to see his Mother and is about to return back to the US in a week's time. We had discussions on wide range of topics, speaking about the differences between both the nations-and as we were crossing Villages, i got inspired to write this Story of a Man, who had left for the West, after Forty Years, return back to his homeland, with all achievements, but, realizing how much he missed his Soil)
The discussion they were having all revolved around their nation’s vibrant economy, which is bullish, the laurels through bigger achievements in various fields like industrial growth, agricultural production, sports, arts & literature, healthy and positive lives lived by them, with a government by them, for them, giving good governance. They were proud of their nation’s achievement- an achievement without invading any other nation, an achievement with piousness for the betterment of their nation and the world, promoting peace.
These people all stayed in my motherland to sweat & toil, when I moved away for better prospects and wealthy lifestyle. They survived and have achieved in my own motherland against all odds, when I set my family in an alien land. Though I did achieve much in my career, lived a healthy and wealthy lifestyle, it took after forty years for me to feel that I am missing something. I decided to search for what I am missing in my life. And, the search brought me here back to my motherland, my place. Now, am here standing along with my own people in this skybus. Forty years back, we used to wait for the 8’0 clock bus to reach my Village. Today, every 15 minutes, there is a skybus flying from the city to my village. A journey that used to take 2 hours is now taking just 15 minutes. Indians in India have done it. I feel proud but unable to take privilege and feel the pride since something is missing.
The door has opened. And, I stepped out of the skybus, hurried outside the station, into my village along with my people.
As soon as I stepped out, I knew I have found the missing thing in my life. I felt the breeze- the air with which I grew up forty years back. I ran inside the agricultural field nearby, and bent down to grab a handful of them-and brought it near my face-and felt it with my skin. I knew have got what I was missing in my life. Tears trickled down my face. I am now with my Soil.(When I wrote this as a small piece of story, I was traveling somewhere into the hinterland of Andhra Pradesh in June 2008 along with a fellow Indian, who had come back from the US on a short trip, from Philadelphia. I understood that he was here to see his Mother and is about to return back to the US in a week's time. We had discussions on wide range of topics, speaking about the differences between both the nations-and as we were crossing Villages, i got inspired to write this Story of a Man, who had left for the West, after Forty Years, return back to his homeland, with all achievements, but, realizing how much he missed his Soil)
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Ray Of Hope ...
Over the past few months, economic recession and growing uncertainties are creating a depressing atmosphere. It's quite understandable. Business and people are affected globally. However, negative thoughts and discussions will only be adding fuel to it. What we need at this time is - Hope.
One of greatest gifts to mankind is 'hope'. With it, all things are possible. Without it, nothing is possible.
Hope is a decision or choice we make. We decide to trust life. The difference between living with hope and living in fear is like the difference between the life of a hero and the life of a coward. Those who live in fear, refuse to take risks, and wind up settling for a life of mediocrity. But those who live with hope, boldly go where their dreams take them, and experience a life of adventure. Marion Bradley makes a lot of sense when she writes, "It has never been, and never will be, easy work! But the road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination."
Life is synonymous with change. So, any pain or fear that I am experiencing will end, which is a cause to be hopeful. JF Kennedy has said ~ "Every area of trouble gives out a ray of hope, and the one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable."
.
Hope sustains us. It provides us with the strength to look for solutions and do whatever is possible or accept what cannot be changed. It helps us to weather the storm in a sea of uncertainty, and its optimism acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy, washing away problems. Hope is the fuel for action. When we are filled with hope we have a reason to act.
He / she who does not hope to win has already lost. So don't hope your problems grow smaller; hope 'you' grow bigger. Don't hope to receive much more than you already have, but hope to be much more grateful for what you now have.
I leave you with Thomas Fuller's powerful words ~ "Great hopes make great men. You are as great as your hopes, so keep the flames burning, and feed the fire with more and bigger dreams.
Courtesy - Anonymous
One of greatest gifts to mankind is 'hope'. With it, all things are possible. Without it, nothing is possible.
Hope is a decision or choice we make. We decide to trust life. The difference between living with hope and living in fear is like the difference between the life of a hero and the life of a coward. Those who live in fear, refuse to take risks, and wind up settling for a life of mediocrity. But those who live with hope, boldly go where their dreams take them, and experience a life of adventure. Marion Bradley makes a lot of sense when she writes, "It has never been, and never will be, easy work! But the road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination."
Life is synonymous with change. So, any pain or fear that I am experiencing will end, which is a cause to be hopeful. JF Kennedy has said ~ "Every area of trouble gives out a ray of hope, and the one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable."
.
Hope sustains us. It provides us with the strength to look for solutions and do whatever is possible or accept what cannot be changed. It helps us to weather the storm in a sea of uncertainty, and its optimism acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy, washing away problems. Hope is the fuel for action. When we are filled with hope we have a reason to act.
He / she who does not hope to win has already lost. So don't hope your problems grow smaller; hope 'you' grow bigger. Don't hope to receive much more than you already have, but hope to be much more grateful for what you now have.
I leave you with Thomas Fuller's powerful words ~ "Great hopes make great men. You are as great as your hopes, so keep the flames burning, and feed the fire with more and bigger dreams.
Courtesy - Anonymous
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Lee Wei Ling on the arrival of slump time!
By Lee Wei Ling
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute and Lee Kuan Yew's daughter(Lee Kuan Yew is the former Prime Minister of Singapore).
In 2007, in an end-of-year message to the staff of the National Neuroscience Institute, I wrote: 'Whilst boom time in the public sector is never as booming as in the private sector, let us not forget that boom time is eventually followed by slump time. Slump time in the public sector is always less painful compared to the private sector.' Slump time has arrived with a bang.
While I worry about the poorer Singaporeans who will be hit hard, perhaps this recession has come at an opportune time for many of us. It will give us an incentive to reconsider our priorities in life. Decades of the good life have made us soft. The wealthy especially, but also the middle class in Singapore, have had it so good for so long, what they once considered luxuries, they now think of as necessities.
A mobile phone, for instance, is now a statement about who you are, not just a piece of equipment for communication. Hence many people buy the latest model though their existing mobile phones are still in perfect working order.
A Mercedes-Benz is no longer adequate as a status symbol. For millionaires who wish to show the world they have taste, a Ferrari or a Porsche is deemed more appropriate.
The same attitude influences the choice of attire and accessories. I still find it hard to believe that there are people carrying handbags that cost more than thrice the monthly income of a bus driver, and many more times that of the foreign worker labouring in the hot sun, risking his life to construct luxury condominiums he will never have a chance to live in.
The media encourages and amplifies this ostentatious consumption. Perhaps it is good to encourage people to spend more because this will prevent the recession from getting worse. I am not an economist, but wasn't that the root cause of the current crisis - Americans spending more than they could afford to?
I am not a particularly spiritual person. I don't believe in the supernatural and I don't think I have a soul that will survive my death. But as I view the crass materialism around me, I am reminded of what my mother once told me: 'Suffering and deprivation is good for the soul.'
My family is not poor, but we have been brought up to be frugal. My parents and I live in the same house that my paternal grandparents and their children moved into after World War II in 1945. It is a big house by today's standards, but it is simple - in fact, almost to the point of being shabby.
Those who see it for the first time are astonished that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's home is so humble. But it is a comfortable house, a home we have got used to. Though it does look shabby compared to the new mansions on our street, we are not bothered by the comparison.
Most of the world and much of Singapore will lament the economic downturn. We have been told to tighten our belts. There will undoubtedly be suffering, which we must try our best to ameliorate. But I personally think the hard times will hold a timely lesson for many Singaporeans, especially those born after 1970 who have never lived through difficult times. No matter how poor you are in Singapore, the authorities and social groups do try to ensure you have shelter and food. Nobody starves in Singapore.
Many of those who are currently living in mansions and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle will probably still be able to do so, even if they might have to downgrade from wines costing $20,000 a bottle to $10,000 a bottle. They would hardly notice the difference.
Being wealthy is not a sin. It cannot be in a capitalist market economy. Enjoying the fruits of one's own labour is one's prerogative and I have no right to chastise those who choose to live luxuriously.
But if one is blinded by materialism, there would be no end to wanting and hankering. After the Ferrari, what next? An Aston Martin? After the Hermes Birkin handbag, what can one upgrade to?
Neither an Aston Martin nor a Hermes Birkin can make us truly happy or contented. They are like dust, a fog obscuring the true meaning of life, and can be blown away in the twinkling of an eye.
When the end approaches and we look back on our lives, will we regret the latest mobile phone or luxury car that we did not acquire? Or would we prefer to die at peace with ourselves, knowing that we have lived lives filled with love, friendship and goodwill, that we have helped some of our fellow voyagers along the way and that we have tried our best to leave this world a slightly better place than we found it?
We know which is the correct choice - and it is within our power to make that choice.
In this new year, burdened as it is with the problems of the year that has just ended, let us again try to choose wisely.
To a considerable degree, our happiness is within our own control, and we should not follow the herd blindly.
Courtesy - Thanks to my Mentor, who has circulated this mail from his end, worth emulating some good practices in our life for a better society.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute and Lee Kuan Yew's daughter(Lee Kuan Yew is the former Prime Minister of Singapore).
In 2007, in an end-of-year message to the staff of the National Neuroscience Institute, I wrote: 'Whilst boom time in the public sector is never as booming as in the private sector, let us not forget that boom time is eventually followed by slump time. Slump time in the public sector is always less painful compared to the private sector.' Slump time has arrived with a bang.
While I worry about the poorer Singaporeans who will be hit hard, perhaps this recession has come at an opportune time for many of us. It will give us an incentive to reconsider our priorities in life. Decades of the good life have made us soft. The wealthy especially, but also the middle class in Singapore, have had it so good for so long, what they once considered luxuries, they now think of as necessities.
A mobile phone, for instance, is now a statement about who you are, not just a piece of equipment for communication. Hence many people buy the latest model though their existing mobile phones are still in perfect working order.
A Mercedes-Benz is no longer adequate as a status symbol. For millionaires who wish to show the world they have taste, a Ferrari or a Porsche is deemed more appropriate.
The same attitude influences the choice of attire and accessories. I still find it hard to believe that there are people carrying handbags that cost more than thrice the monthly income of a bus driver, and many more times that of the foreign worker labouring in the hot sun, risking his life to construct luxury condominiums he will never have a chance to live in.
The media encourages and amplifies this ostentatious consumption. Perhaps it is good to encourage people to spend more because this will prevent the recession from getting worse. I am not an economist, but wasn't that the root cause of the current crisis - Americans spending more than they could afford to?
I am not a particularly spiritual person. I don't believe in the supernatural and I don't think I have a soul that will survive my death. But as I view the crass materialism around me, I am reminded of what my mother once told me: 'Suffering and deprivation is good for the soul.'
My family is not poor, but we have been brought up to be frugal. My parents and I live in the same house that my paternal grandparents and their children moved into after World War II in 1945. It is a big house by today's standards, but it is simple - in fact, almost to the point of being shabby.
Those who see it for the first time are astonished that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's home is so humble. But it is a comfortable house, a home we have got used to. Though it does look shabby compared to the new mansions on our street, we are not bothered by the comparison.
Most of the world and much of Singapore will lament the economic downturn. We have been told to tighten our belts. There will undoubtedly be suffering, which we must try our best to ameliorate. But I personally think the hard times will hold a timely lesson for many Singaporeans, especially those born after 1970 who have never lived through difficult times. No matter how poor you are in Singapore, the authorities and social groups do try to ensure you have shelter and food. Nobody starves in Singapore.
Many of those who are currently living in mansions and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle will probably still be able to do so, even if they might have to downgrade from wines costing $20,000 a bottle to $10,000 a bottle. They would hardly notice the difference.
Being wealthy is not a sin. It cannot be in a capitalist market economy. Enjoying the fruits of one's own labour is one's prerogative and I have no right to chastise those who choose to live luxuriously.
But if one is blinded by materialism, there would be no end to wanting and hankering. After the Ferrari, what next? An Aston Martin? After the Hermes Birkin handbag, what can one upgrade to?
Neither an Aston Martin nor a Hermes Birkin can make us truly happy or contented. They are like dust, a fog obscuring the true meaning of life, and can be blown away in the twinkling of an eye.
When the end approaches and we look back on our lives, will we regret the latest mobile phone or luxury car that we did not acquire? Or would we prefer to die at peace with ourselves, knowing that we have lived lives filled with love, friendship and goodwill, that we have helped some of our fellow voyagers along the way and that we have tried our best to leave this world a slightly better place than we found it?
We know which is the correct choice - and it is within our power to make that choice.
In this new year, burdened as it is with the problems of the year that has just ended, let us again try to choose wisely.
To a considerable degree, our happiness is within our own control, and we should not follow the herd blindly.
Courtesy - Thanks to my Mentor, who has circulated this mail from his end, worth emulating some good practices in our life for a better society.
Managing Career & Expectations - R. Gopalakrishnan - Executive Director, Tata Sons.
Managing Career & Expectations:
Talk at IIM
(These are the personal views of Mr. R. Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director - Tata Sons)
Great Stuff from a great ex-HLL manager. A Story on how to manage your career & your expectations by R. Gopalakrishnan
There is a Thai saying that experience is a comb which Nature gives to man after he is bald. As I grow bald, I would like to share my comb with you.
1. Seek out grassroots level experience
I studied Physics and Engineering at University. A few months before graduation, I appeared for an HLL interview for Computer Traineeship. When asked whether I would consider Marketing instead of Computers, I responded negatively : an engineer to visit grocery shops to sell Dalda or Lifebuoy? Gosh, no way. After I joined the Company and a couple of comfortable weeks in the swanky Head Office, I was given a train ticket to go to Nasik. Would I please meet Mr. Kelkar to whom I would be attached for the next two months? He would teach me to work as a salesman in his territory, which included staying in Kopargaon and Pimpalgaon among other small towns. I was most upset. In a town called Ozhar, I was moving around from shop to shop with a bullock cart full of products and a salesman's folder in my hand. Imagine my embarrassment when an IIT friend appeared in front of me in Ozhar, believe it or not! And exclaimed, "Gopal, I thought you joined as a Management Trainee in Computers". I could have died a thousand deaths. After this leveling experience, I was less embarrassed to work as a Dispatch Clerk in the Company Depot and an Invoice Clerk in the Accounts Department. Several years later, I realised the value of such grassroots level experience. It is fantastic. I would advise young people to seek out nail-dirtying, collar-soiling, shoe-wearing tasks. That is how you learn about organizations, about the true nature of work, and the dignity of the many, many tasks that go into building great enterprises.
2. Deserve before you desire
At one stage, I was appointed as the Brand Manager for Lifebuoy and Pears soap, the company's most popular-priced and most premium soaps. And what was a Brand Manager? "A mini-businessman, responsible for the production, sales and profits of the brand, accountable for its long-term growth, etc., etc. I had read those statements, I believed them and here I was, at 27,"in charge of everything". But very soon, I found I could not move a pin without checking with my seniors. One evening, after turning the Facit machine handle through various calculations, I sat in front of the Marketing Director. I expressed my frustration and gently asked whether I could not be given total charge. He smiled benignly and said, "The perception and reality are both right. You will get total charge when you know more about the brand than anyone else in this company about its formulation, the raw materials, the production costs, the consumer's perception, the distribution and so on. How long do you think that it will take?" "Maybe, ten years", I replied, "and I don't expect to be the Lifebuoy and Pears Brand Manager for so long"! And then suddenly, the lesson was clear. I was desiring total control, long before I deserved it. This happens to us all the time - in terms of responsibilities, in terms of postings and promotions, it happens all the time that there is a gap between our perception of what we deserve and the reality of what we get. It helps to deserve before we desire.
3. Play to win but win with fairness
Life is competitive and of course, you play to win. But think about the balance. Will you do anything, to win? Perhaps not. Think deeply about how and where you draw the line. Each person draws it differently, and in doing so, it helps to think about values. Winning without values provides dubious fulfillment. The leaders who have contributed the most are the ones with a set of universal values! Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King for example. Napoleon inspired a ragged, mutinous and half-starved army to fight and seize power. This brought him name and fame for twenty years. But all the while, he was driven forward by a selfish and evil ambition, and not in pursuit of a great ideal. He finally fell because of his selfish ambition. I am fond of referring to the Pierre de Coubertin Fair Play Trophy. It was instituted in 1964 by the founder of the modern Olympic Games and here are two examples of winners. A Hungarian tennis player who pleaded with the umpire to give his opponent some more time to recover from a cramp. A British kayak team who were trailing the Danish kayak team. They then stopped to help the Danish team whose boat was stuck. The Danes went on to beat the British by one second in a three hour event! What wonderful examples of sportsmanship! Play to Win, but with Fairness.
4. Enjoy whatever you do
Sir Thomas Lipton is credited with the statement, "There is no greater fun than hard work". You usually excel in fields, which you truly enjoy. Ask any person what it is that interferes with his enjoyment of existence. He will say, "The struggle for life". What he probably means is the struggle for success. Unless a person has learnt what to do with success after getting it, the very achievement of it must lead him to unhappiness. Aristotle wrote, "Humans seek happiness as an end in itself, not as a means to something else". But if you think about it, we should not work for happiness. We should work as happy people. In organizational life, people get busy doing something to be happy. The more you try to be happy, the more unhappy you can get. Your work and career is all about you’re reaching your full potential. Working at one's full potential, whether it is the office boy or the Chairman, leads to enjoyment and fulfillment. A last point about enjoyment. Keep a sense of humor about yourself. Too many people are in danger of taking themselves far too seriously. As General Joe Stilwell is reported to have said, "Keep smiling. The higher the monkey climbs, the more you can see of his backside".
5. Be Passionate about your health
Of course, as you get older, you would have a slight paunch, graying of hair or loss of it and so on. But it is in the first 5 - 7 years after the working career begins that the greatest neglect of youthful health occurs. Sportsmen stop playing sports, non drinkers drink alcohol, light smokers smoke more, active people sit on chairs, and starving inmates of hostels eat rich food in good hotels and so on. These are the years to watch. Do not, I repeat do not, convince yourself that you are too busy, or that you do not have access to facilities, or worst of all, that you do this to relieve the stresses of a professional career. A professional career is indeed very stressful. There is only one person who can help you to cope with the tension, avoid the doctor's scalpel, and to feel good each morning - and that is yourself. God has given us as good a health as He has, a bit like a credit balance in the bank. Grow it, maintain it, but do not allow its value destruction. The penalty is very high in later years.
6. Direction is more important than distance
Every golfer tries to drive the ball to a very long distance. In the process, all sorts of mistakes occur because the game involves the masterly co-ordination of several movements simultaneously. The golf coach always advises that direction is more important than distance. So it is with life. Despite one's best attempts, there will be ups and downs. It is relationships and friendships that enable a person to navigate the choppy waters that the ship of life will encounter. When I was young, there was a memorable film by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart and Dona Reed, and named IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It is about a man who is about to commit suicide because he thinks he is a failure. An angel is sent to rescue him. The bottom line of the film is that "No Man is a Failure Who Has Friends".
Conclusion:
My generation will never be twenty again, but when you are older, you can and should be different from my generation. Ours is a great and wonderful country, and realising her true potential in the global arena depends ever so much on the quality and persistence of our young people.
Good luck in your journey, my young friends, and God be with you.
Courtesy:This article posted in my blog is a forward that I have received from my Corporate circle. Inspiring & worth sharing -It's posted with the intention to spread such good messages to one and all.
Talk at IIM
(These are the personal views of Mr. R. Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director - Tata Sons)
Great Stuff from a great ex-HLL manager. A Story on how to manage your career & your expectations by R. Gopalakrishnan
There is a Thai saying that experience is a comb which Nature gives to man after he is bald. As I grow bald, I would like to share my comb with you.
1. Seek out grassroots level experience
I studied Physics and Engineering at University. A few months before graduation, I appeared for an HLL interview for Computer Traineeship. When asked whether I would consider Marketing instead of Computers, I responded negatively : an engineer to visit grocery shops to sell Dalda or Lifebuoy? Gosh, no way. After I joined the Company and a couple of comfortable weeks in the swanky Head Office, I was given a train ticket to go to Nasik. Would I please meet Mr. Kelkar to whom I would be attached for the next two months? He would teach me to work as a salesman in his territory, which included staying in Kopargaon and Pimpalgaon among other small towns. I was most upset. In a town called Ozhar, I was moving around from shop to shop with a bullock cart full of products and a salesman's folder in my hand. Imagine my embarrassment when an IIT friend appeared in front of me in Ozhar, believe it or not! And exclaimed, "Gopal, I thought you joined as a Management Trainee in Computers". I could have died a thousand deaths. After this leveling experience, I was less embarrassed to work as a Dispatch Clerk in the Company Depot and an Invoice Clerk in the Accounts Department. Several years later, I realised the value of such grassroots level experience. It is fantastic. I would advise young people to seek out nail-dirtying, collar-soiling, shoe-wearing tasks. That is how you learn about organizations, about the true nature of work, and the dignity of the many, many tasks that go into building great enterprises.
2. Deserve before you desire
At one stage, I was appointed as the Brand Manager for Lifebuoy and Pears soap, the company's most popular-priced and most premium soaps. And what was a Brand Manager? "A mini-businessman, responsible for the production, sales and profits of the brand, accountable for its long-term growth, etc., etc. I had read those statements, I believed them and here I was, at 27,"in charge of everything". But very soon, I found I could not move a pin without checking with my seniors. One evening, after turning the Facit machine handle through various calculations, I sat in front of the Marketing Director. I expressed my frustration and gently asked whether I could not be given total charge. He smiled benignly and said, "The perception and reality are both right. You will get total charge when you know more about the brand than anyone else in this company about its formulation, the raw materials, the production costs, the consumer's perception, the distribution and so on. How long do you think that it will take?" "Maybe, ten years", I replied, "and I don't expect to be the Lifebuoy and Pears Brand Manager for so long"! And then suddenly, the lesson was clear. I was desiring total control, long before I deserved it. This happens to us all the time - in terms of responsibilities, in terms of postings and promotions, it happens all the time that there is a gap between our perception of what we deserve and the reality of what we get. It helps to deserve before we desire.
3. Play to win but win with fairness
Life is competitive and of course, you play to win. But think about the balance. Will you do anything, to win? Perhaps not. Think deeply about how and where you draw the line. Each person draws it differently, and in doing so, it helps to think about values. Winning without values provides dubious fulfillment. The leaders who have contributed the most are the ones with a set of universal values! Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King for example. Napoleon inspired a ragged, mutinous and half-starved army to fight and seize power. This brought him name and fame for twenty years. But all the while, he was driven forward by a selfish and evil ambition, and not in pursuit of a great ideal. He finally fell because of his selfish ambition. I am fond of referring to the Pierre de Coubertin Fair Play Trophy. It was instituted in 1964 by the founder of the modern Olympic Games and here are two examples of winners. A Hungarian tennis player who pleaded with the umpire to give his opponent some more time to recover from a cramp. A British kayak team who were trailing the Danish kayak team. They then stopped to help the Danish team whose boat was stuck. The Danes went on to beat the British by one second in a three hour event! What wonderful examples of sportsmanship! Play to Win, but with Fairness.
4. Enjoy whatever you do
Sir Thomas Lipton is credited with the statement, "There is no greater fun than hard work". You usually excel in fields, which you truly enjoy. Ask any person what it is that interferes with his enjoyment of existence. He will say, "The struggle for life". What he probably means is the struggle for success. Unless a person has learnt what to do with success after getting it, the very achievement of it must lead him to unhappiness. Aristotle wrote, "Humans seek happiness as an end in itself, not as a means to something else". But if you think about it, we should not work for happiness. We should work as happy people. In organizational life, people get busy doing something to be happy. The more you try to be happy, the more unhappy you can get. Your work and career is all about you’re reaching your full potential. Working at one's full potential, whether it is the office boy or the Chairman, leads to enjoyment and fulfillment. A last point about enjoyment. Keep a sense of humor about yourself. Too many people are in danger of taking themselves far too seriously. As General Joe Stilwell is reported to have said, "Keep smiling. The higher the monkey climbs, the more you can see of his backside".
5. Be Passionate about your health
Of course, as you get older, you would have a slight paunch, graying of hair or loss of it and so on. But it is in the first 5 - 7 years after the working career begins that the greatest neglect of youthful health occurs. Sportsmen stop playing sports, non drinkers drink alcohol, light smokers smoke more, active people sit on chairs, and starving inmates of hostels eat rich food in good hotels and so on. These are the years to watch. Do not, I repeat do not, convince yourself that you are too busy, or that you do not have access to facilities, or worst of all, that you do this to relieve the stresses of a professional career. A professional career is indeed very stressful. There is only one person who can help you to cope with the tension, avoid the doctor's scalpel, and to feel good each morning - and that is yourself. God has given us as good a health as He has, a bit like a credit balance in the bank. Grow it, maintain it, but do not allow its value destruction. The penalty is very high in later years.
6. Direction is more important than distance
Every golfer tries to drive the ball to a very long distance. In the process, all sorts of mistakes occur because the game involves the masterly co-ordination of several movements simultaneously. The golf coach always advises that direction is more important than distance. So it is with life. Despite one's best attempts, there will be ups and downs. It is relationships and friendships that enable a person to navigate the choppy waters that the ship of life will encounter. When I was young, there was a memorable film by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart and Dona Reed, and named IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It is about a man who is about to commit suicide because he thinks he is a failure. An angel is sent to rescue him. The bottom line of the film is that "No Man is a Failure Who Has Friends".
Conclusion:
My generation will never be twenty again, but when you are older, you can and should be different from my generation. Ours is a great and wonderful country, and realising her true potential in the global arena depends ever so much on the quality and persistence of our young people.
Good luck in your journey, my young friends, and God be with you.
Courtesy:This article posted in my blog is a forward that I have received from my Corporate circle. Inspiring & worth sharing -It's posted with the intention to spread such good messages to one and all.
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