tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56095297804901801462024-03-05T10:05:26.545+05:30Nona's PensieveNonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.comBlogger1557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-48136674143512328092020-04-12T06:00:00.000+05:302020-04-12T06:05:57.174+05:30Innovation during quarantine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4ZU796nO8SXoDtDPRg1Nbs3v3y2wH4nH7X_uruIC8ZveOUzI9UMOIhJFKbQmbNeI_1WVnylqggbDBUdRqkqHyZ7ahcRqJN7XX9Wk23nQJky338XZ90yCe9c3a9cGcMt9hj2rY5wmAiA/s1600/6085347780_06ac8d4e4c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4ZU796nO8SXoDtDPRg1Nbs3v3y2wH4nH7X_uruIC8ZveOUzI9UMOIhJFKbQmbNeI_1WVnylqggbDBUdRqkqHyZ7ahcRqJN7XX9Wk23nQJky338XZ90yCe9c3a9cGcMt9hj2rY5wmAiA/s400/6085347780_06ac8d4e4c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ford</span></div>
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<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What have these companies in common? During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all of these companies have pivoted and made a different product than initially planned. The term pivot applies when a company makes a fundamental change to its business. Is there a formula to determine how long does it take a company to pivot? If there is such a formula, then I am yet to come across one. </span></div>
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<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This phenomenon of pivoting raises a pertinent question. Why did these companies wait for a crisis to pivot? If you search for articles regarding the companies mentioned earlier, you will learn about how they pivoted in a matter of weeks. They had to design, source, and manufacture. Those are three small verbs to describe a complex intellectual process. In the business as usual scenario, it takes months, if not years. In a crisis, it only took days as these companies adopted an agile approach. </span></div>
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Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-84082225656508448672020-03-09T07:00:00.000+05:302020-03-09T07:00:08.694+05:30Books: Super Pumped: Battle for Uber<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have struggled to hail a cab in Paris on multiple occasions. If I categorize those nights, it was mainly due to two events. Either there was rain showering the city, or it was immediately after a night of celebration when the city closes a few metro stations. Both these events throw the city into chaos. Later, I experienced high black cab charges in the UK. <a href="https://www.uber.com/" target="_blank">Uber</a> was fast becoming a force to reckon with when I was in Paris, and it became a formidable force when I was in the UK. But I switched over to Uber when I returned to India in 2018 and didn't buy a car. Instead, I adopted Uber. The commute may be a bit longer, which provided an opportunity to watch streaming videos, songs, podcasts, and kindle books.</div>
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Now you might have guessed my interest in this book. This book chronicles the history of Uber and is written by <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeIsaac" target="_blank">Mike Isaac</a>. Mike Isaac is the technology reporter for the Times's San Francisco bureau. Where Mike operates also makes him the right candidate to cover the Silicon Valley companies. Drawing inspiration from one of the values, namely super pumped, adopted by Uber under <a href="https://twitter.com/travisk" target="_blank">Travis Kalanick</a>, the previous CEO of the company, the book takes us through the conception, the disruption in the transportation industry to the stepping down of Travis from the post of CEO. </div>
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As a consumer, we have reaped the benefits in price brought to us by Uber or its competitors. The low price wouldn't have possible if Uber were not able to spread its operation around the world. While we are happy to be paying a reasonable price, we might not be aware of what Uber has to fight against to get us this price. Was their journey follows a righteous path? It remains a question for each one of us. Seemingly an easy question to answer, I assure you that it will not be one. You probably will be conflicted at specific points in the narration. The reverse is also true at times. We will condemn them.</div>
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At the end of the day, the book is not about greed but the obsession to change the world. Without this passion, it is difficult to bring a lasting change in society. At the same time, the obsession shouldn't blind you from doing things in the right way. This lesson forms the takeaway from this book. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B07PZ2B85Y&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_NLzzEb0T67QZN" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-50327947235649569432020-03-03T11:40:00.000+05:302020-03-03T11:41:09.935+05:30Canyon Lake, Arizona<div style="text-align: justify;">
Canyon lake lies on the Apache Trail, officially known as AZ 88. The name originates from the Apache Indians, who used this route. AZ 88 is a scenic drive. The road winds displaying hills and mountains with desert vegetation, showing us gorges, valleys, and lakes.</div>
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The photo captures a boat speeding across the Canyon lake captured against the backdrop of a mountain. Even though it was the final days of winter, it was hot and sunny in the desert. The mountains looked majestic and made you wonder about the Grand Canyon. If these mountains look formidable, how would the Grand Canyon look? I guess I can save it for another day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx57eZuocqV62gJwTLg_5gQp-3S3x5pRgxgiM2pzk8fuWZjgF5FfuxhnzjuCp61R_gGfPJvKEMAqZNUMHbcBD_1g-KfH7IYABtF7-BCJNx3oby8XtZQKI4ymv0A8LWLMgR7QvdjbygaAA/s1600/5U4A4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx57eZuocqV62gJwTLg_5gQp-3S3x5pRgxgiM2pzk8fuWZjgF5FfuxhnzjuCp61R_gGfPJvKEMAqZNUMHbcBD_1g-KfH7IYABtF7-BCJNx3oby8XtZQKI4ymv0A8LWLMgR7QvdjbygaAA/s400/5U4A4084.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-23958682752864412722020-02-29T21:20:00.003+05:302020-02-29T21:21:04.511+05:30Pappettan teaches how to get a salary increase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzZC_jeDKbsZJ1sM2u-wX06KFQemSiy3TbF_ph2XGfb571FG9KmzPcXD2jedB6ttjFNvA9bgVBQdDyvFTBX95PzAk48fpVb8AyFAz6W8ii3f7ctBhlRPuuPBDxFbhp4f85ZfQC6ePSXg/s1600/2829700156_67fb2e3a74_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzZC_jeDKbsZJ1sM2u-wX06KFQemSiy3TbF_ph2XGfb571FG9KmzPcXD2jedB6ttjFNvA9bgVBQdDyvFTBX95PzAk48fpVb8AyFAz6W8ii3f7ctBhlRPuuPBDxFbhp4f85ZfQC6ePSXg/s320/2829700156_67fb2e3a74_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When everything around becomes expensive day by day, we must have an increased income to make both ends meet. While we are seldom happy with the meager salary increments every year, there is a less fortunate group of people who never get a salary increment. There are several ways to deal with these situations. One way is to reduce our spending while the other way is to look for a job with higher pay. Of course, Pappettan has a different way of looking at it. Now, I am getting ahead of the story. So, let me go back to the beginning.<br />
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The event starts with an unhappy friend. Unhappiness is something I could handle. So I fired the first shot when three of us - she, me, and Pappettan - were together.<br />
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>gently</i>* Is anything bothering you?<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>absent-minded</i>* Something at work!<br />
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>concerned</i>* Would you like to share what is happening?<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>after a brief pause</i>* I didn't get a salary raise this year.<br />
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>surprised</i>* Isn't that unusual?<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>in a resigned tone</i>* No, it isn't. Many haven't got one in the past few years.<br />
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>listening intently</i>*<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>disappointed</i>* But that is no excuse. I have worked very hard.<br />
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>at a loss of words</i>*<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>calmly</i>* There is a way to earn your salary raise.<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>interested</i>* How?<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>like an investigator</i>* How many hours do you work in a week?<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>explaining</i>* Fifty hours. Sometimes more, although the norm is forty-hour week.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>in a matter of fact tone</i>* Then, it is easy to earn a raise.<br />
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<b>She</b>: *<i>anxiously waiting</i>*<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>like a professor</i>* Next week onwards, you work for 35 hours. Although you earn the same, you work for less. And, you get the same money. You could consider that as a raise!<br />
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I love Pappettan's advice. I am sure you may too. But if you want to adopt these wise ways in your life, do it at your risk. In other words, don't blame if you fall flat, but share the story of your falling for it may be of interest to others.<br />
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://flickr.com/photos/jabberwocky381/" target="_blank">Evan Jackson</a>Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-68886984804956963982020-02-23T01:05:00.002+05:302020-02-23T01:06:04.582+05:30Pappettan questions the right time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrHWkewfCG-mP8qUlwEekWuBY3hOr_vRfEfzx4KmnnTcd9JC2IXadjejxmTONgKNKuKLzV9QvUfiXICXmYEcbvF1XW7eA4z7DWEf1ErVH-OXMxYOXpEarglUdPKQyQzViTJ0bwZZF48/s1600/41095436615_0a175ae57b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrHWkewfCG-mP8qUlwEekWuBY3hOr_vRfEfzx4KmnnTcd9JC2IXadjejxmTONgKNKuKLzV9QvUfiXICXmYEcbvF1XW7eA4z7DWEf1ErVH-OXMxYOXpEarglUdPKQyQzViTJ0bwZZF48/s320/41095436615_0a175ae57b_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are no boundaries between work and life. When you are work, you are thinking of life and vice versa. How many times does one have to sacrifice the leisurely weekend for work? Although I am not sure if this phenomenon is global, many amusing conversations sprout out of this predicament. Needless to say that Pappettan and myself were in the middle of such a discussion. Like every tale that has been labeled under Pappettan, we were in the periphery a first. Then, a comment dragged us into being part of the conversation.</div>
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The conversation unfolded between two of our acquaintances on a Friday. The topic was hardly about planning festivities during the weekend. Instead, they discussed meeting in a coffee shop to continue working on a subject that needs to be presented next week.</div>
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<b>Acquaintance 1</b>: *<i>sounding apologetic</i>* You may have plans during the weekend. So why don't you go home and find out which will be the likely time for you to meet during the weekend?</div>
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<b>Acquaintance 2</b>: *<i>thinks about the request</i>*</div>
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<b>Acquaintance 1</b>: *<i>explains the situation</i>* Your family might need you. But there may lean times like immediately after lunch or early morning hours. I am okay to meet at that time.</div>
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<b>Acquaintance 2</b>: *<i>understands the request</i>* Let me go home and find out if it is all good there or bad. Then I will plan the meeting.</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>politely intervenes</i>* good or bad?</div>
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<b>Acquaintance 2</b>: *<i>slight irritation in the voice</i>* Yes, the situation at home.</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>with a naughty smile</i>* So if it is good, you will stay? And if it is bad, you will plan the meeting?</div>
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I will not reveal my friend's answer, but I have a question for you. What would do in such a situation?</div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://flickr.com/photos/160246067@N08/" target="_blank">TLC Jonhson</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-86592587307310837482020-01-19T01:10:00.001+05:302020-01-19T01:10:24.993+05:30What can happen over coffee?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejjgbKVsu67YnQ1UVasAPcNCHmKIpUlWmaVqXqvJYrnoATcZ-6FVrhrRTPH4nbwES2jxk2VN4cQw0i9UAE6Oalr6B4jzc72PUuADbQr7AN2RF-L2a8xeAQUKMus5G1TBVALb-G7wZoEE/s1600/1922949009_5a918a7c6c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejjgbKVsu67YnQ1UVasAPcNCHmKIpUlWmaVqXqvJYrnoATcZ-6FVrhrRTPH4nbwES2jxk2VN4cQw0i9UAE6Oalr6B4jzc72PUuADbQr7AN2RF-L2a8xeAQUKMus5G1TBVALb-G7wZoEE/s1600/1922949009_5a918a7c6c_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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A lot can happen over coffee. I have borrowed the tagline of an Indian cafe chain. The term "a lot" doesn't indicate excess but stimulates our imagination. I have never been a coffee addict. I love a cup of espresso to conclude an evening with friends as a conversation extender. But in Silicon Valley, I found a connection between coffee and the quest for a job.</div>
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My friend, who was incidentally looking for a new job, found a perfect match right in front of him on one of the job sites. Instead of applying immediately, he looked up one of the ex-colleagues working in the same firm. At this point, I assumed that he would call the ex-colleague and then apply for the job. I was wrong. Instead, he set up a coffee meeting with the ex-colleague. He planned to use this rendezvous to gather more information about the position before even applying.</div>
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You may call my friend cautious. On second thoughts, he is making sure what the heart wants now is not going to be a burden in the future. A coffee shop is a perfect setting to explore his options further. I wonder what would have happened if he was living in London or Paris. Would my friend have proposed to meet in a pub or a restaurant? While the answer remained elusive, I met another valley resident.</div>
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I met this valley resident with a group of friends in a neighborhood bar. Within a short time, we found out that we had a common friend in our professional circle. When the valley resident mentioned his desire to switch jobs, I nudged him towards our common friend. I was sure the common friend could help. Guess the response from the valley resident. "Let me call him and set up a coffee meeting." A lot can indeed happen over coffee. </div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://flickr.com/photos/jotpeh/" target="_blank">Jot Peh</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-68769857847151383572019-12-14T23:30:00.000+05:302019-12-14T23:30:00.543+05:30Listen before you talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pYbOOL0CsFFEfcGmZEGWst7J4BYlH3NWlmxFB8Rj2b079ir8ZcjXcUscpmO6NxAY1YrPz-iNB_PLwDgW20LPR9VReU4LWb71lOZ7Jch4vE2w-r5xmZ5p4BZdkn3OjdYXWjOfaAIrzOg/s1600/48007066221_39f97ffcdc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pYbOOL0CsFFEfcGmZEGWst7J4BYlH3NWlmxFB8Rj2b079ir8ZcjXcUscpmO6NxAY1YrPz-iNB_PLwDgW20LPR9VReU4LWb71lOZ7Jch4vE2w-r5xmZ5p4BZdkn3OjdYXWjOfaAIrzOg/s1600/48007066221_39f97ffcdc_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the present day, there is a commodity that is fast becoming rarer by the minute. Though we know this specialty is slowly dwindling down below to alarming levels, there is no way to measure what is available at any point in time. As this specialty is labeled under soft skills, it is also hard to estimate your reserves. In case you are wondering about what I am referring to, it is the listening skills.</div>
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These days, we are in a hurry to contribute, which aggravates the situation. While we are listening to a speaker, our mind is racing to formulate an appropriate response which can be said to the speaker. As a result, we miss the message and the emotions of what is being told to us. How can we actively listen if we do not hold the reins of our troubled mind? Unless we keep our mind calm and channel it to feel what is being told, there is no way we can understand the true meaning. Even without actively listening, you can still be successful with your response. But it is like reading the first and the last few pages of the book and writing a review by exercising your better judgment. You may be lucky many times, but there may be a fall eventually and a fall that will embarrass you.</div>
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If you want to know how you will fall flat on the face, I can give you an incident. Not too long ago, a few colleagues were flown in from different parts of the world for an urgent meeting with a customer. They were all staying in different hotels. During the preparatory meetings, there was a senior manager who happened to be a woman. One of the team members wanted to create a positive impression on her. When everyone was talking, he looked around for a gap where he could say something relevant or witty. He couldn't find one. After impatiently waiting for a chance, the senior manager informed about where she was staying. This turned out to be a golden opportunity for the team member looking to intervene. He was staying in the same hotel. So he blurted out. Which room are you in? Now you may have a difference of opinion on this question being appropriate or not. But the senior manager thought it was inappropriate. Please don't ask me what happened next as it is irrelevant. What is relevant for you is to listen, understand, and think before you talk.</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://flickr.com/photos/chris_schultz/" target="_blank">Chris (a.k.a. MoiVous)</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-50597754785421472702019-09-19T11:10:00.000+05:302019-09-19T11:10:09.153+05:30Challenges of aging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitPEmbX-bbsKUeHOKyDq6JyInQ_j7uYlMuJEq-jvfepci5pjjh-KN4pT1WaFH1Or_rqsJtoUPTbsjRD8TWr2ZPQgbXkQHON0vA_KuRWoTE0_MLWXnSSfGvG2fV7rkVFqpIUOWoZbcFQ/s1600/5311895348_d215ae389b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitPEmbX-bbsKUeHOKyDq6JyInQ_j7uYlMuJEq-jvfepci5pjjh-KN4pT1WaFH1Or_rqsJtoUPTbsjRD8TWr2ZPQgbXkQHON0vA_KuRWoTE0_MLWXnSSfGvG2fV7rkVFqpIUOWoZbcFQ/s320/5311895348_d215ae389b_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is the most challenging part of aging? Health. But this aspect of aging is not what concerns me these days. Recently, I was struggling with an exercise machine. This machine requires me to input my age before I use it. The age defaults to thirty when you start the exercise machine. Then you can use up and down arrows to denote your real age. Apparently, this setting is convenient for the majority of the gym members. Unfortunately, I do not belong to the majority. In my case, I pressed the up arrow for a painfully long time before I got to my age. I was not disappointed with this minor inconvenience for I was feeling very sorry for one of my acquaintances from the gym. He is a decade older than me. When life gives you lemons, think of those unlucky ones who find it hard to make lemonade.</div>
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I see this phenomenon playing out different phases of life. In daily life, you use a variety of websites where you have to specify your date of birth. The difficult ones have separate entry fields for day, month, and year. It is the third field which presents a challenge, and it is usually a drop-down list. My year of birth is deep down the list that I take scroll as if there is no tomorrow to reach there. Now, I blame this on the designer of these interfaces. The designer could have made it easier for people like me if they had some forethought. In the worst case, the designer has fallen into a trap like one of the colleagues from the past. In those days, when my colleague found me on one of the social media platforms, he asked innocently. "You are on it? I didn't think people like you are using it." I had to tell him politely that I lived in Silicon Valley during the dot com boom. Those days would have nicely coincided with the time of his first tryst with a computer in school. No, I didn't say the last statement loudly. But I suspect the designer thinks people like me will never use their interfaces and hence he has overlooked our convenience.</div>
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I would go back to the original question raised in this post. According to me, the greatest challenge of aging is irrelevance. Do we come to a point where we are not discussed or considered, and therefore not important? At this point, I would like to narrate a friend's experience. He was attending training, and visiting dignitary commented with surprise on seeing a couple of full heads of grey. "I see grey-haired people attending this session." My friend, who sports a healthy growth of grey, was uncomfortable at first. Then he decided to stay the course as the training was necessary to complete it to remain relevant. I was moved and inspired by my friend's resilience. How many of us can stay resilient to fight irrelevance?</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deanetr/" target="_blank">Deane Rimerman</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-66330912712137460102019-05-24T21:05:00.000+05:302019-05-24T21:19:36.604+05:30How listening affects you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqXk4sIBGqKwIH3dVnh3Uz2mYiXSDBji3POgiP6q0wsPLvCVKLJWKDZn0bRFQnTCFQmXJBPmUWZQbTPfHD2wKVbL61mRqlaKQOtCuGg7Ep-h5j1TccXL-_0nZWkc4bEw0U5tcSyAbVKk/s1600/3202443193_0987f48799_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqXk4sIBGqKwIH3dVnh3Uz2mYiXSDBji3POgiP6q0wsPLvCVKLJWKDZn0bRFQnTCFQmXJBPmUWZQbTPfHD2wKVbL61mRqlaKQOtCuGg7Ep-h5j1TccXL-_0nZWkc4bEw0U5tcSyAbVKk/s400/3202443193_0987f48799_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stories are an excellent way to inform and teach. Be it any subject, there are different stories available that can be passed on. The abundance of stories also brings in a contradicting factor into the light. If you analyze some of these stories side by side, they will confuse you. One might negate the effect of another. Take the case of pathos. Two stories come to my mind.</div>
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The first one is about a man returning to his house after a hard day. On his way back, he always stops by a tree in front of his house. After halting, he shares the day's burdens with the tree. When his share of troubles is over, and there is nothing more to discuss, he returns to his house. As he shares the worst part of his day with the tree, he is rejuvenated and happy to spend time with his family. He doesn't take work home.</div>
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The second one is about an angry man. He always vents his frustration at a plant by verbally abusing it. As the cycle of abuse continues, the plant withers and dies with a span of days. Nobody can survive an onslaught of constant abuse. As a result, we crumble in the face of incessant criticism. No matter how hard we try to ignore setbacks and race ahead, these difficulties do manage to inflict damage to our armor. Sooner or later, it weakens us.</div>
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Now if we lay these two stories side by side, it confuses us. Both of the narratives use the tree and the plant as surrogates for good listeners. In one story, we focus on the person who confides while the second one shows us what happens to the listener. It makes me wonder what happened to the tree. Did it stand tall after absorbing all the burdens or did it crumble under the strain of the open talks? That is the conundrum caused by listening to many stories.</div>
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Picking up this thread on the fate of the tree, I have a question for you. Do you have a person to whom you confide your fears and burdens? Have you ever wondered what goes in that person's mind after taking in all our problems? I have listened to a confession from a good listener. "The problem is everyone willingly shares their issues with me. Now, all these are bottled in me. I don't know what to do". Although I don't have an answer to this question, I have a suggestion. If you do lean on someone with your problems, do a role reversal for one. Why don't you be the active listener?</div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/renneville/" target="_blank">Fe Ilya</a>Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-76259752070772296322018-12-01T16:45:00.000+05:302018-12-01T16:49:07.523+05:30Butter dosa and a mind that is not still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpW2FBQ-7hfP-lXGzjuyvR8z7Sm9aOxiqDfjYVVlKejCt1tudQt45REvuTFXvFV_Rs8HTDvFzl-vFMF_-9tEFme-bEjQhurMU3Esvms9arxjlTFWpp7wBmumuFR5bywCsJlfOLxM6fKg/s1600/DBD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpW2FBQ-7hfP-lXGzjuyvR8z7Sm9aOxiqDfjYVVlKejCt1tudQt45REvuTFXvFV_Rs8HTDvFzl-vFMF_-9tEFme-bEjQhurMU3Esvms9arxjlTFWpp7wBmumuFR5bywCsJlfOLxM6fKg/s320/DBD.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Be present. Has anyone advised you so? It might come as a variant. Be in the moment. Take a deep breath and bring awareness to your surroundings. All of these convey the same message. But have you noticed how hard it is to be present? No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to fully experience the present moment. Your brain is always drifting into unrelated thoughts. If your mind was Philippe Petit walking between the Twin Towers on a high-wire, then you would have never completed the walk but would have fallen off multiple times. Do you realize this chatter stops you from noticing what is around you? For me, this awareness came from through a type of dosa from Davangere. It is called Davangere Benne Dosa.</div>
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Davangere is a city in Karnataka, not far away from Bengaluru. Although I have never visited Davangere, I knew this place because of the various educational institutions in this city namely engineering colleges and medical colleges. So when I came to know my Uber driver was from this city, I was eager to publicize my little knowledge. It was then the driver told me about Benne Dosa. Benne Dosa translates to Butter Dosa. But if it is famous, then there should be much more complexity in making it than adding oodles of butter into the batter. If you are now wondering what the connection between the dosa and my awareness of the surrounding is, then I have to tell you about my gym. </div>
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My gym is situated on the fourth floor of a building. The gym is not crowded like the one I used to go earlier. The previous gym was on the third floor of a building overlooking the Microsoft offices. I see a pattern here. None of the gyms are located on the ground floor. Not only are the gyms located on the third or the fourth floors, but they are also covered in glasses. As a result when you are using the treadmill or elliptical machine, then you end up watching the traffic and the people in front of the building. The gyms are also located around temptations in the form of restaurants. Luckily, the smell of the food doesn't penetrate into the gym. Imagine the torture if it did. A few days after this conversation with the Uber driver, I noticed the restaurant named Davangere Benne Dosa.</div>
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The famous dosa from Davangere was always in front of me. I have passed it countless times. Never once did I see it. Nor did I feel curious about checking it out. When I fail to see what is right in front of my nose, how will I be present? Should I blame it all the incessant chatter in my head? I could try multiple remedies to get rid of this nuisance. But the truth is that I will never never be free of this chatter. Instead, I need to find peace with the chatter and gently bring my mercurial mind back to the present. And that is easier said than done.</div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-51368774197134525222018-11-26T07:45:00.001+05:302018-11-26T07:45:19.408+05:30I am already ten minutes late<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OA-rchzSI54Lg51KePKWZR4xqMyz0xJ7lgE_5hB6KbuMn3AFQDHm5ZSP1KoqyeKePA20fx2VIKnK6v3ghLJ2rGnNPuneMfL7hogtogrS9lWUCR_DacE4bFtyRzhQt-KCd3gGURYYLi8/s1600/4377117361_1a8d3e3804_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OA-rchzSI54Lg51KePKWZR4xqMyz0xJ7lgE_5hB6KbuMn3AFQDHm5ZSP1KoqyeKePA20fx2VIKnK6v3ghLJ2rGnNPuneMfL7hogtogrS9lWUCR_DacE4bFtyRzhQt-KCd3gGURYYLi8/s320/4377117361_1a8d3e3804_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What goes through your mind when you hear someone proclaim the following sentence? I am already ten minutes late. Do you feel guilty? Do you become angry? Are you beyond the point of caring? I was recently in a meeting when a person warned about another meeting first and then said he has spent too much time in the meeting that he was late for the next appointment. On hearing about him being late, I initially felt guilty. Then I wondered if there was any reason for me to feel guilty.</div>
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While working on my guilt, I traced the events backward. We had overrun and used ten minutes more than the allocated time. But the overrun was attributed to the person who claimed he was late for another meeting. That person could not answer any questions directly. As a result, the vague answers were creating more questions which ultimately contributed to the non-closure of the already stretched meeting. Next, I wondered why the meeting organizer didn't step in to call for a truce and suggest another meeting to discuss the open points. Suddenly, it dawned on me. The person who claimed to be late was the meeting organizer. So not only did he fail to answer directly but also didn't keep the time correctly. Now, I asked myself. Should I feel guilty?</div>
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In all our relations, personal and professional, there are such people. They quickly say something to make us feel guilty and eventually put us in a defensive position. Most of the time they are consistent in their actions that we naturally feel guilty when in the company of such persons. There is no easy way to counter the effect of such people.</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pamhule/" target="_blank">Jens Schott Knudsen</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-7122026156646863682018-11-22T06:50:00.000+05:302018-11-22T06:53:33.480+05:30Pappettan advises on how to get married<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCwud5aMifVaa8ed_vVwD5HRkURelrCS0-Qo-FJO05mrHyKYf9TYjS_2QcW-b9TIpr455o7zK1lJ__6wfUBITOfw32p1FfXPisS02j1N9qA-FJacqEstvn9U19m9LcLNiozqC-4kctoI/s1600/3765004_bb346c5293_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1006" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCwud5aMifVaa8ed_vVwD5HRkURelrCS0-Qo-FJO05mrHyKYf9TYjS_2QcW-b9TIpr455o7zK1lJ__6wfUBITOfw32p1FfXPisS02j1N9qA-FJacqEstvn9U19m9LcLNiozqC-4kctoI/s320/3765004_bb346c5293_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://nonaspensieve.blogspot.com/2011/11/who-is-pappettan.html" target="_blank">Click on this link to find out who Pappettan is</a>.</i></div>
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While married men would emphatically state that their problems started the day they got married, there is also the other side of the coin. Some people can't find a life partner. Pappettan and I ran into such a person one day. The person was a friend, and his face showed stress. Seeing the tired look on his face, Pappettan came forward to help.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>gently</i>* You look worried.<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>abruptly</i>* Yes, I am.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>waits</i>*<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>angrily</i>* Look around you. Everyone is getting married. But I can't find the right person.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>after a pause</i>* Do you want to settle down?<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>looks to check if Pappettan is testing him</i>* Yes... I would.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>smiles</i>* There is a way.<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>not convinced</i>* Is there?<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>calmly</i>* There is. Would you like to know?<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>interested</i>* Yes...please.<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>explains</i>* Book the wedding hall. The rest will fall into place.<br />
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>confused</i>* What?<br />
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>continues</i>* Take a bold step. Book the hall. The rest will automatically happen.<br />
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A few months later, I came across a photo taken during this friend's wedding.<br />
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<a href="http://nonaspensieve.blogspot.com/search/label/Pappettan%20Says" target="_blank"><i>Click on this link to read more Pappettan stories</i></a>.<br />
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/hemanshu/" target="_blank">Hemanshu Kumar</a>Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-6906953428510978152018-11-20T00:05:00.000+05:302018-11-20T00:10:50.170+05:30Depression, a silent killer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGT2hO6y20B-WZ7fnPPWCwCrzJzHzyEVuOEw_Me_lNy0vmCYERKpUadogrPmj_B0-qxSFOFxwHEeHAppiRkS-77sFK1pt46GUsPo08lqhGUSekar47Gu6cvw-CK_mJOogWipaXYy_3X4/s1600/7862341164_6a1f9054ac_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="895" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGT2hO6y20B-WZ7fnPPWCwCrzJzHzyEVuOEw_Me_lNy0vmCYERKpUadogrPmj_B0-qxSFOFxwHEeHAppiRkS-77sFK1pt46GUsPo08lqhGUSekar47Gu6cvw-CK_mJOogWipaXYy_3X4/s320/7862341164_6a1f9054ac_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The world observes 10th October as the mental wellness day worldwide. If you work for a large organization, the chances are that you had already come across pamphlets on the subject of mental well-being. Although it is quite common for the word depression to feature in everyday conversations, there is still a stigma associated with the term. In reality, this condition, if left untreated and unsupported, can lead to disastrous consequences. Look at the case of the successful American celebrity chef, <a href="https://nonaspensieve.blogspot.com/2011/06/books-kitchen-confidential.html" target="_blank">Anthony Bourdain</a>. He committed suicide on June 8, 2018. Bourdain has featured in numerous conversation where his show "No Reservations" and he was envied. Who would have thought he would end his life like the way he did? Take the case of actor Robin Williams. I fell in love with stand-up comedy after seeing his taped performance in NY in the post 9/11 world. Who would have thought... There is always a question of cowardice and courage when we discuss this sensitive topic. I have always looked at the outcome. Loss. </div>
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Recently, I was in a transformative learning program which was attended people from all age groups and also all walks of life. The three-day ritual presented with many ah-ha moments. But I don't want to discuss those moments with you. Instead, I want to tell you about the young woman who sat near to me. As soon as she learned that I was from Kerala, she started talking non-stop in Malayalam. Luckily, the years have given me enough wisdom to detect that she would soon turn into a satellite orbiting me. At that point, I intervened to tell her we would sit separately. I did show her the benefits. We get to meet more people and hear diverse experiences from them. During the breaks, we would go for food or tea together. She agreed to the suggestion quickly. During the breaks, I would wait patiently for us to the point. She was surprised at first but then came to realize that I was keeping my word. We found new sets of friends whenever we went for lunch and dinner. There were 250 people in the group we attended. So naturally, we will run into the familiar group of people everywhere. During the breaks, we discussed the subjects talked during the previous session. While talking, the young woman had a slight difficulty to speak, and her voice was hoarse. I didn't give it much thought. One evening, while sipping tea, she blurted out she was a famous person who was a newsmaker. Sensing my confusion, she explained she was featured in both TV and newspaper. Two months back, she tried to hang herself but didn't succeed. I was shocked, and I zoned out as she described the events. The ceiling broke, or the cloth tore. She fell on the ground. In the semi-consciousness, she dragged herself to the bed. Later, her friends found her. She is on the path to recovery.</div>
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It didn't take long for the young woman to tell me why she did what she did. After ending the relationship with her boyfriend as it was not going anywhere, she couldn't handle the depression. Suicide was the only option she could think of. When I met her, she had lost interest in her work and had resigned. But her boss had pushed her to take this transformative learning program. Break-up is the staple food for comedy. In fact, many people are ridiculed on their choice of partners. On that day, I was in that program for transformation but ended up two profound realizations. Crossing the line is easier than we think. It only needs a trigger, and you will find a trigger at the most unlikely places. The second realization was my mental toughness. I could laugh at all the drama that unfolds on screens, but when life happened in front of me, I was dumbstruck.</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/parspouya/" target="_blank">Parsstudio</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-88501443592700210482018-11-16T03:30:00.000+05:302018-11-16T03:30:09.731+05:30The guilty employee<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AIFy0vtW-ThMAA6TlR2ohCWd_MJjOny-wwRjum3dKihrEx1-YMYm2CU9I7D2k6K3S7eaUzZBLipXFky5GTjxpfpw982WYFGr0_gdjMLB6JusxBzfTKb2bCZCgy0VvWYe2a0Atoy3vWQ/s1600/6305795177_e53b7638ee_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AIFy0vtW-ThMAA6TlR2ohCWd_MJjOny-wwRjum3dKihrEx1-YMYm2CU9I7D2k6K3S7eaUzZBLipXFky5GTjxpfpw982WYFGr0_gdjMLB6JusxBzfTKb2bCZCgy0VvWYe2a0Atoy3vWQ/s320/6305795177_e53b7638ee_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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What did <a href="http://paulocoelhoblog.com/" target="_blank">Paulo Coelho</a> day? Or was it <a href="http://twitter.com/iamsrk" target="_blank">Shahrukh Khan</a> in Om Shanthi Om? When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. I just had a Paulo Coelho moment. Or was it a Shahrukh Khan moment? I need to stop. Right now, I think Shahrukh/Paulo are conspiring against getting my message across to you. Yesterday, I was fretting on work-life balance, and today, I am presented with a problem faced by a friend.</div>
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My friend is a hard worker and not a smart worker. As a result, he is overworked and stressed out. After 18 hours of work, he slept for 4 hours. When he woke up, he had another stressful day where he was in the vortex of a perfect storm created by the customer, the colleagues, and the family. So after going through the motions of the working day which again stretched beyond the regular 8 hours, he slept like a log.</div>
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If you are wondering where this post is leading, I beg you to allow me to entertain you for a few more minutes. I also agree there has been nothing new so far. But the revelation will come later. Hopefully! Where were we? </div>
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My friend went to sleep. When he woke up, he noticed many missed calls on his phone. All these calls were from work, and these were calls to discuss emergencies and actions. He came to know by checking his emails and SMSs. Now, just picture this scene. My friend is awake at 6 am in the morning. He notices heavy breathing and irregular heartbeats. No, it is not a heart attack, but his stress levels are climbing. He also identifies a strange emotion engulfing him. He is feeling guilty.</div>
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Now, you have looked at the situation as an outsider. You do not know the person. I have done my best to explain the situation to you. Why should he feel guilty? Is he alone? Do we all get up with unwanted remorse? Is it healthy? Where is the end to this guilt?</div>
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Photo Courtesy: </div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-13208836607463563942018-11-14T16:40:00.000+05:302018-11-14T16:42:48.496+05:30My struggles with anger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEybXwcOOhlVVaXAE4djqyQAzlE-4IipZ_8klQwT6yY9ghls364mmcTFj-L3dWlRsm2QVHVxZMtjRiWh37CocP1Va4yzpQrgv0Rzlt021ry7hR3OYMEXvjE5I4noqt8Gelcn6OzWUJsRw/s1600/3098761766_7d167a33e9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEybXwcOOhlVVaXAE4djqyQAzlE-4IipZ_8klQwT6yY9ghls364mmcTFj-L3dWlRsm2QVHVxZMtjRiWh37CocP1Va4yzpQrgv0Rzlt021ry7hR3OYMEXvjE5I4noqt8Gelcn6OzWUJsRw/s320/3098761766_7d167a33e9_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I'm always angry." So says Mark Ruffalo's Hulk in The Avengers, as he transforms from Bruce Banner to Hulk. Even before Mark Ruffalo uttered these words in the movie, I loved his portrayal of Hulk. This Hulk was much better than the previous two versions although I have to admit the statement clinched the deal. Like Hulk, I am also always angry, but unlike him, I have not mastered my anger. I have not learned how to channel my energy into fighting the villains when I want to fight. And hence my transition to the green monster comes at the most inopportune moments. </div>
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I have a mask which hides the rage seething inside me, and it is my smile. Often the smile on my face betrays the inner turmoil, and this mask came very late in my life. One of my schoolmates couldn't take his eyes off one the photos on the social media in which I was smiling from ear to ear. After struggling for a while, he remarked. "I remember you as an unhappy person, a frowning kid and not a smiling kid." It was a difficult question, but I had an answer for him. Another smile. At present, I have mastered how to cover things up flawlessly with a smile.</div>
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Often the victims of my anger are the close ones, My mother, my sister, my wife, and my kids. In the same order as stated which incidentally is also the order in which I came into contact with them. Wisdom says it is wrong to take your anger out on innocent bystanders but the immediate payoff, as a result of venting, is indescribable. Where is time for logic when there is instant gratification? On rare occasions, there are others who bore the brunt of my anger.</div>
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Last week, I was so angry at a colleague who was teaching me work-life balance. According to me, he has ignored everything and left me to mop up the carnage. So, he didn't have any right to lecture. When the exchange started, it was cordial and layered. Very soon, the communication became direct and blaming. As we exchanged more emails, I was consumed with hatred filled rage.</div>
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As a consequence, I couldn't sleep and sat in front of the computer staring at the emails. I dug through the emails, started many new threads until the sun rose. It didn't matter that the world was sleeping. I kept writing. I was not in a mood to forgive or forget.</div>
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The next day, another colleague approached me. He was amazed at my energy. He asked. How could you stay awake all night and provide suggestions? I was taken aback by this question. I thought for a while and replied. Fill yourself with rage, and you don't need any drugs to stay awake.</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/murplejane/" target="_blank">murplejane</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-45676319630106144442018-11-12T23:40:00.000+05:302018-11-12T23:44:03.255+05:30Punching bag... Really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sbG18PXfqW0IUAv82PLdUUOyaaP03NLPKJaru2VFfAbPBVBgnqxCQyKgbWSQ0Hue4YB864J0zUBEekXi35ZkqlN-vhCj_TyKjLjaUs5WASw5d1Z252pvhtCh7-HXQfJYI9GRolPFXv8/s1600/6032357954_2db0749b53_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sbG18PXfqW0IUAv82PLdUUOyaaP03NLPKJaru2VFfAbPBVBgnqxCQyKgbWSQ0Hue4YB864J0zUBEekXi35ZkqlN-vhCj_TyKjLjaUs5WASw5d1Z252pvhtCh7-HXQfJYI9GRolPFXv8/s320/6032357954_2db0749b53_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Why do you have to go?</div>
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You are my punching bag."</div>
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I overheard these sentences today. A lady sitting beside me was talking on the phone. When she uttered these statements, it reminded me of the lyrics of Hindi films from the 90s. It sounded cheesy and ridiculous. How could someone be so open in a public space? With this thought running in my mind, I blocked all other noises and tuned my ears on her. </div>
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It didn't take long to figure out why she sounded like a lyricist from the 90s. The person at the other end was leaving the current assignment after having found greener pastures, and suddenly, the lady is without a sympathetic team member. Although she brings out a valid point, I was intrigued by her term "punching bag." Why is the person giving you his/her time to listen to your woes termed as a punching bag? Isn't the term derogatory? In fact, the said person is not a punching bag. Instead, the said person is providing you a valuable service. The service of unadulterated listening. How many of you can actually listen without passing judgments?</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23950335@N07/" target="_blank">W_Minshull</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-9746830244815058432018-11-11T21:30:00.000+05:302018-11-11T21:32:51.223+05:30Self-funding enterprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI42dXq8ESGzhSZmEhk5CrelJ4x1kXfSaZXa7ntfCfcUqkc6TYTEpR5Hvfay9TFyarCuPbt8S8XS7Z4aiiJcTBBuWgKjXy-tPhNJsRlsQtL_EVcJknoDtZupKO0cDmEkje8fYyBh8qqFQ/s1600/40834809464_d8001801fe_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI42dXq8ESGzhSZmEhk5CrelJ4x1kXfSaZXa7ntfCfcUqkc6TYTEpR5Hvfay9TFyarCuPbt8S8XS7Z4aiiJcTBBuWgKjXy-tPhNJsRlsQtL_EVcJknoDtZupKO0cDmEkje8fYyBh8qqFQ/s320/40834809464_d8001801fe_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala/kerala-girl-fish-seller-hanan-mathrubhumi-report-movie-role-5277331/" target="_blank">a 20-year-old girl, Hanan Hamid, from Kerala caught everyone's attention</a>. She was selling fish after her college hours to support education. In the polarized present, there are two arguments to everything. Even this news which should ideally serve as motivation was both hailed and rebuked by people. But if we leave behind the negativity, the story of the 20-year-old girl shows there is a way to fund your education yourself. As my parents supported my school, such stories are an eye-opener for me.</div>
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I heard two colleagues supplementing income in their college days by conducting tuitions for students. While one of them converted a room in his house so that he can teach multiple students, the second one used to go to the student's homes to provide coaching. Although privacy of your home is disrupted with students arriving in the early mornings or late evenings, the second method also is also challenging. You have to walk to your student's homes. Recently, I met with a student studying dentistry supplementing income as an <a href="https://www.uber.com/in/en/" target="_blank">Uber </a>driver. I had hailed a cab using Uber app when I was in Kochi. When the driver turned up, he was not navigating the Kochi roads the right way. He was moonlighting as an Uber cab driver as he didn't want to burden his parents too much.</div>
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I love Uber. But I have heard drivers complaining about Uber. The drivers are not happy with what they are getting. As a consumer, I am satisfied. When the people providing the service aren't happy, you suddenly worry about the longevity of the service. Is it a sustainable model? The young soon-to-be dentist is one of the few good stories that I have heard from the driver. I am glad Uber is providing a means for self-employment who aspire for more. The conversation was much more interesting where he pointed out how easy is to get a loan from a bank to buy a car which can be used an Uber cab.</div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-417357411125288102018-10-28T23:05:00.000+05:302018-10-28T23:06:05.994+05:30Pappettan on mediocre chicken biriyani<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6Lnv9F2ACsYMFYRLhpw_eA-wusK3SdIKiHfw08CLRFCOT77Nn56-zVMnVOz7YZS037hdVG5rondar8AELBzpok96bcBIiDM4uZAiJATGzc-L4hLA3tXN4p_8AtAZBMVgu-vh0i8Ko88/s1600/8536505966_28fde6099f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6Lnv9F2ACsYMFYRLhpw_eA-wusK3SdIKiHfw08CLRFCOT77Nn56-zVMnVOz7YZS037hdVG5rondar8AELBzpok96bcBIiDM4uZAiJATGzc-L4hLA3tXN4p_8AtAZBMVgu-vh0i8Ko88/s320/8536505966_28fde6099f_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love biriyani. It may be a tricky dish to prepare, but it is always the safest choice on the menu. I say tricky because the biriyani suffers if your mind wanders even by a minuscule amount while preparing a biriyani. The other day, I was invited along with Pappettan and a friend for a biriyani feast. The host had got his fingers around a new recipe and wanted to showcase his culinary skills. Being food lovers, we obliged.</div>
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The host has zeroed in an exciting recipe for chicken biriyani. He had come across this recipe from somewhere and was very impressed. Obviously, it must have been an exceptional experience, judging by the way he was talking non-stop. By the time we moved from the living room to the table, I was hooked and looking eagerly towards the chicken biriyani. It must have been the inexperience of the host or the tireless onslaught of the promotions that the actual chicken biriyani fell short of expectations. The host couldn’t contain his eagerness and shot the dreaded questions after we had a few mouthfuls of biriyani.</div>
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<b>Host</b>: *<i>eagerly</i>* How is the biriyani?</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>silent, avert eyes and digs deep into the biriyani</i>*</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>happily eating</i>*</div>
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>seriously</i>* For a first time, this biriyani is good. But...</div>
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After the obnoxious but, our friend listed out a series of improvement areas. Gathering courage, I looked at the host. The host was devastated. But our friend took no notice of our host’s embarrassment and blissfully provided feedback. The more our friend kept going, the angrier I became. The anger in me never subsided. As a result, I was ready to explode by the time we bade goodbye to our host. As soon as we were out of his earshot, I confronted our friend.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>agitated</i>* What was that all about?</div>
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>surprised</i>* What are you referring to?</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>angrily</i>* The feedback about chicken biriyani!</div>
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>innocently</i>* He asked for feedback.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>shouting</i>* Yes. He did ask. But why can’t you be nice and tell him it was good?</div>
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<b>Friend</b>: *<i>shocked</i>* You wanted me to lie instead of giving an honest opinion.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>disgusted</i>* It will have been a harmless lie.</div>
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Our friend shook his head in disbelief at my suggestion. Then, Pappettan intervened.</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>clears his throat</i>* Yes, it would have been a white lie.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>triumphant</i>*</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>turns towards me</i>* But have you considered the consequence of the white lie?</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>with a smirk</i>* Yes. Our host would have been happy.</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>continues to look at me as if I missed an important point</i>* And?</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>now unsure</i>* And?...</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>explains</i>* Our host would have made the same biriyani the next time too. Would you like the same a second time?</div>
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Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-52549867206129770852018-10-22T00:20:00.000+05:302018-10-22T00:21:52.722+05:30The joy of reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyHDr9YfmEtUmFPl4VA6fqDZAP6cQuXDJ6tSbn666zAZW9fxEgHk6Dxx1lrLpTANDYlcSmJyFRae7tAPeSY1PCeWNq3EauOdVJtNlkLcESPyQYNCtFHXgwdX2wK3ygW8pZOIUTeMlqro/s1600/277069120_25930078e5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyHDr9YfmEtUmFPl4VA6fqDZAP6cQuXDJ6tSbn666zAZW9fxEgHk6Dxx1lrLpTANDYlcSmJyFRae7tAPeSY1PCeWNq3EauOdVJtNlkLcESPyQYNCtFHXgwdX2wK3ygW8pZOIUTeMlqro/s320/277069120_25930078e5_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Imagine a key person in your life has gone away for a few days for a vacation. During the absence of such a person, your life has turned topsy-turvy. What would be your reaction when this person reappears back in your life? My question is not the tears of joy that you will shed but what would you say to such a person? Unless you have loaded up with layers of armor with an intent to never get hurt by someone, you will most probably say something pleasant. I happen to witness such a scene. In case you are dismissing this as a reunion between lovers, you are in for a surprise. This tale is not about lovers but about one of the prominent persons in your life especially if you live in Bengaluru. The person is the maid who comes to clean up the house.</div>
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In this city of rising pollution and stress, it is better to outsource the daily maintenance tasks of your house, and that is precisely where the maid comes into the picture. When I live in this city a few years back, it was difficult to hold to your maid. They are more notorious than the professional in this city for hopping jobs. As a result, you treat with more love and affection than your spouse and your children. Not that the reverence will bring you the desired effect, but it sure does delay the separation. When the future of such associations is dubious, I was surprised to find a friend holding on to the same maid for several years. Despite my attempts, he did not reveal the secret. He was so happy with this maid that he has given her the house keys. She comes in around 3 pm every day, cleans the house, washes the dishes, takes out the clothes from the washing machine, hangs the clothes for drying, puts garbage in the respective bin and packs the leftover food in the fridge. It is a big list, and I can see why she is important. </div>
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On the day I met my friend, the maid has returned from her vacation. The maid had gone away for over a week. If you are wondering about how bad things were for my friend, please wait. Let me explain about the maid-network in sprawling high-rises in Bengaluru. This case might be valid in any city in India. But I am not going to be an authority of what happens in India. Instead, I will narrate what happened in this particular high-rise where my friend resides. When a maid goes away, her friends take over the former's responsibility temporarily. But the keys are never given to her friends. As a result, the maids would visit at a time where nobody is at home. Although the arrangement is temporary, it doesn't work for the person residing in the house. Now, you can imagine my friend's happiness on seeing the regular maid joining back. </div>
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My friend cried out a greeting in joy. Then he turned his face to me and explained. "I can't tell you the joy!" I smiled back. "I think I can understand." He admonished me. "No, you can't! Don't even try." Then he revealed. "The sight of a naked woman wouldn't bring this much happiness." The elderly maid on hearing our exchanges queried. "What happened?" We turned to her and said, "Nothing!"</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/herry/" target="_blank">Herry Lawford</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-32505690001060488432018-10-17T04:15:00.000+05:302018-10-17T04:17:47.757+05:30Movie Review: Andhadhun<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2iVYI99VGaw" width="550"></iframe><br />
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For me, Sriram Raghavan is the closest to Quentin Tarantino that we have in Hindi cinema. There are a few who comes from Vishal Bharadwaj school who can write a great screenplay like Quentin Tarantino. For instance, two movies immediately come into my mind namely Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminey and Abhishek Chaubey's Ishqiya. Sriram Raghavan differs from this lot due to two reasons. The first is the passion for cinema. Hindi cinema and World (rest of Indian languages included in this category) cinema, in the order it is written. The second is the unpredictability factor. We try to guess the director-writer. But he surprises at every turn. Andhadhun is the latest offering from Sriram Raghavan. With this movie, Sriram Raghavan proves Aamir Khan wrong. Hindi cinema can make a film like Inception not regarding the special effects but in the way the audience questions and discuss the movie.</div>
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The movie is inspired by a French short film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyN7E6VYfbA&t=729s" target="_blank">L'Accordeur</a>. It is available on Youtube, but I would advise you to watch the short film after you watch this movie. Sriram Raghavan has blown up a 13-minute short film into a full-blown movie which lasts over 2 hours without numbing our senses even for a brief moment. The story revolves around Akash, a blind pianist played by Ayushmann Khurana. Akash's life turns brighter when Sophie(Radhika Apte) hires him to perform at her dad's restaurant. Then his life turns topsy-turvy when Pramod Sinha(Anil Dhawan), a regular at the restaurant, invites him to play for his wife Simi (Tabu) as a surprise. Pramod Sinha was a successful lead actor in the past who is now moved into real estate. By making Anil Dhawan playing the role, it is one among the countless nods to the past cinema. Pramod Sinha loves to watch his old movies. So we see a lot of clips from Anil Dhawan's old films thereby paying homage once again. If you are a movie buff, you will find many more references to successful cinema. But these references are so intelligently woven around the narrative that barely acknowledge it with a smile and move on.</div>
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When Sriram Raghavan expands the short film to a feature movie, he elevates the story with the help of casting, music, camera, editing, and locations. The majority of the screen time is devoted to Ayushmann Khurana and Tabu. Ayushmann Khurana has portrayed the common man endearingly in the past. In this movie, he plays a similar role but thrust into a difficult situation. He carries the film. As for Tabu, calling her role as the villain of the movie is derogatory. She comes across as a devious woman whose secrets are tumbling, unexpectedly and quickly, out of the closet and hence she is desperately trying to control the damage. For a crucial scene in the movie, there is only the music from the piano while there is a lot of thing happening on the screen. The scene contains a lot of hidden elements and we, as an audience, discover the hidden aspects along with the actors. This discovery is achieved by planning the camera movements. A stranger in dangerous surroundings has a cautious way of surveying the scene with their eyes. The editing makes us laugh at the predicament of actors even during a dark scene. These moments realize there can be comedy in a tragedy. Finally, the editing makes us love the songs. The songs do not stick out like a sore thumb. </div>
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This movie is a must-see. Don't wait for the DVD. Go to the movies hall for two reasons. If you see it at home, you will only smile during those scenes where you are supposed to laugh your heart out. After all, cinema is a collective experience. The second reason is simple. If you don't spend money on this movie, then how directors like Sriram Raghavan get producers and the encouragement to make good movies?<br />
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Language: Hindi</div>
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Genre: Thriller</div>
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Rating: ****</div>
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Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-34083548600661413342018-10-05T06:20:00.000+05:302018-10-05T06:20:13.945+05:30Forgetfulness, a curse in the guise of freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJ48RkwCpBhCC5egqCk9T_1292teFr_CKWmQCBvKGyPaEevsiF1jnIv50c7PM_zqY_nwLvuzi1DFEic-dy0v99uveyRern8P1zom_VrAjpTTaqdonvPpJ9bvv-QE2m_j40F-nkB-lLo/s1600/6214983705_d4060954bf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJ48RkwCpBhCC5egqCk9T_1292teFr_CKWmQCBvKGyPaEevsiF1jnIv50c7PM_zqY_nwLvuzi1DFEic-dy0v99uveyRern8P1zom_VrAjpTTaqdonvPpJ9bvv-QE2m_j40F-nkB-lLo/s400/6214983705_d4060954bf_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Forgetfulness is the theme of the day that went by the name of yesterday. The topic was not related to the occasional lapses in memory associated with the old age where you struggle to recollect placing an inanimate object like a key, a document or a book. On the contrary, it was much larger than the wear and tear of our internal memory. The theme is about how we unconsciously relegate events and people to the background, feigning ignorance at first and failing recollection later.</div>
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Yesterday, I was walking down the elegantly designed stairs in my work campus which takes you directly from the third floor to the ground. While coming down the stairs, you are transported to the busy underground station of Canary Wharf. The station serving the financial district of London has a set of escalators where your descent gives you the sensation of a star falling down to the earth. While descending the steps, I was not latched on to this particular sensation. Instead, I was on the phone. As it was dark, I misjudged, and as a result, I fell down. There were two things which save me from the fate of Humpty Dumpty. I was one step short of a landing to break the monotony of stairs. There was a gentle soul who gave a helping hand. I am not sure which had a more significant effect on eliminating the harm that might have befallen me. </div>
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After this incident, I ended up talking on the phone with my uncle. As I haven't spoken to him for a long time and he was having challenges with his health, there were pangs of guilt for my inability to spend time on important things and people. Over the phone, he had a request for me. Strangely, the people who matter always will put a demand on the only thing you have in scarcity. Time. They never ask for anything which can be bought. Then, why are we always worried about making money? Why are we spending most of the time to make money? I didn't think twice before agreeing to what he was asking. Even while nodding affirmative, I heard that strange voice in my head which warned me that I may take a while to fulfill the wish. I also knew I would forget the request soon.</div>
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The day has shown my uncanny ability to forget on two separate occasions. The second was the promise to the uncle. In the course of the next few days, the promise will stop haunting me. The first occasion was the good Samaritan who helped me back on my feet after my fall. I was busy picking up my phone from the ground and was happy there wasn't any damage to it. So, I could muster a mute and mumbled thank-you. At that time, I was more interested in resuming the conversation on the phone. The strange fact is the person at the other end didn't notice the commotion at my end.</div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/56184452@N06/" target="_blank">Rundform</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-47868063563718426532018-10-02T23:45:00.000+05:302018-10-02T23:45:27.239+05:30Thou shalt not fear your customer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-44v4XO7LtRi75U2HbCQtSPsrQzQ2EbxjfTwOFMQv78rfSa1QZ3iPbfivbDubuaHumbMmMFVsyaaQPSRyAgwkNPuRjvY50sJHHpHxBEDj-9EXXTjmJj-shNKrgztb2Ys-MZxa-wY-I4/s1600/5418964298_713d121829_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-44v4XO7LtRi75U2HbCQtSPsrQzQ2EbxjfTwOFMQv78rfSa1QZ3iPbfivbDubuaHumbMmMFVsyaaQPSRyAgwkNPuRjvY50sJHHpHxBEDj-9EXXTjmJj-shNKrgztb2Ys-MZxa-wY-I4/s400/5418964298_713d121829_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The customer is king. The customer can be the king or the emperor or the person who is always right. No matter the importance we want to assign for the customer, there is one thing we often overlook. We should revere and not fear the customer. While reverence makes us treat someone with respect, fear would force us in hiding the truth. It is always best, to tell the truth. If you speak the truth, then you don't have to remember what you have told someone. Recently, my friend froze up and was afraid to tell the customer the truth. </div>
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My friend's weekend was interrupted by a few calls from his customer. According to my friend, it was not an issue which should not have been blown up and the interruption to his weekend was not justified. When he complained to me, I asked him to bring up this topic during the recurring weekly call. As for me, the customer needs to help him identify which are the items that have the focus of the gods above. If he knows which things are volatile, then he can plan accordingly.</div>
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When I met the friend after his weekly call, I asked if he mentioned the inconvenience to the client. He sheepishly replied he didn't, but the customer brought it up at the end of the meeting. I asked if this item was part of the agenda. He promptly replied no. On hearing this, I was curious about how this topic surfaced. The answer is unbelievable. The customer realized the inconvenience to their service provider and brought this subject for discussion towards the end. The customer only instructed on how to handle such events in the future.</div>
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My friend was lucky to have a great customer who values him and his team. Not everyone is fortunate. In such cases, you will have to nudge your customer. To steer them in the desired direction, you have to overcome your fear of the customer.</div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pimthida/" target="_blank">Pimthida</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-79180287535909963012018-10-01T07:50:00.000+05:302018-10-01T07:52:32.836+05:30Pappettan helps to enroll in a gym<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaddSBstbK_wH5xp0bnNIjMn79Y_u2NdQZVEGsOyPBD6aFowTAr5ur1peClbrYXLO4WFLIUdZ3mxRi9dKvOJNvG34XDyIt9qLUbNwOdsKf0NJw0jYkNdQi5IPne8BJ8yn39pglJzpp44/s1600/3586279931_2433c60f9c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="700" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaddSBstbK_wH5xp0bnNIjMn79Y_u2NdQZVEGsOyPBD6aFowTAr5ur1peClbrYXLO4WFLIUdZ3mxRi9dKvOJNvG34XDyIt9qLUbNwOdsKf0NJw0jYkNdQi5IPne8BJ8yn39pglJzpp44/s320/3586279931_2433c60f9c_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am in Bengaluru now. In an era, almost unheard by the millennials and practically forgotten by the Generation X, this move was known as B2B. Back to Bangalore. Bengaluru has changed. One look at the traffic in the service roads, you wonder how we are only second in population! The vehicles spill into the service roads when the main roads cannot handle it. Whereas the people are always complaining about the traffic, entrepreneurs have found opportunities in these challenges. And if I start writing about how smart men are making money out of daily woes, then this post will not be about Pappettan. Hence I forcing myself to stop and stick to the topic.</div>
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Where were we? B2B. I am still in no man's land. I haven't spent enough time in India to start boring the people around by saying "You know? When I was in the UK..." stories. The move to India was a good enough reason for me to be careless. As a result, I have been consuming food. I find it disturbing that everyone around me sees this phenomenon as alarming. After all, a man has to eat to survive. It may have been my guilt or jealousy in the eyes of the beholder, I decided to shop around for gyms in my area.</div>
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My requirements were clear. The gym should have popular exercise machines. I can do away with 24-hour gyms, but it should be open sufficiently early and closes late. I have never made friends in a gym, so quieter the better. When you search for gyms, then you will find that fitness is a good business in Bengaluru. The plethora of options leaves you confused. For once in my life, I knew what I wanted. Hence I was able to find a gym nearby. Once I zeroed in the gym, the next step was to sign up. There was no online option for signing up. So I walked into the gym with Pappettan. After the introductions and a primer on the gym, we got down to business.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>bargains hard</i>* The monthly fee is high.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>expertly counters my argument</i>* But look at our facility.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>shoots the next argument</i>* I won't be using all that. I know what I want.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>opens up an alternative option</i>* Then there is an option to sign up for 6 months where your monthly fee comes down.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>takes a step back</i>* That is a lot of commitment from my side.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>slowly advances</i>* It is a good investment for your health.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>remains adamant</i>* It all boils down to what I can afford.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>asks after a brief pause</i>* Do you regularly go to restaurants or pubs?</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>surprised and confused</i>* I do.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>explains</i>* For a single trip, you might be spending an amount. *<i>specifies an amount</i>*</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>wonders where it is leading to</i>*</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>provides solution</i>* You just have to cut going to such places, and you can pay the monthly fees.</div>
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<b>Me</b>: *<i>defeated</i>*</div>
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At this point, Pappettan decides to step in.</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>:*<i>calmly</i>* It is an exciting proposition.</div>
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<b>Gym staff</b>: *<i>smiles victoriously</i>*</div>
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<b>Pappettan</b>: *<i>puts forward the counter-proposal</i>* Why don't you cut your restaurant visits and give him a good discount on the monthly fees?</div>
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Picture Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simonepa/" target="_blank">simone</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-60422839169267536812018-09-07T07:10:00.000+05:302018-09-07T07:12:37.420+05:30Someone like me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTc02qvDUagjyqET4i1QN2XdhpnVIO-41dsvmRFCUPAxejWLdwfPQcP96HORce7vJ9TXEeLVQ-umTz1E23SA1r5KjCPPRE5aOunq-wIXZOo9tc2AIEAsp8E_Q-SnLHwr6R-fz4RuAXrg/s1600/IMG-3129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTc02qvDUagjyqET4i1QN2XdhpnVIO-41dsvmRFCUPAxejWLdwfPQcP96HORce7vJ9TXEeLVQ-umTz1E23SA1r5KjCPPRE5aOunq-wIXZOo9tc2AIEAsp8E_Q-SnLHwr6R-fz4RuAXrg/s400/IMG-3129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you rely on while traveling a long distance in a car? Do you rely on paper maps or a GPS navigation software? In this age, the most likely answer is the latter. I am a big fan of <a href="https://www.waze.com/" target="_blank">Waze</a>. After switching over to Waze in 2016, I have forgotten the Garmin device that I bought in 2015. On the one hand, it is true that the Waze app has shot up my stress levels in areas with no connectivity, but on the other hand, these occasions are rare.</div>
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I am back in India now. One day after landing in Kerala, I have been processing the tall buildings, the crowds, and the noise silently for a day before I decided to go for a short drive with my family. I have visited India for short durations only in the past eight years. The number of visits was fewer than what I would have desired. On all these occasions, it has been a cathartic experience to drive. You start with self-doubt and end up in the area which is a combination of confidence and arrogance.</div>
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This time, I decided to use Waze while driving in Kerala. Don't be surprised. I survived in the NCR region and also in Bengaluru from 2007 to 2010 using the GPS navigation system that came bundled on Blackberry device. Even today, please do not ask me to drive from Bellandur to the center of Bengaluru, for I may reach Koramangala on my own but not beyond. After I adopted these systems for navigation, I stopped to rely on the shopkeepers and the travelers or people by the roadside for navigational guidance. Was there any trip where we have not pulled by a shop on the roadside to get a second opinion on the route?</div>
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Despite the carrier promising me a 4G connection, the Waze app continuously displayed it was searching for a network as there was no 4G network. As I had looked at the route before starting the trip, the drive to the destination was uneventful. On the way back, we preferred an alternate route that was not as deserted as the onward journey. So we decided to stop and ask for directions. A young man was standing alone by the road. When I halted the car, rolled down the windows and asked him, he was very helpful.</div>
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"Turn back and drive for two minutes. Take the first right." He explained. I paused to absorb his instructions. He might have noticed my struggle in processing all the information, which was evident by his next statement. "You can again stop and ask someone else if you are not sure of which right turn. You will easily find someone like me." I struggled not to smile. It is true. There is always someone like him which is more reliable than the technology. </div>
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As for the failing technology, the girls in the car gave a simple solution which worked. They asked me to restart the phone. After the restart, I got my money's worth. The phone displayed the 4G signal.</div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609529780490180146.post-34066649980104727882018-08-28T04:50:00.000+05:302018-08-28T04:57:06.794+05:30Onam: Rebuilding and Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Onam was quiet this year. How can I celebrate when Kerala was ravaged by floods? As an expatriate, I went through two phases. The first was blissful ignorance and the second was anxiety along with guilt. When the water rising in the dams, I was not paying attention. After the barriers were opened and the incessant rains caused floods, I woke up with the guilt of leaving everyone behind and staying miles away in comfort. Both the phases are over now. Kerala has begun the reconstruction. Such an initiative requires a lot of resources - money and manpower. When Kerala is facing such a daunting task in front of her, are celebrations necessary? In fact, I am not alone in asking this questions. Many others are asking this question. </div>
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As mentioned earlier, I am an expatriate. I live outside Kerala, and also India. Onam is celebrated in many cities in the UK, which is my current residence. In all these cities, you will either find a Malayali association or a group of Malayalis who organize Onam celebrations. Any such event consists of a pookkalam (an intricate flower arrangement), songs and dances by local talents, and finally a traditional feast on a banana leaf. As you may have realized, it is an expensive event. Even though you pay an entrance fee, the purpose of these events is not to make money but to build solidarity with the community and also to showcase the culture. This year, the question which haunts many is simple. Do we spend on such an event? Or should we just collect money and send it to Kerala?</div>
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There is a quick and dirty way to fix it. Label these events into fundraisers. The idea is not bad. But think about it practically. There is nothing much left in the collection box once you pay for all the expenses. And also think about the hours one has to dedicate for the rehearsals. So the fundraiser might end up as a dud. Personally, I could do away with everything except the banana leaf feast. On the day of Thiruvonam, I went to a Malayali restaurant in East Ham. There were 30 dishes on a banana leaf for a nominal amount. I forgot to count and ate. In between eating, I noticed the display board. The restaurant was dedicating the proceeds to the flood victims. I wondered if this would be effective for two reasons. They were serving a lot of food. Although the management had requested the patrons to restrict their time at the table to 20 minutes, there were not showing any inclination to enforce the time limit.</div>
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Ultimately, the decision is left to us. Do you want to celebrate? Then go ahead. But if you are conflicted. Then stay away. If you choose to stay away, then you have three options. The first option is to donate to the (Kerala) <a href="https://cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/" target="_blank">Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund</a>. This option is my preferred method because I trust the face on that site. But you may be cautious and may want to flow of your funds from you to the victims. For these, you can choose the other two options. Before I explain the other two options, let me confess. I can only show the path, but you have to walk yourself. The second option is the various NGOs associated with the relief work. The third is the group of committed citizens/humanitarians banding together to source the reconstruction resources and sent it to relief camps. The good news is that this species exists everywhere in the world.</div>
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While we are thinking of how to contribute, some people surprise with acts of kindness. I bumped into a colleague when Kerala was in distress. Our talks turn to floods and he was talking about Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. On hearing about the fund from him, I was surprised. Later in the conversation, I found out that he had contributed to the relief fund when he heard about the disaster. None of his friends were affected. None of his relatives were affected. It will take two days journey from Kerala to reach his home. Yet, he didn't think twice to give. He has a different philosophy. He does not want to put clauses while giving. He has trusted the other person to do the right thing with this help. He has taken a leap of faith. I mumbled a feeble thank you.</div>
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Photo Courtesy: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgeaugustine/" target="_blank">George Augustine</a></div>
Nonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892851938328826870noreply@blogger.com1