Thanks to this good friend of mine, who made me think, “I'm not a good KISS-er (Keep It Short and Simple)”. To prove to myself that I can relatively do a fair job in KISS-ing, and for those who are really impatient to read the entire text, here is the highly abridged content of this blog:
Expectations = fn (Perceptions, Experience)
For the rest and for myself here is the original unKISS-ed content:
If Wiki is to be believed, Indians are the largest film makers (877 feature films+1177 short films in 2003) Vs our nearest competitor US (473 in the year 2003). Believe me; the movie making is still not outsourced. (Hei, NAASCOM guys...a good market to jump on ....huh???)
In my attempt to understand the parallel between these two countries, my analyst brain could not think of anything but 2 reasons: 1. Heterogeneous Culture with common destiny 2. Uncertainty.
Formed by immigrants with a drive to build a nation, Americans shared a common destiny to create what became (and still is) a mighty land - United States of America. In 1947, Indians were given "freedom" to rule their own country. The people of democratic India, shared a common destiny to build a country which had (and still has) all the potential to become another mighty power. Corrupt politicians, Mindless bureaucrats, Nehruvian dreams (mixed economy & import substitution policies) and Lack of vision- all had its share in failing our dreams. Our dreams never turned into a reality and still remains a dream.
Americans probably are the friendliest guys having high tolerance and respect towards others' religion and culture. Indians, highly influenced by the philosophy of their land (which embraces the positive aspect of foreign culture and religion as its own) sustained their affinity towards heterogeneous culture. But sadly enough, uncertainty is always in the air for citizens of both these countries (USA and India) and both get caught in cycle of changes – a blessing in disguise.
Creativity is at its helm during uncertainties and it is not so surprising to see these countries make the largest number of movies which reflects the society, the attitude and the journey which the society embarks on. But the expectation out of a movie for an average American and an average Indian is radically different and are these expectations are poles apart. Though the kind of experience is similar (not necessarily same) the reason Americans make and demand quality movies has completely to do with their PERCEPTION.
Example 1– WTC was hit, hundreds of lives lost, not a single corpse was shown in any of the television channels. A case in point t0 prove the maturity of their media and the people.
Example 2 – Quality of themes picked up by the American movie makers, the finest amount of details and their relentless uncompromising attitude.
Not to deny the fact that Indians make amazing movies and have receptive audience. But what proportion of these audiences are receptive is the bone of contention. Movies have the power to bring in revolution, to bring in positive changes in the society, to influence people, to capture their minds with intelligent questions and the answer it may offer.
Not enough to have expectations, not enough to have experience (positive and/or negative) what we all need is a highly positive and constructive perception. Most Americans have it, which is reflected through their movies. Do we have it?????
The Quantity per se, does not produce victory, Quality does. Though we have made thousands of movies we might still lose out to Americans.
Lets be a part of the movement that brings in change of perception. It all starts with you and me.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The misunderstood concept of Love
14 Feb, Valentines Day - probably a special day to unleash all the unexpressed love, carefully locked within an iron chest, whose keys have long been lost in the world of carnal and materialistic pleasures. Driven by more irrational and subjective wants, these so called special occasions are gathering increased traction in the rapidly changing landscape. With changing demographics, India would witness unbridled demand for such occasions in the years to come. Spinning the yarn to create more sell-able stories, the marketers stand to gain by creating more hype and hoopla around these events consciously resulting in commoditization of Love. Commoditization of love increases the dependency on material factors directly resulting in diminishing marginal utility of love, as in the case of any commodity. Accelerating the Commoditization of love is the external environment - movies and demographics causing the (un)desirable paradigm shift - creating dent on the enigmatic concept of love.
Love, in my opinion, has increasing marginal utility. And more so the incremental love is never incremental, but rather in high quantum which is immeasurable. Love does not wait for moments like Valentines Day, but rather it takes its own course to define moments which is not time & frequency bound. Love does not depend on material factors, but the material factors per se, creates delight factors in the game of love. Love can still exist without delight factors, as in the long run delight factors might not exist and what would still exist is Love.
Entities in failed relationships should have cognizance of seizing every opportunity to define moments of love. The True moments of love have higher degree of emotional appeal to make relationships work and keep it alive with life. The more we wait for moments to share and "exchange" love, the more the relationship is at risk. But unfortunately, the growing youth is inebriated with commercial aspects of Love and grossly miss out on its truest form weakening its spine. Increasing divorces, domestic violence, deserted relationships are all cases in point.
To cut the long story short....Don't wait for moments in the game of love just create them and keep li(o)ving it.
Love, in my opinion, has increasing marginal utility. And more so the incremental love is never incremental, but rather in high quantum which is immeasurable. Love does not wait for moments like Valentines Day, but rather it takes its own course to define moments which is not time & frequency bound. Love does not depend on material factors, but the material factors per se, creates delight factors in the game of love. Love can still exist without delight factors, as in the long run delight factors might not exist and what would still exist is Love.
Entities in failed relationships should have cognizance of seizing every opportunity to define moments of love. The True moments of love have higher degree of emotional appeal to make relationships work and keep it alive with life. The more we wait for moments to share and "exchange" love, the more the relationship is at risk. But unfortunately, the growing youth is inebriated with commercial aspects of Love and grossly miss out on its truest form weakening its spine. Increasing divorces, domestic violence, deserted relationships are all cases in point.
To cut the long story short....Don't wait for moments in the game of love just create them and keep li(o)ving it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Sow Education .....Reap Prosperity
Pongal - a traditional Tamil festival - celebrates prosperity and abundance. Though the festival might have lost its relevance long back, nevertheless we find our roots firmed on agrarian culture (feudal economy), not surprisingly pongal occupies significant importance amongst the plethora of Hindu festivals.
Mid 1950S - Late 1990s....
Encouraged by the merits of education and enthused by the relatively new found freedom, scores of young men carried their day dreams of making their fortunes in what was supposed to be the "islands"(townships) of opportunities. Not unlike many Indians, a young man left his hometown to pursue his "higher" education (VIII class) as neither the nearest school (5 Kms away from his village) nor his destitute father could support his education. As a 6 month old suckling, he lost his mother, and this made him determined to shower all love on his children, which the Gods deprived him of at the very early age.
Seeking refuge in his aunt's place in Pondicherry (a coastal town in South of India)he was rearing cattle and selling milk, providing an helping hand in his cousin's business. Holding his dreams in his heart, he inched in his education and metamorphosed. Pumping gas, gardener, stenographer ....were few positions he held to earn himself a living. Though he did receive support from his aunt and cousins, he was indeed craving for motherly love and affection.
Attitude, perseverance and hard work took him long way up the corporate ladder. Joined as a clerk he moved to hold a prestigious position in one of the State Owned Enterprises. His search for true love should have ended after he found a mother in his better half. He did ensure that his children did get the best education possible.
This gentleman has all my respects, not just because he is my dad, but because of his true character and attitude. His achievements were well narrated bed time stories only helping me imbibe values and principles which are still close to my heart.
14 Jan 2007
Saram vegetable mandi was abuzz with pongal activities. Tonnes of sugarcane had made the place a temporary sugarcane field. The corner grocerer was still there. He was struggling to manage his customers all alone. Not surprised to find his son who usually assists his father during festive seasons I curiously enquired about him. Back came the reply,” Sir, my son is now an engineer and he is busy preparing for his campus interviews; he aspires to find a job in his dream company ....Info.....sys. We are confident that he would find the job he wanted. He is a brilliant student, sir". I could see his sparkling eyes filled with pride. I had no words to offer, I was overwhelmed. Undoubtedly, education will lighten up the corner grocerer family & his son's life, like what it did to my dad, the fruits of which our family still enjoys. I felt the urge to celebrate prosperity.
I learnt Pongal is still relevant as the middle class families are starting to harvest (prosperity) on what they sowed (investment on education).
Mid 1950S - Late 1990s....
Encouraged by the merits of education and enthused by the relatively new found freedom, scores of young men carried their day dreams of making their fortunes in what was supposed to be the "islands"(townships) of opportunities. Not unlike many Indians, a young man left his hometown to pursue his "higher" education (VIII class) as neither the nearest school (5 Kms away from his village) nor his destitute father could support his education. As a 6 month old suckling, he lost his mother, and this made him determined to shower all love on his children, which the Gods deprived him of at the very early age.
Seeking refuge in his aunt's place in Pondicherry (a coastal town in South of India)he was rearing cattle and selling milk, providing an helping hand in his cousin's business. Holding his dreams in his heart, he inched in his education and metamorphosed. Pumping gas, gardener, stenographer ....were few positions he held to earn himself a living. Though he did receive support from his aunt and cousins, he was indeed craving for motherly love and affection.
Attitude, perseverance and hard work took him long way up the corporate ladder. Joined as a clerk he moved to hold a prestigious position in one of the State Owned Enterprises. His search for true love should have ended after he found a mother in his better half. He did ensure that his children did get the best education possible.
This gentleman has all my respects, not just because he is my dad, but because of his true character and attitude. His achievements were well narrated bed time stories only helping me imbibe values and principles which are still close to my heart.
14 Jan 2007
Saram vegetable mandi was abuzz with pongal activities. Tonnes of sugarcane had made the place a temporary sugarcane field. The corner grocerer was still there. He was struggling to manage his customers all alone. Not surprised to find his son who usually assists his father during festive seasons I curiously enquired about him. Back came the reply,” Sir, my son is now an engineer and he is busy preparing for his campus interviews; he aspires to find a job in his dream company ....Info.....sys. We are confident that he would find the job he wanted. He is a brilliant student, sir". I could see his sparkling eyes filled with pride. I had no words to offer, I was overwhelmed. Undoubtedly, education will lighten up the corner grocerer family & his son's life, like what it did to my dad, the fruits of which our family still enjoys. I felt the urge to celebrate prosperity.
I learnt Pongal is still relevant as the middle class families are starting to harvest (prosperity) on what they sowed (investment on education).
Sunday, December 31, 2006
To fear or not to fear
Her eyes stole my soul, the angelic smile put all ornaments to shame, and nature painted cherubic face personifying beauty confounds my tongue, brings fresh snowfall within to pump my hormones to new extremes. Life is full of surprises....
Déjà vu - Fear of failure amputated the thought of winning this beauty, holding my surging emotions to ransom. Mind ceases to function, thoughts constipates only to contemplate my past. Duels my mind with whirlpool of emotions to solve this conundrum, giving birth to the thought - Why fear failure, are failures not stepping stones to success? Why quake and tremble with fear? Why let fear oppress you?
Unable to find an answer…
Déjà vu - Fear of failure amputated the thought of winning this beauty, holding my surging emotions to ransom. Mind ceases to function, thoughts constipates only to contemplate my past. Duels my mind with whirlpool of emotions to solve this conundrum, giving birth to the thought - Why fear failure, are failures not stepping stones to success? Why quake and tremble with fear? Why let fear oppress you?
Unable to find an answer…
Monday, December 18, 2006
Gandhi is Dead, Long Live Violence!!!
Anton Balasingham is no more….. Mr. BalaSingham was critically instrumental in crafting the LTTE’s ideology and was fairly successful in nurturing and instigating the “LTTE’s philosophy” in the hearts and minds of millions of Tamils. Acclaimed as a master strategist, a chief negotiator during peace talks – the magnitude of his loss is nothing but colossal.
For over 3 decades now, LTTE’s struggle and demand for a separate nation has grown in great depth and magnitude, leaving the Tamil minority in crossfire. The forlorn faces and the tattered lives of people who seek refugee in Tamilnadu (India) speak volumes of the agony, the distress, the mental pain and suffering caused to these harmless souls, who fight all the odds stacked against them, expect nothing but a right to life. I deeply empathize with my Srilankan Tamil brothers and sisters, I completely understand the trauma they undergo & I would be forthcoming to support them to the extent possible. Not unlike many hot blooded young Indian men, with strong inclination towards violence & communism, I was fascinated by the heroic activities of rebels like - V Prabhakaran, Fidel Castro & Che Guevara. I grow up allowing myself to develop the ill-conceived conviction that "Violence" is the panacea to fight the evil in this society, to wrestle the heinous crime, to encounter corrupt politicians, to eliminate jingoists, to slaughter mindless hegemony in this world. Thanks to the movies which influenced me to a higher degree and helped reinforce my conviction and etched my thought process deterring me to think of nothing but violence as a fix-it-all solution.
Education, time and people can alter perceptions & offer new dimensions to life. I was no exception. Two years of my management education helped me to re-read history – now I was careful enough to read between lines – introspect and appreciate true values and beliefs. Leadership miracles by Jesus, Gandhi & Nelson Mandela intrigued and inspired me to seek the truth, which I understand is non-violence. Undoubtedly, non-violence yield better proven-results, prevents loss of life & property making the world a better place.
Pondering on why Gandhi and his principal-concept of non-violence not being followed by his own countrymen would give me Sleepless nights. I blame none for we have created a world filled with Violence and blood-shed. But now I firmly assert there is “one-solution” which would reverse all the blood-shed – NON VIOLENCE.
Had rebels resorted to non-violence and make it part of its central-strategy, had the Kashmir insurgents considered non-violence as a potential weapon, had the mighty leaders and their followers placed enough belief on non-violence, many wars could have been averted, many lives could have been saved, fruitful amicable solutions could have been born.
Gandhi realized it - We enjoy the fruits (freedom) borne by non-violence, Nelson Mandela stood for Non-violence - South Africans are successful in curbing racism. But sadly, BalaSingham chose violence. I have no doubts that their struggle would not fructify. With a heavy heart, I foresee, Srilankan Tamils would suffer for years to come. I don’t see light at the end of the tunnel. The LTTEs are now busy proclaiming “GANDHI IS DEAD, LONG LIVE VIOLENCE”.
For over 3 decades now, LTTE’s struggle and demand for a separate nation has grown in great depth and magnitude, leaving the Tamil minority in crossfire. The forlorn faces and the tattered lives of people who seek refugee in Tamilnadu (India) speak volumes of the agony, the distress, the mental pain and suffering caused to these harmless souls, who fight all the odds stacked against them, expect nothing but a right to life. I deeply empathize with my Srilankan Tamil brothers and sisters, I completely understand the trauma they undergo & I would be forthcoming to support them to the extent possible. Not unlike many hot blooded young Indian men, with strong inclination towards violence & communism, I was fascinated by the heroic activities of rebels like - V Prabhakaran, Fidel Castro & Che Guevara. I grow up allowing myself to develop the ill-conceived conviction that "Violence" is the panacea to fight the evil in this society, to wrestle the heinous crime, to encounter corrupt politicians, to eliminate jingoists, to slaughter mindless hegemony in this world. Thanks to the movies which influenced me to a higher degree and helped reinforce my conviction and etched my thought process deterring me to think of nothing but violence as a fix-it-all solution.
Education, time and people can alter perceptions & offer new dimensions to life. I was no exception. Two years of my management education helped me to re-read history – now I was careful enough to read between lines – introspect and appreciate true values and beliefs. Leadership miracles by Jesus, Gandhi & Nelson Mandela intrigued and inspired me to seek the truth, which I understand is non-violence. Undoubtedly, non-violence yield better proven-results, prevents loss of life & property making the world a better place.
Pondering on why Gandhi and his principal-concept of non-violence not being followed by his own countrymen would give me Sleepless nights. I blame none for we have created a world filled with Violence and blood-shed. But now I firmly assert there is “one-solution” which would reverse all the blood-shed – NON VIOLENCE.
Had rebels resorted to non-violence and make it part of its central-strategy, had the Kashmir insurgents considered non-violence as a potential weapon, had the mighty leaders and their followers placed enough belief on non-violence, many wars could have been averted, many lives could have been saved, fruitful amicable solutions could have been born.
Gandhi realized it - We enjoy the fruits (freedom) borne by non-violence, Nelson Mandela stood for Non-violence - South Africans are successful in curbing racism. But sadly, BalaSingham chose violence. I have no doubts that their struggle would not fructify. With a heavy heart, I foresee, Srilankan Tamils would suffer for years to come. I don’t see light at the end of the tunnel. The LTTEs are now busy proclaiming “GANDHI IS DEAD, LONG LIVE VIOLENCE”.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Seek.... You shall find a friend in me
Marching down my memory lane paints vivid pictures of my previous past.....first day at school, rubber ball cricket, ceaseless altercations , Summer computer courses, dropping out of Hindi class, board exam results, College ragging , Flirting days , first job, & all my friends - who made my life.
Brooding on my past, I understand my attitude and character have metamorphosed only for the good. This positive transfiguration would have not been made possible without my family and friends.
Friends made me what I'm today. I still wonder, how did I gain friends with all my weaknesses that I possessed? How did I win friends who stood by my side through all tough times? How did I succeed in acquiring the treasures of my life- friends?
Contemplating on what could have been the drivers of friendship - I could not think of anything other than unbound love, trust & care.Joy is multiplied when love, trust & care is reciprocated & happiness flourishes in any relationship leaving the entities soaked in pleasure and unbound happiness.
Over these growing years, I have learnt to reciprocate love in its purest form - friendship. I have imbibed the habit of overlooking an individual minor weakness and started searching for his strengths. I have learnt to stand strong by his/her side and fight for him/her, die for him/her even when the whole world is against us. After all, it is all for friendship.
Friendship has enabled to broaden my horizons of mind to offer my love to all those who seek it. With open arms I invite all my fellow beings to taste the fruits of my friendship that I can offer you. I'm determined to make your life richer with love, love and pure love....
I would sow in you - what my friends enlightened me with - the joy of sharing love through friendship and together we would reap happiness.
Brooding on my past, I understand my attitude and character have metamorphosed only for the good. This positive transfiguration would have not been made possible without my family and friends.
Friends made me what I'm today. I still wonder, how did I gain friends with all my weaknesses that I possessed? How did I win friends who stood by my side through all tough times? How did I succeed in acquiring the treasures of my life- friends?
Contemplating on what could have been the drivers of friendship - I could not think of anything other than unbound love, trust & care.Joy is multiplied when love, trust & care is reciprocated & happiness flourishes in any relationship leaving the entities soaked in pleasure and unbound happiness.
Over these growing years, I have learnt to reciprocate love in its purest form - friendship. I have imbibed the habit of overlooking an individual minor weakness and started searching for his strengths. I have learnt to stand strong by his/her side and fight for him/her, die for him/her even when the whole world is against us. After all, it is all for friendship.
Friendship has enabled to broaden my horizons of mind to offer my love to all those who seek it. With open arms I invite all my fellow beings to taste the fruits of my friendship that I can offer you. I'm determined to make your life richer with love, love and pure love....
I would sow in you - what my friends enlightened me with - the joy of sharing love through friendship and together we would reap happiness.
Friday, December 1, 2006
GOD - in You and Me.....
Coming, as I do, from an orthodox Hindu family, which has unwavering belief in GOD, I was influenced to believe in His existence. The religion I followed lead me to appreciate diversity, learn tolerance, respect fellow human beings and fostered high values and belief in my sub-conscious mind which will still continue to influence my thought process for years to come. I'm unable to fathom, how a religion creating noble thoughts in one mind would influence fratricide in another? God - Would you answer?
Increasing religious holocausts, surging fundamentalism & incessant fanaticism are clear symptoms of sabotaging religious beliefs by tampering virgin minds. Should the obfuscated "concept of religion(s)" be obliterated? or Should His existence - the fundamental bedrock of religion - be questioned?
His existence has always been a topic of debate, I do not want to broach and comment on a contentious issue that is beyond my comprehension. It would be appropriate to mention that, the medium(religion), created with the intent of propagating peace and thereby guide human spirits to accomplish higher objectives grossly fail in most aspects. Contemplating on this, I understand, would lead to futile discussions as it questions the efficacy of religion(s).
I may have not been bestowed with the opportunity to meet Him nor my mind is seeking its further abode, but I have been fortunate enough to meet HUMANS who by their deeds have created the magic of illuminating millions of souls. I have been blessed to meet HUMANS who have lifted millions from their wretched and abject penury. I have been privileged to meet HUMANS who have made a positive impact on millions of desolated and ravaged minds. In every walk of life, I witness sacrifices by parents, brothers, sisters, friends, teachers, students, husbands and wives, all made for the well-being of another soul. These Sacrifices made are selfless and voluntary, these sacrifices are not for Quid Pro Quo, and these sacrifices can NEVER be quantified and monetised.
The selfless love and sacrifices that are made for a fellow human being making the recipient better-off, is love, in its truest form. Being a staunch believer in Advaitham, I firmly assert, if every human(irrespective of his religion) imbibes the habit of sharing selfless love with fellow beings, the world would be a happier place.
GOD - may or may not be existent, no more would we search Him, no more would we debate on superiority of a religion. We shall find HIM in you and me through unbridled love we share with our fellow beings, and He exists in small yet big things called "Love".
Increasing religious holocausts, surging fundamentalism & incessant fanaticism are clear symptoms of sabotaging religious beliefs by tampering virgin minds. Should the obfuscated "concept of religion(s)" be obliterated? or Should His existence - the fundamental bedrock of religion - be questioned?
His existence has always been a topic of debate, I do not want to broach and comment on a contentious issue that is beyond my comprehension. It would be appropriate to mention that, the medium(religion), created with the intent of propagating peace and thereby guide human spirits to accomplish higher objectives grossly fail in most aspects. Contemplating on this, I understand, would lead to futile discussions as it questions the efficacy of religion(s).
I may have not been bestowed with the opportunity to meet Him nor my mind is seeking its further abode, but I have been fortunate enough to meet HUMANS who by their deeds have created the magic of illuminating millions of souls. I have been blessed to meet HUMANS who have lifted millions from their wretched and abject penury. I have been privileged to meet HUMANS who have made a positive impact on millions of desolated and ravaged minds. In every walk of life, I witness sacrifices by parents, brothers, sisters, friends, teachers, students, husbands and wives, all made for the well-being of another soul. These Sacrifices made are selfless and voluntary, these sacrifices are not for Quid Pro Quo, and these sacrifices can NEVER be quantified and monetised.
The selfless love and sacrifices that are made for a fellow human being making the recipient better-off, is love, in its truest form. Being a staunch believer in Advaitham, I firmly assert, if every human(irrespective of his religion) imbibes the habit of sharing selfless love with fellow beings, the world would be a happier place.
GOD - may or may not be existent, no more would we search Him, no more would we debate on superiority of a religion. We shall find HIM in you and me through unbridled love we share with our fellow beings, and He exists in small yet big things called "Love".
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