This article is dedicated to an exemplary master craftsman who lives by the by lanes of Yelahanka New Town. This story has been woven around 5 years back
Among us , we have a huge collection of arts(paintings).Once in a year I purchase paintings to make up my rooms.The usual transaction happens through “Fabmall.com” now called Indiaplaza.in .They have a good collection of art facts on their portal.
Some time back(5 years ago),we purchased 2 paintings ---Picasso’s”Dream” and Vincent Van Gogh’s “The mulberry tree”
The paintings were dispatched promptly within 3 days by “Fabmall”.The payment was done on the web upfront.The transaction was carried out in the most modern way you can expect .Jet age you see..
The paintings were modern prints on art paper charts of high quality.These prints had to be made up on “Art frames” with fittings so that,it can be hanged on the walls.
I approached the local kirana shop for getting the frames and fittings made in Yelahanka new town.
The owner of the kirana shop was an aged gentleman. He was from Tamil belt and he had set this shop in YNT because of an appreciative crowd.
The “Owner” was really of the old mold mentality.After choosing the best frames and fittings ,for the paintings I asked,” How much is the price of workmanship ? And what is the lead time .”
The “Owner” was dumbstruck to come to a conclusion, as he was ill prepared to gage the amount for these transactions.
He responded ,”My son is in charge of the “art facts”. I have no sense of the whole thing.
After a lot of cajoling ,we agreed on a price of Rs900/- for the 2
Paintings, as the paintings were large.
I asked,” Is their any advance payment for this transaction?”
The owner vehemently put his foot down and said,” The transaction is done on mutual trust and honesty.”
He even disagreed to give the bill for the transaction(man of words..)
I remember my folks telling this anecdote of living up to
promises you make verbally with promptness. The same
thoughts ran through my mind during that instance.
This also reminisces the vast amount of difference b/w the
Modern transactions (a collateral, payment in advance, net transactions using credit cards) versus the old generation transaction (based on mutual trust and humility)
Coming back to the story the “Owner” promised me the delivery ,the very next day evening. I was happy and closed the transaction with a big “Thanks”.
The next day morning I got a call from “the Owners Son”
He was desperate ,as the art frames we had chosen for the
paintings were not matching to his standards in the true sense.
“The Owners son” had a keen eye for details as he had made up
with thousand of paintings beforehand.
He promised me that he would choose the best frames and complete the activity.
I was apprehensive at the beginning ,but gave a go-ahead on pure gumption.
I drew the amount from the bank near my office, to make payment that evening.
The paintings were ready at the “Art shop” .I was literally
dumbstruck looking at the paintings. It was done up in the most
exhilarating way, beyond my thoughts of imagination
The workmanship was excellent to say the least. The honesty and dedication came across like whiff of fresh air.
The background was put across with a lot of thought and the painting came across live through the eyes of the “Owners son”.
The “Owners son” also apologized for the transaction amount we had agreed upon (Rs900/-),as the cost had escalated by Rs400/- more.
He told,” I have put in 6 hours for the whole design and
Development of the art frames and background work.”
My father has underpriced the whole transaction.
I was taken aback by his forthrightness and honesty.
For me ,the end result was truly rewarding. The paintings looked beautiful beyond my imagination.
Even the “Owners son” replied that all the customers who had
stepped into his shop that day,were going”ga-ga” over the marvels.
He said,” Please pay the amount of Rs900/- as this is what is agreed b/w us-as mouth of words,if you have any reservations on the changed amount.”
I would be happy to accept the agreed amount without any hard feelings.
I was mesmerized at the whole “issue” and found no words to reconcile my thoughts about modern day humility.
I promptly paid him Rs900/- on the same day,with the promise that I would pay the balance the very next day.
I called up my brother and took my paintings back home which
lined up my living and dining room.The payment was completed
the next day with promptness
For the first time “PICASSO” AND “VAN GOGH” paintings looked pale in front of the humility and honesty of workmanship from the regular kirana shops”Owners son”
Whenever I see those paintings ,I see the glowing eyes of the
“OWNERS SON” behind the paintings,on the frames and fittings
which for me is a lethal combination of beauty,marvel,honesty
and humility
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Maturity
This article is dedicated to some of our Best Spiritual teachers ,who have given us in depth knowledge and guidance (Osho,Swami Sukhbonanda,Sri Ravishankar,Krishnamurthi,Ekhart tolle, etc)
Maturity means the same as innocence,only with one difference;its innocence reclaimed,its innocence recaptured.
Maturity is a rebirth,a spiritual birth.You are born anew,you are a child again.With fresh eyes you start looking at existence.With love in the heart you approach life.With silence and innocence you penetrate your own innermost core.
There is a great difference between maturity and aging.People remain confused about it.People think that to age is to become mature --but aging belongs to the body.Everybody is aging, everybody will become old,but not necessarily mature.
Maturity is an inner growth
Maturity is something that you bring to life,it comes out of awareness.When a person ages with full awareness,he becomes mature.Aging + awareness ,experiencing+awareness ,is maturity.
A man of maturity never decides for the future;the maturity itself takes care.A mature person never dies,because he will learn even through death.Even death is going to be an experience...to be intensely lived,watched and allowed
Maturity has nothing to do with your life experiences.It has something to do with your inward journey,your experiences of the inner.
The more a man goes deeper into himself,the more mature he is.To me,maturity is another name for realisation;you have come to the fulfillment of your potential, it has become actual.
Maturity has a fragrance.It gives intelligence,the sharpest possible intelligence.It makes him nothing but love.Man becomes mature the moment he starts loving rather than needing. He starts overflowing,sharing,he starts giving.The emphasis is totally different.
With the first,the emphasis is how to get more.With the second,the emphasis is on how to give,how to give moreand how to give unconditionally.
This is growth,maturity coming to you
A mature person gives.Only a mature person can give,because only a mature person has it.
It takes time to grow up, to mature,to come to such a maturity,where you can say "Yes" and yet remain "free",where you can say "yes"and yet remain "unique",where you can say "yes"and yet not become a "slave".
Maturity is yet another spiritual phenomena...
Chow
Roohul Haq
Maturity means the same as innocence,only with one difference;its innocence reclaimed,its innocence recaptured.
Maturity is a rebirth,a spiritual birth.You are born anew,you are a child again.With fresh eyes you start looking at existence.With love in the heart you approach life.With silence and innocence you penetrate your own innermost core.
There is a great difference between maturity and aging.People remain confused about it.People think that to age is to become mature --but aging belongs to the body.Everybody is aging, everybody will become old,but not necessarily mature.
Maturity is an inner growth
Maturity is something that you bring to life,it comes out of awareness.When a person ages with full awareness,he becomes mature.Aging + awareness ,experiencing+awareness ,is maturity.
A man of maturity never decides for the future;the maturity itself takes care.A mature person never dies,because he will learn even through death.Even death is going to be an experience...to be intensely lived,watched and allowed
Maturity has nothing to do with your life experiences.It has something to do with your inward journey,your experiences of the inner.
The more a man goes deeper into himself,the more mature he is.To me,maturity is another name for realisation;you have come to the fulfillment of your potential, it has become actual.
Maturity has a fragrance.It gives intelligence,the sharpest possible intelligence.It makes him nothing but love.Man becomes mature the moment he starts loving rather than needing. He starts overflowing,sharing,he starts giving.The emphasis is totally different.
With the first,the emphasis is how to get more.With the second,the emphasis is on how to give,how to give moreand how to give unconditionally.
This is growth,maturity coming to you
A mature person gives.Only a mature person can give,because only a mature person has it.
It takes time to grow up, to mature,to come to such a maturity,where you can say "Yes" and yet remain "free",where you can say "yes"and yet remain "unique",where you can say "yes"and yet not become a "slave".
Maturity is yet another spiritual phenomena...
Chow
Roohul Haq
Outbound Learning at Pegasus Institute,Bangalore
This is a chapter of two days of exhilarating experience at “Pegasus”, on an Outbound Training programme, away from the daily travails of monotonous work.
Every single detail of travel and stay was meticulously planned. Two cabs were hired from “Pegasus”, to ferry us to the destination. The journey started with the members playing games in the cab. Slowly, the hustle and bustle of the city traffic gave way to potholed roads on the village outskirts. Lush greenery stared innocently at our faces.
We reached Pegasus at 8:00pm,. The place was calm, quiet and pleasing to the eyes. A lot of planning had been done with reference to the “Learning environment” just like an “Army base” training platform.
We were then introduced to the “Facilitator”, of the programme, Colonel Nagarajan. He made us aware of the institute, do’s and don’ts, history behind the “Learning environment”- all this in a ten point. He put us all at ease and showed us the tents which were essentially our home for the next two days.
The arrangements were excellent, discipline- immaculate, the staff- ever humble, and hospitality – definitely the best! The staff members were employed from nearby 4 villages across the institute.
On 21st July 06, we assembled at “Central Peragola”, where we were introduced to the other facilitator, Mr. Alok Dubey, who played an important role in the two days of our Outbound Learning. The briefing on the morning session went on for an hour or so, with the learning graph exceeding our expectation.
The 13 step formula required to actively participate on the two day programme was successfully spelt out with 3 points standing out.
• Challenge your inhibitions.
• Grapple your fears and learn to manage them.
• Have a lot of fun along the way of learning.
The team members introduced themselves by briefly speaking about their hobbies and passions.
Mr. Alok, kept the whole group entertained with some skits and ten minutes fun sessions in between the regular group exercises and the learning sessions. We did some wonderful skits on social causes like “NO SMOKING” and other mono-acts by the members in between.
The first activity was in the form of group exercise. The name of the game was Dynamic Delivery. In this, the teams had to cross a particular barricade of milestones without the feet or any material touching the ground. The assignment was challenging. The ideas generated during the exercise were stupendous. The team kept on getting innovative inputs at every stage. Few members emerged to be the very enterprising as they were gutsy enough to reach the halfway of the target.
This event helped us unwind, fight our mental blocks and challenge our inhibitions and fears. The team pulled off every idea in the book to surpass the huge responsibility. Although both the teams could not finish the assignment, the learnings were mind boggling. The briefing sessions of 2 hours with both the teams that followed, made us aware of the nitty- gritties of business acumen and values/behaviours to execute it.
The facilitator was pin pointing the micro – details of the event and giving the analogy with reference to the “Tyco 4 Values and 9 Behaviours”. Special appreciation was given to those who made things happen even under adversity. The feelings/emotions of the event was raveled by the discussion that followed. We then had sumptuous lunch. The atmosphere was awesome and hospitality enthralling.
In the post lunch session, we had an exercise which comprised of one Project Manager and 3 teams who had 6 members with them. The new assignment was to build an assortment of “Design of wooden blocks”, to be built and practiced for an execution time of 110 minutes. The whole design had to be built with a cycle time of 120 seconds (2 minutes) by all the 3 teams put together.
The customer (Hypothetical) was very particular about the quality of the product as well as about the delivery time. No leeway, on these matters, as per the contract signed.
The 3 teams practiced the whole exercise by making the design of the wooden blocks at 3 different locations. Project Manager co-ordinated the project by constantly updating the progress with the customer and giving tips for execution to the team members. The bridging of communication was apparent in the whole activity. All the 3 teams followed their own methodology for executing the project. After 110 minutes elapsed , all 3 teams were asked to execute the project with combined cycle time of 120 seconds (2 minutes).
Team A performed the act in129 seconds, Team B in 46 seconds and Team C could not execute the project at all.
The customer (Facilitator) was furious and disappointed with the outcome and pulled the Project Manager for its failure. Negotiation skills came to the forte between the Project Manager and the facilitator. Bargaining for no penalties and punishment became the order of TYCO team. The team was adamant in not executing the project, if the conditions were not relaxed. The project was called off after a lot of deliberation between the customer and Project Manager.
Disappointments were lit large on the whole team after the entire exercise. The discussions that followed re-inforced the lessons that we had learnt in the morning session. Special mention was made in “Customer Focus”, “not to follow the least resistant path”, and to demonstrate “Managerial Courage”.
The day ended with dinner served promptly at 8:30pm with hospitality unlimited.
We had a quick walk around the campus, had some pep talk outside the tent and dwindled off the whole day with sound sleep thereafter.
The next morning everyone was up by 5:30 am, played a round of volley ball with team members for 45 minutes and then had breakfast. We all assembled at 7:45 am for another days learning.
It started with an exercise of building tents blindfolded. The team was split in 4. Each team was given 20 – 34 minutes to plan and execute this particular assignment. In this, the team leaders had to give instructions communicating at par…., and there was restriction on the movement of the leader.
This exercise took the maximum out of the participants. The issue was each member had his own way of interpretation of the tent. The team members went about the task with aplomb, but not looking at the “Big Picture”. This should have been done by the team Leaders. As usual the teams failed to execute the promised tent within the stipulated time. Now, it was the turn of the least bidder to execute the mission after watching the other teams perform.
Every team member was having a snapshot of this particular exercise. One team did a very good job. Each member performed their activity with sheer focus and immaculate execution. This team’s leader had nonchalant interpersonal skills, making the task look easy.
After the exercise, the usual interpretations of the whole activity were demystified in the eyes of the beholder, through a vigorous interpretation/discussion among the team members and the team leader. The learnings was chalked out in snippets and put forth across the whole group by each team.
The Learnings
“Customer Focus”, “Look at the big picture”, “Communication across various functions and among collaborative teams”, “Micro – detailing of the project plan”.
The 2nd exercise for the day was immediately chalked out by the facilitator. “Rafting” for sure…..
The team members were asked to change over to shorts and carry over a towel…. Shoes gave way to slippers and for the adventurous types …barefoot trekking…..
We were dumped on billet trucks and Sumo’s … we felt like we were going for merry making… The team traveled for about 4- 5 kms to reach the destinations, the facilitators were promptly making their plans to go ahead with appointing the Project Manager and the team members.
After a short briefing, each team was given the task of designing and quoting for the best raft a customer would ask for, with least lead time and competitive price. 2 NGO rafts (Rescue) had to be built. Each team worked out the details, after a lot of deliberation, the team started actually implementing the same.
The enthusiasm of building the raft was breathtaking the wooden logs(Long and short) were arranged for log work, knots tied across added for stability and balance. In between the customer was updated on the progress by the project Manager to the hilt. The first visit by the customer requested for a Cultural Presentation, the team happily sung “Vande Mataram” in tandem to show their respect towards the customer, here come’s the exciting part….
Off we go into the pond, with the rafts…., Alok – facilitator, gave a brief note on the Do’s and Don’ts how to take a left and right turn, what to do , if the raft overturns and general matters. The first Team’s raft was designed to the perfection and was balanced by the team members accurately. As we moved into the pond, the fears, inhibitions, thrill, joy, excitement, satisfaction, success, pride and youthful exuberance came into forte at various instances. One of the rafts was very adventurous, this raft overturned within a few minutes of embarking into the water.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the scenery- photographs tell the whole picture, and may everyone display this kind of enthusiasm in our day to day life. After the exercise, the “learning part” was jointly conducted by the facilitator; we had brunch session in between for an hour. Food was exemplary … yummy to the tee… got ourselves refreshed and started packing for return journey ahead…
We had the following lessons engraved in our minds
• Customer requirement on time and with correct specifications, adaptability to changing situations, flexibility for change, compatibility with external customers time plan and competition, teamwork and leadership demonstration.
The facilitator profusely thanked the team members for the wonderful participation, which followed by thanks from our team.
We wrote our “professional and personal development goals” to bring about accountability in our team.
We summoned our guts and determination, going forward with renewed vigor and pride to face the challenges ahead…the return journey was smooth and as we traveled back, the memories of the 2 days well spent, are crystal clear in our minds.
Hats off to Pegasus and Jai Hind to Colonel Saab and also Mr. Alok.
It indeed was a truly enthralling experience to cherish all our life.
Thanks
Roohul Haq.
Every single detail of travel and stay was meticulously planned. Two cabs were hired from “Pegasus”, to ferry us to the destination. The journey started with the members playing games in the cab. Slowly, the hustle and bustle of the city traffic gave way to potholed roads on the village outskirts. Lush greenery stared innocently at our faces.
We reached Pegasus at 8:00pm,. The place was calm, quiet and pleasing to the eyes. A lot of planning had been done with reference to the “Learning environment” just like an “Army base” training platform.
We were then introduced to the “Facilitator”, of the programme, Colonel Nagarajan. He made us aware of the institute, do’s and don’ts, history behind the “Learning environment”- all this in a ten point. He put us all at ease and showed us the tents which were essentially our home for the next two days.
The arrangements were excellent, discipline- immaculate, the staff- ever humble, and hospitality – definitely the best! The staff members were employed from nearby 4 villages across the institute.
On 21st July 06, we assembled at “Central Peragola”, where we were introduced to the other facilitator, Mr. Alok Dubey, who played an important role in the two days of our Outbound Learning. The briefing on the morning session went on for an hour or so, with the learning graph exceeding our expectation.
The 13 step formula required to actively participate on the two day programme was successfully spelt out with 3 points standing out.
• Challenge your inhibitions.
• Grapple your fears and learn to manage them.
• Have a lot of fun along the way of learning.
The team members introduced themselves by briefly speaking about their hobbies and passions.
Mr. Alok, kept the whole group entertained with some skits and ten minutes fun sessions in between the regular group exercises and the learning sessions. We did some wonderful skits on social causes like “NO SMOKING” and other mono-acts by the members in between.
The first activity was in the form of group exercise. The name of the game was Dynamic Delivery. In this, the teams had to cross a particular barricade of milestones without the feet or any material touching the ground. The assignment was challenging. The ideas generated during the exercise were stupendous. The team kept on getting innovative inputs at every stage. Few members emerged to be the very enterprising as they were gutsy enough to reach the halfway of the target.
This event helped us unwind, fight our mental blocks and challenge our inhibitions and fears. The team pulled off every idea in the book to surpass the huge responsibility. Although both the teams could not finish the assignment, the learnings were mind boggling. The briefing sessions of 2 hours with both the teams that followed, made us aware of the nitty- gritties of business acumen and values/behaviours to execute it.
The facilitator was pin pointing the micro – details of the event and giving the analogy with reference to the “Tyco 4 Values and 9 Behaviours”. Special appreciation was given to those who made things happen even under adversity. The feelings/emotions of the event was raveled by the discussion that followed. We then had sumptuous lunch. The atmosphere was awesome and hospitality enthralling.
In the post lunch session, we had an exercise which comprised of one Project Manager and 3 teams who had 6 members with them. The new assignment was to build an assortment of “Design of wooden blocks”, to be built and practiced for an execution time of 110 minutes. The whole design had to be built with a cycle time of 120 seconds (2 minutes) by all the 3 teams put together.
The customer (Hypothetical) was very particular about the quality of the product as well as about the delivery time. No leeway, on these matters, as per the contract signed.
The 3 teams practiced the whole exercise by making the design of the wooden blocks at 3 different locations. Project Manager co-ordinated the project by constantly updating the progress with the customer and giving tips for execution to the team members. The bridging of communication was apparent in the whole activity. All the 3 teams followed their own methodology for executing the project. After 110 minutes elapsed , all 3 teams were asked to execute the project with combined cycle time of 120 seconds (2 minutes).
Team A performed the act in129 seconds, Team B in 46 seconds and Team C could not execute the project at all.
The customer (Facilitator) was furious and disappointed with the outcome and pulled the Project Manager for its failure. Negotiation skills came to the forte between the Project Manager and the facilitator. Bargaining for no penalties and punishment became the order of TYCO team. The team was adamant in not executing the project, if the conditions were not relaxed. The project was called off after a lot of deliberation between the customer and Project Manager.
Disappointments were lit large on the whole team after the entire exercise. The discussions that followed re-inforced the lessons that we had learnt in the morning session. Special mention was made in “Customer Focus”, “not to follow the least resistant path”, and to demonstrate “Managerial Courage”.
The day ended with dinner served promptly at 8:30pm with hospitality unlimited.
We had a quick walk around the campus, had some pep talk outside the tent and dwindled off the whole day with sound sleep thereafter.
The next morning everyone was up by 5:30 am, played a round of volley ball with team members for 45 minutes and then had breakfast. We all assembled at 7:45 am for another days learning.
It started with an exercise of building tents blindfolded. The team was split in 4. Each team was given 20 – 34 minutes to plan and execute this particular assignment. In this, the team leaders had to give instructions communicating at par…., and there was restriction on the movement of the leader.
This exercise took the maximum out of the participants. The issue was each member had his own way of interpretation of the tent. The team members went about the task with aplomb, but not looking at the “Big Picture”. This should have been done by the team Leaders. As usual the teams failed to execute the promised tent within the stipulated time. Now, it was the turn of the least bidder to execute the mission after watching the other teams perform.
Every team member was having a snapshot of this particular exercise. One team did a very good job. Each member performed their activity with sheer focus and immaculate execution. This team’s leader had nonchalant interpersonal skills, making the task look easy.
After the exercise, the usual interpretations of the whole activity were demystified in the eyes of the beholder, through a vigorous interpretation/discussion among the team members and the team leader. The learnings was chalked out in snippets and put forth across the whole group by each team.
The Learnings
“Customer Focus”, “Look at the big picture”, “Communication across various functions and among collaborative teams”, “Micro – detailing of the project plan”.
The 2nd exercise for the day was immediately chalked out by the facilitator. “Rafting” for sure…..
The team members were asked to change over to shorts and carry over a towel…. Shoes gave way to slippers and for the adventurous types …barefoot trekking…..
We were dumped on billet trucks and Sumo’s … we felt like we were going for merry making… The team traveled for about 4- 5 kms to reach the destinations, the facilitators were promptly making their plans to go ahead with appointing the Project Manager and the team members.
After a short briefing, each team was given the task of designing and quoting for the best raft a customer would ask for, with least lead time and competitive price. 2 NGO rafts (Rescue) had to be built. Each team worked out the details, after a lot of deliberation, the team started actually implementing the same.
The enthusiasm of building the raft was breathtaking the wooden logs(Long and short) were arranged for log work, knots tied across added for stability and balance. In between the customer was updated on the progress by the project Manager to the hilt. The first visit by the customer requested for a Cultural Presentation, the team happily sung “Vande Mataram” in tandem to show their respect towards the customer, here come’s the exciting part….
Off we go into the pond, with the rafts…., Alok – facilitator, gave a brief note on the Do’s and Don’ts how to take a left and right turn, what to do , if the raft overturns and general matters. The first Team’s raft was designed to the perfection and was balanced by the team members accurately. As we moved into the pond, the fears, inhibitions, thrill, joy, excitement, satisfaction, success, pride and youthful exuberance came into forte at various instances. One of the rafts was very adventurous, this raft overturned within a few minutes of embarking into the water.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the scenery- photographs tell the whole picture, and may everyone display this kind of enthusiasm in our day to day life. After the exercise, the “learning part” was jointly conducted by the facilitator; we had brunch session in between for an hour. Food was exemplary … yummy to the tee… got ourselves refreshed and started packing for return journey ahead…
We had the following lessons engraved in our minds
• Customer requirement on time and with correct specifications, adaptability to changing situations, flexibility for change, compatibility with external customers time plan and competition, teamwork and leadership demonstration.
The facilitator profusely thanked the team members for the wonderful participation, which followed by thanks from our team.
We wrote our “professional and personal development goals” to bring about accountability in our team.
We summoned our guts and determination, going forward with renewed vigor and pride to face the challenges ahead…the return journey was smooth and as we traveled back, the memories of the 2 days well spent, are crystal clear in our minds.
Hats off to Pegasus and Jai Hind to Colonel Saab and also Mr. Alok.
It indeed was a truly enthralling experience to cherish all our life.
Thanks
Roohul Haq.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The old and the new cores
I write this wonderful piece of anecdote to summarise my observations about these wonderful years of existence as a human being on Mother India (satire)
--- I do remember my earlier days of living in remote corners of India..buzzing with age old traditions and customs like the regular "Namaste" to elders and likes..
This is the age of "Hello" and for short"Hi"
--- We had the customs of "Athithi Devo Bhava"..
Now the custom is for "Athithi jaldi jao bhava "..
--- As soon as a friend happens to reach for a get-together,we used to celebrate it with a cup of tea or coffee and some snacks and biscuits.We enquired about the well being of their parents and enquired about their healths.
Now is the age of "business"talks . We talk about "how much does you/me earn". In which company do we work and how is the business going like...or for that matter,where are we putting our latest investments..real estates,stocks or FD's
---Festivals were aperiod of celebrations in "traditional ways".New clothes(1 pair) were purchased for only such occasions and spending for sweets was noteworthy.The get togethers among colleagues,friends and neighbours were cherishing and momentous
Now the "jet age" has taken over the realms of most festivals. It has become secondary to another holiday to relax and done with...
--- It was a joy to go and meet friends in flesh and blood.The human touch was vehement and breathtaking , very real.The communication was more of feeling (with touch , presence and through the eyes)
This is the age of "Mobility". Everything gets addressed through "mobiles" and "e-mails". Social networking has a new paradigm - Facebook ,Orkut,Twitter and Linked IN
The human touch is vehementally missing to the core
--- As children , we were part of the abundant nature at will for most part of our younger days,whether it was climbing trees,trekking in wilderness,bold enough to steal and pluck fruits from neighbourhood,make honchos out of bushes,playing hide and seek among various buildings and the likes...
Now is the age of being "Indoors" and play those Indoor video games and computer networking games...the itellectual growth is okay..but EQ remains vulnerable
We are creating caricatures of "Robot" for the future
--- The pleasant mornings produced great moments of "carnatic and hindustani music",among the various temples and monumental places. The next door kiranas played effective morning ragas.The atmosphere would reverberate with soulful and ear pleasing music... Mother earth would radiate pleasant earthy smell and the flowers strewn among the tree bottoms exuded effervescence.
Times have changed now...morning chores are often forgotten among the jetsetting people,its just ..jet...set and go ...to the workplace with all broken customs as baggage
---Evenings was a time for gupshups(plain nonsense talk)...we remember the time when the atmosphere would reverberate with resounding laughter...talk non-sensically about everything under the sky.
Now the talks are vehementally missing or plain vanilla selfish talks..serious humorous touch are bygone..more business like and pretty formal(serious)
---We had some lovely joyrides on bicycles,rickshaws,bullockcarts,tractors,even horserides quite often during earlier days.Even plain walking for miles together was pleasant..
Now is the age of "Mobikes" and fancy"cars".You get a job and get one of those 2/4 legged ones for comfort in a jiffy...showing your unbridled status for egoistic mind.
Walking has become an uncalled sin and time waster..
---Shopping for goods was a "monthly once" or biweekly once activity. We used to make a list of things to be procured neatly written on a paper and stick by it while shopping.Bargaining was a "no-no",as the shopkeepers were just next door kiranas.Items were neatly wrapped in "newspaper" and handed over in a thali.Even payments were made at the end of the month only once. Bookkeeping was prominent and relation based on trust and loyality.
Nowadays "Malls" and "shopping centres" have become our second home. Splurge impulsively on anything under the sun,not based on practicality and purpose.
Think for pleasure of the moment and be done away with. Shopping has become an excuse for keeping household members happy for not spending time within..
---Singing was a custom for all occasions whether it was school get togethers , picnics,mohalla gatherings,occasions for festivals,marriages,engagements and the likes.. The songs were invariably chosen for the occasion,rehearsed umpteen times and sung with high notes and exuberance. Bakthi song would be first song sung to inaugurate any function..
Nowadays, the songs are all hip hop,music jittery for the ears, made alarming by the speakers with very high wattages ; dancing not in synch with the song(crude music) and out of favour for the occasion. More so with re-mixes ruling the roost,you never know,whether to stick with the original henceforth...
Life has become an inordinate struggle between the "old values/customs" or "uncompromising westernisation ".
May these changes bring about some sensible thinking on our part seriously, whether to embrace trash over pure heritage,customs and divine values
The stark contrast between the 3 bygone decades has brought about a profound mindset and cultural change among the old and younger generation. There has been a creation of paradigm shift in ideologies amongst us. Embracing the unknown is bringing disenchantment and discontentment for the older generation.
Wish the almighty that we do not get bogged down by all these pretentious but important issues and move forward to see our country in all its glory !!
Vande Mataram
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
--- I do remember my earlier days of living in remote corners of India..buzzing with age old traditions and customs like the regular "Namaste" to elders and likes..
This is the age of "Hello" and for short"Hi"
--- We had the customs of "Athithi Devo Bhava"..
Now the custom is for "Athithi jaldi jao bhava "..
--- As soon as a friend happens to reach for a get-together,we used to celebrate it with a cup of tea or coffee and some snacks and biscuits.We enquired about the well being of their parents and enquired about their healths.
Now is the age of "business"talks . We talk about "how much does you/me earn". In which company do we work and how is the business going like...or for that matter,where are we putting our latest investments..real estates,stocks or FD's
---Festivals were aperiod of celebrations in "traditional ways".New clothes(1 pair) were purchased for only such occasions and spending for sweets was noteworthy.The get togethers among colleagues,friends and neighbours were cherishing and momentous
Now the "jet age" has taken over the realms of most festivals. It has become secondary to another holiday to relax and done with...
--- It was a joy to go and meet friends in flesh and blood.The human touch was vehement and breathtaking , very real.The communication was more of feeling (with touch , presence and through the eyes)
This is the age of "Mobility". Everything gets addressed through "mobiles" and "e-mails". Social networking has a new paradigm - Facebook ,Orkut,Twitter and Linked IN
The human touch is vehementally missing to the core
--- As children , we were part of the abundant nature at will for most part of our younger days,whether it was climbing trees,trekking in wilderness,bold enough to steal and pluck fruits from neighbourhood,make honchos out of bushes,playing hide and seek among various buildings and the likes...
Now is the age of being "Indoors" and play those Indoor video games and computer networking games...the itellectual growth is okay..but EQ remains vulnerable
We are creating caricatures of "Robot" for the future
--- The pleasant mornings produced great moments of "carnatic and hindustani music",among the various temples and monumental places. The next door kiranas played effective morning ragas.The atmosphere would reverberate with soulful and ear pleasing music... Mother earth would radiate pleasant earthy smell and the flowers strewn among the tree bottoms exuded effervescence.
Times have changed now...morning chores are often forgotten among the jetsetting people,its just ..jet...set and go ...to the workplace with all broken customs as baggage
---Evenings was a time for gupshups(plain nonsense talk)...we remember the time when the atmosphere would reverberate with resounding laughter...talk non-sensically about everything under the sky.
Now the talks are vehementally missing or plain vanilla selfish talks..serious humorous touch are bygone..more business like and pretty formal(serious)
---We had some lovely joyrides on bicycles,rickshaws,bullockcarts,tractors,even horserides quite often during earlier days.Even plain walking for miles together was pleasant..
Now is the age of "Mobikes" and fancy"cars".You get a job and get one of those 2/4 legged ones for comfort in a jiffy...showing your unbridled status for egoistic mind.
Walking has become an uncalled sin and time waster..
---Shopping for goods was a "monthly once" or biweekly once activity. We used to make a list of things to be procured neatly written on a paper and stick by it while shopping.Bargaining was a "no-no",as the shopkeepers were just next door kiranas.Items were neatly wrapped in "newspaper" and handed over in a thali.Even payments were made at the end of the month only once. Bookkeeping was prominent and relation based on trust and loyality.
Nowadays "Malls" and "shopping centres" have become our second home. Splurge impulsively on anything under the sun,not based on practicality and purpose.
Think for pleasure of the moment and be done away with. Shopping has become an excuse for keeping household members happy for not spending time within..
---Singing was a custom for all occasions whether it was school get togethers , picnics,mohalla gatherings,occasions for festivals,marriages,engagements and the likes.. The songs were invariably chosen for the occasion,rehearsed umpteen times and sung with high notes and exuberance. Bakthi song would be first song sung to inaugurate any function..
Nowadays, the songs are all hip hop,music jittery for the ears, made alarming by the speakers with very high wattages ; dancing not in synch with the song(crude music) and out of favour for the occasion. More so with re-mixes ruling the roost,you never know,whether to stick with the original henceforth...
Life has become an inordinate struggle between the "old values/customs" or "uncompromising westernisation ".
May these changes bring about some sensible thinking on our part seriously, whether to embrace trash over pure heritage,customs and divine values
The stark contrast between the 3 bygone decades has brought about a profound mindset and cultural change among the old and younger generation. There has been a creation of paradigm shift in ideologies amongst us. Embracing the unknown is bringing disenchantment and discontentment for the older generation.
Wish the almighty that we do not get bogged down by all these pretentious but important issues and move forward to see our country in all its glory !!
Vande Mataram
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
Resilience Unmatched
This anecdote is dedicated to my Cab Driver -Mr Zaheer (from TE Connectivity) who ferried me for 6 long years
This is also a dedication to numerous cab and bus drivers who ferry employees to their work place day in and night out (in Bangalore Traffic)
My days with the Cab drivers started from the day ,I started working. I remember the MICO-buses which used to ply us from Yelahanka to MICO-factory at Adugodi
This was some 12 years back.Those days were good for the people around and commuters in general.There was no traffic snarls.Life was usually pacy ,but roads were a delight.Not much crowd as well
The drivers were awesome.They had a wonderful way of greeting and entertaining each employee.Always enthusiastic and cheerful to the core
Day in and night out ,these bus drivers used to ferry us to and fro ,with exquisite delight.No harsh treatment at all. I simply loved the enthusiasm with which these drivers used to converse with each employee,without any demarcation between an operator,management staff and the ilks.
The MICO bus drivers day started early in the morning (4.30 am at Yelahanka) --1st shift and ended up at 11.30 pm (2nd shift end).The numerous trips they make each day,back and forth continuously for the six days at the least,reminisces the hard work
put by these folks.This amounted to 400-600 kms plying on an average per day.
I sometimes marvel at the patience,perseverance and resilience of these fantastic drivers,who make life of fellow employees and commuter's comfortable and joyous over the years ,taking everything into their strides.
The tit bits we used to share about office ,life in general and gupshups,still rankle as some thriving moments of my life.As we grow in the organisation and enjoy the benefits to the core,reflects the sacrifices these simple and hardworking drivers make for society in general.
I still remember the fantastic "Ayudha Pooja" festival,when the buses are decorated with banana trees and flowers. The drivers are given huge gifts from the money collected by fellow employees to mark a respect of gratitude to their service.
For all the 7 years (from 1998 - 2004),we have attended this "puja"on dussera without fail,each time going at 4.30 am in the morning and paying those wonderful moments with the bus drivers.The ferry would start at 6.00 am after full decoration of the bus and reach MICO-Bosch by 7.15 am. Pooja would culminate by 8.45 am.
Dussera Pooja is indeed a mark of celebration for "our drivers"who join us to take us forward to another year of prosperity open handedly
I really miss those moments of splendor to this day.
As the days progresses and lots of sectors opening up in Bangalore,there has been an influx of vehicles and cabs on the road.But the moments of traffic snarls never dampen the spirit of these drivers to the tee.
Complaining and moaning,stressing themselves with abuses are very few and far in between.The whole community has been very large hearted,with occasional binge of humor thrown in to lighten up their highly persevering role.
The joyrides we had,the occasional celebrations on the road,some embarrassing moments,the radio FM's and mirchis,the gupshups and non sensical talks, moments of splendor,grief and sorrow,high octane level of intruders,signing those "end of trip" sheets,running out of petrol/diesel once in a while,vehicle going kapput,abusing the proprietor for not sending the vehicle on time,tyre puncture,helping out people in distress,seeing and observing accidents on the way,horn noises at railway bypasses,traffic jams at crucial junctures,missing out employees at pick up points,laughing at ourselves on our foolishness at not getting down at our destinations (you fall asleep occasionally don't you?)and the likes ....
Emotions run through your blood anyways
I sometimes introspect the psyche of these drivers and get mesmerised wholeheartedly with which they go about performing this every day ,diligently.
Marvellous,Awesome,Fantastic ! that sums it up...
Salute you all,with all my honesty for making me what I am today .
Drivers zindabad !
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
This is also a dedication to numerous cab and bus drivers who ferry employees to their work place day in and night out (in Bangalore Traffic)
My days with the Cab drivers started from the day ,I started working. I remember the MICO-buses which used to ply us from Yelahanka to MICO-factory at Adugodi
This was some 12 years back.Those days were good for the people around and commuters in general.There was no traffic snarls.Life was usually pacy ,but roads were a delight.Not much crowd as well
The drivers were awesome.They had a wonderful way of greeting and entertaining each employee.Always enthusiastic and cheerful to the core
Day in and night out ,these bus drivers used to ferry us to and fro ,with exquisite delight.No harsh treatment at all. I simply loved the enthusiasm with which these drivers used to converse with each employee,without any demarcation between an operator,management staff and the ilks.
The MICO bus drivers day started early in the morning (4.30 am at Yelahanka) --1st shift and ended up at 11.30 pm (2nd shift end).The numerous trips they make each day,back and forth continuously for the six days at the least,reminisces the hard work
put by these folks.This amounted to 400-600 kms plying on an average per day.
I sometimes marvel at the patience,perseverance and resilience of these fantastic drivers,who make life of fellow employees and commuter's comfortable and joyous over the years ,taking everything into their strides.
The tit bits we used to share about office ,life in general and gupshups,still rankle as some thriving moments of my life.As we grow in the organisation and enjoy the benefits to the core,reflects the sacrifices these simple and hardworking drivers make for society in general.
I still remember the fantastic "Ayudha Pooja" festival,when the buses are decorated with banana trees and flowers. The drivers are given huge gifts from the money collected by fellow employees to mark a respect of gratitude to their service.
For all the 7 years (from 1998 - 2004),we have attended this "puja"on dussera without fail,each time going at 4.30 am in the morning and paying those wonderful moments with the bus drivers.The ferry would start at 6.00 am after full decoration of the bus and reach MICO-Bosch by 7.15 am. Pooja would culminate by 8.45 am.
Dussera Pooja is indeed a mark of celebration for "our drivers"who join us to take us forward to another year of prosperity open handedly
I really miss those moments of splendor to this day.
As the days progresses and lots of sectors opening up in Bangalore,there has been an influx of vehicles and cabs on the road.But the moments of traffic snarls never dampen the spirit of these drivers to the tee.
Complaining and moaning,stressing themselves with abuses are very few and far in between.The whole community has been very large hearted,with occasional binge of humor thrown in to lighten up their highly persevering role.
The joyrides we had,the occasional celebrations on the road,some embarrassing moments,the radio FM's and mirchis,the gupshups and non sensical talks, moments of splendor,grief and sorrow,high octane level of intruders,signing those "end of trip" sheets,running out of petrol/diesel once in a while,vehicle going kapput,abusing the proprietor for not sending the vehicle on time,tyre puncture,helping out people in distress,seeing and observing accidents on the way,horn noises at railway bypasses,traffic jams at crucial junctures,missing out employees at pick up points,laughing at ourselves on our foolishness at not getting down at our destinations (you fall asleep occasionally don't you?)and the likes ....
Emotions run through your blood anyways
I sometimes introspect the psyche of these drivers and get mesmerised wholeheartedly with which they go about performing this every day ,diligently.
Marvellous,Awesome,Fantastic ! that sums it up...
Salute you all,with all my honesty for making me what I am today .
Drivers zindabad !
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
Media Explosion
This article is dedicated to all the creative talents working in the media and publishing Industries
I remember the days when the media came to existence in the form of newspapers and radio only.In our childhood ,we used to read the newspaper"Deccan Herald",the Bangalore edition.
I recollect the way ,i used to read the newspaper.From the last page(the sports section ) to the first.The business session was skipped in a jiffy. The newspaper prints were in black and white with fewer advertisements and depth in content.
The only ones to read the newspaper was my Dad and me. It was a leisure activity.The old charm of Bangalore was omnipresent in the writings. Some editions of "Indian express" were also enthralling.
The other important source of entertainment was the "Radio".I still recollect the wonderful programs like "Chayageet".The radio jockeys (or RJ's in today's parlance)or presenters had an audacious voice.The programs were so soothing to the ears and soul. The old hindi film songs being such a craze those days.
We used to hear the 9 pm English news on the radio. Even the cricket commentary was breathtaking. It was a pleasure to hear these with all friends and family members.
Another notable aspect of those times was when there is a power failure. There would be a commotion in the house and on the streets. People would enquire minute by minute running commentary on the status from KEB officials.
Slowly the advent of B/W Television ,changed the face of media. I remember the times when we used to wait eagerly for the popular entertainment called "Chitrahaar"on Wednesdays(start time = 8.00 pm) The ads would start from 7.45 pm -8.00 pm fultoosh.
There were the usual movies on Sundays and also "kavi sammelans","old classical music shows",cartoon shows and serials like "Nukad","udaan","Baneegi apni Baat","Malgudi days","Discovery of India","Surabhi",among others
The only channels available those times was the "DD1"and "DD2" as we designated it.
The films that would be played were the old hindi and kannada movies.
The news were very authentic with no personal lives of personalities been under severe scrutiny.Going for movies in theater was a luxury. Only for occasion's , it was an indulgence with family members
As the days progressed,the advent of colour television and subsequent availability of video players,business magazines,sports magazines(sportstar was a favorite),comic books,novels and fictions dramatically changed the media and publishing industry
Now people have more than they can chew. The media has become more savvy attention grabber.Publicity has become the name of the game.Global economy is under lot of stress and strain.People are becoming mobile 9on the go).There is plethora of entertainment spots to chill out and make yourself noticed. Media is playing to the galleries.
Innovation is the name of the game. The serials are all kinkky and kapput with "K"ruling the roost.The superficial emotions can be seen on the faces of actors with their larger than life portrayals.
The radio mirchis play around the clock giving you all kinds of matrimonial and business advices in between. Consumers have become the focal points to getting pampered with admonishment
The gizmo's have not been spared either. All kinds of mobile explosion are being tethered by the younger generations alike, not to mention the internet revolution.
By the click of the button (mouse),you are mesmerised with the kind of information and real time data is generated by the idiot box. The present generation has become a living gizmo with mobiles,laptops,PDA'S,Tablets,smart phones,IPads,Gaming consoles and PlayStation's ruling our daily lives.
May these innovations bring a reality check on the human facet as well.People are getting ripped apart like never before.The human mind is getting distracted towards the materialistic aspect as a whole ; with the spiritual side being neglected.
The media has to play an important role in society to make our country not lose its old values and culture and the wonderful good work put up by hard working personalities across society. We have to be responsible in making authentic effort towards making the country progressive by communicating solutions to problems and an effort in nation building
No discussions but actions; not by preaching values but by demonstrating it !!
Jai Ho!!
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
I remember the days when the media came to existence in the form of newspapers and radio only.In our childhood ,we used to read the newspaper"Deccan Herald",the Bangalore edition.
I recollect the way ,i used to read the newspaper.From the last page(the sports section ) to the first.The business session was skipped in a jiffy. The newspaper prints were in black and white with fewer advertisements and depth in content.
The only ones to read the newspaper was my Dad and me. It was a leisure activity.The old charm of Bangalore was omnipresent in the writings. Some editions of "Indian express" were also enthralling.
The other important source of entertainment was the "Radio".I still recollect the wonderful programs like "Chayageet".The radio jockeys (or RJ's in today's parlance)or presenters had an audacious voice.The programs were so soothing to the ears and soul. The old hindi film songs being such a craze those days.
We used to hear the 9 pm English news on the radio. Even the cricket commentary was breathtaking. It was a pleasure to hear these with all friends and family members.
Another notable aspect of those times was when there is a power failure. There would be a commotion in the house and on the streets. People would enquire minute by minute running commentary on the status from KEB officials.
Slowly the advent of B/W Television ,changed the face of media. I remember the times when we used to wait eagerly for the popular entertainment called "Chitrahaar"on Wednesdays(start time = 8.00 pm) The ads would start from 7.45 pm -8.00 pm fultoosh.
There were the usual movies on Sundays and also "kavi sammelans","old classical music shows",cartoon shows and serials like "Nukad","udaan","Baneegi apni Baat","Malgudi days","Discovery of India","Surabhi",among others
The only channels available those times was the "DD1"and "DD2" as we designated it.
The films that would be played were the old hindi and kannada movies.
The news were very authentic with no personal lives of personalities been under severe scrutiny.Going for movies in theater was a luxury. Only for occasion's , it was an indulgence with family members
As the days progressed,the advent of colour television and subsequent availability of video players,business magazines,sports magazines(sportstar was a favorite),comic books,novels and fictions dramatically changed the media and publishing industry
Now people have more than they can chew. The media has become more savvy attention grabber.Publicity has become the name of the game.Global economy is under lot of stress and strain.People are becoming mobile 9on the go).There is plethora of entertainment spots to chill out and make yourself noticed. Media is playing to the galleries.
Innovation is the name of the game. The serials are all kinkky and kapput with "K"ruling the roost.The superficial emotions can be seen on the faces of actors with their larger than life portrayals.
The radio mirchis play around the clock giving you all kinds of matrimonial and business advices in between. Consumers have become the focal points to getting pampered with admonishment
The gizmo's have not been spared either. All kinds of mobile explosion are being tethered by the younger generations alike, not to mention the internet revolution.
By the click of the button (mouse),you are mesmerised with the kind of information and real time data is generated by the idiot box. The present generation has become a living gizmo with mobiles,laptops,PDA'S,Tablets,smart phones,IPads,Gaming consoles and PlayStation's ruling our daily lives.
May these innovations bring a reality check on the human facet as well.People are getting ripped apart like never before.The human mind is getting distracted towards the materialistic aspect as a whole ; with the spiritual side being neglected.
The media has to play an important role in society to make our country not lose its old values and culture and the wonderful good work put up by hard working personalities across society. We have to be responsible in making authentic effort towards making the country progressive by communicating solutions to problems and an effort in nation building
No discussions but actions; not by preaching values but by demonstrating it !!
Jai Ho!!
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
The Secret of Happiness
Sad and lonely,an orphan girl was walking through a meadow one day when she noticed a small butterfly caught in a thorn bush.
The more the butterfly struggled to free itself ,the deeper the thorns cut into its fragile body.
The girl carefully released the butterfly from its captivity.Instead of flying away ,the little butterfly changed into a beautiful fairy.The girl rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
"For your wonderful kindness ",said the good fairy to the girl."i will grant you any wish you like ".
The little girl thought for a moment and then replied,"I want to be happy!"
The fairy leaned forward and whispered in her ear..and then vanished.
As the little girl grew up,there was no one in the land as happy as she.
Everyone asked her the secret of happiness.She could only smile and answer"the secret of my happiness is that i listened to a good fairy when i was a little girl."
When she was old and dying,the neighbours rallied around her,afraid that her fabulous secret of happiness would die with her.
"Tell us what the good fairy said "
The lovely old woman simply smiled and said,"She told me that everyone , no matter how secured they seem,no matter how old or young , how rich or poor,had need of "ME".
Tchuse
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
The more the butterfly struggled to free itself ,the deeper the thorns cut into its fragile body.
The girl carefully released the butterfly from its captivity.Instead of flying away ,the little butterfly changed into a beautiful fairy.The girl rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
"For your wonderful kindness ",said the good fairy to the girl."i will grant you any wish you like ".
The little girl thought for a moment and then replied,"I want to be happy!"
The fairy leaned forward and whispered in her ear..and then vanished.
As the little girl grew up,there was no one in the land as happy as she.
Everyone asked her the secret of happiness.She could only smile and answer"the secret of my happiness is that i listened to a good fairy when i was a little girl."
When she was old and dying,the neighbours rallied around her,afraid that her fabulous secret of happiness would die with her.
"Tell us what the good fairy said "
The lovely old woman simply smiled and said,"She told me that everyone , no matter how secured they seem,no matter how old or young , how rich or poor,had need of "ME".
Tchuse
Sd/-
Roohul Haq
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