I missed you!

Dear Blog,

It's been more than a month since i talked here. And I missed it. Will be back soon.

:)

SOS

This has been Season Of Scams(SOS). Not that there weren't scams earlier. But I don't know if it's coincidence but last few weeks have exposed scams of varying scales. Starting with the Common Wealth Games mess in Delhi ( which incidentally have actually helped Indians wake up to the games). Then there is the fixing fiasco in cricket. There is a movie coming up called 'The Social Network' which apparently shows the facebook founder Zuckerberg as having stolen the idea for his venture (fakebook?). There is this new ad of a bike featuring MS Dhoni and a cricket team which is a copy of an older Adidas Ad (to the last scene). Closer home, a leading jewellery brand unveiled his new identity with much fanfare. As it turns out, the logo was a straight lift from a ready-made logo website. And the jewellery brand in question positions itself on the premise of 'trust is everything'. The icing on the cake has been the new ambitious 3 minute film of Kerala tourism which has striking similarity to a 3 minute film of Mexico tourism (Cheetah become Elephant, Mexico becomes Kerala). Phew! And today I see the trailer of a new film of Hrithik Roshan. The scenes remind me of a lovely Thai insurance ad. Am I imagining? But then the movie 'Kites' had straight lifts of scenes from 'Road to Perdition'. It's a Season Of Shams. A Season Of Shame.

As good as 'Maa'

ICC in ICU & Love All on Tennis Court

Cricket is going through a crisis once again. There is smoke and there is fire. Pakistan might have become the 'butt' of all betting jokes - but to assume that it's Pakistan alone in this seems highly unlikely. Betting is more rampant than we think it is. And there seems to be a quite a few people batting for betting. Bowling no balls is the just the tip of the iceberg. Asif would would have got just a tip for that. The sad thing is not that there is betting and fixing spot and spot on. The sad and alarming thing is there is no idea who all are playing the game. As a result, it's causing a serious aspersion on the game. Now, all matches, all dropped catches, all run-outs would be doubted. How many times have we seen greed and money killing the spirit of things - be it business or cricket. These incident have come at a time when much of cricket being played everywhere is below par. The declining Aussies have meant that the bar has come lower. English have been going through highs and lows amidst the fixing. India has been playing way below par and it was very poor show at Sri Lanka. There are no great rivalries, no great moments, no great duels and champions league and IPL are being seen as the hope to revive the game. How unfortunate. There was more news on politicians Pawar and Howard than about quality of cricket. Cricket right now looks fragmented and in disarray. 20-20 world cups are adding to the woe. It's becoming a classic business school case study. I won't be surprised if viewership comes down for cricket matches. The focus has become money and not the game, and unless that changes - there will be no more money to be made. Cricket is losing its soul. Common Wealth Games again have become Wealth games.

Amidst all this dollar-grabbing, there is one sports story that's heart-warming. An Indo-Pak pair reaching the finals of the US Open tennis. Bopanna and Quereshi. Why is the idea of love so difficult when it is so simple? Hats off to the boys.

The thought today

"The right answers evade us when we fail to ask the right questions."

The Thought Today

"What would excite you to get up at 4'o clock in the morning and do it?"

Realizing the truth

There is a difference between knowing and realizing. While the source of the former is external, that of the latter is from within. And the effect of both is equally different. It's one thing to know 'honesty is the best policy', and totally different to realize the same. While the former makes me knowledgeable , the latter makes me wise. While I may know a lot, I realize very little. Realizing gets me closer to the truth, and makes me question my self. Knowledge rarely changes me. Realization does that.When I know, I might nod; but when I realize I cry. Similarly, while there are ways and means to know; there aren't for realizing. It happens. Especially when I am aware of my ignorance. Importantly, when I am aware that knowledge does not substitute ignorance. Knowing the truth is not the end of ignorance. Realizing the truth is. And when I realize, I no longer remain a talker. I become a doer. Blessed is he who realizes. As for me, I wait.

A better world

The Thought Today

"Our actions are our prayers."

Laxman in Lanka

India has not won a test series in Sri Lanka since I can remember. Winning the third test has actually painted a better picture than it really is. Sri Lanka played qually good if not better cricket in the series. As for Lanka, they have never won a test series in India. India is the no. according to the rankings. They didn't look no. 1 for sure. The team that is looking no. 1 right now is England. But then they like India can always falter in the next series. Australia meanwhile looks disoriented for now. Back to the Indian series, it was back to Sachin and Laxman to save the day for the young brigade. Laxman proving that the knock against Australia was no flash in the pan. It was good to see him prove his worth. Pity he has had a career where he has always been expected to prove time and again. Another legend of the game said goodbye. Don't know if India would have won the final test had Murali been there. But then there can be no 'if' and 'buts'. Murali got 800 and retired. Dhoni got married and got 200. Sachin also got a 200. I have never considered myself a Sachin fan (I might be called traitor in India for saying this). But more than his swashbuckling young daya, it is his veteran's perseverance that's converting me to the Sachin sabha. It is now, that he is proving his true greatness as a sportsman. And for the first time I am keenly following Sachin and how he is going to finish his career. Waiting for his century of centuries in international cricket.

All is well done!

Caught '3 Idiots' on the telly. Was looking forward to watching this movie as soon as I read about it being a Raju Hirani - Aamir collaboration. It was an appetizing prospect. Couldn't catch the movie in the theatre (it would be some time before we get to watch a movie in theatre, thanks to little Advait). Fortunately got to see the movie at home along with my parents. The movie was typical Raju Hirani. He has created a genre by himself. His movies have heart - and a very important message coming through in an entertaining manner. Some of the scenes were delightful. Yes, some were too simplistic. But one tends to go with the flow. For what his movies deliver as a whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. I felt this was Aamir acting at his best. It was not about a 42 year old playing 20 year old. It was all so believable. The characters stay itched in our minds. Rancho is not so much a person as it is the spirit in each of us. Spirit, we either suppress or rarely if ever let it flow. Again, it may not be great cinema (i really don't know what that is). But it was cinema which I would have liked to make. I admire and envy Raju Hirani. He has said many things that perhaps many have felt strongly about. What's been interesting has been the manner he has said it. Two scenes from the movie for me define what Raju Hirani's movies are all about. Both scenes have Madhavan. In one, he is under the blanket in his hostel room as Kareena comes drunk to Aamir and tells about the question papers. Hilarious dialogues ensue between Kareena and Aamir, and Madhavan is unable to muffle the laughter under the blanket. It's a scene of some much realistic humour. Direct well. Acted well. The seconf is Madhavan going to his Dad. It's scripting at its best. These two scenes sum up for me what magical movies can do. All is well.

The thought today

"I can never fully and truly love any person till I hate even one person on the planet."

The thought today

"There is no greater thing in this world than to be human."

Spain gain

Spain lost their first game. Holland lost their last match. And that made all the difference. It wasn't a great final. Spain didn't exactly catch anyone's imagination during the World Cup. The attention was on Germany and Argentina. Spain played to win, and win they did. Germany and Holland coaches acknowledged the superiority of the Spanish side whose midfield they say is one of the strongest in the world. There is a new World Champion. But did i enjoy watching Spain? But then they came to a competition to win and not to entertain. They were not flamboyant.They were persevering and committed. I won't say they were boring, but they didn't exactly make me sit and exclaim 'wow, beautiful game'. The World Cup is over. It was a great effort by South Africa as host. It was great for the continent too. The closing ceremony had some great moments. The lasers, projections and off course Mr. Mandela. Barring a few games though, it wasn't exactly a thrilling world cup. Not so for Shakira, who has become a household phenomenon the world over with numerous parodies of Waka Waka doing the rounds. She will be thrilled more as Rafa Nadal's nation has won the World Cup ( and he is winning Grand slams on the trot). Must be the best time of her life. As for me, I realized that I can no longer sit the midnight like before. And yes, Paul was right. Again. Truly a freak phenomenon. Who says Indians are superstitious?

yehi hai right choice

See. Do.

The Thought Today

"One can't be creative when one is seeking approval."

Paul gets it right

Spain have stopped the German juggernaut. The pre-tournament favorites and regining european champs are in the finals. After losing their first game of the tournament, they are peaking at the right time, while Holland is yet undefeated. It's been paul the octopus whi has been getting the predictions right. What will he predict for the finals? I am sure this time it will be Paul who will be under pressure. He is expected to get it right, and it's the final. He got the Euro finals prediction wrong. The Germans went numb as they could not come to terms with the tag of favorites after the quarter final win over Argentina. Will Paul feel the pressure? Who will it be? Holland? Spain? I think it's going to be a tight final. One thing is for sure. A new country in the World Cup roll of honour. More than the final, I am keen about Paul. Will he? :)

This time for Europe

One world cup record is certain to be broken. No European team has won the World CUp outside of Europe. With the Dutch now in the finals, it's certain that a European team is going to lift the title. Got to give it to them. They have held their nerves and handled the big moments better. They have also shown flair. As for the Latin Americans, this could be the beginning of sterner tests ahead. They are being weighed down by their own expectations. They are crumbling under pressure. The other nations are fast gaining parity. The Asians have done really well in this edition and will only get better. When the next World Cup is held in Brazil - it will be very interesting. For now, if Germany falls today we will have a new nation winning the cup. The Dutch have have been the perpetual underperformers, much like South Africa in cricket world cup. This could be their time. Or Will it be the Spanish armada. As for the Germans, it's now that their temperament will be really tested. It's not easy to win when you are expected to win. Let's see.

Rafa, Lee & the falling giants

Nadal has done it twice what I always felt was next to impossible. Win French open and Wimbledon on the trot. The man deserves an ovation.And there is another man, at 37 in tennis no longer young, but winning his 12th Grand Slam. Leander Paes might be one of those Indian players with great killer instinct. Infact he was the first Indian player in any sport that I remember to have pumped his fist and played with his heart, guts and hands.The spirit is still there. Makes me feel proud of being an Indian. Saina is doing the same thing. The olympic Gold will be great. Some of the giants have been on a slide. Tiger, Federer and Schumacher on a comeback. It's time fot the next gen. As Germany showed. Brazil and Argentina went out of the world cup in contrasting ways. I am no psychic or an expert, but I dare say I felt Brazil went out by way of arrogance while Argentina, the nerves got beter of them. Brazilian players behaved like they were1-0 down when they were actually leading. They were opposing every whistle of the Japanese referee. It was almost as if they knew they are going to lose this match even after leading. The frustration was evident but hard to explain. They behaved as if the how could a Japanese referee teach the Brazilians how to play right. They lost. While the Argentinians looked tense, too eager to win and just went blank in front of the German goal. I have never seen them hit so many feeble shots at the goal. Maradona surprisingly took the defeat in a dignified manner. He was shattered, and it was a shame that the world's best footballer didnt score a goal. Messi was great but they lost. The Germans look to be like marauders on a run. Very fast. Fit and precise. Who says German footbal is boring. It has been delightful. It would be sad fi they don't lift the cup. I had seen the German team winning in 1990. Matthaus, Klinsmann, Voeller, Brehme and Co. Very clinicial but not so very free flowing. May be Ballack's absence has helped. Stars can sometimes be a liability. So, the table have turned and its 3 European teams and one Latin American. Will the dark horse create history? As for the giants, wait for 2014.

I'mperfect

This time for Africa?

It's time for the quarter-finals. Sad to see Japan go out in a penalty shootout. No Asian teams in the QF. On current form the likely semi-finalists look to be Brazil, Uruguay(Ghana can surprise though), Spain and Argentina/Germany (can't say which of the two. Looking forward to some exciting football. Already feeling a bit sad that the world cup is going to end in another 11 days. and then it's going to be a wait for 2014(in Brazil). In the midst of all this, India won the Asia Cup (cricket) and Saina Nehwal has been sparkling. They say she is currently the 3rd best woman with a badminton racket in the world. That's something. And there was something else, marathon match lasting more than 11 hours at wimbledon. Phew, some spirit. Some stamina.Am I doing a sports roundup here? Just imagine. Ghana lifts the World Cup. why not? This time for Africa!

French fried. Italy baked and English packed.

Germany and Argentina sizzled in their matches. Thouroughly enjoyed the Germany- England match. Ther have been a few sparkling games the past few days. the World cup is turning on the heat on the teams. It's the knock-out stage. It's a pity thaat Germany and Argentina will facing off in the Quarter-finals. They both deserve a Semi-final berth. Along with Brazil and Uruguay (who I say are the 'dark horses'). There is no room for error now. Nothing is predictable. And its fun. Glad that the games are not going to penalty shootout. Germany was super. Fast, precise and highly co-ordinated. Argentina is inspired. Brazil is Brazil. And there are the super power ruins. France repeating 2002, being kicked out in round 1 without a win. Italy repeating a France by going out in the first round as defending champions. As for England, They are like the Indian cricket team. All money and glamour and loads of hopes every world Cup. EPL there, IPL here. Wayne Rooney looked retired and as flabby as Yuvraj Singh. But the goal from lampaard was legal. Video technolgy - please learn from ICC, FIFA. I am excited as the momentum is building for the finale. Expecting great matched as somehow there is a tide in favour for free-flowing football. May be inspired by beats of Africa. Waka Waka.

Superman

Beautiful!

When I was just a little girl,
I asked my mother, 'What will I be?
'Will I be pretty?
'Will I be rich?'
Here's what she said to me:

'Que sera, sera,
'Whatever will be, will be;
'The future's not ours to see.
'Que sera, sera,
'What will be, will be.'

When I was just a little boy,
I asked my mother, 'What will I be?
'Will I be handsome?
'Will I be rich?'
Here's what she said to me:

'Que sera, sera,
'Whatever will be, will be;
'The future's not ours to see.
'Que sera, sera,
'What will be, will be.

Give Me Freedom !

Raju kaise bana Gentleman

(From an article in Yahoo)

Director Rajkumar Hirani, best known for his feel good social dramas like ''Munnabhai'' and ''3 Idiots'', borrows his first name from ''Rajkumar Commerce Institute'', his father''s typing institute. The director, who had to struggle hard to become what he is today, talks about his humble beginnings in the book ''3 Idiots: Original Screenplay''.

Hirani says his father, Suresh Hirani, migrated to India during the Partition and having lost all his possessions started working in a bangle factory to make ends meet. He later moved on to selling ice-cream on the streets and finally opened a typewriting institute in Nagpur by investing his life''s savings.

"My father christened it ''Rajkumar commerce Institute''. I was not even born then.

I was named after a typewriting institute and not the other way round! Most parents would name their enterprises after their children, but I''ve had the rare honour of being named after my father''s enterprise. I am proud of the fact," Hirani said.

The 47-year-old director, who began his filmmaking journey as an editor with Vidhu Vinod Chopra''s ''Mission Kashmir'', says like his film 3 Idiots'' protagonist, he was also expected to take up engineering but he could not get enough marks in the 12th standard to make the cut. Hirani started studying commerce and enrolled for chartered accountancy, which he despised.

"I had no interest in chartered accountancy and these classes were a huge imposition.

I was wasting this time on something I knew was not for me.

But I had the baggage of the engineering debacle on my head so abandoning this very viable option would have appeared self-indulgent, foolish and luxurious at the time," said the director. But Hirani decided to leave the course and managed the courage to tell his father about his decision, which closely mirrors in the ''3 Idiots'' scene, when Farhan goes to his father with plans to join photography instead of studying engineering.

But unlike Farhan, Hirani had no future plan. "My father was standing alone in the living room.

I walked in and walked upto where he was standing, taking lead-laden steps. My throat was dry with uncertainty and fear.

It was one thing to tell your father that you did not want to pursue what seemed like and excellent career choice but it was another thing to not offer an alternative plan," the director said. "My voice quivered with apprehension as I told him that I did not want to take the exams because I did not enjoy chartered accountancy at all.

He looked at me and in the most nonchalant manner told me to not do it," Hirani added.

The Lion In Africa

The World Cup of Soccer has started and its been a mixed bag so far. Nothing spellbinding but the occassional spark. The first games are usually a nervous affair. Everyone keen to get going at the same time tense. Only Germany has been free flowing so far. But then not all teams have played. Argentina won a crucial game against Nigeria. They started the game very well. I don't watch much of club soccer and was waiting to see Lionel Messi. He did make a mess of many chances most of which he himself created. But one thing was clear. He has it in him. It's the same as watching someone like Zidane. In moments, one realizes that they are special players. Messi is one Lion to watch out for. Don't know if he will have his prey and take Argentina all the way. But for sure, he has got the teeth, and the speed. It's a matter of the mind. Will Lionel roar? Let's see.

This is an amazing story - Truly Inspiring

The story of Patricia Narayan, winner of this year's 'Ficci Woman Entrepreneur of the Year' award is amazing.

She started her career 30 years ago as an entrepreneur, selling eateries from a mobile cart on the Marina beach amidst all odds -- battling a failed marriage, coping with her husband, a multiple addict, and taking care of two kids.

Today, she has overcome the hurdles and owns a chain of restaurants.

An entrepreneur by accident

I was always interested in cooking and passionate about trying out new dishes. But, the thought of becoming a business woman never came to my mind at all as I do not come from a business family. Both my parents were government servants.

But my marriage changed everything. Both the families opposed the marriage vehemently as my husband belonged to the Brahmin community; unfortunately my marriage did not work out as my husband was addicted to alcohol, drugs, etc. I could not bring him out of the addiction. As a young woman, I did not know how to cope with this and I was getting beaten up everyday.

Though my father, a very conservative Christian never forgave me, he gave me refuge when I had nowhere to go. I was thrown out with two very small children. It was a question of survival for me. I knew I should either succumb to the burden or fight; I decided to fight my lonely battle.

I did not want to be a burden on my parents. So, to be economically independent, I could only do what I knew and what I liked. I started making pickles, squashes and jams at home. I just took a couple of hundred rupees from my mother. I sold everything I made in one day and that gave me confidence.

I earned a good income. I invested whatever I earned to make more pickles, squashes and jams. It was quite lucrative in the sense, even ten rupees was a blessing for me.

The first step as an entrepreneur

My father's friend, who was running a school for handicapped children, was handing out mobile carts or kiosks to people who would employ at least two handicapped people. They needed somebody who could run it and I was offered one such cart free. I had to train the handicapped children to make coffee and serve them to customers.

As I lived near the Marina beach, I decided to put the mobile cart at the Anna Square on the Marina beach. I had seen people thronging the beach in the evenings. But I had to make umpteen trips to the Public Works Department and wait for one year to get the permission.

Finally, I started working on June 21, 1982, a day I will never forget. The previous night itself, with the help of the local rickshaw drivers, I had rolled the mobile cart to the beach. It was a small move but thrilling as it was my own and I was going to be a business woman the next day.

While such carts sold only tea and cigarettes, I decided to sell cutlets, samosas, bajjis, fresh juice and coffee and tea. On the first day, I sold only one cup of coffee and that was for fifty paise!

I was very disappointed and came home crying. I told my mother, that I would not like to continue. But my mother consoled me saying, at least you sold one cup of coffee. That's a good sign. You will do well tomorrow. And, she was adamant that I go the next day also.

The next day, I made sold snacks for Rs 600-700 which was big money for me then! As I started making money, I added ice creams, sandwiches, French fries and juices too. I used to keep thinking of adding more items.

I ran it from 1982 to 2003, and the maximum I made from that mobile cart was Rs 25,000 a day. That was during the bandh days! We used to be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day, and later, I started opening from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the walkers.

I used to personally stand there and sell all the stuff I made. I never felt scared to stand there late at night. My only thought was to prove myself and move ahead.

There was a fire in me that made me believe that I could be successful without anyone's help. I did not want to be a failure. If you have that fire, nothing in the world can stop you from succeeding.

Offer to run a canteen
On seeing my work at the beach, within a year, the Slum Clearance Board gave me an offer to run the canteen at their office with a proper kitchen. The chairman met me during her morning walk. That is how I got the offer. The canteen was a huge success.

On Wednesdays, it was the public grievance day, so about 3000 people used to come there and I had a roaring business.

I used to get up at 5 a.m. in the morning, make idlis and go to the beach. From 9 a.m. I would be at the canteen. From 3.30 p.m. I would again be at the beach cart and would be there till 11p.m. By then, I had employed people to cook, and clean, and all the cooking was done at the canteen kitchen. My monthly income in those days was around Rs 20,000.

Later, I got an offer to run the Bank of Madurai canteen, I stopped running the canteen at the Slum Clearance Board canteen. At the Bank canteen, I served food to around 300 people daily.

One day, after a fight with my husband who used to come to trouble me often, I boarded a bus and travelled till the last stop. I got down and saw the National Port Management training school run by the Central government.

On the spur of the moment, I told the security guard that I wanted to meet the administrative officer. I met him and told him that I was a caterer and that I heard they were looking for a one.

He said, to my surprise that they were indeed looking for one as they had problems with the current contractor. I still believe it was God who took me there.

I got the offer. I had to serve three meals to about 700 students. They gave us quarters to stay. It was a new life for me. I got into the groove in a day. It was successful from day one, and I took care of the canteen till 1998.

My first weekly payment was Rs 80,000. I felt so elated having seen only hundreds and thousands till then. During those times, I was earning almost a lakh a week.

In those days, I wanted to do everything personally as I felt only then, things would run smoothly. Now I know if I train people well, they will do the work the way you want.

Starting restaurants
My connection with restaurants started in 1998 when I met people from the Sangeetha Restaurant group. They offered me a partnership in one of the units. But my son, Praveen Rajkumar wanted me to start my own restaurant and build a brand of ours.

But destiny played truant with me again. I lost my daughter, Pratibha Sandra and son-in-law road accident, a month after their marriage in 2004. It shattered me, and I withdrew from all that I was doing.

Then my son took over and started the first restaurant 'Sandeepha' in my daughter's memory. It took some time for me to come out of the shock and start helping my son in the business. Now, I am fully involved in the business. The fire to succeed has come back to me now.

Ambulance to help the accident victims

I still cannot get over my daughter's death as I did all this for my children; to bring them up and give them a good life.

What shocked me was the way the accident victims were treated by the ambulance operators. When they found that all the four in the car were dead, they said they would not carry dead bodies. Finally, somebody carried all the dead bodies in the boot of a car. When I saw the bodies being taken out of the boot, I broke down.

No mother can bear such a scene. That is when I decided to keep an ambulance on that very spot to help people whether the victims are alive or dead. It is in memory of my daughter.

Ficci entrepreneur of the year award
I started my business with just two people. Now, there are 200 people working for me in my restaurants. My lifestyle has changed too. From travelling in a cycle rickshaw, I moved to auto rickshaws and now I have my own car. From 50 paise a day, my revenue has gone up to Rs 2 lakh a day.

The 'Ficci entrepreneur of the year' award is the culmination of all the hard work I have put in over the last 30 years. It came as a surprise as this is the first time I have received an award.

Till now, I had no time to think of what I was doing. But the award made me look back and relive the days that passed by. Now, my ambition is to build my Sandeepha brand.

Advice to young entrepreneurs

Do not ever compromise on quality. Never lose your self-confidence. Believe in yourself and the product you are making. Third, always stick to what you know. When you employ people, you should know what you ask them to do.

Heyyyyy Say yay :) - This time for Africa

The cup of joy

It starts tomorrow. The greatest sports extravaganza of the planet. it's the soccer world cup. Olympics is a different scale, but when it comes to sheer passion and following it's the football world cup that makes the cut. The best in the world will be in action. As a young boy, i used to prepare black coffee, keep it it ready in flask and watch game after game. It helped that my parents never really interfered with my night viewing. I have been lucky that way. Every four years, it's fun to watch the beautiful game played by the very best. First time in africa. this time I am not backing any teams. Letting myself enjoy the games. May the best team win. That's one advantage of being an Indian. Don't have to be dispoointed if shunted out in the first round. Being a cricket enthusiast, I would still want to watch a soccer world cup than that of cricket. It's a simple game. There is powere and there is beauty. Waiting for the cup to fill up with joy.

The thought today

It's my conscience that kills me everyday.

The opposable mind!

Just finished reading 'The Opposable Mind' by Roger Martin. The sub-head of the title is 'How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking'. I found the book interesting. It was first published in 2007. It found resonance with some of the things I had felt very strongly about and still do. The book talks about how seeming opposable ideas can be blended to find an alternative that is better than either of them. Basically it's about integrative thinking. It says the power is in 'and' and that 'either - or' thinking is limiting. Integrative thinking unleashes the creativity to bring out new and more effective solutions. The book is based on the author's interviews with leading business people of the world , as also successful people from non-business background. The leaders who have prominently featured are A.G. Lafley, the ex CEO of P&G, Issy Sharp of Four Seasons and many other such leaders including the one and only Peter Drucker. The favourite part of book for me was the quote from Drucker where he says that there are no marketing/Finance/HR/production decisions. There are only business decisions. Partss have got to make sense to the whole.

Personally, i have spent a lot of time telling myself that so so called opposites are not oppsites. It's possible to be rich and happy. It's possible to be honest and rich. It's possible to be caring and earning. It's possible to make profits and serve consumers. It's possible to be nice and win. It's possible to serve the society and make money. It's possible to be creative and effective. Infact one feeds the other. It'a not easy. But then, it's worth it. It's fulfilling. It's fun.

The thought today

"Why judge others when I can be what I want to be."

Peace?

I saw the front page of THE HINDU. First was the news of people killed in the rail tragedy caused by Maoists. Below that was the story of Pakistani civilians being killed by bomb blasts. And I was wondering why do we need a war between the 2 of us when we are both fighting wars within. Why is peace so difficult?

Love has no borders.

It's in the genes!

Back to School

Yesterday, i just happened to wander to the website of my school. I didn't know they had a website. But then, times have changed. Saw the school crest, and suddenly the words that i had seen in all those school years hit me after all these years out of it. 'Love lighteth learning'. The motto of my school. It was the first time i really thought about it, and realized the wisdom of it. Hopefully I can apply it with my son. would consider it a mission accomplished. :)

Life!

A new series on Discovery Channel. From 24th may to 6th June. 8 pm. Titled LIFE. Loved the first 2 episodes. The promos had got me interested anyways. Amazing stories from the wild. Stunning visuals. The episodes are like watching a movie. All the ingredients are there. Intrigue, drama, humour, murder, chase and more with great music and narration in the mushy voice of David Attenborough. Not to be missed.

Rain Rain!

It's not yet Monsoons in Kerala. The South West clouds are set to arrive June 1st week. But already it's raining. Low pressure in the sea. I love the rains. It's wonderful to go for a long drive in the rain (though visibility is an issue...got to be cautious). But it's fun. Meeting clients can be kool:)

I don't know !

Excerpt from a Vishy Anand Interview....so simple :)

Q. What does it take to be a world champ?

A. I don’t know! I just try to play the best game I can. But it has to be fun. You can cope with the stress as long as chess inspires you.

Do you like me?

I was watching this reality show episode on TV the other day. It was a singing contest for kids. There was this shy kid who sang very well. The judges were impressed but in order to get the child to open up asked him ask them anything he wanted. The boy thought for a while and asked 'Do you like me?". The judges had just praised his singing, but this was the question on the child's mind. I wondered isn't this in our minds as well. From superstars to the wannabe, from a parent to a child....everyone has this question deep within "Do you like me?" It was his innocence that made him ask this so spontaneously. But isn't this that's within us all?

Sad

I am feeling real sad for the sufferers of the Mangalore air tragedy. It is moments like this that make us value life and what we have. May God bless all.

You may not know me

You may not know me. Some times even I wonder who I really am. I can write. I can read. I think. I dream. About things that are and things that can be. I wonder about the universe – its endlessness and my ignorance. I could read all the books of this world but I may not know. I could listen to all the masters of the world, dead and alive and I may not know. I could live and die and take birth again, and I may not know. Such is the glory and expanse of creation. And then I realize that there is that power that is beyond me, but in those rare moments of inspiration I could realize that power within me. I do not need to question that power or its source. I just need to embrace it with free will. I have done nothing new. I strive. I look at others and marvel. Little sparks. I do not know if there is a spark in me. I do not know how to show the spark in me. For that matter, I do not know what spark is. I act important every once in a while hoping to be taken seriously, like perhaps now while writing this. But I know within me, I am nowhere. I don’t have to be anywhere. I just have to be me. Why is that so difficult? There is a world that I look up to. There is a world that I want to look up to me. I lose my innocence. My childlike enthusiasm. I lose myself. I act. I have designations that I want and designations to live up to. But in the corner of the corner office lies my little heart which knows the truth but is scared. Can I question? Can I resist? I don’t have any Lions. I don’t have any pencils. But I wish I could save the Lions and resurrect the pencil. I look at planet earth and I look at people. I wonder if it’s worth it. Am I adding any value? What is my role? How do I look at myself? My work? No gutter bar for me. No Cannes. Not even Goa. I don’t have a black t shirt. Nor a moustache. Though I respect the moustache. I respect it all. But I wonder if there is something beyond it all? Do I have to follow? Or do I lead? And lead towards what? Something more responsible, humane and relevant. Can I do it? Can my pen or rather my keyboard do it? I love the questions. I love the uncertainty of it all. I like my doubts. Call me a loser. I like that too. I don’t mind that too. I would be happy to lose my way to a find a new one. There is fun in this. In getting dirty and losing my way. There is fun that is beyond the clunking of cocktail glasses. Exploring the expanse of the endless universe. Setting myself free into an unknown world. New meanings, new understandings. New purpose. Escaping the gravity of the now to discover the freedom of new. It’s exhilarating. Its fun. Like the Eskimos in Greenland. I love it. It’s my struggle everyday. I am no genius. I don’t know who I am. I know there is something within me. I am there in the small city, in the small room at the small desk. I am the boy that looks out of the classroom window. I am the girl who looks out of the bus in the dusty town. I am every where. I exist. I live. But then, you may not know.

Maoists

Marginalisation always creates conflicts. Always has. India is a country which has been grappling with its divides. The divides of caste, region, religion, gender, income, health, education and more. And there are many a wrong to be set right. But killing innocents in a bus, or blasting off rail tracks. Is that going to set things right? Infact, it is deviating attention from what the perpetrators are claiming to be their causes. In fact, their real intentions are looking dubious and self-serving. Two wrongs never make a right. It's not a movement. It's vandalism. It's the arrogance of the coward. The intion is not solutions. The intention is self-importance. Call yourselves whatever you want to - don't be anarchists.

Now, this is strength.

The thought today

"Don't try to do a thing. Do it."

The thought today

"When I accept life, Life accepts me. When I accept myself, the World accepts me."

England finally win in their game.

I have always marvelled at the English for inventing Cricket. So many rules. So unlike many other games. It's their national game. Englad is known for their love of traditions. It's irony that the first time that they have won an ICC tournament ever is the 20-20 world cup. Nevertheless it's a great achievement. It's good for cricket. England has long been getting distanced from cricket. Hopefully , this will be a revival. The best part is, they deserved to win this. They played the best cricket. Paul Collingwood of all people deserved it very much. An underrated cricketer, he has been the gentle, calm soldier of the game. Such people deserve the success they get. Very happy for him. Aussies will take this hard. This will raise questions about the mettle of Michael Clarke. A certain Ricky Ponting leading this side, and the story could have been different. But this moment belongs to England. Deservedly so. As for Indian hockey, its been a anticlimax in that they have won the Sulthan Azlan Shah hockey but they are joint winners with South Korea. Rain washed out the game. Anyways, it was a good show. SO what's next? The World Cup of Football. My favourite sports event. Yes, even more than world cup of cricket. Surprised?

The World is my Playground

Can I read these?

Yesterday I met God

I am writing this on a Sunday. This happened yesterday. My wife had gone out in the evening to get a few dresses of hers stitched, while I was at home. On the way back, she did little kitchen shopping at the super market. And when she reached back home, she found her bag missing. It had money. Her driving license. One of my bank passbooks. My son's vaccination booklet and lots of other stuff. My wife went back to see if she could find it but to no avail. I made a trip to the super market to see if she missed it there. Nothing. We concluded that the thing had been lost. Somebody would have picked it. Even as we are counting our losses, there was a the noise of somebody calling out my name at our gate. It was an old frail man, a letter in his hand. The letter had my name and address on it. The man had come in an auto rickshaw. He had the missing bag with him. Apparently my wife had kept a letter from her father in the bag which had our address on it. The bag was found lying on the street by the autorickshaw guy. He took it to the old man whom he knew. They traced our house from the address on the letter. Miracle! In the world of today, where we have become so cynical and skeptical about everything and everyone- we forget that basic goodness still survives. Both of them - they are not going to win any recognition or any prizes. Noone will know what they did. Noone would have known even if they hadn't done what they did. They were not rich. They were men on the street. Faces in the crowd. Not social activists. Not peace marchers. Where is God we ask? We say, those were the good old days. It's a selfish world now. Its what we are that is changing rather than others. Its our goodness that is lacking. And then come some angels. People like us. And they show the God within us all.

The thought today

" Either you are inspired. Or you are expired."

Bob!

Hey this world cup is going on. I remember the last time the world cup (for ODIs) was held in the Caribbean. A certain Mr. Bob Woolmer got killed ( died/killed himself/murdered?). We don't yet know what really happened? Infact there is no talk about such an incident. How easily we forget and move on with life?

India in T20 World Cup Semis

Yes. India women defeated Sri Lanka to get into the semis of the women's world cup t20 in Windies. Nooone seems to be talking about it. Talking of women, saw couple of ads the last few days which showed women differently. kareena Kapoor driving a car while Saif sitting beside her for Airtel DTH, and daughter driving with father besides and mother in the backseat in Tanishg ad. Not that women driving cars is not usual, they have been doing that for wuite a whiile. But the fact that ads meants for Indian masses are showing them show the switch that's happening in the mindset. Who says advertising always 'uses' women?

Paramananda !

Vishy Anand is the World Champ. Rather continues being a champ. Now thats a bigger achievement. To retain the title is tougher than winning it. Playing in Topolov's country what with the initial hiccups - and wnning the final game with black pieces. This was Anand's best win. It was a challenge beyond 64 squares. He is a true champion. Like the Aussie cricket team which has won 3 cricket oneday world cups on the trot, or a Roger federer, or even the now beleagured Tiger Woods and once mighty Michael Schumacher. The Indian cricket team is the other side of the spectrum. Winning once and failing disastrously subsequently. Richest doesn't mean the best, though the reverse might hold true many times. Let's shed no tear for Indian cricket. Let's salute Vishy and thank him for the 'paramananda' he has given us. Ain't I glad I followed him more than the Indian cricketers?

A friend in greed ;)

India defeated Australia. 4-3 in hockey. Last we won against them was in 2003. This is not a full strength Aussie side though. Vishy and Topolov are tied after 11 games. Today is the final game with Topolov playing with white pieces. Tense. If this game is a draw, then its tie breaker. Phew. By the way, they say India has got an outside chance to reach semis of T20 world cup. Ha ha. Australia and England have been the best sides in the tourney so far. They deserve to play the final. I won't issue a showcause notice though if India play the finals. We'll have to defeat the Lankans on better net run rate. And we'll be friends of Aussie in their math against Windies. Ain't I greedy? eeeeeh ;)

India Won Again!

India defeated South Korea in the Sultan Azlan Shah. India are out of T20 world cup. I have always felt that sports at the highest level is about who can handle pressure better and keep the nerves. But the last 2 games of India were not not about nerves. It was lack of skill. Inability to play the rising ball. An uninspiring bowling attack - both the games couldn't take a single wicket in first 10 overs. A lack of skill at this level of the game is unpardonable. India deserved to lose. Can't imagine these players playing test on foreign soil. There is a lesson for India from England. their football. The EPL is the world's most prestigious football league. And the English football team has been struggling for so many years in international contests. By the way, Chelsea are EPL champs. I am happy. Was growing sick of Man United winning every year. And guess who is the best player of EPL. Didier Drogba. He is from Ivory Coast. Where is that?

Unblogging

I have never been a techsavvy person. I took very hesitantly to computers and internet. Gadgets were never really a turn on too. I am amazed how people remember the model numbers of mobile phones. I can never do that. Have always been bad with remembering numbers anyways. When India was under the NIIT,Aptech revolution I used to wonder why people are so excited about it all. I hated the sound of BASIC and COBOL. But like many others I was pushed into the world of computers and internet. Then in internet new worlds arrived. I looked at each one with the same old hesitancy. One point in time everyone i knew was talking of Orkut. I tried to find what it was, made a profile and did a search of some friends. And that was that. I was out of Orkut in less than a day. Deleted my profile and heaved a sigh of relief. Being in Orkut seemed like I was in a invisible glass house (now how can that be?). Then my company prodded me into Facebook, which i found to be lot more relaxed and refined. But again the feeling that I was standing in a traffic intersection didn't go. So though I am still in facebook, i am more or less faceless. Then there was twitter. One of our clients spoke about it as to how he wants his brand to be in social networking and on sites like Twitter. That's when i thought of knowing Twitter. For over a month my Twitter account remained empty. I didn't know what to do with it. Then there was lot of news of twitter on national news - thanks to the celebs. Thats when i became a little active and started following people related to news and some social organisations (my area of interest). I found it interesting. I could react to Rajdeep Sardesai and get a reply once in a while. I could follow what India's leading ad guys were tweeting. I could listen. So I am in twitter. More as a listener with a once in a while reactions to what i hear. In the meantime, there was linkedin. They said its a professional networking thing. I have joined. Just to find what it is. I am neither very excited by it nor have any problems with it. May be that's the whole idea. All this while blogs have been on my radar.But never got down to actually write one. Then it just happened. And i felt, oh now this is something nice. I am taking the baby steps. But its fun. Not restricted by 140 characters, nor bothered by invites or requests. Not counting on how many people i know or am friends with. I could be myself. Expressing myself. without having the need to rationalize or justify. Kind of liberating.Not that i have anything against the other social networking things. all have a place and their merits. It's a journey. But i guess blogging is fun. Infact its unblogging. letting out without any blocks. I like it.

India Won!

Anand drew the 10th game. India got walloped by the Aussies in the Carribbean. But India won. 4-2. Against Pakistand in Sulthan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament. That's kool. yep, and Sachin tendulkar has crossed the 2 lakh follower mark on Twitter. And no I have not yet tweeted anything to him. what do I say?

A thought...well...

'The joy of being is realized when I embrace who I am. And when I express myself, I discover who I am.'

News of the Day

A Kashmiri youth from Kupwara all of 27 years. a Doctor - Shah Faisel is the UPSC topper this year. His father was killed by terrorists when he was 19. Now that's whom I'd call a real winner. That's someone who can deserve to be called an Indian Idol. Coming to winning, Anand drew the 9th game. I dare say more people are following Sachin on Twitter than Vishy-Topolov faceoff in Sofia. 3 more games to go. I am tense.

C'mon Anand!

Don't know how many Indians are following this, but there is a certain Vishy Anand playing a World Championship match at Sofia in Bulgaria against Vaselin Topalov. It's a 12 game championship. Anand just lost the 8th gsme and the score is level at 4-4. With 4 games remaining. C'mon Anand, do it. You are a Champ.

The night thought of today

'Recognize the power that is beyond you. Realize that power within you.'

Something to mull over

A thought that came to me the other day or was it night....

'Think... how many people you think are more rich/beautiful/famous/successful/brainy/smart than you.

Now think...at this very moment, how many people you think are happier than you.'

No right or wrong answers. Just something to mull over.

The night thought of the day

There are nights when I stumble upon some thoughts and wish I cud jot them down...but never do. I might do it here..... so here it goes......

'No knowledge is finite. No knowledge is definite.'

High Fee Hell

The IPL is over. Or is it? For one thing, my wife is very happy. Not because she is one of those 'cricket widows'. On the contrary. She is happy that her team won. The Chennai Super Kings. My Dad is also happy. My teams didn't reach the final. Bangalore and Rajasthan. But I supported Chennai in the finals. The IPL had two similar lessons delivered in two contrasting ways. In fact a single lesson. The lesson has been - individuals can go this far and no more. Now, I wouldn't ever put Sachin Tendulkar and Lalit Modi ever on a same pedestal. But, there are similarities in the results. No one can blame Sachin for being worshipped as God<.All those cine-stars and celebs and fans call him that. As much as i respect his greatness as a cricketer, I don't think he is the 'God of Cricket'. No one is. No one can be. For Cricket the game is bigger than individuals. It is a team sport. And the funny thing is Sachin knows it and believes it more than all his fans. But to see a team as the 'Sachin' team is disastrous situation for the team and for Sachin himself. On the other hand is a man who lead in a very understated sort of way. He is a baby when compared to Sachin. But the key difference is, the teammates of Sachin expect Sachin to play for them, while the teammates of MS Dhoni play for him. One is 'Sachin Team'while the other is 'Team Dhoni'. In the latter case, the 'team' comes first. And that's the tragedy of Sachin's genius. Chennai deserved to win. They have been the best team in the last 3 editions of IPL. Dhoni also played a crucial knock when they really needed to. The World Cup of T20 is on. Don't know who is going to win. Dhoni has a long way to go. It better be a long way.

I have never been a supporter of individuals becoming bigger than the game/organisation/institution/party/nation/planet. And Mr. lalit Modi just discovered that. I don't know who is right or who is wrong. But one thing is clear - when an individual tries to be bigger than the event - curtains fall on him. He should be credited with making IPL what it is today. A success, and a dirty cupboard. There are others as well. But he wanted to hog the whole limelight. The darkness has followed, and he is alone.

Next year, I might be supporting a new team. Cochin. Well, if not for Cochin team, the whole IPL issue wouldn't have been stirred. Hope this doesn't effect the Cochin team. and IPL doesn't become just 'High Fee hell'. This season, my wife had my son wearing yellow shorts for the Chennai match. Next year it could be the Cochin colours. By the way, he is practicing his throws with a cloth ball.

And yes, welcome to my Blog.