Day 32- Head over Heart

This happened on one Friday night on my way back from Hyderabad.

Its 9.30 and I get in to a prepaid taxi at the domestic airport at Mumbai to go back home. The driver gets in but along with him a younger man, very casually, also gets into the taxi and sits next to the driver.

I ask the driver, "Yeh kaun hai?". The driver replies, "Yeh bhi driver hai...usey Andheri highway pe utarna hain". I sternly reply, "Usko utaaro... yeh nahi aayega hamare saath." The driver looks at me and smilingly says "Mere bharose ka aadmi hai" as if trying to reassure me. I retort, "Aapka uspe bharosa hoga, mera nahi hai. Unko abbhi utarne ko bolo". Hearing my indignant voice, the man gets off without a word and then me and the driver head home.

- This situation has probably happened with many of us. The man may have been harmless for all you know and would have gotten off at Andheri as was meant to be. But what if he wasn't! Now imagine an outsider from a small city in my situation. With all the naivete and simplicity, would have surely believed the driver and accepted his request, believing it to be true. 

So I asked myself, "Are these the unfortunate stories we see in newspapers?."

Better to go with the head than the heart in situations when we are dealing with strangers and strange situations. Safety is non-negotiable!

Day 31 - "Come, make in India" - An inspiring rhetoric!

For the first time in my life time I sat glued to my couch and watched the entire speech delivered by a Prime Minister on the occasion of India's Independence Day. It was NaMo's first address to the nation as a PM and what a speech it was. It was grounded, passionate, full of hope, rousing and more importantly it was about each of us - young and old, rich, middle class and poor - It was about a Billion Indians.


He spoke about the importance of building a positive national character, skill building and making youth employable, he emphasized on cleanliness and vision of Swacch Bharat by 2019 (to celebrate 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi) with toilets built in all schools, stressed on empowering the common man and on e-governance with focus on making a Digital India which would benefit the the smallest of towns with information and services, he spoke about launching a financial inclusion scheme to provide Rs. 1 lakh insurance to poor families. Through his speech, he inspired us to believe in a grand vision, “Come and Make in India”- inviting manufacturers from across the world to invest in India, and help boost India’s industrial growth. Also, called our attention to the importance of Zero Defect (product) and Zero effect (on environment) while doing so. Thus, making 'Made in India' a synonym of excellence. Indeed a grand vision which can only be expected of a man who's already established himself as pro investment and pro development during his reign as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

His rousing speech was not only about building a grand but realistic vision for India but he also took a moment to touch upon the various sensitive issues the citizens, more so women were facing in current times. He expressed his dismay on the recent rapes incidents frequently occurring around the country. He called on the parents to check and keep a tab on what their sons are up to rather than questioning their daughters. A sensitive point well made to a patriarchal society. Never before a PM has been upfront and addressed the nation on such delicate issues and that too so immaculately.

His speech was nowhere close to the empty rhetoric nor the monotonous fact presenting or humdrum report which we had grown accustomed to in previous years. In fact, many political veterans were quoted saying that it was the finest speech ever made by an Indian Prime Minister in a long time and also had many unique aspects. It was not only an awakening extempore speech but also it ran for over an hour, a longest speech probably only after the times of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Another first was that the PM spoke from the ramparts of the Red Fort without the customary protection of a bullet proof glass, bringing him even more close to the largest audience which has ever attended a Indian PM's address on Indy Day. And last but not the least at the beginning of his speech he once again drove attention to the point that he was not addressing the people of India as “Pradhan Mantri” but as “Pradhan Sewak” – the first servant.

It was truly a fantastic speech by the leader of our country and if I have to go only by the weight of words then I can safely say we are in good hands. As an Indian, I felt truly proud and
also secure about the future of billion Indians.

Now, keenly looking for the man to walk the talk! Hope springs eternal!

For those who would like to hear his speech. Click this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o1cxHe9TeD8

Day 30 - When 'Opting in' makes a huge difference.

This happened a week ago when I was traveling on work. It was my last evening in that city. I walked into the hotel room after a long day at work. Was glad to be back to what was my temporary abode for just one more day. The room service, like the past few days, was impeccable. And as I was admiring their handiwork, I noticed a small card placed on the neatly folded bed linen. It was a UNICEF card with two happy kids beaming on its cover and a caption which read 'Your $1 can change a child's life'. The card very succinctly highlighted how 100 million children miss out on the chance to go to school. It went to add how $1 can buy a notebook and how it can help a child to read and write and in turn have a chance for a better future. Then, what really caught my eye was that in order to support UNICEF's work, an extra US$1 was already being added to my hotel bill. If I agreed to it, I need not do anything but if I did not prefer to donate then I just had to inform them at the time of checking out.
And then the card signed off saying....
"$1 by $1, child by child. YOU can change the world."


I was an 'opt in' by default. If I didn't agree then I would have to opt out.

Very smart, I must say. Now tell me, who would mind a $1 being added to their hotel bill whether official or personal travel? Absolutely no one, right!

Now, it's been a week since I am back home. And since the last one week I have been seeing a series of advertisements and media coverage promoting August 13th as Organ Donation Day being propagated by Kokilaben Ambani Hospital and The Times of India. It's a noble cause which is also close to my heart. I was very happy to know that a big hospital and a leading newspaper have come together to create awareness for such a worthy initiative which has the potential to change the lives of millions who are either ailing or handicapped.
And then it suddenly occurred to me. We in India have the poorest rate of organ donation at 0.08 per million where as Spain which is acknowledged as the leader in organ donations has a whopping rate of 35.3 per million. A huge difference, right! And guess what, why is Spain so successful?

No prizes for guessing that one.

Spain has a legislation that acknowledges the presumed consent of the deceased donor (although the family's permission is compulsory), combined with highly qualified transplant coordinators who are permanently on call, that has added to high levels of legitimate organ transplants.
Which means, every Spaniard is considered as an 'opt in' case for organ donation unless his family thinks otherwise at the time of his/her death.
For such a fantastic cause isn't that the best policy to follow for any country. Undoubtedly, they have the best organ donation rate in the world. It's not compulsory, its still voluntary and yet so impacting. Tell me, how many would not want to donate their organs if given a choice.
So many lives saved, healed and made healthier.

I wonder, why do we not consider an 'opt-in' as a policy in India too. We have so many poor who have been in queues for a long time for an organ donor. On the other hand, the rich and influential manage to jump queues due to sheer money power. This policy may just wipe out the organ donation racket and many more will stand to benefit, and not just those who can wave a thick wad of currency notes.

The UNICEF promotion and Spain's organ donation policy are a case in point as to how a 'opt in' policy can be put to brilliant social causes. Seriously, it has potential to make a huge difference!

Day 29 - Just a short story

Had been stuck in office for a late assignment. It was time to wrap up work so I picked the cell phone to call my hubby. Its our small ritual so he knows that I am on my way especially when its beyond 9 in the night. His number is engaged for a long time. I wait for him to revert. No luck! He does not call back. That's uncharacteristic of him. So I try again and this time it rings for a long time but he does not pick up. I am irritated. Doesn't he know that its late and I am trying hard to get through to him. Or may be he's in the bathroom and so I try once more. But even now still no reply. Why is he not responding when he is supposed to be comfortably ensconced at home. Now I am totally furious and even sad. I have been trying to get through him continuously for 10 minutes. Typically, he will drop a message if he is not able to call back. But not a trace of that too.I shut down my lap top, pick up my bags, my lunch box and grab the keys of my office. I am stomping my way down the passage thinking of his callous attitude. I decide to try one last time as I am about to step out. His phone rings yet again. But this time the ring is not just filling up my ears, the familiar Nokia tune is also wafting into the office entrance door. It takes only a few seconds for it to sink in and I am standing, rooted to the ground and grinning from ear to ear. He picks my laptop bag and my other paraphernalia but he does not realize that in that single moment he has also swept me off my feet.


Moral - Why is it that we lose patience with those we love more than anyone? Why are we so much more patient with strangers than with ourselves and loved ones?

Day 28 - Poochne mein kya jaata hai!

This happened quite some time back when my office colleague and boss were on their way to an overseas official trip. They both were hanging around at the airport after clearing the security and my boss being an avid shopper could not resist entering one of the duty free shops. It turned out to be an exclusive showroom for designer watches. Within few minutes (like most men I know)he had zeroed in on one of the fancy watches in the showcase. It was the model he had been eying for a long time and finally he had found it! As my boss was checking on the price to make the payment, my colleague who was till now busy drooling over the encased time pieces joined him. He very casually asked him the price of the watch in his hand and literally fell backwards upon hearing the hefty figure. In his very natural instinct he asked my boss whether there was any discount being offered on the watch. On hearing this, my boss rolled his eyes in disbelief and said, "No way. This is a duty free shop where prices are fixed and you don't bargain here of all the places." He further added, "By the way, I don't mind if YOU are going to ask this question to the salesman over the counter but I am definitely not with you.' Saying this my boss slinked away as if disowning my colleague who was about to ask an embarrassing question. My colleague was not going to relent. He went straight up to the smiling face in the dapper suit and asked him plainly if there was any discount on the time piece. Guess what! After much humming and hawing the salesman politely answered, 'Well sir, we can offer you a 15% discount on this watch. If you are fine with the price, should I go ahead and gift wrap it for you?'  Well, well, well! Can you guess what the scene would have been like as they both collected the watch and exited the showroom?
Obviously, my colleague had the 'cat who got the cream' look on his face but my boss (as he accepted later) had learned a great lesson that day. 'Poochne mein kya jaata hain'.
Since that incident, every meeting, our boss recounts the incident to all those who have not heard about it and emphasizes the importance of asking and negotiating. Whether one is asking, negotiating, seeking help, looking for advice or just clarifying a doubt; asking never hurt anybody. A lot of people don't ask because of the fear that they may look small, naive, dumb, helpless etc. But no, that's not the case at all. If at all it does any change, it's only positive. It makes us better and 'richer' than what we were before. In fact, I remember a Tata Sky campaign which ran very successfully in 2013 with the theme - 'Poochne Mein Kya Jaata Hain'. It was a great execution by the creative team of this simple but often ignored insight. They used it effectively to convey their message about a discount offer on Tata Sky package being promoted.

And above all, doesn't the Bible also say, 'Ask and you shall receive'. So go ahead I say, its never too late to ask!

Day 27 - When you find all the answers in your cupboard!

Cleaning stuff gives me a big high. Whether its cleaning my cupboard, shoe rack, my dressing table drawer, my jewellery box, the attic, the medicine kit, the kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, what have you. Cleaning and organizing gives me the bliss that's unequivocal. Also, disposing off or chucking away all those things which are worn out, defunct, useless or don't use anymore is another pleasure altogether. As a kid, I won't be lying if I tell you that I used to actually envy (secretly) the job of the municipality sweepers. I thought they had a cool job and even felt that I could do their job with much more flourish, exactness and that's no 'sweeping' statement.
Obviously, I never could fulfill my childhood fantasy and the chance to wield my personal broom stick! But as the years moved on, so did my versions of 'What I would like to be, when I grow up?' fantasies.
So here I am, fulfilling one of my long withheld desire,  not as a professional (thankfully!) but as a hobbyist. To me, there is no greater joy than unearthing a few trinkets from the hidden crannies, extricating an old pair of jeans that I once again can fit into, finding a silk scarf I thought was lost forever and many such moments of discovery. Not to mention, the favorite cream bottles, oils, shampoos and moisturizing lotions which were unused for long but finding them to be still within their expiry dates. Fancy leather sandals which I thought had 'kicked' the bucket and then find them to still have many years in them. Also, the Tupperware storage containers I thought had been sent to next door neighbor to share some home cooked experiments and never came back, only to find them 'self-contained' and sitting smugly in a corner. And hey, I forgot to mention the many forgotten timeless classics that I stumble upon as I reach out my hand deep inside the library shelf. There is definitely serendipity at work here.


Just like all my previous 'clean-up' weekends, this one too went off exactly as expected, rummaging, clearing and cleaning, albeit with a small difference.
As I was cleaning the medicine cabinet and  going through the many tablet strips, ointments, balms, vitamin capsules, tubes, sprays, I had a sudden realization, as if like a shot in the arm .
I remembered a Hindi lesson that we learned way back in school, 'Mama ki Ainak'. The Mama in the story i.e. the Uncle goes around the whole house searching everywhere looking for his spectacles which have been misplaced, only to realize much later that they were sitting all along on his forehead.

Isn't our life exactly like this? We all go through life seeking answers for questions, problems, issues, difficult situations at one point or another. To find the key to the lock, we go out to hunt for it. Though each of us have our own method of seeking the right answers, the one thing common for sure is, we forget to look for it within us to begin with. We fail to realize that the 'magical solution' is not outside or anywhere else but lies within us. We are just not attuned to seek it where its supposed to be. So, just like 'Mama ki Ainak', we go about searching high and low, here and there to find it, obviously without any result. All we need to do is just 'change our lens' and perspective and then it becomes all crystal clear.
That weekend as I sat amongst the mess sifting the old medicines from the new, I didn't anticipate that my old childhood fantasy would eventually help me 'find' the simple elixir of life along with a few strips of Vitamin D3 tablets.

Next time, when I am searching for something (answers), I must remember to first check my cupboard (my soul) before I go out shopping (seeking) for it elsewhere.

Day 26 - Laughter is the best medicine!

"Laughter is the best medicine", a many times heard before quote. In school it was just something I learned by rote. During the carefree college days, I experienced, understood its true meaning and that's something to note. But in my busy life today, it's every other thing I dote on more and poor laughter gets the last vote.
Indeed a sad situation all too common nowadays, where laughter has been forgotten as we have all become wet blankets and dusty, old turncoats.

We have become more serious and grim and less funny than ever before. It's not a surprise then that we are all falling sick more often than earlier. We need laughter clubs to compel ourselves to laugh, that too with strangers. And we need TV sitcom marathons to help us find and tickle our rusty funny bones. The only laughter we hear (or rather see) nowadays is either in the form of LOL, LMAO or ROFL. A laughter which has lost its voice just like the songstress from yesteryear.

So I ask, where is that laughter which emanated from the bottom of our heart and our protruding belly? Or where is that full throated roaring laugh which came from the biggest guy in the nearby gully? When was the last time you laughed so hard that you cried or peed in your pants (yes, that also happens with some people)? Or when was the last time you laughed uncontrollably without any rhyme or rant?
It just seems such a long time ago, isn't it. Indeed a serious matter but laugh it off, we just can't! (ironically).

We take ourselves too seriously and attribute laughter as trivial and fluff. But what we don't realize is that it's our all time trump card more so when the going gets tough. Nothing can soften a hard stand or loosen a tight situation like good humor can. The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow, H. G. Wells once said, which all of us must remember as long as we can.

"Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone" is the popular phrase we all know. Let us break away from our hardened shells, let our hair down and be at ease with our best friend 'laughter', we all used to know.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted" is what Charlie Chaplin once said. We need to reexamine how we lead our lives to know how without laughter it gets weighed.

To sum it up, Mark Twain very rightly said, "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter".

Its time we stopped taking ourselves so seriously. Life is too short so lets enjoy a good laugh as we are not going to last here.