Thursday, March 21, 2013

It has been four years since my last post that it feels like I am visiting that cousin you would see at some relative's wedding but needed a place to shack up for the night in a new town where he is the only family who lives and you are to cheap to spring for a hotel room.

This is how the last one year started in Pune.  A little back ground is warranted here. I am a guy who spent his entire life in Chennai and his only travel until that point was either on holidays with the family or as part of audit tours, where you are pampered so much that you do not feel like you have left home. My last work experience was a horrible period of 18 months and it was detorirating everyday and a lease of life was given to me by SSBM for which I will be eternally gratefully to this baby faced institution.

Back to pune, I stepped of the tarmac with a very spartan knowledge of Hindi but with a lot dreams like a small town boy aspiring to be an actor can be seen at almost a daily basis at Victoria Terminus in Bombay. I was taken from the SB Road campus to the lavale campus via bus. A little bit about the setting - a hill station with a view that most people pay a lot of sum for. The course started and it has gone on for a year now and we re about to leave for our summer internships and at this point I felt it would be right to thank all the people who have added color to my life.

It would be appropriate to begin with Uzair Mirza who is been a person I would aspire to be in my corporate life, that perfect blend of charisma and communication skill is something I aspire to have. Thank you for putting up with my shenanigans during those PAC meetings and for holding me back when all I wanted to rearrange Deepa's face and today we move onto Mark Dean Sr who we could describe as Uzair 30 years down the line - suave and consummate professional.

Since I am in their neck of the woods I would also like to thank Sagar Sheopuri, Manmeet Malik and Pankaj Nehra on how to take life by the scruff of the neck and live their life on their own terms. At this point I thank the little idiot Shivam Sareen who reminded me of a time when I led a carefree life, although you irritated me thank you for the memories. Moulshree Mishra thank you for teaching me how to believe in something and how to stand your ground in a verbal fight.

A little jump to the south of the country, you were the guys who made me this place could be home. I have always told my mom that these are the brothers I have never had. Vijay Sai Raheja for understanding me for who I am and also for teaching that the chips are never down until the fat lady starts singing. Vasist AM for teaching me that a manager may also be born and not made, his cool and calm demeanor is something in the face of adversity is something that I hope to develop. Sonal Verma for being that guy who told me things as it was, I have always asked people to be with me that way but you were refreshing change of honesty and helping me through some troubled times. Ashwin Prashanth and Aditya shyam, the perfect couple of our batch for teaching me what all friendship is all about and for understanding those little sarcastic jokes. It was those moments rhat continued to inspire me to live up to those long last dreams of being a stand up comedian, another source of inspiration was our guitar specialist.

Avinash Khasge  deep reservoir of knowledge is something that reminded me of my role model, my uncle whom I have always wanted inspire and it took a certain somebody just 2 hours to do it while I have been failing fantastically for the last 27 years, a sore point Uzair that will always remain with a little bit of jelousy. Another person on the same floor would be the grand uncle of our batch Rajiv Dudeja who always teaches me that "Kuch paane ke liya kuch kona padta hai" and courageous men are not the ones on the screen but those who make these little sacrifices.

Some other people whom have inspired me to be better. Puneet Nayak and Sachin Sharma for teaching me to live as if it would be over in the next fleeting second. Romil and Vaibhav for being that nerds in the batch ( relax there is nothing wrong with that I was one for 20 years, we will rule the world someday). Amit Kumar and Kavade  who in another lifetime would be a central minister and his NSG Commando. Sunil Kheria for being the Jhonny lever of the batch ( every batch needs one)

This place gave me some good inspirations and acquaintances that I would proudly tell my kids and theirs as well but this place also gave me some close friends. Jimit Gandhi the bombaywallah to the core, fellow PAC member and confidant when things were taking a bad turn. Vandana Nagar the quintessential Delhi girl who does not take BS from anybody, you are an embodiment of my mother (anybody who knows me intimately will know that it is the person whom I most thankful to). Rupali Shirole for those fleeting moments of teaching me that even Eric Segal novels or Yash Chopra movies can be true in real life as well. Shivaprasad for being the best person aspire to be. I do not have words to describe my admiration for you Shiva Sir.

Thank you for the Invest banking exam for me giving me ample time to write this. I know I should have kept it short but when you have so much good to say it is best to say it

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

YES WE CAN

Transcript of Barack Obama's victory speech

I wasn't around to hear Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg speech nor John F Kennedy's "Ask not what the country can do for you......." talk nor Martin Luther King's "I have a dream"... but was very much there to hear Barack Obama's victory acceptance speech. I would think it was the best speech that I have ever heard

Here we go.

Hello Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It is the answer told by the lines that stretched around schools and churches, the numbers this nation has never seen; by the people who waited 3 hours and 4 hours- many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different that their voices could be their difference. It is the answer spoken by the young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, native American, gay, straight, the disabled and the not disabled, Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states, we are and always will be the United States of America. It is the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more to the hope of a better day. It has been long time come, but tonight because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment change has come to America

 

I  just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics -- you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to -- it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington -- it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek -- it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House -- a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while theDemocratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.


And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world -- our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down -- we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security -- we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright --tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.


That’s the true genius of America. That America can change. Our union can be perfect. What we already achieved gives us the hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. This election had many firsts. There are many stories that would be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She is alive like the millions of others who stood in lines to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing. Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 year old. She was born just a generation past slavery, a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky, when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the colour of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress, the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: "Yes we can." At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. “Yes we can”. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. “Yes we can”. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. “Yes we can”. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." “Yes we can”.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, and a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. “Yes we can”.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time -- to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth -- that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

”Yes We Can”. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Safety Surrender

We in India know about the low birth rate amongst females in our country and apart from this we know about the countless atrocities that are committed against them almost every minute. It is happening as I write this and you are reading this very blog. We talk ponder debate and yet again talk about it but do not take any particular course of action to rectify this. 

Capt. Bharat Verma wrote in an article in the Indian Defense review that we Indian by nature are very possessive about the material things in our life. He goes on to explain how many Indian authors are writing about the current conflict in Kashmir and are proposing a solution by probably seceding of Kashmir but how they would sing a different tune if it is their own property that was on the chopping block. I can totally relate this particular statement to what I am trying to articulate. 

There are many atrocities that are committed against the weaker sections of the society the most against babies who are definitely the most defenseless and weakest section of the society. It brings a tear to my eye when I read about such article in the paper and tears my heart out that I am not able to do anything about it today. 

This lead me to do a research on the vast ocean that is the internet and it lead me to read about an article on the New York Times about a clinic in Los Angeles have volunteered their time where by their able to bring together the abandoned babies and the homes which are in the needs of a baby. They collect babies from homes which do not want them and bring the to foster services which takes them to homes that would provide them with love and affection. 

This can be one of the options from which the Indian authorities can gain Inspiration but for such a situation to exists in a country like ours we have to do away with the corruptions that exists at all levels in our country which has become a way of life in our country 

We should strive to do something about it

Monday, September 8, 2008

What Dhirubhai would have done ?????????/

For the uninitiated Dhirubhai Ambani was the man who grew up from rags to the richest man on Indian soil during his lifetime. The way he did is indeed debatable but one must admire the guts that were shown by a uneducated man from some backward part of Gujarat to take on the might of the government and the establishment to achieve greatness.

 The current Singur issue were a ragtag group of wanabee politician and a group of villagers are putting to hold a 1500 crore project just shames me to the fact that a business man who is supposed to be ruthless and downright dirty is issuing statements to the press that he is not happy about the course of action that is being taken. 

I am sorry Mr. Tata I believe it is your Ivy League education that is stunting your entrepreneurial Skills. Sir you were born into wealth that is akin to royalty in this country but you are not using all the advantageous that comes with such a position. 

If I were you there were two courses of action I would have taken 

1 Eliminate any perceived notion of opposition even before they crop up or swat them when they are the size of an ant and not allow them to grow up to be an ant hill one way or the other (I hope I do not have to mention any methods as I believe you to be a smart man with all your ivy league education or is that all a farce) 

2 Or move to a more conducive atmosphere where your plans dreams ambitions hopes can take flight 

When I invested my hard earned money into your organization I did not based on any market study or an investment group study I did it on the grounds of your SURNAME and your promise of rolling out the Nano soon enough which I believe with all my heart has real potential. 

I believe you and the Tata organization are not answerable to a bunch of ragtag politicians who believe the are the next Che Gureva ( I can guarantee that his soul is turning over in his grave) or to a partying power in that particular state whose main aim is anti development but Sir you are answerable to small shareholders like me who have sunk in their hard earned money believing you and your ambition. 

I think it is time to come out the façade of Gentleman and be a man with cojones ( Spanish for “balls” ) and take a real decision 

Something to think about ya Ratan 

Cherio

Chari



P.S – For inspiration think what Dhirubhai would have done in such a situation

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Is Love really blind

 

I had once taken the girl I had been seeing for a very long time to meet my father. This is the conversation we struck up after she had left.

 

F : you are a very lucky young man

 

M : How do you say that ?

 

F You have really found somebody who loves for who you really are

 

M : That is impossible I have been seeing her for quite a long time albeit that I do not   

       think that real love exists in today’s world probably it did in your times   

 

He further Chided me and said that

 

F : The color of her eyes stays blue when you are in the room but turns to grey when you  

      leave the room.                                       

 

M : I said that is downright BS

 

F : Have you seen the color of her eyes when you leave the room

 

AND WE SAY THAT LOVE IS REALLY BLIND

I Am Back Baby

These Words were said by Matt Le Blanc on the popular teleseries "Friends"

I Feel today these words were said by him to repeat by me today.

I have reinvented myself and Back with a bang

Cherio Chari