ALVIDA

2011 - Glories and marks

2011-12-31T00:08:00.004+05:30

After Summing up the year 2010 this was another successful year. I am happy that I completed few of my resolutions this year. I got engaged this year. My business crossed a milestone, shifted to new city, got a job (though part-time), new clients, new ideas, new places. Everything is happening around me and I loved it.

Things I missed really are, regular blogging, regular with guitar, learning a dance-form, my much awaited (& delayed) mobile app (now coming in March), shifting to dedicated office and foremost my (proposed) plan for buying DSLR. This will now go for the list of new year TODO things.

This year I interacted much, much more. Participated in events, presented my startup with proud, that yes we do these things, can do it better and economical. The response was awesome. people are interested, (more in me, I may be too young to start business, for them).

Some of the best works I did, this year. I played some blind games too, touchwood they are successful till now.

Summary of the year, a million dollar thing, "World is beautiful, its upon us to take it that way".

New Year Resolutions? oh yeah, that can be celebrating next new year at a dream location? Well, thats fair enough.

Wish you all a very happy & happening new year 2012, you are awesome and keep it up !!!

Celebrating Light

2011-10-23T23:36:00.000+05:30

Diwali the annual festival of light is here. Markets and shops are shining to overcome the cover of darkness, atleast for sometime. Everyone is excited. Sometimes we just find reason to skip away the routines and tensions, to indulge in something different, exciting and social. Diwali is no different. From fireworks, to laterns, to sweets, to cloths, gadgets, name it and that is associated with Diwali. For sometime, these celebration try to shade the tensions, thought of routines, office, taxes and any other problems of life.

On the other hand, life becomes miserable when even Sunday carries its routine. I was experiencing the same for past few weeks.

One fine evening, I was driving from a lonely road. Passed from the group of shining shops and got in to the blanket of darkness again. Looking at the euphoria of Diwali, I thought, "Everyone is happy and excited for the festival of light, Am I the only one who is missing beloveds and friends?' and I scribbed on the paper,

बाहर तो चाकाचौन्ध रोशनी है,
फिर भी है दिलमे अंधेरा क्यों

घर से बिछडके खुष रहते हो,
फिर भी सबसे है गवारा क्यों

This thought fueled up my desire to celebrate diwali with parents, I came back, booked my ticket, posted vacations responder to office email, went on for a small shopping for cloths and sweets and headed to home.

Sometime it feels great to pack last minute.

Happy Diwali everyone...
May the festival of light enlighten your life!!!

Woh choti si raatein woh lambi kahani

2011-10-10T23:57:00.001+05:30

10-10-2011, Sun has risen with a grey shade.
Something which is supposed to be eternal, lost its charm.

The mastero, Jagjit Singh, passed away.

My first memory of Jagjit singh, was a song, Woh kagaz ki kashti, often played on our cassatte player. I can remember the countless itarations of Jagjit & Chitra, Live at Royal Albert Hall, Listening to Hum to hai parades me, Des me nikala hoga chand, when I was away from home, and many more.

The person who defined the peak for music, still managed to remain down to earth, a very very talented music director, singer and a human being.

It was 2000-01 I guess, There was a concert some 80kms from my hometown. I was keen about it and grabbed a pass worth 500 Rs. It was the first time I carried so much cash with me (those were my school days). Jagjit Singh came to stage, started introducing the collegues and suddenly there was an electricity short circuit, and all the lights, mics, speakers everything went off. It was merely 7.30 in the evening. Any other singer might have reacted furiously but Jagjit saab, started singing even without mic. It took some two hours to rectify the fault and power resumed, more than half of the audience left meanwhile. When Jagjit saab took mic in the hand again it was around 9.45 PM. First sentence he said was, "Yeh concert muze Zindagi bhar yaad rahega; ki pahli baar maine live audience ke saamne rehearsal kiya! Aisa mauka mushkil se milta hai. Mai aap sabka shukrgujar hoon ki itna sab hone ke baad bhi aap log mere liye baithe rahe. Ek fankar ko isase jyada aur kya chahiye." That concert was on till 1.30 in the night, and that was out of the world experience.

Gulzarji, and Jagjit saab, together gave few of the masterpieces to the hindi music. Let it be Marasim or Gulzar's triveni composed and sung by Jagjitsingh, it was a treat to every follower of shayari, gazal, gulzar or jagjit. Many many songs are there just because of this great singer. Not just gazals but film songs like Koi Fariyaad, Hosh walong ko khabar kya or Badi Najuk hai yeh manzil are engraved on thousand of minds.

I wish just once, I could have got a chance to meet him in person, I could have seen him live once again, may be just one more album or composition... wishes are many, now no one is there to fulfill them.

The soulful voice who supported powerful words like,

Ujale apani yaadon ke ab hamare saath rahne do
Na jane kis gali me zindagi ki shaam ho aaye

suddenly went off leaving behind only the memories!

May his soul rest in peace...
What else we can do for him, than offering prayers!!!

New boy in the city

2011-08-31T00:53:00.002+05:30

Finally I am in Pune. After three postponed plans and numerous one day visits, I am now here atleast for 10 more months, and I will find a new flat meanwhile.

I, myself very skeptical about this move, as this means starting from groud zero again. A new place, new people, old business and increase in expenses. Nothing was in favor for my decision, except, something which is pinning me up to relocate to this city. Again renting 2BHK for a single person, looking at future, is waste of money for most of us and somehow I am convinced that it is my requirement. And now I am here, there is no return road, no escape.

Bas chalate jaana.

I consider myself very fortunate that I have THE ideal parents. They support few of the crazy decisions of me, they pinpointed possible problems without keeping me down. The celebrated my every smallest success and they were there with me for few of my biggest failures. Even this decision, It couldn't be possible without their active support. They always supported & motivated me to "MAKE MEANING, MONEY WILL FOLLOW..." If I am not making meaning, then there is no point in doing that thing. Money is a part of transaction, and even if you stop transaction, world will continue without you. But if you can make meaning, make something different, something differenly, something unique or something which will be the easiest, fastest or most innovative, even the world will stop to appreciate.

I got some good suggestions, offers like, why don't you sell our products, we are a brand and you will get levarage, or I will tell you this is not the way to do it, You should do n1, n2, n3.......n.

If I am here to make money, I can be just another reseller, who earns and Pune is full of such resellers. Either I have to stand apart from the crowd or I have to mix with them.

and I made a choice...

The happiest person on the planet, because of my relocation was my fiancée.
My landlord is the next happiest person :) though! Sometimes I get confused with the level of trust she has in me. When I am not sure about how I am going to do, and she ignites the confidence. Its really her unique skill.

With the support of some real near once, I have started this journey on the endless road. Now the day starts with a plan & ends with a stress.

Might be in similar situation Gulzar wrote,

आसमान का रंग बदल रहा था।
रात कच्ची पड़ रही थी।
कोई पंच्छी पास के पेड़ से उड़ा,
और सुबह को लाने आसमान की तरफ़ निकल गया।

अरे! ताल से पानी सुखा है,
आसमान तो नहीं सुख गया?
फिर मेघ आएगा,
फिर जल भरेगा,
चल …

Dreams Pearls etc.

2011-07-17T20:58:00.005+05:30

Since childhood, I was curious about pearls, andthe legend associated with it. At that time I was too immature to understandthe meaning of costly and the reasons behind it. But it started a habit,whenever I went to beach; I always look out for shells, to check whether thereis pearl inside. Years passed, still somewhere in the corner of my mind, I amstill searching for the pearl. Though I know it very well, that there will notbe any.

Years passed, references changed and but the pearlsare still there, and the enigma.

The dreams are like pearls. Still wechase it. And it becomes a journey. A journey called life.

What we live, and what we want,

there shouldn't be much distance,

just the dreams within.

I think the success of life is allabout keeping that distance minimum, and filled with the dreams.

(Original Marathi triveni is by SandeepMashoor taken with thanks, from his blog 'Darmyaan')

Reasons to believe

2011-06-20T23:34:00.001+05:30

After my previous post, Spending days, I got a few comments, about being negative about life.
My mind stongly urged that I should write something about positive side of the life too.While surfing, I came accross a beautiful commercial, by my beloved brand, Coke.

The commercial titled as "Reasons to Believe" is surely a great concept. It is a comparison between, bad & good, between distructions & hope, and ofcourse war & coke.

Writing more about this commercial will spoil the fun, better you have a look at it.

Hats off to the team behind this idea
and
Coke you ROCK

Spending days

2011-06-16T22:06:00.051+05:30

This is how the story goes,
In and out
One minute u're there, the next time runs out
Its a figure of speech as a matter of fact
Did u ever really think about the time you had

Every grain that falls
Every second that crawls
To the minute to the hour
Till infinity recalls
Its a barricade of twigs thats really never there
Did u ever really think that time even cares

These lines by E.P. are perfect to count on.
We do the things, with reason, with purpose, sometimes apperently without any profitable reason. Still we do the things. We spend our time with it. Question remains, WHY?

Famous lines by Agent Smith, "We're not here because we're free; we're here because we're not free. There's no escaping reason, no denying purpose, for as we both know, without purpose, we would not exist. It is purpose that created us, purpose that connects us, purpose that pulls us, that guides us, that drives us, that binds us, it is purpose that defines us."

Now the option is here, Do we spend it for the things worth or we are just making our life an enjoyment for us? For me, my living is for better tomorrow, just like everyone else. Everyone has his/her own ways, own ideas and own goals for the life. But sometimes, I feel like, being directionless right in the middle of a turbulance, unknowingly being guided towards some unknown destination.

here's a little something that you really can think about
the time that got left and time that ran out
keepin in mind what i left behind
my sanity my soul brought down to a fine line
the pain, the shame, too late to quit this game
i can never change....
cuz i'm one of a kind
even if i wanted to i couldnt decide
cuz i never really had time on my side

"Its your love on the life, which makes one ask for a new & better life"

Friends

2011-05-01T01:17:00.006+05:30

"Saale, tu kuch karta nahi hai...", Chins said to Anky, and we all laughed at it.

This was around 24-25th time, we heard this dialog in last 4 days. This was the last day of us together, at friends marriage, and the time was around 4.00 in the morning. This was certainly not the time to make jokes. But we did.

It has been around one and half year, after college and first time we all were together at one place for Abhi's marriage, for having fun, and for so called 'Reunion'. Everything changed after getting a stamp of MBA. Everyone is now busy with individual career. There have been so many commitments to everyone that we hardly got a time to get together. Finally we got an occasion, AB's marriage.

Sweet......Nothing, a photo by Vikram K. on Flickr.

One by one we all joined the celebrations, less of a ritual, more of a fun and recalling the days, we missed so very badly.

It will be a start of new life for Abhi, but for all of us, it was like reincarnating into college life, the countless nights spent in chatting, maggie and coffee. The computer games, the discussion about projects, exams, submissions and growing together as friends and every other thing we enjoyed, we shared and the moments we lived together.

Everyone is well connected with each other by electronic communication, but this was the first occuasion we all are together after college.

In the early morning, we all were waiting for autorikshaw, and may be for that last time that year, the very famous statement cranked on the laughter. But this time there was a tint of pain added to that, because for all of us, tomorrow will be bringing back our duties, routines and every other things which makes our usual life, except THE FRIENDS!

When everything fails, the hope rises again....

we shook the hands towards each other, wishing bon voyage, and with the assurance that,

"It will not be too long for next celebration"

(note - this was a long due post, I wrote last year, but hardly got time to complete it, thus posting it now)
Chins, Anky, AB, Tips, Vaibhs, Vishla, Esha, Mru, Archi, BK, and all others, who made my life special, missing you all...

The Great Indian Butterfly

2011-02-17T23:53:00.002+05:30

I am not much interested about movies or attaining the first day first show or things like that. But yeah, I do watch movies, which I think, will be interesting. 'The great Indian Butterfly' is a movie like that. I don't know how much moolah it made, but the name was interesting, so I spent one and half hour on it and I found it interesting too.

The story goes around a couple, busy with respective careers and planning for a vacation in Goa, and the car journey from Mumbai to Goa slowly unfolds the cuts and corners of the relations and life. Both are too busy to spend time with each other, they regret for it, but they never prioritise it.

Husband Krish (Amir Bashir) is inspired from a legend about The great Indian Butterfly, which brings

peace, success, love and satisfaction, lost somewhere in Kartikeya’s valley, which is according to him, somewhere in Goa. This yuppie couple has spent the last few years of their lives climbing the ladder of success. They are supposed to take off for their much-needed annual vacation. But a stressed out Krish goofs up and they miss their flight.

The wife Mira (played by Sandhya Mridul) is annoyed with the job, office politics as well as relationship complications. Just to keep her mood, he says that they will enjoy this vacation together and will not hunt for butterfly this time. She blames her husband about the problems, the goofups and also pin-points about his earlier relationship with a girl.

Situation get worst when, she knows that her husband received some 6-7 calls from his ex-girlfriend, and decides to quit from the relations. Unable to get any train or bus, she stays in Goa, and tries to rediscover herself and understand about situations happening with her.

Husband tries to locate his wife, but fails to do that. He checks out of hotel and go to a place which is according to him a Kartikeya’s valley. This story unfolds with a mysterious researcher, clarifying the background of Butterfly story, narrating about the facts of life and may be the experiences. Husband meets the researcher, and asks about the Kartikeya’s valley.

And everything changes, he finds his wife back, clarifying the situation and they got all the Peace, Success, Love and Satisfaction. Because they realize that the great Indian butterfly is within themselves. They can build Kartikeya’s valley anywhere, when they are together, with love and strong involvement in each other.

Movie covers few of the very scenic locations in Goa, and deserves full credit for Cinematography. But more of I loved its theme. May be because I can relate the situations more, may be because I have seen the yuppie life, whatever. Somehow this theme about the great Indian butterfly I found it very close to my heart. Everyone in the life goes after Peace, Love, Success and Satisfaction, which is like a butterfly, one can hardly catch it. But during this hunt one gets away from all those four things and from the beloveds.

But somehow I find this movie, this theme incomplete….

Just like our quest…

Quest for Success, for Fame, for Dreams

One day when you find any one of them, and you realize that you are far away from other three...

(pic from Rediff.com, with thanks)

http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/02/review-the-great-indian-butterfly.htm

Summing up the Year 2010

2010-12-31T16:32:00.000+05:30

Again, I am at the last day of Year 2010, to sum-up my year, and to place new year resolutions.
After a post of Looking Back..Looking Ahead, Today I am here with one successful year.

As compare to 2009, I enjoyed this year. I got some early taste of moderate success this year, which was totally unexpected for me. I learnt few good things and few good lessons too.

We faced few of the worst incidences in the history of nation, along with miraclulous organization of Commmonwealth Games.

As its year 2011 already started on planet earth (just few minutes before in Kiribati and Newzealand Celebrated their new year)

Wish you all a very happy new year 2011.

May all your dreams come true this year and let me enjoy good parties from all you!

Fireflies

2010-07-03T23:59:00.001+05:30

I was surfing YouTUBE and a video grabbed my attention because of its name. The video was ‘Fireflies’ and singer was ‘Owl City (Adam Young)’. I loved the lyrics, the video and the meaning too.

It starts with

You would not believe your eyes

If ten million fireflies
Light up the world as I fell asleep
Cause they fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would just stand and stare
I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Cause everything is never as it seems

I can say a perfect description for a dream, which is full of good moments.

One can easily relate it to the sequence of life, which could have been filled with teardrops. Good moments are like fireflies, they will look good from the distance, but when you are trying to achieve it, there is hardly any fire remains. Still planet earth turns, slowly.

It so happens sometime, that I think about myself, what I’m doing, how I’m doing and why I’m doing it. Not all things carry proper answers, but not much things remain unanswered. Sometimes I feel that I am running behind fictitious things, which will hardly happen. But on the next moment, I am very sure that, if the decision was incorrect then I would have stumbled in-between as a result. Thus whatever I am doing is correct.

Cause I'd get a thousand hugs

From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

All the things are in place, so does I. and as planet earth turns, slowly, it will take some time for me to get results, get some concrete facts about whatever I am doing.

Leave my door open just a crack

Cause I feel like such an insomniac
Why do I tire of counting sheep?
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep
To ten million fireflies
I'm weird cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

“I’m weird cause I hate goodbyes”, This could have been a major reason behind few of the important things, I am doing. For me the definition of success would be

“Loving yourself, loving what I do, how I do and why I’m doing it”

And as I am loving the reason for which I am doing it, I need not to worry about the future. This feeling always motivates me towards my goal.

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It’s hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Video from YouTUBE

Management Story

2010-06-24T10:13:00.001+05:30

This article is taken with thanks from NetBhet by Salil Chaudhary, I am just posting it again.

There was once a washer man who had a donkey and a dog. One night when the whole world was sleeping, a thief broke into the house, the washer man was fast asleep too but the donkey and the dog were awake. The dog decided not to bark since the master did not take good care of him and wanted to teach him a lesson.

The donkey got worried and said to the dog that if he doesn't bark, the donkey will have to do something himself. The dog did not change his mind and the donkey started braying loudly.

Hearing the donkey bray, the thief ran away, the master woke up and started beating the donkey for braying in the middle of the night for no reason.

Moral of the story “One must not engage in duties other than his own"

Now take a new look at the same story...

The washer man was a well educated man from a premier management institute. He had the fundas of looking at the bigger picture and thinking out of the box. He was convinced that there must be some reason for the donkey to bray in the night.. He walked outside a little and did some fact finding, applied a bottom up approach, figured out from the ground realities that there was a thief who broke in and the donkey only wanted to alert him about it. Looking at the donkey's extra initiative and going beyond the call of the duty, he rewarded him with lot of hay and other perks and became his favourite pet.

The dog's life didn't change much, except that now the donkey was more motivated in doing the dog's duties as well. In the annual appraisal the dog managed "ME" (Met Expectations) .

Soon the dog realized that the donkey is taking care of his duties and he can enjoy his life sleeping and lazing around.

The donkey was rated as “star performer". The donkey had to live up to his already high performance standards.

Soon he was over burdened with work and always under pressure and now is looking for a NEW JOB...

Ideal couple

2010-06-13T13:56:00.005+05:30

That was a wonderful evening...

They were meeting after a long break. Before that, distances were spicing up relations, sometimes bringing them closer, or else creating walls between them and their thoughts and Finally here they are, together, to enjoy an ideal evening, just like crafted carefully for them.

She was working with one of the top notch company. He was just a struggler, waving on the flow of destiny, looking out for destination. Both are from different places, different surroundings, studied together, 'n slowly entered into a bond. After the college, everything changed, right from the location. When they used dream about smooth running life, and suddenly were down. Right on the earth, in the company of so-called hi-profile people, who used to comment like, 'Postgrad is great, but what about job? my (someone's someone) did his PG from (XYcollege) now works with HDFC/ICICI/HSBC/Standard Charter earning (some two digit number before 'Lakhs')...

She was brilliant and made it to her dream place, and of course, a place for which everyone will dream for. He decided to take his own path. Non-glamorous, but highly ascertain and sometimes illogical too. They used to talk every night, briefing about each others life, funny creatures they encountered in the day and so-on and so-for. But unknowingly they were not at a same level. Later on, even the phone-calls reduced their timing, Subjects changed, contents changed even the details and ideas. Still they love each other.

One day, he asked her, about engagement. She was like stumbled in-between. She asked for some time. Later on, the reply was, "It might be too early to decide something now!" He was happy, waiting eagerly for her response. Meanwhile he is judging himself, entered into a business, started working and enjoying that. Again the matter came into hit point and he asked her about marriage. She asked him few questions. Mainly related to the things he knows about daily life and a specially about earning. The hidden meaning was about whether you are capable of earning which is sufficient for them together.

He realized that, he was just loving her, and hardly ever thought about practicability of relations. Was he wrong at that time? Again the matter postponed. Time was running, so as seasons and finally they found an evening together after these events. They got a neglected corner in that small bistro, and ordered each others favorite dishes. Conversation was important for them, not the coffee. They were talking, opening up with each other after so many days. Just like they used to do during college days.

The lights went dim and music stopped. That was the sign that Bistro is closing down. They came out, hugged each other. Went on to the opposite sides and disappeared in the dark shadows of night.

No one knows what happened after that. For spectators they are like an ideal couple. Even their college friends think the same. Made for each other.

But finally relations are all about what happens between them, not about what other perceives.

Second thought

2010-05-14T23:59:00.001+05:30

"Life never has rewind button", a thought used till flat by many hindi movies. Even we often think, if it was possible to do this, the result might have been better.

Now a days I am busy like anything, hardly had time to give first thought to most of the things. But on a moment, I was in a position to give second thought about a thing, I preserved in a silent corner of my mind. For a moment, I thought its enough now...'n I am on the verge for second thought.

Every moment, contributed to me, one or the other way. What I am is a collaborative product of sum of all moments, rather what I am not is the direct result of it. Second thought is for looser, who are not satisfied with the situation they are in, though ironically they made themselves into the situation

Its not a day or an hour, which made us think about our relations, our decisions or our life. Its the whole set of circumstances. If one wants to show affection about a decision, relation or life, this was the moment. In a movie, Matrix, NEO has been asked for two choice, Love or Life. He goes for Love. I think the reason being, Life is not possible without Love. He would have given second thought there, and that would have turned the whole scenario upside down. Pessimistically, for me, suicide is the way to show your affection toward your life. If one don't have life as he/she expects, he/she has full right to ask for better beginning. But how many of the people think this much before it is a key question.

On the other hand, is it like second thought always gives wrong direction. The answer is 'NO'; atleast for me. The reason being, second thought is always a kind of dreamy creation about better future, built when nothing can realize it. Its like a horizon, which will extent further.

Looking back is different again, when you are not worried about your previous decisions, then you can enjoy your journey down memory lane.

"Night is off and there is morning again

All my dreams are gone

Back to life Insane"

Earth DAY...some thoughts

2010-04-23T16:48:00.001+05:30

22nd April, celebrated world-wide as International Earth DAY. This year, there were hardly any celebrations in India, as it was not some marketing event, or globally renowned cash flow point like valentines day or friendship day.

For the few people, who atleast cares about there is something called EARTHDAY, it is another warning bell. Yesterday was 40th Earthday, but problems are residing within us for few more decades. When earthday started, there was no word like green movement and hardly anyone knows about global warming. For so many years, an ordinary person like me, was not much acquainted about the words, EL-nino, global warming, greenhouse gases etc. But now the effects are on our doorsteps. This is ARPIL running, and at my place, red-mark of temperature is already above the historic records. Same is the case, almost everywhere.

World shattered few weeks before by a series of earthquakes, which deserted a small civilization at Haiti, continued the things in Peru and other places. For last two weeks Eyjafjallajokull volcano is controlling, one of the most happening industry in the world. All around chaos in the Airline industry is affecting the world, education, business and of-course tourism. Still we are interested in building palm island and world island in the sea.

I am not much pessimistic about future, rather I was not; later I quit. This is a safest way to reduce burden from my brain-processor, which is already overclocked and working restlessly. This is a short term measure. Sometimes I feel that, all the cartel together, industries, billionaire, politicians and scientists are fooling us, with the glowing shiny picture of tomorrow, which will be there but with a heavy cost.

Sometimes I fear, may be the next generation will be the luckiest one, as they will enjoy much more advanced technology, with some last green patches on the earth. Generation next to them, will only find an earth filled up with the machines, dust and some mechanical personalities, which will work for food, pleasure and money. The green plants, might be available in the museums or to be sold with highest cost, with a tag of LIMITED EDITION. Agriculture might become just food generation industry, with controlled environment, genetically modified seeds, chemicals and electronic surveillance.

I can recall a Disney PIXAR movie, 'WALL-E', which was a blockbuster last year. There was an incidence about the last human civilian, in the space station, which was periled by formation of new biosphere on the once-upon-a-time abandoned Earth, which was full of dust, metal and plastics. Just because, that will eliminate the need for space station and the economy running on it, will suffer. Exactly the human nature of opposing the change.

Tomorrow if something goes wrong, these cartel members will investing it weatherproof bunkers or ships like noah's ark to save themselves, from the money, which we paid once upon a time, just to have some pleasurable things.

Here we need change. Because we need our Earth.

Together, what we can do. Just few simple things, can change the world.

1. Reduce the use of plastic, use jute bags or bags made up of cloths.

2. Control the use of vehicles for the small distances or else use a public transport measures.

3. Do not print an email unless it is necessary.

4. Open your windows, there is abundant light available outside.

5. Evening can be pleasurable without air-conditioner, just take a walk in nearby garden.

6. Plant a tree as a memory of every special moment in the life, if it is not possible to plant, you can sponsor or donate a tree to public garden.

After so much and so on, our world is still beautiful, lets keep it as it is for the coming generations.

Thinking like a consultant...

2010-03-24T23:15:00.005+05:30

My idol, Bill Gates often placed a fact, 'Start Early in your carrier'. I hope its not that late for me to start with. I am now 26 and on the occasion of Hindu New Year, I registered my site, for a consulting service. I was much more skeptical about going directly in to the business, and it claimed almost one year up in my mind to finally settled with this.

As I referred in my post way back, where I compared the way Google, MS, Yahoo etc., we know the stories (just like our local legends) But there are so many other successful names in the industry, like Symantec, Native Instruments, ATARI etc. Hardly anyone knows about how they might have started. Even they would have started with something small, may be like startup company, Originated from concept, Supported by likeminded people, somewhere got the node of business and now they are on top of their chosen field. Its not always luck. Atleast I think so. and Whatever may be the story, finally I am into the business and not following any of these legendary names.

Second question arises is, does working on couple of projects with some name, makes you an entrepreneur??? Tomorrow if someone offers me some catchy salary package, what I'll be doing? Was that would be ignoring myself and my decision or will be rejecting the opportunity of cashing up. Its like either way I am loosing.

Another thing is, the classic management theory (Thanks to the great stream of HR managers), says that, while starting something, your mission, vision and goals should be set. For me the decision was just powered by opportunity. I don't have anything like mission statement or vision. It would be rather, like planning upon that today I'm going to breath these many times. What I know is I can work and I have to work. Till now any mission/vision or goal thing haven't stuck me. It might be necessary for future growth, but on the other hand, Goals should be practicable, achievable and S.M.A.R.T. The contradiction here is how can someone decide upon the goal, without trying it whether is it achievable or practicable. These concepts look good in book and sometimes in interview.

Once I started, I observed some different nature. Some of my friends/relatives/well-wishers are happy to know about, some are skeptical, some are opposing and most of them are clueless. It will be too early to post about my results and analysis. But I'm into serious business is the most important thing.

One more mistake, I did till now was, I labelled myself, that I can just lookout for job or I can do these things, nothing can be done other than that. Year 2009 offered me a platform to build myself, to develop my unsharpened skills and finally to gain confidence. It comes with time.

There is only fact in the world, 'Time is the healer and time goes on....its not gonna wait forever...'

Its the time which will decide, whether I am right or wrong..

Wish me luck

Women's DAY

2010-03-08T21:08:00.007+05:30

Finally the day was on. Again the medieval politicians brag out the hell on women's participation bill. Anyways, the mentality will not change by law. But somehow I am a bit confused on how many Women's are aware about the occasion and utility of Women's DAY.

Today, there was a party hosted by one of my senior colleague lady. They celebrated the day, just like many other. But just couple of hours before, the same person asked me that, She's looking for a bride from particular cast. Is it the right way to celebrate WOMEN's day!!! I came across most of the cases, where girls/women are unaware about WOMEN's day, most of the total, didn't even justified that, why this particular day is celebrated as women's day.

Basically I am confused between the so called Gender Equalization things. Because our policies are habituated with the concept of reservation for equality. It runs exactly parallel to concept of WAR For PEACE, which won Nobel this year. I had the same discussion with a lady army officer, few months before. According to her, It is already proved the women are capable of doing almost everything man can do. They are competing in every field. Even there are preferences for WOMEN in some special fields.

Is this needs a special reservation?

I am personally not against the women, reservations for women and WOMEN's day...but trying to bring some logical sequence behind my observations and experiences...

For all Women's, 'Happy Women's DAY'

For all Men, We have 364 more days to celebrate...

Even such contradictions do carry their own beauty!

Welcome Change

2010-02-05T18:37:00.006+05:30

This is the first post in the year 2010, after a good break of one whole month and getting older by one more year. I have been consistently inconsistent in writing something here, rather getting open up with myself.

More the things change, more they remain same. I felt something like that, when I celebrated my birthday. This time everything was different than last two years, hardly any friend wished me in person. Instead I was at a place where I celebrated most of my birthdays, in company of countless memories and with my own family. One more reason to celebrate this time, I was bearing my all expenses for this birthday. Being independent financially is good feeling and somehow adds to responsibility.

I am not happy with my current position neither I am satisfied with whatever I am doing. But somehow I am happy about somethings are changing, I am making them change. This almost a years break given me so many things. Now I can say that I am no longer fresher. Experiences enriched me, more than anything else. Now I am not afraid of rejections, no fear for failures and neither interested in running behind the success-stories of those who followed the well-laid ways.

Just saw a much discussed movie '3-idiots', which states, 'work for your self, your interests and success will follow you.' Somehow I am realizing that, exactly this is the thing I have followed for last few years and will continue to do so.

Finally this is a war, and we are soldiers. Failures can come for us at any time, in any place. Now consider the alternative. What if I am right? What if tomorrow the war could be over? Isn't that worth fighting for?

Its all about keeping the fire within...let the reason be different every-time.

Welcome CHANGE...

Looking back looking ahead...

2009-12-31T13:19:00.010+05:30

Today, on the verge of ending year, I felt like, an eternal part of mine, I'm leaving bahind, in the form of experiences and memories.

2009, I can simply classify it as a year of disappointments and dark clouds over my life. But the purpose of this retrospection is to focus the golden border of this dark cloud, because that is gain for me, because I feel, every defeat, every rejection or every denial, contributes in to a treasure called experience.

I tried so many different things this year.Cleared the initial screening exam for the interview into mass communication company(which I never thought I could do), ventured into totally alien territory of hosted open-source solutions, visited the great city of Ahmadabad, got some good friends like 'sachin c.', I programmed something after a considerable break of 2+ years, and nevertheless, took few bold decisions to redirect my career.

I think, this is not the occasion to enter into the depths of past...

Tomorrow, I didn't expect anything new. Because its just a change in calender. But as usual, a whole new day will be waiting for me, as it was for last 365 times in 2009 and for 25 years for me.

Being an optimistic individual, I expect lot many things (again) from this year. These are not new year resolutions, but just expectations. Some of them are like, getting a good job, getting engaged this year (hopefully) and getting a visa stamped on my brand new passport.

ALVIDA 2009
and
Colorful wishes for the Fresh and New year 2010...

Rust

2009-12-01T20:49:00.003+05:30

Everyone often asks me, “How are you?”, I always look for someone who will say, “you are lying”, when I say, “I’m fine.” When I smiles at stranger, it’s just another layer on me, which unsharpened my feelings, which keeps me separated from the reality and allows my thoughts to remain just for me.

In other words, I found myself always being in two different lives and everything I do, I always prefers one side without ignoring another. Sometimes, my emotions overload my thought, try to buzz up the situations, and strongly point me towards the less preferred side, which sometimes, I found rusting within me. This can be considered as a coincidence, for me the situational reactions were not always the obvious or not always as expected. It’s just a consequence of the inappropriate proportion of two lives, I am handling together.

People often term this as the volatility, short-temper or any other thing. I always look for someone, who will try to understand the reasons behind this consequence, or at least understands that this is a consequence. On one random day, the search ended up with the result, not with a person but with a reason. The reason, which told me that “it’s not someone other, but you who can understand yourself better.” The battle within me was always between outer and inner souls, but, when I tried to take the rust off, on my own, I got the meaning, reason and cause behind almost every problem I fought. Personal life influences many of the professional decision, and when someone like me, tries to attain win-win situation, it’s not always the apparently best solution. Again this affects the personal life and the cycle starts again.

“Personal or Professional?”

This question is exactly like the difference between focusing on single thing and diversifying the approach. Both has its own pros and cons. Both has its limits, and both has its cost, or consequences. When I find someone talking on Work-Life Balance, I wonder that either this person is great or a liar, but he/she doesn’t appears like either of them.

Because in my approach to this question is mostly situational. Finally I perceive every question as a demand by the particular situation and the things like planning and strategies can guide you towards the decision but not to the solution. I never think about focus, but I never advocate diversification, because these are just the standards, finally it’s you, who will attain the success, because again success is consequence of identifying the exact needs of the situation and acting properly upon it, without fail. Again sticking up with the strategies is also not wrong, may be that can be the demand of situation.

Finally it’s the rust within everyone, leads him towards the safer and may be less ambitious decisions.

Compulsive Habits

2009-11-22T21:01:00.006+05:30

Its almost been two weeks after the FAYAN cyclone, and life is returning to its routine. This cyclone was an thundering (literally) experience for me, and the post cyclone days were exactly like the restructuring a city. During this phase in the life, I came across some of my compulsive habits, without which I can live and enjoy, still, they were part of my routine, scantily.

During this period, there was hardly any electric supply. I have to manage charging for my cellphones and laptop, no television, no lights. In general one can consider it a boring life. But this situation offered me a break from my usual routine of getting online anytime. After returning from a whole day out in town with college schedule and my open-source consulting stuff, the silent evening pointed me towards my guitar again. I again had a walk down memory lane into my golden days at school, college, friends and family. After some months, I again recalled some of the Jagjit's creation, some of the Gulzar's work and ended up with a thought,

Holy smoke, I haven't done this for months...

Now life is almost on routine, still, I hope I can accommodate my compulsive habits again...

These were the things I don't think I missed by choice...

a lot can happen

2009-11-04T22:03:00.012+05:30

Cafe CoffeeDay, a place very close to my heart. especially during my Bangalore days. I shared almost every special moment with a good coffee and special friends. The celebration for first friendship day, plans for intra-college fest, may be the decent propose, or even the celebration for getting summers joining, CCD was the place which shared everything.

Right from first cause to celebrate 'a bunk' to 'the last moment in college life' a good coffee always secured the place in my life. The things went so smooth with it and numerous times came up with the solution to some of tedious tasks. The reason to recall this was my recent trip to Ahmadabad.

My friend took me to a rocking place Shambu's Corner, which is a similar place like CCD. I was thinking about the name, and he clarified that, the person shambu started his business from a simple corner, and now owns some 4-5 exclusive outlets.

The place, like CCD is providing an ambiance to the crowd, which is necessity for every busy place. No wonder that these places soon becomes cultural hotspot. Everyone coming there is from varied backgrounds and situations, some might had a fight with boss, someone may be want to spend few moments with the dear one, other may be jus looking for time-pass. There are different occasions, causes and reasons, but together it blends with the relaxing and refreshing ambiance, everyone forgets the worries, problems and challenges. Even then, someone gets a guitar, or a mouth-organ and the venue itself becomes the celebration.

Once I was alone at Jayanagar 7th Block CCD, catching my fav roadside seat, I jus observed a couple, may be a new affair I thought. The girl was fuming with anger and the guy was trying to explain her the reasons may be. but there started a romantic song by a group just next to them, one guitar and added to it a hot coffee, after few sips, the girl was quite relaxed and started enjoying the songs. Lastly, they left the CCD with cheerful mood and holding the hands.

On the totally other side, I had some really great brainstorming and gameplans on the same venue, just the time is a bit early evening.

Now I am missing those moments, and the CCD, place which recharges, the thought, the mood and the person.

Truly "A Lot Can Happen Over A Coffee!!!"

Let ther be light

2009-10-09T22:17:00.005+05:30

Diwali, the annual festival of light is almost on doorsteps. I was not so active in Diwali celebrations for last two years. Being away from home, it generally brings some sort of 'homesick' feel, it resembles like a single light fighting to darkness, but never expected that the darkness will last so long. Everyone dreams, I'm not an exception. There were plans, dreams, and ideas for considering this special Diwali at home, now its shading, atleast I was thinking it the way.

But I found some different meaning of Diwali, this time.

Y'day I visited a special sale, announced by a school of disabled and challenged children. Those students did a really great job, with handmade crafts, diya's & lamps. When I asked them about location of sale, there was a great smile on their face. The students were enthusiastic about showcasing their creativity and trying hard to communicate. For them, this Diwali will definitely bring the light in life.

It might not be possible to see the colors or lights for some of them, for some students, may be fireworks are only for the show, but they will get confidence that, they can do something which every other person loves, likes and appreciate. They are not creating any pollution, not spreading the smoke and noise or even worst plastic. They are spreading happiness, enthusiasm and somewhere they are trying to face the world, with smile.

This income may be the first taste of success for most of those students. They might not be aware about their uncrate talent before. Them, Diwali is bringing the light, in terms of hope, excitement, confidence and nevertheless "The Celebration Called LIFE".

LET There be LIGHT...

AMEN...

being just me

2009-09-19T21:07:00.004+05:30

There is a Chinese proverb, "what doesn't kills you makes you stronger." Experiences, the thing which is purely on you own, teaches you some really important lessons of your lifetime.

I consider myself a fortunate kid, with the stable childhood, no restrictions on trying new things and thus full of different experiences, good and bad, both. When I think about experiences I had, till now, I consider the thing with a perspective of other person and try to locate the reason behind the action generated because of it. Often, I found that its the situation, which makes you vulnerable, also in-turn, suggesting you about the weaknesses and even some neglected portions in you, which otherwise, you would have ignored.

Sometime I fills that, there is hardly any celebration for me. Because every-time, I enjoyed something, I paid it back with some setback, major or minor, but it happened very next day. But this doesn't mean that, enjoyment is not for me. There have been days, when I was enjoying the every moment, without looking at its importance or lessons, but I dont consider this a wastage of time, instead, those were days when I was happiest person on the earth. Now I think I know behind everything there is a cost, and if one want to have something, he needs to pay the price, in any possible way. Somehow I think I am getting stronger with it, with every rejection, with every denial and with every ignorance to me.

Will there be any payback time for me, I don't know and I don't care. May be because I don't want to offer then something very valuable, "Experience"

Still, I always think about I missed so many things very badly, like the chances, which was denied because of some small and really worthless issues or even some more events, which are unforgettable, some opportunities for which everyone else envied for and finally some really great time of my life, I spent discovering myself.

The life is only compromise to living, still whatever remains, however improbable but I'm getting ahead of myself...

Best HR ever

2009-09-14T19:52:00.009+05:30

It was a busy Sunday for me, as I have to face one more bank exam. As we got the answer-sheets, one typical girly voice whispered from last bench, "What is the post code?, They havn't specified any..."

"I think we are supposed to keep it blank, otherwise they would have specified the thing" I replied.

"Oh, may be... anyway, thanks!"

"You are welcome, 'n all the best.."

A casual conversation followed by long & irritating paper.

As per the schedule, there was a break inbetween two papers. She again asked me, "Hows the paper?"

"It was good, except the Data-Interpretation section, what do you think?", I replied while opening a biscuit pack. "Hi, I'm Vikram, may I know your name?"

"Hi, this is Vaidehi, MBA-HR from Indira College, currently working with thisthis consulting. Whats your specialization?"

"Nice, then I should handover my CV to you. My specialization is in Systems and interest is CRM."

"Oh great, but I hardly found that subject interesting."

"I have some different opinion about your stream HR", I was in assault mood. "Dont mind, but I think HR is worthless place in the organization, they hardly add any value to it. Why you chose that?"

"Because I only know that. You are right, no one can calculate exact impact of HR practices in organization. But I think HR do possesses some value, as organizations like Infy invests hugely for that. There must be some reason behind it."

"I think an core-domain specialist manager, with some training can manage the human resource in better way, as he knows how to do get it done, and what can be the better way. This in turn can eliminate the need for HR and some huge sums they are claiming. Can you specify return on investment for HR investments?"

"Listen, there is a difference between running a mercenary gang and operating an organization. ROI is not everything for organization. Its not all about money and more earning. The effective and efficient utilization of manpower is the aim of HR, which inturn supports the core function of organization."

"Alright. when you say efficient, it comes to a ratio of outcome and cost paid for that. When a resource is exploited efficiently, it means you are asking the manpower to add more value, without spending for that. Dont you think that is exploitation. and one more case, when someone switches the organization, you HR people, offers him more money. If job is more about work-satisfaction then why is that additional offering? If there is difference between gang and organization, why it happens?"

"That additional money is for shifting the faith and accepting the change. Work satisfaction is the drive behind the job-shift. One more contradiction is that, when you ask your core-domain managers to do HR job, dont you exploit them?"

"I will be paying them for that and that ensures better workflow for them, which in-turn improves the quality level within the organization, is what I think. I don't want to place a point that HR branch is useless, I just want to say that, organization don't need it as a special department. Just the managers are need to work as people managers as well."

"You have a point, I appreciate. But I hope I have changed your viewpoint atleast upto some extent", She concluded the topic.

After asking a formal cup of coffee, I told her, "You are too good to be HR, See you, Good Luck"

"Yes, may be at interview", She laughed & walked away.

I dont have her email or contact, Now I can hardly recall her face, I might forget her name in few days. But only thing I will remember, She's the best HR, I ever encountered with

note- The photo is by Moriza, taken from his Flickr.

Life like... Dreams

2009-09-07T19:56:00.012+05:30

Dream... as far as I believe, everyone encounters with this, quite a lot of times. What really is that? a fictitious world, a dance by residual thoughts, or jus another creativity by brain... I think its a symbolic representation of our character. But when we talk about 'this this thing is my dream' it indicates that the person is synergistic with the concept, plan or idea and ready to perform accordingly.

Sometimes, I thought about life... like bubbles. One appears for few seconds, just followed by second, third... some bubble might remain for longer time... just like dream. Some are floating and few gets the destination.

What is my dream.... It depends... during my childhood, I used to dreamt about having my own car, which later converted into mastering some music, during teenage I was so much fascinated by computers that, working with Microsoft as a job was my dream.

It was, till couple of months before, when I realize that pursuing something impossible is mistake, but pursuing something which is rare, needs a proper planning. Again planning needs ability to prioritize the tasks, which in turn needs time. Time. I am running short of this thing. Now after graduation (engineering by mistake) and Masters degree, now its time to take decisions. Either I have to choose research and stay away from IT industry and my dream forever, or to wait for more restless months expecting un-assured output.

I took the first option, but somehow I felt that, "am I killing my dream?" After about four days of detail thinking, I found the answer within me, "NO". When we call something a dream, we literally mean it. Instead I think, we should target the intention behind that. e.g. my dream, working with Microsoft, it indicates that working with most advanced technologies in IT, to make everyday life simpler and earning some handsome compensation as well. After my decision, I think now it might not be possible to be a part of Microsoft, but still I can do the similar job, may be in some other context.

I can recall a part of very famous poem in the same context...

and you learn to build all your roads on today,
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

and you learn
that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...

I am only this far and only tomorrow leads my way...

End of the day

2009-09-02T19:48:00.008+05:30

Evening.... Some of the really enjoyable moments in my life happened, with the evening.

Evening always fascinates me. Being a photographer, my lot of creations depict the random dispersion of colors on the canvas of evening. Sometimes evening makes me dewy, with the memories of past. I can recall some great evenings I spent at some of very beautiful locations like, Simla. The memories sometimes took me on the journey of busy streets of Massourie, sometimes I found myself at METRO, in Bangalore, where I spent some of the great moments in my life, with my group and special one. Some rainy evening, sitting in candle-lights, having bhaji and tea made by mom. Sunday evenings were always so special for me. They also keep me wondering about how spoiled or spent my Sunday. Again there will be a new week, new tasks, old routine of college, everything will be the same till next Sunday. I can always recall a Sunday evening, I spent at Vrindavan garden in Mysore, with few very close friends of that time, not because of friends, but for eternal photographs, which are very close to my heart till date. A lamppost, some people sitting near that, some twilights and endless waterfront on the background, the perfect caption was, "Bye Bye Sunday - Again the battle will start with the name Life."

I am strict follower of philosophy "No one is perfect and nothing is ideal." Still I can't resist myself in conceptualizing my ideal evening. It can be a different concept everytime, sometimes, a coffee, a loved one and lot of time for chatting. Sometimes it can be with a favourite book like 'Raat Pashmine Ki - Gulzar" and an open beach or may be just a good friend, a car and endless road to cover. Anything of this can be ideal, atleast till the evening when I will to make it real.

Now a days, I am too much busy in being doing nothing...

Every evening brings an alarm towards a new day, new expectations and zero outcome. There are evenings vacant for me, but I am not in a mood to enjoy it. Sometimes, I feel the creativity within me is fading with every new day. Sometimes, I hardly find it interesting to relax or enjoy the evening which I used to do, just few months before.

Planning for some great evening, with something, may be I never done before. May be an open ground with pleasant cool breeze, a guitar, someone special to accompany me and much awaited candle-light dinner...

Finally every evening ends with a night. and every night calls up a new morning.

To me evening is just a wonderful sojourn, towards a new morning.

ek nayi subah

nayi raah

ek nayi tammanna se

kare hum nayi shuruaat

The Concept

2009-08-31T22:46:00.007+05:30

chupake se kahin, dheeme paanv se

jaane kis taraf, kis ghadi

aage badh gaye, hamse raahon mein

par tum toh abhi, the yahin

kuchh bhi na suna,

kab ka tha gila

kaise keh diya

alvida

jinake darmiya gujri thi abhi

kal tak yeh meri zindagi

dono baahon ko,

thandi chaanv ko

mai bhi kar chala

alvida

An emotive lyric, characterized by one of the

hated feelings in the world. I generally perceive

saying goodbye is the most difficult moment

in the life, even we never find it too much relevant

in the routines.

This is my attempt to recall some of the preceding times,

which I found too much close to my heart but still missed...

Missed by choice or by chance...

This will be an open-hearted journey into my life, my experiences and about

the things I missed

Need your wishes for the journey...