Free-spirit

Refresh Yourself for New Beginnings!!

2012-01-01T01:24:00.000+05:30

REFRESH YOURSELF for 2012

The year gone by - was tough & testing! Yes, but now at this beginning - I am happy, content and once again dreaming.

Wow! what a start.

I am glad that I am writing all positives in my mind. Right now while I write - I am thinking of words like Share, Magic, Learn, Sunshine, Green, Young, Peace, Music, Charge, Faith, Innovation, Progress, Transform, Life. These are the words - I kept on my New Year's mailer. These are the words I plan to keep in my mind this year.

But with all my wishes to all of you for a Great Year ahead....I also want to share the lovely

Inspiring Words,

You are the result of yourself.

- Pablo Neruda

Don’t blame anyone, never complain of anyone or anything

Because basically you have made of your life what you wanted.

Accept the difficulties of edifying yourself

And the worth of starting to correct your character.

The triumph of the true man arises from the ashes of his mistakes.

Never complain of your loneliness or your luck.

Face it with courage and accept it.

Somehow, they are the result of your acts and

It shows that you’ll always win.

Don’t feel frustrated of your own failures, neither unload them to someone else.

Accept yourself now or you’ll go on justifying yourself like a child.

Remember that any time is good to start

And that no time is so good to give up.

Don’t forget that the cause of your present is your past,

As the cause of your future will be your present.

Learn from the brave, from the strong,

From who doesn’t accept situations

From who will live in spite of everything.

Think less of your problems and more of your work.

Learn to arise from your pain,

And to be greater than the greatest of your obstacles.

Look at the mirror of yourself and you’ll be free and strong

And you’ll stop being a puppet of circumstances.

For you yourself are your destiny.

Wake up and stare at the sun in the mornings and breathe the sun of dawn.

You’re part of the strength of your life now,

Rise up, fight, walk, be sure and you’ll win in life.

Don’t ever think of ‘fate’

For fate is the excuse of failures.

Happy New Year :)

Complacency :(

2011-12-13T19:52:00.000+05:30

Complacency is insane.

The same, no change since a while.

Why me, why me ? Why to bask!

Who shall one go to ask?

Complacency is insane.

Why, why to bear the pain?

Am not the cow Jane!

As I know...there is lot on offer in the life's lane.

Complacency is not my style.

Am being patient for a while.

Am certainly not the sober river - Nile.

Complacency is not my style.

Side by side -Year by year.

2011-12-02T01:53:00.001+05:30

Side by side - Year By Year. Special post on our 4th Anniversary.

Of the highs & lows

The pinks & blues

Fights & Lights

Lows & Highs

Remember one thing -

Together we laughed & together we cried...

Today, I feel that time just flies

Its our truth and our lies

Its our struggle and our plights

Remember one thing -

Together we laughed & together we cried...

For goods and for bad,

For making them smile and for making them sad

Those were the moments that we created

And those are the memories that we cherish together...

Remember one thing -

Together we laughed & together we cried..

The four years that have just gone by

I remember the start and the time we couldn't stood by

I smile them away - as I think of them...

I stand strong - as I think of now..

Remember one thing -

Together we make a better life:)

We turn Two!

2011-11-18T00:51:00.001+05:30

Connect to us at: www.30thfeb.com | www.facebook.com/30thfeb

Turning 2 feels like turning 22. Remember, when one has to leave the college and suddenly enter the corporate world…. Ah! We are all very excited and yeah so thrilled about the money part…hehe. Not only that’s an experience, a way forward, a new chase- it is a lot more then all of that. It is about identity, self-growth, ambitions, respect, money, goals etc.

The journey this year was difficult and taught me that sometimes it is about the strength of mind and heart which is majorly required to go on. Initial success comes handy for few – now as I turn older by one more year – I feel the same happened to me. Though deep inside I am aware that my last year’s B’day note was about the initial struggle to setting up a business and strive to stick and make others believe on my conviction about 30TH FEB and this being the ‘the thing’ for me.

Nevertheless, the journey is still on as I share this. But yes, growing up is difficult. Because when you know you have started all you can think of about is – to get ahead and cross the new deadlines – the short ones and the long ones. I have the goals and I have the faith.

Build Resilience

Fight those feelings. In a business, it is very easy that a gap will only cause negativity. There will be difference in opinions and thoughts. People will never feel the same about your venture/ job/ dreams like you feel. And the sooner we understand this – the better we get.

Decisions and Choices

Entrepreneurs must learn to follow their heart. They shall learn to listen to all and shall follow the right, as advocated by their heart and mind. Choosing the right is difficult but if you trust the choice you made – you will never be disappointed. Remember, it was your decision and unnecessary expectations will only complicate.

There are many decisions which stuck us up on the ethical points, conscience differs with logic and trends – follow your instinct so that you have nothing to repent later. Remember, choices are good and we are answerable to ourselves. Choose between right & wrong. Decide between gut & conscience. Believe in what you feel and do it.

Fuel-up

Remember, any venture, exercise, mission needs to be fuelled regularly. Many people talk about keeping the focus but now after two years of entrepreneurial journey I feel focus is not enough if you are not fuelling your aspirations with right efforts. Remember, the efforts have to be oriented in the right direction.

Everything I said above is something I have learnt and experiencing each day. I am growing as an entrepreneur and I have to grow in person, in belief, in goals, in faith and all that will come if I am able to grow my business, my dream, my passion.

Today is been an anxious day. I had something in my mind – yes, my venture turned 2 and I turned 2 as an entrepreneur, a risk-taker, a myopic and what not…I had got many names and still called up, looked upon with lot of names like that.

And today, on the birthday of my dream which I dared to live – my mind was in a wandering state!

Wandering – about where I stand today? I am two year old – monetarily I have been ok. Individually I am well and know what I have been doing. Personally – win some, loose some. Ah! Overall I had the good and the bad moments. The moments of truth and the moments of joy – I had many of them. I am at peace about my decision. I am anxious on what next? How to take the leap?

I am sure - it’s time for next leap. Next year, I need to be a better person with a better post and some better plans. Until then – it’s a Happy New Beginning for another year! And I am loving it.

Happy Birthday to my entire team.

One more try! One more time!

2011-11-14T23:58:00.000+05:30

Ahh…one more time it happen that life got obsessed about causing troubles for me. How sad I felt? How sad I felt – that it realized one more time - I will survive. One more time it realized - that I will survive. One more time – it happened.

This time I was quiet, calm and surprised. I am surprised and once again shouted in exile – why me? Why me – one more time. Yes, it shakes me, shocked me and waked me in the middle of the night one more time. One more time – it happened.

I noticed the curves which arrived just like that. I noticed the hurdles which arose just as I was about to take the leap. I noticed the hurdles – one more time. One more time – it happened.

She knocked at the moment of joy, shocked me with the unleashed try, soaked me and choked me with the unknown airs and unknown flights. I am glad and thankful – I gave it another plight one more time. One more time – it happened.

I lost it – yes the hope. I hoped it- one more time. Yes, I hoped for the hope against hope. I got the hope one more time. One more time – it happened.

She left me – yes the inspiration. I chased it for one more time. Yes, I got it one more time and I inspired Life. One more time – it happened.

Dreams are the ones– which keep you alive. One more time – I realized. One more time I dream to fly. Sharing this – I don’t feel shy. Dreams are dreams – keep them alive, live them up and they will keep you alive.

To fight the unknown and the recurring unwanted sights – looks for signs, the signs of reigns. Look for people – who are good signs, who talk positive and keep a balanced mind. Stay aloof from the feelings of spoof. Give up on those who hit on hopes, give up on the feelings of wrongs. But when it comes to your dreams and hope – Never, Never, Never Give up!

Think positive one more time. One more time – you smile.

Inspire On.

2011-08-18T11:02:00.000+05:30

Have you ever wondered that the only solution to fight situations out is to get inspired to be out of them?

Yes – No- Never thought about it. Read more here.

The Unexpected Guest

2011-08-08T19:43:00.002+05:30

The uncertain events in life hike in, as an unexpected guest when you are about to take off...(A post from my 2007 diaries...)

Source:AuthorArtemis

I was about to leave my home, heading for an unknown and entirely new destination and I heard the door knock. Ah! It's the unexpected guest.

Thinking alone at my current home, waiting for my friend to arrive I was wondering about the age-old amusing incident, when you have a plan to go out from home and suddenly an unexpected guest hikes in. Sometimes, life is like this, you plan something and something else happens, you surrender to life and take a decision and then life brings something/someone and you doubt your next move.

Lets take it the guest way only; there can be various situations, few like –

When you get ready to look your best for the party, which you don't feel like attending and suddenly an unexpected guest arrives. Consciously or unconsciously you feel happy about it, a little more relaxed, a little at more ease.

Vice-Versa to (a), sometimes we are thrilled for the outing plan and a guest arrives. The knock at the door is hated and the guest is treated as a spoilsport but then again you are forced to attend the unexpected and to your own surprise you end up loving it.

Now this one looks even more troublesome to me, sometimes when you have no plan, you feel sick of life, you want to run-away and as you reach for the door, someone knocks it. Again an unknown, outthought of guest is at the door, smiling the sparkling smile.

Has it ever happened to you?

May be yes. May be not. Ok, I think the (c) is really troublesome and its even a hurting situation. May be I am just taking time to express what this girl, you are going to read about has felt twice, once before and now quite recently. Many things have happened in her life in last 3 months, seems as if each single brain nerve of hers has thought of hundreds of things and has forced her to stress herself as much as she can!

Still I would say, I cant complaint about her because she is in a habit of thinking too much and may be she loves pondering on the mystery that life offers. It's all about the work life, the preferences, the trust or I believe loyalty is a more appropriate word. It's all about what she thought, what she did and how she managed. But then she has no complaints as she has learned to take the onus of her life but probably she lives with some regrets, which I truly want her to come over from. Amen!

Here, the person rushing out of the home (as referred in c) is a girl, ambitious, confident and dreamer who believes in chasing them hard. She is Strong, yes I am quite confident may be because she led her head rule over her heart. She isn't very quick in taking decisions, she cribs a lot when she dislikes something, she is used to of getting worried for the ill treatment to human genre, she is lively, she is fun, she is a kiddo and above all she is very candid and very normal.

Have I confused you a lot?

May be yes. May be not. But I would say, don't be confused. Be sure of what you think of her, because as such she cares a damn of this damn world. Actually, she does but then she consoles herself, she has learnt to make rules and to follow them. She has crossed the barriers, faced the hardships and took a decision, no matter what next?

Ok lets get back to out (c) state of incident. As I have introduced the girl, the reason she feels sick of life are varied, we can say sometime personal, sometimes professional, sometimes just an ongoing social situation, sometimes a friend or sometimes an acquaintance.

And now the guests, well they are again many. Sometimes friends, sometimes family, sometimes totally unknown, sometimes out thought of and god knows what?

Any guest arrives and she goes out of her mind, as in she starts thinking on the decision all over again, she lets the guest influence her mind so much that she doesn't remain sure of herself, her own take on her own life goes into discretion and scrutiny. This is not done and neither is this appreciated. She knows people love her but because of the mistrust of others she let them run away, she finds love, she follows her head and let the love move away, far away.

But while writing all this, I realize that she is not unaware of all this. She very well understands the destinations she missed, the paths she crossed, and those she visited in her life. Still she is traveling the journey called life.

Is she still hopeful of reaching the unattainable, to reach her world, the world of her imagination?

Like kids talk of a world with roads of chocolates, she dreams of a road without obstacles or thinks of peaceful ways to cross them, the child thinks of no school, she dreams no violence, child never miss mother to be a part of this world, she dreams of trust to be such a part. Kid always has at least a single friend for his or her company; she is still wondering will there be anyone with her on her bon voyage? Kid complaints, same she does but she isn't sure of the people she complaints to, she has a fear of mistrust, of misunderstood or mistook. Still she plans to carry a gadget, the one that will help her connect to her near ones, as she hates to be alone. That's a different story that she feels lonely and she fought alone. But what matters most is that, She is still hopeful. She is strong.

Hence, I am sure that she will face the guest, the unknown and uncertain. She will again have her doubts; she will face the difficulty in choosing the right people (mistrust has made her skeptical) but at last as always she is come over everything.

The guest will be either welcome or she will move away from the uncertain – now known, once again to one more unknown destination.

Magic of Rain!

2011-07-08T16:25:00.001+05:30

As the rain drops…the pain drops!

Though the traffic slows and stops….

Rains bring only hopes and hopes…

I dream a dream….before rain stops…

I think of a bike and I just hop

Wow! I could now feel each and every drop….

Look at the sky….hear the noise…

The nature displays such poise…

Kids shouting raising the voice….

As the trees beautifully rise …

Ah! The rains bring such highs!

I feel tired but no sighs!

The weather which was otherwise tragic…..

Rains come and leave the magic…!

Leaving the working crowd nostalgic….!

Of the days when rains were magic!

Now it’s a hush….

We have to rush!

The rains only look so mush-mush…

Hold on for a minute….forget the rush..

We are getting later….let the feeling be crushed!

For now its just the magic of rain.

A haunting night of an accident:|

2011-06-21T14:24:00.000+05:30

It was 11pm and we were returning back to home after meeting my grand mom in Delhi. We were talking over and driving at 70-80 like all other cars on the MG road. A sudden jolt made us realize that our car is hit and then those scary few seconds while our Car rotated on the road and got hit again on the right side. By the time I came to senses, I realized that we are alive and now our car is stopped after a 280 degree round.

As I poked on the side….I could see the white Ford Endeavor, the driver of which had lost control and hit us. Eventually I found myself telling Rohit to keep calm as outside we could see some guys who were very much in control of alcohol. He just got down after instructing me to call 100. The guys seemed to us as educated men who actually had realized that they were at mistake and have done what was already done to us. I was still explaining the episode to the guys on 100 and then PCR with a shivering voice while they very leisurely kept on asking whether the accident took place in Gurgaon or Delhi etc etc.

Anyways while the people who hit had readily agreed to get our car re-done as they were aware that they are the ones who are under the influence of alcohol and they just hit us for no mistake of ours. And then as we were talking to them, one more gentleman who was there told that actually it was him who got hit first and then as his Santro moved towards the side lane with a tyre burst we were the ones who suffered drastically.

During all this, no one from the PCR could reach the site in 40 minutes. I was disgusted as this gentleman said that our little car would be done in few bucks and they will have to get their endeavor will cost too much; where I just reminded them that it is them who are drunk and it is them who smashed us for no reason. Then there were other notorious passer-by who commented that one should not worry about accidents in slang like accent & tampered speech – again due to alcohol. Then were those who got at the scene & were ready to fight for them – I must mention they were not acquainted to them. I still feel so bad & shocked.

We spent entire yesterday sorting the matter out as the gentleman who had hit us after coming to senses started negotiating on the car compensation. On an FIR, the Hyundai guy refused to even be mentioned as his Dad refused and moreover he requested that he shall not even be named as an eyewitness. Those who were totally at wrong wanted to pay half the money as now they were arrogant enough in telling that – how will we prove they were drunk? And the PCR very rudely asked us over the phone, if we need help after the ford endeavor had left the scene on the eventful night after exchanging the phone numbers. I am so glad that there were no causalities as I am sure why the number of deaths is too high in our country because they enquire so much on phones that a vulnerable dying life cannot be sustained.

While I still recover from this shock, our car is under repair as we share the expense borne due to some irresponsible class of youth in the series of an unfortunate hit & again hit case. Still I would say that they are cooperating, may be because they realized the mistake or may be because of fear.

I am glad that we are saved & I am glad that we have friends who stood by us while the others gave reasons of no concerns. While we can always forget & forgive anything….those few seconds when the car was rotating & we survived being hit from front are haunting. But I keep faith & thank god for he stayed by our side and we survived.

Keep Hope - Anyway.

2011-06-08T16:18:00.000+05:30

Yesterday evening while walking in my balcony, I suddenly felt that it’s good to take it easy. Believe me I had been going through a terrible mindset with the series of event in the last fifteen days. A person as positive as me got hit by circumstances and I started feeling shattered. As a result of which, I couldn't do my work at all, concentration – is been taken by thoughts of unreasonable people at work, complicated business scenario, hiding luck, unbelieving parents, TV remote, Facebook, chats etc. I have been actually thinking of dropping all the ambitions, projects, my dream run and everything. I reached a stage of comparisons & complaints. Gosh! And then I found this picture…for some reason I had kept it on my desktop.

Situations can be turned memorable with a smile -Keep Hope

Yes, it is up to me whether I come back to my sacred space with peaceful mindset of keep worrying about the currently loitering life. Every morning I wake up with a plan and sleep at night cribbing about another waste day. Earlier if it was an 8 hours of productive work a day, now it is only 1 hour (I still doubt on that). Today I thought to share and unleash the burden. Believe me; I should be working right now…huh!

Now I took a break and tried to concentrate on my work. And guess what – there were things which disturbed me and then there are equal ways to release the tensions and I am so glad that I am slowly getting out of this phase also.In the meantime the following happened and I am happy that it happened:

My friend called me and we had a conversation for an hour – Ah! I am so relieved and then my other friend advised me through my blog – in a patient scolding manner and I am pretty much back on track. I am so glad they exist. I am getting geared up for my next project.

Things which disturbed me are like work situations, unreasonable clients, family pressures etc but then

People are unreasonable- we need to forgive them anyway. Right!

Situations are not always as we want. We need to face them –anyway.

Efforts are always counted but at times results get delayed. Make efforts - anyway.

And believe me; it is good to take it easy. But we need to work hard –anyway.

Life do turns hopeless. Keep Hope - anyway.

Birthday Thoughts...:)

2011-05-03T09:37:00.000+05:30

Yesterday morning….while I entered into another b'day of my life...I had some thoughts. Though I got calls from my family at 12 the night before and they were happy to wish me a happy birthday. They are happy that I am here….I exist as a part of their life.

Similarly, I am glad that I am given a chance to be me. Sometimes we have to be glad about ourselves. This morning that is what I told God and I thanked him to be with me like always. I thanked him for giving me the courage, the patience and the zeal to do things for good. Then I remembered my guru’s who are always by my side preaching goodness and instilling faith in me.

Then came those good people who remembered me, few have been with me for a reason or a season. But my goodness, the wishes were inspiring and made my day. I felt a little more special and I smiled. I am at peace that, they exist and I am glad I exist in close proximity of such wonderful people.

I am putting in here something which a teammate now friend sent to me yesterday morning. We have a relationship filled of respect and mutual admiration. I am going to cherish this gesture…the time spent on creating this for me, makes me feel special and worthy of finding happiness in little things. Isn’t it beautiful?

Stepping on a birthday ladder brings so many more queries in my mind. Life seems to be curious like me…..growing up is fun as it brings me to peace, keeps me calm and serene. I have learnt to keep patience, to give, to share and to be happy. I have learnt it is all a state of mind.

I worry about my anger – especially when I can’t control it with my mom. She still is the most tolerant when it comes about me. But then she understands the feelings, the unexpressed lot which bounces out only when she is around. I hope I get better this year on this front.

Recently, I have realized at times I am too vulnerable. I want to work towards that. I tend to lose spirits quite easily and start dreaming of a free-bird life which is practically difficult. But whatever be the case – I am truly the same freespirit – aspiring & dreaming big which each passing day :)

Believe!

2011-03-17T14:05:00.000+05:30

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

~ Steve Jobs, Co-Founder and CEO of Apple Comp

Breathless Life :(

2011-03-13T15:49:00.000+05:30

So unfair but yet so true…

It’s not just me & not just you…

Sometime or the other….

We say it so….what we tend to live is a Breathless Life!

There is this rush…

My god so hush-hush

Chasing & running…what a world we live

Do we actually live?

Spinning life…..the Breathless Life!

No time for life….no time for books

All we worry about is meetings, travel, work etc

We think we are living -----wonder is this life?

Life is what comes…….are we ready for it?

Life is to live…..Ah! It’s a Breathless Life!

Toys are replaced with gadgets…

Bedside stories…..or iphone songs….

Am running…you are running….are we catching up btw?

With the Breathless Life!

I miss my mom….I miss my Dad….

I want to be with them….by their side….

But it’s stopping me always…

It’s my Breathless Life!

Friends….we catch up regularly

Yeah at times on gtalk at times on fb and at others on blog

But over a chat….it’s a lifetime dream…

We are all very busy with the Breathless Life!

Impesshye Kohima! (Thank you Kohima…) - Kohima Diaries 4

2011-02-26T20:37:00.000+05:30

Well! Tomorrow morning I start my travel at 9am. I will be back to Delhi – waiting for me is work, pending meetings, stretched traffic signals, unconventional weather, Gurgaon’s power cuts, running life and a lot to rush. Last 3-4 days, I have been feeling the heat already!

The beautiful valley of ‘Kohima’ – introduced to me the simplest life I ever thought of. I actually had never thought of a life without television, with a struggle for vegetarian food, with a walking habit and me finding the time for it and lot of time for soul searching, with a routine of waking up at 7am and going back to bed around 9.30pm or 10pm at night and beyond this, never feeling the need for a day to get any longer. It was all said n done during the day and I could get a peaceful sleep as I was never worried or in a rush to get up another morning with a lot of post-its on my mind. Ah! Such a pleasure n peace it has been for last 20 days.

And back home, many-a-times I wanted the day to get longer as 24 hours were not enough. If it isn’t work always, it can be catching up with a friend, visiting a party, dating Rohit, having a peaceful lunch/dinner, visiting parents etc., we lose many a times on a most of such simple & important things. All because of ‘The Rush’ –this is one thing I never saw/felt/heard or experienced in Kohima. Amazing city – it gave me time to observe, think and do some soul searching. So the curiosity of why so different has now turned into something like – ‘Different is simple and simple is good’.

And for the experience I would like to say ‘Thanks’ to the Department Of Technical Education, Kohima for giving me the opportunity to be a part of their Integrated Program of Advanced Retail Management and experience an altogether different yet beautiful life.

My Take-Away’s from the brief Visit:

‘Uncomplicate Life’: Life is only complicated if we make it that way. We need to find peace in simple things. People out here are so simple and yet so satisfied. What are you rushing for?

2. ‘Do not compare’: Somehow, I felt that life here is beautiful because no one believes in any kind of comparisons. Everybody is happy with whatever they are blessed with and of course, at their own levels they are trying to improve it. Again with no rush, they have their faith and their hard work. Their minds are at peace.

3. ‘Prioritize & communicate’: People here know their priorities right. They don’t do things for pleasing others; they don’t burden themselves with unnecessary tensions. They know their priority and communicate with so much ease.

4. ‘Be Proud of your Place’: One should be proud of the place one belongs and should be respectful about where it started – the journey called ‘Life’.

[Yes, though people here are lazy to take up things and to initiate but surely the Government & Youth are bound to spread awareness and the best thing is wherever they learn or earn, they are all eager to come back & contribute to their city, their state.] We all think like that at some point or the other but how many of us actually do that? And the people – I have met have no religious or conservative motives – they just want to be back and do something here – at their land of festivals.

5. ‘Love & Affection’: Yes, I am taking back lot of love & affection from the people here. Their simplicity mesmerized me at various levels. My students were like a bunch of variety in many ways. They weren’t street smart like those from metro geographies but they were sincere & eager to learn & experience new things. They accepted the course & change with open arms. I made a very good friend here – who not only took me around to places but also helped me understand the culture and people here. And all these people gave me wonderful memories.

6. ‘Judgments are not good’: I always believed in ‘no early judgments’ and people close to me know that I do not jump on judgment easily. This visit helped me reinforce my belief. People here shall not be judged on what they have experienced & are exposed to because we need to understand the pitch of life we have and they have. We have gained speed and momentum and we are busy chasing happiness in the form of jobs, money, exposure, achievement etc and they have earned peace with the very belief – we are here to live –happily.

Are you wondering again – How?

Kohima Diaries- 3, Kohima War Cementry

2011-02-21T20:36:00.000+05:30

When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,

For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"

Saturday, we visited the Kohima War Cementry. I have never been to such a place before so it was slightly difficult for me to explore and learn about such a place where a war was fought and people had died saving that place.

It was even disheartening to know that there also lay the graves of warriors who died an unknown death as their identities couldn’t be traced. My heart mellowed thinking about their families. Rohit, my husband who has a deep interest in history told me about the Tennis Court around which the British Indian troupes fought the Japanese.

Though I was happy that people here are proud of this place and CWG is maintaining it in a very respectful way. It is not commercialized though it always flashes on Nagaland Tourism. You can actually read out the names of those who fought here and lost their lives, those who were in any which way a part of those battalions.

Walking down from the War Cementry- we found an Aircraft which was very much a part of World War II but is now placed inside the Governor’s residing premises so we couldn’t click it. But it was devastating to find the tank of World War II in such a pathetic condition with lot of beer bottles, canes and filth loitered around. We wondered – why in the world is the government ignorant about this.

All in all – a great experience with lot of mingling thoughts about those who actually gave their lives for our today and tomorrow.

Kohima Diaries - 2

2011-02-19T18:21:00.000+05:30

Well…..as I had said…..more about the villages in Nagaland in my next post. Saturday the February 12, 2011 we went for shopping in the Main Town Market & the other popular markets in Kohima. Please note it’s a very self-suffice place, self manufactured and self-consumed principle is what still rules the city. Though we get real fashionable stuff from Bangkok, China etc but still what was breath-taking here was the tribal jewelery and the simplicity of tribal attires….which can be still fashionable in their own b’ful ways. So, when it comes to shopping – I bought real good tribal jewelery which do take care of the minute details and are again all handmade. Now I have a collection of jewelery of various tribal communities like – Angami, Lotha, Aao etc. Then how can a girl resist buying – Handbags. Oh! I really got some good ones here. A bit of tit-bits here n there….some hand woven boxes, Angami mufflers etc are another picks.

Sunday the 13^th, my so very sweet students took me to a nearby village as I had shared my desire to visit a village and see the actual Nagaland. Like they say…… if cities are the face of a state….villages is the heart. We went to – ‘Jakhama’ few kms up from Kohima (Picture above – Window to Nagaland). And you can vouch of the serenity it offers. There is a huge Jakhama ground in the village where the village functions are to held and celebrated. And there again you will find the hut shaped stands in the ground depicting various tribes who are the majority residents of Jakhama. Post that we had gone to the St.Joseph College, which is a home away from home; offering various courses, again a very calm and wonderfully managed premise. Since, it was a Sunday we couldn’t witness the real uproar of a college kind of place. (Picture above)

Beautiful memories and I truly enjoyed the visit. I hereby would like to Thank - Seno, Apong, Zabu & Samuel for making my day a forever cherish able.

Coming up next would be visit to War Cementry & the tank we discovered from World War II…

Do you recall some events in past that have shaped your present?

2011-02-14T22:11:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy: Firetongue8

I am asked – Do you recall some events in past that have shaped your present?

Difficult one......! I could recall various instances which contributed to what I am today.....but framing it in words looks like a mountain.

One thing I always knew since my childhood was - I have to have an identity of my own and second thing I have to be independent – in my thoughts, my work, and my belief of life. I wanted to have peace of mind, the tranquility of achievement. That doesn’t mean – I wanted to be renowned person or something but I wanted to be a person of my own – who believed in doing & did.

I was an introvert, an optimist introvert and all I wanted was to prove my mettle. I wanted to prove it to people who had at times consciously or unconsciously showed a disbelief in my thoughts, aspirations & even my dreams. Believe me; it’s tough to be optimist. It tests you really hard. There were times…that I felt like getting into a shell and forget about all aspirations and dreams. I used to pray to God – to take it all back and let me become a person of routine life.

I always followed.... my instinct! Though it has been a difficult call always....but somehow I managed to. I never pressed myself too hard to do something which I dint loved or believed in.

Though, there were testing situations when I had to choose between the easy & difficult, short-cuts & long struggles etc but most of the times – I end up putting myself to test. Or we can say, most of the times in those situations I could convince myself to hold on and excel. At times I succeeded and at times….was taught a lesson. In both cases, learning continued and it still does.

Yes, in some ways I am at peace but the struggle to dream continues. The new ones are in making, somewhat dense….they are in the process of getting the picture correct. I am again getting ready to find something new….maybe it’s the next phase…another level of ecstasy in terms of belief, learning & success.

My inspirations are varied…sometimes an entire book, sometimes a statement, sometimes a personality, sometimes an incident….. God has always been generous in providing me right mentors at different levels of life and the constant belief of my family & few friends, in my capabilities which I at times feel is too rigid, gets me to reach places.

Kohima Diaries

2011-02-13T23:01:00.000+05:30

Picture this: 3 weeks - No Television. No Internet. No Newspaper!

Well! Last Sunday, around this time…I was worried, tensed and wondering as how in the world am I going to stay & more importantly survive here for 3 weeks! Though the place, where I am staying is all nice, neat & organized but there is no Television and the day I reach there was no internet connection. I felt like I am going to be in some real trouble –as I will be staying in this aloof building which is one of the safest places to stay over in the city. But somehow I realized that it’s an opportunity to connect to nature and to connect to myself.

The people here are in their own worlds, they don’t bother because majority of them are not aware of the speed with which we live in the metros out there. They are self-sufficient & satisfied in their own beautiful ways. They do something or the other for their livelihood and they manage – really well at times! Other thing which I like about this place is the simplicity & their love for the region & community. They are very humble, proud and accepting about where they belong to, unlike the people back who at times even hesitate to accept about their roots being coming from a small town or may be a village.

Youth here is like friendly, sincere, lazy at times and involved in some activity or the other. There are Church activities, Music trainings, and Part-time schools, Student Unions of each of the 16 tribal communities to work for and keep oneself busy. There is no run, no competition, no jealousy and hence no problem. They have aspirations and they have dreams but there is no rush of any kinds.

Sundays here are too peaceful & calm. It’s a complete rest day and the markets almost resemble to the curfew clad metro city. Even some of the getaway joints, lounges are closed on Sundays – Imagine Delhi/Mumbai or Bangalore like that! Most of us will get panicky even on this thought. Restaurants are open here from 10am – 6pm.

Food preferences are mostly towards non-vegetarian preparations. Incidentally that’s the biggest challenge for me to survive – even after a weeklong stay. We do get vegetarian food but very few options and even less variety. There are a lot of bakeries here and that’s why you don’t get branded breads here, because they prepare their own stuff.

Western clothes are quite popular among youth but at the same time you will see a lot of ladies wearing traditional dress called ‘Myekhala’ which is hand woven in different colors & threads depending on the tribal community. The jewellery patterns & colors also vary from community to community, but you get real exquisite ones.

Overall it’s a different place – a different world of its own.

More to come about my shopping experience and visit to the village ‘Jakhama’ and other tourist destinations!

P.S:I managed to get Internet & Newspaper!

A long year ahead..! Stay Hopeful!

2011-01-15T20:45:00.000+05:30

Just hope is what I could thought of while saying good byes to the year gone by. Chasing targets is how my last year went though, targets I defined for myself and the pressure to perform and prove that why I believed in me and also to stand firm on the faith that my closed ones shown in me. I always kept on for hoping against all hopes....yeah most of the times it worked! I have learnt and I am learning. I still have targets but this year I have decided to go calm....the chase will continue but I will keep the peace. Peace of mind n soul.

The beginning has haven't been so easy....initial 15 days...the year knocked with struggle at work, stress of various kinds, lot of travel and yet again I am hopeful and I will work towards my goals. God is gracious and I am sure he will never let me loose the hope.

And with Hope, I have got the plans...and I will gain clarity. I am working towards my goals. I am removing the clutter...getting focussed and besides all I am calm & going!

Keep Faith. Keep Hope!

Have a Hopeful 2011 :)

My First Birthday!

2010-11-16T21:54:00.000+05:30

My First Birthday!

Yeah! I am going to write about my first year of life. Not only did I open my eyes in a new world, from tasting the unknown to recognizing the right & wrong – I have grown up to a certain bit in my first year of entrepreneurship.

The Birth:

The idea was conceived few years back but it got life only a year back. Like every birth it was painful & challenging and all I tried was to avoid any complications. Initially it was difficult to take up the challenge and convince my family that I am quitting a job (which was paying me quite decently) for I am going to start on my own. But, like it’s been said – it’s only the first step. Yes, we launched 30TH FEB on November 17, 2009 and I was born as an entrepreneur.

The Inception:

The inception, the observations, the test runs were at times positive, at times negative and weird at others. Some dint like the logo, others failed to love the idea. Some were worried about the complications attached…some failed to understand that it’s equally difficult to kill an idea like it is to a newborn. Some raised eyebrows & others raised fingers. Few were positive about me and others laughed it out.

All this – made me jittery at times but eventually made me stronger.

My First Lesson!

Learning started from the very beginning. While during the inception only I had started developing business. Interestingly, the first project was bagged out of a job interview. Before launching my venture – I had been appearing at the job interviews – to say that I was still double minded and because of which I had not given them an answer on my joining within a week as expected and so when I had sent the launch mail about my venture, my interviewer, the founder CEO of a new venture called me to meet the VP-Marketing for a Brand Development task. Bingo! I felt. And soon I realized that one shall not let the client treat you a novice, desperate start-up who is just looking to perform. I truly felt that people try to exploit their level best only If you allow them to. That led me to my first rule – “Value your own time”. ‘Be professional. Promise results. Stay Confident and remember – No one is doing a favor by giving you a task. Business is all about mutual benefits.'

First time in the Playground!

When a child gets out from home to the playground, he learns about the competition, the society and makes contacts. He starts making his own identity in the playfield. Now the point – is not about playing the game but it is more about staying in the filed.

My first boost came when work started coming & people valued my ideas and hence approached me to work with them. Yes. That helped me raise my spirits and slowly I was getting into a Brand boosted number game. Earlier the chase was to sustain and now I was growing & realizing competition. The idea now was to stay here and to make my presence felt.

With Brand projects dwelling and events happening side by side… I was assured of sustainability but every time I had the same fear – What next? To some extent that still is the case…..

Be-fitting the New Shoes!

Good Brand projects came in. Friends trusted me & clients agreed to the concepts & the caliber. Many agreed to my point – that you need to give us projects to see the portfolio of 30TH FEB and you need to offer the projects based on my personal portfolio.

In simple words, Issue the bill to see me fit the bill.

A Difficult One!

Things started churning and in no time, I was hopeful against all hopes. People who we had pitched in April….called us and we fetched a project in June. As challenges were growing and we realized that we need to grow in terms of team, people and power.

What I thought of as an Ambitious project turned out as the most difficult project in this one year. Certain execution problems cropped in, my personal life asked attention – leaving me in a real fix at instances. Here I was lucky as my client took charge for few hours and actually made my team work up to her expectations. But again I learnt a lesson – I need to delegate and I can’t be there at all the places at all the times. I knew it was the time to think of expansion.

No Effort is a Waste Effort

We worked we our soul and our dreams survived. We are now working with more diligence & better plans. We plan expansion & we are growing. We are growing in number and we are growing in hopes.

I am Team 30TH FEB. And November 17th,2010 is my first Birthday.

Anger – The Depressing Act!

2010-10-15T17:09:00.000+05:30

Anger – a painful feeling. A disheartening act, a fit of rage, a dismal memory and the unforgetting moments!

I have been writing about Anger & Anger Management. Why it came again here is because yesterday I witnessed a roadside argument & fight for the first time. I am disturbed post that. Neither could I take it out and nor am I ready to accept the fact that it just happened and this is the way it happens. It was disastrous for me, the abuse, and the indecency & of course the crowd who was there to watch. I am thankful to them who actually came forward to help the arguing parties sort it out peacefully.

Horrendous it was, I felt shocked and realized that I can’t bear any form of violence. I could almost feel the shiver for next 4 hours and was wondering – what must have gone wrong with those who were involved. The similar adrenaline rush was there when I had seen a car speeding so much & ignoring a child who just survived. I did shared that too..here.

I feel so shallow of being human. Cheapest of all as it turns to be is human capital. Its shameful & shocking both.

Yes, its human to get angry but can't we just take an oath to control it as much as we can.

Faith & Confidence

2010-10-06T23:56:00.000+05:30

A Man Lost Everything in Fire, Next day he placed a Signboard-"House, Shop burnt, Goods burnt" But Faith & Confidence not burnt,Business Starts Tomorrow...

A friend to talk……an ease to life’s walk :)

2010-08-26T15:16:00.000+05:30

Though we are all running too fast in life but then…….for lighter moments we all had with our F.R.I.E.N.D.S, I am posting it...

Nothing serious but I have been feeling like having a cup of coffee with a friend. May be for detoxification but its very much required. After marriage, it so happened that I could never stay at a city where one of my closest friend was around and this I feel would have sorted so many issues with just a coffee or shopping – had she been around.

There are so many things that we need to share, talk or for that matter puke out to someone to feel relief. Yes, our closest ones are always around – hubby, mom-dad, sister, brother etc but a friend is a friend. At times when a friend is not around we end up blabbering things to a wrong fellow which is neither good nor suggested.

Though technology has made things easier – we have phones/mobiles/internet etc but still a cozy chat with a friend is a stress buster and nothing can beat it.

Shriti – my friend from my MBA Days had just called and I feel nice right now. Infact the thought to write this, cropped after we ended the call. She too was like – had we been in one city atleast we could have walked out for shopping, a movie, a lunch or for that matter just a walk together. Ah! I wish. Another one of that kind I have is Sunalini, she too stays in a different city but then, we had moved out for professional commitments. Though chances to meet her are little more frequent but then at times during those blank moments – I wish we had been in the same city.

And now after you get married………enter a family life, work for both roles, its kind of difficult to make new friends. Even if we make one – I guess it would be difficult to reach that kind of a comfort level.(Though for me it happened, I met Sunalini in the new city & new company I had joined after I got married). Still it seems little difficult to me. I wish I had a friend around – always!

Independent India - Independent Indians!

2010-08-15T21:00:00.000+05:30

‘Azaadi Mann ki’ is what I feel for on the 63rd Independence Day of my country. Have been wondering by myself….since all the TV Channels have been intriguing – What is freedom for us. The country which is known for its diversity & youth (as we have the maximum young population) is suffering from social evils in one form or the other. Every age group, each geography, all religions are busy fighting their own battles. So does that mean – we need the independence from the evil shackles of diversity? May be!

In one go – I thought we still need to fight for Independence! We shall fight for –

Independence from Corruption
Independence from Fear – of traveling publicly
Independence from Honor Killings
Independence from Child Labor
Independence from Women Exploitation
Independence from Poverty
Independence from Terrorism

Independence from Inhibitions – Azaadi to be ‘ME’

While thinking of my own self, my opinion – I think we need to be independent from our inhibitions. I wish I could. Deep inside when we are aware of something, that thing which our heart, our mind doesn’t concents for and we keep doing. All of us have said that’s life – sometime or the other but how many actually thought of confronting the wrongs in life leaving aside the attitude of self-righteousness. Confronting doesn’t mean fighting for it but atleast showing the courage to face it as it is and not just ignoring the dwelling fact.

Next could be ‘Azaadi jeene ki’, Independence to live the way one wants. That doesn’t mean adopting false practices too but atleast living the way of life one wants to live with. Society by n large plays a role in devising what life we want & how we want to lead. I would beg to differ here…and would request for a little more air to our minds which resist thinking just because its other to the Do’s and Don’ts. Can we have some air please?

And also ‘Azaadi Sapno ki – Khwahishon ki’, yes Independence to Dream & Aspire is important. Infact very important. For dreams add fire to life. Aspirations are like air to the wings and help you fly high.

Most Importantly, ‘Azaadi to be ME’. Yes. Yes. Yes. This is what everyone wants, each of us crave for. This does not mean not be told anything (like the difference between wrong & right)– but atleast not be forced to be like others. To be like the way your spouse wants you to be. To be like the neighbors kid who got into the merit list. To be someone whom world admires. To be a cricketer because its happening. To be someone who does things in his/her own way. But just to be one. Azaadi to be ‘ME’

As for today, Happy Independence Day! Chak De India...

Empty Head!!

2010-07-08T16:50:00.000+05:30

I have a kind of empty mind. Or I need one? All I feel like is to relax but if I will relax who will work my dreams. I have a smile…..which come with difficulty and is accompanied by a frown. I have plans and I have counter plans. I want this and I need to think to that too. I have absolutely no confusions but I am indecisive. I am missing home but don’t feel like staying there for long. I want a holiday but I am worried about fetching some new projects in the coming month? I am right now chatting with two of my friends, feel like having coffee in the balcony which is right now witnessing the pleasant weather. But I guess I shall go and take a nap…I feel a little tired.

In all – I want to do too many things and I don’t feel like doing anything at all. I am lost with the list of to do things and I feel like getting lost in the rain. I feel like getting rejuvenated and get going but I guess I shall take a break & travel. I am set to fulfill my ambitions, lord! Why can’t I just be your happy-go-lucky creation?

Still there is some space to breathe when I go back to the drafts in my mobile & read:
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again”

– Jospeh Campbell.

I am off to look for that space now!! My peaceful space……btw its raining outside!

Hopeless Dream!

2010-06-17T19:00:00.000+05:30

I have a hopeless dream – hopeless because I live in the country where my dream has got no credibility to it. It’s wrong, hypothetical and may be too imaginary. My dream is all about respect, all about trust, it’s about equality being followed & practiced. It’s about empowerment too.

It’s about giving wings. It’s about giving space. I dream about peace. It needs to change the definition of love &marriage. It shall mean not to demean the other half. It’s about controlling anger. It’s about sharing with equal rights. It’s about women & their condition. It’s about the hopelessness of parents on the name of social status. I dream about a girl being heard and spared an ear for. I dream that ‘adjustment’ shall not be the only word left for a married women in lieu of her love.

She shall be blamed & cursed when she is actually at fault but not just for the false ‘ego’. She shall be respected for her own dreams & aspirations. Her worth shall not be all about the faults & her weaknesses. She should be allowed to survive with a little individuality.

It’s such a hopeless dream. But I am writing for a hope against all hopes.

I Lost My Space - A Free-spirit's letter to me!

2010-04-22T10:47:00.000+05:30

A deep breath is what I started this post with. A deep breath – helps me realize I still have some breathing space….some space at free-spirit to share and have my room too. Where I won’t be adjudged for being someone’s someone and the linkages thereafter.

Acceptance matters. I truly feel and have realized it many times before – that I have lost my space. And the best way to a good life – of course I mean peaceful life is to accept the fact of being a lone survivor in someone else’s place. Acceptance makes life easy, peaceful and beautiful. When there is no acceptance there is no peace.

Expectations kill. Yes, I do agree but my inner self always believed in expecting from self. And that always if followed by Self-belief. The self motivated me breaks down & gather herself to fight the battles of life. Professionally – I never had a problem. I was just able to tackle situations & people with efficacy.

Though on personal front – many a times, I got the feeling of being a complete failure. When I see around, I felt being trapped on a lonely island where no one can listen to you, see you, talk to you – forget about understanding you. I have everyone around still I have a fighting feeling of dejection & loneliness. I feel being the extra one. Called only when required, but the extra one is expected to be ready always. What a Pity! At times I think. I am a strong, happy, full of life – person. Did I say – I am? I was sounds more apt now. For now I have been constantly under pressure of someone’s expectation, social pressures and of being a good everything. That someone could be anyone as close as in family or as far as a business associate. There is no gratification left towards life. It’s just like a drummer on stage….need to beat it loud for others watching him. And no one cares – whether he loves what he is playing or not.

I thought of it as a problem. Yeah, being too practical & sensitive I did think that I should be checked but then I know the problems, I shall sort them out. And the bigger reason is - no one else even thinks there is a problem at all. It’s just my over-sensitivity, my immaturity, my selfishness and me being too ambitious.

A Devastate. More and more times I am being told – what a devastate I am. I have the capabilities to make others feel bad; dishonor them, not to accept their ways of life. But what worries me here is – Am I the only to accept here. Is anyone trying to accept me & my dreams here?

I am not Water. I wanted to say one thing. I am not water so I cannot immediately take the shape of its container. I am human. I did had 2 phases of life before this 3rd one, at home and second at the hostel. I am something. I am a free-spirit and I will take time in forgetting about that. Why am I supposed to leave my own self aside and be someone else that I am not?

I need to be cared. I have an urged to be cared for. Someone who shall stand by me always even at times if its for Social reasons. My mom – shall understand & talk to me like she used to do earlier. And not just about the new identity & its do’s & don’ts.

I shall be given my space. I need my space to dream big, to follow my heart, to believe in myself. My space to cry, smile, breathe and to live.

IMAGINE IT WERE 'YOU'

2010-03-24T23:53:00.000+05:30

In my next life, I want to live backwards......An SMS from my friend......IMAGINE......

You start out dead and get that out of the way...

Then you wake up in old people's home, feeling better everyday.

You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension and then when you start work, you get a gold watch, and a party on your first day.

You work for 40 years untill you are young enough to enjoy retirement.

You party, drink alcohol, and generally promiscuous, then...

You are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play.

You have no responsibilities, you become a baby untill you are BORN.

And then you spend your last NINE months floating in a luxurious spa like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters everyday and then VOILA!!!! You finish off as an orgasm!!!

YOU REST YOUR CASE!

- Woody Allen :-)

Keep Smiling :-)

NaStY LiFe :-/ BuT LeTs KeeP GoInG!!

2010-03-12T18:13:00.000+05:30

Life at times goes as nasty as it can. I am astounded, absorbed and still struggling for the act called entrepreneur. Though I am glad, God included this part to my life. Yes, one fine day and in some fine seconds of life – I decided to get absorbed on my own. I mean to work on my own. And that was the moment when I decided to call it quits to my well paying job which was nicely earning me incentives and lot of appreciation. If I calculate it today – I was happy with my work as my clients were really appreciating. But anyways, a decision taken is a decision followed. So, I started working on it. From nomenclature to concept, from service module to blogs, I was busy doing everything. Finally, I launched 3OTH FEB. Wow! You must be wondering about the name. Well that’s the name I gave to my venture. Yes, there is a tag line too, it’s called – Obviously Different Ideaz. For it says that we are professionals with weird, non-existing different ideaz & creativity.

Setting it up looked tough but not anymore. Sustainability looked like a challenge but we are working on it. Infrastructure is still a weakness. Threat is just the negative thoughts.

Today I wonder about what keeps me going? Well, its ideaz & inspiration. And yes those few people around who told me once and those who keep on re-iterating, ‘you will do it’. I at times ponder – what is more difficult to follow your life or to follow your heart? I am doing what I always wanted to and to get it in the way I want is what the struggle is all about. Lately, I have realized everybody doesn’t takes and organized & straight way as a virtue.

The pressure of sustainability & progress of my venture is mine. And then there is Halo Effect. Everybody else is into a good job and making good money – why did you have to do this? All working women manage life two ways – why you worry a lot. If I am scared of driving (after my dad survived a fatal accident) – why that is being made a mistake a blunder. And above all – what if I believe in doing things my way and those ways do not harm anybody and am absolutely not about breaking rules. Why am I told to do things, talk, walk & even think in the generalized way of life which everybody describes? Why am not I allowed to take charge? People believe in me but want to lead me always. Huh!

Yesterday, I was humming a song and I forgot the words. And I realized that I am so engrossed in my everyday work that I am at a loss of concentration and lack of life. Imagine I couldn’t recall the last time – I was humming a song. And then I realized that I have been pre-occupied, at times with work and at times the pressure of no work. It would be a lie of I say I haven’t missed my job days – I mean who would not miss a lovely bunch of colleagues, daily chit-chats, gossips and above all a pay cheque every month with all the powers of shopping, fun & frolic.

But this is a challenge and I am dedicated to it. I am hopeful about life and I respect the relations & friends and I believe in walking together. Now isn’t that enough!

It all ends up with a one-liner I read, "Grant me patience, but please hurry!"

Strength of a Woman - Happy Women's Day :-)

2010-03-08T12:21:00.000+05:30

Shaggy's Strength of a Woman - This is for all the women........who are very special in their very own way!!

This one goes out to all my women you know

My strong women, ugh

So amazing how this world was made

I wonder if GOD is a woman

The gift of life astounds me till this day

I give it up for the woman

She's the constant wind that fills my sail

Oh that woman

With her smile and her style,my

She'll protect like a child

That's a woman

She'll put a smile upon your face

And take you to that (ah) higher place

So don't you under estimate

The strength of a woman

Woke up this morning

I got up with the scent of a woman

Just picture if you could what life would be

Ain't much good without a woman

She can nag and be a constant pain

Oh that woman

But those hips she's got me whipped

And it's just to hard to resist

What a woman

Ugh, hey

Tender lips that's so so sweet

Gentle words she softly speaks

Such an angel when we need

GOD bless the ground beneath her feet

She can take you on a high

Be your comfort when you cry

But if you look into her eyes

You'll see the strength of a woman

Strength of a woman

Ugh, ugh, ugh

Strength of a woman :-) :-)

Life...sometimes!

2010-02-02T23:35:00.000+05:30

Life is an art,
We need to master it,
Our life- our Canvas
We paint it, we draw things
We use colors, we keep it blank
At times we are at ease, at times a think tank.

Life is a Riddle,
The more we look for solutions,
The more we complicate it.
The less we learn to worry,
The more we accept it.
At times, its pink & rosy, at times we add grey to it.

Life sets you apart,
Tries you, Breaks you and acts smart,
Life – a challenge, a fight.
Let not move the focus and the sight
Even when there is no light,
Smile a lot and think bright
Shine & show as you never feared
Life is all about smiles & cheers :-)

Make a Noise!

2010-01-19T14:55:00.000+05:30

Oh! My Life….Lets Rehearse a song!
Mix the music of triumph
Stand - up & straight
Rub your eyes & get ready for the chase
Make a noise – let others hear!

Let others worry, you walk ahead
Discern the unnecessary concerns
Follow your dreams, have faith
Allow to go down, the chaotic fears
Make a noise – let others hear!

Ignore those, who stop you!
Disappear from them, who raise a brow
Stand sound with your plans
Behold your confidence, don’t let it end
Until your belief is set apart
Trust your instincts & work smart
Make a noise – let others hear

Let us rehearse a song!
Mix the music of triumph
Let’s make a noise – to be heard.

I have been feeling a little low....but then after writing the above piece I realised - When going gets tough, tough goes for an inspiration ;-)

Bygones be Bygones..

2010-01-05T17:37:00.000+05:30

At the outset of New Year, I have been wondering about the year gone. Saying that, suddenly the one liner knocked in my mind which goes like – ‘If you are still thinking about yesterday, you have not done much today’. And quite aptly, it says it all. I haven’t done much in the year gone by. I mean there are some lacunae that trouble me.

I may have positively brought in a difference to the lives of few closed ones. But I have not actually excelled and the grown as a professional. Blame it on the unnecessary thoughts and the frivolous tension which I allow my brain to ponder over & worry – but I have lost a lot of time. May be the idea of doing things in sync with all and doing them, the way I want created some ruckus.

The year gone by left me confused, indecisive at lot of times. And may be some bad luck prevailed on the work front. Loosing must have been lot easier this year then sustaining. But the good news is – I dint compromised with life. I lived it. And the spirit if living left me with some great moments, fewer achievements and some quieter moments to cherish.

Writing surely is one thing which suffered, I guess it got ignored big time. But honestly, bad concentration was the problem. I was kind of into too many things which worked well and shall fetch some good credits in the coming months. But that’s what is been attempted – results are awaited and the risk percentage is just too high. Also this year we had another transition in place and we moved to Gurgaon from Chandigarh. We truly miss the city b’ful.

One of the good things which happened this year is 30TH FEB. Yes that’s the name of my venture. I launched it on November 17th, 2009. Though it’s in the struggle phase, it could come out well – is truly an achievement. Finally, I could bring out my ideas on a website and could talk about it so clearly.

Though things are moving slow but I could sense some movement. So I would say that by the end of 2009 and the outset of 2010 – Aaal iz Well!

Have a Sparkling 2010. Spread more smiles!

30TH FEB - A Dream Chase!

2009-12-16T16:22:00.000+05:30

I am talking about my entrepreneurial dream which is now a year old and tomorrow it marks the one month of its launch. 30th Feb Obviously Different Ideaz, that’s the name to my attempt, my venture. You can explore further at http://www.30thfeb.com/

Decision –
Yes, it had been a difficult decision with tempting jobs & hefty package offers alluring you to go back to the corporate world. Today I think that would have been easy. I did considered all these options with pros & cons of both. If one gives you independence to work other gives you independence to spend. In a job, you have a routine & hence daily timelines where as you ought to think & mentally work for almost 24 hours a day because the work is not just a job but it gives you the encouragement to excel & follow your dream. It was a tough one but I decided to go on…….yeah some people were there to stand behind me. And I am thankful to God, for they are still confident about the whole thingy.

Idea –
Servicing & selling ideas in an organized & planned effort. Creating brands and beautifying the existing ones with strategy, design & equity. To build a name & a team, this shall be synonym for Brand Ideas & Brand Concepts. 30th Feb is an effort which orients towards making small brands – Big and we make the big ones- even bigger!

Tomorrow i.e., 17th December, 2009 will mark one month of this decision of mine. Yeah, it has been difficult with almost 2 offers falling in place for what we say – a good job. And it has been difficult by acknowledging the start-up issues, the lacunae and the bad attempts. But aren’t the difficulties made to make easy. I am working for it.

Have a good day :-)

To Err is Human. To Run is Crime.

2009-11-17T15:54:00.000+05:30

Today morning when I was on the way to work, I witnessed an incident. It was bad enough that I could not throw the thoughts out which are actually now becoming shallow in my mind & heart.

Our car was nearly 500 meters way when I saw that a Car stopped for a fraction of a minute and zoomed quickly. The sound directed me to the scene and as I saw the car roving, I noticed that there was kid of approximately aged 8-10 on the road crying helplessly signaling his right arm is in deep pain. While I was disturbed and reached closer, a man rushed towards him, he probably knew the kid (may be they were from one of the families staying at the roadside) and took him. We felt so helpless and void inside. At one point during those rush of events…I felt ashamed of being human thinking if it’s we-the human beings then who else shall take the responsibility. But I am sure, whoever that gentleman was, he/she would never be able to get out of this guilt of not hitting the one but from being running from there.

I just pray to God, for the little kid. May he be blessed with good health always.

Complicated!

2009-11-06T14:45:00.000+05:30

The denseness in relationships, an intricate state of mind is what could be called as a perfect Complicated Life. There is lot to understand in the otherwise simplest statement I just made.

I always knew about me being complicated! I don’t know but I guess it was the onus of being good. When I say being good, I mean a good daughter, a good sister, a good wife, a good daughter-in-law, a good host, a good friend – no I guess those who stand by me – never bother about me being good or bad, Ah! just realized I have been ‘me’ at certain occasions. Anyways, the benefit of living with the onus of being good is that you never get carried away and you learn to self-restrict. Its like how could I?

Aren’t the words getting complicated? I say so, because I came back to this page after almost an hour after I finished the above paragraph. I have a loss of words. I am worried. Its not usual………I normally finish up my write-ups. I feel I am confused with my words & state of mind. Does this happen to you as well?

But yes, we were talking about the benefits of living with the onus of being good. Hey! What about the drawbacks….many of them. You always keep a part of you closed which shall be unearthed but you die waiting for the right time, right place & may be right people. You always carry this notion – that there is something which people don’t understand or may be something which you want them to listen & understand. You die with a heavy heart because there was so much to say for which you never managed to get an ear for. So many…so sad!

Anyways………I would end it up with what I always believed is the truth at the end of the day. Life is Beautiful. It’s either us or the situations which are complicated!

Being kind of perfect ;-)

2009-10-14T21:37:00.000+05:30

Buddha says, "When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back & laugh at the sky."

Have you ever wondered what it means to be kind of perfect? Well! I think it means a lot. I totally agree to the saying that goes like, nobody is perfect. Whoever said this must have thought of making the chase to perfection a never ending affair. And I guess that’s the perfect idea! What say?

But ‘Feeling Perfect’ sometimes is good for health, happiness & life. One must feel at times and say to oneself... ‘Oh yeah! I am kind of perfect’. If you find this idea weird- all I would say is try this once & experience. When life ditches you at times, people don’t understand, friends don’t have the time and loved ones are ignorant, the technique of feeling perfect works wonders. This feeling itself fills one with lot of confidence & courage. It brings the otherwise negative vibes back on track and a sudden rush thrills us. It makes us feel that everything around is Perfect like Buddha says!

‘Feeling perfect’ not only gives confidence, instead it’s a quick dosage of assurance & conformity. Only thing one should be careful about is Arrogance. This kills the beauty of being perfect. This pulls in negativity & eventually starts ruling over the brain and then captures the speech. Arrogance must be avoided to the last extent.

So, all I am trying to say is, Next time you feel low just look at yourself in the mirror and say – I am my good. I am what I am. O yeah! I am kind of perfect ;-)

And yes, share with me – the difference you feel. Cheers!

OPRAH WINFREY ON RELATIONSHIPS......!

2009-09-08T16:06:00.000+05:30

This is just an e-mail fwd., quite good & interesting read..........

WHAT OPRAH WINFREY HAD TO SAY ABOUT MEN

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behaviour.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.

Slower is better.

Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.

If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't 'be friends'. A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle.

If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is
Don't stay because you think 'it will get better'
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.

He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant,
why would he treat you any differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.

Never let a man know everything.* He will use it against you later.

You cannot change a man's behaviour.* Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...
Even if he has more education or in a better job.

Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.

A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.

All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...
Compromise is two way street.

You need time to heal between relationships...
There is nothing cute about baggage...
Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship

You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...
A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...
Look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.

Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.

Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and you're always readily available to him - he takes it for granted

Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man.

Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.*
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships
that are abusive or hurtful: Dr. Phil

You should know that:
You're the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he'll miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he's not the only one.

They're all watching you, so you have a lot of choices.
Make the right one.

Ladies take care of your own hearts....

Share this with other women and men (just so they know)...

You'll make someone smile, another rethink her choices,
and another woman prepare.

IIM Shillong tour Aug'09 - Twist & Turns and the rains!

2009-08-22T00:04:00.000+05:30

What else could be great thing to do right now? I am sitting at the Guwahati airport and just cannot wait to reach home. I had come from Delhi on 18th for a 3 days tour to IIM Shillong. Well! The entire tour was great and adventurous every day. It was a tour of bad weather & constant delays and more delays.

On 18th, I was supposed to reach Shillong in the afternoon. I remember queries were made on what I would prefer to eat in lunch. The flight took off from Delhi with an hour delay, the reason – bad weather. Then the aptain made an announcement before Bagdogra that there is – zero visibility so while us (me & other passengers) enjoyed our stay in the sky, the air hostess told me that in this case we would be reaching Guwahati around 12.15. With this I realized that I am going to miss my helicopter to Shillong scheduled at 12.30pm. I anyways reached Guwaati at 12 only to realize that I have not missed the helicopter, infact, its been cancelled on account to bad weather (heavy rainfall) in the region. Phew! I was so excited about the helicopter ride. Huh! Anyways, that’s what we call life is! Finally the staff of IIM had made an alternate arrangement for a taxi and that’s how I could make it to IIM Shillong around 5.15pm. Did ya noticed that I had a session at 6pm. Well though they had asked me to relax and the delay can be done, I don’t know why it din’t appealed me and as a result my session began at 6.20pm. I am glad to write it, that it was well received and appreciated. So I can say with that half of fatigue was gone with that.

That was just the start of it. That night it rained and next day –it rained again and it rained almost the entire day. This was the reason, why I couldn’t capture the scenic beauty of Shillong in my camera lens. Anyways the session went really well on second day. I was able to help my audience understand the concepts with tints of humor and as a result the journey was worth it. It was a good batch to interact with and I am now returning with good moments with me.

But wait! That’s not the end of it. The real fun was yet to begin. My departure from Guwahati was scheduled at 4.35 pm, the next evening and taking a lesson from how I had reached I decided to start real early as I thought its always better to sit at the airport almost 2 hours before the flight then to make last moment hush. So I started at 10am sharp. And I enjoyed the drive till 1pm, though it was a bit slow because of the numerous carrier trucks being stopped on the way to Guwahati. I never actually enjoyed the car rides in hilly areas; somehow it makes me uncomfortable with certain goose bumps at the curvy u-turns on hill slopes. But since it was almost a not stop rainfall (sometime heavy, sometimes teeming and other times pleasant), the weather was too pleasant and I was actually enjoying the little drops on my face (I decided to keep the window open). The water falls on the slopes were amazing. It was wonderfully beautiful. But what after 1pm – yes, here comes the twist, a traffic jam; a huge one which I found lasted to some 20 something kms.

I am patient.

I realized God has blessed me with immense patience and lot of hope. Though I was praying but I did not panic. The drivers as they are known for, were spreading all aweful information right between the jam. Few were, It’s a 4 days long jam! Almost everybody has returned. People are here since last 2 days! Oh! That meghalaya cabby returned! They say it’s till Guwahati! Almost 60-70 cabs have returned! And what not….huh!

Finally, since they had already made a cartel over there, one of them was able to make his passenger hop on a bike to be dropped at the next town. Indirect suggestion came to me as well. Undoubtedly by then I was scared. I decided to inform the professor at IIM Shillong who told me just not to leave the cab at all. So, now I was sure of one thing. I then called up my husband – who dint looked that vary that time as still there were almost 3 hours left for my flight. Am sure, he too was hopeful that time.

Well, I was tired, hungry, disturbed and alert. Something about the crowd around me made be alert. May be the fact that it was a traffic jam in an absolutely unknown area with no relatives, friends or even acquaintances around. Though the mobile battery was full, I was praying that it should last till this jam.

Finally, it was 3.45 and I was almost 50 kms away from the Airport, very much in the jam when I decided to cancel my flight and I did that. By then, there was some movement in traffic and we were moving with some tiny steps. And finally, I reached the Guwahti airport at sharp 6.50pm only to find out that there are absolutely no flights after 7pm from the airport. By that time almost all the permutations/combinations were explored & discussed with my inviting Prof. from IIM, my husband & one of my friend. The delay had put all in vein. Apart from that my husband was told to tell me that not to roam out in the region and to prefer some government hotel in Guwahati. All this added to my worsening situation, Then the cabby started showing tantrums as he had to go back and the deal was till the Airport (as if it was me who ordered for a JAM to be arranged on the way). Once again the IIM staff came to the rescue and within minutes I was informed of my stay being arranged at the NEHU (North Eastern Hills Univerity) guest house which is just 5 minutes drive from the airport. Though, I was fine but at the same time I was bit panicky by then, thanks to the rains to make the evening dark even at 7pm and then the cabby did the rest.

I reached the guest house and asked them for a quick tea and a vegetarian dinner later (In North East, Vegetarianism is not a common phenomena). Only after reaching there did I realize that I have been sitting in the car for almost 9 hours with just a sandwhich & coffee being consumed at 9am.

Anyways after the tea, I was at peace with all concerned informed & assured of me being fine and also that I will be reaching home tomorrow. Incidentally, right now I am in the flight on the way to home in Gurgaon. I would say I am tired and still disturbed on once again being put to test by God. I wonder why he loves me so much. But then I am assured he makes sure I am fine and at ease all by myself.

I would like to thank the IIM Shillong staff for their kind co-operation & support. And also to those who kept on calling & messaging just to show that I matter 

Be a teacher.

2009-08-13T00:09:00.000+05:30

Be a teacher. This is an effort, a try, a pray which is been initiated by one of my friend for a quality education with raised standards, infrastructure & facilitators.

For more details, you can read here.

If Only.....!

2009-06-25T00:10:00.000+05:30

We shall fall in love today....if only its love!

For past is not to be remembered and for future so unknown....

For you never know I will be pulled away.....why repent later?

That I could never say...what it was to fall in love and feel loved by you!

But today...I could not recall a surprise from you! Our last date or a carefree smile!

For I wanted that all, for no reason...but for us being together...these are all the celebrations.....!

I feel the little moments are real treasure......what we call a carefree leisure!

You believe in building future and I am afraid we are loosing today! I am scared of your fears....though I know you think of future and of me!

I count my days to spend with thee... Life is unpredictable and I might flee!

For now I hope you agree that, If only it is to live....

Life is to love and to smile.....So! Again I say, We shall fall in love today!

Circle of Growth & Change!

2009-06-18T00:39:00.000+05:30

I am a little lost….

For they have changed the roads I traveled!

I am a little lost….

For I can go back never!

I am a little happy….

Because I have saved some hope!

I am a little tense…..

For more loss of sense!

I am a little of me….

And a lot of me am lost for no better!

I am a little shy….

For I know there are no answers to my whys?

I am a lot more…..

But most of me am lost forever!

I am my Dad’s little girl……

What pity! I am a grown up what for that matter!

Dream Deadlock!

2009-05-08T17:45:00.000+05:30

I believe in dreams. I always believed in dreams. Now-a-days I am struggling to keep them alive.

The life circumstances have been changing so that I am becoming nervous about my dreams. When I look back I realize, that I am struggling with a situation which is somewhat like - I dream, I plan and I resist. It’s like a struggle between dreams, wishes, aspirations and ambitions. Nothing is permanent and nothing will stay forever but we don’t stop working towards dream. There is conflict between my dreams-wishes and my ambitions-aspirations.

At times I am unhealthy and at times I am negative. There are two things attached to this statement. A bad health results in a step back from my ambitions-aspirations and the negativity disheartens me about my dreams. The continuity of both is resulting into a deadlock. There is lot of uncertainty about life and I am becoming cautious of my dreams I was certain of. There is war in my mind; not of right & wrong but of, this & that. I am fighting hard with my priorities and those of theirs. I am entering a Dreams Deadlock!

Nothing is stopping me but the circumstances. There is no hindrance but the expectations. There shall be no delays but I have lost the direction.

This is called Life and so far I am a die-hard optimist, fighting for the key to this deadlock of dreams. And here I would like to write those two lines which were momentary and still have so much of truth & depth – “Positivism resides in me, that’s why I am alive. But, I reside in negativity that’s why I am dying every moment”

This Sudden Loss of Appetite

2009-04-16T17:48:00.000+05:30

This Sudden Loss of Appetite

Recently, I have noticed a sudden loss of appetite for my dreams and for my aspirations. A sense of distraction protecting me from what I once used to call Career, Challenges, Ambition. I have been so dragged in the customs & obligations pertaining to the society that I am finally becoming a part of it. A loss of spirits, of undertsanding & making people understand. My expectations have turned towards my loved ones, I seek empathy, compassion, an ear to listen and a heart - willing to understand. Once I wanted to stand strong in the winds and here I am waving in the fear of winds.

I looked for, I tried and I got - the opportunities.
I seeked, I asked, I begged for - the support.
I avoided, I ran, I couldn't escape - the transition.
I fell, I stood, I stand, I want to emerge - the Identity.
I crave, I did, I won, I lost - My Appetite to Dream.
I cry, I weep, I console - the Heart.
I shut, I open, I avoid - the Eyes

Life - A Vicious Circle

2009-03-27T23:19:00.000+05:30

Life – A Vicious Circle!!!

We all have heard this, we live just one life. And that’s the chance to make the most of it.

At times it’s beautiful, at times it’s not.

At times, it’s the way it is and at times it’s adjust (ment).

At times it’s about me, at times it’s us. At times it’s about love, at times it’s just.

At times its everything, at times its must.

At times we seek more of it, at times it rusts.

At times it’s more smiles, at times its mad rush.

At times its what we want, at times its we have.

At times its what we say, at times its keeping mum.

At times its you only, at times we are lonely.

At times its being in love, at times it’s a tied dove.

At times its a lesson, at times it's frustration.

At times its what we gain, at times its my loss.

At times its about ambitions, at times its dreams.

At times we call it life, at times a Vicious Circle!

A Dogmatic COO

2009-01-14T23:29:00.000+05:30

Recently got to witness, what an SME’s COO, the Chief Operations Officer had to say to his employees. A small venture started by just 2 people, came to a team of 25 now…..in some 8-9 years. Commendable! I would say.

But what I doubt is their illogical mindset and pre-conceived opinions. Having ideals is good, I agree but one must get to understand the success path followed the making of that hero, the struggle & strategy. Yes, we have the examples like Mr.Dhirubhai Ambani, Mr.Bill Gates, Mr.Sachin Tendulkar etc, but these are again exceptions. One percent of the lot and not to forget that they made it big, but they couldn’t run it all alone. They believe in management principles, they believe in delegation, they believe in strategy and they believe in the word ‘We’ and not just ‘I’. Our venerate COO, unfortunately couldn’t use the word ‘we’, though he demanded again & again, that his employees should carry a part of him, should leave a footprint like him, wherever they go. The problem here is not expecting too much but what amazed me, asking too much so straight without a pinch of modesty was little too much to digest. Coming to his people skills now, he once mentioned to the team, ‘there shall be no second thoughts on what he thinks, he feels about the work, the business, the leaves etc.

At times, I feel I should plainly ignore the facts stated above, but somehow I am so disturbed after listening to all this. It feels like the helplessness at the cost of he being the owner, the runner & the boss. People must be sitting with the attitude to listen & forget, some even mentioned that we just went out, we ignored, and we weren’t with him. He sounded like a hypocrite & dominating union leader but of course not a manager, not a leader. Yes, I appreciate him thinking big, but one more thing which is more disturbing is the ever seen Myopic business mind. Dreaming big is different from planning big. Or I should say that dreaming big is not enough if you have no people skills or if you deny respecting the people working for your firm just because you are the Boss. It’s terrible!

Not talking much about this anymore, few more (disturbing) things I would like my readers to comment on are:

1. Do you agree that the Business Volumes is the only difference between a Big & Small Organization?
2. Team spirit is carrying the boss’/ head reflection in each employee?
3. As a working professional, for growth all a person needs is to compare himself/herself with oneself. (Something I remember was termed Peer Group)
4. A rocksolid professional is one who never complains & gives reasons like a family problem, an accident etc.
5. Who believes in leading by treading on the ego of his employees?

Why have I mentioned all this here on my space? Because I want to know your opinion and confirm that if education really makes a difference or it’s just that I am too sensitive!!!

Not Shattered but Inquisitive

2009-01-09T23:30:00.000+05:30

God is gracious! May be that’s the reason that I don’t feel shattered but yes, I do feel sad, defoliated at times and inquisitive at the end of the day. At times, things happen to us which are unexpected, undeserved and more to that, they become unavoidable as well. At times when we do things with all good intentions and the perceptions differ and it’s suddenly disqualified from the purpose, without a reason being given, even without a chance for explanation, this abrupt end to the effort fetches a sudden exhaustion. And the mind goes blank, the sight dark and a lost spark. And by the times, we console ourselves of the unnecessary distress; we are left with some inquisition. Why me?

Then there is a feel of defeat, a defeat to life, when we try to be happy by all means, in all times, through all riddles & obstacles, when we break our own promises to ourselves to be happy and cheerful; come what may! It happens, disagreement is one reason, anger in another. Showing anger is not appreciated but keeping anger again causes shattered feelings. When you know you feel awkward but you can’t express, when you are not convinced with what you do but you can’t deny, when you know you could have changed things but you know you won’t do.

All these things………are not negative in thought, unobvious to understand, these are the obvious feelings we all come across at the obvious times of life for may be some unobvious reasons. This could be at home, at work, with friends, colleagues, even in the family…..!

All I pray to God is to give us the patience, the strength & the willpower to excel.

Keep Smiling!! Have a courageous 2009 :-)

WhEn GoInG GeTs ToUgH, ToUgH GoEs FoR a CoFFee BrEaK.

2008-11-10T04:43:00.000+05:30

How simple & uncomplicated sentence which says it all, Why to take things so seriously in life that by the time we make life uncomplicated we are serious(ly) ill or suffering or just fighting to stay fit. Now isn’t that a thing so boring to think?

Yeah, thought of why not write something easy & meaningful. I know one has got to struggle in life, to dream & then to live those dreams. Oh! you know while writing this what came to my mind just now, Saif Ali Khan from the movie HumTum, saying “Ye Zindagi bahut badi hai aur hamare paas time bahut kam”. Bingo! Incidentally, we all agree to this but we keep forgetting the first half and keep struggling on the later part. Don’t you think it’s been a while & you should have some fun may be a recreation trip, a get together, a novel, a trip with friends or may be something just like that!

The title of this article is been picked from the status message of a friend, guess he must have kept it on an obvious situation at work. But it clicks; I mean there is nothing wrong. Do we actually remember about the last time when we were just ourselves, out of the mad rush of money, status & making a place? I know it’s easier said then done but the point here is how many acknowledge this loss and at least make an attempt towards this. Very few and most of them understand, acknowledge & then get back to work.

Have been reading a lot lately and from no where this thing came to mind, that it’s important & good to realize that making it to it is not everything in life. Living up to it is life. We have been watching our previous generations, getting on the job, reaching a point, saving and settling their kids and then they feel they are done, when their body & stamina tells them its done too and let me bring this here – that their lifestyles were far better then ours so we are more prone to risks and need to be careful.

I don’t say one should stop dreaming. Only point I am trying to make here is realize the hardships to attain those dreams and let there be no cost attached. I remember reading somewhere, ‘Its better to live rich then to die rich’ and I solely agree to it, one must live rich in terms of money, health, attitude & values because that’s what makes a difference. Rich pockets are an important ingredient of a good life but they do not essentially assure a rich life.

Recently was watching one of the SRK’s interview, and when asked about his fitness, he snapped I have been thinking better- thinking positve. Even if one can’t think good things about a certain issue, one must not let the bad things too. Yet again an easy task to do! All one needs is to drain out the negative thoughts, the uneasiness of life goes away with that, try to feel healthy & make an attempt. Think you are happy & make an attempt. Have a routine, have priorities in life and ignore the unnecessary stress and above all keep smiling, yeah always!

Enjoy the Coffee!!

My Experience - Khublei Shillong

2008-10-07T12:09:00.000+05:30

Cntd...Picture this...my previous post..

When we are excited, there is a danger that things might turn a little wrong. Exactly, the same way I began my journey. First we went to the bus stand and realized the bus I have got my tickets booked will go from another one, i.e. some 7 kms away. Bingo! We had to rush and we could make it on time. Then while on my way to Delhi, we got stuck into a huge traffic jam. Yeah we were at a standstill for 5 hours and I could hear my fellow passengers canceling their air tickets and some even smiling (though it was tough for them). Of course I was nervous, wondering what next? I called up Rohit to check, whether I too should cancel my tickets – Halo effect I believe! But then as always, he told me to keep some patience. I remember by then I had even asked my neighbor the procedure to cancel my tickets :-

Anyways, I reached the Delhi Bus Stand at around 8.45 am (btw my flight time was 11.20am) and I rushed to home, got ready and rushed again. Thanks to my friend who was there on time to accompany me till the airport and it was fine because I was busy talking then looking at my watch again & again. And believe me having breakfast in the auto is not that bad. Finally I was there at terminal 1 at 10.50am. Huh! I was actually going to Shillong :-). The flight was smooth and nice and we din’t faced much of air-traffic. I reached Guwahati in the afternoon and I was at Shillong at 6pm. It was a beautiful journey but by this time very-very tiring. It was a warm welcome and I was pleased to be there. I stayed in one of the guest faculty apartment. It was a nice and cozy apartment and I was really happy.

One of my students of CRM came around 8pm to take me to the IIM Shillong mess for dinner. We had some healthy discussions at the dinner table and I was escorted back to my apartment. Next morning, we had a quick meeting with Col. Biswas who had taken the initiative for SERM course from Assam Rifles. I thank him for he arranged a vehicle for sight scene in and around Shillong. Believe me, it’s a beautiful place. I am sure I know why was called ‘The Scotland of East’ few years back. One of the interesting things I learned about Shillong was about ‘quawaye’ – a Pan leaf with lime soda powder which we refer to as ‘chuna’ in common parlance, is one of the main serving with tea or a gesture of respect to your visitors. On enquiring I found that, at times when poverty ruled the households, the locals over there decided that a person, who is not economically sound to serve delicacies to the guests, can serve ‘quawaye’ with tea as a sign of respect and thankfulness. Interesting & nice concept it is, also a tradition of the common households of Shillong.

I also did some mystery shopping, as that was my plan for the session I had prepared. I had to give my audience some local & relevant examples. I knew those examples would even help them in doing right comparative study.

Now coming to the sessions, they were good and I am sure I could make them interesting as well as interactive. I can say so because my session got stretched from 2 to 3 hours and they were still ready to sit. I was overwhelmed and thankful to all of them. I hope to get even more such chances to help people understand things better.

Lastly, I learned a beautiful word – Khublei meaning, thank you. And with that I decide to wrap up this journey through the memory lane.

Khublei Shillong :-)

"Picture this: Jigyasa teaching Retail Marketing at IIM Shillong"

2008-10-03T00:05:00.000+05:30

"Picture this: Jigyasa teaching Retail Marketing at IIM Shillong "
Difficult na ... i also thought so .. untill recently ...

People say that a keen interest and willingness to learn takes you to places. Plus, persistence and eagerness to learn is the key to keep us keep going. Also the past activities bring the effect to them in future – sooner or later.

Well, I guess God considered all the above aspects and when he decided the above mentioned role for me. Yes, I was there for taking two sessions as a part of the corporate lecture series of their Accelerated Learning Program. I was so glad and wanted to give my best shot. It took me few days to believe that I am finally going and have lots to do in terms of the requisites of a proper corporate lecture. Since, my motto was to design a very interesting & interactive session with lots of examples.

Opportunity & a U-turn

Life doesn’t offer a second chance to everyone. I hope you agree to this and eventually I too had the same thing in my mind while preparing through the opportunity after the tiring day at work. Plus, I got a sprain K , God keeps checking his children on their tolerance & persistence. I somehow managed and by the time I was done with 75%of the subject provided to me, it got a U-turn. Ah! They changed the topic!! Incidentally, it was Retail, the one I am always ready to talk & learn for. But it was no pancake; I needed a proper flow, implementation tools etc. I remember I was quite panicky but slowly I collected my positive attitude & energy to go ahead.

Preparation

This was not so tough but demanding in terms of timelines, may be too tough with office and it’s ever increasing issues. I started slow and was trying to excel. I started with a blueprint of the plan, then did some data collection and in 3 days I realized, there is no stop to reading good stuff, so one fine day I decided to stick with the data I had till that day, my job was to get that in good shape & size – to make it more interesting, to bank it with more, relevant examples. I must say, it was too much of reading & observations in detail. I was excited and had to put that excitement onto my slides & hand-outs. By this time I had decided that I will be covering the “Emerging Trends” in retail industry, largely the
Retail Formats,
Visual Strategy & POP – as the face of retail,
Private Labels &
Mall Management in detail.

Now once I was on the job, slowly my concern was the time period allotted per session; I wanted to discuss too many things. That shows – I was gaining confidence. Well, I thought so!

About the entire experience at IIM, you will have to come back and read my next post…..but before I sign off….let me thank my Prof. who chose me for the reason, my friend Hemant for some critical inputs & timely help and my better half Rohit for helping me in domestic chores and then with the preparation. These two people actually made the whole thing like a project work for me. Of course a critical one ;-)

There is more to life then increasing its speed.

2008-09-04T15:27:00.000+05:30

This is just an e-mail I recieved but its surely worth a read. Despite some practical truths!!!

A tourist complimented the fisherman in Goa on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

'Not very long,' answered the fisherman.

'But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?' asked the tourist. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The tourist asked, 'But what do you do with the rest of your time?''I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play guitar, sing a few songs... I have a full life.'

The tourist interrupted, 'I have an MBA, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.'

'And after that?' asked the fisherman.

'With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mumbai. From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.'

'How long would that take?' asked the fisherman.

'Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,' replied the tourist. 'And after that?' 'Afterwards? Well my Friend, That's when it gets really interesting,' chuckled the tourist, 'When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!''

Millions? Really? And after that?' asked the fisherman.

'After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like with your buddies.'

'With all due respect sir, but that's exactly what I am doing now. So what's the point wasting 25 years?' asked the fisherman. Know where you're going in life. You may already be there. Life in the present world is indeed a rat race. Many do not know where they are going in life.

-- Words & Hearts should be handled with care. Because words when spoken and hearts when broken are the hardest to repair.

Mein Jigyasa...!!!!

2008-07-30T22:36:00.000+05:30

Mein Jigyasa

Mein jigyasa
Sochu apni paribhasha
Kuch sehmi, kabhie nidarr
Kabhi nathkhat, kabhie niraash
Pairon mein zanzeerien par sapna mera chand ke paar,

Aaj khush hun….to jee jaungi..
Kal dukhi to….toot jaungi..
Chahun na koi sahara…samjhu khud ko besahara
Koi shaq nahi khud par…Shaq karti hun mein kismat par…
Udne ko parr failayun….aur hawa ke rukh ko badla paun…
Aasan manzil ho jati hai mushkil….
Jaane jeekar kya ho haasil..
Khushi se jeene ki har koshish…
Upri haansi aur andar kashish…

Chahun sabko hasta paun….
Kayi baar chahe apni khushi gawaun….
Rakhna sabko khush na paun….
Is dukh se phir bikhar mein jaun…
Kuch na kehkar mein gussa dikhaun….
Gar keh bhi du to khud ko akela mein paun..
Seham kar zindagi se; chup ho jaun…
Aur phir jeene ki alakh jagaun…

Mein jigyasa
Sochu apni paribhasha…
Khud mein khud ko dhoondti hun…
Mein murjhayein phoolon ko bhi umeed se soongti hun..
Hansti hun choti si baat par…
Kisi aur ka dukh dekhkar ro deti hun…
Kehti phirun mein sabse….khud jee sakti hun
Sab hote hai sang mere….
Lekin, akele mein khud ko mein tanha paun
Aur is tanhayi ke liye kuch kar na paun..
Thak kar apni in baton se….
Mein phir se khud ko samjhaun…
Khush rehne ki alakh jagaun
Aaankhein moond apni khushiyon ki
Muskaan liye sapno ki duniya mein kho jaun

Mein Jigyasa
Sochu apni paribhasha.......:-)

The Culture, Contempt & Helplessness

2008-07-16T20:43:00.000+05:30

Yesterday a quick interaction with a friend made me think hard on our discussion. I was at work, I met the deadlines and finished my days work but at the back of my mind these thoughts were on like the background music score. I had decided that I am going to blog it, once I reach home. And then from last 2-3 hours, I was thinking for the apt title, it has got to convey the message or at least trigger the visitor to read and react to it. Because its everywhere, we have all faced it but just ignored it, may be!

We were just talking about a usual boss-colleague interaction and suddenly my friend

R said: “He was flirting, girl”

Response: Let him flirt then, how it affects me

R: But tell me, does it happens with all girls out there?

Response: Depends if the boss is like that, you get to realize that he/she is flirting

R: But I sometimes wonder, in sometime even I will marry a girl who will be a working professional by all ways, will she be facing the similar things? I wonder….huh

Response: Well might be, but that’s completely fine till the girl can handle such things, stays dignified and confident. I think nothing can go wrong that ways. And in extreme cases, one always chooses to quit.

R: But you know, we men especially Indians, know about the world out there, and feel helpless at times. Basically we want to protect our partner from all such things but then why to take the liberty to work from someone who is not at all wrong.

Response: Till the time one is confident about his/her partner, I don’t see a reason to feel contempt about this, because else one will have to change the world which is not as easy as said.

Well, on this note…….we could reach on a conclusion that what we are discussing exists, needs to be corrected or not – I am not so sure about that, but there is absolutely no need to feel helpless about it. I realized that it’s our culture and the values, we have grown up with, the contempt because we would love to be righteous which we know is practically not feasible and helplessness, because we let our self feel helpless for the entire thing, despite knowing the fact that we shall not let this affect us.

I don’t know if I have conveyed the concern rightly but it kept on hovering over my head, that if it is actually a feeling that raise contempt in the minds of Indian men. I don’t see any such thing, because its everywhere. And I believe a girl who takes a stand to move out in that world is well aware, careful and all set.

As for those who feel contempt and helpless, I have a saying I took from R only,

“We cannot direct the wind... but we can adjust the sails.” And I am wondering, we can try to fight them at least!!!

TAGGED OnCe AgAiN :-|

2008-07-09T23:07:00.000+05:30

TAGGED - By VS again!!!
This is the Immediate Response to the Tag VS, I hope no complaints now!!

The extra mug of beer....
Na na na na re re.......

The weather here:
Dekho zara dekho boondon ki ladi.....

Waiting for someone:
Nahi saamne ye alag baat hai...
Mere paas hai tu....mere paas hai...
Mere saath hai!!

Life:
Jaane kya dhoondta hai ye mera dil.......tujhko kya chahiye zindagi!!

Just for you:
Koi kahe kehta rahe...kitna bhi humko deewana

Love of my life:
Kabhi neem- neem, kabhi shahad shahad......

Me and O3:
Hans ke tu dekh to ek baar....khud hi aa jayegi bahar!!

Main aur meri tanhayii:
Tanha dil...tanha safar, dhoonde tujhe phir kyun nazar

Some Plans:
Chand taare tod lauun......

My Scooty:(Gaddi)
I walk a lonely road..thats the only main I walk alone!!

This second mug of beer :
No ways!!!

Right now:
So ja....so ja chandni, chand sitare so gaye!!!
Arey bhai........kal office jana hai!!!

Obsolete Dreams.

2008-06-11T16:13:00.000+05:30

I am sure you are wondering about the dreams and how they could be obsolete? But its not just a thought, actually this is something which is been hovering over my head from quite few days. Dreams do become obsolete as life grows faster then us.

Yes, this could be said that it’s the impact of few negative thoughts but then it’s a practical truth as well. Agreed or not?

Many a times life introduces such curves and cuts, that one has to take up a different direction. I still deny the death of a dream. Dreams never die; they simply become obsolete. Life keeps on growing at its pace and we grow with life. And this growth makes us leave our dreams and live as per the hour. Time is bigger then everything – I used to argue on this but recently certain incidents made me believe this. One more reason could be change is priorities of life. Now this could be on account of marriage, a death in a family, an illness, an accident, an unexpected responsibility etc. Sometimes it’s just an incident, an observation which changes the way one thinks and that too can leave certain obsolete dreams.

I always used to tell my friends, you never know. And that truly stands right. But dreams give us hope and make the chase interesting, so one should not stop dreaming. But then yes, dreams turn obsolete. I firmly believe that. They don’t die they become obsolete. The end of one dream make you live for another. Chase should always be there or theirs will be just dreams. The Obsolete Dreams.

Change....The only Constant!!!

2008-05-27T16:42:00.000+05:30

Change..........is the only thing constant. I am sure you know this but still I felt like writing about this. May be how and when I realised this made a difference to me. Anyways being a taurean..... I dont like changes at all. Being a true taurean I get adapted to them. What I was thinking is this......that no matter how much we are in love with things, with people, with circumstances.....they are ought to change......because thats the only constant. It might be a contradictory thing to say but it happens. And sometimes changes are expected ones but most of the times they are unexpected and sudden. But being so much into the routine life............no one prefers them......because we become used to of our scheduled mechanized life and suddenly the system need change, the technology (present life) becomes obsolete and presses us to move on...........leaving the existing one aside..........I dont have anything specific in my mind as of now but there had been many such instances that made me realise....that change is one thing which can happen anytime with anybody........so we should learn to adapt to them instead of panic. It can be the little one like change in plans of a meeting, change in holiday plans, movie of anything like that.........it can be change in the technology...........or system.........anything but most of the times.................its disturbing and even if it is not we take it that way................and later we realise the actual effect...................good or bad......!!!!!!
It happens naturally also............and sometimes by choice. I have seen people adapting themselves thinking that its for better but actually their innerself never agrees to that. Sometimes its about people......thats very complicated because its easy to adapt to new machines thats materialistic......... but change in people and change in circumstances need inner strength to cope with and overcome. Your brain says that things are changed and you need to move on with them but your heart doesnt allows so..........and thats when the conflict comes......but whatever is the case that will happen what is ought to.....and fighting with innerself and increasing troubles will cause harm to oneself only so the faster we understand and introspect the easier it becomes.......because when the change happens in our life we prefer not to discuss anyways it doesnt makes a difference to others because its us who are effected.....so introspection and understanding is the key to adaptation and then we know that Life moves on.........and the show must go on.......!!!!

30 ka Chakkar from Chakks...

2008-04-26T13:27:00.000+05:30

This tag came up from dear Chakoli... and so here goes my answers...

1)LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE?

Taare Zameen Par…

2)WHAT BOOK ARE U READING?

The Kite Runner - Khalid Hosseini

3)FAVOURITE BOARD GAME?

Not much into games.....

4)FAVOURITE MAGAZINE?

No favorites as such… but I do read Femina, Retailer, 4Ps etc

5)FAVOURITE SMELLS?

- wet earth during the rains

- Sometimes the smell of paints , enamel

- When my mom cooks food.....

- Smell of Johnson & Johnson moisturizer

6)FAVOURITE SOUNDS?

Sound of teeming when it rains…

7)WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?

Fear of loss.....emotional/materialistic ............any

8)WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE?

Action Plan......so that I reach office @ time

9)FAVOURITE FASTFOOD PLACE?

Pizza HUT…Pizza Hut & PIZZA HUT ;-)

10)FUTURE CHILDS NAME?

Thats for future......

11)FINISH THIS STATEMENT---'IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I'D'

I would love to live the dreams which look difficult otherwise

12)DO U DRIVE FAST?

I am planning to learn driving..........hehe

13)DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?

No

14)STORMS--COOL OR SCARY?

Situational

15)WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

My dad had bought a Fiat, I remember!!

16)FAVOURITE DRINK?

Coffee

17)FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD

...love to travel more with my family….

18)DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?

Nopes

19)IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?

Have tried 4 of them.........natural is better otherwise Copper Brown!!

20)NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN?

Bikaner, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Jalandhar, Chandigarh

21)FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

Cricket

22)ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?

About Chaks........Blogger gang ki jaan hai!!

23)WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?

Nothing.....just a clean floor.

24)WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN??

Surely, a little more stronger though

25)MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?

Night Owl

26)OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?

More of over easy I guess

27)FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX?

Home sweet home…

28)FAVOURITE PIE?

French Apple Pie....I miss the one @ Corner House

29)FAVOURITE ICECREAM FLAVOUR?

Choclate, Black Current or Tootie-Frootie

30)OF ALL THE PEOPLE U HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?

Almost everyone has taken the tag…

But still I would like the following to take it up:

- Suddentwilight
- Ellen
- Shoooonya
- Manoj
- Lust4life

Life is short, let's not get angry!!

2008-04-18T15:35:00.000+05:30

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have been pondering since morning, that most of the times it’s our ‘Good Intentions’ that put us into unnecessary problems. Well, most of the times they do. The bad temper is of course the reason of not being able to convey the right thoughts in right approach at the right moment.

Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.”
- Dr. Laurence J. Peter quotes

When you think of good, ought to take a right step, suddenly something irritates you and the good become a thing of past. Emotions overflow (read: explode) and here you are, already a culprit. No matter, what your intentions were. Your anger made you lost the beauty of that moment, that hour, that evening, that day or may be more. And we end up loosing the opportunity to smile, to laugh, to hug and some moments to cherish, may be.

I have been coming across many presentations, articles and discussions on Anger Management but then do they really help us in someway? I was thinking that any therapy of this kind is more mental then medicinal. If one thinks one can control oneself, he/she surely can. But when one doesn’t even try to understand and denies listening to the other person the problem increases. People get angry on petty differences of opinion, view, choices etc.

When anger rises, think of the consequences”
- Confucius

Worst is when that a situation is stretched and stretched for a longer time period. We forget to realize that, to show 1 minute of anger we are loosing 60 seconds of happiness. And this 2 digit number makes a better impact. Anger is also a cause of stress, high blood pressure etc which again gives more moments of panic and suffering. Where as, if we plan to sort out the differences in the soonest possible time and get ready for more smiles, life will be easier. All one needs is acceptance & patience.

“Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten.”
- Buddha

Nothing is serious!!!!

2008-03-24T15:17:00.000+05:30

Life a bed of roses. Having read a post by Ellen today morning, I have been wondering that Life is a bed of roses.

Did you say - not always??? Well it is indeed.

I liked saying that, as it leave me with a positive note. And otherwise also I hate myself for being negative at times when Life pushes me too much.
Life is a bed of roses. Only the color of roses keep changing. Remember, Roses are in white, pink, yellow, orange and red color. But don’t you miss the Black Rose. Similarly, life has got different colors and the situations & circumstances keep on giving it one and another shade thereafter. And then roses have horns too. That could be taken as a life’s decision to push one so hard that ultimately one bleeds.

I remember a brief conversation here, when I had asked about the well being of a friend and since its so recent, that my thoughts flew in that very direction when I pondered about Life & Roses.

Me: Hey how are you? You look sad. Is everything fine. I hope nothing is serious.
Friend: nothing serious......its just a change which is sometimes undesirable, expectations unmet and some general things giving a feeling of disrespect to myself, sometimes a little guilt and sometimes too many tears in my eyes confuse me about my existence.
But don’t you worry. Nothing is serious.

Now I am not worried, its just that I could not reach to an answer as to, how a rock solid person like my friend could end up fighting tears. A person so strong, tough headed, so learnt from life not to get welled up easily and now struggling to fight her own tears. This raises a question to me. Even though, I am told that she is determined to be happy (she says determined, not destined) I still feel some loss for this. Because some loss has happened to a person, to a soul, to someone’s respect and to someone’s trust. Also I have a feeling that may be she is taking it just too seriously and she doesn’t needs to. May be its because almost everybody feels that way.

People tend to take it so normally as nothing has happened. People don’t feel bad because they are used to of changes, yes I mean the undesired changes. They do not know the words dreams and expectations for their own self, they believe that its their duty to live up to the expectations & dreams of their surroundings and they are fine spending (did you read wasting) a life for this. Now still what is itching me here is, a strong headed, self-motivated, almost self-earned person is telling me that I pray to god for peace or to rest in peace. I did see tears in her eyes!

People who are change averse face this kind of a situation. I will be wrong to say this. I guess it happens when a self-driven person who has learned this art after too much of effort is been told to hand over the steering of life in someone else’s hands. And even then, is required to be a silent observer all through the ride.

I don’t know. I am myself trying to find out all these answers for my friend. I want her to be happy as always. She is my best friend who I always relied. I want her to be a free-spirit again.

I wish her more smiles. Amen!

Tag of Eight....:-)

2008-03-17T15:50:00.000+05:30

Tagged by Kaua.....Thanks to her for so sweetly she left a sweet reminder on the review panel....

Eight things I am passionate about

1. Writing....I wish to improve myself each day
2. Movies....
3. Fun-outings.....even if it is window shopping I am fine...
4. My home.....has to be organised (I dint say my room ;-))
5. Travelling... I truly enjoyed exploring new places whichever I have till date
6. Pranks.........I love teasing 'few' friends till they say please.... to me
7. Long Drives - Be it a bike ride or a car......
8. Music & Dancing (Though I am not gr8 at it....)

Eight things I want to do before I die

1. Learn Salsa...
2. Go for a world tour with my hubby.....even if its @ d age of 60
3. To be successful in the world of brands & marcomm
4. To join an NGO and to take charge of an unprivileged child (a girl child)
5. To be an established writer....
6. Buy my own car and to gift one to my hubby
7. To see my l'll brother taking my Dad's business to gr8ter heights
8. Have a coffee with Madhuri, Kajol, Barkha Dutt, Prasoon Joshi.......arey it can be a get together also.....

Eight things I say often

1. Too much
2. O really
3. Shut-up
4. Not fair
5. You never know!
6. Keep Smiling
7. Gawwd...
8. Hello...

Eight books I've read recently

Have been irregular from quite some time but anyways....
1. Doctor Zhivago
2. A book on Advertising
3. Somewhat read, The Golden Gate
4. I think it was, Screw it - Lets do it!! Lessons of Life from Richard Branson
5. The Class
6. Blue Ocean Strategy
Now I dont remember the sequence, currently reading The Fountain Head!!! Did try Robin Sharma in between ........seems like I am more of a self-motivated soul..

Eight songs I could listen to, over and over

1. Nahi Saamne .............from Taal
2. Na tum hamein jano......
3. Boulevard of Broken Dreams.......Greenday
4. Jaane kya chahe man banwara.....Pyar ke side effects
5. In dino ...............Life in a metro
6. Tum pukar lo ...........Khamoshi (the B/W one)
7. You are beautiful.....James Blunt
8. If you really......Bryan Adams
Guess we could have an 80 tag for this....

Eight things that attracts me to my best friends

1. Same mental pedestal
2. Jovial
3. Good listening skills......my best friends say so!!!
4. No gender biased attitude
5. Caring
6. Honesty...could be read Straightforward
7. No double standards
8. Respect humanity, before any class, religion etc.

People I think should do this tag

1. Lusty aka Lust4Life
2. Suddentwilight aka Paro
3. Shoooonya
4. Manoj
5. Ellen

Keep Smiling!!!

Lessons Life taught...

2008-03-14T13:51:00.000+05:30

1. I have learnt that running from life isn’t a solution, it only makes you breathe heavy in the long run.

2. I have learnt that life is just too complicated, even at times when I think its not.

3. I have learnt life is so simple, mostly on the celluloid.

4. I have learnt money & not life becomes the sole motive for everything we do.

5. I have learnt dreams are good only if they are realistic.

6. I have learnt sometimes it’s a stranger we need for help then a friend or relative.

7. I have learnt ‘words of wisdom’ could be reached anytime, anywhere from anyone.

8. I have learnt books are actually the best friends, for they are always in our reach. And they never leave us too.

9. I have learnt education grooms us into a better person, but it has got too many side effects.

10. I have learnt not everything could be left on others, just to make them happy. You have got to think for yourself.

11. I have learnt that at the end of the day, I am myself is my best friend.

12. I have learnt that sometimes you have got to trust your instinct. Only thing is you should not ignore the doubts.

13. I have learnt one should have priorities but don’t let a person become your priority.

14. I have learnt all I need at times is ‘Solitude’, to get the peace of mind.

15. I have learnt if I smile at myself in the morning it becomes easy to smile during the long day.

Life goes on….and so does its lessons!!!

Keep Faith - Keep Smiling :-)

Obsession called NRI

2008-03-10T16:36:00.000+05:30

Alas, I am here for writing about this phenomenon or anomaly which I found highly irritating at times. Recently, life brought me to one of the most developed and advanced (read pompous) state of our country, popularly known as Punjab. And this is what I see here, Mr. A’s daughter is not very well educated, she cannot frame general English, she isn’t aware what fluency is? But her long cherished dream is to fly abroad even if it’s through her marriage. The children are brought up with a dream to fly abroad to be rich and if they couldn’t manage to get a visa, marriage is the visa fro them.

People have only one dream for their children, i.e. to fly abroad and to get settled over there, no matter its education or a bribe, the ultimate goal is to settle in a foreign nation. But, but they never skip from making it clear that there spices in the kitchen, utensils, clothes, slippers, oil, toothbrush etc blah-blah and even wives have to be Indian. With some is the cost factor involved and with others the culture. There are rules devised for the family members which could be loosened or broken when an NRI relative visits them. Surprised! O man, understand he/she is from Canada/US, New Zealand or whatever…

The show & pompous which this status brings in is again magnificent. There has to be a Limousine arranged to pick up the NRI from airport. No less then that, a car will work. You can easily see the difference in a Indian –dressed casually depicting the westernized impact on our population and a Non-Resident Indian dressed in a ………..oh m wordless…ok lets say, dressed in a way depicting a fine (no that’s too good a word) fusion of desi (local) and pardesi (foreign resident) culture.

Though I am glad that the educated lot did realized the upswing in Indian economy and has now started considering Hyderabad, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh etc in place of Canada, US, New Zealand. Having been stayed in metro’s and cosmopolitan cities around the nation, I have seen the development happening in terms of jobs, careers and education and also the reverse brain drain but after coming here it seems like many in the state are still unaware of all this. For them it’s only abroad where they will find a rich, classy (they have a different definition of class) life. And to that also, I got to learn a sad fact that many of these, who parade their richness and NRI status in the home country are actually doing the laborious jobs there. And then I felt sad and also helpless about the misconceptions people are getting carried away with. Its purely illiteracy, ignorance and lust to get a status (rather) tag of NRI.

What’s disheartening is people do this just for the sake of tag, class and quick money. Its disgusting that this also fetches a bad name to those who reach there out of education, qualification and quality. Those who still let the dream of coming back to home country flourish deep inside their heart. Those who believe in doing good for the nation despite being staying far away. And those who just want to earn a status tag called NRI.

Intransigence

2008-02-22T15:21:00.000+05:30

Intransigence is all what a person needs most to live. When I say ‘to live’, I mean not to be ‘undead’. One has to understand that the priority always should be ‘To have a happy oneself’. If one is not happy from inside, he/she can’t be a better sibling, a better partner, a better child, a better professional or even a better person.

Intransigence is something which never lets you feel low, feel inferior and feel forced. I know, the word may sound derogatory at times, but the word is powerful as it tells us to withstand to self beliefs and values.

Imperfections are good when one needs to know the weaknesses and realizing the imperfections becomes the strength. But before that one needs to find out the problem, sometimes unnecessary problems occur when we start underestimating ourselves under the influence of others. That time what helps is self-talk. This could be done if one practices what Lucille Ball once said,

I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.

I have always been saying in my previous posts (On, http://o3.indiatimes.com/learnwithtaurian) that, Love is a misused word. I still go by that. In a relationship, many a time love is just not enough. A relationship needs things which are beyond love. No, I am not saying ‘Devotion’, in the practical world, nobody expects that actually. It’s more of give 'n' take these days. You respect someone- you deserve respect. You love someone – you expect love and if you care- you need to be cared too.

Changes occur and few of them are inevitable. What matters here is, that one needs to appreciate the conscious/unconscious changes which life brings in, and most of the times these changes force one to change the life philosophies and if one is not able to do so, that signifies that life is loosing the purpose or may be the person starts loosing the purpose of his/her existence. This is the time one needs to be candid, plain, one needs to be Intransigent.

In short, as Janis Joplin once said, “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you've got.”

And remember, Joseph Campbell’s words, “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.”

Keep Faith, Keep Smiling!

Waiting for someone..!

2008-01-16T12:27:00.000+05:30

Waiting for someone…

Kehte hain intezaar mein bhi maza hai? How it feels like waiting for someone? Is it really fun or just an itchy & irritating feeling that not only spoils your plan but also your mood?

Well, depends on whom are you waiting for, why are you waiting for and in what circumstances are you waiting for. Let’s consider some of the circumstances which we all must have faced sometime or the other.

Waiting for an interview, its like breathing normal, telling ourselves that I am fine, I can do it and then taking a deep sigh, praying, God! I know you are there. Help me present myself more confident than I actually am.

Next could be, waiting for your date at a restaurant or a multiplex. Ah! Sleepy eyes being decked up, looking for someone with a nervous heart making one feel hollow within. Wow! The fear of shoes getting dirty or the hair gel loosing its effect…damn, he/she will be reaching anytime.

What else do we wait for most?

Oh, A Bus or may be a local train, which is the medium of to & fro in our everyday oscillating lives from home to work & vice-versa. This one is little tricky to follow because at some point of time it becomes part of our everyday routine and we just keep following the routine. And when the everyday wait stretches for say more than ten minutes, we start becoming panicky thinking, if we have actually missed the train/bus and going to be late today. But in this process, we make new friends who are called, the train friend, and the bus friend or may be the bus-stop friend.

Hey! Never realized that waiting could be fun too!

What could be more fearsome?

Waiting for exam results, which can be out anytime? Gosh! This is just breathtaking. Came, not now, came, not now. These days, it’s sometimes system failure or power breakdown, the server overloaded or a network jam. And while we wait, the heavy heart takes the toll. At the same time, there is wait to let the previous one get over, because then comes the holidays ;-)

As I said in the beginning, it depends.

Getting on to the emotional side,

Waiting for a life to come, an infant to born, I remember when my cousin had her labor pains, I was waiting outside with a vague feeling, vague because I cant say I was elated as she struggled in pain and neither can I say that I was not curious for each next moment at that time. As I was waiting in the hospital lobby, all lost staring the tiles, suddenly appeared my brother-in-law and gave the news, they were blessed with a baby boy.

Ah! The whole wait comes to life on seeing in front a new life.

Next could be, a bride waiting for her groom. This one could be defined as, an excitement filled doubtful wait. Lot of hopes and lots of worries, a dream of love and various queries, a reception for life and a moment you cherish. Waiting for this moment is just like life, as it gets over, one enters a new life.

Wondering, what made me write so much here about ‘Waiting’, well the wait ends here; as he has come and we got to go now. I was just sitting here waiting for my husband ;-)

In Pursuit of Happiness

2008-01-10T14:41:00.000+05:30

What is the single thing which makes us do each thing in life? All I could think of is, it is the Quest for being happy, always. If you agree to this notion, then read ahead.

Be it at work, the studies, the relationship or even the mot weird pranks we play to friends, all have a single goal i.e. happiness, which is been pursued with different names for each, like, fun, growth, serenity, security, financial freedom etc all leads to happiness because somewhere we have defined the parameters of our own happiness. Haven’t we?

In between this flow of thought, I had one more intriguing question, knocking the wall of m brain as – Why am I writing something like this? And here I found the answer, may be I desperately need someone for a long & looked up to tête-à-tête. And as always when I find no-one for this reason, I have this amazing thing called MS-Word and so what if it doesn’t responds; at least, it never stops me in expressing myself. However, it gives me the freedom to talk without any fears, concerns, calculations etc. And right now, all I crave for is to have a rap session with someone who is willing to listen & understand.

Like one of my friend was telling me, last one year my life is been on a roller-coaster and current state of mind says, the new year will be spent in settling with the effects of that. My parents always say, I mean its been 24 years that I am too sensitive and where as my friends feel I am ever-smiling and few who are close to me, understands me as a complicated comprehension. Yes, I agree that I am full of fun and a prankster at times but there are certain issues I am too sensitive for, that include certain people too. Few of them know it well and rest just keep on hurting me now n then.

I want to be a free-spirit.

Yes, that’s the other side. I want to be a free-spirit. I remember when I was struggling in Delhi to get an admission in a good B-school, slowly and slowly I had managed to come out of my fear- ‘of not being able to do something’ and I realized that- ‘I got to do something’ and so life became a little easy. Finally, when I got admission in a B’lore based school, I was all set for new learning, new experience with almost three times more far from my place. It was exciting and I was little doubtful at the same time. For the very reason was going to be all by myself, no friends, and no relatives. Well, that was a tough start but a blissful end. Because by then, I had learned to be myself, to love myself, to be a maverick, I had an opinion worth valuing and I learned to take charge of my actions and my life. (Thanks to the friend who out of irritation told me to do so) Post that I traveled to Mumbai for my job and life was full of wonderful, funny, weird, struggling and learning experiences. I had so much to do and I was all confident for the same. I completely enjoyed being independent. And this all gained confidence to me and my parents were just proud of me. And my siblings were proud to demand more gifts and few more, the last time….which never ended.

Post that, as it’s been said, ‘Life comes a full circle’ and then it marks the beginning of a new circle, someone marked the same for me as well. But being a hopeless optimist, for heaven’s sake, I want to be a ‘free-spirit’.