Key to Success

Secret of Success-Ability to Take Risk

2006-08-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here i am posting a story that appeared in the Hindu. It features about two youngsters who have been able to take risk and pursue their dream and are successful in their career. Definitely an inspiring story for others.

Now here goes the story of Rajesh and Dayalan

Theirs is a story that dreams are made of. Two young men from lower middle class families in Otteri now run their own swanky beauty salon in Nungambakkam.
V. Dayalan and H. Rajesh, both 32 years old, started working in the beauty business right after school, as they could not afford higher education. They began as apprentices in Lakme salons and went on to become skilled beauticians. Dayalan took up a correspondence degree course in business administration and Rajesh completed a diploma programme.
But their entrepreneurial spirit combined with an aptitude for hard work would not let them rest. They formed a youth self-help group with the guidance of voluntary organisation Asha Nivas. This was to become a turning point in their lives.
"A little over a year ago, six of us formed a group called `Essential.' We took big loans to start a salon," says Rajesh. Asha Nivas offered a cash loan of Rs. 2 lakh and Andhra Bank offered a loan of Rs. 1.75 lakh to buy equipment. They borrowed from friends and relatives and cleaned out their savings to raise another Rs. 8 lakh.
The group hired prime space in the El Dorado complex on Nungambakkam High Road and called their salon `Studio Essential.' They pay Rs. 20,000 as rent and Rs. 2,500 for maintenance. They have six persons working along with them.
Says Dayalan, "We knew we were taking a big risk. But as my dad would say, `If you are starting a new business do it before you cross 35. There would be too many commitments after that.' The popularity of the parlour exceeded expectations. Not only are we paying off our loans, we also manage a decent profit."
Rajesh specialises in hair cuts, colouring, streaking, rebonding and straightening. Manicure and pedicure treatment is Dayalan's forte. As theirs is a unisex salon, they have female staff if women customers request for it. A loyal customer, V. Sharada, says the salon has a "friendly, family atomosphere".
Rajesh is very grateful to Asha Nivas. "I started my career there as a courier boy," he reminisces. The group plans to visit Asha Nivas' projects in tsunami-affected parts of Kanyakumari district to offer employment training next month.
Dayalan and Rajesh have risen in their lives but they still keep in touch with their friends in Otteri. Their long-term plan is to start a beauticians' training academy to help youth from disadvantaged sections.

Source: The Hindu, dated:Aug10, 2006

Secret of Success-Quotes from Chanakya

2006-08-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

These are the "Secret of Success" quotes from Chanakya who was an Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC. These are still applicable in today's modern world context. So i thought to share it here with you all.

"A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are hooked first. "
" Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venemous".
"The biggest Guru-mantra is" Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."
"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."
"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."
"The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman."
"Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."
"God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple."
"A man is great by deeds, not by birth."
"Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness."
"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends."
"Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person."
"Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth."

I am not sure whether i agree with all the points mentioned above, but yet these are words of a great person...and surely the secret of success tips...Hence mentioned here....

Secret of Success-Identifying the Problem Area

2006-07-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

This story was shared by my work mate. I loved the story and wanted to share it with you all. The reason is simple, the story conveys a very strong message in a simple and humourous way.I am sure most of you would love the story too. Please read the story.

A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approachher, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss. Here's what you do,"said the Doctor, "stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response." That evening,the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away; let's see what happens." then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?" No response. Sothe husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife andrepeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Still no response. Next he movesinto the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks,Honey, what's for dinner?" Again he gets no response so; He walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?" Againthere is no response. So he walks right up behind her." Honey, what'sfor dinner?" ;;;;"James, for the FIFTH time I've said, CHICKEN!"

Moral of the story: The problem may not be with others as we alwaysthink! It could be very much within us..!!

Image Source: archives.upenn.edu

Inspirational True Life Story - Edison

2006-05-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

I have always been amazed by Edison, who had filed 400 patents between 1876 and 1884, at approximately a patent a week. Isn't he remarkable?

This is a true story which i came across from one of the Newsletters which was trying to explain about "things ahead of its time". It seems that Edison liked to demonstrate his phonograph by allowing people to speak into the machine and then playing the recording back for them. However, the technology was outside almost everyone's conceptual understanding. Up to that point in history, the only thing that could mimic the sound of one's voice was a ventriloquist, so people thought it had to be a trick. Clergymen came to pronounce it "the devil's work" and to discredit Edison.
But here's the really fun part. Edison used to charge people 25 cents to try to "fool the machine." A person who spoke Latin (a dead language) would speak Latin into it and, of course, it would speak Latin back to the person. People wondered how Edison was able to teach a machine to speak Latin. A person would speak Chinese into the machine and it would speak Chinese back to them. Again, people would wonder how the "Wizard of Menlo Park" taught the machine to speak Chinese.
People simply did not understand the concept of a recording.

This just goes into prove "what a genius, he is".

If you would like to read and know more about this genius do visit:http://www.edison.me.uk

Image Source: edison.rutgers.edu

Secret of Success-Personal Power

2006-05-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

This was the message that i had received from my work mate. This provided lot of insight. It is definitely a message to be shared.

Life Into Being

Personal Power
Many of us have do not understand what personal power means. We have been given the false notion that power is bad-that it is something we use to exert our will upon others. In fact, when our personal power is intact, we are neither overbearing nor meek. We have a clear sense of our strength and the impact we can have on others. This actually enables us to be more sensitive. Personal power is what permits us to work on behalf of our dreams and desires. It allows us to realize that we are worthy and deserve to be heard. In addition, our personal power lets us extend the respect we know that we deserve to the people around us. There is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of fully owning your power.

In the chakra system, the solar plexus is the seat of personal power. One way to evaluate your sense of power is to breathe into this part of the body. If it feels tight or nervous, it is an indication that you may not be fully expressing your power. You can heal this imbalance by expanding the area of the solar plexus with your breath. You can also visualize a bright yellow sun in this part of your body. Allow its heat to melt any tension, and let its light dissolve any darkness or heaviness. Repeating this exercise on a regular basis can restore and rejuvenate your sense of power.

Another way to nurture your personal power is to honor your dreams and desires by making concrete plans to manifest them in the world. Start by making a list of things you want, and let yourself think big. Choose one goal from the list and commit to bringing it to fruition. In addition, break the goal into tasks that you can work on each day. Know that you deserve to have your dreams come true and that you have the power to bring them into being.

Image Courtesy: Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Kiran Bedi

2006-05-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today's Inspirational True Life Story deals about the life of a person who is well known in Indian and around the world for her courage and strategies. Yes we are proud to feature Kiran Bedi, the first woman to join the Indian Police Services in 1972, who was also a former Asian women’s lawn tennis champion, an extraordinary academician, author, speaker and activist, winner of the Magsaysay Award(also called the Asian Nobel Prize), the first woman to become Police advisor to head the Civilian Police Division in the United Nations Department to Peace keeping Operations.

When, in the ’90s, she was transferred to Tihar—Asia’s most notorious jail—she transformed the vice-den into something like an ashram, introducing meditation and literacy programmes. Her Tihar work won her the Magsaysay Award in 1994. It was this stint in Tihar jail has secured her place in the history of policing as a pioneer, for her extra ordinary reforms that she carried out for the inmates of Tihar Jail.

No one can also forget the courage she displayed in handling the Punjab separatist movement when she single-handedly fought sword-brandishing sikh militants. It is her actions and motivational speeches that have triggered lot of young girls to look Indian Police Services as a career choice. If today we are able to see lot of young girls entering Military services and Police services, the true credit would definitely go to KIRAN BEDI.

If you have know of some one who has made a difference to the society in any form and of any inspirational stories to share, please feel free to mail to itispals@yahoo.co.in

Image courtesy: Google Images

Secret of Success-A full life is not necessarily a long life

2006-04-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Charlie Badenhop is the originator of Seishindo, an Aikido instructor, NLP trainer, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist. I am sharing with you one of his thoughts from his newsletter, "Pure Heart, Simple Mind"

Do you have the feeling you're fully appreciating your life RIGHT NOW, or are you somehow failing to treasure the richness of all you have in the moment? Living a life of gratitude is a challenge that I think most all of us face.

Three years ago the eight year old daughter of a friend died in a freak accident at school. My friend was devastated and I could not think of any wise words that might console him. As the weeks rolled by my friend slipped into an ever deeper sense of despair, and nothing anyone said seemed to lift his spirit.
After a few months time he went out of town on a business trip, and on the train ride back home he engaged in a conversation with the woman sitting next to him. The woman sat there and nodded her head often as my friend talked about the death of his daughter. He reported to me that he had the sense of talking and talking and talking, until he finally felt like he had nothing more to say.
As my friend came to a natural state of rest, the woman nodded her head one more time as she took a deep breath, and then said the following, "I can very much feel your pain, and I understand that the loss of your child must be devastating. At the same time," she said, "I wonder if your pain would not be lessened if you celebrated the life of your daughter.
"You told me about your daughter's sense of awe the first time you took her to the ocean, and how you carried her in your arms as you waded out into the water. You also spoke about the many times she sat on your lap and told you about the magical adventures she had during the course of her day. Perhaps the sweetest story you shared was how you told your daughter every night how much you loved her as you tucked her into bed.
"I am wondering," the woman said, "What is it that leads you to believe that you and your daughter did not live a glorious fulfilling life together? Is it because she died at eight years old and not at eighty? Certainly it would seem that the quality of one's life is not tied to the length of one's life. I would suggest that you and your daughter did perhaps live a full and complete life together. She just didn't live as long as you had hoped for and expected."
As the train neared the station the woman continued speaking, "I am fifty two years old, and in looking back on my life I don't feel I have shared with anyone, the depth of experience and love you and your daughter had together. On one hand this makes me deeply sad. On the other hand, it helps me to realize that with the time I have left, I can indeed strive to live a complete and fulfilling life. This is the realization that your experience has helped me to understand, and for this wonderful gift I thank you deeply."
The woman smiled as she stood up, preparing to exit the train. "None of us know how long we have to live. We don't seem to have all that much control over the length of our life. The quality of our life on the other hand, we can indeed ensure on a daily basis. It is never too soon to begin to enjoy and fully appreciate the life we do have, right here and now."

To the readers of this article I gently suggest you consider how you want to live your life, in order to ensure that your time on earth is fulfilling and complete.

Inspirational True Life Story - Saraswathi Ramaswami

2006-04-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend sent me a link from Rediff. It carried an article about a 106 year old lady, Saraswathi Ramaswami. It was truly inspirational.

I am just sharing with you all the story here. There are lot of things to be learnt from this MOTHER.Please take a few minutes to read this article, even if you find it lenghty. Kudos to Rediff, Shoba Warrier and Sreeram Selvaraj.

Article as narrated by Shoba Warrier.
Burdened with so many preconceived notions about the elderly, I didn't expect a 106-year old lady to walk briskly towards me, speak in a strong voice (that too in five languages), hear very clearly and remember things that happened a century ago. How wrong and foolish I felt after meeting Saraswathy Ramaswamy, freedom fighter and Gandhian.
As I waited for her in the lobby of Vishranthi, an old age home for women, she came rushing towards me with folded hands. Holding my hands close to her cheeks, she said in English, "Thank you for coming, Sir (she calls everyone Sir). I look forward to speaking with you."
Then, sitting in the front yard, under the shade of all kinds of trees, she began to rewind the clock.January 1, 1900
A little girl was born to a young couple in Secunderabad. Distraught on seeing a female first born, the young man's sister ordered the baby to be thrown into the Hussain Sagar. She was promptly wrapped in a silk cloth and thrown into the water.
Fate had other plans for the baby though.
The midwife who delivered her happened to see the bundle floating in the river while she was washing clothes. Horrified, she took the baby back to the young mother, who was sobbing uncontrollably.
The child was named Saraswathy, and the astrologer who read her horoscope said she would live long and become famous!
"God didn't want me to die that easily," Saraswathy Amma laughed loudly. "Death came close several times, but I survived. A couple of years ago, a tree fell on my house and me. But here I am!"
At the age of 7, two major events occurred in her life. She began going to school, and she was married to a 12-year-old boy named Ramaswamy. She stayed with her parents until she completed her Bachelors degree though, travelling across India. "I was sent to my husband's house when I attained puberty at 18. It was the custom."
Joining her husband was an unexpected turning point in her life. The young Ramaswamy was so drawn to Mahatma Gandhi's call for freedom that he chucked his job as an assistant postmaster and decided to devote his life to his country.
"I was not sad when my husband left the job and gave his property to the Congress. I was proud to be part of a big struggle. If not for him, I would have remained in one place and, like all women, would have thought of my own family alone. But my husband made me believe my country is bigger than everything else in life."
When Gandhi came with his wife Kasturba to Nagpur, where Saraswathy then lived, she went with her friends to meet them. "I asked Kasturba what I could do for the country. She asked me if I knew how to use a charkha. I said I didn't. After teaching me, she told me to spread the knowledge to others."
Following Kasturba's instructions, Ramaswamy and his wife packed their bags and moved to the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. There, Saraswathy taught students to spin and also took tuitions, while her husband organised meetings. Over the next five years, she taught English, Tamil and mathematics to at least 500 children.The Salt Satyagraha and the Dandi March, 1930
Saraswathy and Ramaswamy could not stay put in Pondicherry when Gandhi urged the country to march to Dandi. They went along. "We were separated. I sat there waiting for my husband for a long time, but he didn't come. When I saw a police constable, I asked him to help me find my husband. When he refused, I shouted, 'Mahatma Gandhi ki jai' three times and walked away. He then told me that a lot of people had been arrested and that my husband could have been one of them. Indeed, he was.
After the Dandi March, the couple decided not to go back to South India. Saraswathy also remembers their involvement in the Quit India movement of 1942.
If August 15, 1947 was a day of joy for all of them, January 30, 1948 was a day she still mourns. Not only because Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, but because she lost her husband and three sons in the riots that followed. Her husband was shot at; her children, crushed to death.
She was in Mysore to give birth to her fourth child. On hearing the news, she rushed to identify the bodies of her loved ones. Shortly thereafter, she lost her daughter to chickenpox. "I lost my family for the sake of my country. I shouldn't be crying," she says. "And yet, the tears rolled down my cheeks constantly. Those were the only times in my life when I cried aloud and accused God of being unfair to me."
She wandered around in Mumbai, Jabalpur and across Maharashtra, went to all government offices asking for a job. Everywhere she went, she was asked about certificates, but she had nothing except the one sari she wore. Those were the darkest days of her life. She was hungry, with no proper clothes and no place to stay. But she was sure about one thing -- she would not go to a Congress office and ask for money.
"My self-respect comes before everything else. I was ready to take tuitions for just Re 1."
She felt hopeful when she met a Christian teacher in Bombay. "He told me, mother, you look as if you come from a good family. Why are you roaming around like this?' I told him, with tears in my eyes, that I wanted a job. I want to teach children and live a respectable life. Taking pity on her, the teacher arranged for her journey to Madurai where he worked, and from there to Pattukottai in Tamil Nadu.
From 1949 to 2004, she made Pattukottai her home, teaching children until she reached the age of 104. She was sure about one thing though: she would never go to the government for pension or any such concessions. That was like begging for her.
Every year, on August 15, she would hoist the national flag and distribute sweets.
When her health deteriorated, and there was nobody to take care of her, the people of Pattukottai brought her to Vishranthi. "I resisted coming here because Pattukottai was my home since 1950! After coming here a year and a half ago, I was sad because I had nothing to do. But then, Madam (Savithri Vaithi who runs Vishranthi) told me to be happy. Now, I am."
It was only after coming here that her contribution towards making India independent was made known to the outside world.
"I love talking to people like you about what we went through. I spoke on television and on the radio. The only problem I face now is I can't sing loudly."
Saraswathy's day is never complete without her going through various newspapers. "I can't live without knowing what's happening in my country. I can only read about it now. The days of being part of the happenings are over for me."
But what she reads these days doesn't make her happy at all. What shocked her most was politicians distributing money for votes. "The first time somebody from the Congress came to me with money, I shouted at him and asked if he knew who he was offering the money to. He lost the elections!" she chuckles.
"I don't like this corrupt India. This is not the India we dreamt of, the India we sacrificed our lives for. It pains me to see corruption everywhere. But I must say there are so many loving, selfless and affectionate people in our country! It is only politicians who are selfish.

Deep in slumber or helpless?

2006-04-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

AT LEAST for the past 100 or 200 years, the youngsters have been brought up in a highly turbulent society. Hence let us be honest and accept the fact that every generation of youth has been muddled in some way or the other. Icons such as Gandhiji, Vivekananda or Bhagat Singh were brought up in such a way that they developed a passion to serve, an ability to demarcate between the right and the wrong and hence built nerves of steel for themselves.

The environment then was no less depressing than it is today. The Gandhis and Nehrus could have easily become successful barristers and magistrates instead of plunging themselves into a lifetime of struggle. But they dared to be different and brought about a revolution within themselves and imparted that spark to everyone around them. If I ask my friends about Gandhiji, some do agree with his universally accepted greatness. But instead of accepting their inability to emulate the man who personified sacrifice and greatness, most of them have something else to say: "His ideas are obsolete and do not apply to the current scenario... We can't relate ourselves to his ideas... Don't you have anything better to talk about... You can't talk of non-violence in a violence ridden society... "

Petty strikes

Usually youth is associated with revolutionary thoughts, which are often impulsive and romantic. But even these impulsive instincts are missing today. The "nothing will change" attitude continues and we turn a blind eye to everything unpleasant around us.

Being a college student I too see many students conducting the so called revolutionary activities which are nothing more than a few petty strikes the reasons for which are as silly as the protesters themselves. The students too cooperate and why not when the teachers themselves stand there helplessly! In fact most of them are not even aware of the reasons for which the strikes are called.

Most of the leading political parties have got their own student wings and use them to meet their own ends.

Quite often it is seen that parents burden their children with dreams of their own. Moreover parents are burdened by the questions put forward by friends and relatives such as "What is your son doing... Why is he doing this and why not that?" As a child, I was asked a question by many people "Do you want to be a doctor or an engineer?" Such questions put a notion into our head that the world of education ends with a few conventional courses.

Unsung heroes

The media has made name, fame and money look like two minute noodles. Survey of the most powerful is carried out with extensive coverage leaving the unsung heroes to rot and die. Who is more successful — the corporates building an empire of their own or the social activists who bring a smile on the faces of millions but shun publicity? While exclusive coverage is given to Fashion weeks and page 3 parties, not even a quarter of that time is dedicated to the Medha Patkars of the country. Hence we get a notion that to gain respect and popularity, you need money.

Who is to blame? The parents who want to see their sons and daughters in a financially secure position, the teachers who are forced to finish the textbook cover to cover by March, or the youngsters who feel compelled to tread the conventional path?

What the youngsters require is not just guidance but a mass movement which will beckon them to serve their motherland and an instilling force of pride which will develop in them a sense of responsibility to preserve their heritage which might otherwise soon die out or live under the mercy of the remix culture. Unfortunately, today the term youth icon is restricted to some known faces from the self advertising page 3 circuit and we rarely look up to those from other sectors of society.

This is the second post that i came across today in The Hindu. It is definitely a thought provoking article. Please feel free to share your views.
Image Courtesy: Google Images

Secret of Success - What ails Indian Youth? - A reality

2006-04-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

I was going across the articles in The Hindu. Two of the articles that i came across reflected the thoughts even i share. It is not only me, lot of other youngsters would surely share this thought. Hence with due credits to the authors, i am sharing the articles here in the blog. KAVITA WANKHADE is the author of the first article which was very impressive and at the same time reflects the present situation in an excellent manner. Here is the article. Please feel free to share your views.

TWO OF the articles that appeared in the Open Page section on March 26 were concerned with today's youth. One (Mr. Dinesh Kumar) accused this generation of being evasive, irresponsible and irreparably obsessed with money. The other (Vidya Venkat) pleaded for the generation's inability, trapped as it is within today's society. I think the reality is somewhere between the two.

To Mr. Kumar, I would like to say: Sir, not all the members of my generation are money seeking hedonists. A friend of mine is currently touring remote villages in Maharashtra, working on health care projects. Another dissolved a consultancy he had set up with six years of hard work and effort, because he did not want to work for MNCs.

I know a person who after completing an architecture degree, forwent an opportunity to work on Gurgaon's shining malls, and chose to join the Institute of Rural Management. Another is in Sri Lanka — working in rehabilitation — under threat to her own life. For every batch of IIM that passes out, (some of them on salaries more than 1 lakh a month), there is a batch of social workers from TISS and IRMA (some of whom start their career on 1 lakh a year). And I could go on and on.

I concede that a majority of the youth today are extremely self-centred and detached from politics and society. But who is responsible for them? Can society wash its hands of its youth? All the young people mentioned in the earlier paragraph are engaged in socially relevant work, against all odds from society, and mostly against their parents' wishes. The key concern of Indian parents is that their children should `settle down' — which means getting a secure, well-paid job, or sometimes for girls, a rich husband. Parents coerce their kids to take up lucrative professions; I know quite a few who have refused to finance their children's education for anything other than stipulated courses.

Pat answers

Moving on from parents to recruiters, I do believe that interviewers are looking for pat answers; they are not looking for convictions, but conformity. If there exists a thriving business in coaching classes for interviews for everything from IIM or IAS entrances to lucrative jobs, the classes must be doing something right — they must be preparing the candidates for pat answers that the interviewers foolishly (or intelligently) lap up. Convictions do not land upon one; they are the result of a lot of soul-searching and experience, for which society provides the youth with neither the space nor the time. The youth are but a part of society, and they are but a symptom of what ails society.

But if I believe that society cannot point a finger at its youth, without taking some of the blame, I also believe that the youth cannot blame everything on their parents, society, and the world at large.

Vidya, all the youth I know who are working to make a difference in society are doing it on their own initiative, with little support from elsewhere. Social pressures are as old as society itself. The youth of every generation have been subjected to social pressure. Some more than others. But they refused to buckle under it, and followed their convictions, and so must the youth of today.

The road less travelled has never been easy, and will never be. We cannot absolve ourselves, and expect the underprivileged to raise their voices by themselves; they are no less or no more bound by society than the youth are. If social change has to take place, everyone must stop pointing fingers at others, and do their little bit, and so must the youth.

Having spent a year at an international university, I sincerely believe that the Indian students are more intelligent, more socially aware, and importantly, more idealistic than many others. Callous, money-minded many of the youth of today might be and yet it is to this generation that India must look to for its future leaders.

Inspirational True Life Story - Learn from a Moth

2006-04-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

I had received this story as a forwarded mail. I am not sure who the author is, yet it teaches a wonderful lesson.

A marvelous lesson appeared for me just now as I was exiting thru the garage, to come to this little playplace they call an office.

As I opened the garage door, I startled a large moth, which, upon spreading it's wings, displayed a bright red "tail" hidden by the motley brown wings, more a "butterfly" than a moth.

It flew immediately to its perceived escape, the circle-topped window where it frantically tried to exit thru the invisible wall of closed glass.

I raised the third-car garage door in hopes of aiding it's escape. That caused it to fly higher and higher and become entangled in a spider web. Fearful that it would remain entangled in the web, I selected a long-handled broom to assist him escaping the tangled threads.

At this, he returned to furiously pumping his wings and banging into the glass, which was, in his perspective, the pathway of escape, but remained his cage.

By simply turning his focus to one side, he would have easily exited his prison. Rather, due to his intent on one direction, he remained confined, captive.

Image source: Google

Inspirational True Life Story - Medha Patkar

2006-04-08T01:01:00.000-07:00

Not a day passes with out an article about Medha Patkar and her fast. Today there was a news article that stated that an organization by name Narmada Abiyan, planing to stage a demonstration in support of Sardar Sarovar Dam, highlighting the benefits of the project. Still Medha Patkar and her fight is for a worthy cause. Though this just goes to reinforce the fact that "There is always two sides to a coin" we wish to present her in the Inpirational true life story. She has shown exemplary courage in serving for the villagers and tribal communities.

Medha Patkar's struggle began in 1985, when world bank financed "Sardar Sarovar Dam" project across the river Narmada was announced. Medha Patkar was the strategist and central organizer of Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), which was a people's movement formed to stop the construction of these dams across the river Narmada. Projects on Completion would surely submerge more than 35,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land. Apart from this approximately half a million villagers would have to be relocated. Already submersion of villages have taken place causing lot of hardship to these villagers who stand to loose their livelihood and their hangs a big question mark about the future of these villagers. Various reports from magazines and dailies also indicate that the governments have not kept up to their promises made to these displaced villagers. In 1991, 93 & 94 she under took long protest fasts of which the first one was lasted for 22 days. Even this year she has under gone hunger strikes and she has received immense support from Booker Prize winner Arundathi Roy and many other international writers, scholars and critics. They indicate that her claim of tardy rehabilitation of the Narmada dam-displaced families should be taken seriously. She is the winner of The Right Livelihood Award, an alternative Nobel Peace Prize.

Image courtesy: Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Kalpana Chawla

2006-04-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Do something because you really want to do it. If you're doing it just for the goal, and don't enjoy the path, then I think you're cheating yourself"--was the statement from Kalpana Chawla, which truly reflects her personality. Kalpana chawla has truly sowed the necessary inspiration in the minds of young Indians. Her life has motivated lot of youngsters in India, for she is the second Indian and the only Indian girl to have made it to the space. The first person being Rakesh Sharma. The Indian government has named the Metrological Satellites Series after her, as a mark of tribute to this role model. More importantly this inspiring star was inspired by none other than J.R.D TATA.

If you wish to know further about her career in NASA, please visit NASA.

Image Source : Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Walking the Road Less Travelled

2006-04-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Gaurav and Sharath are two graduates to be presented here in this series of Inspirational Life stories. Probably they have a long journey to complete, yet this blog considers the step that these two have taken can be a lesson for lot of other youngsters in India to follow. These two graduates from the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) have decided to opt for unconventional career paths than the fat-pay packages, earning laurels from the institute chairman and chief mentor of Infosys N R Narayana Murthy and director Bakul Dholakia. While Gaurav Dagaonkar could well be the next Abhijit Sawant with his foot-tapping music, Sharath Babu aspires to build a food chain and employ about 50,000 people.

Hailing from Chennai, Sharath has risen from a modest background and managed to graduate from IIM-A this year and has already begun his own catering business in Ahmedabad. "I have faced innumerable challenges during the past 25 years. I remember how my mother Deepa Ramani cooked mid-day meals in a nearby school, earned Rs 30 a day and has managed to tend our family including two elder sisters and a younger brother,” said an emotional Sharath, while announcing his plans. Sharath said that he himself had sold 'idlis' on the streets to eke out a living. “I have already registered my company, Foodking Catering Services Private Limited, and I aspire to start a food-chain and employ about 50,000 people in about 10 years", he said. "I have approached few corporates and premier educational institutions in the city and the response so far has been good,” Sharath said adding that he was planning to supply quality food at reasonable prices mainly to the corporate sector and educational institutions.

However, for Mumbai-based Dagaonkar, music is the first love. Gaurav, who released the demo version of his album on Saturday, aspires to make a creative mix of his natural ability to sing and his managerial and entrepreneurial skills to carve out a place in the Indian music industry. "I have composed about ten songs and hope to come out with a full-fledged album in the next two months with the help of a music company,” said Gaurav. Gaurav, who was the cultural secretary of IIM-A, had formed a band 'Zaahir' with other musicians in Ahmedabad. He has also designed a music studio in his hostel at IIM-A, where he studied the technicalities of the music sequencing and arranging. Hearing about their plans, Narayana Murthy said, "I am happy and proud that they have opted to walk on a road less travelled.” He said India's booming economy provided ample opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to start their own ventures. "Youngsters from disadvantageous backgrounds like Sharath Babu have managed to overcome difficulties and start their own ventures,” he remarked. Patting Sharath, Narayana Murthy said, "In India a lot of children are not able to go to school because they do not have enough food to eat. So once you establish your food business, I will request you to donate a small part of your earnings to the mid-meal scheme being run in the nearby school.” He said the IIMs were doing a “wonderful job” in churning out management students skilled in different aspects like human resources, finances, sales and marketing, corporate strategy, technology and others. IIMs needed to expand in terms of the intake capacity of the students and needed to raise the salaries of the faculty so as to help the students get the best education in the world, he said. He also called for greater autonomy for IIMs. IIM-A director Dholakia also applauded both the students for “their risk-taking abilities” by opting for unconventional careers.
We wish both a great and successful journey.
Image source:Posterunlimited.com

Inspirational Life Story True - Rosa Parks

2006-03-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today's inspirational true life story showcases the life of a woman whose courage had changed the lives of so many Americans and people around the world. We are truly inspired by Rosa Parks, to whom courage was a key to success.

Rosa Parks began a movement that ended legal segregation in America, and made her an inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere. She showed exemplary courage when she was arrested for violating a city ordinance. All she did was not to give her bus seat to a white passenger and was later arrested. Rosa Parks did not buckle up and rather she emerged stronger than ever before.

The Bus incident sowed the seeds to start up Montgomery Improvement Assocation. MIA was formed under the able guidance of then a young pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The association called for a boycott of the city-owned bus company, which lasted for 382 days and brought Mrs. Parks, Dr. King, and their cause to the attention of the world. A Supreme Court Decision struck down the Montgomery ordinance under which Mrs. Parks had been fined, and outlawed racial segregation on public transportation.

Rosa Parks later made significant contributions to the society. She founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development which educates teenagers about the history of the country and civil rights movement. She has won numerous accolade for her inspiring work.

She passed away in 2005 at the ripe age of 92.After her death, her casket was placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol for two days. This was a huge honor considering that it was only reserved for the President of the United States and she becomes the first woman in the history of America to receive that honor.
Image source : Google Images & Hey-guess-what.com

Inspirational Life Story True - Meena Dhadha

2006-03-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ms Meena Dadha, Director, MUKTI is the one to be featured in the Inspirational True Life Story Series.

Meena Dadha is the founder of MUKTI which helps amputees, polio victims and those affected by cerebral palsy. The upper, lower limbs and calipers are donated to these affected people.
These artificial limbs are made using High Density Polyethylene (HDP).The most important aspect of this donation is that a beneficiary is welcome back any number of times to have their walking aids replaced or repaired.

Meena Dadha started this activity in 1986. Starting its office from a Garage, later it moved to its present office located in Meenambakkam. Today after two decades her noble service has helped reshape the future and life of approximately one and half lakh people. The number of people approximately benefited as of today stands at:

Lower Limbs - 99437 amputees
Upper Limbs - 559 amputees
Braces - 59678 polio victims

Today Meena Dadha doesnot restrict her services to Indians alone, rather victims from Srilanka & Bangladesh are also being offered free walking aids.
Most Importantly Meena Dadha doesnot just stop in providing these free walking aids, she goes a step further through her organization and provides career guidance. She encourages the physically challenged persons to set up small industries or service centres such as data processing, telephone booth operations and marketing consumer products. Guidance in getting help from various Agencies assisting the physically challenged persons with soft loans and other means of financial support, is imparted on a regular basis.

MUKTI, is located near the Meenambakkam Railway station and the Meenambakkam bus stop. It is just 5 Minutes from my house and i have always wanted to spread the message about the good work being done by this organization. If you wish to know further about their services and if you wish to contribute to this organization just visit Mukti India

Image Source: The Hindu.

Inspirational Life Story True - Foot Prints

2006-03-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

This story i am sharing here is a forward mail, that i have always kept in my mailbox. This story conveys lot of message. Who ever has an email id would have surely received this story, yet for those who haven't come across this story of "Foot Prints" i thought this blog would carry the message.

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering, when you could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Inspirational Life Story True - Two Frogs

2006-03-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

This Inspirational Life Story may not be true or real, yet the lesson it teaches is good and worth following. i received the following story as a forward mail from one of my friend. I am not sure who the author of this story is, yet it is worth sharing, because good things can be and must be shared to the world.

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.

Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
Source: accelerateu.org

Inspirational Life Story True - Vaishnavi & Vandana - Daringly Different

2006-03-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Age is never a factor to achieve your desires. It is just the determination that matters! This inspirational story is of two young girls who did something daringly different, which has helped change the lives of lot many people. Hats off to them. To serve what you need is lot of conviction, and these two youngsters just stand as an example for the word "determination".
Vandana and Vaishnavi are the two young girls, if i remember correct from Ethiraj who provide shelter to the homeless women, who faced violence in the form of physical and sexual abuse. In these 13 years that has passed by, these girls have helped atleast 1500 women, rehabilitated 700 - 800 women and continue to do the good work. Inspite of all their initial struggles, yet Banyan has stabilized and its roots have grown deep in the minds of service minded community. One should understand that to run a home of this nature costs a few lakhs every month and definitely they make all their efforts to meet the costs. If you wish to know how they help, just click here
The Seed for Banyan:
Vandana Jayakumar was a MSW ( master's of social work) student in a Chennai college. Vaishnavi Jayakumar had moved to chennai from Kolkata. she was doing her schooling then. It was the college which gave her the opporunity to know Vandana, who was her senior by a year. Both these two had similar interests and as days passed by these two turned out to be good friends.

The day began as just like any other day for Vandana Gopikumar. Just infront of her college she came across a mentally ill homeless woman, who was scantily dressed, in a state of distress. since no one was helping this woman, vandana along with her principal and vaishnavi, admitted the woman to a home. After couple of weeks they came to know that the girl had run away from that home and the home did not seem to take any responsibility. This was the incident that started the thought in the minds of the daringly different duo to take up the responsibility in their own hands, in spite of their lack of experience.

The life of Vaishnavi & Vandana just showcases some important factors which can be truly inspirational for others to follow. Lack of experience, lack of funds, lack of knowledge are not true obstacles in implementing a real good idea that has true value.

At this moment i just wish to reaffirm the fact that i would always extend my support to Banyan in ways that can make a small difference in the lives of women they take care. If you wish to contribute in whatever way you wish, please visit The BANYAN, I EXIST THEREFORE I AM

Inspirational Life Story True - The 500 Rs Note

2006-03-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

Due to the insistance of my friend, i once attended a seminar organized by JapanLife, which was a MLM company.This story that i am sharing is no way related with MLM activities. Yet it gave an opportunity to learn one of the most important lessons of life and truly inspired me.

One of the speaker was explaining the benefits of the program and was also explaining the quality of the products that JapanLife was marketing. Suddenly, the speaker took the wallet from his pocket. Took a 500 Rs in his hand and showed it to the crowd. I was wondering what he was going to say and probably even the crowd was wondering similarly.

Then he asked a simple question that "Who would want this 500 Rs note"?
I was a bit hesitant, wondering what was the catch behind his question, because i was sure he was not going to give it anyway. Most of the hands were up. Some were even raising both their hands, showing their eagerness. He said he would give the note to one lucky winner and started to crumple the 500 Rs note.

I was wondering, has this this guy gone crazy? why is he crushing the note? What trick is he upto? All different kinds of questions were running in my mind.

Then, he asked again, "Who would want this 500 Rs note"? still every one were raising their hands.

Finally he gave the reason for his act:

"This is a very valuable lesson to remember. Inspite of me crumpling the 500 Rs. note every one wanted it just because, the value is not lost.

Similarly every one of us go through tough times, times where some one crush us, times when some one trash us and times when some one kick us.

All these things can happen. You might even think you are not worth a paisa, still the reality is that you never lose your value. Every one are special and every one should know that. All it requires is to unearth the value that is hidden in you. Remember it always".
Though i didnt join Japan Life, yet i felt that the couple of hours i spent there was worthy because this lesson that i learnt always stays in my mind.

image source : istockphoto.com

Random thoughts on contradiction

2006-03-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

I have always had this question in mind and I have always had an answer for it too.Yet I thought I would share it here in this wonderful forum for people to share their views.

Life is full of contradictions, which I feel is what makes life interesting.

Probably is that the reason why people are also full of contradictions? This thought about contradiction started from my school days when we started learning Thirukural, a two line Tamil poem, written by the great Thiruvalluvar. I have always been a great admirer and follower of Thirukural. That’s where the problem began regarding the contradiction. Thirukural deals with lots of aspects of life, of which friendship is one of my favorite. In one of the poems, he would advise you that if you have a bad friend you should leave him at any cost, while in another poem he would say once you have made friendship, no matter what kind your friend is, you should never leave him. Ok moving ahead, then this talk of being content is something that I have always been confronted with. I love being content and at the same time I have this burning desire inside me to keep creating or exploring new things. I love to take risks about new ventures and ideas. Try the impossible, go for it and you are sure to achieve it. Now if you are content, neither can you try nor explore. If you do not explore or try, new things do not happen. If you new things do not happen, the world would be just standstill. Would we have had this Blogging? But mind does know that if you are not content you need to face the difficulties in your journey. Then comes the branding too, if you are content in an organization, the organization would brand you stating that you are not competitive and you do not possess the skills to compete. If you try for newer opportunities and switch jobs, then you would be labeled you are not sincere to an organization.

About this concept of saving, till a decade back Indians were known for their saving habits. Then consumerism came in, now we are just aping America. We have also got the mindset where on the day of salary, we have huge bills readily to be cleared. In most cases it is the case of ECS, Electronic Clearance System, where automatic deduction of the amount to be paid happens through bank. Credit Card payments, personal loans, white goods EMI’s are the culprit for this habit. Here again, if people remain content, if people do not change their goods then the companies would be bleeding. Just taking the instance of TV’s and Mobile phones, these companies keep introducing changes quite often there by tempting the customers to make a change to their product. Else the companies would not be in a position to survive.

Fashion is another word that has come to play in the minds of people that puts pressure and a reason for change.

“Oh are you holding such an old mobile phone? Oh don’t you have a Flat screen television?” are some of the common questions that can be heard today? The thought process has definitely undergone a sea change. Some say it is for good but the only question is for whose good is this change? Is it for the people or the company? It just reinforces the fact that Good and Bad co-exists and what is good for one need to be good for the other. Feel free to share your views and opinions.

Image Source : Guru Software

Inspirational Life Story True - VShanta - Magsaysay Awardee

2006-03-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. V. Shanta, executive chair of Chennai’s Cancer Institute (WIA).

V. Shanta was born to an illustrious family and raised in a world of books, ideas, and high achievement. Resisting the conventional path for women, she studied medicine at Madras Medical College and came under the spell of Muthulakshmi Reddy, a social reformer and India’s first woman medical graduate. In 1954, under Dr. Reddy’s leadership, the Women’s Indian Association Cancer Relief Fund founded the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Madras, now Chennai. Drawn to Reddy’s vision, young Dr. Shanta spurned a more lucrative post to join the Institute. She has never left.

The fledgling institute had only twelve beds and two doctors—Shanta herself and Dr. S. Krishnamurthi, the founding director and Reddy’s son. As the Institute’s associate director, Shanta set up India’s first comprehensive pediatric cancer clinic, conducted the country’s first major cancer survey, and developed its first program for the early detection of cancer in rural areas. She became a passionate advocate of cancer prevention and opened a tobacco cessation clinic. And she conducted India’s first successful trials of combination therapy, leading to a dramatic breakthrough in the control and cure of oral cancer.

Simultaneously, Shanta conducted groundbreaking research on oral, cervical, and breast cancer and pediatric leukemia, publishing the results in international journals and establishing the Institute as India’s first Regional Cancer Research and Treatment Center in 1975. In 1984, the Institute added a postgraduate college where Shanta proceeded to train cancer specialists, more than 150 of whom now practice throughout the subcontinent.

As director from 1980, Shanta strove to make the Institute a world-class research center with institutional partners in Europe, North America, and Japan and state-of-the-art laboratory and imaging equipment. She worked tirelessly to raise donations, grants, and government subsidies and trained hundreds of village-health nurses to screen rural women for cervical abnormalities. In 2000, she opened India’s first hereditary cancer clinic.

Today, the Cancer Institute (WIA) comprises a 428-bed hospital and research center plus the Dr. Muthulakshmi College of Oncologic Sciences, with advanced specialties in medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. In an era when specialized medical care in India has become highly commercialized, Dr. Shanta strives to ensure that the Institute remains true to its ethos, "Service to all." Its services are free or subsidized for some 60 percent of its 100,000 annual patients; travel allowances make regular treatments accessible to the poor. And through a volunteer program called Sanctuary, the Institute provides hope-giving emotional support and counseling to patients and their families and to cancer-afflicted children. There are thousands who might say, as leukemia victim Delli Rao, a wageworker, has said, "I owe my life to Dr. Shanta."

Seventy-eight-year-old Shanta still sees patients, still performs surgery, and is still on call twenty-four hours a day. It disturbs her that it is so hard to raise funds for the Institute when, she says, "we seem to have enough money to construct pilgrim shelters and temples in almost every street of the city." Even so, she cautions young people against cynicism. Perhaps reflecting on her own life, she tells them: "Learn to accept that you are good and that from you a lot of good can happen."

In electing V. Shanta to receive the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, the board of trustees recognizes her leadership of Chennai’s Cancer Institute (WIA) as a center of excellence and compassion for the study and treatment of cancer in India.

Inspirational Life Story True - Story of Ju

2006-03-18T01:33:00.000-08:00

“This is the first lesson to learn: be determined not to curse anything outside, not to lay the blame upon anyone outside, but stand up, lay the blame on yourself. You will find that is always true. Get hold of yourself” Says Swami Vivekananda. Here is a story, which reflects those words of Swami Vivekananda.

This is the story of Ju, one of the six children; where mother was diagnosed with post depression, father a wife abuser. She had to undergo physical abuse as a child. Hence Ju’s child hood was very terrible. It so happened that her parents divorced. In order to help her mother and the other kids she had to go to work at the tender age of 15.

Teen hood had its effect on her, like most other teens, she also fell in love at the age of 18, got married and had two kids by the age of 20. It was in those two years she came across the other side of her husband. He was a guy who had the addiction to drugs, who slept with other women, who drank too much and more importantly abused her to a great extent. The only solution she had was to divorce him. Her husband took their kids and handed to his friend. That friend demanded her money in exchange of the kids. Some how she managed to get the money, got her kids and left the kids with her mother and started looking at her career. Now her teen life was also spoilt.

She got a job and life was going on smoothly. She was able to take care of her family and she was able to send them money. She was providing them with the basic amenities needed for a family. When everything seemed to be going well, at the age of 28 she had a fire accident. She suffered 2^nd degree burns.

As she lost her self confidence and her self esteem went down, which led her to depression. She attempted to kill herself many times and failed. After a major surgery and lots of counseling and support from relatives and friends, she started her life all over again even with one partly deformed hand and fingers. It was tough finding a job and this increased her anxiety. She was managing her life in spite of all these adversities.

Again a big blow stuck her in the form of cervix cancer. During one of the medical diagnosis she was found to have cervix cancer. If there was any word in the dictionary for suffering, she faced everything in life which was driving her mad. Naturally she blamed her father, her mother and everyone for what brought her sufferings. Worst, she blamed herself.

Just because she didn’t want to undergo pains, she accepted for her treatments and chemotherapy. This was when she took the time to look within her. She thought that she might not live long enough so she decided to reconnect with her children. It was not easy especially with her son who had gone through his own childhood trauma.

She turned to her family for moral support and she turned to God. Now eight years later, she is still alive. Waking up and able to breathe for another day is a gift for her. She has two grandchildren whom she adores and that give her much joy. She takes some jobs every now and then when her health permits and rests when she needs it.

Her perception has changed. Her attitude has changed. She now asks “what is it she could do to get more out of what is left?” She has understood one major point about life that it does not play any favorites, for things happen and happen to every one. All of us have a story to share. She is not the single person to undergo pains. It is only the amount of pain that varies.

It is all about the ability on how he handle these situations that matters. We do not have to wait until a major catastrophe interrupts us to think of what we should do with our lives. It is we who instruct our brain what to do. It is left to us to either make it or break it. We are responsible for all our actions. We have the power to think what we want to think. It is left with you either to forget past hurts or to linger with them.

We can decide, plan and take action on what we want to have, do or be. At least when the universe intervenes, we know that we have done our best.

Image source : Absolutestockphoto.com

Secret of Success - Power of a Minute

2006-03-18T01:21:00.000-08:00

This Inspiring story narrated here is from Sherman Roger’s old book, FOREMAN: Leaders or Drivers? This story shows out how important the effective relationships are.

Also this story goes to show how effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of affirmation can make in any relationship!

When Rogers was in his college, he had a chance to spend one of his summers in Idaho logging camp. Roger had to take charge of the position of superintendent, when the superintendent had to take a few days off.

Rogers was very well aware that managing the logging camp would be tough. There were different kind of people and especially one by name Tony, an immigrant, was tough to handle. The reason was that he always used to growl and grumble all day.

So when he took up charge, he asked the superintendent what he should do if he had any problems with Tony.

"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works."

Next day when Rogers took over, he met Tony and had a chat with him.
Rogers: “Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?"
Tony grunted.
Rogers: "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," and also added that the superintendent had told him.

When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel ful of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why hadn’t he told me about it eight years ago?"

Tony worked started working harder than ever before.

Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to California and happened to have such success.

Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you talk to me back in Idaho, I kill some body someday. One minute, changed my whole life."

All it takes is just One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? Have you got a minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about that person? A minute to elaborate on some thing he/she did well? One minute. It can make a difference for a lifetime.

Source : artelino.com

Secret of Success - Resilience

2006-03-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

The secret of success tips need not be learnt only from the successful people belonging to the upper strata, businessman and thought leaders. I have always wondered about these people at the lower strata. Today's Hindu gave an absolute answer to my doubts. Resilience, the secret of survival is the article that i am presenting here. It is a nice article which definitely gives a dose of inspiration.

Inspirational Life Story True - Saudamini Deshmukh

2006-03-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

Today's Inspirational person is Captain Saudamini Deshmukh. She is currently the Deputy General Manager of Indian, formerly Indian Airlines. She has several firsts to her credit. She has also come across some testing times to raise to the current position. So we believed it would be worth enough to feature her in this column. If her life story inspires a few other people, brings a change in them, we would really feel happy.

Some of the first that stands to her credit are :

In 1985, to become a check-pilot on a Fokker-27.
In 1989, became the captain of an all-woman crew on a Boeing 737 from Calcutta to Silchar.
In 1994, she became Captain on Airbus-A-320
In 1995, she captained the airbus with an all-woman crew.

And now to top it all, she's the first woman to occupy the chair of deputy general manager (Operations).

If you wish to know more about her and her achievements, please click here.

source and pictures: "THE HINDU".

Inspirational Life Story True - Sudha Murthy - 1

2006-03-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Those were the days when gender discrimination was very much prevalent. Just because you are a girl, you are denied a job that you dream of, what would be your reaction?
would you chicken out or look for another job? How was it possible? Who was this person? The person is none other than the famous Sudha Murthy, wife of Narayna Murthy, one of the visionary behind Indian IT Industry. All she did was to write a strong letter to chairman of the company, which denied her the job based on her gender, JRD TATA. She showed to the world she has arrived, because she stood apart from the normal crowd. She is an alumni of IISc Bangalore, an intelligent engineer, a caring wife, wonderful mother and symbol of sacrifices. Today after being one of the core reasons for the success of INFOSYS, she manages the INFOSYS FOUNDATION. INFOSYS Foundation helps the upliftment of the less under privileged sections. She is a true source of inspiration for millions of girls in India. We salute her simplicity and humility.

Inspirational Life Story True - The King and Shoe

2006-03-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

I got my admission in GCE Tirunelveli. The college was located in south Tamilnadu, around 600 kms down south of Chennai. I had so far lived all my life in the chennai, which was a metropolitan city. I had a different vision about colleges. But on landing in GCE Tirunelveli, i realised that the college didnot meet my expectations. I felt it was not the place where i should study. Very reluctantly i got admitted to the college, yet i was insisting my father to get a transfer to a different college, in Erode or to a different private engineering college in Chennai. My father did put in his efforts but it did not work out. I was down. It was then my father narrated me this story, that is normally told in our villages."In the good old days, kings ruled the country. There was a king who ruled a country, which was prosperous. It was quite common in those days for the kings to disguise, make a trip and get the feeler of what the citizens feel about his rule. He went to some distant parts of his country. The general feed back was good. He was happy.He returned to his palace with a content heart, only then he realised that his feet was causing him lots of pain. He realised that it was the first time where he had taken such a long trip and the roads he had travelled were un even, rocky and rough. He thought of what to do and then ordered his people to cover every road of the entire country with leather. Since the country was prosperous he did not mind about the huge cost of the project.

Then one of his wise minister advised the king, "Why to kill so many cows and incur a huge cost, instead you just cut a little piece of leather to cover your feet ?"The king was surprised, but he later agreed to his suggestion, to make a "shoe" for himself."

That's how shoes were born. More than the birth of the shoes, this story has much more meaning to it. It is just that "Change your heart, then look at the world, the world would be a better place to live."

Image courtesy : Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Decisions

2006-03-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

This Inspirational story that i am sharing with you was narrated by our class advisor has worked out successfully for me, when we were stuck about kick starting the placement activities in the final year, because of the bad experience the previous year. A small back ground about our college, in those days our college lacked in placements and when we were in third year of our college, our immediate seniors took up the initiative to kick start the placement activity. Since it was the first time, the activity did not generate the desired result. Next year we had the responsibility to kick start the placement activity. As most students were not so keen in supporting placement activity and we had a failure last year we were not sure whether to take up the responsibility, it was when my class advisor narrated me this story to motivate me.

Once a reporter was interviewing a Managing director of a successful organization:
Reporter : Sir, can i know your secret of success?
MD : Two words
Reporter : Sir, can i know those two words?
MD : Right Decisions
Reporter : Sir, how to make right decisions?
MD : One Word
Reporter : Sir, can i know what is it?
MD : Experience
Reporter : Sir, How do you gain experience?
MD : Two words
Reporter : Sir, can i know what is it?

MD : Wrong Decisions

Image courtesy : Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Age Not a factor

2006-03-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

Ten-year-old Samrudh Canpadee's award-winning short story has a leaf as its protagonist. This article appeared in The Hindu and i felt it is a inspirational story for those aspiring writers. More over to do anything age is not a determinal factor. It is just all about application. This article goes to prove it.

When you turn ten, you perhaps develop an ability to write a story on just about anything. Ten-year-old Samrudh Canpadee has written an award-winning story which has a leaf as its central character. Samrudh's short story "Leafy and Frens" won Disney Channel's all-India "Start Your Story Contest" and free tickets for him and his family to the Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Samrudh is a storyteller partly because his mother Geetha's sphere of influence extends beyond his playtime as well. She prevailed on him to give part of it to reading literary fiction. Although Geetha herself is a writer, Samrudh has borrowed little from her writing style.

Distinct approach

His approach to storytelling is distinct — he `draws' his ideas and based on these sketches, weaves a tale. Samrudh adopted the brush-and-pen method of storytelling, after reading stories such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl and "The Little Prince" by Saint Antoine-Expury. He used the computer to draw the images for his prize-winning story. A drawing of a leaf with limbs complements a short biographical note on Leafy, a lazy leaf that enjoys "playing tricks on his teachers and friends". When a teacher tries to give naughty Leafy a rap over the knuckles, he flies away. Knowing his folks would be informed about his intransigent behaviour, he chooses to stay away from his house — a slanting tree with five other leaves, whom he calls "his bad cousins" and who try to keep a hold on him. This decision opens the door to a series of events that leads him to another house called Hot-N-Cold Home — where regimentation gives way to cooperation and work ceases to be a chore.

In this house live three other runaways — Reck, a remote control, Biskiti, a biscuit with four legs made of wafer and ice-cold Kulfi, all of whom are portrayed through paint and ink. Together, the four dodge Wolfy, who wants to make a meal of them.

The story is punctuated with scientific concepts — such as Leafy drinking Sun-light Soup and eating Chlorophyllie cookies and Kulfi melting when the day gets hotter and hotter and Leafy taking Kulfi to a snow-clad mountain to ensure his friend stays in shape and the life force leaving Leafy when he is stationed on the same mountain.

Samrudh says he chose the leaf because it is the least written about.

Source: The Hindu

Secret of Success - Attitude

2006-03-10T23:01:00.000-08:00

This is again a common forward mail which we receive. For those who have not come across, i wish to share this powerful message.

This is a story about four people:

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn't do it.It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody have done.

Image courtesy: www.ictisp.com

Inspirational Life Story True - The Wood Cutter and Axe

2006-03-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

This story that i am going to narrate might be known to those who have read Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. There was a wood cutter who went looking for job. Since he was highly skilled he got a job immediately with one of the timber merchants. He had a decent package to take care of himself and family. His work environment was also good. He liked his boss and his environment, so he felt he should give his best. He was given an axe and an area was designated to him. It was here he was suppose to chop the trees. On the first day he was able to chop 18 trees, he felt happy and so was the boss. The boss congratulated the wood cutter, which naturally motivated the wood cutter to perform better. while on the second day he was able to chop only 15 trees. He was wondering what happened. Then he thought tommorrow i can make up for the deficit. Third day he was able to chop only 12 trees. Day after day the number of trees he was able to chop was going down. He was feeling the pressure and also feeling guilty. He thought he was losing his strength and thought let him go and share with his boss. Boss listened to him carefully and asked him a simple question "When was the last time you sharpened your Axe?"

"Sharpen? i had no time to sharpen my axe. i have been very busy trying to cut trees.."

Image copy right expired : courtesy google images

Secret of Success - I Do Not Know

2006-03-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

How does these words " I do not know" relate to secret of success?

It infers opportunity.
It infers a chance to learn things.
It gives the flexibility.
It gives one the cushion.
It eases pressure.

When you donot know something, others donot expect from you. When there are no expectations, naturally no pressures involved. [But here the mindset should be set I must learn or I must get to know and then achieve success.] Generally people consider saying the words "i do not know" as a great mistake. Rather they end up giving some answers not minding whether it is right or wrong. When they do so, they are spoiling their reputation.
Do you get my point? They are killing the trust on them. Then how can they expect success?

Image courtesy: carrotsandcompany.com

Inspirational Life Story True - Paid in Full

2006-03-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is one of the forwarded mail that i had received from one of my close friend. when i read it i felt that it should be shared with all of you here. It is a wonderful story. I am sure you all would agree on reading the story. Please feel free to share your views, even if you disagree. Thanks in advance for spending your time. Have a great day. [there might be some difference in the picture and story, bear with me]

Once there was a young man who was ready for his graduation. He was so attracted with a beautiful sports car. His father was rich and he knew that his father could very well afford him the car. So he spoke of his desire to his father and also gave him the dealer details where the car was available.

The young guy was very much expecting his father to present him the car of his desire. On the graduation day father called his son into his private study. He told him how proud he was to have him as his son and handed over a wonderfully wrapped nice gift box. He told him "I love You My son".

The young man was curious and opened to see if it contained the keys of the car, rather he found a lovely leather-bound BIBLE. Since his expectations were broken he raised his voice against his father and shouted at him stating that he was mean to present just a BIBLE and left the house. The young man started living alone and some how managed to have a successful life. As the days passed he had his own family and a beautiful home, it was then he started thinking of his father who was growing old. He made a point to himself that he should meet his father, and apologize to him. It was then he received a message stating that his father had passed away. He rushed to his house to see his father lying dead. His father had willed all his possessions to this young man. On knowing this the young man felt really guilty. The young man came across the BIBLE that his father had given him on the graduation day. It was just as he had left it years ago. He opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. He was going through the verse, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the BIBLE. It had a tag with the dealer's name mentioned by this young man. The tag carried his date of graduation and the words ---- PAID IN FULL.

Retold by Key to success:
Moral:

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Image source :Photodisc Royalty Free Photograph

Inspirational Life Story True - Dog and its master

2006-03-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

A butcher watching over his shop is really surprised when he sees a dog coming inside the shop. He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back again. So, he goes over to the dog and notices it has a note in its mouth. He takes the note and it reads, "Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please." The dog has money in its mouth, as well. The butcher looks inside and, low and behold, there is a $10 note there. So he takes the money and puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is so impressed, and since it's about closing time, he decides to shut the shop and follow the dog. So off he goes.

The dog is walking down the street, when it comes to a level crossing the dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the button. Then it waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to turn. They do, and it walks across the road, with the butcher following him all the way.

The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable. The butcher is in awe as the dog stops a bus by pulling its left leg up and gets in it. The butcher follows the dog into the bus.The dog then shows a ticket, which is tied to its belt to the bus conductor. The butcher is nearly fainting at this sight, so are the other passengers in the bus.

The dog then sits near the driver's seat looking outside waiting for the bus stop to come. As soon as the stop is in sight, the dog stands and wags its tail to inform the conductor. Then, without waiting for the bus to stop completely, it jumps out of the bus and runs to a house very close to the stop. It opens the big iron gate and rushes inside towards the door.

As it approaches the wooden door, the dog suddenly changes its mind and heads towards the garden. It goes to the window, and beats its head against it several times, walks back, jumps off, and waits at the door.

The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts abusing the dog, kicking him and punching him, and swearing at him.

The butcher surprised with this, runs up, and stops the guy. "What in heaven's name are you doing? The dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for the life of me!" to which the guy responds: "You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten his key."

Moral of the story...

You may continue to exceed onlookers' expectations but shall always fall short of the bosses' expectations.

Image courtesy: Sterlingservicedogs

Inspirational Life Story True - Mother Teresa - Angel of Mercy

2006-03-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Today's Inspirational True life story is about Mother Teresa. Most of us would have definitely heard of Mother Teresa. She has been a great source of inspiration for me from my child hood days. To me Mother Teresa means selflessness. This founder of "Nirmal Hriday" just showed the world how pure her heart was. I am sure just like how i was inspired by her, there may be many others who would have been inspired by her. She was the picture of simplicity. She was the mother to blind, disabled, aged and poor. Mother Teresa is aptly called "Angel of Mercy".

Image Courtesy: Google Images

Inspirational Life Story True - Brooklyn Bridge, The Inside Story

2006-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Bridge stands as a spectacular land mark and an Inspirational True Life Story for people who is afraid of facing obstacles.

Obstacles, ask any one whether he would love to face obstacles, 95% would say "No", Why should i be the one to face obstacles? Some even feel that it is only they who face obstacles. But the reality is different. All of us face obstacles in our day to day life. It is only the magnitude of the obstacle that varies, depending on the activity. Brooklyn Bridge, The Inside story, showcases that obstacles can be overcome with determination and persistence.

Year 1883 was a vital year in the life of Engineer John Roebling, it was in this year he came out with his idea to build a spectacular bridge to connect Long Island with New York. Since there was no other bridge of its magnitude at that point of time the experts rejected his idea saying that it was an impossible feat. The whole world was against his idea and told him to drop his plan.

Roebling's Intution kept telling him that his vision was right about the bridge. The only support he had for his idea was his son Washington, who at that time was an upcoming engineer. They together prepared a detailed plan and recruited the necessary team. Though they were well prepared for bottle necks, a tragic accident occured at the site killing Roebling. This incident happened few months after the bridge building work had started. Normally anyone would have given up. But Washington wanted his father's vision come true.

Fate was so cruel that washington suffered brain damage and was injured to an extent where he became immobile. He could neither walk nor talk or even move. Asusual the experts who claimed the bridge cannot be built started raising their view points of how they had advised Roebling to not involve in this project. Both were termed Crazy and fools. There was an uproar about scrapping the construction project terming that washington was not in a position to extend his services. But these did not deter Washington. He was clear about his objective.

He depended entirely on his wife to communicate. He used his only moving finger to communicate to her. He developed a code to make her understand his communication. Initially everyone thought he was foolish. Fast foward 13 years and his instructions were interpreted by his wife and passed on to the engineers. Brooklyn Bridge stands as a spectacular land mark and an Inspirational True Life Story for people who face obstacles. Never allow circumstances to over power you. There are lot of things to be learnt from this inspirational true life story, such as love, dedication, commitment, faith, vision Intution and more importantly NEVER GIVE UP.

Everything Is Possible....

Image courtesy : Harper's *This picture has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. This applies worldwide.

Secret of Success - Respecting Others

2006-03-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

If one has to be successful in life, the first and foremost thing that they must do is to learn to respect others. Respecting others means acknowledging others strength and their position. How do u think this would help in your success? Its very simple, when you donot respect others strengths you tend to develop a negative attitude, and if you tend to develop a negative attitude whatever activity you indulge in would definitely affect your performance. It is very much important to understand your strength, acknowledge other's strength and then go about in your life. When god created you in this earth, he definitely has made you with some positive qualities which might not be with the other person. when you acknowledge the other person's strength you would feel free to ask his/her help, you would not mind getting tips from them and so on. So, when you start respecting others positive, then you are definitely moving a step ahead in the positive direction.

Please feel free to share your opinions

Secret of Success - forecasting

2006-03-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

Today's secret of success deals with forecasting. This is a very vital trait that is required to be successful in this modern technological world. If you have the ability to forecast, then definitely you can be one who can be successful. If you come across the life history all the successful business men, it is this ability of forecasting that has helped him to leap ahead of the competition and emerge out successful. Tata, Birla, Ambani, Mittal or Narayana Moorthy are some real life examples where these people had the ability to forecast of how future would look like and what would the market demand. Hence they came out with products that necessarily made impact in the lives of common man and helped them consolidate their own business ahead of their competitors

Secret of Success - Planing

2006-02-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

Secret of Success today deals with the importance of planing.
why and how 'planing' becomes the secret of success.
To plan and execute a plan has become very essential ingredient in every part of life. Individuals, sports teams, educational institutes or even governments need to plan, and carry forward with their well thought plan.
The Primary difference between planing and non-planing is that, planing helps you to foresee problems and there fore a solution for it. This forecasting would make you prepared for your bad days.
I can just explain this concept of planing with a simple tourism trip. Lets assume you plan for a trip, then you would know when you would be starting, how you would be travelling, when you would be reaching, where you would be staying and what are the places you would be visiting. Probably you would have put an extra day to plan about this whole day. But the result associated with it is, happiness and savings in terms of money. Over all the trip would be a cheerful memorable one.
Let's assume you hadn't planned and you just start of the trip just like that, you would always have to travel with thoughts in mind whether you would get a nice place to stay, whether you would get it at normal prices or would you have to pay a premium, would you be able to visit all the places of interest, creating a lot of stir between family members. Over all the trip would have lot of tensionous moments. There would be lot of complaints.

Which one do you think is preferable?

Secret of Success - Vivekananda's verses

2006-02-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

"The irony is the very expectation of getting more done is getting in the way of getting more done," he said. "People are stressed out." This was one of the sentences i read from an article in CNET.

My friend was right enough in sending me this link. I feel this link is worth sharing to every one across this globe. Just visit this message of Swami Vivekananda

Secret of Success- Being content in life

2006-02-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

Today's secret of success is all about leading a life where one should feel content about things that one has got in life. This mail that i have received just reinforces the that secret of success.

It teaches a very vital tip for leading a happy and successful life.

Very moving story.... I wish life was as simple for all of us.... Image courtesy: padayatra.org

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A few years back, I was travelling in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu . It was getting dark, and due to a depression over the Bay of Bengal, it was raining heavily. The roads were overflowing with water
and my driver stopped the car near a village . " There is no way we can proceed further in this rain," said the driver. "Why don't you look for shelter somewhere nearby rather than sit in the car?" .

Stranded in an unknown place among unknown people, I was a bit
worried. Nevertheless, I retrieved my umbrella and marched out into
the pelting rain . I started walking towards the tiny village, whose
name I cannot recall now. There was no electricity and it was a trial
walking in the darkness and the rain . In the distance I could just
make out the shape of a small temple . I decided it would be an ideal
place to take shelter, so I made my way to it . Halfway there, the
rain started coming down even more fiercely and the strong wind blew my umbrella away, leaving me completely drenched . I reached the temple soaking wet . As soon as I entered , I heard an elderly
person's voice calling out to me . Though I cannot speak Tamil, I
could make out the concern in the voice . In the course of my travels,
I have come to realize that voices from the heat can be understood
irrespective of the language they speak .

I peered into the darkness of the temple and saw an old man of about
eighty . Standing next to him was an equally old lady in a traditional
nine-yard cotton sari . She said something to him and then approached
me with a worn and clean towel in her hand . As I wiped my face and
head I noticed that the man was blind . It was obvious from their
surroundings that they were very poor . The temple, where I now
stood, was simple with the minimum of ostentation in its decorations .
The Deity was bare except for a bilwa leaf on top . The only light
came from a single oil lamp . In that flickering light a sense of
calm overcame me and I felt myself closer to God than ever before.

In halting Tamil, I asked the man to perform the evening mangalratri,
which he did with love and dedication . When he finished, I placed a
hundred-rupee note as the dakshina .He touched the note and pulled away his hand, looking uncomfortable .
Politely he said, " Amma, I can make out that the note is not for ten
rupees, the most we receive. Whoever you may be, in a temple, your
devotion is important, not your money . Even our ancestors have said
that a devotee should give as much as he or she can afford to. To me
you are a devotee like everyone else who comes here. Please take back this money ."

I was taken aback . I did not know how to react . I looked at the
man's wife expecting her to argue with him and urge him to take the
money, but she just stood quietly. Often, in many households, a wife
encourages the man's greediness . Here, it was the opposite . She was endorsing her husband's views . So I sat down with them, and with the wind and rain whipping up a frenzy outside, we talked about our lives . I asked them about themselves, their life in the village temple and whether they had anyone to look after them.

Finally, I said, " Both of you are old . You don't have any children
to look after your everyday needs . In old age one requires more
medicines than groceries. This village is far away from any of the
towns in the district . Can I suggest something to you ?".

At that time, we have started an old-age pension scheme and I
thought, looking at their worn-out but clean clothes, they would be
ideal candidates for it .

This time the wife spoke up, " Please do tell, child ."

" I will send you some money. Keep it in a nationalized bank or post
office. The interest on that can be used for your monthly needs. If
there is a medical emergency you can use the capital ."

The old man smiled on hearing my words and his face lit up brighter
than the lamp. " You sound much younger than us. You are still foolish . Why do I need money in this great old age ?. The Lord is also known as Vaidyanathan . He is the Mahavaidya, or great doctor . This village we live in has many kind people. I perform the pooja and they give me rice in return. If either of us is unwell, the local doctor gives us medicines. Our wants are very few. Why would I accept money from an unknown person?. If I keep this money in the bank, like you are telling me to, someone will come to know and may harass us . Why should I take on these worries?. You are a kind person to offer help to two unknown old people. But we are content; let us live as we always have. We don't need anything more."

Secret of Success - Accepting failure

2006-02-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple secret of success. This secret is a well performing secret. By the grace of god, every one has the gift to identify the secret of success. If you look at the world around you, every one are successful. To me personally i feel, failure is something that is part of every one's life. Even the greatest successful businessman or politician or any one who is considered successful today, would have had their own spells where they had tasted failure. So i feel that if you are capable of taking up the failure successfully in positive spirits, analyse the reason for failure, you are just inching your journey towards success.

image courtesy: sparkpeople

Secret of Success - Self belief

2006-02-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

Today's secret of success tip is "Believe in yourself". The example for this can be learnt from sporting teams. Normally Australian Cricket team's secret of success, is about it's ability to believe in itself even in the adverse situations. When they believe themself, they emerge stronger. In the recently concluded tri-series when they were one down against srilanka, in the crucial second match they were 10-3, loosing some of the precious wickets. Yet they made a remarkable turn around and scored their highest ever one day score.

This believe in yourself secret is now visible in the Indian team too. Though they had lost the test series and one down in the five match series against pakistan, yet they turned around strongly and believed very much in their ability. At no point of time did they panic. There might be some dropped catches in the third match, yet they worked out on this weakness, when they entered the fourth match and it was very much visible when they took some of the brilliant catches on the field.
Just believe in yourself and your ability, you would be successful.

Secret of Success - Stop comparison

2006-02-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Today's world primarily lives by comparison. I feel most of us in this world are doing this mistake. Though in some cases it may not even be wrong to compare, but just trying to be what the others are, is absolutely wrong. One should learn to identify their strength and live according to it. Most of us donot live by our strengths. We normally copy what others do. Especially in Indian scenario this is very much existant. Then we brood about failures with out finding out the real reason for failure.
"There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way."
christopher morley

Secret of Success- Living in the present

2006-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Today's secret of success is a simple tip. i have observed this quality in many successful people.
Its quite simple. Past is something that you cannot get back, while future is something which no one is sure of, hence it is present the greatest gift to man kind. i even advise my family members on this success tip. Past is something which you can only keep as an experience. it is a good book to refer to. While regarding future, you can plan but still you are not sure of the execution as external factors can always play into your plan. So work today as if there is no tommorrow. Plan for your day properly, set the goal for day, try to complete the goal of the day. If every day you are able to stick to the goal you have set, at the end of a week, month and year, you end up achieving the goal that you wanted to achieve after a year.

"Live as if to die tomorrow. Learn as if to live forever."
- Gandhi

Secret of Success - Presentation

2006-02-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today's secret of success is about presentation. By presentation i mean about how one presents himself or herself for a particular event or meet. Presenting oneself itself is a big art. You must know the occasion, present yourself accordingly and the seed is sown for your success. So dress sense plays a crucial role in today's competitive environment. Dress your way to success

Secret of Success - Tribute to Sir Freddie Laker

2006-02-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

Sir Freddie Laker, who started the first low-cost, no-reservation trans-Atlantic flights is a true pioneer of budget airlines. Later his company collapsed as rivals slashed prices.

In one of his interviews in 2004 Sir Freddie Laker had remarked that "I don't want to appear cocky, but I was the first low-cost operator. I was light-years before everyone else. ... I wanted to create an airline for poor people — for students and senior citizens — who might want to travel between London and the U.S."

He did it. That's the point to be noted. He was very popular with his passengers though unpopular with his competitors. He got his knighthood in 1978 for his services to british economy.

To know more about him...

Mr. Laker was born in Canterbury, England, the son of a cart driver who abandoned the family to poverty. He did not do well in school, but was earning his first profit at 14 by running the school's candy shop.

He left school at 16 and found a job in a plant that manufactured seaplanes, which by one account inspired him to study automotive and aeronautical engineering. He flew in the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War II. After the war, he began buying and selling surplus materials. He bought 12 converted bombers and began carrying vehicles, passengers and cargo including animals.

He made his first fortune in the Berlin blockade and airlift and later helped design and develop London's Gatwick Airport. He helped found what became Britain's biggest independent airline, British United Airways.

In 1966, he founded Laker Airways and managed to end-run U.S. restrictions on charter flights by selling tickets to overseas travelers who joined mock "affinity groups." Authorities cracked down in 1971.

Long before People Express, Independence Air or other small carriers, sir Laker's Skytrain was targeting the cost-conscious, saving passengers about $200 on each one-way flight. At its peak in 1980, the airline hauled one of every five trans-Atlantic passengers. In five years of existence, 3 million passengers boarded sir Laker's fleet of 20 DC-10s. When his company's finances started to wobble, the public donated $1 million to keep it afloat.

The decline of the British pound against the U.S. dollar also was a factor in Skytrain's ruin. Mr. Laker had purchased five new jets with borrowed money, but the loans were in pounds and the purchases in dollars.

After Skytrain collapsed, Mr. Laker lived in the Bahamas and then Miami with his fourth wife, Jacqueline Laker, who survives him, as well as two children. He launched a twice-weekly air service in 1995 between the Bahamas and the East Coast called Laker Airways and Laker Vacations. Flights stopped in 2004.

Hope this real life story is inspiring....buckle up now

Secret of Success - Do things you love

2006-02-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Today's Secret to success is a very simple one. Keep doing things that you love to do. Never do things that you don't like. Try doing things that you love in your life and you would find that you would always end up being successful. Its just because, when you do a thing that you are very keen about and what you love, you normally give more than 100% of yourself. You would not mind bearing all the obstacles you come across. You take all the problems in your stride. Finally you emerge a winner. so to have success do things you love, may it be your job, may it be your personal life or may it be any other thing in your life. Do things that you love. Its a very simple secret for successs and i am sure you are to emerge successful.

Secret of Success - Being at cause

2006-01-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

Most people who lead their life just take the life as it comes. It is a good practice to an extent about not being worried, but there is certainly a way in which every one should lead their life. Most people lives their lives catering to the whims, fancies, desires of other people. They lead a life for others, i mean they lead a life in comparing their life to others. Though it is comparisons that have helped man to grow, yet un necessary comparisons can damage the happiness of one's life. Leading a life based on one's strength is very much essential. Only few people are decisive in creating what they want in life and take responsibility for whatever they achieve, both good and bad. These people lead their life for a cause. They know what they want in their life. They see the world as a place of opportunity and move forward in achieving their goal. It necessarily doesnt mean they dont face problems, yet they know how to handle the situation, come out with alternatives & emerge successful.

Being at cause means you have choices in your life - you can choose what is best for you. That is, you consider the consequences of your actions on others, while not taking responsibility for their emotional well-being. Believing you are responsible for the emotional well-being of someone else places a heavy burden upon you and can cause a great deal of stress.
Where as reactive people donot take responsibilities. They blame the situation for their bad phase. They blame their co-workers, their partners, their partners or their other half for not being able to achieve their dream.
Even i had been a reactive person, i had blamed my parents for me not having pursued ambitions of mine. Its only later i realised the mistake i had committed. It was not my parents, it was just that i was not stubborn or clear about what i had want and had shifted the responsibility on my parents.
If you tend to continue to be a reactive person, you tend to build up stress, fear and diffidence.
Each day when you go to bed, its very much essential to just analyse how you had spent the day.
Each morning when you wake up, the choice is left to you to decide on how you want your day to be.
image courtesy: Elliott Brown Gallery, Google Images

Secret of Success - Responsibilities

2006-01-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

I had written about looking at problems as an opportunity. To have that attitude one must start taking responsibilities. Responsibilities both for success and failure. You need the will power.
In my life there have been many instances where i had successfully used this secret in a positive way. When ever i had attempted to solve the problem i had get set with the mind set that i would do my best, rather than just attempting to solve. When you Just attempt or when you just give a try, as days pass, you loose the interest and the problem ends up just a problem.

So if you are some one who is just going to give out a reason that "i have tried a lot" its an incomplete sentence and incomplete act. No job is complete unless it is 100 %.
Lets take a software project and assume the team has completed 99% of the project, but the remaining 1% which has to be completed may lead to lot of bugs. The remaining 1% may cause problems to the rest 99% code and design. Can you feel the difference? Own the responsibility, once you own it naturally you would strive hard for success. No one likes themselves to be a failure.

Image courtesy:evolution.berkeley.edu, google image search

Secret of Success - Problem as Opportunity

2006-01-20T07:44:00.002-08:00

Today's mantra for success is commonly known to all, but most of us dont unearth this secret. Probably that happens to be the reason why this secret of success if followed by only a few.
In every day life, problem is common to everyone. Life is bound to have problems and if some one expects a life without problems, it is a hypothetical situation. But it is how you handle these problems measures the success.
If every one starts looking at "Problem as an Opportunity", which is the truth too, life is a bed of roses. Look at the life of successful people, they are ones who have been able to create an opportunity out of the problem.
All the developments that has taken place for mankind has also born out of this simple secret.
Many of the Inventions & discoveries stand as a truth for this.
So Just look at problems in the positive way. Every Problem is an opportunity. Every Solution to the problem can be a million dollar idea, that leads to success.

Secret of Success-your friends

2006-01-17T01:59:00.001-08:00

"Tell me about your friend & i would tell about you'" is a very famous quote.
Most of you would agree on it, dont you? You are what you are by your surroundings.
Your surroundings influence you a lot.
Hence if you wish to succeed, if success is what you are looking in your life,
the secret of success is nothing but to keep your surrounding with successful people.
Let your friends be the one who are successful in their respective fields.
If your friend is a successful person, he would tend to help you in realising your objectives. What i mean here, he would know what it requires to be successful and would share with you the things that you would do need to do to reach the goal.
Let's assume he is a failure, he would tend to look things in negative.
He would advise you not to venture in areas that are risky, even if you have made a very extensive plan.
Thats why it is generally remarked "its only Success that breeds success".
More over the surrounding affects your mindset. This has been proven scientifically by numerous studies. You act and think just like your surrounding.
A typical story to be recalled here is the Jungle Book, where Mougli just doesnt even know about the humans.Its just not a story, it is the reality.
The power of Mind is such that... It can be moulded the way it wants to.

Secret of Success-Self Belief

2006-01-16T01:01:00.000-08:00

I think most one of you would agree to this secret, that i am going to share.
Ask any champion how they accomplished a certain achievement, their immediate response,
would be that "it was their self Belief" which lead them to success.
So to say in simple words, for a person to succeed, one must first believe that he can Succeed.
IF you Think you Can, YOU CAN....

Amazing But True

2006-01-12T02:27:00.000-08:00

This was an interesting piece that i came across. Check it for yourself.

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt ...

BuckleupNow-Secret of Success-5

2006-01-12T00:51:00.000-08:00

Born on Jan 12th, 1863, Swami Vivekananda, is a spiritual genius of commanding intellect and power. In his vehement desire to know the truth about God, he questioned people of holy reputation, asking them
if they had seen God. Vivekananda won instant celebrity in America and a ready forum for his spiritual teaching.

To know further, please click the link below:
http://www.vivekananda.org/readings.asp
Please feel free to share your views.

Secret of Success - Discipline

2006-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Today in this post i am repeating about one of the legends, even though i had written about him a month back. From him we can learn the secret of success tips today.

"It is very important to be determined. To me that is perfection"
This is what the great Star-Tendulkar, who carries the expectations
of the billion Indians, had to say about his performance.
Asked what made him proud, Tendulkar was quick to reply "my discipline."

To read further about the article just visit the link:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/quickies/msid-1364425.cms

Thats Priceless

2006-01-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

Martin wakes up at home with a huge hangover.
He forces himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins and a glassof water on the side table. He sits down and sees his clothing in frontof him, all clean and pressed.
Martin looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order,spotless, clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins andnotices a note on the table. "Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love You!"
So he goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating.
Martin asks,"Son, what happened last night?" His son says, "Well, you came home around 3 AM, drunk and delirious. Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door."
Confused, Martin asks, "So, why is everything in order and so clean, and breakfast is on the table waitingfor me? I should expect a big quarrel with her!"
His son replies, "Oh, that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your clothes n shoes off, you said, "Lady leave me alone!I'm married!"
Moral
Self-induced hangover -- $100.00
Broken furniture -- $2,000.00
Breakfast -- $10.00
Saying The Right Thing While Drunk - thats PRICELESS

BuckleUpNow-Secret of Success-3

2006-01-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

Now Just think about yourself.
Weren't there situations in your life, were you had come up with a great idea,
you went and shared it to your friend. Probably he would have said we
didn't have the necessary skills or resources to achieve them.
If not your friend, it could have been your boss, if you are in the area of film making, then it might be your producer who would have rejected the idea...
Successful people are one's who have stood firm with their ideas, facing all the tribulations and emerging out successful. How is it possible?
Its all about Self-Confidence, self-Belief. The Belief that You can achieve.....

BuckleUpNow-Secret of Success-2

2006-01-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday i had started writing about secret to success. Today i am just going to share you a list of few personalities whose Self-confidence was very badly dented and yet they have come back strongly to prove the world whom they are.

Beethoven was considered a hopeless composer by his teacher.
Thomas Edison's was considered too stupid to learn anything by his teachers
Leo Tolstoy, the author of War & Peace, was told he couldn't learn
Albert Einstein was considered mentally slow because he couldnt speak till the age of 4, and didn't read until he was 7.

The Super Star of Indian Cinema-Amitabh Bachan was rejected in his voice test conducted by All India Radio. Similarly for Actor Vikram it took 10 + years to prove his mettle in the Tamil Film industry. Today he commands a great respect.

Self-Confidence is one of the factors that has kept them Mentally Strong...

Secret of Success - self confidence

2006-01-04T00:18:00.000-08:00

If you wish to achieve success in any area of life, the secret of success is nothing but self confidence. If you have observed very carefully self confidence is highly sensitive to our experiences and has a relatively proportional effect on the things you do. The higher your self confidence the better the success, the lower the self confidence greater the chances of failure.
This you might have observed yourself in your schooling days when you are approaching an exam, probably in the subject of your interest, you would never have the fear to take up the examination. Its just because your self confidence is really high. You automatically come out with flying colors. while the subjects that you hate, your self confidence is lying low and hence you just feel you would be greatly relived if the exam gets over. You probably end up with lesser marks. This is applicable in every aspect of life taking into account your sports, a job interview, executing a project & even your personal life...

Age is not a factor

2006-01-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

I was really amazed to read about this achievement of the young boy "Aidan", who has climbed the mount everest, the world's tallest peak. Definitely for achievers age is not a factor at all.
Its all about training and will power. If you have it in YOU, YOU ALWAYS CAN.....
Just go through the article for the astonishing feat he has achieved...

The Money Trick

2006-01-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

This article beautifully explains how the wealth is created. Just take a few minutes to go through the article. Please send in your feedback.

3 Things in Life-1

2006-01-02T03:24:00.000-08:00

We are entering a new year and with it the new hopes and new dreams.
Some would have had new resolutions.....
but lets all wish and pray for a more peaceful and joyous year ahead.
Last year the nature's fury was at its peak. Lot of natural calamities. Lets hope this year nature is caring towards human and at the same time human beings should also start respecting and treating nature in a better way.
3 things in life

Words
Opportunity
Time

Let's Use them wisefully.

Wishes for a wonderful 2006

2005-12-30T23:18:00.000-08:00

My wishes to all the fellow bloggers on Net and the citizens of the world.
May the newyear bring joy and lasting peace to every one.

Is it right?- Act of Hwang Woo Suk

2005-12-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

The modern era has seen a marked change in the way people think. Today the world looks at a person, based on his success. More value is given to his success rather than to his qualities. Is this really a right thing? I would like your comments and opinions. I am not saying this based on few incidents but i have been seeing so many incidents in my life, where if a person is successful, he gets all the praise and following, even if he is not honest and doesn't have moral values.
Hope you are aware of Professor Hwang Woo Suk, if not, a brief intro, he was widely acclaimed for his stem cell research and first cloning of human embryo and the dog. His papers have been published in medical journals. His invention was acknowledged by Time Magazine.His paper was published by Science. This professor was associated with Seoul National University, by his paper the medical fraternity was delighted about finding solutions for treating patients suffering from cell based diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and spinal cord injury, to name a few, using CLONING HUMAN embryos. But now it has been found that his results have been deliberately manipulated, in other words, a fabrication of research results. So all the hopes of finding medicines for the above mentioned disease has now received a major jolt.
Lets hope atleast in future, people like this professor, doesn't involve in this kind of Shame ful acts. Its a great disrepute to the University and his nation. Though he has resigned now from the university, still he has damaged the reputation of the university.
The recent information from the Time magazine states that "South Korean stem cell pioneer insists his groundbreaking research is still credible". Lets hope so.

Top ten developments of 2005

2005-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

THIS YEAR, scientists piled up new insights about evolution at the genetic level and the birth of species, including information that could help us lead healthier lives in the future.
Ironically, these often-startling discoveries occurred in a year when backers of `intelligent design' and other opponents of evolution sought to renew challenges to this fundamental concept.
This milestone, plus nine other research advances, make up Science's list of the top ten scientific developments in 2005, chosen for their profound implications for society and the advancement of science.
Many of this year's breakthrough studies followed evolution at the genetic level. In October this year, an international team of researchers unveiled a map of the chimpanzee genome.
The biggest map to date of single-letter variations in the human genetic sequence, hoping to get a better glimpse of the human species' evolutionary history is another development.
This year's sequencing of the 1918 pandemic flu virus could have a more immediate impact on medicine. Other studies showed how small changes in DNA can trigger dramatic evolutionary events. Researchers found that a single genetic change can be all it takes to turn one species into many.
Beyond the genome, researchers watched evolution in action among a number of animals, from caterpillars to crickets, and found that behavioural differences such as what to eat and when to mate may be enough to turn a single population into two species. Science also salutes nine other scientific achievements of 2005.
Planetary safaris: With spacecraft at or on the way to the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, a comet, an asteroid, Saturn, and the very edge of the solar system, planetary discovery soared in 2005.
The high point in a year of highlights may be the landing of the European spacecraft Huygens on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Huygens' trip to Titan revealed a world where infrequent but drenching rains of liquid methane shape the land and participate in a fascinating hydrologic cycle.
A rich year for plants: Several key molecular cues behind flowering and other plant mysteries and surprises came to light in 2005. For example, plant molecular biologists pinned down the identity of a signal that initiates the seasonal development of flowers. Other research focused on a gene involved in stimulating flowering, and another study highlighted a surprising cache of RNA.
The nature of neutron stars: In 2005, new instruments yielded vivid insights into the most violent behaviours of neutron stars. A short, intense pulse of radiation from near the centre of the Milky Way, recorded on 27 December 2004, may be the result of a short gamma ray burst — a rapid merger of two ancient neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole.
Brain wiring and disease: Several studies in 2005 suggest that diseases like schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and dyslexia are rooted in `faulty wiring' of the brain's neural circuitry during development in the womb.
Where did Earth come from? This year, researchers took another look at Earth rocks and meteorites that resemble the starting material of the solar system and found that their atoms were significantly different. So where did Earth get its building blocks?
Some scientists now say early Earth materials come from a different part of the solar system, while others say parts of early Earth are just sunk deep in the planet, hidden from view.
Key protein's close-up: The most detailed molecular portrait to date of a voltage-gated potassium channel was unveiled in 2005. These channels, gatekeeper proteins that usher potassium ions in and out of cells, are as key to nerve and muscle functioning as transistors are to computers.
Changing climate of climate change? In 2005, evidence linking humans to global warming continued to accumulate and U.S. politicians began to take notice.
From the warming of deep ocean waters and increased frequencies of the most intense tropical cyclones to continued reductions in ice cover in the Arctic Ocean and altered bird migratory patterns, scientific evidence for climate change built up in 2005 and non-scientists seem to have listened.
Cell signalling steps up: Dynamic views of how cells respond to the chemical and environmental signals all around them took hold in 2005 thanks to efforts to track multiple inputs and outputs of cell signalling networks simultaneously.
For example, researchers created a model of nearly 8,000 chemical signals involved in a network leading to programmed cell death.
ITER lands in France: The struggle over the location of the world's first fusion reactor has ended — the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) will be built at Cadarache in southern France and not in Rokkasho, Japan. One aim of ITER is to generate fusion-powered electricity by recreating the power of the sun on Earth.
Areas to watch in 2006: According to Science's predictions for hot fields include drug and vaccine development for avian flu, RNA-interference in humans, high-temperature superconductors, the microbial family tree, detection of the merging of two neutron stars and ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays.

Leadership Lesson-2-Kalam on Leadership

2005-12-28T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is one of the article that i came across, which i feel is very much essential for all the aspiring leaders. I thought sharing here in this forum would help the aspirants a lot. With due courtesies to business today, which published this information, i am sharing this advise of our honourable president Kalam.
Once after going through the article i believe every one would accept to the lesson learnt and taught by him.
All the best !!!

Perceptions-Two Sides of a Coin

2005-12-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

Good N Bad have always been associated together, or is there something called good and something called bad? What appears good to me, appears bad for some one else ? then who is right? where is the question of right and wrong, because what appears right to me appears wrong to some one else....I think i am confusing you all too much.....its just to put across a point that its the perceptions that makes a thing right or wrong, good or bad. when you put yourself from some one else point of view, what ever appeared to be wrong to you can change right....Still to continue

A year After Tsunami

2005-12-26T02:42:00.000-08:00

Its Dec'26, exactly a year ago, the nature unleashed its fury... It was a sunday morning. I was just going through the popular regional TV channel and it was a rude shock....

It is amazing

2005-12-24T00:34:00.000-08:00

With Christmas round the corner, i just thought let me showcase one of the enjoyable sites. Just to showcase how Internet is developing into. Just visit the site below.
http://subservientchicken.com
Below it, find the textbox wherein you can type any instructions of your choice, (eg:Take a blanket,Take a book,Take a pillow,somersault,jump ...)to that chicken and he'll do it right then and there for you to see on the video display. It is amazing I tell you. I just cannot believe my eyes when I see it. First I told the chicken to sit down, and you know the guy actually sat down on the sofa. I still thought they'd programmed a video that must've been pre-recorded but no; when I told the guy, "sit down on the floor", he sat down on the floor. I said, "slap yourself" and he did. I said, "sing a song" and he sang. I said I'll tell my friends, and bid him aduie. He waved his arms to say bye.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

Attitude-Makes the Difference

2005-12-23T03:58:00.000-08:00

Earlier i was talking about Innovation, Now this article i wish to give you a few tips regarding, how innovation can work.

The factor behind innovation is nothing but attitude. The attitude to take up challenges. The attitude to face problems. The attitude of owning responsibility. Attitude is nothing but the mind set. Hope you understand now why its important. If assuming you dont have the mindset to achieve something, if you dont have the mindset to face problems, if you lack the mindset to take risks, even if you have the Innovative Idea, yet it would loose steam.

Also, your attitude towards others defines your success.

1)Don’t see the problems as other’s, look at it as yours and help each other to achieve the goal.

2)Share your learning and experience effectively and grow with the team and not as an individual

3)Be matured to accept the mistakes and do not repeat again

4)Don’t think of whose mistake is this, instead first work on resolving the problem, then share the learning with rest of the Team, so that none in the Team repeat the same

5)Don’t give room for emotional feelings or loose your temper

6)See It, Own It, Do It and Communicate It

Think Different

2005-12-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

Innovation is the core for success in today's rapidly changing world.
The situation is either Innovate or Perish.
Organizations and People who have kept up to innovation have always been able to manage change in a better way.
Plenty of real time examples are in galore.
Innovation is nothing but changing for the good.
At the organization level, its about doing products for the customer's need. Gone are the days when people bought products that were manufactured. But today's manufacturing is defined by customer's need. Most organizations which have understood this have been successful players.
At the workplace, innovation is doing your job in a better way, which is usually a different way. After all, one cannot reach a different destination by walking the same route everyday.For companies, innovation allows them to stay a step ahead of competition. Anil Chopra, National Marketing head of Anchor Daewoo Industries feels, companies that introduce customer friendly products regularly carry that feel good factor about them. Says he, "Any innovation, even a small way is profitable. The consumer realises that the brand is continuously doing something for the consumer, which shows that the company cares for them." On an individual level too, being innovative in your assignments, portrays your involvement. Now, which employer would have a problem with that?Companies appreciate employees who think out of the box. In technology-driven sectors like Telecom and IT, companies regularly reward winning ideas that help them better their products. Dishing out bonuses on performance, rather than tenure, is again a company's way of motivating employees to improve themselves continuously. Says, T Sriramkrishna Mohan, Manager HR, Tata Teleservices, "Companies are always taking a closer look at employees who have delivered an exceptional performance, well aware that any exceptional performance happens only when an employee thinks differently".Today, companies have begun recognising an individual on the basis of new ideas he comes up with. Innovation need not be limited to any field or level. A shop floor worker in a manufacturing unit has just as much scope to innovate as a software programmer. If a shop floor worker finds a method whereby, he can skip even one step in what would otherwise be a five-step process, it would be an innovation. It is easier to come up with bright ideas without the pressures of having to do so. This way, any innovation would be a value addition to the current job. A few tips:• Develop the idea. Most products and processes that we take for granted today were thought of while their inventors were actually working at something else. They became success stories because their inventors worked on developing these ideas.• Innovative always. Novel ideas generally come about only when individuals are placed in problematic circumstances. For instance Hutch came up with the idea of mobile service stations, as it was not economical to set up full-fledged service stations in far-flung areas. But this need not be so. Try to think towards improvement even without problems.• Train yourself to think differently by constantly looking at alternative methods for doing things. Start with smaller assignments like a departmental presentation.• Learn from others and improvise. Being involved with the team is how the top management usually comes up with the one winning idea. Even if it is not the Vice President's idea, he is involved with the teams that are working at it.• Learn to live the situation. This would give you, a fair idea of what process or product could actually make life easier. Then all you need to do is apply the logic on a larger scale. For instance, It was when Sony Corporation's founder, Akio Morito missed listening to his favourite music while playing golf, that the need for portable music was felt. And Sony introduced the walkman.

Learn from the stars

2005-12-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here is another star, who has silently achieved a milestone. Its all about playing 100 Test matches. He has been in the cricket arena for more than 15 years and started his career a few months later than the other Super Hero - Sachin. He is None other than Kumble. Infact, Kumble was also in the forefront along with Muralidharan and Shanewarne. Yet the later two have zoom past him in terms of wickets, yet the way kumble bowls is totally different of a spinner. Thats what makes him special and different. More over he has been instrumental in lot of victories.
He is again one player who has seen both his High and low, yet, has worked very hard to make a come back. Not only that he has always proved himself in adverse situations. He is a very humble person and has always lended support to service activities.

Resolving Relationship Conflicts

2005-12-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

What blocks you from resolving conflicts with your partner?

A lasting and rewarding relationship has to be open and honest. And to keep it that way, you have to be able to air grievances with yourpartner. Burying issues, and avoiding conflict and disagreements, do not have a place in a healthy relationship. You might as well accept the fact that you WILL get on each other's nerves. You will disagree from time to time. Learn how to argue in a constructive manner to resolve the issue at hand and not tear each other apart personally.

Here are some recommended steps for resolving conflict.

First of all, agree to reach a solution. Many of us either choose to attack our partner or run away from the argument, neither of which helps. Always remember that you and your partner are in the same team- both of you want what's best for the relationship. Sometimes, in the heat of argument, we forget that. Also, explore your feelings.

Why are you so upset?

Examine your reaction to the event and see if you are responding to the presentsituation or reliving a past hurtful event. See if this issue is really about you and your partner or you and someone from your past. Next, identify what you want. Speak up. See what you and your partnercan work out for a mutually satisfying resolution. Your partner cannotgive you want you want if you don't have the courage to ask for it.Remember, you are in love with each other. You want to feel good, yourpartner wants to feel good, and you both have the same wish for eachother. Keep that in mind as you express your desires. And choose mutual action. A relationship is a partnership, a jointeffort. If one person ends up being responsible for making the unionwork on every level, resentment will build up. Work out fairresolutions.

13 Tip's for Happier Life

2005-12-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

I strongly believe in the following and i practise the 11 tips instead of 12. Being a counsellor i cant follow "Dont take on the problems of other people". Except that i follow almost every other point and hence the reason why i am sharing this with you all fellow bloggers.

STOP worrying - Worry is the least productive of all human activities and thoughts…. Just because you worry things are not going to change, don't you agree?
Don't allow needless fears preoccupy your life - A survey says 80% of the time the things we fear never happen!!!
Don't hold grudges - We are in this world for a very short period of time and i personally feel this is one of the biggest and most unnecessary weights we carry through our lives..
Take on one problem at a time - It's the only way to handle things anyway..one by one..
Don't take your problems to bed with you - Do you know Good Sleep is what makes a person healthy. Your next day would be energetic and fresh if you have a good sleep.
Don't take on the problems of other people - They are better equipped to handle their own problems than you are..unless and until you are sure that you can give them a solution.
Don't live in the past - It will always be there in your memories to enjoy..but don't cling to it. Concentrate on what is happening right now in your life..and you will be happy in the present also..not just the past.
Be a good listener - It is only when one listens..that one gets and learns ideas different from ones own...
Do not let frustration ruin and rule your life - Self pity more than anything..interferes with positive actions..with moving forwards in our lives.
Count your blessings - Don't even forget the smallest blessings.. As many small blessings add up to large ones...
Find time to spend with your family - Make it a point to spend atleast a few hours in a week with your family
Feel free to Communicate - Always communicate your needs. It's only then you can let others know what is in your mind and vice-versa
Indulge in Service - Just do this and you would know how good it makes you feel. Do it with all your heart.

Isn't this True?

2005-12-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

This is something that i always feel about, how the world keeps changing. Here it just reminds me of the saying "Nothing is permanent, except change". I may be wrong or right, but my intention is not to hurt anyone, rather just providing my observations...its strange but true.....

30 years back:
When i was so young, i always wanted to grow faster, but now having grown faster, the question that arises in mind is can't i go back to good old days......

25 years ago:
i wanted my locality to be a famous locality....i felt the number of cars i was seeing on the road was very less....but today i feel, can i see less numbers of cars.....can the place be more calmer......used to hate the cycles, but now long to see more cycles on road...

20 years back:
When i was in my school, i always wanted to graduate and work, but now i feel, those were the wonderful days in school, can i go back to it.......

15 years back:
i was longing for 24 hour cartoons and more number of TV channels, but today i feel, Doordarshan would be quite sufficient....

10 years back:
i also wanted to own a Mobile Phone......today at times i feel why do i have a mobile.....

I am not complaining, i am enjoying the present too....but i am just wondering how our points of view and needs change drastically with age....is it our perceptional change?

Team work key to achieving the goal

2005-12-19T04:48:00.000-08:00

A team should be built on mutual trust and there should be an atmosphere

of honesty Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." As such, the

importance of being a team player and gelling together in a team cannot be

undermined. Again, being a team player is something that cannot be isolated

to a single situation. You will always be working in a team — whether you are

studying or working, whether in an organisation or in your own business.

A common example in everyday life is sports such as cricket and hockey.
What works well here stems from the fact that it is a team. In this feature,
let us review some simple tenets that you can keep in mind to be a great
team player.

Group dynamics
Being in a team means that there is a common purpose that drives the team.
This is the goal or what needs to be achieved. Also, the team goals should be
clear and understood and accepted by each member. This will ensure that all
team members understand the goal clearly and in the same way. Another
vital aspect is that there should be complete clarity about who would be
responsible for what, so as to avoid overlapping responsibility and authority.
A team should be built on mutual trust and there should be an atmosphere
of honesty and openness among team members.
Also, it is critical to be loyal to employees as the same is expected from them.

A good way to foster a sense of belonging and ownership is to involve the
members in team-building activities and events. Having opportunities to
interact outside work will not only encourage open communication but also
develop some long-lasting relationships.

For any issue that needs an overall team consensus and commitment, involve
the whole team in the decision-making process. This will get a buy-in from
each team member and also a satisfaction that everyone's opinion matters.
In a team, ensure that there are no blocked lines of communication and
everyone is always fully informed. This should leave no scope for grapevine
or rumours.

As part of a team, each member needs to be committed to the goal and
should be able to see value from individual contribution to the team. When
you are committed, this is more or less easy to achieve. This also means that
it is not just you, but also the other members who would need guidance and
assistance. This is something that would be mutual.

You must not just be knowledgeable but also exhibit the right degree of
enthusiasm. As a member of a team, seek responsibility to make the best
use of your talent. Be energetic and have the drive to work and inspire the
same in your fellow members. Every member is accountable not only to
himself/herself but to all members of the team. Setting correct expectations
can increase commitment.

Leadership
A team has to be steered and managed well to be able to reach its goal.
As such, the coordinator should typically lead by example. This means doing
a good share of the work and being accountable for the same. A good
organisation is really needed in proper distribution of work. Having the ability
to delegate and assign tasks and ensuring successful completion of the same
is required. Ultimately, it is every member's responsibility to ensure that
everyone has a task to complete and that the person doing it is the best resource
for the same.

Virtual teams
The challenge in today's business model is to also manage and be part of
virtual teams that are not bound by location or geography. You could be
in one location and your team member in another and at times in different
continents.

In this case, each team member is part of a project group or task force.
What is needed here is the ability to connect across different cultures and
time zones. The scheduling, timing and execution of tasks are important as
they impact the overall performance.
In fact, diversity is the key to a successful team.

A team should be made up of people who have different opinions & handle
work in different ways. Remember there is no `I' in the word "team."
Simply stated, it is less "me," and more "we." And as we know, the whole is
always greater than the sum of the parts.
So, here's wishing you happy synergy times.

Art of Communication

2005-12-17T00:22:00.000-08:00

Communication is what makes a great difference in every one's life. Why?
I would jus explain it in detail.
If you look at most of the problem that is encountered today, it is jus because of lack of proper communication....to be continued...

Learn from the Leaders-2

2005-12-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today's newspapers carried two important articles that all Indians can cherish for a long long time.
First :
NR Narayana Murthy, the founder of India's Infosys Technologies, has been ranked as the eighth best CEO in the world in a business survey.
for further story Please visit :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4531814.stm
Second:
WIPRO Chairman Mr.Aziz Premji and Ms. Rohini Nilekani wife of Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani have signed perhaps two of the biggest individual cheques ever in the history of Indian Philanthropy.
Azizji has transferred 370 Crore to AzimPremji Foundation, while MsRohini has transferred 1oo Crores to Argyam trust.

Job Hopping - by Dr.Gopalkrisnan,Chairman, TATA Sons

2005-12-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mr.Gopalakrishnan succeeds Mr.Ratan Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons Ltd.,the holding company for many of the Tata Bluechips like Tata Steel, Tata Motors,Tata Power, Tata Chemicals, Voltas, etc.,Possibly he is the first non-Tata person to head the Tata Empire.

The below article is really interesting !

The grass isn't always greener on the other side !!
Move from one job to another, but only for the right reasons.
It's yet another day at office. As I logged on to the marketing and
advertising sites for the latest updates, as usual, I found
the headlines dominated by 'who's moving from one company to
another after a short stint', and I wondered, why are so many people
leaving one job for another?

Is it passe now to work with just one company for a sufficiently
long period?

Whenever I ask this question to people who leave a company,
the answers I get are: "Oh, I am getting a 200% hike in salary"
"Well, I am jumping three levels in my designation"
"Well, they are going to send me abroad in six months".

Then, I look around at all the people who are considered successful
today and who have reached the top - be it a media agency, an
advertising agency or a company. I find that most of these people
are the ones who have stuck to the company, ground their heels and
worked their way to the top. And, as I look around for people who
changed their jobs constantly, I find they have stagnated at some level ,
in obscurity!

In this absolutely ruthless, dynamic and competitive environment,
there are still no short-cuts to success or to making money. The only
thing that continues to pay, as earlier, is loyalty and hard work. Yes, it pays!

Sometimes, immediately, sometimes after a lot of time. But, it does pay.

Does this mean that one should stick to an organisation and wait for that
golden moment? Of course not.

After a long stint, there always comes a time for moving in most organisations,
but it is important to move for the right reasons, rather than superficial ones,
like money, designation or an overseas trip.
Remember, no company recruits for charity.
More often than not, when you are offered an unseemly hike in salary or
designation that is disproportionate to what that company offers it current
employees, there is always an unseen bait attached.
The result? You will, in the long-term, have reached exactly the same levels
or maybe lower levels than what you would have in your current company.
A lot of people leave an organisation because they are "unhappy". What is this
so-called-unhappiness? I have been working for donkey's years and there has
never been a day when I am not unhappy about something in my work
environment-boss, rude colleague, fussy clients etc.
Unhappiness in a workplace, to a large extent, is transient.
If you look hard enough, there is always something to be unhappy about.But,
more importantly, do I come to work to be "happy" in the truest sense?
If I think hard, the answer is "No". Happiness is something you find with family,
friends, may be a close circle of colleagues who have become friends.
What you come to work for is to earn, build a reputation, satisfy your ambitions,
be appreciated for your work ethics, face challenges and get the job done.
So, the next time you are tempted to move, ask yourself why are you moving and
what are you moving into?
Some questions are:
* Am I ready and capable of handling the new responsibility? If yes,what could
be the possible reasons my current company has not offered me the same
responsibility?
* Who are the people who currently handle this responsibility in the current and
new company? Am I as good as the best among them?
* As the new job offer has a different profile, why have I not given the current
company the option to offer me this profile?
* Why is the new company offering me the job? Do they want me for my skills, or
is there an ulterior motive?

An honest answer to these will eventually decide where you go in your career- to
the top of the pile in the long term (at the cost of short-term blips) or to become
another average employee who gets lost with time in the wilderness?

"DESERVE BEFORE YOU DESIRE" - Dr. Gopalkrishnan, Chairman TATA Sons.

Angry or Calm?

2005-12-14T23:12:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
I came across this wonderful images, as a forwarded mail. I know most you might also have got this. yet for some of the people who haven't had the chance to see this, here it is.

If you watch the below images from your seat in front of the computer, Mr.Angry is on the left, and Mr.Calm is on the right.
Get up from your seat, and move back 12 feet, and PRESTO!! they switch places!!

Happiness At Your Job Through A Higher Purpose

2005-12-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

I came across this piece of article By Julian Kalmar. I really thought this article was worth sharing with all our fellow bloggers and webizens. It's really interesting. With this note i bid a bye....Read it and please share your comments.
Don't like your job? Transform it using the magic of purpose.
The results of a remarkable experiment demonstrate the power you hold to completely transform your job. The experiment is believed to have taken place during the Great Depression when many were unemployed, destitute, and purposeless. [Please forgive me if some of the details are wrong. I couldn't find the source of this story.]
As I understand the experiment, the U.S. Army employed two groups of previously unemployed men. The first group was taken out into the desert to dig holes. They worked very hard all day in the scorching sun, and every day was the same: Go to a new location in the desert, dig holes, and return exhausted.
Amazingly, and in spite of the back-breaking work in the desert heat, the more they dug, the happier they got. They had a purpose even though they didn't know why they were digging the holes.
The second group of men had a different job. Every day they would go to a different location in the desert to fill holes. They didn't know about the first group of men. All they knew about their job was that they were being paid to fill holes. Like the first group, they labored all day in the hot desert. This went on day after day. At the end of each day they were exhausted but satisfied. Lo and behold, they became happier too.
This hole digging and hole filling went on for some time and both groups of men had become significantly happier than before they started their work: They were productive and had found a purpose. Now watch carefully what happened next, because the experiment wasn't over...
One day the foreman of each group went to the men to tell them about the other group of men and what they did. When the men realized there was no real purpose to the jobs they were doing, they were devastated. Their purpose was destroyed. None-the-less, the experiment continued. For every single man without exception, the hole digging and hole filling was sheer misery. Both groups of men were extremely unhappy. Even though the pay and the work was exactly the same as it was before, they were miserable. Nothing had changed, except their sense of purpose was absent.
This experiment reveals a great insight. If we can find genuine purpose we can gain tremendous job satisfaction. But any type of purpose won't do. You have to know how to create the right kind of purpose. Let's see how...
Purpose is determined in two ways. Sometimes a purpose is seemingly delivered to us by others, like our bosses. As employees we typically adopt the purpose our company needs. Those who are self-employed adopt the purpose of their clients. The second way purpose is determined is that you look beyond the immediate task to see its higher, more noble meaning. So rather than simply accepting your assigned tasks and adopting the task as your purpose, introduce an extra step of finding the higher purpose in your task. You'll still do the same task in the same way physically, but now you'll add the magic of a higher purpose.
Here are some examples. Say you're a locksmith and your task is to install a lock on someone's front door. If you only adopt the purpose of installing a lock successfully, you might be happy or miserable; gratified, or not, by your work. Instead, of accepting the lock installation as your purpose, look for the real significance of your task. Your purpose isn't really to install a lock, is it? That's just the task. Your purpose is to protect a family from criminals. You are a protector. Someone who saves people from violence, burglary, and even murder. As you install the lock, treat each step as if you will be stopping a murderer next week. Make it even more personal by imagining that you are stopping a murderer whose next victim would have been someone you love. Every step of the installation becomes like a karate block to thwart a thug. You are a hero, a savior.
Or perhaps you work in an office and must prepare a report for your boss. If all you see in the task is that you must create a report, you won't have much fun. Ask yourself, "What's the higher purpose of this report?" Maybe your company is a pharmaceutical company and the report will permit your boss to ensure that new drug research is funded. That humble reporting task is about to save a lives. What if it were your child's life, or your spouse's life, or your parent's life. As you begin pulling the data together for your report, keep your higher purpose in mind. Treat every detail as if one person would die if you got it wrong. Make it your highest work. Five years from now, compare the difference between these two outcomes. The research funding was approved and your parent's life was saved. Or, your non-recognition of the higher purpose led to sloppiness that lost the funding and you caused your own child's death.
Or, maybe you work in a factory packaging food. You feel your job is monotonous. Would it be so monotonous if you mentally followed the food you're packaging? Imagine it leaving the plant in a truck, arriving at a market, getting purchased, and then getting cooked and eaten by a family. Maybe that food is part of the only meal they'll get that day. Or maybe it's for your family a week from now. Your purpose isn't really to put food in a package...is it? Isn't the higher purpose to take away the pain of hunger? You are giving the kindness of pain relief to another. Never mind what your co-workers or society thinks of your job. Every morsel of food you treat with care and protect from spoiling is a noble, if not sacred act of kindness. It is a gift.
Purpose is something you choose to apply to the tasks you do. You can be hero, a person of nobility, or a savior, even in tasks that others consider humble. One way of finding a higher purpose in your tasks is to think altruistically. For example, picking fruit may seem like hard physical labor. Yet if you treat each piece of fruit as a gift from nature (or God) that is going to remove someone's hunger, the act of picking fruit becomes an almost holy task, an act of removing hunger. Likewise, mopping the floor or washing clothes can be transformed from a chore to a gift of cleanliness for your family, the same family you care for dearly. The true value of each task gives us purpose, a reason for caring about the quality of the outcome.
If you are a spiritual person, higher purpose may be readily discovered according to your beliefs. Take purposeful action according to your faith. Your actions become a form of worship or communion in perfect alignment with your ideals and the Universe. Ask yourself how you can best help others. By thinking in terms of the good you can do, and reinforcing that to yourself as you work, your purpose brings peacefulness, good will, and satisfaction.
Without such purpose, all you have are miserable, lowly, repetitive, unrewarding tasks. With purpose, you lead a high and noble life that is filled with meaning and purpose and value. Remember how miserable the men in the desert became without purpose? Had each one adopted the personal purpose of communing with the land, the soil, and nature, and had they taken interest in the rocks and things within the soil, they would have enjoyed every strike of the shovel. You can do the same with your job.
Copyright 2005 by Julian Kalmar. All rights reserved.

Little Master - A Giant in his Own Way

2005-12-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

The very first match i saw him facing the paki speedsters, i started admiring this person. That was for his courage.Then he took on the famous Abdul Qadir, who was a great spinner of that era. He just hit him to consective sixes. It was his way of letting know the world that he has come to conquer the cricketing world.
True, he is not only admired in India, but also through out the cricket playing nations.
Yeah he is not only an asset of India, he is an Asset of Cricket.
There are lot of qualities to be learnt from this great person.
He has always been humble, modest, well mannered, soft spoken, hard working and most importantly DEDICATED.
congrats to this little master who has created the world record and who is bound to create many more in the coming days.
It was a very rare sight to see him emotional and that shows how much pressure he was going through. Man, he is Human too, though a GOD to all others.
It would be too mean of us to expect this Master Blaster to play the way he played in his early part of the career. Dont all of us change with age? are we the same as we had been in the school days or college days? Are we the same as we had been, when he had taken our first job? experience has taught us to handle situations in a different way. Same is the case with this genius too.
To have him in our Team is a great Honor. So lets have that honor.
It automatically creates extra work for opponents, because they have to work out on how to get this man's wicket.
With an experienced person like him, today youngsters like Yuvraj, Kaif, Dhoni, Irfan and others would get to learn a lot from him.
We are with YOU.....Go Ahead.....

Lesson from a CUP

2005-12-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

I came across this piece of message. I found it really interesting and wanted to share it with you all. Its some thing to realise and learn about life.

"A group of working adults got together to visit their University lecturer.
The lecturer was happy to see them. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.
He offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves. When all the students had a cup in hand with water, he spoke: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups." "Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change." "If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy/taste the water in it."
-Mother Teresa

Isnt it true? its time we start realizing whats important in LIFE.

Learn from the Leaders

2005-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (07/12/2005) i had the opportunity of watching a TV show on NDTV. Aptly titled Changing India, it had the two dominating figures of IT industry. One has taken the PC world by storm, while the other has helped immensely, change the Face of India and Indian Industry. Both are visionaries in true sense. Both have helped change the life of millions of people, either directly or indirectly.

Both are inspiring leaders. They are none other than Bill Gates & Narayanamurthy, co-founders of MICROSOFT & INFOSYS. This is the first time when both the giants have come together on a TV show. That made this show more interesting.

One primary observation from Bill Gates was about his love towards Work, which keeps him brimming with energy. He has also personally contributed around 30Billion US dollars for the benefit of the society. His goal is towards creating computer systems that can talk to human and become more people friendly.

One primary observation about Narayananurthy is about his Vision, inspite of being offered US$1 million, in 1990 for being taken over, he had simply rejected the offer. Definitely it was one of the definining moments not only for Narayanamurthy, but also for India. If assuming he had accepted the tempting offer, who knows whether India would have built the same image so fast.
Earlier India was land of snake charmers and monks, today its information technology every where. If it was Gandhi for Peace, its definitely Narayana Murthy, Premji, shivnadar & ramalinga raju for IT. I have great respects for that reason.
There was a remark from the show about understanding the essence of time, one of the professor in US remarked it seems that, I dont know how to make the Japanese students talk and i dont know how to make the Indian Students stop talking.....
with this i would like to end this article...still to watch tonight....9:30 p.m

Who would Win?

2005-12-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

I came across this piece of information. It was really very interesting... a lengthy one indeed but worth reading. Thats what i feel. You can putforward your comments too.
An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his new students to stand and...
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student : Yes.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)
Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?Student :Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student : No.
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student : From...God...
Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student : Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything.Correct?
Student : Yes.
Prof: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these >terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student :Yes, sir.
Prof: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God
Student : No, sir.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student : No , sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelled your god? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Prof: Yet you st ill believe in Him?
Student : Yes.
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.>Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student : No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega >heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to d escribe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)
Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light,bright light, flashing light.... But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smi le, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)
Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelled it?.....No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room is silent. The professor stares at the studen t, his face>unfathomable.)
Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student : That is it, sir. The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive.

Do you know who the student is. ??...>That young man was ALBERT EINSTEIN......

Positive Thought for the Day

2005-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Thoughts, have you ever wondered the kind of magic that the thought process
can do for a person? Just to illustrate its power, i am depicting the following example.

Have you ever noticed this? To me it was very much surprising initially,
to see that elephants were tied by using a rope.

As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the

fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope

tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the

elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some

reason, they did not.
I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent

animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. "Well,"

he said, "when they are very young and much smaller we use the

same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold

them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they can't

break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they

never try to break free." I was amazed. These animals could at any
time break free from their bonds but because they believed they

couldn't, they were stuck right where they were.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief
that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

Its just all about the Mindset.
If you think you can,
DEFINITELY YOU CAN.
Start now and achieve your goals...All the best!!!

Trip to "City of Joy"

2005-12-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I was just away from the Blogging scenario for almost three weeks...
November probably has been the month with maximum number of marriages....
all my close friends have chosen their life partner...
it was a great joy to be a part of the memorable occasion....
One of my friend's marriage was in kolkata and hence I had to travel down to Kolkota, popularly known as "City of Joy"....This is my second visit and i did have a wonderful time.
Initially i had planned my trip for just two days but later due to a technical snag in SpiceJet, i then chose to extend my trip by another day...
Spicejet is a low cost airline we will talk about it later...coming to "City of Joy", it stands to it name...i observed lot of positive things about the city.....dont ask me whether there arent negatives.....Yes there are....But tell me which one city doesn't have negatives????
The transport network is good, its one of the cities in the world where Trams are still in use. People there are very friendly, ask them a address and they try to help you out in all means.
It wasnt tough for me to find a good accomodation at a reasonable price....atleast for a bachelor.....its one place where i was able to buy Tea for Just ONE Rupee....i was really surprised when the shop keeper returned me the change for two rupees that i gave....
the marriage celebration in itself was totally different from my culture....so it was again a chance to learn and observe a lot.........
Eden Garden has always been their pride...Though this time by showing black flag to the Indian team they have earned some disrespect....DADA has great support....very much visible......
From a chennai guy's point of view...the first and foremost negative...Man they are wasting water like anything....there are water pipes gushing out with water for every 10-50 metres and that too through out the day.....today they dont understand the need to conserve water...the administrators must take a look into this....it just takes you to install taps into those pipes or handpumps have to erected.....lots of water can be saved.....
Secondly the pollution, its definitely to very much alarming levels, some action has to be taken regarding this....else its going to affect the health of the citizens....check out....
Third connectivity to Airport and accomodation near Airport......an issue to look out....
if i just recall only sweet smiling and helping faces of kolkota is what i am able to recollect....CITY of JOY .....Stands to its name......

What it takes it to be a Good Leader?

2005-11-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

In the last 20 years, i have had the opportunity to come across different people, each one has helped me in a way or other. I have been able to learn some of the best qualities, this does not mean that i have been able to totally follow every one's best quality, i am just mentioning over here that i have been able to appreciate their qualities. In some cases, i have been able to follow theirs...More over whats good/best quality for one necessarily need not be the best for other person...i have a valid reason to say that...while some qualities are universally applicable, while some needs to be applied based on the situation. I think i am drifting from what i wanted to write......coming back again, from these people i have observed a few wonderful points which i thought i would share with you all.This may be helpful atleast for a few people who are aspiring to become leaders.
Have you ever thought what skills are required to be an effective leader for a team?
My observations has always been that the most important quality these people possess is the ability to communicate effectively. Excellent Communication skills has naturally helped these leaders to communicate of what result they expect. Lack of communication or improper communication on the other hand has proven to be disastrous...Still to continue.....

Something to learn from Chennai Monsoon

2005-11-09T00:14:00.000-08:00

I was ill for more than a week which has prevented me from blogging....its been a very good monsoon for chennai......probably after a gap of nearly 9 years....the last time it rained so heavily....if i am correct it shd have been in 1996....i still remember it very much because that was the year when we graduated from Government College of Engineering. That also happened to be the year when my friends were visiting chennai, in search of their job....more than me my friends would remember it very well because they were visiting my house for the first time and they had to wade through water to reach my house....this year rain gods have been really been kind enough...because it has stopped raining most of the times when the situation was seeming to go out of control and has given some respite and chance for the administration to work out...but in general who is to be blamed for all the problems that has arisen out of rains....opposition blames ruling party.....ruling party blames opposition.....people blame officials....but ultimately it is the People to be Blamed. The worst thing is that, the act of few people puts a whole community in trouble......more and more lakes are shrinking or disappearing in chennai....and why is it happening??? It is the greedy people who want a house of their OWN, who do not mind tinkering with the documents, paying off the officials and build a house in what would have been a lake or a water storing body.....now the question arises aren't the officials at fault? yeah its true they are also to be blamed....so its a total collective responsibility and more or less like a chicken or egg story....but the final point is "PEOPLE" must change and must understand that they cannot take "NATURE" for granted....Unauthorized occupation is a menace and any government should keep a strict vigil...

Creativity

2005-10-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Hi guys/gals,
If you happen to come across this particular article just dont forget to click the link.
I assure you would surely love the fun...
Somethings i just wonder where does the creativity of the people come from.
Things that just appear normal to common man, with creativity is made into something totally different and is there to be appreciated by whole lot of people.
The link down would lead you to a normal flash file, where you can see the person's face and when you take the cursor towards it just watch the reaction....its just unbelievable....the flash programmer has made it to appear as realistic as possible...kudos to the developer and creator..

http://www.abunawaf.com/mix/store2/cursor.swf

Successful Thinking !!

2005-10-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

Success in living and working in today's "information Age" requires successful thinking. The good news is that everyone is capable of increasing successful thinking. Successful thinking is using any mental skill to get results.

Here are 20 easy ways to get better results with your thinking by William Cottringer

1. Increase knowledge.
First, set your ego aside and openly acknowledge how little you really do know right now compared to all that you can know. Then commit to being a perpetual learner for the rest of your life. Grow, learn and improve with every breath. That acknowledgment and commitment will get results.
2. Beware of what you "know."
Understand how your own brain "tricks" you into over-simplifying things,distorting perceptions and memories, and convincing you things are truedespite the lack of evidence. Things are not always as they appear and all that you think you know may not always be so. Truth isn't easy to discern.
3. Slow down.
Reject your natural tendency to hurry up and believe something too quickly before you get all the facts or get a chance to move to a more advantageous view point. You can often get more done when you take your time.
4. Value principles.
Look for operating principles that hold true in a variety of situations overtime. For instance, you usually get what you expect; if you don't like whatyou get, blame your expectation.
5. Make one assumption.
One assumption is probably worth making: miscommunication andmisunderstanding are more the norm than not. Good communication takes hardwork and doesn't occur without much care and effort to understand and beunderstood by another person through gradual clarification.
6. Verify other assumptions.
Question basic assumptions you have made or that were made for you-look fordisproof of what you and others are "sure" of, rather than just looking formore available proof to confirm what you already believe.
7. Re-think what you know.
You don't always need more information, but rather to use what information you already have, better. Creativity can often start by looking at older,conventional ideas in newer and more unusual ways.
8. Ask Questions.
Focus more on asking good questions than coming up with clever answers. Goodquestions open doors and create progress.
9. Separate feelings from thinking.
With conflicts, first peel the onion to see and remove all the emotions that are clouding the issue. Then look for ways everybody can win something andnot lose anything important by rationally discussing the situation.Conflicts are opportunities that challenge your thinking.
10. Dig Deeper.
Sometimes it is worth the effort to dig a little deeper and separate the superficial surface symptoms from the hidden core problem in a situation.Knowing what the real problem is can be half the solution.
11. Accept random accidents.
Sometimes random accidents do occur and trying to ascribe meaning and purpose to them is artificial. Besides you are often wrong.
12. Be positive.
Focusing on negative things and differences can be amusing but it isn't veryproductive; focusing on positive similarities builds unity and strength.Having positive beliefs and positive expectations tend to lead to positive outcomes.
13. Exercise.
You can easily get out of shape mentally if you don't exercise your brainregularly. Make an effort to read more, pay closer attention to details,have more meaningful discussions, work from a definite plan, applysystematic problem-solving strategies, analyze failures and successes, etc.
14. Learn.
Learn from both your failures and successes-avoid making unnecessary pastmistakes over and over again, and re-use elements from your successes toincrease them in the future. The lessons you learn will reduce failures and increase successes.
15. Converse with "enemies."
You can learn much from people you disagree with. Understanding opposite points of view can double your IQ.
16. Share suspicions.
The information you have that you are least sure of, can often turn out tobe the most valuable, useful information, once you get over your reluctanceand hesitancy in sharing and validating it with others.
17. Know where you are standing.
What you see depends on where you are doing the looking from. Become moresensitive to the reality that what you see changes when you move around.
18. Study thinking.
Most of our consciousness is a result of thinking, not thinking itself.Focus on what you need to know to solve a problem and then direct yourthoughts to uncover that knowledge in a complete and correct way.
19. Keep an open mind.
The most useful mental skill is keeping an open mind-not makingpre-judgments, convincing yourself you are right, arriving at pre-matureconclusions, or not setting beliefs and values in concrete; but rather beingtentative, non-judgmental and exploring possibilities more. You might be surprised what you discover when you aren't looking for something inparticular.
20. Laugh.
Very few things are that serious. Being too serious taxes your whole beingand a good hearty laugh frees you up for more successful thinking when you may need it most.

Practice any of these 20 exercises in successful thinking and watch your win column grow.

Everyone Should Follow this...

2005-10-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

I just thought sharing this bit of information would be useful to everyone....though it might be really tough to follow regularly but practising helps you a lot, infact to keep you fit and not gain extra flab....
There are 12 important organs in our body, which will be at its peak for two hours a day. Normal health or disease of any person depends on this factor. To lead a healthy life, one should learn one's own body functioning language.

Early Morning:3-5 AM: LUNGS - Try waking up at this hour. Normally the ozone content is high in atmosphere during this hour, hence its advisable to practise breathing exercise, yogasanas and meditation. Asthma patient cannot sleep in this time and will suffer breathlessness.
Morning:5-7 AM: LARGE INTESTINE - If a person gets up in this time will not have constipation problem. If bowel's movement and taking bath in cold water are done during this time, then he will not have any nervous debility.
7-9 AM STOMACH - Breakfast should be completed during this time.
9-11 AM SPLEEN - It is better to avoid eating. If food is taken in this time, it will increase body temperature, tiredness will increase and digestion power will come down. Particularly diabetic patient will suffer from palpitation, drowsiness etc.
Noon11-1 PM HEART- Its Generally suggested to have only water at this time. One shall neither do any hard work nor sleep at this time. Otherwise more carbon-di-oxide will get mixed with oxygen and chances of getting heart attack or paralytic attack or body pain are likely. Generally doctors will be on double alert in hospitals during this time because heart and diabetic patients may get heart attack during this time compared to other hours.
Mid Day1-3 PM SMALL INTESTINE - After taking lunch, 5 minutes of rest can be taken just by closing eyes. Sleep shall be avoided.
Afternoon3-5 PM URINARY BLADDER - It is the right time for coffee, tea or juice etc. With any of the drink, dont add much sugar. Too much of Sugar is too much of calories and then you might have to burn it.
Evening5-7 PM KIDNEY - This is the time to relax from routine work otherwise renal failure or urinary infection may trouble.
Night7-9 PM HEART - Supper should have been completed during this hour. Otherwise palpitation or chest pain may arise. Also eating after this hour may be one of the reasons for you to gain weight
Late Night9-11 PM TEMPERATURE WARMER - This is the time to recharge the organs that worked since morning. So one shall go down to sleep and avoid reading books, watching TV or working with office files.
Mid Night11-1 PM GALL BLADDER - One must sleep during this time otherwise one will not have any energy for next day work.
Too early morning1-3 AM LIVER - Never be awake at this hour. In this modern world with extended work hours which is quite common in the Information Technology field most of them choose this hour to be awake and party. But this is the time for deep sleep. Otherwise it will affect eyesight and body irritation.
Living in accordance with the above listed clock of organs enhanced with yogasanas will illuminate colour and health. This has been prescribed in Yogasastra.

Something Weird & Something Interesting

2005-10-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

somebody discovered that nobody can create a folderanywhere named as "con". Not only "con" but you can not create folder named as"aux" and "nul". This is something pretty cool...and unbelievable... At Microsoft the whole Team, including Bill Gates, couldn't answer why this happened! Try it out yourself...
******
Create a folder on the desktop and name it "Notepad". Put some files and folder under this folder
Now open any webpage in IE and see its view source. (Right click on the page and select view-source)

*****

Now to something interesting, Altavista had been the most successful search engine, Google entered with a clean welcome page, focus towards search and high speed results. The whole scenario has changed. Now take a look at some of the future possible search engines which can compete with Google.

http://clusty.com/

http://beta.previewseek.com/

http://www.kanoodle.com

All the three are looking promising. Let's see who emerge as winner. Each one of them have their strong points, though clusty & Preview seek almost work in a similar fashion. Previewseek presentation is what makes it different from the current set of search engines. Let us wait for the world to react.

The Power of Belief

2005-10-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

This article explains the power of Belief, Most of you would have faced this situation in life for some reason or other and it is 200% True.
Just think that if man hadn't believed the present world wouldn't have been the same. We wouldnt have had cars, electricity, flights, computers, medicine...oh this internet...everything and everything that we use today was the "Belief of some one"......
If Google had not believed, Would we have had the present search engine? ....Now i hope you would have got the message, TRUE
In order to succeed one must cultivate this habbit of belief. Only When you believe you would have realised to yourself that you are enthusiastic, powerful and highly skilled.
When everyone is born in this world all are one and the same, but then how are some top achievers while the rest lead a normal life. It is just the difference of the Belief.
Ambani Ji believed he can create a new business empire, when TATA's and BIRLA's where considered the primary business group. So is the example of Infosys, Wipro, Satyam or HCL they have all believed that they are going to make it to big league and worked upon the belief no matter what was the obstacle they came across.
If i take my own example of why i haven't done a few things i can automatically give reasons for why i haven't done them, similarly when you want something to be acheived the mind works out the way how you can reach the target...Thats the power of Belief.
I can keep on adding plenty of examples to support this "power of Belief" just to windup, it just takes your mind to Believe the following:
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't!
Good Luck,

The Story of a Cocoon

2005-10-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most famous short motivational stories that i have come across. hope i thought i would share it with you all over here.
The Cocoon
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force itsbody through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveledwings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that by restricting the cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to getthrough the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We wouldnot be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.
So have a nice day and struggle a little. You might find yourself flying high sooner.

About Me

2005-10-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

Hello All, This is Palani Balasundaram, from Outsourcing Heaven-" India". I am from Chennai(formerly Madras), the Gateway to South India. My First Blog was created long back when blogging was introduced but some how i didn't maintain it and hence this time i am making all efforts to see that i dont quit like earlier. I am just planing this blog to reflect upon various things that we have come across in life...hence the name "Therearview"....Its always very good to look back at the past.....sweet memories....i am also planing to use this blog to highlight the various developments happening....and also to meet similar minded bloggers....Here I am.....With ALL OF YOU in this OCEAN of BLOGGING....