Happy teacher's day!

I realise that I am what I am today, because of my parents, teachers, mentors and friends; parents being my first teachers!

Sadaasiva Samaarambham Sankaraacharya Madhyamaam
Asmadaacharya Paryanthaam Vande Guruparamparaam

I pay respect to all teachers starting from God almighty himself, great sages like Sankaraacharya, my own teachers.

Happy Onam!

In the land blessed by God, not yet completely ruined by man, it is now celebration time.

For others like me, who are away from this land, it is time of nostalgia; notalgia of a past long lost into annals of history.

This is perhaps the only place on earth which interacted with people from far off lands, even from the times of roman/greek civilizations, and accepted the differences. The differences are accepted without belittling them nor loosing once own identity; perhaps a lesson for the whole world as thousands of lives are lost in the name of trivial dogmas

I am glad to observe much of that spirit continues with us, even today.

For instance, take a look at malayalam movies in the past and now. Malayalam movies are unique in its portrayal of people of different ethnicity or language in heroic light, and that is accepted by the people!

Take a look at the language, it has accepted words from many other languages yet maintains its uniqueness.

Is this lack of identity or an identity in itself? Often, we hear cries of Kerala/Malayalam loosing its identity in the cultural melting pot of global village.

Identity of Kerala/Malayalam is not hardened fundamentalism of the weak but rather gentle openness of the strong. It is soothing peace from the land where heights of spiritual wisdom meets depth of humility. It is the land where king sacrificed his powers, and worldly existence, for the overall benefit of people. It is a place where divine worship goes beyond the confines of religious barriers and dogmas

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Onam as Onam celebrations starts today


......
Aaru Chavitti Thazthilum, azhalin
Paathalathilolikkulum etho
Poorvasmaranayil Aahladathin
Lokathethum Hridayam

.......

Oru Thaarakaye Kaanumbol Athu Raavu Marakkum
Puthumazha Kaanke Varalcha Marakkum
Paalchiri Kandathu Mrithiye Marannu
Sukhiche Pokum

Courtsey: Poet Sugathakumari

Words roughly translate to mean:
Even when forced into submission or lost in depth of despair,
Human mind springs back into the world of happiness with nostalgic charm
.....
Forgets darkness of night in the beauty of even a lone star
Forgets droughts in the glory of rain
Forgets death on innocent smile of a child

Intellectual vaccum!

I am not a sociologist or economist, nor a follower of any specific socio-economic-political ideology. I am a curious observer of socio-political scene.

History of 20th century, as I see it, is dominated by two contrasting ideologies of communism and capitalism. These have its root in economics, both has influenced socio-political scenario around the world. Their influence was so high that it created a bi-polar world forcing most of the coiuntries to align with one of them

As a neutral observer, I did find merits in value proposition of both the ideologies, though I was not a fan of either. Rather, before I could see their value propositions being translated into actual value, both collapsed

What is interesting is, value proposition of communism was buried deep in its grave by its major advocates towards end of century. If what I am seeing is anything to go by, value proposition of capitalism is ready for its grave, being killed by its very proponents. It is being becoming clear, by now, that the notion of natural balance of free market was a matter of political convenience rather than being an ideology.

Is it not yet time for us to go back to our Swadeshi Movement

Couplet in Malayalam, written years back

Couplet in Malayalam that I written years back

Just happened to recall during a discussion yesterday, within my family.

Occasion was birthday one of my best friends. I had selected a greeting card to send him. The card carried a picture of a beautiful flower basket; a red rose standing out from rest of flowers in the basket.

From Blogger Pictures

Couplet in Hindi, written years back

Couplet in Hindi that I written years back

Just happened to recall during a discussion yesterday, within my family. It was written when I was alone first time after my marriage, when my wife had to go back to her home first time.

From Blogger Pictures

Cost of development!?

Fallout of social development, as we have it, is destruction of environment.

A major part of the damage is by carbon emissions. Interestingly, China is leading the list of countries which contribute to carbon emissions, as per a recent report but interestingly US scores as biggest polluter per capita

Is the world at large require to bear the cost of comfort of the affluent few?

It is time to wake up. It is time for corrective action.

Just getting settled in the new place of stay!

My new home is around here, near the Thiru Vi Ka Park.

Seems to be cool, green and refreshing... need to find time to enjoy the world around!


View My New Home in a larger map

Making life more and more complex

There was a time when shifting place of stay was a matter of a couple of hours.

As time passed, I have acquired many things and that has made what used to be simple activity very complex. Work started a week back and it is just getting over.

Much of actual shifting was done by an agency but still much of work remains. Well, as they say, 'devil is in the details'... so much true for work at home as much as for business.

When I pause to consider how much of my acquisitions actually deliver value to my life, I find that it is very little.

Does race matter still?

There has been a lot of discussion on merits of free market, and it has been an extension of capitalist economic model. I love much of it, if only for the spirit of freedom that it stands for. Freedom for investors, Freedom for business, freedom for employers, freedom for employees, freedom for buyers and freedom for sellers.... or perhaps, that is what I believed.

I am not an economist. In my understanding, as a layman, a free market is driven by market forces rather than extraneous factors, business is conducted based on scientific management and business analysis, performance and merit are the only consideration for employment and career.

Therefore, I am surprised when racial factors spark a debate on matters of employment in countries which rest of world look upto

I am shocked the very advocates of freedom and liberty are seen to be sulking. Was advocacy of free market was matter of convenience rather than matter of principle?

I do not think language is truly a barrier in the context of international business. English is almost lingua franca, across the world.

Is language truly a barrier when it is a skill that can be acquired, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to getting up to speed on any language, for daily living/business.

Or is it another way of bringing up racial barriers? Have we not yet seen end of the evil called racism, even as the world is getting smaller?

A land blessed by God

God's own country!
A land blessed by God
Not yet ruined completely by man.

A land,
... Where innocence still permeates the country side,
... Where wounds of past are washed clean by perennial rains,
... Where tears from depth of sea meets heights
... Where dreams of fertile life sprouts, with each rain drop falling,
... Where benevolent God showers blessings from clouds above,
... Where blessings from heavens above nourish every inch of land

Wonder for how long can it maintain its serene divinity as the deceptive winds of change is knocking at its door,
An innocent youth is easily lured into enticing promises elusive dreams;
Lost into eternal chase of mirages!

Promised land is here!
A divine blessing to the man kind!

Total and systematic destruction of Self

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?

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!

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

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?

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!

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 

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)

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

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

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.