Total and systematic destruction Self and ego!
It is happening now, and it is hurts!
Consciously or otherwise, we form a perception of the Self as we grow up. Then it crystallises into a structure.
As the storm of hard times lash through the land of life, it breaks down the structure, bringing down ego, self esteem and every other edifice on which life is built on.
When remains now is a life at crossroads; or many lives rather...
What is life after that, only time can tell... lives lost, dreams shattered, ... or perhaps a miracle ... a new dawn of peace! .. or is it making a new Self whom I am not yet familiar?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Barcamp Chennai
I heard about Barcamp recently through a friend of mine. It sounds quite interesting!
Looks like, I missed previous Barcamp, and going by what I see on the net (1, 2, 3), I think I missed quite a bit
look forward to join the next, without fail. It seems Barcamp, Chennai happens only once a year; will that mean next year? Hope it happens sooner.
Tried to register; seems it is locked for now!
Looks like, I missed previous Barcamp, and going by what I see on the net (1, 2, 3), I think I missed quite a bit
look forward to join the next, without fail. It seems Barcamp, Chennai happens only once a year; will that mean next year? Hope it happens sooner.
Tried to register; seems it is locked for now!
Beyond the powers of creation and destruction!
What is the goal of science? Taking man close to perceived "divine" powers? Making man immortal? Giving man control over the world that he lives in? Are trying to master the art of cosmic dance?
If that translates to mean attaining the powers of creation and destruction, mankind seems to pretty close to it. Early 20th century gave hints of getting destructive powers which was realized by middle of 20th century. World is still struggling to put genie back in the bottle
Now, by early 21st century, we are finding possibilities of getting powers of creation.... What we do attaining these powers? Can we balance these powers, ensuring sustenance/maintenance? Interestingly, out of complementary powers of Trinity, what seems to defy control is sustenance/maintenance
If that translates to mean attaining the powers of creation and destruction, mankind seems to pretty close to it. Early 20th century gave hints of getting destructive powers which was realized by middle of 20th century. World is still struggling to put genie back in the bottle
Now, by early 21st century, we are finding possibilities of getting powers of creation.... What we do attaining these powers? Can we balance these powers, ensuring sustenance/maintenance? Interestingly, out of complementary powers of Trinity, what seems to defy control is sustenance/maintenance
Tragedy@Mangalore Airport
I was shocked to learn about the tragedy@Mangalore(India) airport
I have not landed ever at Mangalore airport. But I was curious to find this video showing landing at the Mangalore airport.
Good video but when we travel, do we realize that the cost of even a slight mistake is so high? Do we realize the relative risk so that we can take informed decisions? Does it take such a cost to realize?
I have not landed ever at Mangalore airport. But I was curious to find this video showing landing at the Mangalore airport.
Good video but when we travel, do we realize that the cost of even a slight mistake is so high? Do we realize the relative risk so that we can take informed decisions? Does it take such a cost to realize?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Are we killing ourselves?
I have heard many theists using 'ability to create life' as a key capability distinguishing man from god. Arguments goes like this: "Man may have capability to destroy but can he create life?"
If that is what makes a man supreme power and equal to God, man kind as a race is on the threshold of divine bliss and stature of god. But is that truly so?
Are we capable of controlling what is around us? Are we capable of controlling our creation? Are we able to manage our own destructive powers? In short, are we able to control ourselves? If not, of what use are these powers?
I am not against scientific research and progress; I am very much with it so long as we also understand limitations of science and importance of being put to the right use, and ensuring it is put only to such a use.
I am reminded of Why the future doesn't need us. Well, that threat is now more real that ever!
If that is what makes a man supreme power and equal to God, man kind as a race is on the threshold of divine bliss and stature of god. But is that truly so?
Are we capable of controlling what is around us? Are we capable of controlling our creation? Are we able to manage our own destructive powers? In short, are we able to control ourselves? If not, of what use are these powers?
I am not against scientific research and progress; I am very much with it so long as we also understand limitations of science and importance of being put to the right use, and ensuring it is put only to such a use.
I am reminded of Why the future doesn't need us. Well, that threat is now more real that ever!
Technology that matters!
I like a technology when it helps; when it helps me, people around me, and the world at large. I like ATM when I look from that perspective. It has made my banking experience simpler.
I remember the time when many productive hours were wasted in bank, standing in queue, just to withdraw money. I remember the time when I had to go around carrying a lot of cash. Well, that was difficult and insecure, considering risk of losing, pickpocket stealing, ..., especially in the crowd. I remember the time when pickpocket stole my money.
For almost a decade by now, I always carry just enough cash only, with comfort that I can withdraw money from an ATM close by, wherever (well, almost) I am in the world
I had my share of bad experiences with ATMs but that has nothing to do with technology but rather with the people and system. For instance, I withdrew some money from Syndicate Bank a few months back and I got some paper instead of currency note. Cash counting device within ATM did not distinguish between the note and the paper. I reported this promptly to nearby branch; they gave sympathetic listening, and took my request but but they have neither credited the amount to my account nor bothered to inform me. (I must admit that this was first and only such experience in past ten years of using ATMs)
Being born and brought up here, I understand that it happens, especially in this part of the world. I do not blame technology; it has more to do with people and systems than technology. We create technology and, naturally, it has imperfections. Technology is not meant to replace people but only to help. People make difference; if they don't, technology cannot be blamed.
I found ATMs, during my visit to Kerala, even that places where I did not expect them. That is, ATMs are everywhere; reaching out even to villages. It is making difference, everywhere and to everyone cutting across rural/urban, rich/poor, literate/illiterate divides and I like it.
Hats off to the inventor
I remember the time when many productive hours were wasted in bank, standing in queue, just to withdraw money. I remember the time when I had to go around carrying a lot of cash. Well, that was difficult and insecure, considering risk of losing, pickpocket stealing, ..., especially in the crowd. I remember the time when pickpocket stole my money.
For almost a decade by now, I always carry just enough cash only, with comfort that I can withdraw money from an ATM close by, wherever (well, almost) I am in the world
I had my share of bad experiences with ATMs but that has nothing to do with technology but rather with the people and system. For instance, I withdrew some money from Syndicate Bank a few months back and I got some paper instead of currency note. Cash counting device within ATM did not distinguish between the note and the paper. I reported this promptly to nearby branch; they gave sympathetic listening, and took my request but but they have neither credited the amount to my account nor bothered to inform me. (I must admit that this was first and only such experience in past ten years of using ATMs)
Being born and brought up here, I understand that it happens, especially in this part of the world. I do not blame technology; it has more to do with people and systems than technology. We create technology and, naturally, it has imperfections. Technology is not meant to replace people but only to help. People make difference; if they don't, technology cannot be blamed.
I found ATMs, during my visit to Kerala, even that places where I did not expect them. That is, ATMs are everywhere; reaching out even to villages. It is making difference, everywhere and to everyone cutting across rural/urban, rich/poor, literate/illiterate divides and I like it.
Hats off to the inventor
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pre-monsoon showers in Kerala
I took a very short break from business, went to my home town, Kodungallur, and Guruvayur. My parents have come from Delhi for a short visit.
Experiencing early pre-monsoon showers in Kerala was, indeed, rejuvenating experience, especially while going from Chennai.
Chennai was boiling under scorching heat of Agni Natchathiram . Of course, by now, heat of Chennai has come down drastically with the cyclone 'Laila'
Made a short visit to Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Went to Kodungallur with my family, parents, sister and her family; a family reunion at my father's place (Indira Mandiram, Chirakkal Kovilakam, Kodungallur), after a long while.
Photo of my paternal grand parents, from archives (photo of photo taken with flash on; therefore, bottom portion spoiled due to too much of bright reflection of flash)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Yet another avoidable man-made disaster!
Some disasters happen, and we could hardly do anything about it, as in case of Tsunami. We could only keep a watch and be prepared, and minimize damage through collective action... and then, there are which could have been avoided with a little extra care. It is sad to see them recurring and it is sad when precious human life is lost. There is news in the media the next day but for those affected life goes on ... life changed for ever, irreversibly
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Cost of compromise!
Cost of compromise! A lesson from the world of cricket.
World of professionals (irrespective of what the profession is) is inevitably and inexplicably tied to business, and lure of money. The more the money and visibility involved, the more is responsibility that comes with it.
Cricketers of modern India are part and parcel of 'sports and entertainment business'. Those who cannot, are simply not worth the position that they are given. Position of respect, power and/or fame comes with the responsibility conducting oneself in a manner which is, and looks, responsible and accountable. One cannot take part of the deal and decide not to take the other.
In this context, blaming failure in T20 world cup on IPL looks more of kiddish argument, and no where close to being a professional. This is more alarming than failure in itself. I think, it is time they start behaving like a professional
World of professionals (irrespective of what the profession is) is inevitably and inexplicably tied to business, and lure of money. The more the money and visibility involved, the more is responsibility that comes with it.
Cricketers of modern India are part and parcel of 'sports and entertainment business'. Those who cannot, are simply not worth the position that they are given. Position of respect, power and/or fame comes with the responsibility conducting oneself in a manner which is, and looks, responsible and accountable. One cannot take part of the deal and decide not to take the other.
In this context, blaming failure in T20 world cup on IPL looks more of kiddish argument, and no where close to being a professional. This is more alarming than failure in itself. I think, it is time they start behaving like a professional
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
India, and the new world order
No more than a couple of decades back, India was considered to be 'land of bullock carts' or 'land of oriental mystics'. Pace of changes after globalization/liberalization since 1991 has, indeed, changed the face of India beyond recognition,in the emerging world order. Some of those are good while some others are not!
As an Indian, I am proud to see India basking in the new found glory yet it pains to observe that much of what has changed is only the face. I miss the bank officials in friendly neighbourhood of old times. When I go to the bank now, it costs me more (any time banking.. It is for my convenience or bank's?)
I am glad to see computing reach out to rural India in the form of mobile phones but I am sad to see that they still live in miserable conditions. It pains because what goes around in the name of development is breaking apart the social fabric and development is tearing apart the social fabric. It raises fundamental questions and development, without addressing these, is not sustainable.
Deep within India is still the same. To know what I mean, get closer to the life of an average Indian. I am not referring to the Indian that you find in Airports walking around with laptops, iPhones and what not. That is only a small fraction. Rest of India is still starving
Yes, World is going through a turmoil triggered by a chain of economic crises and that raises fundamental questions. I believe India does hold answers to many of them but, before that, we have a long way to go to keep our house in order.
As an Indian, I am proud to see India basking in the new found glory yet it pains to observe that much of what has changed is only the face. I miss the bank officials in friendly neighbourhood of old times. When I go to the bank now, it costs me more (any time banking.. It is for my convenience or bank's?)
I am glad to see computing reach out to rural India in the form of mobile phones but I am sad to see that they still live in miserable conditions. It pains because what goes around in the name of development is breaking apart the social fabric and development is tearing apart the social fabric. It raises fundamental questions and development, without addressing these, is not sustainable.
Deep within India is still the same. To know what I mean, get closer to the life of an average Indian. I am not referring to the Indian that you find in Airports walking around with laptops, iPhones and what not. That is only a small fraction. Rest of India is still starving
Yes, World is going through a turmoil triggered by a chain of economic crises and that raises fundamental questions. I believe India does hold answers to many of them but, before that, we have a long way to go to keep our house in order.
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