Else where in my blog I wrote "Ask a failed man how he failed, so that he can explain at length, but not a man who has succeeded because he do not know how he was successful". Is this statement correct? Few weeks back I was watching a tennis match of Wimbledon - gentlemen's final 2009 between Swiss FEDEX Vs Yankee Andy Roddic. What a match it was? I was biting my nails, watching the volleys, deuces, tie breakers, games, sets and both the sport men’s struggle to win that match at any cost. No doubt it was a clash of titans and a match to be remembered for years to come.
Finally it was ended with the highest ever games fought in a grand slam - if am right about the records. My heart bleeded for Andy Roddic for his defeat. I have not seen (or missed) tears in the eyes of Roger Fedarer (unlike when he won the title at Rolland Garrows) or in the eyes of defeated Roddic other than greatest disappointment. To compensate that situation I have tears in my eyes which I want to hide in front of my daughter because she may think that am emotionally weak bol ke. (Incidentally even with books also, still after reading the same book so many times I will have tears in my eyes and one such book to quote is "A train to Pakistan" by Mr.Kushwanth Singh).
I do not know that I will have tears in my eyes for a tennis match fought by two non Indian players. I asked myself later so many times, what made me to move in such a way? The answer is the defeat in such a fashion. I know how it hurts when you loose something after coming to the verge of winning the match and after fighting savagely for more than four and half hours or so. when Roddic commented "But I tried Pete..." for the greatest player Pete Sampras watching from the stands, every body watching that match know what he meant by saying "I tried..." and how he tried to win the match.
My daughter who is also there in front of the TV watching that match asked why am I disappointed? She knows to whom my respect goes to because of my moist eyes. It is not for the defeat as we all know that no looser will ever respected but for the way Andy Roddic has accepted the defeat and responded later. Am sure we will all have a few occasions of watching this final in years to come under the golden moments of Wimbledon. At the same time we have to bow for Fedarer without loosing his patience fought and won the match.
Any defeat is cruel and merciless and how a person takes it is more important. Some take it gracefully and some do not accept it and blame it on everybody including the empires, judges and deciders. A few examples to quote is the reality shows on different TV channels. At times it is boring to see people weeping for a defeat in those shows. To help this situation I think anchors are also trying their level best to build up the tempo for the elimination round. I have left these shows for good and resumed my old habit of reading books. I forgot to mention here that I watched a few of the elimination rounds of a recent Swayamvara - a different cup of tea to taste. So in this for somebody who is eliminated can we say that he is defeated? I do not know and somebody comment on this.
Also in another channel there is a contest (I do not know what it is to be termed a game show or a reality show) to win in that you have to tell the truth in the presence of your family members. They ask you few questions which will pain you. I was told a few families are already broken by this. Good for us. We deserve what we want. Participation in this is a devils alternative in my perception. Here it is not the question of loosing or gaining but probing the inner thoughts and confess with a poly graph machine connected to you. This contest, I think has opened a Pandora's Box. Let much discussion go on this show and hope the muddy waters will be settled. Even though these channels are commercial, I hope human beings are there behind these concepts and are they not listening what India is saying? Mera Bharat Mahan.......
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
"What's in a name?"
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." - Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) - Shakespeare.
But in my perception there is a lot at stake in anybody's name. People whose names starts with a higher order of alphabet always struggle when they are called for a debate or in getting invited - not by first came first serve basis, but on the order of alphabetical priority. I know this because of my name with an S. That is the reason I put my daughter's name with an A - Anjana. But she is complaining that she did not have enough time to think about any subject when they are calling to talk her in her college assignments. So there is a point to be noted here as well. So point no 1 is name should start with a "C" or a "D" preferably.
I have an identity crisis till my late age in the life. This is because during my childhood days I was timid. In contrast my elder sister is ferocious and she used to protect me and my eldest sister in our preschool quarrels. Because of her peculiar name "Muni Kanya" I was always Muni Kanya's brother only. For me being two years younger to her is not an issue but for my eldest sister who is two years senior to Muni Kanya also known as Muni Kanya's sister only. Phew - bad luck. In Hyderabad telephone directory Muni Kanya's name is only one of its kind. So point no 2 is try to put a peculiar or odd name. (Also try to be ferocious as well - Sis am sorry and I tried to be like you and learnt that it is not possible for everyone to be like that).
Srinivas is a such a common name in Andhra, so many of them are there with same initials also in every class. During my college days my roommate is also another Srinivas. But Sekhar has christened us Pidi Srinu 1 and 2 which followed for the rest of the years. Later during my job in MACE there are three SRAOs and all are named KS, JS and VS based on their initials. So this JS struck to me finally (other than Muni Kanya's brother) and I liked it because of the simplicity. I thought there is no confusion until one day some body is inquiring about one Mr. PS in stead of JS. To be further simpler like Americans I have to call myself Mr. S. But what is the guarantee that some body may call me Mr. Z. So point no 3 is no name is not so simple to avoid confusion.
In contrast longer names do have advantages. Let me quote a joke. (source of this is not identified but duly acknowledged). In one of the international flights Bond sat by the side of an Indian and an Andhrite. Casually Bond introduced himself in his typical way "I am Bond - James Bond". Our friend snapped back "I am Rao, - Subba Rao, - Venkata Subba Rao, - Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond frowned), - Siva Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond yawned), Satya Siva Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond fainted). The joke ends with our friend commenting "Do not play games with Indians..". Point No 4 long names are comfortable because you can trim yourself in whatever way you like and your spouse call whatever way she / he likes and a bit of that name always exist over there.
Also some times a few names of persons or places just ring a bell in our memory and recollect that person or an activity immediately. For example if you want your daughter to become a tennis star put her name in such a way that it ends with a Pova, Eva or a Nova. Cut the scene you are sitting in Rolland Garrows or Wimbledon waving your hand from the stands vigorously cheering your daughter against William Sisters if they do not retire by that time.
There are other ways of world recognizing us with our name other than the above guidelines. Now a days it is the famous TAST (Throw A shoe Technique). Throw one on the face of a famous personality and chances are there that we may land in Teehar jail but next day we will become a personality of Who is Who in all GK books. Generations next will remember you with your name being sought for a quiz contest. Some body kindly advise other than this any short cuts to become famous with our names over night.......
But in my perception there is a lot at stake in anybody's name. People whose names starts with a higher order of alphabet always struggle when they are called for a debate or in getting invited - not by first came first serve basis, but on the order of alphabetical priority. I know this because of my name with an S. That is the reason I put my daughter's name with an A - Anjana. But she is complaining that she did not have enough time to think about any subject when they are calling to talk her in her college assignments. So there is a point to be noted here as well. So point no 1 is name should start with a "C" or a "D" preferably.
I have an identity crisis till my late age in the life. This is because during my childhood days I was timid. In contrast my elder sister is ferocious and she used to protect me and my eldest sister in our preschool quarrels. Because of her peculiar name "Muni Kanya" I was always Muni Kanya's brother only. For me being two years younger to her is not an issue but for my eldest sister who is two years senior to Muni Kanya also known as Muni Kanya's sister only. Phew - bad luck. In Hyderabad telephone directory Muni Kanya's name is only one of its kind. So point no 2 is try to put a peculiar or odd name. (Also try to be ferocious as well - Sis am sorry and I tried to be like you and learnt that it is not possible for everyone to be like that).
Srinivas is a such a common name in Andhra, so many of them are there with same initials also in every class. During my college days my roommate is also another Srinivas. But Sekhar has christened us Pidi Srinu 1 and 2 which followed for the rest of the years. Later during my job in MACE there are three SRAOs and all are named KS, JS and VS based on their initials. So this JS struck to me finally (other than Muni Kanya's brother) and I liked it because of the simplicity. I thought there is no confusion until one day some body is inquiring about one Mr. PS in stead of JS. To be further simpler like Americans I have to call myself Mr. S. But what is the guarantee that some body may call me Mr. Z. So point no 3 is no name is not so simple to avoid confusion.
In contrast longer names do have advantages. Let me quote a joke. (source of this is not identified but duly acknowledged). In one of the international flights Bond sat by the side of an Indian and an Andhrite. Casually Bond introduced himself in his typical way "I am Bond - James Bond". Our friend snapped back "I am Rao, - Subba Rao, - Venkata Subba Rao, - Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond frowned), - Siva Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond yawned), Satya Siva Naga Venkata Subba Rao (Bond fainted). The joke ends with our friend commenting "Do not play games with Indians..". Point No 4 long names are comfortable because you can trim yourself in whatever way you like and your spouse call whatever way she / he likes and a bit of that name always exist over there.
Also some times a few names of persons or places just ring a bell in our memory and recollect that person or an activity immediately. For example if you want your daughter to become a tennis star put her name in such a way that it ends with a Pova, Eva or a Nova. Cut the scene you are sitting in Rolland Garrows or Wimbledon waving your hand from the stands vigorously cheering your daughter against William Sisters if they do not retire by that time.
There are other ways of world recognizing us with our name other than the above guidelines. Now a days it is the famous TAST (Throw A shoe Technique). Throw one on the face of a famous personality and chances are there that we may land in Teehar jail but next day we will become a personality of Who is Who in all GK books. Generations next will remember you with your name being sought for a quiz contest. Some body kindly advise other than this any short cuts to become famous with our names over night.......
Friday, May 22, 2009
"And the winner is....."
Wow at last the two months long procedure of election notification to polling and results saga is completed in India. Am relaxed a bit. To be precise Anjana my daughter at home and Naidu and Suresh at office are more relaxed persons for getting rid of me (of course the great sephologist's analysing and explaining them day today and minute to minute changes in the voting patterns, who said what, whose votes are being transferred to whom etc without getting any remuneration- poor me when in India true knowledge is recognized?).
My daughter was kidding with me saying why you can’t try with one of these local 24 hours news channels as an expert commentator bol ke. Not a bad idea and quite a bit stimulating thought for me also. But I have forgotten how to tie a tie. So will try to follow her advise - after practicing the forgotten Windsor knot and that too if chance arrives - Insha allha - after 5 years down under the line. (Am praying at least this shaky stable governments should last for 5 years).
My mom who is a strong supporter for one of the political parties and is confused with so many surveys and is getting worried about her party's winning proposition. I consoled her saying - do not worry mom am also going to cast my vote for your choice only. With that your candidate is sure about three votes - his own and ours two. Nearing 70 she is one of the few persons who casted her vote and returned to home even before 7 15 am in the morning. Only problem is none asked her to raise her finger and give a pose to the electronic media. She is a bit disappointed for that when so many are raising their fingers and some even their palms as well - why she only has deprived that chance? Hey media guys/gals what are you doing when she want to raise her finger - no use I will advise my mom to contest for Delhi CM so that she can raise her finger along with another two people simultaneously in front of a dozen national and another dozen international TV reporters telecasting the same on live.
My sis and bro in law came all the way to cast their votes at our place who stayed till recently at this place and shifted to a new place where they have not registered for their votes yet. After coming down they learnt that even though they have their voter cards in tact with them their names are missing in the voters list. Sis raised her voice protested, fought and exhausted. Without loosing the patience my bro in law tried to substitute themselves with another couple for whom they have their names in the list but do not have their ID cards. Even though it is a good idea the polling booth staff have got other thoughts. Bitter for not casting his vote my bro in law is commenting that next time he will offer himself as a candidate for CEC so that even if his name is in the missing list he can be accommodated to cast a vote in another polling booth within no time.
India is undoubtedly the biggest democratic country in the world. Even my family represents it. My mom supports one party, my wife to another party and my kid barely eligible for voting has her own party which is different from others and there is a small parliament in our house with me as a speaker always switching sides with whom I have got more work that day or had my dinner or about to have also got an impact to cast my deciding vote. You know how difficult to survive such situations and that's why even though am eligible for all the political posts in India never tried for one.
My nephew Teja who has got no experience with these kinds of situation is eager to contest one of these days. My other sis is worried about it - poor sis do not know all the guys just before marriage want to contest and forget about it later. So the best thing is to allow the guy to marry and after that he will become a pro term speaker for a day and later an opposition member immediately who has always listen what everybody is saying without offering his comments. Even he wants to talk and raise a finger (believe me this time not to show that he has casted his vote) - his wife will chide him saying - at least to use the rest room there is no need to take her permission. Teja - are you listening? Experience always counts my dear nephew.
So guys do not relax - we do not know when elections are expected again. Some optimists are ready for guessing within another month. So pull up your socks and get ready - I myself already ironed my tie and practicing the Windsor knot taught by Mr. Radhe Syam my ex colleague. Thanks Syam I never thought that is useful for me like this.....
My daughter was kidding with me saying why you can’t try with one of these local 24 hours news channels as an expert commentator bol ke. Not a bad idea and quite a bit stimulating thought for me also. But I have forgotten how to tie a tie. So will try to follow her advise - after practicing the forgotten Windsor knot and that too if chance arrives - Insha allha - after 5 years down under the line. (Am praying at least this shaky stable governments should last for 5 years).
My mom who is a strong supporter for one of the political parties and is confused with so many surveys and is getting worried about her party's winning proposition. I consoled her saying - do not worry mom am also going to cast my vote for your choice only. With that your candidate is sure about three votes - his own and ours two. Nearing 70 she is one of the few persons who casted her vote and returned to home even before 7 15 am in the morning. Only problem is none asked her to raise her finger and give a pose to the electronic media. She is a bit disappointed for that when so many are raising their fingers and some even their palms as well - why she only has deprived that chance? Hey media guys/gals what are you doing when she want to raise her finger - no use I will advise my mom to contest for Delhi CM so that she can raise her finger along with another two people simultaneously in front of a dozen national and another dozen international TV reporters telecasting the same on live.
My sis and bro in law came all the way to cast their votes at our place who stayed till recently at this place and shifted to a new place where they have not registered for their votes yet. After coming down they learnt that even though they have their voter cards in tact with them their names are missing in the voters list. Sis raised her voice protested, fought and exhausted. Without loosing the patience my bro in law tried to substitute themselves with another couple for whom they have their names in the list but do not have their ID cards. Even though it is a good idea the polling booth staff have got other thoughts. Bitter for not casting his vote my bro in law is commenting that next time he will offer himself as a candidate for CEC so that even if his name is in the missing list he can be accommodated to cast a vote in another polling booth within no time.
India is undoubtedly the biggest democratic country in the world. Even my family represents it. My mom supports one party, my wife to another party and my kid barely eligible for voting has her own party which is different from others and there is a small parliament in our house with me as a speaker always switching sides with whom I have got more work that day or had my dinner or about to have also got an impact to cast my deciding vote. You know how difficult to survive such situations and that's why even though am eligible for all the political posts in India never tried for one.
My nephew Teja who has got no experience with these kinds of situation is eager to contest one of these days. My other sis is worried about it - poor sis do not know all the guys just before marriage want to contest and forget about it later. So the best thing is to allow the guy to marry and after that he will become a pro term speaker for a day and later an opposition member immediately who has always listen what everybody is saying without offering his comments. Even he wants to talk and raise a finger (believe me this time not to show that he has casted his vote) - his wife will chide him saying - at least to use the rest room there is no need to take her permission. Teja - are you listening? Experience always counts my dear nephew.
So guys do not relax - we do not know when elections are expected again. Some optimists are ready for guessing within another month. So pull up your socks and get ready - I myself already ironed my tie and practicing the Windsor knot taught by Mr. Radhe Syam my ex colleague. Thanks Syam I never thought that is useful for me like this.....
Friday, February 20, 2009
In God (only) We Trust...?
I used to joke with my USA settled NRI friends saying "In God You Trust." but we Indians trust in human beings. Now I want to comment that I do not want to trust anybody. Why so?
Today is a typical day where I am struggling with so many mistakes from morning to evening, now am praying when I can call it a day. Morning early hours I got a call that in one of the invoices we made a mistake by erroneously adding up the numbers and putting a wrong figure in the total column. From my accounts executive end it seems to be a small mistake. But I can understand as it reflected in an export invoice how much trouble it causes to our customer and in turn to us later. Ironically after preparation of that invoice I signed on it. My experience with my ex boss for this type of mistakes is that if somebody is asking to sign on a paper do not think they are asking your autograph. First read thoroughly and affix your signature on it after ensuring that there are no mistakes in it. So am cursing myself for that error.
Again today we got four cheques all stapled to separate vouchers from one of our big corporate customers. So we are happy for getting so many payments in one day and that too in these days of recession. After opening one of the covers alas the voucher is for us only but the cheque belongs to somebody else neatly stapled to this voucher. If it is only jumbling of two vouchers, then there are only two sufferers. Otherwise God only knows how many. I do not know when we can get back our misplaced cheque. Let me pray god. May be that is the reason technically advanced Americans are saying "In God We Trust.." bol ke.
We send a lot of items for further processing from our end. The process is one person to count and later another person also to recount and finally the master (myself) counts them. I used to remember the novel of Jerome K Jerome "Three Men in a boat" where in he quotes that all the members in that room measure for a specified mark and arrive at different figures. We too are no indifferent to this and all three members arrive with different figures and I wonder why at least any two figures are also not getting tallied. (I put a bench mark whoever weak in arithmetic can join our setup as the bottom line requirement.) The silver lining is after processing all the items are safely returned back and once again another three figures arrive. When any two of these figures tallies I want to announce a reward for the guy who guessed (not counted) that figure. Till now there is no claimant for that reward including myself. God save my setup.
With these back ground we have sent some items for plating purpose and later to save the transportation charge we directly dispatched the plated items to our customer. This time it is not the arithmetic problem but altogether one item is missing. Now I have to hire a professional detective to help us in finding out if we have already sent that item or is it still lying in our workshop some corner or it is with the platter shop or dropped down somewhere in between. Can anybody suggest who is the best detective to hire for this? Or shall I quote "In God only we also trust.." and keep quite. Let me think and finalise.
I used to get a statement from the bank with an additional deduction. (I do not know why there is no additional addition but always deduction?). When we inquire they say OK we will check and revert back? I used to remember a joke where one employee in an organisation got 100 bucks more in one month salary and he kept quite. Next month he got 100 bucks less and he brought this to the notice of the accounts department. When they asked why it was not brought to their notice in the previous month he sincerely quipped back " You know I always excuse one mistake but not two mistakes in a row..".
With a serious tone I want to comment in the good olden days where there are no personal computers and no excel programs to check the sums horizontally and vertically, people are working using the best and unbeatable human brains and doing flawless work. Now with all these facilities what is that we are doing? I want to know is it only with me or is there anybody to second me? To quote an ad from the TV (Jaghoo grahak jaghoo..) I am telling everyone "jaghoo aadmi jaghoo" and do the work in a flawless manner. In human beings we trust and let this trust take us forward so many miles to come...
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