Anyone who's ever worked at Nariman Point knows that the elevators suck. It can easily take you 15-20 minutes to get from the ground floor to the desired point.
Well, the head of a company who has an office in one such building made an interesting observation today. He said and I quote:
"Ever since smoking was banned in public places you can't hang out just outside the office, or in the stairwell, and grab a smoke. You have to walk down and smoke outside the building."
(Not sure if even *that* is allowed but I guess there are fewer chances of getting into trouble)
"Well, the long and short of it is that with the lift situation being what it is, junta is forced to use the stairs. In the process, most smoking types have either lost a helluva lotta weight. Or simply cut down on smoking."
From half a pack a day they're down to 2-3 suttas - at least during working hours.
So in case you're wondering, the ban on smoking in public IS having an impact...
And the next time you cool your heels at Express Towers remember - the humble elevator is also playing its part!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson R.I.P.
Michael Jackson is dead. As far as I am concerned, the Michael Jackson I loved died a long time ago. What went on 25th June was just the pale shadow.
What was Michael's problem, you might wonder. He had talent, he had money, he had fame, he had fans. he had 'everything' most of us can only dream about.
The trouble was none of it mattered. Deep down inside, Michael hated himself.
That's why he underwent a zillion surgeries.
That's why he went wacko in many different ways.
That's why he was taking painkillers, on which it is believed he OD'ed.
The kind of pain he had though, could not be killed with any drug. Except love.
Self love.
As another singer who's also gone somewhat cuckoo in recent times once crooned, "Learning to love yourself... is the greatest love of all"!
Remember that! Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eye and say it to yourself:"No matter what - I love you, as you are."
And say a prayer for Michael and the little boy inside him who spent a lifetime looking, for the 'King of Pop', to say those very words.
P.S. You might want to pick up a book called 'You can Heal your Life' by Louise Hay. It will help you look into that mirror... and believe what you're saying!
What was Michael's problem, you might wonder. He had talent, he had money, he had fame, he had fans. he had 'everything' most of us can only dream about.
The trouble was none of it mattered. Deep down inside, Michael hated himself.
That's why he underwent a zillion surgeries.
That's why he went wacko in many different ways.
That's why he was taking painkillers, on which it is believed he OD'ed.
The kind of pain he had though, could not be killed with any drug. Except love.
Self love.
As another singer who's also gone somewhat cuckoo in recent times once crooned, "Learning to love yourself... is the greatest love of all"!
Remember that! Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eye and say it to yourself:"No matter what - I love you, as you are."
And say a prayer for Michael and the little boy inside him who spent a lifetime looking, for the 'King of Pop', to say those very words.
P.S. You might want to pick up a book called 'You can Heal your Life' by Louise Hay. It will help you look into that mirror... and believe what you're saying!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stay Hungry crosses the 100,000 mark
I'm happy to share with you all a significant moment: my book 'Stay Hungry Stay Foolish' has crossed sales of 1 lakh copies!
To celebrate this occassion, the publishers - CIIE, IIM Ahmedabad - have organised an event in Bangalore on 2nd July. And you, dear readers, are cordially invited!
Date: Thursday, 2nd July 2009
The Venue: Spring Hall, Hotel Royal Orchid
1, Golf Avenue Adjoining KGA Golf Course
Off HAL Airport Road, Bengaluru 560 008
Time: 5- 7 pm
Agenda:
* Release of 100,000th copy of Stay Hungry Stay Foolish as well as the Kannada edition of the book
* Launch of the first CIIE Mentorship network in Bangalore city, spearheaded by IIMA alumni
* Opportunity to interact and network with alumni, business leaders and entrepreneurs.
IIM Bangalore director Pankaj Chandra and IIM Ahmedabad dean B H Jajoo will be present on the occasion. We're also expecting several of the entrepreneurs featured in the book, to be in attendance.
It is a weekday and early evening but I hope you are able to join us!
Pls do send me an RSVP at the earliest as we have limited seats :)
As always, drop me a line at rashmi_b at yahoo.com
P.S. I will be in Bangalore from Tue-Thu next week. Would be nice to meet some of you! Any students of IIM B? I will be @ yr campus on Jun 30.
To celebrate this occassion, the publishers - CIIE, IIM Ahmedabad - have organised an event in Bangalore on 2nd July. And you, dear readers, are cordially invited!
Date: Thursday, 2nd July 2009
The Venue: Spring Hall, Hotel Royal Orchid
1, Golf Avenue Adjoining KGA Golf Course
Off HAL Airport Road, Bengaluru 560 008
Time: 5- 7 pm
Agenda:
* Release of 100,000th copy of Stay Hungry Stay Foolish as well as the Kannada edition of the book
* Launch of the first CIIE Mentorship network in Bangalore city, spearheaded by IIMA alumni
* Opportunity to interact and network with alumni, business leaders and entrepreneurs.
IIM Bangalore director Pankaj Chandra and IIM Ahmedabad dean B H Jajoo will be present on the occasion. We're also expecting several of the entrepreneurs featured in the book, to be in attendance.
It is a weekday and early evening but I hope you are able to join us!
Pls do send me an RSVP at the earliest as we have limited seats :)
As always, drop me a line at rashmi_b at yahoo.com
P.S. I will be in Bangalore from Tue-Thu next week. Would be nice to meet some of you! Any students of IIM B? I will be @ yr campus on Jun 30.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Book review: 'Stranger to History'
'Who am I', is a question most of us ask at some point as we grow up. But after examining the evidence and experimenting with the 'other' we settle into the comfort of our cocoons. The family, community, religion of our birth.
A few, very few, have the unique position and privilege of belonging, and yet standing apart. And their quest for identity throws up questions that increase our understanding of the whole.
If you've read Barack Obama's 'Dreams from my father' - you know exactly what I mean. Aatish Taseer's 'Stranger to History' reminded me so much of that book - different locations, but similar circumstances!
Obama was born of an African father and white mother, and grew up with his grandparents in Hawaii.
Aatish was born of an Indian mother and Pakistani father, and grew up with his Sikh grandparents in Delhi.
Both fathers abandoned their sons at a very early age and were absent from their lives as they grew up.
Ultimately, each of them embarked on a journey to find out who they were; and in the process examined what it means to be black (Obama) and to be a Muslim (Taseer).
'Stranger to History' is sub-titled 'A Son's Journey through Islamic Lands' and that's exactly what it is. The story alternates between the 'son' discovering himself and Islam in its many forms.
The first 'big principle' Aatish discovers is that wherever he went, "there was some current of macho comradeship and familiarity" Never mind that he did not feel particularly Muslim, or even know the right way to pray. His name, and parentage were reason enough to be accepted by the faithful.
That belonging, or 'extra national' Islamic identity is a thread that runs through most of the book.
In fact, this project came about after an article Aatish wrote about second generation Pakistani radicals - born in Britain - who bombed London buses and trains in 2005. When he sent the article to his father, Taseer senior responded by saying that Aatish was doing his family name disservice by spreading 'anti-Muslim propaganda'.
"To me, the most interesting aspect of the letter: my father, whi drank Scotch every evening, never fasted or prayed, even ate pork... was offended as a Muslim by what I had written."
Doubtless, that sentence alone would have caused further embarassment to Salman Taseer, a prominent figure in Pakistan who is now serving as Governor General of the Punjab province!
But the question that journalist in Aatish is asking is this:"Am I Muslim because of my outward appearance and adherence to certain rules laid down in 6th century Arabia?" He seeks answers across lands and cultures...
The journey begins in Turkey, a country where Kemal Ataturk banished the fez, the veil, changed the script to Roman and ended the office of caliph in the early twentieth century.
But he finds that even in this Turkey there are now outposts where people have adopted Arabic dress and radical Islam. And young men like Abdullah who sincerely believe that "Muslims have to be at the top.. we have to determine all the things in the world, otherwise we won't be free ourselves."
From Istanbul Aatish goes to Syria, where there is no free press or intellectual life and under the watch of a fierce secret police,the mosque became the only place for people to congregate and discuss politics. He observes that important issues are raised from the mosque and then 'smothered in prayer'.
The Grand Mufti at Abu Nour seeks "to restore believers to a pure historical and political world order, free of incursions from the modern world". It's the same desire that prompts young radicals to bomb those London trains.
Aatish describes the sermons as "a long narrative of former greatness and defeat, reversible not through education, new ideas or progress but through closer attention to the letter of the Book". An example which would have been funny had it not been so... mindblowing is a man asking a priest if his wife is permitted to wear nailpolish.
"Expecting the answer to be no, he is surprised when the priest says that of course she can; why shouldn't she look beautiful? However, it is written that when she washes for prayer, the water must touch every part of her body, including her nails... So yes, she can wear nailpolish as long as she removes it every time she is at prayer: five times a day!"
Aatish then proceeds to Mecca where he completes the Haj, feeling like a 'fraud' and is 'found out' in a sense when at the House of God he is ticked off for wearing strings from various Sufi shrines in India. Islam, as defined by the Wahabbis, does not approve of that...
The most interesting part of the book is the time Aatish spends in Teheran. And especially in the context of the current unrest in that country, there are many insights.
In Iran, Aatish meets Muhammad Rahimi, an ITT Delhi graduate who enthusiastically participated in overthrowing the Shah of Iran. He was one of those who stormed the Iranian embassy in New Delhi and took the Ambassador hostage. But the whole night, people were drinking and partying - and the next day the same men were standing in a formal ceremony and reading from the Koran.
What kind of Islamic revolution was this? Muhammad was deeply disillusioned and decided to quit the idea of politics altogether.
"And you know what's worst? They burnt our libraries and books. They tried to kill Farsi!.. Textbooks are shortening the country's pre-Islamic history.. The youth of today are strangers to their history!"
It seems like Islam may have led a revlution but it could not win the hearts and minds of its people. "Have you seen the mosques?" says a young man called Amir."They're empty but for a few people and Basiji (militia of young Iranian men whom the regime uses to enforce religious morality)."
"If you look into their eyes, they seem like a different species. We call them Homo Islamicos."
Aatish observes that 'trifles' had become the instrument with which regimes sought to control their population. How you can dress, or eat, or whether or not you can party... And what's more the regime is completely corrupt so ultimately you can 'buy your lashes'!
Phew. From the Danish cartoons which set the Muslim world on fire, to the assasination of Benazir Bhutto, Aatish manages to experience it all. And transmit to the reader some thoughts, some ideas that linger.
"The world is richer in its hybrids', he concludes. If only religion-driven men and women of all faiths and hues realised that!
However the book is not an easy read... I think it's been heavily edited so as to not get the author in trouble because he prefers to quote others speaking, much of the time. Unlike Obama's memoir which was so much more personal, and touched me so deeply!
I also wish Aatish had desisted from showing off from time to time, by using very GRE word list type words! "Conflation', mala maayat nahi!
But I still recommend 'Stranger to History' for its braveness and its boldness. Writing about religion is a delicate and hazardous task; I think Aatish has managed it skilfully.
Lastly and quite irrelevantly, in a ruffian-sort-of-way, the guy is very good-looking. Half Pakistani-half Sikh is an explosive combination :)
Rs 495, Pan Macmillan (hope the paperback version is cheaper!)
P.S. There are multiple covers of this book. The pic featured with this review is not the one selling in India. Shall scan the Indian version and upload tomorrow!
A few, very few, have the unique position and privilege of belonging, and yet standing apart. And their quest for identity throws up questions that increase our understanding of the whole.
If you've read Barack Obama's 'Dreams from my father' - you know exactly what I mean. Aatish Taseer's 'Stranger to History' reminded me so much of that book - different locations, but similar circumstances!
Obama was born of an African father and white mother, and grew up with his grandparents in Hawaii.
Aatish was born of an Indian mother and Pakistani father, and grew up with his Sikh grandparents in Delhi.
Both fathers abandoned their sons at a very early age and were absent from their lives as they grew up.
Ultimately, each of them embarked on a journey to find out who they were; and in the process examined what it means to be black (Obama) and to be a Muslim (Taseer).
'Stranger to History' is sub-titled 'A Son's Journey through Islamic Lands' and that's exactly what it is. The story alternates between the 'son' discovering himself and Islam in its many forms.The first 'big principle' Aatish discovers is that wherever he went, "there was some current of macho comradeship and familiarity" Never mind that he did not feel particularly Muslim, or even know the right way to pray. His name, and parentage were reason enough to be accepted by the faithful.
That belonging, or 'extra national' Islamic identity is a thread that runs through most of the book.
In fact, this project came about after an article Aatish wrote about second generation Pakistani radicals - born in Britain - who bombed London buses and trains in 2005. When he sent the article to his father, Taseer senior responded by saying that Aatish was doing his family name disservice by spreading 'anti-Muslim propaganda'.
"To me, the most interesting aspect of the letter: my father, whi drank Scotch every evening, never fasted or prayed, even ate pork... was offended as a Muslim by what I had written."
Doubtless, that sentence alone would have caused further embarassment to Salman Taseer, a prominent figure in Pakistan who is now serving as Governor General of the Punjab province!
But the question that journalist in Aatish is asking is this:"Am I Muslim because of my outward appearance and adherence to certain rules laid down in 6th century Arabia?" He seeks answers across lands and cultures...
The journey begins in Turkey, a country where Kemal Ataturk banished the fez, the veil, changed the script to Roman and ended the office of caliph in the early twentieth century.
But he finds that even in this Turkey there are now outposts where people have adopted Arabic dress and radical Islam. And young men like Abdullah who sincerely believe that "Muslims have to be at the top.. we have to determine all the things in the world, otherwise we won't be free ourselves."
From Istanbul Aatish goes to Syria, where there is no free press or intellectual life and under the watch of a fierce secret police,the mosque became the only place for people to congregate and discuss politics. He observes that important issues are raised from the mosque and then 'smothered in prayer'.
The Grand Mufti at Abu Nour seeks "to restore believers to a pure historical and political world order, free of incursions from the modern world". It's the same desire that prompts young radicals to bomb those London trains.
Aatish describes the sermons as "a long narrative of former greatness and defeat, reversible not through education, new ideas or progress but through closer attention to the letter of the Book". An example which would have been funny had it not been so... mindblowing is a man asking a priest if his wife is permitted to wear nailpolish.
"Expecting the answer to be no, he is surprised when the priest says that of course she can; why shouldn't she look beautiful? However, it is written that when she washes for prayer, the water must touch every part of her body, including her nails... So yes, she can wear nailpolish as long as she removes it every time she is at prayer: five times a day!"
Aatish then proceeds to Mecca where he completes the Haj, feeling like a 'fraud' and is 'found out' in a sense when at the House of God he is ticked off for wearing strings from various Sufi shrines in India. Islam, as defined by the Wahabbis, does not approve of that...
The most interesting part of the book is the time Aatish spends in Teheran. And especially in the context of the current unrest in that country, there are many insights.
In Iran, Aatish meets Muhammad Rahimi, an ITT Delhi graduate who enthusiastically participated in overthrowing the Shah of Iran. He was one of those who stormed the Iranian embassy in New Delhi and took the Ambassador hostage. But the whole night, people were drinking and partying - and the next day the same men were standing in a formal ceremony and reading from the Koran.
What kind of Islamic revolution was this? Muhammad was deeply disillusioned and decided to quit the idea of politics altogether.
"And you know what's worst? They burnt our libraries and books. They tried to kill Farsi!.. Textbooks are shortening the country's pre-Islamic history.. The youth of today are strangers to their history!"
It seems like Islam may have led a revlution but it could not win the hearts and minds of its people. "Have you seen the mosques?" says a young man called Amir."They're empty but for a few people and Basiji (militia of young Iranian men whom the regime uses to enforce religious morality)."
"If you look into their eyes, they seem like a different species. We call them Homo Islamicos."
Aatish observes that 'trifles' had become the instrument with which regimes sought to control their population. How you can dress, or eat, or whether or not you can party... And what's more the regime is completely corrupt so ultimately you can 'buy your lashes'!
Phew. From the Danish cartoons which set the Muslim world on fire, to the assasination of Benazir Bhutto, Aatish manages to experience it all. And transmit to the reader some thoughts, some ideas that linger.
"The world is richer in its hybrids', he concludes. If only religion-driven men and women of all faiths and hues realised that!
However the book is not an easy read... I think it's been heavily edited so as to not get the author in trouble because he prefers to quote others speaking, much of the time. Unlike Obama's memoir which was so much more personal, and touched me so deeply!
I also wish Aatish had desisted from showing off from time to time, by using very GRE word list type words! "Conflation', mala maayat nahi!
But I still recommend 'Stranger to History' for its braveness and its boldness. Writing about religion is a delicate and hazardous task; I think Aatish has managed it skilfully. Lastly and quite irrelevantly, in a ruffian-sort-of-way, the guy is very good-looking. Half Pakistani-half Sikh is an explosive combination :)
Rs 495, Pan Macmillan (hope the paperback version is cheaper!)
P.S. There are multiple covers of this book. The pic featured with this review is not the one selling in India. Shall scan the Indian version and upload tomorrow!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Career query of the week
An offbeat one!
Hi Rashmi,
There seems to be a bit of a lack on information on the scope and employment opportunities after completing International Relations. Also, JNU and Jamia are the only known universities offering the course.
I have decided to prepare for its entrances for this year with no agenda whatsoever. I just like the subject. It would be great of you to throw some light on this field, possible career avenues as well as the best universities India and abroad. So far I can only see my option in foreign affairs journalism.
Regards,
JSB
I can think of IFS/ IAS and a career as a professor, as possible outcomes. One could also work for a thinktank and/or a United Nations kind of post (but there must be some route to achieve that - an IR degree is just basic groundwork).
If you have any info which can shed some light on JSB's question, do share the same in the comments!
Hi Rashmi,
There seems to be a bit of a lack on information on the scope and employment opportunities after completing International Relations. Also, JNU and Jamia are the only known universities offering the course.
I have decided to prepare for its entrances for this year with no agenda whatsoever. I just like the subject. It would be great of you to throw some light on this field, possible career avenues as well as the best universities India and abroad. So far I can only see my option in foreign affairs journalism.
Regards,
JSB
I can think of IFS/ IAS and a career as a professor, as possible outcomes. One could also work for a thinktank and/or a United Nations kind of post (but there must be some route to achieve that - an IR degree is just basic groundwork).
If you have any info which can shed some light on JSB's question, do share the same in the comments!
Quick Gun Tiffin Mum
For the last 5 years, I've led a life of luxury. No I don't own Cartier jewellery, yachts or a penthouse. I've had a live-in maid who has managed every single aspect of my domestic life.
Well, salad days are coming to an end as Lata ab hamare yahaan kuch hi mahinon ke mehmaan hai. Yup, she will soon leave to get married and start a new life. And a new life it will be for me as well.
Of course we will manage with part time help, a cook and so on and so forth. But one thing that I know I need to manage personally is my daughter's school lunch. Short break and long break - and you know what, I've decided to take it up as a challenge.
I have never been a 'traditional' mother. The kind the Apeejay school textbook in KG class described as 'looks after all of us while father goes to work'. (I kid you not, such a textbook exists and I have preserved it, for the record!)
The closest compliment I have received on cooking from my family is Nivedita writing an essay on 'Meri maa' where she remarks in sentence 5: "My mother makes very good salad". (Note - I do, actually, the kind which you see spread out in salad bars. But you see it's more of imaginative cutting and chopping, mixing and matching, than anything else :)
Actually I can cook but have never needed to or wanted to... but I think inside every woman there is a little voice which yearns to be known as the mom who makes the bestest cupcakes (can still remember the ones made by Geeta and Girija's mother in our colony!).
Refer the opening pages of Allison Pearson's 'I don't know how she does it' for further confirmation on that point.
So. I have decided to take up the Challenge of the Indian School Tiffin Box. This tiffin must be:
a) Tasty: And by this I mean the box should come home wiped clean.
b) Healthy: Fried and bazaar bought stuff won't make the grade.
c) Speedy: I will not spend more than 15 minutes preparing it. Which mom has more time than that?
Ideally, the lunch must look good as well :)
Now you might say we in India already have quite a bit of variety - from parathas to pulao to uttapam, idlis and poha. But here's the problem: Vast number of kids don't find it exciting enough. Remember the ad for Kissan jam where the mom runs after the child with a spoon - a lot of Indian homes see scenes like that!
My theory is that Indians go through a cyclical eating pattern:
a) V early childhood: Daal-chawal-roti-sabzi
b) Early childhood: First discovery of pizzas, burgers and emotional blackmail. Gradual descent into nutritional hell
c) Late childhood and adolescence: Discovery of more forbidden food (and drink), rejection of 'tiffin'.
d) Late teens/ 20s: Hostel and bachelor pad phase. New found respect for simple ghar ka khana.
e) Thirty +: Reverse snobbery, WILL stride into office with 5 storey tiffin box.Eat your hearts out - everyone. Mujhe to bhai aur koi khana suit hi nahin karta.
Anyhow, the long and short of it is that I have decided to put some energy into making exciting school lunches and 'short breaks'. Nawt everyday - but once in a week.
Don't worry, dear readers. I shall create a separate blog to showcase my culinary experiments... And record with honesty how they were received by Nivedita & friends.
Suggestions/ recipes from tiffin-makers (or eaters) welcome. Anyone who can help me figure out the calorie and nutrient value of my experiments - pls get in touch as well! As always, the id is rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
May a thousand Buddhas smile upon my cooking :)
Well, salad days are coming to an end as Lata ab hamare yahaan kuch hi mahinon ke mehmaan hai. Yup, she will soon leave to get married and start a new life. And a new life it will be for me as well.
Of course we will manage with part time help, a cook and so on and so forth. But one thing that I know I need to manage personally is my daughter's school lunch. Short break and long break - and you know what, I've decided to take it up as a challenge.
I have never been a 'traditional' mother. The kind the Apeejay school textbook in KG class described as 'looks after all of us while father goes to work'. (I kid you not, such a textbook exists and I have preserved it, for the record!)
The closest compliment I have received on cooking from my family is Nivedita writing an essay on 'Meri maa' where she remarks in sentence 5: "My mother makes very good salad". (Note - I do, actually, the kind which you see spread out in salad bars. But you see it's more of imaginative cutting and chopping, mixing and matching, than anything else :)
Actually I can cook but have never needed to or wanted to... but I think inside every woman there is a little voice which yearns to be known as the mom who makes the bestest cupcakes (can still remember the ones made by Geeta and Girija's mother in our colony!).
Refer the opening pages of Allison Pearson's 'I don't know how she does it' for further confirmation on that point.
So. I have decided to take up the Challenge of the Indian School Tiffin Box. This tiffin must be:
a) Tasty: And by this I mean the box should come home wiped clean.
b) Healthy: Fried and bazaar bought stuff won't make the grade.
c) Speedy: I will not spend more than 15 minutes preparing it. Which mom has more time than that?
Ideally, the lunch must look good as well :)
Now you might say we in India already have quite a bit of variety - from parathas to pulao to uttapam, idlis and poha. But here's the problem: Vast number of kids don't find it exciting enough. Remember the ad for Kissan jam where the mom runs after the child with a spoon - a lot of Indian homes see scenes like that!
My theory is that Indians go through a cyclical eating pattern:
a) V early childhood: Daal-chawal-roti-sabzi
b) Early childhood: First discovery of pizzas, burgers and emotional blackmail. Gradual descent into nutritional hell
c) Late childhood and adolescence: Discovery of more forbidden food (and drink), rejection of 'tiffin'.
d) Late teens/ 20s: Hostel and bachelor pad phase. New found respect for simple ghar ka khana.
e) Thirty +: Reverse snobbery, WILL stride into office with 5 storey tiffin box.Eat your hearts out - everyone. Mujhe to bhai aur koi khana suit hi nahin karta.
Anyhow, the long and short of it is that I have decided to put some energy into making exciting school lunches and 'short breaks'. Nawt everyday - but once in a week.
Don't worry, dear readers. I shall create a separate blog to showcase my culinary experiments... And record with honesty how they were received by Nivedita & friends.
Suggestions/ recipes from tiffin-makers (or eaters) welcome. Anyone who can help me figure out the calorie and nutrient value of my experiments - pls get in touch as well! As always, the id is rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
May a thousand Buddhas smile upon my cooking :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Book review: Eat pray love
My brother sent me a copy of 'Eat Pray Love' on my birthday and I was like "No.......! I read that more than a year ago." But how would he know? Well, agar maine blog par uska review likh diya hota to... khabar yoon hi pahunch jaati.
So, for all those of you who may be thinking of buying me a book :) or well, looking for a good book to read, here are some of my favourites reads over the past one year.
Each book probably deserves a dedicated blogpost but I shall be less ambitious and give you mini-reviews instead.
1) Eat Pray Love: I fell in love with the cover of this book and ten minutes into it, with the book itself. The writer - Elizabeth Gilbert - is obviously very 'pahunchi hui' - both in the way she writes and the way she's lived her life.
In a nutshell: Elizabeth is a thirty something woman with an almost perfect life. But on a cold November morning she finds herself sobbing on her bathroom floor and hearing a voice in her head:"I don't want to be married anymore. I don't want to live in this big house. I don't want to have a baby."
And so she walks out on the husband and the apartment in Manhattan with 8 phone lines, the friends and the picinics and the parties.
"I had actively participated in every moment of the creation of this life - so why did I feel like none of it resembled me?"... The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving...
But then, God spoke to Liz. And it was not an Old Testament Hollywood Charlton Heston voice but her own voice, speaking from within. A voice she had never heard before.
"This was what my voice would sound like if I'd only ever experienced love and certainty in my life". The voice said:"Go back to bed, Liz"... Go back to bed so that, when the tempest comes you'll be strong enough to deal with it. And the tempest is coming very soon. But not tonight.
The author describes this as the beginning of a religious conversation:
"The first words of an open and exploratory dialogue that would, ultimately, bring me very close to God, indeed."
Three years after this conversation, having been through a messy divorce and failed love affair, Liz sets off on her 'search for everything' across Italy, India and Indonesia.
It's important to quote the 'religious conversation' bit, because although the book follows Elizabeth's journey across three countries it's not a travelogue. This is essentially a journey within.
The Italy portion is about the pursuit of pleasure - good food, good wine, good company. Because the body needs as much nourishment as the soul.
The India portion is about the pursuit of devotion - self mastery, enlightenment, all those very Himalayan things.
And Indonesia is about the pursuit of Balance. It's also the most "geewhiz, can this really be true" part of the book where Liz finds the love of her life. (Incidentally, the two are now 'happily married').
Okay. You either absolutely and completely connect with this book, or you put it down after 5 minutes. Women, those on a spiritual trip and anyone who admires ease of expression will find 'Eat Pray Love' unputdownable.
And despite that 'God' element rest assured it is not in the least bit heavy. This is a very simply and beautifully written book with extremely tiny chapters (108 of them). The logic being that 108 is the number of beads in the traditional japa mala. Concept, isn't it?
The author also endows the book with a sharp sense of humour, pithy cultural observations and loads of colourful characters. Starting from the Italian twins Giovanni and Dario to 'Richard from Texas' and Ketut Liyer - the Balinese healer.
And yet, the string running through it all is scathing self introspection and constant 'notes to myself'. A chick-lit version of 'My experiments with truth'!
One final selling point - reading the innermost thoughts and reflections of another human being is always comforting. Because you realise - "I am not alone".
Whether we will find 'Felipe' in this lifetime or not - is another story.
Coming soon: more reviews of books I've read recently and loved. Mini review likhte likhte full blog hi ho gaya... Must do justice after all :)
Related reads: Eat Pray Love fan blog
Elizabeth Gilbert's official website
An interesting bit if trivia: Elizabeth Gilbert's GQ memoir about her bartending years became the movie Coyote Ugly. And Eat Pray Love is also being made into a major motion picture - with Julia Roberts in the lead role!
So, for all those of you who may be thinking of buying me a book :) or well, looking for a good book to read, here are some of my favourites reads over the past one year.
Each book probably deserves a dedicated blogpost but I shall be less ambitious and give you mini-reviews instead.
1) Eat Pray Love: I fell in love with the cover of this book and ten minutes into it, with the book itself. The writer - Elizabeth Gilbert - is obviously very 'pahunchi hui' - both in the way she writes and the way she's lived her life. In a nutshell: Elizabeth is a thirty something woman with an almost perfect life. But on a cold November morning she finds herself sobbing on her bathroom floor and hearing a voice in her head:"I don't want to be married anymore. I don't want to live in this big house. I don't want to have a baby."
And so she walks out on the husband and the apartment in Manhattan with 8 phone lines, the friends and the picinics and the parties.
"I had actively participated in every moment of the creation of this life - so why did I feel like none of it resembled me?"... The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving...
But then, God spoke to Liz. And it was not an Old Testament Hollywood Charlton Heston voice but her own voice, speaking from within. A voice she had never heard before.
"This was what my voice would sound like if I'd only ever experienced love and certainty in my life". The voice said:"Go back to bed, Liz"... Go back to bed so that, when the tempest comes you'll be strong enough to deal with it. And the tempest is coming very soon. But not tonight.
The author describes this as the beginning of a religious conversation:
"The first words of an open and exploratory dialogue that would, ultimately, bring me very close to God, indeed."
Three years after this conversation, having been through a messy divorce and failed love affair, Liz sets off on her 'search for everything' across Italy, India and Indonesia.
It's important to quote the 'religious conversation' bit, because although the book follows Elizabeth's journey across three countries it's not a travelogue. This is essentially a journey within.
The Italy portion is about the pursuit of pleasure - good food, good wine, good company. Because the body needs as much nourishment as the soul.
The India portion is about the pursuit of devotion - self mastery, enlightenment, all those very Himalayan things.
And Indonesia is about the pursuit of Balance. It's also the most "geewhiz, can this really be true" part of the book where Liz finds the love of her life. (Incidentally, the two are now 'happily married').
Okay. You either absolutely and completely connect with this book, or you put it down after 5 minutes. Women, those on a spiritual trip and anyone who admires ease of expression will find 'Eat Pray Love' unputdownable.
And despite that 'God' element rest assured it is not in the least bit heavy. This is a very simply and beautifully written book with extremely tiny chapters (108 of them). The logic being that 108 is the number of beads in the traditional japa mala. Concept, isn't it?
The author also endows the book with a sharp sense of humour, pithy cultural observations and loads of colourful characters. Starting from the Italian twins Giovanni and Dario to 'Richard from Texas' and Ketut Liyer - the Balinese healer.
And yet, the string running through it all is scathing self introspection and constant 'notes to myself'. A chick-lit version of 'My experiments with truth'!
One final selling point - reading the innermost thoughts and reflections of another human being is always comforting. Because you realise - "I am not alone".
Whether we will find 'Felipe' in this lifetime or not - is another story.
Coming soon: more reviews of books I've read recently and loved. Mini review likhte likhte full blog hi ho gaya... Must do justice after all :)
Related reads: Eat Pray Love fan blog
Elizabeth Gilbert's official website
An interesting bit if trivia: Elizabeth Gilbert's GQ memoir about her bartending years became the movie Coyote Ugly. And Eat Pray Love is also being made into a major motion picture - with Julia Roberts in the lead role!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Note to myself
It takes 12 years on an average to develop a new drug. We started in 2000 and nine years later, I still do not know if we will succeed. So mine could be a wasted life, completely. But what an amazing challenge to try and understand this mystery called the human body.
- Dr Swati Piramal, director of Piramal Healthcare speaking to Nadine Kresiberger in the Indian Express today.
Words which ring so true but alas most of us can't - or don't wish to - get the message. Decode Swati's soundbyte and the general formula goes thus:
Find something you love and then pursue it.
Don't constantly hanker for results - they will come.
But meanwhile, enjoy the journey.
Because that's all you have, in this moment!
Besides, once you reach that goal, there's another one waiting to be achieved. Which makes 'happiness' an illusion ever out of reach. Like Waiting for Godot.
But hey, TV par philosophy kaise jhaadoon? People make wrong choices in life and then want practical solutions on how to leap from one career into another with no pain, no risk, no sweat at all.
So this week on my show 'Stay Hungry', I had a 29 year old MNC employee who thinks his salvation lies in supply chain management. (Why - just!)
A young engineer who went into journalism and one year later is preparing to attack CAT with a view to joining MICA. (But why, journalism mein kya kami hai, I say!)
And most interestingly, a professor of Persian from Aligarh who now wants to get into "professional line". (As if teaching is menial!)
Then, being admissions season this is that time of year when folks write to me with Qs like:
Can you suggest which of the following course is better at Symbosis, Pune
A) BBA- IT
B) BCA-
C) BSc- Economics: started recently.
I say 'better' or 'worse' by what yardstick? If I hate IT then options a) and b) will suck for me - no matter what. Why, oh why, is that not obvious?
As an expert I can at best shine a light down a pathway or two but the real power lies when you navigate the jungle of life. Using the compass that lies within each of us.
It's really that simple.
And here's a tip for all those who wail but "I don't know, I don't know what I like". Hell, you don't.
But you do know what you DON'T like. List that down and make sure you are not entering that field of study. Believe me, no degree is as valuable as the application of mind and heart that you bring to the table.
To sum up the 'note to myself' for this season of admissions and decisions: Trust your instincts.
If your mind is confused and unsettled, listen to your body. If your hands go cold, your head feels heavy or your stomach wobbles - it means NO WAY JOSE.
Now go out there and conquer the world!
- Dr Swati Piramal, director of Piramal Healthcare speaking to Nadine Kresiberger in the Indian Express today.
Words which ring so true but alas most of us can't - or don't wish to - get the message. Decode Swati's soundbyte and the general formula goes thus:
Find something you love and then pursue it.
Don't constantly hanker for results - they will come.
But meanwhile, enjoy the journey.
Because that's all you have, in this moment!
Besides, once you reach that goal, there's another one waiting to be achieved. Which makes 'happiness' an illusion ever out of reach. Like Waiting for Godot.
But hey, TV par philosophy kaise jhaadoon? People make wrong choices in life and then want practical solutions on how to leap from one career into another with no pain, no risk, no sweat at all.
So this week on my show 'Stay Hungry', I had a 29 year old MNC employee who thinks his salvation lies in supply chain management. (Why - just!)
A young engineer who went into journalism and one year later is preparing to attack CAT with a view to joining MICA. (But why, journalism mein kya kami hai, I say!)
And most interestingly, a professor of Persian from Aligarh who now wants to get into "professional line". (As if teaching is menial!)
Then, being admissions season this is that time of year when folks write to me with Qs like:
Can you suggest which of the following course is better at Symbosis, Pune
A) BBA- IT
B) BCA-
C) BSc- Economics: started recently.
I say 'better' or 'worse' by what yardstick? If I hate IT then options a) and b) will suck for me - no matter what. Why, oh why, is that not obvious?
As an expert I can at best shine a light down a pathway or two but the real power lies when you navigate the jungle of life. Using the compass that lies within each of us.
It's really that simple.
And here's a tip for all those who wail but "I don't know, I don't know what I like". Hell, you don't.
But you do know what you DON'T like. List that down and make sure you are not entering that field of study. Believe me, no degree is as valuable as the application of mind and heart that you bring to the table.
To sum up the 'note to myself' for this season of admissions and decisions: Trust your instincts.
If your mind is confused and unsettled, listen to your body. If your hands go cold, your head feels heavy or your stomach wobbles - it means NO WAY JOSE.
Now go out there and conquer the world!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Crocodile Dandi
Violent attacks against Indian students in Australia have made headlines in India this week. It started with Times Now making the case of Shravan Kumar a prime time issue - not for a day, but over the entire week. Now, it's been taken up across the Indian media.
And many more such stories are tumbling out of the closet. Baljinder Singh was stabbed last week while Rajesh Kumar suffered 30 per cent burns after a petrol bomb was hurled at him - in his home - in Sydney.
Actually, back in March, the Economic Times had reported on this issue as follows:
The growing number of attacks on Indian students in Australia has become a big cause for concern at the Indian High Commission in Canberra. A senior diplomat at the High Commission told ET that in the last six months, there have been 500 cases of assault on Indian students, registered by the police authorities across Australia.
FIVE HUNDRED attacks and it did not make a ripple in India. And students too sat silent, I think because of two reasons:
a) Once you've invested in an education in Australia, you want to complete it - no matter what.
b) You know your own government will do nothing for you apart from lip service. So why make a fuss?
As a panelist observed on Times Now, "If a government does not care for the safety of its citizens abroad, why should the host nation?"
Well, in this case, because of economic interests. Indian students are cash cows for Australian universities- they've been heading Down Under in ever larger numbers over the last few years. Why?
Well, Australia is perceived as being cheaper than the US and friendlier than the UK. It's also relatively easy to get admission.
While Australia does attract some high achievers the general profile is the kid with average marks and above average bank balance. Business families, kids of corporate executives, well-to-do farmers. And the Oz-exodus is fuelled by a concerted marketing effort - in the media and at the grassroots level.
Canadian newspaper TheStar.com reports: Joyta Gupta, principal of K.R. Mangalam World School, a private school in central New Delhi says she and some of her teachers and students have been flown by the Australian government to cities such as Brisbane and Sydney to take part in seminars, a move Gupta said has made students more inclined to go to Australia to pursue diplomas and degrees.
One fourth of the graduates from the school go abroad to study every year.
Then there are students from smaller towns who would rather go phoren than settle for a B or C grade college in an metro town. And increasingly there are middle class Indians heading for foreign shores, with the help of loans.
Incidentally, hospitality, management and commerce courses are the most popular options.
So all in all, 95,000 Indians joined Australian universities in in 2008, making us the second largest foreign student group in the country after China. In fact, the education sector generated $15.5 billion in 2008 and has become Australia’s “third largest export industry” after coal and iron ore.
The Australian government was planning a $3.5-million campaign to attract more Indian students. But they'll need to use those funds more constructively now!
I have never been to Australia but the impression I have of the country is friendly and easy-going. No doubt there are anti-social elements in any and every society. And some who would be racist in their outlook.
But is the situaton getting aggravated by the current economic situation?
The report in ET noted: There are fears that such incidents of muggings, theft, racial abuse, car jackings and even murder are on the increase because of the economic meltdown and loss of jobs.
Last year Australia changed its visa rules, giving Indian students studying in Australia automatic eligibility to work part time during their courses. Earlier you had to seek permission to work as a student.
Some years ago it was next to impossible to stay on and work in Australia after completing your degree. Unless you had skills which were classified by the government as 'shortage' area. So MBAs and journalism graduates, for example, had to head straight back home.
But more recently I believe there is an option called the 'Skilled-Graduate (subclass 485) visa, valid for 18 months and carrying unrestricted work rights.
Foreign students who may not be eligible for permanent residency can apply for this visa and get some work experience.
I'm sure these graduates are willing to work harder and longer than locals - and maybe even at lower salaries. This could be a source of tension for locals in a dwindling job market.
So, what happens now? Will the flow of Indian students to Australia get affected?
I think it will, in the short term. 'Sentiment' thoda down ho jayega. And the attitude of the authorities - so far - has not been very convincing. Last month the Melbourne police asked young Indians to “moderate their social behavior,” by not making conspicuous displays of wealth, such as laptop computers (seriously - no jokes!)
The country which will benefit the most from all this is Singapore. Safety is assured in that country - and the economics of getting an education are similar to Australia. In fact many Australian universities have 'branches' in Singapore and "there is a view that Australian institutions should make more courses available in India, which students can attend at home".
Ahem. Firstly we need to pass a bill in Parliament to legally allow that to happen. And secondly, I think for many many students going abroad will still be the preferred option.
'Education' is not just about attending a college but the whole experience of a new culture and its people. Kids who have never picked up a glass of water in their own home learn to cook their own meals. My cousin who drove to college in his car went to America and happily worked at a gas station.
So - I am all for studying abroad - wherever. But safety and civility are things we can and must expect from the host country.
Let's hope the issue which has exploded in Australia is taken seriously and resolved quickly! And it is nipped in the bud... if simmering elsewhere.
Related articles: Student taxi drivers, visas and immigration
And many more such stories are tumbling out of the closet. Baljinder Singh was stabbed last week while Rajesh Kumar suffered 30 per cent burns after a petrol bomb was hurled at him - in his home - in Sydney.
Actually, back in March, the Economic Times had reported on this issue as follows:
The growing number of attacks on Indian students in Australia has become a big cause for concern at the Indian High Commission in Canberra. A senior diplomat at the High Commission told ET that in the last six months, there have been 500 cases of assault on Indian students, registered by the police authorities across Australia.
FIVE HUNDRED attacks and it did not make a ripple in India. And students too sat silent, I think because of two reasons:
a) Once you've invested in an education in Australia, you want to complete it - no matter what.
b) You know your own government will do nothing for you apart from lip service. So why make a fuss?
As a panelist observed on Times Now, "If a government does not care for the safety of its citizens abroad, why should the host nation?"
Well, in this case, because of economic interests. Indian students are cash cows for Australian universities- they've been heading Down Under in ever larger numbers over the last few years. Why?
Well, Australia is perceived as being cheaper than the US and friendlier than the UK. It's also relatively easy to get admission.
While Australia does attract some high achievers the general profile is the kid with average marks and above average bank balance. Business families, kids of corporate executives, well-to-do farmers. And the Oz-exodus is fuelled by a concerted marketing effort - in the media and at the grassroots level.
Canadian newspaper TheStar.com reports: Joyta Gupta, principal of K.R. Mangalam World School, a private school in central New Delhi says she and some of her teachers and students have been flown by the Australian government to cities such as Brisbane and Sydney to take part in seminars, a move Gupta said has made students more inclined to go to Australia to pursue diplomas and degrees.
One fourth of the graduates from the school go abroad to study every year.
Then there are students from smaller towns who would rather go phoren than settle for a B or C grade college in an metro town. And increasingly there are middle class Indians heading for foreign shores, with the help of loans.
Incidentally, hospitality, management and commerce courses are the most popular options.
So all in all, 95,000 Indians joined Australian universities in in 2008, making us the second largest foreign student group in the country after China. In fact, the education sector generated $15.5 billion in 2008 and has become Australia’s “third largest export industry” after coal and iron ore.
The Australian government was planning a $3.5-million campaign to attract more Indian students. But they'll need to use those funds more constructively now!
I have never been to Australia but the impression I have of the country is friendly and easy-going. No doubt there are anti-social elements in any and every society. And some who would be racist in their outlook.
But is the situaton getting aggravated by the current economic situation?
The report in ET noted: There are fears that such incidents of muggings, theft, racial abuse, car jackings and even murder are on the increase because of the economic meltdown and loss of jobs.
Last year Australia changed its visa rules, giving Indian students studying in Australia automatic eligibility to work part time during their courses. Earlier you had to seek permission to work as a student.
Some years ago it was next to impossible to stay on and work in Australia after completing your degree. Unless you had skills which were classified by the government as 'shortage' area. So MBAs and journalism graduates, for example, had to head straight back home.
But more recently I believe there is an option called the 'Skilled-Graduate (subclass 485) visa, valid for 18 months and carrying unrestricted work rights.
Foreign students who may not be eligible for permanent residency can apply for this visa and get some work experience.
I'm sure these graduates are willing to work harder and longer than locals - and maybe even at lower salaries. This could be a source of tension for locals in a dwindling job market.
So, what happens now? Will the flow of Indian students to Australia get affected?
I think it will, in the short term. 'Sentiment' thoda down ho jayega. And the attitude of the authorities - so far - has not been very convincing. Last month the Melbourne police asked young Indians to “moderate their social behavior,” by not making conspicuous displays of wealth, such as laptop computers (seriously - no jokes!)
The country which will benefit the most from all this is Singapore. Safety is assured in that country - and the economics of getting an education are similar to Australia. In fact many Australian universities have 'branches' in Singapore and "there is a view that Australian institutions should make more courses available in India, which students can attend at home".
Ahem. Firstly we need to pass a bill in Parliament to legally allow that to happen. And secondly, I think for many many students going abroad will still be the preferred option.
'Education' is not just about attending a college but the whole experience of a new culture and its people. Kids who have never picked up a glass of water in their own home learn to cook their own meals. My cousin who drove to college in his car went to America and happily worked at a gas station.
So - I am all for studying abroad - wherever. But safety and civility are things we can and must expect from the host country.
Let's hope the issue which has exploded in Australia is taken seriously and resolved quickly! And it is nipped in the bud... if simmering elsewhere.
Related articles: Student taxi drivers, visas and immigration
Friday, May 29, 2009
Engineering aspirants - call in with your queries
Engineering entrance is the subject of my show 'Stay Hungry' where I answer career queries on business news channel UTVi every Friday (that's this evening!)
If you're an engineering aspirant, Call UTVi on 022 40987300 and leave your name, number and question. We'll call you back! The show will be on this evening at 7 pm - live.
Joining me in the studio is Praveen Tyagi, founder and MD of IITians Pace Academy, and a graduate of IIT Delhi himself.
Apart from IIT - where seats have increased this year by 20% - there are numerous very fine institutes like BITs, NITs and also local and regional colleges of repute. And of course there are fundamental questions such as should you go for a branch of your choice or take a lesser branch in a well reputed college,
Slowdown or not, engineering remains a top choice for undergraduate education in India. A record number appeared for IIT JEE this year (384, 977 students!) which is a jump of 24% over the previous year.
Whether all these students really should be doing engineering is another question. One which I shall attempt to answer - on another show, another day!
And oh, if you can't get through to the Call UTVi number for any reason - just drop me a line with your contact details at rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
If you're an engineering aspirant, Call UTVi on 022 40987300 and leave your name, number and question. We'll call you back! The show will be on this evening at 7 pm - live.
Joining me in the studio is Praveen Tyagi, founder and MD of IITians Pace Academy, and a graduate of IIT Delhi himself.
Apart from IIT - where seats have increased this year by 20% - there are numerous very fine institutes like BITs, NITs and also local and regional colleges of repute. And of course there are fundamental questions such as should you go for a branch of your choice or take a lesser branch in a well reputed college,
Slowdown or not, engineering remains a top choice for undergraduate education in India. A record number appeared for IIT JEE this year (384, 977 students!) which is a jump of 24% over the previous year.
Whether all these students really should be doing engineering is another question. One which I shall attempt to answer - on another show, another day!
And oh, if you can't get through to the Call UTVi number for any reason - just drop me a line with your contact details at rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Look back in hunger
There is a song in the 'Sound of Music' which goes like..."Somewhere in my youth, or childhood... I must have done something good!"
The lines popped into my head as I read the piece Saaz Aggarwal wrote in this week's Sunday Mid-day on my book 'Stay Hungry Stay Foolish'. I was blown away to know that she remembers me from the days when I visited newspaper offices as a student, a freelance writer hungry for my next byline.
Reading that piece I felt like not just my book, but my life had been reviewed. It's like... things are meant to happen in a certain time and space sequence. Nothing is for nothing. Even if it makes no sense - even to you -at a particular point in time.
And as Malcolm Gladwell says in The Outliers, it truly is about putting in your 10,000 hours in a particular career - before you 'make it'.
Will elaborate more on that in a future blog post, but here's a scan of the review as it appeared (click to enlarge). For some reason I can't find it on the Midday website :(
Thank you, Saaz for understanding the spirit behind the book. For silently cheering me on, and writing it all so beautifully! This was a 'blast from the past' which truly made me day!
The lines popped into my head as I read the piece Saaz Aggarwal wrote in this week's Sunday Mid-day on my book 'Stay Hungry Stay Foolish'. I was blown away to know that she remembers me from the days when I visited newspaper offices as a student, a freelance writer hungry for my next byline.
Reading that piece I felt like not just my book, but my life had been reviewed. It's like... things are meant to happen in a certain time and space sequence. Nothing is for nothing. Even if it makes no sense - even to you -at a particular point in time.
And as Malcolm Gladwell says in The Outliers, it truly is about putting in your 10,000 hours in a particular career - before you 'make it'.
Will elaborate more on that in a future blog post, but here's a scan of the review as it appeared (click to enlarge). For some reason I can't find it on the Midday website :(
Thank you, Saaz for understanding the spirit behind the book. For silently cheering me on, and writing it all so beautifully! This was a 'blast from the past' which truly made me day!
The best coaching class for CAT
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Results will be published - for the benefit of those who need to make a decision!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Career Question of the Week - II
Another Monday, another career dilemma I throw open to the readers. Here goes:
My name is AG and I am a Commerce Graduate (B.Com), from Bangalore University. I have been working for a medim-sized firm (Family Business) for the past 3 years now. After completing my under-graduation in 2004, I worked for the BPO division of Infosys for about 11 months but due to irregular and odd working hours as well as objection from the family, quit and of began assisting in the family business which is a dealership firm in electrical wires.
It is a partnership between my father and his older brother. For the past 3 years, although I have been a part of it, I have always wanted a professional (corporate) career, preferably in Finance or Financial Management.
As a result, I have been planning for a Masters programme overseas. I have researched extensively about Universities and programmes in Finance in the U.K. I have taken up the IELTS and have a 7.5 overall in it. Some Universities also require a GMAT score,especially the top ones but I do not have a score as of now.
Essentially, I want to acquire a Masters qualification and only then hit the job market because I know for a fact that with mere under-graduate degree, my chances of getting a respectable job with a decent starting salary are very slim.
Initially, I had also contemplated a 2 year MBA in India and was interested in the CAT as well. However, with the fierce competitive scene in India for MBA seats in the top B-Schools and a half-hearted interest, I did not consider it seriously. Moreover, the thought of international exposure and perspective and a one year programme in a reputed Univerity in the United Kingdom has from the very beginning appealed to me. Therefore, I had initiated my research a good while ago.
Presently, with the global economic slowdown and a recessionary job market (no or reduced fresh hiring/recruitment), it is being said that this is the best time to acquire an additional qualification and enhance skill-sets. I have a very profound dilemma in this regard and seek advice and guidance for a bright future.
My dilemma is whether:
I should go to the U.K for a one year Taught Masters programme in Finance or Financial Management, which is my domain of interest with the programme beginning in Sept/Oct 2009 (I have applied to a few Universities in the U.K, just a few days ago), complete the programme by Sept/Oct 2010 and after my dissertation, start looking for a job there (in the U.K) before deciding upon the next course of action, including, a possible return to India
OR
Look for jobs right now and if I end up with a decent job in Finance, at an entry level, work for a few years, at least 3 if not more and then apply for an MBA at ISB, Hyderabad and a few of the One year MBA programmes in the U.K and Europe.
In both cases, there are several If's and But's and I am looking for advice and guidance so as to better plan for my future career. One thing is certain that I am not keen on continuing with my father's (family) business as there are quite a few family-related complications and hence I would like to start afresh.
A B.Com degree with very little B.P.O industry experience and a Post-graduate Certificate in Management Programme is what my current profile is. Kindly advice my plan of action from here on, considering that I am willing to invest money for my education (Post-graduate) and want to save time, rather than money.
Please advise!
I found this query interesting because the problem is multi-layered:
a) Banda wants to escape from his family business
b) He is very sure he wants to get into finance - despite the recent setbacks in that sector.
I sometimes wonder, when people say "I want to do finance", what does it really mean to them? Industry enter karne ke pehle aapne kya socha aur phir kya paaya... Do share for the benefit of aspirants!
And yeah, do let AG know what his chances of getting a job are - after investing in that 1 year UK degree.
My name is AG and I am a Commerce Graduate (B.Com), from Bangalore University. I have been working for a medim-sized firm (Family Business) for the past 3 years now. After completing my under-graduation in 2004, I worked for the BPO division of Infosys for about 11 months but due to irregular and odd working hours as well as objection from the family, quit and of began assisting in the family business which is a dealership firm in electrical wires.
It is a partnership between my father and his older brother. For the past 3 years, although I have been a part of it, I have always wanted a professional (corporate) career, preferably in Finance or Financial Management.
As a result, I have been planning for a Masters programme overseas. I have researched extensively about Universities and programmes in Finance in the U.K. I have taken up the IELTS and have a 7.5 overall in it. Some Universities also require a GMAT score,especially the top ones but I do not have a score as of now.
Essentially, I want to acquire a Masters qualification and only then hit the job market because I know for a fact that with mere under-graduate degree, my chances of getting a respectable job with a decent starting salary are very slim.
Initially, I had also contemplated a 2 year MBA in India and was interested in the CAT as well. However, with the fierce competitive scene in India for MBA seats in the top B-Schools and a half-hearted interest, I did not consider it seriously. Moreover, the thought of international exposure and perspective and a one year programme in a reputed Univerity in the United Kingdom has from the very beginning appealed to me. Therefore, I had initiated my research a good while ago.
Presently, with the global economic slowdown and a recessionary job market (no or reduced fresh hiring/recruitment), it is being said that this is the best time to acquire an additional qualification and enhance skill-sets. I have a very profound dilemma in this regard and seek advice and guidance for a bright future.
My dilemma is whether:
I should go to the U.K for a one year Taught Masters programme in Finance or Financial Management, which is my domain of interest with the programme beginning in Sept/Oct 2009 (I have applied to a few Universities in the U.K, just a few days ago), complete the programme by Sept/Oct 2010 and after my dissertation, start looking for a job there (in the U.K) before deciding upon the next course of action, including, a possible return to India
OR
Look for jobs right now and if I end up with a decent job in Finance, at an entry level, work for a few years, at least 3 if not more and then apply for an MBA at ISB, Hyderabad and a few of the One year MBA programmes in the U.K and Europe.
In both cases, there are several If's and But's and I am looking for advice and guidance so as to better plan for my future career. One thing is certain that I am not keen on continuing with my father's (family) business as there are quite a few family-related complications and hence I would like to start afresh.
A B.Com degree with very little B.P.O industry experience and a Post-graduate Certificate in Management Programme is what my current profile is. Kindly advice my plan of action from here on, considering that I am willing to invest money for my education (Post-graduate) and want to save time, rather than money.
Please advise!
I found this query interesting because the problem is multi-layered:
a) Banda wants to escape from his family business
b) He is very sure he wants to get into finance - despite the recent setbacks in that sector.
I sometimes wonder, when people say "I want to do finance", what does it really mean to them? Industry enter karne ke pehle aapne kya socha aur phir kya paaya... Do share for the benefit of aspirants!
And yeah, do let AG know what his chances of getting a job are - after investing in that 1 year UK degree.
IIT JEE - social cauldron bubbling over!
Gopi Sivakanth, who appeared for IIT JEE from the Madras zone, has achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 3. Sivakanth happens to be an OBC but has cracked the general merit list.
Mukul Singh, AIR 220 in the common merit list and Kirtesh Meena, AIR 281 in the common merit list are the toppers of the SC and ST candidates, respectively.
Gopi's achievement is creditable but I wonder: Will he be considered part of general category or OBC? Obviously he does not need the 'relaxed entry' criteria! But, if he gets in through merit then it would mean one seat less - for non-OBCs.
Reading between the lines of the IIT JEE press note you'll see there is a 44% spike in the number of test takers who are OBCs (from 72,116 in 2008to 104045 in 2009). So from a political angle, reservation can be termed as a 'success'!
Some statistics of interest:
Selection ratio of general candidates: 2.98%
Out of 232331 candidates who appeared 6930 qualified
Selection ratio for OBCs: 1.85%
Out of 104045 OBC candidates who wrote JEE, 1930 qualified.
Selection ratio for SCs: 2.67%
Out of 36117 SC candidates 967 qualified
Selection ratio for STs: 1.66%
Out of 12484 ST candidates 208 qualified
Selection ratio of girls: 1.06%
Out of 98,028 girls who attempted JEE, 1048 qualified
That last statistic is quite depressing - both for educationists and all the boys who have made it to IIT!
P.S. There is a proposal to set up an 'all-girls IIT' in Amravati. No prizes for guessing who it will be named after...
Related reads:
An insightful article on the history and mystery behind IIT JEE
And on JAM: Topper factory Bansal toppled from top slot this year
Mukul Singh, AIR 220 in the common merit list and Kirtesh Meena, AIR 281 in the common merit list are the toppers of the SC and ST candidates, respectively.
Gopi's achievement is creditable but I wonder: Will he be considered part of general category or OBC? Obviously he does not need the 'relaxed entry' criteria! But, if he gets in through merit then it would mean one seat less - for non-OBCs.
Reading between the lines of the IIT JEE press note you'll see there is a 44% spike in the number of test takers who are OBCs (from 72,116 in 2008to 104045 in 2009). So from a political angle, reservation can be termed as a 'success'!
Some statistics of interest:
Selection ratio of general candidates: 2.98%
Out of 232331 candidates who appeared 6930 qualified
Selection ratio for OBCs: 1.85%
Out of 104045 OBC candidates who wrote JEE, 1930 qualified.
Selection ratio for SCs: 2.67%
Out of 36117 SC candidates 967 qualified
Selection ratio for STs: 1.66%
Out of 12484 ST candidates 208 qualified
Selection ratio of girls: 1.06%
Out of 98,028 girls who attempted JEE, 1048 qualified
That last statistic is quite depressing - both for educationists and all the boys who have made it to IIT!
P.S. There is a proposal to set up an 'all-girls IIT' in Amravati. No prizes for guessing who it will be named after...
Related reads:
An insightful article on the history and mystery behind IIT JEE
And on JAM: Topper factory Bansal toppled from top slot this year
Friday, May 22, 2009
CAs & aspirants - call in with your queries!
Update: Tonight's show is cancelled because of the UPA swearing-in ceremony. But it will be on - next week. So do send in yr queries to me at rashmi_b at yahoo.com - do make sure to send yr contact no!
Chartered Accounting is the subject of my show 'Stay Hungry' where I answer career queries every Friday on business news channel UTVi.
If you're a CA or aspiring to be on, Call UTVi on 022 40987300 and leave your name, number and question. We'll call you back! The show will be on this evening at 7 pm - live.
Joining me in the studio is B C Jain, a chartered accountant and chairman of the Western India Regional Council of the ICAI.
Apart from CA, if you have questions on related careers like CS, ICWA, CPA or even CFA, feel free to call and clear up your doubts.
By the way, I just discovered a startling statistic - of every 1000 people who give the CA a shot, only 8 will eventually qualify. Of course pass percentages vary from year to year but you expect to ragdofy a fair bit, before you get there!
Chartered Accounting is the subject of my show 'Stay Hungry' where I answer career queries every Friday on business news channel UTVi.
If you're a CA or aspiring to be on, Call UTVi on 022 40987300 and leave your name, number and question. We'll call you back! The show will be on this evening at 7 pm - live.
Joining me in the studio is B C Jain, a chartered accountant and chairman of the Western India Regional Council of the ICAI.
Apart from CA, if you have questions on related careers like CS, ICWA, CPA or even CFA, feel free to call and clear up your doubts.
By the way, I just discovered a startling statistic - of every 1000 people who give the CA a shot, only 8 will eventually qualify. Of course pass percentages vary from year to year but you expect to ragdofy a fair bit, before you get there!
Monday, May 18, 2009
300 crorepatis in Parliament!
Amid all the celebrations about a younger Parliament, decisive victory and the stock market euphoria, here's something to pause and think about.
National Election Watch has sent out a press release with some stark statistics that speak for themselves. I am reproducing some of the highlights:
1. There are 150 newly elected MPs with criminal cases pending against them. Out of these, there are 73 MPs having serious charges against them.
2. As compared to 2004, the no of MPs with criminal records has gone up. There were 128 MPs with criminal cases in 2004 Lok Sabha out of which 55 had serious criminal records. There is an increase of about 17.2% in MPs with criminal records and 30.9% increase in the number of MPs with serious criminal records.
3. BJP has maximum MPs having criminal cases - 42 MPs have criminal cases against them, out of which 17 MPs have serious criminal cases against them. It has followed by Congress - 41 MPs with criminal cases out of which 12 MPs have serious charges against them.
4. Amongst the states, UP has maximum MPs with criminal cases (total of 31 out of which 22 have serious charges against them). Maharashtra is second with 23 MPs having criminal cases out of which 9 have serious cases against them.
5. There are 300 crorepati MPs in the new Lok Sabha. This is a huge increase from what the number was in 2004.
I wonder how may more crores they will add to their kitty by the time they have to declare their assets in 2014!
The work done by ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms) is phenomenal. It's the dogged determination of people like Prof Trilochan Sastry who jolted the system out of its slumber and made this possible.
The next step is to make candidates accountable for their (probably) ill-gotten gains. Let 's be generous and assume the assets declared thus far are self earned or accrued from 'gifts' and/or inheritance. But iske aagey, let them show how exactly they are amassing additional wealth!
This is an issue that should be followed up relentlessly, by the media. But sadly, I doubt it will!
National Election Watch has sent out a press release with some stark statistics that speak for themselves. I am reproducing some of the highlights:
1. There are 150 newly elected MPs with criminal cases pending against them. Out of these, there are 73 MPs having serious charges against them.
2. As compared to 2004, the no of MPs with criminal records has gone up. There were 128 MPs with criminal cases in 2004 Lok Sabha out of which 55 had serious criminal records. There is an increase of about 17.2% in MPs with criminal records and 30.9% increase in the number of MPs with serious criminal records.
3. BJP has maximum MPs having criminal cases - 42 MPs have criminal cases against them, out of which 17 MPs have serious criminal cases against them. It has followed by Congress - 41 MPs with criminal cases out of which 12 MPs have serious charges against them.
4. Amongst the states, UP has maximum MPs with criminal cases (total of 31 out of which 22 have serious charges against them). Maharashtra is second with 23 MPs having criminal cases out of which 9 have serious cases against them.
5. There are 300 crorepati MPs in the new Lok Sabha. This is a huge increase from what the number was in 2004.
I wonder how may more crores they will add to their kitty by the time they have to declare their assets in 2014!
The work done by ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms) is phenomenal. It's the dogged determination of people like Prof Trilochan Sastry who jolted the system out of its slumber and made this possible.
The next step is to make candidates accountable for their (probably) ill-gotten gains. Let 's be generous and assume the assets declared thus far are self earned or accrued from 'gifts' and/or inheritance. But iske aagey, let them show how exactly they are amassing additional wealth!
This is an issue that should be followed up relentlessly, by the media. But sadly, I doubt it will!
Career Question of the Week
Many of you send me your career queries, and I respond to the best of my ability. But on many kinds of dilemmas there is no 'right answer'. The person asking the question is really looking for perspectives from people who've been there, done that.
And so, every Monday I will throw open one such question to the readers of this blog. Do share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section - it will surely help many a confused soul make a more informed decision.
Software career: the way forward
I am having 4 years of experience working in a software MNC, had onsite oppurtunity, earning a decent salary and had good learning in initial years of working but now i have started realising that i am not moving anwhere, there is nothing much left to learn as part of product i work upon, my work more or less resembles with the fresher that join the organisation, or its about helping/ mentoring them, I will be gradually moving to project management but there also i dont see much learning , i hardly see my manager working they are just responsible for some project schedule maintainence , people management and so.
Most of the projects don't require much technical competence, they are mostly legacy products that continue to evolve by copying code from here/there , Job which most of the people do can be done by traning any plain graduate and that is why software companies had people from all sort of colleges doing the same type of work.
There is hardly any recognition of talent because in reality nobody needs it here . All you need is a good luck to be in right project that can fetch you a onsite for a year or two and promotions. I know i am sounding very frustrated but believe me this is the truth and story of various of my friends.
So as I have explained you my position/frustration and probably many of my other fellows, I want to understand what path we can take to revive our career, what options and stream exist which will probably suit us. Does it make sense to switch to other stream, I want to understand whether it will be worth doing and what risk exist if we opt for change in stream. Also i want to know colleges besides ISB in India that can suit us.
- A K
If you have a career question you can email me on rashmi_b at yahoo.com. I will choose the question of the week based on the detail in which you explain your problem. And how relevant/ interesting I think it is to the readers of this blog.
And so, every Monday I will throw open one such question to the readers of this blog. Do share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section - it will surely help many a confused soul make a more informed decision.
Software career: the way forward
I am having 4 years of experience working in a software MNC, had onsite oppurtunity, earning a decent salary and had good learning in initial years of working but now i have started realising that i am not moving anwhere, there is nothing much left to learn as part of product i work upon, my work more or less resembles with the fresher that join the organisation, or its about helping/ mentoring them, I will be gradually moving to project management but there also i dont see much learning , i hardly see my manager working they are just responsible for some project schedule maintainence , people management and so.
Most of the projects don't require much technical competence, they are mostly legacy products that continue to evolve by copying code from here/there , Job which most of the people do can be done by traning any plain graduate and that is why software companies had people from all sort of colleges doing the same type of work.
There is hardly any recognition of talent because in reality nobody needs it here . All you need is a good luck to be in right project that can fetch you a onsite for a year or two and promotions. I know i am sounding very frustrated but believe me this is the truth and story of various of my friends.
So as I have explained you my position/frustration and probably many of my other fellows, I want to understand what path we can take to revive our career, what options and stream exist which will probably suit us. Does it make sense to switch to other stream, I want to understand whether it will be worth doing and what risk exist if we opt for change in stream. Also i want to know colleges besides ISB in India that can suit us.
- A K
If you have a career question you can email me on rashmi_b at yahoo.com. I will choose the question of the week based on the detail in which you explain your problem. And how relevant/ interesting I think it is to the readers of this blog.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
"Pappu paas ho gaya"
The election results 2009 fizzled out like a one-sided IPL match. By 11 am yesterday hysterical TV anchors and all the assembled experts had nothing to say, really.
And so the big story of this general election is the rise of Rahul Gandhi. For many years there have been doubts from many quarters about whether he 'has what it takes'. Well, it appears that he has changed many minds. Including mine (to some extent).
Yes, a while ago I had blogged about his doubtful academic background. My main issue was not his actual qualifications but the fact that he should earn the right to hold high office. That his surname alone should not see him through.
My exact words were:
"I do not believe that only highly educated individuals who pass examinations in flying colours have the right to hold public office. But, the issue is honesty and integrity as an individual.
If I were Rahul I would have come forward and said, "Look, I have never really been that keen on studies. What does one learn in a classroom anyways? I have had an education in what India really is - on the dusty streets of this country. I have what it takes!"
Now I do not really understand electoral politics but helping his party win 20 seats in UP on its own, against the very crude and divisive politics of the BSP and SP is an achievement . Whether it is class 10 equivalent or 'graduation' in terms of a political education, I can't say. But hey - Pappu paas ho gaya :)
A part of me still thinks it's unfair, even shameful, that a country of one billion people has to look up to a single family, when it comes to national leadership. But here's the reality: Politics is like Bollywood. If you are a star son, or daughter or wife you have an advantage.
In films that means you will get signed on by a big director.
In politics, you will get a ticket to stand for the Lok Sabha.
(Apart from Rahul Gandhi, in this very election we have several such examples - Akhilesh Yadav (son of Mulayam Singh Yadav), Supriya Sule (daughter of Sharad Pawar), Sanjeev Naik (son of Ganesh Naik) and of course Varun Gandhi, to name just a few).
The difference is that in films, your family background can propel you upto the big screen. But, when the curtain rises, the public decides your fate. No one can make you a star.
In politics, it's a little more complicated. It seems to me that you may be an inefficient or invisible turd but keep getting elected - until you really screw up(like a Jagdish Tytler/ Sajjan Kumar).
The analysts and experts say this is changing. That the 'shareholders' of Indian democracy want more accountability, more results, more kaam from their leaders.
They say, "Politicians will have to move their butts and deliver the goods, or suffer". Well, I certainly hope that is so! And in such an electoral atmosphere, I think there is a place for both 'insiders' and 'outsiders' to make a difference.
Remember For every Abhishek Bachchan, there is an Akshay Kumar.
For the great grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, the risen-through-the-ranks and now much admired Nitish Kumar.
Each must struggle and strive, to earn his spurs.
Acting maketh an actor, and action maketh a leader.
Awaiting more action from the man of the moment. Now that electoral politics is out of the way (for now).
Update: New Indian Express had raise some doubts about Rahul Gandhi's Cambridge degree in a report dated 7th April 2009.
Mine was one of the blogs which linked to the IE report, because I felt it was a subject in the public interest.
On April 28, 2009 Cambridge University issued a statement saying that Rahul's MPhil degree is indeed valid and was issued in 1994-95.
In the light of this, I have decided to withdraw my original blogpost on this subject. Why? Because I think the matter has been clarified and the points I raised are no longer relevant.
In a further development, the Congress party has sent a legal notice to The New Indian Express, which originally published the story. The Editor has clarified that the paper stands by its report.
It will be interesting to see which way this plays out and I am sure truth shall prevail. But as an individual I no longer care whether Rahul studied development economics or development studies in the past. What I care about is the development he and his party undertakes in the future.
On which I will be keeping a close watch!
One issue of interest to young people across India would be passage of the Foreign Universities Entrance and Operation Bill which was held up because of opposition from the Left. As well as old fogeys like Arjun Singh.
There will be some pain but this bill could do for education what entry of FIIs did to financial markets. Shake up things and help India achieve a quantum leap in quality of higher education!
Related earlier post: From Cambridge to Harvard - a Political Journey
And so the big story of this general election is the rise of Rahul Gandhi. For many years there have been doubts from many quarters about whether he 'has what it takes'. Well, it appears that he has changed many minds. Including mine (to some extent).
Yes, a while ago I had blogged about his doubtful academic background. My main issue was not his actual qualifications but the fact that he should earn the right to hold high office. That his surname alone should not see him through.
My exact words were:
"I do not believe that only highly educated individuals who pass examinations in flying colours have the right to hold public office. But, the issue is honesty and integrity as an individual.
If I were Rahul I would have come forward and said, "Look, I have never really been that keen on studies. What does one learn in a classroom anyways? I have had an education in what India really is - on the dusty streets of this country. I have what it takes!"
Now I do not really understand electoral politics but helping his party win 20 seats in UP on its own, against the very crude and divisive politics of the BSP and SP is an achievement . Whether it is class 10 equivalent or 'graduation' in terms of a political education, I can't say. But hey - Pappu paas ho gaya :)
A part of me still thinks it's unfair, even shameful, that a country of one billion people has to look up to a single family, when it comes to national leadership. But here's the reality: Politics is like Bollywood. If you are a star son, or daughter or wife you have an advantage.
In films that means you will get signed on by a big director.
In politics, you will get a ticket to stand for the Lok Sabha.
(Apart from Rahul Gandhi, in this very election we have several such examples - Akhilesh Yadav (son of Mulayam Singh Yadav), Supriya Sule (daughter of Sharad Pawar), Sanjeev Naik (son of Ganesh Naik) and of course Varun Gandhi, to name just a few).
The difference is that in films, your family background can propel you upto the big screen. But, when the curtain rises, the public decides your fate. No one can make you a star.
In politics, it's a little more complicated. It seems to me that you may be an inefficient or invisible turd but keep getting elected - until you really screw up(like a Jagdish Tytler/ Sajjan Kumar).
The analysts and experts say this is changing. That the 'shareholders' of Indian democracy want more accountability, more results, more kaam from their leaders.
They say, "Politicians will have to move their butts and deliver the goods, or suffer". Well, I certainly hope that is so! And in such an electoral atmosphere, I think there is a place for both 'insiders' and 'outsiders' to make a difference.
Remember For every Abhishek Bachchan, there is an Akshay Kumar.
For the great grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, the risen-through-the-ranks and now much admired Nitish Kumar.
Each must struggle and strive, to earn his spurs.
Acting maketh an actor, and action maketh a leader.
Awaiting more action from the man of the moment. Now that electoral politics is out of the way (for now).
Update: New Indian Express had raise some doubts about Rahul Gandhi's Cambridge degree in a report dated 7th April 2009.
Mine was one of the blogs which linked to the IE report, because I felt it was a subject in the public interest.
On April 28, 2009 Cambridge University issued a statement saying that Rahul's MPhil degree is indeed valid and was issued in 1994-95.
In the light of this, I have decided to withdraw my original blogpost on this subject. Why? Because I think the matter has been clarified and the points I raised are no longer relevant.
In a further development, the Congress party has sent a legal notice to The New Indian Express, which originally published the story. The Editor has clarified that the paper stands by its report.
It will be interesting to see which way this plays out and I am sure truth shall prevail. But as an individual I no longer care whether Rahul studied development economics or development studies in the past. What I care about is the development he and his party undertakes in the future.
On which I will be keeping a close watch!
One issue of interest to young people across India would be passage of the Foreign Universities Entrance and Operation Bill which was held up because of opposition from the Left. As well as old fogeys like Arjun Singh.
There will be some pain but this bill could do for education what entry of FIIs did to financial markets. Shake up things and help India achieve a quantum leap in quality of higher education!
Related earlier post: From Cambridge to Harvard - a Political Journey
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kumaon ki kahani
This was written while in Kumaon.. but I never got a strong enough signal on my Reliance modem to upload it. Which is just as well :)
This, is life
The air is fresh and crisp.
The view from the window, 'mountainy' and green.
A little blue bird was on my window sill this morning.
This is the life, you say to yourself. Udhar sheher mein, bheed bhaad mein, traffic jam aur tensions ke beech hum kar kya rahe hain??
This, is Binsar eco camp. A quaint little family run place where you feel right at home. There are just 11 rooms. A small kitchen which produces hot, home-style food. And one Mr Kesarchand Mehra who welcomes you, and shows you around with gusto.
"See.. this is rosemary. And this, smell it! What is it? Guess?"
It's the 'Odomos' plant. Rub it on your body and it will keep the moskies away. Not that you need to do that here - none spotted so far.
At lunch, we have 'bhaang ki chutney'. "Cannabis," explains Mehraji helpfully. Not to worry. Thodi si khaane se kuch hota nahin hai. We tried :)
A quick word on the 'eco' bit of eco camp. Apart from growing herbs and flowers there is nothing special being done here in the eco sense of the word. The cottages are brick and mortar, and there is generous use of wood. You have a modern bathroom, and intermittent electricity as well.
But Mr Mehra puts it this way,"Without economy, there is no ecology." Efforts like his bring in tourists and provide much needed employment for locals. Many of whom lost their source of livelihood when Binsar was declared a sanctuary, a protected forest area.
As far as 'eco' goes, Mehraji does have plans to introduce solar heaters and maybe even wind power. Meanwhile he's educating villagers on the benefits of growing organic vegetables - which is what you mostly get to eat when you stay here :)
The next morning we set off to explore the jungle in the vicinity. There is a 'viewpoint' from where Nandadevi and numerous other Himalayan peaks are visible on a clear day. Today, it's foggy. But still beautiful.
Brown and yellow pine leaves blanket the ground we walk on. We reach a cave. Porcupines live inside it but they're hiding deep inside. There are interesting birds flying around - we spot some Himalayan parakeets and a woodpecker.
We climb up to the Mata Anandmayee ashram. It is deserted right now, but there is a little room where a diya glows, next to her picture. You feel at peace there.
Later in the day we trek up to the Bimladevi temple. More for the trek, than the temple. It isn't a difficult climb but us city slickers ain't all that fit. We huff and puff much of the way.
My feet are hurting the rest of the day. But I have three and a half chapatis (with ghee) and feel rather satisfied :)
The plan was to just sack out here and 'do nothing'. But then we heard about this fundu place called 'Patal Bhuvaneshwar'. This is an ancient cave temple with natural rock formations which literally tell stories from Hindu mythology, and specifically from the Skand purana.
Now this was intriguing enough to make the 3 hr drive to the place. And I must say, it is amazing.
Majestic deodar trees keep the cave temple hidden to the eye - from a distance.
You walk down half a km and are greeted by a few straggly tourists and an ancient man who records your name and 'address'. No entry fee, he tells you to 'see' the place and then make a donation as well as pay the guide. "Jitni aapki icchha."
You enter the cave through an extremely narrow entrance, slipping and half-sliding 90metres down. The first formation you see is 'Sheshnag' and it really does look like the hood of a snake. An enthusiastic guide brings alive the various stories associated with each formation.
From Airavata (Indra's elephant) to the Pandavas playing dice with Parvati - there are some very interesting, amar kathas captured here.
And whether or not you are the religious sort, there is certainly something beyond coincidence and mere mortal imagination happening here. If you a believer, well, all the better. They say visiting this one cave is the equivalent of visiting all four 'dhams'.
You can read all about the various legends associated with each formation here and here
I found the formation which is said to be the river Ganga flowing from Shiva's locks to be the most fascinating.
Photography is not allowed inside the cave hence I am putting up this scan of one of the postcard size prints you can buy near the temple. Sadly it does no justice at all to the experience- you have to be there, feel it.
'Patrakaars' are allowed to take pictures and even shoot video, if they have prior permission from the relevant authority in Dehradun. I would love to go back one day and do that!
On the journey back, I thought India is incredible. There is always something new to discover. And there's more to this 5 day trip - but I'll save that for another day, another post.
Binsar Eco Camp - Dhaulchhina, Uttarakhand
Best way to reach: By overnight train from old Delhi to Kathgodam (you reach fresh @ 530 am). Then taxi it up to Binsar (3-3.5 hrs)
Other places to stay: In Binsar proper there is a Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam guesthouse and also a Club Mahindra property.
This, is life
The air is fresh and crisp.
The view from the window, 'mountainy' and green.
A little blue bird was on my window sill this morning.
This is the life, you say to yourself. Udhar sheher mein, bheed bhaad mein, traffic jam aur tensions ke beech hum kar kya rahe hain??
This, is Binsar eco camp. A quaint little family run place where you feel right at home. There are just 11 rooms. A small kitchen which produces hot, home-style food. And one Mr Kesarchand Mehra who welcomes you, and shows you around with gusto.
"See.. this is rosemary. And this, smell it! What is it? Guess?"
It's the 'Odomos' plant. Rub it on your body and it will keep the moskies away. Not that you need to do that here - none spotted so far.
At lunch, we have 'bhaang ki chutney'. "Cannabis," explains Mehraji helpfully. Not to worry. Thodi si khaane se kuch hota nahin hai. We tried :)
A quick word on the 'eco' bit of eco camp. Apart from growing herbs and flowers there is nothing special being done here in the eco sense of the word. The cottages are brick and mortar, and there is generous use of wood. You have a modern bathroom, and intermittent electricity as well.
But Mr Mehra puts it this way,"Without economy, there is no ecology." Efforts like his bring in tourists and provide much needed employment for locals. Many of whom lost their source of livelihood when Binsar was declared a sanctuary, a protected forest area.
As far as 'eco' goes, Mehraji does have plans to introduce solar heaters and maybe even wind power. Meanwhile he's educating villagers on the benefits of growing organic vegetables - which is what you mostly get to eat when you stay here :)
The next morning we set off to explore the jungle in the vicinity. There is a 'viewpoint' from where Nandadevi and numerous other Himalayan peaks are visible on a clear day. Today, it's foggy. But still beautiful.
Brown and yellow pine leaves blanket the ground we walk on. We reach a cave. Porcupines live inside it but they're hiding deep inside. There are interesting birds flying around - we spot some Himalayan parakeets and a woodpecker.
We climb up to the Mata Anandmayee ashram. It is deserted right now, but there is a little room where a diya glows, next to her picture. You feel at peace there.
Later in the day we trek up to the Bimladevi temple. More for the trek, than the temple. It isn't a difficult climb but us city slickers ain't all that fit. We huff and puff much of the way.
My feet are hurting the rest of the day. But I have three and a half chapatis (with ghee) and feel rather satisfied :)
The plan was to just sack out here and 'do nothing'. But then we heard about this fundu place called 'Patal Bhuvaneshwar'. This is an ancient cave temple with natural rock formations which literally tell stories from Hindu mythology, and specifically from the Skand purana.
Now this was intriguing enough to make the 3 hr drive to the place. And I must say, it is amazing.
Majestic deodar trees keep the cave temple hidden to the eye - from a distance.
You walk down half a km and are greeted by a few straggly tourists and an ancient man who records your name and 'address'. No entry fee, he tells you to 'see' the place and then make a donation as well as pay the guide. "Jitni aapki icchha."
You enter the cave through an extremely narrow entrance, slipping and half-sliding 90metres down. The first formation you see is 'Sheshnag' and it really does look like the hood of a snake. An enthusiastic guide brings alive the various stories associated with each formation.
From Airavata (Indra's elephant) to the Pandavas playing dice with Parvati - there are some very interesting, amar kathas captured here.
And whether or not you are the religious sort, there is certainly something beyond coincidence and mere mortal imagination happening here. If you a believer, well, all the better. They say visiting this one cave is the equivalent of visiting all four 'dhams'.
You can read all about the various legends associated with each formation here and here
I found the formation which is said to be the river Ganga flowing from Shiva's locks to be the most fascinating.
Photography is not allowed inside the cave hence I am putting up this scan of one of the postcard size prints you can buy near the temple. Sadly it does no justice at all to the experience- you have to be there, feel it.
'Patrakaars' are allowed to take pictures and even shoot video, if they have prior permission from the relevant authority in Dehradun. I would love to go back one day and do that!
On the journey back, I thought India is incredible. There is always something new to discover. And there's more to this 5 day trip - but I'll save that for another day, another post.
Binsar Eco Camp - Dhaulchhina, Uttarakhand
Best way to reach: By overnight train from old Delhi to Kathgodam (you reach fresh @ 530 am). Then taxi it up to Binsar (3-3.5 hrs)
Other places to stay: In Binsar proper there is a Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam guesthouse and also a Club Mahindra property.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Internships @ JAM, and more
If you are BMM or BMS/ Arts/ Commerce/ Science/ Engineering student thinking of a career in the media, you might want to apply to work as an intern with JAM magazine.
You must have excellent English, be web savvy and open to do anything and everything in terms of reporting, writing, editing and uploading.
The internship is essentially for experience - you will get a recommendation letter if you successfully complete it. There is no stipend, only a small travel allowance.
The position is in Mumbai and duration minimum of 4 weeks. Drop me a line asap at rashmi_b at yahoo.com if interested!
The Stay Hungry show
Also, a small update on my new show on UTVi. In a happy turn of events it's now called the 'Stay Hungry' show and the first episode went off well... Although there is always scope to get better and better :)
I realise many of you are not near a TV at 7 pm, especially on a Friday; will try and put it up on Youtube. There is also a repeat telecast on Sat early morning ie 1230 am.
The subject for the 'Stay Hungry' show on this Friday (15th May) is the advertising industry. So if you have any queries on copywriting/ media planning/ client servicing / what have you, feel free to email me with your contact details. Again at rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
The hills are alive!
Lastly, I have a lot to write about my recent trip to Kumaon. Yes, it was only five days but heavenly nevertheless. We live in such an amazing country, where there's always something more to discover.
Details in my next post!
You must have excellent English, be web savvy and open to do anything and everything in terms of reporting, writing, editing and uploading.
The internship is essentially for experience - you will get a recommendation letter if you successfully complete it. There is no stipend, only a small travel allowance.
The position is in Mumbai and duration minimum of 4 weeks. Drop me a line asap at rashmi_b at yahoo.com if interested!
The Stay Hungry show
Also, a small update on my new show on UTVi. In a happy turn of events it's now called the 'Stay Hungry' show and the first episode went off well... Although there is always scope to get better and better :)
I realise many of you are not near a TV at 7 pm, especially on a Friday; will try and put it up on Youtube. There is also a repeat telecast on Sat early morning ie 1230 am.
The subject for the 'Stay Hungry' show on this Friday (15th May) is the advertising industry. So if you have any queries on copywriting/ media planning/ client servicing / what have you, feel free to email me with your contact details. Again at rashmi_b at yahoo.com.
The hills are alive!
Lastly, I have a lot to write about my recent trip to Kumaon. Yes, it was only five days but heavenly nevertheless. We live in such an amazing country, where there's always something more to discover.
Details in my next post!
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