Rudra

Rudra (/ˈrʊdrə/; Sanskrit: रुद्र) is a Rigvedic deity, associated with wind or storm and the hunt. The name has been translated as "the roarer". In the Rigveda, Rudra has been praised as the "mightiest of the mighty". 

11:22am. 31st July .A star is Born.

First cry heard across the swivelling doors.The heart skips a beat.The flurry of activity behind those doors and the excitement writ large across everyone's face , is a sight to watch.The 9 months of curiosity,and the arrival of the new age "5G' smart boy on the face of this earth, is the ultimate delight for all of us.We wait to get the first glimpse,and then out emerges the doctor and the nurse."CONGRATULATIONS, its a boy."

The tiny parcel of joy , the MOJO moment,and the cheer that spreads across is un -explainable. The parameters of weight, height etc. are told to us ,and then, as swiftly as they arrived , they take him back for his prep for the entry into the journey called Life.

The proud mother , having carried him through safely and been through countless emotional roller coaster rides through these times, sacrificing the things she relished, sticking to  the strict controls as advised by the docs, and all this, for this feather weight warrior who steps into our lives .One strong determined lady, ensures happiness for a few hundred people around .Hats off!!!

Wish to thank her for the grit and determination , which leads us to the word, that is the captioned subject, RUDRA. 

The newborn, RUDRA , will be synonymous with his name and will have to be the child of almighty ,having  great wisdom, strength, and resilience to take on the challenges of the world we live in.

God bless him.

Tip Toe

The anxious wait.The flurry of activity everywhere.Chores to do.The list is never ending.A new entrant as tiny as your forearm,as light as 3 kgs and look at the high intensity preparations.Its more a royal reception.That pin drop silence before the low decibels resound across the corridors and the world awakes.Little does the new entrant know,what's in store for him.Hard top luggage, cars at your service,list of sweets lined up and the burst of joy.MOJO........

My neurons  are in a state of hyperactivity and the creative mind sending pulses that are hurtling down the veins , waiting to reach the point of explosion.Its kind of similar to the bottled Champagne waiting to be uncorked.The excitement and delight one would experience when rolling over those bubbles over your tongue, this is a million folds beyond.The ECG refuses to stop from setting records  of scaling Everest ,even if it meant to do so a million times.The surge and drops measured are driving the B P apparatus crazy ,making it forget the formulaes it so easily identifies at normal times.

Trying to tell yourself "CHILL BUDDY ", you find yourself in a reverse situation of a fried ice cream.That brave look,the most enthusiastic smile on your face and the clock ticking by slowly and steadily ,reminding you that come what may, I will not change my pace.

The train of emotions chugging along at this moment in unexplainable.Trying to figure out ,is that the first time ? No .Then why?Ageing perhaps mellows you down ,but internally, you are no better than a bowl of jelly waiting to get out and spring a surprise.The moments lived 3 and a half years ago liven up ,and you start getting yourself back to those times and hoping you still would have a sound sleep ,peaceful rest just when you touch the bundle of joy that has tiptoed into your life.Once again the new pages  of my salt and pepper covered book called AABO 2.0 is about to get released. Is it 5G?

Head down

The long patient wait of 9 months, the hormonal changes, the emotions doing a roller coaster,the doctors setting up milestones all the way and then the grand finale for the new life to emerge on the face of this earth comes.

The final push, the intense tears of happiness, the routine agenda for the professional doctors and staff , the anxious family members all holding hands and assuring everyone stating "All is well".This is non verbally and verbally , inspite of not being a fortune teller or probably inspired by the prophecies of Nostradamus. The excitement around the ward , the anxious moments ticking away on your watch which is competing with the wall clock in the corridor.The seating area, with people trying to put on their best smile of assurance and waiting to probably hear the first cry.

Then comes the bundle of joy , wrapped in a soft comfy towel, experiencing the shocks of entering the real world from the cosy and safest place on earth , the mother's womb.The father to be , the silver haired and bald Granddads and Moms, the Aunts and Uncles scrambling to get a quick glimpse and each one wanting to be the first to cradle it .Some with the sheer fear of handling such a delicate bundle, having lost touch to grapple with such delicate situations after having faced the roller coaster of real  life.Numerous question marks, boy or a girl, fair or not,tall or short , how many pounds and of course the million dollar question.....Who does the baby resemble???????The world around you just stalls.The time stops.The excitement catapults you to seventh heaven and you walk on cloud nine.The main star of the moment "THE MOM" is sort of given second priority that instant and then it dawns on everyone almost that , how's she doing?

What a relief and a mind blowing experience it must be? What a great sacrifice and resilience held by every Mom to be.Out of this world experience I guess, which we men cannot imagine.The soothing comfort of experiencing the tiny pink face, small feet, peaceful closed eyes, that flutter trying to gauge and see who was that who held me all these months.The mini fingers , in the pink of health, the adjustments being done to align and straighten up in the tightly wrapped blanket ,must be a big ordeal for the new entrant to this fast paced world.

The flurry of activity that follows, sets the social networking world ablaze and the phones don't stop ringing .The SMS gateways gets chock-o-block with messages announcing  the arrival of the  bundle of joy.On one hand we align to the new rules of the game of high sanitation, high sensitisation, soft speech, limited access, giving space to the parents of the new born to live their personal moment of JOY.How exciting?

All this and more , with the time clock ticking , and events and emotions to unfold , starts the beginning of a new chapter called "LIFE"

Mantra of 70's

We work through our lives , to make our lives.We earn, spend and go through the rock and roll at various stages of our lives.Somewhere during the professional careers you get the KRS'S and KPI'S, with terms like objectives, goals, vision and mission etc. We live through that , get appraised and  look forward year on year improving our living standards.

In the whole process do we really plan out our personal lives? We work to a shifting goal post and really don't have an end in sight.Life being so unpredictable , one keeps doing some financial planning, health at some point of time and try to probably achieve that so called " WORK LIFE BALANCE".Coming across various situations in my own life, set me thinking if I could possibly set a goal and work backwards , where in I can hypothetically set a goal for my self and start living life to the utmost , every day, every moment with a set time clock that ticks backwards.

I set up a chart with a goal of reaching 70 years .The objective being, not to be a burden on my kids and loved ones, seeing and understanding your own health equations looking at the world today and the deterioration people are set to make out of it.The other part is while you can physically take up challenges ,do those now and keep the mental abilities , if fate allows , for later.Temporary amnesia, selective amnesia may follow , but would help achieve the milestones you set for your self.Many would argue as to why so low a target or otherwise.It's purely up to an individual to set it and could vary .The main purpose being, are we having a plan and working towards it? If you do , you will realise there is a purpose to live in life and you can actually enjoy those milestones.It gives you the space , time and money to get those.The sense of achievement , that you accomplished something that you set out for is also there.

This way you could see the world , in time , before your legs revolt.You could complete your adventure trips before your lungs puff out.Eat and enjoy the sizzling brownies and ice creams before you become to sweet a person , carrying a sugar factory with you.Spend quality time with your loved ones, which i consider to be invaluable and precious.These moments don't come back and its therefore important to live by the moment.The elders at home would love to understand your situations in life and how you tackle them , provided you could spend time with them as well.You could plan a little better for them , and give back atleast something for the years they spend on bringing you up.Live the child's life and babble around with your little one , and don't see them grow horizontally at the rate at which you travel.Living out of a suitcase is not life.

Keep a tracker, look back and then blog ......live those memories again.Revisit them, share them and feel blessed.

Changing equations

Just came back from a long deserved vacation, starting from no other place but the UK, who ruled us for 150 years.Times changed, and the scene changes.It's such a fascinating experience, to see the Asians dominate and control every corner shop, become the mayor or hold high positions in the political and industrial circuit.

The rich and the famous, along with the undisciplined and reckless travellers to this part of the world, rushing to Harrods, occupying majority square inch of the exclusive venue and shopping for brands like Prado, Gucci, Rado and the likes ,just shows who is calling the shots.

We have a diaspora that has the Etiquette  and the ones that are light years from that , yet living in harmony rubbing shoulders and relishing the Asian cuisines .We term it as snob value etc.but money talks, and that what prevails, at least for a brief period of time. With Brexit, it's gonna get worse.The racy London seems to have lost its charm and seems to be deteriorating, than the one seen a few years before.life moves on, people running underground, I mean the metros, money on their mind ,promoting the Chelsea Stadia and pushing souvenirs, the run of the mill London Eye view aka Hong Kong , and Singapore,and the area looking more like China town with Chinki eyes and Pounds  spent on the materialistic pleasures that is making this country susceptible to  foreign invaders economically and politically.The political debate, lack of a strong hand driving it, desperation to enter into JV agreements with China even in unexplored, areas of nuclear power plants just to stay afloat is a marked drift and change .The fight for supremacy in the race to outbid each other is creating pressure on the entire system and pushing it to the brink.

Moving over or under the English channel to Paris sent out a more vibrant signal but increased security,and the pleasure of having a peaceful holiday is missing.Is it the hostage crisis, the influx of immigrants, the racial hate campaigns which were subdued and are fast emerging? Are they sign of survival of the fittest , or just plain stress built up trying to resolve the complex maze, of issues created to a sagging economy.

Is the EU loosing its sheen? Is UK on the verge of a survival path, using ventilators to keep breathing. The fallout of Greece, Spain, Italy and many others close on heels is not an encouraging sign.The axis will tilt in favour of the dragon , which in turn is going to gobble up the rights of all human beings and will lead to breathing fire down the neck and loosing democratic values nurtured for centuries.

Every country is trying to find a foot hold in their own space, and if successful, will try to shift the focus and weight elsewhere. In this game plan , if the mathematics is not known and understood,its doomsday.If  the game of chess is played real SMART one never knows what is going to happen next.If we see the trends in the middle east, we need not plan voyages to mars and moon as there will be enough and more craters on earth to explore than waste money going  to the Moon , in a sagging economy !!

Transit Zone

What a Sunday I have been through.It took me through all the stages of life ,almost.

Planned a visit to see one of my aunts, aged 90, in Mumbai  .It was after a long time I actually saw her in person, apart from a few exchanges on phone. As a part of the daily routine , we are so immersed in our work and other scheduled and unscheduled work , apart from the social media engagements one has with no protocol, leading us into mundane corridors of life.Little do we realise the value of people who struggled for us, expressed concern and gave unconditional love .They are a few miles away, and we have to struggle to meet up with them.They are at an age where movements become restricted and a place like Mumbai and in the rains , its almost solitary confinement.

What amazed me was the spirit.She was glowing at that age, happy and a smile that flashed across he wrinkled face , silver and white hair that made me feel ashamed of myself, and the candid confession of honestly having missed me and my family.It had no strings attached.The daily routine of meditation , a small closet next to her that she expressed was her assets , and just the touch and blessings made you feel so good. I was wondering, if at all , we could reach that age would we have that outlook, that health and cheer that reflected in every inch of her spirit.

Moving from there came to meet my grandson, aged 3.5 years , which was a surprise call for him.This was when he ,least expected us to be there , and thereafter it was a riot.The little  hands that he uses to cup your face, the fond kisses he sets up on your face, even on the receding headline , and the acrobatics he does , using you as a prop , rejuvenates you much more than an expensive spa treatment .The sheer delight on his face, the eagerness to download so many moments in his life to us in that short span, excited about his schooling experiences,the toy cars which he breathes daily, and of course just wanting your total undivided attention for him leaving aside everything else. Genuine , true, selfless, love  I would say. It makes it so difficult to part , that he is aware you will return back ,and he doesn't want to leave you.Makes it more difficult for his parents as well.Telling him the truth, however , makes it easier for all , though difficult to put across.

Moving on in this transit of 24 hours ,coming over back home at Pune , and moving to see your aged in-Laws, recuperating and fighting their age , unable to express what they want and yet probably going through a huge battle inside,which has restricted them totally .Being dependent on us and immobile, must be a torture.Quantum of food intake, the type of food , the medications to make them comfortable and the inability to tackle the phones and lack of hearing that makes you feel flustered.We tackle a lot of challenges in the youth and growing years, but the strength and agility is on our side.These challenges in the later years , where we fight with low physical strength and maximum mental health is miles different. If that mental health is failing us then ...........it's a real test of fate.

Shifting horizons from morning to evening, some delightful and others kind of helpless situation , which seems a bit beyond our control.Meta physical strength, divine intervention , is what takes you  through, when every measurable , physically and mentally doable option fails .

Life is made of pages that exist in this universe, where each one of us comes in to script a screenplay and enact our roles, to make it a blockbuster or a flop.Be it the first half or second half the movie has to run full length, 70mm. stereophonic , Dolby sound et al. This will be eternal and nobody is responsible for the story you write and live by.

Breach

Watching the lives of people nowadays ,be it happily married families or the new entrants to the institution called marriage,just throws up many questions.Are marriages really made in heaven?

The fragile society,the ambitions and competition to outdo each other,be it husband or wife, and the sheer peer pressures to show the world you have arrived ,is breaching the very foundation of the institution.The process of seeing each other,or just plain love at first sight all seem to end up with such challenges that very few scrape through that unhurt.Emotional drain, financial fiasco,and the physical abuse that these people go through at early ages or later lead to disastrous consequences.Their hopes of building up a good life get dashed.Some decide to forge ahead and prove a point to the world,others crumble under the societal pressure .The outcome of this leads to broken marriages, just going through the motions to show the world all is well,or a make belief facade is created to pull yourself through it.The mundane environment and stressed minds of working couples and the sheer hopelessness emerging out of dashed dreams,is a dangerous sign.

The rise in the one night stands,extra marital affairs,and lifestyles that are leading to smoke , drink and make merry.The kids, if any are going to see all this and more and loose hope in the very idea of getting married.All of them seem to be wanting to test the waters, before taking the dive.Later the better ,but when ,is the million dollar question?

They would only possibly understand the gravity of the situation or the need for a companion or partner at the later stages in life ,especially post 50.When medically ,physically and a sense of comfort of having the loved ones around is amiss.What  will this Gen X or Gen Z do then?

The rates of divorces and a simple phrase that "we don't get along "happens so soon ,that the impatience prevails and leads to the break up within the first years if not months.Are we so indecisive and immature ?Do these people really know what they want?Is it the material aspect that has blinded them?The fast cars, fast partners, the pseudo mooah,mooah, and quickie culture is unsettling many of us it seems.

We have little or no respect for culture , for senior citizens and are so blinded by what's taking place around us that this seems to be heading to an apocalypse now.

War zones ,destructive mind sets, sadistic political outfits, ambitions on the rise for sheer survival.
The cross cultures and their rub off ,especially quicker ,with the evil side ,is on the rise.   We need better and quicker counselling, more quality times spent with our loved ones and make them realise the value of human beings and the roles they play in this screenplay called life , which is the biggest blockbuster ever.Don't mess up the once in a lifetime opportunity one has been given.Moreover you have no right to mess up some one else's life as well.

Battle of the Sexes

Many of us , have encountered this dilemma, where in at just on the cusp of adulthood ,the age where you are out to impress the world , especially the most important asset being , some one latching  on to you on the rear seat of the bike ,while you zoom through  the streets of the city or in the hilly terrains that were unexplored thus far.

It all starts maybe with the peer pressures surrounding you  , and or bets challenging your manhood to perform an act that is blown up to be seen as the stunt of the century.Some people have the equipment like cash, credit cards  with their parents having given them the free credit line to splurge and others who are not so fortunate trying their hand at an experiment that keeps their BP surging like mount Everest or going deep below to the lowest point of the pacific ocean, depending upon the success ratio.

The biggest duel in our minds at that age is , though each entity involved male or female wishes to experience that phase , makes it complex, difficult and some times even giving a hard time even to know or gauge each other.Those who ultimately take the chance , get results for sure.Positive or otherwise.Some blame it on destiny .Some have perceptions , as to what the other person would say etc. and in that may be miss a huge opportunity to connect with a like minded person .Being shy ,and an  introvert , pushes you miles back and even leads to fits of depression, lack of self esteem and just getting into a shell.

In this whole exercise of proving a point and scoring brownies, one has to go through a testing phase that sometime burns you out and defeats your will and logic .At times it pushes you aggressively to move into the next level and resort to undesirable actions that lead to destroying the life of a person and land up with a criminal offence , just because you did not succeed. The down side where ,, without reasoning people start taking anti depressants and even go to extremes ending up a beautiful journey called life.

The biggest mistake is , who do we have to prove to and what  and why? Is it to someone who is least bothered or concerned with you and your well being , who keeps pushing and nagging you to reach a break point for no reason.Do you , without checking the facts , presume certain non verbal communication and take steps basis that to either make or break a possible relation.

If you  have seen both the sexes in their own worlds , they  have fanciful dreams, aspirations and only waiting to be pushed beyond the fence.Amongst each group they are a racket , with quotes and actions that are unbelievable at times .Talk to each other to really find out what it takes to just connect as 2 humans and not with the sole objective of physical contact.We are so obsessed because of a differential upbringing and taboos that the moment we step out of home we are waiting to be superman or women.Trying to hide our faces , mask them and runaway to the distant hills , throwing caution to the winds,where prying eyes can be more dangerous. To make one situation happen , we risk the other waiting in store.Then the blame game starts and we see only depressing headlines in the newspapers and TV.

If we are on that ,"Let me  show the world" trip ,we are mistaken . Remember the on line and offline space provides you these so called opportunities always , almost every place.Your mind must be matured enough to make an entry into Adulthood. Do you really have it in you to show the world with a bold face that yes, you are the right pair as seen through each others eyes and not for the world to judge, and face the consequences, good or bad? Then why hide, and find escape routes.Why can't the people around create a healthy ambience for both sexes to move freely and live like 2 good beings sent to this world for a purpose apart from the Physical aspect of it.We glamorise this in films, fan the hidden fires within such element that lead to self destruction .

The GenX and Gen Z all are making bold moves.Are they really matured to absorb the growing independence of mind and body that is resulting in fast divorces and separations even before they have their first annual Bonus.?Aspirations on one side, quick go getters on the other hand, no time and loads of money to offload on the kids with no accountability is driving this millennium into a black hole. 

Aabo

This word "Aabo" means so much to me , I can never equate it with any thing else as priceless as this.That's the word my grandson calls me.It may be so true for many others , moving in the same stream and phase of life.The sheer happiness it generates is the ultimate I guess one can experience in this circle of life.You see yourself in him, his actions and your mind strays back into the yesteryear's when you try to remember how you could have been then.

The day of his entering our lives till date , be it in close proximity or a few hundred kms. away from us, the affection seen on his face during a face time call or the innocence and mischief that adds a whole lot of flavour to the the relationship every time. For him, it seem every word starts with "Aabo".The pressure comes back on you to deliver 100% every time so that you are  able to bring him up in the best possible manner in these times of chaotic fast paced life.

The growing years , the bonnie baby snaps to the smartie boy looks , the curiosity that drives you up the tree and the pranks that keep you n the toes are heart warming.The formative years , the new rhymes and chatter , the small expectations, the delight on his face with the smallest of things given to him, the copycat habits make you roll on the floor laughing.The best part is coming back from work in a professional outfit and waiting to get down on all fours gibberish communication, rolling on the floor driving small cars,colouring every possible sheet of paper with crayons or colour pencils and even ball pens This adds huge colour to your life. Watching the days go by and seeing those fast progressive years , I thank my daughter for having put in so much of effort and pain to make every moment he lives a memorable one. The first outings in a pram, graduating to the  levels of differentiating car brands and makes,identifying horns from a distance to the extent of being intuitive.That is how life evolves.

Now waiting for the next phase and being ready to experience another bundle of joy, to be delivered by the stork  shortly, that would add to the harmony of my life.Back to getting yourself fitter and more resilient to find out what more creativity I need to imbibe in myself to keep the tiny brain engaged and manage the double engine , with tons of power and extremely demanding circumstances due to the generation gap.

Cannot express my feelings better than this and wait for the gifts god bestows on mankind ,and make you develop yourself , to experience the true meaning of life and its evolution.Every step a learning platform and the field so vast that one can just keep stepping closer to the ever moving goal post-THE HORIZON OF LIFE.

Aware

How many of us do the daily rigmarole of getting up in the morning , doing your chores and going through the motions , of the mundane professional life, passing comments about the monotony at work and the colleagues who may be inspiring or sheer dead wood , in your opinion.Again , its a perception or a view point solely held by you.

This seem to happen for years and we after all the cribbing and cursing we still find ourselves stuck in the rut , like a lotus in a swamp , as far as you are concerned. We just seem to want everything else around you to change and be nice to suit yourself and your thinking and lifestyle, without thinking what you could do with your self , and your thinking .

I have come across people , who have been opening bank passbooks for years or doing a mundane 9 to 5 job,at the same place, possibly same grade and just resigned to life and its pensioner ways.Imagine , wasting all that energy and youthfulness , destroying the moments you are supposed to create in your life and live them.Instead you get to just settle in and spin a cobweb around your self trying to be a cocoon , when you are supposed to be a moth taking flights and exploring the world.

Look around you.Are you simply aware of what is actually happening to you and around you? Being aware is far different from passing through a phase or a situation.Small things around you are visible and noticed , only if you have the peace of mind to relate to it.Be it even a whiff of fresh air .We are all so mesmerised by the materialistic pseudo world that giving quality time to your self  , is just too distant a dream.Look at the noise, the war like zones, animosity, conflicts, lust and sheer erosion of peace, and quiet around us.Look how complicated people are and wanting to make a mess of things by muddling decisions , creating chaos and making that further unorganised .Why cannot we pace down and look at what we have created and what legacy we wish to leave for the Gen Z?

I come across whiners many a times , who love to be Victims in their own lives and trying to find a shoulder to cry every moment .Passing the buck on the next door guy becomes a habit.Waiting for instructions without using the brilliance of the gray matter given by God at the time of birth .Can we not just make a small difference to this world every day, if not every moment and add value to your self being as well as the matter around you?

If we take a short walk in the mornings and learn to appreciate nature, the chirping of the birds  and the whiff of fresh air , if any ,around you, would set the context for a good day.You will find a lot of new ideas hop in to your mind  at that time.Turn them into actions and see the pleasure of owning those deeds.Make small , spur of the moment decisions that delight you .Don't keep thinking about the result .Give a lot in the form of love, happiness, spread cheer and joy and laugh at your own self, it will make you stronger , more aware of yourself and the surroundings.Being by your self and finding the MOJO in you, will be a delight.Take the ME time every day in the evening or night and erase the day gone by to reboot into your next 24 Hours.What say?

D -DAY

The start of the end of the world .That's what my guru told me way back in 2004.The writing was on the wall then.The effects being more pronounced ,as the days inch into 2017-18.On one side its the economic growth projected on the Chindia front,the deglobalization starting from the USA, the Brexit or the Frenxit coming soon.The piles of refugees sailing across the Mediterranean reaching in all shapes ,sizes,health, religion and countries entering Greece.The opening and closing of borders at will,the temporary refugee camps set up,the freezing continents,the fluctuating law and order situations,the sizing up of the ISIS,be it establishing the supremacy of superpowers,and proving a point to this world,be it aerial bombings, creating rubbles of the homes where the poor citizens of certain areas lived and displaced in seconds because of the whims and fancies of a few individuals who think they know best .Having lived in capsules and an insulated world oblivious to the terrifying ground realities and having only an aerial perspective through air sorties,missiles,and bomb shells they are messing up the situations creating a wide rift ,even wider than the continental drifts and fault lines.They are dividing religions,political powers,creating boundaries that are artificial and deepening the divides.

We just refuse to learn.For our own ulterior motives ,we ,without really caring a damn about anybody, barring a hand ful of individuals who work selflessly in a peaceful manner,trying to make good a situation created by chemical warfare and MOAB effects.Who achieved what in this ,I really don't know.Climate change on one side ,accords signed,carbon footprints and all that with cluster bombs,oil fires, earthquakes, oil slicks to the extent even whales are committing mass suicides ,fed up with the world at large.establishing the naval and air supremacy ,the superpowers want to devastate the ISIS on the ground.The ISIS on the other hand creating more lone wolfs and destroying innocent people at will, even across safe havens across EU.

Don't we wish to stop this in a better way. If whims and fancies of a handful of politicians who instead  of doing good and creating wealth within,are more mindful of others and their issues.What do we get trying to reach across when the internal situations are disastrous.What is the use of 7.5 %GDP when the world is on the implosion mode.

All the economist,the stock exchange Czars and the money they are accumulating playing one against the other and 10%of the people controlling 90%  will only selfdestruct.

Let's start enjoying every moment that you live because the moment is too precious to worry about the materialistic world ,selfish,narsist and irresponsible .

I guess it's time each one finds his way than trying to resolve the complex web which even Spider-Man would get tangled in an get choked.i know it sound selfish but ultimately it's each individual for himself and every one in this world is one hell of an opportunist under various guise.Each one has to decide his own course then why try to keep living the way he or she would want you to.Any way no one wants to change course.globalization is deglobalizing,but is there any reversal in any form visible at all that will ever prevent this Selfdestruct mode we have set course for all of us?

Search within

We hear this phrase many a times,people wanting to introspect, meditate, do yoga,seek a guru and wanting to seek self.But what is this self?

One of those statements that was an insight from a book"autobiography of a yogi" stated amply clearly ,that "only you ,yourself are your own guru".No mortal can be a guru in the true sense.The best guideline they give is 2 options out of the plethora of choices in front of us.The choice ,right wrong,good or bad ,the way we percieve it to be never really exist.Its  the way you choose and what you make of it once you take it up .But ,in spite of the hints,directions shown by the guide,mentor we still hesitate,question ourselves and seldom move ahead with what your mind and heart tells you.We go out asking a few more places,get conflicting answers and confuse ourselves beyond doubts.

Some of us get plagued with every day simple decisions and need help at every stage.We keep doubting our own abilities ,question our own intent, and of course our faith in almighty,which I feel must  be at one place ,wherever in the universe it maybe ,but should be unquestionable.

People express great views,have phenomenal intelligence,ride high on the waves of materialistic success,tend to show others how they succeeded,not really understanding that each individual soul has its own unique experience that make them the most sought after in this universe.Few get on with it,drive the roads full of speed breakers and potholes, face the challenges that come their way,and step out with that unique experience ,they have so nicely created and are ready to savour that.They live life,even if it were a roller coaster.

Why then seek outside ,seek within.Look and find out what more can you do.Look at your unique experience you have created and maybe would like to create and live it.No one can get you there,except yourself.One thing I always would like to state is "Dedicate 5 minutes to that single space where you have that eternal unquestionable faith ,not just belief,and try to connect with it every day without fail.This activity ,if done with whole dedication can show you the path you are going to carve for yourself and create that one of unique experience like no other.

Sweet Sixties

Speeding in the corridors of LIFE , you realise you have left 56 Milestones behind and heading towards the landmark 60 , a few years from now.It is, as many would agree , jumping the gun in the tunnel of the unknown,but it gives me a sense of pride and makes me a trifle emotional about this journey so far.

As many of a kind like me , must have transited in the similar space of even more bright, challenging, adventurous and exciting maybe,but I consider mine to be unique in its own way as GOD set it up for me. whether I met his expectations or not is the mystery of the unknown.But I lived life.To the fullest ? Yes , in a way , no regrets .Nothing that I would say , "oh !I  still wish this too would take shape kinds.I came across a million people or more who transited into my life space.Many who are in contact still and other who moved on in their space.You could count them as part of your family, extended family , relatives ,friends, professional acquaintances, opportunist, and some just who didn't connect in the same wavelength.No regrets there too.

Ah! The age groups , be it the flora or fauna who too became part of my life, the pets who got my surname attached to them with pride, the toddlers who connected so fast with an unknown entity like me in my first meeting,and the elders related or not struck a chord somewhere on an emotional level and added a lot to my learning's in life.When one looks back, and see the transit , the way one use to see life, the urge to experience the wild and unknown, the adventure and mysteries, the opposite sex and your presence and value in their domain, all that and more.

From a not so admired kid on the blocks way back in 1962 , which i guess is what triggers the inner passion in you to show the world your mettle, to a fairly successful balanced Human being with a notion of contentment prevailing in your thoughts and blood stream makes you  feel accomplished and full.The events that unfolded page by page in your life, the ups and downs that you faced and more importantly survived and came out of it,taught you to be stronger , bolder, and more considerate with your own self.Made you introspect early on in life.The small pleasures and frugal life , building up from a shy boy's school lad into an perceived ladies man in the prime college years was a fascinating experience.Initially it was to prove a point that later made you realise the qualities you posses and the gift of the gab that could help you earn the love, respect, faith, and win over the hearts of one to many. Limited resources, a circle of friends that continue till date and the simple upbringing gave us the strong foundation and moulded you into being a good citizen.

The learning's on the path to this so called 'SUCCESS" achieved today , seen by many as , well you have made it, taught me to be more and more humble.Giving more made you feel so happy that there was peace within yourself.Doing things spontaneously , including the current post I am penning,became a part of life,It works so well when you think and do things simultaneously that translate to material things on ground or just adds value to some existing being.The professional challenges and hazards, the risks and opportunities , the crazy and not so crazy experiences in life and most importantly the "LEARNINGS."

The most important parts that I wish to underline as the eye openers were, the sheer belief in your self and a faith in the unknown.These 2 things get almost everything you seek for sincerely, in life.Coming from a Mechanical engineering background and followed by the Management studies,I crisscrossed various industries from Tool design to marine engines, carbide tools to CNC machines, special purpose machines to Automobiles, chemicals to IT and all related domain that made me realise my versatility which  is there  in every one , waiting to be unleashed.I managed to challenge my limits and horizons, crossed borders and met many people of various nationalities and gained phenomenal experience that actually enhanced my competencies many folds.It doesn't matter where you come from or which social strata you belong , its the drive, hunger and passion that helps us get there ...for sure.I could see the world , the once that seemed out of reach .I did modelling which came out of the blues and saw myself splashed all across the city with calls coming from friends congratulating me.This was a treat and taught you what must be happening to people from the film world. Getting to meet the political and film personalities or even the head Honchos like Anand Mahindra, Ratan Tata and other  page 3 personalities and mingling with them was a delight. Showed me the upside and down side and all shades of gray that are possible. The pseudo world and showbiz, the fashion and the glamour , the opportunistic world and their approaches blinding you, misleading you sometimes,teaching you to analyse whats good for you , sometimes the hard way.Learnt, burnt, many of such experiences in life across my travels that made me the highest traveller in the country as per Jet airways for 3 consecutive months with 27 flights a month .WOW.Just to realise that in the quest to achieve the ultimate you sacrifice your people , your precious moments that you deserve , that possibly would never come back.But to gain some you need to loose some , end of it all its a ZERO sum game.

Engaging with the best of entertainment, Hotels, flights, food , and much more, trains you to accept the wholesome home food and certify it as the best ever.Exotic dishes, crazy offerings, funny outlets, prestige points like living at the Burj Dubai, or transiting to the USA for a one day conference followed by a red Socks baseball match sitting in the VVIP box and enjoying champagne.Flying over and into the grand canyon was romantic indeed.Walking around the F1 track at the spa and witnessing the ultimate adrenaline rush with the likes of Schumacher and Hakkinen racing against each other .Chatting with the legends like Amitabh Bachchan for 45 minutes , waiting to tell him that I am  a die hard fan.Meeting the President of India and getting my birthday cake and fried ice-cream experience, given  by the chef there was out of this world.

While on this, saw my daughters grow horizontally due to the long working hours, bad transit times and stress levels that were building up unknowingly , the tightrope walk in life was scary.The support from my better half was the major factor that made me reach where I am today. This in spite of her being professionally occupied and balancing the household chores and family and kids was a major contributor. I had my times of fun and frolic while she was trudging along on the  other path where we were to meet again after 20 long years to realise what we gained and what we lost.

My father , who came up the hard way working hard and with full sincerity to make two ends meet and give us the best possible he could , taught  us to see the stark reality of life,My mother a housewife and wanting the best as would a normal mother do for he loved ones was instrumental in making me take my first leap across the borders into the Middle east.This actually gave me the experiences of my life which I could draw a parallel to the Shawarma on the skewers .Getting cooked slowly on the simmering heat, just enough away so that it doesn't burn,and not to far to stay away from being a gourmet delight for many a customers .I too became part of this and had many a pleasant and unpleasant leanings that made me realize that end of all this I am fooling myself.The glitter and glamour of the material world takes you no where.My father ,when he hugged me as I decided to step across into the Arab world said," Son, I have no clue about this as I have never been there."Hope you have made a well informed decision ."I saw tears in his eyes for the first time and to be honest I wanted to show him that part of the world,but.......as life has it , destiny had something else in mind and I could not complete that desire of mine.He ensured however that my career and my life took giant leaps from there on and has helped me turnover a new leaf, taking me into the world of spirituality.I found my inner self and the actual goals that I am suppose to pursue and not go after the distractions the world has to offer.Yes, as a human I too seek intellectual exchange of thoughts and ideas, that spur on my gray cells and puts me in a different mind bend.My spontaneous witty comments, posts that come out of the blues, actions that I take, decisions that I am confident will take me in the most optimal directions , is what I need to feed my inner thoughts.I need that spur, I need to be engaged at all times, do not really like a dull moment  .Of late I do want my moments , my space and my tranquillity zones due to the madness that you see in the outside world.I like to share my views and thoughts and experiences with Gen Y , which I found had a wide acceptance.I do share my experiences on the stage with the audience and seek their views to see the alignment and acceptability.Hope it makes an iota of difference to their life and adds real value .Proud to be a member of the board of studies of a reputed Institution adding value to "Gen Y"

Being in automobiles,working with  the best brands in the world,got to experience these beauties on the autobahns and got sucked into the world of Sheik's when we use to service their Limousines, drive the Lincoln Limousines,with the aroma of Ittar" the local high end perfumes",the well stocked passenger area, the Mustangs and corvettes, the GTR and ZX versions....dream runs indeed.Stepped into the hidden glamour world in these countries the locals experience.Got to see the True Arabs and their generosity, human touch which many do not get a chance to see at close quarters.Had a wonderful opportunity to come on the cover of an Auto magazine flying in a Micro lite plane and doing crazy manoeuvres to capture moving shots of the latest Octavia we were to launch.Had the opportunity to race fast cars on the test tracks of Prague with professional trained drivers and what an experience that is for car lovers.Carting Journalist to the factories and exhibitions , appearing in the major news papers across the country as well as in the Middle East.Had articles written about me individually as a head of a leading Automotive company and the various unconventional strategies used , with a different approach to the Market in India and making that a success.What a Brand!!! So close to my heart and literally speaking, running in my blood.

Riding Quad bikes, sand surfing in Australia, snorkeling and exploring the great barrier reef, flying over Sydney in a chopper ,the Euro tunnel by the TGV, the cog wheels up the Swiss Alps,crossing the English channel by ferry, the Norwegian lights, the Russian Panorama and the beautiful continent of USA .The Caribbean and Mexican cruise, the Irish single grain whiskies, the Keukenhoff gardens and the Tulips , exploring the world of Swarowski in Austria , down the Chinese great wall or in the Bullet trains , the Disney worlds , the Time Warner studios, the Parc Astreix , getting down a few hundred feet below the ground into the only solitary Salt mine on and in Krakow, Poland. Going back in the historical times of the Mayan Civilization in Mexico or the turquoise blue sea and endless booze on the house in the hotel overlooking the heavenly location. I am eternally grateful to almighty for giving me the opportunity that makes me contented in life . Sharing this with my family and making them a part of those destinations fulfils my dreams .

The important point in life for sure is " keep you feet firmly on ground always what ever be your social status, and head held high,where you can face the world with sincerity and honesty and conduct business, personal or professional."Treat people with respect irrespective of their so called position in society.Connect with people but don't get sucked in or carried away with superficial engagements.Create your own unique space and identity always, where ever you are, express your views , don't hesitate and never be a follower.Learn and lead the way on your individually crafted path that leads to your success.You got only one life, live it.I would like to add here that it is all about people.The way you treat them you get treated.My lessons in Transactional analysis take me a long way when I transit in the parent, adult, child space swiftly ,shifting gears, as per the situations.Even at times creating situations that help the other person to come out of his shell.

I feel so much myself when I crawl on the mat with my Grandson,go down the slide with him on the play ground, give him a bubble bath that send you down memory lane,explaining to him ,as to how as a small baby he use to behave, play with his soft toys, paint, draw or babble, to just see that smile on his face and capture that moment , which is priceless.Seeing my family cruise through their own journey , in their lives gives me a spectator view and at times joining them where they need me.Creating the material wealth around you , basis which people around you gauge you and benchmark you or decide whether to associate with you or not, all that is so trivial.Who cares anyway?This is me and that's the way I live my life at my own terms.Not being arrogant , just straight  simple.All this is the way my world is, where all are welcome.What we had to do ,we do and continue into the next world .

I have decided to pen down these memories, and one day go through the one beautiful opportunity called LIFE, given to me, to make the best of .I strive therefore, to make every day for myself, and those around me ,to be the best ever they lived , hoped , desired all along .Could I even ask for more????

Crib Crabs

Budget day.....and we see the same routine planted all around our minds with expert panels, economist, corporate Honchos,politicians, and public at large putting in all their expectations in a jar with limited capacity and expecting a world of change in a jiffy.Snap your finger, be on a flying carpet,enter the caves and come out with that lamp, where just a"KHUL JA SIM SIM" makes all your dreams come true.

They do say " If wishes were horses, beggars would ride".

Why then , we ,the educated lot ,don't wish to understand, neither do it ourselves , and worst  of all not allow some one ,who is at least making an attempt to make things happen perform.How difficult it is to change our mindsets? How easy is it to throw tantrums? How much have we changed and made a difference to our society in the number of years we have spent living this life? Be it Howard educated or a xyz institute Techie , having secured an MBA or having amassed tons of money through proper or not so proper channels from the same life that we keep pointing fingers at.

Shares go up or down, we crib.Taxes imposed we crib,Tax concessions given, we still crib and say ,that's not enough, more should be done.If something is sanctioned , we raise queries?Be it Trump or Modi, at least they are making an attempt to apply thoughts, which they firmly believe in , and convert them into actions.Right or wrong time will tell.We the educated also state that " TIME HEALS".Then lets give them a chance to make  that difference.Sitting out in your cozy hammocks and sipping beer , watching the large screen 4D televisions and shooting out free advices is not going to help.Either be part of the change , or stay clear and keep shut.

Like redeveloped old buildings that have to be demolished and converted into skyscrapers, we too need to demolish the cobwebs , obscuring our progress and make a way , stepping forward.If we have to make a fresh start all over , we need to get back to making ICEAGE 5 and step into dinosaur era and travel through Jurassic Park , wondering when will we ever get to enjoy the i phones fancy space travels and fine dining habits we are so used to now.We need to implode inwards and really back up ideas and thoughts constructively , debate on them without being a hindrance and opposing , just because we are in opposition .All of you want to enjoy sex and add to the population of the world, adding more pressure on mother earth.Then what right do you have to spoil the same world which your children rightfully deserve.Show them how they can make it better, how they can add value and just not end up in protests, without applying a rational thought that really makes a diffrence to their society...now and for the future......