DEC 28th, my mom's birthday. Miss her badly
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Dabawalas
Got so excited after finishing the book "Dabawalas" by Shrinivas Pandit, can't wait to share my experiences from the book.
Though dabawalas are not new to me, as my native is Mumbai, I had also met couple of them and discussed their working style. The narration and the way the book is compiled, needs a big appreciation to the author.
Raghu and Ganga hold key positions at the Nutan dabawalas association, Mumbai comprising of 5000 employees with a turnover of Rs. 500 million. Their work culture and methodology puts most of the corporate best-practices or jargon to think/wonder. Their meticulous work starts daily by 8:30 and ends by 17:30 (picking up boxes of home cooked food and returning the empty boxes). During this cycle they are experts in time management, customer satisfaction, logistics, supply chain and best servicemen without even knowing the terms. God fearing people and they are good examples for "work is worship".
Their organizational chart is simple without chaos, they handle 200,000 tiffin boxes on a daily basis and their error rate is 1 in 16 million transactions (my eyes just popped out), am sure not even the best super computers could achieve this target. The association is 115 years old and are serving customers for 3 decades. No wonder they have been invited by premier institutions in India and across the globe. Sir Richard Branson had once traveled with dabawalas, Prince of Wales have invited them for his wedding.
Dabawalas are an existing and proven model for millions of start-up companies and existing ones who get stuck at some point and needs to be bailed out. Their importance to intricacies, trivial issues, and values keep them growing stronger and stronger. . .
Once again my heartiest thanks to the author, and of course to Raghu and Ganga. . .
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mullaiperiyar
Atrocities over the TN_Kerala border. . . fellow citizens please refrain from violence, we have always remained good neighbors and would certainly remain the same in the future. . . all these confusions are created by a bunch of miscreants for an hidden motive. Please sit back and analyze before picking a weapon. Both the states have always maintained peace, decorum and are rich in culture; lets be proud of those and build them as we did in the past.
Please please please lets stop this and join hands for a peaceful scenario.
JAI HIND
Please please please lets stop this and join hands for a peaceful scenario.
JAI HIND
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Welcome T.I.G.E.R
Hats off to Tiger Woods for his win at the Chevron Challenge. . . . its been almost 2 years we all have seen the master lifting a trophy. Am so glad to see him in action. Way to go MASTER
Friday, December 2, 2011
Addicted
My dad's gift of a Golf Set for my birthday woke up the little tiger in me. Got addicted to this game to the best levels. Its been 7 months I have started playing, this game has changed my persona to a large extent. Dad, this is one of the best gift I have ever received.
I sleep golf, eat golf, drink golf, wish I could PLAY golf :)
I sleep golf, eat golf, drink golf, wish I could PLAY golf :)
Anna Centenary Library
My recent visit to the Anna Centenary Library (ACT) was a memorable one. I was awestruck with this architectural wonder, perfect planning on the design and arrangement.
I would say ATC is an ocean of books as the term "library" would limit its scope. Got to feel rare of the rarest books in the world, huge collection of books spread across various verticals. The display needs a big appreciation as one could never get confused.
I got to pick titles I have not heard of so far; British Colonies, Afro-American culture, Oman civilization, Emirates formation and the list goes on.....it took me 1 hour to pick a book and be seated. Absolute silence is maintained and the staff are kind enough to assist (incl. the security).
I guess ATC is the only place one could carry his/hers own books and spend quality time without any disturbances. Not forget to mention the "Braille" section, am sure its first of its kind to host a wide section. ATC opens at 8:30 and closes by 20:00, one could get sunk.
And the best part, all the facilities are offered free of cost, which is unimaginable. My appreciation and thanks to the team behind this marvelous creation, and my humble request to the team behind to re-locate. . . please leave it as it is.
I would say ATC is an ocean of books as the term "library" would limit its scope. Got to feel rare of the rarest books in the world, huge collection of books spread across various verticals. The display needs a big appreciation as one could never get confused.
I got to pick titles I have not heard of so far; British Colonies, Afro-American culture, Oman civilization, Emirates formation and the list goes on.....it took me 1 hour to pick a book and be seated. Absolute silence is maintained and the staff are kind enough to assist (incl. the security).
I guess ATC is the only place one could carry his/hers own books and spend quality time without any disturbances. Not forget to mention the "Braille" section, am sure its first of its kind to host a wide section. ATC opens at 8:30 and closes by 20:00, one could get sunk.
And the best part, all the facilities are offered free of cost, which is unimaginable. My appreciation and thanks to the team behind this marvelous creation, and my humble request to the team behind to re-locate. . . please leave it as it is.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Habit
Being in the sales and marketing vertical for almost 15 years, I had always believed in the concept of cultivating a habit among customers, it could be a product or concept the mantra has always been the same "Cultivate the habit" (CTB).
10 years back it was Greek and Latin, considered as a luxury product, could be seen only in a foreign hand, one needs to shell out a sizable money for usage and today I use it for an extra packet of milk or an extra water can for my house. . . yes! I am referring to a "Mobile Phone". aam aadhmi cannot survive without this little yet monstrous gadget.
The same mantra stretches to automobiles, especially four-wheelers, today's market offering is "bring in a two-wheeler and drive home a four-wheeler", was surprised reading this hoarding and smirked to myself on the fictitious growth.
So far I always considered Mahatma as the best marketing person the world has ever seen. But to my surprise our good old politicians have proved me wrong and also have overtaken Mahatma as the best marketing experts. Of course they have taken the mantra CTB and have been using to the best levels possible. Having mentioned about CTB, not to forget the mantra CTB is directly linked to "acceptance".
Be it the price hike (to the reasons best known), the poorest infrastructure and the famous 1 hour power shutdown (Chennai city). . . our bureaucrats have cultivated the habit in the common man efficiently and have taken his/her acceptance. I came across few fellow citizens discussing helplessly - roads have become worst, that is because of the heavy downpour and the GOVT needs time to repair them. Power shutdown? what can the GOVT do if our neighboring states are refusing to share and the price hike? Oh come on man; the exchequer is EMPTY.
But why does CTB mantra implies only to the aam aadhmi and not to the politicos? never seen a power shut down in their respective houses, nor are they affected by the price hike and as always they only commute on the best roads available.
As a common man I hope and wish the CTB mantra is used in a positive way for the aam aadhmi. . .
10 years back it was Greek and Latin, considered as a luxury product, could be seen only in a foreign hand, one needs to shell out a sizable money for usage and today I use it for an extra packet of milk or an extra water can for my house. . . yes! I am referring to a "Mobile Phone". aam aadhmi cannot survive without this little yet monstrous gadget.
The same mantra stretches to automobiles, especially four-wheelers, today's market offering is "bring in a two-wheeler and drive home a four-wheeler", was surprised reading this hoarding and smirked to myself on the fictitious growth.
So far I always considered Mahatma as the best marketing person the world has ever seen. But to my surprise our good old politicians have proved me wrong and also have overtaken Mahatma as the best marketing experts. Of course they have taken the mantra CTB and have been using to the best levels possible. Having mentioned about CTB, not to forget the mantra CTB is directly linked to "acceptance".
Be it the price hike (to the reasons best known), the poorest infrastructure and the famous 1 hour power shutdown (Chennai city). . . our bureaucrats have cultivated the habit in the common man efficiently and have taken his/her acceptance. I came across few fellow citizens discussing helplessly - roads have become worst, that is because of the heavy downpour and the GOVT needs time to repair them. Power shutdown? what can the GOVT do if our neighboring states are refusing to share and the price hike? Oh come on man; the exchequer is EMPTY.
But why does CTB mantra implies only to the aam aadhmi and not to the politicos? never seen a power shut down in their respective houses, nor are they affected by the price hike and as always they only commute on the best roads available.
As a common man I hope and wish the CTB mantra is used in a positive way for the aam aadhmi. . .
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Chepauk - MCC
Stepped inside Chepauk (Madras Cricket Club) after 10 years. Today was the IPL T20 match between CSK and RR. What a performance from the CSK team, individual credit and applause goes to M. Vijay for his awesome knock and classy bowling from Bolinger.
It was indeed a treat for me, as I happen to experience a live match with many records set and previous records broken; I was told that the total scored by CSK was the highest in IPL history and aggregate score was again the highest IPL tournament. Most number of sixes, individual scores, the list keeps on going. . . .
Nothing like watching a live match with million of people around you with their high decibels. Each and everyone calling aloud for their favorite sport stars, whenever they are in action on the ground. Topping it all was my guruji Sivamani with his touches on the drums making the entire stadium roar. . . .
The renovation work needs applause; chepauk already had its beauty and especially after the work it looks even more elegant and awesome. The entire civil team needs a pat in their back for the meticulous work. To sum it up the whole stadium was like an island standing bold amidst the busiest place of Chennai and proving the level of the second best ground in the world.
It was indeed a treat for me, as I happen to experience a live match with many records set and previous records broken; I was told that the total scored by CSK was the highest in IPL history and aggregate score was again the highest IPL tournament. Most number of sixes, individual scores, the list keeps on going. . . .
Nothing like watching a live match with million of people around you with their high decibels. Each and everyone calling aloud for their favorite sport stars, whenever they are in action on the ground. Topping it all was my guruji Sivamani with his touches on the drums making the entire stadium roar. . . .
The renovation work needs applause; chepauk already had its beauty and especially after the work it looks even more elegant and awesome. The entire civil team needs a pat in their back for the meticulous work. To sum it up the whole stadium was like an island standing bold amidst the busiest place of Chennai and proving the level of the second best ground in the world.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Nostalgic
It was the time for reunion of the school and college friends at Bangalore. The occasion was my good friend Appu’s (Arvind) marriage (he was the last one to tie the knot) in our gang.
It all started off with a good drive from Chennai to Bangalore with another friend Subbu. Enjoyed the 4.5 hours drive and after checking in couple of chilled bottles of barley water (what more you expect after a good drive) was served. By late evening almost al the friends checked in from other parts of the globe and we were gearing up for the wedding reception. Had a great time at the reception and followed by the lengthy daru session kicking off at one of the rooms.
The session had lots of emotions shared upon. Happiness, sorrow, difference of opinions, minor quarrels, neglects and sentiments. End of the day we were all the same old little school kids or college dudes painted us as corporate honchos/managers/businessmen sitting under one roof happily tasting the same drink we had 10-15 years back. We covered almost all the topics ranging a span of 15 years and shrinking it to 5 hours.
Apart from pulling each other’s child hood stuffs, we thanked all our teachers/lecturers/principals and mentors for what we are today and without their support we wouldn’t have reached this milestone. Finally the time came to depart with lots of hugs and little of tears, exchanged/updated mail ids & mobile no’s. . . I am sure this trip would remain fresh in everyone’s mind and heart, not forgetting to thank Appu for bringing us together. :)
Happy married life – Arvind and Shwetha!!!
It all started off with a good drive from Chennai to Bangalore with another friend Subbu. Enjoyed the 4.5 hours drive and after checking in couple of chilled bottles of barley water (what more you expect after a good drive) was served. By late evening almost al the friends checked in from other parts of the globe and we were gearing up for the wedding reception. Had a great time at the reception and followed by the lengthy daru session kicking off at one of the rooms.
The session had lots of emotions shared upon. Happiness, sorrow, difference of opinions, minor quarrels, neglects and sentiments. End of the day we were all the same old little school kids or college dudes painted us as corporate honchos/managers/businessmen sitting under one roof happily tasting the same drink we had 10-15 years back. We covered almost all the topics ranging a span of 15 years and shrinking it to 5 hours.
Apart from pulling each other’s child hood stuffs, we thanked all our teachers/lecturers/principals and mentors for what we are today and without their support we wouldn’t have reached this milestone. Finally the time came to depart with lots of hugs and little of tears, exchanged/updated mail ids & mobile no’s. . . I am sure this trip would remain fresh in everyone’s mind and heart, not forgetting to thank Appu for bringing us together. :)
Happy married life – Arvind and Shwetha!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Creamest of all..................
My recent hogging was at “Cream Center”; this restaurant serves good Indian and continental cuisines. In addition they also serve some lip smacking tangy desi chats . . . out of the world taste; for sometime I went back to my childhood days I spent at Mumbai. The ambience is simple and good and so are their service; very good customer service and the baristas as friendly and warm.
I started off with their signature starter “American corn balls” followed by thick vegetable soup (unlike the usual soups we get). The briyani was very different and so were their lunch combos. I opted for pasta from their wide choices available. Well I was not disappointed at all; the preparation was authentic and delicious.
Finally, it was the time for the deserts . . . they did not disappoint me here as well. My craving for the Mumbai “Golla” was accomplished at Cream Center, though the look was not the same as amchi Mumbai but the taste indeed was; especially the “khalakatta” flavor.
My best wishes to the owner and the team of CREAM CENTER. I would rate 7 in a scale of 10 and CC is a must visit place.
Improvement: Air-conditioning is poor; they really need to work on that.
I started off with their signature starter “American corn balls” followed by thick vegetable soup (unlike the usual soups we get). The briyani was very different and so were their lunch combos. I opted for pasta from their wide choices available. Well I was not disappointed at all; the preparation was authentic and delicious.
Finally, it was the time for the deserts . . . they did not disappoint me here as well. My craving for the Mumbai “Golla” was accomplished at Cream Center, though the look was not the same as amchi Mumbai but the taste indeed was; especially the “khalakatta” flavor.
My best wishes to the owner and the team of CREAM CENTER. I would rate 7 in a scale of 10 and CC is a must visit place.
Improvement: Air-conditioning is poor; they really need to work on that.
Friday, February 26, 2010
SACHIN - LORD of the GAME
Very recently people were talking about his retirement, fitness levels and paving way to youngsters and all sorts of criticism actively going on. . . . here comes the master blaster with yet another world record of 200 runs by an individual in an One day International Cricket match, , , February 24th 2010 has been recorded as yet another great day for this little LORD of the GAME.
He speaks from his bat unlike others doing the chit chatting all over. Criticism coming from BALL to BAL, Pitches to People, Seamers to Senseless; his reply has always been from his WOOD which really weighs heavy. The latest found synonym for the word MODEST is SACHIN I must say.
Way to go Sachin, I pray to the almighty to give you the full support to achieve more milestones in the coming years.
Memorable day in CRICKET: February 24th 2010.
He speaks from his bat unlike others doing the chit chatting all over. Criticism coming from BALL to BAL, Pitches to People, Seamers to Senseless; his reply has always been from his WOOD which really weighs heavy. The latest found synonym for the word MODEST is SACHIN I must say.
Way to go Sachin, I pray to the almighty to give you the full support to achieve more milestones in the coming years.
Memorable day in CRICKET: February 24th 2010.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
1411 . . . . declining!!!
We all are lost and feel handicapped knowing the numbers of our nation’s treasure, national animal, part of our prestigious national emblem – our TIGERS. . .
From 40,000 they have come down to a meager 1411 across India. The statistics are very disturbing and alarming. It’s the highest alert to us and we need to act ASAP!!!
I wish we invent and find out ways to protect the species which is fast fading off from existence; generation to come would put the TIGERS on the same slot of where we have placed DINOSAURS.
Articles and news claim that hunting is still going on at some parts of our country which is ruthless and a barbaric act done my the six-sense living thing. I sincerely wish the law has to be really strict with this sect and put an end to the menace caused.
My heartiest appreciation to the WWF and Aircel for this initiative which is never late and we all could still do a bit to make a huge difference. I have joined this move and wish to have a lengthy list enrolled to the cause.
Have a strong mind and soul to browse around http://saveourtigers.com/
From 40,000 they have come down to a meager 1411 across India. The statistics are very disturbing and alarming. It’s the highest alert to us and we need to act ASAP!!!
I wish we invent and find out ways to protect the species which is fast fading off from existence; generation to come would put the TIGERS on the same slot of where we have placed DINOSAURS.
Articles and news claim that hunting is still going on at some parts of our country which is ruthless and a barbaric act done my the six-sense living thing. I sincerely wish the law has to be really strict with this sect and put an end to the menace caused.
My heartiest appreciation to the WWF and Aircel for this initiative which is never late and we all could still do a bit to make a huge difference. I have joined this move and wish to have a lengthy list enrolled to the cause.
Have a strong mind and soul to browse around http://saveourtigers.com/
Monday, January 11, 2010
FIRST LOOK
One more reason to be a happy Chennaite. I was privileged to watch a tennis match LIVE; have been watching in TV for so many years. Not even in my wildest dreams I thought of watching it LIVE.
I was thrilled to get a call Thursday, Jan 8th, 2010 from my friend for the match. I was on cloud 9 entering the stadium, my spirits and enthusiasm was to the highest levels. The stadium was 60-70% occupied and the excitement was building on and on and on. . .
The stadium was sparkling under the flood-lights and I wish I had an over view, it would have been like a shining diamond amidst a dark forest. My expectation and excitement was rising till the first serve came from Wawrinka (SUI), he has become one of my favorite players. 4.5 hours of non-stop action on and off the court. I meant the food stalls at the venue, right from H2O to aerated drinks, from wraps to burgers, you name it and you have it served fresh and hot. Both my hungers were well take care off.
This would be one of my best memories I would cherish. End of the day, one of my childhood desires have come true (the list is slowing shrinking).
SDAT (Sports Development Authority of India) have done a remarkable job, the construction of the stadium is truly mind blowing. The entire team deserves an appreciation from every ardent tennis fan of Chennai. I would like to mention to the team, it would be great if they could throw some light to the maintenance of the same, by then the look would ever remain new and classy.
Happy playing and watching!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Beach - Marina
My recent visit to our good old marina beach left me zapped. I understood the meaning of the word "Facelift". A remarkable piece of work done by our Chennai corporation under the guidance of Mr. Lakhoni and Mayor Mr. Subramaniam. These two gentlemen and the team deserve a huge round of applause from the people of Chennai.
The expertise and precision are reflected in the output. The entire stretch looks awesome and am sure it would be a treat to watch it from an elevated point. I also suggest, that we make use of the light house for an aerial view of the beach, as it would attract a lot of visitors and would subsequently generate revenue for the corporation. The inner road is well laid and is butter-smooth for a slow drive/ride (without using headlights). The illumination is brilliant and the entire view from the shore is splendid. It reminds me of the "Marine drive" in Mumbai. Basic amenities are well provided, and the beach is certainly "Litter-free". I wish and hope it remains the same.
But, a couple of visuals disappointed me, I saw a fellow citizen (further ref to as X) happily finishing his aerated drink and trashing the bottle down when there was a bin adjacent to him. And, another X attending to nature's call in the open without any inhibitions. What are the mobile toilets installed for? Yet , another X enjoying his cigarette facing the waves. I think there exists a rule stating "Public smoking is banned" and the beach is supposed to be a public place to the best of my knowledge !
The irony is that these Xs are the same people who compare India with US/Europe and pull down our country's image. They talk about cleanliness, infrastructure and civic sense (what a joke). They keep boasting about their short trips to a foreign land and relate it in comparison with India. I have a different meaning for these Xs in my dictionary. All I wish is that these Xs must behave the same in India, as they would do in a foreign land. A humble request from a fellow citizen.
Facelift of Marina is just a foundation for the beautification process for the rest of our city. I am sure Chennai is going to look more beautiful and clean in the near future. . .
Gleefully and Eagerly waiting that day - A pucca madrasvaasi!!!
The expertise and precision are reflected in the output. The entire stretch looks awesome and am sure it would be a treat to watch it from an elevated point. I also suggest, that we make use of the light house for an aerial view of the beach, as it would attract a lot of visitors and would subsequently generate revenue for the corporation. The inner road is well laid and is butter-smooth for a slow drive/ride (without using headlights). The illumination is brilliant and the entire view from the shore is splendid. It reminds me of the "Marine drive" in Mumbai. Basic amenities are well provided, and the beach is certainly "Litter-free". I wish and hope it remains the same.
But, a couple of visuals disappointed me, I saw a fellow citizen (further ref to as X) happily finishing his aerated drink and trashing the bottle down when there was a bin adjacent to him. And, another X attending to nature's call in the open without any inhibitions. What are the mobile toilets installed for? Yet , another X enjoying his cigarette facing the waves. I think there exists a rule stating "Public smoking is banned" and the beach is supposed to be a public place to the best of my knowledge !
The irony is that these Xs are the same people who compare India with US/Europe and pull down our country's image. They talk about cleanliness, infrastructure and civic sense (what a joke). They keep boasting about their short trips to a foreign land and relate it in comparison with India. I have a different meaning for these Xs in my dictionary. All I wish is that these Xs must behave the same in India, as they would do in a foreign land. A humble request from a fellow citizen.
Facelift of Marina is just a foundation for the beautification process for the rest of our city. I am sure Chennai is going to look more beautiful and clean in the near future. . .
Gleefully and Eagerly waiting that day - A pucca madrasvaasi!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
