Chennai weather

It’s a common thing that non-Tamil Nadu people find all sorts of reasons to blame Chennai and it is a thing good according to me. Atleast it will not become another Bengaluru. People who go to Bangalore settle there for good, while most of them who come to Chennai want to go back to their home towns J

People hate Chennai for its weather, its non-Hindi speaking culture (frankly very few understand Hindi. It is not that people understand and do not speak, as viewed by certain section of India), its conservative nature (many hate chennai for this fact only). Whatever it is, I love my city and I’m happy the way it is. CHENNAI… FOR GOD’S SAKE BE YOURSELF!! ITS AN ORDER!!

“Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet”

I sit and wonder how true this is. In the name of development, trees are felled, huge buildings spring up, ground water is exploited to its limits, garbage is dumped on the roads, etc. So, to put it simply, Man thinks he’s King. Doesn’t he?

Let us track the day of a normal Indian:

He brushes and shaves with the tap running continuously. Does anyone think of water in his well/bore when he is brushing or shaving? Sounds insane! I’m being very frank here, I think of this EVERYDAY! But, why do I worry so much about wells going dry when no one else is bothered? It probably stems from the fact that I’m a Chennaiite. Our well goes dry and we buy water from lorries that sell water at exorbitant prices. I cannot imagine the world without water and as a few research reports suggest, the world will have tremendous water scarcity in 25 years’ time.

Then he drives to office by car. Normally a SUV/Sedan is used just to transport himself only. The costlier your car, higher is your status (Society has weird ways to evaluate a person). This way, you burn good amount of petrol/diesel and thus make your planet completely “unliveable” in a few decades’ time.

He then uses 3 paper tissues to wipe the water off his face after reaching office. In the process of taking 3 tissues, he drops a few other clean paper tissues down. Blame the tissue holder.  Where are the handkerchiefs my dear friend?

It is lunch time. He wants to eat all that in his plate and all that he has paid 40-50 Rupees for. At the end of it, manages to waste a huge amount. My company’s caterer had put up a notice that read this: “Do you know how much is the daily wastage? 80 kilos”. Can you beat that? 80 kilos of food wastage in a land where many go to sleep without a morsel of grain.

So, this blog is a humble request from my end and probably a start of my campaign. I am thinking of bigger and efficient ways to get the message across.

Our ancestors have already done enough harm by procreating in such enormous numbers which is causing serious scarcity of resources. Can we be a bit saner in using the fast depleting resources?

Let us all think twice before:

1)      We run taps continuously when we brush/shave/take bath

2)      We drive huge gas-guzzling SUVs to office daily to transport only ourselves

3)      We consume paper tissues. I feel like I’m cutting a tree when I use paper tissues (I’m not exaggerating here! If you might think I’m)

4)      We put more than what our eating capacity is.

Please! Please! Do this for you, for your children, for your grand children if not for your plane

Theeyinal Sutta Pun Ullarum Aaradhe Naavinal Sutta Vadu

This is the by far the best Thirukkural. You cannot be more spot-on that this!! For non-Tamils, it means that “Even the deepest burns caused by fire will heal one day, but the burns caused by words won’t heal”. Philosophy might easily say “Don’t be swayed by other’s opinions”. But, is this really possible? In case someone hurts you, you tend to ponder over what that person had said. So, whenever you are reminded of that person or meet him/her again, the incident crops up. The “burns” that Thiruvalluvar talks about lingers forever.

Although Old habits die hard, make sure your brain functions before your tongue!

New year resolutions and To-Dos

I just had way too many things to do at the start of this year and suddenly I realize I’ve started with a very few and not even thought the second time about many. I’m already half way into the year. Someone just wished me “Happy half a year” J by the way. Pulled up my socks now. I’ve completed jotting down what I need to do for the rest of the year. Clock’s ticking!

One piece of advice: Have just a few realistic ones written and pasted in a visible place at home. Having too many, you would end up doing almost nothing because you would not know which to prioritize. Be realistic in setting goals for the year. You can’t become a cardiac surgeon in an year. Have it in a visible place because you need to be reminded again and again, though its your own goals.

Lifetime learning from an old age home

It all started during one of our courses on Human behaviour in February 2009. We were supposed to take up a project that we had never done in our lives and that which would be deemed “out of our comfort zones”. I wanted to take up some project that would bring satisfaction to me and that would also satisfy the project objectives.

Brief description of the project

My walkabout was to organize a one day event at an Old age home in Manila, Philippines. I arranged for snacks – biscuits, juice and sweets – for the aged people (called lolos and lolas in the local language – Tagalog) and arranged for some “fun” activities. The fun activities included karaoke, aiming the balls into the basket, reverse counting, making pyramid with playing cards, etc.

Some key-learnings from my visit:

Smile wins hearts:

It doesn’t matter who you are to greet someone, you win hearts by your smiles. You smile at them and they return you abundance of happiness. They are so pure at heart as they’ve come out of the bitterness of the life and its experiences. They have transformed to pure, innocent souls because years of experience have told them what matters most in life. So, I understood what life was all about in the day that I spent at the old age home. So, this applies in the corporate world too. Smile a lot at people. Make people feel happy and important, was the key take-away for me.

Know how to connect with people:

Although I do not know Tagalog, I knew that the lolos and lolas would relate more to the event, if I spoke atleast a few words in the local language. So, I wrote down words such as “Ano po ang pangalan nila?”, “Kumusta po kayo?”, “Magandang hapon po”, “Kumain na po ba sila?”, etc. When I asked these questions, the inmates became very happy. They even responded and questioned in return. Thus, I felt, during a conversation, try to gauge the easiest way to communicate information and make best use of it (corporate world).

Relationships bring happiness and not the materialistic pursuits:

The irony is that most of our time in life we run for materialistic things without focusing on relationships. But then, I realized that it is not money that drives everything. It is the relationships that take you till the end. As soon as I started talking with them, I was called as a ‘Church father’ and a ‘Church brother’. They imagined me to be some divine person who has come to help them all. They were so happy when I took photographs with them. Most of them had their relations’ photos beside them and I could see how they valued their loved ones.

I could see one common thing among all of them. Although I could not understand Tagalog much (the local language), I knew every person in that old age home had stories to share, their life challenges, successes and pains. Each one there is a wealth of information, encyclopaedias of life’s struggles who have seen and experienced both good and bad in life. They just expect a smile, respect and attachment from the world and not sympathy. They wanted me to visit them regularly. I was atleast said thus, thousands of times: “You are such a wonderful person. Hope you come back regularly”.

So, what did I learn from this: Relationships bring happiness and not material pursuits (always).

All’s well that ends well

At the end of all this, I had to present to the class on what I had done. I had made a video that saluted my parents for what I’m today. Suddenly, at the end of the presentation, I saw that some people were moved to tears and that I was getting a standing ovation. I had never got such a rousing applause or appreciation. I always thought that such standing ovations are for people like Sachin Tendulkar (after scoring a century), for great orators and others. I was really moved that people really understood the value of parents. I also felt satisfied that my trip not only taught me an important lesson – that parents are the most precious gifts on earth – but also taught my class mates.

A month later, my professor wrote in Manila edition of Business World. Here is an excerpt on what he said:

“Among the most applauded initiatives was that made by Satheesh Kailasam, who organized a day of fun and games for the elderly wards at Golden Acres home for the aged. Satheesh, 24, worked as a senior business analyst after obtaining an engineering degree. With a slim budget of two thousand pesos, Satheesh brought so much happiness and laughter to about a hundred lolos and lolas who are now living separately from their families.

Many of his classmates emerged with moist eyes after viewing a video clip of his day at Golden Acres. Yogesh Yoshi wrote: “When I reflected on this, I realized that no matter how well I succeed [later in life], my parents have been the ones who always supported and encouraged me. This presentation made me think [about] what is important to me in life — money, career, or people close to my heart? From now onward, I would definitely think on similar lines while setting priorities and making key decisions in my life.”

Aamchi Mumbai – An outsider’s perspective

I have just stayed for a day at Mumbai and it seems like ages now – not because I don’t like the place, but because I roamed around like crazy on the first day.

One thing that I immediately noticed is the cosmopolitan nature of the city. Mumbai embraces people from any place, with just one criterion for survival – be ready to slog. It has considerate people (comparing it with the capital of the country).

The other thing that myself and my dad’s colleague discussed was the kind of customer service offered by Mumbaikars. You call up a carpenter and he comes in 5 minutes and goes about doing his job neatly. Although he charges extra, no one minds it. Autowalas do not charge anything beyond what the meter shows. Taxiwalas seem more customer-friendly. It is because of all these that my dad’s colleague loves Mumbai. So, this city teaches one very important management lesson. Customer is king. You keep him/her satisfied and you can be sure that it is half the job well done. The other half is obviously the product/service itself J

Weather is the third criterion. Being a coastal city, I imagined Mumbai weather to be on the same lines as Chennai – damn hot and “damner” humid J. This was not to be!! It is a lot cooler than Chennai at this time of the year. Probably too much influence of sea breeze. The reasons don’t matter, as long as it makes life comfortable for Mumbaikars.

People are also a lot considerate here. I’m comparing it to the “callous Delhi”. Sorry if I am a bit rude. But, I’ve been there for 8 years to comment about the place. Here, people respect fellow beings.

The aroma of garam samosa, agrak chai, samosa chat..WOW!! Although not a foodie, I simply love the taste-bud arousing tastes of Mumbai

After having sung in praise of Mumbai, there are a few things that I would hate:

The crazy crowd: I think its because of all the factors mentioned above, that there has been a huge influx of people from all parts of India. I find South Indians, North Indians, East Indians (people from East)..The West Indians (hehe..people from Maharashtra, Gujarat, etc.) seem to form a very small proportion.

Cost of living is one other factor. Again, it is because of all the positive things mentioned above. Because of all those factors, there has been a huge influx of people. This resulted in higher demand and lesser supply. The immediate effect is the higher prices that we witness today.

All my doubts – on how a city holds so many people and why are they attracted– are cleared.

The art of being happy!

Being happy and content is one of the slightly difficult things in life. How many of us are happy with our daily lives? One day we are happy and on the other, we curse everybody around us for our life! But, are they responsible for our lives?

Now, here are few quotes that i came across from various sources and let me also tell you that you must make an effort to remind yourself of these everyday, for being happy.

On my way to Manila from India (after an enjoyable vacation), I was in the Singapore airport for a stopover. Sitting in the departure hall, i was not in any mood to even smile at people.  My mind was wandering around various thoughts. What am i going to do in the future? Why am i going to Manila? What would i achieve there?  Why am i leaving my parents and my lovely family behind? What am i gaining from this!? But, later realized that these were too many questions for me to answer. Being in one of the disastrous moods, i came across a person whose T-shirt read “You are responsible for your own happiness”. I began to wonder: The umpteen questions that i have, are anyway not going to be answered in a day or two. They are going to remain for sometime. So, why not make an effort in being happy for today? Why do why waste my today for something that is not under my control? I began smiling at people and to my surprise got it in return too! So, the first lesson is to understand that there are too many things in our lives to worry for! So, leave it aside and make an effort to be happy. If there’s one lesson from the Mumbai terror attacks, it is Life is too short and there’s no telling when it could be over. Be happy NOW, otherwise it would be late.

The other quote is from a pamphlet i got from one of the clinics:  “Speak up for what you believe in”. You can be radical in your thoughts, you might be shy in expressing. But, if you think that you would be able to express the same clearly and politely without worrying about others’ reactions, people would appreciate you. By doing this, you let out emotions that you would have been having within.

Take out time for yourself and don’t be with people who pull you down: Unless you take out time for yourself, understand yourself and love yourself, you are never going to be happy. Also, make sure that you avoid company of negative people around you. They bring your energy down!

These were somethings that i thought i wanted to write it down. I, just like any other human being, is in search of happiness, but realized that even when there is recession, or even when you are fired from your organization, it is YOU who needs to make an effort to be happy. So, I’m still making conscious effort to make myself happy.  My final word of advice to everyone. No one knows what would happen in the future.  So, for today: SMILE AND BE HAPPY!!

Are you really prepared for an MBA?

‘Complete your undergrad and start preparing for your MBA exams’ has become the mantra for most of the Indian undergrads. I tried asking many on the reasons for their wish and was surprised by the answers: The salary criterion beats the others hands down. Next comes career switch, boring job, bad managers, etc. But some others were clueless. Can you imagine 20-year-olds saying I need an MBA just because my friends are doing it?

I’m doing my MBA right now at Asian Institute of Management in Manila now. Don’t ask me which category do I fall under (hehe!!)?

But right after 1 or 2 weeks, I found out that this program is not for the faint hearted. And if you are doing an international MBA, be ready for a cultural shock initially. I was totally taken aback by the “cultural change” between India and the Philippines. And over and above that, we had classes right from the next day of arrival at Manila. Imagine a plight of a tired traveller yearning for some sleep to be stuffed with books right on the first day?? Be ready to see animals and sea-food on every plate with smells driving you crazy (if you are a veggie!!). By ordering vegetarian burger, you might get to see beef/pork/sausages/mnopqr, etc.

Though a person with a decent accounting background, I had to struggle to read through 600 pages of credit and debit. I couldn’t imagine the plight of techie guys in the class. Wrote a basic test on accounting right in the first week and managed to fare decently well in that. 200 more pages per day of global gyaan on supply and demand from economics pushed people to their limits.

All in all, be ready to slog right from the first day till you die when you go for your MBA. If you are one really career-conscious person, you are at the right place. If you would like to live your life relaxed and with a bit more happiness, work from where you are or stay at home!! MBA is not for you.

Now, let me go and self-analyze

Change yourself or there would be no tomorrow!

I was browsing through Orkut today and a video of a 12 year old girl’s video caught my attention. What an emotionally charged video that was, at the UN Earth Summit in Brazil in 1992! All bureaucrats, government officials and other dignitaries were looking dumbfounded at a girl (Severn Suzuki) who at a tender age of 12 was speaking on starvation, ozone layer depletion, wastages, pollution, etc in an action packed 5 minutes speech.

I had always wanted to contribute on all the topics that Severn touched upon. But, whenever I took this topic amongst a group of people, I was called a saint or recluse. I also feel that not many people of my age (15-40 age group) know the gravity of what harm they are causing to the environment by continuing to live as they are.

Severn started thus: “I am here to speak on behalf of the starving children around the world whose cries go unheard”. “Two days ago here in Brazil, we were shocked when we spent some time with some children living on the streets. And this is what one child told us: “I wish I was rich and if I were, I would give all the street children food, clothes, medicine, shelter and love and affection. If a child on the street who has nothing, is willing to share, why are we who have everything still so greedy?” I can’t agree with this better. I still have a lot many friends, who splurge on food, clothes and parties unnecessarily, but refuse to even part with Re.1 to people suffering without food. These people I think are the biggest losers in life. I’m a strong propagator of the theory that a person gets more happiness by parting with something that he feels important (experienced a lot many times). Living for oneself causes misery. Only when at least 10% of the population gets this mentality, will an economy like India have an inclusive growth. Otherwise, the rich will get richer and the poor, poorer.

Now, here’s what Severn talks on pollution: “I am here to speak for the countless animals dying across this planet because they have nowhere left to go. We cannot afford to be not heard”. “In my life, I have dreamt of seeing the great herds of wild animals, jungles and rainforests full of birds and butterflies, but now I wonder if they will even exist for my children to see.” How true is that! And how wonderful that a 12 year talks about something that we grown-ups hardly even think of or brush it off as an alien topic. Spare a moment for your generations to come. You have experienced this wonderful world, give them a chance too!

This post would not be something urging to change the world overnight. Realize how crucial your role could be in this world. Take care of simple things: switching off lights, fans, reducing food wastage, contribute as little as possible to a starving human being, reduce on the parties you attend, cut down unnecessary food, etc. Now that you knew it all, it just needs somebody else to re-emphasize it. So, go ahead and be the change, otherwise there would be no tomorrow!

Begin to love cycles

Cycles may not be as trendy as Mercedes Benz or BMW, but there are numerous benefits for your health, environment and pocket! What made me write this post? I saw a rickshaw-man today, who just after his bath in the hot summer (yeah..Indian summer ofcourse) was putting on his clothes. I have not seen a better toned body than his for quite some time. This, at a time, when I’m really worried that, I’ve put on 15 kgs in the past 2 years of my stay in Gurgaon. To hell with SRK and six pack abs. You invest thousands in fitness centres and gym, and get a decently toned one after a few months. Somebody like me might take years. By exercising only twice in a week and with sleep getting the better of you, you cannot imagine getting a well maintained body, leave alone measuring your biceps or triceps. That rickshaw man’s job is an exercise. How sweet isn’t it? Just that the returns are so meagre. Otherwise it would have been the most-sought after profession. No wastage of your morning time, no need to invest thousands of rupees on gym, but still great health (again.. no doctors). Woww!!!

Close next is the concern for the environment and your pocket. We see cars giving 10 kmpl and 12 kmpl. With fuel prices going over the roof (crude oil costs $130 per barrel today) and with the Indian government contemplating on raising petrol prices by Rs. 7 – 12 / litre, you would see a huge hole in your pockets in a few months. Start using cycles and you can manoeuvre through the longest traffic jams in Delhi, avoid on road taxes, avoid paying your maintenance costs, save money for going to your favourite movie over the weekend and more importantly avoid polluting our planet. Invest in a very good cycle – a fashionable one if you are looking at flaunting your money.