'Tis that time of the year again...
When months of frenzy gives way to long and quiet days, festive lighting abounds on the streets, newspapers and news channels begin their ritual of posting annual retrospectives, the social circuit starts buzzing with activity...and of course, I end up being generally at a loss trying to find productive use for my existence! Should I be catching up on my reading? Clear up my clogged email inbox? Go out and buy long pending stuff for the house? Catch some movies? Thoughts of reviving my blogging expectedly engage the brain...
It has been many months since I last visited Vishesh Prarambh...in fact, the longest period of inactivity since I began writing a few years ago. My own little sanctuary has become alien to me. Try as I may, it is hard to revive a good habit once one has let go of it. Such long stretches of literary inaction have other consequences...like casting doubts over one's ability of self-expression. Empty thoughts swirl around in the brain and one feels that there is little of consequence to pen down.
During a recent visit to Bangalore, a friend of mine asked me why I had not been writing. My instinctive response was that this had been a year of action, rather than introspection and reflection. Today, as I settled down on the couch with computer on lap, I decided to test the validity of that statement. I did something I generally tend to avoid - looking back! I leafed through the calendar to see what my year had really been like. Turns out I was not too far off the mark.
I had been on the road a lot. Even after cancelling a few trips due to pressing matters at home. All in all, within the past 12 months I made 19 trips to 10 different countries and spent over 21 weeks outside of Singapore!
So what about the 31 weeks that I was around, one might ask?? Well, those did not turn out to be that easy either...
For much of the year, I was leading a complex transformation program for a really large part of our business. This required me to work with a whole host of people across Asia, Europe and the US - both virtually and in person. We were ushering in a new era within our organisation, and I knew no other way to do that than to be with people as they navigated their way through the windy and often rough terrain of a change journey. Also, a year ago I had been announced in a new global role, which I was getting increasingly impatient to take on. So even before the transformation program had wound down, off I went to the US to assume my new responsibilities. The result was not pretty on my (work?) life. By the end of the year, I was on a round-the-clock schedule trying to keep pace with my colleagues, many of who reside in the opposite end of the world. During a typical work week, I would start the day with conference calls at 9am and wrap up the last of my virtual meetings well past midnight. I had forgotten a 'normal' existence that most people have...like having a meal without headphones wrapped around one's head staring at a computer screen!
As if all this was not enough, I had a serious issue to deal with at home.
On a Saturday morning in early September as I headed off to the gym for a session with my trainer, my wife had a bad accident with my dog, Kulfi, which resulted in her sustaining serious injuries (no fault of the dog really...it was her inexperience in dealing with a large animal in a particular situation). Instantly, our domestic life turned on its head. Over the next fortnight she was in and out of hospital and underwent surgical cleaning procedures under general anaesthesia five times. For several weeks thereafter, she trotted about with a vacuum pressured contraption strapped to the wound on her arm. In addition to her medical care, I needed to attend to my dog. And take care of the house. I called off work trips and hunkered down to focus on the home front - there were issues to resolve! I began a new training program with my dog which took up a few hours every day. I was fortunate to be referred to a fantastic trainer who started work with both of us and Kulfi to help build a new relationship between man and dog based on a new regimen, mutual trust and discipline.
Meanwhile, the pace at work continued to be hectic...the incessant conference calls continued.
Several well wishers counseled me to reconsider having a large dog at home, given my travel intensive job which leaves my wife to manage Kulfi all by herself. There is merit in that thought. But the fact is that we both love our dog. Even though we were severely tested, I felt the need to work through the situation rather than escape it. Every relationship undergoes trying times...this one between man and canine was no different. One accident ought not to deter us from setting things right. While I could not predict the outcome, I owed it to myself, my wife, and the four legged creature we had brought into our home to do everything possible to make this a loving and harmonious relationship. So I did the only thing I was capable of - trying hard. Three months have passed and the effort seems to bear fruit - Kulfi is a happier dog, more responsive than he has ever been, and my wife and I are much better at understanding and managing him. And so one shall continue to persevere...
As the year draws to a close and a new one rapidly looms on the horizon, I eventually find myself in reflection. There is a defining thought in the conscience which is simple, yet powerful. I believe it is a quote from John F. Kennedy...
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
May we all choose to do things because they are hard!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Ravi Gopinath
Twenty three after passing out from DPS, RK Puram, I woke up this morning with a strange dream. I was back in school chatting with one my favourite teachers, Ravi Gopinath. He was asking me how life had shaped up and if I was contributing to the world around me. I woke up and scrambled to my laptop to look him up on facebook. I did not expect to see what I found http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=172807585365#!/group.php?gid=172807585365.
I never met Mr. Gopinath after 1988, though I thought of him at times. A line he wrote on my 12th standard yearbook remains imprinted in my memory, even though the yearbook is long gone. In his impeccable handwriting, he had said I was one of the few who reminded him of his own school days in St. Columba's...and he wished me the best in life.
The day has passed in silence. I am deeply affected. I have read blog posts written by his friends, well wishers and students. In our memory, Ravi Gopinath will forever remain a gentle, endearing, charismatic and quietly passionate soul, the likes of whom one rarely comes across during our life's journey.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
I never met Mr. Gopinath after 1988, though I thought of him at times. A line he wrote on my 12th standard yearbook remains imprinted in my memory, even though the yearbook is long gone. In his impeccable handwriting, he had said I was one of the few who reminded him of his own school days in St. Columba's...and he wished me the best in life.
The day has passed in silence. I am deeply affected. I have read blog posts written by his friends, well wishers and students. In our memory, Ravi Gopinath will forever remain a gentle, endearing, charismatic and quietly passionate soul, the likes of whom one rarely comes across during our life's journey.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
My journey into Human Resources
A few days ago I was speaking to a dear friend of mine. He enquired after my work and I recounted to him how busy I had been these past few months helping drive a big global change program within my organisation which was taking me to various parts of the world, while also trying to keep pace with some other interests...like helping develop next generation HR professionals and my involvement with Madura Microfinance. He listened intently to me and then suggested that I begin to chronicle insights which I was gaining through my pursuits. The idea resonated and I assured him I would give it a shot. And - as often happens to me these days - when I finally sat down on my laptop, no bright ideas and inspiring insights sprouted from the brain! I fell into a reverie and images of my college days flashed by...the period of my life when I was searching for a vocation to pursue.
So here goes - a journey that began in 1990 when I was in the second year of my undergraduate degree, wondering what the future held for me...
As my college years were drawing to a close, the question of which profession to pursue had become of utmost importance. Most of my friends were intent on a career in management, which became a natural choice for me as well. Like everyone else, I began the groundwork...learning about eligibility criteria and selection processes, getting to know which institutions to apply to, etc. Over time, people began preparation in earnest and pressure began to mount. Most of our conversations centred around our scores in mock tests, and how we felt about our chances to secure admission in a good university. During those early days of economic liberalisation, very few career options were available. For the vast majority of graduates in liberal arts who would live and work in India, management was a highly sought after choice. Hundreds of thousands of people competed fiercely for few seats in coveted institutions. Which meant that each one of us needed to be able to distinguish ourselves from scores of applicants and impress the selectors with our stellar managerial potential. So this was make or break time...
Most of my friends were determined to specialise in Marketing or Finance, as these offered the most lucrative opportunities in the long run. They all seemed clear and confident on the direction to take. I, on the other hand, was confused. I struggled to see myself making a living selling soaps and shampoos. Nor was the prospect of juggling numbers on balance sheets entirely fascinating. To make matters worse, my academic record of the past two years was highly unlikely to impress a jury of academicians. The freedom of being in college had led me to explore several interests, most of which happened to be outside of the classroom! Finally, in the midst of all the noise and pressure, I decided to go back to the basics and determine where I could fit in the grand scheme of this universe. There were a few questions needing answers. Did I even know what a career in management would feel like? What would I actually do? Would that be meaningful and enjoyable? Would I be good at it?
One day I walked up to the majestic library building in the JNU campus - one of the few privileges of living on a university campus - to seek some answers. I located the section on Management and began to browse the vast collection in search of a basic book that would teach me what management was all about. When I got back to my desk, I had a small stack of books. Over the next few hours I read about the various disciplines in management - Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, Operations...and finally Personnel Management...which caught my attention! I began to dive further ... recruitment, training, performance management, compensation. My interest was piqued and I read more in the coming days. I came across theories of motivation and behaviour and how organisations sought to align the needs of individuals and groups with their overall goals. It was all very fascinating. Surely this was a very special area. Wasn't this all about unlocking the potential of human beings within organisations? How cool would that be...
One of the characteristics of student life in India is how the elders within one's social ecosystem surround you to share their wisdom on the path to take in life. I too was not short of well wishers and advisers. When people learnt about my new found interest, I was cautioned against pursuing it...Personnel Management was considered to be a second tier management function. There were varying opinions and none sounded very encouraging...some said that it was just a drag on revenues. Others felt it was a political hotbed to broker deals between the top management and trade unions. Perceptions of being the proverbial agony aunt abounded. I listened with attention - all these people meant well - but everything I heard failed to alter my position. I remained steadfast in my desire to become a human resources professional.
Gaining an entry though turned out to be a totally different ballgame. In my first attempt, nearly all the leading management institutes rejected me. I did make it past written tests and got called for interviews. But none of the sincerity with which I explained my interest cut muster with the selectors. They frowned upon my average academic track record. Or tested my knowledge on completely unrelated areas. In an interview with one of India's leading management institutions, I was asked to expound on the Wiemar Republic...only because I had happened to mention that my father was a professor of modern European history!
It would take almost two years, several rejections (in some cases twice), a failed attempt as an apprentice in a firm of Chartered Accountants, as well as a stint in marketing research, before I finally walked in for my first lecture in a Master's programme in Personnel Management. Two years during which I had all but lost hope of pursuing my passion and was reconciling to a life of compromise.
I was immensely grateful for this opportunity, given that it had come to me after a protracted struggle. As a management student I worked hard, often blurring the distinction between day and night. I involved myself in activities of the institute and established a strong work ethic, something that has stayed with me till today. I was idealistic and rebellious at the same time, attending only those classes where I felt I had something new to learn...which once almost resulted in expulsion as my professor did not entirely agree with my point of view.
But more on that another day.
My travels have brought me back to Bangalore, and a Sunday brunch at my favourite restaurant awaits. With some cherished friends. And a Martini or two. Or more.
So here goes - a journey that began in 1990 when I was in the second year of my undergraduate degree, wondering what the future held for me...
As my college years were drawing to a close, the question of which profession to pursue had become of utmost importance. Most of my friends were intent on a career in management, which became a natural choice for me as well. Like everyone else, I began the groundwork...learning about eligibility criteria and selection processes, getting to know which institutions to apply to, etc. Over time, people began preparation in earnest and pressure began to mount. Most of our conversations centred around our scores in mock tests, and how we felt about our chances to secure admission in a good university. During those early days of economic liberalisation, very few career options were available. For the vast majority of graduates in liberal arts who would live and work in India, management was a highly sought after choice. Hundreds of thousands of people competed fiercely for few seats in coveted institutions. Which meant that each one of us needed to be able to distinguish ourselves from scores of applicants and impress the selectors with our stellar managerial potential. So this was make or break time...
Most of my friends were determined to specialise in Marketing or Finance, as these offered the most lucrative opportunities in the long run. They all seemed clear and confident on the direction to take. I, on the other hand, was confused. I struggled to see myself making a living selling soaps and shampoos. Nor was the prospect of juggling numbers on balance sheets entirely fascinating. To make matters worse, my academic record of the past two years was highly unlikely to impress a jury of academicians. The freedom of being in college had led me to explore several interests, most of which happened to be outside of the classroom! Finally, in the midst of all the noise and pressure, I decided to go back to the basics and determine where I could fit in the grand scheme of this universe. There were a few questions needing answers. Did I even know what a career in management would feel like? What would I actually do? Would that be meaningful and enjoyable? Would I be good at it?
One day I walked up to the majestic library building in the JNU campus - one of the few privileges of living on a university campus - to seek some answers. I located the section on Management and began to browse the vast collection in search of a basic book that would teach me what management was all about. When I got back to my desk, I had a small stack of books. Over the next few hours I read about the various disciplines in management - Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, Operations...and finally Personnel Management...which caught my attention! I began to dive further ... recruitment, training, performance management, compensation. My interest was piqued and I read more in the coming days. I came across theories of motivation and behaviour and how organisations sought to align the needs of individuals and groups with their overall goals. It was all very fascinating. Surely this was a very special area. Wasn't this all about unlocking the potential of human beings within organisations? How cool would that be...
One of the characteristics of student life in India is how the elders within one's social ecosystem surround you to share their wisdom on the path to take in life. I too was not short of well wishers and advisers. When people learnt about my new found interest, I was cautioned against pursuing it...Personnel Management was considered to be a second tier management function. There were varying opinions and none sounded very encouraging...some said that it was just a drag on revenues. Others felt it was a political hotbed to broker deals between the top management and trade unions. Perceptions of being the proverbial agony aunt abounded. I listened with attention - all these people meant well - but everything I heard failed to alter my position. I remained steadfast in my desire to become a human resources professional.
Gaining an entry though turned out to be a totally different ballgame. In my first attempt, nearly all the leading management institutes rejected me. I did make it past written tests and got called for interviews. But none of the sincerity with which I explained my interest cut muster with the selectors. They frowned upon my average academic track record. Or tested my knowledge on completely unrelated areas. In an interview with one of India's leading management institutions, I was asked to expound on the Wiemar Republic...only because I had happened to mention that my father was a professor of modern European history!
It would take almost two years, several rejections (in some cases twice), a failed attempt as an apprentice in a firm of Chartered Accountants, as well as a stint in marketing research, before I finally walked in for my first lecture in a Master's programme in Personnel Management. Two years during which I had all but lost hope of pursuing my passion and was reconciling to a life of compromise.
I was immensely grateful for this opportunity, given that it had come to me after a protracted struggle. As a management student I worked hard, often blurring the distinction between day and night. I involved myself in activities of the institute and established a strong work ethic, something that has stayed with me till today. I was idealistic and rebellious at the same time, attending only those classes where I felt I had something new to learn...which once almost resulted in expulsion as my professor did not entirely agree with my point of view.
But more on that another day.
My travels have brought me back to Bangalore, and a Sunday brunch at my favourite restaurant awaits. With some cherished friends. And a Martini or two. Or more.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
02.01.11
So I finally got a week off after months of frenzied activity. The run up to Christmas had accorded me little time to plan a small getaway from Singapore...and as would be expected, last ditch efforts yielded nothing. Every destination in Asia was already teeming with tourists, and I could not even get a place in the kennel to board Kulfi. Which left me with plenty of time at home and to explore Singapore...I know precious little about my current abode other than the usual hot spots - office, Din Tai Fung (in the office building), Dempsey Hill, and the German Shepherd Dog Club. Oh...and Changi Airport.
Good time to show Rahul this town, thought my wife. And she came up with a list of places as long as my arm - Arab Street, China Town, National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisation Museum, restaurants, movies, and of course the famous zoo! Not being as ethusiastic about gallvanting, I had other ideas...which mainly revolved around reading, writing, barbequeing and alcohol (the order being very flexible especially with the latter which could overlap/ override all the others!).
As it turned out, the report card at the end of the break did not look very pretty. My body rebelled against the forced inactivity and I fell ill. My old friend, bronchial asthma, decided to pay me an overdue visit and I spent the last few days in a haze combating heavy breathing with a doze of steriods and anti-histamines. The brain refused to function actively and I did not get too far with my literary agenda either. Barbequeing plans were shelved as they would have made me a prime candidate for being jailed for attempted suicide. Even though I bravely persisted in partaking of wines and Single Malts, I did not much savour the taste...
I learnt that idle time does not equal relaxation (filed away for future reference).
Sure I got some down time...including an overdoze of the idiot box. And Kulfi is now definitely better at sitting, staying and heeling...thanks in abundance to coaching by Kabir, the exuberant and immensely knowledgeable President of GSDC in Singapore, who paid us a visit one evening. Kulfi's coffee table etiquette is still less than elegant though...as was evident that day when, soon after an exhibition of his newly gained skills, he cunningly swooped over the finger food and made off with a bowl of nuts - spoon included, mind you. I am certain his grand plans included annointing his collar with a table napkin and smacking his lips after a sip of Shiraz had I not rudely interrupted with a quick smack on the muzzle!
Over the years I have developed a strong sense of self preservation from NY resolutions. Which has been effective through the advent of 2011 as well. As before, I start the year free of plans and resolve...wishing for nothing more than a chance to lead a life of meaning and purpose...a life less ordinary.
I wish you the same.
Good time to show Rahul this town, thought my wife. And she came up with a list of places as long as my arm - Arab Street, China Town, National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisation Museum, restaurants, movies, and of course the famous zoo! Not being as ethusiastic about gallvanting, I had other ideas...which mainly revolved around reading, writing, barbequeing and alcohol (the order being very flexible especially with the latter which could overlap/ override all the others!).
As it turned out, the report card at the end of the break did not look very pretty. My body rebelled against the forced inactivity and I fell ill. My old friend, bronchial asthma, decided to pay me an overdue visit and I spent the last few days in a haze combating heavy breathing with a doze of steriods and anti-histamines. The brain refused to function actively and I did not get too far with my literary agenda either. Barbequeing plans were shelved as they would have made me a prime candidate for being jailed for attempted suicide. Even though I bravely persisted in partaking of wines and Single Malts, I did not much savour the taste...
I learnt that idle time does not equal relaxation (filed away for future reference).
Sure I got some down time...including an overdoze of the idiot box. And Kulfi is now definitely better at sitting, staying and heeling...thanks in abundance to coaching by Kabir, the exuberant and immensely knowledgeable President of GSDC in Singapore, who paid us a visit one evening. Kulfi's coffee table etiquette is still less than elegant though...as was evident that day when, soon after an exhibition of his newly gained skills, he cunningly swooped over the finger food and made off with a bowl of nuts - spoon included, mind you. I am certain his grand plans included annointing his collar with a table napkin and smacking his lips after a sip of Shiraz had I not rudely interrupted with a quick smack on the muzzle!
Over the years I have developed a strong sense of self preservation from NY resolutions. Which has been effective through the advent of 2011 as well. As before, I start the year free of plans and resolve...wishing for nothing more than a chance to lead a life of meaning and purpose...a life less ordinary.
I wish you the same.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Retracing my steps to Vishesh Prarambh
Prolonged absence from one's vocation can have serious effects...the most pronounced being the loss of fluency of expression. Which I am currently experiencing in abundance. Writing does not come easy to me these days. Is it because of lack of quality time...or a lack of quality thinking, I wonder?
So as I sat in a cafe yesterday with the Singapore river flowing quietly behind me, I yearned for thoughts that I could pour onto the keyboard. Images of the year gone by flashed past and myriad thoughts crossed my mind...quite typical I suppose to reminsice as a year draws to a close. But these did not grab me for long. Sure it has been an eventful twelve months. Work took me to various places (repeatedly to USA but also within Asia and Europe) and I was privileged to have the opportunity to know and work with people from around the world. My involvement with maduramicrofinace.com continued and I am delighted to see the organisation marching forth with great energy and purpose. Personally, there were bittersweet moments as I rued the loss of friendships, whilst on the other hand new one's were formed. The most notable being with the four legged creature who roams around the premises as I write. And my health had held up, in no small measure due to a wonderful and caring trainer who has helped me stay fit despite a fairly erratic lifestyle.
While there were events and moments of consequence in 2010, it seemed there was something of greater relevance which I could vaguely sense but was unable to fully comprehend. What was it that was gnawing at the back of my mind?? Why did it feel like I needed to delve deeper into my consciousness?
Finally, as the double espresso worked its way down my throat, the mist surrounding my being began to clear...with almost a sudden and jarring realisation that the first decade of the 21st century was about to end! Just then I felt the weight of these momentous years.
A decade...
...which had seen me moving out of my hometown to go and live in 3 different cities across 2 countries
...that literally consumed my 30's (quite a distressing thought - the impending 40's!)
...which felt like a lifetime...of learning, loving, leaving, gaining, losing, regaining, climbing, falling, leading, following, succeeding, failing...even (almost) succumbing and being returned to life
Indeed, this decade has been of consequence! And as the lights of 2010 begin to flicker, I feel a strong desire to internalise this period of my life. Perhaps in the coming days realisation shall dawn and find its way to the portals of Vishesh Prarambh...or maybe they will stay in the deep recesses of my mind! Who knows...
One recent event though must surely have its pride of place among these pages...Kulfi is now one year old! And I can't help feeling that he just arrived yesterday...
So as I sat in a cafe yesterday with the Singapore river flowing quietly behind me, I yearned for thoughts that I could pour onto the keyboard. Images of the year gone by flashed past and myriad thoughts crossed my mind...quite typical I suppose to reminsice as a year draws to a close. But these did not grab me for long. Sure it has been an eventful twelve months. Work took me to various places (repeatedly to USA but also within Asia and Europe) and I was privileged to have the opportunity to know and work with people from around the world. My involvement with maduramicrofinace.com continued and I am delighted to see the organisation marching forth with great energy and purpose. Personally, there were bittersweet moments as I rued the loss of friendships, whilst on the other hand new one's were formed. The most notable being with the four legged creature who roams around the premises as I write. And my health had held up, in no small measure due to a wonderful and caring trainer who has helped me stay fit despite a fairly erratic lifestyle.
While there were events and moments of consequence in 2010, it seemed there was something of greater relevance which I could vaguely sense but was unable to fully comprehend. What was it that was gnawing at the back of my mind?? Why did it feel like I needed to delve deeper into my consciousness?
Finally, as the double espresso worked its way down my throat, the mist surrounding my being began to clear...with almost a sudden and jarring realisation that the first decade of the 21st century was about to end! Just then I felt the weight of these momentous years.
A decade...
...which had seen me moving out of my hometown to go and live in 3 different cities across 2 countries
...that literally consumed my 30's (quite a distressing thought - the impending 40's!)
...which felt like a lifetime...of learning, loving, leaving, gaining, losing, regaining, climbing, falling, leading, following, succeeding, failing...even (almost) succumbing and being returned to life
Indeed, this decade has been of consequence! And as the lights of 2010 begin to flicker, I feel a strong desire to internalise this period of my life. Perhaps in the coming days realisation shall dawn and find its way to the portals of Vishesh Prarambh...or maybe they will stay in the deep recesses of my mind! Who knows...
One recent event though must surely have its pride of place among these pages...Kulfi is now one year old! And I can't help feeling that he just arrived yesterday...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Five months with Kulfi
March 25...Day 1!
Five months later...in action at the German Shepherd Dog Club, Singapore.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
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