Keep Smiling

People change so that you can learn to let go,
Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they are right,
You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself,
& Sometimes good things fall apart.....to make you realise how good it was for you, and you appreciate it even more.

People console you saying it is so that better things can fall together.
But something’s, some people and time are irreplaceable,
Bygones are bygones. Cry. Forgive, Learn, Move on.
Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness – But you keep smiling!
Still ponder do everything happen for a reason?

When we were small

Drive:

700 meters from Palarivattom to ByePass and it takes 35minutes to cover that.Same with Padamugal to Vazhakala or Kakkanad to CEPZ.

In Europe or States I definately think it is a pleasure to drive. Everyone is patient and curteous. There's not honking, roads are good and the enforcement of the law is serious.

In India, the main problem is population,narrow roads and number of vehicles on the road which makes it a huge excercise in logistics to manage. The roads are bad, and people not educated in the ways of traffic to know that the more orderly they are, the better and faster the ride will be.

I think the govt should take themselves and our laws seriously and enforce the laws no matter what it takes. Have a digitized online driver points system that is linked to the amount of insurance they pay. The more violations / accidents = more points = higher insurance. Improve roads and awareness.
Start spending some real money on this (smartly) and it will pay for itself in lesser pollution, fuel consumption and time spent on the roads rather than at work.

The unwritten law of the road is “FILL IN THE GAPS”. However, that keeps the driver always on alert ready to stop or swerve at any point. Compared to this, driving in the US or Europe can be a BIG BORE. It tests your patience waiting for the cars in front of you to move after the light turns green. Each driver has his/her own response time and imaginary distance to be kept between the next car. The left turn light can be a nightmare at a busy intersection. While, in India -the entire block of traffic starts moving 15 seconds before the opposite light turns yellow - that is Indian efficiency…! And there is the thunder or horning before the actual move. The rickshaw and taxi-wallahs have mastered the art of “wading” through the traffic with wafer-thin margins employing efficiencies of space, time and gas - leaving all others dumbfounded.

Walk overs. Fly overs. Metro lines. All projects saw ground struck months ago, yet precious little progress has been made and even if done, don't think it can match that in other developed countries any time soon.

OOps and with the increase in number of vehicles and traffic - feel sorry, there are no footpaths and bylines to drive bi-cycles. Wish people understood the importance of space to walk, ride cycles - which would benefit the environment as well as the health of individuals. Moreover where and how do we part the vehicles? Once parked, how do we take them out?

Blogging, Reading and Writing....

When I started my blog, it was fun and a great way for me to document my experiences and to vent my frustrations. I’d never blogged. I had no idea what I was doing. Now as I breath in and out; so is reading and writing to me.

Plus, and most importantly, I love reading and writing. As I have started writing this, my collection of books have also increased, and love to have this.



I wanted an online diary to store my thoughts. I love my family and friends. I love writing about all that effects them.
Speaking of the Indian family, where I once saw only strength and solidarity, I now see scores of unhappy homes, where public faces are proud and happy but private lives can be torture.

It is interesting to read many other blogs as well in due course. Interesting to have this platform. Thank God for providing this opportunity.

So, if any of you are still out there, cheers! Please put in your comments.

Om Ganeshaya Namaha!!

Though people presume that I am a great devotee of Krishna primarily because of my name, I tell them I love Ganesha more- so I follow him -In fact the love of Ganesh for his parents. I belive they are our God's.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a great social custom still in practise. I loved it when in Mumbai and had been missing it. Glad to see the pictures from my schoolies. In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual domestic festival into a large, well-organized public event"to bridge the gap between Brahmins and 'non-Brahmins' and find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them", and generate nationalistic fervour among people.

The impacts of the festival on the environment can be summarised to be the following:
1.The water pollution caused by the immersion of Plaster of Paris idols into natural water bodies.
2.The water pollution caused by chemical paints used on these idols.
3.The waste generated by the non biodegradable accessories used during the worship.
4.Noise pollution
5.Traffic congestion
6.Increased consumerism

Amongst these the first two can be partially resolved by a shift to eco sensitive materials and practices. Traditionally, the idol was sculpted out of mud taken from nearby one’s home. After the festival, it was returned to the Earth.

On a lighter note Best traffic advertisement of the year... Picture of Lord Ganesha with a saying..'Take care of your head, not everyone gets a replacement like me'

Quite amazed that Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam would often fall during the same time. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi, the fourth lunar day of the waxing moon fortnight. The date usually falls between 20 August and 20 September. The festival lasts for 10 to 12 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Onam Festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana avatara of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of mythical King Mahabali. Yes, soon after Karkidakam/Sravan which is a period of silence

With Best Wishes - Sr. Mercy Jose & Co.

As every thing comes to an end, both good and bad - so also our school days did come to an end. We had farewell from our juniors on the 15th of February 1992. After which our headmistress Sr.Mercy Jose on behalf of all teachers gave us a small booklet. Though of samll one of 32 pages - there is so much to learn as I go though it every time.

'With Best Wishes' is a farewell gift of love from teachers to students compiled by J. Maurus - A Better yourself Book.

Go forth and use
The gifts of youth,
But temper them
With ageless truth
And gratitude
For help received,
For those who in
You have believed,
And patience for
What time will tell
In realms where
Great achievements dwell,
Go forth...
We surely wish you well.

--------------------------
The Open Door

There is a door that opens wide,
Inviting you to enter;
This door is opportunity
And life is at its centre.

Broaden your mind’s horizon...
Exchange the ‘no’ for ‘yes’,
This open door of adventure
Will lead to new success.

Behold, the open door of love,
Of friendly brotherhood;
He who opens up these doors
Will build a world of good.

These doors all open outward,
And you may enter free,
If you but have the vision
For opportunity.

- Margaret Freer

Rule of nature

Have often wondered why even today, so many women take medication to postpone their menstrual period especially when festivals or other event are around? If it is to have bother less time or do they still believe in the impurity myth? Why should the girls let the world know that they have got periods, but having to stay out of the places where Puja is performed or away from people and things?

During olden days people had to do loads of physical work, which they do not have to do now. And women would get to relax during these days. Also since there were no sanitary napkins and women may have to clean themselves frequently, it could have been for hygienic reasons as well. Since women would not listen if they were asked to take rest, this kind of abstinence would have been imposed on them. It would have started just as a precaution or advise and not a law or ban. Just as untouchabilty spread,this concept also could have had its misinterpretations. In olden days there was a ceremony to celebrate girl attaining puberty, as it ia considered as a positive aspect of a girl's life.

During this time drops in estrogen levels have been known to trigger migraines. Estrogen levels may affect thyroid behavior. For example, during the luteal phase (when estrogen levels are lower), the velocity of blood flow in the thyroid is lower than during the follicular phase (when estrogen levels are higher). In some cases, hormones released during the menstrual cycle can cause behavioral changes in females. So when you consider a women having her periods,She is both having disturbance in mind as well as body.


Though some do not belive in it, it still exist in the minds of people as some like to continue following old custom, relations. This is God give, how can God be angry on you for something that is natural and God given? We need to respect something that is natural. Medication can harm. It’s time we stop this nonsense of menstrual exclusion. If we approach the issue of menstrual myths with proper reasoning, our mothers and grandmothers will change their outlook towards these myths and refrain from imposing them upon us.So my dear schoolies I have done my bit since long and again trying to spread this word with wider audience in busting menstrual myth.

Change will not happen unless we become the change. We need to question the relevance of old customs in today’s time.

Leadership

A lot has been written about Leadership - There is this wonderful book on The Leader who had no title as well. But thought of putting something together learned since then.

Of all the qualities needed for leadership, only one is indispensable - courage. Without it, all the others are more or less useless. Courage has been shown by all who we recognise as true leaders, from Alexander to Thatcher. A leader must have the ability to take hard decisions and calculated risks. This rule applies at all levels and in all situations - in school, factory, boardroom or sporting arena, no less than on the battlefield or in the council chamber. Leaders have to give courage to others, while creating the illusion that they know exactly what they are doing.


Leadership is partly a confidence trick, and those who practice it cannot afford to be too predictable. Good leaders must be able to tolerate frustration and stress. Some traits a leader must have in abundance are.....

Willingness to Learn
Leaders don’t begin life knowing everything there is to know about the business world. If pride gets in the way of your ability to learn, you’ll be selling yourself, and your business venture, short in the long run.

Incredible Work Ethic
A leader shows up first for work and leaves after everyone else has gone home for the day. The leader uses his or her work ethic to communicate what is expected of employees.

Brilliant Communication Skills
Leaders must be effective communicators. Poor communication will cause a breakdown in the function of your business. Whether you are communicating praise to employees or managing a conflict, effective communication will make your business more successful.

Enduring Patience
Business leaders must also have an abundance of patience. Business success takes a long time to earn, and individuals who cannot patiently wait for goals to be achieved may end up putting too much pressure on employees.

Ability to Dream Big
While patience is necessary, it’s also important for a leader to dream big. You must create the vision for your business’s future. Once the vision has been dreamed up, it’s time to start implementing strategies to achieve your dream.

Courage to Take Chances
An effective leader has the courage necessary to take risks and pursue new opportunities. According to Dr. David Javitch, a writer for Entrepreneur.com, a leader’s ambition and willingness to take risks is the greatest source of inspiration for his or her employees.

Ability to Trust Others
One of the most important characteristics of a good leader is simply an ability to trust others. This may be evident in a leader’s willingness to take a chance on an employee and give him or her an important business task. It may be a leader’s ability to take a chance by outsourcing some business tasks so that the leader has more time to devote to growing and developing the business. Trying to do everything on your own because you cannot let go of the “reins” will only get you and your business into trouble.

These character traits may help you run a more successful business if you can work on cultivating and developing them in your own life.

Shakespeare was good about leadership, as about most other things – he wrote in Twelfth Night – Mistress writes to Malvolio "Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them". Greatness and leadership are so closely akin that the words give us a useful point of departure.

"Born great" has two possible meanings: either being born to a great position, such as that of an hereditary monarch, or possessing natural talents and/or virtues of an exceptional kind. Clearly not everyone born to a great position is worthy of it, and relatively few have the qualities of a great leader. But the greatness of certain offices can rub off on their occupants, who may not otherwise have qualities out of the ordinary. Some appear to have the gift of leadership, but are found to lack it when tested. Others are recognised as "born leaders" and exercise effective leadership up to a certain level, but prove disastrous failures beyond that level. It is very hard to judge the point beyond which a person will be over promoted.

Like those born to great offices who prove, against the odds, worthy to hold them, such people have "greatness thrust upon them".

"Some achieve greatness" denotes, above all, those whose greatness is self-made. But all of the really great leaders must be regarded as achievers, whatever their advantages of birth and training. Most of those who achieve anything in the world are ambitious, and some have very exalted ambitions which they have never the chance to realise. A few rise higher than they or anyone else could have imagined, and then prove equal to the challenge.


Democratic leaders have the difficult task of both guiding the people and seeming to respond to the popular will. Autocrats are obviously freer to exercise leadership, but among them the most successful have been aware of the need to be loved and admired as well as feared, just as many of the best democratic leaders have been natural autocrats, restrained only by conscience and realism. The essential qualities of a good leader are much the same, whatever the environment.

Here are 7 secrets to leadership success:

1. Leadership is about making things happen

If you want to make something happen with your life - in school, in your profession or in your community, do it. Perceived obstacles crumble against persistent desire. At the same time, one need to have compassion for others. Therefore, persistence for your cause should not be gained at the expense of others. Another bit of leadership wisdom!

2. Listen and understand the issue, then lead

Time and time again we have all been told, "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason"...or as Stephen Covey said..."Seek to understand, rather than be understood." As a leader, listening first to the issue, then trying to coach, has been the most valuable advice.

3. Answer the three questions everyone within your organization wants answers to

What the people of an organization want from their leader are answers to the following: Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What is my role? Kevin Nolan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Health Systems, Inc. believes the more clarity that can be added to each of the three questions, the better the result.

4. Master the goals that will allow you to work anywhere in today's dynamic business world

* The ability to develop an idea
* Effectively plan for its implementation
* Execute second-to-none
* Achieve superior results time after time.

Forget what others do. Work to be known for delivering excellence. It speaks for itself and it opens doors.

5. Be curious

Curiosity is a prerequisite to continuous improvement and even excellence. Study people, processes, and structures. Making progress, in part, is based upon thinking. Learn to apply this notion of intellectual curiosity by thinking about organization's future, understanding the present, and know and challeng to creatively move the people and the organization closer to its vision.

6. Listen to both sides of the argument

Listen to all different kinds of people and ideas. Listening only to those who share your background and opinions can be imprudent. It is important to respect your neighbors' rights to their own views. Listening to and talking with a variety of people, from professors to police officers, from senior citizens to schoolchildren, is essential not only to be a good leader in business, but to also be a valuable member within your community.

7. Prepare, prepare, prepare

If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail. If one has truly prepared and something goes wrong the strength of the rest of what you've prepared for usually makes this something easier to handle without crisis and panic. "Preparation is the science of winning."

Great advice comes from many sources - parents, other relatives, consultants, bosses, co-workers, mentors, teachers, coaches, and friends. The important point to remember is to stay open, listen to everyone, but also develop your own leadership style.

Stress & Weight

If you want to lose weight, your metabolism has to burn off more calories. A study at The Ohio State University shows two ways to help it do that more efficiently. The research demonstrates that to start making those waistline inches disappear, you need to:

find a way to cut back on stress and
stop eating so many unhealthy fats.

Otherwise, in combination, those two elements can slow your metabolism and make it more likely your body will create more body fat. The scientists found that women in the study who reported one or more stressful factors the day before eating a fatty meal burned, on average, 104 fewer calories than women who weren’t stressed. (The calorie-burning was measured during the seven hours after the meal.) The scientists figure that, in a year, those daily 104 calories could add up to an extra 11 pounds. This means that, over time, stressors could lead to weight gain.

We're more likely to eat the wrong foods when we’re stressed, when we eat the wrong foods, weight gain becomes more likely because we are burning fewer calories.

Popular ways to control or reduce stress include exercise and meditation.

Railways

Railways are a major form of passenger and freight transport in many countries. It is ubiquitous in Europe, with an integrated network covering virtually the whole continent. In India, China, South Korea and Japan, many millions use trains as regular transport. In North America, freight rail transport is widespread and heavily used, but intercity passenger rail transport is relatively scarce outside the Northeast Corridor, due to increased preference of other modes, particularly automobiles and airplanes.South Africa, northern Africa and Argentina have extensive rail networks, but some railways elsewhere in Africa and South America are isolated lines. Australia has a generally sparse network befitting its population density. The highest railway in the world is the line to Lhasa, in Tibet. Western Europe has the highest railway density in the world and many individual trains there operate through several countries despite technical and organizational differences in each national network.


The oldest, man-hauled railways date back to the 6th century B.C, with Periander, one of the Seven Sages of Greece, credited with its invention. Rail transport blossomed after the British development of the steam locomotive as a viable source of the power in the 18th and 19th centuries. With steam engines, it was possible to construct mainline railways, which were a key component of the industrial revolution.

Railway can take you places..Picture I could'nt take when in London, Thank You Sharyn Coleman for this....From here at King's Cross Station we could go to.......but not to to Hogwarts Could you please give us the address J.K. Rowling.....Next time in London, this is where I Would definitely want to go.


Was amazing to find the level of underground railways in London; the tube connectivity is amazing.

Having visualised mumbaikars living in and out of the railways, was facinated to see the much complex railway undergrounds and other railways in UK. Mumbaikars @ local train –
1. We will stand in empty trains and will fight for seat in crowded ones.
2. We don't believe that the train is gonna arrive until the time indicator displays "01 mins remaining"
3. Yes act dead if someone ask for your seat in "Mumbai local"
4. A city with blend of different people and three things, 'pudhil station', 'agla station', and 'next station'
5. Slow local trains - the one which halts at all stations
Fast trains - the one which halts in between the stations.
6. Everything is fair in love, war and local trains.
7. Local trains are the only place in Mumbai where men are more civilized than women.
8. That awesome moment when in local trains you dont have to move towards the exit, you are simply pushed towards it by the crowd
9. If Borivali passenger gets into a Virar fast train. Thats a serious crime boss.
10. Once you survive in a Mumbai local during journey from VT to Kalyan or vice versa during peak hours. Boss you can survive anywhere in the world.
11. Train timings (9.27, 10.49 etc) are really important events of life.
12. In every local train journey you will find atleast one person asking " arey yeh platform kis taraf aayegi?"
13. Nobody remains "untouched" once you enter Virar / Karjat fast local.
14. There is a invisible station between Borivali and Kandivali called as "Thambevali"
15. Second clasd ticket Rs 9 and first class ticket Rs 104. No difference. You can't sit in either.
16. Getting a virar fast train from Andheri / Borivali during peak hours is more difficult than getting into IIT and IIM


Was facinating to see metro line in chicago and good to see good ones comming up in Delhi, Mumbai and Kerala.

It was amazing to stay just about the railway line in Bonn. The maritimehotel crosses the railway line, and it was interesting to travell underground a river in a train!

With the pollutions due to motor vehicle,and increase in the number of people travelling, the frequency and the distance, am sure the railways have a long way to go.....

Excellence...Dream...Risk...

If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary.

"You are highest living form of divine creation gifted with infinite intelligence and ability to accomplish whatever you desire in the highway of life. In fact most people used to exist on this planet without any definite purpose and such people are hoping for miracle to happen with finger crossed. The great dreamers are people with definite purpose and they take action to manifest their dream desires into physical reality. So whatever dream purpose you have , just take passionate action in the light of strong self believe and faith of God to manifest it into physical reality as miracle never happen by itself rather miracles are made to happen. You are responsible in charge to design your personal, professional and spiritual life as nobody else gonna eat for you, dream for you, breathe for you and act for you except you yourself...." Dhiraj Kumar Raj

Though I do still believe in miracle. For me our life, nature and everything around is a miracle.

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.- Norman Vincent Peale

Excellence comes from following vision with dedication. Psycho energy comes from within and gets frutified with passion to achieve.

So are you risking?

Banana - Not Just the Fruit - Some interesting facts.

Was a person who always loved banana's and when asked which ones; I would say I don't like the big yellow ones but can eat only 1-2 at a time, small yellow ones may be 4-5; but my favourate are the green ones.

There are so many things made out of raw and ripe banana. Why only banana the plant as a whole is of so much help.

Neil love eating on the banana leaves - as all of us in Kerala still love and do...is'nt it much better and hygenic than paper plates, provided properly washed? And it do take our memories to the old days.

The roots of the plant is of high medical value; stems and flowers are also used for cooking and we can make yummy dishes out of it, as we do with raw bananas. Payasam, varatiyathu and Pazham puri are some of the yummy and common dishes made out of ripe banana. One of my fathers favourate and last made recipe - Banana Paysam, so yummy fully cooked out of banana's cultivated by him, in his own courtyard. Fuel used for cooking was wood from his own garden. So much he loved banana's and cultivating them! He had promised to give a full bunch of banana's that onam to a couple of people - but there was a heavy storm in the april of 2012 bringing down many of them. Little did we realise that it was just a small storm little before a bigger one!

There is much to be said about banana nutrition facts. It is said that Banana help reduce depression, regulate blood gluose, anemia, blood pressure, increase brain power, since bananas are high in fibre they help to overcome constipation,·being high in B vitamins, help calm the nervous system, acts as a dietary aid against intestinal disorders because of their soft texture and smoothness.

So I would love to continue eating Banana's and other things made out of it..How about you?

Heart for the soul -Save Our Twisha

Twisha is born with a rare birth condition LGOA which means she has an incomplete Esophagus (the tube connecting mouth and stomach), hence unable to eat/feed by mouth since birth.

Sweety's husband forced her to leave his house, when Twisha was only 5 months old. She was blamed for giving birth to a faulty child. Though she suffered abuse for 7 years both physically and mentally, divorce was granted even without her consent (Because of Australian Law). There is no maintenance for Twisha and Sweety.



Twisha has already undergone around 20 various (Major & Minor) surgeries in Sydney, Australia, with no success to cure her condition. The only chance for her to live a normal quality of life in future is a medical treatment available only in USA . And so she is fighting and advocating for Twisha to get her medical care transferred to the facility in USA, where Specialist Surgeons can perform a life changing operation- a "Foker Operation" on Twisha.

Sweety has started raising funds to pay for Twisha's medical treatment in USA. She is still looking for contributions. She has to raise $1.2 million for her daughter's treatment in USA and so far she could raise only $200,000. If any of you could help propagate her story and help in raising contributions, she would immensely appreciate it!

On how to donate - Please visit www.twishamakhwana.com for donation details.

Also if any of your acquaintance wants to donate higher amount they can actually do it through a pledge form wherein the money will get paid only after Twishas admission in the hospital. For pledge forms please write to Sweetie at missiontwisha@gmail. Com

To have the latest and greatest in their lives, you can check out her facebook page.

Sweety Makwana (Twisha's Mum)
Secretary/Public Officer
Mission Twisha Inc.
ABN: 18220183868
Fundraising Licence No: CFN22987
Mo: 0470312770
Web: www.twishamakwana.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missiontwisha
Twitter: https://twitter.com/missiontwisha
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Twisha28/videos?flow=grid&view=0

Hope these help her at least to some extend in saving sweet Twisha!

Inferno...Cysts

Why all over we here these days ill health and diseases? One thing most common among girls today which was not much before is - Cysts.

Cysts are closed sacs having distinct membrane and division, it may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. It can form in various part of our body and common among girls is in the ovaries. Particularly during the childbearing years. Once formed, a cyst may sometimes resolve on its own. Whether a cyst that fails to resolve may need to be removed by surgery will depend on what type of cyst it is and where in the body it has formed.


There are several different types of ovarian cysts. The most common is a functional cyst. It forms during ovulation. That formation happens when either the egg is not released or the sac -- follicle -- in which the egg forms does not dissolve after the egg is released.

Other types of cysts include:

* Polycystic ovaries. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the follicles in which the eggs normally mature fail to open and cysts form.
* Endometriomas. In women with endometriosis, tissue from the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body. This includes the ovaries. Endometriosis can be very painful and can affect fertility.
* Cystadenomas. These cysts form out of cells on the surface of the ovary. They are often fluid-filled.
* Dermoid cysts. This type of cyst contains tissue similar to that in other parts of the body. That includes skin, hair, and teeth.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to start gradually. Hormone changes that lead to PCOS often start in the early teens, after the first menstrual period. Symptoms may be especially noticeable after a weight gain.

Symptoms may include:

* Menstrual problems. These can include few or no menstrual periods or heavy, irregular bleeding.
* Hair loss from the scalp and hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, back,stomach, thumbs, or toes.
* Acne and oily skin
* Fertility problems, such as not releasing an egg (not ovulating) or repeat miscarriages.
* Insulin resistance and too much insulin(hyperinsulinemia), which can cause things like upper body obesity and skin tags.
* Depression or mood swings.
* Breathing problems while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). This is linked to both obesity and insulin resistance.

Adenomyosis:

The term "adenomyometritis" specifically implies involvement of the uterus. It is the presence of ectopic glandular tissue found in muscle.In adenomyosis, basal endometrium penetrates into hyperplastic myometrial fibers. Adenomyosis may involve the uterus focally, creating an adenomyoma. With diffuse involvement, the uterus becomes bulky and heavier. Some women with adenomyosis do not experience any symptoms, while others may have severe, debilitating symptoms. Patients with adenomyosis can have painful and/or profuse menses (dysmenorrhea & menorrhagia, respectively).

With age, people not only grow wiser, but also have health issues...no wonder doing research they need to be wiser. Well on the title - had been wondering if something would have really happened as mentioned in the Dan Brown's novel on Inferno?

Lajja By Taslima Nasrin

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?

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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...

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