Finally read the controversial novel 'Lajja' by Taslima Nasrin. Thank you to Minu Mani. Had been waiting to get hold of this book since so long. Quite often had asked my LIC madam Sara Jalal on what was it about, so also had been hearing about this from so many - especially Praseed. It is a savage indictment of religious extremism and man's inhumanity to man.
'Let Another Name for Religion be Humanism....It is one of the greatest frauds on the people to suggest that religious affinity can unite areas which are geographically, economically, linguistically and culturally different...'
After 1947, for 24 yrs those who promoted the idea of imperialism, clamoured for the propagation of their religion, the denuniciation of India and the perpetuation of communalism, thereby depriving the citizens of Bangladesh of their democratic rights. In 1971 when their nationalism was born, the heritage of the Bengalis, which was more than a 1000 years old, had been wiped out in favour of what was known as the Bangladeshi spirit. After 1975 communalism was reborn. So also fanaticism, malice and despotism.
The damage was done way back in 1947...millions of hindu refugees from east pakistan which was the then east bengal were hounded out by the muslim fanatics...from then onwards bengal economy faced a blow....This became stronger when one Babri Masjid was brought down in Ayodhya on 6th December 1992. The world condemns this incident - but 1000's of temples broken, hindu houses looted in the Muslim countries are never brought into limelight. What is secularisam? Do religion ask people to fight in it's name?
Translated from Bengali by Tutul Gupta - the book tells about these through the stroy of a hindu family - The Duttas- in Bangladesh; who for the love of their motherland did not want to fled into India - but was treated brutally there by Muslim fundmentalists, and their world begins to fall apart.
Unremittingly dark and menacing, the novel exposes the mindless bloodthirstiness of fundamentalism and captures the insanity of violence in our time. Just reiterating 'Violence bigots violence and infliction of death in turn leads into deaths door.’ or does it say that love for motherland is a waste?
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo! - Part 2
Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo, Asee nabe pure sau, Sau se nikla raja chor pakadke bhaga!
Why Part 2? Because after my 3rd and my sister's 1st standard we moved from Kalayan East to Kalyan West. This town was bigger and we changed school too. Our new school - Holy Cross Convent was closer to our home - Jairam Apartment - both at karnik road. We had to undergo written test to get the admission - and though difficult we wanted to be in Holy Cross and not Old Lourdes because the school had playground with slides and sea-saw! My parents wanted us to get admission there as it was the best school around! As we grew up, it was fun and interesting to speak of and have rivalry between both schools - 'Jo Jeetha wahi sikhandar type' - Ours being Girls only school and theirs mixed,things were interesting.
New school and new friends when in 4th and my first friend there was Saritha Naik, who helped me complete Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo today after nearly 30 years in Facebook...Not sure if she remembers that. As we moved to secondary school Saritha went to different class and Juhi joined. Also there was Smitha whose sister Rakhee was in the same standard as my sister. So untill Smitha moved to Thane she was my best friend and then Juhi. Loved the visits between our houses, combined studies and cycle races. How we used to spend sooo much of time....over petty things one instance being writing - 'The best way out of difficulties is through it!'
Enjoyed the morning assembly, republic/independence day celebrations, annual day, sports day, singing/dancing competitions, elocution competitions and dramatic competitions. Annual picnics were real fun. It was good to have holiday on Thursday and Sundays. With Karate classes on Thursday. As I was trying to cope with my studies, my sis was more into extra curricular activities and had her own group in her class called 'standing committee' and was friendly with my batch mates too. Weather it be Table Tennis with B.Priya or song drama with Preetha Shenvi - Na doctor benega main, Na engineer benega - Actor kha beta hoo main actor he banega. But ya, learning various knots and going for camps was fun when in guide; we had some schoolies opting Social Service and LTS as well.
Still remember Vani was my great motivator, who would praise me for all small things. There was the naughty group of Michell-Mansi-Monica. Always wondered how Mich could be an all rounder pleasing teachers and every one with her sweet voice and poetry and being around with fun loving girls! Not sure if Bhakti was in that group - but Bhakti and Mansi sat behind me. Prathiba for her Aplam-Chaplam and other dances though she topped every class, Kirti being the school captain and best student, Payal for her blue skirt/lovely dimples-she was the Aamir Khan of our class. Mithali Kini for her - My heart is beating. Natasha for her Pooja Butt look and tom boy styles; Anushka/Pinki/Sailakshmi/Soni and Jaya for their studiousness, Shilpa for her - Rukhey sabh khi kadam, Tara rum pum pum - Koyi aisa geeth gaya karo. Aish for her various songs and style and friend circle with Sana, Thanusree and Sibi. Sibi not only for her question on Pride and Prejudice, but also because she was the daughter of Tilak Uncle who was Panku Uncle's friend. Don't know why and how most of the time, I ended up using her sister Simi's books - who was teased as Pinky/Pinky. Where-ever it was mentioned 'he' in any civics text, simi would have added 'she' near it. We had common friends who left HCCS before completing school to UP - Sajitha and Sunitha; all of us used to meet in one person or others house. Shilpa Talim for her smartness, Sheetal for her handwriting, Prachi for her Shortput, Monika/Krupali being our Gujju Bean, Incia for her style and Bihari dance and Rittu Matta too for her experiments.Don't believe how goregous they have grown up into. There were 3-4 kavita's all sweet in their own way, 2 Mitalis both different in all the ways, 2 Sindhu's, 2 Priya's the neutral silent leader then and now - Sabina.
How studious I felt wearing spects when in 5th; and most teachers did like me - especially Prasanna Miss - don't know why there was a special bonding between us, and she even called on my sisters wedding. Jessi Miss and Lalitha Miss liked my mother and used to advice us especially 'Chinticha Andham illiya, chintichillengil kundam illiya'. Loved Annie Miss's handwriting and Geography classes, Almeda Miss's English classes - for some reason felt proud to have a teacher like her and still do. Sister Mercy both Junior and Senior. There was and is a special place for both of them, one being our headmistress and others advice - which I always carry with me - 'Simple living and high thinking'; did enjoy her Value Education classes as well. There was just one special class by Sr. Mercy - Senior; in which I fell giddy, and slept in the last row - on a Thursday holiday. Our craft and drawing teacher - Bharathi; our PT teacher. Somehow felt sorry about Vikshalakshi miss and loved Beena miss and her stories. Because of the hard work I had been putting to learn Hindi and Marathi - Nigam miss, Geetha Miss, Gokaley Miss and Luis Miss are always fresh in my mind - I ofter used to say MeeraT/Marathi to boost my interest in the subject. Sr. Neeta, Sr. Jaya and Sr. Ranet would always be remembered for their History. All of us used to admire Alice Miss's hair and on asking her what she used she said Johnsons soap! and Oman Miss was a terror for all. For a short time we had P.T.sir instead of miss - all comedy.
How difficult it was to get marks in those days and anything between 75-85% was excellent/distinction; unlike now where every one gets above 90% and all A+. We cried and felt proud to get hold of a bicycle - Thanks to Amma for getting us one with the tight budget with which she had to handle things, and for achan/John and Santhosh for helping us learning how to ride.
Still remember how I cried on 15th February 1992 as it was our school farewell day! Glad that we could all meet again thanks to whatsapp and the advancement in technology. But now no more Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo solve our problems!
We had our neighbour Rajshree who was of my age but used to go to a Marathi Medium School; so we started enjoying that language and learning it. In our building there were 3 Maharastrian's, 3 Goan's and only one Malayali - us. On feast day of our school, my sister participated in 'Feast Day Greetings' song, and it was there my mother met John's mother - and we become family friends - which grew stronger as we grew up. It was this year when in 4th standard, I read my first story outside school syllabus from Women's Era (is'nt it too ealy for a girl in 4th standard to read women's era even now?) - the story still lingers 'The naughty girl'. My father used to bring magazines from his office library. For me hindi and marathi were tough in new school and found it difficult to catch up with. For which I was always scolded by Rajani Miss, Lathika Miss. Because parents wanted us to excel my mother send me for tuition's to Saroj Miss's house for Hindi and marathi though she used to take tuition for 25-30 children for all classes. Saroj Miss & Anita Rane of Lourdes school where good friends of my mother - the latter still is and the former is no more. Had been there for four years with Shailesh and Ashwin.
We did not leave behind every one from St. Judes. Sindhu, Indu and Sreeram had come to west; Sindhu Menon being in the same school as me, but Indu and Sreeram going to Lourdes. Also there was Sreechand and Smitha children of my mother's school friend from Kerala - See the world is so small - You do not know whom we meet where! Then they were happy just one friend meeting at one place - but today we have reunions in US, Canada, UK, Kerala, Mumbai, and all across the globe - We are connected - Still we belong to one family!
Why Part 2? Because after my 3rd and my sister's 1st standard we moved from Kalayan East to Kalyan West. This town was bigger and we changed school too. Our new school - Holy Cross Convent was closer to our home - Jairam Apartment - both at karnik road. We had to undergo written test to get the admission - and though difficult we wanted to be in Holy Cross and not Old Lourdes because the school had playground with slides and sea-saw! My parents wanted us to get admission there as it was the best school around! As we grew up, it was fun and interesting to speak of and have rivalry between both schools - 'Jo Jeetha wahi sikhandar type' - Ours being Girls only school and theirs mixed,things were interesting.
New school and new friends when in 4th and my first friend there was Saritha Naik, who helped me complete Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo today after nearly 30 years in Facebook...Not sure if she remembers that. As we moved to secondary school Saritha went to different class and Juhi joined. Also there was Smitha whose sister Rakhee was in the same standard as my sister. So untill Smitha moved to Thane she was my best friend and then Juhi. Loved the visits between our houses, combined studies and cycle races. How we used to spend sooo much of time....over petty things one instance being writing - 'The best way out of difficulties is through it!'
Enjoyed the morning assembly, republic/independence day celebrations, annual day, sports day, singing/dancing competitions, elocution competitions and dramatic competitions. Annual picnics were real fun. It was good to have holiday on Thursday and Sundays. With Karate classes on Thursday. As I was trying to cope with my studies, my sis was more into extra curricular activities and had her own group in her class called 'standing committee' and was friendly with my batch mates too. Weather it be Table Tennis with B.Priya or song drama with Preetha Shenvi - Na doctor benega main, Na engineer benega - Actor kha beta hoo main actor he banega. But ya, learning various knots and going for camps was fun when in guide; we had some schoolies opting Social Service and LTS as well.
Still remember Vani was my great motivator, who would praise me for all small things. There was the naughty group of Michell-Mansi-Monica. Always wondered how Mich could be an all rounder pleasing teachers and every one with her sweet voice and poetry and being around with fun loving girls! Not sure if Bhakti was in that group - but Bhakti and Mansi sat behind me. Prathiba for her Aplam-Chaplam and other dances though she topped every class, Kirti being the school captain and best student, Payal for her blue skirt/lovely dimples-she was the Aamir Khan of our class. Mithali Kini for her - My heart is beating. Natasha for her Pooja Butt look and tom boy styles; Anushka/Pinki/Sailakshmi/Soni and Jaya for their studiousness, Shilpa for her - Rukhey sabh khi kadam, Tara rum pum pum - Koyi aisa geeth gaya karo. Aish for her various songs and style and friend circle with Sana, Thanusree and Sibi. Sibi not only for her question on Pride and Prejudice, but also because she was the daughter of Tilak Uncle who was Panku Uncle's friend. Don't know why and how most of the time, I ended up using her sister Simi's books - who was teased as Pinky/Pinky. Where-ever it was mentioned 'he' in any civics text, simi would have added 'she' near it. We had common friends who left HCCS before completing school to UP - Sajitha and Sunitha; all of us used to meet in one person or others house. Shilpa Talim for her smartness, Sheetal for her handwriting, Prachi for her Shortput, Monika/Krupali being our Gujju Bean, Incia for her style and Bihari dance and Rittu Matta too for her experiments.Don't believe how goregous they have grown up into. There were 3-4 kavita's all sweet in their own way, 2 Mitalis both different in all the ways, 2 Sindhu's, 2 Priya's the neutral silent leader then and now - Sabina.
How studious I felt wearing spects when in 5th; and most teachers did like me - especially Prasanna Miss - don't know why there was a special bonding between us, and she even called on my sisters wedding. Jessi Miss and Lalitha Miss liked my mother and used to advice us especially 'Chinticha Andham illiya, chintichillengil kundam illiya'. Loved Annie Miss's handwriting and Geography classes, Almeda Miss's English classes - for some reason felt proud to have a teacher like her and still do. Sister Mercy both Junior and Senior. There was and is a special place for both of them, one being our headmistress and others advice - which I always carry with me - 'Simple living and high thinking'; did enjoy her Value Education classes as well. There was just one special class by Sr. Mercy - Senior; in which I fell giddy, and slept in the last row - on a Thursday holiday. Our craft and drawing teacher - Bharathi; our PT teacher. Somehow felt sorry about Vikshalakshi miss and loved Beena miss and her stories. Because of the hard work I had been putting to learn Hindi and Marathi - Nigam miss, Geetha Miss, Gokaley Miss and Luis Miss are always fresh in my mind - I ofter used to say MeeraT/Marathi to boost my interest in the subject. Sr. Neeta, Sr. Jaya and Sr. Ranet would always be remembered for their History. All of us used to admire Alice Miss's hair and on asking her what she used she said Johnsons soap! and Oman Miss was a terror for all. For a short time we had P.T.sir instead of miss - all comedy.
How difficult it was to get marks in those days and anything between 75-85% was excellent/distinction; unlike now where every one gets above 90% and all A+. We cried and felt proud to get hold of a bicycle - Thanks to Amma for getting us one with the tight budget with which she had to handle things, and for achan/John and Santhosh for helping us learning how to ride.
Still remember how I cried on 15th February 1992 as it was our school farewell day! Glad that we could all meet again thanks to whatsapp and the advancement in technology. But now no more Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo solve our problems!
We had our neighbour Rajshree who was of my age but used to go to a Marathi Medium School; so we started enjoying that language and learning it. In our building there were 3 Maharastrian's, 3 Goan's and only one Malayali - us. On feast day of our school, my sister participated in 'Feast Day Greetings' song, and it was there my mother met John's mother - and we become family friends - which grew stronger as we grew up. It was this year when in 4th standard, I read my first story outside school syllabus from Women's Era (is'nt it too ealy for a girl in 4th standard to read women's era even now?) - the story still lingers 'The naughty girl'. My father used to bring magazines from his office library. For me hindi and marathi were tough in new school and found it difficult to catch up with. For which I was always scolded by Rajani Miss, Lathika Miss. Because parents wanted us to excel my mother send me for tuition's to Saroj Miss's house for Hindi and marathi though she used to take tuition for 25-30 children for all classes. Saroj Miss & Anita Rane of Lourdes school where good friends of my mother - the latter still is and the former is no more. Had been there for four years with Shailesh and Ashwin.
We did not leave behind every one from St. Judes. Sindhu, Indu and Sreeram had come to west; Sindhu Menon being in the same school as me, but Indu and Sreeram going to Lourdes. Also there was Sreechand and Smitha children of my mother's school friend from Kerala - See the world is so small - You do not know whom we meet where! Then they were happy just one friend meeting at one place - but today we have reunions in US, Canada, UK, Kerala, Mumbai, and all across the globe - We are connected - Still we belong to one family!
Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo! - Part 1
We would always say that Childhood was the best days of our life.
We cried on the first day of our school, Our parents came to drop us to school and pick us up in a peaceful town of Kalyan East - without much traffic.We had Raju/Rajani, Shobha/Rupa(No idea where they are now), Unni, Munni/Jayasree/Ravi for company. Most of us going to St. Judes school and some to Model English. Enjoyed going to 'Thabela' and seeing lines of buffalos, and bringing home fresh milk daily.
Anyone owning an ambassodar, Premier Padmini or Maruthi 800 was considered extrimely rich. We had houses in rows - Santhi Nivas, Kamla Nivas - like ribbion and vast space in between where we had Ganesh Chathurthi, Ayyapa Pooja, Dhai Hundi, Deepavali, Christmas and New Year celebrated every year. At times there were movies shown in a big white screen or by taking VCR/VCP on rent. We used to divide and share the cost of watching movie. Amma, with Rema Aunty, Leela Aunty, Mema (Pushpa Aunty- Don't know where she and her daughter Deepa are now?) enjoyed co-ordianting Thalpali and other events. It was so much fun, dancing for 'Dance little baby- Dance your paws', 'Chicken on the egg' and 'Sweeper came a sweeping'. Amma liked to take us and click photos from Mr. Natwarlal studio - it made us feel special just one photo. Achan used to narrate Ramayana, Mahabharatha and other stores every weekend and take us to USA (Ulasnagar Sindhi Association)to meet Govindankutty Chettan Uncle sometimes on a cycle, or Bhandup to meet Go-Nany in the local train. The meetings with Panku Uncle - Lekha and Tulsi Uncle/Omna Aunty in Mulund.
If we had long holidays - we used to go to meet our cousins in Bourvili/Malad - Chanda Aunty/Geetha Aunty. Still remeber the day Geetha Aunty wanted to give us 'puttu-rubber band' and how Priya cried! How I tried making tea for the first time when Prabha Uncle came home and there was no elders only we children. How a buffalo came to hit Priya (was it because she wore red dress?). How it was considered a great thing, if someone got into a flight or travelled abroad? How a watch or a tricycle/toy was cherished by children and envyed by others! I had one watch gifted by Raviman and tricycle gifted by Shasiman - and it was enved by other children when I took them out to play in the varanda. Especially our Andhra neighbours. We used to count the number of 'Maans' (dears) that was in the scenery above our dining table and the 'Maans', that we had and thought why both were called Maans.
Writing letters with pen on paper was an interesting thing, there were phones only in one house somewhere around the corner, and we used to go to somebody's house and watch Chitrahar or P.T. Usha running for Olympics. Achan used to collect and send magazines to Sasiman, and it would take a month to reach. In case there was something urgent - we used to send telegram.
Comming to our Native place was an event in itself - which happened once in 2-3 years. The two day train journey in Jayanthi-Jantha/Kanyakumari express were independence day for us - A long picnic. We used to have at least 2-3 other family with us. Priya/Prasant/Reshmi. Was scared when achan got down at every station. Nandan Chettan would tell us good stories. And the scary days where when first me, then my sis and mother got Chicken Pox.
Ah! Those where the days when for life's simple choices we would just toss a coin and decide with heads/tails and for most complex choices had the simple solutions of Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo, Asee nabe pure sau, Sau se nikla raja chor pakadke bhaga!
We cried on the first day of our school, Our parents came to drop us to school and pick us up in a peaceful town of Kalyan East - without much traffic.We had Raju/Rajani, Shobha/Rupa(No idea where they are now), Unni, Munni/Jayasree/Ravi for company. Most of us going to St. Judes school and some to Model English. Enjoyed going to 'Thabela' and seeing lines of buffalos, and bringing home fresh milk daily.
Anyone owning an ambassodar, Premier Padmini or Maruthi 800 was considered extrimely rich. We had houses in rows - Santhi Nivas, Kamla Nivas - like ribbion and vast space in between where we had Ganesh Chathurthi, Ayyapa Pooja, Dhai Hundi, Deepavali, Christmas and New Year celebrated every year. At times there were movies shown in a big white screen or by taking VCR/VCP on rent. We used to divide and share the cost of watching movie. Amma, with Rema Aunty, Leela Aunty, Mema (Pushpa Aunty- Don't know where she and her daughter Deepa are now?) enjoyed co-ordianting Thalpali and other events. It was so much fun, dancing for 'Dance little baby- Dance your paws', 'Chicken on the egg' and 'Sweeper came a sweeping'. Amma liked to take us and click photos from Mr. Natwarlal studio - it made us feel special just one photo. Achan used to narrate Ramayana, Mahabharatha and other stores every weekend and take us to USA (Ulasnagar Sindhi Association)to meet Govindankutty Chettan Uncle sometimes on a cycle, or Bhandup to meet Go-Nany in the local train. The meetings with Panku Uncle - Lekha and Tulsi Uncle/Omna Aunty in Mulund.
If we had long holidays - we used to go to meet our cousins in Bourvili/Malad - Chanda Aunty/Geetha Aunty. Still remeber the day Geetha Aunty wanted to give us 'puttu-rubber band' and how Priya cried! How I tried making tea for the first time when Prabha Uncle came home and there was no elders only we children. How a buffalo came to hit Priya (was it because she wore red dress?). How it was considered a great thing, if someone got into a flight or travelled abroad? How a watch or a tricycle/toy was cherished by children and envyed by others! I had one watch gifted by Raviman and tricycle gifted by Shasiman - and it was enved by other children when I took them out to play in the varanda. Especially our Andhra neighbours. We used to count the number of 'Maans' (dears) that was in the scenery above our dining table and the 'Maans', that we had and thought why both were called Maans.
Writing letters with pen on paper was an interesting thing, there were phones only in one house somewhere around the corner, and we used to go to somebody's house and watch Chitrahar or P.T. Usha running for Olympics. Achan used to collect and send magazines to Sasiman, and it would take a month to reach. In case there was something urgent - we used to send telegram.
Comming to our Native place was an event in itself - which happened once in 2-3 years. The two day train journey in Jayanthi-Jantha/Kanyakumari express were independence day for us - A long picnic. We used to have at least 2-3 other family with us. Priya/Prasant/Reshmi. Was scared when achan got down at every station. Nandan Chettan would tell us good stories. And the scary days where when first me, then my sis and mother got Chicken Pox.
Ah! Those where the days when for life's simple choices we would just toss a coin and decide with heads/tails and for most complex choices had the simple solutions of Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo, Asee nabe pure sau, Sau se nikla raja chor pakadke bhaga!
Nayak - The Real Hero
Happen to see 'Nayak: The Real Hero' again yesterday.Though had seen this 2001 Bollywood political thriller film a remake of S. Shankar's successful Tamil film Mudhalvan even before; this made me ponder over the Indian Political situation.
Under Anna's leadership, India came on streets against corruption. The people demanded a strong anti-corruption law. The government did not agree. None of the parties agreed. Obviously, they couldn't have agreed because if they passed a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, most of the politicians would be in jail and their properties would be confiscated.
Soon after Aam Aadmi Party was born. We did find some hope in this party - but soon after Delhi election everything turned topsyturvy. Was it genuine or another brain child of Congress?
As Payal had once mentioned - "We know all politicians are alike, we know they all fake it, mask it, peel us and reel us to their personal interest and use us to build their personal assets...We saw congress, we gave BJP a chance. We lost trust, we lost faith...the only one thing that keeps us going is Hope....Hope that Good will come someday!Someday an Avataar may arise, like Ram or Krishna to kill the Ravanas or Kans of our motherland...The Avataar may take his time, but to keep the hope kindling in our minds...lets show that...
Gandhiji said that politics devoid of honesty and spirituality is disastrous for the country. We have to change the politics of this country. When Modi was elected - people though he would Modify India. Would he be able to cleanse, and improve things around? Or has our entire political system become rotten? Can Most of today's problems due to corrupt politics be cleansed? Hope we would not have to wait long to watch, and the wait would not lead into disaster. Hope the man from the land of Gandhi would turn out to be another 'Nayak: The Real Hero' - leading us to progress. It pains to see my motherland be looted!
Under Anna's leadership, India came on streets against corruption. The people demanded a strong anti-corruption law. The government did not agree. None of the parties agreed. Obviously, they couldn't have agreed because if they passed a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, most of the politicians would be in jail and their properties would be confiscated.
Soon after Aam Aadmi Party was born. We did find some hope in this party - but soon after Delhi election everything turned topsyturvy. Was it genuine or another brain child of Congress?
As Payal had once mentioned - "We know all politicians are alike, we know they all fake it, mask it, peel us and reel us to their personal interest and use us to build their personal assets...We saw congress, we gave BJP a chance. We lost trust, we lost faith...the only one thing that keeps us going is Hope....Hope that Good will come someday!Someday an Avataar may arise, like Ram or Krishna to kill the Ravanas or Kans of our motherland...The Avataar may take his time, but to keep the hope kindling in our minds...lets show that...
Gandhiji said that politics devoid of honesty and spirituality is disastrous for the country. We have to change the politics of this country. When Modi was elected - people though he would Modify India. Would he be able to cleanse, and improve things around? Or has our entire political system become rotten? Can Most of today's problems due to corrupt politics be cleansed? Hope we would not have to wait long to watch, and the wait would not lead into disaster. Hope the man from the land of Gandhi would turn out to be another 'Nayak: The Real Hero' - leading us to progress. It pains to see my motherland be looted!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
FIFA - 2014
Who is Fifa? Fufa's wife? This was the kind of knowledge I have had about Football until 2014. Remember Achan waking up at night keeping alarm to watch the match - and people around talking about it and bursting crackers. Half the neighborhood appeared to be a great Fan of Brazil or Argentina.
Yes, I did win a context in 1998 on who would be the FIFA winner, and I had predicted France; not because I understood the matches but because I liked their goalkeeper. But here I had in 2014 memories of my Father; our German Boss and mother in office who made me interested in the game and finally support - Germany.
The first every full match that I had watched in my life was the semi-finals between Germany and Brazil - an incredible one - which nobody had thought of 7-0. Not a semi final kind of - But there were many things to learn and I started loving the game. When more than half of the football loving people were supporting Brazil, here was me cheering for Germany..Though felt sorry for the host - they had injured their star player Neymar and Thiago Silva was suspended from the Semi finals so they had become a weaker team; and Germans were indeed very strong. The game was all one sided.
Then there was the next semi - finals between Argentina and Netherlands. Heart was with Holland - oranges but mind said Argentina - Messi was the star player loved by all. Wanted the Oranges to win last world cup, but they had not- In fact they had never won a world cup. Contrary to the first Semi - This turned out to be a very tough one with the game moving to the penalty after extra time and Argentina did it.
Then came the finals - All figures crossed- Fantastic game - Ball by ball, pass by pass, foul by foul, miss by miss. Seems my Germany completed all the quota of their goals against Brazil during the normal time and Argentina - So many misses - Messi needed to be recharged - something obviously wrong there.
The German coach was really cool, the way he spoke to the team, hugged the boys and tried to motivate them quitely. We would just see them winning. And there was the Argentina's coach - about to retire, tensed, and trying to always guide and instruct the team walking around. Amazing Goal Keepers.
Into the extra time most of us hoped the game would not end in penalty shots and wished that something really happened. Last few minutes of the game left and Yogi was outrageous because Schweinsteiger needed help - he was bleeding - was the match turning into wrestling - when in the beginning people were hugging each other?
Finally Gotze scored a Goal in the last five minutes. The end was like a thriller fingures crossed. Unsure if Argentina would score a goal and my TV showing grains and getting switched off...OMG this is it! All cry - of joy or sorrow! - Hugs & Kisses - So cute.
As always my heart would go out to the losers and their crying heart. I felt bad for them first for Brazil, then for Netherland and now for Argentina. But that is part of the game!
Finally Germany is very happy and proud! With Gotze being the happiest guy in the world at that moment - whole country cherishing the moment of pride - First in the Unified Germany since 1990 - First by an European team in America - Their 4th start and much deserved!! 5,00,000 people were celebrating together in Berlin watching the match.
Yes, I did win a context in 1998 on who would be the FIFA winner, and I had predicted France; not because I understood the matches but because I liked their goalkeeper. But here I had in 2014 memories of my Father; our German Boss and mother in office who made me interested in the game and finally support - Germany.
The first every full match that I had watched in my life was the semi-finals between Germany and Brazil - an incredible one - which nobody had thought of 7-0. Not a semi final kind of - But there were many things to learn and I started loving the game. When more than half of the football loving people were supporting Brazil, here was me cheering for Germany..Though felt sorry for the host - they had injured their star player Neymar and Thiago Silva was suspended from the Semi finals so they had become a weaker team; and Germans were indeed very strong. The game was all one sided.
Then there was the next semi - finals between Argentina and Netherlands. Heart was with Holland - oranges but mind said Argentina - Messi was the star player loved by all. Wanted the Oranges to win last world cup, but they had not- In fact they had never won a world cup. Contrary to the first Semi - This turned out to be a very tough one with the game moving to the penalty after extra time and Argentina did it.
Then came the finals - All figures crossed- Fantastic game - Ball by ball, pass by pass, foul by foul, miss by miss. Seems my Germany completed all the quota of their goals against Brazil during the normal time and Argentina - So many misses - Messi needed to be recharged - something obviously wrong there.
The German coach was really cool, the way he spoke to the team, hugged the boys and tried to motivate them quitely. We would just see them winning. And there was the Argentina's coach - about to retire, tensed, and trying to always guide and instruct the team walking around. Amazing Goal Keepers.
Into the extra time most of us hoped the game would not end in penalty shots and wished that something really happened. Last few minutes of the game left and Yogi was outrageous because Schweinsteiger needed help - he was bleeding - was the match turning into wrestling - when in the beginning people were hugging each other?
Finally Gotze scored a Goal in the last five minutes. The end was like a thriller fingures crossed. Unsure if Argentina would score a goal and my TV showing grains and getting switched off...OMG this is it! All cry - of joy or sorrow! - Hugs & Kisses - So cute.
As always my heart would go out to the losers and their crying heart. I felt bad for them first for Brazil, then for Netherland and now for Argentina. But that is part of the game!
Finally Germany is very happy and proud! With Gotze being the happiest guy in the world at that moment - whole country cherishing the moment of pride - First in the Unified Germany since 1990 - First by an European team in America - Their 4th start and much deserved!! 5,00,000 people were celebrating together in Berlin watching the match.
Cow and Car - Bull and Bullet
Arun send this picture and said - A new bull in the stable - and Sajeev asked is it a bull or a bullock cart?
This reminded me of the conversation I had with Achan during his last days when in hospital. He said -
Today people reject marriage proposals in case they find Cows in the cow shed in the would be's house; but the would be spouse is considered prospective in case they have Cars and bullets in their garage. The big and costlier ones, the better.
Which is better Cow/bull or Car/bullet?
Cow/Bull gives dung, which could be used as a fuel, and creates no pollution. They are used to facilitate transportaion, plough the fiels, and even after death, they are of great use. They also give us their offspring. We do find appreciation in their value.
Cars/Two wheelers use petrol, consume fuel, and add to air pollution. Once we start using them, their value keeps depreciating and they are of not much use when scrap.
But a family is considered better with the better/bigger and more number of cars they have, This is the world we live in today!Speed.....Can Cow/Bull cope up with the speed todays generation wants? And why trouble living beings, Using Cow/bull would be atrocity against animals...How about Cars/Two Wheelers - Is it good, safe and a great boon?
How about a bull-let or a cowcar?
A Farewell to Orkut
What a situation? Had updated a post on Orkut, then on Death,and now here is the email saying - A farewell to Orkut.
It is not only people, but technology, nature etc. that die...and the fact is universal 'The fittest survive, and the weak go to the grave'. Remember how Pager was around just for few days...
One of the first social networking site that we had been using is Orkut...and here is an email form them :-(
After ten years of sparking conversations and forging connections, we have decided that it's time for us to start saying goodbye to Orkut. Over the past decade, YouTube, Blogger and Google+ have taken off, with communities springing up in every corner of the world. Because the growth of these communities has outpaced Orkut's growth, we've decided to focus our energy and resources on making these other social platforms as amazing as possible for everyone who uses them.
We will shut down Orkut on 30 September 2014. Until then, there will be no impact on you, so you may have time to manage the transition. You can export your profile data, community posts and photos using Google Takeout (available until September 2016). We are preserving an archive of all public communities, which will be available online from 30 September 2014. If you don't want your posts or name to be included in the community archive, you can remove Orkut permanently from your Google account. Please visit our Help Centre for any further details.
It's been a great 10 years, and we apologise to those of you still actively using the service. We hope that you will find other online communities to spark more conversations and build even more connections for the next decade and beyond.
So dear friends gear up...save/transpose any data from there that you wish to.
It is not only people, but technology, nature etc. that die...and the fact is universal 'The fittest survive, and the weak go to the grave'. Remember how Pager was around just for few days...
One of the first social networking site that we had been using is Orkut...and here is an email form them :-(
After ten years of sparking conversations and forging connections, we have decided that it's time for us to start saying goodbye to Orkut. Over the past decade, YouTube, Blogger and Google+ have taken off, with communities springing up in every corner of the world. Because the growth of these communities has outpaced Orkut's growth, we've decided to focus our energy and resources on making these other social platforms as amazing as possible for everyone who uses them.
We will shut down Orkut on 30 September 2014. Until then, there will be no impact on you, so you may have time to manage the transition. You can export your profile data, community posts and photos using Google Takeout (available until September 2016). We are preserving an archive of all public communities, which will be available online from 30 September 2014. If you don't want your posts or name to be included in the community archive, you can remove Orkut permanently from your Google account. Please visit our Help Centre for any further details.
It's been a great 10 years, and we apologise to those of you still actively using the service. We hope that you will find other online communities to spark more conversations and build even more connections for the next decade and beyond.
So dear friends gear up...save/transpose any data from there that you wish to.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
When is the last time you thought about death?
Often wonder - 'Leaf's departure was because of winds pursuant or because the tree didn't ask it to stay? '
Oh forgot if the leaf did not want to stay at all?
Why do people die untimely? I do not know, but often do I think of death...And two consecutive deaths this year...still cannot digest some of them...Cannot think of loosing both parents together...Though only 7 years since met - Death of my sisters MIL and FIL is shocking and indigestible. (Savithri Amma and Gopinathan Sir) Thought of her MIL takes me to my father both who wanted to go to places, enjoy life; but had to encounter death. Can we call it early death? Both were in mid 60's..active, Not sure if it was early, but indeed it was untimely. But who decided the time?
Death is one thing that, I don't want to think about, but always come to my mind.....And now with every ticking of the clock...I think of it....
Guess : Death for we all know is the ultimate truth and the only thing true about life! As only thing that do not change in life is change.....
The flowers reminded me of the 9 months journey for birth and death, and flowers being common; received for both as well as for wedding. On your wedding day, you sleep on flower and on your funeral flower sleep on you...
Had this message on 4th January 2013 - "Remember as well that the soul of your father remains unchanged. He is still around in your heart. Whenever you need him just speak to him as if he were still in his earthly body. You’ll hear his response in your heart."; but a year and a half...am still looking out for him. I have only seen people in their earthly body...so is it true - 'Dust Thou Are To Dust Return'?
Here he is, between his favourate 'Kaya' and 'Chena'. 'UNANGUVAN VALAREYERE SAMAYAM EDUKKUNNA MURIVUKALIL VALIYORENNAM !!!!!!'
Bagavat gita chap 2 slogam 22 says - 'Just as a man casts off his worn out clothes and puts on new ones, so also the embodied self casts off its worn out bodies and enters others which are new'; and 19th say 'He who takes the Self to be the slayer and he who thinks he is slain, neithet of them knows. He slays not, nor is He slain'.
But why this seperation when there could have been more, 25 years.. . Where is the soul, if dust though are to dust return was not spoken of the soul....SEPARATION is always painful : during birth or death !! during birth it is ecstasy and during death it is agony . PAIN is part of life.Once last breath takes place, the chapter is over and a/c is closed. Those who are defaulters will have constant pain.
Sea water changes to clouds it travels in air up to the high it can reach, then it rains and becomes water as rivers it flows to sea again. What is separation? It was cloud and then rain and pure water as in river and saltwater when in sea. Kindly do not be subjugated to the material gratifications we don't know what happens in the next second of our life.
Gita Chapter 2 sloka 16 says The unreal has no being; there is no non-being of the real; the truth about both these has been seen by the knowers of the Truth. (Or the seers of the Essence)? We know the unreal and do not know the real....Leave behind the things which we cannot control? Do not worry about the thing which is out of our control? Whatever comes on our way we have to face.That is the reality.
Not sure of the defaulters but for sure I don't know if there ever was a happy and content man with a smile always even after the end, on his own ground near his mother. .with all hand over done and giving members 9 months to cope the reality...Don't we like to close overdrawn accounts, but keep the active ones? Correlating what happened in Jan and July I feel what happened in Jan could have happened even 25 years later; yes could be in 2035-38....
UNTIMELY DEATHS HAVE LONG IMPACTS: CANNOT FORGET THE BRAVE DEATH OF ABHIMANYU ...., AND THE DEMISE OF JESUS CHRIST .... TO CONSOLE WE CAN SIMPLY SAY "GOD CALLS HIS MOST LIKABLE PERSONS FIRST" !! JULY CASE WAS A SPECIAL ACT OF GOD : WHEN THE LIVE PERSON LOOSES INTEREST IN LIFE - ...
Death....Lingers...But we must leave on...Till it is our time/chance. You too your death, I too my living, who alone is going through the right way, is unknown to all....Except God!!??
Orkut...
Why speak good about the people only at their grave? ...Loved the testimonials at Orkut...Once that was written about me...Inspite of all the good wishes, I could not become a CA though! Reading these reminded me of Amlaki days...Enjoy reading them now..
Ramya Udayan- 7 Jul 2010
My sweet chechiii....an ideal sister...
M - MODEST
E - ENTHUSIASTIC
E - EXCELLENT
R - RELIABLE
A - AFFABLE
"An older sister is a friend and defender - a listener, conspirator, a counsellor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too" - Pam Brown
A good sister...a special friend...who is always special for me...
Thank you ..thanks alot...
Geeta mishra- 27 Feb 2010
It is since 12th standard that we did not meet each other. But always remembers and try to contact whenever possible. You are very caring and loving person. You never forget your friends . Always helpful and emotional. Your messages are always divine . Very philosophical, true, simple, hard working, independent, no complains etc..... words are falling short. See you soon.
nidhi r menon - 16 Aug 2009
i dont think i have to write anything more about her , as her nature is so mesmerizing that nobody remain unseen of it ,, i just love her, she is the most humble person on the earth, a best guide, and most importantly the most lovable cousin for me,
Saro:
..... is like badi deedi for me......bahut pyari...lekin thodi nadaaan..
Hum hai rahi pyar ke, phir milenge, chalthe chalthe...
- 13 Mar 2009
...deedhi....very sweet n caring person.. absolutely lakhon me ek....
not all can be like her or even dream about it...she is one ultimate mixture of a caring,jovial,fun-to-be-with, understanding person.....an all the more a GREAT friend .,, :-)
Vandana- 17 Jan 2009
A)grees with what you say
(B)elieves in what you do
(C)ares about you way too much
(D)oesnt give up on you
(E)asy to talk with
(F)orgiving of your mistakes
(G)iving special gifts
(H)as time to give you breaks
(I)s always on time
(J)ust envies what you do
(K)eeps you close in mind
(L)oves to talk with you
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever lies to you
(O)pen
(P)retends never,always true
(Q)uiets your cries
(R)espnosible and fun
(S)tays out all night with you
(T)houghtful and calm
(U)nderstands all that you do
(V)ery confident,very true
(W)ill always be a friend forever
(X)-actly knows whats right for you
(Y)our friend indeed
(Z)aps you back to the person you are,still always luvs you...tcaress...may GOD always bless u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 16 Dec 2008
see this s my chechi...ente chechiyavan ella yogyathem, stuff okke ulla my meera chechi...
aalu oru puli thanneyanu...seriously speaking very rare to see these kind of stuff.She has inspired and supported me in every walks of my life...in studying,in proffession etc etc...i strongly feel her journey of life,her perspective,attitude and purpose of life is entirely different from most of us.
Her ambition is to be a Chartered Accountant and ...i believe almighty will consider her efforts and our prayers very soon.
And last but not least she is right example of the phrase 'substance over form'...if any ca students wants to learn deeply about this concept,please observe my chechi for a while.
may god bless my chechiii and she will be always happy....
prema rohit
- 30 May 2008Pending approval
wellllllllll
abt .................
shez my support ,strength and motivation in our kudumbayogam.
A simple a person that can b defined.
softspoken,loving,friendly,creative and what not????????
Ever willing 2 accept any responsibilities.
In fact the master mind behind our kudumbayogam.
Love u ...
- 10 Aug 2007
she is my best chechi......when we used to meet we spend a great time with each other.
now we stay far away .........but those memories and good days are still fresh in my mind.
still we are close to each other with sweet heartly bonds.
LOVE U CHECHI...........LOTS AND POTS OF LOVE.
Rashmi Menon
- 3 Apr 2007
chechi chechi chechi….well I dnt hav 2 say neythin more 2 all dose who kno wat dis word means.…well I startd callin u dat long b4 I even knew wat it meant… but now dat I kno its real meanin u r my meera chechi in evry way.. i rem in my childhood on ney holiday all v wud do is plan ven 2 leav 4 kalyan(ur home in mum)...i really wish u cud hav been dere durin all my growin up years too...our relationship is a proof dat no matter wher u r ..hw far ur frm ur loved ones.distance can never b a constraint..i wish u all d best in life ..so my fav chechi keep smiling nw n always (n dnt tell tara chechi i calld u my fav chechi..coz i tell her d same too hehehe)
my ...she is very loving and friendly girl.She is very sensitive.luvs her friends a lot and expect the same from others.
- 24 Sep 2006
She is so simple and so calm, Very soft spoken sometimes, considerate and alwyas puts others interests before her own, she is a true friend. I am proud of it, to get such a good friend like u.
Rajagopal Venu
- 23 Aug 2006
...., one of the most enigmatic persons that i have come across at Amlaki,adept at sailing through the mind boggling "desert" of Amlaki accounts,and our great HR! Bubbly, enthusiastic and at times into her shell draped with a "transparent" veil of secrecy i dare not question!!! She is so committed to her work and loyal to her organisation that one wonders if she is a kin of our CEO! Kudos to ur loyalty! Meeraji, in your voyage through life, may the heavenly guardians of peace and wellbeing guard you day and night and looking forward to the pleasure of seeing "CA" added to your name plate,i wish u all success!Long live Meeraji, you will come out with flying colors in the exams called LIFE! My prayers are with you!
Reshmi Vinod
- 31 Jul 2006
..ji..., i know her for the last 6months. She is more a friend and elder sis, than a colleague.
Very fond of sweets, children and guess what??? Sleep....
U'll alwyz find her with a smile. Hamesha apne mein masth. That's Meeraji.
U can rely on her nytime. No doubt she will be there alwayz with u.
Par ha kabhi mere kutch bathein nahi maanthi....Tooooooooooo bad.. Hope u get it dear..
Wish u joyful International rides in our 'Uddankattola'.
Mera - 'Happiness Always!!'
So chweeeeeeeettttttttttttttttt………………..
Will miss u dear..........
Srinivas Nurani Devarajan
- 6 Jul 2006
I have known ... to be very jovial , helpful and friendly person.She is a person whom you can look upon in need.But here's a caution for her!!!! , Itna bhi achcha mat bano ki log tumhare achchai ka galat faida uthane lagen.I wish her the best of everything in life.May all her dreams come true.Waiting to see a nameplate as Ms. .... VT Bcom , CA
Transformation – Stop, Start, Continue
Stop
Operating in silos
Blame culture
Being cynical
Limiting empowerment
Chasing ‘rainbows/ Initiative overload
Heroic behaviors
Start
Think / act as one
Targeted approach to growth
Globalising our good thoughts
Embracing change
Recognising others successes
Balance process with an entrepreneurial approach
Continue
Putting our clients first
Living values – humour!
Inspirational leadership
Being entrepreneurial
Passion, commitment and can do attitude
Being confident!
Monday, July 07, 2014
Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less
Finally got hands on Jeffrey Archers 'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less'....One of the first of his novels.
It begins with Harvey Metcalfe's tale of rags to riches; from a kid to father of a rich independent daughter. He releases Prospecta Oil shares in the market in which four men - the heir to an earldom, a Harley Street doctor, a Bond Street art dealer and an Oxford don - find themselves penniless overnight. They band together and formulate a plan to sting the crook who robbed them for exactly what they lost. To the penny. Each with their own plan....as per their Talent; quite interesting...
It begins with Harvey Metcalfe's tale of rags to riches; from a kid to father of a rich independent daughter. He releases Prospecta Oil shares in the market in which four men - the heir to an earldom, a Harley Street doctor, a Bond Street art dealer and an Oxford don - find themselves penniless overnight. They band together and formulate a plan to sting the crook who robbed them for exactly what they lost. To the penny. Each with their own plan....as per their Talent; quite interesting...
Effective Team-building Strategies
It is said that what one person cannot do, two can; what one person can do- two can do still better. Paul Allen and Bill gates together found Microsoft, Our company was established in London as Wertheimer Lea ; John Henry Williams bought partnership and Williams Lea was created in 1883.
Team work is the backbone or basis of any family, society or a corporate world. We have evolving team leaders within our team and most of us have family. So I thought this topic would be apt for all.
The course in English is for 4 hours; Useful overall, some points appeared to be a little obvious but enriching; need to dedicate time, there were some really good team-building exercises as well.
Objective:
In this course, you'll learn tools, techniques, and tips to help you--the team member--help your team (which includes your family as well) develop a "one for all, all for one" mentality. In particular, you'll explore some motivational techniques to apply from the get-go so that potential problems are averted. You'll also learn how to promote and maintain a creative and productive atmosphere. Finally, you'll practice a couple of team building exercises.
Lessons overview:
Being Proactive : helps us to Build Trust; Understand Expectations; Become Effective; Acquire Motivation.
This is done by allocating responsibility logically, Clarifying expectation and Establishing team goals.
When we say Allocating responsibilities logically – It would mean this should play to the team members strength) –.
In a team we may need people to Lead the team i.e.(provide guidance and direction);to address technical issues;for heading up creative tasks, for facilitating meetings, for managing projects. In corporate world the people who do this are often called (Team Leader, Technical advisor, Creative lead, meeting facilitator, project manager
How do we allocate responsibility logically? Ask Team members if they agree and want to go ahead with a particular role. A person can assume two or more responsibility; but it is not fair and feasible for one person to do everything; it will lead to disaster. Team mates background and personality make them ideal candidate for certain task. Ask the people who will be effected by the decision on what their thoughts are.
· Team lead – motivated, team oriented, assertive
· Technical – Knows software programme, can set up computers
· Creative – innovative, artisy, good natured,
· Facilitate meetings – detail oriented, organised, foucsed
· Project Management – planning skill, supervisory, organized.
Clarifying expectation – (Life is largely a matter of expectation). One needs to fulfil ones Mission (what we are responsible for), need to be Interdependent (how it fits with the responsibility of others, how it completes the big picture) (This needs to be done at the early stage; ) Your are responsible for your fellow team members as well. You need to understand how all responsibilities, will lead to the successful completion of team goal. (Be Assertive to do this)
Establishing team goals – Decide what you really want. (team, each, value, build trust – good culture like sharing knowledge, being open to new ideas, working collobratively with others) {Be specific, clear, measurable)
Maximising Creativity (Don’t allow negative criticisim)
This lesson covers Two steps of creativity and how to apply them effectively.
It says Left part of our brain is Logical and Right part is Creative.
Maximising creativity helps Cross pollination of ideas. Of the two steps of creativity first is
Generating creativity ideas –This should happen in an open, non judgemental atmosphere.
For creativity to work the atmosphere needs to be that of – Playfulness, flexibility, brainstorming (you get quantity of idea – first thought comes first – so it may not be quality ideas), analogies (when you look at mutually exclusive things, new ideas may come up and potential solutions.. )
(Pringles Potato chips conceived? – P&G – Pack dry potato best when wet and dry them after packing – thought from dry leaves)
Evaluating creative ideas – This should be done only after all ideas are generated – sort, refine and eliminate if not required.
Two step process –
· Discuss pro and cons
· Combine better ideas and refine
Facilitating Synergy
Lessons overview – Reap benefits from synergestic team environment.
· Together
· Everyone
· Achieves
· More
Benefits:
· Working with one another
· Being foucsed and confident
· Counting on one another
· Having energy takes on a life of its own
The tighter the team, greater chance of team cohesiveness. It helps in Creating a sense of identity
Ask Each person in the team (Team exercise):
· To give atleast one reason why the team is unique (Attributes that make your team unique) (Formalise thoughts about team identity, go around the room)
· One example of a time when each identifying characteristic was demonstrated
· Agreement on teams idenfitying characteristic (Ask do you agree?)
how do we Increasing team cohesiveness?
· Collaborate don’t compete
· Assume – positive intent – Assume that team mates motives are positive
· Put the team first – ‘ V before I’ Team is not about I and me; but all about we and us.
To Sum up: ‘In the I alone world; let us have a we culture’.
Enjoyed this My Learning World exercise @ Williamslea
Team work is the backbone or basis of any family, society or a corporate world. We have evolving team leaders within our team and most of us have family. So I thought this topic would be apt for all.
The course in English is for 4 hours; Useful overall, some points appeared to be a little obvious but enriching; need to dedicate time, there were some really good team-building exercises as well.
Objective:
In this course, you'll learn tools, techniques, and tips to help you--the team member--help your team (which includes your family as well) develop a "one for all, all for one" mentality. In particular, you'll explore some motivational techniques to apply from the get-go so that potential problems are averted. You'll also learn how to promote and maintain a creative and productive atmosphere. Finally, you'll practice a couple of team building exercises.
Lessons overview:
Being Proactive : helps us to Build Trust; Understand Expectations; Become Effective; Acquire Motivation.
This is done by allocating responsibility logically, Clarifying expectation and Establishing team goals.
When we say Allocating responsibilities logically – It would mean this should play to the team members strength) –.
In a team we may need people to Lead the team i.e.(provide guidance and direction);to address technical issues;for heading up creative tasks, for facilitating meetings, for managing projects. In corporate world the people who do this are often called (Team Leader, Technical advisor, Creative lead, meeting facilitator, project manager
How do we allocate responsibility logically? Ask Team members if they agree and want to go ahead with a particular role. A person can assume two or more responsibility; but it is not fair and feasible for one person to do everything; it will lead to disaster. Team mates background and personality make them ideal candidate for certain task. Ask the people who will be effected by the decision on what their thoughts are.
· Team lead – motivated, team oriented, assertive
· Technical – Knows software programme, can set up computers
· Creative – innovative, artisy, good natured,
· Facilitate meetings – detail oriented, organised, foucsed
· Project Management – planning skill, supervisory, organized.
Clarifying expectation – (Life is largely a matter of expectation). One needs to fulfil ones Mission (what we are responsible for), need to be Interdependent (how it fits with the responsibility of others, how it completes the big picture) (This needs to be done at the early stage; ) Your are responsible for your fellow team members as well. You need to understand how all responsibilities, will lead to the successful completion of team goal. (Be Assertive to do this)
Establishing team goals – Decide what you really want. (team, each, value, build trust – good culture like sharing knowledge, being open to new ideas, working collobratively with others) {Be specific, clear, measurable)
Maximising Creativity (Don’t allow negative criticisim)
This lesson covers Two steps of creativity and how to apply them effectively.
It says Left part of our brain is Logical and Right part is Creative.
Maximising creativity helps Cross pollination of ideas. Of the two steps of creativity first is
Generating creativity ideas –This should happen in an open, non judgemental atmosphere.
For creativity to work the atmosphere needs to be that of – Playfulness, flexibility, brainstorming (you get quantity of idea – first thought comes first – so it may not be quality ideas), analogies (when you look at mutually exclusive things, new ideas may come up and potential solutions.. )
(Pringles Potato chips conceived? – P&G – Pack dry potato best when wet and dry them after packing – thought from dry leaves)
Evaluating creative ideas – This should be done only after all ideas are generated – sort, refine and eliminate if not required.
Two step process –
· Discuss pro and cons
· Combine better ideas and refine
Facilitating Synergy
Lessons overview – Reap benefits from synergestic team environment.
· Together
· Everyone
· Achieves
· More
Benefits:
· Working with one another
· Being foucsed and confident
· Counting on one another
· Having energy takes on a life of its own
The tighter the team, greater chance of team cohesiveness. It helps in Creating a sense of identity
Ask Each person in the team (Team exercise):
· To give atleast one reason why the team is unique (Attributes that make your team unique) (Formalise thoughts about team identity, go around the room)
· One example of a time when each identifying characteristic was demonstrated
· Agreement on teams idenfitying characteristic (Ask do you agree?)
how do we Increasing team cohesiveness?
· Collaborate don’t compete
· Assume – positive intent – Assume that team mates motives are positive
· Put the team first – ‘ V before I’ Team is not about I and me; but all about we and us.
To Sum up: ‘In the I alone world; let us have a we culture’.
Enjoyed this My Learning World exercise @ Williamslea
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