A thousand Islands yet mumbai finds a place nestled among slums and people. I do not intend to paint a gaudy picture of this vibrant and never tiring city but I do feel that the people in this city wear out two times faster than others. Yet the people here have an undying love for this place. I often ask myself the question that are we doing enough to ensure that the love and resentment of people are not being challenged because of our apathy towards the resources and respect for the place.
I want to ask people from Mumbai to tell whether or not they love their place and define what they mean when they say they love. How can you love a place and have no regards for the people in your city. How can you love a place and litter with filth all over. What is it that we can do to see that this over populated city has the green cover, every human being has a clean neighborhood with all basic amenties one needs to live life. Why not consider doing what new york has done for its homeless. I am sure its not impossible.
How do you regulate and ensure controlled growth of population without compromising growth yet providing ample opportunity for all. I know what I am about to write is already a heated topic and challenges our constitution but for a challenging city like mumbai a radical step is required.
Why not consider work permits for the city based on the identified list of areas where local resources are not available. Implement phased wise removal of slums by creating mutli storied buildings or housing complexes that create adequate space for one an all. Impose heavy sanction or fines for polluting, defecating throwing garbage on the street. Everytime someone is caught spitting or pissing or throwing garbage they should be fined in excess of 100 hrs of social service or public cleanliness. The challenge is always going to be there but solutions can be made. The society should be held responsible for the dirt and filth in there society. Incentives should be given for people and the societies that are able to achieve the goals for the quarter, year whatever the case may be. Incentives could be in the form of reduced taxes, cheaper power, etc..
This tour continues to fascinate me
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Love you Khushi..love you tonssssssss..........
Its a revelation when you are able to see yourself liberated. Honestly it doesnt even matter what it is from but the feeling of being free and in love. I have been blessed with a very beautiful, intelligent and smart girl "Khushi". Together we have traveled and are traveling for the last 3 years and are now at a point where we want to get married. I am scared and so is she.......but everytime i look at her i dont know i get this satisfaction that you know i can just be myself and not worry. Frankly we probably will get married this year but unlikely so many of my fortunate friends I may not have my parents blessing and worse still Khushi will never be able to meet my parents and get their love. I feel scared and hope that i can convince them that religion is what we believe it is. Not what others tell us not even the one that does not allow us to look at others or worse still look at others with a religious bios. Sometimes I reckon my thinking is way too radical for my family. Anyways, I am extremely happy today and I dont need reasons for it. I hugged my girl friend fired up the food and in my own world thinking about the day we will get married I do not want any of it to change. I know i cannot fight change but she fills me up so well..I have been so cranky lately anything could get the worse out of me easily and I am just holding up some anger....I want to get married and I want to get married to Khushi sometime soon cant wait more and I look forward to that day when she would be called by my name and I by hers.........
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Its not what I sell, Its What I stand for - Roy Spencer
Recently I came across this mind blowing masterpiece which really made me think and think about the importance of how and what we do as an individual to make ourselves invaluable for our organisation. Are we working for a purpose? What has defined the purpose of my work and the value that I have created by way of this purpose. Purpose does two things for big and small: 1. it gives you an anchor during the storm and holds you in place when times are stormy, and 2. when the seas are calm – and they will calm eventually – it will be your north star and continue to guide you on the correct path.
"In 1837, more than two decades before the American Civil War, William Procter and James Gamble formed a partnership to make soap and candles. In 1955, P&G stood at No. 27 on the Fortune 500; today it holds spot No. 23. In 1886, Robert Wood Johnson, operating from the fourth floor of an abandoned wallpaper factory, issued a small catalog jam–packed with antiseptic surgical dressings and medical plasters. By 1955 his son had built Johnson & Johnson into No. 159 on the Fortune 500; today it stands at No. 35, with 45 consecutive years of increasing its dividend. In the early 20th century General Electric's Charles Coffin brought forth perhaps the most significant business innovation of the past 200 years: systematic management development. GE created generations of leaders and thereby generated more than a century of sustained success so reliable that a hiccup in quarterly profits can drive down the entire stock market. In 1955 GE sat at No. 4 on the Fortune 500; today it sits at No. 6. These companies trained leaders who could evolve and create a portfolio of flywheels—from candles to Pringles, from medical plasters to Tylenol, from light bulbs to jet engines—yet they also held tight to core values that have remained fixed for 100 years or more." - Jim Collins
While I think about the book the few things that remain with me are the importance of understanding and creating multiple aspects of one's personality that is constantly adapting to change and prepared to face adverse conditions with a definite sense of purpose. Essentially increasing the probability of success or reducing the probability of failure. Like Roy in his book explains "work for luck". The farmers till their lands with the hope that it will be good rains. Then there are good farmers who are well prepared for all the other eventualities and reap the best when rain does come. Challenge your believe and have people who challenge your views at all points. The interviee who offered an apple as a metaphor of the teacher - student relationship, while its a great gesture for a student you do not want to have people who do not constantly challenge your views.
I am very bad reader infact i rarely read and I feel miserable and bad about this aspect of my life. Today I know that if I somehow inculcate this habit I would be a different person all together. I have been living with this realisation for a while but its like I know i can get cancer if I smoke but i still don't do anything about it. Be curious, it helps. John Deere incentivised their employee to document their way of dealing with a business problem and submitting it to the supervisor. It did not matter whether the innovation was innovative enough it does ensure that I think and I think differently. R&D is not just in the labs infact most of the innovations that have happened and revolutionised the world happened in back yards and garages of the world.
.................
"In 1837, more than two decades before the American Civil War, William Procter and James Gamble formed a partnership to make soap and candles. In 1955, P&G stood at No. 27 on the Fortune 500; today it holds spot No. 23. In 1886, Robert Wood Johnson, operating from the fourth floor of an abandoned wallpaper factory, issued a small catalog jam–packed with antiseptic surgical dressings and medical plasters. By 1955 his son had built Johnson & Johnson into No. 159 on the Fortune 500; today it stands at No. 35, with 45 consecutive years of increasing its dividend. In the early 20th century General Electric's Charles Coffin brought forth perhaps the most significant business innovation of the past 200 years: systematic management development. GE created generations of leaders and thereby generated more than a century of sustained success so reliable that a hiccup in quarterly profits can drive down the entire stock market. In 1955 GE sat at No. 4 on the Fortune 500; today it sits at No. 6. These companies trained leaders who could evolve and create a portfolio of flywheels—from candles to Pringles, from medical plasters to Tylenol, from light bulbs to jet engines—yet they also held tight to core values that have remained fixed for 100 years or more." - Jim Collins
While I think about the book the few things that remain with me are the importance of understanding and creating multiple aspects of one's personality that is constantly adapting to change and prepared to face adverse conditions with a definite sense of purpose. Essentially increasing the probability of success or reducing the probability of failure. Like Roy in his book explains "work for luck". The farmers till their lands with the hope that it will be good rains. Then there are good farmers who are well prepared for all the other eventualities and reap the best when rain does come. Challenge your believe and have people who challenge your views at all points. The interviee who offered an apple as a metaphor of the teacher - student relationship, while its a great gesture for a student you do not want to have people who do not constantly challenge your views.
1) What are you deeply passionate about?
2) What are you are genetically encoded for — what activities do you feel just "made to do"?
3) What makes economic sense — what can you make a living at?
Those fortunate enough to find or create a practical intersection of the three circles have the basis for a great work life.
Think of the three circles as a personal guidance mechanism. As you navigate the twists and turns of a chaotic world, it acts like a compass. Am I on target? Do I need to adjust left, up, down, right? If you make an inventory of your activities today, what percentage of your time falls outside the three circles?
If it is more than 50%, then the stop doing list might be your most important tool. The question is: Will you accept good as good enough, or do you have the courage to sell the mills?
"A great piece of art is composed not just of what is in the final piece, but equally important, what is not. It is the discipline to discard what does not fit — to cut out what might have already cost days or even years of effort — that distinguishes the truly exceptional artist and marks the ideal piece of work, be it a symphony, a novel, a painting, a company or, most important of all, a life". - Jim Collins
I am very bad reader infact i rarely read and I feel miserable and bad about this aspect of my life. Today I know that if I somehow inculcate this habit I would be a different person all together. I have been living with this realisation for a while but its like I know i can get cancer if I smoke but i still don't do anything about it. Be curious, it helps. John Deere incentivised their employee to document their way of dealing with a business problem and submitting it to the supervisor. It did not matter whether the innovation was innovative enough it does ensure that I think and I think differently. R&D is not just in the labs infact most of the innovations that have happened and revolutionised the world happened in back yards and garages of the world.
.................
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Goa- Trip 2009
Goa, as always excites me just as much as my first trip to that place. The initial excitement was about driving down from bangalore to goa and back but it all fizzled out due to economics, no turn ups and just the three of us. May be next time we all said in unanimously. It was the first for Sophia, I mean the trip to Goa. I am sure she must be at her wits end after staying with two crazy nutty like khushi and me. I hope i am wrong. Ok Let me begin our trip at National Market Seabird bus stand. We timed our reaching to the bus stop to perfection but the bus never left on time. Thanks to a smart young lady who ensured that there was enough confusion over who travels by which bus. Please do not let GIRLS manage the tickets in a group. PLEASE DONT KILL ME for it. This is not me who is saying this. We were all stuck in the traffic for well over an hour which ensured that all our plans for the morning our busted.
The following morning we reached Madgaon, thanks to some excellent prep work and experience I had already booked a Car with my dear friend Gilbert. THe car was there even as we were getting off the bus but we could not spot it and when we finally did we were comfortably parked for a nice hot Pizza. The weather in GOA was unusually pleasant less humidity for sure. The sun was beating down just as hard though. We had no reservations for a hotel as we had decided we will look for place once we reach GOA. So guess what we ended up doing we went to a small place called Fatrado. Khushi and I have spent some very beautiful moments there during our first visit two years ago. Now was the time to re-live it. We were sharp with our directions to that place even after two years. Goa never seems to stop amazing me, even after two years the place hasn't changed much which is such a respite to see. Constructions everywhere buildings, buildings and some more buildings. Hope Goa does not get into that race.My restlessness not to stay in the room for long ensured that we were on the beach before anyone in the room could stretch themselves and get cozy for a nice afternoon nap. Instead we were at this beautiful white soft sand beach with just a handful of people. After a couple of beers I was in the water while the two beautiful ladies with me engaged in seafood grazing. I just couldn't see them park their butts and rest. After pushing them a while we were all in the air para-sailing and jet-skiing. While we took our turns to set sail, there was this amazingly hot Chick, beautifully tanned and pinning her boy friend down on the beach and playfully showing off her beautiful assets. Goa is bliss, what say guys. Oh yeah boys, a sweet secret this beach did sport some beautiful topless women. Now that you have imagined all that you could lets move on. That was khushi calling..We spent a nice quite evening with karaoke at Martin's Corner. Nothing like a nice drive after dinner..Such was the day all of us were very tired and even before the drive to come to a halt, the ladies with me were snoring away to Glory.
Next morning all of us woke up nice and fresh from the sleep, and off to our secret beach, we strolled on the beach enjoying the morning breeze and yeah searching for some shells. We did manage to see how shell fish lives inside the shell. The star fish and the shells it was my first. I have never seen a star fish. We had decided for a day mostly in the car driving around and so we checked out of the hotel and headed north. We started our day with Fort Aquada and the palatial mansion of this diamond merchant on the hill facing the beach. Man is he reach or what. After the fort rides and driving around we were at the Calungute beach playing pool and drinking beer. I did manage to win a few games with my love. Thanks for letting me win Khushi. I do remember acting a little drunk after a few drinks. This trip was also a first for the Saturday nite
bazaar. Guys if you want to pick up, I mean pick up some goodies for people this is a good place to be trust me. Khushi bought me these beautiful make it yourself lamps. Which i am stilling trying to put together. After all the shopping and walking around it was that time of the night when we needed a place to stay. Knock Knock knocking on hotel doors..we wanted to stay in Panjim for a change. The room that we finally managed to find was perfect. Hotel Aroma!!
This was the day when we have to return back to our daily life and face reality so just before that Khushi and Sophia decided lets celebrate CASINO. Man what casino all the women in scantly dressed whatever that was grrrr...its not vegas. We were in a Casino called Majestic. The place was in shambles from outside the inside was small but nice and clean. There five tables of Rollete, black jack, some slot machines. The girls were in full josh to roll the dice and win some but before they could realize they were down 1500 bucks..yup..So for those of you who want to take your girl friends to Goa CASINO is certainly not the place to take them. I know I know sophi, Khushi its not as if I paid for the CASINO its just a tip for those otherwise...Our next stop was at this beautiful rocky beach of Vagator. Some more nice topless women and hot guys..Sophia stop gaping at that Greek god types hunk..perfectly chiseled body..You should have seen the way these girls were looking at that guy...man..its better of watching some topless women....We were nice parked for sunset from top of the hill and spend the last few hours in Goa till we come back again..
Goa can never be enough there is something about that place that gives reason for a lot of people keep coming back to it again and again. I am sure I cant wait to be there again and hopefully soon enough. My family holiday was ending rather ended and we all left with a nice feeling thinking of the next trip when we will probably drive down from Bangalore to Goa and back.............
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mumbai Rocks!!
I visited Mumbai recently truly it was an experience that I would remember for a long time to come. My day started very early in the morning. After getting ready for the day ahead all suited and booted, my sweetheart saw me off at the bus stop. They say a good day starts with a nice and heavy breakfast and I did manage just that and as it turns out it was one of the best things I did. This was not the only right decision for some reason I decided to checkin at the Bangalore airport for the evening flight back to bangalore as well turns out this was indeed the best decision.
After reaching mumbai I was excited to see the city after a good 6 year gap. This city has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. From Siddhi Vinayak to Haaji Ali i passed some of the blessed placed place to reach my destination Church gate. I had a few hours to spend before I head to what I had come here for. I stralled around the fashion street and the Art Gallery, it was such a treat to the eyes. Artists share there feelings through color. One of the things that caught my eye was a boat made with Guns and ammunition to showcase the recent carnage. I liked the thought and the silent protest. Its time..
I get to meet a few people in my line of business by Gods grace and this truly was one such moment which does change the way i look at myself. The interactions were heart warming and posted great learnings. I met Mr. Ravi Makhija, a person with great reputation in his field and the time I got to spend with him was truly rewarding. The way to conduct yourself through a discussion and the importance of knowing what you are doing and how you are doing things. He spoke little but whatever he said did make a lot of sense. In his words "I am a good profile but very raw there is a long way to go to really achieve what I set myself out for". My most interesting meeting was with Mr. Sudipto Bannerjee, he was excellent reached out to me in a very heart warming way and then without being critical he did show me the value that I have and the things that I should avoid. His observations were spot on from how my learnings are only superficial and not a deep dive in any field and how important that is to be successful. The excersise of selling a Pen to him would always remain very close to me. I was at my wits end but it did leave a sense of achievement in me I know there is a long way to go. I really need those management lessons and specialisation if I were to succeed in life. Though an exhaustive day was drawing to a close it wasnt over for me. I was a good 2 hrs away from the Airport, the time read 6.45 and my flight was at 8.40...Now you know how important that early checkin was..I reached the airport at 8.35 man that was a very close call. Luckly for me I didnt see a lot of pessengers infact I did see anyone at the security check counter other than myself and the security personnel. I rush through the corridor into the flight and I was the last one to hop on. Tired and exhausted I reached home well past midnight and find myself tucked in bed. God I am so tired..But the worst part is I need to wait....
After reaching mumbai I was excited to see the city after a good 6 year gap. This city has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. From Siddhi Vinayak to Haaji Ali i passed some of the blessed placed place to reach my destination Church gate. I had a few hours to spend before I head to what I had come here for. I stralled around the fashion street and the Art Gallery, it was such a treat to the eyes. Artists share there feelings through color. One of the things that caught my eye was a boat made with Guns and ammunition to showcase the recent carnage. I liked the thought and the silent protest. Its time..
I get to meet a few people in my line of business by Gods grace and this truly was one such moment which does change the way i look at myself. The interactions were heart warming and posted great learnings. I met Mr. Ravi Makhija, a person with great reputation in his field and the time I got to spend with him was truly rewarding. The way to conduct yourself through a discussion and the importance of knowing what you are doing and how you are doing things. He spoke little but whatever he said did make a lot of sense. In his words "I am a good profile but very raw there is a long way to go to really achieve what I set myself out for". My most interesting meeting was with Mr. Sudipto Bannerjee, he was excellent reached out to me in a very heart warming way and then without being critical he did show me the value that I have and the things that I should avoid. His observations were spot on from how my learnings are only superficial and not a deep dive in any field and how important that is to be successful. The excersise of selling a Pen to him would always remain very close to me. I was at my wits end but it did leave a sense of achievement in me I know there is a long way to go. I really need those management lessons and specialisation if I were to succeed in life. Though an exhaustive day was drawing to a close it wasnt over for me. I was a good 2 hrs away from the Airport, the time read 6.45 and my flight was at 8.40...Now you know how important that early checkin was..I reached the airport at 8.35 man that was a very close call. Luckly for me I didnt see a lot of pessengers infact I did see anyone at the security check counter other than myself and the security personnel. I rush through the corridor into the flight and I was the last one to hop on. Tired and exhausted I reached home well past midnight and find myself tucked in bed. God I am so tired..But the worst part is I need to wait....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Terrorism & India
Terrorism effects one and all and it plays on peoples insecurity, innocent lifes and wishes to achieve instability, collateral damage in various forms. I am sure this is not something new that I write. Everyone knows what happened on 26/11 in mumbai and the recent outrage by millions of Indians in Urban India. Interestingly there are tons of debates on news channels and various other media and forums. I believe all this to make good business by fuming this very emotion, let me tell you how. Tune into any news channel and they are asking us to send our suggestions and views through SMS mind you each sms cost 6 rupees and who is making money? So are the news channels really with us or there for the money. Are we fuming anger and hatred and making remarks that we would under normal circumstances never do. I believe we are.
I am surprised at hundreds of people coming out on the Road and saying we will not pay taxes and do a lot of non-cooperation movement against the government. If you think about it we are working for the terror networks this is exactly what they want. They want to slowdown our economy and divert our focus to other things. Our taxes go to the employes in PSUs and different development projects around the country. Yes I agree that they are underutilized and misappropiated and making money for the ministers but even if 20% is coming back to the society I dont think I can risk development work in the country which is already starved by the lack of it. Also the recession around the world doesnt help. So by not paying taxes you think you are helping the country. I really do not think we can afford to stall the progress of our country. There has to be a better way than not paying taxes. We are not fighting against the govt. remember we are fighting against the inaction. We want them to work and work with accountability. How I am sure there are ways there are laws already to force these changes and if there are not than we need to fight to bring those laws.
Anger provoked US to bomb two countries without thinking, I believe, and now they are crying and we are now talking about doing the same thing. I was surprised to see online petitions and millions supporting it without realizing what they are vouching for. We are actually ok with 500 of our great soldiers to give up their lifes because we are angry and unhappy. WAR is not a solution not even targeted bombings. Rats will hide from one hole into the other. Terrorism cannot be resolved overnight. US bombed countries is the world to what good. Are we free of terrorism? Today pakistan is hiding some elements tomorrow some other countries will shield them. By bombing countries US has created a situation where the US citizens are forcefully holed up in their own country. They cannot travel without fear anywhere in the world. Do we want to end up being targets around the world and be a reason to be hated because we acted in haste.
There has to be a better ways to tackle the situation. I just hope that the Govt just to show people in India and win some votes do not act in haste and bomb some locations. While we really need to fight a diplomatic battle with Pakistan and demand them to take action we need to look at ourselves and take some measures to ensure that gullible people like us and millions in our villages are not used/mislead into doing such dirty unforgivable act.
I would support
I wish we are not fooled by sudden rush of blood and misleading NEWS CHANNELS. Think beyond and out of the box.
If I act happy when people around me are sad I am insensitive and selfish but if I am happy and spread happiness around me by working with the sad everyone looks upto me. We need to unite and contribute to bring the country together. Time heals the biggest wounds but anger only burns more than it cures. We need constructive action and self realization more than bombing others or not paying taxes. I am not a politician nor an economist but I do believe that there is always a better way than killing one another.
I am surprised at hundreds of people coming out on the Road and saying we will not pay taxes and do a lot of non-cooperation movement against the government. If you think about it we are working for the terror networks this is exactly what they want. They want to slowdown our economy and divert our focus to other things. Our taxes go to the employes in PSUs and different development projects around the country. Yes I agree that they are underutilized and misappropiated and making money for the ministers but even if 20% is coming back to the society I dont think I can risk development work in the country which is already starved by the lack of it. Also the recession around the world doesnt help. So by not paying taxes you think you are helping the country. I really do not think we can afford to stall the progress of our country. There has to be a better way than not paying taxes. We are not fighting against the govt. remember we are fighting against the inaction. We want them to work and work with accountability. How I am sure there are ways there are laws already to force these changes and if there are not than we need to fight to bring those laws.
Anger provoked US to bomb two countries without thinking, I believe, and now they are crying and we are now talking about doing the same thing. I was surprised to see online petitions and millions supporting it without realizing what they are vouching for. We are actually ok with 500 of our great soldiers to give up their lifes because we are angry and unhappy. WAR is not a solution not even targeted bombings. Rats will hide from one hole into the other. Terrorism cannot be resolved overnight. US bombed countries is the world to what good. Are we free of terrorism? Today pakistan is hiding some elements tomorrow some other countries will shield them. By bombing countries US has created a situation where the US citizens are forcefully holed up in their own country. They cannot travel without fear anywhere in the world. Do we want to end up being targets around the world and be a reason to be hated because we acted in haste.
There has to be a better ways to tackle the situation. I just hope that the Govt just to show people in India and win some votes do not act in haste and bomb some locations. While we really need to fight a diplomatic battle with Pakistan and demand them to take action we need to look at ourselves and take some measures to ensure that gullible people like us and millions in our villages are not used/mislead into doing such dirty unforgivable act.
I would support
- Police reforms so that we can tackle situation better if it happens
- Central Investigation agency independent of political indulgence
- Autonomous bodies to monitor Govt. spendings and MLA spendings with authority to take action against people who are caught doing wrong.
- Mandatory Social Service for all Indians irrespective of who he is from the president to the beggar on the street. If we get even 5% of our population do this we will change our country inside out.
- Create a sense of equality. We are Indians. Thats all!!
I wish we are not fooled by sudden rush of blood and misleading NEWS CHANNELS. Think beyond and out of the box.
If I act happy when people around me are sad I am insensitive and selfish but if I am happy and spread happiness around me by working with the sad everyone looks upto me. We need to unite and contribute to bring the country together. Time heals the biggest wounds but anger only burns more than it cures. We need constructive action and self realization more than bombing others or not paying taxes. I am not a politician nor an economist but I do believe that there is always a better way than killing one another.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Celestial Celebration
The barbaric happenings around the world and the pain inflicted on ourselves make even the celestial beings smile at us. Yesterday as I was heading back home from work I witnessed what has been termed as The Celestial Triangle. "It's all in the simple mechanics of how the earth, Venus and jupiter move around the sun also on how the move revolves round the earth". One of the papers was quoted saying "The moon smiles as Venus and jupiter come close together.
I thought to myself what an irony everywhere around world people are dealing with major crisis economic, political & the omnipresent Terrorism and all of these are Man Made..who enjoys it the planets and the stars. If we continue our apathy towards our fellow beings and mother nature I wont be surprised if we all will be laughing at our own deeds. Do i sound pessimistic? I have liabilities and fears surrounding me and I only wish that I can do away with my liabilities and fears at the cost of being pessimistic.
The scene in the sky yesterday was beautiful to say the least but seriously I am not sure how many of even care to look up to the sky these days. Grim thoughts and sad feelings..
I thought to myself what an irony everywhere around world people are dealing with major crisis economic, political & the omnipresent Terrorism and all of these are Man Made..who enjoys it the planets and the stars. If we continue our apathy towards our fellow beings and mother nature I wont be surprised if we all will be laughing at our own deeds. Do i sound pessimistic? I have liabilities and fears surrounding me and I only wish that I can do away with my liabilities and fears at the cost of being pessimistic.
The scene in the sky yesterday was beautiful to say the least but seriously I am not sure how many of even care to look up to the sky these days. Grim thoughts and sad feelings..
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