Year 1999 to 2009: From Human to Machine

My weekdays are quite simple. It’s full of work, with professional and family issues, a tired day and 8hrs of sleep! And weekends are spent in watching movie, networking with friends, washing and cleaning etc. But still far far away from mental peace. I have been running after success all these years (thanks to social and parental pressure). And realized, success is yet very far, but in the process, I lost… Myself.

Music was something that had always helped me in connecting me with my soul. Singing used to be my passion, Sonu Nigam, Rafi, Kishore Da etc. used to be demi-gods. Used to love singing for hours and hours. I used to listen to different songs, write their lyrics, and practice those songs. Everyone used to love my voice and my singing. Even though I have never learnt music, it was something that came naturally to me.

Interestingly, I was never the music buff. But in class 7th, school compulsorily asked everyone to attend activity classes. There were typography, computers, dancing, painting, electronics classes etc. I chose music, because there used to be no music teacher in my school in those days. I thought, it would be good to attend music classes as they would be free periods. I would use that time to finish my homework.

But the very day, a music teacher joined, Ms. Pratima Kumar. Every student was shocked. As they always thought, that music classes would be free time. Prathima Ma’am called every student one by one to sing “Hey Sharde Maa”. We all used to sing this song daily in our assembly. After everyone was over, she called me and Sumit Rathore to the stage. We were bit terrified. She announced, they were the best singers, as they struck the near perfect chords. I never looked back. Prathima ma’am was my motivation, my first Guru. She helped me in improving my singing skills, with Dice Sir who was an expert in English music. Soon I was among the best singers in my school. Next, I wanted to learn classical, I wanted to be trained.

In early class 12th, I asked my dad, “I don’t want to study. I want to be a singer. I want to learn music. ” My dad replied, “Finish up your board exams, become an engineer. Once you are successful, do whatever you want to pursue your ambitions.” His point of view was logical. But soon I realised that there is no connection between Passion and Logic.

So here I am today. I am an engineer, MBA, marketer, and yet “Nothing”. First engineering, then interviews, then MBA preparation, MBA, and now job. After 10 years of hardships, I realized, I couldn’t sing. I need to start afresh to polish my skills. I have lost the gift of God.

Programs like Indian Idol, Saregamapa, and Amul Voice of India, bring tears to my eyes, when I saw someone else fulfilling my dreams. Thanks to loved ones around me, as they keep motivating me to continue singing. And I even want to!

But thanks to the last decade, as I am more a machine now than a human. Emotions, aspirations and talent, all are lost in the process to be a machine, like everyone.

Why Do We Disrespect Women ???

I was waiting for the day to get over, and was planning to pack my bags to home. Three twitter updates spoiled my mood completely for the day. It was on an issue, on which I have always spoken of. It’s about disrespecting women.

Read these three news items:-

“In a strange ritual 2,000 women, who were believed to be 'possessed' by evil spirits, were given severe, blood-oozing lashing in public to 'free them from these bad elements' in a village in Tamil Nadu. The whipping ritual included girls as young as 10-years-old.This strange ritual continued for five hours at the annual festival of the ancient Sri Achappan Temple on the Vijaydashmi day.
One girl was whipped for not showing interest in studies. The parents believed that the lack of interest was because there was an evil spirit residing in her. One girl received lashings for not attaining puberty on time and another for her irregular menstrual periods !!!”

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/NDTV-Show-Special.aspx?ID=365

“A 23-year-old hotel management student has claimed that she was abducted, gang-raped and filmed the act by four men after taking her to three states in about a month !!!”

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?issueid=97&id=64304&option=com_content&task=view§ionid=4

“Frances Gomes, a father was convinced that if his daughters left his flat, they would be raped or "corrupted". So he kept his daughters, 27-year-old Barbara and 21-year-old Elizabeth, locked up with their mother for 7 years in Mumbai !!!”

http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/locked_tortured_by_father_for_7_years.php

No justification (whether be it tradition, mentality, illiteracy etc.), can approve any form of disrespect to women. Can someone give one good reason, why such instances happen, in every form of society, be it rural, or urban.
As my title goes, Why do we disrespect women ???, I am still searching for an answer.

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed from a maverick college life to strict professional life…...

 How tiny pocket money changed to huge monthly paychecks
But then why it gives less happiness….
How a few local denim jeans changed to new branded wardrobe
But then why there are less people to use them
How a single plate of samosa changed to a full Pizza or burger
But then why there is less hunger…..

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed…..

How a bike always in reserve changed to bike always on
But then why there are fewer places to go on……
How a small coffee shop changed to cafe coffee day
But then why its feels like shop is far away…..
How a limited prepaid card changed to postpaid package
But then why there are fewer calls; more messages……

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed…..

How a general class journey changed to Flight

Credits : Mr.Pravesh Mathur

BJP's "Chintan Baithak"

I was completely shocked when I was told that BJP expelled Mr. Jaswant Singh. Unfortunately, there was only Jaswant Singh(among few) in BJP whom I respected as an intellectual. He was the only man or I should say the Man-Mohan of BJP. He was intelligent, highly qualified and above all, apolitical like many other BJP leaders. If not secular, at least he seemed secular to the general public.

Moreover BJP's "Chintan Baithak" came out with reasons of loss in 2009 general elections. All the reasons were pointing only two things.
Firstly, poor strategy and secondly poor marketing of ideas.
As per me,BJP used all media tools effectively to convey their ideology. But the problem was never in the promotion.
The main reasons for BJP's loss are the other two P's.
Product: The ideology of being stubborn, the ideology of spreading hatred, the ideology of introspecting the past and not planning for the future, the ideology of non-secularism, when mixed together, forms BJP i.e. a poor product. Such a poor product can only be sold to your customers(electorate) once. Soon the customers realize that they have been cheated.
Price: If we would have brought BJP back to power, then the price we had to pay for it would have been huge.BJP's ideology disturbs the social coherence of India. I have always believed that BJP is an Allopathic medicine. They may solve India's problems; but would also give various side-effects(for e.g. hindutva,moral policing etc.) that would hurt our country later.

My dad, who was once BJP loyalist, amusingly used to say, BJP means " Bhaago Janta Peetegi"...

SWAMI...

Yesterday, I saw the movie “Swami” again on television. I loved the movie when saw it for the first time and even this time too. I decided to blog about this movie because many people would not talk about this movie.

“Swami” is a simple movie on a life story of titled fictional character. Movie casts Manoj Bajpai and my all time favorite heroine, Juhi Chawla. The story is about their unconditional love towards each other and later towards their children. It’s a complete family movie that will make you cry in some of its scenes.

The movie was a flop and I guess wouldn’t have even heard its name. Technically and critically speaking, this movie is below average. But its heart lies at the right place. Moreover, it teaches you the essence the relationships. The relation of Swami with his arm-chair shows you the love for his wife ”Radha”. Swami has only one dream, to fulfill the dreams of his wife through his children. Swami depicts a very good husband, father, and above all great man. His relation with his son is shown astoundingly emotional in the movie.

Moreover, this movie also shows a life of a common Indian middle class family. This movie beautifully depicts small but important moments of one’s life. One feels connected to the movie, and can easily relate to his/her life.

You will never understand all this nor will I be able to explain, until you watch this movie. Be patient, forgive the editing and try to appreciate the soul of the movie.

HORN OK PLEASE…!!!

Firstly, a good news. I bought a bike, “Bajaj Platina”. It was badly needed as I have to daily travel to the office. Travelling in buses was horrible and “autowallas” of Bangalore were too demanding. So I had to waste more time in travelling, which could also have been spent doing something constructive.
Bike gives you a sense of freedom and a driving pleasure. I can now go anywhere in city, anytime. I am so happy, not only because, I own a bike, but also, I have to no more be dependent on Bangalore’s autowallas.

Bangalore traffic made me realize the importance of horns in your vehicle. Not only it is necessary to alert the vehicles around you, but it’s also a mode for expression. During long traffic queues, I have seen people honking to show their anger towards vehicle ahead them. Their horns yell asking people to make roads for them. Horns are also a great mode of stress buster. Angrier you are with the traffic, harder you press the horn. Horns are also used to irritate people. I myself have tried to horn out autowallas ahead of me, just to irritate them. It’s my form of revenge against all the problems they have given to me during my two year stay at Bangalore. Horns are also mode for fun. I have heard weirdest of horns,from a baby’s cry to police’s siren. But actually I believe horns should always be weird. I guess, only then you are heard among all the similar sounds in traffic.

So next time, when you listen to a harsh horn around you, just for one second, try to think the real reason behind it.

I salute you Mr. Kamlesh Patel !!!

These days, on Friday late evenings, whenever I call up my loved ones, I get a same reply from all, ‘We are busy watching, Dance India Dance, so can we talk later!’ After months of being neglected on Friday evenings, I decided to check this show out. And believe me or not, I got hooked up to show! I was mesmerized by the emphatic dance performances of the contestants. I saw the whole show with the feeling of awe! I was personally impressed by the prince of popping and locking, “Prince” from Baroda.

But one performance made me cry (you know how emotional I am!). In fact everyone cried, including Mithun Da, the jury, the contestants and the audience. The credit goes to a man named, “Mr. Kamlesh Patel”. I was touched by his performance! As if, I was taught a great lesson of life, by that dance performance. You all must be thinking, what was so special in that performance?

Kamlesh Patel is a physically challenged man. He cannot stand on his legs, as his legs are paralyzed (at the age of 5). So he danced with his hands on Indian patriotic songs! We were all speechless by his performance with moistened eyes. We felt so small in front of him. As Mr. Remo (jury) said, ‘No one in this world can judge this performance’. When everyone was crying, Kamlesh Patel was smiling. I guess he was smiling on God, on the whole world, on us!

Kamlesh Patel had the fortitude and determination to fight against the odds. Even being paralyzed, he never bogged down, practiced dancing and honed his talent. Today, for me he is the man to look up to. He is the man, who teaches us, even in adversities, one shouldn’t accept defeat. Kamlesh Patel is an answer to all those who think, that being physically challenged is a curse.
Friends, learn not to complaint. Instead, learn to fight against the odds and emerge as the winner. And as always, be a step ahead.

Watch his dance performances here:
Kamlesh Patel Video 1
Kamlesh Patel Video 2

"YOU” vs. “YOUR BEHAVIOR”...

Why my friends don’t understand me?
Why does everyone don’t like me?
Why I am not getting selected?
Why my product is not selling?

If you get failed in your relationships, in your professional life, or in your business, there is only theory that can bail you out.
The theory of"YOU” vs. “YOUR BEHAVIOR”!

One should understand that it is not "You", who is getting failed; it is "Your Behavior" that is the loser. One needs to understand that, it all about how the world perceives you. It is not about "You". It is all about how you look like, how your behavior is, how do you interact etc. Your friends don’t understand “You”, because the imagery that they have formed about you is not matching with the real “You”. “You” failed to present the right imagery to your friends, the inner “You”! One should not change its inner-self, because there is a risk of losing your own identity. Instead “You” need to change your communication strategy so that the world perceives you exactly in the same way “You” are!

Similarly, in marketing, it is not the product that’s got failed. It is your communication with your customers, it is your imagery in the minds of the consumers, and it is how you are perceived that’s got failed. The brand has failed to present its real qualities to the consumers. Customers form some perception about your product and use their instincts before buying a product. Thus, a brand needs to change its communication strategy and make sure; concerns of its target audience (only) are taken good care.

Hence, it’s not about “You”. It’s all about how the world sees “You”!

"Music" or "Sound"... !!!

I am a music freak! I love to hear old Hindi songs, classical and folk songs. But, I have been told many times by my friends, "What boring songs do you play!". I reply them with a smile and silence. As per me, one who doesn't know the difference between a small glass piece and a diamond, its better to be silent rather than debating. I believe those who understand music will appreciate any form of music.

Later on, I felt, why do youth (most of them) doesn't like old Hindi songs. And literally hate classical and folk songs. Moreover, they even didn't respect melodious songs of new albums. Similarly, old people, doesn't like present day songs. They are stubborn of the fact, that only those old Hindi songs were gems.
Why there is such an aversion?
Is this what we called a generation gap?

My answer is NO!

There are generally two dimensions to a song, "Music" (tune) and "Lyrics". Where Lyrics is been handled by lyricists and composer are responsible for the Music. I believe old songs were more based on music and lyrics. Composers preferred melodies with meaningful lyrics. In those times, orchestration of the song was not a major issue. Neither did they had the technology to complement with it.

With the advent of technology, a new dimension was figured out, i.e. "Sound". Technology was used to generate different sounds and the major emphasis was given to the orchestration of the song. Various musical instrument were used and computer was there to generate any form of sound. Many new age composers really don't care about music and lyrics of the song.

Old people feel that, the Sound have overshadowed the importance of music and lyrics and the new age feels, that at the end of the day, music is all about sound. Another reason for the emergence of sound as a new dimension is because, today people relate songs with fun and dance only. With the Sound, remixes and dance numbers have also increased. In yester years, songs were a soulful bliss, and a form of art.

Only R. D. Burman and A.R. Rehman are the composers in Hindi cinema who have tried to have all the three dimensions into their songs.

So whom do you support, Music or Sound ???

Admit your mistake...!!!

I have always believed that there are three kinds of people in the world.

One, who does a mistake, never admits them, neither improve on them.These are offensive, arrogant and over-confident people. In the long run, these people are generally unsuccessful.

Second, who does a mistake, admits it, but never improves on it.They are humble, defensive and unconfident people. In the long run, these people live an average life, without risks.
As per me, I belong to category Second.And working on to become a part of Third category.

And Third, who does a mistake, admits it, and never repeats it. They are the leaders, who are confident as well as humble. They take risks in life and live a successful life.

Why is it so, that most of people lie in the category One?

Which category, do you belong to???

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Your close friend, suddenly shouts on you, yells at you!
He/she criticizes you, condemns and complains, in public, of no reason!

How should you react???

Generally observed behavior suggests, that there are two ways to react.

First,tit for tat! Give your friend a nice, harsh reply, so that it never happens again. Teach him/her a lesson, so that he/she may never ever dare to repeat such behavior!And again if he/she reacts,make sure you win "The War of the Words".

Second, listen calmly, and try to clarify.If the situation gets heated up,leave the topic and just don't react. Later, try to understand the reason, and try solving the issue. If its your mistake, go and say "Sorry"! Try to clarify your reasons and patch-up. But if its your friend's mistake, make him/her realize it, politely, when he is calm and ready to listen.

As per me, I prefer the second one! I found it more mature, logical, and effective.

But, why so, that most of the people around us, chose to follow the first method?

First method, will surely led to an end of relationship. And even if the relation doesn't end, there would be no mutual love and respect.
Second method, will solve the issue once for all.Moreover, relationship will get strengthened. And even if relationship ends, you will always retain a level of respect.

What's your call on it?

An Army of Beasts...!!!

Just don't forget to read this article by SHOMA CHAUDHURY of Tehelka.com.By this article she tracks the underlying psychology of vigilantes across the country.


"In Mangalore, they beat women for drinking. In Pune, they tear priceless manuscripts because they feel a historian has insulted Shivaji. In Delhi, they spit on a man at a podium because they feel he is a traitor to the nation. In Bhopal, they break a school because they feel the principal has violated the national anthem. In Bombay, they raid and pillage because they feel outsiders are stealing jobs and thwarting their mother tongue. In Orissa, they burn houses and kill people because they feel their faith is in danger of dwindling. In Gujarat, they rape and kill thousands because they want to teach a community a lesson. They pull artists’ hair, threaten writers, slap women, hit men, burn paintings, ban films, tear posters, pulp, burn, rape, kill, beat. As a matter of routine, they spill into the street.

This is not an army of beasts in some futuristic film. These are contemporary ‘keepers of tradition’, ‘protectors of society’. Zealots driven by such fierce rage and selfrighteousness, they see no irony in cannibalising the very culture, religion and nation they claim they defend."

Read the complete article here.
"The Idea Of Indignation"

9 year... Apple iPhone Programmer !!!

Believe it or not! A 9 year kid, named Lim Ding Wen from Singapore,who is in fourth grade, writes applications for Apple's popular iPhone. Lim, is fluent in six programming languages, started using the computer at the age of 2. He has since completed about 20 programming projects.

His latest, a painting program called Doodle Kids, has been downloaded over 4,000 times from Apple's iTunes store in two weeks.The program lets iPhone users draw with their fingers by touching the iPhone's touchscreen and then clear the screen by shaking the phone.Amazing !

When I read about this kid, I felt, we all should learn from him. At the age of 9, he is whizkid and above all a self-motivated person! Like him, we should be a step ahead, and should keep on working upon our strengths and weakness. There is lot to learn, lot to read and lot to do.There is no time to waste, life is short, and much to do.

Source: www.Tech2.com

Shashi Tharoor... On Indian Diversity !!!

Once, in HINDU newspaper, I read an article by Mr. Shashi Tharoor, on Indian diversity. I was so impressed by one of his statements that even after couple of years, I searched for it on web, to blog it.

 

He said, 

"If America is a melting-pot, then to me India is a 'Thali', a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."

 

And those who have heard the name,"Shashi Tharoor" for the first time, or know less about him, beneath is his profile.

 

Shashi Tharoor was born in 1956 in London and educated in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi (BA in History, St. Stephen's College), and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Since May 1978, Tharoor has worked for the United Nations. He served over 11 years with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, whose Singapore office he headed during the "boat people" crisis (SAJA). In October 1989 he was transferred to the peace-keeping staff at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In this position, he served as Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Peace-keeping Operations. Dealing with a range of issues in this capacity, Tharoor addressed a variety of peace-keeping issues around the world and led the team responsible for the United Nations peace-keeping operations in the former Yugoslavia. On January 1, 1997 Shashi Tharoor was appointed Executive Assistant to Secretary of the United Nations Kofi Annan.

As a diplomat and writer, Shashi Tharoor has explored the diversity of culture in his native India. By exploring the themes of India's past and its relevance to the future, he has produced both works of fiction and nonfiction. His most recent work, India: From Midnight to Millennium, is a nonfiction account of India's past and projected future inspired by the 50th anniversary of India's independence.

Republic (HOLI)Day... !!!

Last 8 years, spent in my engineering college, company and B-school, I have never seen people turning up in huge numbers for Republic day or Independence day functions. Today is 26th January. India's and our's "Republic Day"! I have intentionally used "India's" and "Our's" separately. Reason, many people living in this country, separate themselves from India.

Today, out of 500 people in my B-school campus, only 50 appeared for the Flag hoisting ceremony. Not to forget, out of those 50 students, 20 were staff and guards. Above all, none from the administration and faculty department appeared for the function. And the ceremony finished in just 30 minutes. Nothing new in it,actually. I have been seeing this for the last 8 years.

People feel patriotism, when movie based on India gets nominated in Oscars!

People feel patriotism, when India beats other teams in Cricket!

People feel patriotism, when Indians are awarded on global level for their exemplary work!

But when it comes to Republic day, it's a mere Holiday !

The common feeling is,

"To hell with patriotism! Its better to sleep for an extra hour rather attending the flag hoisting ceremony."

I know, just not attending these functions, doesn't mean that someone is not patriotic. But if it would have been functions like, Valentine's day, Ethnic Day, Lohri, Holi etc., ceremony would have been jam-packed ! Reason, these functions have fun, dance and entertainment elements into it. Moreover, people get chance to showoff their dresses or to click snaps of themselves. People tend to believe, Republic or Independence day functions as boring and unnecessary.

Yes, these functions don't have fun element, but don't they make you feel,"Proud"? 

It reminds me of my School days, where Republic Day and Independence Day functions were compulsory. Patriotic songs are sung, folk dances are presented, ,sweets are distributed, march-past and parades are held. We as teens, used to enjoy those functions with enthusiasm. All these events, adds to the feeling nationalism and patriotism among us.

So what's difference between "School Days" and "College Days"?

Now we are more educated (graduates and post-graduates) and we all are less patriotic!

Is there any relation between education and patriotism?

Doesn't it make a statement!

G for "Greed" or "Generosity"... !!!

Gone are the days when in business, the letter G denoted "Greed". After crisis, people of Europe, Japan and prominently USA are disgusted with these greedy corporations. As if they no more believe in the brands, they trusted before. Now no more, they follow brands blindly. Common man believes that the greediness of these brands and corporations led to downfall of their economy.

So what to do, to win back the trust of the common man!

I guess, corporations need to understand that in today's business arena, there is no room for greed.
To succeed, the letter G should be replaced to "Generosity"!

A corporation need to be more customer responsive, ethical and value driven. Brands need to crush their arrogance and should communicate their "Generosity" through Public Relation (PR)campaigns, Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) Activities and by providing more value to customers through their products and services.

Thus, it introduces new form of marketing, as "Generosity Marketing".

Trendwatching.com discusses this concept and explains how could corporations and brands can have long term success, and can be a step ahead from their greedy competitors.

Slumdog.... INDIA !!!

I am eagerly waiting, for the Oscar nominations to announce. "Slumdog Millionaire" has won 4 Golden Globe awards and many others prestigious awards. The best part, an Indian, A.R.Rahman, winning international awards all round the world. Now, its time for Oscars !

But I have always felt that, only those movies (related to India) have done well in Oscars, which depict India as a underdeveloped poor country. Movies like "Salaam Bombay", "Gandhi", "Mother India", "Lagaan", "Water" and finally "Slumdog Millionaire", all depict India living into villages and slums. These movies showed poverty, socio-imbalance, riots, and what not. I guess, for the Oscar jury, India is still a land of "snake charmers".
Amitabh Bachchan rightly says, "Slumdog Millionaire has portrayed India as a Third World dirty underbelly developing nation"!
I still believe, that there were many other movies, which were equally good, and deserved an Oscar nomination, atleast!
My fingers are crossed, and all the wishes to "Slumdog Millionaire".

But I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, depicting India's economic success.
I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, that talks about Indian culture, diversity and unity.
I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, that talks good and positive about India.

Recession... A Boon !!!

I am fed up listening to teachers, industry, media etc. talking only about recession and its negative impact of economy. But I always believe that there are always two sides of the coin. Let there be some positivity in the environment.

So what are the advantages of recession?
Are there any?
Shouldn't they be discussed?

Few I could think of, are as follows:

1) Recession led to drop in inflation. That's a really good news!

2) Students getting jobs in this time frame, will have great future ahead. Companies are really selective in hiring students and only the best will be recruited. Earlier when companies were on a hiring spree, It was about, "Survival of the fittest". But now, "Survival of the best". And I found, students preparing themselves extremely hard, to become the best.

3) All the "Whales" of the business have been struck badly by recession. Thus, companies with better operational strategies, better management, and better marketing would only succeed, even they being a "Fish". Now the playing field is leveled.

4) Its good time to do an MBA! Those who were planning to do it, but couldn’t get time out of their jobs, should get an MBA right now. Reason? In their job, their would be no increment in salary,and chances of being kicked out. Pass these 2 recessionary years, in an MBA college, and come back with flourishing salaries again.

5) Home Loan interest rates have reduced. Buy a house !!!

6)…

7)…

8)…

Its an open forum friends! Suggest few other advantages of recession, or criticize those pointed out.
I want this list to be as long as the disadvantages of recession.

Be a step ahead, think positive, think out of the box, and think… think… think…!!!

The Unsafe Women

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in India,18 women face brutalities in every hour.Two rapes, two kidnappings, four molestations and seven incidents of cruelty happen per hour.Yes,this is one of the cruel faces of we "Moral" Indians.Here we pray daily to female goddesses Laxmi,Saraswati,Durga etc.Yet we disrespect the women in our homes,in society,in world.I couldn't understand,what sense of pleasure a man gets by disrespecting women.Aren't we are two faced society.

But yes,we can be a step ahead,by respecting women around us,by giving them equal chance.And as I always believed,charity begins from home.Let's start giving more respect to our mothers,sisters,wives,friends etc.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/every-hour-18-women-face-brutalities-in-india/56375-3-single.html