A giant lollypop or a sweet nothing!

Some days back on my way to work, I happened to notice the Lollypop hoardings skirting the Western Express Highway (WEH) on a very short stretch. It was FedEx advertising on them all through.

As I tried to recollect my last memory of these hoardings, I wondered "Had they had become a blind spot to a Mumbaikar like me who travels up and down the WEH twice every weekday?" What with  with our head immersed in our mobile phones, it was quite believable as we don't have time to look out the car window.

For those who have not seen them, Lollypop hoardings are concrete structures literally the shape of what else but a lollypop. They are used for advertising on the flat surface on either side of it's face (see pic below). They came up in the 80's ( I think) and have been their ever since. And mind you, in recessionary times and even beyond we had seen only variety of bird images instead of any advertisements for a very long time.
I thought that as the media trends changed, even these lollypops would have gradually receded into oblivion. But after having seen them yesterday still 'alive and in complete form' with FedEx campaign running on it, it made me immediately infer. If there is one media vehicle which has bravely survived the onslaught of dynamic hoardings and even the fairly young social media, are truly these Lollypop Hoardings - standing tall on the fringe of Western Express Highway near the Mumbai Domestic Airport area. They truly deserve to be the hero of the movie 'Die Hard- Part 6', if ever there is one made.

However, what really amplified my curiosity was, why were the advertisers still using this medium?
What was attracting them to use these hoardings?? Was it the uniqueness of these lollypop hoardings, their few numbers, low advertising rates, the location of these hoardings or the sheer old world charm that the advertisers saw in this format? Now, that's something I am really curious to know. If you happen to have some insights on this medium, do let me know.
A giant lollypop for your thoughts!

What's in a name?

Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

That's what Juliet said but I beg to differ with her.
Honestly, this was never intended to be a blog post but in the recent times there have been so many stories I had heard around this topic that it drove me to write this piece. I would not say it has been an inspiring lesson but let's just say I was inspired to write about it. And as a marketer, I can assure you that I am definitely not on the same page as Sir William Shakespeare on this one.

Let me start with the memory of a story I had heard a long time ago which came jogging back to me as I sat down to write on this subject.
Story 1
Legend has it that many years back Madura Garments (now part of Aditya Birla Group) was about to launch a store for its newly launched brand of shirt in India. It was in one of the big metro cities in southern India. The top head honcho of the company was going to unveil the showroom amid lot of fanfare. He arrived very much on time but to be welcomed by an unsightly fascia (front branding) of the shop. Apparently, no one had noticed it till then and he also chose  to grin and bear through the whole proceedings as if all was perfectly fine. He did his job of inaugurating by cutting the ribbon, posing for a few photographs, and then leaving quietly. As expected, all hell broke loose the next morning in his office. He asked his secretary to round up all those involved in the store launch and asked them to meet him in his office immediately. By then even the team involved in the store launch had realized their fatal oversight and lumbered inside his cabin like lambs to the slaughter house. And as they say, rest is history!
By now you must be wondering what was the unsightly fascia branding which really got his goat. Believe it or not some one in the marketing team had outsourced the store branding to a painter who apparently didn't know his ABC's so instead of the fascia that should have read Van Heusen it ended up as Van Hussain.

Story 2
A couple of months back my colleague and her family members had been on a holiday to some place in North India. It was a big group and hence all the travel arrangements were dutifully done through a travel agent. The family landed at the destined airport, collected their baggage and headed towards the exit gate. As is a normal case, they expected someone with a placard to welcome them and take them to their hotel. Unfortunately, it didn't exactly happen that way. They scanned every placard which was being thrust into their face. None of the ten family members could locate either their name or surname on any of the placards bobbing up and down over the sea of heads. My colleague's father-in-law checked, her husband checked, even the youngest member of the family scoured but could not find the person nor placard they were looking for. It had been almost close to 45 minutes and now they had all started getting impatient and irritated for not being able to find the bloke. The travel agent was assuring over the phone that he had sent a person but his words now started ringing hollow after a tiring hour long scouring and searching.
Finally, my colleague's husband saw someone standing in the crowd with an unusual name pasted on the placard. Given the name, it seemed almost funny and unreal to him. He put two and two together and saw a glimmer of hope shining right in front of him. He walked up to the bloke with the placard and asked him the name of travel agent he worked for and the hotel he was to take his guests to. When he confirmed the same travel agent name and the hotel name, it all fell in place. It was precisely this guy they had been searching all over the airport and it was as if they had finally unearthed him under the heap of people. All the tension, irritation and helplessness of few minutes back dissolved into hearty peals of laughter when the family members saw the unusual but familiar name printed on the placard. 
My friend's family name is Gupte but you won't believe, the placard actually had 'Chhatrapati Shivaji' written on it. Yes, you read that right. The name of the fearless warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji who has famously been dead since April 3, 1680. I am very sure that the great Shivaji Maharaj himself would have laughed his guts out in his grave after hearing this one.
Someone naive at the travel agent's office who desperately needed lessons in History had definitely goofed up in communication. Interchanged the family name and the name of the airport they were arriving from. Whatever the confusion, the family's holiday had definitely started on a hysterical 'war footing'.

And many such short stories...
There have been countless stories around how names have been mispronounced by those uninitiated. Here are a couple of quick ones which I know of, to make you believe in the real power of name and why Juliet was absolutely wrong.
A weekend back, two of my friend's had gone to a nearby bar to down a couple of beers. They asked the attendant which brand they had stock of. The attendant promptly replied 'Karuna' and 'Honeycan'. For a minute both could not believe their ears and thought either they had heard him wrong or these were probably new brands in the market. They asked him again and when he repeated the same names, it suddenly struck them. What he meant was Corona and Heineken and oh, such a tragedy for the marketing managers of these two world famous brands. They would surely not have appreciated this unintended blunder. But my friends happily downed one two many over this incident.
And then there is my colleague in office whose name is Mary Fernandes which is as simple a name can be. But guess what, even that name gets distorted by the many vendors she deals with. All the invoices and bills she receives, either address her as Merry or Marry but never Mary. And now she is  living with the fact that they are never going to improve in spite of the many corrections and dressing downs. She dreads the day when they will start addressing her as 'Meri'.
So there you are.
What's in a name? is what Shakespeare famously wrote in Romeo and Juliet, but I say, if not for the name, we would surely have a complete loss of identity and be left highly confused as all the above stories pointedly prove.

A letter to my dearest school

My Dearest School,
Here is an honest confession coming your way from one of your progeny. I am writing an open and heartfelt letter to you for the first time in the last 25 years. My sincere apologies for the inexcusable delay and no words can undo this thoughtless inaction of so many years. Albeit awfully late, by the time you finish reading this piece I am hoping you would have softened your stand towards me.
Indeed a very long time to connect back to you, my alma mater, a very beautiful and prodigious institution. And what better occasion than now when you are completing 50 golden years of your remarkable existence.

As I sit down to write to you, it has instinctively opened the floodgates of all the sweet and delightful memories of you and everything that’s part of you. For me, you are like this great matriarch watching protectively over its little children all through the day. Sheltered by your discerning eyes, whether when we are running and playing with gay abandon, outside on the vast playground or studying in the close confines of the classroom, whether when we are carelessly experimenting with beakers and tubes in the labs or during the recesses when we tumble out with unbridled enthusiasm. Your solid silent protective presence, I feel even today.

There are also some fun and childlike moments I carry with me, about my growing up times with you. It was the time of homework - not always completed on time, sitting on the last bench in class– chatting and hoping that me and my friend won’t get caught, black polished shoes/white clean socks – an intense regime for me, red hairband – that never stayed on the head, PT exercises – and the art of slacking off slyly, short and long recess - sharing interesting stories over tiffin boxes with my school buddies, being in the classroom during sessions – and sometimes not really being there (figuratively speaking), being an outstanding student -for truly standing outside class(thankfully, not many times), Ranks and Report cards – The moment of bitter truth and many such indelible memories that have stayed with me even after all these years.

Another great quality about you is that you are truly all-encompassing. A precise reflection of our city- Mumbai, the real melting pot. We the students come from all cross sections of life, diverse social and economic backgrounds, different classes, castes and what not. And yet, you embrace all of us with equal magnanimity and affection. We children never ever feel different from one another in your loving hold in spite of the inherent differences within us. That is a wonderful trait very few schools can either embody or boast of.

You are the epitome of dynamism and silent fortitude, brimming with energy of thousands of kids cozily ensconced in your warm embrace. Whether learning by rote systematically in class rooms or shouting out to each other from school buses, whether singing harmoniously during prayer time or kicking up a ruckus on the playground for no rhyme or reason, whether marching in a synchronized upright stance in their NCC and RSP uniforms or cheering on top of their lungs for their favorite Kabaddi team, whether somberly answering the exam papers for unit tests or final exams or bustling with renewed energy on hearing the last bell ring for the day. The energy and exuberance of your lively environment can never be replicated by any other.

You, my dear school always encourage and inspire us to do well and perform to the best of our capabilities. Whether it is the English or Math scholarship exams, singing, dancing, elocution or drama competitions, Cricket or Kabaddi inter-school tournaments, handwriting or craft competitions or quiz contests you push us to do our best. Always nurturing and growing new talent under your able guidance. It’s no wonder then that many great stalwarts and luminaries from various spheres of life have been conceived and born out of your hallowed womb and continue to do so.

And so finally, I find myself asking this hard question to myself. What have I given you (my dear school) in all these years? Well, all I can say is that I have only taken you and your existence for granted, like we do all those who we truly love and can’t do without. But still, you never ever complained. You always personify the grace and poise befitting a noble matriarch.

So strong is my feeling and attachment for you my dear school that I cannot live without feeling fervently or impassioned for you. I adore you, lovingly complain about you, I am passionate about you, reminisce about you, also sometimes (yeah, sometimes) talk judgmentally and critically about you but at the end of it all I am happy that I am a part of you and I sincerely am proud of it!

It’s been an incredulously long 25 years from that momentous day when I crossed over the threshold of your sheltered, carefree and happy upbringing which I enjoyed for more than a decade. It just seems like yesterday that this misty eyed adolescent looked back with a twinge of sadness to bid adieu to you and the entire ecosystem that was Indian Education Society, English Medium School aka King George English Medium School. How time flies! Though it was with a heavy heart that I turned around the corner and simply lost sight of you so many years back, I am very sure that you stimulate the same warm feelings in thousands of children who came before and after me in the last 5 decades. Providing relentlessly the same motherly guidance and affection and help them soar to greater and new heights in their life.

As you complete your 50 golden years of your remarkable existence I can’t help but salute and thank you my dear school, you have been the beacon of wisdom and inspiration for me and many generations of students. This letter also cannot be ever complete without me saying a big thank you to all the wonderful principals, teachers, administrators and staff of the entire school for their steadfast dedication and tremendous contribution to the field of education, and society as a whole. And more importantly, for touching our life beautifully as only they could.

To the mother of all schools, Maa Tuzhe Salaam!

Last but not the least; I would like to close my letter with these beautiful lyrics from a popular song which aptly personifies my feelings for you, my beloved school.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Thank you,
Yours sincerely,
Priya Wagle Awasare – Batch of 1989

 Above : Early evening of 4th Jan, 2014 with the ex students just about pouring in to celebrate 50 years of IES English Medium School now known as V.N.Sule Guruji Vidyalaya

 Above : Sameer gets to fulfill his long withheld yearning, finally!

 Above : Mrudula, Shruti, Chandani, urs truly, Anita, Amita, Vaishali, Sameer, Amrita, Swati and Nilesh. The gang of 'B' division poses outside its class...but misses the charm of the open balconies which have now been grilled.

 Above : A little fun in the corridor where some were involuntarily declared 'outstanding students' many moons back.

Above : Reliving the moments of the past...sitting in the same classroom as we did 25 years back. Though this time breaking the ritual... guys and girls actually sitting together on the same bench. :)


Image Creative courtesy: Aparna Wagle Telang
Pics courtesy: Chandani Fernandes, Mrudula Kulkarni and Sameer Warik

When slow is good!

Living in big cities like Mumbai can be tough. Its like running on a treadmill except that this one doesn't ever stop. Busy lives are running through it every day at a frenetic pace...pushing, jostling, brushing, sliding, hopping, racing... it's a crazy routine 24/7. The only time when we probably slow down is to catch our breath but only to get back  to our relay race. Hoping we will find someone to pass our baton to...but alas it doesn't happen!
Right from early morning when the right palm slams down heavily on the alarm clock as if reprimanding it to shut up, its just one action mode all the way - Run, Run, Run!!!
Indeed, we live in a time where the Law of this (concrete) jungle has truly become - "Survival of the fastest." We are so obsessed with speed and getting things done 'right now' that anyone slower than us is looked down and frowned upon as a weakling. We no longer recognize patience as a virtue. In fact I would think its kind of become passe. The ad taglines very befittingly mirror our new attitudes. Take the case of Pepsi's ad campaign. In its efforts to woo the youth it proclaims Oh yes, Abhi! effectively echoing the values of the 'I want it it now!' generation.

The last two decades, what with a slew of break through in technology have truly been a super fast ride on the information highway and everything else cruising along with it.
Be it fast food, instant coffee, 2 minute noodles, instant gratification, fast 'friends' (yes they do change very often these days), tatkal passport, fast track visa, jaldi loans, speed dating, instant messaging, quick fixes, speed delivery, instant blood check, ready to eat recipes, speed dial, now or never offers, instant glue,  instant recharge and even the movie Fast and Furious has now moved into its 6th edition. A sign of times indeed!

I would be blatantly lying if I didn't agree that all the above have made my life more comfortable. And I am genuinely happy for their existence. They have simplified our lives and help focus on more important issues in the scheme of things.

However, in spite of all the suitable hype around all these being useful, apt and convenient, I some times wonder what the hell happened to the good old maxim 'Slow and steady wins the race' and what happened to the sensible tortoise which we so lovingly embodied during our school days. Sadly, looks like the story's end has changed somehow over the years. It appears that the carefree or rather careless hare of earlier years has now become the new hero of the current generation and tortoise is the nice guy who finishes last.
I secretly hope not though.
For all that our lifestyles have turned out to be with the changing times I still am a fool for the old fashioned trappings.
Somehow there are but some things in life which will always remain either useful, appropriate, advantageous, pertinent or even charming because of their slowness. Without their slow effects they may just cease to exist. Here are some which are slow and have rock steadily been in existence till now.

1. Yoga - Slow but powerful!
2. Ayurvedic medicines - Slow but very effective!
3. Slow eating/cooking - Very healthy!
4. Slow dance/music - Romantic ofcourse!
5. Talking slowly (which means, thinking and talking) - A sign of intelligence!
6. Dheere dheere/holay holay wala pyaar - Again romantic!
7. Creating Indian handicrafts - It takes painstaking efforts and long time to bring it to life but oh so beautiful is each piece
8. Building meaningful relationships - Slowly but for life!
9. Chivalry- Gently slow but oh so charming
10. Slow vacations - No sightseeing, shopping but relaxing and only relaxing!
11. Climbing steps (and not taking lift)- Again healthy
12. Growing and nurturing plants - Slow process but brings great joy
13. TLC - Tender Loving Care...whether kids, old parents, spouse, or anyone you care for. Slow and gentle but always works
14. Book reading - Aah, the pleasures are many.
15. Fishing - Yes, definitely slow but eventually rewarding (most times)
16. Sitting in a temple/mosque/church - Brings peace
17. Walking habit - as against riding in a car. Definitely healthy and therapeutic
18. Art of Breathing/ Pranayam - Focusing on our breath. A slow process but is beneficial for lifelong.

All of them are slow in nature but derive amazing benefits for us. And not surprisingly, they don't require technology at all.
For me slow and steady definitely wins the race. If not today, eventually it will! Because it's not about the destination, its the journey that matters most!

Groovy kind of love! (Reinvented for today's times)

(To sing in the tune of 'Groovy Kind of Love' by Phil Collins)

When I have no clue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, and then I feel so cool
When you're close to me, like to see you light up
And listen to your sweet ring in my ears

Any time I want to, I can turn you on too
Anything I want to, any time at all
When I miss your beeps, you help me to figure
Who could be the caller,  you are my slave!

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love,

When I need to call, all I have to do
Is hold you cheek by jowl whether in office, home or mall
When you're in my palms, nothing seems to matter
My whole world could shatter, but not you I swear

When I am up in morn, just have to steal a glance
to know you're safely enconced, before I hurry, run or prance
And when I am off to work, I have to check your stance
I depend on you a lot, just cannot take a chance

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love

When I am all by self, I have eyes for you, no one else
You truly complete me, and your presence is most felt
But when you are not with me, I quiver and I fear for you oh my sweet dear
Look for you here and there, hoping you are in safe hands

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love

When I see you charged, the day goes flying by
without as such a sigh, there's nothing that gives more joy
But when you are drained and weak, I just cannot bear to see the fading light
And hear you whimper, my sweet boy.

By my side from dawn to dusk and in you I truly trust
You are the last and also my first, till the new one comes around
But I hope to see the day when there's no power and no range
You will fight the odds and be my true hero, inspite of it all.

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love
We've got a groovy kind of love, we've got a groovy kind of love
Oho, we've got a groovy kind of love

P.s : With no offence to the original by Phil Collins :)

Seriously, not kidding!

The summer has been extremely unkind so far. Never has been the Mumbai heat so dehydrating and torturous as this year. To add to our sweltering woes, we (as in Ashish my hubby and me) have absolutely no escape plans to retreat from the heat of this summer. But hey, inspite of the situation and right in the midst of this unbecoming weather, we both (ashish and me)have a broad grin on our face since past few days. Grin which sometimes dissolves into hearty peals of laughter, on few ocassions leads to tears (of joy)strolling down our cheeks and other times complete bewilderment.

Confused?...Ask me why?

Like a fresh breeze of cool mint air, my niece has wafted into our lives to provide us just  the refreshing relief we were yearning for badly these past few weeks.
Though she is here only for couple of weeks to spend her summer holidays with her aajju (her grand mom) and aajja (her grandpa), I have not been able to contain (ironically) my childlike excitement since the time she has arrived. Her presence amongst us has not just enlivened and rejuvenated us into new beings but also every moment we spend with her is entertainment and freshness personified.

Like any other child her age, she is full of joie de vivre, with abundant energy and with a extra spring in her hurried steps. She talks nineteen to the dozen and regales us with her delightful puneri phrases (yes, she lives in Pune) and anecdotes. She is full of (camera worthy) expressions and dramebaazi. Never runs out of questions and counter questions. Keeps us on our toes and some times brings us to our knees. She is the energiser bunny, a stand up comedian, observant sherlock holmes, a demure barbie fan, mischievous elf,  and a very curious cat all characters rolled into one.
Ok, so that's my niece for you in a nutshell. And I am sure other kids her age would also show the same characteristics with a few plusses and minuses.

So what am I trying to say here!

This young girl within a short span of few days that she has spent with us has helped us to relearn a lot which we had left behind many years back. This blog post is all about what we secretly imbibed from our little niece when we were overtly reveling in her joyful company.

Below are those 8 virtues we realised we had forgotten as adults :

1. Pristine innocence tinged with naughtiness
2. Keen observation
3. Ability to forget the past (more so the negative)
4. Unbridled energy
5. Contentment in life's simple pleasures
6. Straightforward as an arrow
7. Curious as a cat
8. Fearlessness

If you look at all the above qualities, isn't it what we all yearn for and seek as adults. Its incredible that we sometimes don't have to read books, watch videos or look further for inspiration. The kids can be our best teachers and icons .
Seriously, not kidding!

Just another day - March 8th

And then there is March 8^th celebrated as ‘International Woman’s day’ around the world.

A day like any other day except that it’s inundated with SMSs, FB wall posts, and clichéd mail forwards.

E-Greetings, advertisement offers, special promotions, discounts are a real tease,

All of which are dedicated to my fraternity, who in their (including mine)moment of weakness become gullible and fall prey to these.

Beginning with RJ’s in their morning shows to evening TV anchors and their staged interviews,

Promos of jewellery and sarees, cosmetics to shoes of all sizes and hues,

Covering front page headlines to back page colourful news,

Women car rallies and marathon runs on this day are quite a few, at finishing line are scribes flippantly probing the feminine point of view.

There is a wide display of brouhaha, hedonism and indulgence in store for our ilk ….supposedly giving credit where’s it long over due.

Replace the garb of Woman’s day with that of Valentines or any festival day and there you are….

Same ol’ offers, discounts, promos and freebies will continue their run albeit in a different avatar.

It’s just lip service is what I feel and pretense that won’t take us very far  

Today is March 9^th and lo and behold…what have we got here,

Already are forgotten, promises that were made yesterday and so is our star.

So let not be just one day be remembered as our day in the years to come.

Surely the other 364 days we will celebrate, as so much is yet to be undone.

Required is change in mind set, biased culture and deep rooted point of view,

It’s the woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife alone who has the power within to make that difference to herself and build her life anew

And no one can else and truly no one else can deny her that, if she really wants it too.

Here’s wishing all the super fabulous ladies who have touched my life a happy woman’s day….

Today and every day! :)

The story of our life!

Here’s a small exercise for your brain. Flash back to the time in the past when you were a little kid. Go to that part of your sunny life when your mom would try to force feed you with the green veggies at lunch/ dinner. Now jump to that part when she used to (in vain) try to put you to bed.

'So what about it?' ...I hear you ask.

Now try to recollect, what was that one thing that you would 'bribe' your mother with each time? That’s for agreeing to her above 'requests'.

The most effective and lethal negotiating tool in the hands of that little kid then was... guess what!

'A story'

"Aai, mala aadhi ek goshta saang"..."Mother, tell me a story first and then I will go to bed". Or     “A story first then I will eat this palak sabji'

Nothing worked better than a 'story telling session' as a good negotiating tool in the hands of both the parties- mother and kid.

Yes, it was definitely a win-win situation for both. For both because the kid got her story and the mother was happy with her incredulous achievement.

Whether my mom invented the story on the fly, read it out from the book or worse still, recounted the story for the zillionth time, it always worked like a magic potion. The taste of the green veggies on my plate would suddenly become more palatable and yes, it would also calm down the overzealous hyper active kid and put her to bed at night.

I still remember vividly the story of Ramu and his flying white horse which my mother told me many times over as a kid. A story she may have weaved out of her imagination but a perennial in my classics even today. It was always with the same zeal that she narrated the story, like she was recounting it for the very first time. And even I as the kid used to listen to her wide eyed, with rapt attention as if was listening to it for the first time.

After so many years it’s still cozily ensconced in my memory logs.'Kalicha ghoda' it was called in Marathi. Those were the days, sigh!

“Ok, so what about it? Where are you leading us to?” - I hear a few of my impatient friends ask.



Since time immemorial, wise men have been communicating new learnings /philosophies of life through a story format which has been passed on from generations upon generations. Can you imagine how tough it would have been for them to communicate and for us to grasp if not for the interesting story format. Without the persuasive power of a story, the learnings would have remained just another piece of dispassionate paper document (or palm leaf in those days). With a story it moved the listener/reader emotionally to take the necessary action.

And now take the case today where nothing much has changed.

In our corporate life, a successful product presentation has to have a believable story to hold its audience's attention. Not bullet points and boring graphs.

An effective speaker has to have a compelling story to engage and connect with the audience.

Movies need to have a good script/story to have the box office registers ringing. Have you ever seen how the audience tumbles outside a theatre animatedly discussing the story of the movie they just saw.

Sales pitches and TV commercials make the most impact only with a good story supporting the product USP. 'New improved' claims don't work, they also need an emotional appeal through a good story.

At parties, the person with the most audience would probably be recounting an interesting story. We are always game for 'Once upon a time...' and yes, even when we are grown ups.

A good leader has to have great communication skills with a good story up his sleeve always (based on his experience) to inspire his team members. If you have heard Abdul Kalam ever speaking you would know what I am referring to. His speeches are laced with interesting anecdotes from his rich experience and never preachy in tone. That's what holds the attention of his audience and they are literally and figuratively moved by his words.

There are many examples from our everyday life where stories are essential to make maximum and desired impact. And if told with passion, simplicity and earnestness...believe me has the ability to stay with us for a long time. 'Once upon a time.....' will always remain a favourite regardless of age, class and education.
That my friends, is the story of our lives. So go ahead, let your story be heard!

The 7 year hitch of a Yin and Yang

Your warm, gentle squeeze of  my shoulder at the 'threshold' of our married life,

standing tentatively on the door sill as a newly wedded husband and wife.

As you reassuringly looked at me, read my mind and my inner strife,

your touch comforted my soul, quietened my nerves and questions rife.

I took my first gentle step over the threshold easing myself into a new household, people and life,

the compassionate look in your eyes provided warmth for the just married bashful wife.

A special moment that I cherish in my heart even today after all these years,

as you continue to show me the same quiet strength and fortitude for all my unwarranted fears.

Etched in the chest full of sweet memories, bejeweled and studded with ruby and pearl,

are the heartwarming moments we have shared, experienced when we let our inhibitions unfurl.


An enchanting and magical journey so far, which has seen many an ups and equal share of downs,

have drawn from your strong character and innate positive qualities, I think I have grown.

Of the many things I have learned from you which you have self-effacingly but invariably shown,

today I put down my 'pen to the paper' to enlist your seven habits I cherish as they make you, YOU and are truly your own.


Habit 1
Loving and compassionate in your subtle and not so visible and undemonstrative way

You don't need to prove your feelings and shout from rooftops as your actions speak louder than your say.

Habit 2
Non-judgmental and never hurting in every word and deed you have so far shown,

You very well know each person has his unique history, you give due credit and believe, to each his own.

Habit 3

You keep your word always like a real gentleman and a rare day would you fail

Even if you would, you let me know, and that is why your penchant for the commitment I hail.

Habit 4
Trusting completely without an iota of doubt, you forget, forgive and embrace with all my warts and faults

Life is never a smooth journey we know, but you make it worthwhile whether it speeds, slows down or halts.


Habit 5

On many an occasions, I have lost my mind and temper, maybe I was right, justified or even wrong

You have never wavered and always remained calm and composed in spite of the heated atmosphere around

Habit 6
There had been times when situations demanded a lot of mental strength, courage and rigor

You have invariably shown me through your farsightedness - the logical side, with much patience and candor

Habit 7
Last but not the least what entices me about you is your sweet innocence and helping nature with one and all

Also, your ability to make me laugh, pamper, cajole and dote on me when I need it most of all!

Happy seven-year hitch to you my yang. And wishing us many more such fulfilling years!!!

Disclaimer - Firstly, the blog post is not yet over...there's still more to come. Like there are two sides to a coin and two sides to a story....so it is in this case. So, before you get the impression that 'My Yang' is a Prince Charming plus Mark Darcy plus Indiana Jones plus Peter Parker plus Mr. Knightly and what have you, all rolled into one. Let me clarify the same.The time has still not yet arrived for the dream sequence where the couple in question rides gently into the iridescent sunset. So just relax and hang on to your romantic notions and premature deductions! ;-)

Ride they do, this Yin and Yang, but it's never a gentle, smooth ride, is it? (except in Mills & Boon and Fifty Shades of Grey, maybe). Like any journey, there are pitfalls, boulders, and mountains to circumvent. After all, a journey becomes more enriching and meaningful with experiences such as these and only through them do the individuals realize the true potential and strength of their relationship with each other.

So here I go yet again, providing another perspective to how I have seen you 'My Yang' and your seven ineffective habits in the last seven years of our journey together.

Of the many things, I have learnt from you which you have self-effacingly but invariably shown,

today I put down my 'pen to the paper' to enlist your seven habits I have not so cherished as they make you, YOU and are truly your own.

Habit 1

Wet Towel and Clothes strewn across the floor, newspapers lying around such an eye sore, my earnest pleas go but all in vain,

For the umpteenth time, I tell myself that I am not going to put all this back in place again. And there I go again!

Habit 2

I agree, time is money and precious too, in many many ways,
but one can't be punctual and time bound all days and always.

So in a party, wedding, social gathering or a friend's place.
It’s ok to be late but uff! I never can escape your restless moves and intense & piercing gaze (hinting me to move)

Habit 3

You sometimes are so lost in thoughts and much preoccupied too that you tend to ignore people you know without meaning to.

Your Yin, your parents, brother and also friends may understand you, but the rest of them apparently have no clue.

Habit 4

There are but four things that you truly enjoy that get your undivided attention, without they yearning for you.

Not in any order is football, long walks, sleeping, and reading. Oh god, what do I do?

Habit 5

The weekends are meant for fun times, to engage in something light, frivolous and footloose.

But you are picky even when it comes to watching films in movie halls unless IMDB gives a thumbs up through its critical feedback and reviews. 

Habit 6

Occasionally you watch television but once ensconced on the sinking couch you prove.

That aimlessly surfing from news to sports channels can be a headache for yours truly though an 'intense and active' sport for you.

Habit 7

Your bathroom singing is fine as long as the lyrics are correct and in tune.

But alas, you kill me softly with your inventive lyrics, even the late songwriter might turn in his tomb.

All said and done, your seven (ineffective) habits may irritate and even anger me on odd days.

But the fact that you tolerate my idiosyncrasies and, even more, insufferable habits too, I must say we complement each other in many ways!

Happy seven-year hitch to you my yang!

Yours truly,
Yin

 

Dimaag ka dahi state to a state of dimaag ki baati jala de!

Listen. Learn. Think. Ideate. Innovate. Share. And in turn make the world a better place! - Mantra of the TEDx Gateway event. After all TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading and TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis to provide TED like experiences locally.
 
2nd December 2012 was unarguably one of the most enlightening Sundays of my life. Attending  the TEDx Gateway event held at NCPA Mumbai and listening to a great bunch of thinkers, social entrepreneurs, artists, child prodigies, inventors, tech geeks and many such interesting profiles from around the world was indeed enriching, thrilling and thought provoking all at the same time.


There were around 21 speakers from 15 countries speaking on 1 platform and sharing the most ground breaking ideas which they have now converted into fascinating real stories benefiting society at large.

Hearing all these stories ignited a tiny spark inside me....yes, there is still hope for goodness and good people in this world..

Just sitting in the audience and soaking in the stimulating speeches delivered by each of the diverse speakers confirmed my belief that to lead a 'meaningful' life means contributing to a cause selflessly...and mind you this does not mean just donations to charities or NGOs, but lending your hand in the true sense.

The immense satisfaction, passion and pride that each speaker displayed for their respective ideas/initiatives was very evident.
Listed below are 8 of the 22 speakers who left a lasting impression on me and who I thought were worth writing about.

The first speaker of the day was Vikram Patel who spoke about 'task shifting' where one creates a pool of health counselors to fill the huge gap in demand and supply of specialists/doctors, in rural areas specially. In towns and villages that have few clinics, doctors and nurses, one particular need often gets overlooked: mental health.When one cant wait for psychiatrist who are as rare as pandas in sahara to cater to the medical needs of these people, how do people get care when they need it? Vikram Patel studies how to treat conditions like depression and schizophrenia in low-resource communities, and he's come up with a powerful model: training the community to help.Vikram Patel helps bring better mental health care to low-resource communities -- by teaching ordinary people to deliver basic psychiatric services.



The next speaker was Rosemary Nalden founder of Buskaid a charitable organization which teaches classical music to young blacks in the Soweto region of South Africa. She elaborated how this music school initiative has sort of created a 'Mozart Effect' (popular hypothesis that early childhood exposure to classical music has a beneficial effect on mental development) in the region and also led to social upliftment of the black population and helped create a standard of excellence.



The following speaker was Karthik Naralasetty who is the founder of socialblood.org a social networking site which helps users in need of blood to locate other members who belong to the same blood group and are willing to donate it.The idea behind this was sowed when he witnessed a family in India struggling to find regular blood transfusions for their four-year-old daughter to treat her for a genetic blood disease called thalassemia.
Now this  social platform designed to serve a pool of emergency blood donors has spread across to 18 countries. All you have to do is become a member of the Socialblood.org on Facebook.


Before talking about the next speaker, I would like to ask if you have ever appreciated the importance of the clear potable water which flows freely from our taps. I guess when we have it in plenty we typically take things for granted and that is exactly what this speaker highlighted in her talk. In cities we really don't feel the pinch of water scarcity however, that's not the case with millions of women in villages in water deficient areas who have to walk many miles every day lugging 20 to 40 litres of water vessels on their head. Imagine if  we have to carry our 20 kg suitcase as we step out of the airport and head home. Not possible right! But these women do it every day and some times multiple times during the day. Such a waste of time, energy and also many a health issues for these women.

Here's a lady, Cynthia Koenig who through her organization WELLO created a a very simple water wheel which is hygienic, convenient and time saving tool in the hands of this women. This project has been launched in the villages of Rajasthan and now saves 35 hours per week for these women who in turn can do more productive work getting more income and little girls can now go to school. Such a simple yet fantastic initiative with a mind boggling social impact.





Take the case of Ruma Roka a young girl who started the Noida Deaf Society (NDS) in 2005. In a world where silence speaks and words flow through actions, its inhabitants draw their strength from a dream of being self reliant and independent. With this objective in mind the organization has been providing vocational training to those with hearing impairment in computers, conducts comprehensive Indian Sign language classes along with written English classes to facilitate communication. And to think about it Ruma who is not hearing impaired actually learnt sign language before she got inspired to launch this noble initiative. Today NDS has 5 centers in three states of India –Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Noida and .is impacting more than 1500 deaf youth every year who are coming from across the country and has facilitated employment in for over 500 deaf in top organizations in the country. 

The next speaker who impressed me was Angad Nadkarni a young sprightly lad who at the grand old age of 18 years is a veteran at programming, and the technical brains behind Examify. Yes, Examify which helps students to crack their exams based on the past trends of the exam paper patterns at various competitive level exams. If the aim of your child is to sail through the exams without studying for it...here is the way!  ('cracker' of an idea though I may not subscribe to it)

"The first man to wear a sanitary napkin" is what he is known as. Yes, that's correct. Arunachalam Muruganantham realized that his wife can't keep wearing a ragged cloth during her menstrual cycles. Not only was it unhygienic but also cause of great discomfort and inconvenience. He decided to find a cheaper alternative to the sanitary napkin which was available but beyond the budget of most of the women in small towns and villages. After much sweat, toil and even blood (he actually experimented using animal blood) he came up with a simple and cost effective pad creation machine. It could manufacture the sanitary pad at less than 1/3rd cost of the branded ones available in market.
He has now set up these machines across villages and towns in south which has not only benefited women from health perspective but also created employment opportunities as they operate these machines too.
Freedom from hygiene issues and economic freedom too!

Mittal Patel, was the only speaker who spoke in Hindi and also had the most impact on me during the evening. She spearheads the Vicharata Samuday Samarthan Manch(VSSM) which works for the rights and welfare of Nomadic (Vicharata) & De-notified(Vimukta) communities and aims to help mainstream these communities by enabling them to fight for their rights. Currently, it is working for 40 Nomadic and De-notified tribes in 8 districts of Gujarat.

The nomadic tribes of India are spread over multiple states, primarily Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Gujarat, they number around 4 million, and this is the target group that Mittal has sworn to support.

Imagine fighting the slow bureaucratic system and also rigid caste mind set both at the same time. Hats off to her efforts for finding identity to those who don't have one because neither the country recognizes them nor the village they live in. 
May be her efforts will help Nandan Nilekani as far as Aadhar goes otherwise he has a tough task cut out for him as Nomadic and De-notified tribes are not part of any list recognized by the state or country. And to think about it, there are 4 million of them in the state of Gujarat itself...imagine the mind boggling numbers of the entire country.

These were just some of the TEDx speakers who struck a chord with me and impressed me with their  dedication, passion and commitment for their life's project.Besides these there were a dozen more speakers who were equally bright, had a unique story to narrate and had converted a problem or a disadvantage to a solution or a competitive advantage. And each speaker was compelling in their own way and an interetsing idea to share.

TEDx was one of those events in my life which left me invigorated, charged and hopeful about the future.

Considering the daily dose of  sad, disappointing, frustrating, vicious, negative news which we are subjected to every morning which make our stomachs churn and make our dimaag ka dahi; this event was indeed like a breath of fresh air and urged me to turn on my dimaag ki batti.

TED- Indeed ideas worth spreading and like wild fire!