The first step

First day of MBA life. The chief guest is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. You listen in awe as he delivers an inspiring speech. Everyone gives a standing ovation as he finishes his talk. And then he says, "I am now open to questions". Suddenly there is visible discomfort as people start looking at each other as if asking "Who will be the first to ask"? And finally one person rises up and puts forth his question. There is a visible relief everywhere and then the flood of questions begins ranging from the banal to the really interesting.

Asking a question to a CEO? What's the big deal you might ask. But for a lot of people, myself included, it is significant. It always is about who takes the first step. Even if it is as simple as asking a question, however silly, to a CEO who is already open to questions. But there are so many incidents in life, more serious, more difficult, where we are afraid to take the first step. Like choosing an unconventional career path. Like standing up for values you believe in even when the majority is against you. Like fighting against bias and injustice which may be happening around you in your workplace, college or school.

Why should I do it? Why does not someone else do it? Even if I do this, there is no hope because no one will ever believe that this is right. We are like this only. We won't change. What will others think? They will think I am mad. No one will ever support me. Isn't it too idealistic? I ought to be practical maybe? And hundreds of other related questions.

And that is why the deeds of Anna Hazare are so significant and praise worthy. We were tired of hearing about the never ending scams. We were all tired of the corruption around us. Most of us cursed the corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, police and all and sundry. But yet, most of us did nothing about it. Read about it in the papers, ranted, cursed and carried on with our lives. Apna desh aisa hi hai. Kuch nai kar sakte. 100 mein se ninyanve beimaan, par phir bhi mera bharat mahaan.

It took a small step by Anna Hazare to change our outlook. And channel our frustrations for the right cause. It made us believe that yes, change is possible if you have the courage of conviction and are fearless enough to pursue it till the end, whatever the consequences. It is difficult for most people to take such a bold step when we have thousands of things to worry and care about in our day to day lives. But we are more than happy to support the right person who is bold enough to take the first step.

The fact that the government has given in is a great victory for Anna Hazare and for the all people who supported the cause. A moment to remember and feel inspired about. As a friend put it, perhaps the greatest day in our democracy? Perhaps it is. All I now wish is for is for the implementation to be as effective, fair and transparent as the Jan Lokpal bill promises. But this is no small achievement, and a first step in the right direction

Thank you, Anna Hazare!

Anna Hazare's deeds remind me of a poem by C.P.Cavafy, a Greek poet, even though the poem was written in a different context.

"Just to be on the first step

should make you happy and proud.

To have come this far is no small achievement:

what you have done is a glorious thing.

Even this first step

is a long way above the ordinary world.

To stand on this step

you must be in your own right

a member of the city of ideas.

And it is a hard, unusual thing

to be enrolled as a citizen of that city.

Its councils are full of Legislators

no charlatan can fool.

To have come this far is no small achievement:

what you have done already is a glorious thing."

Random Numbers

Some say that statistics are cold and hard. Do not reveal the entire truth. However sometimes, statistics can express emotions and feelings which words just can't. When a certain moment comes, and you don't know what to say, sometimes the numbers just have to the talking.

0 - Virender Sehwag won't like this. A duck in the final of the World cup. But as Ravi Shastri aptly put it as Sehwag ran to collect the winner's medal even as he was calling out R.Ashwin's name, Sehwag had to open this particular post. The most entertaining and electrifying batsman in India, he played his part in a moment in the final i am not likely to forget - Forcing the umpire to lower his arm in order to reverse his no-ball decision when Sreesanth was bowling and the childish grin on his face afterwards. Typical Sehwag and symbolizes the way he bats. Happy -go-lucky and without a care in the world. Priceless moment.
1 (billion) - The population of India before the World cup began. 1 billion hopes. 1 billion aspirations. 1 billion prayers.
6 (87,92,96,99,03,07) - 6 world cups post 1983. 6 world cups of shattered hopes.
2 - 2nd April. The day when India won it's 2nd World Cup
27 (years) - My age
28 (years) - The agonizingly long wait
37 (years), 343 (days) - The age of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. We had to win it for this man. We owed it to him for what he has given to us. I need not add anything more.
31 (runs), 2 (wickets) - The Indian scorecard chasing 275. In a world cup final. Sehwag and Sachin back in the dressing room. That sinking feeling again which has happened in the previous 6 world cups. But...
83 (runs) - The Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli jugalbandi. Which steadied the innings. And made us believe that we will not crumble under pressure like all those years ago.
91 (runs) - of the most valuable, calm, cool, chanceless, under pressure runs I have seen a batsman accumulate in a long long time. M.S.Dhoni. I had my doubts when he came in ahead of Yuvraj. But, Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man! Respect.
362 (runs), 15 (wickets), 4 (Man of the Match awards) - Just a few months back, he was written off. Ridiculed for being overweight . Accused of lacking focus and motivation. His place in the team questioned. And then winning the Man of the Tournament award. Yuvraj Singh. Redemption.
1000 (times) - Goosebumps. Multiplied by 1000. The moment when Sachin was lifted on young shoulders and carried around the Wankhede. Unforgettable.
10000 (times) - Goosebumps. And a big lump in the throat. The moment when Virat Kohli made THE statement. "For 21 years, he has carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. It is time we carried him on ours."
1.2 (billion) - The population of India after the world cup ended post census. 1.2 billion hopes and aspirations fulfilled. 1.2 billion prayers answered.
Infinite - Joy. Happiness. Tears. Evident on the faces of millions as the party spilled over onto the streets of the country.

Statistics. Numbers. Cold and Hard. But sometimes they can indeed express more than words. When a certain moment comes. A moment like this. When India, a nation starved of sporting achievements, wins the Cricket World Cup.

Yes! We just did it!

The choke's on you!

"Haha..once a choker, always a choker"
"The chokers are at it again"
"S.A should campaign for TIDE with the tag line - 'Choke gaye'"

Within minutes of South Africa losing in the knock out stages of the world cup, Facebook was flooded with such messages. Rubbing salt into S.A's wounds. Reminding them once again of their failure to withstand the pressure when it matters the most. As I read those messages, I couldn't help but compare it to situations we have so often faced and continue to confront.

Most of us, as part of our growing up years, would have been taunted, ridiculed and made fun of about some specific traits or shortcomings. By friends, relatives, teachers, bosses. Several of those might have been made in jest, all part of fun and games, to be taken sportingly, laughed about and forgotten.

But some taunts and criticisms tend to stick it with you. How often have you come across people who have bombarded you time and again saying "You will never be able to do this". "You are not capable enough." "I told you so. You failed yet again!" " Why do you even attempt to do this?" Different people react differently to such taunts. Some just smile and shrug it off. Water of a ducks back. Some accept their limitations and move on. Some give it back. With interest. Some take it on the chin. Most people remember. And try to overcome their shortcoming. And continue to keep at it inspite of repeated failures. They just do not give up. Because there is a searing desire within them to prove a point. They feel that they can prove the naysayers wrong. And finally, when they are able to achieve what everyone said they never could, there can be no better satisfaction.

History is replete with examples of men and women who proved the world wrong. And that is why we love supporting such people. Even when they fail time and time again. We admire them because they are so inspirational when they succeed against all odds. Somewhere hidden in their stories, we feel, is our own story as well. Because we know that deep down, we too are also trying to prove a point, just like they did. That we too can do it.

I think all those critics and nayasayers help shape your character. Makes you stronger when you do not believe everything they say and get mired in self doubt. Makes you more focussed and determined. Even when you succeed, it is important to keep your feet firmly on the ground and develop a sense of perspective. Because, as i read in a recent article, it is important to remember your probability lessons - over the long term, things tend to even out.

That is what all those people who say South Africa are perennial chokers need to remind themselves of. Things will even out some day. The choke's really not on South Africa. The choke is on you!

2 much

Just the other day, at around 11 am as usual, I went to the tapri close to ICICI Bank for an adrak wali masaledar refreshing chai. Boss, 4 chai dena, I said, handing him a 20 rupee note. He said, chutta nai hai, ek parle g de doon kya?” I took the Parle – G and as I dipped one into the chai and popped the soft gooey biscuit in my mouth, I smiled. Chai and parle-g. What an unbeatable combination! I went into flashback mode as I remembered our college days when this combo acted as a perfect mid-afternoon snack over discussions and gossip. And then suddenly, I started thinking about other such combinations, pairings which delighted your senses, brought a smile to the lips, thrilled, delighted or inspired you.

1. chai biscuit (parle g) – “chai mein dooba biscuit ho gayaaaaaaa, ainwai ainwai ainwai loot gaya”. The number one combination of all time.
2. Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis - if ever there was a case of hunting in pairs, then they would epitomise it. Left and right, swing and pace, toe cruchers and nose snorters, they had it all – not to forget the fantastic action. Goosebumps, simply thinking about both of them running in to bowl.
3. thepla & chunda -all gujjus swear by this – i swear. Whenever you are hungry, on long trips, in train journeys. In fact in any train journey to Gujarat, come dinner time, the entire train would be filled with the smell of theplas :). One snack to fit them all, one snack to bind them, one snack to rule them all and when hungry, satisfy them!! – sincere apologies to J.R.R.Tolkien
4. vada pav – the ubiquitous, the humble, the delicious – the spicy, hot vada and the soft pav. A billionaire or a beggar, boss or peon – all are equal before the mighty vada pav!
5. A small winding trek amidst Himalayan forests – Mind cleansing and refreshing, you need this at least once a year to energize your batteries and do a bit of soul searching. And with the majestic Himalayas as the backdrop, you really feel one with nature and the surroundings.
6. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer - technically not exactly a pairing, but when you say one name, you are bound to think of the other. Arguably, the greatest rivalry in Sport, they complete each other. One is the best ever, born to play tennis, the other a supreme athlete with a vicious forehand, he has a style all his own with a never say die attitude. When both play each other, there are fireworks guaranteed.
7. Pixar and animated movies – toy story 1,2,3, monster’s inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up. I don’t think I need to anything more here.
8. Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot - what better way to spend a lazy Sunday than to curl up with an Agatha Christie and imagine the master detective putting his little grey cells to work in the most unbelievable plots with shocking twists and turns. Sheer delight.
9. Lance Armstrong and his bike – irrespective of what his critics say, I have nothing but respect for this man. It takes huge mental strength and courage to beat a disease like cancer and then to win 7 Tour de France, arguably the toughest sporting event in the world, requires super human efforts. Phenomenal. Legendary. Inspiring.
10. Mani Ratnam and A.R.Rahman – Roja, Bombay, Dil se, Guru, Yuva and even Raavan – if u have heard of better soundtracks than this, please do let me know. I don’t know if it was Mani Ratnam who understood the genius of Rahman or vice-versa. But both of them combined to create some wonderful melodies.
11. Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia – Agreed that he may not be the PM we wished he would, but no one can doubt his capability to run the economy. Along with Montek, they were undoubtedly, the economic dream team! Ushered India’s greatest growth phase. And gave a generation of Indians like us something to be proud of as we stood shoulder to shoulder with the so-called developed economies
12. Christopher Nolan and the Batman series – my favourite superhero. As a kid, I grew up watching the campy serial on star TV with all their bisssh, pows and ka-powwws. This was followed by the first batman movie by Tim Burton and I was blown away. The animated series was also super. But the movie versions went from bad to worse. Then came Christopher Nolan. Batman begins. Great. The Dark Knight. Brilliant. The third instalment. Can’t wait. Even if it has Anne Hathway playing the role of catwoman.
13. Calvin and Hobbes – Bill Watterson. Thank you! For giving the world Calvin and Hobbes.
14. amar prem..amar prem..amar prem.. - If you know what I am talking about, then you would know how to say amar prem in exactly the manner in which Paresh Rawal utters them in this legendary, rip roaring movie!
15. Simplicity and Humility – two traits that I admire in any person. And wish that I had them myself.
16. Arjun and Lord Krishna – The best ever mentor mentee relationship. The teachings of Krishna to a confused Arjun on the battlefield still acts as a guiding light to millions and remains timeless. Classic!
17. Kashmir and Paradise - Found, Lost and Finding again – If there is heaven on earth, then it is here, it is here, it is here in Kashmir. I have been lucky enough to have been in Kashmir and Leh ladakh and I can say for sure that no other place can match the beauty and diversity that Kashmir has to offer. The people of Kashmir certainly deserve better.
18. People + Power – when a people unite, they form an unstoppable force. History has been witness. Indians against the British empire, Eastern Europe and now the Middle east and countless other popular uprisings. Inspiring. Reminder to us that we too can get rid of our “chalta hai” indifferent attitude if we want to make a difference.
19. The “Balti” + The “party” – This one is a thank you to all the guys in PGP 2008, S.P.Jain! Wild, wacky and uninhibited fun. This is what hostel life is supposed to be about. :)
20. Lionel Messi + the football – “how would you feel if you were kicked around all day. Unwanted, unloved, uncared for. Lying at someones feet all the while. God, why did you do this to me? What wrong have I done? And as if to answer my prayers, God sent down Lionel Messi. Ah!! He is a sheer delight. He loves me, he caresses me. It’s a treat to be with him as he dribbles me past a maze of defenders and sends me flying into the back of the net. Then as he gently picks me up and kisses me, I feel on top of the world. I love you Lio!!”

I have missed out many more great pairings. But maybe, I will think of writing a part 2!

Zer0

A much needed vacation. A nice time for introspection. Realised a few things. Related to me. Maybe applicable to a few of you as well. That it’s time to like the number 0. It helps in so many ways. Avoids a lot of worries. And makes life simpler.

Zero Expectations. Zero Pre-conceived notions. Zero judgements without adequate knowledge. Zero assumptions based on inadequate knowledge. Zero comparisons. Zero trying to complicate things when they are really really simple. Zero thinking too much about simple incidents.

Feels good to atleast identify some of the problems. But then I start to think why did I write this post? Expecting 100 people to like it? Secretly hoping that people compare me to xyz and comment that it is very nicely written. What if people do not like it? If people do not say anything, then start thinking about all sorts of weird things.....

I think the more things change, the more they remain the same.

The happiest man

This is a story I had read long back in school, some 12 years back. I do not know why, but this story has stayed with me till today. Maybe its the simplicity of the story, the really insightful messages, small learnings..I still read it whenever am down and every time I do, I feel overwhelmed. Some of you might have already read about this. For those who haven't, hope you like it.

The HAPPIEST man

Jacob Kominiski never achieved fame and never accumulated wealth.

He was a simple tailor and pleased to be one. He walked the streets of our Brooklyn neighborhood with great dignity, but always with a glint of laughter in his eye .He was my father and most successful human being I ever knew.

As a child, I did not fully understand his worth. When I saw how hard he worked for so little material award I felt sorry for him and a little ashamed at his lack of ambition. I was wrong on both counts.

He worked for a Seventh Avenue dress manufacturer and one summer evening he brought home an enormous sketch pad, a handful of soft pencils, and some wool and silk and cotton swatches. He announced that the boss was giving him a chance to become a dress designer, something he had long hoped for.

Night after night, he worked until midnight or later. A slight man with thin fair hair and shoulders rounded by his trade, he stood by the kitchen table,bending over the sketch pad to make quick,swirling lines while mother stood near by,mending. She was a beautiful woman with long auburn hair piled high above a serene face. He thought no one in the world could match his wife. He once said of her, “Where she walks there is light.” Sometimes pop would draw an outstanding ornament so they could both laugh. Laughter was the part of everything he did. Every night at dinner, he reported the amusing things that happened in during the day. (We never heard of any defeats or frustrations.) The most ordinary events were hilarious when pop told us about them

When at last the sketches were finished, he took them off to work. Nothing more was said about them. Eventually I asked him, “Pop, what happened to the drawings?" "Oh," he said, “They weren't any good.” Seeing my dismay he said, "Danny, a man can't do everything in this world but he can do one job well. I found out I am not a good designer, but I am a good tailor."

And there, I found the key to the man, the key that let me understand better as I grew older. Jacob Kominiski never pretended to be something he was not. Free from vanity or unrealizable ambition he was able to enjoy each day as it came.

Pop enjoyed all men, but he reserved his friendship for a few-especially five cronies who had emigrated with him from Russia at the time of First World War. Once a month they gather in our kitchen for an evening of talk .All these men had achieved business success. Yet in many matters it was to Jacob Kominiski they turned for advice, knowing that he saw life clearly and his opinions could not be warped by envy. I once asked my mother, "Why do they come here instead of meeting in their own big houses?" She thought for a moment, and then said, "I think maybe they left the best part of themselves here. They need to come back to it every now and then."

When I was 13 my mother died .Through my own grief I was aware of the great loss this was to Pop. But he made only one reference to this almost insupportable sadness. He said, “To be happy every day is to be not happy at all." He was saying to his sons that happiness is not state achieve and keep, but something that must be won over and over, no matter what the defeats and losses.

In my early teens, I ran away from home for the simple reason that i was bursting with curiosity about the world outside Brooklyn. I talked a pal of mine into going with me. At night, we appeared at the local police station to announce we were hitchhiking to relatives and asked to be put in a cell until morning. It worked well until we reached a small town in Delaware. The chief of Police said, “You kids look like a couple of runaways. You say you are from Brooklyn? I shall just telephone and see if there is a 'wanted' on you." He found that there was indeed a missing person alarm for me. He soon had my father on the phone. After hearing I was alright, Pop seemed to relax. “You want me to send him home?” the chief asked. "Oh, no”, father said." He wants to find out something. He will come home when he is ready." I was on the road for two weeks, and when I finally walked down the familiar street towards our house, I began to get apprehensive. I was afraid i had hurt Pop by running away. How could I find the right words to explain to him why I went? As it turned out, it was Pop who found the right words. When i came through the front door he looked up from his newspaper, and a wonderfully warm and relieved smile went over his face. Then he gave me a wink and said," There's food in the ice box, Danny." The words he had always greeted me with when i came home from school or play. So nothing had changed between us. He understood me, and my searching and longings, so unlike his own or my brothers.

His patience with me during my late teens was infinite. Both my brothers had jobs and were hardworking, responsible citizens, but I was moody and restless and could not settle down. I wanted to express myself, but I did not know how. Pop supported me uncomplainingly; once a week i found a five-dollar note tucked beneath my pillow, to save me the embarrassment of openly receiving pocket money.

My shortcomings did not escape the notice of Pop's cronies. One evening I heard a voice say," Jacob, I speak to you as a friend must speak. Danny is becoming a loafer. You should not allow this to happen." Pop said," My son is searching for something he can devote his life to. I can't tell him what it is. He shall never be happy unless he finds it for himself. It may take him longer than others, but he shall find it. I do not worry about him."

Later that year I got a job as an entertainer , and suddenly I knew this was the career I had been searching for. The world of the theater was far removed from the world of Jacob Kominski, the tailor, yet i found myself returning to him time and again, for the same reason his cronies did.

When i was 20, I got what every actor dreams of a permanent job! The A.B.Marcus show, 'La Vie Paree', was an extravaganza that had been touring the world for a quarter of century, and i joined the cast. But I had a problem, I went up to Pop and put it to him. This was at the depth of depression, actors were out of work by the hundreds, yet I wanted to leave the show because I needed new experiences and challenges. Also, I was scared.

Pop heard me out, then said, " It's very to have a steady job. You shouldn't be ashamed of liking it. But there are some people who always have to test themselves, to stretch their wings and try new winds. If you think you can find more happiness and usefulness this way, then you should do it." This advice came from a man who had never left a secured job in his life , who had the European tradition of family conformity and responsibility, but who knew I was different. He understood what I needed to do and he helped me to do it.

For the next few years I worked in nightclubs, and then i got my big theatrical break, appearing in 'Lady In The Dark' with Gertrude Lawrence. After that I went to Hollywood, but even the glamor of movie capital did not awe Pop. For some of the time between his retirement and his death at the age of 80, Pop lived with me and my family there.

We had a big party one evening, and soon there was a crowd round him listening to his stories about Brooklyn and his Ukrainian Legends. I thought Pop might enjoy hearing some of the old folk songs we used to sing, the music and the memories were too much for him to resist, and he came over to join me. I faded away and he was in the middle of the room singing alone _ in a clear, true voice. He sang for 15 minutes before some of the World's highest-paid entertainers. When he finished there was a thunderous applause. This simple, kindly old man singing of our European roots had touched something deep in these sophisticated people. I remember what my mother had said about Pop's rich cronies: "I think maybe they left best part of themselves here. They need to come back to it every now and then."

I knew the applause that night was not just for a performance; it was for a man.

- Danny Kaye.

For the love of Economics!

My niece hates Economics! In her 12th now, she was getting advice from me, without her even asking for it, about her future career choices. I suggested, with a big smile on my face, "why don't you major in Eco?" I expected her to thank me for this wonderful and inspired suggestion when I heard, "Cheeee!! Eco!! It's so boring! Try as I did, I could not convince her to change her mind. And hence, I am writing this blog to show how interesting can Eco be. I love Economics! Due respect to all famous economists, I have taken some liberty here! Dear niece, this is for you!

In the last few weeks, we have been constantly hearing about the high inflation in our country and the PIIGS reeling under recession. I am actually feeling the after-effects of both. A recessionary Hairline and an inflationary Waistline! How I wish it were the reverse! But what gets me worried more is the fact that my Mom is also worried about this. Let me explain. She sees me like this and there is that look on her face. I DREAD what's coming! "Beta, what are you doing..Look at you!! I think you should get married now..before...........She purposefully leaves it hanging, like a noose..."Before what mom?! Before my Hairbank goes bankrupt and my trouser buttons burst open??!!"

What is with mom and other middle aged ladies! These ladies are the perfect example of a Cartel! Just like a cartel, they collude and scheme to get young people like me married, hooked and booked! They are active all year round, but they come into their elements during family functions - weddings, birthday parties etc. Just like a cartel, they do not actually give the appearance that they are colluding. They move around discreetly in groups of 2 to 3 and creep up on you, stealthily, when you least expect it. "Hello, Mrs. Parikh! Your son has become so big!" Sighhh..The tag has been made. I want to run away. Mom joins the action. "Yes, he is now an MBA, working with a bank" The cartel moves in for the kill. "Oh! I have just the perfect girl for him. She too is an MBA!" Mom gets that familiar look in her eyes. "I know! I have been telling him since when that he is set now." I know it's time for me to beat a hasty retreat..

Mom feels I am set now. I ought to be, right? An MBA, a decent job?? But I feel that there's something missing. Even though on the surface it seems I am moving ahead, rising higher up the ladder, but deep down I feel that I am stagnating..a case of Stagflation! There just seem to be too many things to contend with. Too many variables. And unlike that most fundamental of Eco Fundas 'Cēterīs paribus', here all the variables are constantly moving, in different directions pulling you along with them. But I know I have to move on, aware that the "Invisible Hand" is there to guide me, just like the "Invisible Hand" of Adam Smith worked for the benefit of all.

I think I have written enough! I am sure I have displeased economists by using such important terms in such a frivolous manner. But more than that I am worried that if I write any more, the purpose of this article would have been defeated and my niece will definitely not take up Economics. You see, the more I write, the more bored she will be to read even a single additional line. Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility at work!