I got admitted to IIMA

Yes… Yes… Yes…

I got admitted to Big Daddy of Management Schools IIM Ahmedabad for one year Executive MBA Program. No need to say that I am thrilled to core. I have been waiting for this. I don’t know how to react when this has finally happened…..

Suddenly I feel very light. This is a great feeling. Thanks to everybody who helped me in this endeavor. I will be once again going back to School!!!! Ha.. Ha… Ha… Kuhoo feels I am still joking. How can Daddy go to School?

All are invited

Kuhoo is very busy today. From very early morning phone is consistently ringing. Everybody wants to talk to Kuhhoji. Dada, Dadi, Bua, Chachi … Everybody wants to talk to Kuhooji. She had to take calls while brushing her teeth and also from toilet seat. No need to rack your brains hard. It’s Kuhooji’s B’day today. Yes today is the real one. Not the one that kuhooji keeps on celebrating every other day. Last week itself she had celebrated her B’day in School saying that it was her Star B’day.

Kuhooji and her Mumma have been planning for this B’day for quite some time now. B’day invitations have gone to all Kuhooji’s friends. Some last minute invites were sent yesterday night. Kuhooji has a large friend cum social circle. We had a hard time to bring this list down to manageable numbers. Meenu has been shopping non stop from last week. She is very much exited as always. Even though not fully fit, she is coming up with impressive list of delicacies to be served for guests. I tried to volunteer for help. She rejected my proposal saying that mine presence further delays the preparation. So I will be in office today and try to leave for home somewhat early.

I sincerely hope that everything goes as per wishes of Kuhooji. She is very excited. It’s party time today!!!!

Kumarakom

Last year same time we were in Kumarakom. When I planned this outing, I had no idea what was in store for us. I chose a resort by doing lots of research on the net. My two colleagues with their family also joined for this trip. We were able to get train tickets also on very short notice.

We reached Ernakulum at 4.00 AM early morning. Resort had arranged a pick up taxi for us from Ernakulum Railway station. Before proceeding we had hot cup of tea and coffee per our individual preferences.

As we started nearing Kumarakom, we could see things more clearly as daylight was more pronounced. Endless stretch of water, lagoons, coconut trees, small boats. Everything seemed so majestic and soothing. We were mesmerized by the landscape and were totally amazed by the absence of city noise and bustling, that we are so accustomed to.

Now came the most surprising part. The taxi guy dropped us at one of the banks on water . He said rest of journey to the resort will be covered by motor boat. Little Kuhoo was so much existed by all this. Even though she was feeling sleepy, she was having lots of fun, particularly because of boat ride. The motor boat dropped us the resort to enjoy rest of our trip amid coconut trees and lots of natural beauty.

Resort had well appointed rooms and lots of open spaces for fun and exploration. My wife was happy with Food hygiene and Quality. We had booked one day Boat safari as part of this trip. This was the most amazing part of Journey. Nobody can imagine the life on these house boats. Strongly built as per every rule and norm of tradition, held together by coir ropes without a nail in sight, the houseboat redefines luxury with its shining wooden floors and luxurious amenities. Moreover, immerse in the amazing, never-ending, display of nature’s magical performances on the sundeck. Two experienced boatmen navigate you through tranquil stretches of Kerala’s favourite backwaters. A personal chef well-versed in tantalizing Kerala delicacies and seafood delights will be at your beck and call with choicest gourmet delights.

We had experience of life time on the House boat. The only thing which pinched me was the detorating state of Vembanad lake. It was full of weeds and silt. It needs to be regularly cleaned and de-silted to retain its original glory and charm. This will benefit both the locals and nature lovers.

Austerity drive

Safety week, Innovation drive, productivity initiatives and latest in the list Austerity Drives. It seems like we need these terms to remind us on basics of professionalism. Do we need to coin these terms to bring out the best in us in our workplaces? Are we not supposed to follow them every time and everywhere?

It’s good to have a symbolic way of expressing solidarity with initiatives that we associate with. My problem is, when they just become a ritual and are disbanded as soon as we forget them. Safety and innovation is way of life. We don’t need to follow it for a week or month. Similarly people in public life are supposed have an austere way of living. It’s not if that they suddenly remember one fine day that they have to lead an austere life now. Now everyday we hear one or other way politician coming out with his unique way of supporting austerity drive.

The mantra of simple living has to come from inside. It’s not something that can be imposed overnight. Also we have to remember that normal public should not suffer just because a politician wants to exhibit his Austerity drive. Also sometimes the cost of maintaining austerity drive for a politician can be higher than if he had not chosen this path. Sarojini Naidu once remarked “It costs a lot to keep him poor.”

I also need to look at cost cutting. But then I have been doing this for all my career. Every time we have cut one cost or another!!! May be there are still some more to be trimmed!! Kuhooji’s advice needed….

Sach ka Samna..

For last few weeks I have been caught up with heavily on my office front, because of relocating to new campus. To re-locate to a new campus, when so much hardware movement is involved is quite a challenge. We have got now ample space in new set up and it should offset the pain of spending more time in daily commuting.

I have been watching few episodes of “Sach ka Samna”. It’s quite amazing how people come out in open and talk about their deepest secrets. I am surprised that no one has been able to answer all the 21 questions. Does this means it’s so hard to speak truth consistently? I may agree partly with this. It’s easy and convenient to speak truth in parts. It becomes increasingly difficult to hold high the flag of truth consistently.

Kuhooji is asking me to tell good story for her puppet show in School tomorrow. I have to go for now. I wonder why she is asking me tell her a story when she herself is so good in making up a story!!!!

Indian postal service

I have experienced this many times. Most of our mails, parcels and deliveries come by some courier company. Gone are old days when your familiar postman used to deliver all your letters, cards and parcels. I have not witnessed a post man now for many years. It may be a bit of exaggeration but my touch with my postman is not there.

This scenario makes us feel that there is no need of Indian post office department. I have to admit that if you feel like this you are not close to truth. Truth is, Indian Postal department is still a powerful mechanism used by many people to deliver posts.

I will tell you my personal experience. My wife gave me two packets of “ Raksha bandhan” to be sent to our relatives. One packet was for international destination and other within the country. As always I was perplexed on what mode to choose. I thought I will try a courier company attached with my office. For international destination, the courier company demanded Eight hundred and fifty rupees. For the other one they demanded something within Hundred. I asked them if they had any other cheaper option. They said No Sir. I thought, let me try Indian post office.

I went to my nearest post office and asked them how I can send my two packets. I was informed that I had at least three options. Ordinary mail, Registered mail and Speed post. The price for international speed post was five hundred thirty, much less than what courier guys were demanding. Surprise was registered post. Price for international registered post was only Sixty eight rupees. I readily agreed with this option.

I really felt very happy utilizing the services of Indian post office. Indian post office is the only one agency which provides so many options to suit all economic strata. They are also very efficient. It took me hardly two minutes to post two packets. I also got a printer receipt for my transaction. I think this is what I was looking for. Indian postal department has upgraded itself with time. They are still the most reliable and economic handlers of all our postal solutions. Apart from this they do lots many other services like handling NSC bonds, postal deposits, various schemes and so many other things. So, next time before dismissing Indian postal department, please think twice. They me be your best friends.

Reforms in Education system

There has recently been lots of Buzz around reform in our education system, especially Schooling system. New Education minister Mr. Kabil Sibbal is seen as making some sincere effort in making improvements to our Education system. He wants to start with making some changes to CBSE Board. First of his many suggestions is to remove class 10th Board examination from Schools, which have classes till Class 12th. There is lot of debate in the country whether it is right or wrong. I agree with the logic forwarded by Mr. Sibbal that there is no need for a common exam if the student has to remain in the same school. I agree that 10th Class Board exam puts lots of unnecessary pressure on parents and children. It seriously hampers any pursuit of hobbies and extracurricular activities by Children as they focus only on Board exams.

There has been lots of noise made on our education system, which makes children Good in cramming and mugging up the lessons instead of wholesome learning. I have slightly divergent views on this. From time immemorial Indian Education system has stressed lots on “learning by heart”. Kids use to learns by heart all the slokas in Gurukool. There was a very structured way for learning the wisdom from Books and Literature. This skill of our Children has held us in good stead by making us very fast in calculations and logical interpretations. I think, “learn by Heart” skill is very necessary for kid’s growth process. It provides right stimulus for memory and helps in proper development of Brain. Indians all over world are recognized today for their ability with high learning and fast calculations. Let us recognize this achievement of ours and don’t do anything, which washes away this skill set from our future generation.

Let us do a thorough review of our Education system. Let us weed away unnecessary roadblocks and stress more on overall learning. Let us bring more in terms of skill development. While doing all this, let us also retain whatever Good things our current system has. Let us not wash away everything in our enthusiasm to get something new.

What a comparison?

If I didn’t had to compare myself with others… I feel root of all sins on our planet is this ability to compare with others. “Doing Comparison” is a skill inherent in all Mortals. People compare everything, be it Money, Fame, Health, Possession, Family, Color, Creed, and everything else one can imagine. For a moment imagine this. What if we loose this ability to compare? Wow!!!!! What happens? Everything that I have is looked in absolute terms. The theory of relativity is thrown in dustbin ( Mr. Einstein’s spirit may please excuse me. I don’t have anything against his postulates). I am happy with whatever I have with me. I don’t have to bother with what my office colleague or neighbor has got. I won’t be craning my neck to see what is served on my neighbor’s plate. I won’t bother if my colleague’s kid’s topped or failed in his school exams. I won’t bother if my friend brought a new sedan. I won’t bother if he just upgraded to a LCD display TV in his home. I will be happy in my own World. I won’t be distracted by worldly possession of others. I will be contended and eternally satisfied. May be this is what they call “Moksha”. Hmmmm… I am going too far??

On a lighter note: Kuhooji( for uninitiated , Kuhoo is my 5 year daughter)admonished me once again. I feel she has no job other than coaching me. Today it was for leaving Rice on lunch plate. She asked her Mumma not to give me Rice anymore as punishment. If this thing continues I will have to start eating everything that is served to me. This looks somewhat difficult for a guy like me, who always makes some excuse for some food item or other. I guess things have to change soon. Kuhooji is not going to let me relax on this account.

How costly are tomatoes?

The storm has ebbed. Storm "Aila" has subdued now and it has left a vast stretch of destruction and death behind it. Also there has been this Violence eruption in Punjab. People are stranded because of disruption in traffic. Vaishno Devi pilgrims are having a tough time to find suitable mode of transportation. One of my close relatives is also caught in this. These events make one feel the fickleness and helplessness in our lives.

On lunch table today my 5 year daughter Kuhoo was once again giving me a piece of thought. She said “You know from where the tomatoes come?” I was about to answer it when she cut me short. “I will tell you. They come from market.” She said in a sermonizing tone. I was puzzled. So what’s the big deal in this? She was in no mood to spare me. She carried on “As you have not finished completely the tomato Soup in your bowl, it will get wasted.” I knew where she was leading me. To buy tomatoes we have to pay money and you are wasting money by not drinking it. Samjhe!!!! From the corner of my eyes I could see my wife Giggling.

What makes you happy?

I really feel happy when I am in middle of some work which I am passionately involved with.

I really feel happy when I stretch my limits and try to accomplish something which is out of my range.

I feel happy when some one talks his or her heart out to me. Same is the case when I open my Heart to somebody. Most of the times these chats don’t have any specific purpose .

I feel happy when an Infant smiles at me and tries to communicate in a language which is know to only to him.

I feel happy when my little 5 year old Kuhoo lectures me on everything under Sun. She just keeps on flooding me with all her Sermons. She tells me what is right and what is wrong. I just have no logic to counter her arguments.

I feel happy when on a given day everything starts falling as per my wish. On some special days it seems God bestows me with some extra power. I can do anything that day and I sense a feeling of achievement in all my actions.

I feel happy when I listen to an old Folk or semi classical song from my old Collection. It just takes me to my Childhood days.

I feel happy when people around me Smile and laugh their heart out.

At last..

So elections results are out. It’s quite a decisive mandate. Indians have preferred stability over ever every other issue. Left parties have taken a big set back in these elections. They need to do a re-think on the policies and plans adopted by them. I seriously think they need to re-invent themselves. They have to stop being dogmatic and start taking more futuristic look in their policies.

BJP had hoped Big in these elections. In retrospect it looks like they were being too optimistic. Saffron party was unable to raise an issue which touched Indian electorate’s chords. Party needs to bring up mass base leaders who can re-galvanize the party at the grass roots. In short they need their own Rahul Gandhi.

Congress needs to grab this opportunity with both hands and go full throttle on the much needed administrative and financial reforms. It needs to work big way on creating Infrastructure projects. Country needs to create huge Infrastructure in shortest time possible. Power reforms are badly needed. Some key decisions need to be taken regarding FDI investment in Retail and Insurance. Our Civil services and internal security badly need Reforms and push from Central Government. I am sure Congress leaders are aware about it and they will not spare any effort in overcoming all the issues. Man Mohan Singh has unique opportunity to become a legend in his lifetime.

Which side you are...

Yesterday’s match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians was fantastic. Warnie has displayed his leadership skills in many such nail biting finish situations. He comes out as a leader who has full belief in his team and keeps his lads always super charged and motivated. He does not give away any match easily. He trusts the skills of his players and is always optimistic in any match situation. IPL is nearing the semi final stage shortly. Delhi Daredevils have confirmed their birth in Semis. There is going to be a tough fight for remaining three positions.

It’s great to see TV studio debates between political parties representatives. I only have one grouse against it. I keep on seeing the same faces regularly. The debates are looking very predictable and some times you are put off by hearing the same person across all news channels. I feel Political parties should nominate many more young faces from their party for such political debates. This will provide many more ideas and freshness to debates in TV studios. Mr. Manu Singhvi, Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad , Mrs.Jayanti Natarajan and other spokes persons of the parties will also get much needed break from their monotony.

Kuhoo said today “Daddy I am not in your party. I am with Mumma.” I said what will make you switch to my party. May be some chocolates or Gol-gappe.. She thought over it and said she will reply on weekend!!!. So off I go and wait for weekend to know who is on which side.

Have a nice time and great weekend….

After a long time

I have been trying to watch IPL matches. I must frankly admit that matches don’t seem to be so interesting as in season one. Somehow the Zing is missing in this season. Also very few matches are high scoring ones. I have not been able to watch even a single match non stop from start to end. The other reason may be because match timings coincide with my Wife’s Soap opera timings. Any sane husband would dare disturb his better half’s daily TV viewing schedule. I am also reading Fake IPL players blog. This one looks quite interesting.

Last month has been election time. I am an avid political watcher. I have a very keen interest in politics of our Country. This is the reason for my immense love for News channels. Problem is, I find very few people with similar interest. Coming back to elections, I don’t see any wisdom in organizing it at peak of summer season. This has lead to drop in poll percentages. It looks like it may be some kind of repeat of 2004 Lok sabha elections. Same set of players with some alterations may make a bid for Power once again. I personally feel that we may be in for some surprise. Let’s wait for 16th may to have more clarity on this.

Political parties fight with each other tooth and nail during elections and then form an alliance later to form a Government. This is not a right practice. This needs to be stopped. It’s making a mockery of Indian voters. Parties need to form a pre- poll alliance before going for elections. They should stick to the same alliance and no changes in compositions should be allowed. This can only be achieved by making a law or doing changes in public representation act. I pray that this will be done soon.

Lately I have a feeling that I am searching for some thing. This is now there for past so many weeks. I still have to find what am I searching for? I need to know it very fast and close this chapter of searching as soon as possible.