Year of Failures

If 2011 was year of revolutions, 2012 can definitely be branded as the year of failures. Failures on the part of those at helm who could have really made impact if they wanted to and who for some reasons failed in connecting with masses, had wrong priorities and thus resulted in problems for masses. Be it world, India, Maharashtra, Pune or be in Indian cricket team, or be it new social activists

Let’s start with the world stage, the main concern everybody had was euro zone crisis and impending world economic crisis. It pitted Germany (and other northern countries) against rest of Euro zone. Had there been decisive tackling, crisis could have been managed better but still we carry over crisis to 2012. Entire Middle East was positive about spring revolution in 11. But agenda shifted from freedom to religion and as usual things lined up resulting in violence be it Egypt, Libya, Syria, Bahrain.  Iraq and Afgan problem continue to perplex US. Iran-Israel posturing amidst recognition of Palestine by UN continues to be serious threats.  Countries in rest of Americas (central and south) struggled to fight against crime. Africa continues to struggle on human development, violence etc.  China’s posturing with south sea countries, Taiwan, Hongkong, Japan shows intents Chinese have over the region and it wants to take up vacuum created by Russia which itself is bothered by protests. New Chinese leadership is yet to have its say which we will sure in 2013. India has to be cautious about that especially of growing influence of china in SAARC region, continued support to Pak, its own border agenda and Tibet issue. There is a school which believes that China also has a stake in NE and other naxal infested regions. Failure of Pakistan as nation will have unforeseen impact on India. Pakistan’s state and non state actors continue to abet terrorism and foment trouble for India. India definitely needs strong resolve in 2013. Main threat though is climate changes which resulted in sandy like storms all over, earthquakes , tsunamis , floods, melting of polar ice, and famine in our very own country. Though world did not end as said in 2012 but something needs to be done and we failed for another year.

India’s scene is the same. Its rulers failed to connect with aam aadmi. Reforms were pushed after Pranabda was given VRS at Rashtrapati Bhavan and PC took back his favourite job of managing economy to suit his/his party’s line of activities and interest. Some wasteful activities like MNERGA, subsidies, UIDs were tried to be improved upon again with failure.  The lpg and diesel pricing was big political issue. Mamta, Mulayam and Mayawati continued to push their own agenda. Mamata went away but other two Ms bailed out govt whenever needed due to some backroom gimmicks (CBI- other deals). Coalgate added to already swelling list of scams. FDI in retail issue was managed curiously by government. Naxals rule roost in their areas of dominance. Terror modules still exist all around though they seem underground with some key men arrested or outside India. Government failed to prevent crimes against women. India is no more a safe place for ladies.  Opposition failed to provide an alternative with an exception of Narendra Modi who can now take new roles in future. Government could not control Inflation, failed to achieve growth (They blame world economy though). New common man movements also failed to gather momentum after a great 2011. The series of exposes of Kejariwal added nothing new to known issues. Actually this was all public domain knowledge but not used by established media to take the corrupt to task. That’s where media failed. Government tried to regulate social media and failed.  Team Anna movement failed because of internal dynamics though AAP was launched. Hope it makes impact in 2013 and not help government by dividing opposition. This year government failed to control riots in Assam or UP or Mumbai. Riots were things of past but thanks to sinister agenda of the government, danger lies ahead. Again nature proved spoilsport with floods and famines. River linking project failed to see any action.

 In Maharashtra, main news of the year was of the sad demise of Balasaheb who was influential in last 50 years of state politics. Now it is to be seen if both thakareys can bank upon the goodwill and work towards defeating the inefficient DF govt in 14. This govt failed to control riots in Mumbai and few other towns. It failed to control terror in Marathwada where MIM had inroads in elections. Mumbai elections proved that shivsena will not end as predicted by CM. The drought situation worsened with politics played over water. The irrigation scam which maligned Ajitdada did not hamper his return into ministry which he strangely has resigned. Future of NCP also is curious matter. BJP was also maligned through Gadkari in same scandal but thankfully Munde was given prominence to avoid a setback. RPI joining Yuti was landmark.  The battle for memorials still goes on.

 For Pune city, things went worse on law and order front when juvenile crime took centre stage when young children were kidnapped and killed. Crime against women increased. Thefts, chain snatching and murder of elderly highlighted fact that Pune is no more Pune of old which we all cherished. Politically NCP won PMC and Kalmadi took backseat while Dada showing who is boss. Same rulers also took away Pune’s water to feed cash crops and rich farmers for ZP election. City had a monsoon scare but finally dams were full but water cuts continue. Politics is again at centerstage when new DP or BDP or Metro is discussed. Pune has to yet wait for world class infrastructure thanks to godfathers of Pune city. PMPML suffered irrespective of stunts like Bus day.  Expressway mishaps created own record and has become a death trap as one remembers death of marriage party in May and death of Marathi actors recently. Pune also saw IPL happening as well as international cricket back at Gahunje. And we had a bizarre tragedy where a psycho driver ran amuck with a bus and killed innocents on 25^th Jan.

 In sports lets start with cricket. An year of not only failure but disaster. Lost test series to Australia 0-4.  We missed on to reach finals of tri-series and Asia cup, or reaching knockouts of ICCT20 despite virat kohli heroics thanks to some stupid and inconsistent performances earlier. Two greats of Indian cricket:  the wall and VVS retired without a farewell they deserved. Sachin also deserved one for his service in ODIs. Most fans would though agree that he failed to time is retirement as he would a cricket ball. But watching ODI cricket will never be same in 2013 and we all will miss him. Let’s hope he has good time in Test and time his total exit properly.  The ultimate disaster was defeat tp England on home soil. Things cannot go worse than this and let’s hope young guns like Rahanes, Pujaras and kohlis take up the world stage. Bowling though is bigger problem. On world cricket SAFs took up No1 spot as they have good batting and bowling. Aussies have found some good talent after slump. Our win at U19 WC is also promise that road ahead can only go up.

 The Indian sports suffered thanks to some dirty politics and corruption resulting in disqualification at IOA level. We also had dope test failures and failure at olympics to win gold and our hockey team was last.  Thankfully we won 6 medals which was a record at Olympics. London did manage to put good show to host in addition to their performances. US piped china to have largest medal tally. Usain Bolt and Phelps showed who the boss is.

On soccer being a non follower of club level and champions trophy etc football only heard that Messi rules there. On international scene Spain continued its bull run started since euro 2008 and made hat trick. That’s the only case where club level excellence transmitted into National success which is surely a case study for BCCI while defining IPL future which seems on shaky ground. On tennis we had Federer back to winning ways though one may attribute that to Nadal injury. But still he managed to overcome Djoker and Murray. Murray was someone UK was looking forward to and had their own player at Wimbledon finals after decades. On rest sports side India gain had F1. India failed in Davis cup. Saina had some hiccups. Chess had a new GM for India and Anand failed to reach past levels.

 This year we had various new kind of films find success at box office like Kahaani, Wassepurs, Shanghai, English-Vinglish, OMG etc. Big banners failed with like JTHJ, SOS,ETT, Dabbang 2 (though might be great commercial successes for sallubhai) a disaster. Rohit Shetty held his fort so did Aamir with Talaash. We had sad exits of Darasingh, Rajesh Khanna and Jaspal Bhatti. In Marathi films there was quantity but quality was rare. Of course Marathi industry experiments and has talent. We Marathi people should give it more support. Old Marathi plays were revived and a listers attempted theatre. Experimental theatre also got support.  On Marathi literature we finally had new talent coming in name of Dharmakriti Sumant getting acknowledged with national award. We also lost Grace.

Music industry also lost stalwarts like Ravishankar, Mehendi Hassan. Film music also lost quality or its assumed place maybe to focus on storytelling as in Hollywood.  Pune saw great events like Sawai Bhimsen fest and many more but somehow event management has taken centre stage.  It’s more of being in vogue attending those than love for quality music.

Media again failed to connect with people while raking up issues selectively and lost its credibility. Print media struggled with feasibility amidst onslaught of online and mobile device based driven delivery models. This new media itself struggles due to lack of revenue models. Social media also lost its sheen due to over exposure and as well as censorship. But gain media lost due to skew commercial models which makes it vulnerable to business and politics. Of course one has to understand that if governments can be changed by internet opinions congress would have never been in power at least after advent of internet. But in India politics works on vote banks and cash for votes....

On business side country suffered policy paralysis for most of the years. Rupee fall and inflation added to woes. Foreign investors did not buy India story. But then UPA2 finally had its say in reforms to sooth markets especially after subsidy cuts, Retail FDI investment etc. But challenges still remain same due to euro zone and global issues as well as those induced by weak government. Airline industry struggled with AI and KF defaulting. Telecom companies had to increase price due to licensing policies.  One more driver this year was re-emergence of ecommerce as we saw people really using it in India. This is more threat to kirana shops next doors than FDI. On business houses Tatas will have change of guard. Ambanis have problems at homes and Laxmi Mittal abroad.

 On Technology scene where i am involved things were interesting. Samsung provided apple a great fight on tablet market. Facebook struggled in its IPO due to skew revenue model and its acquisition of Instagram was a surprise. User experience and privacy issues also made it difficult for facebook. Google had its nexus going successfully but Android still has some model driven and standards issue. Microsoft with the huge releases of its Windows 8 PC operating system, a new mobile phone operating system, and the new Surface tablet — but all hit the market without much fanfare. Windows 8 was panned as a confusing, unfocused user experience that left many users with a frustrating first impression. Windows Phone was better received, particularly for its fresh, new approach to displaying apps, photos and social media content on its home screen. But it hasn't connected with the mass market yet. And despite a large marketing campaign, the first version of Microsoft's Surface tablet managed to attract some early attention but failed to be seen as a real iPad rival. And "above" all other developments in the tech world was the growing presence of computing in the "cloud." Cloud services were everywhere and available from almost every tech company, allowing users to access their programs, data, files, photos, music -- essentially their entire digital lives -- from any device, anywhere, at any time. World moved from PC  and servers to devices and clouds.

In India we had a great advantage offered by USD exchange rate but all was lost due to reduced client spending in world scenario. Tier 2 companies struggled more than Top 10. But even in top 10, Infosys and Wipro struggled. We had more cvs fro Infosys floating in market. HCL, TCS and Cognizant did better whose business is more robust and models more customer centric. Does that sound for consolidation in 13? Tier 2 and 3 cities are real grounds for talent acquisition. And Indian domestic IT including rural market are new game changers. We saw more entrepreneurs doing good with adoption of mobile, device, cloud, FMS deliverables.  Talent creation hit saturation with education system faltering and autonomy of IITs/IIMs were challenged. IITs were never a number game but thanks to government there is a threat.

Finally on social side we failed as well. We failed to offer inclusive growth. We failed to adopt social engineering and equality. Castes still continue to plague us. Female infanticide, environmental damage, domestic violence, honour killings, water pollution and scarcity are main challenges as pointed by Aamir Khan in satyamev jayate this year. Lets work toward better corruption free India in 2013. Wish you a very Happy new year 2013

 

 

 

Whos Next?

It was 1987 Sunil Gavaskar hung his boots after an epic but heartbreaking century against Pakistan at Bangalore. That was a long series with dull draws. It was hyped as this 2012 Pak series of T20s and ODIs is. It was Gavaskar vs Imran.  For kids like me born in mid 70s and induced into cricket religion in early 80s marked by 83 WC win, it was end of world. For me Kapil was the main show and Gavaskar the director.  There were Patils, shastris, shrikants, binnys, jimmys , colonels and madans but crux of team were these north and south poles. As in India we value batting more than bowling, Gavaskar retired was like a catastrophe. Who will replace him?  In comes a Mumbai lad who not only made a mark but also excelled the incumbent in all aspects. And of course ODI cricket gave him a demi-god status coupled with liberalization, entry of cable TV, day and night colored cricket, hypes around WC and other trophies.  He excelled along with Indians in all fields of life like business, IT, infrastructure. World outside changed with cold war making way for terror driven divide. We Indians crossed the chasm taking over high end technology and management jobs worldwide. Economy opened up with all world majors wanting to start shop here.  Now ODIs will be no more same. I have my own story attached to successes of Sachin over last 23 years but not very significant for public domain. Growing up with Tendulkar was great. Be it career defining Xth and XIIth academics. I remember how his maiden century in England and later Perth gave us confidence (though his test career is still intact and what has ended is ODI stuff). That tied ODI in Perth vs WI with sachin bowling was amazing. Be it hostel life in Kharagpur when he was making his early marks in world cricket. Memories include career defining opening blitzkrieg at Napier, Last over in Hero cup 93 at kolkatta, maiden century.  His captainship coincided with first job in Mumbai. But period when we plunged into entrepreneurship coincided with those two innings in sharjah popularly known as desert storm not as captain. Death of his father during 99 WC coincided with death of my father in law. His attack on Pakis in 03 erased all defeatist mindset India had against Pakistan in 80s , sharjahs and elsewhere. That was time when i embarked upon world stage in outsourcing. His injury since 05 coincided with BP and spinal issues. Disaster in WC 07 coincided with some turbulence.  His stamp on winning tri-series final in Australia in 08 marked us shifting to a big facility. His 200 coincided with a deal signed.  And finally his WC triumph which was witnessed live in person, marked in Himalayan trek and new experiences which had been dreamt since 1989 when i did my first Himalayan trek.

I am sure all of us have such thought process. Every one’s life has been enriched by Tendulkar memories. Each ODI was an event one looked forward to. His failure was hated and his success was assumed.  Cricket ODI viewing will be no more the same. Don’t know how most of us will cope up. But as they say time is only healer. And no one and nothing is indispensible in this world even Tendulkar.

Now we should answer who is next Tendulkar just as we found Tendulkar to be next Gavaskar. Virat? Rahane? I enjoy watching Rahane though with similar excitement as i had for young Sachin. He has to be more mature and selectors should trust him more.  Virats ODI record is better than Tendulkars at that stage. So let’s watch out these two. But when ODI future itself remains uncertain we don’t know if there will be any Tendulkar replacement for all stature he has acquired. T20s is different ball game and test future of India seems hazy with lack of bowling options and new batsmen trying to put feet into big shoes.

One thing is sure, that i got induced to cricket due to one Mr Kapil Dev Nikhanj.  His bowling and his batting induced life into proceedings on the field. His fielding was always excellent. His fitness after carrying team load for 15 years is exemplary. Though Kapils end was bit dragged like that of Sachin. I still feel as a fan 2^nd April 11 was the date to call quits as last 20 months have been difficult to digest for ardent sachin fan. But still after 18 years after Kapils retirement, we have struggled to find a bowling all-rounder who would have made 2000 team of greats a greatest consistent team at world stage. Irfan flattered to deceive. And there was inconsistent Agarkar. Ganguly’s bowling was limited.

Wish kapil would have born 10-15 years later. For me debate rests for the greatest Indian crickter who was undoubtedly Kapil Dev.  We may find next Tendulkar as we found next Gavaskar.....

 

Dusk to Dusk, Ashes to Ashes, Eden to Eden

This is December again and that too second half. This is time to reflect and sit back, relax and enjoy. Linked to US in terms of profession makes this fortnight most relaxed in terms of work load and deadlines. Waiting to see if I wake up next Saturday morning on 22^nd and see if world still exist as they predicted 21^st Dec 2012 to be last day of world. 12.12.12 passed by eventfully ending series of repetitive dd, mm, yy dates starting with 12 am on 00.00.00 (though that was a second and not date) or Y2k. Many had predicted then that world will end as well. But that scare propelled Indian IT into next league. I remember 01.01.01 when some believed to start new millennium.  God damn these numbers. Why numbers make us feel different is something i cannot explain as why we feel special on birthday. Another 6^th December has gone past. FB posts make you feel good with sheer number of wishes. Of course phone call and sms make you feel more special. Heading towards 40s is scary though in spite of euphemisms like Life begins at 40 and so called pep talks. Thus your kids birthdate make you feel more enthused than your own these days. Cannot wait for 20^th Dec. Another number game is completing 13 years of marriage on 21^st which i will celebrate for sure before the doomsday. 13 again seems strange number considered unlucky. Thats too much for dates and numbers. Thats what December does it to me. Many important dates pass by, year going past while looking forward to future.

Future though seems tough for Indian Cricket Team. Phase of transition is taking toll and lack of bowling options have exposed even at home front. Decade of 00 was great starting with that test at eden gardens in 01 under Ganguly-wright reign. We won tests in England (Headingley) and Aus(Adelaide). We won series in Pak.  Almost won a series in Australia (though in absence of warne and mcgrath) but for some stubborn Steve Waugh batting and silly Parthiv Patel keeping). We were invincible at home. We shared champions trophy once .Only blot was home loss to aussies in 04. In mid naughties when chapell/dravid  took over things were unsettled but still we won test in SAF, series in England, WI and won many ODIs chasing. Lowest point of chapel dravid era was first round exit in WC07. The recovery started under Kumble which then culminated into of heights under dhoni-kirtsen era, which saw us fighting back from tricky situations. Starting with Perth victory after epoch Sydney test, winning at fast Durban pitch, coming back twice from behind in home SAF series.

Youth blended with experience in this era. New format of T20 clicked with India winning inaugural T20 resulting in rise of IPL which is now held responsible for downfall.

Meanwhile we played some good cricket home and away to rise to NO 1 Test position for 18 month. And finally icing on the cake was made with world cup win in 11.

Then it started falling apart. Even in west Indies we aborted chase of 200 with 6 wickets in hand and 55 overs to play. In England where experienced players like vvs and sachin struggled while dravid was lone hand. Bowling unit fell apart. Openers got curiously injured.  In  Australia where barring virat no one batted and bowling again struggled.  Finally at Eden vs England where it all started it has come to an end. Irrespective of whatever happens at Nagpur, an era has ended. Last 16 months have proven that again. Now it can’t go below this nadir. Give youth a chance and i am sure we will see another era. But Indian borad seems to be interested in making money than investing in cricketing future. It was out of sheer luck that we had so many great and good players playing together last decade. Sehwag, Tendulkars, Dravids, VVS, Kumble, Ganguly are not born every decade. To support them were good players like Bhajji, Zaheer, Gambhir,Dhoni (some promising seam bowlers who drifted like pathan, shreeshant, ishant, RP, Munaf ) Now we have to rebuild the team with Rahanes, Pujaras, Tiwari, Kohli, saha, yadav, varun, unmukt, harmeet, . Let the loss of eden make this happen. And let an era end with the greatest fellow to bat on the earth have a great farewell as he enters dusk. Thanks for all those great memories master blaster.  Dusk to Dusk, Ashes to Ashes, Eden to eden (01-12) , dusk to dusk...

This proves cyclic nature of things. Everything has to come to an end. As the year comes to an end, one gets philosophical.  There are certain things and legends you wish never to end like sachin career, Modis governance in Gujarat, people like Ravishankar, Rajesh Khanna, Yash chopra whom we have lost this year. But there are certain things you wish to end like UPA rule at center, DF rule in Maharashtra, Afzal guru’s life, corruption, biased media, terrorism. Wish in 2013 we have these things dusked. But nothing as they remains unchanged. This is time to change. This is that time of year...

Dusk to Dusk, Ashes to Asshes, Eden to Eden

 

Tribute To a Mass Leader

Call it megalomania or call it plain coincidences or call it influence of reading Midnights children, seems like my life is intertwined with the happenings in India.

On Dec 6^th 1992, when Babri masjid was demolished I was camped at the most non religious place: NCC camp in Kalaikunda in my first year of IIT when NCC was compulsory.  The nation was burning outside but we were far from humanity unscathed from any such unrest.

On 29^th Sep 1993 when earth shook at Killari, i had to take refuge of co-hostel mate as my room keys were lost and we were unable to break the lock.

When rumour spread that all Ganesha idols were drinking milk, i missed a mid sem paper due to wrong copying of exam calendar.

I was on my honeymoon in Himalayas when IC814 was hijacked from Himalayas and Rupen Katyal another honeymooner lost his life.

During 2002 Gujarat riots i was in Gujarati dominated city of Leicester in UK. Now UK has started talking to Modi in 2012.

When kasab and co shook Mumbai in 08, i had a marriage to attend in Mumbai which i did.

When india was in non congress/bjp rule 96-98, i was working professional. I started entrepreneurship with NDA coming to power in 98. When India did nuclear test, and sachin was fire at sharjah we were doing some records in first quarter sales. When NDA govt lost in 1999 to get re-elected in 1999, my married life started and relocated. Same thing happened in 04 when UPA came to power, my business took definitive shape. Don’t know what will happen in 2014. Is life going to change in 2014?

Bit deviating from main topic of my discussion.

When Balasaheb died I was in a city of Hyderabad that too amidst some riots near charminar and passing through Muslim dominated areas of the old city. What a paradox and let down for someone like me who was fan of this leader.

After returning to desk, i was reading all and sundry commenting on legacy, fallacies of this great leader. Earlier in this blog i had mentioned that we are fast losing on politicians who have mass love and following. I think Balasaheb was the last. Raj Thakaray has potential. Only time will tell whether this potential can be converted into coherant and decisive politics apart from cutting into opposition votes. On NCP side, supremo has lost lot of ground due to some inexplicable politics, the new generation and second fiddle is nowhere near. On congress side Baba brigade looks too disconnected from masses. Regional leaders like Maya, Jaya, Mamata, have limited appeal. Atalji was last BJP leader loved by masses and he is no more active. Advani  has been made irrelevant thanks to current leadership. That leaves only Narendra Modi who has lot of handicaps.

There is no doubt in my mind that Balasaheb was and will be the last active leader for whom 20 lakh people will turn out to participate in the funeral. There are some in media who blame it to terror and fear which resulted in the turn out. That is bull shit. Knowing Mumbai first hand and people’s sentiment, all those armchair critics are wrong. These are not paid congress rallies. People love Balasaheb.

Same people are crying that his politics was divisive, irrational and dangerous. I disagree.

He stopped Mumbai to turn into dead Kolkata when mills were getting closed due to red brigade. He helped both owners and workers to survive. Some may point out that he got middle mans’ benefit but at least he had guts to own it rather than slimy old Mumbai/Maharashtra politicians who earned clandestinely.

Moreover social organization he created with shakha pramukh as family head of neighbourhood is something unique and point to study for all you armchair politicians. Though some may see this phenomenon as a way to legitimize local goons, but if it works so be it.

He made underworld scared. Extortion was rampant in late 80s till mid 90s. He created terror amidst gangsters by using discretionary encounters by police to control menace. Though not 100% eliminated, these days Mumbai is much safer. I have read bullshit books like Maximum city who cry foul against this. He will always have detractors.  He is no man of middle road, either you love him or hate him.

He took on casteist Marathi politics head on by appointing Brahmin CM which no one would dream. The so called inclusive leaders have divided society to such an extent that Marathi public life, art, history, culture, drama has every following drawn based on caste. By symbolism he made it clear that he does not believe in caste. He took sena to hinterlands of western Maharashtra, marathwada, konkan and vidarbha as could generate support amidst not so affluent people from ‘political’ community. He united Maharashtra by not recognizing castes. He had supporters in Dalit movement as well.

Balasaheb wanted Marathi kids to have confidence, our generation did. Many term this as pariochal politics but it worked well for Marathi people. We conquered west and do good in IT/real estate/media opportunities in Pune, Mumbai , Bengaluru, Chennai( no one complains name changes for these cities as they complain Mumbai to have changed from their beloved Bombay ).  We no more have inferiority complex but we do have superiority complex thanks to Balasaheb. We respect our gods like Shivaji. We are not ashamed of Peshwai as ’sponsored’ historians want us to. We love PL , GA, Vinda, Kusumagraj, Balgandharv, Mangeskars, Phalkes, tendulkars, gavaskars, bhimsen joshis,  Can any other community boast of such talent except those from Bengal ,  We love all our saints across caste line. We love Marathi films, drama, music. Gone are those days when we were ridiculed for being Ghaatis in our hostel.

He played critical role post Dec 6^th. And that’s where most of liberal, outgoing, liberal oriented, neo modernist, society has problems to associate with Balasaheb politics.  Shivsena was never anti muslim but opposes anti national elements. There are many Muslim shivsainiks. Shivsena retaliated every step of jihadist who sponsored riots to create chaos in Mumbai.  Man on street was scared and he needed some solace and support.  I am writing this as i had experienced firsthand. Many would agree with me but its not politically correct to accept it publically. Please note  that no country wants to have nuclear weapons for using it and nuclear weapons act as strategic deterrent in modern times (I don’t know about Pakistan and other countries blinded by religion) and no sane non criminal human wants to kill fellow human being unless its a war situation . But someone has to act strong in self defence to act as deterrent.  Of course mass frenzy was unavoidable and some violence unjustified. But someone had to fill in vacuum created for lack of safety for common man. Ideally Maharashtra govt should have but failed miserable.  And proof is that those enemies sitting in Karachi and Islamabad had to use bombs placed cowardly in public places to proclaim their vengeance. It showed the way to proclaim their impotence extending to 9/11, 26/11, 11/7 to use dastardly techniques to kill real men and women.  I had read statistically, period from independence till 92, had more riots than the period following it. Indian moved on from Riots (though we ended as victims of terrorism later, and Gujarat02 and current UP situations are exception)

Balasaheb  was a loved politician which is extinct in todays Indian Politics. Though armchair thought leaders would have their opinions, but for me he was a father figure in close family.

Winds of Change

Its Diwali again. It comes every year. But as they say like every year is different, Every celebration is different. And life is a celebration.
So lets celebrate life with lights this week to remove the darkest corners that exist within and outside us. Let us be illuminated by knowledge, sense, reason and compassion.
Lets give something nice to others in whatever way and kind.Its Diwali again and it will come next year again. Point is how you celebrate between the celebrations.....
Have a great happy Diwali and next year.

Another year has gone past to let us enjoy another Diwali. As I have mentioned that its more about how you celebrate your life between celebrations is what matters.  Though I appreciate agents of change as it’s a common saying that only constant in this world is change. Some changes are good. In context of Diwali, awareness about damaging consequences, wastefulness and exploitative production of crackers is one welcome change. In our childhood say in 80s no one used to care and we used to spend money and create hazards uncontrolled.  Apart from this change there are few other changes i am positive about since 80s is step towards gaining rightful place in world. India is no more a pushover. It’s an economy to reckon with, brand that world is aware of.  People in India have found benefits of education (at least small % of its populace) and have opportunities to make some future beyond its status at the time of birth.  Development has percolated to hinterlands though not the required extent. Awareness of environment at least in common people is much more than in 80s. I remember travelling in PMT bus in 80s from Deccan to Vanaj and seeing ARAI hill as we see it today as a barren treeless mountain.  Today we have ARAI hill as lungs of city. So can be said about Cummins side of Warje hills, Pashan hill, Taljai hill. Agreed that greedy elements have had their say but visible differences are hard to ignore.  Kids today are much aware of their future and exposed to the latest trends in world. It can be a boon or can as well be a bane.

But on pessimistic side, some changes are dragging our march behind. Creating sufferings in life and as well have irreversible impact.  Let me start with the most damaging aspect of irreversible damage to world, in form of global climatic changes.  Rains during Diwali have been a common feature for last few years.  This Diwali is the one which falls on 13^th Nov. I am sure it must be the Diwali having the latest date in an English calendar year. One would expect chilly early mornings, but it’s hot and humid today. Remember storm sandy in NY.  Terrorism and orthodoxy is another threat which we did not have in early 80s atleast not in scale which is today. Then we had cold war but it was more about posturing except from small pockets like Afghanistan, Vietnam. Thanks for small breezes like Malala, Su kyi, there is still some hope.  In India, corruption and political vacuum for lack of leadership, divisive politics have changed Indian state into a wasteful monster and uncaring for masses.  Pune as a city have grown in unfeasible manner. The ills like traffic, pollution, roads, illegal constructions, corruption have to be checked to save this city.  Personal relationships have changed, values have changed. Though we have tried to emulate western culture we conveniently ignore good lessons from west about work ethics, integrity, honesty and professionalism. In 80s we did not have mobiles but still would face no problem in communicating. We did not have facebook but we still had friends. I cannot imagine next generations going on their own using cycles till say Baneshwar or Khadakwasala as we used to do in 8^th or 9^th standard. How many of you will allow that in today’s traffic?

Change is not what US preferred by re-electing Obama but change was made in last election and allowed to continue. More than any other issue, it’s about inclusiveness that US people want , though conservatives may disagree but that’s order for day. When will India opt for change? Or there is no alternative. Can Kejariwal and co be agents of change? Will new development  plan make Pune a better place with Metros and light transit systems ? or will we suffer more with more water cuts, load shedding?

Another change I dread in my Cricket watching life. I am a crazy fan of Indian cricket and switch off everything else when serious cricket is on if given a choice. One factor did not change over last 22 years is that little master taking guard to open in ODI or walking on pitch two down in tests. There is expectation in air, tension amidst opposition.  Every success is taken for granted and failure is disaster leading in all and sundry doubting his skills and intentions. But Time and tide waits for no one not even HIM. Are we to witness another unwanted change? And we all know we have to some day and every time hope it’s not today.

Even Bond has changed. I mean Bond James Bond. This Bond has midlife crisis, He is more humane. He is vulnerable but yet lovable. Gone are the days when he had superhuman skills and attitude. He is no more a god. He prefers Beer over Martini. Purists have hated this change but as they say everything must change so should Bond.  Seems like its order of the day for those who spend childhood in 80s . Bond also matured in 80s. He hates 2.0 gadgets and technology (which is more real and plausible today) when he used dream unrealistic gadgets/weapons then. Is our generation to cribbing about changes as exemplified by Bond.

Again 80s is a benchmark as thing started really changing in 90s all over due to global and national economic reasons. Luckily 80s was the decade we used to be in school. And those school years were crazy. Every generation is. But by luck, we were foot soldiers of change as we went into professional education in 90s. We still enjoy Diwali in 2012 as we used to do in 80s irrespective of whether winds of change blow or not as immortalized by legendary scorpion song.

Advice to a senior

October has set in the last quarter of 2012. It seems just yesterday that I greeted all for new year with a warning that this might be last year end party we might enjoy as world comes to an end as per theories going around. So we might have last two months till 21-12-2112 to enjoy. Are the Tsunamis, Biggest thunderstorm hitting US coasts precursor to that one wonders? I don’t think so; it will be slow if at all world ends and not a apocalypse. We have damaged environment irreversibly and maybe our future generations will suffer. Not wanted to be devil’s advocate but sometimes you just wonder


Meanwhile much damage has been done by my senior at Kharagpur Arvind Kejriwal to create thunderstorm. Law minister of land had to threaten him publically, such is his impact. Though i appreciate him for be the first man to take on first family publically, but somehow i feel that he is playing into congress hands by dividing opposition. He should take one evil at a time, biggest evil being congress. By trying to make his stand symmetrical to all parties he damaged BJP by exposing Gadkari. I agree that any form of corruption is to be denounced and also agree that BJP has many skeletons in closet. But every party has them. System is such that it’s hard to find any public representative totally clean and ideal. That’s tragedy as we all know no one enters politics with interest of serving people. Self agenda is what drives most. What drives Kejriwal may not be money but definitely an ego. Of course many would blame me to be partisan to BJP and accuse me of right wing , but any alternative to congress is what my stand is. I do not have any hesitation to say that congress leaders in pre independent times and congress clan post independence are to be attributed to most of the evils plaguing our country. Though one does not help like , Nehru, Rajeev and Indira Gandhi charismas and small windows of excellence (like 71 war, IT/telecom, green revolution). BJP might be corrupt but the work done in NDA regime on infrastructure, getting to right world order by nuclear strategy, and RTI (though madam takes credit for same erroneously). Though many can argue but i have my right to have my opinion and those who want to debate can do it with facts and figure democratically. Arvind in his zeal to change system has taken upon entire political spectrum and is right when he says all are in cohorts across political ideologies in making money. But now that he has formed a party, he needs to be a part of system rather being anarchist. So his first step should be to focus on congress for 2014, while not cutting into anti congress vote. In that case a pre poll alliance with non congress parties based on single model will work. That may mean alliance with LF in Bengal, Kerala, Jagan in AP, Yuti/MNS in Maharashtra, BJP in Goa, MP, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka, UP, HP, J&K, Uttarakhand, Akalis in Punjab, AGP in Aasam, maybe some nationalistic parties in NE, AIADMK in Tamilnadu. Of course one doubts if LF can comply in WB/Kerala. Idea is to unite opposition as JP did in 1977 post emergency. All intellectuals at the receiving end of emergency united. Situation is similar to that during emergency especially way UPA2 is run with arrogance and lack of people interest. As we saw yesterday Jaipal Reddy was punished for taking on Reliance. Maybe AK and learn some tricks from mass protestor like JP. Once cleansed country of congress rule, then he can dictate terms to allies to clean up or perish. By then people’s movement would have strengthened. He has far greater challenges and impossible path ahead to change system but he should take things in steps rather than taking on each and everybody. Already he has lost allies in Team Anna. He should build allies in Baba Ramdeo, Anna, Bedi, VK Singh rather than trying to make himself appear single crusader. In Kharagpur we would get advice from seniors and it was a sacrilege to give fundas to seniors. But politics is a field where everyone has opinion as quoted famously comparing it to unquotable part of human anatomy. But here i would like to stick my neck out and do so in a situation where country needs thousands of arvind kejariwals.....

Maximum City, Miniscule View

After a long wait (mainly due to warnings from those who had read and knew me well), i had a chance to lay hands upon a much critically acclaimed book called Maximum City by Suketu Mehta. In many media quarters and references, Mumbai has been named as Maximum city. The awards etc have also been given for this writing and is supposed to be critically acclaimed (as every book is nowadays).
Lets start with good points about the book. Its very interesting read. Never he lets down reader off hook and disinterested (except maybe last few episodes) and thats an acheivement for a non fiction. The characters and topics are chosen carefully and they cover many salient points about Mumbai. Daily life, Polictics, Bollywood, live entertainment, Underworld, food , transport, people all aspects are covered except maybe cricket which is a nostalgic for true Mumbaikar and as PL said its more game to be talked than played in Mumbai. The author has put in lot of effort in connecting to people he wanted to cover. Language is simple and yet crisp. The cynicism and paradoxes have been expressed very beautifully. also he has taken correct digs at corruption, contradictions in public persona of an Indian which is national phenomenon not restricted to mumbai. Delhi would have added more spice to the view of India from NRI returnee angle..
That ends the good point about book. But the main problem i have with the book (i mean views of author) is his simplistic attribution of problems of city to a single phenomenon. Though author has tried best to portray his own views to be narrated by people who are subject of his discussion.  Curiously he takes real names of real celebrities and officers where as he uses pseudonames for ordinary people. The celebrities are either promoted or denounced based on his personal bias. The protagonists who are ordinary people get sympathies based on which political affiliation author subscribes to. Lets approach the biggest flaw. The author attributes rise of Shivsena and its rise to power since mid 80s in city till it controlled state govt in 95 as main problem city has faced. Before he left for US his "bombay' was different than the "mumbai' he saw in mid 90s. Thats a very simplistic view. He feels all previous congress governements and government post 2000 were corruption free. The society has changed due to shivsena. Police got corrupted owing to shivsena. Housing problems were introduced by shivsena. Underworld and gang war was created by Sena. Transport problems arised due to sena. Better films cannot be produced because of shivsena. Sanjay Dutt is a better person than Amitabh. Vidhu vinod and Mahesh Bhatts are the only respectable film directors who mean business and have right opinion on everything. while rest produce candy floss. The underworld dons are victims of system created by sena and have all sympathies of author.  The dec92 riots are because of police opression of minorities and jan 93 were caused by sena without any concrete proof of hindu persecution and the great saviour of minorities Saint Shree Dawoodji Ibrahim had to kill innocents on a march friday in order to create equilibrium and it was the need of the day. Shri Shri Chota shakeel is the most respectable member of Indian diaspoia involved in saintly activities in Mumbai. Chota Rajan has false facade of being patriotic Don (as if we care). Sena supremo is flawed leader with flaw vision messing up with the maximum city. He is the most responsible person for ills of this Maximum city. Sir you are oversimplifying problems. If you want to go to roots you have to start with fact that neither muslims nor marathas ruled Mumbai. Mumbai was created by british. Though there is right mention of House rent act and fire in 1947 creating housing problems and expanding city. You have to understand dynamics of United Maharashtra movement, you have to undertsand the mill workers unrest in early 80s, you have to understand demographics which has resulted in shivsena being in power for nearly 3 decades in Mumbai. You also have to note state politics involves western maharashtra, vidharbha, konkan and marathwada as well. You need to understand high command politics which result in fact that battles for Mumbai have to be fought in Delhi. You need to understand the main event which was liberalization which for me is the turning point. You need to understand migrant influx. Mumbai is defenceless and welcomes all. US which is world's intellectial capital has strict immigration laws filtering out best. while mumbai welcomes all and sundry. Resources are limited. Reason mumbai attracts influx is open society, economic avenues, and hope which are the greatest strenths of this beautiful city which are now converted into weakness. Shivsena occupied political vacuum created by all these parameters. They are no different from any other political outfit except for being forthright and clear on communication of its agenda as compared to so called secular parties who have one public statement contradicting private politics below which is as communal , casteist as author claims shivsena to be.
There are other minor flaws as well but am running out of time. However intersted read this books offers very minisclue window to city with a singular view point and agenda which is very commonplace especially in english speaking media, art, and society. Same bias, same criticism, same targets. Time for all to recover from jaundiced view . Mumbai city is Kaledioscope. It can be ugly and beautiful in single view. It can be vibrant and dead in single instance. It can be part empty, part full. No one has maximum view to this Kaledioscope. Thats the essence of Mumbai. Ask any true Mumbaikar. Having lived in Mumbai in same time span author depicted, i know it first hand though have been out of real mumbai touch for last 12 years. Only have to pass highways to reach international airport.And i admit thats a very miniscule view which is same case with Mr Suketu Mehta....

Ganesha The God

Rains have gone by. Thought technically monsoon hasn’t retreated. Rainy season was intriguing. June July dry, wet august and steady start to sep. Dams have been filled 100% (on records still 90% as 10% was given to agriculture and downstream towns by guardian minister). The worries of dry year ahead were dispelled thanks to the almighty. The leaders and admin should thank their lucky stars for mismanagement last year when we had excessive rains as were planning paralysis especially for contingencies. We won’t learn from past. Let the lord of wisdom prevail and let there be proper approach to problems faced by our city. It is now time to welcome arrival of the Lord. Whole atmosphere has changed for something auspicious, festive and enjoyable. Though terror looms large (especially after J M Rd events on 1st Aug) but I think sense has prevailed and police seem to be on toes involving mandals and communities. Let the lord show way there to the digressed souls who don’t have any mercy to kill in name of lord. How does name or way of worship of the same lord matter. Why kill? Why insult someone’s beliefs in name of free speech. And why kill to protest same. How irrelevant. Let’s all bury our differences and live happily ever after. Just like terrorism and bad governance another obstacle we wish to almighty is to stop corruption which has resulted in loss of public money, faith in systems and has created role models for young to make big using hook or crook. And finally let there be innovation, let knowledge drive the quest to excellence and let’s break stereotypes, lets conquer our self beliefs, vices, shortcomings to really make our own selves, family, society and country a very better place than what it is now. Ganesha always comes with goodies and hope he helps us achieve my never ending wish list. Wish you a very happy Ganesh festival.


This blog enters fifth year as I complete four years on eve of Ganesh Chaturthi on 2008. This blog has following posts to mark each of Ganpati festival. Would also like to add blog for Ganpati in 2007 when we won inaugural ICCT20. This blog started in next year. What an event that was. Who can forget that last over by much maligned and forgotten Ajit Agarkar leading to bowl out , six sixes by yuvi, great catch by Kartik and great spell from RP choking SAFers, Yuvi knock against Aussies and Shreeshant bowling out mighty Hayden, and finally Gambhir’s knock and that catch by Shreeshant...

Wish all these scenes get repeated once more as this T20 happens to be in Ganesh fest. Bappa’s wish list gets added by one more item. 09 and 10 T20 WCs were followed by IPL seasons where Kirsten had complained about burn out but this time things are different and that difference is emergence of Virat Kohli. I will stick my neck out to say that he will be difference between teams in any match. Let’s get Unmukt Chand into mix as i saw the knock in U19 WC finals. But the big question remains is HIS exit. Or will He have third wind. Important home series follow after T20 WC. The final warrior of golden generation which has defined our cricket life (college and professional live for my generation) will decide upon his future course. New season will be landmark for that reason as we will witness change of guard. And let History begin with shortest format.....

The title of this blog is named after one of the few innovations i got involved with my entrepreneurship career. This CD ROM was inaugurated by Shammi Kapoor who is no more. Though was just there at right time at right place, but that reminds me back to those early IT days (pre Y2K). We all were driven by a vague zeal to be next Infosys. After interacting with young entrepreneurs of today at IIT Kharagpur alumni events and other networks, I can see now people aim to be next Apple or Google or Facebook or some new web3.0 service or some cutting age mobile app, or some new cloud based solution and so on... Things have changed drastically in last decade as we welcome Walmarts and Tescos of world to enter Indian shores. As we also go ahead on US elections, Arab Iran Pak crisis, Prelude to 2014 general elections in India, Maybe MNS-SS joining hands in state, New development plan for Pune, or when we will enact PL’s Narayan this Ganesha in society or will embrace upon new personal challenges , wish for the Lord Ganesha’s blessing. Starting from global to country to state to city to society and self, the timeline ahead is intriguing. Also awaiting start to last quarter which traditionally has been action packed and defining for next year......