Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian…Indian Airlines experience today :)

I took an early morning flight (6am) out of Bangalore- and had this truly interesting chat with one of the stewards in the Indian Airlines flight as he got ready to serve the food.

Steward: Sir- what are you? Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian?

Me: What are the options?

Steward: Sorry Sir, I was not offering options, I just want to know if you are Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian?

Me: What does that mean?

Steward: We have a problem at times because we have limited Vegetarian meals onboard- and if you are not vegetarian, I will give you a Non-Veg meal- which allows the other Vegetarians to have their veg breakfast.

Me: You mean, I really don't have a choice? I should eat Non-Veg if I am not vegetarian  - in general. Is that what you mean? (lucky I am wearing a seat belt- lest I fall off my seat).

Steward: Sorry but Yes sir. (big smile).

Me: Ok, I am Vegetarian! (Yeah!).

And he served the Vegetarian food to me and walked away – and achieved what many other employees have  done before to Air India – lost yet another customer!

And just to end the story on a positive tone- I took Jet airways from Kolkata to Guwahati and back. They upgraded me (one way without me asking – and the other way by me asking). 

I am a Jet customer for life! What can I say? 

Did I miss the bus?

 

The Indian Stock Market has taken off like a ROCKET.

I was, like thousands of other Indians waiting for the “right” time to invest.

First hurdle was the Elections – that  came  and went  by.  Catching a lot of people by surprise, it brought a lot of cheer- and the markets took off. I waited for the markets to come down again waiting for the inevitable “Correction” and for the jubilation to die down… and boy! was I wrong…

The Indian juggernaut is at it again- and looks like there is NO looking back! In a world where there is very little optimism, the Indian market is oozing with it.

Here is an article in The Economic Times that says it all “At 5.8%, growth hits the fast track”

• Markets welcomed the news that signalled a pause in the country’s economic slowdown with Sensex gaining more than 300 points on Friday.
• The rupee too strengthened to Rs 47.23 versus US dollar on the news.

India’s good show and expectations contrast with the world economy, which is expected to contract by 2.6% in 2009, according the United Nation’s mid-year update to its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2009 report released on Wednesday. This indicates a deeper global financial crisis than earlier feared as the original report issued in January saw a drop of 0.5% in a worst-case scenario.

Brings me back to my original question….. Should I wait for the correction Or Have I really missed the bus?

Let me mull it through!

Top 25 Social Network and the emergence of Twitter

 

This is a very interesting view of the top 25 Social Networks out there today. 

Facebook has sustained itself and have moved from the 2nd position to the top. This comes as no surprise, and with the way they are moving forward, it is another Google in the making :) 

The interesting element, which I have been pointing out to anyone who will listen, is the emergence of Micro-blogging and what twitter is doing is proof of that.  It has moved from a rank of 22 to the 3rd rank- which has to rate as one of the highest in terms of growth.

Look out for more analysis from a host of people on figuring out a sustainable business model for Twitter!   However, it is not a question of if but how one leverages Twitter. 

 

The Indian Election gets set for the End Game…

The Elections are over, at last.  The largest, longest ever elections the world has seen- and at last the last few hours before the counting starts.  However, the main action is yet to start!  With a hung parliament expected, the horse trading will begin anew- and all the electoral debates et al will be forgotten to get to the magic figures to start the Government.

Looking forward to the results and that is part of the excitement, that is the Indian Elections.

Chat with all of you tomorrow :)

New World Talent Search- an Employee perspective

 

Back in circulation after a long time. (no excuses for that - but the oldest excuse in the world does really apply - too much travel on work and not enough time to build it).  However, time has come to focus on this- again!

I came across this article (click on the article name for the link to read it) and found it immensely interesting. Why?

In these troubled times, I am sure every employee across the world is looking at his job with renewed focus! To be without a job at this time can be a huge challenge. 

Or is it?

This can also be the time to explore new opportunities -things that we wanted to do, but did not have the time (or the Guts) to do.  Looking at it through an "Opportunity Glass" may make it look much more rosier than it really is...  There are a number of opportunities out there - maybe not in your domain- but beyond! A huge market out to be tapped.

Specific to Resume's and getting that "traditional job", one has to move beyond the modus operandi of a "standard" job hunt now.. the resume is a "one-to-one" tool that talks to only those people who look at it. There are more people in the market than jobs (at least the good ones).  We need to move to something that offers a broader "brush' that covers more people! Something akin to Internet Marketing- that covers the same offer to a huge audience!  Targeted message on the product (the person/employee/ his skills) to a targeted audience (Employers, influencers, Talent scouts, headhunters etc) through a focused medium (Internet is too broad- but a vehicle that gets it across- e.g Linkedin).  That is the need of the hour.  People should start looking at creating an image of themselves that is more "complete" than just the Job Description & the "key achievements" that come with it! 

I suspect this is the begging of the Next Wave.

Are we ready for it?

Me? It is work in progress!

Buzan iMindmap

 

I have recently started using this software - and after the recent updates/ redesign done, I must say, this is terrific. Drawing Mindmap's on the computer is very close to the ones drawn on paper.  I rarely recommend a software, but this definitely is one of those for those who are keen to try mindmapping- and want to use a software to help them out.

This version has been developed ground up by Buzan himself along with the team- to ensure it adheres to the original vision and the rules of creating a mindmap.  Try it out. I am sure you will love it.

Here is the link - www.iMindMap.com

I am sure you will not be disappointed.

 

The future of India - Children of India

 

I was recently in an Event organized by SKOCH.  They had this bunch of school kids from Sangram in Arunachal Pradesh (north east India for those who are not sure :)) who came and gave a dance. To my surprise, they, then went to on make a small presentation to tell us about their village - and the hardships they face.  Despite the tremendous hardships, I was touched by their hopes for the future- and how they had high expectations of the future- and the country.   It also showed me just how little I know about the realities of rural India.  They opened my eyes to the challenges- and the sheer opportunity we have, as a country. 

Education is key- and there is significant opportunity for making an impact in that space.  Do think about what you an do in this space. Impacting even 1 child in some meaningful way, makes a huge difference to a bigger audience. 

And then I remembered  this video from Times of India. Truly touching.

 

It happens only in India :)

 

Whoever said only humans can have fun in the beaches of Goa? Nothing beats the early morning saunter on the beaches of Goa- even if it is the Cows & dogs :) They surely seem to having fun. 

Rules for Indian Roads

Partially taken from : Mohan Dadlani , Outlook Lounge

After driving around in Singapore for the last 10 years, taking to the roads in India was an exhilarating experience.  Singapore driving teaches you to follow rules, and over the years, I had forgotten just how much of an experience Indian driving is.  Sitting at the airport (as I am now), I came across this article which I just have to reproduce (with some minor variations- due apologies to the author Mohan). 

Excerpts from the article:

For the benefit of everyone daring to drive on the Indian roads, here are a few hints for survival. They are applicable to every place in India except Bihar, where life outside a vehicle is only marginally safer.  Indian road rules broadly operate within the domain of karma where you do your best and leave the rest to your insurance company.  The hints are as follows:

1. Do we drive on the left or right of the road?  The answer is both. You start on the left of the road, unless it is occupied. In that case, go to the right, unless that is also occupied. Then proceed by occupying the next available gap, as in chess. (it could be in inches).

2. Just trust your instincts, ascertain the direction, and proceed.  Adherence to road rules leads to much misery and occasional fatality.

3. Most drivers don't drive, but just aim their vehicles in the intended direction. Don’t you get discouraged or underestimate yourself. most other drivers are not in any better position either.

4. Dont stop at any crossing or Pedestrian crossings just because some fool wants to cross the road. You may do so only if you enjoy being bumped in the back. Some idiot may try to wade across, but then, let us not talk ill of the dead.

5. Blowing your horn is not a sign of protest but to express joy, resentment, frustration, romance or just a wake up call to a dozing cow in the middle of the road.

There are other points- but this really hit the mark for me.  I am sportingly taking the car out - and taking it for a drive every now and then.  I spend more time waiting in corners waiting for someone to stop and let me go- much to the chagrin of people behind me!  Of course, I have learnt to ignore the horns blaring around me- and am re-learning the joy of pressing that horn- which gives an immediate release to pent up frustrations.  The other learning is the ability to rapidly look at all the mirrors in the car- and also in the front of the car.  I realized that it is not necessary now- most drivers just don't care- as it is not their responsibility to worry about someone's else's insignificant life.  The others will take care of themselves - and they do.

Lastly- don't get attached to your cars! Especially if you cannot stand scratches & dents. They tend to appear magically even when parked on empty roads.

Having fun! Honk Honk. 

Whose Life will you change?

 

For some reason, I always thought the ads in the US were of high quality, and something interesting to watch by themselves.  After 4 days in the US, the ad quality, I must say has been a big let down, and mind numbing, to say the least :).  Most are so imminently forgettable, that I frankly do not remember more than an ad or two.

However, I saw this ad- for the American Red Cross, and it touched me!  Rarely do ads really touch me, but this one - with its line of "Whose life will you change?".   Not just did it make me appreciate the ad, but also got me started thinking...  whose life will I change.  

Going back to India, and doing a role which can make a significant impact, I am thinking to myself- that I may be in a good place, at a good time, and working for a great company, that could help me answer that....  Got a lot to be thankful for in this life.  

Ryna in the 2nd Performers Piano Recital

This is a link to Ryna in a Piano recital she did at NUS last weekend.    NUS had organized this session called the 2nd Performers Recital  and had children (around 220 of them) who had the opportunity to come and present a piece or two.  A wonderful opportunity for children to showcase their experience and also for the younger ones to get used to to the concept of practicing piano in front of a crowd.   Ryna's teacher Ms. Janice Ong obviously knew how to make this work and this effort is all thanks to her... Ryna is obviously very excited with this experience.   And we are too :)

Atrial Septal Defect - ASD > adieu

 

Over the last three and a half years, we had this issue that irked us - that of the minor heart condition that our daughter had. It is called a Atrial Septal Defect , ASD for short.   It was the last of our outstanding issues which we wanted to close before we left Singapore - and today's Echo test confirmed that the hole had fixed itself :)  Whilst nothing serious per se, it was still bothering us - till today.  Now we can go back to India in peace.  Lot of other issues to look forward to - but no ASD. Hooray!

Just as a tip, for those of you who may have young kids are wondering which doctor (pediatrician) to go to- I recommend you go to one of the best in Singapore - Dr.Sivasankaran from Kinder Clinic in Paragon.  He has been a huge pillar of support for us right through the last 8 years for both our daughters... 

Now to look for someone as good in Bangalore!

Back to India :)

After 12 fantastic years in Singapore, we have decided at last, to move base to India.    Whilst the decision was taken after some deliberation, it was made easy when one puts the core reason for going back in focus- which was for the children to settle down and get familiar with their motherland (and their relatives).  Also other personal reasons which made it relevant to consider going back.   Continuing to work at Microsoft, a great job in the Public Sector were the icing on the cake :)

Singapore has been fantastic to us..  We came here with 2 suitcases 12 years ago..after long stints in IBM and Microsoft and a comparatively short stint in Iomega, we go back with 2 kids, a container load of stuff (which we did not know we had,) and tons of memories -mostly good (except 1- which was the loss I made on the car :) - overall it has been a great run.  Singapore has changed our lives - and set us up for the next innings :)

Sad ? - yes.

In two minds? - no.

Absolutely excited to be going back to Bangalore - and getting in at a time when the whole country is BOOMING! 

What is also interesting is to see the sheer number of NRI's returning back - and all for a reason - to ride the wave in India...  

I am looking forward to it - but for the time being - it is chaos - as we finish our packing - and more importantly, figure out, the pending work - which seems to be popping out of every nook and corner :)

Selling my car has been my biggest grouse though :(. I guess I will come to terms sometime soon :)

In the meanwhile - India calls... Will land in Bangalore End June :)

Keep you posted on what develops as we go along...

Back in circulation

 

Been out of circulation over the last month plus - and it is never good to stay out of touch!  Been busy with some "life changing" activities (I will talk about it later when it actually turns out to be real!), and as a result not been able to get the stars aligned to blog more often. I am hoping to keep at this and make this move forward as more and more things become clearer to me in the next couple of weeks.

We will be making a quick trip to India later this week for a few days!  Will keep you posted - and really looking forward to going back to Bangalore and more importantly getting a taste of the new airport!    From what I hear, it is great- except that it takes a LONG time to get there :)  

Mind Maps and Tony Buzan Certification

Singapore -24-27 March 2008

One of my key goals in 2008 was to get certified in Buzan's Mindmapping.   It gets me a step closer to my longer term goal to be a trainer and help people achieve their untapped potential.  And the sheer opportunity to do this is amazing.

I am currently undergoing the certification course to become a "Certified Trainer" and hope to start some level of training in the near future.  This also gets me the learning to a)officially and b) correctly train people in this fantastic technique.

Nevertheless, over the last 2 days we have had a series of thoroughly enjoyable training sessions which have taught me some new things about Mindmapping- which I had not practiced earlier.   Working with Henry and his team has been an interesting experience & I am looking forward to the rest of the 3 days to complete this.

I wanted to share this interesting output. I have absolutely no art background and when we were asked to draw a portrait it obviously had me running for cover.  But with some great ideas, and simple techniques I managed to generate the drawing below. The better looking one is the original ;-) (in case you are wondering).

 

I am obviously delighted.  The exercise to Juggle Balls was a completely different story!  Will get there as well in the near future :)

All said & done, I hope to complete this certification done by the end of this week. 

Wish me some luck ;-)

Innovation for your bread :)

 

I have been meaning to write this for the last couple of days. Could not come to it because I got busy with a training I am attending. (More on that later). During our weekend dinner outing to the Katong area, we came across this simple innovation that bowled me over! Whilst we (Indira & I) constantly think what might motivate my daughters to have their breakfast without their daily complaints (and grumbles)  - one never imagined that the solution could be in something this simple! So interesting, that it had ME interested in eating the bread with more interest!

It has to rate as one of the most innovative "tool" (I cant think of what else to call it).  This is a plastic unit that creates an imprint on the humble bread with a word that says "SMILE" - it had me say WOW looking at the bread.  I wonder why most hotels have not yet seen this or used this!  It would definitely impress their clientele. I know I would have been if I had seen this in any of the hotels I travel to.

>>

Innovation is still possible on small things that all of us take for granted....

Truly impressive!  In case you are interested, I bought this in Cold Storage. 

 

Wealth- What's it to you?

 

 

I saw this ad a couple of weeks back in Fortune.  I frankly did not know about Barclays Wealth, and I don't believe I am their target audience for this ad ;-)

That said, I was attracted to the message - and it got me thinking.  What exactly does Wealth mean to me?  I have been mulling over what it really means to me. 

Wealth is important - and for me, the primary goal for Wealth Creation is to ensure the well being of my family- wife & children and to ensure that all their basic needs are taken care of in case something happens to me.  Secondly - I want my daughters to have a financial safety net that I did not have as I started working and building my life - so that they are always free to test their limits in this world without having to worry about "what if..". Lastly, I look at wealth to give me a platform to do other things that matter to me in life - starting an orphanage (sometime in the future) and helping people in need - especially old people. 

Wealth, unfortunately is a necessity!  Without it, one cannot do many of the good that one may otherwise want to. 

This ad was great. I may never be a Barclay's Wealth customer- but then, this ad did touch me.  For that I will always remember this ad.

Dollar Droops!

Times are indeed bad.  I saw this on the Reuters when I was outside my office. Dollar "droops"? Sigh - the effect is being felt even more deeply  :)

 

Visit to Nepal

I was in Nepal last week for an important meeting that I had to attend with some important Government officials.  I love going to Katmandu & I like the people, the pace etc. It is slow paced, peaceful (to an outsider) and despite numerous problems they are facing, they don't complain as most other people in other countries are wont to do.  (There are numerous power cuts, long queues for Petrol etc.). I did not hear anyone complain against the government or make any other adverse kind of remarks.

Notwithstanding the beauty of its surroundings, I saw these 2 aircrafts - of all the places, in the airport.  Imagine the effect it has on ones confidence when you see these kind of aircrafts just off the runway.   Though this did not bother me too much, a couple of passengers near me got a bit worked up :)

Something that does not do wonders for the Tourism Industry there :)

 

All said & done, it was an effective trip & as usual I enjoyed it. Allen - my colleague in Nepal, took us (we had 3 friends from Intel there as well) to a great place for dinner.  We experienced some of the songs & dances of Nepal there. 

Weather was great - I believe it was around 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Here is another view of Kathmandu just as we took off from the airport.

Out of circulation for a few weeks

 

I have been out of circulation for a few weeks. Work obviously took a lot of time.

Of course, it is not fair to blame "lack of time" - after all if it is interesting enough, one does find time.  I have been in a lot of meetings, travel, and a bit of introspection - of what to do going forward in life.  I am curious to understand if people really spend so much time thinking of these things..

Will be updating my blog with some thoughts/ and recommit myself to keep it running smoothly :)