outer orbit: notes and thoughts

Gone too soon! #RIPMJ #RIPSteveJobs

2011-10-10T08:46:00.001+08:00

Michael Jackson’s song – just as applicable to MJ as it was to SJ

Like a comet
Blazing 'cross the evening sky
Gone too soon

Like a rainbow
Fading in the twinkling of an eye
Gone too soon

Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright
Here one day
Gone one night

Like the loss of sunlight
On a cloudy afternoon
Gone too soon

Like a castle
Built upon a sandy beach
Gone too soon

Like a perfect flower
That is just beyond your reach
Gone too soon

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight
Here one day
Gone one night

Like a sunset
Dying with the rising of the moon
Gone too soon
Gone too soon

Business is Social: Implementing Social Media Strategy in Business (Part 2 of 2)

2011-10-03T14:35:00.000+08:00

In my earlier post of Business is Social:…, I shared the size of the market was and the lovable demographics social media presents. In this second and final part, I will share with you the basic steps of getting there.
Before I proceed I want to share with you a personal sorry that occurred a few days ago.

I was disappointed at mediocre internet banking infrastructure of the two banks #hdfcbank, #icicibank and the unhelpful call center of #jetairways. The numerous attempts to the call center that either put me on hold for a good 20+ minutes or were unable to understand the requests yielded no results. As their customer that lives abroad, such waits and both frustrating and costly. I did what was the next step. Vent my frustration on a tweet.

In less than 12 hours, I had ‘messages’ from two of the firms #icicibank #jetairways requesting for more details. In less than 24 hours of me providing my contact details, the representatives called me and promised to fix the issue. One bank #hdfcbank, just chose to be unheard and non-present on twitter. Needless to say thy just lost my $10K investment that I was planning to do to their competitor.

As a customer, I was delighted that a 140 character tweet could achieve what a 20min international phone call or a 300 word email could not. Harnessing its power, let’s get serious.
Unfortunately, most companies are still treating social media like just another teenage fancy. When in fact, it’s so much more.

Where can Social Media help?

customer service, building loyalty
public relations, networking, thought-leadership
and yes, may be customer acquisition, too.

And because I’d hate to see it all not add up, I’ll add this tiny bit of advice. Do not assume that social media is the answer to every problem

If your product sucks, social media won’t fix it.
However, if your customer service sucks, social media can help.
If your repeat business sucks, social media can help.
If your company’s word of mouth sucks, social media can help.

So, here’s what you need to do:

Define your company’s social media strategy.

Hope is not strategy

Stop thinking “campaigns”. Start thinking “conversations.

Your customers are queuing there. Your resistance to social media is futile. Millions of people are creating content for the social web. Your competitors are already there. Your customers have been there for a long time.
If your business isn't putting itself out there, you are putting yourself out of business?

I wonder!

2011-10-03T14:28:00.000+08:00

phew! what an evening

the two of us,
went to watch Memoirs of Geisha
the twentiish she, was doing an MBA in a premier b-school
and me in, what is usually termed a cushy high-flying job

two die-hard optimists
we were so alike in our beliefs
of a super positive outlook to life
and living life as if there were no tomorrow

we dined and talked
over pasta, pizzas and macaroni soup
and what I heard was silent pauses
and both looking into each others’ moist eyes

it ended up, being so different
more like, Memoirs of Us
as we spoke of our derailed dreams, shattered hopes
despair, disappointment, destiny, doubt, fate, uncertainty

of a guys not committing
and girls who have been avoiding
pangs of staying apart
pressures of an arranged marriage

on how much we wished for the dear ones
and how we longed for them
if only they knew,
if only we could express, if only

strange are the ways of life
delicately entwining
of what we aspire
and what ensues

we talked of helping them overcome disappointments
giving them a shoulder, a silent ear
of being a friend, clearing the confusion
of giving them a reason to dream and cherish

as I traveled homewards
a cacophony of thoughts
agitated
my serene mind

I wonder!
was it, we, who needed
a shoulder, a patient ear
a true friend, company, love, care

hearing our own outburst and deeper fears
seeing our own eyes in tears
was it, we, who need help
I wonder!

life and randomness

2011-05-12T23:24:00.000+08:00

life is full of randomness

and is unforgiving

what you want to happen, do not

expectations are met with disappointments

luck lets you down while holding on to the last straw

and yet

life is full of randomness

and is full of compassion

impossible things do happen

faith is rewarded with miracles

luck is your last straw

Japan Hour: Latur, Earthquake Reasearch and a unfulfilled dream!

2011-03-12T10:31:00.001+08:00

It was Latur: September 30, 1993, 03:56 local time (India).

A ‘massive’ earthquake struck this small town Maharashtra, India. This intraplate earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale. Over 8,000 people died whilst another 30,000 were injured. The earthquake's focus was around 12 km deep - relatively shallow causing shock waves to cause more damage. (Japan’s earthquake on March 11, 2011 at 8.9, in contrast was at a depth of 24.4 km and 5700 times more powerful)

About 500 miles away in Bhopal, a young boy of 20 who was doing his course in Civil Engineering heard this first on the morning news over radio. Over the next few days he was glued to the disaster through newspapers, radio and television.

The boy was moved. Unable to bear the pain and agony of death and destruction, he chose to research on Earthquake Resistant Structures. As a young boy, his dreams were lofty and goals were social. The very idea that ‘as an Engineer, he can make the difference’ and prevent such catastrophes was too exciting.

Quickly he jumped on to researching on the topic. Over the next four months, he poured into every research paper he could lay his hands on and hundreds of books on earthquakes and structural designs. He gained adequate knowledge to write a few technical papers. Much to his surprise a few of his his papers were selected for presentation in the premier Engineering Colleges in India. His solutions were well appreciated and said to be practical. While he was not sure if it was the quality of research or if it was the recency effect of the earthquake (akin to Oscars), he loved his moment in limelight in any case.

>>Fast forward 17 years >> This young boy of Civil Engineering is as far from his stated dream of building Earthquake Resistant Structures. He ended up with an MBA degree and now runs a management consulting firm. He runs business development for Asia for a US Multinational. When he wakes up to the news of Japan on March 11, he wonders whatever had happened to the research, his passion to bring a difference in Civil Engineering in India.

As a young Engineer, his lure for the Technology Industry was probably too attractive to miss. A starting pay that was twice the salary of an Asst. Engineer was too appealing to let go. Added to that the company offered him highest pay in campus and that was too much of a ego-trip to ignore.

Result, decades years later, he is just another bystander watching the events unfold as earthquake strikes in a Haiti, Chile, Pakistan or a or a Japan and make comments and share a few words of condolence on the catastrophe over cappuccino on the 14^th floor overseeing the sea. He cancels his Japan trip that week, shuffles his itineraries, rebooks his itinerary and goes on to a different city.

Life moves on and all that was left is this blog post!

Business is Social: Making a case for Social Media Strategy in Business (Part 1 of 2)

2011-03-11T13:31:00.001+08:00

In my consulting assignments and workshop on social media, participants ask me the same question again and again. The top three questions are -

“Why do we as a business need to be there?”
“Facebook is for friends and Twitter is there for celebrities, not for real businesses”.
“We are a professional organization, not some startup”

In this two part series, I will share how social media can change the business dynamics and help you get closer to your prospects and customers. In part 2 of this series I will share my own personal example with an airline and a bank on how they leveraged social media to solve customer problems.

Well are businesses really social?

A few years ago when Avinash Kaushik, an Analytics Evangelist of Google quipped “social media is like teen sex. Everyone wants to do it. Nobody knows how. When it’s finally done there is surprise it’s not better”, it seemed like just that.

Now 3 years later 36 months wiser, Wikipedia defines thus - “Social media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques. Social media is the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue”,

Why should I care, you may ask?

Well, I can give you not one but six trends that possibly can change your perspective.

Because 3 out of 4 Americans use social technology.
Because 2/3 of the global internet population visit social networks.
Because visiting social sites is now the 4th most popular online activity
Because time spent on social networks is growing at 3x the overall internet rate, accounting for
Because social media is democratizing communications. Big time.
Because social media is like word of mouth on steroids.

Because, social media is a force to be reckoned with! If facebook were a country, it would be the 3rd most populated in the world, just after China and India.

If all this is great stuff, how does it affect my business, my customers or my prospects? I will cover these in my next issue, and I leave you with this thought -

93% of social media users believe that a company should have a presence in social media.
93% of these users want a dialogue, not a monologue on social media and believe that companies should not treat social media as yet another channel for broadcasting bulls*t.

Well now that I set the grounding on the basics of Social Media, I will take up in my next issue on how businesses can leverage social media in my next issue.

Oops! we did it again!

2010-11-27T14:25:00.001+08:00

We did it again, earlier today. Father and son got the heads shaved! Why did we do it? Well there are 19 reasons for a 19 month old.

Face gets radiance like Dalai Lama.
Feel the wind on the scalp as you ride a bicycle or even while running.
Go green and save the environment: Less shampoo, Less water, Less Conditioner
It feels lighter and younger
It looks cute that way
It reduces head-weight
JLT: Just like that!
Look cleaner
No need not comb your hair, and hence, can dress up faster than everyone else
Philosophically, one should let go of these worldly attachments.
Saves cost of going to the saloon less frequently
Stand-out in a crowd.
The density of grey matter increases with the black matter gone.
There are lesser chances of catching a cold as sweat and water evaporate faster.
Why would you want dead cells on your head
Why would you want to carry a non-value adding stuff all the time
You can be spot on a satellite image or Google Earth.
You can easily wipe off water after a bath
You do not miss what you do not have any more.

today, years later

2010-10-29T08:52:00.001+08:00

today, years later,

i return to my country, my home,

a fresh bud perched on a parched tree,

horizon touching the crimson evening sun,

and heartbeat, a little faster,

today, years later.

today, years later,

as if, the leaves paused their sway,

and birds rested their wings,

moon’s reflections faded in a distance,

and tears seized from their drift,

today, years later.

today, years later,

moistening of my arid eye,

the smell of familiar soil,

light breaking into me,

and the breeze feeling my skin,

today, years later.

today, years later,

as i return after a long voyage this idyllic evening,

people swing merrily on hammocks, and their their hair flows gently by the breeze,

even the rains have forgotten their showers, and time stood still,

and there is loud resonation in my heart,

today, years later.

***

Of random events and not-so-random reactions

2010-10-19T12:40:00.001+08:00

Many a times in life, it is not ‘the event’, but our reactions‘after-the event’, that shape our lives irreversibly.

In every one’s life, there are trying times when an undesirable event occurs and leaves a few stains. Those seemingly undesirable trying times,are our teachers that give an opportunity to evolve into wiser beings.

five little elephants

2010-10-13T11:04:00.001+08:00

five little elephants

jumping on the bed

the bed cracked up

and broke its leg

mama called the carpenter

and the carpenter said,

no more elephants jumping on the bed.

five little elephants

jumping on the bed

the bed cracked up

and broke another leg

mama called the carpenter

and the carpenter said,

no more elephants jumping on the bed

five little elephants

jumping on the bed

the bed cracked up

and broke the third leg

mama called the carpenter

and the carpenter said,

no more elephants jumping on the bed

five little elephants

jumping on the bed

the bed cracked up

and broke all its legs

mama called the carpenter

and the carpenter said,

no more elephants jumping on the bed.

and no more elephants were jumping on the bed.

Does Social Media make you Unsocial?

2010-10-08T15:09:00.001+08:00

As Strategy Director for Social Media Practice at Futureshift Consulting, I am asked this question over and over again in my engagements and workshops - “Is Social Media is making nerds out of humans and is it really that social?”. “If Facebook were making people not-social, how can a business be social on social-media”?

Even after dabbling with multiple modes of market research, some of them paid-for - Focus Group Discussions, Intercept Surveys and e-survey etc. - I was not satisfied with reach or the quality of answers. I was looking for subjective cues and opinions and I could not get that.

So I decided to take this research head-on – where the rubber hits the road– On Facebook Questions. The Question - “Does more Facebook mean less social or more social in today's world?” This was an absolutely random audience, from over 500 million people across the globe; a delight for any marketing professional. They are already participants in the social media and needless to say they understand the medium to give a meaningful insight. In less than 72 hours, I had a hundred people participating in this poll, and at least 16 of them gave some detailed answers. Needless to say the audience further rated the answers again and that tells me a good answer from a mediocre one, Crowd sourcing Research at its best. The findings -

Social is the new world order and technology, an inert enabler.

“Social" will have a fresh definition in the current context of new world and new dynamics. Through this medium humans are virally spreading ideas and products, and the social media is just a medium for transmission of thoughts, ideas and feelings.

Hence there is no real comparison to previous social interactions to what we are seeing now and what we may see in the future. To that extent, the impact of social media would not be truly measurable in comparison to the past. In the longer term however we may measure the impact in the next few years vis-a-vis the initial days.

Just as when writing was invented, people were worried about the ability to remember. When telephone was invented, they were wondering why anyone would ever need to talk to someone more than twenty miles away. Today, mobile telephony has given additional access sans time and distance constraints and we wonder how human race ever lived without these. New types of communications have come on and they are here to stay, co-existing and evolving into newer forms - texting, email, and instant messenger.

A case for Facebook: Why it makes people more social.

For most introverts who hid themselves behind a computer or a book and didn't enjoy the social dynamics, social networking just gave an additional medium of expression; for most extroverts social media either supplemented their desire or turbo charged their already social world by breaking boundaries of time and space.

Social media creates another sphere of social interaction that is local, yet global, an interaction that is active and yet non-intrusive by allowing for more opportunities to be social. The onus is placed on the individual to go out and be social, just as the case in the physical world. The status update merely becomes a medium for quick expression of the quirky moments that they would have any way shared with their group of friends. It is just that the new medium gives them a force multiplier effect to share with hundreds of people and possibly multiply chance for new social interactions.

Throughout history, it has been fairly easy to convince each successive generation of the superiority (or exclusivity) of whatever culture one lives in. It would have been too difficult to reach out and see alternatives. The biggest impact is that more people are being exposed to even more points of view (POV) than ever before. What may be interesting though that it may be worth investigating how social media interacts with other cultures that are person-person social in general, say in the conservative world or a remote village. People in some of these communities do a face-face interaction on a daily basis, much more than in the United States. Facebook may for one amplify their social life even after they have physically leave their circle of friends.

Now, with such a ubiquitous medium we have access to people and happenings around the world and have interesting POV from a 13 year old – 85 year old. In effect, we are forced, for the first time in human history to consider the POV of people who live on the other side of the world as "valid" as ours. In effect, our neighbours POV now does not sound as bad and in fact, we start appreciating it a lot more today. Hence in the long-term it may result in lesser conflicts as people start recognizing and appreciating the alternate POVs and “different" people out there are neither superior nor inferior and they are just different.

In the generation of broadband and internet people may stay inside more because they have the comfortable, predictable periphery of the internet that insulates them from real life. On the other hand, the ability to share pictures of social interactions such as parties and the fun people are having may influence others to get out of their bubble and be more social, especially since you can invite people en masse to social events. Thus it may in effect create more opportunity for social interactions that go with one’s own personality. There was one study that even apparently showed that people tend to communicate with almost the same set of people they would have in person.Top of Form in real life.

That said, we are spending less face time with friends and finding newer friends significantly faster and wider through social networking online. While one may do some genealogy work to find the roots and relatives, there are others are totally blown away by hundreds messages and posts from friends and family all over the world after a

Brief illness or on their special moments.

In some cases, it has even removed the awkward feeling to resume communication with long lost friends. In a way it aids the effort to become more socially active and to develop a healthy social circle once again after going out of touch. Moreover, it makes convenient to plan or catch up without the need for chasing one another through phone calls or emails. Top of Form

And the case against– Why social media make people less social!

In the short term, this rapid socialization is creating more conflicts in societies, especially conservative societies. While children adopt this medium with a frenzy, their parents panic and react negatively to the prospect that their children might be influenced through lifestyles and cultures; Familial, social, cultural and religious institutions are facing more challenges to the onslaught of rapid change (decline) in moral values and unable to maintain or control the societal fabric. That brings about controls and restrictions that are being imposed that may have a counter-intuitive effect on the actions.

This new medium heightens up the possibility of having fabricated avatars that are different from the real person. While people have always been crafting, positioning and selling themselves for as long as mankind existed, nothing in the past allowed the possibility for such mass misrepresentation. By projecting the part of one’s self that they want their friends to see and believe (with no real way of checking it) one can have endless opportunities to create multiple personalities. In real life, the physical limitations of doing things with people, the sensory touching- seeing- talk create arguably a higher level of trust and shared emotions.

Further, the medium builds an air of familiarity with the on-line persona of a person that when we are faced with real personal interaction, they are either over-friendly or just stuck because this is not the person that they knew. That creates further conflict and dissonance with the multiple personalities – online and offline persona.

Others believe that a lot more information is being shared with a lot less interaction. They see face to face meetings as interactions while technology driven exchanges like a ‘posting on your wall’ are pure information exchanges and hence falsely give the sense of more social.

For now, the verdict is 6:4 in favour of social media. Cultural anthropologists will no doubt study this phenomenon past and share the findings sometime in the future.

Till then happy tweeting!

- A Crowdsourced Research on Facebook – Does Facebook mean less social or more social in today’s world?

Be an icon*!

2010-10-02T13:48:00.001+08:00

Anyone can be someone under the sun
To be a face in the crowd, one must be an icon *

Becoming an icon demands more
more than just flowing with the current

an icon acts with responsibility and integrity
an icon believes in his cause
an icon can differentiate between unreal and real
an icon cares for people
an icon defies the herd
an icon detests mediocrity
an icon does need to do popularity gimmicks
an icon exposes the fallacies
an icon has passion for his crusade
an icon helps people around him grow
an icon practices innovation as if it were a religion
an icon questions falsehood
an icon stands up what is right
an icon thinks only win-win
an icon unravels the truth

Not every one is an icon; each one can aspire to be one.

When David (fell) off the chair

2010-10-01T00:15:00.001+08:00

Awesome LOL. Dude writes to his love:

Dear Love, Just as the choice of a perfume is a woman’s signature and not a scribble of her personality, or a gift of Davidoff is an appreciation of her feminity and not euphemism to describe her body odour...I talk about your shortcomings because I care and not because I compare.

Even Davidoff fell off the chair :) LOL

Illusion, that is life.

2010-09-24T17:24:00.000+08:00

Look at the dark clouds, they were there 30 minutes ago.
I was expecting a storm and was wondering what would happen.
I less than an hour, they disappeared just as they arrived
Clear skies that wiped away the darkness
just as if it was all an illusion.

Illusion - that is what life is.
and we live every m,oment in an illusion.

Of Spaghetti Straps, Kancheepuram Saris and the Indian Tricolor

2010-08-15T14:45:00.001+08:00

A few hours before writing this, I just returned from the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian High Commission in Singapore. Lavanya, Krish and I woke up early, dressed up in our traditional attire and travelled a good 25Kms to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony at the . And, we were not the only ones.

There were thousands of us, yes, thousands of Indians who had literally swamped the Orchard Road area to pay respect to the Indian Tricolor that was being hoisted at the Indian High Commission. There were women, children, toddlers and the senior citizens.

There was a traffic jam on Grange Road, but then for us Indians, the Embassy today was a home away from home. As the tricolor unfurled and the singing of the anthem reached its crescendo, one could but not miss the tears rolling down the cheeks. Tears did unite us. Tears of pride, the pride of our nation, and the pride of being an Indian.

One could see the colorful turban-clad Sardarjis and the South Indian maamis with Kacheepuram Saris; we could see some in Gujaratis with ankle-length lehenga cholis and the rest of the younger crowd in jeans, smart casuals and traditional salwar kameez.

This brings me to another related and interesting observation. There was absolutely no one wearing spaghetti straps, low-rise, or men who were shabbily dressed Bermuda or a bullet shot pants. What is surprising is that, there was no mention of dress code anywhere, and yet people seem to have followed a “Indian” dress code. Even the invite was just a ticker that was displayed on remote corner of the website of the Indian High Commission, Singapore.

“On the occasion of Independence Day, the flag hoisting ceremony will be held on the premises of High Commission of India at 31 Grange Road, Singapore – 239702 at 9amnon August 15, 2010. All are welcome.”

That made wonder, amongst other things - on what the essence of Indian-ness is?

Why do we travel 30 Kms to salute the flag when you live outside India, while we find excuses to drive just 6 Kms to attend the ceremony at a local Raj Bhavan or a Government Office?
Why do people spend up to 1500 Rupees to go and salute a national flag whereas, where the same people would deliberate a thousand times to shell out Rs. 100 for auto-rickshaw and avoid attending a flag hoisting ceremony within India?
What is it that that makes Non-Resident Indians go through the traffic jams and spend 60-90minutes travel (one-way) while the same people dread to travel even 30minutes?
What makes people we wear decent, traditional clothes (as if one were to a temple or a wedding), when the same people are vociferous that spaghetti straps, tight jeans and miniskirts are the liberating factors for the Indian women?
What is it that, that makes gets tears down our eyes when the Anthem is played, while minutes later we criticize every establishment worth its name in India?

An example is this tweet from likes of Tavleen Singh and Pritish Nandy, minutes after Shri. Manmohan Singh ji, the Prime Minister gave a very thoughtful and thought-provoking speech - “RT @PritishNandy: RT He is, poor guy! @tavleen_singh: The PM sounded in his Independence Day speech like a consultant to the Govt. of India.” – why are they shameless and so critical. Could they not spend a few hours contemplating about the thought provoking issues that face us before making these inane judgments?

I am trying to find answers on why we have this duality.

Why do the same people behave so very differently when they are in India and outside? Why are we patriotic and respectful when under the tricolor and the anthem, when minutes later we turn into agnostic critics? Why is it that makes the liberators of Indian Clothing wear our traditions and cultures on these occasions?

Do we have the answers?

Happy Birthday Mom: a recollection of the years

2010-08-08T09:42:00.001+08:00

Amma, you are there – then, now, always

You were there

when I first came into this world,

when you brought Vinodh home.

On my first day of school,

at my first Fancy Dress Competition as Netaji

in the front rows at all the school prize distribution functions

and all the Parent Teacher’s meetings

You were there

when I first fell off the bicycle,

when I practiced for the All India Oration competition in Class III

when I broke my forehead in Chinnankuppam

through my teenage tantrums,

and my travails as a young adult.

You were there

when I went to college,

and when I fumbled in my first skit as Subramanya Bharati,

to collect the first prize for Class XII in Goa,

and through my ups and downs during my engineering days.

You were there

when I first joined work in Bombay,

through my experiences with love and despair,

when I got into the B-School,

through the insanity of my graduation days,

and at the convocations.

You were there

for my bad days at work when I was with IBM

giving encouragement when I lost that big Sales deal,

for that big day when got I married,

to the day we had our own little one in Singapore,

through Krish's first year... and now...

you have sixty beautiful years behind you

Thank you, Amma

You have been an awesome pillar

And source of strength.

Happy Birthday Amma!

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DSLR Camera Lenses and Their Abbreviations

2010-08-05T11:31:00.000+08:00

General Abbreviations

Before we get into the nitty gritty of why they are all different, let’s look at the commonalities. There are three common terms to describe SLR lenses and these are simple to grasp and relate purely to more creative and performance functions.

Focal length: The scope of the scene captured example 16-35mm. A lens which covers an area of 16mm (relatively wide) zooming in to 35mm.

Maximum aperture: The maximum speed at which the lens can let in light. e.g. f/2.8 or f3.5 – 5.6

If the lens has only one number then that is the maximum aperture possible.

If the lens has 2 numbers then these are the maximum apertures possible dependent upon the focal length the lens is set to.

The lower the number the wider the lens aperture and the faster it lets in light. (see my forthcoming article on the law of reciprocity)

AF/MF: Switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus

Nikon Lens Abbreviations

Canon Lens Abbreviations

Sigma Lens Abbreviations

Tamron Lens Abbreviations

Describing Nikon Lenses

Nikon produce a large range of lenses with their own specific acronyms. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina also make Nikon Fit SLR Lenses making the selection almost equally as wide

AF DC_ Nikkor Lenses: Defocus-image Control adjusting spherical aberration and thus the blur giving rounded blur effect used for portraits.

CRC (Close-Range Correction): Fot fisheye, wide-angle, Micro, and limited medium telephoto, offering higher quality at closer distances.

DX Nikkor: optimized for bodies with smaller sensors.

ED: Extra-low Dispersion glass. Superior sharpness and color, correcting blue and red light travel.

IF: Internal Focusing. Lens length remains unchanged

Macro: suitable for close up focusing.

G: Aperture adjusted by the camera body.

Nano Crystal Coat: non-reflective coating for clearer images.

VR: Vibration Reduction: Nikon’s version Image Stabilization to cur down the effects of hand shake.

PC-E: Perspective Control for architectural photography.

RF: Rear Focusing for smoother auto focus..

Silent Wave Motor: Silent AF

Terms to describe Canon lenses

Canon produce an extremely wide range of lenses for their EOS cameras. This married with the ranges produced by Sigma, Tamron and Tokina gives Canon owners an enormous range of Canon Fit SLR Lenses. The abbreviations used by Canon are as below.

EF: Electronic Focus. Lens mount fits the entire Canon EOS DSLR range.

EF-S: As above but only fitting the APS-C sensor digital SLR such as the 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D and 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D. The S stands for “short back focus,” meaning that the back of the lens is much closer to the CMOS (CCD if you like) than with EF lenses.

USM: Ultrasonic autofocus motor. Two types. USM micro-a direct replacement for the systems on older FD motors and ‘Ring USM’ with manual override.

DO: Diffractive optics. A technology allowing Canon to produce shorter physical length lenses.

TS-E: Tilt-shift lens used for perspective correction in photography, usually in architectural work to alter converging lines and depth of field. Similar to ‘Sinar’ camera.

L Lenses: Canon professional with higher optical quality and not specifically functionality. Usually white in color. All L series lenses have a red ring on the outside..

MP-E: Macro Photo Electronic. Lenses designed for macro with an electronic aperture control function.

IS: Image Stabilization, A system designed to reduce hand shake. Nikon version is called VR (Vibration Reduction) and Sigma one is OS (Optical Stabilization).

Acronyms for Sigma lenses

EX: Sigma’s professional lenses.

DG: For full frame bodies

DC: For APS-C bodies.

ASP: Aspherical lens.

APO: Apochromatic lens. Unique to Sigma and for chromatic aberration.

OS: Optical Stabilization.

HSM: Hypersonic Motor. Silent AF.

RF: Rear focus..

IF: Inner focus so lens physical length is fixed reducing hand shake on longer focus shots.

DF: Dual focus. Does not rotate during AF.

Conv: Used with Sigma teleconverters.

Tamron Lenses described

ASL: Aspherical

AD: Reduces chromatic aberration..

Di: Full frame

Di II: Cropped Frame.

IF: Internal focus.

LD: Low Dispersion Glass to reduce chromatic abberation

Macro: Designed to focus on closer subjects

SP: Super Performance.

XR: Extra Refractive Glass for improved optical results.

VC: Vibration Control as Canon’s IS, Sigma’s OS and Nikon’s VR.

By Keith Trigwell. - http://www.flickr.com/bigmojo

Shopping for World Class Unprofessionals? Try the Indian Supermarkets.

2010-06-27T13:46:00.001+08:00

BREAKING NEWS!

Indian super markets chains have abundant stock a unique offering that most developed nations cannot have – A limitless stock of unprofessional storekeepers.

Just as India dominates the world-software market and invented the zero, we also invented this new breed of unprofessionals and now dominate this segment.

Clearly, for all the supply chain efficiencies of Wal-Marts, 7-11 and customer service levels NTUC(Singapore), they sure would just not be able to cater to this unique product – world-class unprofessionals. A visit any of the thousands of supermarket spewed across the country would however, help you find a dozen pieces in stock. It does not matter if it is ‘Reliance Fresh’, ‘Nilgiris’ or ‘Food World’ - you are assured of the stock and consistent quality.

The billing counter can give you the best experience of unprofessionalism. There are a good 4-6, of which only one / two counters would be working at any given time. There would be another 5-7 billing clerks loitering around doing nothing but chatter away through the working hours – from Yuvraj Singhs’s run-rate, to local politics to who is sleeping with who in Indian Cinema. They talk so loud as if it were a panel discussion for the dozens of frustrated shoppers who stand in the queue – who just want to finish their shopping and just get out of the place ASAP. The air cons would not work any ways so you can see the frustration rise exponentially with the mercury levels.

The billing counter has state-of-the-art systems like any Wal-Mart - IBM POS systems, popular application software, bar code scanners, automated weighing scales, credit card readers, and the works. Add to that the bright uniform of the staff, usually soiled with dirt and grime that makes one thing if they were working as an auto mechanic.

The 25-something billing clerk at this counter is both young and slow. He has an amazing speed (sic) of scanning 2-3 items in 2 minutes – the same time the 70 year old at an NTUC Singapore would take to scan and bill 20-30 items. Queues continue to get serpentine. You can now see one of the staff members break the queue to get his ‘friend’s’ can of coke billed and this further stalls the processing system. Our friendly billing clerk fumbles with the system, goes out for a smoke, attends a few phone calls on his mobile, socializes with his team, and would get back to billing the next three items after 4 minutes. This process continues and line gets longer. Add to it the inconsistent pricing between the shelf signage and the billing system. The billing clerk defiantly claims that the shelf-signage is wrong and the pricing and argument with the shopper pursues. There is mumbling in the queue at the hopeless situation leading to some acrimonious shouting, inaction from the staff and just docile acceptance of the pathetic service levels.

All just because the Great Indian Middle Class do not really have a choice. The other supermarkets nearby too offer the similar unprofessional service levels. Whoever said, “Competition is good for the industry?” It seems like the entire industry is competing to be inefficient and unprofessional.

Now how do you justify this entire despicable experience at the billing counter in a private enterprise fitted with state-art-of-the-art hardware and backed by India’s admired corporate houses? While we can again, blame the Indian Government for the inefficiencies in the country, what would the real reason be?

- Is this because we are not a nation of efficient smart people but over smart inefficient duds?

- Is it fair that for all the Indian values that we claim, unprofessionalism tops the list?

- Is it because this is the service level deserving of an average Indian deserves? He gets what he pays for.

- Is it because the marketing managers of these chains, usually from Ivy League B-Schools are not geared to the ground realities, since their drivers do the shopping?

- Is this because of the reservation system in India?

Would we fear to call this outright unprofessional behavior of the individual. While there may be a systemic failure, would it not be fair that it is the individual who can take ownership of his actions and inactions. They have permeated everywhere from supermarket to airline counters, from call-centers to retail stores. Almost all of them are in the private-sector enterprise. They earn tens of thousands of rupees every month – a decent sum for the profession. Yet there is sense of unprofessional callous attitude by these millions of 25-something individuals inworkforce. They are the future of the nation and is it the future we bargained for?

Sad state of affairs, indeed!

I had a dream

2010-05-09T11:35:00.000+08:00

A dedication to Lavanya on Krish’s Birthday (modified from ‘Footprints by Carolyn Joyce Carty)

Last night I had a dream. I dreamt that I was walking along the beach with my Mom.

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to me, and the other to my Mom.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned my Mom about it: "Mom, I always thought your love was unconditional and you were there with me all the way – even before I was born. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

Mom replied: "My son, my precious child,I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Abda Poorthi, Ayush Homam: A primer

2010-05-01T10:14:00.001+08:00

The significance of performing the Ayushya Homam; Source: http://www.trsiyengar.com/id286.shtml

Purpose:

The purpose of performing Homam[1] – specifically AAyushya Homam[2] is that, when a child is born, the possibilities of having the vibrations of previous birth and might identify the previous birth's contacts. To remove that from the present body, they apply certain herbal sticks, that will heat the body and mind, which will remove the “poorva jenma karma” (karmas of past life), and make the child fit to live this generation. In The Holy fire, they offer cooked rice, ghee made out of cow's milk and some samithu known as wooden sticks of smaller size. While offering these, they recite and chant the Ayushya Sooktham for a minimum three times, that contains eight stanzas.

Process:

Ayushyaya Homam is dedicated to the Life God to enhance longevity - Ayushya - i.e. life. Homam is explained by the sage Bodhayana in the Bodhayana sutras. According to Bodhayana, if a child is constantly ill, this Homam could be performed on a monthly basis until the child attains good health. But in general practice, this is performed only at the first year of birth only i.e. day of the star in which the child is born. This Homam is performed on the day the child completes one year of age. In case one is unable to perform it on this day, it can be done on the consecutive month. It may be done even on a monthly basis. By performing the Ayushya Homam the evil effects caused by day of the fortnight (Thithi), day of the week (Vara) & the constellation (nakshatra -star) are eradicated. It bestows longevity, prosperity and good health. It is experienced that even some of the common ailments, which cannot be diagnosed through mainstream medicines, are cured by the performance of this Homam.

After the Homam, the child is given the remainder-cooked rice as a Prasadam, added with sugar. Then, the child's head is tonsured to get rid of the dirts, that associated while in mother's womb. After giving bath, the ear piercing takes place to complete the function. The general sequences for this ritual is:

1. Changing Holy thread by the performer

1. Purifying the Home (suddhi punyahavachanam),

2. Anugjam,

3. Sankalpam

4. Vishwakshena Aradhanam

5. Ayurdevatha, Kula Devatha, Ishta Devatha & Nakshatra Devatha aavahanam in the Kumbam

6. Archanam

7. Recitals of Ayushya Sooktham and other Devatha Mantram - Japam

8. Agni Avaahanam

9. Pradhana Ayushya Homam - depending on the number of priests/Bruhaspati, the number can vary from 28 to 108 ahuthis.

10. Nakshatra Devatha, Purusha/Sri Sooktha Homam &

11. Jayathi Homam. And finally the Maha Aseervatham - the blessings of Brahmins with Vedic recitals specific for the function, after offering their due sambavana/Dakshina. Kula Devatha/Perumal/Thayar & Acharyan Sambavana. At The end of the function, Mangala Aarathi is taken.

Endnote: The Ayushya Homam is also performed during completion of the 60th, 80th & 100th year. Srivaishnavites perform Sri Sooktha, Purusha Sooktha & Sudarsana Homam together with Ayushya Homam. Shivites used perform, starting it Ganapathy & Navagraha pooja, then with Ganapathi Homam & Navagraha Homam. However, for both, after the Ayushya Homam & Poorna Ahuthi, a sacrifice known as Jayathi Homam is performed at the end. The Jayathi Homam is, in fact, to be performed at the end of each auspicious Havan known as Homam; this is for all the sect of Brahmins.

[1] Homam (also known as Havan in Hindi) is a religious ritual performed by Hindus in general and Brahmins in particular, to invoke the blessings of specific Gods and Goddesses. It begins with the performer known as Karta (devotee) invoking Agni (God of fire) and inviting him to carry the offerings into the fire, to the concerned deity. The Gods, pleased with the offerings grant the wishes of the devotees in the form of benefits like longevity, good health, wealth, success in business, ward off evils, get rid of enmity, gain prosperity, progeny etc.,. In fact, the invoking of Fire God is (i.e. Agni) is traditionally considered as the carrier of our prayers and offerings to the concerned deity/devatha. It is said that since these devathas are so powerful, they are not easily reachable to the ordinary man. The Agni acts as an easy and approachable intermediary who can pass on our devotion and prayer to the devathas. The Agni along with his two brothers, takes our offerings to the Gods, through the powerful Vedic recitals of specific Mantra, given for each ritual.

[2] The Ayushya Homam is one such, performed on the completion of first year of birth Nakshatra (note - not as per birth date, but the day of constellation that falls on the same Indian Calendar month in the following year of birth). Primarily to pray for longevity and prosperity of life this Homam is performed. Ayushya = meaning age or tenure of life, and Homam, the invocation of the deity through a consecrated fire. Though it is usually performed on the First birthday (Star-wise) of the baby. It can even be performed anytime later during one’s lifetime.

After the purification of the place where the Ayushya Homam is held, i.e. Graha Suddhi Punyahavachanam, the priests are invited to invoke the Lord Brahma, through their prayers. The recitals are at least with three such priests, chanting the Ayushya Sooktham in unison. Then, the Lords of birth Nakshatra, Family Diety (Kula Devatha) are invoked. Basically, this starts with the Kumbam known as Khalash and then the same is repeated again with the Holy Fire. This can be compared to the respect with which we treat our guests and ensure they feel special. Similarly, the God is also treated in a special way. The perform sits facing east, where the Agni Kundam is kept in front of him in the centre.

$5 to defend the Health Reform!

2010-03-26T12:59:00.001+08:00

I wanted to share with you an interesting email that I received from the Democratic National Committee project team.

This is thought provoking on a couple of fronts. One would wonder, if and how businesses can get such participation from customers - attracting, retaining and having their customers donate – not just buy their products. Can that happen?

This email below - is such a beautiful way to get citizens participate – they contributed towards the multiple rounds in election campaign, volunteer to push their congressmen to vote , are willing pay more taxes because of the reform AND again donate to defend the healthcare bill.

Wow! Amazing! I wish businesses learnt a few tricks here. In business, would you imagine McDonalds asking getting patrons to ‘contribute’ to set up a store, ‘volunteer’ to manage the store and spread the word, ‘pay more’ for McDonalsds to fund the increasing administrative expenditure, and ‘donate $5 to continue to maintain market dominance and defend their competitive position in the market place.

I am also amazed by the meticulous ness and follow-up @every step along the way and seek donations…

Amazing indeed!

______________________________

Subject: Rajesh -- we need to act‏

From: Mitch Stewart, BarackObama.com (info@barackobama.com)

Sent: Thu 3/25/10 10:25 PM

To: Rajesh Soundararajan (rajesh.soundararajan@hotmail.com)

Rajesh --
We knew that power concedes nothing. So did President Obama. So did the members of Congress who courageously voted for reform, knowing that the special interests and the extreme right wing would retaliate swiftly.

The attacks are fierce. Deceptive ads are hitting the airwaves in swing districts. GOP lawmakers are pushing to repeal reform -- and preventing the Senate from performing basic functions. A few Republican attorneys general have launched a baseless attack to overturn the legislation. But that's not even the worst of it.

A conservative blogger posted the home address of Congressman Tom Perriello, urging tea partiers to "drop by." Other members have had death threats. Democratic offices have been vandalized.
Please chip in $5 or more to defend health reform -- and those in Congress who fought to make it possible.

Showing support for reform and those who fought for it is our number one priority right now. We're going all-out, organizing grassroots events around the country, running supportive ads on the air, and making sure that every American knows the truth about the historic legislation that representatives voted into law.
Members of Congress know that reform would not have passed without all of your incredible work. But we also know that it would not have passed without their courage.
Together, along with President Obama, we beat the insurance companies and brought affordable coverage to 32 million without it, reduced costs for families and small businesses, and created the toughest patient protections in history.
A few weeks ago, we made a simple promise to these representatives: You fight for health reform, we'll fight for you. It's time to hold up our end of the deal. Please donate $5 or more:
https://donate.barackobama.com/Defend
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

This email was sent to: rajesh.soundararajan@hotmail.com

Update Address / Email | Unsubscribe

The Teacher makes a difference

2010-03-20T14:13:00.001+08:00

At a dinner table, guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher. Be honest. What do you guys make?"
The Teacher, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what we make? She paused for a second, and then began...

× "Well, we make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

× We make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honour or a Padma Bushan.

× We make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental.

Do you want to know what we make?” She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.

× “We make kids wonder.

× We make them ponder and question.

× We make them apologize and mean it.

× We make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

× We teach them to write and then we make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

× We make them read, read, read.

× We make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not
the man-made calculator.

× We make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know
about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

× We make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

× We make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the
Pledge and believe in the greatness of their Nation.

× Finally, we make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given,
work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.”

The Teacher paused one last time and then continued,
”Then, when people try to judge me by what we make, with me knowing money isn't everything, we can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.
Do you want to know what a teacher makes?

The Teacher makes a difference.”

Irresponsible Journalism – a death panel for Aam Aadmi?

2010-02-21T09:02:00.001+08:00

I read an article “Govt moots jail for GM food critics” and appalled by India Today's misrepresentation of the bill. This article set me thinking, while I am still trying to get a copy of the complete bill.

The clause in the proposed bill:

“Misleading public about organism and products' is one of the crimes for which punishment has been prescribed in Section 63, Chapter 13 of the Bill which deals with various "offences and penalties.....Whoever, without any evidence or scientific record misleads the public about the safety of the organisms and products specified in Part I or Part II or Part III of the Schedule I, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees or with both."

The journalistic (mis)representation:

If the Ministry of Science and Technology has its way, criticising genetically modified (GM) products could land you in jail. An Indian citizen who questions the safety of any GM food or medicine could be put behind bars for a minimum period of six months under a new law proposed by the ministry.

You may see the use of words “MoST has its way”, “criticising GM products”, “An Indian Citizen”, “who questions,” all tactfully used to manipulate public opinion.

Recently, during another related issue with BT Brinjal, I was appalled on how the media represented an emotionally charged one-sided story. The public never heard on TV or read the benefits of GM and what the trade-offs would be.

The critics and media could have brought about the much required ‘other’ perspective of how BT Cotton had helped tens of thousands of farmers in reducing pest and increased yield by 200-300%. BT Cotton helped bring down cotton prices due this and helped millions of consumers.

I also spoke to a few scientific minds on food products. These researchers were actively involved in paddy research as early as 1960s. They shared how such scientific developments helped in increasing yield, developed pest resistance, and improved shelf life. Apparently, such genetically modified and hybrid paddy varieties improved the lives of millions of farmers and saved India from catastrophic famine. Even then, there was skepticism about scientific engineering of food and the harm is even five decades later. They remain just that - baseless skepticism.

In the process, however in those 50 years, India achieved food surplus in the 70s. Green revolution was a success. She emerged unscathed from the verge of famine. The successful agriculture economy helped to pave way industrialization in 80s and boost of service sector in the nineties. Citizens had food to eat and we have one of the lowest hunger related deaths in the developing economies.

I do believe constructive criticism is good. Good ideas are welcome. An example of constructive suggestion would be to market GM products with a mandatory note – “GM product, this is not scientifically proven.” Let consumers decide. Baseless allegations and criticism that stall progress are a big NO-NO. Such criticism arrest scientific temper and annihilates innovation. They lead us to a path of self-destruction and poverty.

We are a country that allows cigarette selling with just a tiny mention in some corner of the packing. We idolize a cigarette-wielding Shah Rukh Khan and love the tobacco industry that is 100% proven for their harmful products. We are a nation that has one of the highest liquor consumption and love rock concerts promoted by liquor barons, knowing fully well that alcohol destroys the liver and the livelihoods. We are probably the only nation where Government is into business of selling liquor and we love that, don’t we.

Why then is this hypocrisy when it comes to some scientific progress that helps farmers and the poor. Is it because the rich can afford to throw money on ‘imported organic food’ at 2-3 times the price

Sadly, in India today, justice is not fought in the courts but in the media rooms. Our 24X7 journalists wear multiple hats – of lawyers and subject matter experts and have been conferred with this unique national responsibility to wilfully manipulate public opinion to increasing TRP ratings. In the above case, the title could very well have be "Finally, an end to baseless allegations that hinder India's scientific progress”. The article would be seen very differently. Alternatively, the article could have just presented the pros and cons without bias.

Irresponsible Journalism – a death panel for Aam Aadmi?

Story: Of the Fox and the Grapes; China 2006-2010

2010-01-20T11:04:00.001+08:00

The Country was China and it was the beginning of 2006.

Fox-G was strolling through the vast forests of China. This was had strayed into China from across the seas. In his home town he was a proud leader of his tribe.

Fox-G came in ‘search’ of grapes and found an orchard with lots of them, ripening on a vine and ready to be plucked. They were very sweet and hard to resist. Unfortunately they were tied over a lofty branch. "Just the thing to quench my thirst," he declared.

Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success.

For 4 years he tried - again and again he tried and tried, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: "I am sure they are sour."

Moral: …... (Can you help write the moral of this story?)

29 things in 2009: the year that was

2010-01-06T17:19:00.001+08:00

1. Became a CEO

2. Blessed with a little angel : Krish R Iyengar was born

3. Captured 5,000 beautiful moments through photograph

4. Conducted two workshops on online media

5. Contacted 600 friends through online media

6. Futureshift Consulting, gets its first client

7. Grasped the difference between, friends, colleagues and networks

8. Had the entire family visit and stay with us

9. Impacted 0.5million people each day, with safe and educative internet access in 5 countries in Asia

10. Invested in dream DSLR - almost without spending a penny.

11. Invited to prestigious Mensa society; IQ 156, 99 percentile on Standard test.

12. Learnt the pranayama from art of living

13. Missed a flight

14. Moderated international travel by 80%; spent 400% more time with family

15. Ninety-Seventh owner of Tata Nano; The innovation that changed the World.

16. Optimized the watch collection and capped at 75 pieces.

17. Profited very decently on stock markets when entire Wall Street was crumbling

18. Quit world’s #1 software company, Microsoft at my peak.

19. Realized financial goals

20. Recalibrated life

21. Reduced carbon footprint by taking public transport 100% of time.

22. Signed up my first tenant, first time Lessor J

23. Started on the path of self-realization through the Bhagvad Gita and Art of Living

24. Successfully completed a course on Photography with Singapore’s top Photographer.

25. Took care of parents

26. Travelled to home country (India) 4 times in less than 12 months.

27. Turned entrepreneur; founded a management consulting firm.

28. Visited my ancestral village with family.

29. Went rural; owned a farmland and became agriculturist

- by Rajesh Soundararajan

Man, Change and Consciousness!

2009-11-11T17:25:00.001+08:00

Man is the medium of change and not the change itself.

Man, in trying to be the change agent or a change catalyst ends up imagining himself not as an agent but as the creator and the destroyer.

As Man becomes the jury for his own self, the lines are blurred and conscience gets subdued, thus preventing him from reaching higher stages of consciousness, the very purpose of evolution and purpose of existence.

Operation Border Patrol: Through the Himalayas

2009-11-02T12:05:00.001+08:00

After a visit to the symbolic Golden Temple, we take a sneak peak at the change of guard at Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah.

Then we drive through the scenic beauty of of Tibetan settlement like like Dharmasala and then to the 400 year old Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali.

Then we weave our way through Rohtang Pass to the highest Motorable Road in the world - Leh

From Leh we hit Kargill, Kardung La and Drass sectors (sectors densely protected by Indian Paramilitary) and moving to the pristine Dal Lake in Srinagar.

On way south cover the Capital City of Jammu and the Le Corbusier’s city of Chandigarh before moving to Dehradun and returning to Delhi

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=31.678539~76.470274&style=r&lvl=6&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&rtp=pos.28.5904081910849_77.2247772663832_New%20Delhi%2C%20India__~pos.31.6278858482838_74.8685458302498_Amritsar%2C%20India__~pos.31.604344_74.57365_31.604344%2C%2074.57365__~pos.32.2206573933363_76.3188397139311_Dharmsala%2C%20India__~pos.32.2667008638382_77.1667020767927_Manali%2C%20India__~pos.34.1803128272295_77.5911328196526_Leh%2C%20India__~pos.34.2788888888889_77.6047222222222_Khardung%20La%2C%20India__~pos.34.5396041125059_76.1393892019987_Kargil%2C%20India__~pos.34.0809705108404_74.8037564009428_Srinagar%2C%20India__~pos.32.7081334590912_74.852554500103_Jammu%2C%20India__~pos.30.7377813756466_76.7844390124083_Chandigarh%2C%20India__~pos.30.333566442132_78.0477601289749_Dehra%20Dun%2C%20India__~pos.28.5904081910849_77.2247772663832_New%20Delhi%2C%20India__&rtop=0~0~0&encType=1

The Desert Trail: Rajasthan Bare on a 4WD:)

2009-11-02T11:50:00.001+08:00

Rajasthan Stripped Bare by Road – on a 4WD, what a drive :)

Jaipur to Jailsalmer, Ajmer to Abu – is there anything else that can beat this experience!

Bing Maps
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTSN&cp=26.804461~74.108276&style=r&lvl=7&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&rtp=pos.28.5904081910849_77.2247772663832_New%20Delhi%2C%20India__~pos.26.9121741503477_75.8059845864773_Jaipur%2C%20India__~pos.26.4433005452156_74.6426924318075_Ajmer%2C%20India__~pos.26.2816089391708_73.0231551826_Jodhpur%2C%20India__~pos.26.9117791950703_70.9127274155617_Jaisalmer%2C%20India__~pos.24.6_72.7_Abu%2C%20India__~pos.24.5746330171824_73.6949077248573_Udaipur%2C%20India__~pos.28.5904081910849_77.2247772663832_New%20Delhi%2C%20India__&rtop=0~0~0&encType=1

Culture Trail : 3600 Kms by Rail: Bing Maps

2009-11-02T11:45:00.001+08:00

Traversing through the Mythological Mathura to the World’s Wonder- the Taj

historic forts in Gwalior to the Islamic culture - the City of Bhopal, Kanpur and Lucknow rich its preserved heritage

moving to through the Allahabad the seat of ancient Hindu and Islamic Educational institutions of repute

to the sacred Ganges at the Varanasi and then to place of enlightenment of Buddha at Bodh Gaya

moving to the HQ of East India company and ending with Sunset at Konark in Orissa.

(Author has included Bhopal and Jamshedpur as he had done a part of his education in these two cities:)

Bing Maps – click here ->
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTSN&cp=24.514382~82.581025&style=r&lvl=5&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&rtp=pos.28.5904081910849_77.2247772663832_New%20Delhi%2C%20India__~pos.27.4928147345781_77.6837233453989_Mathura%2C%20India__~pos.27.1777188777924_78.0093006044626_Agra%2C%20India__~pos.26.2276837974787_78.1763458997011_Gwalior%2C%20India__~pos.23.2365265488625_77.405074685812_Bhopal%2C%20India__~pos.26.4611949026585_80.3313218057156_Kanpur%2C%20India__~pos.26.8400133401155_80.9314955770969_Lucknow%2C%20India__~pos.25.4456616193056_81.8490444123745_Allahabad%2C%20India__~pos.25.3131390362978_83.0076520889997_Varanasi%2C%20India__~pos.24.7999291867018_85.0068821758032_Gaya%2C%20India__~pos.22.5736889988184_88.3585061877966_Kolkata%2C%20India__~pos.19.8029248416424_85.8329770714045_Puri%2C%20India__~pos.22.778487727046_86.2089999765158_Jamshedpur%2C%20India__~pos.22.5736889988184_88.3585061877966_Kolkata%2C%20India__&rtop=0~0~0&cid=73E8F165E28DD881!108311&encType=1

Singapore F1: Father and Son.

2009-10-03T12:53:00.001+08:00

We are watching so intently that we could smell the rubber in the living room:)

Singapore GP: Father and son doing a 36 second lap.

2009-10-03T12:49:00.001+08:00

Outer Orbit : Word Cloud : July 2009

2009-07-15T01:17:00.001+08:00

Books and Otherwise (my Bookshelf)

2009-03-28T00:38:00.001+08:00

del.icio.us Tags: Book Author A Brief History Of Time Stephen Hawking A New Earth Eckhart Tolle A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Age Proof Your Brain Tony Buzan Alchemist Paulo Coelho An Area Of Darkness V S Naipaul Anne Frank – The Diary Anne Frank Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand Be My Guest Conrad Hilton Beyond The Last Blue Mountain J R D Tata Bhagvad Gita As It Is Swami Prabhupada Black Holes And Baby Universes Stephen Hawking Blink Malcolm Gladwell Commentaries On Living J Krishnamurti Communist Manifesto Ayn Rand Coolie Mulk Raj Anand Crucial Conversations Patterson,Et Al Cutting Edge Advertising Ii Jim Aitchison Da Vinci Code Dan Brown Daughter Of Jerusalem Sara Maitland Digital Fortress Dan Brown Don't Send A Cv Jeffrey J Fox Eat That Frog Brian Tracey English Teacher R K Narayan Every Second Counts Lance Armstrong Fifth Wave Leadership Schetchman Financial Expert R K Narayan First Break All The Rules Marcus Buckingham Fish Stephen C Lundin Footsteps Of Anne Frank Ernst Schabel Freakonomics Malcolm Gladwell From This Day Forward Cookie And Steve Robers Future Shock Alvin Toffler Goals Brian Tracey God's Debris Scott Adams Great Works Of Rabindranath Tagore Rabindaranath Tagore Handwriting Analysis Andrea Mcnichol Harry Potter And The Order Of Phoenix J K Rowling Horse And Two Goats R K Narayan How To Become A Ceo Jeffrey J Fox How To Have A Beautiful Mind Edward De Bono How To Negotiate Your Salary Alan Jones How To Talk To Anyone Lowndes Hyperwars Brucejudson Ignited Minds Abdul Kalam In Search Of Excellence Tom Peters Intrepreter Of Maladies Jhumpa Lahiri It Is Not About The Bike Lance Armstrong Kane And Abel Jeffrey Archer Kural Thiruvalluvar Lady Chatterley's Lover Dh Lawrence Life Of Pi Yann Martell Living With Siva Swami Subramaniyaswami Malgudi Days R K Narayan Man Eater Of Malgudi R K Narayan Many Lives,Many Masters Brian Weiss Married But Available Abhijit Bhaduri Memoirs Of Geisha Arthur Golden Men Are From Mars,Women Are From Venus Greg Message From The Masters Brian Weiss Mind Maps At Work Tony Buzan Mister God This Is Anna Fynn My Experiments With Truth Mahatma Gandhi Never Eat Alone Keith Ferrazzi Not A Penny More,Not A Penny Less Jeffrey Archer Notes To Each Other Hugh Prather Notes To Myself Hugh Prather Now,Discover Your Strengths Marcus Buckingham Objectivism Ayn Rand Old Grandma's Take R K Narayan Only The Paranoid Survive Andrew S Grove Painter Of Science R K Narayan Power Shift Alvin Toffler Quiver Full Of Arrows Jeffrey Archer Rethinking The Future Charles Handy Et Al Say It Right The First Time Malandro Sea Of Poppies Amitav Ghosh Secrets Of The Code Dan Burstein Shall We Tell The President Jeffrey Archer Sharpen The Saw Palani K Pillai Six Thinking Hats Edward De Bono Stillness Speaks Eckhart Tolle Straight From The Gut Jack Welch Swamy And Friends R K Narayan The 48 Laws Of Power Robert Greene The Argumentative Indian Amartya Sen The Art Of War Sun Tzu The Best Of Tehelka Tehelka The Bible * The Big Moo Seth Godin The Book Of Wishes And Complaints Zina Rohan The Carpetbaggers,Harold Robbins The Client John Grisham The Curious Incident Of The Dog Mark Haddon The Dark Room R K Narayan The Day Of The Jackal Fredrick Forsyth The Dilbert Principle Scott Adams The Elements Of Effort John Jerome The End Of Poverty Jeffrey D Sachs The Fifth Discipline Peter Senge The Firm John Grisham The Fountainhead Ayn Rand The Geetha Swami Chinmayananda The Google Story David A Vise The Guide R K Narayan The Interpretation Of Dreams Sigmund Freud The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini The Koran * The Little Book Of Letting Go Hugh Prather The Mckinsey Way Rasiel The Microsoft Way Stross The Mind Map Book Tony Buzan The Namesake Jhumpa Lahiri The Nokia Revolution Steinbock The One Thing That You Need To Know Marcus Buckingham The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten Julian Baggini The Power Of Now Eckhart Tolle The Road Ahead Bill Gates The Roadless Travelled Scott Peck The Seven People You Will Meet In Heaven Mitch Albon The Sevenn Habits Of Highly Effective People Stephen Covey The Speed Reading Book Tony Buzan The Third Wave Alvin Toffler The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell The Upanishad Swami Prabhavannada The World Is Flat Thomas Friedman Three Cups Of Tea Khaled Hosseini Tousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Tuesdays With Morrie Mitch Albon Use Your Head Tony Buzan Use Your Memory Tony Buzan Vendor Of Sweets R K Narayan We The Living Ayn Rand What Got You Here Won't Get You There Marshall Goldsmith White Tiger Arvind Adiga Who Moved My Cheese Spencer Johnson Why Men Lie And Women Cry Allan Et Al Wings Of Fire Abdul Kalam Winning Jack Welch Wise And Otherwise Sudha Murthy Wuthering Heights Emily Brown Yearnings Irwin Kula You Can Negotiate Anything Herb Cohen You Inc. John Mcgrath

Book	Author
A Brief History Of Time	Stephen Hawking
A New Earth	Eckhart Tolle
A Thousand Splendid Suns	Khaled Hosseini
Age Proof Your Brain	Tony Buzan
Alchemist	Paulo Coelho
An Area Of Darkness	V S Naipaul
Anne Frank – The Diary	Anne Frank
Atlas Shrugged	Ayn Rand
Be My Guest	Conrad Hilton
Beyond The Last Blue Mountain	J R D Tata
Bhagvad Gita As It Is	Swami Prabhupada
Black Holes And Baby Universes	Stephen Hawking
Blink	Malcolm Gladwell
Commentaries On Living	J Krishnamurti
Communist Manifesto	Ayn Rand
Coolie	Mulk Raj Anand
Crucial Conversations	Patterson, Et Al
Cutting Edge Advertising Ii	Jim Aitchison
Da Vinci Code	Dan Brown
Daughter Of Jerusalem	Sara Maitland
Digital Fortress	Dan Brown
Don't Send A Cv	Jeffrey J Fox
Eat That Frog	Brian Tracey
English Teacher	R K Narayan
Every Second Counts	Lance Armstrong
Fifth Wave Leadership	Schetchman
Financial Expert	R K Narayan
First Break All The Rules	Marcus Buckingham
Fish	Stephen C Lundin
Footsteps Of Anne Frank	Ernst Schabel
Freakonomics	Malcolm Gladwell
From This Day Forward	Cookie And Steve Robers
Future Shock	Alvin Toffler
Goals	Brian Tracey
God's Debris	Scott Adams
Great Works Of Rabindranath Tagore	Rabindaranath Tagore
Handwriting Analysis	Andrea Mcnichol
Harry Potter And The Order Of Phoenix	J K Rowling
Horse And Two Goats	R K Narayan
How To Become A Ceo	Jeffrey J Fox
How To Have A Beautiful Mind	Edward De Bono
How To Negotiate Your Salary	Alan Jones
How To Talk To Anyone	Lowndes
Hyperwars	Brucejudson
Ignited Minds	Abdul Kalam
In Search Of Excellence	Tom Peters
Intrepreter Of Maladies	Jhumpa Lahiri
It Is Not About The Bike	Lance Armstrong
Kane And Abel	Jeffrey Archer
Kural	Thiruvalluvar
Lady Chatterley's Lover	Dh Lawrence
Life Of Pi	Yann Martell
Living With Siva	Swami Subramaniyaswami
Malgudi Days	R K Narayan
Man Eater Of Malgudi	R K Narayan
Many Lives, Many Masters	Brian Weiss
Married But Available	Abhijit Bhaduri
Memoirs Of Geisha	Arthur Golden
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus	Greg
Message From The Masters	Brian Weiss
Mind Maps At Work	Tony Buzan
Mister God This Is Anna	Fynn
My Experiments With Truth	Mahatma Gandhi
Never Eat Alone	Keith Ferrazzi
Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less	Jeffrey Archer
Notes To Each Other	Hugh Prather
Notes To Myself	Hugh Prather
Now, Discover Your Strengths	Marcus Buckingham
Objectivism	Ayn Rand
Old Grandma's Take	R K Narayan
Only The Paranoid Survive	Andrew S Grove
Painter Of Science	R K Narayan
Power Shift	Alvin Toffler
Quiver Full Of Arrows	Jeffrey Archer
Rethinking The Future	Charles Handy Et Al
Say It Right The First Time	Malandro
Sea Of Poppies	Amitav Ghosh
Secrets Of The Code	Dan Burstein
Shall We Tell The President	Jeffrey Archer
Sharpen The Saw	Palani K Pillai
Six Thinking Hats	Edward De Bono
Stillness Speaks	Eckhart Tolle
Straight From The Gut	Jack Welch
Swamy And Friends	R K Narayan
The 48 Laws Of Power	Robert Greene
The Argumentative Indian	Amartya Sen
The Art Of War	Sun Tzu
The Best Of Tehelka	Tehelka
The Bible	*
The Big Moo	Seth Godin
The Book Of Wishes And Complaints	Zina Rohan
The Carpetbaggers,	Harold Robbins
The Client	John Grisham
The Curious Incident Of The Dog	Mark Haddon
The Dark Room	R K Narayan
The Day Of The Jackal	Fredrick Forsyth
The Dilbert Principle	Scott Adams
The Elements Of Effort	John Jerome
The End Of Poverty	Jeffrey D Sachs
The Fifth Discipline	Peter Senge
The Firm	John Grisham
The Fountainhead	Ayn Rand
The Geetha	Swami Chinmayananda
The Google Story	David A Vise
The Guide	R K Narayan
The Interpretation Of Dreams	Sigmund Freud
The Kite Runner	Khaled Hosseini
The Koran	*
The Little Book Of Letting Go	Hugh Prather
The Mckinsey Way	Rasiel
The Microsoft Way	Stross
The Mind Map Book	Tony Buzan
The Namesake	Jhumpa Lahiri
The Nokia Revolution	Steinbock
The One Thing That You Need To Know	Marcus Buckingham
The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten	Julian Baggini
The Power Of Now	Eckhart Tolle
The Road Ahead	Bill Gates
The Roadless Travelled	Scott Peck
The Seven People You Will Meet In Heaven	Mitch Albon
The Sevenn Habits Of Highly Effective People	Stephen Covey
The Speed Reading Book	Tony Buzan
The Third Wave	Alvin Toffler
The Tipping Point	Malcolm Gladwell
The Upanishad	Swami Prabhavannada
The World Is Flat	Thomas Friedman
Three Cups Of Tea	Khaled Hosseini
Tousand Splendid Suns	Khaled Hosseini
Tuesdays With Morrie	Mitch Albon
Use Your Head	Tony Buzan
Use Your Memory	Tony Buzan
Vendor Of Sweets	R K Narayan
We The Living	Ayn Rand
What Got You Here Won't Get You There	Marshall Goldsmith
White Tiger	Arvind Adiga
Who Moved My Cheese	Spencer Johnson
Why Men Lie And Women Cry	Allan Et Al
Wings Of Fire	Abdul Kalam
Winning	Jack Welch
Wise And Otherwise	Sudha Murthy
Wuthering Heights	Emily Brown
Yearnings	Irwin Kula
You Can Negotiate Anything	Herb Cohen
You Inc.	John Mcgrath

desolate destiny

2009-03-24T15:58:00.001+08:00

resting by the lonely waters, one evening

an aching heart yearned for you

abandoned, she started her quest

and her teary eyes looked skyward

stars ceased their twinkle

the breeze halted its drift

life became motionless

as waves stood still,

yet, her longing heart found

your reflection, in the calm

and at that very moment

a giant wave erased her desire, yet again.

Voices

2009-03-22T17:05:00.001+08:00

i was running my nimble fingers over its pages

i could hear frail voice in the background

i moved closer and the sounds grew louder

it was a familiar voice, like an expression etched in time

i started hearing her anklets, from afar

and echoes of her melody started filling my heart

countless unsaid stories starting to unfold

the voice was becoming a lot swifter and more vivid

the melody broke the silence

cozily draping each memory beneath its shawl

many questions were posed, answers none

like a child awakened from his sleep!

old petals were pressing against the pages

and the rose was expressing herself in her many ways

slowly, she held my hands and we began to smile

we started to walk our path, long covered by grass

a sudden lightning struck my thought - i shook her hand away,

closed my old diary and with that blocked her voice, forever.

Iyengar ‘ness’

2009-03-19T22:01:00.001+08:00

This was sent by my friend… RI, cheeky Iyer girl she was :)

* Iyengar Boy - "Mom, I've decided to get married."

The Seshadhris were only too ecstatic to here these words pop out of their
elder son's mouth, yet afraid at the the same time. After all, their son did
study in the United States for 3 years. And from what they heard from their
neighbours, the States "do things" to perfectly normal sons. What if he
wanted to marry a white girl? The blasphemy! How would they ever explain to
their relatives? *
*
"Indian no?", Mrs.Seshadhri asked, nervously. *
*
"Iyengar...." *
*
"Oh thank god! Chamathu da nee. We'll see the girl tomorrow!And I'll have to
call all our relatives to inform them. Ha! First I'll call your aththai. Her
son went to the states and ended up with one of those...punjabi a? Ya,
punjabi-o ennavo. But my son? Chamatha Iyengar ponnu paathutaan." *
*
"Amma..." *
*
"What? I know I'm getting excited but its not everyday your son gets
married! First ponnu paakanum. Give me her address." *
*
"I can't give the girl's address." *
*
"Why not? " interrupted Mr.Seshadhri. "Is it because they don't know? Its
okay, we'll convince them" *
*
"No, its because there is no girl" *
*
"Ennada solra?" chorused the parents. *
*
"I am in love with an Iyengar, yes. But its not a girl. Its a boy" *
*
Silence. *
*
"Is this some kind of TV show? Is some shanniyan going to come with a camera
and say all this is some joke? I know! Vijay TV-la Simbhu is doing something
like this. He's going to come now, isn't he?" *
*
"No mom, nobody's behind your almirah. This is real. I want to get married
to him and him only" *
*
"This is not normal, you know that?" *
*
"Appa, who're you to say that it's not normal? How do you know that it isn't
normal? I want to get married to him and that's the end of it" and he
stormed out of the room.
The Seshadhris were appalled, and did what any other parents would do when
presented with such a private confession. They called the entire family over
to discuss it.
Mamas, Mamis, Thathas, Paatis, Chithappas, Chiththis, Aththais, Athimbers,
Perippas, Perimmas and a motley crew of cousins promptly assembled to
exchange their views over filter coffee and masala vadais.
"Enna kodumai Seshadri idhu" *
*
"This is not the time to joke, its a very serious issue pa. Namma
community-la this is just not done" *
*
"Are you sure about this? I mean was he joking?" *
*
"Will anybody joke about things like this? Avan serious-a dhaan irukaan. *
*He's gay." *
*
"Amma Amma, what's a gay?" interrupted 6 year old Achu, loudly. *
*
Silence. *
*
"Sshhh, Achu. Go play outside with Kichu." said his visibly embarassed
mother. *
*
Achu promptly ran outside hollering KICHU! GAY-NA BAD WORD DA! *
*
"Kids" *
*
"Yea. I'm hoping he gets a girlfriend soon." *
*
"Shree, he's 6" *
*
"The earlier the better. And I'm so not sending him to the US" *
*
"Not everyone turns out like that. My son married a perfectly nice girl.
Enna, she's punjabi. But very nice girl." *
*
"You know she has a beard, right?" *
*
"Oh please! At least she's a girl." *
*
"Enough enough. This is not about her daughter-in-law's beard. Idhu konjam
serious-aana matter." *
*
"Yes yes. There are so many fundamental complications Like if this marriage
does go on, who gets to be the Maapla veedu?" *
*"Chechu make it clear to them that we will be the groom's house. We will
demand our rights" *
*
"Hey, who gets to tie the thaali?" *
*
"Will there even be a thaali?" *
*
"Maybe they'll tie a golden poonal around him" *
*
"One more doubt. The girl usually sits on her father lap when they tie the
thaali. Does this mean that the son sits on his mothers lap? How does that
work exactly?" *
*
"Yea! And then usually the girl wears that special koora-podavai before she
ties the knot. Do we have to get this guy a koora-veshti?" *
*
"Atleast you'll save on all those silk sarees." *
*
"And that Mehndi thing. Unless your son wants it, of course" *
*
"Hahahaha! Thats so g...nothing"
An uncomfortable silence followed, but was swiftly interrupted by the
Periappa.
"Come to think of it, that golden poonal will weigh a lot" *
*
"Does your future...err son-in-law cook?" *
*
"Aiyo! Don't call him son-in-law! I don't even want this to happen!" *
*
"Maybe you should do that. Vidaatha. Then he'll come around" *
*
"No way, then he'd elope. Odi poyiduvaan!" *
*
"Thats not good for the family name." *
*
"Thu! As if marrying a boy is very honourable." *
*
"And besides, eloping-na, usually the girl runs away, gets a baby and then
only gets accepted back in the household. This is how it is in all tamil
padams" *
*
"Ok, but how the heck are these guys going to get a baby?" *
*
"My point exactly, so they won't elope" *
*
"Which is worse. What if they get together like those villains in
Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu?" *
*
"Aiyo! That's a movie about homosexual psychopaths! You're son is too
sensitive for that. He cried in the climax of Kabhi Khushi Kahi Gham, for
heaven's sake!" *
*
"Appove we should have noticed..." *
*
"You think there's some kind of homeopathy treatment for this? Or Ayurveda?
Some kashayam or something?" *
*
"No no, its a state of mind. No kashayam can cure it" *
*
"Or should we send him to a psychiatrist?" *
*
"Illa. Those psyciatrists are Peter parties. They'll end up brainwashing us
about how we are educated and must accept him the way he is" *
*
"Adhaan pannanum" said Mr.Seshadhri, finally. *
*
The entire household went mute. *
*
"You mean...we have to get him married? To that...that boy?" *
*
"Yes" *
*
"Only then, he'll be happy." *
*
"Aiyo sentiment thaangamudila" *
*
"My decision is final. I'll go call him and find that other boy's number. I
have plenty to talk to his parents."
The household watched him go with a rather stern resolve in absolute
silence. The only sound was the jowku-jowku of Paati eating Vadai. *
*
"Enna paati? What do you think?" said one of the cousins, finally breaking
yet another uncomfortable silence. *
*
"Ennadhaan payyana love pannaalum, atleast Iyengar payyana paathu love
pannane, adhuve porum"*

Windows Technology Zone Launch, Philippines

2009-03-17T18:16:00.001+08:00

thinking hard about life - tuesday thoughts!

2009-03-02T20:24:00.003+08:00

here i am, pondering over the weekend,

thinking hard about life

how it changed from a maverick collage life to conformist professional life

how tiny pocket money transformed to monthly paycheck

but then why it gives less happiness

how a few local denim jeans changed to new branded wardrobe?

but then why there are less people to use then

how a single plate of samosa changed to a full pepperoni pizza

but then why there is less hunger

here i am pondering over the weekend...

thinking hard about life, how it has changed

how a motorcycle always in reserve fuel changed to car always-on-the-go

but then why there are fewer places to go

how a small theca (mobile tea stall) changed to starbucks

but then why its feels like shop is far away

how a limited-use prepaid card changed to post paid ultimate package

but then why there are fewer calls and more voice messages

here i am, pondering over weekend

….thinking hard, for the answers

(author - anonymous ; modified to context - rs)

Drizzle into my heart

2009-02-08T09:26:00.003+08:00

you drizzled into my heart
and rested like morning dew
days, time and seasons flew by
your absence silences my heart

your love flows through my veins
endlessly, like waves.
through my eyes
your radiance shines, like a star afar

you hold my life dear
come together we did
and etched you are, in my dreams
carved into my future, forever

you add purpose to my life
your smile allays a thousand pains
your presence bolsters me, like a thousand elephants
your place in me is priceless, oh my precious one

‘in my empty home
you will hear my love echo
through pillars and roofs
hemming into every wall, each corner

as you passed me
the air smelt different
with you, time stood still
and refuses to move on, without you

‘where are you, my love
without you, my blood stops its flow
and seasons have turned still
your loss still silenced my heart

you snatched my sleep
you made me long for you
my heart follows you, aimlessly
do i know who i am, today!

Get Out Of That Rut

2009-02-02T13:31:00.001+08:00

Oscar Wilde said,
“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
So stop getting up at 6:05. Get up at 5:06.
Walk a mile at dawn.
Find a new way to drive to work.
Switch chores with your spouse next Saturday.
Buy a wok.
Study wildflowers.
Stay up alone all night.
Read to the blind.
Start counting brown-eyed blondes or blonds.
Subscribe to an out-of-town paper.
Canoe at midnight.
Don’t write to your congressman,
take a whole scout troop to see him.
Learn to speak Italian.
Teach some kid the thing you do best.
Listen to two hours of uninterrupted Mozart.
Take up aerobic dancing.
Leap out of that rut.
Savor life.
Remember, we only pass this way once.

Source: This message was published in the Wall Street Journal , long ago by United Technoogics Corporation, Hartford, Connecticut 06101

I Take Pride in My Work

2009-02-02T13:22:00.001+08:00

I’m a little fed up with the constant criticism of other’s work by ‘people’. Nothing and no one is spared - accountants, human resources, salesmen, marketers, software engineers, lawyers, investment bankers, politicians, consultants or bureaucrats. The negative comments many a time start affecting one another (much as one wishes that it should not happen).

How other people do their jobs is their business.
But l do good work and I know it.
I have perfected my skills.
I make each minute count.
When I make a mistake I correct it.
I would gladly sign my name to every piece of work I do.
I’m going to hang this message over my work area to let my employer, my customers, my co-workers and ‘commentators’ know that I take pride in my work.

If you believe, like me that what you do is valuable and makes you proud – flaunt it. Let us together remove this negativity – a parasite that is eating into our society.

Rewind into the past!

2008-12-20T18:50:00.001+08:00

An article on my Grandfather recently in a local news paper.

He is a home bird spending most of his time reading religious books. His only outings are visits to the Vedanta Desikar Devasthanam on new moon days (amavasya), festivals and beginning of every Tamil month. Still at 92, S Srinivasan is young in spirit. 'Age is related to the minds. Once we feel that we live to complete certain karmas of our previous birth, the aging process brings no depression’, he says.

Srinivasan is the oldest surviving former member of the Electoral Board of Sri Vedanta Desikar Devasthanam which had its centennial celebration recently. At this temple all devotee members are voters. For the payment of a rupee, a devotee is enrolled member. These members elect the electoral board Consisting of 11 members for seven years, who in turn elect the trustees of temple and the Janabhojanam Trust.

Srinivasan has served here terms at the electoral board. Three generations of Srinivasan family resided at a house opposite ) the temple. Srinivasan itself was a resident here for nearly fifty years. During this period i.e. devoted himself totally to activities at the temple. while the day was spent at the Oxford University Press, where he worked as a stenographer, the evenings were devoted to the honorary work at the temple.

‘I would not claim even a voucher for even Rs five. It was my temple. I wanted it to grow. I worked for it’, he says Passionately.

His mind goes back to the early days of his serve vie? at the temple. ‘There was a pond and a Parijatha tree near it. A pariajtha tree stood on the southern side.

Perumal and Amman stood together in the sannadhi. The original entrance was opposite to the Bali Pertain. Punctuality was the watch word then. All rituals an daily poojas would commence on time. The personnel were limited an archakas were just three in number’, he recalls. Those days, Mylapore had a limited population. During the second world war everybody evacuated the area. There was nobody in this street but for my family. The waters of the Chitrakulam tank were good and people around used to bathe 1here. The mada streets around were clean and bereft of commercial establishments. The outstanding feature was all the people who lived around rose from modest beginnings to great heights’ he says Srinivasan was one of the founding members of the Sri Vaishnava Sripada Kainharya Sabha and a member of the Veda Parayana Sabha.

Today tough the nonagenarian is a resident of Mandavelli, his mind still hovers around the Vedanta Desikar temple and the locality. His faith in his chosen deity remains strong. Believe in Peru mal and you are sure of upliftment’, he says emphatically.

—VP

The Taxi Driver

2008-11-24T10:22:00.003+08:00

- source – anonymous

I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets..

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'..
'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.

'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

dream desire

2008-10-19T12:32:00.001+08:00

I have a dream

2008-10-18T02:39:00.001+08:00

I have a dream

a dream for my billion people,

a dream for my country

a dream to

Develop mind, body and spirit for its citizens; develop a religion of peace and kindness

Develop a healthy, knowledge based civilization and thus long term sustainable economic growth of the nation

Develop a nation of happy, optimistic and caring people.

a dream to be the president of India

as world's largest democracy

republic of India is a land of a billion smart minds

together we can move the world

shake the universe

great men have honoured the august chair

they left legacy of progress sowing seeds of optimism

and these seeds have grown into optmism and confidence

my job and mission is one - to fulfil my dream

a dream to

Develop mind, body and spirit for its citizens; develop a religion of peace and kindness

Develop a healthy, knowledge based civilization and thus long term sustainable economic growth of the nation

Develop a nation of happy, optimistic and caring people.

as I look at means and ways to realize this dream

here's a poster for my own encouragement.

My agenda: if I were President of ...United States, today

2008-10-17T00:59:00.003+08:00

TOP 6 action items

Defense: Freeze defense expenditure for 3 years. Rally with UN and have a similar motion for all developed countries. Ban all production of weapons with immediate effect. Withdrawal of troops from all locations outside home country. SAVINGS to USA $1.6 Trillion. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/spending.htm

Energy: 200% Fuel surcharge for use of gas guzzling cars. International ban on bio-fuels made of corn and other edible substances. ‘Earth’ surcharge to subsidies vehicles that use sea-water, solar and wind energy. Currently 7% of world’s GDP. Bring it down to 4% of world’s GDP and then 1%

Industry and Technology: Cap executive compensation to 300K p.a for next 5 years. Productivity and Innovation linked bonuses to be awarded as certificate of excellence and innovation medals by the state.

Health: Eradicate Cigarette Lobby (20% YTY reduction in National production capacities and 500% duty on cigarettes). Break health and insurance coterie systematically. Compulsory saving by citizens towards their health benefit.

Taxes: Reduce Taxes to 10% who earn <>
Primary Education and Adult Re-Education: Compulsory education up to 17 years (Education cess to subsidize state education) and compulsory adult reeducation at 35 and 50

30 years ago!

2008-05-11T09:06:00.001+08:00

52 firsts, 52 weeks

2008-05-01T13:00:00.001+08:00

52 firsts, 52 weeks

A year has passed.

This day last year, were travelling back to Singapore
A month long sabbatical and
It was time for a change
A change from IBM to Microsoft
This was more than shift in career
or change of the company that I held dear for 8
long years.
a lot more has happened, over the year.
looking back, it was a year of many firsts
The year filled with
humbling experiences and brimming confidence
pride and pursuits of long standing dreams
this was a year of reincarnation and rebirth

Many, many, many firsts...

first time to set foot on Europe
restarted my Badminton game after 18 long years
The year when l learnt French
Started learning the sign language (Signing Exact English from Singapore Association for the Deaf)
Gym membership for the first time in my life.
Year with the most humbling experiences.
Visited 9 new countries thus crossing 25 country mark. (total 27).
Certified as a Buzan's Learning Instructor for Mind maps
1200 words-per-minute limit in a speed reading workshop.
Visited four of the Seven Wonders of the World. (Total 5)
Had ice cream atop the Swiss Alps
Tried my two left feet in an 8-week Salsa Course.
Started a structured Goal-Setting for life.
My first job change in this millennium
Did Inline Skating on a 9000m stretch.
Got myself a pair of original clogs (size 39)
Went the world's largest Ferris Wheel (Singapore Flyer, bigger than London Eye)
I got my Permanent Residence in Singapore
Travelled on French TGV.
Danced to the tunes of chak-chak chak-chak-chak in hip-hop class
The year where I added two Tissots to my watch collection
Bought a long-time dream – The highest-end Victorinox Swiss knife
Successfully signed-up the first (and second) Internet café project in the world (MS).
Rubbed shoulders with Steve Ballmer and Tony Buzan
Did not carry Sales Quota (target)
Was in Paris during World Cup Football Finals and yet did not watch it!
Reinforced my dream to be the President of India
Became a proud owner of collector's-edition Mt. Engleberg Swatch
Year where parents-in-laws first visited our home
Saw the Kohinoor Diamond, that was snatch away from India in 1977
The first member in Bill Gate's Unlimited Potential Group, APAC team.
Had Gelato ice-cream in Rome
Visited the Windsor Castle (the queen was in)
Family homecoming - Had entire family (Parents, BroSil, SisBil, their children and Lara) at my home on March 16.
Working on transforming "game cafes" into e-learning houses, thus providing opportunity for education to over 2 million users per month.
People who wished for Birthday cross 50.
Started the practice – body-mind-spirit development on Saturdays.
Hired a wealth-management advisory firm.
Developed an innovative rural solution blue print that has become a WW rural model (MS).
Bought a special-edition watch at 10,000 feet.
Met with the Father of India's Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan
Participated a Marathon (JP Morgan Marathon, Singapore)
Doing "social business" that has potential to impact 650,000,000 lives in SEA
Got a Cuckoo Clock from the original Drubba Family, Black forest, Germany.
Took a photograph standing next to the Mona Lisa.
Joining the #1 software company in the world
Moved from top 100 customers, to the bottom 5 billion underserved people
Change my loyalty from Gmail to Hotmail.
Miserably failed in the SSE2 final test.
Been to the world's smallest independent state - both population and area. (The Vatican)
Played badminton with the senior Member of Parliament, Singapore.
Wrote my own Obituary.

Many years ago, I read an ad that said, "When did you last do something for
the first time". I thought this would be an way to capture my one year.

New Year 2008, that was!

2008-01-01T02:32:00.001+08:00

Surface 2.0

2007-12-30T19:43:00.001+08:00

This one is a cool stuff on Surface computing that Microsoft is doing. I am sure you will enjoy this!

Adi's World

2007-12-28T11:57:00.001+08:00

Adi's World.

This guy's cool man! I just can't stop myself admiring my nephew. Cool dude! Way to go.

XL ki Kudiyan

2007-12-28T11:45:00.001+08:00

XLRI ki Kudiyan

This is a cool music on the women at XLRI :)

Awesome.

XLRI - Then and Now

2007-12-28T11:25:00.001+08:00

Everything changes and yet nothing changes.

Each time I view this, I am just get so emotional and sentimental. The music is haunting. This is not about an MBA or a course I had done. This is about an institution and the experience - that changed me for a life time.

Meeting Mr. Green, Father of India's Green Revolution

2007-12-11T14:33:00.001+08:00

Technorati Tags: Unlimited Potential Education Women Rural Telecentre Shared Access

del.icio.us Tags: Green Revolution

It was a moment of a life time. He is the father of India's Green Revolution. I was fortunate to have been from the generation that bore the fruit of his labor. To put it in perspective, circa 1960 AD, my country, India, was a new-born. Fresh from Independence from the imperialists, this adolescent was thrown into the the sea, without a life boat or support system.

With 0.8 million mouths to feed demand far outstripped supply, the government was struggling to feed its people. We were heavily dependent on other countries for our daily rice/wheat. There was acute shortage of grains and cereals. The demand was HUGE. We were a 'free and jubilant nation, with a bundle of energy. There was no dearth of land, there was no dearth of people. Yet, people were suffering from hunger.

Through childhood my father used to share with me on how Green Revolution changed India like no other. He claimed that his 'guru' and this one man changed the face of independent India. It was during these days that my father was also working as an Agriculture Scientist, developing new varieties of rice.

Over years I was curious to learn about the program. I head from many many many people on how this one man's program transformed the country from the brinks of poverty. I read that The Green Revolution resulted in a record grain output of 131 million tons in 1978-79 (I was just about 5 years old then, barely able to recognize the color Green). I was told that, Green Revolution established India as one of the world's biggest agricultural producers. No other country in the world which attempted the Green Revolution recorded such level of success. India also became an exporter of food grains around that time.net importer of food to gross exporter.

Apparently, there were three basic elements in the method of the Green Revolution:

Continued expansion of farming areas;
Double-cropping existing farmland;
Using seeds with improved genetics.

30 years later, I meet the great man, who was responsible for my generation being alive, healthy and successful. As I listened to him with rapt attention, the 45 minute speech from this great man helped me crystallize my thought on what is required to transform and take the emerging countries to the next level. I was able to articulate my plan for the rural computing initiative that I drive as part of my agenda to unleash the Microsoft's Unlimited Potential.

Connectivity (Access)
Content (Relevance)
Capacity Building (Scalability and Sustainable)

To achieve this, my work needs to find newer ways of

Creating Knowledge Centers (Shared Access Centers)
Enable Knowledge Centers link and deliver Higher Impact. (Developing Partner Ecosystem, to help with services)

It is time for our generation today, to take these ideals of this man and raise the bar to a higher level. Information Technology and the IT revolution may have got us (India) the fame from the Western World. IT may have helped a millions of Indians of my generation travel across and be successful. IT revolution did create billionaires and the world's richest people.

It is time for us (my generation and like minded people) to have a wake-up, remember and salute the work and vision of people like MS Swaminathan, William Gaud (former USAID director) and the agriculturists of that age, that made it possible for my generation to live and achieve our dreams. Had it not been for them, may be we would have all ended up like the huger-struck people in Somalia .

As goes the saying - Creativity and Innovation are not born out of empty stomachs.

______________________

The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation started its work 16 years ago in the thematic areas of coastal systems, biotechnology, biodiversity, ecotechnology, food security and information, education and communication. The approach was based on strategic and participatory research, capacity building, networking and partnership building, based on the principles of social inclusion in access to technologies which help to enhance income and environment. Research and outreach strategies were devised to bridge the rich-poor and gender divides in the areas of information, knowledge and skill empowerment

And Miles to go before I sleep

2007-11-22T16:49:00.001+08:00

On Friday, July 01, 2005 I had posted “And Miles to go before I sleep”

Over two years have passed since. I still continue to have miles to go before I sleep. At the last count, it was 27 countries of the 194 Countries (The UN recognizes 192 and does not include The Vatican City and Taiwan). That’s a mere 14% and I have already lived 1/3^rd of my life. i.e. if I live 99 years.

This is the map, and you will see the number of white space is so large. Where do I go next !

Member of Parliament writes…

2007-08-16T15:22:00.001+08:00

Thursday, August 16, 2007

It was the 60^th year of Indian Independence. My country was reveling with pride at the progress in the last 60 years. Yes! I too did admire, on where we have come as a young Nation. Here I am in a foreign location, saluting my tri-color that I have seen for the last 33 years. As I watched Dr. Manmohan Singh taking the Independence Day salute and the cable networks across the world from CNN to BBC to Mediacorp Asia were flashing clips of India's 60 birthday, I lost myself in a lot of thought – of comparing and contrasting – my India (my home country) and my Singapore (my current home)

Still lost in thought, I ambled to my mail box, just as a matter of routine. Call it an Independence Day gift; call it a coincidence, I think what follwed was woth sharing.

It was an interesting mail - from The Member of Parliament, Singapore (Marine Parade GRC – my constituency). He had written a personal letter to me.

Congratulating on my obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) aand welcoming me to the constituency, it was very precise letter with crystal-clear bullet points. He letter weeks goes thus...

Encouraging me to participate in the voluntary activities in the community

Inviting me and my family to participate in the local community club in recreational facilities and indulge in various sports activities to keep the family healthy and fit.

Inviting suggestions and feedback on the various issues we may have and giving his direct contact #. He promised immediate attention.

Offering to meet me any time every Tuesday 07:30p-09:30p in the 'Meet the People' session

He even expresed interest in meeting my family and myself in the upcoming community function

I was impressed to say the least. When I sounded this off to a few Indians in India, the feedback ranged from amusement to 'brushing it off'. A few said that it was for votes (I do NOT have a voting right in Singapore as a PR and the local MP knows that). Others said, it was a small country (Comm'on does a Bombay Mayor or even Bangalore MLA do this?). There were others who said that may be MPs 'there' (Singapore) do not have work (Ah! With 14% GDP growth and becoming the #1 destination for foreign workers... well...).

And each of these comments were from my own fellow men in India. I was disappointed. For all that we claim about India's development - which indeed is good when we compare other smaller developing countries – there is one quality I would have appreciated if we had inculcated in the last 60 years.

The quality to give merit where it is due. The quality of learning good from other smaller nations. The quality to appreciate learn from others.

24 hrs later, my pride about MY country was subdued – I am not for a moment saying I am ashamed – I just wish we develop the above qualities that that will make us a GREAT nation from a GOOD nation.

And Miles to go before I sleep. And Miles to go before I sleep!

Sheikh Me up!

2007-07-11T06:32:00.001+08:00

Manila, July 11, 2007

I am on my way to Airport. As soon as I board and the car moves, driverwishes Salaam Malikkum. I wish him back Malikkum Salaam.

D asks if Which Airline Qatar/ Emirates?
I say Singapore Airlines

D asks 'How long in Singapore b4 going middle east'
I say "No, only singapore - final'.

He asks "when I you go back to home, the middle east..
Wow.. With a budong.. Do I look a Sheikh

What a Shiekh up @ 6am isay!
___________
* Posted from a Windows Mobile Device *

Kranji - I was moved :-)

2007-06-10T15:44:00.001+08:00

Sitting at the foot of the Cemetery
Watching the edifice amidst tombstones
I couldn't but feel for the selfless service
Of the thousands of faces, a few known and many unknown

They laid down their lives
Fighting for a cause that they believed as just,
to protect you and me and the fellow humans
fron the attacks of the enemy.

They paid for, with nothing short of their lives
Even as the served, as barbers and cooks
And their families survived with whatever was left,
for they knew he fought for a cause.

Decades later, as people like myself visit
I cannot but see, the love they left behind
Through unspoken silence, under grey tombstones
Some come in to place lily, while
others come to search for one of thir own

With serenety and calm
Helping one feel the inner voice of the selfless
Is this not place of worship, I wonder
For these hoeroes deserve nothing lesser

Here's my Salute to the nameless heroes @ Kranji War Memorial.

- Rajesh

_____________________
Rajesh Soundararajan
+65 9108 7901

- sent from a mobile device

Smiles of India!

2007-04-17T14:27:00.001+08:00

I wrote last about travelling in local buses packed like Sardines

With time on my hand, I tried something further. Booking a rail ticket at a railway resevation counter. It was long serpentine queue. I reached my counter after 2 hours and 15 minutes after I reached the reservation office.

I had already filled the form immaculately and handed it over at the counter. The guy punches in the train number and immediately handed the form back. He said it was waitlist number 196 for a travel 15 days later, No other train or dates were available near that date.

I returned empty handed travelling back for 30 min.  
Wow! I get up at 0545am to have this done first thing in morn and after many many hours, I am where I began :) That's India and to my own surprise I was not furious, not disappointed, not angry or tired.

Went through all this with a smile, to move on to my next assignment. The Post Office. Will see what I have in store there :)
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________

Rajesh Soundararajan | +65 9108 7901

Yo Chennai!

2007-04-15T18:50:00.001+08:00

Life in Chennai can be so counter intuitive and I am enjoying every bit of it. It is about getting back to real basics.

Dust and grime - agreed - When I still venture out with mercury showing 37+ degrees, it still seems so cool in the heat.

Who would have guessed that the so called "used to affluent lifestyle", I would still ride the vintage 49cc, with pride even if it snails at sub 30kph.

Travelling within Chennai in the hot afternoon sun! - Yes the mode of transport, used by a million others - works for me, this time .. the crowded PTC buses. Well, is it the sheer charm of travelling 15kms at 6 cents.

Or is it that life is so relaxed that time is no more a constraint this time around. Yes this is the first time I am not running to the next appointment each minute and it seems a lot of fun.

It is amazing all this at this age is in a way rediscovering so many things. The 1 month is about going back to basics. I started loving my home and hometown yet again. It is such an amazingly new experience for one to go through. albeit having born here more than 30 years ago.

Yo! Chennai

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Self Portrait!

2007-04-14T12:33:00.000+08:00

Well! When you have all the time in the world, you can get self portraits done.
Digital, no-doubt. But then who said, life is not fun:)

http://www.microsoft.com/emerging

2007-04-13T16:11:00.001+08:00

Many of you have asked me on what I will do in Microsoft.

Well, this is a unique opportunity for me to give back to the society, in a field that I am experienced and passionate about.

As you would have realised, I believe in making technology being available to all - young and old, have and have nots, first and third world. At this point in life, when I chose to do something more fulfilling, with an individual social responsibilty by leveraging all that I have learned - rather than give up - fortunately, I did not have to look far.

There are times in life when one is forced to make a choice - of following the heart or pursuing the mind. With this move, I intend to blend both and hopefully bring smile and joy to hundreds of millions of people, in developing countries and emerging markets.

Please wish me luck. Here's what I will be doing in my new job. http://www.microsoft.com/emerging

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________

Rajesh Soundararajan | +65 9108 7901

Reading in Silence

2007-04-13T11:19:00.000+08:00

This is an amazing break. I am reading so many books. many at one go. But then the sheer choice of the categories and the time I have to read is just worth every word I read. This vacation is just too good :)

Photo Update

2007-04-08T18:36:00.001+08:00

Over the last few weeks, there have been hundreds pf photographs taken and here is the link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/rajesh.soundararajan

Second Life!

2007-04-08T18:19:00.001+08:00

How do I spend my day!

Well! for beginners, I am busier than ever.

being at home with parents for so long a stretch after a long time.

in the serene tranquility amids the noise of construction work

Well it does wonders to the mind and tummy of course.

Overseeing the construction (we are building a few rooms upstairs)

Doing odd things like fixing the computer

arranging and rearranging the 1100 sq.ft home

giving a renewed look to the vintage two-wheeler.

Simple chores like going to the bank

or fixing a few additional cord-less phones

or just preparing a neat hardware tool kit

reading a few pages in between

or just go shopping for groceries

it can still be things like upgrading the washing machine

revamping the place with a few more ecotone bulbs

or debating with folks the need for a new, bigger, better refrigerator.

Reading a few leaves of "many lives, many masters" in between

or just cleaning up my inbox on gmail

occasional visits to the laundry

or simply watching the "BCCI episode" on television

millions of cups of mother's home brewed coffee

zillions of arguments with dad on worldly issues

from the mundane to the miraculous

occasional lines about the new job and the past

interspersed with visits to the dentist and doctors

visits to Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad

Wow! It has been 20 days since I last went to work

So much free time, it really is a different life

Second Life is that what it is! Mr. Ciggy

Tears

2007-04-04T18:21:00.000+08:00

Was it just another day.

Not really!

When I reached Chennai Office

to return the assets

the thirsty desire

overpoowered sanity

Unable to resist, log-on I did

one last time,

to check mails and replicate

just one last time

picking up cofee at dispenser

so normal a routine

seemed to be the definitive last time

just as I answered the ring 'Rajesh, from IBM speaking'

as the sun bound westwards across horizon

here I was winding up for the day, forever

giving back my 'assets'

the IBM thinkpads, that remained my sole companion.

Walking down, a floor below

The last courier dispatch contained the invaluable

plastic cut into four

Alas! that brings an end to AMEX corporate card.

Minutes later, at the first floor

I had do my final and the very last duty

of giving away my identity at the security

'Thank you!' said he, going back to his computer screen.

The final moments they were

as I was gazing blindly, mind really blank

till a trumpeting 'any thing else, Sir!'

interrupted the pale gaze

The world turned hazy with moist eyes

as first tears dripped on to my glasses

eight long years of bonding just snapped into history

A mark of respect to new beginnings, new life.

First day!

2007-04-03T14:28:00.001+08:00

It feels so odd.

This company has been my life. It meant so much and quitting it *had* to be done as a split second decision. Any deliberation, even for 10 min, would have meant the strong bonds pull me back. When S(my boss) called, I just did not have a heart to say good bye.

Yes, life moves on and bold decisions have to be taken. Change is a must and those are the tenets on which I live each minute, till I get out of this phase.

The new job role is fantastic, the organization just what I admire, the compensation good and viola it is in Singapore.

Why then, am I still clinging to my past! May be because it meant a lot.

Wish they understood, that it is because of them I leave them. It is because of them I started exploring newer meanings of life.

Will keep writing :)
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________

--
_____________________________________________________________________
Rajesh Soundararajan | mailto: rajesh.soundararajan@gmail.com
Singapore
Mobile +65.9108.7901
WebSMS: http://websms.starhub.com | My mobile number is 91087901

End of an innings!

2007-04-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

it was a dream run
by any measure
what began eight years ago
had ripened of age

a journey filled with professional success
job fulfillment, glory
melodrama, uncertainty
recovery. turnarounds

the innings faced it all
spanning across dozens of countries
helping over a thousand clients
making a difference in the lives of millions

running a system i business
clearly was no child's play
but then thorny seats and not cushy beds
maketh the real men

through years, ambition was catalyzed
by both helpful and opportunistic bosses alike
they provided me encapsulated life's learnings
valuable they are and i carry them along.

product, people, partners
profits, sales, strategy
marketing, operations, administration
turnarounds, market penetration, competitive share gain

this great corporation has given me all
as i brim with the business acumen and confidence
to take on things, that are larger
'mega' and 'huge' no more sound insurmountable

what i do miss, however is a saga that is left behind
of people, of relationships, of glory and fame
of those individuals who have guided me
at every stage towards shine and excellence

a salute! at the end of an innings.
to all those who have helped me
in this long cherishable journey
for, this is what you truly deserve!

The best just got better.. err Older

2007-03-15T10:19:00.000+08:00

Waking up to chirping birds
and soft rays of morning sun
This day is special
for we enter our ninth year as Team Blue

How fast time flies!
Not long ago, we woke up this morn
to a personalized letter from Ranjit Limaye
and dedicated ourselves to a long career with the Blue

Days turned into years
and we went our ways, reaching far and wide
excelling in our deeds
demonstrating passion in all we do.

Let's take a moment
and close our eyes
remember the long path we have traversed
pat ourselves and chart our future.

Cheers, for the best just got better :)

IBM and Blogging

2007-02-12T14:21:00.000+08:00

A post at last!
Well, even if this is not the real reson, this is a good excuse... so till I get you more spice, this stays :)

Strategic Thinker!

2006-12-11T22:09:00.000+08:00

Wedding Bells

2006-09-11T17:11:00.000+08:00

The pictoral representation of the pre-event, post-event and the receptions at Bangalore & Chennai covered on Yahoo Album

If the above link does not work, you may also cut and paste the following in your browser window - http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ciggy1608/album?.dir=/f4b8scd&.src=ph&.tok=phTjOfFBs.dXsCQo

Travel Plan!

2006-08-10T17:46:00.000+08:00

FAQs My Wedding

2006-08-10T00:33:00.000+08:00

FAQs: My Wedding

Being in an industry that revolutionized the FAQs… here goes!

Bare Essentials:

When: August 28, 2006

Where: Bangalore, India

Address:

Reception Bangalore: “Chandrasagar”, Near Asoka Pillar, Jayanagar 2nd Block, B LR, India – Monday, 28 August 06, 730-930pm

Wedding Bangalore : “Chandrasagar”, Near Asoka Pillar, BLR, India – Monday, 28 August 06, 930-1015am

Reception Chennai : “Hotel Aditya”, Vadapalani, MAA, India – Friday, 01 September, 06, 600pm onwards

Contact Details: Contact: mailto:mailto:rajesh.weds.lavanya@gmail.com_ +65 9108 7901 or +91 98450 05735 (23rd onwards)

Where are you located, now: Singapore

More Spice

What’s her age, sunsign: Three years younger, Aquarian, Jan 21

Qualification: Fellow Chartered Accountant

Working in : Grant Thorton in Tax Consulting

Location: Bangalore

Love / Arranged: Started with arranged.... well, then...

How long has it been on: June 25, 2006 is when we met first with parents and we immediately said yes to each other. We spoke first on phone (long-distance) just 7 days earlier. We have glanced at each other for 1.5 seconds to be precise, and we decided to move on.... anything else :)

Are your parents happy: Yes! They are excited

How are her parents?: They are cool, really amazing people

Is she the only daughter, does she have siblings: Yes! Her younger sister is doing MS in surgery.

Will your brother be there: Yes, my brother will be there along with his family.

So where are you guy going for honeymoon!: Well err? Can something remain, just between us ;)

Send us her Photo: Well here is the link http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7146/991/1600/Lavanya%20Rajesh_Kamat.jpg

Can you send the Wedding Snaps: Please visit the folloing links after September 11, 2006 http://outerorbit.blogspot.com/ or http://photos.yahoo.com/ciggy1608

Will she be joining in Singapore: Yes! She will join me in Singapore

The Wind - by Durva Simone

2006-07-30T22:35:00.000+08:00

Heavy as a storm
Light as a feather,
As the hair flows
In the windy weather.....

As bright as the Sun
As dark as the Moon,
As long as it lasts
Then it goes boom.

It's coming, its going
The wind is flowing.....
It comes, it goes,
As long as it flows.

This is the first poetry of Durva Simone (8 years). This really was very sweet for some one's first attempt at poetry. All the best Durva.

You may send your feedback to Suman Bose suman_s_bose@yahoo.co.uk, her parent

Her Gracious!

2006-06-29T16:30:00.000+08:00

Yes! What you heard is true
and here's from the horse's mouth

Life, I always believed offered me the choice
of being happy or married
after choosing former for the first 30-years
I did opt to explore the latter

After a prolonged pursuit
rather a very long quest
to find the right one
it was serendipity.

and took less than seven days
to find the one,
whose name meant grace and the beauty of inner self
Yes! Lavanya, she is and she it would be!

Adityanjali

2006-06-19T12:19:00.000+08:00

Who's who!
Well, one is Aditya
the other is Anjali.
My nephew and neice.

Life's encounters!

2006-04-08T10:06:00.000+08:00

As I reminiscence over this photo, just after my 24hr long journey from Hawaaii, this streak of thought crossed my mind.

This snap was in Christchurch, NZ (+12:00hrs GMT) last year in 2005, just about the same week as today.
365 days later, I spend the same week in Hawaaii (-10:00hrs GMT).
365 days earlier to NZ, I was in Shanghai, China (+8:00hrs GMT).
Two out of these three years, I was in Tokyo in the very first week of April.

I landed in Singapore last night, just to feel my home which again is home away from home in India.

Truly, the World is Flat!

A Dude! A Don!

2006-04-08T09:42:00.000+08:00

Mahi Mahi

2006-04-08T09:40:00.000+08:00

Deep Sea Fishing, Hawaaii. This is my catch!

That's me! JetSkiing in Hawaaii

2006-04-08T09:39:00.000+08:00

My Friend, did this for me!

2006-03-09T17:37:00.000+08:00

Thanks Angie! Yes, I am sure Hawaiian babes are going to have fun!

Ceylone Calling!

2006-02-26T02:50:00.000+08:00

Saturday night!

2006-02-19T15:11:00.000+08:00

Saturday night and Amélie Poulain and Amelia Warren, were the two women in my life.

Well they were real characters in fictitious world, or should I say fictitious women in my real life whatever, tadada….

Well, Amélie Poulain is from the movie titled Amelie from Montmartre (2001) has an interesting plot. A French movie (English subtitles) and I ended up adjusting the volume the home theatre quite a few times. So involving was the plot.

Amélie a shy waitress in a Montmartre café returns a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment. Seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out to make others happy. She pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures. She is looking for love and perhaps for the meaning of life in general. In her mission to enrich the lives of those around her by weaving her special brand of mischievous magic. A clear eneagram #2

The scene that touched me: Amélie helps a blind man across the street and rapidly describing what's happening around them to give him a picture of the world he doesn't get to see. This was so warm a gesture that it left me with deep in thought for hours.

The scene where I noticed a goof-up: The camera and cameraman are seen in a reflection from the shiny plastic facade of the photo booth in the train station.

Close on the heels of Amelia, there was Amelie Warren (Catherine Zeta-Jones) starring in The Terminal(2004). This is how I may end up with one day. The United Airlines hostess may well be replaced with a SQ’s Singapore girl.

Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) from a fictitious Eastern European country... lands in JFK ... war breaks out ... coup... U.S. does not recognize country status... blah blah blah. He cannot get into US nor can he deported...some loopholes in law. Our friend TH spends 9 months at the JFK, Gate 67. That's story in short.

The scene that I related to: When Catherine-ZJ asks Tom Hanks, if he was arriving or departing at JFK, TH replies "both".
Well I had done “eat, bathe, and sleep” on Changi Terminal 2 and may be my life is fast approaching to be like Tom Hanks' in the movie. Well, who knows one day, I will may get my Singapore Girl ;-), unlike TH not getting C-ZJ.

The scene where I noticed a goof-up: The Immigrations officer Torres stamps on the green form filled out by a Colombian couple says September 4, 2003. However, the same day, the stamp she puts on Navorski's form is dated January 17, 2004.

Enjoy!

My Treasure!

2006-02-19T12:50:00.000+08:00

Often times, others wonder on how much I do spend on them.
Many have asked to have a look my collection
Quite a few are amazed, if I can really keep track of time
Sometimes, I need to do explaining to customs officer in my travels

I replace half-a-dozen batteries every two months
The watch shop nearby woonders if I run a parallel business
My parents scorn, at my earnings down the drain
I spend an hour every month synchronising them

Dual time , single hand, yellow dial, green straps
Slimline, "Mega clocks", Chinese fakes, Chronograph
Timberland, Rucsani, Alba, Titan, Bijoux Terner
Radium, Indiglo, Date/Time, digit-less

Whoever said, "Watches just show time"
Lemme wait - and watch the times ahead!

Cacophony of thoughts

2006-02-12T11:58:00.001+08:00

phew! what an evening

I went to watch Memoirs of Geisha
with a friend of mine

two die-hard optimists
so alike in our beliefs
with a super positive outlook to life
who live life as if there were no tomorrow

over dinner and talk
over pasta, pizzas and macaroni soup
between silent pauses
and moist eyes

It ended up being Memoirs of Myself
as we shared derailed dreams, shattered hopes
despair, disappointment,
destiny, doubt, fate, uncertainty

I could hear myself,
lecture on overcoming disappointments
giving others a shoulder, a silent ear
of being a friend, talking out and clear confusion
of giving her a reason to dream and cherish

as I traveled homewards
a cacophony of thoughts
agitated
my serene mind

I wonder!
was it, I, who needed
a shoulder, a patient ear
a true friend, company, love, care

hearing our own outburst and deepest fears
seeing teary eyes
was it, I, who need help
I wonder!

she burns my heart!

2006-01-28T21:02:00.000+08:00

this hurt, this cigarette
this hurt, this cigarette

this hurt, this cigarette
she burns my heart!

this hurt, this cigarette
she burns my heart!
still a solace,
while, for eternity, she embraces my lips

the original (hindi)
yeh kambakht cigarette
yeh kambakht cigarette

yeh kambakht cigarette
yeh kambakht cigarette
saala, dil jalati hai

yeh kambakht cigarette
yeh kambakht cigarette
saala, dil jalati hai
lekin hotein per to lage rahti hai ;-)

My Life, my Friends!

2006-01-28T20:49:00.000+08:00

Swim'n'Cheer!

2006-01-28T20:47:00.000+08:00

so near yet so far

2006-01-27T19:58:00.000+08:00

so near yet so far

you held him so dear,
he was so near

but alas, what a lass
she spends her week alone

listening to her voice
singing to herself

can life ever get lonelier than that
you are so near, yet so afar

sharp intellect, innocent soul

2006-01-08T16:42:00.000+08:00

as 2006 dawned
I was with my nephew
who’s just about 30 months young
with mind sharper than a five year old

for him, the 24-piece jigsaw was a breeze
rattling computer terms a norm
as he plays games on the net like a pro
meticulous in keeping every toy in its place

repeating complex words
even after hearing them just once
over twenty-four hours ago
this champ continued to amaze me

the innocence
blended with the naughty eyes
a sense of discipline
and shrewdness for all to see

the undying curiosity to know and learn
a clear articulation of like and dislikes
English words emanating incessantly,
sans the articles and the grammar

he engaged me, each minute
challenged my limited intellect, each second
how else can I explain
the brain of the two-year old!

way to go
Adi dooo!

essence of life

2006-01-08T16:27:00.000+08:00

how do I connect
with a two week old
the one, who just about
learnt to cry

she is a bundle of joy
there is sweetness in her smile
love in her eyes
helplessness when she cries

being with her
has taught me patience
made me wonder how
intolerant, I otherwise am

just being with her
has taught me pure love
eternal and real
simple and naive

she taught me,
to be giving
without prejudice
without malice, without expectations

I ponder
I wonder
how a tiny-tot of two weeks
can teach me life’s essence

miracle find

2006-01-05T23:00:00.000+08:00

for some one, who
rarely believes in miracles
this, new find is
precious and dear.

weird are the ways of Mother Nature
having known this soul for seven long years
this week, was the chosen one
and Bangalore the place to be

I neither want to know
nor question, or attribute reasons.
for, this miracle find
is my new friend, a new treasure?

filled with warmth
she is so elegant
her heart so pure
outbursts so real

irony, it may seem
for the past saw us meet
frequently, dine and shop together
but then, this week is special

as I saw her off at the airport
my moist eyes veiled
under a beaming smile
I realize this new friend is, for keeps

ArZee, you are my new friend
welcome! miracle find!

time flies

2006-01-05T05:18:00.000+08:00

time just flies
how else can i describe
the ten days, that breezed away
when it had just begun

for the first time in my
ten years of working life
3500 days to be precise
i had taken an annual leave

away from the daily routine
each day moving at its own pace
relaxed, yet packed
exhausting, yet fulfilling

dedicated to my niece and my nephew
one of two weeks and other of two years
i was learning, every moment
unlearning, every minute

as i board my flight back
nostalgia and
pangs of separation
filled an empty heart

the farewell expressions,
of an aging father, ill mother
of a worthy bro, a devoted sister-in-law
of the innocent and intelligent nephew

of an adorable sister, who just became a mother
of a small bundle of joy-my niece
of the warmth of Aunty, Radhu and Arun
flashed across

i did board the plane
with pleasant memories
a heavy heart
and tears well masked

yearning to be back again
knowing it will be long, very long
for this rare feeling to repeat
may be years, may be never

the next time, around
Arushi will be a toddler, and Adi older
Harini will be a mom of two
each with newer priorities

some relationships
may never change with time
some moments
never repeat through a lifetime

this in short was my two weeks
how i wish it remained so forever :(

Sweetheart!

2005-12-14T18:50:00.000+08:00

She is a real sweet heart! I love her ;-)

Arrival of the Prince(ss)

2005-12-14T00:04:00.000+08:00

This what I had in my calender entry.

This Saggi baby surprised me on two counts.
(1) being 7 hours early for the appointment
(2) Turning out to be an adorable little Princess when believed it would be a prince.

With you, surprises will be a way of life, Little Miss

Yippie!!

2005-12-13T20:02:00.000+08:00

Yippie!

Dips had a baby girl!

i am so so so excited.

And entry she did make

that was grand

yes she did keep every one on toes!

way to go!

missing u baby and mom!

Over heard

2005-12-13T19:26:00.000+08:00

Over heard!
my mom telling sis
D, you should not have a son, baba
they spell trouble

your blood pressure will shoot up
moreover, Saggi baby
Rama Rama!
daughters are nicer ;-)

like my sis has a choice
and it’s a vending machine
“press green button for girl”
“press blue for boy”

our friend has started tantrums already -
‘was to be out the 14th
now doc says 16th -22nd
making them all tense!

our champ
like his Uncle
will make a debonair entry
a.k.a Ciggy catching the flight

when our star decides to be out
it be just be 40 minutes affair
launching out like Apollo
with a splendid entry into the world

or will it be, like a formula 1
flagged off at pole position B5/603
beating the finish line
at Diwakar’s in 19m:27s:36

a seven-minute pit-stop
for admission procedure
and whoosh, in 5 minutes
he takes off

popping its head
like a mouse
from his hole
inspecting around for cats

or will he pop out,
like a bread out of toaster
get away from womb’s heat
and breathe the cool Bangalore air

like a dolphin’s leap
out of water
he too will
soar out of placenta fluid

mommy knows too well
and has him fastened with umbilical cord
as a means to keep him on leash
lest it will create havoc

At last!
u have arrived pal
a champagne on ice
on you!

Raj and Sandy!

2005-12-11T19:16:00.000+08:00

Who is Raj!
This is what my name has become. Over the last few weeks, I have been attending numerous seminars and talking to hundreds of people.

It is interesting what many of these people shortened my name to. They hailed from different parts of the world and found a Raj or a Sandy, easier to pronounce ;-)

Now pals, what say! Raj Sandy ...Can?, Can also? Can Can?

My Salute!

2005-12-11T18:20:00.000+08:00

Watching movies
amazes me, each time
inspite of prejudices and biases
they continue to fascinate.

The themes so universal
concerns so real,
the viewer made an integral part
of voyage into fantasyland

Captivating one into character,
of an army major
an unemployed youth,
the one in love
or an honest officer

I cannot, but appreciate
the host of people engaged
to stitch together, a life time of events
into a terse 150 minute show

To host of actors, cameramen
stuntmen, directors, script writers
and thousands of people behind the sets
here is Ciggy’s salute!