Life is the biggest prankster

Life is the biggest prankster
Gives you love and builds hatred
Introduces friends and welcomes foes
Develops Faith and leaves the rest on Fate
And then there are needs and wants, for survival and misery
There is hope and a prayer
There is a path and a barrier
The Will is not willing
Love is not loving
The lips and its curves, can make you smile, frown or smirk
There is no speech in communication.
There is no eye in far sight
The eye can smile and it can cry
Relations many..relating to very few.
There is passion, but no money
Where there is money there is fission.
Fool life, soften your heart and train yourself to say " there's always another chance"
Life is the biggest prankster, play pranks with it.

I am strong....

I am strong..I dont need nobody
Like the bird on its first flight,
I dnt need nobody to hold me tight.

Set me free, lemme fly my dreams
Cut thru all the barriers, strong as a warrior,
Dnt hold me tight, Just lemme go

Fly with pride, spread my wings with peace and joy
I look brave, I am kinda coy, yet not scared,
I dnt need nobody to hold me tight.

Beyond the horizon, lies my treasure,
My love, my peace, my worldly pleasure,
Fighting the evil, the devil within me
Lemme go..lemme go..lemme go...to the world that enriches me.

Walking every mile...just to see you smile

There’s more to love,than living together;

And pillow fights with one another.

The morning cuppa tea;

The struggle to get debt free.

Walking every mile;

Just to see you smile.

Destiny may keep us apart;

Only for love to grow in our hearts.

I’ll keep nagging you,

Wheneva u r out late night.

I’ll keep calling you,

Wheneva we have had a fight.

Comfort you baby,

When you are in a shock, with fright

I may not be with you,

But my love will always make you smile.

.....walking every mile.....just to see you smile

November Rain

Like the sun parched desert,

In the middle of nowhere,

The destiny so away
And the time flying by

See the birds up the trees
Nestling their new born child

I craveeeeeeee for the warmth
And the strong arms to hold me tight.....

And thereeeeeeeee I feel the touch, I feel the touch
The kiss on my lips....the kiss on my lips....aaaand my head’s swayingggg......yay..

And thereeeeeeee I feel the drop,
Its rainin..its rainin...its rainin....yay

Ohhhh.....November rain..
Over the ocean, the mountain and the plainnnnnnnnn....

I feel it..I feel it... I feeeeeeeel it
The deserts wet again....

November Rain.....

Touching Lives

Wow! Yet another challenging day and meeting another few hundred first time faces. Right from a pan handler to the driver at the traffic light, the store keeper at a grocery and to the CEO and to a customer.

Expressions, body language, interactions and sometimes just a friendly smile. Attitude, respect, knowledge. You get to pick up one or more of these in our everyday lives.

Networking sites are a wonderful medium for interactions and I have had the privilege of getting introduced to some very wonderful individuals.

The other day, I took a rickshaw back home. In a few minutes, the driver & I got chatty. Our conversations though were limited to inflation and inflation hit this man really hard. A father of two, a son of ailing parents, a cancer diagnosed wife and two rented rickshaws (the owner would give a rickshaw for only 8hrs) were the factors that forced the driver start his day at 5.30AM and end at 12.00AM with in between visits to his shanty to check on his folks. He managed to make Rs.1500 a day of which Rs. 400 would go as rent to the Rickshaw owners, Rs.100 to a local municipal goon as protection money. Rs.500 towards medicine, Rs 100 for his children.

The driver yet smiled and laughed at his state of affairs...he coined it "Karma". He continued, "this is my duty, if I don't this for my family, who will? My customers are my god; it’s for them that I am able to take care of my family. Everybody has some stress or the other, it depends on individual how big or small they make that"

I was moved. Very foolishly, offered financial help only to have the offer turned down.

I paid the fare for the travel and got off. Something hit me, hit me hard. A man with the world crashing down, has just refused to give up hard work, honesty and the best ever smiling.

Folks, I realize it is easier said than done, however, whenever you think you are encountering a bad patch, just think of this rickshaw driver, hopefully your problems are not really bad.

Continue to fight, learn, pray and never forget to SMILE.

Go Green!!!

In the last few months, especially with the heat on Global Warming hitting high temperatures, followed by Summits, seminars and conferences, directed me to explore, how we as global citizens can help in cooling this.
The coincidence of being associated with an Energy & Infrastructure company, encouraged me to deep dive into the possibilites of engaging alternative/renewable energy for our daily electricity needs. During my research, I realized, 50% of the total energy consumed by a household in India is a criminal waste. The kissing proximity of two buildings ensures very little passage for natural light during the day and most commercial establishments have lights switched "on" 24*7.
Wastage of water, right from cleaning of dishes to self. Axing of trees to usage of plastic bags is extremely concerning.

Development is being misued, with construction activities eating into the forest areas. We are taking away the homes of the wild. Extinction is not a process but a folly of we humans.

I would like to leave it here for you to think, and share how we all can help ourselves live a better and healthy life without causing anymore damage to nature.

Life's Teaching'

• 
  

• "Bruised, battered, broken & blemished yet smiling at the turn of events. Staring into the sun with a renewed hope. Dusting and standing up to the challenge. The dharma awaits your roar. The Karma longing for the first big stride. Bringing together the remains and rebuilding a new fort that's the beginning of a new rise." Stay Energised!

• "When you are honest, you are confident. When confident you can face. And when you face it you win!"-PVR

• 
  

• "That I have no control over, I shall not bother, what I can control, I achieve" - PVR

"Challenges could be so damn irritating & frustrating. Once overcome, they become a reason for your peace & calm. Face it to face yourself." - PVR

"Good thoughts & Smiles, just that special ingredient to make it a magical day. Don't forget to carry them always :)" -PVR

"Amidst the dark clouds & thundering,  there is always a silver lining". PVR.

"Nothing kills like Negativity does. Be Positive. .Stay Energised." -PVR

"All those things that took me down will be the ones to catapult me to the top" -PVR

"The measurement of success is the sum of peaceful sleep in the night & the contagious smile in the day. No success, without contentment" - PVR

"Every change is not revolution and not every revolution is positive. Important to have some method in the madness, else it turns to sadness." - PVR

"Yet another generation and some more value add-ons. But the truth and ever lasting constant should never be breached. While women should balance their freedom and individuality, men should let go a bit of their ego. Like the Buddha, thread the middle path"  - PVR 

"Love, compassion, brotherhood, money; the moment one starts holding on to them, they cease to exist. These are products, that need to be circulated. More the change of hands, higher the returns." - PVR

"Situations in life prepares you for a tough tomorrow, while experiences are for a better tomorrow. Situations are temporary, but experiences will continue moving with you" - PVR

"Introspection- Why, What, How, When....and then blank......that's the space...that reminds, ur hearts still beating, that love is omnipresent, that caring is beautiful, that home is an abode, that family is support, that friends are to share....It is a call to step out of the daily chaos and hug all those who have touched your life." -PVR

"Achieving targets is a job half done; making careers and creating men out of lads is an accomplishment”  - PVR

"Consistency in performance is only complacency. Raise your standards every time you achieve; that’s proficiency." - PVR

"In this competitive world; the only place you can find solace in, is success. To be successful you need to be competitive. Enjoy Success? Compete." - PVR

"Fear that thou can fail; only to be thrifty and touch the face of success." - PVR

"Motivation is easiest to achieve; simply let yourself remember every small accomplishment you have made." - PVR

"Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are dime a dozen, The ones who win get inside their player and motivate." - Vince Lombardi

"Introspection, could just help you experience Serendipity.....in this jet age..make some time to know yourself..you never know..u may stumble upon some interesting facts." - PVR

“The state of mind is what u train it to be....fool your heart to be happy and the mind simply follows...tell ur heart u r miserable...the mind embraces misery..."You make your life...the situation doesn't" - PVR

"Look within yourself before pointing fingers at others...you never know...you may be the reason for setting up the other for failure."  - PVR

Things that I dread, things that I am bored of, things that I hate the most....I ensure to get done with them first. – PVR

"Goals are just sojourns; very soon, plan the next one" - PVR

"Intellect of most men is confined to ambitions and ambitions are tied up to greed. Greed fails to comprehend ones shortcomings & failure and is out to lure one's conscience; they follow the psychology of let's find others mistakes and not on what's mine" - PVR

"Take risks to the extent you can fall, get up, dust yourself up and start all over again. Don't get bruised all over" - PVR

"A honest, pure, fun-filled chat with super charged, super creative people can only enthuse & infuse a new lease of life." - PVR

"One doesn't need to know tricks to create magic. Just use your brain and body" - PVR

"The only way forward is to look ahead. There's an experience waiting to enchant you" - PVR

"Dare to dream, dare to build your dream, dare to gather your shattered dream, dare to rebuild your dream, dare to live your dream" - PVR

"Wrong" is just a perception, which the individual decides based on convenience - PVR

"Every person has a limitation and there is always someone better than you and its only prudent to acknowledge that and seek guidance." - PVR

"The beauty of communication lies in the genuineness. Its the face value. And like any commodity the value may increase or decrease on the quality of genuineness."- PVR

"The limitless mind sees boundaries when the emotional heart sees fear...thought...that's something no one can catch up with" - PVR

"One hides, when they think they are wrong, or when they think others think it is wrong. Either cases, its Spineless" - PVR

"Get into the game if you have the passion. Make the right moves, with perseverance and if you want to play the entrepreneurial game , you bloody well have some guts and patience". - PVR

"There is a thought, there is a dream, to embrace the world in your open arms...the fact remains you always need to stretch your arms a little more." - PVR

"Look into the eyes of the clown, rest is just a mask, to see you smile" - PVR

"Risks taken by successful men are applauded and the one taken by the unsuccessful is foolishness" – PVR

"All that is certain, is feared. Uncertainty is a long lost love that's embraced. Interchange your actions and life would just become meaningful" - PVR

"When like the sun you keep shining and emitting energy; There would be a section that will crib about the heat and many others who would see just rays of positivity.

Nevertheless, keep shining, glowing and emitting energy. Unlike the sun, you have the option of shining on those who need your warmth." - PVR

" You may have defaulted and if your well-wishers are for real; they'll be happy to have you back in their lives. Else its time for you to move on" -PVR,

"Not always the appearance determines the intentions or nature of a person. At times, its just being oblivious of the world around you. Its your space and the happiness and contentment that one looks to cherish." - PVR

"It ain't life but we on the run. Stop, breathe, smile and then walk. Life is all bout fun" - PVR


"The fate of the faith of the faithful crumbles when the faithful tests the fate of the faith" - PVR


"There is a bit of Demon and God in each of us. Our behavior depends on the one who has an upperhand. The brain is the ringmaster and heart the crowd. The one that performs for the ringmaster is disciplined, calm, patient and suppressed. While, the one performing for the crowd is aggressive, flamboyant and unruly. Balance it out!" - PVR

Warming Globally – Where is the green?

The Copenhagen summit and the Himalayan glaciers melting only highlight the apprehension, global leaders are living with.
The earthquake at Haiti or the Tsunami, are apparent results of deforestation and global warming. Rise of concrete jungles, increasing carbon emissions, misuse of waste all, well contributing to the screw ups.
Millions are spent on election campaigns and another few on self promotion through posters and hoardings. And on speeches and promises that only last till the voting day.
Tigers soon will be extinct and so will be mankind. We need to act promptly. It’s time to come together for a cause to save you and I. Begin in a small way; begin tree plantations with your family, colleagues and friends.
Tree plantations, if an organizational effort; will go a long way. Let us not depend on our politicians, let’s contribute for our well being, it’s an investment with a guaranteed ROI.
Promote reforestation and Aforestation by gifting saplings on birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming’s etc. Your organizations Reward & recognition program could well be used for the right cause. If possible use renewable energy and use re-cycled papers, pens, pencil etc.
Carry your cloth bag for grocery and avoid plastic. Please dump the chocolate wrappers and tissues in a bin and not on the road.
Treat the city and country as your home.
If you could forward this to your HR teams to organize a reforestation/afforestation drive; it would be a great beginning for your tomorrow.
Folks! Tree plantation is just one of the many things you could possibly do to help our planet.
Enjoy your efforts in making this world green, enjoy life!

Spiritually Yours!

In this world of drudgery, the perpetual hunt for desires and wants, the world with its secretive demarcation of classes, the race for strength and nuclear equipped nations, where money and status become the ultimate dream and the myth of social acceptance is born, we tend to forget our own selves.
We forget, life is a journey and miss the beauty that it has to offer. We fail to see opportunities that life gives us every moment.
I spent some haunting time with hospitalisation in 2008, recuperating from Takayasu disease. My hospitalisation and the never heard of disease had everyone including friends in a tizzy. Doctors, prayers, gods..well all connections were being made to ensure my speedy recovery. One such high connection was made by my wife’s maternal aunt (Mrs. Sushila Bala) – If I get out of the hospital and recover to be fit and fine again, I would visit Sabarimala the abode of Lord Aiyappa and to turn this to reality my wife’s maternal uncle (Mr. Sukumar Nair), a regular visitor to this shrine offered me to join him on his next visit. Now, all these were moving at Mach 4 or may be faster.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is generally undertaken in a group, headed by a “Guruswamy” and ours was headed by Mr. Suresh Gupta – a blessed individual with 25 years, perhaps more enlightening journeys to Sabarimala.
To seek the blessings of the Lord, one needs to undergo 42 days of austerity – (Well I do not intend to sound like a congress man), includes abstaining from intoxicating substances, sex, meat, social gatherings to even eating onions. Your day starts with chanting the 108 names of Lord Aiyappa and ditto in the evening. Sundays were spent visiting temples. Ok! Now all these sound like a religious fanatic.
In fact, I started this blog to share information of the places I went en-route Sabarimala and the things that I did there. However, on second thoughts, I wish to share the learning, teaching and the experience received from the Guruswami and the millions of people.
Discipline and focus are two things that are so difficult to follow and keep vision on. In these 42 days,my biggest attainments were these two. It started of very casually with my early morning regime. I had no schedule time whatsoever and this trip first put punctuality into perspective and what that meant was having a schedule.
I was always someone with lot of ideas, alas, the symbolic bulb lit and fused in seconds. I began focusing on things that had relevance. If this happens, will this impact me anyway, if No, don’t bother, please leave that un-wanted luggage and move on. Someone told me, “If you need water to drink, don’t bother to select a good looking glass; the glass does not quench your thirst”.
Socio-economic status and the whims and fancies attached to it beat me. I always enjoyed going to the best of restaurants, wearing the best of brands and yes having the best of affordable cars. During these 42 days, consciousness dawned, I was engaged in none of the activities, “I enjoyed”, yet I am so fulfilled, happy and have the time of the world for my little daughter.
We tend to forget our dear ones in our selfish race to climb the corporate ladder or perhaps achieving our goals. Anger, frustration, quarrels and many more such things become a part of you. We leave behind so many of our loved ones in our journey to the top.
The sea of people in Sabarimala and the steep climb up was nothing less than being captivated in a drum with one small opening to breathe. Our group comprised of 14 swamis (that’s what every pilgrim is called – he is treated equivalent to the lord) of various age groups. My brother-in-law (Adithya Nair) and I were pretty quick and moved ahead, with the rest of the group trailing. We wanted to reach the top (The shrine is on top of seven mountains)and how could we, without the rest of the team members. They were slow and we understood and this time from their point of view. They were not as fast as us, because of their age, physique or health. The joy of ensuring, everyone was safe and able to take the next step does not fade away even today.
This has been a life changing moment for me. It gives me immense pleasure today when I connect back to so many of my childhood friends, relatives and for that matter my family as well. This phase of the journey has educated me to spare a moment to think from others points of view and most of the ills like Anger, frustration and so on, do not exist.
My focus was to see the lord and during the process, even with hardships, I enjoyed the teachings and the very meaning of Life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every person associated with this yatra, my parents, in-laws, wife, kid and not to forget Sushila aunty and Suku Mama for the wonderful experience.
Apologise for not mentioning all the swamis who contributed to this experience, nevertheless, they are appreciated and cherished