It is heartening to hear that IIMs are regarded as one of the best B-schools in the world. This is evident from this years placement packages that were on offer for the passing-out students.
When i was thinking on this issue, this interesting question did arise: " How good managers are we?". This is a serious question to think about.
Indians are always considered to be highly effective manpower. How effective have we been in utilising oppurtunities and resources? I doubt whether this managerial attribute has been weaker in Indian blood. Of course, there are always exceptions. I am just discussing a generalised picture that we pose as Indians.
Right through the history, till date, we have always been controllable and submissive to authority. We live and work for someone else's dreams. we never did have a dream of our own. Never did bother to capitalise on our own resourses. We do what others say. We were mere pupetted machines. No sixth sense at all.
In contrary to our attitude, take the Britishers. Britain was a damn tiny country and once they ruled an empire where the sun never did set. They have been wonderful and master bussinessmen, who marketed the entire world their culture, language and mindset, that we all do cherish and enjoy every moment. The cost that we and the rest of the world, have paid is totally unimaginable. TOTAL LOSS OF ONE'S OWN IDENTITY. Thats the worst thing one can experience. YOU CEASE TO EXIST.
Britain, a nation of tribes which had nothing to it other than a chunk of ice during the Roman invasions. This small island was also invaded a number of times during the Roman era. They were just a group of tribes who were left with absolutely no resource in their island. Surrounded by the ocean, it was always under constant threat from foreign invadors. They had no great culture like what we did cherish. The first known Anglo-saxon culture evolved late in the 10 th century AD only.
The lack of resources and the constant threat from invadors made them search for resourses outside their land. For this they need a powerful mobile military to serve for both trade and security. Thus was born the strongest military power, The Royal Navy. It was with this that they were able to colonise the entire world. A small group of people who made the ends of the world meet. We managed their resources very well. The master managers of manpower, materials, power, money and control. They made our men fight our own kin. Sold our own stuff to us and made profits. Introduced best concepts of money management in the world. Insurance is one example. The list is endless.
I am not being supportive or praising the qualities of the Anglais. I am just trying to make a point by making a comparison.
Where do u think lies the problem, when we have all that we need within our boundaries? I beleive it is only an Attitude problem. This attitude is infused in blood. I think we need to be more confident at heart and soul. Hence, lesser influencial to others thoughts that take complete control over ourselves. Only then, we will be able to make best use of our resources and oppurtunities and grow in all directions. Necessities will then find their own best solutions. Thats what managerial philosophy is all about.
Please do give it a thought.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Churchill's speech at Harrow school - My all-time favorite
These are my favorite words. When Churchill visited Harrow on October 29 to hear the traditional songs again, he discovered that an additional verse had been added to one of them. It ran:
"Not less we praise in darker days
The leader of our nation,
And Churchill's name shall win acclaim
From each new generation.
For you have power in danger's hour
Our freedom to defend, Sir!
Though long the fight we know that right
Will triumph in the end, Sir!"
"Almost a year has passed since I came down here at your Head Master's kind invitation in order to cheer myself and cheer the hearts of a few of my friends by singing some of our own songs. The ten months that have passed have seen very terrible catastrophic events in the world - ups and downs, misfortunes - but can anyone sitting here this afternoon, this October afternoon, not feel deeply thankful for what has happened in the time that has passed and for the very great improvement in the position of our country and of our home? Why, when I was here last time we were quite alone, desperately alone, and we had been so for five or six months. We were poorly armed. We are not so poorly armed today; but then we were very poorly armed. We had the unmeasured menace of the enemy and their air attack still beating upon us, and you yourselves had had experience of this attack; and I expect you are beginning to feel impatient that there has been this long lull with nothing particular turning up!
But we must learn to be equally good at what is short and sharp and what is long and tough. It is generally said that the British are often better at the last. They do not expect to move from crisis to crisis; they do not always expect that each day will bring up some noble chance of war; but when they very slowly make up their minds that the thing has to be done and the job put through and finished, then, even if it takes months - if it takes years - they do it.
Another lesson I think we may take, just throwing our minds back to our meeting here ten months ago and now, is that appearances are often very deceptive, and as Kipling well says, we must "…meet with Triumph and Disaster. And treat those two impostors just the same."
You cannot tell from appearances how things will go. Sometimes imagination makes things out far worse than they are; yet without imagination not much can be done. Those people who are imaginative see many more dangers than perhaps exist; certainly many more than will happen; but then they must also pray to be given that extra courage to carry this far-reaching imagination. But for everyone, surely, what we have gone through in this period - I am addressing myself to the School - surely from this period of ten months this is the lesson:
Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
We stood all alone a year ago, and to many countries it seemed that our account was closed, we were finished. All this tradition of ours, our songs, our School history, this part of the history of this country, were gone and finished and liquidated.
Very different is the mood today. Britain, other nations thought, had drawn a sponge across her slate. But instead our country stood in the gap. There was no flinching and no thought of giving in; and by what seemed almost a miracle to those outside these Islands, though we ourselves never doubted it, we now find ourselves in a position where I say that we can be sure that we have only to persevere to conquer.
You sang here a verse of a School Song: you sang that extra verse written in my honour, which I was very greatly complimented by and which you have repeated today. But there is one word in it I want to alter - I wanted to do so last year, but I did not venture to. It is the line: "Not less we praise in darker days."
I have obtained the Head Master's permission to alter darker to sterner. "Not less we praise in sterner days."
Do not let us speak of darker days: let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race."
Very different is the mood today. Britain, other nations thought, had drawn a sponge across her slate. But instead our country stood in the gap. There was no flinching and no thought of giving in; and by what seemed almost a miracle to those outside these Islands, though we ourselves never doubted it, we now find ourselves in a position where I say that we can be sure that we have only to persevere to conquer.
You sang here a verse of a School Song: you sang that extra verse written in my honour, which I was very greatly complimented by and which you have repeated today. But there is one word in it I want to alter - I wanted to do so last year, but I did not venture to. It is the line: "Not less we praise in darker days."
I have obtained the Head Master's permission to alter darker to sterner. "Not less we praise in sterner days."
Do not let us speak of darker days: let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race."
That an inspirational talk! Was' nt it?
Monday, March 20, 2006
Yin and Yang
There is a strong belief in the duality of the universe. There is a complimentary form for anything that exists around us. I also do strongly beleive in this. There is an interesting concept on this fact proposed by the famous chinese philosopher Confusious.
The concept of yin and yang describes two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night; yang, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the day. Yin is often symbolized by water, while yang is symbolized by fire.
The pair probably goes back to ancient agrarian religion; it exists in Confucianism.Yin and yang are descriptions of complementary opposites rather than absolutes.Most forces in nature can be broken down into their respective yin and yang states, and the two are usually in movement rather than held in absolute stasis.
Principles of Yin and Yang
Everything can be described as either yin or yang.
1. Yin and yang are opposites.
Everything has its opposite—although this is never absolute, only comparative. No one thing is completely yin or completely yang. Each contains the seed of its opposite. For example, winter can turn into summer; "what goes up must come down".
2. Yin and yang are interdependent.
One cannot exist without the other. For example, day cannot exist without night.
3. Yin and yang can be further subdivided into yin and yang.
Any yin or yang aspect can be further subdivided into yin and yang. For example, temperature can be seen as either hot or cold. However, hot can be further divided into warm or burning; cold into cool or icy. Within each spectrum, there is a smaller spectrum; every beginning is a moment in time, and has a beginning and end, just as every hour has a beginning and end.
Any yin or yang aspect can be further subdivided into yin and yang. For example, temperature can be seen as either hot or cold. However, hot can be further divided into warm or burning; cold into cool or icy. Within each spectrum, there is a smaller spectrum; every beginning is a moment in time, and has a beginning and end, just as every hour has a beginning and end.
4. Yin and yang consume and support each other.
Yin and yang are usually held in balance—as one increases, the other decreases. However, imbalances can occur. There are four possible imbalances: Excess yin, excess yang, yin deficiency, and yang deficiency. They can again be seen as a pair: by excess of yin there is yang deficiency and vice versa. The imbalance is also a relative factor: the excess of yang "forces" yin to be more "concentrated".
Yin and yang are usually held in balance—as one increases, the other decreases. However, imbalances can occur. There are four possible imbalances: Excess yin, excess yang, yin deficiency, and yang deficiency. They can again be seen as a pair: by excess of yin there is yang deficiency and vice versa. The imbalance is also a relative factor: the excess of yang "forces" yin to be more "concentrated".
5. Yin and yang can transform into one another.
At a particular stage, yin can transform into yang and vice versa. For example, night changes into day; warmth cools; life changes to death. However this transformation is relative too. Night and day coexist on Earth at the same time when shown from space.
At a particular stage, yin can transform into yang and vice versa. For example, night changes into day; warmth cools; life changes to death. However this transformation is relative too. Night and day coexist on Earth at the same time when shown from space.
6. Part of yin is in yang and part of yang is in yin.
The dots in each serve: 1. as a reminder that there are always traces of one in the other. For example, there is always light within the dark (e.g., the stars at night), these qualities are never completely one or the other. 2. as a reminder that absolute extreme side transforms instantly into the opposite, or that the labels yin and yang are conditioned by an observer's point of view. For example, the hardest stone is easiest to break. This can show that absolute discrimination between the two is artificial.
The dots in each serve: 1. as a reminder that there are always traces of one in the other. For example, there is always light within the dark (e.g., the stars at night), these qualities are never completely one or the other. 2. as a reminder that absolute extreme side transforms instantly into the opposite, or that the labels yin and yang are conditioned by an observer's point of view. For example, the hardest stone is easiest to break. This can show that absolute discrimination between the two is artificial.
Hope it was gud reading!
Friday, March 10, 2006
The Solitude
The first time i ever heard this word "Solitude" was in my VIth standard english class, when my teacher Mr. G. Soman Pillai (GSP sir, as we affectionately call him in Sainik Schook kazhakootam, Trivandrum) was reciting William Wordsworth's "Solitary Reaper". I can still hear his words whenever i think of him. I didnot at that point of time realise the significance of that word in my life, though it became a hi-freq word in my vocabulary.
Today, i realise it.
Though I has been experiencing this divine phenomenon right from my childhood (my sainik shool days), the realisation has been quite in the recent past,,, only in the last two years, i have felt it much (After my brother got admission in NIT warangal and had to stay away from me in hostel) . The presence of people around me has never been able to provide company to my soul, except on a few genuine occasions with my few genuine friends.
Initially, i found it very difficult to handle. i either used to keep myelf out of my home or get engaged with some stuff on TV. i never dared to stand face to face against my solitude, which is nothing but my own self.
The same is the case today,, but today i have realised that my solitude is my strength. its the best company i've got. I have realised how important i am to myself and it is needless for me to search a better company than myself. I have been able to draw the energy and inspiration from myself to keep my wheels on the run.
The solitude i am in today,has given the oppurtunity and time to explore my resourses and use them effectively for my betterment. It has given me an oppurtunity to serve my soul, which shelters my true master. My solitude has given excellent lectures to me on what i am here for. I realise a purpose for everything that happens around me. I realise my life as a journey in search of the purpose of my life. Once, i reach its doorstep i shall exist no longer. The same is the case for anything in this universe, live or lifeless. Every thing in this universe comes into existence with the total energy required in its lifetime. The source of that energy is always within itself.
Solitude can give the required oppurtunities to generate great powers from the highly calorific fuel that our soul stores. One will always be able to enlighten his mind and body from the energy within. This can give the momentum to keep driving at great pace.
I have begun to realise its importance and so i give due respect.
One word of caution. The energy that we generate may be negative, if we fail to maintain a minimum standard of self-discipline. That is the key between choosing a right path and a wrong one.
Today, i realise it.
Though I has been experiencing this divine phenomenon right from my childhood (my sainik shool days), the realisation has been quite in the recent past,,, only in the last two years, i have felt it much (After my brother got admission in NIT warangal and had to stay away from me in hostel) . The presence of people around me has never been able to provide company to my soul, except on a few genuine occasions with my few genuine friends.
Initially, i found it very difficult to handle. i either used to keep myelf out of my home or get engaged with some stuff on TV. i never dared to stand face to face against my solitude, which is nothing but my own self.
The same is the case today,, but today i have realised that my solitude is my strength. its the best company i've got. I have realised how important i am to myself and it is needless for me to search a better company than myself. I have been able to draw the energy and inspiration from myself to keep my wheels on the run.
The solitude i am in today,has given the oppurtunity and time to explore my resourses and use them effectively for my betterment. It has given me an oppurtunity to serve my soul, which shelters my true master. My solitude has given excellent lectures to me on what i am here for. I realise a purpose for everything that happens around me. I realise my life as a journey in search of the purpose of my life. Once, i reach its doorstep i shall exist no longer. The same is the case for anything in this universe, live or lifeless. Every thing in this universe comes into existence with the total energy required in its lifetime. The source of that energy is always within itself.
Solitude can give the required oppurtunities to generate great powers from the highly calorific fuel that our soul stores. One will always be able to enlighten his mind and body from the energy within. This can give the momentum to keep driving at great pace.
I have begun to realise its importance and so i give due respect.
One word of caution. The energy that we generate may be negative, if we fail to maintain a minimum standard of self-discipline. That is the key between choosing a right path and a wrong one.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Being a bachelor
I have always wondered on the change that brings about in a man's life. There is always a big debate on this issue,, There have always been quotes that potray marriage as a day that u get prisoned,, may be,, loss of freedom - for a man thats goin to be tough,
But being a bachelor is equally difficult,, that too when u want to live a disciplined life,, with gr8 values,, then u are destined to suffer. I have touched upon this subject as i have been victim to a suffering on grounds of being a bachelor,,, that too last week in a city like hyderabad,, where i have been posted recently.
i was tough time on home-hunt for me last two weekends. Preferring to stay in solitude, to keep myself at a safer and less-corrosive environment from my friendly collegues, i begun my hunt,, facing a considerable opposition from my dear mates (As our 7-month 24x7 training had created a bonding which i think is likely a Van-der vaal's covalent bond, though it had strong attraction as ionic. )
I started my hunt on a saturday morning,, i have covered the entire santosh nagar nad maruthi nagar area by foot.. you can find a TOLET board every 50 feet u walk,, so many,, but to my luck, i must say,, there were not many who wud permit a bachelor step in,, Many a door slammed on my face,, the moment i get a response for my calling on bell.,,, some ppl even sport a look or rather scorn when they hear i m single,,, hell,, i pocess and hang my identity card around my collar,, like a cur whose collar bears the tag of the lord,, no respect at all,,
It wud be unfair on my part if i fail to recognise those humble & gentle men and women whose doors were open for me to roam around their pretty little apartment, (most of which i liked). we also discussed on rental issues,, but their memory had been too weak till the moment of my departure.. Just as i begin to leave with a sigh of satisfaction, their brain sparks and the last and important question : ARE U MARRIED? ,,, oh sorry sir,, this home is only for family people and this flat has only families living..
What kind of justice is this? Dont i have a family at home? were nt these damn fellows bachelors at some point in their life? Are all bachelors drunkards and smokers? Cant a bachelor lead a life with strong values and discipline?When is the attitude of people goin to change?
I wish to tell all these ppl,,,
Bachelor life is also a Tapas, a sainthood. A state of mind and soul where u draw energy from ur own self. A frame of mind that generates the force to drive itself at great pace. It is the period in a man's life that can take him scaling great peaks and can also throw him into the deepest wells. The laying of the foundation for a greater future for oneself, for the entire society,, and for a good tomorrow for everyone.
I request u once again.,, the senior generation need not offer words of encouragement but please donot degrade youth and offend them.
The same is applicable for eligible spinsters also.
But being a bachelor is equally difficult,, that too when u want to live a disciplined life,, with gr8 values,, then u are destined to suffer. I have touched upon this subject as i have been victim to a suffering on grounds of being a bachelor,,, that too last week in a city like hyderabad,, where i have been posted recently.
i was tough time on home-hunt for me last two weekends. Preferring to stay in solitude, to keep myself at a safer and less-corrosive environment from my friendly collegues, i begun my hunt,, facing a considerable opposition from my dear mates (As our 7-month 24x7 training had created a bonding which i think is likely a Van-der vaal's covalent bond, though it had strong attraction as ionic. )
I started my hunt on a saturday morning,, i have covered the entire santosh nagar nad maruthi nagar area by foot.. you can find a TOLET board every 50 feet u walk,, so many,, but to my luck, i must say,, there were not many who wud permit a bachelor step in,, Many a door slammed on my face,, the moment i get a response for my calling on bell.,,, some ppl even sport a look or rather scorn when they hear i m single,,, hell,, i pocess and hang my identity card around my collar,, like a cur whose collar bears the tag of the lord,, no respect at all,,
It wud be unfair on my part if i fail to recognise those humble & gentle men and women whose doors were open for me to roam around their pretty little apartment, (most of which i liked). we also discussed on rental issues,, but their memory had been too weak till the moment of my departure.. Just as i begin to leave with a sigh of satisfaction, their brain sparks and the last and important question : ARE U MARRIED? ,,, oh sorry sir,, this home is only for family people and this flat has only families living..
What kind of justice is this? Dont i have a family at home? were nt these damn fellows bachelors at some point in their life? Are all bachelors drunkards and smokers? Cant a bachelor lead a life with strong values and discipline?When is the attitude of people goin to change?
I wish to tell all these ppl,,,
Bachelor life is also a Tapas, a sainthood. A state of mind and soul where u draw energy from ur own self. A frame of mind that generates the force to drive itself at great pace. It is the period in a man's life that can take him scaling great peaks and can also throw him into the deepest wells. The laying of the foundation for a greater future for oneself, for the entire society,, and for a good tomorrow for everyone.
I request u once again.,, the senior generation need not offer words of encouragement but please donot degrade youth and offend them.
The same is applicable for eligible spinsters also.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
