Friday, December 26, 2008

Goodbye for this year

Time to change your calendars, diaries and planners. Another year has gone by and new one seems to be threatening on all fronts: war, economy , elections.
Year gone by had three highlights: 26/11, Obama and worldwide recession. Enough has been written about these three points. Other significant events :
News: China olympics, China earthquake, China economy, Bihar floods, Orrisa violence, Blasts in : kabul embassy,delhi, jaipur, ahmedabad, bangalore, guwahati, Malegaon blast politics, Raj thackray politics, Elections in: gujarat, HP, MP, Delhi etc, Malaysian indian issue, Srilankan crisis, Amarnath issue, Gujjar agitations, Chandrayaan, Singur, Sarkozy, Hurricanes in US, zimbabwe and african situations, sudanese pirates, failed bali climate conference, US nuclear deal with india, arushi, grover, nithari cases, list goes on...
On Business side: Recession, layoffs, lehman, subprime, AIG , US bailouts, madoff, UK bailout, jaguar acquision by tata, nano, satyam, oil price and $ price flucuations, FII withdrawl . overall very negative outlook.
in IT we had all hopes pinned on cloud computing with google leading the show, saas models, yahoo takeover bids, MS trying to innovate, android, domestic scene being lucrative, china competition, tier III on onwards cities, wipro, infosys takeovers.
On sports: harbhajan issue, ipl success, australia's defeats, chennai test, ODI whitewash of england, ajantha mendis magic over india , dhoni leadership, retirement of kumble and ganguly, emergence of gambhir and ishant, Bindras gold and bronze by sushil/vijendar, saina nehwal rise, vishy anand success, sania failure, leander grandslam, epic wimbledon finals, rise of nadal, federer spirit, spains truimph in euro cup after years of failures, chinas wonderful hosting of olympics, michael phelps, chinas golds, hockey disaster for india. Guys excuse as my sports interest is only in Cricket, international soccer(excludes club soccer ), tennis , indian involved olympics sports, period. (No F1s, golf, superbowl, boxing, basketball)
On films and entertainment: aamir started the year and ended it with bang, justified decline of YRF, good movies away from formula winning audiences;wednesday, mumbai meri jaan, mithya, dasvidnya.., IPL eating into movies, bikinies, big flops, salman shahrukh fight, decline of saas bahu serials, rise of new channels having serials with new themes and reality shows, hollywood doing good in india, some hatke films from hollywood and big dissapointments there. marathi films had a good year with some good movies, and not to forget little champs wonder. News papers and media sunk into plots of sensationalism and commercialism to sell every piece of printed alphabet.
For my city pune: highlight was CYG, rise in crime with rise in murders, divisive politics, terror at doorstep, traffic and road issue becoming complex, climate pattern changes:(late and heavy monsoon, unseasonal rains in nov and mar, absence of winter),real estate slump (thankful correction after crazy rally since 2005) ..
on individual front: we being part of globalized economy have been affected, though focus on healthcare and new forays (VOIP) have been balancing. There was a news feature about us:(http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Health-outsourcing-Three-IIT-graduates-show-the-way/302814/) also a new location was added for office.
Lastly i managed to do a trek to harishchhandragad: a jinxed venture for me as i had not been able to attend twice over last decades owing to some last minute changes. My next year's resolution is Vasota. Have done some good projects at table; jeevanjyot school , 88888, good HRDs. Plan is to help my school (nerlekar) which got me into table, had family marraiges. Fitness resolutions as usual are unfulfilled, but attempt was made.. Riya is now in primary so need more attention.
Year that started on high note with sensex reaching 20k (now its at 9K), how drastic has been the change and to make it worse there was terrorism. Obama is hope, we need someone in india of that dimension but we dont see anyone in horizon across political spectrum.
welcome 2009, we will rise to occassion and meet challenges thrown...

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Swept under public memory

I remember last yearend it was Nithari killings hitting headlines, then it was arushi murder. sometimes it was harabhajan controversies, then raj thakrey, cricket is perrinial, then malegaon, then finally 26/11. what happened to investigations in arushi or for nithari no one is bothered, they are swept under public memory which is as short as till the next news breaks in. Not even the journos have will to follow it. they are bound to collective mentality which serves well only when hot. else its dead issue with least TRPs.. There is is need for a watchdog on logical conclusion to these issues of public interest.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Month of the year

December is the month of year especially for me and for many i suppose around. Xmas/year end are the icings on the cake. For me, add the following celebrations; My birthday, wifes Birthday, daughters birthday and anniversary of my own and parents. Also add visits of my colleagues in US, relatives in US and friends. Add to that few more friend's birthdays(3 very close ones) .., add to that company foundation day, add to that atleast a marraige on an average of close relatives, friends, acquaintances, office staff (being indian marraige season, this time we had 4 such close marraiges), add to that two roundtable meetings (once a fortnight) and atleast one winter trek. finally add to that daughters gathering (she danced really well that day). Moreover there is cricket happening. December has only 31 days !!
We celebrated Riyas birthday last weekend. she was so thrilled. Birthdays are always special for kids: cakes, gifts, return gifts make their significant part of emotional world. We had good guest turnout at Club solaris. had great games and party rocked (atleast for us, .. need to ask guests, which they will always say so.. anyways)
Normally in Dec, Climate is best. Days are shorter and mornings are lovely. It becomes diffocult to get up from sleep. Though this time winter is not that cold at all (global warming). Unfortunately, Pune 31st is not the best occassion to be. Roads are clogged, the parties are boring and rowdy, not many happening parties except private ones depending on group. venkys is unanimous choice,.. also good time to travel if you plan in advance. Thus we always end up spending year end outside Pune.
Work becomes difficult as US comes to close halt by around 20th and holiday mood sets in.
Over my childhood, i had enjoyed December for my birthday, gathering, Xmas. year end. Xmas was occassion to visit Camp (MG road), east Marzorin sandwitches, softies and watch girls. For year end, we friends used to meet or else were left to watch TV at home. In KGP we had routine trip to Pune between semesters. At work its been always US focussed (except for NOCIL days in Mumbai where it was CAT and other managment entrance mood).
December has been special since ages: lot of important things in life: family and work have happened in Dec. My entrepreunership was planned in Dec, merger happened then, marraige, riya, lot more: even biggest heartbreaks and dissapointments (pesonal as well as at work) have happened in Dec.
Month of the year award goes to :::: December.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

SehWagged

Aby baby in a hit film had said " Duniya mein do tarah ke log... ". There are two kinds of people: as per todays obama catch mantra: Those who think they can and those who think they cannot. and that though makes the final difference.
When i had written about Ganguly and Tendulkar, i had thought i would write on each of big 5. Naturally kumble is next in line as dravid story seems to have tragic ending and VVS is still very much on.. But now arises a need to add another great: Viru..
He is the most paisa vasool player in world today. Full value of money or time whenever you watch him. More than entertainment which cricket is , he gives a special food for thought. The only way he thinks is positive. If he thinks he can hit he does. More often than not, it succeeds. People have criticized that he throws away wicket loosely and does not have technique. What better technique you can have if you can hit like what he does. And about throwing away wicket , its shows for lack of fear of failure.
Even in life we need to do away with lot of mental baggage, remove negativity and stop being afraid of failures: Sehwag shows the way. Fear of failure comes with lack of confidence in ones ability and efforts. Back your strenghts, think positively: Think every ball as potential boundary ball : be it a bouncer (recession) or be it a half volley (boom time). Every ball can be hit. You will get beaten one ball or might even be out. But dont stop playing your shots....
Dont just block the ball. Purpose of life is to score runs , and while doing that is that you remain notout. If you dont score, better be out as blocking will not lead you anywhere. Score will remain same and there will be one ball which will take you out just as people who are comfortably enconsced in their jobs get fired during recession as an example. Are you listening dravid and all those who are afraid of taking risk.
Coming back to cricket from philosophy; he rightfully got Man of match ahead of SRT (separate mention is deseverd for his 4th innings knock) or Yuvi or Strauss as it was the difference between sides: wining and losing
Positive attitude and art of living has one more name: Sehwag
i will pay any amount to watch him play or can spend very precious commodity these days: Time to get myself entertained and educated.

Monday, December 15, 2008

My Trek with underpreviledged children

It was decided to be involved in the Trek organized by Lt Flt Cdt Parag Chandrakant Limaye Memorial Trust to Shri Neelkantheshwar. This trek was originally to be held in Oct but was postponed due to commonwealth youth games. Finally 13th of December was the agreed date and it was decided to organize this for 55 children class VI of Shri Alegaonkar school khadki.

Late Flt Cdt Parag Chandrakant Limaye Memorial Trust was formed in memory of Lt flt cdt Parag Limaye who laid down his life during his pilot training at Allahabad in 1995. Lt parag was my school mate. A very disciplined person and had an ambition to be a fighter pilot since class VI. He made it to NDA, Allahabad and just days before the graduation laid down his life owing to technical snag in MIG plane. Such is destiny. Thus in his memory trust was formed of which I am a trustee and we do such events once a year in October (his birthday as well as memory day). Principal cause of this trust is to encourage defense entrance along with adventure training and other civic causes. Thus this year we organized one day camp for children of Aleganokar School and its staff. This school has mostly children associated with platforms and slums around khadki.

On a cool and pleasant morning of 13th December, I along with my fellow trustees and daughter assembled at Cipla at 7 Am. The Bus arrived at 7 30 and soon we started the journey. I was in my car with my daughter and fellow trustee. The morning was gorgeous and the snap of khadakwasla dam can say better than my words. The road and lakeside reminded me of those lochs in Scotland. We reached the base at around 9 :30 and by this time sun was out.

I had to drive much ahead on the trek road as I had to reach the car park below. It saved me a 10-15 mins walks thankfully. The kids got down at the base and started walking. When they arrived they were full of energy. We then served them snacks, had prayers and then started the climb. Sun was now out and even in Dec it was warm. The climb though a broad road had a gradient with stairs in between. The teachers of school, who were not used, naturally lagged the main group. The volunteers from Pune Mountaineers naturally led the way and enforced discipline which is very crucial to avoid any mishaps. But these volunteers were experienced and knew the task.

We reached top at around 11:15. Teachers reached by 11:40. Then we assembled the kids below tree. I introduced them to trust, Parag, table, and trekking habits. Kids were then refreshed. On the top, there are many idols depicting various mythological and historical events. Name a god, event, saint of significance, you have the idol. These are beautifully done and neatly placed. They are painted after heavy rains each year, and is a really enjoyable journey. My daughter who is in Ist std, really enjoyed them. So did the kids. Teachers at school explained them all events.
Then we went inside temple of Shri Neelkantheshwar and had 10 mins prayers. It’s a very good temple. After that we assembled for lunch and let kids on their own for 30 mins. They enjoyed.

Then again we assembled them and then Pune Mountaineers people conducted some outdoor games like passing parcel, some recitation etc. some children sang good songs and then we had some prizes as well.

We started back by 2 and came down by 3. Journey down was comfortable but for sun beaming down. Children went inside bus by around 3:30 and reached pune by 4;30. We got a call from their principal about how children enjoyed this being such first experience of their lives and how much they learnt about trek, involved discipline, about defense entrance and so on..

It was really a wonderful experience on a glorious December day. I am sure we must have created at least handful of trekking enthusiast and helped them get new experience amidst all their hardships.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Salute to a hero

Tukaram Ombale: have you heard this name.
He was Asst Sub Inspector at D B Marg Police station who killed one and captured one of the beasts who ran amock at CST,Kama hosp etc.
here is the report
On the night of 26-27 November, Ombale and several other policemen were on alert in the Girgaum Chowpatty area. They had been told that two terrorists were on the run in a Skoda. The twenty policemen out there had a grand total of two self-loading rifles and two bullet-proof vests. The vests were given to the men with the rifles, who were placed at vantage points around metal barricades. The rest of the policemen carried only lathis (batons)); some were plainclothesmen, others in uniform.Those (virtually unarmed) policemen tried to stop the Skoda. The driver fired at them. The police shot back from the pre-determined vantage point and got him. The other man slid out, pretending to surrender, but carrying an AK-47.Ombale rushed to secure him when the terrorist started pumping away with the AK-47. Call it guts or instinct but Tukaram Gopal Ombale refused to let go of his assailant. I am told that something like 30 bullets were recovered from his body.His colleagues took advantage of Ombale's last act as they rushed at the terrorist with their lathis. The plainclothesmen were later identified as a 'mob' in grainy footage shot by someone on a mobile phone!Tukaram Gopal Ombale died for his bravery. Assistant Police Inspector Sanjay Govilkar received bullet injuries. But those ordinary policemen -- some in their forties, laughably ill-equipped -- succeeded in doing what nobody else could, they captured a terrorist on a suicide mission alive. They also recovered artillery dwarfing their modest weapons -- AK-47s, several magazines, 9mm pistols, and grenades.

Hats off: what could have made Sir Tukaram Ombale act like what he did. Attitude towards duty, love for country, hatred towards killers of his collegaues and seniors (assuming he had heard), or just plain uninhibited umbrage you associate towards cops addressing a ordinary criminal (which he must have thought). The last case seems least probable as already terror alert was there. It must be combo of above three. Sometimes ordinary people render extraordinary response in such events. Thats human spirit. Thanks to this human spirits, beasts in the world will never succeed. Normal Human tendency is to live and let live. only beasts can not value others live whatever excuse and propaganda they provide.
People will forget Tukaram Ombale amidst lists of others (whose sacrifice is no lesser). Yuvraj singh gets 6 crores for hitting 6 sixes in an over, bindra gets more for olympic gold, shah rukh, big b get 10 crores per ad, sania get i dont know how much for doing nothing but participating in first round of US open (getting lost.), local corporator gets unofficial bribe amounting to Rs 1 lakh per month from a specific builder for passing plans etc, i dont know how much MPs and MLAs earn, you can extrapolate.
what will Ombale's family got: 20 Lakhs onetime+pension:
is it proportionate? Life is unfair, not to blame film and sportstars, but definitely yes politicians who have empowered beasts to let loose amidst votebank politics, corruption, incapabilty, chaos...
hats off to Sir Tukaram Ombale..

Monday, December 8, 2008

Feeling so special

I am no politician or a renowned filmstar, cricketer whose birthday is remembered by masses, but feeling i have is no less. All those around me made my day special on this saturday 6th. Another day another birthday, if i have to take a cynical view about it. I have not yet achieved anything proportional to the romantic visions i had about my own life maybe when i was in junior college, kgp days. yes its not a total washout as well. there are somethings done which matter. there were missed opportunities, there were failures, unimaginable losses, unexpected gains, fair successes. Lots of positive and negatives in balance sheet till today while reflecting back. But the most positive gain of all is a set of people who made my day on 6th. Phone never stopped ringing right from midnight: friends at table, friends at solaris, old school friends, old wingmates in KGP calling from US, my staff at office, my relatives in Pune,mumbai, delhi amazing.. hardly i was away from phone for mins. It feels so special that people take pains to remember and call. I am sure all of you have same feelings on your b'day as well.
Moreover i made a double take by hosting a table social with all families of 15 tablers attending. It was great event with last guest leaving by 2 midnight.
I dont want to be self praising or boastful, but i see the collection of relationship that i have maintained with my friends and my own people as my biggest achievement. Throughout i have made a point to build relationships even at my workplace and clients. I also had few past employees/clients/business associates making a point to call. That was biggest achievement that they have valued me as genuine human being over a business man. While noting upon these achievements, I might have failed in building relationship with few people, i might have rubbed few of them wrongly be it ex employees, clients, friends, relatives. I still feel those failures as my greatest failures. I promise to improve so that i wont lose out on any friend ever. But as you know life is not perfect.
Friends and your own people are your biggest strengths and i have flexed my muscles on that strength on 6th. I had a great day starting with a sweet hand made greeting card by Riya (she was as excited as me), she and alpana giving me flower to start my day. After that a long drive at khadakwasla dam followed by a great social and never ending calls/sms/emails.
and a secret to share: could not sleep whole night treasuring those great moments.
You get sentimental looking back at your life on a birthday. But much more to look forward to...
Thanks to almighty (shrisaibaba) for moments like 6th and wish His Blessings on subsequent 6th decembers as well....

Monday, December 1, 2008

Back to bad times, but time to act

Just as things were getting back to normal after series of terrorist acts in sep, they striked and what a strike....
Its unprecidented event and needs an unprecedented reply from all of us . Rather than blaming politicians, its time to act... enough is enough else we will meet the same end as those 200 odd people faced...
City of Mumbai which is second home city to me is bleeding. Such a great city. I have very fond and long lasting memories of Gateway, Taj ( had few events there), Oberoi (Had attended few interviews). City is so special: marine drive, sterling for movies and pubs around, we used to go from vashi to south bombay to celebrate on each friday catching last harbour local back..
in my childhood i used to be awed by skyscrapers while comparing them with old wada locality i used to live in pune. had a dream that if pune can have so many highrises...
The wedding i mentioned to you was affected by events in Mumbai. But life goes on. we tried to refuse to budge and while we were solemn in memory of those lost, we still managed to put a good show at marraige and show that we have resolve.. Just as fun quotient had gone up after a great diwali, australia win, marraige precurses, england ODI victories, we have been hit and hit very badly. But no time to cry, its time to act.
what can be done: these are government action. So as individuals we need to do a petition or signature campaigns enforcing and enabling govt for following basic steps:
  • First and formost: Take help from US, UK, EU, Israel, to gather intellignce and destroy the cells within india. For those outside, for now it can wait as it tentamounts to full scale war and needs international support.
  • Use the world opinion, to isolate rouge states further and install meaningful governments.
  • Enpower security forces and centralization of units with single titular leadership.
In absence of any concrete visible govt intent to act, a no tax payment or a constitutional channels need to be used for putting vigilant citizen action. Lets resolve to participate in vigilant citizenship and devote some time to social cause: a meeting in locality for 15 mins a day. Its time for each of us to shred apathy and lethargy else we are doomed.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Great Fat Indian Weddings

Last week I experienced first hand, one of the six ceremonies of my cousins wedding in Mumbai.
The ceremony is spread over six events over next 7 days culminating in marraige coming saturday. Had a gala time. My cousin is a sweet kid and so is her hubby. It was fun time all round. and major celebrations are still 2-3 days away... can't wait....
In India, our lives revolve around marraige ceremonies. Its a statement of life for bride's father/and in todays liberated ages of the bride and her groom. In the case of arranged marraiges, Confluence of two lives is like gamble. If it works its great, if it doesnt indian culture doesnt allow trial and error. (trends are changing drastically). But still as per my old friend Subrato's definition of MCMSTU: (Middle Class Mentality with Small Town Upbringing.. ), its still a priority to make it work... Whether it is strength or weakness is debatable..
This pair is rocking and wish they have all the fun in life. .....
Coming back to marraige ceremonies, i have seen it all: a gala gala affair with film star shows, a sedate but heartwarming celebrations from people who are sensible, crass show offs, modest but very refreshing celebrations amidst hardships, ... Its people who make it memorable than the sideshows...
Zooming back to my own wedding , again spread over a week, with receptions in Mumbai and Pune, registration process, and was filled with lots of fun. We had a tragedy that my father in law, in the excitement of his daughter's marraige had a stroke and we lost him few months before.. Looking into all those parameters we did a good show....
My sister's wedding was Hum apke hain kaun encore.... That is a cult movie with marraige VCD look. I enjoy seeing it again and again.. That again indicates how indian social life revolves around these ceremonies...
I love observing people in the Marraige ceremonies: it gives you whole spectrum of human emotions: short comings, greatness, happiness, sadness, jealousy, blessings, friendship,... so many emotions, memories to treasure.... I am soon going to add many more coming weekend....
And suddenly there is a thought of my daughter Riyas marraige" she is just 6 , 16-20 years later.. suddenly am scared... how will be life after Riya's send off ???? Cant write further......
Feeling for my aunt and uncle....

Monday, November 17, 2008

My Own Taaren Zameen Par

As per national initiative to hold painting competition for differently abled children on 14th November 2008 to mark the children’s day, our table started the thought process to conduct same at Jeevanjyot school with whom we had already conducted Diwali party. Aamir khan had consented to grant logo of Taaren Zameen Par as logo and will be involved in this event conducted by Round Table India. Tr Jignesh confirmed that the school is open for it as it would be a nice experience for children who are aged between 6 till 45. Tr Janak (Globalware) whole heartedly supported the cause by sponsoring an amount toward this event of Rs 3000 for snacks, prizes, roses, certificates and banners. With help of support from National (esp Tr Rajesh YR), we organized the stationary. The venue was school itself. We had invited Mr Kulkarni from SNDT Arts College as judge and Mr Ranjeet Shirole a renowned business personality and MNS secretary of Pune city as chief guest.

With this preparation, we arrived at the school and were surprised by the enthusiasm from students to paint the pictures. Due to difficulty of actually drawing the pictures, the event was adapted to painting the pictures. In all sixty students in two categories; vocational school and school were made based on age. They were divided into two groups as the situation demanded us to be all inclusive. We put the banners at right places and teachers asked students to start the painting. The Tablers, ladies, twinklers present in large numbers were monitoring the progress and helping them. The eyes of participants were lit up and they were really enjoying the creativity involved. School staff and parents were also involved in helping the participants,. Those were the magical moments which we will treasure all our lives.

After 40 mins of time, we collected all the paintings and then handed them over to Kulkarni sir for judgement. He had very tough time ranking them as everyone had made a great effort, But owing to his professional self he ranked the winners as follows.

School Group Vocational Group

Group1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2
1 Bela Shinde Akash Marne Kanchan Thakar Sayali A
2 Gaurav Dhole Amruta Patil Vinod Ubhe Sujata Inamdar
3 Vipul Khambe Rafiq Sheikh Smita Kulkarni Shital Karanje


The school introduced the guests and presented them with some art work done by students. The participants were invited to collect certificates individually. They were really happy and proud of their achievements. Tr Shantanu, Chirag, Mr Ranjeet and Kulkarni sir took this responsibility of handing over the certificates. Chief Guest Mr Ranjit then handed over the prizes for winners. Every one was winner including our tables, school staff that had this once in a life time chance to witness this event. Later snacks were distributed and enjoyed by children.


Then Ranjit spoke explaining importance of this event. School teachers express vote of thanks. Indeed it was really enjoyable moment as every kid had a beaming smile which was the most proud achievement ever done by our table , most of tablers wont disagree… Taarens of his zameens were twinkling as bright…….

According to most, it was the most complete moment in our tabling history…….

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Jeetam, Jeetam, Jeetam

At the start of the last quarter of 08, i had made one wish that may india win vs australia. and this wish has been granted by almighty (and ofcourse gods of the cricket fields for now..). It was a great win and india has taken first steps (of many more) to change its challenger status to champion. Especially after sydney, it was my wish to see pontings face after series defeat. (my another wish is to defeat aussies at WC 2011 final). Sydney was avenged at mohali and now Nagpur 04 is avenged at same city in 08.
Dhoni deserves special mention by his abilties, simplicity of thoughts, beliefs, attitute and plain lady luck... So have the seniors responded ( a special posting on each is promised on this blog: dada and tendlya have been mentioned. whats happening to dravid is a concern), fast bowlers were the main difference between sides, spinners cut the bill and openers were fabulous and never let india into any pressure. good show ...
sorry for boring with same old cricket, but cricket and me go long . My life revolves around watching cricket (as a player i was a strokeless wonder with technically correct stance). am i good fielder: have never dropped a catch in any match i have played at hostel, club level)
england we are ready for you....

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Usual Suspects at their best

How much we detest politicians and media? Both have damaged society equally. Both have enourmous powers and they need to exercise highest of responsibilties. They fail there miserably. Only thing matters for them is personal gains.
Its time for all societies (including so called forward and developed nations in west as well as banana republics if they can somehow do it), to exorcise these evils of human civilization.
I want to be more harsh on media as they claim to be sentinals, watchdogs of society but their only objective seems like to sell , sell and sell... ( and again resale, ...) One might argue fickle nature of public opinion of aam janata, and thus need felt by media to cater to their senses. No its simply not done. The media should define their outlook and present it as against vice versa. Thats how good journalism works (if it exists).
Example Maharashtra bihar issue. Nothing is happening in mumbai pune except few stones being pelt and some vagabond kids involved in some bon fire. Thats not acceptable and thats not justified at all. But full hue and cry by national media that maharashtra is burning is ridiculous. showing same shots again and again, with meaningless discussions, arguements....
Issue is simple : it has shades of US nationals VS H1bs, migration . It has to be tackled with legislation and by meaningful government policies, quotas as in US. No but politicians want mileage and media wants footage... No there cannot be easy answers but yes there can be reasonable guidelines to achieve all round development all over india reducing migration, employment opportunities all over india, restrictions i repeat legal barriers by means of taxation to use limited resources of cities for mutual common good of that city. City should have right to limit its growth and should have defined charges to use its resources.
anyways who wants to look at solution, idea is to keep posing questions and make issues burn...
On politician side: they want mileage out of everything. The government machinery is being misused by either sides whenever they are in power. Simple ATS investigation of sadhvi used by politicians on both sides to gain points..
Even US elections and media cannot be absolved of similar acts though extent and spread can vary.
And i cannot do anything against these usual suspects, so i have decided to not watch any news channels except few noteworthy exceptions (DD these days with old economy style of presentation seems most mature option at least that sensationalization , those irritating and abusive anchors, idiot correspondents, usual panelist who have opinions like they have ****hole are missing.
And on second usual suspect, i cannot say i will boycott voting them, as its crime.but i can do one thing; i will try being one of them but with difference... High hopes ... but thats what seems only solution.....if everyone thinks that way.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Circle of Life

Yesterday, i made a Diwali mud fort for my daughter. I was doing that first time after my 9th standard ie. 1987. Bees saal baad. I was totally lost as to how i could go about doing it. Tried to google it (may be too hitech), finally my 10 yr old neighbour explained the process. After a lot of efforts and trials i finally made it.
Your kids take you back to same things as what you had done. Again going through std 1st books, school, friends etc they give you front seat view of what you did in your childhood. They complete the circle of life...
Diwali is always special esp for kids. Food, crackers, fort, clothes: everything had a role. Even smell of moti soap, multani mitti, tata oil.... The air is different. There is greenary, mornings and evenings are chillier. There is a typical smell. I feel myself lucky that i am at same geographical place of my childhood (though not in same locality or house which still i visit and a part of). Many of my friends, cousins are not lucky in this aspect. They are in Pardes celebrating Indian Diwali at weekends, phone calls, parties and cutural borrowings. And those are unique experiences too as i have witnessed.
At the start of this quarter, in my posting 'king of Good (and bad) times', i had wished india beat australia which they have done once . also wish they wrap up series in delhi. I had also mentioned about my fun quotient for last quarter. It all starts with diwali party with marraige theme. All of us have to get into our marraige clothes again. Then there are home parties, office parties. Picnics.. So much fun but I still remember Diwali at KGP . Those were the best diwalis. It was so special with diya and ilumination competition. It was fun preparing and actually lighting up the show. I hope my daughter, completes that circle for me by getting in to KGP (high hopes for a 1st std) and make that circle complete again for me.
Happy Diwali Folks

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Champion

In my last posting, i had put up my list of real heroes who have made us proud. After all adulations over sachin's record over last weekend, i thought should he be in my list. Yes definitely, he has done his job with integrity, perseverance, honesty. Its not his fault that he is given super-super celebrity status. Its just indian pscyche...
But nothing will deny his status as true champion. Truly on cricketing terms there are comparisons with Sir Donald (i have not seen him play), Lara . Some very learned ex players admit that those two surpass sachin in sheer excellence. But for me i have a different point to make as i have seen cricket for almost 29 years now. i still remember kapil dev wrecking through pak batting at chennai in 79, sandeep patil scoring centuty at adelaide 81, boycotts and tavares batting in 81 in india, 83 worldcup, india's annihilation by WI in India, benson and hedges 85 australia, tie test, beating england in england in 86, missed reliance cup in mumbai (celebrating pak loss earlier day, and crying over mumbai defeat next day), gavaskar retiring, vengsarkars purple patch.... then comes a small kid
of my own age, plays for india. That was the same time i had found a knack to score at exams and started enjoying studies. earlier i used to go to school to play criket in recess, did some dramas and quizes though, played club level hockey, nothing great about anything, could manage only 60% with rank hovering about 30 in class of 60. There was immediate identification of resurgence and a wishful thinking that sachin should excel. Plus there were reviews from gavaskar, and few others that this kid will make big. I still remember in my school days we used to have a show called kheliyad, sports quiz hosted by sharad avashthi (police guy). He had invited sachin and vinod kambli after they had made that partnership. I still remember sachins face then when he was shy to tell about his feat when asked by quiz master.
anyways right from those there was expectancy about sachin. and he delivered most of the times. thats his greatness. He has given so many joys to cricket fans like me for last 19 years, its hard to recollect those moments. Match saving 50 in pak, 100 in england, great 100 at sydney and perth, that ODI opening innings in NZ seen at hostel in KGP on a holi (best holi in my life), his first century in lanka, hero cup semifinals last over to SF(thats most memorable for me be it for his bowling), World cup semis when after his wicket there was disaster at calcutta, sharjah 98, australia 98, pak innigs where he felt short by 3 runs, last 3 wickets at kolkata (VVS test), Consistent batting in 02, worldcup pakistan match, then the injuries , england 07, australia 08 series, .. so many...
He has thrilled us all by his strokeplay and aggression (though he had to mend that due to injuries in latter half). In my school days we used to fear Sir Vivian Richards, when he came out to bat. i think there must be butterflies in stomach for bowlers those days as they must have walked back to their runup. I think same is true for sachin, bowlers have different thought process as they bowl, spectators have different sense of expectancy. And to me that makes him much great cricketer as exhilirating as IVA Richards, (sehwag comes close in that sense but there is a chance for bowler everytime).
Sheer Dominance..
Thats why he is champion. He believes in excellence. he is level headed and believes in simple value which we share with him ... These are other issues.
For me its the impact...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Half Boiled Eggs

Surpised by the title? Blogger does not allow devnagari as i would have written a phrase called as 'ardhya halkundane pivale' . If you literrally translate it, it would mean people turned yellow owing to half a stick of turmeric. It refers to that breed of people who are overrated by others for very mediocre achivements. Please note that, i believe that no one has any judgemental rights about anyone else's achievements and failures. But point to be noted mylord is that some people getting undue credit for unworthy achievements and glorified by media/public/society/friends/colleagues/family and self.
Start with those goons called as politicians whose hoardings occupy our landscape and we see those horrifying faces being termed as upcoming leaders across political spectrums. what have they done? apart from hooliganism, being at forefront at some functions, crime, corruption so on.. Most of them are second generation politicians whose claim to fame is his surname. and they come in bunches. one can atleast understand elected representatives starting with corporators , mlas and mps , but the faces seem to come from nowhere.. Its my ambition one day that on one of my birthday i will put up a huge cutout of mine and putting encircled photos of Sonia, Advani, sharad pawar, Seniormost Thakre, Raj Thakrey, Mayawati, (have i left anyone across political spectrum atleast here in Pune). Noone will have any reason to object.
Next comes those half celebrities on page3's and channels. Having featured in a half role for one of the umpteem soaps running on umpteen channels make them page3 and reality show regulars. Eg i dont know half the gang at big boss or 8 out of 10 jodis in nach baliye...
IPL has opened up this cult status for local cricketers who were left with wilderness of Ranji circuit. So you will now find more IPL starts in media glare.
Sania Mirza getting brand endorsements for winning one grandslam match 2 years back.
Software engineers who fail at basic oops concept interview questions commanding X+ 2 L as paypacket . (X= no of yrs of exp). The BPO executives demanding perks for wiling away time on facebook, orkut...
An IT evangelist attending page3 parties, an IT babu claiming to have brain behind supercomputer, Some bullshit novelist (international) asking for kashmir independance, average masala film lyricist, average secular film director having opinion on almost everything...
Self proclaimed authors writing and publishing books for most ordinary or borrowed experiences and insights. (thats includes yours truly as well but blogs is for my own sake, its for reader to find its merit)
List goes on an on:
Time to salute real heroes
Baba Aamtes of world, Abhay Bungs of world doing wonderful work in remotest areas, swaminathans of world, FC Kohlis of world who made Indian IT big, Narayanmurthys of world who positioned indian IT , Sam manekshaws, sam pitrodas, jawans and other police/military doing their duties amongst hardships , non corrupt officials doing duties honestly amidst corruptions, even politicians who contributed like rajeev gandhi for technology, Vajpayee/thackrey for roads, PV narshinarao/manmohan for Economy, profs at IITs /scientists who shy away from market riches for the cause of research out of choice, first gen entrepreuners trying to fight odds , volunteers doing traffic wardening, social servants doing honest and unpublicized efforts for various causes, our round tables building schools without much publicity, its for each of those who do their job honestly and with professional integrity to excel..
Need a media to value them. maybe some of them of above list have got their dues, but its time to appreciate each of above list and maybe ones i have missed. I feel that by doing this and glorifying these people, we can create role models and thus can spread virtues more effectively in younger generation. With these common good traits, society will improve.
It will do much better to stop glorifying these half boiled eggs...

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Terrorists have been successful

I think terrorists have been successful in dividing India on religious lines.
Its time for some out of box thinking on deep rooted issues around terrorism. There is a great mistrust within communities and it had widened the gap. I can understand all arguements of right and all cliches by leftist media and votebank politicians. Its not time for eye for an eye or also time for feeling perpetual victims. Its time to think fresh. Identify sensibe components of society to come down and create trustful gestures which can soothe communities. Forget votebank politics and create collective community prefects who inturn can act as pacifiers.
Terrorism affects all. And majority of people (whatsover be their religious affiliation) need peace and continuity in life. There are few hardliners who cannot live and let live. These elements can get aid from all unknown quarters in world who have ample of money and resources with an urge to make an impact or get political mileage. Time to alienate these from mainstream.
Need honest political leadership and credible governance to manage this.
But does this exist... Time to create one if it does not.

Friday, October 3, 2008

King of Good Times (and bad times..)

Whats happening all around... Bombs going off, financial markets crashing, stampedes killing many, floods creating havoc, inflation at more than 12%, IT scene getting tough, so on an so forth..... Really not good time for anyone....
There might be few exceptions, clearly a good time for healthcare and liquor industry. I would need to investigate a chain impact of world wide recession on to increase in sales of liquor brands or those of hospital admissions. Will try to get hold of UB or appolo hospitals annual report and compare them to sensex/other indices.
Incidentally my activity is mainly around healthcare these days. Thus can share some inside data though subsequently (dont arrest me for insider trading malpractices).
Anyways there is a silver lining: Festive season is just around corner.Dandiya nights have begun for us here. Have couple of dandiyas to attend, kojagiri gazal program is fixed, australian team is in India to play tests, then diwali celebrations lined up. Last quarter seems promising on fun quotient with couple of family weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and yearend ... Lots of scope for King of Good Times to flow.... (i cannnot see any impact on UB whatsoever).
Best wishes for festive seasons. Lets all pray to almighty that no untoward incidence rocks us again economically, socially, politically and lets hope India wins against Australia... And that will call for another round of King of Good times... (as if need an excuse..)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

One Vs Many

Its an old equation, individuals poised against mobs. One guy's opinions/ideas/thoughts/creativity/expressions pitted against sensibilities/thought processes of many (say society). Whats right and whats wrong. Thoughts initially opposed vehemantly by masses themselves entrench into masses that they themselves become dogma. Is there anything absolute or has to be taken into perspectives of many parameters like time, geography, religion, society etc etc...
You may wonder what got me into this debate: It started with certain paintings, movies, plays being boycotted and people behind it being portrayed as protagonists by media to have carried banner of 'freedom of expressions'. I am firmly against those media favourites like shabana, javed, arundhati,.. list in india is very big. I think all real intellectuals should invite these media darlings to stand actual (not convenient..) point of reasoning... anyways
Freedom of expression comes with responsibilty. For an idea to come to its age, needs persuation and not brow beating.
We live in civilized society which makes laws and regulations for its own benefit. in absence of those, we still would have lived in caves. Now there might be some laws that may not be acceptable to few but still one has to follow them. similarly there are collective sensibilties and mannersims which cannot be depicted in legal or constitutional framework. Its duty of constitution to safeguard freedom to express against if any. But its responsibilty to incumbent to cater to collective sensibilties. Does that mean an artist has to sacrifice his thoughts and confirm to mass mentality. I firmly say No, he can still say what he wants to but he has to adapt and evolve just as companies do to make their product more suitable to customers.
There is a lesson here as art can be compared with any other trade to satisfy public's senses which are their customers. Art cannot be on its own when no one likes that...
they are not islands. They need to evolve and innovate to suit their audience...
But their freedom to express must be guaranteed and also its their responsibilty to meet ends..
its as simple issue, dont need to give any other connotations....

Friday, September 19, 2008

Derivates Markets should be banned

Welcome to the brave new world of credit derivatives driven collapses ( AIG being the first victim). A world that is far more dangerous than the world of subprime mortgage derivatives. A complex world that because of its sheer size can potentially cause more damage in a matter of days than the subprime mortgage derivatives caused in their first year in the headlines.
Compare this figure: Global economy: 55 trillion dollars
Credit Derivatives: 65 trillion dollars
Subprime derivatives: 7 trillion dollars
Now you would imagine the results if further trend continues.
Leveraging positions was found as best way to manage risk for say against variation in prices , interest rates etc... Good idea to hedge.
But what took over was a naked greed and unviable risks, unbeleivable competetion, interlinked markets ... all boons of free and globalized economy.
Proponents point out to figures as to how they have contributed to growth of overall markets and economy while shielding the risks... They claim for tighter regulation, better management as opposed to altogther ban.
But i do not think free economy has such tools to do that. Thus i am firm proponent of banning them. I am firm beleiver in "value investing" school subscribed by Warren Buffet. Sound financial advises by him are worth reading. No point in trading positions and creating artificial wealth and taking in calculable risks...
Maybe our Indian mentality of savings, averse to loans out of self respecting notions, prundent sense of value investing can be assets for us which were ridiclued as " hindu rate of growth".
Much details on this thread later..

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Importance of being Rakhi Sawant

Yesterday was watching a comedy show. Raju shrivastava said, India has great tradition of great women like Rani laxmi bai, Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla,.. he added in his style 'aur Rakhi Sawant'.. There was a great laughter around. seemed funny that moment. Later i wondered what had rakhi sawant done to invite this ridicule. I mean i agree she has not done anything great in those item numbers or some vague and inane reality shows. But what is the difference between her and say topmost heroines of today say katrina or kareena (i dont know if they are at top but i know value of K in bollywood and television thus those names). They all have done item numbers. Whatmore? Moral brigade should have every complaint againt them which they have for rakhi sawant like exposure, bold scenes ( i dont have any problems there obviously..). infact in real life they portray much worse examples of hopping around with guys etc (though i have no problems as its their personal life, so be it as i am not in anyway affected.. wish i was.. alas..). So why these are called top line heriones where in all those cosmopolitan shows and comedy shows and Rakhi Sawant is being singled out for ridicule. Only reason seems like she is not so glib in communication and sounds coarse. That logic applies in urban indian circles as well. Those who lack poise in communication especially in urban indian english are subject of ridicule. Those with vernacular tastes are considered morons and communal. Another anamoly i see is from whatever i have seen, read, heard about rakhi sawant is that she is very forthright in whatever she does and says. she does not have any processing in what she thinks and does. (again experts can correct me). it seems to comeup in life she has been through hell.. she does not seems to have born with silver spoon. atleast she admits it openly and does not resort to double standards.
Culturally we have lot of double standards in public . Indian culture is filled with that. Those forthright about what they say and are consistent about what they do are always ridiculed. (by means of this i dont know veracity of rakhi sawant's claims etc). But this point is very valid.. food for thought though ... Mind it this food has lot of calories...

Monday, September 15, 2008

Rocking Memories

Weekend was fun. After a great HRD session at Table, some help for bihar victims, it was movietime. Rock On was the movie chosen based on reviews and reports from friends and colleagues.
Thoroughly enjoyed the movie (though very predictable). Music was also a great effort from my favorite group shankar ehsan loy. It took me back 14 years down the memory lane. Its been 12 years since kgp. long time. Though i dont claim to be rock artist by any definition, but i can definitely associate with mood depicted in the movie of friends, long lost friends reuniting, common interests, how life takes it course after moving on.... wide range of resemblances.
Those were the best days of my life, those four years in kgp. Hostel life started for us clubbed as freshers in VS Hall ( a new hall). Without guidance (i say orientation) from seniors, we all were newbies in the system. We enjoyed giving eye to eye , shout for shout to senior hostels in inter hostel events, movies etc. we went to senior hostels and faced orientation in 2nd year. We formed wings of chosen mates. These wings are lifelong bonds. Still am in touch with most of them. (i being odd man out for being in India). Those endless bhaat (read as chat) sessions, academics with late nights at hostel canteens, exam fever (someone in our hostel used to play om jai jagdeesh hare before exams for all to hear), friday night movies at netaji auditorium , spring fest (it was opportunity to interact with fairer sex which i captilized on), those dramatics and music practice sessions, tms shows, being secretary and governor in dramatics, those late breakfasts on weekends with great chat sessions, those long cycling to city to watch movies at some vague theatres, chai at harris, early mornings at chedis, those farewell and orientation night outs which ended up in seeing sunrise over railway lines, that network of railways, seeing gitanjali express moving reminding of how many days to go home, those job/schol treats by seniors in waldies/anarks, those cricket matches (esp indo pak world 96 world cup match) seen together, those pondy sessions weekend after exams in commonroom (with strict alerts), those weekend after mid sem exam which were greatest days, outings to calcutta to see girls, those great journeys of 36 hrs to reach kalyan and then catch another train to pune, those rides on scooter , once in pune ride to the greener pastures like FC road-deccan-MG road, those preparations for GRE/CAT, that Campus selection for one of the high paid jobs those days, those fundaes from seniors on almost everything, those early morning classes after hurried breakfast (getting up at 7:40 for class at 8), those evening ablutions with water rationing, those shit tank sessions, those midnight TT sessions/late night TV sessions, those occassions of Cutting lectures to catch up on sleep or a canteen chai, those rasgullas, those trips to tech market for rations and bank funds, those diwali days preparing for ilumination competition, those queues at STD booths to call home after every three weeks, those visits to other depmates (george, manish, nikhil, suvo) for assignments to other hostels or to rooms of bengal/niladri in own hostel, getting psyched by toppers like bhains and their academics, those afternoon offs which were treasured for sleep, those visits to hall library and insti library for books management during exams etc, those bangla bandhs resulting in holidays, those holi festivals with colors, bhaang and jilebis by profs, those hall days as opportunities to call females inside hall or to visit their hostel (no of invits were status symbols), those inter hall matches and spectator support, those preparations for hockey (we won gold), and waterpolo (we won silver), those insti gym sessions and jogging at gyan ghosh, those dinners at veggies when hall grub was pathetic, those region based gangs formed during first year (for me it was mumbai gang neil, ompa, mituna), those visits to my local guardian family, marathi association ganapati at Prof Barve's residence, manish calling gauyta from atop till ctop, railway bookings, those year end bonfires, those days in summers when some people used to do projects:it was ghost hostel with very few lights on, world cup soccer 94 seen then, patheic rides from nagpur to kalyan with 6th december republican barge-ins on trains, ncc camp in first year at Kalaikunda, Cgpa travails, quiz at sf, cycle rickshaw rides till station, results on registration day of semester, going from deps to deps for subjects and practicals, some peculiar profs and their peculiar names, styles etc, department welcomes and farewales, hall events and AGMs very noisy one with some occassional fights, technology gymkhana meetings, some student movement issues and meets, for me plays were very fond memories, those sessions when currents used to be off, roof top sessions in summers, finally my own baptism to rock music, gnr anthem, deep purple, the sf shows at OAT, eastern music ... Finally coming to point where is started.
memories are additictive... Those memories were really rocking.
Life is back with some very special friends and trying to create that magic again, been not that successful till now. But will keep trying.. Tabling moments have been fine ....

Friday, September 12, 2008

Google Vs Microsoft: is it beginning of end for MS

In its history, its been n th time this question has been asked. Will microsoft survive onslaught of google. I am firm beleiver in Microsoft. But a trend i see changing is that the better minds find google more glamourous to work for than MS. Thats a warning signal. Unless microsoft comes up with some 'next big thing' which in recent past have not been so prominent.
Google believes future in cloud computing as their big thing.
What is cloud computing? Lets get google ceo Eric schmidt's explaination:
He thinks 90% of computing can be done using this web based cloud as Internet connection speeds become faster and Internet software improves. There are certain amount of things that can’t be done in the cloud, like high-end graphics processing. So, in Google’s thinking, 90 percent of computing eventually reside in the cloud?
Microsoft challenges this in its defense.
Disruptive technologies do not destroy existing market leaders overnight. They do not get adopted by the entire market at the same time. They are not initially a viable option for mainstream users. Initially, they do not even seem to be a threat.
Disruptive technologies begin by providing a cheaper, more convenient, simpler solution that meets the needs of the low-end of the market. Low-end users don't need all the features in the Incumbent's product, so they rapidly adopt the simpler solution. Meanwhile, the Incumbent canvasses its mainstream customers, reassures itself that they want the feature-rich products, and dismisses the Disruptor as a niche player in an undesirable market segment.
But then the Disruptor improves its products, adding more features while keeping the convenience and low cost. Now the product appeals to more mainstream users, who adopt it not because it's "better" but because it's simpler and cheaper. Seeing this, the Incumbent continues adding ever more features and functionality to its core product to try to maintain its value proposition for higher end customers. And so on. Eventually, the Incumbent's product overshoots the needs of the mass market, the Disruptor grabs the mainstream customers, and, lo and behold, the technology has been "disrupted."
Microsoft had been disruptor in past. it claims to have best of both worlds. Claims to have graphics rich desktop applications (office being leader without doubt) and services as well.
I also agree this isn't a "winner take all" scenario. This is a huge market and there is room for different solutions and business models. Look at IBM. They are still a very large and successful company 30 years after they were "disrupted" by Microsoft.
But its not a question of survival but of leadership. thats what the game is all about and i agree to my learned friend anshu's observation that companies are made of people who make plans and strategies and implement them. Google seems to have that as of now... I can put my money there..
More about cloud computing simplified later..

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Ganguly has a special place in History

My fascination of bengal does not seem to end having spent 4 golden years of life in sonar bangla.
Bengali sweets, festivals, culture, literarturs, films and most importantly beautiful eyes of bengali girls... they all mesmerise me. Add to that list a fighter's name: Dada..
Flashback to year 2000: venue Nairobi: A new born indian team had done wonders... Match fixing scandal had ended old guard, misplaced optimism in sachin as a leader had taken Indian cricket to ground zero... Here comes dada.. leading bunch of youngsters all the way till finals. Started winning overseas test, held aussie invincibles in India (thanks to bhajji,vvs and dravid), natwest finals, world cup finals, australia in australia, pak in pak... Till worst season of 2004 India had arrived... Maybe dada got so focussed on leading that his own performance dropped. a lesson for all us aspiring leaders...
He gave opposition eye for an eye, inspired youngsters, believed in them, put himself in line of fire to protect them, identified roles, innovated, all qualities excpet his own performance...
His own performance also has panache, grit and determination, god of offside, useful bowling. remember those offdrives, those performances in toronto against pakistan when indo pak cricket was very rare as against now. he had limitations but he managed to hold on...
Will there be another chapter to his fable. lets wait and watch, esp with Dada you never know. Never count him out of match...

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Round Table Bond

Publishing on this forum my own article published in Table talk a magazine by Round table India.
Round Table India is organization which i am member of (i won the best sceretary award last year). its a organization of people aged between 18 and 40. Idea is fellowship and mission is to educate 1 million children (an issue close to heart). More about it later.

Round table Bond

“My name is Bond, James Bond” says Scotsman Sean Connery on screen and everybody is thrilled. I am an avid James Bond movie fan and I am sure many of us are… This Bond intro which sounds so macho and is immortalized adds to ever growing charisma to his character. On same lines, I feel the Round table bond that I have entered into a year back has added charisma to my life. Let me tell you about my own encounter with this charismatic Round Table Bond with the difference from any other friendship bond.

But before I do that, I have a theory which analyses of how we end up with our friends. In life we share friendship bond with people with common interest and goals. It starts with neighborhood and school mates which in some cases turn out to life long bonding. The common need here is to spend non school or school time to play or enjoy depending on either neighbor or school friendship bonds respectively. In school cases there is also a peer pressure to study, excel, and compete which adds a serious dimension to the bondage. It is the chance/destiny etc that bonds the group together and its up to individual choice to make most out of the bond… Luck plays a major role and there is always an expectancy of symbiosis that nurtures the bondage.

As one grows it’s the college, hostels take over the friendship bondage. Here it’s a vocational/professional choice which defines the group and provides a serious avenue to relax or compete depending on the group. For me hostel life was the best part of life, secluded in a god forbid place at Kharagpur, we had only hostel wing mates to get along and away from urbane entertainment. It was all about channeling those into lifelong bonds. But also there was professional or egotistic competition underlying be it to get a US scholarship, or a dream job or IIM admission.

Next stage comes in as, office/business peers. In whatever profession or business you are, you need business peers or colleagues to share your professional notes. Here the family comes into picture. You cannot choose your colleagues (your company does it for you). In business partnerships are like marriages, carefully selected by you based upon your dynamics. There is a common tag of profession, money, stakes involved.

There are other ‘catchment’ areas of friends (IPL phrase), like sports and social clubs, interest groups which also have common interest bonds but these kinds of bonds are enjoyed by few privileged ones.

Significant avenues also arise when your kids grow, their friends and their parents etc when your kids repeat your cycle.

Having analyzed all other friendship bonds let me narrate my own encounter with this “Bond”.

Now here I was with all the baggage of friends accumulated over above cycle when someone (who falls into one of the categories above), introduced me to the table bond.

I first thought it to be a group, held together by business networking agenda having a social face, coupled with an ambition to be ‘identified’ in social circuits. Here after a journey of a year and having seen the experience around, I feel the bonding here has some independent and differentiating features than all above bonds mentioned above.

The most important thread here is there is no underlying prominent thread of professional interests. Though there might have been cases of using mutual professional expertise or network for some unrelated cause, but idea here is to have fun primarily. It allows an opportunity to let down your guards, be at peace and just hang around as we used to do in hostels (but without any commonality of exams, interviews).

There is a cause involved which is very appealing. The cause of children is so universal and appealing that hardened cynics can also not run away from it. That provides a fee good factor at the end of it. Though the extent of work done, initiatives differ across the tabling fraternity, the reason gives a kind of feel good that is needed at the end of your professional life. Also the fact that our table 105 has one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in table fraternity adds to that quotient. One of another reason I got introduced to tabling was my visit to a rural school which needed funds. Though I cannot say that I have fulfilled that dream but I am optimistic that one day I will. As Famous quote of KBC says: World lives on hope…

Then the most important aspect of table bond which differentiates this bond from all the bonds mentioned here is the HRD angle. It allows you to learn from all your group members with their facets of public, individual, professional capabilities. Though one can argue that business groups, industry associations also can render similar perspectives but they lack diversity of nature that Round table bond can offer. The perspective from other tablers, boards adds to the learning curve. Education is continuous, and round table offered me that while I always intended to have fun.

And finally what has added to my life is a team of people who feel like calling me or when I feel calling them whenever there is something significant happening in my or their lives; good or bad. Be it as trivial as a world cup /IPL final or be it as serious as when someone is hospitalized. If you are at some good place you feel like telling someone that ‘I wish you were here’. If you are down you feel like joining the group and hang around to cheer you up. Beauty is that when nothing happens or after a small but extended hiatus in meetings, you feel like calling and asking what’s happening.

Comparing to other bonds, the selection of friend has combination of luck, choice and acceptability to group which is the most important aspect.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Eye wash about car wash

Back after weekend of fun at my parents place to celebrate the festival. Fresh with 2Kgs added owing to sweets, puranpolis etc. Felt a need to rush to Solaris to get a mental satisfaction of a workout.
was in my lobby, and i saw two guys filling buckets, one guy with a hose pipe indulging in car wash. i my colony there are atleast 60 cars. assuming average 10 lit per car (moderate estimate), my society uses potable water of almost 600 lits of water. I have a guess that pune has 400000 cars in pune.
Assuming that 75% of them wash daily. (conservative estimate). So every day 3000000 (3 million litres of water)
Who cares , whats the solution:
Cars have to be washed (i being an owner feel this need), Water processing at society outlets for non toilet drains (need expert advice from civil engineers), Rainwater harvesting, bore water,
And i have read somewhere some native tribes in remote parts walk over 15km to get 2 litres of water to drink....
think about those guys all we car owners in cities....

Friday, September 5, 2008

Paradox about floods and famines in India

Have a look at 2 pictures
North India perenially in floods
South India most of the times craving for rains for irrigation etc.
Can this divide be removed? Can we have a better mechanism to prevail over natures hardships
Was reading some alarming situation for India as its in natures zone where climate changes will impact hard.
Dooms day predictions will be not far away (already they say that for coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai)
and what are our politicians busy about
Nuclear energy: is that top priority? one would doubt ( esp with my earlier posting about energy)
election dates? whats the big deal for us if A Govt goes and B comes In . I agree that NDA govt atleast did something : Road projects, thoughts about river linking, delhi metro..., UPA is nightmare inspite of having Manmohan singh and P Chidambaram (2 best minds around). But politics was hopeless with political morons without taking names at helms. but need to specially mention commies (why do they still exist..) whom i just cannot stand . with media heavily controlled by JNU grads with deep leftist (again why do they still exist..) we had to bear with them at helm for 4 years. Thank got for the vote of trust.
Coming back to the desire to fight natural calamities , possible advanced planning. does this exist ?
We need to evaluate feasibilty of Inter bed river linking projects (its possibily a political dynamite if exploded can destroy structure of india) . so proper dealing from matured politicians is needed.
Disaster management, prewarning systems, better infrastructure and planning are some complusory functions.
In India Human Life has no value nor does human well being..
when this will change..
Need few good leaders, few real nayak (and not the author's self proclaimed instincts as well)
we cannot though wait for Godot, all have to rise, starting with me. Thus the blog, and thats not enough, action man...

Thursday, September 4, 2008

From Darkness to light (and back..)

They say that knowledge enlightens and removes obstacles. Its true that mankind has been really benefitted by knowledge and the boons have benefitted millions. ( banes can be addressed in different posting). We had a lesson in junior college about how innovation and knowledge helps econmony and progress. (will need to find details though as i dont recollect those). Having said that in our school days we used to hear claims of 100% electrification of states. Hariyana was the first and maharashta was very close. During our treks to remotest corners of Maharashtra, i used to admire the board to make electricity available for even a small temple on a very high and inaccessabe fort. Blackouts were rare and we used to yearn for those 1-2 hrs which used to give us opportunity to move away from studies and play some antakshari etc. I can recollect this to happen once a month maybe. And whole day electricity outage was only in industrial zones, though i recollect friday outs in Dombivali etc. Though definitely not impeccable services, i dont recollect load shedding being done anytime till 2004 as blatantly as it is these day...
Why this total mismanagement of demand Vs supply, why no one is able to throw any light on the schedules (no pun intended), its absolutely pathetic.. No capacities were added, no planning was done
I can understand argument about unplanned growth in demand. But this demand cannot be created overnight. Why are we giving new connections when we cannot service old (that does not mean i support ,new connections not to be given) But its simple planning, some foresight and mainly initiative. Why cannnot governments be proactive and stop pay only lip services.
No point is hitting the usual suspect as all of us surely are just pointing out mistakes:
what government needs to do is something i feel need experts to contribute. Promising you of some research and immediate action points..
Here are my 5 cents on what can we do and how we can improve situation individually:
  • Use of alternate electricity sources: solar , Bgas; Government subsidizes the equipment and loans etc. (promising a new posting dedicated to it)
  • Creating watchdog units in the city to pressurise the board to structure and schedule the laod shedding timings and execution.
  • Gensets and UPS are inevitable for businesses. Pooling up in small/mid segment companies to share the backup.
  • Creating a platform (online) for power saving suggestions and sharing marketplace.
  • Implementing power saving initiatives extensively.
  • Pray to lord of knowledge that govt starts micro and macro level planning.

My story also has a long fight against load shedding. 13th dec 2004 was the date when my most significant associate landed from US to explore giving me a business opportunity. Load shedding in Pune stared from that very date. Right from that day when i managed to take him in office during non load shedding hrs, 2 years i fought and did well to innovate working timings , UPS backups, seminar sessions, to manage show and finally my big contract went into next level of stakeholding on very date in 2006 that Pune model was introduced to remove load shedding.

seems like we are back towards darkness, but guys need to fight this. We cannot giveup..

Please note though its a minor (though significant) problem for individuals, spare a though for small entrepreuners whose livelihood depends on this problem. As a society we should give due to emerging entrepreuners..

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Start as we call it Shri Ganesha

Memories are addictive. Once you get on that track, its very tough to back out...
Remembering those childhood ganesha days, preparing to decorate the dias, practicing for plays, contributions, prasads, aartis....
It was fun. Regret that i cannot transmit those to my second generation inspite of being in India and that too in Pune. Maybe His wish...
Today is another ganesha, another year has gone by, has life changed for me, not much...
Hope to be where i want to be by the next ganesha... its unending quest. what bothers you most? Lack of self actualization will be on top, missed opportunities next ( while on other hand we miss to appreciate what we have and what we did manage to achieve).. Thoda our wish karo...
Welcome to post liberalization India...
Has ganesha changed , yes: it has. Gone more commercial, more as an avenue for local nicompoop politicians to take credit rolls, youths to jive on music, drinks etc, public to find something new in their routine and be a part of public sentiment, and some religious beliefs, period..
Privately, still it has its old charm only restricted till own neighbourhood.
Potential is great as identified by the festival founder. Still a lot can be done
1. Streamline all mandals under a central city council (Municipal corporation)
2. Identify one celebration under each muncipal ward.
3. The corporater, ward officer, and there will be randon selection of 10 citizens out of turn (5 ladies 5 gents) will form a committee.
4. they will collect funds (not more than Rs 50 per house) and use it
5. There should be one social initiative compulsory, rest optional which should consist of 30% of funds acrued.
6. Remaining division 0f 20% religious, 20% cultural, 20% decoration, 10% on administration
7. All this should be audited..
I know all this is utopian and cannot be imposed in demo(mobo) cracy in India. It has to be exemplified voluntarily by some sensible heads.
anyways each problem has a solution...
thats my 5 cents ...
Bye need to install home ganesha.

Welcome to Nayak Giri

One more succumbed to blogging craze.
what brought me here; Love to express myself, a desire to ger heard, attempt to make changes around me (ofcourse positive) and care for all. Maybe combination of all and add to that an inherant selfish ego to be felt as leader.... (i subscribe to ayn rand school of thoughts so feel no shame in admitting that motives are internally driven always and selflessness does not exist)
To dwelve upon genesis of nayakgiri, we have to turn clock around by say 18 year: circa 1990.
I was a school boy who had just found a knack to score good at exams, was always a non performer at school , always eclipsed by an apple of eye sibling, had found nationalism as a new found confidence to beat the world. Ramjanmabhoomi was at its peak, cricket nationalism, muddled politics after 89 elections.. And one day there was a talk on Nostradamus predictions of great indian era lead by so call chiron.. I felt that i was chiron (so kiddish.. still i am sometimes)
I wanted to be a leader of masses... 18 years later, after an ego boosting IIT experience, a roller coaster ride in business definitely as a good leader i can rate and attempts to be part of IT story, and a brief sojourn in social causes, here i am back with a new optimism...
In IIT i was nick named as nayak (north indian pronounciation of my marathi surname Naik)
some used to call me khalnayak...
So thus the name: nayakgiri..
lets see how it goes from here... Picture ab shuru huan hain mere dost..
Also to be noted is auspicious eve of ganesh chaturthi when traditionally we get lord ganesh idol home.. Though not a believer, these notions feel good. Human weakness maybe but it helps to identify with notions, give lot of confidence...