When Paths Cross...

My job gives me an advantage - to connect with many people, of different age groups, different backgrounds, different exposures, different cultures, different skills-sets, different mind-sets/perspectives, with different priorities. While I do my work of teaching and/or adivising, the process gives me an opportunity to constanty study and learn. Since the interaction is breif, not beyond a week, the mind is unable to keep memories of all. But still, there are some of the interactions, which over a period of time, because of their distinctive nature, have left strong impressions in the mind. Today I feel like sharing a few - hoping there will be 'take-aways' - while ensuring I keep the identities protected:

> A 29year old boy - his Dad is a Scholar who has had Five PG degrees and has authored more than three hundred books, is under tremendous societal pressure to perform (outperform?) to match his Dad! In an ordeal to achieve it, the boy has already done 3 PGs and going for a fourth one. But guess what - this doesn't pay him off at the Job front! He is very unhappy as he is NOT successful, whereas his peers are, who have had some random qualifications. Has frequently changed jobs/industries in an attempt to accomplish - that now works against him. Married to a beautiful wife, who also comes from an influential(+rich) background, and has a lovely daughter. Also has a crib that he looks more than his age.

> A young boy in his late 20s - works for a IT giant - has a loooooong list of certifications on his CV (52!!! to be precise). Still aspiring for more. Any exam, he has a knack to crack. He faces a challenge while connecting to people - they don't like him - or it would be apt to say, he does not Impress them. He is secluded, and also quite Arrogant.

> A quality champion, bringing about process improvements, thinks all about organisation maturity. He asked me a question - 'how to handle situations when someone whom you are working with, due to certain change of circumstances, has had a role change and the equation goes topsy-turvy'? This made me wonder, but I could answer his question that was a notch above his satisfaction, and is definitely something to ponder about.

> In different instances, professionals - one from Atlanta, one from London, one from UAE, another one from Melbourne and couple of more - came all the way to India after getting references from their friends and colleagues - looking for me! They wanted to attend only MY session !!! It was quite surprising for the first time, and also uplifting. But made me more and more responsible in what I deliver -while the good spreads, bad spreads faster. One of them commented - 'I came all Puffed-up with esteem on Day1 (because of the fact that he was working outside!), and within a week I am going with some great friends and some humility'.

> A large & reputed consulting company, hired a batch of kids - all from IIMs and some foriegn B-schools, and they were to go through 3 months of inductions, followed by a year of apprentice, before they can be deputed at client assignments. The Gen finds playing their iPods in office pretty cool, or don't mind sitting in ralaxed postures during professional interaction, they expect a fancy Laptop and a BlackBerry phone on joining...me and the company's Practice Head whom I know from some time now, could only manage to SMILE.

> About Professional Rsponsibility, a person shared a dilemma he was in - his Boss aften asked him to carry office goods (electronics), intercity, on his car (as personal) to save on Octroi !! He did not know how to handle the situation, or to handle it at all?

> A lady in her early thirties, works as AVP quality with a KPO, is quiet career oriented. She is rather apprehensive of starting a family, while being aware that the Time is a constraint, accepts the fact that motherhood can bring about a setback to her career - the thought scares her.

> In one of the sessions that I was doing for a group from an automobile sector, it was being attended by all senior level officials. In between we would discuss current affairs, and many different things. Post the session then, on the last day, I gave the floor to their R&D head who explained, to all of us, in finest detail the 'NPT' and 'Agreement 123'!! The incidence became memorable.

While these are only a very few snippets of encounters, I decide to preserve my Responses/Judgements here, while giving an opportunity to you(the readers) to think and evaluate.

Overall, my beliefs in general are:
--- apart from 'work' it is important to have a 'LIFE'
--- Business and Pleasure can NEVER mix, if you try - you will not be able to do justice with either
--- the only way to keep things permanent is - Change along with it - keep the Pace
--- do not get emotionally atached to work situations. Discuss the situation that involves a person, and not the person who is involved in a situation - be Professional.
--- while qualification is important, the right use of it is equally important.
--- the Gadget does not decide the worth of the person using it, it is the person (user) who increases the worth of the Gadget. A business card is just a piece of 'paper' which no one would like to possess, it is my Name, when it gets printed, makes it worth having!
--- when in a Problem, remind yourself of those who are stuck in a bigger mess, and you'll remain Afloat. Also when you achieve something, remind yourself of those who have achieved much more than that, it will keep you Grounded.
--- in any transaction, do not have expectations unless 'worded' and 'agreed'. They will only disappoint you. The only coincidences that happen are the ones that we 'Plan'
--- if there's a weakness, don't show it. People will only use it. Only a parent(or family) protects the loved one from vulnerabilities - show it there - but do SHARE. However one has to derive their strengths from within.
--- be Impartial when in a position of authority. A test for self-ckeck: 'can you openly inform others about the basis of decision making?'
--- about Ethics and Values, which I personally find myself very strong in, there's a small test that one can take to quickly do a self-check:
* is the action legal?
* does it comply with your understanding of company/society values?
* if you do it, will you feel bad?
* how will it look in the Newspaper?
* will you be able to share it with your Mother?
* if you know it is wrong, don't do it
* if you are not sure, ask, and keep asking until you get an answer

While we worship God, who we don't really know Exists(?), but there's Faith...be of service to Mankind (God's creation), for which you don't need a proof of existence - this insight came to me just yesterday!!
Life is process of continous Learning & Discovery, about self and others. Enjoy the process, and make it worthwhile.

Same time of the Year...& Mid-Life Crisis

It's the same time of the year:
-- of festivities that lasts almost a month
-- that starts with Nine days of pure worship, the Navratri fasting, Jaagran and the evening meal loaded with calories that is only going to cease after Deepawali...with Karwachauth in between
-- endless hours of shopping buying gifts for friends & family, or the furnishings for the home, countless swipes of the Debit/Credit cards, and dozens of shopping bags to carry
-- to clear away the spaces and arrange them beautifully (both within & outside) to welcome the positive energies into our lifes
-- an opportunity to re-connect with those who mean to you, to re-affirm the bond that can last another season
-- when the dark colored business suits take the corner side of the wardrobe, and all the shimmery stuff with embroideries, glitters, and bling becomes the style statement
-- the associates may call for a reason other than business - to wish you happiness!

Its the same time of the year, when last year during this time, I was in the process of shifting into my new house - it will soon be a year! - 1st anniversary :-)

How time flies by - the thought makes me nostalgic with memories of the entire year that comes gushing into the mind with moments that were all so beautiful. The span brought a breath of fresh air into life, a feeling of achievement, contentment, and a sense of immense responsibility.

There are many silent moments leading to mood swings, oflate bouncing like a crazy Pinball...makes the drawing board of life look quite messed up (or blank?). After some reflection, analysis, and reading I could only identify it as 'Mid-life crisis'. Well, the attempt is ON to get through it. The experiences made me more wise, sensible, grounded, and humble - increased awareness of Self.

The celebration is for the big and small accomplishments - of Gains & Pains - even the minutest one like, - I learnt to cook ONE portion of food finally !! :-)
Happy celebrations...

Living till Leaving

Mind is working overtime, constantly thinking about the things to achieve – thanks to Brian Tracy.

I have usually not been the kind of person to think long-term and decide what I want to be, and plan for it. I think and believe - ‘if I look back, I would have never imagined what I am today!; so how can I say what I will be in the future?!’
Well, that does not mean that I landed up, where I am today, just by sheer chance…!! It happened because of the situations encountered, the way I assessed them, identified options, and made choices. Those choices have made all the difference.

There are certain circumstances that have an element of uncertainty while some are guaranteed, like - I know the body will grow old one day, I know the health will not support the same lifestyle one day, I know going slow means less money or may be no money, I know there will always be needs, I know the parents will not be there always for the comfort and support etc. The realities can’t be ignored…

The time to act is NOW.

The time is very less, and there is so much to do. Cannot let it go in vain. Every hour spent should pay back; either monetarily, or enhanced knowledge, or improved relationships, or better health.

Meaningful Interaction – the head screams at the slightest hint of a blur.

The time-table is really helpful with - fire in the belly, determination in the mind, passion in the heart, and grace on the face. Sounds ferocious… :-)

This mood can scare me at times, actually!! Being a woman - care, compassion, creativity, beauty, warmth, grace, devotion, tenderness comes naturally. These need an outlet too.

Creating a balance between both sides is challenging, yet important.

Gardening is one good and healthy way, I learnt. Had started with twenty five pots and the current count is forty six. The care, compassion, tenderness comes out tending to the plants and watching them bloom.





The creativity, beauty and grace comes out in adorning, and placing them at the right spots.





The devotion comes out in worshiping the Tulsi twice daily.


Family is a means to bring out the warmth. There is warmth in sharing those few moments with the family adding happiness, and feel the love, care, and admiration for each other.



There is happiness and warmth with Friends in spending the moments together while exercising in the gym, or swimmimg in the inviting pool. It is also an outlet for excess physical energy, plus it keeps me fit!



Work for a cause, not applause;
Live to express, not impress;
Don't try to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt

Learning from the GOOD, for it always will win over the EVIL

What better way to remember our lord 'Sri Krishna' - the very adorable Kanha/ Kanhaiya/ Krishna/ Mohana/ Maakhan Chor/ Parth/ Shyam... on Krishna Janmashtami than the timeless words of wisdom that makes one stay grounded during good times, and remain afloat during adversities.

Bhagawat Gita Sar:

"Why do you worry unnecessarily?

What are you afraid of?

Who can destroy you?

A soul is never born, so it never dies.

Whatever happened, it happened for good,

Whatever is happening, is happening for good,

Whatever will happen, will happen for good.

What have you lost that makes you cry?

What did you bring with you that you've lost?

What is that you produced which got destroyed?

You never brought anything when you were born,

What ever you have, you have recieved from him,

Whatever you give, you give to him.

You came empty handed,

so shall you leave.

Whatever you have today was somebody else's till yesterday,

and will be sombody else's tomorrow,

Change is the law of this universe."

I could never finish reading The Bhagwat Gita. The only time I used to read then was during travels - while waiting in the airport or while flying etc. and realised it was becoming a reason for un-invited conversations :-)...I kept it aside. But It definitely is a must read - for all - over and over again.

Krishna was born on a Wednesday, the eighth day(hence 'Janm' 'ashtami') of second fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC, also known as Dwapur Yug. Precisely, according to scholars, July 19th 3228 BC.

It was raining heavily then, and it still rains every year on that day! His birth place Mathura Brindavan is very close to Delhi, just about 2 to 3hrs drive, and 30mins from Agra. Have been wanting to go there from quite sometime, hope the plan gets finalised.

Krishna's transit on this earth, right from the time he was concieved, was eventful & dramatic. He was sent here with a purpose - to free the earth from the wickedness of the demons. There are dozens of stories we've all heard/read about his birth, his childhood with Sudama and other Gwala(s) and Gopi(s), about Meera & Radha, the SheshNag, the Govardhan parvat, with Arjun, the Mahabharata...Great ones!

Suddenly I wondered how come we haven't heard of any stories of Krish post the Mahabharata??? My curiosity led me to this peice of information :- Krishna was cursed by Gandhari (Kaurava's mother) when all her hundred sons died in the Mahabharata - 'the way you destroyed my vansh, you will also die without a hierer' she said. After some years of Raj, Krishna went into Agyaatvaas. He lived for 125 years and disappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the corrupt age known as Kaliyug, thats where WE exist - intersting, isn't it?!

In Kaliyug also we witnessed, and continue to witness many demons and angels - good and evil co-exists. The Englishmen came and captured the nation (demons), and that is when the Krishnas of Kaliyug - Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh...took us towards freedom, and we celebrate sixty two years of that on this 15th. Happy Independence Day.

The air is full of 'Vande Matram' and 'Jai Ho' tunes, and the environment is painted in Tricolor - its very Uplifting! We love our country - it shows. This morning we got together to celebrate the day with - Flag hoisting, Drawing/Painting, and fancy dress for kids - it was nice.

This is me with little Pt. Nehru, isn't he cute? :-) and don't miss the tricolor on the arm :-)

The nation got independence, but are we Independent? Are we free? Liberated? from the evil/demons - outside or within? Being unhappy is a trigger.

I thought, and liberated myself from:

• Technology - there was too much of online communication. I gave up e-mails where a phone call was possible. I gave up phone call where a face-to-face was possible. It takes away loneliness, improves the quality of interaction, strengthens relationships. Time well spent.
• Talking - not that I stopped talking, but started listening more. Limited the talks to ask questions only, and not Advice/Consult (thats my job), they discover the solutions in the process of responding itself.
• Unstructuredness - the job does not allow me to have a fixed routine, and hence erratic schedules...well, this will remain. So, a time-table had to be enforced that allows time for sleep, work, exercise, learn, reflect, and leaves some to spare as well for nothing or something.
• Limiting Thoughts - where there is a will there is a way. Pushing the wind in the direction of my dreams, the rest will happen. But yes, continue to dream on!

The Gita says - 'change is the law of this universe'. Gandhi ji said - 'be the change you want to create'. Btw, the theme is, and will always be - Evolution...

Togetherness is Happiness

"Finally, things are how they are suppose to be,
Me with you and you with me,
This is the way its suppose to be.

We love each other,
Care for one another..
We are together and this will last forever.

Together we are unstoppable,
Capable of anything,
Indestructible,
Nothing can stop us.

This is how things are suppose to be,
Me with you and you with me,
Together forever in Harmony.."

The weekend was just about this - Togetherness!

The Teej celebration with mehendi, get-togethers, glamour, glitter, songs, games, fun and gossips...a pleasant change. Happy neighbourhood :)

Some heart-to-heart, pillow talk, after long - the rooms had more than normal supply of CO2 - with a mother & daughter chito chat, it had been almost six months re...there's joy in togetherness - the joy of sharing, the joy of listening, the joy of cooking for them, the joy of exchanging updates, the joy of appreciating, the joy of thanking, also the joy of peaceful silence, the joy of being ONE...

It is good to be ambitious, still in the end you need THEM around to share the WINS - thats Happiness!

MOmEnT oF aWe...!!!

Indeed it was a moment of AWE - the sight of the massive structure, standing on huge pillars, supported by Strong neatly arranged Cables, streching across on top of the massive Arabian Sea - The Bandra Worli Sea Link !!!

How could they have done it ???!!!!!!!

A visit to the city of Dreams - Mumbai, in the last week gave me an opportunity to witness and experience the latest landmark, when post a meeting I took a diversion. I was quite determined to do it at the first available opportunity, and this was it. The driver was too sweet to understand my excitement and joy, and made sure he was not driving beyond 30kmph. I wanted to savour every moment of it. The to & fro joy ride was something to remember, while writing I am living through it all over again...

It was late in the night, but I was feeling safe as it was a hotel transport and these folks are well mannered and reliable. Also took a chance of stopping over the bridge, without getting penalised, and let the scene + air + feel to sink in through the pores - Damn, the camera didn't work! Soon it started raining...strangely the rain was falling on the left side of the moving car, usually we experience that on the windscreen on the front, isn't it?! Secretly I wished the variant of the car should have been with a Sun-roof, and someone special by the side...

There were folks around - joyriders like me - with gang of friends - living it up - no nonsense - adding happiness around !! An open top SUV/Jeep would have been ideal for that mood.

HCC has done a marvellous job in bringing the impossible bridge come Alive - it costed 750 crores, and took 10 years to complete - the result is worth it! They have opened 4 lanes (2 for each side), the parallel bridge is in progress and they will have 4 lanes for each side then. The toll is rs75 for both sides, and can be paid in one go. Operation was smooth.

It made me feel a little jealous - Delhi can never have something like this - there's no Sea here - chalo anyways, its my country yaar :-)

The ride during late night had an advantage - less traffic, view of the structure with strategically done lightings. Next visit, may be, will try to experience on day-light to admire the Arabian sea below...

Last Four weeks...

The weather did change, with repeated showers, cool breeze, fresh sprouts, greens around - the much awaited Rainy season!! Winters are not far away...

Lara Cameron after lots of turmoils, and uncomfortable situations did have a happy ending in the arms of charming, handsome, and the most loving Philip Adler. I am on the Flight Plan now...

Just like the rains, we were starved for new movies - New York, though with a sad ending, was a nice to watch movie. Just three songs, but all capable ones...Junoon shakes me inside out, sets the mood to young and dangerous living, with speed and thrills....but somehow got hooked on to Tune jo naa kahaa, Main wo suntaa raha...Khamakhaa bewajah Khwaab buntaa raha....BIG time! In our first attempt to watch the movie we ended up in the Hard Rock Cafe, thanks to the seamless planning and coordination carried out by my sweet cousin :-) The next one in the plan is Love Aajkal - am a typical hindi movie freak!

Offlate I saw myself a little more active in the neighbourhood, decided to join the executive committee of the Resident Welfare Association - thought it would be good to represent the female population and influence the decision making that is fair. We have fortnightly meetings on alternate Sundays.

The environment is happy and congenial. The swimming pool became function in April. My initial thought that we would only see the men and kids splashing around turned out to be quite Backward. The water is glowing with beauty in it. I was one of the last females to take a plunge, coz I needed a coach and a companion - I found one in Sunita - my padosan in flat no 305. Sunita, now a mother of two sons, has been a national level swimmer...she is quite a good coach, sweet & patient enough to accomodate me with my erratic schedules.

The evenings, when I am lucky to have a generous ammount of time at my disposal, end royally with a good workout in the Gym, followed by a 30mins swim and then a nice book by the bedside - though I can count such evenings on my fingertips over the last three months :-)

Workwise it has been quite a time - two new product releases, two product upgrades, a MIS audit cleared that gets us the ATO accredition with APMG, and a mega event the PML Conference - all in a quarter! While the revenue fugures were not very encouraging, and could not have been better, it was quite a productive time for the practice. There were no weekends for the last three weeks :-(

Emmanuel - the auditor was quite a guy - friendly but in-depth probing. Still remember the night prior to the audit when had to ensure the preparedness - collecting evidences, filing them till 2am, so that we sail through it smoothly - and so we did ! We surprised ourselves actually !!

The conference was yet another humungous affair, that concluded with a huge success! The execution was flawless, with a gathering of 150+, and extensive knowledge exchange.....APPLAUDES!

There will be many publishings, media releases etc. about the WoW parts, but I intend to write down some behind the scene happenings, the chaos, the glitches, the nerve wrecking moments that went by in the making of this event...with a bit of bragging as well :-)

A B'lore based competitor had to cancel their conference due to the slowdown, we were taking a big risk. Initially we did think of postponing/cancelling, but then we said NO. We had to make it happen. Reduced the scope from two day to a One day event. There were no sponsors, we were executing with zero budgets. The pressure was high to get delegates. The pressure was high to get eminent speakers, for the sales to kick - and guess what - we ended up with a real good margin :-)

Btw, the back-end team was all new, except for Me and the Practice head Ramani. Since the event was going to be in Delhi, I had to assume responsibility...the prep was not easy.

Sponsors - Oh my, it is not easy...! Babita (Pearson) gave a real tough time...it was an ultimate chaos situation when the team was close to pulling their hair...thats when I decided to intervene and get things sorted out. The books came just on time, all PMPs felicitated, perfect execution.

Speakers - All big people in the community, their calendars get blocked three to six months in advance, and we started approachig them just six weeks before the event....!! Last PML it was S Gopalakrishnan (Infosys CEO), and speakers of similar repute who had been there, we had to maintain the standards. All the talks and communications with the who's who of the industry like - Narayanmurthy, Nandan, Som Mittal, Kiran Karnik, Dr. R K Pachauri, E Sreedharan, Shantanu Narayen, Naresh Gupta, Richard Rossman, Subroto bagchi, Pramod Bhasin, Sandeep Rao, and about half a dozen more...were not closing. Most of them were busy putting up their own house in order and were travelling frantically. Finally after countless interactions we could set up a good agenda with some real good speakers on the podium. The keynote - Akila was good and easy to manage. Our friend Hemant Julka flew from Dubai, Sonu Rathore never denies, Himadri Bannerjee shortened his Jakarta trip, NBS was sweet and flexible for last minute changes, Raj Kalady is always game for a PMI event, Lins is there too.

The paper presenters are never an issue, but may have many many questions. It was good to see the speakers being applauded, our selection was good.

The last minute R&R definition, daily team meetings, a three page list of logistics, about a dozen partners to manage, the prep at the venue till 1am and starting a 6.30am again....we have a high energy team I must say ! We did it all with great enthusiam, not allowing that smile to faint ! the spirits continued until the post conference team dinner, we rocked the entire place with all that whacky fun....Navyug came up with some really wierdo movies for the Dumb Sharaz....cannot forget how Gagon enacted that :-D

For me - 'Raja Harsh Vardhan' was not not an easy one. Managed that still, dont ask me how :-)

Here are some of the whacko pictures with the team. The last one clicked by the Boss himself - NM :-)

While these are the extra innings, oficial coverage can be seen on our website soon.

Am having a relaxed day today, a much needed break, before I take on the flight tomorrow and get back to my toes again. Robert Frost is keeping me motivated with his timeless words - The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

Even then - Really Missed having a (Travel) Partner, for I had to let go the chance to participate in (http://www.greatdrivingchallenge.com/). Entries were for couples only...hope I'll be able to keep up my commitment with myself to drive upto Leh before the road closes in September, and will not have to re-baseline the plan.