October 16, 2009 • 8:30 pm 0
One of the biggest festivals in India is Diwali- the Festival of Lights.
Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and is characterized by the lighting of colourful lamps.
It is celebrated with zeal by the rich and poor alike. People greet each other with sweets and burst firecrackers- though this is fast dwindling these days because of a growing concern for the environment etc.
Here’s wishing all of you a very happy Diwali.
Filed under: Personal , Diwali, festivals of India
January 17, 2009 • 2:35 pm 1
The thing about well executed training is that it stands you in good stead – as it is meant to-when you need it the most. Many have to thank the training they received in their childhood or their youth for their successes in adulthood. Recently, 150 passengers aboard US Airways flight 1549 had to thank the cool professionalism shown by their pilot, Capt. Chesley B. Sullenberger III.
Filed under: Executive Effectiveness, Personal , Capt. Chesley Sullenberger III, drama in real life, professionalism
April 6, 2008 • 11:05 am 0
According to our ancient Hindu calendar, today marks the beginning of the New Year for us GSB Konkanis. For the many who might not know, GSB stands for Gowd Saraswat Brahmin, a Hindu sect and Konkani is my mother tongue. People who speak Konkani are called Konkanis.
The festival is called Samsvar Padwo in Konkani and Gudi Padwa in Marathi.
Here’s wishing everyone the best of health, every success and propserity in the New Year.
Filed under: Personal , Gudi Padwa
February 12, 2008 • 10:38 pm 0
Learning a new language is an interesting experience. It can often result in embarrassing moments. Many years ago, I worked as a young Personnel Officer at a cement plant in the interiors of Gujarat. It was useful for me to know Gujarati , the local language. With the enthusiasm of youth, I plunged in and tried to learn the language the best way- by trying to speak it.
We had an industrial canteen and often stray dogs used to gather in the vicinity of the building, no doubt attracted by the waste food. The Canteen was one of my responsibilities. One day, I dropped in to see how things were going on there. I was accompanied by the Security Officer, the Canteen Manager and a few other staff. All of them were veterans -considerably older than me.
On our way, I saw a few stray dogs hanging around the building. In the strictest voice that my 23 years could muster, I told them in Gujarati ” There are many dogs here”. There was a horrified silence and they looked at each other in shock. I realized that I may have said something wrong. I asked why they were not speaking at all.
The hushed silence was broken by one of them telling me ” Sir, you have just told us that all of us are dogs”!
I remember the incident 34 years later with amusement. At that time, I felt awfully embarrassed !
Filed under: Personal , learning languages
November 7, 2007 • 2:26 pm 0
Diwali or Deepavali is the Indian festival of lights. It is one of the most popular festivals of India.
There are several beliefs regarding the origin of the holiday. The most repeated version is that Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. Some also view it as the day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura or in honor of the day Bali went to rule the nether-world, obeying the order of Vishnu. In Jainism it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. In India, Diwali is now considered to be more of a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.
Best wishes to all for a Happy and Prosperous Diwali.
Filed under: Personal , Diwali, festivals of India
October 6, 2007 • 7:57 am 0
It’s amazing how people can be indifferent when they hear the piercing siren of an ambulance. I have seen people in Bangalore react in a variety of ways in such a case. There are, thank God, still some who do their best to squeeze to a side in crowded traffic and make way for the ambulance. Others don’t seem to know or care. Yet others wait for the ambulance to break free so that they can tailgate it like the paparazzi chasing an ill fated Diana!
The Golden Hour is crucial for those who have a heart attack ( MI or myocardial infarction as I came to know later it is called). They say that your chances of survival go up if you get medical attention as soon as possible after the attack.
I speak from experience. On April 18, 2005, I got a heart attack at about 8.30 a.m. I obviously did not know this at that time. While having a bath I felt some discomfort in my chest. Years of reading detective novels made me do the smartest thing under the circumstances. Reach out and unbolt the door so that you are not trapped in.
It was then Google to the rescue. I punched in “Heart Attack Symptoms” and there flew pages on them. A quick reading convinced me that I had to rush to the hospital. The impetus came from reading about the Golden Hour.
To cut a long story short, the ambulance rushed me through Bangalore’s crowded roads to Wockhardt, Shortly after I underwent coronary angioplasty and was discharged after a few days.
Here I am alive and kicking. I silently thank the driver of the ambulance and all those who made way for it that day.
Filed under: Personal
October 2, 2007 • 4:33 am 1
Today we remember and pay homage to one of India’s greatest sons, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, now known simply as “Mahatma” (The Great Soul) Gandhi. He was born on October 2, 1869.
“My life is my message” said Gandhiji. His principle-centred leadership was exemplary for its simplicity, humility and practical application. Here was one man, who more than any other, was responsible for bringing to its knees the mighty British Empire.
I enjoyed the comprehensive account of Mahatma Gandhi at Kamat’s Potpourri. There is much to learn from Mahatma Gandhi.
Filed under: Personal
September 14, 2007 • 4:46 am 2
We celebrate Gowri Puja today. It is essentially a worship by the married ladies, seeking the Mother’s grace and benedictions for progeny and also for longevity of the husband, usually called mangalya.
Tomorrow we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in which we Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.
Filed under: Personal
July 25, 2007 • 7:44 am 0
For quite some time now, I have thinking that posts which are not strictly in the genre of “People at Work & Play” have crept in to this blog.
This is after all, in a sense, my blog as a professional and an independent consultant. Posts about rain saving the Lord’s Test really shouldn’t be here, should they?
I have decided to use another blog to capture my thoughts and observations on life as it passes by! It’s called “Looking at Life” and is available at WordPress.
As I mentioned there, this will be a free wheeling blog covering all aspects of life including politics, sports, my hobbies and interests and yes, as I grow older- my reminiscences.
Filed under: Personal
July 20, 2007 • 3:47 am 0
It makes us proud as parents to see our children do well.
My son, Nitin, featured in a write up in the Times of India of July 16.
He has been selected as a candidate for StartingBloc Fellowship and is now in London attending the Global Institute for Social Innovation at London Business School.
Filed under: Personal
