If con is opposite of pro, guess what is the opposite of Congress!
No wonder they want to implement reservations in private sector.
After a long time
I haven't written anything for a long time. There are a lot of things to write about. But first, here's one of our photographs from Mauritius. The view from up there was just exhilarating!!
Added on 7 Jan '06:
Many peoply who saw this photograph didn't fully understand it. Just above the date in red (20 11 2005) is a small motorboat that's pulling us. While we are there in the centre of the photograph, up in the air, hanging down the parachute. It's clear when click on it to ENLARGE.
Added on 7 Jan '06:
Many peoply who saw this photograph didn't fully understand it. Just above the date in red (20 11 2005) is a small motorboat that's pulling us. While we are there in the centre of the photograph, up in the air, hanging down the parachute. It's clear when click on it to ENLARGE.
Quote
Only actions give to life its strength, as only moderation gives it its charm.
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
Writer and humorist
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
Writer and humorist
Back at home
I am back in India after a gap of five weeks ... sans my baggage. I hope it doesn't miss the flight from Zurich today unlike yesterday, and reaches here safe and sound. I earnestly hope so.
It matters not what you do ...
... but how well you do it. As I mature, I am realising that it doesn't matter so much what work you do, as much as how well you do what you do.
There's the CEO of a company, who is all stressed out because of his incompetence at doing the job, and has made life miserable for himself as well as for others, at work and at home. And there's the housemaid, who is so good at her work, that it is she who runs the family, because no one can move a thing without her aid. The latter is leading a more productive and happier life than the former. The maid is contributing more to the society than the CEO. It's better to be a housemaid, who is good at her job than be a CEO, who is bad at his. This is a simple truth that we need to realise, because many of us are struggling to climb the so-called corporate ladder.
I have often experienced that once I realise something, it becames my second nature. It gets ingrained in my actions as if I knew it all along. This is one more thing that I need to keep this in my mind. I should not judge people by their visiting cards. A person's designation doesn't matter at all. The only way to judge a person's success is to know how well he does what he has chosen to do.
There's the CEO of a company, who is all stressed out because of his incompetence at doing the job, and has made life miserable for himself as well as for others, at work and at home. And there's the housemaid, who is so good at her work, that it is she who runs the family, because no one can move a thing without her aid. The latter is leading a more productive and happier life than the former. The maid is contributing more to the society than the CEO. It's better to be a housemaid, who is good at her job than be a CEO, who is bad at his. This is a simple truth that we need to realise, because many of us are struggling to climb the so-called corporate ladder.
I have often experienced that once I realise something, it becames my second nature. It gets ingrained in my actions as if I knew it all along. This is one more thing that I need to keep this in my mind. I should not judge people by their visiting cards. A person's designation doesn't matter at all. The only way to judge a person's success is to know how well he does what he has chosen to do.
Another quote for the day
There is no path to truth, it must come to you. Truth can come to you only when your mind and heart are simple, clear, and there is love in your heart; not if your heart is filled with the things of the mind.
J. Krishnamurt
J. Krishnamurt
Quote for the day
Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.
Pythagoras (c. 580–c. 500 B.C.)
Pythagoras (c. 580–c. 500 B.C.)
Missed Ganapati :-(
Today is Ganesh Chaturthee. And I am in Belgium. While aai, baba, Purnima, Chandragupta, Rachana, Aparna, bhaukaakaa, leelaakaaku, Hari kaakaa, Padma kaaku, akkaa aatyaa are all in Bangalore. This is the second year in a row (and the only two years) when I have missed Ganapati. Last year I was in Korea. Last year it wasn't so bad as this time. This year, with everybody in Bangalore (and Sameer, Megha, Kalyani) to come on weekend, it's really very sorry that I should miss Ganapati. This year's Ganapati would possibly be the best Ganapati in last twenty years and quite likely the best in next twenty years as well. And I am missing it all.
Twenty most memorable experiences of Korea trip
1. Hustle and bustle of the absolutely incredible Myeong Dong
2. My first day at Samsung headquarters at City Hall
3. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in autumn
4. Walk in City Hall area
5. View of Building 63 in morning from the train as it crosses Han river
6. My last bus ride from Suwon to Seoul
7. Commuting by the Subway
8. Talking in Korean English
9. The warmth and friendliness of Korean people
10. Visit to Iteawon on weekend evening
11. Experience of first snowfall
12. Walk from Ganganam to i2 office
13. Skiing at Jisan
14. Veiw from Seoul tower
15. Night ferry on Han river
16. Fireworks on Han river attended by six lakh people
17. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in winter
18. Trek to the beautiful Kwanaksan shrine
19. Ice skating
20. Eating menu item number 6 at Pop Eyes
Very few photographs of Korea trip
Though the Korea trip was so memorable for me, there are very few photographs that I have from the trip. On April 18, 2004, I wrote a blog carrying or not carrying camera on a vacation. My memorable trip to Korea validates what I wrote then.
Although I do not have any snaps of the most memorable places of Korea, I feel don't feel sorry for it at all. Having snaps would have made difference to me. After all what could a photograph capture? Can it capture the freshness of air at Namsangol? Can it capture the serenity of that place? Can it capture the sound of the flowing stream or the chillness of frozen lake? A photograph can capture the crowds of Myeong Dong. But can it capture their hustle and bustle of the place? Can it capture the shouts of the hawkers or the music being played at different shops? Can it capture the smell of the food being sold?
A camera could have captured the decor and the rooms of Han Suites. But could it have told us about the hospitality of the staff? A camera could have captured the whiteness of the snow at Jisan Forest Skiing Resort, but could it have captured the pain in my knees? Could a camera ever capture the kindness and friendliness of the people of Korea?
What then is the use of the camera? After all all these memories are indelibly etched in my brain. A photo album can be lost. Negatives can get spoilt. Hard disk may crash. But the images impressed on my mind will never ever fade. Their freshness will forever be the same. Whenever I think of Korea all the beautiful images come up to mind as if it were yesterday. And I know that all these memories are pleasant because I fought all the daily battles with awesome courage and conviction. That gives me the peace of mind that makes these memories pleasant.
Korea trip anniversary
It's exactly one year since I went to Korea. One year back on this day I had checked-in at Han Suites, with no idea what was in store for me. I went to Korea with no expectations. I went with my mind open to anything that would come my way. As I look back on those phenomenal five-and-half months in Korea, I am filled with immense pride and satisfaction.
When I wrote my good-bye mail at the end of the project, Ms Chanee Park replied, "Suwon was not an ideal place for a foreign consultant to work in. However, you managed yourself so well, and I respect you for that. In addition, you have my respect for your kindness and endurance". Wasn't she writing my mind?!!
About a month back, I met an old acquaintance who had spend a month in Korea. The moment Korea proped in our discussion, he chuckled, "Korea is a deadly place. I was there for a month. I ran away as I quickly as I can!" Such a stark contranst to the way I carried myself in Korea.
I will always have very very inspiring memories of Korea. If I can achieve every day of my life what I did in Korea, I would be very very proud of myself.
I do not know how much I will travel in my life, how many places will I see. But I know one thing for sure. No matter how many places I see, the memories of Korea will forever be fresh in my mind. Not because Korea is a great place, but because when I think of Korea, I am reminded of my own greatness. I beg your pardon for such unabashed haughtiness, which is in contrast to my usual humility and modesty. Yet it's true, if courage has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If perseverance has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If commitmet has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If beauty ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If steadiness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If friendliness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If self-satisfaction has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If triumph has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If achievement has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it.
I am so glad that Korea happened to me!!
Quote for the day
To know a little less and to understand a little more: That, it seems to me, is our greatest need.
--James Ramsey Ullman
--James Ramsey Ullman
Antique Store
If you go to a fashion store and ask, "What's new?", do you go to an antique store and ask, "What's old?"
CPIM Result
Cleared the first two papers of CPIM that I had taken.
Basics of Supply Chain Management: 311/330
Master Planning of Resources: 310/330
:-)
Basics of Supply Chain Management: 311/330
Master Planning of Resources: 310/330
:-)
Compassion
As I think about it, I realise that compassion is a very important virtue that needs to be developed.
My favourite dialogue ...
... from The Bridge on the River Kwai comes from unlikely Major Shears.
"You and Colonel Nicholson, you're two of a kind, crazy with courage. For what? How to die like a gentleman... how to die by the rules... when the only important thing is how to live like a human being".
"You and Colonel Nicholson, you're two of a kind, crazy with courage. For what? How to die like a gentleman... how to die by the rules... when the only important thing is how to live like a human being".
The Shawshank Redemption
Saw The Shawshank Redemption yesterday. And The Bridge on the River Kwai still remains the best English movie I have seen!
Another English movie that has impressed me a lot is Out of Africa. I admired the scenic photography of Africa and the undaunted spirit of one courageous woman.
Another English movie that has impressed me a lot is Out of Africa. I admired the scenic photography of Africa and the undaunted spirit of one courageous woman.
Ginger Tea
Arun Khamesra once asked me whether I ordered tea or coffee when I eat out, and I had answered, "Depends". After complaining that I answered every question with a "depends", he asked me to elaborate on my answer. I explained, "Good tea is better than good coffee, but bad tea is worse than bad coffee." So what I ordered depends on whether I am expecting the place the serve good or bad tea.
I had almost given up drinking tea in office because the tea made out of tea-bags is bad tea. In the new office, however, we have a vending machine that serves out so-called "ready-made" tea, as against "tea-bag tea" that we got in the old office. Not only is it ready-made, it's cardamom tea. Hence I have fallen into habit of regularly drinking in office. And sometimes I am lucky to even get Good-day biscuits along with it [which, if no one's around, I dip in the teacup. yuck if are looking, but yummy to taste! :-)]. Yesterday I was a bit disappointed (and angry) that they had replaced the vendoning machine with a new one that didn't have Cardamom Tea. Today I was relieved to see a chit of paper pasted on one of the options that said "Cardamom Tea". And to my great delight, the one below it said "Ginger Tea"! wow!! That's the ultimate!! I am so glad. Who cares how much I draw at the end of the month?!
I had almost given up drinking tea in office because the tea made out of tea-bags is bad tea. In the new office, however, we have a vending machine that serves out so-called "ready-made" tea, as against "tea-bag tea" that we got in the old office. Not only is it ready-made, it's cardamom tea. Hence I have fallen into habit of regularly drinking in office. And sometimes I am lucky to even get Good-day biscuits along with it [which, if no one's around, I dip in the teacup. yuck if are looking, but yummy to taste! :-)]. Yesterday I was a bit disappointed (and angry) that they had replaced the vendoning machine with a new one that didn't have Cardamom Tea. Today I was relieved to see a chit of paper pasted on one of the options that said "Cardamom Tea". And to my great delight, the one below it said "Ginger Tea"! wow!! That's the ultimate!! I am so glad. Who cares how much I draw at the end of the month?!
Seven days in a train!
From Moscow to Vladivostok, the Rossiya covers more than 9,200 kms in seven days!
"Along the way through Siberia the scenery ranges from mundane to spectacular, but it is always interesting. Like staring at a fire, looking out of a train window can keep one occupied for hours and prove to be very relaxing. The overworked and overstressed members of our modern economy should consider a long train ride as a recuperative experience".
The experience on world's longest train ride should be surely interesting. Though seven days in a train does seem to be intimidating, I think the train would be made comfortable for such a journey, like Palace on Wheels or Deccan Odyssey (not sure whether it is running now).
"Along the way through Siberia the scenery ranges from mundane to spectacular, but it is always interesting. Like staring at a fire, looking out of a train window can keep one occupied for hours and prove to be very relaxing. The overworked and overstressed members of our modern economy should consider a long train ride as a recuperative experience".
The experience on world's longest train ride should be surely interesting. Though seven days in a train does seem to be intimidating, I think the train would be made comfortable for such a journey, like Palace on Wheels or Deccan Odyssey (not sure whether it is running now).
A Knot and a Nautical Mile
1 nautical mile is 1/(60*360) th the circumference of earth at the equator. It is approximately equal to 1.85 kms.
1 knot is the speed of 1 nautical mile per hour.
1 knot is the speed of 1 nautical mile per hour.
Missing company in Bangalore
The only reason I could endure "War of the Worlds" was that I had not seen a movie in a theatre in last six months. I want to go to movies more frequently and but don't have company. On Saturday I forced Sateesh to accompany me, but I won't succeed in that again. I wish Purnima were here. And going to movies is not the only fun thing that we could do together. I love to ramble on weekends. I miss good company. Weekends in Bangalore is an agnoy. More so when you have great company 1,500 kms away.
Khalil Gibran - On Houses
Today is a "floater holiday". I came to office, not to work but to spend time for some other good purpose. And I did spend it well. I read Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" on the Net. I had read it in parts earlier. I had really enjoy his words on children. Never before had I heard more truer words on parenthood and children. I wanted to reproduce those words here, until I read his writing on houses, parts of which I post here.
And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you remembrances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?
Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh. It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.
But you, children of space, you restless in rest, you shall not be trapped nor tamed.
Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.
It shall not be a glistening film that covers a wound, but an eyelid that guards the eye.
You shall not fold your wings that you may pass through doors, nor bend your heads that they strike not against a ceiling, nor fear to breathe lest walls should crack and fall down.
You shall not dwell in tombs made by the dead for the living.
And though of magnificence and splendour, your house shall not hold your secret nor shelter your longing.
For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky, whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the silences of night.
And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you remembrances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?
Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh. It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.
But you, children of space, you restless in rest, you shall not be trapped nor tamed.
Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.
It shall not be a glistening film that covers a wound, but an eyelid that guards the eye.
You shall not fold your wings that you may pass through doors, nor bend your heads that they strike not against a ceiling, nor fear to breathe lest walls should crack and fall down.
You shall not dwell in tombs made by the dead for the living.
And though of magnificence and splendour, your house shall not hold your secret nor shelter your longing.
For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky, whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the silences of night.
The strenght of the tyrant
Praise the strenght of the hand, Purnima, but not one that strangles the throat. Read this and then we'll talk.
A question on macroeconomics
If a country has high per-capita GDP compared to other contries, but does not a comparatively high per-capita income, what can we infer from it?
Labels:
Economics
Stopping at signals
Does one become less restless and impatient if one switches off the engine at the signal?
Materialism
The number of people leading a materialistic life is so large that oftentimes we tend to believe that that is the correct way to live.
Studying
I took the first two papers of CPIM on Saturday. When I started preparing for the exam more than a month ago, I was extremely excited. I was studying for an exam after a long time and it was going to be fun. The course content itself was interesting. However as my study progressed, I began to get bored of it. It was the laziness of using my brain that was the cause of boredom. I was just reading the text like a novel. And soon it became a boring ordeal. I endured it till the day of the exam. The biggest surprise came on the day of the exam. If studying had been difficult, writing the exam was even tougher (and not knowing the answers was only a part of the reason). Just sitting there for three hours and thinking was difficult! I wanted to stop writing, give my answer paper and go out. Of course, I pushed myself to do a fair job of it. (A few times I rested my head on the desk and took short breaks). All in all, the whole episode left a bad taste in my mouth. I had heard people say that it is difficult to study with concentration once one is out of formal educational. And I always belived that that would never ever happen to me. So I am surprised at this. I need to take corrective action. I can't let this happen to me!
Calmness
The less passion there is, the better we work. The calmer we are, the better for us, and the more the amount of work we can do. When we let loose our feelings, we waste so much energy, shatter our nerves, disturb our minds, and accomplish very little work. It is only when the mind is very calm and collected that the whole of its energy is spent in doing good work. And if you read the lives of the great workers, which the world has produced, you will find that they were wonderfully calm men.
- Swami Vivekanand
- Swami Vivekanand
Trusting one's intuition
Rule #15 of Twenty-five things to prove you are a Mumbaikar:
"You are suspicious of strangers who are actually nice to you."
This incident took place a couple of months ago. I was eating bhel in Udipi Park darshini when the guy standing (yes, standing. Well, it's a darshini, if you know what it means) next to me started a conversation with me. We talked for sometime before introducing ourselves to each other. It turned out that his name was also Jayprakash (although spelt slightly differently). It was probably the second time in my life that I had met another Jayprakash. This surprising coincidence let to furthar talk. I think we talked for about ten minutes or so. I observed that he was a very nice guy. Being a hard-core Mumbaikar, my natural reaction was, "He is such a nice guy. What does he want from me?!!" Well, soon we exchanged visiting cards and bid good-byes and said that we should be in touch. Once he was gone, I thought about my reaction and thought that I was just paranoid. There is no reason to distrust someone simply because he is nice to a stranger.
Anyway, that was the end of the matter. Until a few days later, when I got a mail from him saying that there was going to be a business discussion at some place that week and he had invited me to join in. Well, now I smiled to myself! This was not the first time I have received such an invitation. About three years back, I met a couple, who were from Mumbai, at Sri Ganesh Juice Center, Domlur. In our shared joy of meeting someone from Mumbai in Bangalore, we had exchanged telephone numbers and said that we should remain in touch. A few days later, I got a call from the guy. "We are holding a meeting with our friends to discuss some key business ideas. Would you be interested to join in." I was naive at that time and did go to the decided place. I came back a bit enlightened. So this time, I knew what to reply. "Thanks for the invitation. I would surely like to come. However, if it has anything to do with Network Marketing, please let me know. I have attended an Amway presentation once, and I know I am not cut out for it."
I beleive that people are nice. I often meet strangers who are nice people. It's not that that Jaiprakash was a bad person. It's just that his courteousness was for a purpose. And my intuition figured it out correctly. Though I cannot say how. That's why they say, trust your intuition.
"You are suspicious of strangers who are actually nice to you."
This incident took place a couple of months ago. I was eating bhel in Udipi Park darshini when the guy standing (yes, standing. Well, it's a darshini, if you know what it means) next to me started a conversation with me. We talked for sometime before introducing ourselves to each other. It turned out that his name was also Jayprakash (although spelt slightly differently). It was probably the second time in my life that I had met another Jayprakash. This surprising coincidence let to furthar talk. I think we talked for about ten minutes or so. I observed that he was a very nice guy. Being a hard-core Mumbaikar, my natural reaction was, "He is such a nice guy. What does he want from me?!!" Well, soon we exchanged visiting cards and bid good-byes and said that we should be in touch. Once he was gone, I thought about my reaction and thought that I was just paranoid. There is no reason to distrust someone simply because he is nice to a stranger.
Anyway, that was the end of the matter. Until a few days later, when I got a mail from him saying that there was going to be a business discussion at some place that week and he had invited me to join in. Well, now I smiled to myself! This was not the first time I have received such an invitation. About three years back, I met a couple, who were from Mumbai, at Sri Ganesh Juice Center, Domlur. In our shared joy of meeting someone from Mumbai in Bangalore, we had exchanged telephone numbers and said that we should remain in touch. A few days later, I got a call from the guy. "We are holding a meeting with our friends to discuss some key business ideas. Would you be interested to join in." I was naive at that time and did go to the decided place. I came back a bit enlightened. So this time, I knew what to reply. "Thanks for the invitation. I would surely like to come. However, if it has anything to do with Network Marketing, please let me know. I have attended an Amway presentation once, and I know I am not cut out for it."
I beleive that people are nice. I often meet strangers who are nice people. It's not that that Jaiprakash was a bad person. It's just that his courteousness was for a purpose. And my intuition figured it out correctly. Though I cannot say how. That's why they say, trust your intuition.
Surviving Bangalore
To survive in any place, you need to learn something unique about that place. I have seen people quit Mumbai simply because they never learnt how to board crowded trains. There being no trains in Bangalore, you need something different to survive in Bangalore. People from north who have never been in Bangalore are mistaken to believe that one needs to learn Kannada to survive here. If you are one of them, you would be surprised to know that there are people who have lived in Bangalore for forty years and can't speak a single sentence in Kannada. What you need to know to survive in Bangalore is how to deal with auto drivers.
Coming back to Bangalore after a gap of two-and-half years, I was extremely frustrated at the daily altercations with auto drivers. Arguing with an auto driver was a very bad way to begin each workday. So I gave some thought to the matter, did some experimentation and came with guiding principles for dealing with these thugs. Here's how to go about dealing with an auto driver in Bangalore:
Stand at the edge of the road and wave your hand gently when you see an empty auto coming by. I say gently. Do not wave frantically. You have to cast an impression that it is too much of a pain and it is really not worth lifting your hand to stop an auto. You have to be poker-faced. Do not be overjoyed at the sight of the auto. Well, if you keep in mind what is in store you surely won't be overjoyed at the sight of an auto anyway.
If he is a typical Bangalore auto driver, he would not care to park at the edge of the road. He would stop the auto in the middle of the road, a couple meters in front of you. Do not walk towards him. From the distance, shout where you want to go. If you force yourself to stand at a distance, there is a natural tendency of the body to lean in the direction. Be aware of it. Do not lean in the direction of the auto. Stand erect. Tell him where you want to go. Important, do not eagerly wait for his reply. In fact, the moment you tell him where you want to go, you should start looking eagerly towards the auto that's coming from behind. When the auto driver demands double the meter amount, say a very curt "no". Don't even care to look at him. Take a few steps towards the auto that's coming from behind. When you have done all this, be assured that now you are entering negotiations from a position of equal footing. Now, for the first time, look at him directly, but do not say anything. Let him make an offer. Your body language should tell him that this is his last chance. Either he makes a reasonable offer or you are going to say, "get lost".
If he makes some reasonable offer, just nod your head and enter the auto. If it is just more what you are willing to give, firmly tell him what he can expect. Most likely, he would accept. If he doesn't, do not argue any further. Instead, start walking towards the auto that's just stopped behind. He will frantically make some counter-offers. Do not accept anything other than what you offered him. Be firm. Again, walking eagerly towards the auto that's coming from behind helps. If it doesn't help, don't care to cast another look at the auto you have rejected. Resolutely walk away and let him drive away. Rest assured that there is an auto coming from behind.
Try this out. If you do it correctly, 90% of the time, one out of first three auto drivers would take you to your desired destination at a fare you set. It is tested and proven technique. Money back guarantee!!
Coming back to Bangalore after a gap of two-and-half years, I was extremely frustrated at the daily altercations with auto drivers. Arguing with an auto driver was a very bad way to begin each workday. So I gave some thought to the matter, did some experimentation and came with guiding principles for dealing with these thugs. Here's how to go about dealing with an auto driver in Bangalore:
Stand at the edge of the road and wave your hand gently when you see an empty auto coming by. I say gently. Do not wave frantically. You have to cast an impression that it is too much of a pain and it is really not worth lifting your hand to stop an auto. You have to be poker-faced. Do not be overjoyed at the sight of the auto. Well, if you keep in mind what is in store you surely won't be overjoyed at the sight of an auto anyway.
If he is a typical Bangalore auto driver, he would not care to park at the edge of the road. He would stop the auto in the middle of the road, a couple meters in front of you. Do not walk towards him. From the distance, shout where you want to go. If you force yourself to stand at a distance, there is a natural tendency of the body to lean in the direction. Be aware of it. Do not lean in the direction of the auto. Stand erect. Tell him where you want to go. Important, do not eagerly wait for his reply. In fact, the moment you tell him where you want to go, you should start looking eagerly towards the auto that's coming from behind. When the auto driver demands double the meter amount, say a very curt "no". Don't even care to look at him. Take a few steps towards the auto that's coming from behind. When you have done all this, be assured that now you are entering negotiations from a position of equal footing. Now, for the first time, look at him directly, but do not say anything. Let him make an offer. Your body language should tell him that this is his last chance. Either he makes a reasonable offer or you are going to say, "get lost".
If he makes some reasonable offer, just nod your head and enter the auto. If it is just more what you are willing to give, firmly tell him what he can expect. Most likely, he would accept. If he doesn't, do not argue any further. Instead, start walking towards the auto that's just stopped behind. He will frantically make some counter-offers. Do not accept anything other than what you offered him. Be firm. Again, walking eagerly towards the auto that's coming from behind helps. If it doesn't help, don't care to cast another look at the auto you have rejected. Resolutely walk away and let him drive away. Rest assured that there is an auto coming from behind.
Try this out. If you do it correctly, 90% of the time, one out of first three auto drivers would take you to your desired destination at a fare you set. It is tested and proven technique. Money back guarantee!!
I opened blogger to write a blog but didn't have anything to write. That's when I stumbled upon this excllent article Communal truth, secular lies by Kanchan Gupta. So often it has been repeated that communal violence in Gujarat was 'the worst in modern Indian history' that everyone (in India and abroad) has come to believe it. So it's imperative for everyone to know the facts; facts that are conviniently left unmentioned. Let me put a few sentences for the article as bullet points:
* 254 Hindus and 790 Muslims were killed in the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat
* These figures are not reflected in the propagandist pronouncements of those who claim to champion the cause of India's Muslims.
* More often than not we come across claims of 'thousands of Muslims butchered by Hindu fanatics in Narendra Modi's Gujarat.' This is a lie that has been repeated ad nauseam.
* It has been repeated the most by India's Marxists who subscribe to the Goebbelsian tactic of repeating a lie till in the popular perception it comes to be identified as the truth.
* The anti-Sikh pogrom that followed Indira Gandhi's assassination is not even talked about any more: More than 4,000 Sikhs were murdered
All will agree that no man should ever be killed, neither a Muslim, nor a Hindu, nor belonging to any other religion. Unfortunately in India, lives of Hindus (or Sikhs) have no value. Attacks on Hindus are not reported by the media, while attacks on Muslims are exaggerated a thousand times. If you say that the latter is okay, it's not!
* 254 Hindus and 790 Muslims were killed in the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat
* These figures are not reflected in the propagandist pronouncements of those who claim to champion the cause of India's Muslims.
* More often than not we come across claims of 'thousands of Muslims butchered by Hindu fanatics in Narendra Modi's Gujarat.' This is a lie that has been repeated ad nauseam.
* It has been repeated the most by India's Marxists who subscribe to the Goebbelsian tactic of repeating a lie till in the popular perception it comes to be identified as the truth.
* The anti-Sikh pogrom that followed Indira Gandhi's assassination is not even talked about any more: More than 4,000 Sikhs were murdered
All will agree that no man should ever be killed, neither a Muslim, nor a Hindu, nor belonging to any other religion. Unfortunately in India, lives of Hindus (or Sikhs) have no value. Attacks on Hindus are not reported by the media, while attacks on Muslims are exaggerated a thousand times. If you say that the latter is okay, it's not!
HRD Minister Arjun Singh who took up the task of "de-communalising" syllabi with much fervour last year has now decided that that fifty percent seats in AMU should be reserved for Muslims. Ram Vilas Paswan, another self-declared champion of Indian Secularism (is there any dearth of such guys?), sank his own boat by stubbornly demanding that only a Muslim should become the next CM of Bihar. If these are not instances of gross communalism, then what else do we call them?
For some strange reason I have never understood this animal (or shall I call it a serpent?) called Indian Secularism. May be I am just not good enough at logic.
For some strange reason I have never understood this animal (or shall I call it a serpent?) called Indian Secularism. May be I am just not good enough at logic.
Horse-trading of better type?
Hearing Manmohan Singh justify the decision of dissolution of Bihar assembly as "done to stop horse-trading of the worst type", one would be curious to know what in his opinion is horse-trading of better type? Although Manmohan Singh, being a man of some dignity, may refrain from answering such a question, many within his party would be audacious enough to say that it is what they achieved in Goa.
Hearing Manmohan Singh justify the decision of dissolution of Bihar assembly as "done to stop horse-trading of the worst type", one would be curious to know what in his opinion is horse-trading of better type? Although Manmohan Singh, being a man of some dignity, may refrain from answering such a question, many within his party would be audacious enough to say that it is what they achieved in Goa.
A wise extract from "Three Men in a Boat"
“You know, we are on the wrong track altogether. We must not think of the things we could do with, but only of things we can’t do without.”
George comes out really quite sensible at times. You’d be surprised. I call that downright wisdom, not merely as regards the present case, but with reference to our trip up the river of life generally. How many people, on the voyage, load up the boat till it is ever in danger of swamping with a store of foolish things which they think essential to the pleasure and comfort of the trip, but which are really only useless lumber.
How they pile the poor little craft mast-high with fine clothes and big houses; with useless servants, and a host of swell friends that do not care twopence for them, and that they do not care three hal’pence for; with expensive entertainments that nobody enjoys, with formalities and fashions, with pretence and ostentation, and with – oh, heaviest, maddest lumber of all! – the dread of what will my neighbour think, with luxuries that only cloy, with pleasures that bore, with empty show that, like the criminal’s iron crown of yore, makes to bleed and swoon the aching head that wears it!
It is lumber, man – all lumber! Throw it overboard. It makes the boat so heavy to pull, you nearly faint at the oars. It makes it so cumbersome and dangerous to manage, you never know a moment’s freedom from anxiety and care, never gain a moment’s rest for dreamy laziness – no time to watch the windy shadows skimming lightly o’er the shallows, or the glittering sunbeams flitting in and out among the ripples, or the great trees by the margin looking down at lilies white and yellow, or the somber-waving rushes, or the sedges, or the orchis, or the blue forget-me-nots.
Throw the lumber over, man! Let you boat of life be light, packed with only what you need – a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.
You will find the boat easier to pull then, and it will not be so liable to upset, and it will not matter so much if it does upset; good, plain merchandise will stand water. You will have time to think as well as to work. Time to drink in life’s sunshine – time to listen to the Aeolian music that the wind of God draws from the human heart-strings around us.
“You know, we are on the wrong track altogether. We must not think of the things we could do with, but only of things we can’t do without.”
George comes out really quite sensible at times. You’d be surprised. I call that downright wisdom, not merely as regards the present case, but with reference to our trip up the river of life generally. How many people, on the voyage, load up the boat till it is ever in danger of swamping with a store of foolish things which they think essential to the pleasure and comfort of the trip, but which are really only useless lumber.
How they pile the poor little craft mast-high with fine clothes and big houses; with useless servants, and a host of swell friends that do not care twopence for them, and that they do not care three hal’pence for; with expensive entertainments that nobody enjoys, with formalities and fashions, with pretence and ostentation, and with – oh, heaviest, maddest lumber of all! – the dread of what will my neighbour think, with luxuries that only cloy, with pleasures that bore, with empty show that, like the criminal’s iron crown of yore, makes to bleed and swoon the aching head that wears it!
It is lumber, man – all lumber! Throw it overboard. It makes the boat so heavy to pull, you nearly faint at the oars. It makes it so cumbersome and dangerous to manage, you never know a moment’s freedom from anxiety and care, never gain a moment’s rest for dreamy laziness – no time to watch the windy shadows skimming lightly o’er the shallows, or the glittering sunbeams flitting in and out among the ripples, or the great trees by the margin looking down at lilies white and yellow, or the somber-waving rushes, or the sedges, or the orchis, or the blue forget-me-nots.
Throw the lumber over, man! Let you boat of life be light, packed with only what you need – a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.
You will find the boat easier to pull then, and it will not be so liable to upset, and it will not matter so much if it does upset; good, plain merchandise will stand water. You will have time to think as well as to work. Time to drink in life’s sunshine – time to listen to the Aeolian music that the wind of God draws from the human heart-strings around us.
How can you come to know yourself? Never by thinking; always by doing. Try to do your duty, and you'll know right away what you amount to. And what is your duty? Whatever the day calls for.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
Poet and philosopher
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
Poet and philosopher
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Quotation
I wanted never to come back. I was sitting on the top of a hill in the shade of a large rock. The strong wind was bringing with it rain so light that the drops would evaporate the moment they hit the ground. But it was enough to make the rocks cooler. In front of me lay green fields for miles, dotted by clusters of shacks in-between. Coconut trees waved idyllicaly in the carefree wind. Whenever the wind slowed I could hear the hum of Kannada bhajans played at the temple below.
I wanted never to come back. I was in Tumkur, Satman's home-town. Rather, not Tumkur, but Kyatsandra, a small place about 6 kms from Tumkur. I had never expected to see such a beautifully serene place. So away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We need such an occassional break to lift our spirits, to get poison of city life out of our system.
I wanted never to come back. Or atleast, stay longer, if that were possible. But we had to catch the train. Good that we decided to take the train instead of the bus. It provided some compensation for not staying longer. I laid a newspaper on the floor near the door and sat down on it, my feet resting on the staircase outside the door. The cool breeze of the night was exhalting and invigorating. The voice of the engine and the clatter of the wheels, like always, were music to me. I love travelling in through trains in second class compartments. It is these simple joys of life that cherish our souls, that make this journey worth it all. Unfortunately, we city folks seem to be forgetting these joys of life. Roaming in air-conditioned shopping malls on weekends seems to have become a habit with us. That's what we call recreation. How ridiculous it seemed to me yesterday!
I wanted never to come back. I was in Tumkur, Satman's home-town. Rather, not Tumkur, but Kyatsandra, a small place about 6 kms from Tumkur. I had never expected to see such a beautifully serene place. So away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We need such an occassional break to lift our spirits, to get poison of city life out of our system.
I wanted never to come back. Or atleast, stay longer, if that were possible. But we had to catch the train. Good that we decided to take the train instead of the bus. It provided some compensation for not staying longer. I laid a newspaper on the floor near the door and sat down on it, my feet resting on the staircase outside the door. The cool breeze of the night was exhalting and invigorating. The voice of the engine and the clatter of the wheels, like always, were music to me. I love travelling in through trains in second class compartments. It is these simple joys of life that cherish our souls, that make this journey worth it all. Unfortunately, we city folks seem to be forgetting these joys of life. Roaming in air-conditioned shopping malls on weekends seems to have become a habit with us. That's what we call recreation. How ridiculous it seemed to me yesterday!
I have now accepted the fact that I can remember only those things that I have written down somewhere. And I don't feel ashamed of it at all. The ability to remember anything and everything I come across, that I valued so much (and cultivated with a great degree of success) when I was fourteen, is not something that I strive to regain. On the contrary, my efforts are to ensure that I have at hand, written down someplace, every piece of information that I need. Hence you would find post-its in my house, which show me which is the "off" position for the gas cylinder knob, or remind me to switch of the heater when I leave my home.
On my laptop you shouldn't be surprised to find files titled something like "How To Start ReflectionX.txt" or "Time Difference between India and Dallas.txt"!! I don't want waste my time thinking about these things every time I need them. Only important thing when writing down such things is that you should be able to find it very quickly when you need it. And that calls for good organising.
As I grow older (!) I realise more and more the extreme importance of being well-organised. Today, that is the most important quality that I want to develop. It's not just about these tiny tit-bits of tasks, but it's about all activities in my day-to-day life - all activities in my professional life, and all activities in my personal life. I want to be extremely orgainsed about the way I work and the way I live.
I have implemented a Task List system at work with fair degree of success. Every morning before I begin any work, I list down all the tasks I have to do in the day. I spend some time to ponder on the details of each task. I also write down the time it would take for each task and when I want to do it. It has surely helped me. Now I want to improve it.
Speak of effectiveness reminds me of something I wrote long time back about being effective at workplace.
Now, I don't just want to be well-organised at work. I want to be well-organised in all the activities I do. I must come up with a plan. I have time at hand tomorrow and the day-after. It's a good time to think. I haven't doen any real thinking in a long time. Next two days will be perfect. Why wait till tomorrow? I should start it right away. It's quarter-to-five now. I think I should go home early today! ;-)
On my laptop you shouldn't be surprised to find files titled something like "How To Start ReflectionX.txt" or "Time Difference between India and Dallas.txt"!! I don't want waste my time thinking about these things every time I need them. Only important thing when writing down such things is that you should be able to find it very quickly when you need it. And that calls for good organising.
As I grow older (!) I realise more and more the extreme importance of being well-organised. Today, that is the most important quality that I want to develop. It's not just about these tiny tit-bits of tasks, but it's about all activities in my day-to-day life - all activities in my professional life, and all activities in my personal life. I want to be extremely orgainsed about the way I work and the way I live.
I have implemented a Task List system at work with fair degree of success. Every morning before I begin any work, I list down all the tasks I have to do in the day. I spend some time to ponder on the details of each task. I also write down the time it would take for each task and when I want to do it. It has surely helped me. Now I want to improve it.
Speak of effectiveness reminds me of something I wrote long time back about being effective at workplace.
Now, I don't just want to be well-organised at work. I want to be well-organised in all the activities I do. I must come up with a plan. I have time at hand tomorrow and the day-after. It's a good time to think. I haven't doen any real thinking in a long time. Next two days will be perfect. Why wait till tomorrow? I should start it right away. It's quarter-to-five now. I think I should go home early today! ;-)
Have you ever woken up after a four-hour sleep, fresh as a new leaf? Have you ever woken up from a ten-hour slumber, more tired than you were before you went to bed? I don't know why it happens, but there seems to be no relation between amount of sleep and how fresh we feel when we get up. Some days you get up enthused and some days you are half alseep even after having enough sleep and a good work-out.
I have often wondered what are the factors that influence quality of sleep. Is it the posture? Is it our breathing pattern? Is it the room temperature? Is it the amount of fresh air in the room? Is it the thoughts that we have just before we fall asleep - how relaxed or distured we were when we fell asleep? What is it that leads to refreshing sleep? I need to know it. As I rarely get eight hours of sleep everyday, I need to know how to compensate quantity by good quality. I need to experiment and find out answers to these questions.
I have often wondered what are the factors that influence quality of sleep. Is it the posture? Is it our breathing pattern? Is it the room temperature? Is it the amount of fresh air in the room? Is it the thoughts that we have just before we fall asleep - how relaxed or distured we were when we fell asleep? What is it that leads to refreshing sleep? I need to know it. As I rarely get eight hours of sleep everyday, I need to know how to compensate quantity by good quality. I need to experiment and find out answers to these questions.
I don't know how to deal with these bloody cell phone companies. Few hours back I got a call from an Airtel customer "care" executive saying that I need to make payment for an "unbilled amount" (amount that will appear in my next month's bill) by tomorrow or else my outgoing calls will be disabled. Now, all my outgoing calls have been barred! And I am told that their systems are down so they can't do anything about it.
I have spoken to three duffers in the last few days, who have failed to explain me the previous month's bill. The Check Bill option on Airtel's website always returns "Error 404 - Page Not Found". What the hell is this!
I wish I were in US ... where gun licenses are easy to obtain.
I have spoken to three duffers in the last few days, who have failed to explain me the previous month's bill. The Check Bill option on Airtel's website always returns "Error 404 - Page Not Found". What the hell is this!
I wish I were in US ... where gun licenses are easy to obtain.
It is for the first time in ten years that Maharashtra goverment has presented a surplus budget. It even promises huge funds to the tune of Rs.15 billion for the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar road link project and Rs.19.06 billion for the Bandra-Worli sea link scheme.
One thing one would like to see is concrete steps towards Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar metro link.
One thing one would like to see is concrete steps towards Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar metro link.
I haven't blogged in a long time. Somehow I didn't feel like writing anything. However, now I would like to write about yesterday evening.
Jitu is here in Bangalore on a two-day business trip. Met him at Food World yesterday evening, and then we sat for a long time at Coffee Day. It was great talking to him after a long long time. I have met him not more than a couple of times in last four years or so (how fast time flies!). Even when we met, it was always along with other guys of the group, Rampu, kamiya (not the real one), et al. So there was more of bhankas than any sensible talk. So it was great to talk so many things with Jitu after so many years. There have been new developments in our lives that we were glad to share. Well, there was one really sad thing that he told me about, but I would skip that for the moment. Meeting old friends is a pleasantly different experience!
After a long chat shopped for some sandlewood at Cauvery and then went from shop to shop in search of Haire cell phone. Apparently, it isn't yet available in Bangalore. Finally we had wonderful dinner of appams and some keralite onion preparation. What spoiled the mood after such a wonderful meal was a bill fraud.
The buggers had charged forty ruppees extra in the bill. I can forgive this mistake once, but when it happened twice is as many visits, I smelt rat, that it's happening on purpose. So many customers pay their bills without checking it well. I too do the same most of the time. On my complaint, they tried the second trick - reduce forty ruppees from the final bill amount ... the sales tax being calculated on the same inflated bill value. Again the same trick that they had played on Saturday. This really infuriated me and I let it known to them.
One thing that Jitu regretted a lot was forgetting his digital camera in the hotel. It was a good occasion to take a few snaps. Ten years from now we could have been sitting looking at the snaps over a cup of tea and remembering these wonderful days and the wonderful evening that we had. If only.
Jitu is here in Bangalore on a two-day business trip. Met him at Food World yesterday evening, and then we sat for a long time at Coffee Day. It was great talking to him after a long long time. I have met him not more than a couple of times in last four years or so (how fast time flies!). Even when we met, it was always along with other guys of the group, Rampu, kamiya (not the real one), et al. So there was more of bhankas than any sensible talk. So it was great to talk so many things with Jitu after so many years. There have been new developments in our lives that we were glad to share. Well, there was one really sad thing that he told me about, but I would skip that for the moment. Meeting old friends is a pleasantly different experience!
After a long chat shopped for some sandlewood at Cauvery and then went from shop to shop in search of Haire cell phone. Apparently, it isn't yet available in Bangalore. Finally we had wonderful dinner of appams and some keralite onion preparation. What spoiled the mood after such a wonderful meal was a bill fraud.
The buggers had charged forty ruppees extra in the bill. I can forgive this mistake once, but when it happened twice is as many visits, I smelt rat, that it's happening on purpose. So many customers pay their bills without checking it well. I too do the same most of the time. On my complaint, they tried the second trick - reduce forty ruppees from the final bill amount ... the sales tax being calculated on the same inflated bill value. Again the same trick that they had played on Saturday. This really infuriated me and I let it known to them.
One thing that Jitu regretted a lot was forgetting his digital camera in the hotel. It was a good occasion to take a few snaps. Ten years from now we could have been sitting looking at the snaps over a cup of tea and remembering these wonderful days and the wonderful evening that we had. If only.
A bilingual experiment
Standard II students of Holy Family School in Andheri learn History and Geography in Marathi, and Maths and Science in English. Principal says it’s the perfect solution to the language crisis.
The 10 largest cities of the world as per recent U.N. Economic and Social Council report:
| 1. | Tokyo | 3.53 crores | |
| 2. | Mexico City | 1.92 crores | |
| 3. | New York-Newark | 1.85 crores | |
| 4. | Mumbai | 1.83 crores | |
| 5. | Sao Paulo | 1.83 crores | |
| 6. | New Delhi | 1.53 crores | |
| 7. | Calcutta | 1.43 crores | |
| 8. | Buenos Aires | 1.33 crores | |
| 9. | Jakarta | 1.32 crores | |
| 10. | Shanghai | 1.27 crores |
Spent a day in Bangalore and a lot of things to write about. Let me begin by telling what happens when one goes to one's office after a gap of six months.
I had woken up at 3:30 a.m. in the morning. The cab arrived as scheduled at 4 a.m. By 5 a.m. I was at airport and at 5:15 I had checked in. The flight was at 6:15 a.m. At 8 a.m. Sateesh picked me up at Bangalore airport and I a short while later at his house. So at 10 a.m. I was quite satisfied that everything had gone as per schedule and I am reaching office on time.
When I pressed the for 5th floor button in the elevator, an i2 office boy standing next to me was surpirsed.
Office Boy: There is no one on 5th floor, sir.
Me: Why?
OB: Everybody has shifted to the new office.
Me: No problem, I'll go to the 4th floor office.
OB: No sir, there is no one on 4th floor also.
Me: Oh! Is the office empty?
OB: Yes sir.
Me: Fine. I will do some work there.
OB: There is no network connection sir. Can you work without that?
Me: Of course not. Can I atleast make some telephone calls?
OB: Local calls or STD calls?
Me: STD calls.
OB: No sir, STD connection has been removed.
Me: If you tell me how to go to the new office, I'll go there and work.
OB: Network is not yet installed in the new office.
Me: Then how is everybody working today?
OB: Nobody is working today sir. Today is a holiday!!
I had woken up at 3:30 a.m. in the morning. The cab arrived as scheduled at 4 a.m. By 5 a.m. I was at airport and at 5:15 I had checked in. The flight was at 6:15 a.m. At 8 a.m. Sateesh picked me up at Bangalore airport and I a short while later at his house. So at 10 a.m. I was quite satisfied that everything had gone as per schedule and I am reaching office on time.
When I pressed the for 5th floor button in the elevator, an i2 office boy standing next to me was surpirsed.
Office Boy: There is no one on 5th floor, sir.
Me: Why?
OB: Everybody has shifted to the new office.
Me: No problem, I'll go to the 4th floor office.
OB: No sir, there is no one on 4th floor also.
Me: Oh! Is the office empty?
OB: Yes sir.
Me: Fine. I will do some work there.
OB: There is no network connection sir. Can you work without that?
Me: Of course not. Can I atleast make some telephone calls?
OB: Local calls or STD calls?
Me: STD calls.
OB: No sir, STD connection has been removed.
Me: If you tell me how to go to the new office, I'll go there and work.
OB: Network is not yet installed in the new office.
Me: Then how is everybody working today?
OB: Nobody is working today sir. Today is a holiday!!
Some excerpts from News From India: The War Against Hinduism by Stephen Knapp
" ... Some of the tactics that the Christian missionaries have used to help make converts is to offer cheap polyester pants to the tribals of the Northeast if they become Christian, or even offer motor bicycles if they help convert their brothers, which also means their wives and family. In Madhya Pradesh, as noted in the Neogy Report, the missionaries give small loans on interest to the tribals, who cannot pay back such loans easily. However, if they become Christian, then such loans and the interest are dismissed. This is what goes on in the democracy of India, and under the tolerance of the Hindus, while if one such incidence would ever occur in a Muslim country, the result would be an immediate expulsion of the missionary from that nation."
"Another trick that has been done is that missionaries, while treating the sick, will give medicine of no value and ask the tribal to take it while offering prayers to his local deity. Naturally, no cure of disease is likely to occur with the useless medicine. Then the missionary gives the tribal real medicine and asks the tribal to take it while offering prayers to Jesus. Then when there is a recovery, it is attributed to the power of Christ and not to the medicine. Such conversion activities take place these days more often in the tribal areas under the guise of social service. However, true social service should be done without expecting anything in return, including conversion."
"Another thing that takes place is mass healings at meetings similar to revivals. What they do is pay people to attend the healings portraying themselves as being sick, or invalids on crutches, etc., who then get called up and are miraculously cured of their disease. This is attributed to the power of Christ, which then convinces many tribals that they too can benefit in various ways if they become Christian..."
" ... Some of the tactics that the Christian missionaries have used to help make converts is to offer cheap polyester pants to the tribals of the Northeast if they become Christian, or even offer motor bicycles if they help convert their brothers, which also means their wives and family. In Madhya Pradesh, as noted in the Neogy Report, the missionaries give small loans on interest to the tribals, who cannot pay back such loans easily. However, if they become Christian, then such loans and the interest are dismissed. This is what goes on in the democracy of India, and under the tolerance of the Hindus, while if one such incidence would ever occur in a Muslim country, the result would be an immediate expulsion of the missionary from that nation."
"Another trick that has been done is that missionaries, while treating the sick, will give medicine of no value and ask the tribal to take it while offering prayers to his local deity. Naturally, no cure of disease is likely to occur with the useless medicine. Then the missionary gives the tribal real medicine and asks the tribal to take it while offering prayers to Jesus. Then when there is a recovery, it is attributed to the power of Christ and not to the medicine. Such conversion activities take place these days more often in the tribal areas under the guise of social service. However, true social service should be done without expecting anything in return, including conversion."
"Another thing that takes place is mass healings at meetings similar to revivals. What they do is pay people to attend the healings portraying themselves as being sick, or invalids on crutches, etc., who then get called up and are miraculously cured of their disease. This is attributed to the power of Christ, which then convinces many tribals that they too can benefit in various ways if they become Christian..."
When Adhip asked me about a month back, which site do I check for Mumbai news, I had no answer. Later I typed "Mumbai news" in the Google toolbar and came across two good web sites:
www.mumbainews.com
www.mumbainews.net
Both the sites contain news not only about Mumbai, but all of India, and even international news. Surprisingly I had never heard of the sites before. I think I should check these more frequently, along with rediff and samachar.com.
www.mumbainews.com
www.mumbainews.net
Both the sites contain news not only about Mumbai, but all of India, and even international news. Surprisingly I had never heard of the sites before. I think I should check these more frequently, along with rediff and samachar.com.
Finally everything ended well. I took the flight back to Mumbai Sunday morning and reached home Sunday night. What were my feelings as I left Korea? There must have been a sense of achievement as I walked from SDI plant to SEC bus stand for the last time on Friday afternoon. There must have been a sense of satisfaction as I sent my last good-bye mail.
Surely there must have been nostalgia as I strolled in Namsangol, the most peaceful place in Seoul, for the last time. I remembered the time when I sat there several months ago on one of the rocks with some print-outs in my hand. I remembered the time I had seen traditional Korean dance during Choo Suk. My visit along with Adhip and Tarun. The frozen lake reminded me of something.
I wonder what were my feelings as I walked down the narrow lanes of Namdaemun market with Lalit, for last minute shopping on Saturday night. As I wished good-bye to the staff of Han Suites I must have felt a tinge of sadness. And as I travelled by the Subway, that I had fallen in love with, I don't know how much I thought I am going to miss it.
Because all nostalgia, sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and every other feeling were eclipsed by a feeling of incomparable fatigue. It will take some more time to realise and analyse all the happenings of last four weeks. I want to sleep well for once and get rid of all the tiredness. I hope the long leave will help me back to normal.
Surely there must have been nostalgia as I strolled in Namsangol, the most peaceful place in Seoul, for the last time. I remembered the time when I sat there several months ago on one of the rocks with some print-outs in my hand. I remembered the time I had seen traditional Korean dance during Choo Suk. My visit along with Adhip and Tarun. The frozen lake reminded me of something.
I wonder what were my feelings as I walked down the narrow lanes of Namdaemun market with Lalit, for last minute shopping on Saturday night. As I wished good-bye to the staff of Han Suites I must have felt a tinge of sadness. And as I travelled by the Subway, that I had fallen in love with, I don't know how much I thought I am going to miss it.
Because all nostalgia, sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and every other feeling were eclipsed by a feeling of incomparable fatigue. It will take some more time to realise and analyse all the happenings of last four weeks. I want to sleep well for once and get rid of all the tiredness. I hope the long leave will help me back to normal.
Today I saw the movie Alexander. The battle scenes are shot well, especially the conquest of Babylon. However, it's a three-hour long movie that oftentimes seems like some documentry on Alexander's life rather than a movie. There are two things that one realizes on seeing the movie. First is Alexander's unprecedented military success. The second is his failure of conquest of India.
It was India that first broke the will of his army and then Alexander's own will to fight. For the first time Alexander's forces were opposed by armies mounted on twenty-feet tall elephants that instilled mortal fear in them. Alexander tried hard to motivate them, but after bloody battles in dense and trecherous forests, his own resolve weakened. He gave up his dream of conquering the world and declared, "We will not go futher. We will go back all the way to Macedonia".
The movie tells us that it was only India that he failed to conquer. Unfortunately we are not told the story this way. We are only taught about Alexander's victory over King Puru (or Porus as the Greeks called him). We consider Alexander as our conquerer. Because Indian history is written by people who have no pride in this great nation and her achievements. That is why we are not told to be proud of Alexander's failure to conquer India and Chandragupta Maurya's subsequent unification of our country from Khadahar to Bengal.
It was India that first broke the will of his army and then Alexander's own will to fight. For the first time Alexander's forces were opposed by armies mounted on twenty-feet tall elephants that instilled mortal fear in them. Alexander tried hard to motivate them, but after bloody battles in dense and trecherous forests, his own resolve weakened. He gave up his dream of conquering the world and declared, "We will not go futher. We will go back all the way to Macedonia".
The movie tells us that it was only India that he failed to conquer. Unfortunately we are not told the story this way. We are only taught about Alexander's victory over King Puru (or Porus as the Greeks called him). We consider Alexander as our conquerer. Because Indian history is written by people who have no pride in this great nation and her achievements. That is why we are not told to be proud of Alexander's failure to conquer India and Chandragupta Maurya's subsequent unification of our country from Khadahar to Bengal.
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