Mespeak

Ramblings

2017-03-15T17:15:00.001+05:30

TWO WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL
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Recent happenings in the family reminded me of 1994 movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although the comedy film and my experience have no similarity, my predicament unfortunately was a nerve-racking ordeal making me run up and down almost weekly to and from my salubrious Nashik to noisy and tiresome Mumbai.

These days I generally prefer to keep low profile and avoid travel due to my health related mobility constraints. However, with some grit and willpower,
I attended Goa Reunion albeit to the surprise of friends, made extensive use of wheelchair on account of both physical infirmity as well as vastness of venue hotel where long walks were involved from my room to events and dining areas. This was 1st/2nd week of February via flights from Mumbai.

Next in sequence was wedding of a close family member again in Mumbai. In fact, we were asked to keep aside two days 19/20th Feb almost weeks in advance. Great wedding ce!ebrations anyway. The groom was the son of our niece. It was a love marriage and the couple were getting married after getting engaged almost a year back. Being only son, parents celebrated with all usual funfair including airiel photography ! Enjoyable but crowded event.

This was followed by another invitation from NRI close relatives who were very keen that we attend felicitation function with a musical evening by well-known family trio headed by senior artist Ashit Desai, his versatile Anchor wife Hema and very talented son Aalap. That itself was tempting for our musical palate. The main function was in honour of our octogenarian Bhabhi who was entering her '90s. A well-rendered CD of Bhajans and songs dedicated to grand lady with her photograph on the cover was distributed to all guests. Venue had excellent ambience with graceful decorations followed by sumptuous dinner. Returned next day with good memories.

One more wedding invitation came along almost with a surprise. Less than 24 hours notice to attend. Generally Weddings are planned well in advance and at least couple of weeks before the events invitations are received. This one was an exception. A divorce case of the Groom was going on about which we were aware. It seemed that the case was amicably settled and divorce granted about a fortnight ago. His father, my B-in-Law phoned us to come over as they had already selected the bride in anticipation of grant of divorce. Only close relatives were invited. Another trip to Mumbai and we reached just in time at the nice club venue. Being second marriage for both bride and groom, it was without much funfare. Traditional ceremony was conducted by priests. It took about couple of hours. Dinner for guests followed and it was all over late night. It was too late travel back home, spent the night at my brother's residence and returned next day.

With four trips in as many weeks to Mumbai, all very hectic, no sooner we heaved a sigh of relief, news came over that my youngest brother was unwell and admitted in local hospital and was in ICU. We knew that he and family had been away to Rajasthan for pilgrim and he had just returned few days back. It appeared that he had severe attack of diarrhea on return which lasted few days resulting in acute dehydration. Since usual remedies did not help, he was advised hospital admission. There with some investigations, doctors reported kidney mal-functioning and he was put on dialysis. Due to severe pain, doctors gave him sedation for relief and comfortable sleep for the night. To family's surprise, he remained unconscious for couple of days. We visited him during our recent visits. Last week it appeared that responded and recognized us. We asked him if he was feeling better and would like to come along to Nashik for visiting his long promised trip to Shirdi for Darshan. Without opening eyes, he just nodded. That was last we saw him. Last Saturday night we got message that he was no more and left for Heavenly abode. He was just 62 and always full of life. In family gatherings, he was always centre of attraction and kept everyone amused by his humour and anecdotes. Once again, this time we were in Mumbai to attend his funeral. All gloom and sorrow on all faces of large family. Wondering why he was snatched away so soon and not at ripe age. Inscrutable indeed are the unknown reasons why our favourite souls depart so early !

We still keep thinking and wonder how just in matter of few weeks, we have fun, festivities, celebrations and unfortunate passing away of a near and dear one - all in quick succession ! No answer. Or that explains ups and down of life !

Zindgi

2016-08-19T09:40:00.001+05:30

http://hariomtatsat.mespeak.blogspot.com

2015-03-15T13:38:00.001+05:30

Start a new life

Let me narrate family background before I move into captioned topic. I was just a teenager when we moved to dream city then known as Bombay. Nine siblings, parents and grandmother all like a cricket team and Umpire moved into a new home at Bhiwandi, a sleepy distant town some 30+ kms away from bustling Bombay. Next few years, moved residence from place to place and by the time I finished University education and got married, we had a small 2-room lower middle class apartment in a decent suburb courtesy my father's employer so that his commuting time to work was much lesser.

All good things have small beginnings. Looking for jobs, started with tutoring few kids for High school subjects, moved on as cashier for ice-cream parlour, then as dispatch clerk with a Japanese Agency, Lower division clerk with a semi-Government corporation and finally as marketing officer with a well-known Insurance Company. Not satisfied with level of earnings, worked as part-time secretary with a trade association and also ventured as a free lance journalist and proof-reader to make both ends meet.

As any young aspiring individual looking for greener pastures, like a windfall, at much younger age, early 30's in life, in recognition of my excellent business results, my employer offered me an overseas assignment as Branch Manager far away from India on contract basis for 4-years on a strict stipulation that all leave will be accumulated with no home leave for the entire term ! Offer was attractive but attached rider created a big dilemma for me and family. Our tradition and family culture with lot of sentimental and emotional bonds both with my own family as well as in-laws in the context of my wife also being away for such long duration was unthinkable. With old parents on both sides, decision-making was quite complex. Great deal of debate and persuasion followed for a while and what can be called a bold "yes" was obtained from all stake holders in the families affected by ensuing challenge.

Rest is all a matter of history in my career. Starting at the lowest level, my entire working life of almost four decades culminated until my retirement as top senior executive in the hierarchy of Management with more than ten years working abroad at different Branches including a prestigious posting as Chief of U.K/European operations. For my humble early beginning, it goes without saying that one small step and a bold decision in life was almost worth it for realising far-fetched dream of younger days to get the pleasure of working in both worlds at home and abroad !

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2015-03-10T18:07:00.000+05:30

Housing - A perennial paradox !

Like every one, there occurs a time in your life when one feels to own a home as a matter of personal achievement. As a matter of fact, with frequent transfers as part of my job, the urge to own a home all the more pressing.

Looking and searching for a home in itself is a sort of travail and an adventure. With some efforts, by the time we identified a nice suburban home and decided to make down payment, a transfer order from Head Office forced us to stall the deal and pack our stuff to take over new post in a new city.

Soon after we settled down in Company-leased flat, few minor issues like irregular supply of water, plumbing repairs etc. created unnecessary heartburn in dealing with the landlady. This could not go on longer and we started looking for own home in better environment.

There was not much of a problem and with the help of one of our friends, we selected a small but nice house with a front garden and decent neighbourhood. We shifted there after some time as the previous resident moved out in alternate place.

This has been our home ever since although we were in and out few times on account of change of my assignments. Of late, we renovated our home with an extra room and change in design to give it a better look. Most guests and visitors have appreciated the ambiance of our home and we are happy that even after retirement, we live here very happily with no worry to make any more shifts from place to pace.

Shri Narendra Modi

2014-05-17T21:37:00.001+05:30

I do not hold any brief for BJP or Shri Narendra Modi.
On occasions, I have been critical about their style of functioning. I believe, however, that credit should be given when it is due. Therefore, on the occasion of Shri Modi's historical record-breaking entry at national level and to be our next Prime Minister, let me express these eulogistic lines which he richly deserves :

Tsu - Namo !

A new star has risen on the horizon
Shining above Everest moving from ground zero.
His folks nick-named him NaMo
Now he has brought about a Tsu - NaMo !
Dark clouds have withered away
Allowing him to shine in full glory.
He was like a one-man army
Having won many battles in his life.
Of late he galloped like a dark horse
With no hurdles to reach his winning post.
Champion he was and lead from the front
Campaigning across the land with thunder.
He was a lion amongst his tribe
Thrashing all who came across his way.
With push and punch he roared to his crowds
Mincing no words to strike his opponents.
His watch-words were good governance
Development and well-being of all.
Simple honest living and sincerity of purpose
Won him many hearts from all quarters.
He promised utopia in his whirl-wind journey
With no distinction of caste, creed or beliefs.
Crown was deservingly placed on his head
When day of deliverance came around.
For him this was beginning of new innings
For nation this was dawn of a new era.

Nashik,
16th May 2014

Harish Ganatra
104 Space Zenith Savarkar Nagar
Nashik - 422013 India
Tel: Mob: 91-9371003701
E-mail: harishganatra@gmail.com

Ustad Rashid Khan - Yaad Piya Ki Aye (Tribute to Jagjit Singh, Yaadon Ka...

2014-04-26T18:06:00.001+05:30

Anytime Great classical thumri. Worth listening. Enjoy. Ustad Rashid Khan at his best. Reminds us of Bade Gulam Ali Khan.

Looking Back - Dawn of a new century - Decades Post - 2000 A.D.

2014-02-17T17:11:00.000+05:30

Looking Back-Dawn of a century-Decades post-2000

What an event of a lifetime ! No sooner calender turned year 2000, it was the start of magnificent celebrations all over the world, we in India being no exception. There was unusual merriment, party-going and air of unbelievable mirth and enthusiasm. It was as if a new age in the history of mankind had taken place and we all proudly felt happy and fortunate to see and be part of the great day i.e. 1st Jan. 2000. As a matter of fact it was one year in advance because actually, the new century would commence only from 2001 ! However, we witnessed the spirit behind the event with the onset of year 2000 and the whole year before the start of new century was full of gaiety and celebrations with mementos, memorabilia and gifts galore as part of history-making.

As for myself, the new decade was to bring in quite a few changes in my personal life. The business which I helped Sanjay to start after he shifted from Mumbai to Nashik was running into some problems. It had expanded quite well in few years with the addition of a fabrication small-scale unit which was part of trading activity. To manage this new side activity, arrival of Shilpa family helped us a great deal with her husband Satish taking over this independent responsibility. However, with expansion and growth of business, injecting more capital was necessary. This was not easy as interest rates on Bank loans were very high in those days, almost 16/17%. Added to this, we had competition from duplicate cheaper material for similar products and slow payment of outstanding bills of customers due to their own financial constraints. As a result, we decided to wind up the business voluntarily rather then face awkward situation. Sanjay ventured into his own self-employed profession of investments/insurance consultant and Satish elected to start his own business as Interior designer and building contractor. W as family are happy that both of them have done well in their chosen fields over the years.

One major decision around this time related to selling of our residential bungalow property at prestige location of college road at Nashik. We had made major renovation of this property after we decided to settle down at Nashik post-retirement. It was indeed a very lovable home which I would have never liked to give up. It was like a life-time investment. However, taking into account number of personal factors and circumstances relating to winding up of business venture, this was probably only available choice. Sad and reluctant decision but we accepted as part of destiny for a better future.

Hardly we had shifted to our new Home in 2001, fate took another toll at personal level. I had massive cardiac arrest in mid-2002 with 94% blockage in main central vein of the heart. Luckily, medical help was made available and I was shifted to hospital immediately. After investigations angiography and angioplasty with stent implant was recommended which was done same day. Ten days in hospital and next few months, I was confined to home. A complete change in life-style was implemented with medical management, diet control and weight reduction programme. I am happy that almost 12 years have gone by and comparatively, I remain in good shape at my present age of 80.

Life went on rather routinely hereafter. My activities with Rotary club continued with association of over 30 years and seven different clubs at home and abroad. This was thoroughly enjoyable with good number of friends from the club for company now and then. My wife Pushpa was also enjoying her membership with Ladies wing of Rotary viz. Innerwheel club with her friends on regular basis. Apart from this, I was actively involved with "Sahayog Trust" and "Sahayog Parivar", for which I worked more than a decade since retirement. For this, I prepared the initial project report for starting a senior citizen home on lines of American and Australian models. This was to be known as "Nivrutti Gram" or Retirement Home for elders. There were plans for residence of about 100 elders with all amenities as community hall, medical centre, vegetarian canteen, jogging track, indoor games, library, audio/video centre, yoga and meditation centre, etc. There was also provision for day-visitors from elders who did not require residence facility but would like to avail the facilities at the centre on payment of nominal fee. A bus service was to be provided to bring such members to and fro. Project was given final shape and refined by Tata Institute of social sciences. Initial project cost was Rs. 5 crores. However, due to the donated plot of 2 acres being within Sinhastha (Kumbhmela) area, there were some approval hurdles from authorities. Project is still alive but has not seen light of the day. I understand that clearance has recently been received and efforts are being made to start the work soon on the project although at an escalated cost of Rs. 15 crores in view of all round increase of costs over the years. I am not very active on this nowadays but continue to take interest and act as advisor to promoters when required. For a short term, I also started a day-care centre for elders in my own residence premises with a library and indoor sports. As I have now moved into an apartment, this has been also discontinued.

Another social activity related to my membership of Nashiklub 58+ where a good number of seniors used to meet on regular basis. I was actively involved with this club for more than 5 years or so. We used to have topical lectures by prominent speakers on issues of elders, musical evenings, annual sports, picnics etc. which were quite enjoyable. Due to advancing age and commuting and driving problems at my age, I developed withdrawal systems and since last few years, I have discontinued most of these social activities including Rotary club and senior citizens clubs.

In mid-2009, we had two milestone events in life. We completed 50 years of our married life and I was nearing 75. On the occasion, we organised a celebration party with family,friends and well-wishers with a musical evening. Unfortunately, we could not invite our relatives and near and dear ones who are mostly in Mumbai, numbering almost 100 or so as there were practical difficulties for making arrangements for their stay overnight at Nashik. This remains a small regret in our minds but could not be helped.

We are now in the 2nd decade of new century. I am now at the verge of my 80th year in life and these 8 decades have moved on to our overall satisfaction. Family-wise, grand-daughter Nauka got married to Architect Kishor and settled with him happily at New Jersey, USA. Another grand-daughter from Shilpa/Satish, Shikha is now Sales Manager with a leading Hotel group based in Bangalore. Hopefully, she will also get married this year. Sanjay's daughter, Priyanka is now qualified as B.E. and works for a leading American MNC at Mumbai. She is also of marriageable age. That leaves grand-daughter Pankti to give us company at Nashik whilst pursuing her commerce college education.

This brings me to the end of my series of blogs on the subject of eight decades of "looking back" at my life lived so far. Age-related medical issues keep up cropping and this is part of life. God Almighty, our family Deity " Shrinathji" has been very kind to myself and family all these years. Presently, I have developed osteoarthritis of both knees since some time now. Medical help is being taken on regular basis. A surgery for knee-replacement may have to be resorted but currently, it is wait and watch so long as it is not unbearable.

Life as such goes on quietly and peacefully. My hobbies of reading, music and net surfing keeps me going. On the net, I am glad to be a blogger with almost 150 articles to my credit under different series of subjects of varied interests. To add to net socialising, like the current trend all over the universe, I am a Facebook-er, Google-er, Tumblr-er, Twitter-er Linked-in-er, Youtube-er and so on ! All this and more keeps me linked up on line with large number of relations and friends. If nothing else, I am happy to be living in an age where world is indeed a global village !

Looking forward to continuous inter-action through my blog-writings in future - God willing ! Bye !

Looking Back - Decade of '90s

2014-02-11T15:37:00.000+05:30

Looking Back - Decade of '90s.

As I look back further, this is the last decade of 20th century. Also last decade of working life in the Company. Retirement age being 60, I was due to retire in July 1994. This is normally the time when you start preparation and plan stock-taking for retirement. I was now nearing 57 when one should take things a bit easy. I had an interesting and all-round long career. Things were rather looking comfortable overall and there were no major personal or professional issues to take care of. I was, it appeared, finally on home grounds and apart from ensuing retirement, there was hardly anything to look forward by way of either challenges or new ventures.

My job in the Foreign department at H.O. in Mumbai was interesting and engrossing. Over-seeing operations of overseas Branches, about 30 in all, spread over all continents from East to West was pretty good experience. There was steady flow of overseas visitors, both business associates and colleagues. Every few months, I was away on foreign tour visiting 4/5 branches in row to review and deliberate business operations. As part of this responsibility, I also visited London on few occasions to finalise launching of new associate Company there "New India International" for enabling operations in European community market.

In the midst of this, there was a new development with a bang ! I had quite a few transfer of jobs within the Company in my career, both in India and abroad. As I mentioned earlier, I was taking it easy in the belief that no more changes at this stage are likely in my assignment. I was sounded in between to take up postings at Ahmedabad or Hydrabad as Regional Manager which I had politely declined. This new development related to my being posted as Head of our operations in London, U.K. in specific relation to launch the new Company for which I was instrumental in preparing the Project report on behalf of Foreign department. Looking at the confidence which the Management of the Company was bestowing on me, importance of the job involved and for my own self-satisfaction, after considering all pros and cons, I consented to my transfer, which would mean that I shall retire from London instead of H.O. Accordingly, myself and Mrs. Ganatra left for London in May 1991 after one more time winding up of our Mumbai residence.

Well, London is Mecca of Insurance business world-wide, where the original concept of insurance took birth almost three centuries back. Our operations in London were almost as old as the Company itself. We started there as Agency operations in 1921 which were looked after by our friends "SEDGWICKS" who are top international insurance and Re-insurance group. This was converted as regular branch in 1984. We had both direct and re-insurance world-wide portfolio there in partnership with well-known "Commercial Union" and "Legal and General" Companies. There was considerable goodwill in the market in view of long standing of our operations with initial association as part of "Tata" group company and later as Government of India organisation in view of nationalisation of insurance business in 1973. We had large number of local Agency organisation backed by ethnic groups from both India and Pakistan spread across the country.

These three years in my London assignment were quite note-worthy in the sense that the operations were highly professional, technology backed with lot of automation, meaning less paper work and largely on line transactions. Whether it was documentation, underwriting, claims processing, accounts, finance, investments, banking, use of computers was the basic part of operations. Market was predominantly controlled by brokers. Some of the international brokers, in size and revenue income were many times bigger than insurance companies in market, we included. Total number of companies operating in famous "one square mile" of financial district of London from all over the world was almost 800 ! One can imagine the strength of the market as well the type of competition prevailing in the market place !

In short, there were lot of new things to learn in this period at the fag end of my career. All business, any type anywhere, involves challenges and competition. London is no exception. We made lot of friends and had all types of experiences at both personal and professional levels. At the end, I shall only mention that the London posting experience was something which we shall cherish all our life in spite of unfavourable weather and most favourable British culture which impressed and inspired us a lot in our day-today experience there. I will also add two famous features of London life viz. (1) An Englishman and his umbrella can never be parted ( unpredictable weather on daily basis ) and (2) There is no match to British in the matters of wit and statistics ! There cannot be any better way to explain life in London !

We returned to India on completion of my term in July 1994 and as a retired executive. For few years, I continued my professional career as a Nominee-Director of G.I.C. to an investment and finance group based in New Delhi almost till the end of the decade. I also continued to be a visiting faculty at National Insurance Academy at Pune for well over a decade or more, speaking on the subjects of international insurance and reinsurance markets world-wide and about London market and Lloyd's of London in particular. My main thrust at some of these lectures were to impress upon participants the need for such international exposure in their careers either by way of training overseas or if possible by availing job opportunities when possible. I remember telling them many times that what I learnt at London in three years was far more important and superior than what I had learnt and experienced in earlier three decades and more of my professional working life.

The years after my retirement up to the end of the decade i.e. landmark end of 20th century at personal level were more of companionship with family and friends back home. We renovated our Nashik home which was purchased in 1980 and decided to settle there. Arranged for both Sanjay and Shilpa to settle down at Nashik with their families. Helped Sanjay to start retail business venture as distributor of a well-known manufacturing group of Gujarat. Re-joined local Rotary club with which I had almost 30 years of active membership. Life went on merrily so to say, what with grand-children, four of them, growing and progressing in life.

And so next decade and few more years of the new 21st century will be part of next blog post.

Looking Back - Decade of '80s - Part 2

2014-02-01T17:35:00.000+05:30

Decade of '80s - Part 2

I mentioned earlier that there were three main segments of my career in this decade. Before I proceed to the next assignment at H.O. let me mention two different interesting happenings at the last leg of my Fiji posting. As usual, there were few farewell parties on the event of our departure from friends and well-wishers. I had great regard and respect for the Governor of Reserve Bank of Fiji, Mr. Sivatibau, popularly known as Siva ( Hinduistic ! ) who was a rare and brilliant native Fijian Bureaucrat. He was also Commissioner of Insurance controlling insurance operations in Fiji. He was formally informed about my impending transfer but I did not hear back from him. Left a few messages with his efficient secretary to fix my meeting before departure but with no response. I was puzzled as this was important formality to say good-bye. To my surprise, on my last working day in office, Siva walked in with his team and was escorted in my personal cabin. He smiled and apologised for gate-crashing without appointment ! I was truly embarrassed. He was highly respected Government dignitary and this visit by him personally was quite unexpected and unusual. Offering him coffee, he casually mentioned that he got all messages for my appointment before departure and adding, "It is my duty to formally say good-bye to a friend on his depature and for this you don't have to visit me !" Sign of true greatness of a VIP ! As a gesture of goodwill, he gave me a beautiful Greeting card signed by his entire office staff individually wishing me and family well with a message of Bon Voyage ! He also handed over a nice gift pouch containing $ 10 silver Fiji coin commemorating Fiji's independence in 1970 ! This is still my proud possession.

Another interesting episode relates to my travel arrangements for journey back home. This is a good example of how airlines offer competitive packages. Normal Fiji/Mumbai fare at that time was about Rs.30,000. Return excursion fare was Rs. 32,000. Against this, Fiji/USA/Europe/India/Fiji round the world trip cost was Rs. five/six thousand extra ! We chose the world ticket by paying the difference (normal fare being payable by Company). We planned to travel for about six weeks in US/Canada and Europe on the way to India. Mumbai/Fiji part of remaining ticket was of no use and redundant ! Sanjay purchased a similar ticket from India and joined us at Honolulu for the trip. As a bonus, in view of military coup, all flights to USA got suspended and airline arranged our outward journey eastward to Sydney, then overflew Fiji to Hawaii for our regular journey onwards. Sanjay reached one day late than scheduled because of his flight cancellation. He was further detained at Honolulu airport for hours by immigration as he had no proof of funds with him increasing our anxieties. I was somehow allowed to meet him late in the day. Explained that I was bearing all his travel expenses, showed them necessary proof of funds with me to get him enter USA. They had presumed that he was trying to enter as illegal immigrant ! Well, all is well that ends well !
So far as our travel plans are concerned, this was a pure holiday for few weeks after three years of executive stress in any working environment. After Sanjay joined us at Hawaai, we had sort of smooth going full of travel fun. From there,we covered length and breadth of Canada and USA from Vancouver, Victoria island, Seattle, downward to San Fransisco and Los Angeles, visiting all sight-seeing places, including Warner/Universal studios, Disney Land, Las Vegas, then southward to Texas, again northward to Florida, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Further upto Montreal and Toronto with Niagara falls with final city tour highlights of New York. Truly hectic but most enriching and enjoyable.
From USA, our travel trip proceeded to London. Explored few days there with onward journey to Continent of Europe travelling through, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and back to London. Tried all types of transport, air, rail, road and sea journeys from France to U.K. I also spent all by myself sponsored one week visit to Hqrs. of Munich Re and Swiss Re, our Reinsurers and world's largest Reinsurance Companies for sort of orientation for me for professional awareness.

Resuming details of remaining part of the decade i.e. 1987-90, first good news was from Shilpa advising us at Mumbai airport that she was expecting twins ! Great news although somewhat alarming in view of her rather small frame ! Fortunately, all went well later at due time and in Nov. '87, she delivered twin girls, Shika and Nauka. There was again one more addition in the family as Priyanka was born to Sanjay/Purnima in Oct.'90 thus we were proud grand-parents of three girls by end of the decade.

On office front, in three years 1987-1990, I had few very interesting assignments as Manager at H.O. It started with High Risk/ large business customers marketing management on all India basis with frequent travels all over India. As part of this, conductd 60+ customers seminars at various centres. Next I was given charge of Indian Business deptt. with overall administrativee control, business development, opening new offices, statistics, monitoring monthly reports etc. Thereafter for next 2/3 years right upto mid-1991, I was given charge of foreign operations of the Company. This involved, overall over-seeing oprations of almost 30 Branches in more than 20 countries in all continents. Added to this, Director-ship of few associate Companies overseas was part of assignment. In these years, made almosr half-a dozen foreign trips visiting many of these Branches, meeting clients and friends and well-wishers as part of operational requirements.
One important event of this tenure was holding 1st ever International Business conference at Lonavala attended by all foreign Branch heads, H.O. Senior Executives and officials of Ministry of Finance
( Insurance Division ). Being a unique event in the history of Company's overseas operations of almost four decades, this received high appreciation from all concerned.
Well, this takes me to the last decade of century, my last and final posting at London and retirement in 1994. All this and more in my next Blog.

Looking Back - Decade of '80s- Part 1 -

2014-01-31T12:26:00.000+05:30

Looking Back - Decade of '80s - Part 1

I joined duties at Nashik in June '80. This was a familiar place. We as family had been visitors to this city quite a few times on holidays in earlier days, so settling down was no problem. In fact, we had developed a fair deal of liking for this place due to variety of reasons and hence eventually, after my retirement in 1994, it was very easy for us to decide to finally live in this nice place after spending last three decades at so many places in and out of the country on Company assignment.

Now, remembering the events of this decade of '80s, it immediately strikes me that (a) we had two weddings - Shilpa with Satish Menon on 23 Nov.1985 and Sanjay with Purnima Chandarana on 9 April 1989 (b) further resulting in we being proud grand parents of Shikha/Nauka (twins) in Nov.1987 from Shilpa's side and Priyanka from Sanjay's side in Oct.1990 in the family. This being good family events, I thought this should be recorded before turning to other happenings.

On career front, this decade can be easily divided in three segments viz. (i) 1980-84 at Nashik (ii) 1984-87 on second posting at Suva, Fiji and (iii) 1987-1990 at Mumbai H.O. of the Company. Let me briefly describe the main highlights of these assignments.

As I mentioned earlier, Nashik assignment for four years was comparatively softer period of working for Company and thoroughly enjoyable. I was covering several districts of North Maharashtra from here, right upto Gujarat and M.P. borders. During this era, I could arrange good expansion of our business with new Branches at Satpur and Ambad MIDC areas, a special in-the -complex Branch at H.A.L. Ojhar and Shrirampur apart from upgrading Nashik, Malegaon and Dhulia offices. Organised number of customer seminars with lot of inter-action with Nashik business and industries. Submitted a project report to H.O. in 1982 for computerisation of operations in those early days when this subject was just surfacing.

I was also a visiting faculty at local MBA college and was made member of Pune University committee to introduce Insurance and Risk Management courses at 12+ level in colleges. A pilot program was also launched in one of the colleges at Nashik. Incidentally, on social front, I was active member of Rotary club which I continued from my Mumbai days as a Rotarian which lasted for almost 40 years as member with seven different Rotary clubs in India and abroad. On personal front, we also moved to our own new Home which we purchased in late 1980 with a loan from Company. This proved to be a good investment decision and also greatly helped the family finally to settle down at Nashik after retirement. I completed my term in 1984 and Management pulled me out for another foreign posting at my old familiar place, Fiji, but now as Country-Head with four Branches under my charge there.
In regard to my Fiji posting, it so happened that whilst at Nashik, management sounded me for a possible foreign posting. This was nothing new to me as I was earlier asked on couple of occasions for my posting at Dubai and Hong Kong Branches which I could not take up due to personal reasons. This time there was a likely offer for London office which I thought could be considered. However, at last moment, I was advised that our Fiji Manager was selected for this position due to reasons best known to them. Instead, in view of my past Fiji experience, this posting was available. On due consideration, I consented and in mid-May 1984, we left for Fiji minus Sanjay who joined my brother's business and Shilpa who was away to Germany for pursuing further studies. In fact, Shilpa joined us later at Fiji after spending couple of years there and we took short holiday from Fiji in Nov.1985 for celebrating her wedding with Satish at Mumbai.
My three years 1984-87 at Fiji revived my old friendships and memories of earlier years. There was a gap of 14 years between two postings. I was heading four Branches. There were lot of changes as was natural. Brokers were more aggressive in the market. Accordingly, I made efforts to get them linked with us by developing personal relations which improved our broker portfolio by about 20% more than before. I also arranged regular publicity drive in media promoting New India as strong and largest Company in Fiji. A seminar which was largely attended by clients, agents, brokers and Govt. Officials was also organised which brought us lot of publicity. We also sponsored New Year Golf Tournament yearly which helped in our public relations. Incidentally, I was appointed first, as Secretary of Fiji Underwriters' Association and then as Chairman for one year. Similarly, by virtue of this position, I was also elected as Chairman of prestigious Fiji Reinsurance and Fiji Fire Brigade. In short, there was all round recognition of Company as major operator in Fiji. As a major event, there were almost half a dozen devastating cyclones during 1985 which not only ruined Fiji economy but also resulted in large number of catastrophic claims. We organised several public awareness meetings and I also gave couple of radio interviews in this regard.
On political front, elections brought about major changes with a leader of Indian origin Mahindra Chowdhary became Prime Minister for the first time. This created lot of resistance in the minds of native Fijians and eventually, newly elected Government was overthrown by a military coup lead by Col Rabuka. My term was getting over and in May-1987, we left Fiji for returning back home via a world tour which lasted almost six weeks as part of my leave period and reached Mumbai for an extended Holiday to join duties at H.O. for my next assignment.

Looking Back - Decade of '70s

2014-01-27T12:59:00.001+05:30

Looking Back - Decade of '70s

Returning home after four years of foreign stay is a great feeling. Apart from changes in and around Mumbai, home city, one could feel an air of new ideas and ambiance at home, office and surroundings. I had well-earned good four months leave which had accumulated. There were no ready plans. Next posting was not decided. Management was keen to depute me again to Fiji. I was not keen as there was little scope there in advancement of my career. Waiting for orders, we decided on a pilgrim trip with my father to Gujarat and Rajasthan. Travelled by taxi for about two weeks with great fun and satisfaction. Temporary stay at old Ghatkopar home for few weeks and started looking for new home somewhere in vicinity. Luckily, with some undesirable hassles, Management agreed my posting in Mumbai in non-marketing assignment i.e. with Company's training college for marketing officials. As there was no choice, joined duties as stop-gap situation. This lasted almost two years. Being used to Company provided vehicle for almost a decade, this assignment had no such facilities and I had to go for personal vehicle. Well, plus and minus of change in working life ! Plus side was, I had lot of opportunities to catch up with reading, both professional and general, from training college library with rich collection of books and subscribed magazines in large numbers. This satisfied my old hunger of voracious reading. I was then asked by Federation of Insurance Institutes to prepare a reference book on the subject of Insurance marketing for field staff appearing for departmental examinations. For this, I made detailed study of reference books and literature from the library. When ready, this was published as a book by F.I.I. and recommended for prescribed study course material. My first and only publication for which I received lot of appreciation. The assignment also improved my self-confidence to speak to audiences for given subjects for different training programs and seminars. During these couple of years, I conducted dozens of training programs for Branch Managers/marketing officials. During my future assignments and Company related travels in India and at times abroad, it was pleasure to meet many of them in higher positions and gratefully acknowledging my role in their careers.
With all this happening, middle age bumps and some inside urge was prompting me to plan an alternative activity as training was not my forte or priority in life. I had helped my brother Arun to enter into export-import business and I was his part-time adviser. In 1973, I managed to avail special leave from training assignment and left for U.S.A. via introductory offer of Rs. 4004 travel fare by Air India, with twin purpose. One, to find customers for Aradhna International, the firm promoted for impex business and two, to explore my enrolling for MBA at some American university. I could also manage to obtain a foreign travellers special promtion air ticket at cost of just $100=Rs 7500/- worth at that time which allowed me to travel anywhere in USA by Air ! I spent almost six weeks travelling across United States visiting half-a-dozen prestigious universities including Harvard, MIT, New York State University, Yale, Stanford and UCLA (Los Angeles). I had saved $2000 in Bank of America and thought this will help in getting me MBA admission. This proved futile as average cost was $ 15,000 with no assurance of scholarship or part-time job. On the business front, I did manage get some orders but that is a different story. My main purpose of visit was not served and I returned disappointed. My MBA dream remained unfulfilled.
Back to Company and I made reprsentation for change of assignment which was fortunately granted after some negotiations. I was made Asstt. Divisional Manager at one of the offices with a mandate of ambitious business target which I fulfilled same year. I was also provided with Company owned residential accomodation and vehicle facility was restored. Apart from developing a few excellent business contacts, I was also made President of New India staff quarters welfare society in which I was instrumental to promote lot of social, cultural and sports activities for about 200 family members of staff who were residents in the complex. This went on for few years until late 1976 when I was promoted and transferred as Divisional Manager at Indore.

Unfortunately, soon after I joined duties at Indore, within couple of weeks, I got the sad news about passing away of our dear father at Ghatkopar home. He was just 63 and in normal good health all along with no signs of impending bolt from the blue message. There was a brief cardiac attack and before any medical help could reach, he breathed his last in the presence of few family members. I rushed back same day by Air and performed his last rites. He was a very noble and pious soul, a loner after the death of my mother and spent his retirement in company of his harmonium and Bhajans which were very close to his heart. May his great soul rest in peace !

Indore posting was a major independent assignment in my career. I spent almost four years there. Business environment was highly challenging and competitive. Unionism was very active and hostile at times. There were cartels and strongholds of vested interests in staff, company's panels of legal advisers and surveyors numbering few dozens in several districts of M.P. which were under my charge. There were restless and trying times on occasions. On the whole, this spell of few years gave me lot of opportunities in lessons of management.
End of the decade was near and at my request, change of my assignment was agreed for a softer posting at Nashik which was nearer Mumbai and to my liking. I joined there in nid-1980 and was soon promoted as Senior Divisional Manager.
Rest will follow in the dairy of next decade - '80s, very shortly.

Looking Back - Eight Decades

2014-01-26T13:41:00.000+05:30

Decade of '60s.

Onward to '60s, this decade represents significant changes in both personal and professional developments.

On personal front, our parenting started with birth of Sanjay in 1960 and of Shilpa in 1962. With this additions in family, we had to look for alternate home as our Ghatkopar, Mumbai residence had limitations to cope with larger family. Hence, we kept on shifting to various suburbs including Sion, Ghatkopar and finally to Chembur well upto 1966 when I was selected by my company management for overseas posting at Fiji islands at end-1966.

Next important development pertained to my part-time journalistic venture. Due to several factors, financial constraints compelled us to sell out the publication by 1964 after few years of vibrant public service in this sector. Our team realised that in highly competitive world of magazine publications which greatly depend on advertisement revenue, it was no use carrying on with part-time management to look after many aspects of publishing business. For a while, I pondered over to resign from services of the Company. However, family and my well-wishers in Company prevailed upon me to continue with my job in view of uncertainties of business potentials in future. I am happy to place on record that although I sacrificed my keen interest in journalism, I could make steady progress in company hierarchy over the years with great job satisfaction and completely enjoyed various Company level assignments both in India and abroad over my long career of almost four decades.

As I mentioned, as an alternative to my initial posting on administrative side, Management was kind enough to transfer me to marketing side where I could show excellent results in few years. In recognition of this, I was selected for an overseas assignment and duly left for Fiji at end-1966 to head a newly opened Branch there as Branch Manager.

This was quite a new and interesting development in my life. Those days, it was a dream come true to travel abroad. There was lot of excitement not only at personal level but also with our large family, relations and friends. I was supposed to be away for a four-year term abroad. Communications were not easy like in modern days. It was like a cut-off from India connections. Letter-writing was the only choice which I continued on regular basis with my family and close friends back home.

With a short stay - 3 days - at Singapore where I could arrange a small loan to equip myself for required shopping before joining in Fiji. This was because, in view of strict foreign exchange restrictions in those days, I was allowed only $ 8 by RBI towards incidental travel expenses. Onward to two-weeks stay at our Sydney, Australia office where Company had made arrangements to give orientation for my assignment in Fiji. Thoroughly enjoyed this short work-cum-holiday before being ready to start operational activities for my assignment.

As per Company rules for first overseas posting, my family could join me only after six months. These few months, with lot of personal adjustments, provided hectic working life in a new place to start new operations for a new Branch. There was considerable help provided by our main office in Fiji, my Branch being second Branch there, and few friends I could make by joining Rotary club and also quite a few business friends in these few months.

Those four years, to sum up, were full of practical experience and professionally,there were lot of things to learn as insurance practices and regulations are different from country to country. Besides managing a Branch independently was a new experience as one has to look after not only procuring business, but also claims management and to look after office matters, staff recruitment, accounts, banking, finance, Head office reporting etc.

Apart from this, at social level, Fiji proved to be a very friendly place and I could make a few long lasting friends both from local contacts, Rotary club and expatriate officers working with Indian High Commission, Bank of Baroda, Air India and LIC. I also joined local Golf club which provided opportunities to mix with prominent citizens, few VIPs and Ministers and British, Australian and New Zealand expatriates.

Fiji got its independence in 1970 while we were there and had the pleasure of witnessing joy and celebrations by native fijians and large number - almost 50% - of local population of Indian origin who had settled there for generations since 1885 when their fore-fathers went from India as indentured labour. INS warship " Delhi " had joined celebrations as a gesture of goodwill from Govt. of India. I was appointed Secretary of Reception Committee to welcome and look after the officers of Naval ship whilst it was anchored on shores of Fiji. Very enjoyable and interesting experience as I received high words of appreciation by receiving letters fro Captain of the ship and from Indian High Commissioner.

I completed the Fiji assignment at end-1970 and self and family returned to India in Jan-1971 travelling for three-weeks by sea on S.S. Oronsay, P.&.O. luxury liner up to Singapore and by flight to sweet home base at what was then known as Bombay.

2014-01-24T12:33:00.000+05:30

Looking Back - Eight Decades !

Decade of '50s -

This decade in my life is full of ups and down, lots of things happening, some pleasant and a few very up-setting. That is life ! Let me serialise event-wise:

I cleared my final schooling in 1952 with good results. Joined well-known Elphinstone college in Mumbai, which can boast of educating quite a few dignitaries and luminaries who have occupied top positions in many fields of our nation and also internationally. Great experience ! Developed whole new world of books at college as well as nearby David Sasoon 100+ year old classic library in their own spacious building with a garden ! New company of friends, canteen gatherings, cricket, drama, music and so on. Started watching Hollywood block- buster movies at prime shows in Mumbai. This was luxury for a middle class product like me !
Home finance prodded that I look out for a job. In college holidays, looked for jobs as tutor, managed an ice-cream parlour at Churchgate street for few months, landed a job with indo-japanese shipping agents before finally joining semi-govt. corporation which lasted almost 3/4 years. Got interested in trade-unionism here with added interest in trying hand at jounalism editing union bulletin. This lead to managing a national magazine titled Indian Labour Review for couple of years. For side business, also edited/published Indian Pharma Industry Annual which received good response. This was all part of earn while you learn process which meant I had to change from full-time college to morning college taking turn at Ruparel, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and Govt. Law college who offered morning classes. Finished graduation/post-graduation this way by 1958. Ready for next venture and job-change.
One major advantage during this time was my interest in journalism and public relations. Developed lot of contacts with union leaders, political dignitaries and business leaders. Incidentally, Indian Labour Review was launched by then Chief Minister of Maharashtra late Shri Yeshwant Rao Chavan in the presence of wh0's who of Mumbai at a five-star venue in south Mumbai.
With this background, time had come for a change in job and in early 1958, joined a Tata group leading Insurance company New India Assurance. This was to be my life-time career giving me lot of career best opportunities with regular promotions and postings both in India and almost a decade in overseas postings until I finally retired at age 60 in 1994 from London, with few years as head of foreign operations over-seeing 30 odd branches in all five continents internationally. Great going and most satisfying assignments in my life.
I mentioned earlier in this post about some upheavels during this decade. Mainly this relates to sad passing away of my dear mother at untimely age of about 40. She left behind our father who became very distressed and loner at age 45 or so with nine siblings to look after. Somehow, difficult as it was, my younger sister, Babyben(Chandrika) at tender age of 12, with lot of help of my father, managed the household duties with her own school studies with aplomb. She is no more with us and rests in peace in the abode above.
This situation could not go for long and eventually, there were efforts from family well-wishers for my matrimonial alignment so to say. Accordingly, in May 1959, I got married to now my life-long partner Pushpa ( 55 years going strong !) who was sister of my school-friend and partner in my journalistic venture late Shri J.P. Thakkar ( J.P. for all). Great soul ! Rest in peace ! It has been great going ever since for both of us in every respect. God bless !
In short, decade of '50s was period of great learning and varied experience which eventually helped in carrying forward my future ambitions and aspirations like all young people of my age.

Looking Back - Eight Decades !

2014-01-22T12:58:00.000+05:30

It has been a long journey, last eight decades of my life ! As I look back, pictures pass by as if it is a long movie which I watched sitting on my reclining chair !

As I reminisce, decade by decade, I am sure, images will emerge from my early days and then on to present times slowly from memories to present a kaleidoscope of events, people and lifestyle that I had the good fortune of witnessing.

Decade of '30s of 20th century-

Born in Karachi, then part of Bombay province of undivided India ( now part of Pakistan ) in a middle classs family in 1934. Grandfather had migrated from a small village - Vavania - from what was known as Kathiawad to Karachi when he was just 15 ! He began his life working in docks doing loading and unloading of cargo. My father was born in Karchi in 1914. He married my mother in 1932 when he was 18 and she was 14 - as was customary during those days! Father worked as secretary in an export-import firm. There is nothing much to record of those early days except Independence movement was getting strength under Gandhiji and dark clouds of world war II had started gathering.

Decade of '40s -

I was just 8 years of age when "quit India" clarion call was heard in 1942. My schooling at H.P. Karia vidyalaya had just started. With launching of Radio station, we had the proud privilege of getting a radio at home around that time. It was great fun to listen to news and music through this novel addition at home. We had moved to a new residence on Asylum Road on the 3rd floor of a new building. School was five minutes walk from home. Week-ends were usually spent at our mother's brother house in the company of siblings and cousins. That was the only entertainment in those days apart from visiting Clifton beach area once in a way. I distinctly remember to have seen just two movies - Ramrajya and Anmol Ghadi - till I was 14 ! Songs of K.L. Saigal, Noor Jehan and Suraiya were quite popular and few lines of their tunes I can still sing around if required! As time went by, there were lots of twists and turns on political scene and partition of India was on the anvil. My grandfather passed away in Karachi when I was about 10. After Independence and partition, we were sort of forced to leave Karachi as refugees due to highly uncertain future there. Family consisting of 8 siblings, my parents and grandmother, 11 members in all, somehow managed to get few tickets on steamship "Sabarmati" (only sea route being open for travel) and packed like sardines with 1000s of passengers reached port Okha (near Jamnagar) in September 1947. Few months of struggle as refugees and stayed at village Jodiya and at princely state of Wankaner before finally shifting to Bhiwandi, about 35 kms away from Bombay where father got a job. Grandmother passed away at Biwandi shortly there after. Then shifted to Thane little later where my schooling was revived in 1948 losing one precious year. Father had to commute long distance daily and it was indeed very hard for the entire family to adjust in new place with limited budget for survival in those difficult days. At times, we had no funds to pay fees or buy sandals/uniforms and even buy umbrellas during heavy rains during monsoon ! It is difficult to forget those days in the decade of the '40s!

( Memories of '50s onward in the next blog )

Your Parents

2013-10-30T15:05:00.000+05:30

Dear Friends,

As you see from the title, this short article is inspired with a view to offer due respect to our parents.

As our parent's offspring, we owe them in plenty as their part in our growth is immeasurable.

Wise men advise us as under:

To your parents, love them, respect them and if differences arise, discuss, argue but -

Never try to belittle their importance.

Never try to degrade them.

Never let them feel humiliated.

Never cause them feeling of insult.

Never speak harshly to them.

No matter in your views

whatever faults they may have.

Your indebtedness and gratitude to

them are immeasurable.

*********

Khalil Gibran - the great Poet

2013-10-30T13:44:00.000+05:30

In the annals of Persian poetry, name of Khalil Gibran is mentioned with great reverance.

His well-known classic "THE PROPHET" is one of the great poetic creation ever.

Well-known couplets which are often quoted are worth mentioning here:

A book of verse, a glass of wine

And thou beside me

Singing in the wilderness !

I came across recently, following beautiful lines from the same collection quoted by learned columnist Shwetha Jaishankar published in MINT LOUNGE ( 14th Sept.2013 ) under the title " On love and marriage" which carries a very deep meaning -

Stand together

Yet not too near together

For the pillars of the temple

Stand apart

And the oak tree

and the cypress

Grow not in each other's shadow.

What a fine advice to couples for providing space to each other !

Feel like going through the classic collection again and again.

*********

YOU LEARN NEW LINGO AT ANY AGE THESE DAYS !

2012-07-20T20:19:00.001+05:30

It has been almost 30 years that I started taking interest in computer world. Internet came much later on. Off and on, I had some or the other opportunity to delve into this field. Starting with a project report for computerization of our operations in 1981 for my official work, I got prepared several reports during those early years using computer technology instead of manual and then electronic typing. As years passed by, I had a desktop in my office in London in early 90s for the first time. This started giving me first hand reports of our operations at the touch of the button which was a great help in those days. Soon after I retired in 1994, internet and e-mails rapidly entered our daily life and my first Yahoo e-mail i.d. was obtained around that time. For the first time when I got colored photos of some of my family members from abroad through my mail, I was highly excited at the technology entering our day to day life. Again, this created a new opportunity for spending useful retirement time on my desktop.

I graduated from e-mail and using ms office for the next decade and was quite happy as it helped me greatly in recording my ideas and outside information through worldwide web search sites on my desktop. My curiosity to try new avenues came up around 2008 when I prepared my own account on blogsite and published over 100 articles on variety of subjects in next few years. I also opened Twitter and Facebook accounts and had few other links to keep me busy and kept my interest in new technology developments from time to time.

This is by way of background for subject of my today's blog which is titled "YOU LEARN NEW LINGO AT ANY AGE THESE DAYS". In last couple of years, I have picked up an altogether new terminology known as internet slang or new lingua franca being used by the young techies also known as "Geeks". This is also part of what is known as cyber culture or pop culture and netiquette ( etiquette on net ). Let me give a few examples :

---- Being online and offline - no explanation needed.
---- acronyms of various phrases and templates on net such as:
---- BTY ( by the way)
---- OH ( over heard)
---- NI ( no idea )
---- BRB ( be right back )
---- IDK ( I don't know )
---- ICYMI ( in case you missed it )
---- HIG ( how's it going )
---- GTG ( got to go )
---- LOL ( lots of love )
---- BF/GF (boyfriend/girlfriend)
---- SUS ( See you soon )
---- LL ( Looks lovely)
---- NDT ( No doubt true)
---- MUD ( Miss you dear )
---- ATB (All the best )
---- NMN ( No more news )

These are only few examples. In fact, I believe that a new dictionary of such slang and techie words is available in the market. In short, I am amazed that no matter what is your age, you keep on learning new things and new ideas all the time once you are computer savvy. What a fine world we are in today. One never stops exploring this new technology and terminology all the time !

* * * * * * *

A SWEET DREAM - AT MY AGE ?

2012-07-07T17:41:00.002+05:30

This blog is written like a short poem,

It is in my mind for several weeks,

It is hovering for finding a window and

therefor it now presents itself in my blog !

Thrown away in a faraway island

in the ocean between Hawaii and Tahiti,

in the company of Somerset Maugham

like the old man and the sea,

I with my poetry books and a glass of wine

drawn into deep sleep. Dream begins.

First the sunrise opposite the grass and

bamboo hut with wild flowers all around me

waking me up with sweet sound and chirping

of island birds in the midst of dancing trees.

As I look around, rising waves from Pacific

make thundering sound inviting me to join,

dance and sing along with nature at its best.

I dress up in swimming wear and proceed and

lo! and behold ! What I see with surprise,

thousands of colorful fish in the ocean are

drawn towards me like an army waving hands !

I see heavy winds blowing from south-west,

thunders in the sky, bountiful rains nearing

the coast line and soon going to drench me

with abundant showers and streams under the feet wanting me to be submerged under them.

Minutes and hours pass by and it all subsides

and I walk back towards my helmet home.

Suddenly, it is sunset and again, like a

miracle, I see the local islanders, male and female, in most colorful costumes and grass skirts, with drums and sticks, walk dancing

towards me with merriment and laughter.

I join them with all my physical and spirited strength and get merged in the crowd.

Again it is back to moonlight night and finished my book-reading with a glass of wine,

I am in deep slumber, undisturbed !

All I know now is this was all a dream and I am nowhere but back to my tropical home with bright sunlight with scorching sun !

Where is the dream gone ? Will it come back,

I wonder !

Are Rich becoming Richer ? Study the new facts

2012-01-29T20:48:00.000+05:30

ARE RICH BECOMING RICHER - REALLY ?

It is generally taken for granted, and historically proved, that as per economic theories and normal expectations, Rich always become richer.

Recent studies, in India, at least has proved it otherwise.

What has triggered this particular study is the market cap of major business groups in India lead by some of the top business and industrial houses.

I produce some revealing statistics - nothing is my own - but taken from a recent article by well-known columnist Swaminathan Anklesaria Aiyer as published by Times of India. I am impressed by the trends and figures shown in the article. I am sure that readers of my Blog who have not read this article will surely find the same informative and interesting. I have included only highlighted figures from the article and omitted the findings. You can draw your own conclusions !

Here is how it goes :

Business Group Share Value High Share value Low
2007-2008 Jan 2012
============ =============== ===============.

Reliance Industries 1608 817
Reliance Ind. Infrastructure 3049 441
Reliance Capital 2859 342
Reliance Communication 820 96
Reliance Infrastructure 2584 528
Reliance Media 1815 83
Hindalco 199 144
Grasim 3870 2579
Idea Cellular 157 96
Aditya Birla Nuovo 2435 833
DLF 1205 220
Unitech 538 26
GMR 131 29
GVK 85 16
Lanco Industries 113 29
Lanco Infotech 84 15

These are only some select examples from top Business Houses. The fall has been significant in many other well-known cases.

The sum and substance of the study is that in many of these cases, Market Capital of the Group is down by more than half and in some illustrated cases by almost down by 95% from the high of earlier years !

This is the story of Rich becoming poorer, mostly of their own making because of poor management and partly because of inherent weakness in global economy and in few cases due to local economy and financial constraints !

Whatever may be the logic, it is proved beyond any doubt that there have been more downs and a very few ups in the recent history of Indian businesses.

One more Revelation -- Rich may not become richer but Poor have not necessarily become poorer notwithstanding high inflation and rising costs all round in the market scenario. That is the beauty of middle class India shining!

Jay Ho !!!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Doctor Write !

2012-01-10T17:56:00.000+05:30

American NRI surgeon Atul Gawande has written some very interesting information regarding medical/surgical world in an article titled "DOCTOR WRITE" in recent "EYE" magazine. With presumed courtesy to learned doctor and the magazine, I would like to reproduce some extracts for general information of readers of my blogs.

These are not sequential but reproduced haphazardly depicting a sense of despair from the general experience of the life of a surgeon.

Here it goes in small portions:

***** Age is the silent riposte to all human life. It strips teeth of firmness, calcifies blood vessels, bleaches hair of colors and eyes of vision. The old falter and stumble, simple tasks slip away from feeble hands, and they are left alone to cope with a body shutting down slowly.

***** We seem somehow to have lost the sense of mortal cycle of life, that we will all age, be unable to take care of ourselves and die.

***** I am interested in the physical aspect of old age, what happens to the skin, the teeth, the bones and the brain. But also, what do we do about it ?

***** In my view, the world of medicine is one of imperfect striving, peopled not by flawless medical professionals, but of overworked experts making split-second decisions despite not being sure, shaky novices learning how to hold a knife, of good doctors who turn bad - and of ingenuity and courage in the face of it. I am not saying look at these terrible people. I am saying look at these human people trying to do these very difficult things. I am interested in how you become good at something when you are an imperfect creature.

***** One of the fundamental things I am interested in is 'failure', why people fail, why society fails. I am trying to engage myself with the possibility of action and wisdom, of bettering lives, despite the debris of failure that always surrounds all human effort.

***** Why does surgery claim 1,50,000 lives a year in America? How does one ensure that crucial steps are not left out during surgeries ? How can old people have better lives ?

***** Hospital infections in US claim 90,000 lives a year. Simple things such as washing hands, we learnt 150 years ago, could save lives of patients. In little moments of handling surgeries, such simple principles are often forgotten.

***** If doctors follow the "cognitive net" of simple check-list before complicated surgeries, they could save lives, by eliminating " flaws of memory and attention and thoroughness". The ideas was tested in eight hospitals and the results showed a reduction in death rate by 50%.

***** I have become a writer on medical matters almost by chance. The New Yorker commissioned me to be a staff writer in 1998. Writing was not something that came to me easily. I was supposed to write about my experiences as a surgeon. When I turned in my first piece, they said nice start - only after it took nine months and 22 revisions for it to be published !

***** My first book (2002) was titled "Complications". The next one was called "Better" (2007). The last book "The Checklist Manifesto" has just been published. I do not mind calling it all "dumb stuff" ! It is my belief that my writing resonate beyond medicine. It makes me believe that it makes me relevant and inspiring to ordinary lives. No one writes about this in text-books. No professor teaches you how. But it is in a sense the real education of a doctor, or of anyone trying to do something difficult in life.

Above are some interesting observations in a rather longish article. They throw a remarkable light in the life and times of a surgeon through his transparent vision and from solid experience both as a doctor and as a writer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

A SOUTHWARD JOURNEY

2011-11-05T09:30:00.000+05:30

For many of us even at senior age, wanderlust never stops to attract us. Over the years, we had made a few trips to important travel destinations in South India. This one,however, started with a novel idea i.e. to visit wild life sanctuary known as tiger reserve at Mudumalai in Tamilnadu. With 70 plus age for both myself and better half, initially, we had some apprehension when the plan was mooted by our family group. We were assured that we shall be well looked after and plans were made accordingly to go ahead with the trip. For the sake of comfortable stay in forest area,our friends Mr. Jay Rao and Dr. Nanda had readily agreed to make available their beautiful cottage located at very scenic surroundings near a small village Masinagudi in the heart of classified tiger forest Reserve.

There are multiple wild life reserves of different States adjoining each other in South India. Bandipur reserve of Karnatak, Mudumalai reserve of Tamilnadu and Wayanad wild life sanctuary in Kerala are all located next to each other with hardly any civilan population except a few forest department posts. Only day travel is allowed by well-connected roads through these forests and night travel is totally prohibited.

As we passed through Bandipur reserve on the Banglore-Ooty route to reach Mudumalai, we could see wild herds of elephant families and large groups of bison, spotted deer and sambhar on the way. Families of monkeys abound on the entire route. We could also see many varieties of birds including peacocks dancing and crossing the roads as we proceeded to our destination.

When we reached Mudumalai in Tamilnadu just after crossing Karnatak border, it was late in the afternoon. Further up in a small farm-type settlement known as Masinagudi was located our temporary abode, a nice well-built cottage which was offered to us by our friends from Bangalore.
It was cosy with all modern comforts with a caretaker who looked after most of our catering needs. One thing which we missed greatly but did not regret was the mobile cellular range in this remote jungles, cutting us off the civilization during the stay there !

Soon we were contacted by the local guide, courtesy our hosts, who offered to take us for a jeep-ride through the nearby forest areas for spotting available wild life in the reserve. This lasted few hours through the rough and tough swings of the sturdy vehicle. On the route, we were again lucky enough to see herds of elephants, spotted deer and plenty of peacocks dancing themselves in non-chalant manner so to say! It was getting dark and since night-driving was not permitted, we made our way back to spend the night in the vicinity of wild life all around us during our stay there.

After spending a comfortable night in the cottage, we were getting ready for the next day's venture when, to our surprise, we could see hundreds of spotted deer just outside the compound of our rooms in early hours of morning. This was a great delight for photo moments as we learnt from the caretaker that this herd is seen only during early morning and late evenings near the cottage probably to find safety from wild animals like leopards and tigers in dense forests during the night. They run away to distant jungles during the day and wander around for their own food and return here in the evenings.

We were told that to see the wild life in its proper surroundings, the authorities provide rides on trained elephants during day-time with permission in advance. Tree-top manchans are also made available for safe viewing. After experiencing the jeep-ride of previous day, which itself had shaken us considerably, we were in no mood to avail elephant-rides and politely declined the offer. We were also advised that it may take some time to obtain permission and we decided that best thing was to remain satisfied with what we had already been lucky enough to watch so far.

Rest of the time during our stay was just spent in idle wandering around the area and occasionally spotting lot of harmless wild life. We had however no luck to come across any tigers in the dedicated "Save the Tiger" Reserve forest probably due to the fact that their number is already dwindling.

We still had a few spare days left for our holidays and decided to proceed to Kodagu, popularly known as Coorg, via Mysore on our return trip. We had heard so much about Sri Avadhoota Datta Pitham at Mysore, established and headed by Param Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. Our friends had also suggested to visit Golden Temple of the South at Kushalnagar, a large Tibetan settlement on the way to Madikeri, the capital of Coorg district well-known for coffee plantations.

Sri Avadhoota Datta Pitham is located almost in the heart of Mysore city with a very large complex established by Swamiji. It is well-known all over the world with followers of Swamiji spread across many countries. Swamiji has made more than 75 world trips to promote his message of spiritualism and meditation. What is worth seeing is the great collection of art effects and monumental items at the Museum in the Ashram consisting of gems, jewellery, studded diamonds, pearls, statues and many rare and invaluable things of beauty from all over the world. Being a private collection mainly from Swamiji's many world trips and donations and gifts received by him during such trips, it is truly amazing to see the vastness of the treasure in the Museum. Located in a multi-story well-maintained museum building and surrounded by hundreds of bonsai trees in the garden compound, it is a visual treat to visit this beautiful place.

Pujya Swamiji has also been a leading light in the propagation of Music for healing purposes. There is large collection of Swamiji's music compositions which is soothing, relaxing and yet amazingly articulate and complex. For almost a quarter century, Swamiji has been rejuvenating the meditation and healing music concept. There are ragas in his compositions which stimulate six Chakras in the body viz. Muladhara, Swadhishthana, manipuraka, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna. Our group went through a session of music therapy for almost an hour in a specially designed and furnished auditorium with semi-reclining sofa chairs. Each member listened through individual ear-phones different music composition, a sort of fusion music consisting of instrumental folk, Indian and Western classical music to suit the medical complaint of each member listed in the application form. At the end, there was a general feeling that their experience was highly rewarding. Swamiji writes, "music is my language, music is my religion and music is my expression." The power of healing music acts in spreading global peace and harmony transcending the barriers of cast, creed, color and language. Swamiji is the torch bearer for spiritual healing through music by his personal charisma and vibrating music. This type of music acts as connector to our emotions and happiness and also as a catalyst for physical health, emotional expression, spiritual growth and meditation. It will suffice to say that this was a very unique and novel experience for all of us in the group.

We then proceeded to Madikeri and spent couple of days sight-seeing coffee plantations, gardens and places of tourists interest. Entire Kodagu (Coorg) area is highly scenic with pleasant climate all through the year. There are many resorts and hotels of good quality to cater to tourists who visit the place in large numbers every year. In line with our not too ideal health situation however,our decision to visit Abbi Falls at the outskirts of Madikeri along with the group was rather disastrous. The long walk down the hill at the site of the Falls and climbing back aggravated our arthritic knees making it difficult to carry on with our balance journey with a little limp in the legs for both of us ! There is however no doubt that the thrilling gush and the grandeur of the crystal clear waters of Abby Falls splashing down from 70 feet was a very inviting and exciting beauty of nature which we would have missed otherwise.

The last part of our Journey was visiting the Tibetan settlement at Kushalnagar and the grand Golden Temple there. Situated 90 kms from Mysore city on the Mysore-Madikeri highway, the Tibetan camp town is home to almost 20,000 Tibetans in exile with about 7000 monks ( Lamas ) who pursue their spiritual education in monasteries. For last almost half a century, they have created a mini-Tibet in this town. Their rich cultural heritage and zealous adherence to the ancient religious rituals have resulted in the sprouting of many mammoth and fascinating monasteries depicting different facets of Buddhism. Their main shrine, known as Golden Temple adored with a 60 feet Buddha statue with Zamdong and Palri statues of similar heights are an exotic tourist attraction in serene surroundings. Fascinating shopping marts selling ethnic Tibetan artefact's and modern fashion-wear beckon the tourists and has rendered the settlement an inescapable tourist destination.

After the trip, we are left with no doubt that the press campaign from Indian Tourism department with the accompanying slogan " Incredible India" showing many facets of our scenic and beautiful motherland has lot to offer for all age groups and we were no exception !

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Doctor -- Husband -- Funny Article !

2011-04-27T16:50:00.002+05:30

27th April 2011. Nashik - 27th April 2011.

What has happened all these days, I wonder.

Blogging has taken a back seat.

I read blogs of others - Amitabh Bachhan/ Shobha De and few others. I find the reading their blogs interesting / at times inspiring.

For myself, with four volumes of blogs behind me and feeling little down with energy, have voluntarily slowed down on blogging. I know this is not correct but spending an hour or so on my desktop, with few other engrossing things to do, like listening to music on the net, then facebook, reviewing mail, news, views, etc. the time just flies and what happens to blogging, you know, just blank, blank, blank !

Why this introspection today, then ? Let me tell you something about it.

Going through the archives today, I found a very very funny article from some newspaper which was preserved may be since few years. Interesting ! I thought let me preserve it for my blog records so that all my friends on the net may also go through and enjoy reading it.

Here is how it goes.

DOCTOR , HUSBAND by Narendra Nair -- May God bless him !

Nowhere is the saying that truth is stranger than fiction truer than in the clinic. Strange cases have been reported, not because of the medical conundrum they present, but for the bizarre nature of the complaint.

Like the man who was bitten by his wife's pomeranian, which she insisted on taking to bed with her. The animal insisted on sitting between husband and wife. One night, throwing caution to the wind, the man reached for her and it bit him !

Another odd story is that of a wife with anxiety neurosis caused by her husband singing loud bhajans in the toilet.

Another is of a husband with anxiety neurosis caused by his wife loudly invoking god each time he attempted to undress her; and a husband who developed duodenal ulcer induced by his wife's snoring. Given to vivid imagery, he described it as the bellowing of mastodons across African swamps !

But the strangest was a doctor; his wife wanted love, he gave her medical explanations. She had superb legs but all he could see was the long snaky course of the saphenous vein running from foot to groin.When she caught a cold, instead of hot soup and loving care, what she got was a treatise on inflamed bronchial membranes and alveolar narrowing. When she got typhoid, it was salmonella typhi inflaming her Peyer's patches. Romance was killed when he described a French kiss as the juxtaposition of the orbicularis oris muscles and a transfer of bacteria; he anaesthetised tenderness by referring to love as merely the working of limbic system. Mammary glands were just bags of fluid fat; her magnificent behind was to him a fat-covered muscle called the gluteus maximus. Her beautiful flat belly only aroused the surgery professor in him. He pointed out where he would cut to reach the appendix, at Mcburney's point. When she drew attention to her superb navel, he informed her that it was called the umbilicus and that the pylorus, duodenum, the kidneys and the first lumbar vertebra lay in the same plane. Her angry retort he ascribed to hyperactive amygdala.

To sum up the situation, the poor doctor's wife, feeling like something in a jar in a surgical museum, she decided to excise the surgeon himself!

End of the story.

What a strange medical world it is !

I heard someone say the other day " an apple a day keeps the doctor away" - his friend retorted - " And if the doctor is husband ?"

I have a whole book of more than 100 pages - full of medical jokes, some of them are strictly only for adults ! I have no doubt that in the ICUs and ICCUs, doctors and nurses must be having a swell of a time narrating their intense physical and biological encounters ! With patients and inter-se themselves ! Any no wonder many of them succumbed to instant pleasures just for the sake of it - many times at the cost of their spouses !

May their tribe live long !

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NEVER TOO LATE

2011-02-07T16:34:00.002+05:30

7th February 2011.

Never Too late
------------------

It is never too late to live with richness of mind, purpose, joy and love.

No matter how much time you feel you have wasted or lost, it is never too late to make the most of the moment you're in.

No matter how many mistakes you may think you have made, it is never too late to start moving in a positive direction.

The instant you choose to fully live, the past has no longer the power to hold you back.

Where you are now is precisely where you need to be.

With gratitude in your heart for the journey that has brought you here, choose now to make the most of where you are.

Starting from this place, you can go in any direction.

It is never too late to choose the very best direction you can imagine.

Dig down and get in touch with the real substance of your most treasured dreams.

For what matters most, is always within your reach.

Move right on past the disappointments, the frustrations, the regrets and the negative assumptions you have accumulated.

It is never too late to fully become the real, authentic, unique and valuable person you are.

[ Extract from " Learning Tree " as appeared in "The Speaking Tree" special Sunday edition of Times of India dated 6th Feb. 2011 ]

I selected these words of wisdom for my blog as they represent valuable advise, guidance and philosophy of our ancient scriptures. In any moments of despair and unhappiness about things gone away and faded into the past, it is always good sense to ponder with these thoughts and make a new beginning. There is a large world around there with open arms inviting us to join the mainstream and look for a brighter and better future ! Limitless opportunities are awaiting us if only we have the will and willingness to embrace them in all earnestness at the right moment. Move on and catch them ! Lord is with you and will always guide you to the right path. == Harish Ganatra

Gmail: Email from Google

2011-01-29T13:09:00.000+05:30

D U T Y

[ Extract from the dairy of my late father Shri Gordhandas Ganatra ]

The truth is, we have become too selfish. We think of ourselves far more than of others.

The more devoted to pleasure, the less we think of fellow creatures.

Selfish people are impervious to the needs of others.

They exist in a sort of mailed armour, and no weapons, either of misery or want, can assail them.

Their senses are only open to those who can minister to their gratifications.

"They are men", said St. Chrysostom, "who seem to have come into this world only for pleasure , and that they might fatten their perishable

body .... At the sight of their luxurious table, the angels retire - God is offended - the demons rejoice - virtuous men are shocked - and even

the domestics scorn and laugh!

The just men who have gone before, left sumptuous feasts to tyrants and to men enriched by crime, who were the scourges of the world."

We no longer know how to live upon little. A man must have luxury about him and yet a man's life does not consist in the abundance of things

he possesses; he must live honestly, though poor.

Retrenchment of the useless, the want even of the relatively necessary, is the high road to Christian self-denial, as well as to antique strength

of character.

That of which our age stands most in need, is a man able to gratify every just desire, and yet to be contended with little.

"A great heart in a little house," says Lacordaire, " is of all things here below, that which has ever touched me the most. Happy the man who

soweth the good and the true. The harvest will not fail him !"

* * * * * * * * * * *

whos.amung.us

2011-01-22T14:54:00.000+05:30

whos.amung.us

A series of my articles with my blogsite ref. as under:

http://hariomtatsat-mespeak.blogspot.com -

Following four series are already posted with fifth series under way:

(1) Story of my life and experiences.

(2) "A" to "Z" lessons for young friends ( 26 articles headed by each alphabet)

(3) Stray and Random series on variety of subjects.

(4) Divine voice - Divine wisdom ( Articles on spiritual subjects and religions of the world)

Comments and suggestions most welcome !

== Harish Ganatra

Mespeak

Ramblings

Zindgi

Start a new life

* * * * * * *

Trending topic - Housing.com

Housing - A perennial paradox !

Like every one, there occurs a time in your life when one feels to own a home as a matter of personal achievement. As a matter of fact, with frequent transfers as part of my job, the urge to own a home all the more pressing.

Looking and searching for a home in itself is a sort of travail and an adventure. With some efforts, by the time we identified a nice suburban home and decided to make down payment, a transfer order from Head Office forced us to stall the deal and pack our stuff to take over new post in a new city.

Soon after we settled down in Company-leased flat, few minor issues like irregular supply of water, plumbing repairs etc. created unnecessary heartburn in dealing with the landlady. This could not go on longer and we started looking for own home in better environment.

There was not much of a problem and with the help of one of our friends, we selected a small but nice house with a front garden and decent neighbourhood. We shifted there after some time as the previous resident moved out in alternate place.

Shri Narendra Modi

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Looking Back - Eight Decades !

Your Parents

Dear Friends,

As you see from the title, this short article is inspired with a view to offer due respect to our parents.

As our parent's offspring, we owe them in plenty as their part in our growth is immeasurable.

Wise men advise us as under:

To your parents, love them, respect them and if differences arise, discuss, argue but -

Never try to belittle their importance.

Never try to degrade them.

Never let them feel humiliated.

Never cause them feeling of insult.

Never speak harshly to them.

No matter in your views

whatever faults they may have.

Your indebtedness and gratitude to

them are immeasurable.

*********

Khalil Gibran - the great Poet

YOU LEARN NEW LINGO AT ANY AGE THESE DAYS !

A SWEET DREAM - AT MY AGE ?

This blog is written like a short poem,

Are Rich becoming Richer ? Study the new facts

Doctor Write !

A SOUTHWARD JOURNEY

Doctor -- Husband -- Funny Article !

NEVER TOO LATE

Gmail: Email from Google

whos.amung.us