Rumination of a Dreamer !

Whale Done!

2009-12-01T04:14:00.011+05:30

My brother-in-law gifted me the book "Whale Done" when he visited us for a day this June. I had been planning to read it ever since but other higher priority tasks prevented me from doing so. Finally, I got this opportunity last weekend and finished the book in just 4 hours..a record for me..:)
This book talks about the strategy applied by the trainers at "Sea World" to get the huge killer whales, among the most feared predators in the ocean, to perform amazing acrobatic leaps and dives. Their techniques of building trust, accentuating the positive, and redirecting the negative behavior make these extraordinary performances possible. The same techniques can be applied in the field of "Human Management" for the same results.

Here are the 3 important learnings from this book:

a) Accentuate The Positive - This is something that we have been learning since our school days... but how many of us really implement it in our daily lives? We have a tendency to step back, when the need arises to appreciate the good deeds done by people around us. Sometimes we even ignore them unknowingly, especially when the person is closely related to us.
However small those good acts be, they should not be taken for granted. Even a couple of words of praise can make someone's day and motivate him/her to keep doing better!

b) Ignore and Redirect the Negative-This is the tricky one! How can one ignore the negative? How can one ignore his son when he gets a bad grade in school? How can the manager ignore his team member who is always late in submitting his reports?
Going back to the "Sea World" - The killer whales were not applauded when they didn't do the act right during their training session i.e. no rubs on the stomach or food treats! They were just asked to repeat the task. If they still could not perform as per the trainer's expectation, they were assigned another task which they loved doing (Redirection). They were never punished!
So, we should try to ignore the negatives and give people another chance to improve instead of pouncing on them whenever they are wrong. If the situation still doesn't improve, redirect them to another task which they love doing or which matches their skill set.

c) Forget "GOTcha" and Implement "Whale Done"- This summarizes the above 2 points. We need to change our habit of "GOTcha" i.e. continuously finding faults in others. Instead of waiting to catch people doing things wrong we should try to catch them doing the things right! Note: "Right" does not mean that we need to wait for the task to get over and appreciate only when the deliverable is out. "Whale Done" should be applied at each right step and positive effort during the activitiy's lifetime.
(I know it's easier said than done!)

As per the author, these principles can increase one's productivity and supercharge one's effectiveness at both work and home. They could also enhance trust between entities and strengthen personal and professional relationships.
So, let's change our accusatory management style to "Whale Done" for a better managed and happier life!

...

2009-11-21T03:48:00.005+05:30

I reached Chicago on the 3rd and not a single day passed without remembering my last few days in Bangalore. I never missed it this much in my previous trips, probably because I am here for a longer duration this time.

I decided to list some of the things that I am missing the most..:(

1) Listening to my mother's voice 5-7 times a day on the phone
2) The jumps and hugs by my dog friends on seeing me return from office
3) My maid's daily question "didi aaj kya khayega?"
4) The pleasant weather and cool breeze in the evening
5) My long and heavy phone bills!
6) My golgappa treat in Indiranagar after a tough day at shopping...:)
7) Daily fights with the autorickshaw driver for charging me double!
8) The credit card, insurance and job offer calls on my cell...noone disturbs me here..:(
9) Rushing to the office every morning so that I don't miss the hot idli and vadas
10) My daily soaps on "Color"
11) The Kaju Katli and Gulabjamun birthday treats in office
12) My "hindi movie on dvd" and "Pizza on order" treat after my last exam on sunday evening
and lastly,
13) The unified barking and crying of the stray dogs when the domestic Retrievers and Labradors entered their area while on their daily evening walks!

The Rat Race!

2009-11-19T05:29:00.009+05:30

Gone are those days when the whole family came together for the evening tea and daily gossip. Now, one feels lucky to get home for dinner! Weekdays are spent fulfilling our coporation's dreams and weekends just pass by in a jiffy, completing the leftover activities of the preceding week. Each one of us seems to be running after something...a higher degree, a promotion, a better job, a larger house or even a better lifestyle. Some people want to be better than their friends or colleagues while others want to upgrade their current standards. Even at the personal front, the race is on for who is happier or richer or leading a better life. No one wants to stop for a break!
I have no complaints on this new approach that we have unknowingly adopted in these new times. I am just concerned about the pressure and stress that comes with it. The time that is disappearing like sand from our palms worries me everyday. Unfortunately, this realization generally dawns on most people when they drop out from the race. While some stop after reaching a targeted milestone, others just give up out of fatigue. Sadly, the world no longer looks inviting then and the energy and enthusiasm is all used up. The small dreams are lost somewhere on the way and a whole new world remains to be explored.
I used to fight with my mother whenever she cribbed about this new lifestyle. I always ignored her confident claims that the current situation will reverse to the old times very soon as that was the ideal way to lead a well balanced life. Though I continue to disagree with her on this point during our telephonic conversations (just to maintain my ego..;)), a small part of me keeps hoping for that day to arrive soon!

"Two States"

2009-11-18T05:48:00.008+05:30

I am a big fan of Chetan Bhagat's writing. I always end up connecting with the characters of the novel...whether he's the IIT student from his first book "The Five Point Someone" or the guy in love from his new addition "Two States". His simple writing style, touch of humour at the appropriate places and "closer to life" stories make his books stand out from the rest.

I just finished his latest book -"Two States". It's been said that this story is based on the author's life...Well, that makes it all the more interesting..:)
"Two States" is a story of how two people who hail from different states in India, fall in love and struggle to get their parents/soceity ready for their marriage. The states portrayed here are "Punjab" and "Tamil Nadu" and his book has covered the intricate details of each culture perfectly well. I could associate myself so easily with the Punjabi guy's family. Although, the initial chapters did not grasp my attention, the latter made up for everything! Getting both sets of parents together for the marriage was the best part and I just couldn't stop myself after that.
It reminded me so much of my marriage..btw, that's another reason for my biased review..:)

A very simple and commom plot...delivered beautifully! A must read!

Miss You Poku!

2009-08-21T03:04:00.005+05:30

[Note - This post is only for those who respect and love animals. Please ignore if you don't fall in that category]

It was the 18th of April last year when I lost a dear friend right in front of my eyes. Since he had become a very important part of my life, I promised to write something for him to keep him alive forever in my heart. It was not an easy task as the very thought of him brought tears to my eyes.I could never gather the courage to write about our special bond...the good times we spent together...the games we played...and the love that we shared. So, I decided to keep these memories safe in my heart and disclose them only when I am ready for it.

For now, I dedicate these beautiful lines to my friend...(though I picked them up from the web, they convey most of my feelings)...God bless his soul!

The dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometime, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.

Finally...

2009-06-23T00:31:00.002+05:30

Satyam was rechristened "Mahindra Satyam" few days back. I have been waiting for this decision for quite some time now and this announcement did not come as a big surprise. The rebranding reflects a blend of Mahindra group's core values with the IT expertise and client base of Satyam. It couldn't have been better!

Hoping this merger brings out the best in both the brands!

Here goes another one!

2009-06-22T02:58:00.003+05:30

UB40 - Don't break my heart. Awesome song with brilliant lyrics. Just can't stop listening!

It takes me 7 years back into my life - getting adjusted to a new city, lots to learn at my first job, having fun with a new set of friends, setting up my first apartment, excitement after receiving my first salary...Oh! How I wish I could go back there in time!

Isn't it strange how a song gets associated with a particular phase of your life? Every time I hear a track after a significant pause, I am reminded of the time when I heard it for the first time. Everything just flashes by before my eyes! I guess this is the best route by which I can travel into the past and relive those beautiful moments..:)

Eagles: Love will keep us alive

2009-05-17T22:22:00.003+05:30

I am a bulk shopper i.e. I do not shop every week or month, instead I go out once in 4-5 months and buy almost everything under the sun..:) Yesterday was one of my "shop till you drop" days and inspite of a "warning" tele call from my husband in the morning, I shopped for almost 7 hours..;)
Anyway, coming to the point, my shopping experience was immensely enhanced by the music playing in the background. The mall that I visited was "Bangalore Central" and I must say that their music collection was fabulous. One of the songs that specifically made my day was "Love will keep us alive" by Eagles. This is one of those songs that I can hear again and again without getting bored. I was introduced to it by my husband way back in 2002 and my bond with it still holds strong. Words fail me to describe how this song makes me feel. Those beautiful four minutes bring back all the good nostalgic moments of my life. I experience a unique blend of emotions, a divine feeling that makes me go numb and a mysterious melody that renders me speechless!

India's Enron!

2009-05-13T17:55:00.008+05:30

What happened?

Satyam Systems, a global IT company based in India, was found to be involved in fraudulent financial activities. The rough time for Satyam began in December last year when the world bank barred it for 8 years on account of "improper benefit to bank staff" and "lack of documentation on invoices". This was reported as the harshest sanction ever made by the bank since 2004! During the same time the "Satyam - Maytas" deal was facing the heat from its investors and the Indian government. Satyam's controversial decision to buy two unrelated business groups - Maytas infra and Maytas properties, both owned by the chairman's(Ramalingam Raju) son, led to adverse reactions from the investor community. This deal was called off within 24 hours of it's approval!

As predicted by many, Satyam's CEO Ramalingam Raju resigned on the 7th of January 2009 after notifying the board members and the SEBI that Satyam's accounts had been falsified. Following this announcement some US firms like Merrill Lynch terminated their contracts with the company, New York Stock Exchange halted trading Satyam stock and Satyam was also stripped off a prestigious corporate award that it had won in 2008. Needless to say, the employees of Satyam, it's customers and investors were both shocked and angry!

Resolution?

The Indian government dived in and appointed a new set of respectable members to Satyam's board so that this issue could be analyzed with seriousness and speed. The bidding process was kicked off soon after to select a suitable investor for Satyam. The new board shortlisted 6 bidders including Spice, L&T, Tech Machindra in one of it's last bidding rounds. Finally, on April 13 2009, Satyam saw some ray of hope when Pune based Tech Mahindra, a mid-tier IT services provider outbid its competitors for a 51% stake in the company.

What lies ahead?

Tech Mahindra is focused on the Telecom industry and most of its business comes from "British Telecom". The acquistion of Satyam will definitely help it diversify in other veticals like manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and auto along with Telecom and also enable it to expand itself in other markets like North America.

Will the name "Satyam" be retained? While many feel that the brand "Satyam" has lost its credibility, there are a few who still believe in it. I agree with the latter group. The employees of Satyam were not even aware of this fraud and the company's core values still stand strong. Why punish the brand for the misdeeds of a few? Besides, this acquistion in reality is more of an integration into Satyam as it has a bigger client and resource base. Well, here's the dilemma - The brand "Satyam" needs to be reduced in some way due to the bad reputation that it gained recently. On the other hand, it is more well known and better established than "Tech Mahindra". Some trade off would definitely be needed while blending these two brands. I sincerely hope it's in the best interests of both the companies.

Pehchan Kaun?

2009-05-07T23:06:00.005+05:30

"Laughter Challenge" used to be one of my favorite serials on TV. The season with Raju Srivastav, Sunil Pal and Navin was the best i have seen till date. I remember everyone being a fan of either Raju or Sunil in those days. Though they both performed consistently well, i was too impressed by one of the acts presented by Naveen Prabhakar. In this act he enacted a bar girl conversing with one of her customers.
Thanks to youtube i could see Naveen's act today after a long gap. Trust me, it still makes me laugh aloud.
So enjoy the video and keep smiling..:)

The Crisis of Credit

2009-05-05T20:49:00.008+05:30

My idiot box has been buzzing with news about recession, credit crunch, layoffs and the diminishing real estate market for the last six months approximately. I, being little poor in the "finance" related subjects, found most of this information going over my head. Each article that i read added a new perspective to the current economic crisis and with everyone around me sharing a different viewpoint on this situation, i just didn't know what to believe!

Finally i found an interesting video on google that explains the origin of this crisis. It's perfect for a layman like me...:) Now that i have some basic understanding, i can convert myself from a listener to a talker in the so called "recession discussions"...:)

http://www.crisisofcredit.com/

Hope you all find this link useful too.

Top 30 innovations of the last 30 years!

2009-03-01T05:46:00.002+05:30

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2163

A thought...

2008-08-06T19:36:00.007+05:30

Picked up these lines from one of "Robin sharma's" blog posts::

To paraphrase Oliver Wendell Holmes, "a mind once exposed to a new idea will never return to it's original dimensions." Powerful thought there. When you are exposed to a new idea in a book that you read, whether you really get that idea consciously or not, you are not the same person you were before you picked up that book. At some level, you have changed. You see the world a little differently. You have grown.

This is so true. I have felt it almost everytime, whether the book concerned a cartoon character like Calvin or some philosphical content like "The Alchemist". Each book leaves a unique impression on me which i carry with me all the time subconsciously!

Mango Mania...

2008-05-20T20:58:00.017+05:30

I have always been in love with mangoes...this relationship dates back to 1983-84 when i was a kindergarten kid. As per my dad, I used to run around the house carrying mangoes, in my little hands, and yelling "Manko Manko"...yes, thats how i pronounced it..:)
Time passed by and my attachment with this fruit grew stronger. My teen summers were spent savoring bowls full of fresh mangoes with my sister...each trying to get the bigger share! College life couldn't afford good quality mangoes; my mother used to help me out by packing a box full of this fruit along with the other neccesities whenever i left for my hostel after the summer vacations. Work life provided the opportunity to try all the varieties as i was not skilled enough to find the good ones from the lot..(Well, I am just skilled at eating it...:))

Chilled mangoshake, mango custard, mango icecreams and desserts....come summer and you get the access to this yummy array of Mango delicacies. No wonder its called the "The King of Fruits". I just can't imagine a summer without it!!!

I am glad that my bond with this fruit still stands strong after having spent more than a quarter century on earth!

Now, you won't believe this but i have a nicely sliced irresistible mango in front of me and i cant wait anymore to close this post.....;)

Aamir's Faux pas

2008-05-17T12:53:00.008+05:30

I was checking Aamir's blog yesterday after the news broke out that he has a dog named Sharukh and that he has even blogged about it!!!

I have always admired Aamir Khan; not just for his acting but also for his principles in life but his post "Settlers Of Panchgani" disappointed me a lot. I was not expecting this from a person of his calibre and i think i have lost all the respect i had for him.

I wonder why such successful role models indulge in such immature and unproffessional acts and embarass all their fans !

Serendipity!

2008-05-01T23:27:00.021+05:30

Have you ever been gripped by silence gazing at the sea while on a beach? Does the sound of the waves hitting the rocks periodically make your thoughts wander into an unknown land? Ever wondered why the camel caravans navigate through the desert in magical silence? Or why the bright flames of a fire burning before you put you in a pensive mood?

I stumbled upon the answer few days back while reading "The Alchemist". In the words of the author Paulo Coelho::

"But the desert is so huge , and the horizons so distant, that they make a person feel small, and as if he should remain silent"

Whether its the desert or the sea, fire or strong winds, their impressive elemental force always makes one surrender to their unseen power; introspective silence is the logical recourse.

Some of my favourite ads...

2007-11-09T00:43:00.000+05:30

Moto Razr

Moto Razr2

Moto Rokr

Check them out! Abhishek looks too cool in the last one!!!

If...

2007-10-04T22:41:00.000+05:30

Have you ever felt so triumphant that you forgot your basic responsibilities OR so upset that life seemed to have ended?
Well, something similar happened with us yesterday(luckily the former) and we wanted to come out of that ecstatic state. That's when my husband suddenly remembered these beautiful lines from Rudyard Kipling's famous poem "If".
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same
Just 2 lines and we were back on track...:)

Hope you enjoy this inspirational and motivating poem ::

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

Back As Promised !!!

2007-10-03T16:13:00.000+05:30

I am happy, rejuvenated and excited to be back in the blogging world!!!

I will start with the list of books that i am planning to enjoy for the next few months ::

Here they go ->

a) The Mating Season - Another of Wodehouse's creations...this had to be the first one in my list...great British humour...i make it a point to buy one PGW every 2 months...wish his collection never ended...:(

b) The Essential Calvin and Hobbes - My all time favourite...this book was gifted to me by a dear friend on my birthday.....have been waiting to read it since then.

c) The Monk who sold his Ferari - Amazing book by Robin Sharma....had read it once in June...want to read it again!

d) Short stories by W Somerset Maugham -The collection includes 30 stories that display the author's remarkable talent as a storyteller.

e) The World is Flat - Best selling book by Thomas L Friedman that talks about globalisation in the 21st century. Need to buy this one!

Well, thats the plan. Lets see how well i execute it!

Btw, try out these books whenever you get the chance(in case you have not).....they are worth it......Happy Reading!!!

Going on a Hiatus!

2007-09-13T13:12:00.001+05:30

Sad but true!!! I won't be able to contribute much to this blog till October as i am tied up with few things...:(

To keep you interested i am listing down some of the topics that i intend to cover once i am back ::

A) The hype about iPhone.
B) The books that i plan to buy and read in my holidays.
C) Waterfall vs Agile Process Modelling.
D) Our friend Leggy!

Stay tuned and see you all after the break ...:)

Goa - Paradise on Earth!

2007-09-11T12:43:00.000+05:30

Why am i writing about Goa?Hmm....let me think....maybe i am expecting the Goa tourism department to reward me with a free trip to Goa for advertizing their heaven......;).To be frank, i was mesmerised and intrigued by its beauty and serenity and wanted everyone in the blogging world to experience it!

It's a perfect holiday destination for those who are looking for fun as well as those who want a calm and tranquil time-off. It just depends on the time of your visit.Most of the tourists prefer the Xmas and new year season for Goa(thats what we did last year too) when it's bustling with activity.....lots of singing , dancing, cruise parties, shopping, feni and Goan food.
Rest of the year, it's calmer and duller and thats when we love it. Our 2nd visit was in August i.e last month...(ya, that makes it the 2nd one in 7 months...cant help it!!). Both of us being peace-loving creatures, we enjoyed a lot more this time.....;). The lonely sandy beaches, cloudy weather with light drizzles, empty lanes, bike rides along the sea and port wine with fried fish just made it perfect!!!

How to go there? Where to stay? Any cheap hotels? What are the tourist attractions? Don't worry, the internet is filled up with all the needed details. Another option would be to go with Makemytrip or Yatra.....they will take care of everything!
So, those of you who have not visited this wonderland till now......just pack your bags and "GO"!!!

है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है !

2007-09-07T13:24:00.000+05:30

Awesome poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan....every line carries a beautiful and "difficult to extract" meaning....reminds me of those tough Hindi classes in school where missing such a class was directly proportional to less marks.....:)

So, here goes another of my favourites -

कल्पना के हाथ से कमनीय जो मंदिर बना था
भावना के हाथ ने जिसमें वितानों को तना था
स्वप्न ने अपने करों से था जिसे रुचि से सँवारा
स्वर्ग के दुष्प्राप्य रंगों से, रसों से जो सना था
ढह गया वह तो जुटाकर ईंट, पत्थर, कंकड़ों को
एक अपनी शांति की कुटिया बनाना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

बादलों के अश्रु से धोया गया नभ-नील नीलम
का बनाया था गया मधुपात्र मनमोहक, मनोरम
प्रथम ऊषा की किरण की लालिमा-सी लाल मदिरा
थी उसी में चमचमाती नव घनों में चंचला सम
वह अगर टूटा मिलाकर हाथ की दोनों हथेली
एक निर्मल स्रोत से तृष्णा बुझाना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

क्या घड़ी थी, एक भी चिंता नहीं थी पास आई
कालिमा तो दूर, छाया भी पलक पर थी न छाई
आँख से मस्ती झपकती, बात से मस्ती टपकती
थी हँसी ऐसी जिसे सुन बादलों ने शर्म खाई
वह गई तो ले गई उल्लास के आधार, माना
पर अथिरता पर समय की मुसकराना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

हाय, वे उन्माद के झोंके कि जिनमें राग जागा
वैभवों से फेर आँखें गान का वरदान माँगा
एक अंतर से ध्वनित हों दूसरे में जो निरंतर
भर दिया अंबर-अवनि को मत्तता के गीत गा-गा
अंत उनका हो गया तो मन बहलने के लिए ही
ले अधूरी पंक्ति कोई गुनगुनाना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

हाय, वे साथी कि चुंबक लौह-से जो पास आए
पास क्या आए, हृदय के बीच ही गोया समाए
दिन कटे ऐसे कि कोई तार वीणा के मिलाकर
एक मीठा और प्यारा ज़िन्दगी का गीत गाए
वे गए तो सोचकर यह लौटने वाले नहीं वे
खोज मन का मीत कोई लौ लगाना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

क्या हवाएँ थीं कि उजड़ा प्यार का वह आशियाना
कुछ न आया काम तेरा शोर करना, गुल मचाना
नाश की उन शक्तियों के साथ चलता ज़ोर किसका
किंतु ऐ निर्माण के प्रतिनिधि, तुझे होगा बताना
जो बसे हैं वे उजड़ते हैं प्रकृति के जड़ नियम से
पर किसी उजड़े हुए को फिर बसाना कब मना है
है अँधेरी रात पर दीवा जलाना कब मना है

The Making Of RAZR !

2007-09-04T18:04:00.000+05:30

Couple of years back, a friend of mine (AB) forwarded this article to me that talks about the creation of RAZR. It covers almost everything; the conception of the idea from Jellicoe's sketches in a Libertyville pub, the formation of the RAZR team, the time constraints, focus on the "style factor", the daily status meetings that always got extended, the secrecy, the brainstorming sessions on the antenna and battery positioning, rule breaking and not to forget, Geoffrey Frost's marketing stunts!

My favourite part in the article is the end portion that says -

Last July several key players from the RAZR development team were asked to appear at a meeting of top executives at company headquarters. They weren't told why.
"Even when we were sitting in the room waiting to be called in, nobody was really quite sure what was going to happen," says Tadd Scarpelli, the young engineer who designed the RAZR's antenna.
Then, as the team members filed in, the executives awaiting them rose in applause, delivering a standing ovation - followed by news that the team members would also be rewarded with a boatload of stock options.
"It was surreal," says Scarpelli, who to this day approaches strangers in airports and asks them if they like "his" phone. Successful rule breakers, after all, have certain privileges.

The RAZR certainly has the 'wow' factor, but the way it was created is surprisingly simple, few innovative new components and space management by simple rearrangement of components.

I have lost count of the number of times i have read this story, but whenever i do, this inspiring tale gives me goose pimples...:)

Leisure!

2007-08-31T12:04:00.000+05:30

This poem is one of my childhood favourites. I think i was in the 3rd or 4th standard when i first read it....brings back a lot of good memories of my school days....!
I am dedicating this lovely poem to my busy husband who has no time to stand and stare at me...-:):)
(PS- i know that was a bad one...;)..)

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

Nokia's Strategy in India

2007-08-27T18:58:00.000+05:30

Finland based Nokia commands a 70% market share for mobile phones in India.How did Nokia take the lead?What were the other mobile giants doing?What was Nokia's strategy to win the Indian market?

Well, here are some of the answers ->

a) The company was completely focused on two core businesses - mobile phones and telecommunications networks.It exited from all it's other business domains. This gave it an edge over others who had consumer electronics, home appliances etc to take care of!

b) It made an early investment in the brand, people, infrastructure, manufacturing, distribution, design and R&D of the handset domain. Nokia entered the Indian market in 1994. The first ever GSM call in India was made on a Nokia 2110 mobile phone on its own network in 1995.

c) It was successful in utilizing the fundamental consumer differences between India and other countries.In other words it started thinking locally.Some of the examples::
1) It came up with tunes like Sare jahan se achcha in its 5110 model in 1998.
2) In 2000, its first Hindi user interface in the 3210 model gave it the confidence to target its product development efforts at the Hindi-speaking population.
3) It introduced the Hindi text messsaging facility in the 3610 in the year 2001.
4) The Nokia 1100, the first made-for-india phone was a huge success.It incorporated a flashlight, a sheath-covered keypad for dust protection and a slip-free grip.

d) It established several R&D centres, labs and manufacturing facilities in India before it's competitors. The $150 million handset manufacturing facility established by Nokia in Chennai in the year 2005 has a total production of over 25 million handsets!!!

e) It took care of building it's brand in India.With great marketing skills and promoting each platform(like the E and N series) rather than each product, there was no looking back!

Well,that summarizes Nokia's strategy for success in India.I might have missed out some stuff so do let me know in case anyone has a point to be added to this list!

For those who know me well, do not worry, i am still a hard core Motorola fan :)
As someone has rightly said -
“You have to like math. You need to learn it and be able to apply it to the problem in front of you, and some of it is just learning from other competitions.”

Law of Unintended Consequences

2007-08-08T13:07:00.000+05:30

I am sure every software engineer must have browsed through Pressman's software engineering bible at least once.I know it is too detailed and can get boring at times but it's worth a read for all the inspiring software engineers/managers.
Pressman starts the book(the 6th edition) by mentioning the "Law of Unintended Consequences". This law as it relates to software(it is applicable to economics and politics too) is the phenomenon where the invention of one technology can have profound and unexpected effects on other seemingly unrelated technologies, people or even cultures.

Today computer software is the single most important technology in the world. One cannot imagine a life without it.The development of software has made life easier and comfortable for the average individual.It is an essential ingredient of all of his day to day activities.
Starting from mainframes to embedded devices, software is found everywhere but it has hampered some other industries unknowingly.

I will take an example of the cell/mobile phone here.Cellular phones have taken the landline's position.The concept of being "Connected everywhere" or "Seamless Mobility" has made cell phones very popular.Besides this, a modern cell phone incorporates a calculator, watch, calendar, alarm, mp3 player, games etc. One would obviously prefer a cell phone to spending money on the individual items. As the Nokia N95 ad goes ..."There is a thing in my pocket, but it is not one thing, its many..."
The software industry is filled with many such examples like online newspapers, faster emails, chat sessions with data sharing, free mp3 and video downloads.......the list goes on....each affecting a traditional industry in some way...

It's strange and thought provoking how an innocent innovation can have such an unpredictable impact on the unrelated fields.I am sure we will soon have a technology that will make the software look useless and futile!!!

Rescue Animals!!!

2007-08-07T12:51:00.000+05:30

Click on this link to fund food for needy animals - http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces;jsessionid=06A24666328894A1F054D151E1D6CE63.ctgProd03

Every click provides the value of .6 bowls of food and care to a rescued animal in a shelter or sanctuary. You could also send e-cards or buy products from their pet store.

So, click now...it's FREE!!!

Rising rupee - Good or Bad?

2007-07-27T13:42:00.000+05:30

Came across an interesting article today that talks about the rising Indian Rupee.Once traded at 47 or 48, the rupee now hovers at 40 to the dollar. Is the rising rupee good or bad for India? While this increase creates problems for some companies that earn most of their revenues in dollars such as Wipro, Infosys and TCS -- it also creates opportunities for Indian firms by making it less expensive for them to acquire overseas assets.

Well, a strong rupee is good for the Indian consumer and as far as i am concerned, it's good news...:)

For more details check out - http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/india/article.cfm?articleid=4212

For all those who love to BUG...:)

2007-07-10T16:59:00.000+05:30

Chk this out -

http://www.rubal.net/swf/BuggingYou.swf

Orkut for pets?

2007-07-09T14:01:00.000+05:30

I came across this interesting website today - http://petnopolis.com/ ....This site allows you to create profiles for you and your pets too.....now, you can search for your friend and even his/her pet...:)
Tips,tricks,advice,pet queries,vet details,articles by the pet owners and even by the pets(in first person...:)) can be found here....!!!
Can we can we call it "Orkut for Pets"???...:)

There i go...

2007-07-06T15:53:00.000+05:30

After a long discussion or rather battle with myself, i have finally decided to blog...lets see how long the enthusiasm lasts...:)