Rushikonda. Visakha. AP Tourism Resort

Visakhapatanam

Christmas in Visakhapatanam

Last year I was in the beautiful city of Visakhapatanam on East Coast of India. We Mumbaikar's coming from West Coast are normally accustomed to see only sunset on a beach whereas here in Visakha we can see the sunrise and not the sunset on beach. This is the main beauty. Otherwise it is like Goa on East Coast with good people and good food.

As I had some Christian friends with me on Christmas morning I went to Church with them and attended the rituals.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the diversity of our great nation here. The ladies who came to Church were dressed in typical South Indian Silk sarees. Next, when they approached Church they covered head with Pallu. Although they chose to pray to a different Prophet they had maintained their own culture.

The next shock was difficult for me to digest as they removed footwear before entering the Church just like we enter Temple, a holy place. In our rush of daily life we do not notice and appreciate these small things which make our Nation the best in the world.

Merry Christmas

Nowadays my travel to CST is not regular, although I have regular pass on quarterly basis. Yesterday I had to handover a gift to a special person and also needed to buy some holy water for the celebrating festive season.

This season of Christmas and New Year is full of love, hope and giving which brings cheer and joy to all irrespective of who you are and what you do. We as family and our close circuit of friends plan well in advance various activities and make the most of it.

So coming back to yesterday story. I took 11:36 Ambernath from CST and relaxed myself enjoying some reading material which is always with me. As the train moved out of Nahur, I noticed two Telugu preteen girls politely and smilingly approached very few passengers. They carried a Stainless steel tray with an idol of Durgamba. They had put some Kumkum and flowers to decorate.

The train was bit late and it must have been 12:30 and I was feeling hungry too. So these girls approached me asking for my contribution. I was in Christmas mood so opened my bag and about to give them a tenner. But something came to my mind and instead of giving them cash, I took out Nestle Milky Bar and gave it to them.

They we shocked and happy and both of them sat down and for few minutes were just admiring the packing and the color as it must have been first time for them to handle the product. After discussing something in Telugu they decided to go 50:50.

They removed the wrapper and made two equal pieces. Then slowly the enjoyed and when finished looked at me and gave a million dollar smile. This can not be described in words. I asked 'Achha Laga ? The nodded head in unison and one big smile again. As they got down at Mulund to catch the next compartment they looked back and smiled again.

I muttered to myself 'Merry Christmas'. The joy of giving is everything and we get opportunity to give every day. But Christmas and New Year are special.

India Culture in Mumbai Train

Friday is always easy for a Mumbai train commuter. Don't know the reason but rush is bit less. Currently the schools and colleges are closed for Diwali so trains are nearly empty at starting point in Thane, where I stay.

Today as usual I got in to my usual 07:58 train and took usual third comfortable seat and started reading Economic Times. When Mulund few commuters got in and I noticed one old man with beard and a cap stood next to me in passage. He was unable to balance himself so bumped in to me couple of times and was very polite. Apologized profusely and gave a good smile. He was fit and looked around 70.

Today I was in good mood and it is my common practice to offer my seat to any needy guy in the compartment. Sometimes a student reading standing in crowded train for his examinations. So, today it was turn of this old man. By the time Bhandup arrived, got up and offered my seat to him. He accepted it gracefully and started reading his Hindi newspaper.

It was to my surprise that by the time Kurla came this gentleman got up and asked him to occupy the seat again as he has rested enough for about 15 minutes. Politely declined his gesture explaining I need to get down at Matunga and shared some thoughts with him.

He was Mr Singh from Mulund Colony and still was fit and working 18 hours a day for his family transport business. He has papers to show he was honoured by Govt of India as a freedom fighter. While I got ready to get down he shared his life philosophy which is still ringing in my ears.

We need to care for women and children and respect elders and our parents and grand parents. Only this will give us peace of mind and prosperity and good health. This basic Indian culture is getting forgotten today and people are chasing wrong things. This is the foundation of Indian culture!!!!

I was amazed and impressed by his simplicity and character........

New India 2010

Most of my lectures get over by 12 noon and particularly on Friday it becomes difficult to get a taxi as the time clashes with most of the Muslim brothers take a break to offer Namaz. Last week it was bit difficult time and many of us were chasing few which were arriving as October heat was terrible.

Luckily, managed to get one taxi and as usual I sat in front seat next to driver. As the driver flagged the meter down an elderly couple of south India requested taxi driver to drop them to Wadala bridge thinking it was a share taxi service. Taxi driver took my silent approval and asked the couple to get in.

As the couple got down at the Bridge, two teenage girls studying Junior College at Ruia came forward thinking this was a share taxi service. These girls appeared to be from poorest of the poor staying some nearby slum colony. Once again silent exchange between myself and the driver we allowed girls to get in. While the taxi too turn from UDCT and Khalsa College Lane towards the Kings Circle, one of the girls took initiative and started chatting with me.

First she thanked me for the kindness and ride as they were not familiar with route as they normally take a bus. She inquired about my profession and requested me to guide her to do MBA. She said she has seen on TV and also heard from various sources that you can be successful and affluent if you study MBA.

She said her parents as well as the people she knew were ignorant about this MBA program which she was keen to pursue. I explained to her that just like she has spoken to me she should speak to her friends in Ruia and various teachers over there. She can take up MBA after graduation. Now, she must concentrate on her studies for XI th standard.

As we reached Matunga station, she again thanked me and we walked in opposite direction for our respective destination. While I climbed the Railway bridge, I reflected upon the enthusiasm and energy, the hunger to do well in life. The vision to become somebody and make oneself and parents proud. Not accepting the status-quo and a determination to change this world and in the process discover the meaning of her life.

Making my India a great place by 2020! I was impressed and felt good.

Kihim Beach, Alibaug

Three Levels of Hindu Dharma - Modern Psychology

There is lot of confusion over this word Dharma. Each one of us whether Hindu or not interprets in our own way. It is, sometimes, bit confusing. However, it is simple. Let me explain. The behavior or a way of life which leads us to happiness and prosperity throughout the entire life span from birth to death is called Dharma.

The first level is Vedas. These are instructions like coming from a 'Parent'. Like Government passing a law or an order. Whether we agree or not better strictly follow faithfully else the stringent punishment is sure to follow. Most of the times the instructions come without explanation or logic. Don't ask me why ? Just follow because I say so, it is surely good for you now and later too. If we think deeply these instructions are designed for few of us who either are ignorant or else bit of a character where no other way will work. These are called 'Prabhu Sammitam'.

The second level is Puranas. These are like we are sitting in Cafe Coffee Day or even on Facebook a friend tells us to do something. He may take trouble to explain to us the benefits of our action. We understand and act promptly in the process getting benefit as well as strengthening our relationship, making it more intimate. We follow our friends instruction because we have trust and faith in him. Friend explains us the reason why this needs to be done in a particular manner and the benefits etc in a friendly way, by telling us various stories. It is like 'Adult' to 'Adult' conversation. These are called 'Suhrid Sammitam'. Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagwatam etc follow in this category.

The third level is Kavya like Bhajan and Keertan. It is like your girl friend or wife loving communicates with you which we are excited to carry out in order to see the smile on her face. Certain matters need to repeated again and again. Reminders are good. It is like to bring a change is a stubborn and rigid husband, she quips, cajoles, humors, entreats and does whatever it takes to change the situation. It is like a 'Child' who needs cuddling. This is called 'Kanta Sammitam'.

While you read all the above mentioned don't you find a similarity between the famous 'I'M OK - YOU'RE OK' by Thomas A Harris who made Transactional Analysis a global phenomenon? I am happy to share this with you. I was inspired to write this after reading one article written by Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, the Sankarasharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

Samsonite! Baar Baar Lagatar!!!

Hey,

Once again the topic of Samsonite came up in our family discussion as one of us wanted to travel to Goa and needed a duffel bag to carry stuff for 2 to 3 nights stay.

Although, earlier pleasure of dealing with Samsonite we still visited few shops in High Street which stocked all brands and then zeroed down on Samsonite again but were bit confused and could not make up our mind. But time was running out.

On the way back home we spotted the Samsonite Official Store and decided to buy the Duffel Bag costing Rs.3,000- and what a surprise the Store offered us Rs.200- discount without asking which the High Street Shop Owner has firmly declined stating no discounts on Samsonite!

I am delighted. Samsonite, Keep it up!!!

Samsonite! Samsonite!! Samsonite!!!!

I am follower of simple life. When buying a thing, prefer to buy a good branded stuff paying a little more than average price. Most of the time was proved right. The Sindhi proverb: 'Mehenga Roye Ek Baar, Sastaa Roye Baar Baar', proved right in my case.

However, in recent times with Chinese stuff flooding Indian markets, I faced few problems. It started with Arrow, Vodafone and Reebok and then with Bata. Poor quality and no customer focus, forget about customer delight. The moment they get cash they forget about you. Terrible, I must say.

So todays' story is about my Samsonite Freelander Bag. About couple of years ago, bought one good bag which was cabin luggage size to save time while travelling. Paid approx Rs.4000 and forgot about it. Samsonite make great stuff. It has a 10 year warranty on it.

Then suddenly around Diwali of 2010 it started having problem. The two handles started peeling and darkening my palms when I handled the bag. So when I got time just walked into a Samsonite Store and told them about my problem. I was shocked to get a pleasant surprise. Every store staff was friendly and polite and told me to bring the bag to him soonest so I can enjoy the use of bag.

Finally, I landed up at the shop from where the bag was purchased few years ago however without any bills or warranty papers which are mandatory. The store staff one Mr Waghmare went beyond the Samsonite policy and told me, not to worry he will do his best, but try to get some evidence that you are the real purchaser to convince the Samsonite guys.

I just searched my gmail account and found the date of purchase to be 8th November, 2008

from my credit card bills. I communicated this to Samsonite pronto. Although normally they take about two weeks to fix the bag, in my case it was done in less than a weeks time. They actually called me to inform that bag is ready and feel free to collect when you are comfortable. Needless to mention without any charge.

I believe this is ultimate example of customer service in India. I have rarely come across such a good experience. I had chance to meet their Manager Mr Shantanu Shukl who was very professional with great customer focus.

Selecting a Life Partner

Selecting a Life Partner

Few years ago, my newly married female assistant Ms Kala introduced me to her husband Mr. Kailas and we chatted for a while and then left for shopping. Next day she enquired with me about my opinion about Mr. Kailas. I said: ‘Made for Each Other’. She smiled and told me: Sir, We are so much alike, there are hardly any differences. I told her politely that while Mr. Kailas is a wonderful guy he is totally different from you. Ms. Kala disagreed with my comment but we did not discuss this further.

After couple of years while having lunch together Ms Kala told me: Sir, your observation about Kailas was 100% right. We are blessed couple, he loves me very much however he is a totally different person. Your observation two years ago was right.

I gently probed and asked her to explain more. She said, He cares for me very much and knows all my weaknesses but instead of criticizing me he mentors me to overcome them. I am so lucky, to get a life partner like him.

The purpose of sharing this real life incident is very simple and straight. We need friends and life partners to mask our weakness and support us during the time of our crisis in future. Common habits, similar tastes and choices are not valid criteria for selecting a friend or a partner. So what are the ingredients or criteria for a durable and lifelong enduring relationship? I would like to quote the famous W. Somerset Maugham who said:

Quote:

Intelligence, Curiosity and Sensibility are the three pillars of a stable, enduring and intimate relationship which keeps on growing and getting better like old wine.

Unquote:

Ms Sherry Turkle is psychologist at MIT and author of ‘Evocative Objects: Things We Think With’. She says:

‘Just imagine, what will happen if we get what we want? If our pets always stay puppy-cute; if our lovers always say the sweetest things to us? If our kids are 100% polite and obedient? Our parents ever obliging too. Imagine living in utopia. If we know only cute and cuddly, we do not learn about change, growth, maturation and responsibility. If we always have a docile, submissive and accommodating partner, we will end up knowing neither the partner nor ourselves. Hence, we need a partner who keeps evolving through the relationship and questions and stretches us to grow as well.’

Golden Oriole - Valentine Day

Once upon a time, I was an avid bird watcher. Most of the Sundays, woke up early morning and joined our Group. Thane is surrounded by forest from all the sides and also has plenty of water bodies, fresh water as well as salt water. Marshy lands and creeks and all. So in a way one can call it a paradise for a bird watcher.

However, recently due to many excuses, my birding or bird watching has drastically reduced however the curious birder is still alive. While taking a morning walk at Mahindra's Learning Centre at Nashik or HPCL's MDC at Nigdi, I still attempt to identify and enjoy the early morning calls and songs. It makes feel young and great.

Today it is Sunday morning and when I looked out of my east facing window, suddenly spotted the famous Golden Oriole singing merrily and inviting his significant other to celebrate the spirit of Valentine Day! For more details, visit and also listen to his song.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Oriole

The arrival of Oriole tells us that winter is over and it is spring. It is time of arrival of raw mango. Time to enjoy the fresh mango pickle and the tangy Panha, too. Also, many delicacies using the raw mango. My mouth is watering while I write all this stuff and we go from Birds to Food. I live to eat and not eat to live types.

It is middle of February now and the Peepul tree is shedding the leaves and looks like an old man getting bald slowly. But the tree is full of green and red fruits and birds of all types more than a dozen variety and coming for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have to just spend some time at window and enjoy the music and activities. It is also the time for match making for birds and selecting sites for nesting. Busy schedule for all of them. On one hand celebrate Valentine Day and at the same time select a good site to build a nest as babies will be on the way in due course and they do not have adopted any practices to plan the family.

Story Telling

Since few weeks been travelling for work. This is the first time, been away from family for such a long period. Only contact with family was the mandatory phone call to my significant other after Dinner and exchanging notes over day’s activities at both ends. Further, on few occasions have been staying without newspapers and/or television. Instead of getting annoyed, adapted with this new situation, I enjoyed in different way catching up with some good reading. In a strange sort of way, it looked like going back to hostel days. Sometimes, the unpleasant weather conditions kept me inside the room.

Although books were there to keep me good company, it gave me plenty of time to ponder over life and in particular events during the past ten years which I could remember. Just for my reference, made few jottings and now sitting here in front of my computer trying to put all these fragments together. Now, trying to make a sense of it all. These are random thoughts which may need further thinking, probing, exploration and explanation in due course.

About Family and Story Telling:

Family according to me is like a harbor or an airport. Each one of the member is like a ship going on voyage everyday, stepping out each day for a new venture, fresh challenges. End of the day, we need to repair, recoup,

refuel and get charged for the battle of the next day. My old Army friend who is no more had a famous old Sindhi saying. One night stay at home and I am ready to fight another battle. My Home is God’s Home. While on the topic of family, I fondly recall my grand mother’s popular saying in Kannada: When crisis (Sankata) comes we need God (Venkataramana). Same way, we need family in time of crisis, therefore, it is essential to nurture our family relationships. Family is precious.

In bygone days, we all lived in groups that had old wise men and women who told stories to the young ones if they thought that those stories might be relevant to our needs. Stories from their own experiences, earlier generations, ancestors in the family and from mythology like Ramayana, Bhagwat and Mahabharata. This was useful in laying a robust foundation of values and virtues. This was called ‘Wisdom’ and it served to pass on experiences and learning of one generation to the next.

Somehow, we have become over confident and neglected this ability to learn from the stories of our elders to a certain extent, fundamentally because today we live in a much larger and faster world.

We tend to believe that wisdom is in books and in search engines to provide us instant answers to the problems we encounter. I wish it was true, but unfortunately it is not. Stories, however, help us creates values in young ones and only values can help us to face the crisis and rescue us to safety, too. We need to bring back story telling and listen to the stories.

As a HR professional, sometimes. I believe this applies to organizations too. We need to bring in story telling by Seniors. Juniors need to listen and remember only what is relevant and important. Needless to mention, ignore the rest.

Obviously and preferably over a glass of chilled Beer!

Cheers!!!