Pages

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Mumbai, meri jaan


On hearing the news of recent spate of attack on Mumbai, I was very furious at the unscrupulous terrorist activity carried out by Jihadis. I wished to have been in the defence forces(my childhood dream) fighting out these militants.


I first got the news early morning on 27th Nov, when my sister called me from US. Since then, I couldn't keep away from the news and was closely watching every update on my PC. Even in office, I felt hard to concentrate on my work and kept returning to news websites for updates. It was difficult to see my home town bleeding.


Although, Mumbai is popularly known to be resilient, but it should not be taken as a cover, allowing another such incidents of brutality. Mumbai, the commercial capital is the pride of India where most of the business is transacted. Mumbai generates 5% of India's GDP and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 40% of maritime trade, and 70% of capital transactions to India's economy. Such attack on the pride cannot be tolerated. A war has been openly raged. People of Mumbai, intelligence and government should join hands to prepare for a battle to attack the ones who look at Mumbai with such intentions.


Witnessing the pictures of grieving parents, children, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters and friends, I see my problems to be miniscule to theirs. I feel apologetic for the people who keep fighting over the petty matters in their day-to-day life. I advise them to visit border areas or face such terrorists to satisfy their interest of fighting. They can atleast put their negative skillset to a better use.


India lost some of it's best and brightest individuals, at a time when India is closely being perceived as a new Super Power under development. I express my heartfelt condolence to the innocent people killed in the attack and salute to the martyrs who lost their life while performing their duties. Not to forget the brave joint operation by NSG commandos, Navy coast guards, Mumbai police and RAF. We are proud of you.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Constructive criticism

Recently, while browsing through some of the management sites, I accidentally bumped into this site called wisegeek.com, which outlines the significance of constructive criticism :

“Constructive criticism is criticism kindly meant that has a goal of improving some area of another’s person’s life or work. Often constructive criticism refers specifically to the critique of someone else’s written or artistic work, in perhaps a teacher/student setting, that would allow that person to further improve the work or to improve their approach to future endeavors.

Parents also try to employ constructive criticism to help their children improve their lives. The trouble with constructive criticism is that not all people are receptive to it. They may either feel their self-esteem shrinking under criticism, or they may feel that all criticism is negative. This can destroy the intent of constructive criticism.

Communication is loaded with multiple intentions, especially in a parent/child or spousal relationships. Thus people may not know how to actually employ a critique of one aspect of a person without involving their own feelings or frustration that make a critique negative.

Generally, constructive criticism should address an area that needs improving. Constructive criticism should be a reasoned, unemotional response in an effort to teach. In spousal communication, constructive criticism is often shaped as the “I” message: “I feel X, when you say Y.” In parental relationships, constructive criticism generally works best when the timing is right. A child who has just lost a game, for instance, might be better served by encouraging words, rather than a performance critique.

In teacher/student relationships, constructive criticism tends to be far more helpful than a blunt critique of a student’s defects. Questions on a paper and also praise in some areas can make constructive criticism easier to receive. Although, some students do jump to the point and want to immediately know what they did wrong.

In all cases, constructive criticism runs the danger of being perceived as negative. In these situations, it is unlikely that any criticism will actually provide help. Even when a person tries to present criticism in a non-emotional way, it may still be considered a personal attack. The only way to approach this is by truly being constructive, kind and helpful, and realizing that not all people are going to appreciate what you might have to say.”

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Economic burst, or economic opportunity?

It all began with the subprime crisis in US at the beginning of this year and yet nobody is able to see light at the end of this dark tunnel. Nobody knows when this turmoil would wound up, for the happy times to return.

It has shut-up Analysts world over as the predictions have lost their sheen. Although, Indian economic situation hasn’t yet worsened to the extent of US, it surely is bound to face the waves from west.

Stock price of blue chips have tumbled by almost 60-70% than their peaks in January 2008, tempting investors to invest more money, but also fears them off from the continued shocks being passed by global cues. The big question is, is it the right time to invest or wait and watch the meltdown?

Economists say, “Recession is the best time to start a new venture. You get everything so cheap”. This looks true to an extent, you have ample money in hand during recession. Due to job cuts, people are ready to work at throwaway cost. Not only the cost, you get enough choices as well as skilled manpower. We also see property prices/rentals going down drastically. This makes way for cheaper option to setup or buy your own office.

Current phase is being looked upon as a normal economic cycle, by some. This phase has it’s turn every 5-7 years and lasts no longer than a year or two. Entrepreneur able to sail through these rough times will emerge a winner during economic boom.

It’s a matter of patience and perseverance.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated on account of Lord Rama’s, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana’s return from 14 years exile and from a war in which he killed demonic king Ravana. It’s a five day festival and all these five days are exciting in every household of India. People get together, visit friends and relatives to pass good wishes. Children enjoy by bursting fire-crackers and houses are decorated with lots of oil lamps and lanterns. We had abundance of sweets pouring from all over. Traditionally, fifth day also marks the beginning of New Year for the business community as new books of accounts are opened and old are closed.

As a kid I remember we being given vacation home work during Diwali holidays and the most obvious assignment used to be an essay on Diwali. Above was a short summary of those essays.

This year we celebrated the festival at our new house in Pune. Atmosphere in Pune was very enchanting and was filled with fun and frolic amidst the economic slowdown. To double up, my sister and brother-in-law also joined us in the celebration. They were on a short visit to India. Although, this post has come little late than it’s time, wishing you all a very happy Diwali and prosperous new year ahead !!!