Dec 31, 2008

** Happy New Year : 2009 **

There are quite a lot of people who touched my life in the year 2008 and helped me in becoming a better person. I thank everyone of them ... Thanks, Thanks and Thanks a Lot.

I wish you and all your family members a very very happy, prosperous and a healthy New Year. May God Bless you with success & joy.

புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்.

Dec 20, 2008

Moments of Bliss - 22 ::: "Being together...."

Dear Gowri
The past 24 hours was simply extra ordinary. It is not in with my usual carelessness, I had typed the title as "moments".....as I am getting more and more aware about the silliest things about me these days.
One aspect of wonderful time that we have in our lives - what ever way we choose to define it - is that you feel completely satisfied at the end of the nice time and never feel incomplete about the experience. I have heard people in spiritual realm talking about living totally and leaving the body at will when they feel like getting disembodied ; Tons of email forwards talk about living in present - reading and deleting of them without much of stir has become quite a habit. But when you get a hands on experience on a wonderful time that was consciously planned and executed but not over-planned to the extend of killing the spontaniety of the same..makes you feel closer to the ultimate truth about living.
Your visit to our home was so special for me - in particular as it is a quadrant II time that we have been planning for quite some time. Since Friday morning a sense of expectancy started welling up in my stomach (too much of space to accomodate an array of senses, right ?) and the way the 24 hours went off like few seconds make me really phylosophical and get connected with the bigger picture though outwardly I was behaving kiddish through out the day....to heighten the relaxation. After undergoing bouts of depression, I do also realise that this extra-level of jubiliation is not the way to be pursued in long run but still I am bit adamant at enjoying at full throttle...I am sorry, at full throat until I really turn wordless inside.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's one of the famous statement (or slogan ?) is " being together is the beginning - working together is the middle & dissolving together is the ultimate". Though I am not able to get the full grasp of the next two stages, past 24 hours was a sort of understanding about "Being Together".... !! Yes, when we are able to identify some one outside us so closely and accept them as a part of us, able to interact with them without any resistance or safety guards which normally take charge of most of our relationships, we are getting a glimpse of the first part of Sadhguru's statement '"being together"....It is all about few beings able to feel themselves together.
Ignorance is Bliss !! Yes, When I read the earlier statement, I am consciously deciding to be oblivious about the feelings of the "other" beings and how they feel with all my pranks. Some times, Yoga becomes too much of selfish affair.....if any spiritually evolved person is going to spit at my face (they will never do such things, right ?) that I got the whole point wrong......let me look into their eyes and tell them with conviction....."I was just making a statement about suchoo's yoga".......
Who knows, may be I am in the process of evolving a whole new path for pranks like me !!
Krishnaarpanam....
Suchoo

Dec 19, 2008

** Tamil Nadu (aka) Dharmasala **

It seems, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Karunanidhi has decided to take the State's financial status to the worst ever seen by any Indian State !! He keeps inventing new freebie schemes. Free TV, Free Land, Rice for Re.1 - those were his elections promises. He did not stop with that and is continuing this madness throughout his present tenure as Chief Minister. His latest is the Rs.2000/- as flood relief to the people of Tamil Nadu !! Those who did not even see a drop of water during the heavy rain last month are going to take the free gift of Rs.2000/- for nothing. Mr. Karunanidhi, did not stop his "tamasha" with that and his latest announcement is the biggest joke - "The government will distribute ingredients required to make 'sweet pongal' (chakarai pongal) for free to the people for the forthcoming 'Pongal' festival !! My God !!! When will all this madness stop ???

** Voting **

In India, even if just 50% of the people vote in general elections, it is considered as a very high voting percentage !! Isnt that a pity?? We need to find a way out of this mess. That, in my view, can be achieved if we make voting 'online' and make it possible for the people to vote through SMS!! It is not something that is impossible. Estonia has made 'online' voting possible way back in 2001 and is introducing voting through cell phones for their forthcoming Presidential elections. If the Estonians can - Why not India? With very high cell-phone penetration in India, the possibility of online/SMS voting should be taken up - atleast for a technical feasbility study. If we can operate our bank accounts (which is more precious than voting!) online - then, why not 'voting'?? If our voting system goes online, I am sure, we will see a higher percentage of voting, lesser queues at polling booths, choice of NRIs to vote .... the list of advantages keeps growing !!! Isnt that wonderful??

Dec 9, 2008

** Value of life ? **

In the past few days, two suicide incidents (amongst many) attracted my notice. A school going girl committed suicide as her bicycle was stolen (the bicycle was issued under the "Free bicycle to students" scheme by the Govt). In another incident, a lady took her own life for she lost Rs.500/- that her husband gave to her for safe custody !! I was overwhelmed with pity and thought on how so little means so much to a lot of people.

Dec 8, 2008

Terrorism @ Hindus

Dear Gowri,
I intently went thru' the article posted by you "The Hindu Rate Of Wrath-By Francois Gautier" and found many of his points really interesting and logical. I fully appreciate and respect his views considering his credentials on the subject which he had recorded nicely in the earlier part of the article. It also coincides substantially your stance on many of your postings touching upon this subject. Further, I also got reminded the way I got "bitten up" on a particular occassion when I touched upon the innocently your pet subject "terrorism".....!! (see, old wounds never heal so easily)
Well, I was particularly touched by the sentence in the article "It is this Hinduness that makes the Indian Christian different from, say, a French Christian, or the Indian Muslim unlike a Saudi Muslim". Yes, I too feel that there is a touch of our invisible but strong culture in all our people...and some how I did not feel at home when you lashed the Muslim people of India in general. I also remember few of your statements earlier in this context that you did have lot of muslim friends and like them individually BUT it is the general psyche of the religion that you are not happy with......
I feel the reverse is much better a reality....We need to despise few individuals (most of the terrorist outfits operating in our country are 2 dozen people or so right ?) who create all confusions and tortures spoiling the basic points professed by Religions....what ever it might be.....!!
I am not getting into any arguements.....but just want to record what I got triggered about. with my limited exposure on this subject (and no "data" at all), this article posted by you gave me the clarity for my feeling which I could not identify myself.....and argue with you on the earlier occassion.....
Thanks // Suchoo
ps:- With my sentiments expressed to an average muslim (note...not my muslim friends alone), I still do not join our honourable prime minister when he seemingly boasted off to the western world that there is no single "Indian" muslim in Al Queda...though we boast of max number of muslims amongst all the countries....!! Some times people are dangerously biased....!

Making of Managers - 20 ::: Boss-ing OR "Leadership Styles"

Dear Gowri
It is time to record my amazement at different leadership styles that I have closely watched and the startling and wonderful person to whom I am reporting currently. He must be of my age but lot more wiser and matured than me (obviously, right ?) who has naturally put me in the attire of his shishyaa....
I did have a decent relationship with my earlier bosses too of this organisation. I liked and respected all of them but this person is too special. While, I get reminded few of my postings in my series about my earlier boss, believe me, if only I have time and energy there are tons to be posted on the style and specific learnings that I have gathered from this gentleman (with a trust that you have the time, energy and PATIENCE to read through).
This person operates at 12 sigma, on a energy high at any point of time, is so well mannered as if he has taken a vow that he will never hurt his reportees for any thing but still will get things done....and above all a good human being. I have heard lot of inspiring stories about him from his earlier reportees and in fact many of them appreciated me for the luck that I had to report to him.....when I joined this small group.
It was very difficult and painful for me to change myself on few of this person's expectations and I was quite stunned at few qualities that were not compatible to my earlier bosses. But slowly I started realizing his sense of reasoning and the methodical manner he thinks and feels.....gradually adapting myself to his needs and expectations.
Well, if only I work with this person - without any further confusions within my own mind - for a year or so, who knows I could become a different personality al together....lot more stronger and malleable at the same time...very much like him. Will try to cover some specific instances with this gentleman over a period of time.....which may perhaps throw some light on his speciality...and my admiration...
Well, am I getting into a new interpretation to this title which I already rephrased marginally to alter the meaning (from "Making of a manager".....to "Making of Managers"....).
It appears to me, from now on I should cover few specific facts and aspects of different schools of management and leadership styles. That will give a whole new meaning and purpose to this series...to make it a repository of experiences to record the ingredients which constitue "making of managers".......!!! Howz....that ???
suchoo

Moments of Bliss - 22 ::: On Training

Hi Gowri
I still remember the stupid wild imagination (more a slip out of my connecting abilities) about my career elevation launching me deeply into my training passion.......This dissappointment coupled with the shakiness (not shakeela...please note) at new profile at office did not push me down irretrievably, thank god.....!!
Yes, During the course of current week, there is going to be a function where all of our employees will gather and witness me getting recognized as a superstar in Training 2008 !! Yes, while there are going to be five of us (the communication trainers) amongst 27 are being recognized with a certificate and momento, my case is bit special......Let me give the facts and figures.
I hold the No.1 position in the hours of training clocking a whopping training hours of 67 hours !! (I took some additional initiatives over and above the basic modules....clocking 16 hours of Time management module - which is a 4 hours module completely handled by our HR team). You can apprecaite my jubilation if the next max Trainer stands at 38 hours....!!
Furthermore, the Satsifaction feedback data too proves that its not just the quantity I deserve to be at the top of the list...The overall average of feedback score is 4.49 while my individual score in the same accounts for 4.59......!! In this context, I do get reminded about few of my other initiatives at my workplace - like the presentation that I made to our senior management on ways and means of improving this corporate initiative (which of course did not receive more time and attention than the words of praise and empty promises) and the manner in which I had some mutual feedback sessions and built the network amongst the peer-trainers...
So this cute short posting (I mean short by my standards) is just to record my moment of bliss that will be experienced on coming thursday......well in advance.
Warm regards
Suchoo

Transcendance - 21 ::: Shock Absorbers

Dear Gowri

Yes....it is indeed quite some time I touched the pen (I am sorry the key board) to post my musings and with a lot of pride, humility and also relief I am touching the key board at the Brahma Muhoorath of today....which I hope will continue incessantly its second innings without any further hiccups....

Getting started on Nov 18th 2007, these series have done an extra ordinary service to me as a person....by patiently holding all my jubilations & frustrations and serve as a powerful ventillation possibility multiple times more effective than the hard copy diary that I used to scribble upon in earlier days. Before starting to write down today's musings, I opened all the three series and was amazed to see the total count of postings made...tirelessly....(think it is a wrong negative word though I prefer not to change it as....a total amount of 60 postings accounting to 124 pages of verbalization of thoughts and emotions is bit too much for some one who attends office for 50 hours per week !!

Glimpse of my latest postings before this one.....

Aug 23, 2008Making of Managers - 19 ::: Getting relieved with heavy heart but light mind !!!

Aug 23, 2008Moment of Bliss - 21 ::: Some thing too subtle.....!!

Aug 2, 2008 Transcendance – 20 "All in One".......

So, what happened between Aug 23rd until Dec 8th...is a million dollar question that I intend to refer to...in this posting under the head Transcendance with a wierd title which will be fully justified at the end of this musings.

Please refer to the title of the latest postings amongst the three above...Yes, it was under the heading "Making of Managers" which perhaps could give clue of the reason for going out of frequency in writing for such a long time. YES, I got relieved from the responsibilities from my earlier team and moved on to a project team in which the pre-requisites of skill sets as well as metrics of expectations were totally incompatible to me.

I was thru' and thru' a lover of expression and trigger by default. The new profile expected me to keep quite with a poker face and not many faces to look around except our small three member squad (unfortunately one of the two others around me is my boss). There were / are lot of instances where I am supposed to interact with senior management and constantly in touch with the management team which any one of my stature and age will cherish....not so easy and smooth for a person like me who love to be amongst young and enthusiastic minds which eagerly looked forward for all the psycological supports and recognitions that I lavishly was giving !!

Yes, being in a service Industry where customer is always seen as a king, I have a firm conviction that a new recruit to the team is my customer...>!! And I have experientially realized that if we do the right things in the first few weeks with a new comer, it impacts him in a huge manner and it is a great pleasure to watch him grow in confidence and spirit....and I was enjoying the interactions with my team members - both the shaky new recruits as well as the grateful senior members whom they become over a period of time. Please get me correct, I dont intend to picturize myself as a great philanthropist OR man who serves the masses but did all the experiments and cherished the experienced in my own personal interest. Yes, few aspects of such experimentation with people have a connection with few of my learnings at my YOGA school and there were occassions of me with moist eyes at office which I secretly wiped off without the person sitting next to me realized that I am getting abnormally touched by these experiences.

Now, coming back to the present assignment, I had to be over conscious and too limited in words and actions (you can guess the average size of my officially "personal" emails that I am used to.....though I do have a fan club for it.....and was constantly encouraged to give my thoughts) which was a big period of transformation to me. Few aspects of the new role needed some learnings too...which must be quite a normal process for any one who changes profile but the learning curve took slightly longer for me than the rest of "lesser mortals".....(yes, our ego never accepts that we are abnormal)

To add more misery, this profile change was also coupled with a geographical movement to a new location and I was honestly wondering if I got into something that could trouble every one around me....and if I am going to expose all of my negative qualities in ONE GO at the new profile and the new place....irritating every one around me.

Earlier I used to have bouts of depression about which you are quite well aware.....I conveniently moved to a spell of never ending depression spell that is tantamount to a suicide....though not in literal sense. Couple of training sessions that was assigned to me during this three months period....was simply spoilt by me with my poor performance due to my form with all my self confidence and timing sense getting completely evaporated....(of course the last of the training session, I took it as a personal goal...and did a decent job after cheering me up with few self imposed resurrection techniques.....). My yoga practises not just got dwindled but touched a all time low that I missed even the meditation session successively for 2 - 3 days...and at a point of time, I could see that the people who are immediately around me were too much impacted by the shabbiness of my normal day.....!!

Helplessly, I visited an astrologer whom I trust (I picked him up amongst the top three in the panel of astrologers of our family) who is a no-nonsense man and who does not speak with flattery or ambiguity just to know if the shadow looming large on me is going to come to an end. It did not take him much time for calculating and confirming that me too is affected by Guru's position.....(along with millions of others who were found involved in Guru peyarchi Homams on saturday). I never thought my pranks on (late) Guru periappa can land me into his fury for such a long time...and beleive me was patiently waiting for Dec 6th. Out of sheer helplessness I was checking up with the astrologer if I should consider quitting the job (you are smiling now !!) but he told just to stay calm for next 2 / 3 months...until the fateful day of Dec 6th....!! Yes, this date means many things to many people, but I was living the past three months with a single pointed focus to some how survive....!! Nothing really helped...no mood to make any postings, no eagerness to talk to any one and above all, I even lost my basic interest in my muulaadhaara chakra (meaning food and sleep)....Week ends were becoming a night mare and week days becoming a longing phase for week ends.....!!

Well, I am not sure how many around us believe in astrology, the fact is that I do believe. While my beloved Sadhguru says in this context that "plantery positions do have influence on human beings...but it is possible for us to transcend them by keeping ourselves in proper shape by living with lot of awareness", I do not want to analyze myself much more than the crude truth that "I have not kept myself in shape". This does not any way mean that my graceful Guru will spit at my face and also that I do not deserve to worship him.....!! It is just an area of improvement for me like my absent mindedness, fondness for coffee and few other things......BUT do not strip me off from my Isha moorings.....May be the biggest of all my disqualifications could be that I no more wear a label of Isha Volunteer but thats not too relevant in this context. (But let me also candidly admit that if only I had engaged myself positively at volunteering, the total damage to my system that I self inflicted could have been cut down substantially...... hmmmm......)

Now, how do I end this posting......with a positive note with an additional obligation of justifying the title above....??

At office, I am slowly settling down and my new boss is beginning to see few of my strengths and I just got my first appreciation mail last week on some thing. I am getting into flurry of initiatives as my another team member is likely to get relieved to an overseas assignment...and my boss is realizing that my coming to shape is extremely crucial in the future scenario....(More than him, its me.....). Further, I am beginning to do the right things at home front too and getting the mental acceptance of the family members (excepting the little monster) on my moving out to a new location......Yes......As Guru moves on to the next stage in my astra map, I am too getting ready for a change which seems to be a positive one considering the the trend of my mood graph and the situation at office.

On Dec 6th, while I was standing still at a community hall in the busy W.Mambalam road where some pious group was performing a Guru Homam for hapless creatures like me...(I just accidentally noticed it and went inside), I really found myself rejunevated once again.....and was imagining how much relevant and needed are such solaces built in by my great grand fathers.....!! With technically no problem at all, I was able to land myself into so much of miseries, how much of mental turmoil will the people around me who have real problems / challenges in life ...having....in their hearts ? I got bit emotional and got into a reverential mood .....looking at the fire which shone bright and brilliantly.....surrounded by hundreds of people there....!!

Let this flame of fire which burns up any thing and every thing kill the last of the remnants of my silly thoughts and emotions.....!! Let me never stand in front of it like a beggar but become one myself.....giving light to poor souls around me...!! it is as though I derived a new meaning to my mission statement which I drafted 4 = 5 years back, I stumbled upon a new coinage of words "shock absorber".... With the mission statement written by me with lot of intense feelings safely relegated to a paper, this new word I am sure - is going to bring back lot of life to me and my mission statement.

I wish to become a shock absorber and support people around me when they need pyschological and emotional support. This new flash of thought came to me as I stood there in that marriage hall on saturday at 11 Am in the morning as I was craving at my heart for those nameless lots of people who are NOT out of their miseries while I am much better off....!! May be I can't do much physically to every one around, but why dont I make a beginning in this direction......?

This also means that I keep my body and mind in proper shape and never allow the luxury of "inertness" in my life once again.....Mr.Guru, try to visit my astra map once again in a wrong square.....You will have it.....!!

Suchoo

Dec 5, 2008

** False propoganda on Hindu Terrorism **

The so called secularists of India have, at last, very eagerly pounced on a rare opportunity (Malegaon Blasts) and have gone on to meticulously brand it as "Hindu" Terrorism. I am of the view that this one mistake by one or two individuals should NOT be equated to the violence that the Muslim terrorists perpetrate across the whole world. Unfortunately, this is India and this sort of pseudo secularism is what most of the political parties in India thrive on, as it sells very easily and also gets votes. What else do these political parties want ??

Well, I read a nice piece of article on the subject - I am producing the same below.

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The Hindu Rate Of Wrath
-By Francois Gautier

Is there such a thing as 'Hindu terrorism', as the arrest of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for the recent Malegaon blasts may tend to prove? Well, I guess I was asked to write this column because I am one of that rare breed of foreign correspondents-a lover of Hindus! A born Frenchman, Catholic-educated and non-Hindu, I do hope I'll be given some credit for my opinions, which are not the product of my parents' ideas, my education or my atavism, but garnered from 25 years of reporting in South Asia (for Le Journal de Geneve and Le Figaro).

In the early 1980s, when I started freelancing in south India , doing photo features on kalaripayattu, the Ayyappa festival, or the Ayyanars, I slowly realised that the genius of this country lies in its Hindu ethos, in the true spirituality behind Hinduism.

The average Hindu you meet in a million villages possesses this simple, innate spirituality and accepts your diversity, whether you are Christian or Muslim, Jain or Arab, French or Chinese. It is this Hinduness that makes the Indian Christian different from, say, a French Christian, or the Indian Muslim unlike a Saudi Muslim.

I also learnt that Hindus not only believed that the divine could manifest itself at different times, under different names, using different scriptures (not to mention the wonderful avatar concept, the perfect answer to 21st century religious strife) but that they had also given refuge to persecuted minorities from across the world-Syrian Christians, Parsis, Jews, Armenians, and today, Tibetans.

In 3,500 years of existence, Hindus have never militarily invaded another country, never tried to impose their religion on others by force or induced conversions.

You cannot find anybody less fundamentalist than a Hindu in the world and it saddens me when I see the Indian and western press equating terrorist groups like SIMI, which blow up innocent civilians, with ordinary, angry Hindus who burn churches without killing anybody.

We know also that most of these communal incidents often involve persons from the same groups-often Dalits and tribals-some of who have converted to Christianity and others not.

However reprehensible the destruction of Babri Masjid, no Muslim was killed in the process; compare this to the 'vengeance' bombings of 1993 in Bombay , which wiped out hundreds of innocents, mostly Hindus. Yet the Babri Masjid destruction is often described by journalists as the more horrible act of the two. We also remember how Sharad Pawar, when he was chief minister of Maharashtra in 1993, lied about a bomb that was supposed to have gone off in a Muslim locality of Bombay .

I have never been politically correct, but have always written what I have discovered while reporting. Let me then be straightforward about this so-called Hindu terror.

Hindus, since the first Arab invasions, have been at the receiving end of terrorism, whether it was by Timur, who killed 1,00,000 Hindus in a single day in 1399, or by the Portuguese Inquisition which crucified Brahmins in Goa .

Today, Hindus are still being targeted: there were one million Hindus in the Kashmir valley in 1900; only a few hundred remain, the rest having fled in terror. Blasts after blasts have killed hundreds of innocent Hindus all over India in the last four years.

Hindus, the overwhelming majority community of this country, are being made fun of, are despised, are deprived of the most basic facilities for one of their most sacred pilgrimages in Amarnath while their government heavily sponsors the Haj. They see their brothers and sisters converted to Christianity through inducements and financial traps, see a harmless 84-year-old swami and a sadhvi brutally murdered. Their gods are blasphemed.

So sometimes, enough is enough. At some point, after years or even centuries of submitting like sheep to slaughter, Hindus-whom the Mahatma once gently called cowards-erupt in uncontrolled fury. And it hurts badly. It happened in Gujarat . It happened in Jammu , then in Kandhamal, Mangalore, and Malegaon . It may happen again elsewhere.


What should be understood is that this is a spontaneous revolution on the ground, by ordinary Hindus, without any planning from the political leadership. Therefore, the BJP, instead of acting embarrassed, should not disown those who choose other means to let their anguished voices be heard.

There are about a billion Hindus, one in every six persons on this planet. They form one of the most successful, law-abiding and integrated communities in the world today. Can you call them terrorists?

-----------------------------
(The writer is the editor-in-chief of the Paris-based La Revue de l'Inde.)
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Nov 29, 2008

** Sabari Malai **

I am just back from Sabari-Malai, Kerala. This is the second year in succession that I have been on pilgrimage to Sabari Malai (swimmig alongside an elephant was a wonderful experience this time :) ) . Kerala, no doubt, is definitely a wonderful place - but, from what I saw, the State - on the whole - is designed for thin population. Poor (or nil?) Industries has spared (?) most of the State of its old and natural beauty (Should we rejoice this aspect ?) Tourism and Ports are the life lines of Kerala - if we discount Agriculture.

Well, getting back to our topic - Sabari Malai - every year, the crowd keeps increasing. It would probably be a guiness record for the number of people who visit this temple in the short span of around 60 days in Nov-Dec-Jan every year. While excellent crowd management methodologies are in place - the place grossly lacks accommodation and other public facilities. With the temple's revenue generation running into crores - what stops the trustees/Govt from providing superior public facilities is one of the many clueless question that you face in India.

** Sabari Malai **

I am just back from Sabari-Malai, Kerala. This is the second year in succession that I have been on pilgrimage to Sabari Malai (swimmig alongside an elephant was a wonderful experience this time :) ) . Kerala, no doubt, is definitely a wonderful place - but, from what I saw, the State - on the whole - is designed for thin population. Poor (or nil?) Industries has spared (?) most of the State of its old and natural beauty (Should we rejoice this aspect ?) Tourism and Ports are the life lines of Kerala - if we discount Agriculture.

Well, getting back to our topic - Sabari Malai - every year, the crowd keeps increasing. It would probably be a guiness record for the number of people who visit this temple in the short span of around 60 days in Nov-Dec-Jan every year. While excellent crowd management methodologies are in place - the place grossly lacks accommodation and other public facilities. With the temple's revenue generation running into crores - what stops the trustees/Govt from providing superior public facilities is one of the many clueless question that you face in India.

** A Wednesday **

"A Wednesday" - a must watch Hindi film !! Great story, wonderful narration, great picturisation, classic dialogues and some wonderful acting makes this movie a power packed one. Nasruddin Shah and Anupam Kher have played their role to perfection. This is an interesting and racy movie from start to end without any stupid song or dance sequence (that are part and parcel of Indian movies). The movie, "A Wednesday", at the end not just leaves you satisfied but also makes you to think. Don't miss it !!

** Mumbai - unanswered questions **

Finally, the Govt claims that the terrorists have been flushed out of the Taj, Oberai and the Nariman House. But there are quite a few unanswered questions....

a) Were there just 10 terrorists - as the Govt claims - who were involved in this whole terror act ?? How many managed to escape ??

b) Why is Shivraj Patil being allowed to continue as Home Minister despite his repeated failures as Home Minister?

c) It is well documented that Dawood has used the sea route during the 1993 Bombay attack. What has the Govt done, in the past 15 years - to plug that loop hole??

d) Leave aside the intelligence report about the attack from sea - does the Govt need such a report to be prepared for such an eventuality??

e) When will the Govt learn to treat terrorists as terrorists - than concentrating on the religion that they belong to ?

f) How long are we going to suffer the Govt's total ineptitudeness in handling terrorrism ??

g) Will the Govt now STOP discussing the oil pipe line from Iran through Pakistan??

** Mayhem in Mumbai **

I was too busy for the past few days and had to stay away from blogging. On getting back - the Mumbai Mayhem takes precedence than anything else. Just 10 men has managed to hold our nation on hook for more than two days - thanks to the training that the Pak's ISI gave (I have no doubt on that) and to the spineless Govt that India has at the centre !! At first, I wish to register my deepest condolences to all the departed souls.

While a few brave lost their lives fighting the terrorists - in the next few days, we will be able to see and hear quite a lot of people queuing up to stake claims for what all the departed did !! Victory has so many fathers !! At this time, if the Govt ever cares to act, it should take some stern measures against terrorism - than shelling out empty promises. But - the big question is - Is our present Government capable of that ??

Oct 26, 2008

** Deepavali Greetings * 2008 **

May the Festival of lights brighten up your life even further and bring more health, wealth and happiness to you and all your family members.

With Warm Regards,
Gowri

Oct 20, 2008

** LTTE & 'POWER' Politics - DMK Strategy **

DMK and its chief Karunanidhi, always, are masters of cheap politics. The whole of Tamil Nadu is reeling under the worst power crisis. Urban areas face a minimum of two hours power failure and rural areas are without power for most part of the day & night. Industrial units are 'warned' not to take power from the grid during peak hours.

What does the DMK Government do ? They took the 'Sri Lankan Tamil cause' !! Stage managed its MPs to submit their resignations to their chief, Karunanidhi (not to the Lok Sabha speaker!). The highly politicised film industry was instigated to organise a rally supporting the cause of Sri Lankan Tamilians. So, for the time being and for the n-th time, DMK has succeeded in the cheap diversionary tactics to gain political mileage. Given the situation - Power crisis - is going to haunt the DMK party in the forthcoming elections. But, again, by then, they will have another cheap tactics (as like the free TV campaign during the previous elections). You see, we never learn our lessons and curse ourselves by electing such cheap and mindless people to govern us.

** Sachin **

Sachin, is now the highest test runs scorer with 12,000 runs in his kitty. It took 19 years for Sachin to complete this stupendous feat. His mastery, sincerity and dedication reflects well in this achievement. But, above all - he has his head firmly on his shoulders and did not allow fame to get in to his head, The new gen kids who let their tongues wag after just one century should learn a lesson or two from Sachin on behaviour. Sachin, no doubt, is God's gift to Cricket and I consider myself lucky to have witnessed some of his wonderful innings. He has given so much joy to the huge fan followers of the game cricket. Sachin is a Legend and his records speaks volumes about the man's calibre. Kudos to Sachin on his 12000 runs feat !

Sep 22, 2008

Justifications.....!!

Dear Gowri
It was an interesting reading to go through the numerous reasons why one is supposed to honk in our roads......!! All these reasons do not take away the basic fact that most of the drivers keep honking rather unnecessarily...and as a matter of habit and perhaps, fed up with the world which does not pay sufficient respect their honking....!!
I fully respect your rights (and rather duty) to honk when you drive.....BUT, for my sake, for a particular day just observe carefully on how unnecessarily people use their horns.....!! I particularly feel that it is really a great saddism to keep honking fitting one of the loudest horns in the mobike....(which is not very normal) - particularly when they are aware that it is useless (either in big traffic jam / in queue in front of signal)
suchoo
ps:- I dont press the horn unnecessarily !!!
ps2 :- the justification / unnecessariness of course will prevail based on who posts the blog....!! These are ways of world.....!!
** Honking & Indians **
Yesterday, I read an article on the honking habits of Indian drivers. It went on to describe about the level of sound pollution and the rude behaviour of Indians (honking is considered rude in most of the other countries!!).
Probably the author of that article is not aware of the basic difference between honking in other countries and in India. While in other countries they honk to seek 'right of way' - in the crowded Indian roads - we honk for numerous reasons -
- to warn the person who jumps traffic signal and heads our way on the wrong side,- to warn the pedestrian who jumps the road median to cross the road,- to warn bicyclists from taking a casual stride across the road,- to warn those animals that take a casual strode in the middle of the road,- to warn the pedestrians who share the small strip of road along with plying vehicles,- to warn the drivers who have obtained driving license by paying few bucks,- to warn the person who may appear as a flash in front of you from numerous blind roads,..... the list is endless.
In India, alteast in the 'so called' metro cities, it is impossible to drive without honking, especially during peak hours. Those who talk about sound pollution and 'rude manners' should be punished to drive in Indian roads without honking for ten days (Just ten days!) - without hitting any one or being hit by any one !!! He he he....
Yes, I do honk !! ;)

Transcendance ???

Prelude :: I had mentally registered that the date of creation of our blog was sept23rd 2007 and was getting reminded to make a posting at least today to mark the completion of First year tonight....Alas, found that my memory failed ...once again....I am late (10th sept was the date)
Hi Gowri
I went through the postings made by both of us in the blog for the whole of the year....and really feel grateful for the amount of wonderful time that this has offered ....!! Well, needless to say, I am quite delighted and enjoying your proximity through this blog though perhaps we would have met each other for may be half dozen times.
Two things distinctly come to my memory about the year that went by with regard to my own self improvement ..... Poem writing and making a debut of being a Trainer. Perhaps, after close to 10 years, I have spent some money on sharpening my skills by taking up the public speaking program..... It never occured to me to any thing in this context until now....!!
Well, I am particularly delighted with the few incidents about Sai Baba which I particularly nourish considering that I had never peeped out of Isha Windows until this point of time (you know some thing...the Baba Magic is vapourised these days....Honestly, it is such a long time that I have had any experiences / coincidences that I used to have in the past....Think I am not his true devotee....!! )
I wish we continue to have great time in this blog.....and use this as a powerful tool for our betterment, proximity and a record of our good times...
Krishnaarpanam
suchoo

Sep 18, 2008

** Poison Vs Poison **

Do you believe that a poison can be cured by another poison??  Well, the Indian Govt believes so !!  We all know that India has been the target of numerous terrorist activities - especially at a higher intense level in the recent past.   Home Minstry is the department that deals with internal terrorism.  Home ministry has a Minister (Shivraj Patil) and is assisted by three Minister of States in the present Congress Government.  One of the Minister of States for Home is Mrs. Radhika Selvi.    

Here, we should know more about this person, Radhika Selvi.  She belongs to the party DMK - well, that is irrelevant to our subject.  What is more relevant is that she is the wife of Venkatesh Pannayar - who was a big time rowdy element (a Dawood Ibrahim of a smaller zone).  He was killed in a Police encounter in 2003.   Now, she is a Minister of State for Home Affairs of the Government of India.   Can you find a more suitable person for the portfolio ??  I suggest that we sack the present home minister and make the wife of Dawood Ibrahim as the Home Minister of India.  You see, a poison can be cured only by another poison !!  Don't you believe that ??  Well, our Govt does !! Jai Hind !!

** Honking & Indians **

Yesterday, I read an article on the honking habits of Indian drivers.  It went on to describe about the level of sound pollution and the rude behaviour of Indians (honking is considered rude in most of the other countries!!).

Probably the author of that article is not aware of the basic difference between honking in other countries and in India.  While in other countries they honk to seek 'right of way' -  in the crowded Indian roads - we honk for numerous reasons -

- to warn the person who jumps traffic signal and heads our way on the wrong side,
- to warn the pedestrian who jumps the road median to cross the road,
- to warn bicyclists from taking a casual stride across the road,
- to warn those animals that take a casual strode in the middle of the road,
- to warn the pedestrians who share the small strip of road along with plying vehicles,
- to warn the drivers who have obtained driving license by paying few bucks,
- to warn the person who may appear as a flash in front of you from numerous blind roads,
..... the list is endless.

In India, alteast in the 'so called' metro cities, it is impossible to drive without honking, especially during peak hours.  Those who talk about sound pollution and 'rude manners' should be punished to drive in Indian roads without honking for ten days (Just ten days!)  - without hitting any one or being hit by any one !!!  He he he....

Yes, I do honk !! ;)   

Sep 15, 2008

** Birthday Gift **

   On the occasion of his mentor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (Late) Anna Durai's Birthday, Karunanidhi - the present TN CM,  has ordered release of more than 1400 life convicts from prison (Those who know about Indian judicial system would vouch that life sentences are not handed over that easily in India and it involves years and years of trial process !).   Worst, the High Court did not stop this, despite an appeal filed to stop the release of prisoners.  The High Court in its ruling, stated that the prisoners can be released after obtaining a bond from them - the bond that is going to hold no value and at best can be used as toilet papers !!  The release of prisoners comes at a time when the State's crime graph is on the rise !!  I do not know what the real achievements of both Anna-Durai and Karunanidhi are, but can, without any doubt, say that Karunanidhi, in this tenure, has taken oath of destructing Tamil Nadu in every domain and sphere !!  Tamil Nadu will soon be the next Bihar of India !

PS :  The names of those to be released, it is said, also includes those who were convicted in Tha.Kirutenan's murder case.  Karunanidhi's son, Azagiri's hand was suspected in the murder case and it is said that all of Azhagiri's hench-men were involved in the murder of Kirutenan due to inner party feud/politics.   This is just what I read somewhere and I cannot authenticate on this claim.   But, Indian politics is capable of such things. 

** Whats thrown up comes down **

 When there were bomb blasts all over Gujarat, the congress Govt at the centre said that it had given advance warning and intelligence reports to the State Govt on the impending attack and wahsed off its hands of any responsibility stating the policing is under the State Govt's domain.  The idea of the congress Govt was to squarely blame the Gujarat Govt and put him in a fix - and they succeeded to a fair extent.    Later, Modi, Gujarat CM, immediately after the interrogation of one of the top suspects (whom the Gujarat Police arrested in UP) had met Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh and had informed of Delhi being one of the next targets.  And that is what has happened exactly.  Delhi,  as a State is being looked after by the Delhi State Govt - and also, in the capacity of it being the Nation's capital is directly under Centre's Home Ministry -  both under the Congress regime !!  So what did they do with advance warnings ???

   Well, arguments apart - it is very easy to place a bomb in any place in India.  With huge population and proportionately poor police strength, it is next to impossible to screen each and every one in importat market places, railway stations and other crowded places.  etc.   However, an analysis of ALL the bomb blasts in India will reveal "muslim" hands in every one of it  !!   While I will NOT blame the entire muslim community - there is no denying the fact that muslim fundamentalism is the root cause for all the blasts in India.  And the Congress Govt is hell bent upon pleasing the muslims and is NOT going to do anything about this "muslim" terrorism.  This Govt's attitude of soft pedalling on SIMI, the terror organisation that is stated to be behind all the bombings in the recent past,  speaks volumes about its capacity on controlling terror.   Also, as is being widely discussed, we do not have stringent laws to handle terrorists - courtesy the scrapping of POTA by this very same Congress Govt.  To add more fuel to fire, even those who are convicted are not executed beceause they happen to be muslims (Afzal Guru of the Parliament attack!!).

    Another aspect of this situation is the faith of muslims over their religion.  They place religion above nation - and due to this aspect, muslim terrorists exploit the religious feelings of fellow muslims for its all its operations.  Accommodation and logistics to muslim terrorits are no big deal in any part of the nation - as all they have to do is to locate a muslim dominated area and a masjid.  Rest is a cake wake.  Integrity based on religious faith is only sowing seeds for diversion.  Such acts takes the muslim community far away from the national stream.  It is best that Muslim leaders realise this and start speaking to their people in a tone and meaning that is against terrorism.  The muslim schools, "madar shahs", should be brought under Govt scrutiny as it is these schools that happens to be the fountainhead of hatredness and religious fanaticism.  Muslim clerics should realise that it is regligious fanaticism that has forced terrorists to the extent of  placing a bomb near children's play area, which however was fortunately diffused.  This is time for introspection - both to the hapless and spineless Congress Govt and to the Muslim leaders.

Jai Hind. 

Sep 8, 2008

** Sports & Chennai **


     I was of the opinion that everything is available in a walkable distance in Valasaravakkam, Chennai - well, atleast till last week.  I came in for a rude shock when I went in search of a sports shop for buying a swim shorts.  Not just in Valasaravakkam, but in a huge radial, which includes some of the posh localities, I could not locate a single sports shop.   I was told that barring one street in Paris, Chennai and another one near Mount Road, there are hardly any sports shop in Chennai.   Surprised... aren't you ???

Well - it brings forth a few important aspects - 

a)  The facilities available for a sports person in Chennai (India?).
b)  The level of Chennites interest in sports. 
c)   If this is the state of affairs in a metro city, what about the rural areas?
and above all...
d)  I am gonna start swimming...  ;)


Aug 26, 2008

** Olympics 2008 **

China has definitely set an example by successfully organising the Olympics with very high standards. Organising an event of such huge magnitude calls for involvement from every sphere of the nation - and by conducting it successfully, China has proved its mettle, calibre and growth in every sphere. The inaugural and closing ceremony were simply fantastic. Facilities and resources left everyone astounding. Credit goes to China !! This only proves that "population" is NOT an impediment to growth. It is the 'discipline' that we Indians lack and which puts hurdle in the growth path of our nation.

** Sports & Facilities **

Indian wrestler, Sushil Kumar, who won the bronze medal for India in the just concluded Beijing Olympics made all the Sports ministry officials talk high. But, what is the ground reality?? One of the TV Channels showed the living condition of Sushil Kumar in Delhi, where he was staying and practicing. It was a small dingy hall will full of cots. Around ten were staying in that hall - where, not a single more could be accommodated. Cots were put next to each other without even one centimeter of space. A person living in a road side hut would have had more living space than that. Cant the sports ministry select atleast the top few and provide them better amenities?? All the three boxers who reached the quaterfinals and the wrestler have proven credentials even before the Olympics and yet the facilities provided to them were awful !! That speaks volumes of what the Sports Ministry does. Thats the exact reason that the value of the medals that these men have brought for India is worth more than what it appears. We will NEVER be able to up with China- not just in sports !!

** Kill and Walk free **

RK Anand and IU Khan are two eminent High Court lawyers (one of them is an ex-MP). They were caught on camera influencing a witness to depose in favour of the prime accused in a sensational BMW hit-and-run case which resulted in the death of six. The witness is the main witness (sole?) for the whole case and if he back-tracks, the prime accused, son of a rich arms dealer Nanda, will walk free.

Well, now that the lawyers were caught obstructing the justice on camera, you would expect harsher punishment. No, NOT in INDIA !! All they got was a four months suspension from appearing in court and a fine of Rs.2000/- (those lawyers servants may be getting more than that as monthly salary!). This only sets a wonderful trend where anyone can obstruct justice and all they get is a mild punishment, if at all they were caught.

Aug 23, 2008

Making of Managers - 19 ::: Getting relieved with heavy heart but light mind !!!

Dear Gowri
Last week was very special in terms of intense activities, formal announcement of my move to a project team to my current team and my telling a BYE to them yesterday. I had spoken to the TLs on the prior day who were all quite shocked at the series of changes happening (my boss incidentally got moved to another team last week only)
Few were sincerely hoping that I am going to fit into his shoes and become the next manager but some thing told me that our senior management will consider me for the next level only after some time. I in fact was particularly not too thrilled to get elevated at the present team itself where I dont have much challenges in terms of job....Not that every thing is perfect and completed but we have a peculiar market which is always indifferent and insensitive....and we do not have even regular meetings with our counterparts like other teams at our organisation. It is just people handling and taking self initiatives without any expressed need raised by market which used to be the very foundation / challenge in our service industry - normally.
Well, my selection for the project team was a real bouncer which happened quite close to my boss movement while I was getting ready to work under a new person in his seat.... In fact his successor is not announced yet and It felt great to get relieved at this different experience too - me being an eternal optimist.....me getting relieved announced by the GM to our team.
On Friday, I had a meeting at the project upto 11 AM and hurriedly reached to my seat...I had fixed up a standing meeting at my work area requesting the whole of the team to assemble by around 11 AM...and the moment I entered, the whole team gathered in stark silence.
It was nice to see that our Manager too had come to HIS old department and he too joined as I spoke to my team. After telling them few courteous words clearly and slowly (my communication with team has dramatically improved with my training experience...I just dont allow any confusion / distortion in communication these days), I dont know why I got bit emotional and just stopped a particular sentence in between.
The young faces - many of them whom I had personally groomed - spending lot of time in correcting their mistakes in speaking and in emails....countless counselling sessions & consistently giving feedbacks....all of them noticed me hanging my head down with full of emotions. Just then my ex boss pitched in and spoke about me lavishly for 10 minutes giving all his blessings...and that he was surprised to join this as he came quite casually to pick up his diary from his work station.
It is a custom that people give some feedbacks / choose to express few nice words one by one but after my boss completed, there was pin drop silence. It was so wonderful and I could see that it was more beautiful than any words my team could have spoken about me...( I had done couple of novel things to make them really done....While reaching office in a hurry, I had all the time to buy a box of 60 diary milk - the small 5 Rs one - and distributed it before even I started speaking....which was quite unusal.... Further, before people gathered around my desk, I had scribbled down my new extension number, changed email id and also the location where I will be sitting for next 1 - 2 months.....in the board at my workstation....with lot of pro-acitivity - both these simple acts added to my image, I realised then...)
Well, none of them spoke and my manager kept on inducing for a while and I cut him short and raised some general topic for chatting to lighten up the situation.... and I reached to my new work location with a heavy heart.
Before the time, I had reached my work station, 2 - 3 mails had flown into my new mail id wishing me great future...and one particular long mail listed all that I had done for this boy. There were couple of phone calls telling me that they need to speak to me in person on monday for which I agreed.
Now, this is the beauty....For some one who never cared to improve his technical skill set but just remained people oriented, there cannot be a better farewell given by his team. I am sure that these little kids will get reminded of me as a source of great inspiration when they undergo some training programs where the trainers ask us to get reminded of personalities from their lives.
What more a person wants when he gets reminded by - if not all - couple of people who are going to join management team - either in current employment or elsewhere too ?
suchoo

Moment of Bliss - 21 ::: Some thing too subtle.....!!

Hello Gowri
The events that happen during the whole of Aug are too much and I keep mentally noting down that I should record the experience as it happens...but taking time to do what ever that we want to do....and executing every single vridhi of the mind is a real challenge.... Perhaps, this is why, I feel that the spiritual people prefer to work on the mind to minimize vridhis (or ripple of thoughts) instead of trying to do every thing their mind wanders about.... which is almost impossible feat....!!
Well, while my mind played a trick with me to post another "all in one" for the current period of life, I re-inforced to myself it is going to be three seperate postings in all the three series that I am currently writing... Infact it really gives great pleasure that this simple act of expression of thoughts and feelings have grown into 3 files of 40 pages each.....for each of the series....without having any real plan why I am storing all these so systematically.... (for that matter - in addition to storing all the poems and a log book for the poems, I also store quite sincerely all the feedbacks that I get from people - mainly from training initiatives & also few other touching ones....and this file too keeps growing...)
Well, let us come to the subject. I travelled with my ex- GM in his car upto teynambet during one of the days last week who is a great man in terms of knowledge and humanity. We do have such people - really rare creed - in every organization and I do remember him always as a source of inspiration and a possiblity for human potential. He in fact graduated from Pachiappaas College and grew quite systematically in his career....He is respected and loved by the entire organisation for his unassuming manners and humility...He creates a stir even amongst the security staff as he moves around in the office which is a wonderful sight to watch when we walk along with him.
Now, I shared one of my poems "Suzharch" with this Gentleman who gave his nice feedback on my thought process while giving his appreciation to me for writing poems of good quality though I started very late. While we touched upon the subject during the car travel, I casually told him on my wish to write on Vairamuthu's Kallikkaatu ithihaasam (I have named it too...already "Glimpses of an EPIC")
He was astounded with the mere idea that I had..and suggested me that this could become a great literary work (He was actually quoting .... that this could have prospects of "nobel prize"....which I am safely ignoring to quote outside this bracket !!) and sincerely suggested couple of English Books to read before even getting started. I really felt that I should not hurry up on this work by the way this person understood my project pretty well and put out his thoughts.
Because, my idea is not a translation...which is impossible to do....considering the local slang that vairamuth extensively uses through out the book. The one line of the book as I expressed some time back in this blog is to give an intro to a non tamil person ...and tell him the dimensions of this book. And..what ever I expressed to my ex boss while travelling, he grasped or absorbed like a blotting paper and then came his candid feedback...
This was truely a moment of bliss for a person like me...who have ever been an average performer for such a long time...finding his feet slowly and discovering his true potential and skill set very late of his life......!!
suchoo

Aug 21, 2008

** J & K **

The State is in a turmoil since the past few days. I do not agree with the view of lot of so-called "elites" who keep writing that Kashmir should be given "aazaadi" (yes, in Indian news-papers!!). The present situation is entirely due to the stupid act of the Congress government - both at the Centre and at the State. It does not have any resolution in hand to solve the tangle - and that has added fuel to the fire. The present situation is quite dis-heartening and painful and I am watching the horizon with a grave concern.

Aug 6, 2008

** விகடனும் LTTE-இம் **

In the latest edition of Vikatan - it has published a survey on LTTE and Tamil Nadu. The survey was done amongst a total of 4195 people and has been published as if that is the overall views of people of Tamil Nadu. A magazine of the stature of Vikatan could have acted more responsibly. The following are some of the "findings" of the survey :-

a) Support LTTE - always :54.25%
b) Tamil Eelam - Yes, needed:55.44%
c) India Should involve in the SL problem - YES:62.59%
d) LTTEs growth in the warfare - Proud of it:46.24%

Icing on the cake :
ராஜீவ் காந்தி படு கொலையில் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட பிரபாகரன் -
கைது செய்யப் பட வேண்டும்:43.02%
மன்னித்து விட்டு விடலாம்:40.07%
குற்றம் அற்றவர் : 16.90%

So, will these people say the same if equated with Kashmir?? Isnt it the same scenario. Tamil people in SL for Kashmir people; LTTE for Kashmir terrorists; Sri Lanka for India; and India for Pakistan !!!

This is an example of how insane can people get to and how irresponsible can a magazine be !!
Jai Hind!!

** Abortion Law - Pt II **

Exactly on the same day I made my previous posting on the plight of a couple who had filed a suit seeking permission to abort a 25 weeks foetus - court has given its ruling that they CAN NOT !! Per the ruling, since the 25 weeks foetus starts breathing, it becomes alive and hence cannot be terminated. Law has no provision for 'euthanasia' in Indian constitution. Now, the couple can do nothing but to pray God.
---------------
A couple in Mumbai has filed a case in court seeking legal permission to abort the 25 week foetus as medical/scan reports suggests that the unborn child has heart blockages. In India, the country’s abortion law does not allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks unless it harms mother’s life/health. Aborting a 25 weeks foetus, is by itself a threat to the mother - and now, the court is going to take a few more days to decide. Adding to the chaos, Mumbai's Archbishop has given a religious colour to the case by appealing to the couple to allow the child to be born and the church will take care of the child. So many questions go begging - about our abortion laws; on why cant the church take care of lakhs of children getting treated for various diseases in India? - But what is clear from all these happenings is - if you decide to seek a solution to any of your problem, do NOT seek legal assistance in India !! Jai Hind !!
----------

Aug 4, 2008

** Sports & Grit **

Natalie Du Toit & Oscar Pistorius are no ordinary sports persons. Both are physically challenged. Natalie, a swimmer with only one leg and Oscar a sprinter with no legs at all! While Natalie has qualified for the Olympics, Oscar failed to qualify. Oscar fought a prolonged legal battle to allow him participate in the Olympics to compete alongside other able bodied sportsmen; it was opposed on the grounds that artificial legs gave him an advantange over fellow men; Oscar ultimately won the case but failed to qualify in the Olympic qualifying rounds. However, Natalie's is a success story. She says her memorable experience was in one of the Common Wealth games that she participated, where, when she turned around to take the last 50 m lap, all other swimmers had already finished the whole distance, but the whole stadium stood up and cheered for her. In this Olympics, no doubt, I will be cheering for Natalie.

Check out the links below to know more about them :-

Natalie Du Toit ..............................Oscor Pistorius

.........................


Watch Oscars 400m run in the You tube link below..
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=1so1ZMgpg2w

and Natalie's swim and more on disability in sports in the link below
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GxfsQ1eVw

** Abortion Law **

A couple in Mumbai has filed a case in court seeking legal permission to abort the 25 week foetus as medical/scan reports suggests that the unborn child has heart blockages. In India, the country’s abortion law does not allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks unless it harms mother’s life/health. Aborting a 25 weeks foetus, is by itself a threat to the mother - and now, the court is going to take a few more days to decide. Adding to the chaos, Mumbai's Archbishop has given a religious colour to the case by appealing to the couple to allow the child to be born and the church will take care of the child. So many questions go begging - about our abortion laws; on why cant the church take care of lakhs of children getting treated for various diseases in India? - But what is clear from all these happenings is - if you decide to seek a solution to any of your problem, do NOT seek legal assistance in India !! Jai Hind !!

Aug 2, 2008

"All in One".......

Dear Gowri
I could not find a better title than this for the current posting....This could be a historic posting that I have ever made because I am posting this soon after an experience with a hurry to vent out my exact state of mind...before I start distorting it with my own thoughts and interpretations......Further, I do have lot of things to do for next few hours and cannot allow myself to get stucked up with this great experience which made me tasted some thing which is relevant and apt for all the three series that I am currently writing (Transcendance, Managers in Making & Moment of Bliss)...Let me justify this part later but it is important for you to get sufficiently reminded that this could be a long posting......and may appear like making mountain out of the molehole.....and you may relegate this to your liesure hour as I am eager to get your specific feedback on this posting alone from you.....(I do appreciate the agreement between us that you will give feedback only to poems and not for the postings that we make....which could put us in never ending loop....)
Well, Today I called up the Head-Man at the Public Speaking class to check with him if I can join tomorrow's session as I thought a second listening could do a world of good for me to understand the few subtle things that I missed out earlier.....though I was quite intent and eager....!! I need to expand a little bit here that I have hands on experience on this belated understanding of subtle things with Kaml Films, Isha Classes...and (God Bless) I had the sanity to check with this man before going to the same class again naturally as I used to go to Kamal Film or Isha Class....!!
I first spoke to his wife and after exchanging courtesies, she reminded me of the Grammer class that she is starting next sat at her home.....I had asked for details and had spoken to her some time back (when I visited their home for preparing for culturals) for the purpose of Anoo...(Just wanted to brush up the fundamentals for her as she is developing a complex when she sits to "teach" our little devil - well, I should add, there were some embarassing moments for her when both of them came to me for spelling / meaning / grammer usage when they were in confllict of the correct grammer & english....Unfortunately, most of the times, the little devil is proving her mother that she is better amongst the two....)
So, when I called up, reminding on the date of new classes was quite natural for which I gave a fitting response to her.... (avasyam !!). You cant' call me wrong or indecent in the manner I put forth my request if by any chance I can attend the class sitting in the last row...and if they allow it in their process / institute....I got a rather professional reply from her to check with her hubby and immediately gave his cell number.
I spoke to (one of my) guru and he instantly recognised me....and asked me lot of questions quite cheerfully....!! And then, I gradually put forth my request, he told a decisive NO.....telling me it could be boring for me....!!! I was not the one to give up, I asked him by any chance I had missed out some thing, I wanted to catch it up...and did not mind to add a tinge of humour that I will be sitting quitely in the last row (for that matter, during our sessions, we always had few people in back benches who missed / remained absent on some of their classes in previous batches...and it was normal to have 4 - 5 people in his class more than the current batch strength.. I never imagined all of them would be cases where he personally monitors and invites....and tracks the attendances of them !!
He clearly told me that it is not advisable to re-attend the class and re-confirmed to me that there will not be much learning value to listen to him once again......!! I thanked him with a smile and excused myself.....and disconnected the phone line....
I had mixed feelings and confused thoughts about this simple episode...Undisputably I was the best student of his batch and had great value in the batch by triggering people around me and making the sessions very participative.....!! I had groomed a (pretty) girl to compere the whole of cultural events on the last day when I was personally requested by this man to organise the whole thing......!! and last but not the least, the manner in which they handed over the certificate (mine came in between in the bunch....I could clearly see that he put it as a last one and finishing all others, he gave it after telling a few words about me.....)... Within few seconds from the subtle sense of dissappointment that I had (about which I never wrote any series of postings), I could see that I was able to smile at myself taking a lesson out of it....
Is it not a moment of Transcendance ? I clearly realise that there is a big difference in each and every transaction that we have with people around us (the ones whom we love as well as one whom we hate)....and it is important to entertain thoughts / requests based on merits of the case......!! (ironically, the tomorrow's session is on Transaction Analysis...Try Google)
Further, I clearly realised, if my vision is to make it really big as a Trainer - considering that I will be one of the aged trainer with minimum experience in the field - I need to conserve my energy a little bit and keep focussing on the priorities of the day...Imagine if there are going to be more back benchers than the front benches...Who will pay the Hotel Bill for the Conference Hall ?
So, this was also quite a relevant experience for me in "making of Managers" title...

But, I also see that some thing could be done slightly different about such requests and predicaments...if we dont take passionate financial goals for ourselves in what ever we do...!! I am eager to make myself available to lot more people than whom I will cover for financial considerations...While I realise the importance of having a regular income, I must be able to customize a life that will serve few people who are interested in their self improvement.....Now, I dont want to even think about the details as I type it down....Most of my talks at office circuit in front of my team are extempored these days...While the team gathers, I scribble down the points to be covered , the opener and concluding "bulls eye" statements....and humour touches....!!
So, as it comes by, I can easily fit a plan of mission to suit my vision...Until then, let me do my today's job...and forget this incident..
After all, getting out the juice effectively, what is the point holding the dry flesh....??
suchoo
ps:- It is really a moment of bliss for me to record this within 30 minutes of happening of the incident...Krishnaarpanam as always...

Aug 1, 2008

** Talent **

VaLLavanukku PuLLum AaYuDhaM !! Watch the video clip in the link below..... I love this fellow.. :)

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=4iSYjn7Tjz8

Jul 28, 2008

Musings on NEW Vikatan

Dear Gowri

I am still wondering what is the necessity to change the size of the book and bring it at par with "international" standards.....!! Who is that punniavaan who made the Management team of this magazine to push it for a needless decision....

I in fact differ from you in my opinion....Now Vikatan has become horrible and lacks that "thrupthi" that I used to get earlier......I feel like holding a Junior Vikatan or Kumudham reporter in my hand .....and the sleek book bends and looks down at my face....!!

Well, it always happen, our mind never accepts such changes and with space of time and improvement of our "receptivity" levels, I will start getting used to this new book (still I am sure I will never like that extra suppliment which is given.... what if every magazine starts doing such things...... !!!)....

After all, it is "our" vikatan and I cannot be angry with it for such a long time....!!

suchoo

Jul 24, 2008

** New Vikatan **
Ananda Vikatan, the weekly magazine, has changed shape, form and also the numbers since last week. Now, we get 2 Vikatans. All I would say is that it is a big big farce !! One Vikatan will have all its old articles re-published and the second one, in the name of youth and freshness, is even more horrible in its content and in styling. Nevertheless, I continue to subscribe !!
Posted by Gowri at 8:38 PM
Labels:

Transcendance - 19 ::: Getting over a Dissappointment

Dear Gowri

It is quite unbelievable that I am normal again and back to my smiles....!!
It may appear quite childish that I am so gullible but my latest belief on "chaos" theory (Please refer to Transcendance - 18 on this subject) pushed me into such a deep level of dissappointment. This small space of time when I have not got into the web is neither out of "inertness" and nor out of "frustration" but due to a terrific dissappointment.
I started believing strongly that I am getting into my pet career (Training) without losing the cosy comfort of current employment which was like a positive Heart Attack.....!! An innocent mail (or mischievous ?) from my subordinate coupled (or quadrapled ?) with too many signals made me strongly believe that things have worked in favour of me.....!!
I should have thought / held myself a little bit if life could be so easy and simple to walk away with what ever we wanted even though I am blessed to sit in the lap of Sai Baba....!! I did not have an iota of doubt as things were falling in place.....and me getting confirmed about the news again and again....and the person who could have stopped my imagination (my own boss) was not available for 3 - 4 days.....!!
Well, for no good reason, I got dissappointed....The whole of my routine got destabilised for a brief spell telling myself how fragile I can become....with external situation acting against me....!! It took me a very long time to reconcile myself to the current realities (that is, nothing is actually lost OR no tragedy has happened) and me getting back to my familiar rhythem.....
While I am getting ready for the "change management" workshop to meet my inspiring role model, I have been working feverishly at my desk today after wondering for a while about the whole nonsense....!!
Well, how am I going to give sessions on Leadership skills ? How can I speak about being mentally tough and never losing balance....? How can I touch upon crisis undergone as many Trainers would keep narrating about - in their own lives ??
Still, inspite of getting exposed to myself, I feel, I can do a good job of my future thought I dont have decisive responses to any of my questions above....!! During my close to 50 hours of training until now, it was made repeatedly clear to me that I am able to "engage" people's attention and inspire them at the future possibilities on the topic....!! The spontaneity, my intense preparations and my pleasing personality will compensate the areas of improvements....
I am getting more and more clear that I am not going to dissappoint my Trainees.... though I got slipped myself in this silly episode...
suchoo

Jul 26, 2008

** Rajini in US chocolates **

After Japan, its now US that Rajini has invaded with his fame !! M&M chocolates are bringing out choclolates with Rajini's image imprinted on it. Read more on that and watch the trailer of Rajini's forthcoming movie "Kuselan" in the link below.

Kuselan Trailer

Jul 25, 2008

** Bangalore Bomb Blasts **

Today (25 Jul 08), there were as many as 7 bomb blasts in Bangalore, India. On the first account, hands of LeT and SIMI are suspected. All the bomb blasts that happened today are of low intensity - nevertheless, reminds us of the harsh reality of the threats that our nation faces. Politicians are busy saving their chairs and police folks are even busier, pleasing their bosses. America invades nations when terrorists attack them; Israel bombs them; India - well, we are the preachers of peace - we release terrorists from prisons !!

** Beach Volley Ball **

The glamorous game, Beach Volley Ball championship was successfully conducted in Elliot's beach, Chennai. All the newspapers, in the name of news, gave huge publicity to the event by publishing sexy photos - some, even above the Headlines (Head Photo!!) - on the first page !! I was only surprised that the event was conducted, as planned, without any resistance from the so called 'moral policers' !! Well, if it interests you, the Indian girls team skipped playing in bikinis and wore the normal sports wear (shorts and T-shirts). ;)

** Yarchagumba **

No, its not the name of a Rishi !! Its the name of a fungus that grows on a caterpillar and is found in Himalayan states. Whats the speciality?? Its a performance enhancer !! Importantly, Chinese know about this. The secret to spate of medals by Chinese in the previous episode of olympics is attributed to this. With Olympics approaching, Yarchagumba is again in demand. Can u guess what the cost would be...... imagine as high as you can..... well, I am sure your guess must have fallen short by a huge margin... earlier, it is said, that it did cost around Rs 4 to 5 lakh per kg and with the olympics approaching, now, its somewhere around Rs 7 to 10 lakh per Kg !! Click on the link below to read more on Yarchagumba...

YARCHAGUMBA

Jul 24, 2008

Fedora Core 9 - with all the latest updates is available at the following link.

http://spins.fedoraunity.org/unity/torrent-files-fedora-9-20080718-re-spin/Fedora-Unity-20080718-9-i386-DVD.torrent/at_download/file

Its a huge file of around 3.5 GB. Go, get it, if you wish to have the latest.

** New Vikatan **

Ananda Vikatan, the weekly magazine, has changed shape, form and also the numbers since last week. Now, we get 2 Vikatans. All I would say is that it is a big big farce !! One Vikatan will have all its old articles re-published and the second one, in the name of youth and freshness, is even more horrible in its content and in styling. Nevertheless, I continue to subscribe !!

Jul 18, 2008

** Democracy at its best **

Members of Parliament, who have been convicted by the courts and jailed for murders/looting/kidnapping/etc will now decide the fate of our Government. Tough bargaining (money deals / ministerial posts) have already started (or finished?) !! When persons like the cunning Dewa Gowda says that he is still undecided, its anyone's guess on what would make him decide to vote in Govt's favour. So is the case with every MP who decides to 'support the Nuclear deal' and 'vote in favour of the Govt' !! We, the citizens of this Nation, have matured and seen enough to belive and understand the 'principles' of our 'dirty politics' !! Manmohan Singh should better resign before the confidence vote than accepting to every demand of rogue MPs and Dewa Gowdas.

Jul 15, 2008

** Tirupathi **

Yesterday (14 Jul 08), I went to Tirupathi for the first time (not counting the one when my father carried me to the temple when I was a baby)!! I walked from 'Tirupathi' (Kheezh Tirupathi) to the Temple ('Thirumala'). I walked for 3 hrs non-stop, climbing the hill and across the stretch, which is about 11 kms in total. Since it was a sudden plan, I had not booked my tickets - both for the journey and for the 'darshan'. There are too many buses to Tirupathi from Chennai and the journey was comfortable and the 'Padha Yatra' was good too. We had to go through the 'free darshan' Q and I had to wait for - believe me - five and half hours for the one minute darshan of 'Perumal'. Here, I have to appreciate the wonderful arrangements that Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) had made for the devotees. The long wait period was not difficult at all. We were accommodated in well laid out cells - which is being opened on 'first occupied first open' basis. The 'cells' have huge plasma TVs where the tamil version of Mahabaratha is being screened all the time (good that we dont have the telugu version yet!). The only area where the TTD can improve upon is in displaying 'better and organised' display/sign boards. There are quite a lot of such boards - but, for a first timer, you have to keep enquiring people about the way, procedure etc (there are 'information centres' though). But since I prefer to find my way without having to ask anyone - I found the facility inadequate. With lakhs of devotees thronging the temple every day, that sure is one area that TTD should need to take care of - both at the Tirupath and at the Thirumala (the terms used to locals to refer to, what we call, as Keezh Tirupathi and the temple on the hill respectively).

** Best Airports **

See the links below to know about the best rated airports...

http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/07/14/airports-best-world-forbeslife-cx_rr_0714travel.html

http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/14/airports-best-world-forbeslife-cx_rr_0714travel_slide_2.html?thisspeed=30000

Airports in Asia are at the top of the list. Hey.. are you looking for any Indian Airports?? Most of our 'modern' airports are under construction and wait till that is completed (he..he..he.. as like any Govt projects, it will never get completed and you can proudly keep boasting about the 'about to be best' Indian airports!



** SHAME !! **

The dust over the bomb blast in Indian Embassy in Kabul has settled. Four Indian lives were lost. I am not going to dwell into the 'Militancy' or the 'Politics' angle of this gory episode - but even more worse than that - our attitude in discriminating the dead - our own people. Amongst those four, most of us would remember two names - Mr Mehta and Mr Rao. Do, any of us, remember the names of other two individuals?? Most probably, we won't - because they were lower level soldiers and not 'Officers'. Their lives, after all, are not as worthy as those two 'Officers'. The names of those two soliders were not widely published or telecast. All the media (newspapers and TV channels included) flashed photos of those officers, their grieving family and everything related to them - but, did we hear anything about those soldiers?? I didnt. NOT A WORD !!! The were just 'two ITBP jawans' - nothing else. All the four of them were serving the role that our Nation wanted them to - then, why this discrimination?? This is not the first instance that such an episode is being enacted and not going to be the last too. Everyday, when we hear about our dead soldiers in J&K or anywhere else, due to whatever reason that may be, we always read it as " Major X, Captain Y and two 'jawans' ". Lower level soldiers are not even worth in being mentioned with their names. I dont blame the media - because that is how the PRO of the respective defence forces circulate the news. After all, "soldeirs" are cheaper commodity and are expendable.

** Indo-US Nuclear Deal **

I came across some very interesting stats about our Nuclear energy, budget allocation and some sinister plots. Read on.....

India generates a total of 1,26,839 MW electricity. Out of which, 66% is from Thermal, 26% by Hydro, 5% from Solar & Wind mills and 3% from Nuclear resources.

Govt spends about Rs.600 Crore for Solar & Wind mills (which produces 5% of our electrical energy). While, the expenditure is Rs 3,897 crore towards Nuclear plants which just meets 3% of our energy requirements. Even if the Govt spends the envisaged Rs 90,000 crore in the next 25 years, it would just meet 9% of our electrical energy requirement.

Well, I am not arguing against the Nuclear deal - but those do oppose, do have a point! Right??? Atleast the Govt provided statistics above may make it look so. But, yes, the 'Nuclear Weapon' aspect is not included in the above expenditure/benefit stats. Having said that, we also should accept that the 'waste disposal' and the 'high risk & aspects' are always a big pain when it comes to Nuclear plants.

There is another very interesting point that those who oppose the deal put forward - India is very rich in Thorium resources. India has the world's second
largest Thorium resources (3 lakh tonnes), after only to Australia. At the present availability projections, it is possible to produce 35 Lakh MW of electricity from Thorium. We have the where-withal and technology to produce eletricity from Thorium. We only have to put the technology to practice to extract electricity from Thorium. If India goes ahead and implements the 'Electricity from Thorium' technology, say in next 25 or 35 years, we would ultimately become an electricity surplus nation. The present Nuclear deal, as plotted by the Americans, it is said, is to STOP India's indigineous growth.

Well... I am not a Nuclear scientist - but have only given some stats that I have read here and there.

** Indian Political Twists **

Two important political events in the last few days worth metion in this blog. Left withdraws support to the Congress Govt at the centre and here in Tamil Nadu, PMK has been thrown out of the coalition by the DMK regime. Both the Left and the PMK were a big pain to the Central and State Govts respectively. They did not allow the 'rulers' to have their way - be it some 'worthy/ambitious' plan or in 'corruption' as well. They were acting as a sort of safety valve in not letting anything get beyond what they thought as 'optimum' standard. But, people are not worried at all about the developments - Does that say something - both about the people and about the Government ??

Jul 14, 2008

Transcendance - 18 :::: "Chaos Theory"

Dear Gowri
This was an extra ordinary week end in many senses. Too much was the learning and the amount of involvement from my side that.....this posting is going to be surprisingly too short !!
Well, perhaps you had gone through my other mail from which you must have learnt that this sat night too I was blessed with the II show of Dasavadhaaram....and the refreshing "training program" on chaos theory ...that it is based on..... (just wanted to add that the number of people from my group was 14.....and NOT 13.....as Gayathri's neighbour mami too wanted to join our "bliss" !!)
Well, With Chaos theory in action too much in my own life since Good Friday...AND I see it playing in the realm of even the silliest things that I am involved in.....there are just two possibilities of trying to "conclude"...(which is in fact too wrong to do.....!!)
First is that I could be becoming too imaginative or creative....Second possibility is to get shut up and enjoy the grandeur of co-incidences....AND enjoy the intensity of experiences little more....
I am not really talking about only my rubbing of shoulders with Sai Baba....there were other co-incidences too....in almost every day these days.....!! and I am learning to get more and more alert and focussed on what I am expected to do.....!!
One important thing that I have started doing is to become bit silent during such moments and focus my inward feelings like the oil pour (thaila thaarai)........Does it not sound like the title of my next poem ??
Well, when I get the time, let me pen it.......!!
suchoo
ps:- Gowri, do you know some thing, my Isha connections are getting renewed....!! within space of 8 hours, I was speaking and hearing the heart out of two of my old mates in front of whom I have had sat in vajrasaana as demonstrator.....One during Dec 2004 and next one during 2005,.....!! the second one - a lady - who is running Beauty parlour - literally poured too many words that she "misses" me.....and how much I had inspired her during 2005 - 2007...
For that matter, both of them, their eyes and body language while they spoke to me - made me seriously think how much impactful I had been during my Isha days..... though I was never people oriented and was so focussed with my own volunteering nice feelings....!! Well, think it is time to get mellowed down little bit...!!
At the close of our animated talk, in the Railway station of Mambalam on Sat morning at 12 Noon (while going to kpuram), my concluding question to this lady was quite criptic...."when is the next class at mambalam ?"....for which she joyfully responded..... !! so, you are grinning AGAIN !!

Jul 9, 2008

Making of Managers - 17 ::: "Solitary Tree maketh avenue"

Prelude :: This could be a long posting....and particularly important to us and can remind me of a decisive step in my Training Career......Beware.......and Read through with some focus.....!!
Dear Gowri
One of the famous utterences of Sadhguru was that "society is a big lie".....He goes to explain that it is the individuals who make the society and he justifies his yoga program that it is the individuals whom should be targetted instead of crying hoarse about the society and the horrible state that it is in right now....!!
Perhaps you could have seen me oozing out similar kind of thoughts in our Vanagiri Adventure too , let me candidly admit that this particular thought got injected inside me too much and with the open mind that I listened to his magical voice (during oct 99....when I went to Isha for the first time to attend the BSP class.....Before our classes commenced in the evening around 5 PM, participants like me were wandering the Ashram as we had reached there at 7 AM in the morning.....there had been a group of foreigners to whom he was speaking in his typical dias....who seemingly sought a meeting with the God Man inside the place - who were basically tourists to Ashram......the meeting with these people happened in a hall which was having thatched roof...and I could over hear him telling them...."Tell me is there any thing called Forest ?? I can only see Trees".....), it got internalised into me in a deepest way possible and I consider this particular situation quoted in bracket above as a "initiation experience" to me !!
Well, coming back to the main subject that I wanted to write today which is ofcourse on my training initatives, yesterday, I went into a session which was done by another girl ...as it was a new syllabus that is being launched during July.....I am supposed to do the session for the first time (on Teleconferencing) tomorrow and hence I thought I can have a first hand experience on the BIG role play that was given in our materials......I am yet to go through the same and was hoping to learn things easily by observation and reduce my preparation time....This particular session is quite important for us as it is meant for people who are Team Leaders and with some experience....
I entered the hall only at 6.30 PM (the session started at 2 PM itself...and this role play was the last portion...which is scheduled for 1 hour), the role play was half way through already !! I went calmly towards the last few seats without disturbing the session ... and looked at the trainer with a question mark in my eyes...As the role plays were going on, the trainer reached out towards me to explain that she could manage to cover the syllabus without much hiccups and is expecting to complete the session in next 20 minutes....!! I was personaly aghast...but did not show much emotions...and was observing the session till it was all over at 7 PM...
After the session was over and the hall was emptied, the Trainer was magnanimous enough to share the Feedback forms submitted by the trainees...and we could see many of the participants have given adverse feedbacks....on every aspect of the training program....I could see that she was in a defensive mindset (forgot to tell, this is the pretty girl with whom I had a mail interaction which was shared with you also...Dont want to mention the name here...but she is the one who was an observer in one of my earlier session of Telephone Handling (without teleconferencing) which was for junior team members) and was telling that "arrangements were not proper...
When I asked for more clarity, she told that the participants were bit restless because no "biscuits" were kept....and many of them felt that the role plays and activities were too silly....and were quite vocal in telling her that they knew many things already.....With due regards to their seniority , I smelt that perhaps the INTRO session was not prepared and handled properly which could have avoided most of the resentment....and told her in a friendly tone about few mistakes / areas of improvments observed by me in the last 20 minutes...There were couple of guys who were continuously in side talks who could have been checked in the earlier part of the session itself....AND it was required to say a few words of hype about the training modules before the feedback forms were distributed....AND it is important ethic for a Trainer not to read the Feedback forms and show all the expressions in the face while few of the participants have not completed their feedback forms..and still in the hall..!!..
I could see the girl was bit demotivated and later when we reached and had a talk with the Co-ordinator at HR(I will zero in on this lady later ...few things to tell about her), she literally told her that she is not able to handle this "advanced" session meant for the seniors....!! It appears that there were few problems encountered when the trainer girl tried to put an audio clipping and despite of desparately calling, the admin support came very late....I was talking to the Coordinator after this girl left....and here we reach the abstract contents of our conversation...
This person, who is in mid thirties, was picked up quite recently (less than a year) and is extremely friendly and had been the anchor for the entire modules development and two dozen of us getting trained as trainers....Regards to her and all her initiatives, but there were few concerns in the manner the whole idea is getting diluted which I had voiced to her already....In fact our GM organised for a meeting to hear me in the presence of the HR manager and this person....I explained few important things to be done like monitoring the trainer's performance by surprise visits to the sessions, giving some inspiration by circulating some of the best feedbacks received and one to one discussions.......!! 100s of things could be done... but unfortunately she did not have the time or energy or interest to do all these...
In that particular conversation a month back, I Could clearly sense that I was not understood properly and I decided to play cool with only few points expressed....making it a point to communicate very few good things too....(like extension of time from 4 hours to 5 1/2 hours for each module which all of us really feel great).
Now, yesterday I got a clear signal that I have to take up this corporate initiative in my own hand (to the extend I am permitted) with a historic statement made by this poor lady...It was when she lamented that the seniors are not attending the session and the absentee rate is around 50 % and the feedback from the participants too were not encouraging both for emails session and phone calls session, I was the one to get amused....!! though I am yet to make a debut on this particular module, I got raving feedback on both of my earlier sessions to the seniors on emails...I got infact feedbacks from friends --> friends --> friends who had taken part in my session and was talking about me and the session for close to "1 hour" reportedly....!!
There is some thing seriously going wrong and the lacs of rupees spent on us may get wasted upon if an impression gets created that we are ineffective....!!
Coming back to the historic statement of this lady, when I asked this person on what is her plan to cover the left out people (absentees) when we have the target to complete the first round of excercise before 31st July, she told me "I will die committing suicide".....!! it was meant for fun of course...but she made me lot more intense by her next statement which was a sort of challenge for me....."Can we exchange our roles....I can come and SIT at your desk...will you complete these absentees yourself...organising the whole thing ?"....
IT was one of the poetic moment when Baba spoke to me through lesser mortals....and I was so aware about it instantanously...I played it cool and was making fun if I should organise biscuits for my session myself.....instead of people complaining like yesterday's session...(by the by, I have never even motioned people towards the candies / polos kept in the corner...they have never been made an issue by my trainees until now....if you keep them gripping, will they have time or need for biscuits ??)
BUT, I am quite clear on things to be done next...I have already drawn a mind map on things to be done from course materails perspective (corrections, improvements....), trainers perspective (as mentioned above, some coaching, monitoring their live performance, getting into the details of their scores and segregating them, one to one sessions), management perspective (pump data on the alarmity, seek management clarity on handling the absenteeism)...AND future prospects of the bunch of trainers (other avenues on engaging them - few other soft skills training modules & re-trainings).....Really there is too much to do....and I would like to make a humble request if I can take charge of this from now on...
Perhaps it could be a comical thing for a finance professional to get into an aspect of HR but there is no point to hold myself in an area where I dont have much interest....and it is difficult to tolerate things are not done properly.....I dont mind even if few of the people laugh at me, I can keep many of them smiling at me in amazement and my commitment level...
I already have dreams of expanding our network and providing training to our flagship company...and me getting personally enriched with attending more and more sessions as a trainee from experts...
Perhaps, I may be brushed aside and my proposal might be turned out...WHO can stop me tapping the door with lot of preparation and intensity.....Am I doing any thing myself...and my own interests.....its just that I am following the light shown by Baba....
was this posting too long ??? want biscuits ???
suchoo