December 31, 2008
December 18, 2008
AD Fight
Few weeks back Horlicks came up with an ad which compares Complan and Horlicks on various parameters including price. Last week Complan retaliated with another ad saying Horlicks was cheaper since it used cheaper ingredients. This ad fight reminds me about the cola wars. They got so explicit that they went over the top to prove their superiority to the rival drink. The viewers had fun following the fight all the way.
Gone are the days when the competitor's product label was made hazy when used in an advertisement. Now it is all khule aam. Desperate measures of desperate companies or new age advertising?
My observation: most of the popular ads are the ones which appeal to the viewer emotionally. The ads per say are getting more and more creative (sometimes too creative! You cannot guess the product till they actually show it) and bolder (recent Condom ad).
Thanks to DTH, now there are lot more channels to switch to when ads are shown. Unless it is a gripping cricket match where people cannot afford to miss even one ball or kids who watch ads as they do cartoons, there are very few people who stick to one channel for a long time.
One of the latest trends is serial ad – where there are multiple ads with a story woven around the product (ponds ad). Another trend is to use latest movie either as a spoof or as a promo (samsung-gajini). Good creative stuff, I say!
With the changing technologies, the marketing channels are also changing. One can access unreleased ads on YouTube. One can use print ads on internet. One can use blogs or spam mail or website or online games to promote products. Who needs expensive TV ads? These days companies do a pre-launch and take quick surveys (Lays chips). Advertising has become more interactive and has come a long way. Yet there are miles to go in these days of changing technology before they can create everlasting ad concepts like Amul or Cadbury whose message spans generations.
December 16, 2008
Three Passions
I find this poem by Bertrand Russell so apt and significant in my life:
“Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And the unbearable pity for the suffering of humankind.
Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of I have seen
In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.
With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of people.
I have wished to know why the stars shine.
Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart
Of children in famine, of victims tortured
And of old people left helpless.
I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,
And I too suffer.
This has been my life; I found it worth living.”
Such a coincidence that I sought love first in my life and after having found it, I sought knowledge (refer to my earlier post on dreams). My loved ones supported me in this quest for knowledge. Love and knowledge gave me strength to reach towards stars. But suffering always brings me down, before I gather my strength and continue on my journey upwards.
“Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And the unbearable pity for the suffering of humankind.
Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of I have seen
In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.
With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of people.
I have wished to know why the stars shine.
Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart
Of children in famine, of victims tortured
And of old people left helpless.
I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,
And I too suffer.
This has been my life; I found it worth living.”
Such a coincidence that I sought love first in my life and after having found it, I sought knowledge (refer to my earlier post on dreams). My loved ones supported me in this quest for knowledge. Love and knowledge gave me strength to reach towards stars. But suffering always brings me down, before I gather my strength and continue on my journey upwards.
School Functions
We attended my daughter’s school day function last weekend. We have been preparing for it for the last one month, she has been practicing for the last 2 months and the teachers were busy planning and organizing for the last 3 months. Now that you got an idea about the enormity of the situation, you can also guess the possible troubles that all of us face.
When we admitted her in school, there was no standard disclaimer that the fees paid includes or does not include so-and-so also. I am sure most of us keep sending amounts every month either for a new book in library under the child’s name, field trip, material for activity class, additional books, donation to some charity institution, etc. Include dress for dance on cultural day, raffle tickets (??), entry fees to that list.
The teachers have the maximum trouble. They need to prepare the kindergarten kids for the function. Making them stand in a straight line for 5 minutes is difficult enough. Imagine trying to make them dance to your tunes and in step. Highly impossible, I say. Even at the end of it all, kids tend to do what they please when they are on stage, including running down the stage when they see their parents in audience, fighting over each other during the show, crying or simply staring at their feet. And then there is the work of designing costumes for all of them and preparing props to be used. The teachers definitely have the hardest job.
The kids go through some trouble themselves. Dance is highly taxing for them mostly because it is forced on them. They definitely don’t enjoy anything that is forced. There are endless practice sessions and hours of waiting in itchy costumes before they go onto stage. There are a few with stage fright and dread looking at the audience. All this is a definite depart from their daily routine which makes them cranky.
Parents just need to ensure that the child attends all practice sessions and buy all the accessories as specified. They need to keep checking their bank balances and make sure that their monthly household budget has a column for ‘additional school remittances’.
For well-known schools, the function won’t be just ‘dance-and-go’. There will be a carnival or some other competitions to create enough buzz to ensure that their school gets mentioned in the next edition of newspapers.
But in spite of all this, I am sure that you will find that all these troubles are worthwhile once you see your kid smiling on stage. I am already looking forward to the next year function.
When we admitted her in school, there was no standard disclaimer that the fees paid includes or does not include so-and-so also. I am sure most of us keep sending amounts every month either for a new book in library under the child’s name, field trip, material for activity class, additional books, donation to some charity institution, etc. Include dress for dance on cultural day, raffle tickets (??), entry fees to that list.
The teachers have the maximum trouble. They need to prepare the kindergarten kids for the function. Making them stand in a straight line for 5 minutes is difficult enough. Imagine trying to make them dance to your tunes and in step. Highly impossible, I say. Even at the end of it all, kids tend to do what they please when they are on stage, including running down the stage when they see their parents in audience, fighting over each other during the show, crying or simply staring at their feet. And then there is the work of designing costumes for all of them and preparing props to be used. The teachers definitely have the hardest job.
The kids go through some trouble themselves. Dance is highly taxing for them mostly because it is forced on them. They definitely don’t enjoy anything that is forced. There are endless practice sessions and hours of waiting in itchy costumes before they go onto stage. There are a few with stage fright and dread looking at the audience. All this is a definite depart from their daily routine which makes them cranky.
Parents just need to ensure that the child attends all practice sessions and buy all the accessories as specified. They need to keep checking their bank balances and make sure that their monthly household budget has a column for ‘additional school remittances’.
For well-known schools, the function won’t be just ‘dance-and-go’. There will be a carnival or some other competitions to create enough buzz to ensure that their school gets mentioned in the next edition of newspapers.
But in spite of all this, I am sure that you will find that all these troubles are worthwhile once you see your kid smiling on stage. I am already looking forward to the next year function.
December 12, 2008
Friend in need
I got in touch with one of my friends who got laid off recently. He was sad to note that most of his ‘friends’ have disappeared from the face of the earth once they came to know about his situation (situational friends!!). I told him that this is the best time to separate the wheat from chaff among friends. It set me thinking on the subject of ‘friendship’.
Every one of us have ‘fair-weather-friends’ among our circle. Some of us are unfortunate enough to have more of such people around us. People are attracted towards your success and hover around you. It is very difficult to identify them when all things are rosy with you. At that time everyone is available to meet you and have some good time. When you are in trouble, some of them would be curious to know what happened. But beyond that they offer no solace.
Some of them might have looked at you for bailing them out of troubles. It is but natural that you assume that they will reciprocate the gesture when your time comes. But in realty those you help you in troubled times are your true well wishers (even though they don’t owe you anything).
There will be times when you look for someone who can just be your sound board. You feel the need to just talk out some issues, share your thoughts with and let the tension seep out of your system. Friends do come forward to lend their shoulder to cry on. But when it comes to giving you a hankie to blow your nose, there would be very few willing to do so. Hence it becomes prudent to watch out before spilling your troubles to someone, no matter how close he/she might be.
Quite a few people look for outsiders rather than turn to their partner. It could be that they do not want to unnecessarily burden their loved ones with their troubles. It could also be that they need someone to advise them impartially and their partner might be biased due to their love. It could also be that they might feel that their status in the eyes of the partner might reduce. There are umpteen issues with sharing with your partner. If you have an understanding partner then you are very lucky in life because you have someone available by your side to listen to you 24/7.
There are no guidelines to choose friends, are there? The subject itself is very subjective. One needs to go by gut feeling or by experience.
Probably just like marriage, friendship is also luck of the draw.
Every one of us have ‘fair-weather-friends’ among our circle. Some of us are unfortunate enough to have more of such people around us. People are attracted towards your success and hover around you. It is very difficult to identify them when all things are rosy with you. At that time everyone is available to meet you and have some good time. When you are in trouble, some of them would be curious to know what happened. But beyond that they offer no solace.
Some of them might have looked at you for bailing them out of troubles. It is but natural that you assume that they will reciprocate the gesture when your time comes. But in realty those you help you in troubled times are your true well wishers (even though they don’t owe you anything).
There will be times when you look for someone who can just be your sound board. You feel the need to just talk out some issues, share your thoughts with and let the tension seep out of your system. Friends do come forward to lend their shoulder to cry on. But when it comes to giving you a hankie to blow your nose, there would be very few willing to do so. Hence it becomes prudent to watch out before spilling your troubles to someone, no matter how close he/she might be.
Quite a few people look for outsiders rather than turn to their partner. It could be that they do not want to unnecessarily burden their loved ones with their troubles. It could also be that they need someone to advise them impartially and their partner might be biased due to their love. It could also be that they might feel that their status in the eyes of the partner might reduce. There are umpteen issues with sharing with your partner. If you have an understanding partner then you are very lucky in life because you have someone available by your side to listen to you 24/7.
There are no guidelines to choose friends, are there? The subject itself is very subjective. One needs to go by gut feeling or by experience.
Probably just like marriage, friendship is also luck of the draw.
December 3, 2008
Muddenahalli
My next long drive – Bangalore to Muddenahalli via Nandi Hills. The photos show that the drive was awesome considering that the chilly weather of November was with us.
It was drive of 75 kms from Bannerghatta road to Muddenahalli. Nothing new to say about the drive on the six lane NH7 towards Hyderabad. As you can see the traffic was less thanks to the rains during the previous three days.
The picturesque landscape started once we took the turn towards Nandi Hills. The clouds were competing with the trekkers to touch the peak of the hills. The place takes you away from the hustle of the city and you can spend some time with your inner self on top of the hill.
The road was fine for most parts but once you enter the village area it became difficult. There were villagers selling freshly picked grapes from the vines nearby at dirt cheap prices.Bikers will find the drive rejuvenating. I regret not having the chance to feel the cold air on my face as I was traveling in a car.
Muddenahalli is the birth place of Sir Visweswarayya. There is a school and a museum dedicated to him. It also has Satya Sai Grama – a closed community containing educational institution for boys, post office, bank etc. The gated community is as large the village surrounding it.
Care was taken to not alter the natural surroundings while building the residential school.
This time I’ll let the photos do the talking …
November 26, 2008
The Innocent Man
Recently I read 'The Innocent Man', the first nonfiction book by John Grisham. It is a tale set in a small town about a wrongly-accused man.
It is a definite departure from his usual novels. The style of writing is also different from his usual fiction based stories. What did not change was the amount of research done for the book.
I personally did not find it as gripping and as spectacular as his other legal novels. I wouldn’t have put down his other novels. But I found it difficult to finish this book. The writer took a neutral stance and narrated the story as factually as possible. The details were exhaustive to the point of being stretched sometimes.
It is interesting to note that the writer did not directly attack or criticize the establishment/ government for the injustice done. He demonstrates the fallibilities of the capital punishment system. The way the story was narrated leaves an impression in our minds that the establishment did not do its job properly. Though the main characters were exonerated at the end, the book does not make the reader ‘feel-good’.
Since it is non-fiction probably we can pardon the lack of diagnosis or analysis. It kind of reminds me about the news reports on crime, though the book is not as short a narrative.
I can only wish that the next book of Grisham is a fiction novel with his usual creative flair.
It is a definite departure from his usual novels. The style of writing is also different from his usual fiction based stories. What did not change was the amount of research done for the book.
I personally did not find it as gripping and as spectacular as his other legal novels. I wouldn’t have put down his other novels. But I found it difficult to finish this book. The writer took a neutral stance and narrated the story as factually as possible. The details were exhaustive to the point of being stretched sometimes.
It is interesting to note that the writer did not directly attack or criticize the establishment/ government for the injustice done. He demonstrates the fallibilities of the capital punishment system. The way the story was narrated leaves an impression in our minds that the establishment did not do its job properly. Though the main characters were exonerated at the end, the book does not make the reader ‘feel-good’.
Since it is non-fiction probably we can pardon the lack of diagnosis or analysis. It kind of reminds me about the news reports on crime, though the book is not as short a narrative.
I can only wish that the next book of Grisham is a fiction novel with his usual creative flair.
The case of Bonsai Manager
‘Where nature and management intersect, intuitive leadership is born’
The Case of the Bonsai Manager, authored by R. Gopalakrishnan, is a warning to managers that their growth can be stunted like that of a Bonsai plant if they do not nourish themselves. There are various characteristics exhibited by Stunted Managers which would help in identifying such people in an organization. Managers need mental food and experiential space to grow.
The author draws upon forty years of his management career and shares the valuable lessons he has learnt. He draws a parallel between the complexities in nature and those in management. He also draws upon his experiences as a manager and shares anecdotes which support his theories.
The book reflects author’s journey of self-awareness and self-discovery. He advocates that good leaders overlay the unknown facts with their gut feel and instinct, which they consciously develop through keen listening, reflection, contemplation and mentoring.
The book is a kind of guide to those who aspire to be a leader, but it is different from the other leadership books. It does not solely give information or technical skills of management. It draws examples from real life to put forth the concepts. It complements the formal management learning which is logical and analytical.
The book introduces the concept of a Stunted Managers who exist in large numbers in every organization but the characteristics of whom we missed noticing till now. The growth can be stunted temporarily or permanently. Managers tend to be too focused on the tasks at hand and develop inattention blindness. The author lists out the symptoms and also the remedies to come out of that state. The book stresses the importance of mentoring in bringing up managers in an organization and urges companies to institutionalize mentoring.
Nature has always fascinated mankind and almost everybody is strongly influenced by watching nature at work. The author shares with us the beautiful and mysterious things he has observed in nature, sometimes so much in detail that you lose track of the connection with the underlying management issue. But the book does prove that man can learn from animals sometimes.
The book cleverly switches from the behavioral theories of animal kingdom to those of human. It shows an intersection of nature with management. It shows that there lessons to be learnt from everywhere. The book makes the reader reflect upon the anecdotes and draw a few memorable lessons.
The book is an interesting read and provokes thoughts. It opens a new window in management thought. The book is a must read for aspiring entrepreneurs and managers and also those who dream of becoming future leaders.
The Case of the Bonsai Manager, authored by R. Gopalakrishnan, is a warning to managers that their growth can be stunted like that of a Bonsai plant if they do not nourish themselves. There are various characteristics exhibited by Stunted Managers which would help in identifying such people in an organization. Managers need mental food and experiential space to grow.
The author draws upon forty years of his management career and shares the valuable lessons he has learnt. He draws a parallel between the complexities in nature and those in management. He also draws upon his experiences as a manager and shares anecdotes which support his theories.
The book reflects author’s journey of self-awareness and self-discovery. He advocates that good leaders overlay the unknown facts with their gut feel and instinct, which they consciously develop through keen listening, reflection, contemplation and mentoring.
The book is a kind of guide to those who aspire to be a leader, but it is different from the other leadership books. It does not solely give information or technical skills of management. It draws examples from real life to put forth the concepts. It complements the formal management learning which is logical and analytical.
The book introduces the concept of a Stunted Managers who exist in large numbers in every organization but the characteristics of whom we missed noticing till now. The growth can be stunted temporarily or permanently. Managers tend to be too focused on the tasks at hand and develop inattention blindness. The author lists out the symptoms and also the remedies to come out of that state. The book stresses the importance of mentoring in bringing up managers in an organization and urges companies to institutionalize mentoring.
Nature has always fascinated mankind and almost everybody is strongly influenced by watching nature at work. The author shares with us the beautiful and mysterious things he has observed in nature, sometimes so much in detail that you lose track of the connection with the underlying management issue. But the book does prove that man can learn from animals sometimes.
The book cleverly switches from the behavioral theories of animal kingdom to those of human. It shows an intersection of nature with management. It shows that there lessons to be learnt from everywhere. The book makes the reader reflect upon the anecdotes and draw a few memorable lessons.
The book is an interesting read and provokes thoughts. It opens a new window in management thought. The book is a must read for aspiring entrepreneurs and managers and also those who dream of becoming future leaders.
November 18, 2008
SALE! SALE!
Christmas season is the season of discounts. But this year it started as early as September. The newspapers are filled with ‘up to 50% off’ ads. So what’s new – you may ask.
What’s new are the discount sales of real estate developers. Earlier I’ve seen press ads, pamphlets, occasional TV ads and kiosks. These days I keep getting calls on my phone from developers about their upcoming projects. There are poster ads about their promotional offers on walls everywhere. There are SMSes and radio jingles as well. There are ads painted on buses and trains. Recently, when one of my friends was looking for a place to rent, she found lot more ads for sale.
Offers of reduction in rate have become a passé. Free furniture, in some cases a piece of land or another smaller apartment, is thrown in as freebie offer.
For projects which have already started, the realty developers are strapped for cash to proceed further. They need anchor clients to go ahead. They have been able to defer the starting date of their upcoming projects. There are quite a few developers with vacancies in completed projects which they are trying to sell in the market. With Banks becoming wary of accepting the real estate property as collateral, their assets have suddenly become worthless.
As with other industries, discount sales are usually to induce sales in slack season or to push the older stock. Do they always work? They used to. In the current scenario, no one is willing to hazard a guess. Come festive season, every retailer has fingers crossed hoping that those who are window shopping would step inside.
For those who are looking for a second home, this is the best time to buy. For those who are yet to book their first apartment, I suggest you stay put. Interest rates are expected to come down and so are the prices of real estate.
As for discounts for other things, consumer confidence is at an all time low with the increasing job cuts. Everyone is in ‘wait and watch’ mode. So am I.
What’s new are the discount sales of real estate developers. Earlier I’ve seen press ads, pamphlets, occasional TV ads and kiosks. These days I keep getting calls on my phone from developers about their upcoming projects. There are poster ads about their promotional offers on walls everywhere. There are SMSes and radio jingles as well. There are ads painted on buses and trains. Recently, when one of my friends was looking for a place to rent, she found lot more ads for sale.
Offers of reduction in rate have become a passé. Free furniture, in some cases a piece of land or another smaller apartment, is thrown in as freebie offer.
For projects which have already started, the realty developers are strapped for cash to proceed further. They need anchor clients to go ahead. They have been able to defer the starting date of their upcoming projects. There are quite a few developers with vacancies in completed projects which they are trying to sell in the market. With Banks becoming wary of accepting the real estate property as collateral, their assets have suddenly become worthless.
As with other industries, discount sales are usually to induce sales in slack season or to push the older stock. Do they always work? They used to. In the current scenario, no one is willing to hazard a guess. Come festive season, every retailer has fingers crossed hoping that those who are window shopping would step inside.
For those who are looking for a second home, this is the best time to buy. For those who are yet to book their first apartment, I suggest you stay put. Interest rates are expected to come down and so are the prices of real estate.
As for discounts for other things, consumer confidence is at an all time low with the increasing job cuts. Everyone is in ‘wait and watch’ mode. So am I.
November 12, 2008
November 11, 2008
Loyalty- the new forbidden word
If there’s anything that is fast disappearing from the face of the earth apart from the money invested in stock markets, it is loyalty in relationships. There was a time when ‘one job, one wife, one car’ was the mantra. Companies valued loyalty in employees and vice versa. Loyalty was synonymous with marriage once.
Today loyalty is seen nowhere and so is politeness in the method of exit. People are being laid off unceremoniously there is no time for procedural politeness. People are being dumped from relationships impersonally (welcome to the world of SMS!). Employees change jobs at a drop of a hat. Loyalty is long lost is certain fields such as politics.
Once upon a time, people planned their careers and post career retirement in the same firm. Now instances where employees have moved on within a month are common. Companies have also become short sighted when it comes to retaining employees. Cost cutting for showing better quarter results has become more important than losing good people from the organization’s point of view. Life has become fast paced and so everyone wants results faster. The fact that promotions based on seniority have lost sheen shows that no one is ready to spend 25 years in one organization to become a part of the management. Also there are instances where those who are with an organization too long are looked down upon in the social circles as it would seem to others that they don’t have enough talent to go to a better place/ position.
If short term goals are the reason for lack of loyalty in jobs then what about relationships? Hectic lifestyle is making sure that not much time is given to cultivate a long term relationship and also people don’t have the patience to wait and the give another chance to partner. Communication between partners has become impersonal with the advent of technology. Social acceptance of the issue has also made sure that there isn’t any stigma attached with moving-on in relationships.
There is a positive side to the issue – people wanting an exit due to genuine reasons can do so easily without much heartburn.
Does this mean that ‘loyalty’ is no longer there anywhere? It is still alive in the minds of consumers. You are loyal to the doctor who has treated you well. You are loyal to the service providers who have shown that you are among their most valuable customers. You are loyal to the insurance company/ bank and such institutions who value your long term association. You are loyal to those brands which have exceeded your expectations as products. But increasingly even these are changing. You are willing to change everything you are loyal to in pursuit of better service, more value-for-money and better product.
Society evolves over a period of time. True. We have to come to terms with the idea of being disloyal. But whether it is for the good of all is a debatable issue.
September 7, 2008
Television
It is holiday time again and time for the family to fight over the TV remote (or so we thought!). Surprisingly all we did was browse channels and switch off the TV in 10 minutes. Old wine in older bottle. Never ending serials, reruns of films, interviews of actors for 100th time, repeated songs which have a festive touch, boring realty shows, etc. Is creativity of Indian television dead?
When Doordarshan was the only channel available and there was no 24/7 concept, there were quality programs. On festival days we had programs telling us the importance of the festivals and films were shown once-in-a-week. Realty TV was unheard of and celebrities were not falling over each other to be interviewed. There was exclusivity of each program and everyone looked forward to the program time.
With almost once channel being launched each month and one DTH operator entering the fray within 6 months, people are spoilt for choice and hence the problem. TRPs would fall and why not. Too many programs vying for the same eyeballs (so is the case with political parties in AP – too many parties for the same voter base).
‘Entertainment’ has a new definition on TV and most of the programs, I think, we can do without. But to my amazement, people are enjoying them. Looking at the number of people opting for the basic packages on DTH, looks like the days of educative channels like National Geography and Discovery are over.
I find solace in kids’ channels. There is novelty. If not anything else, one can always enjoy reruns of age old favorites like Tom & Jerry.
When Doordarshan was the only channel available and there was no 24/7 concept, there were quality programs. On festival days we had programs telling us the importance of the festivals and films were shown once-in-a-week. Realty TV was unheard of and celebrities were not falling over each other to be interviewed. There was exclusivity of each program and everyone looked forward to the program time.
With almost once channel being launched each month and one DTH operator entering the fray within 6 months, people are spoilt for choice and hence the problem. TRPs would fall and why not. Too many programs vying for the same eyeballs (so is the case with political parties in AP – too many parties for the same voter base).
‘Entertainment’ has a new definition on TV and most of the programs, I think, we can do without. But to my amazement, people are enjoying them. Looking at the number of people opting for the basic packages on DTH, looks like the days of educative channels like National Geography and Discovery are over.
I find solace in kids’ channels. There is novelty. If not anything else, one can always enjoy reruns of age old favorites like Tom & Jerry.
Amusement Park
Last weekend we were in search of some place where our daughter can have fun and spend a day. We heard about Innovative Film city which opened recently in the outskirts of Bangalore. It is on the NH to Mysore, 8 kms from Wonderla, beside Bidadi Industrial area. We drove there hoping to come back in couple of hours as people told us that it was not complete yet.
We were in for a surprise when we saw the sprawling entrance (see pic). They tried to make it like another Disney land with someone to greet you at the gate and guide you. If I tell you all about the place, then it’s no fun. One thing is for sure, it is place where you can empty your pockets and spend the whole day. Damn expensive as compared to some other entertainment/ amusement parks.
I was kind of wondering about its future. They hoped to attract people in the city who lack places to chill out during weekend. But what happens if people start to pour in? They will find it difficult to maintain the place. They won’t be able to give personal attention to visitors as they are doing now. Probably they won’t care then.
Why do we need such ‘amusement places’ at all? Do we lack amusement at other places? When I was a kid we used to play on streets or wherever we could. Then there were colony parks where the kids used to assemble. These days kids hardly have time for physical exercise/ play. TV, video games are the norm. If parents have time then kids catch up with some books and stories.
There are no longer simple games like catch-catch.
If it’s a weekend, the family heads to a mall or shopping centre or party.. some social gathering. Father playing catch with son has become an annual affair during the vacation time.
I am not generalizing, but this is the trend that I see at most places in the cities. Villages don’t have malls and kids surely can play on the streets.
Everyone in the family is so caught up with their hectic schedules that they think that going out during weekends is the only way to ‘spend’ with family. No wonder retailing of all sorts has caught on like wild fire in India.
When will we have simple pleasures such as:
- watching your child getting dirty in the sand
- watching your child splash colors around while painting
- playing ball with your children
- getting wet in the rain
- having a family barbeque
We don’t need any hobby club to organize a fest to make such things happen. We just need to switch off our TV and computer and step out into the garden with kids.
We were in for a surprise when we saw the sprawling entrance (see pic). They tried to make it like another Disney land with someone to greet you at the gate and guide you. If I tell you all about the place, then it’s no fun. One thing is for sure, it is place where you can empty your pockets and spend the whole day. Damn expensive as compared to some other entertainment/ amusement parks.
I was kind of wondering about its future. They hoped to attract people in the city who lack places to chill out during weekend. But what happens if people start to pour in? They will find it difficult to maintain the place. They won’t be able to give personal attention to visitors as they are doing now. Probably they won’t care then.
Why do we need such ‘amusement places’ at all? Do we lack amusement at other places? When I was a kid we used to play on streets or wherever we could. Then there were colony parks where the kids used to assemble. These days kids hardly have time for physical exercise/ play. TV, video games are the norm. If parents have time then kids catch up with some books and stories.
There are no longer simple games like catch-catch.
If it’s a weekend, the family heads to a mall or shopping centre or party.. some social gathering. Father playing catch with son has become an annual affair during the vacation time.
I am not generalizing, but this is the trend that I see at most places in the cities. Villages don’t have malls and kids surely can play on the streets.
Everyone in the family is so caught up with their hectic schedules that they think that going out during weekends is the only way to ‘spend’ with family. No wonder retailing of all sorts has caught on like wild fire in India.
When will we have simple pleasures such as:
- watching your child getting dirty in the sand
- watching your child splash colors around while painting
- playing ball with your children
- getting wet in the rain
- having a family barbeque
We don’t need any hobby club to organize a fest to make such things happen. We just need to switch off our TV and computer and step out into the garden with kids.
August 24, 2008
Another ancient cave temple
After visiting the cave temple on bannerghatta road, I was on the look out for another serene temple. I have been hearing about the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple near basavanagudi, for quite some time now. This sunday we decided to visit it.
It is one of the ancient cave temples in India and currently a preserved heritage site. King Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, built the cave temple carved out of a monolith stone. It is said that sages Gautama and Bharadwaja performed penace here. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a small stream of water flowing in the cave at all times.
Gavi = cave, ganga = the stream of water is believed to be ganga. Hence the name Gavi Gangadhareswara.
There are idols of several other dieties inside the cave. Some of them are rare forms of goddesses like Agni and Brahmi.
There seem to be several passages in the cave. It is said that one of them leads to kashi and another one to Shivaganga.
Another specialty about the temple is the phenomenon that occurs on Makar Sankranthi day every year. A ray of sun passes into the south facing cave and passes between the horns of nandi and then disappears after touching the Shiva linga. Local people throng the temple premises that day hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare occurance.
A fantastic and memorable visit !!
Till my next temple visit... keep watching this space for more....
August 22, 2008
Care a little
“We make them cry those who care for us
We cry for those who never care for us
And we care for those who will never cry for us”
And at the end we are alone…
Someone put down the complexity of human relationships in simple words. But then they had the time to observe the complexity. In today’s world where everyone is running along with the clock, we can say
We don’t have time to care for those who cry for us
We don’t have time to cry for those whom we care about
But if we are at least aware that once in a while we need to stop and let the clock run ahead while we catch up with some precious moments then I think we would have made up for all the lost time.
We cry for those who never care for us
And we care for those who will never cry for us”
And at the end we are alone…
Someone put down the complexity of human relationships in simple words. But then they had the time to observe the complexity. In today’s world where everyone is running along with the clock, we can say
We don’t have time to care for those who cry for us
We don’t have time to cry for those whom we care about
But if we are at least aware that once in a while we need to stop and let the clock run ahead while we catch up with some precious moments then I think we would have made up for all the lost time.
August 16, 2008
A Cave Temple
Weekend brings the thoughts of travel. But with security being an issue these days, we were looking for some place which is with in the city limits yet away from crowds. We came to know of a cave temple in Hulimavu which fitted the bill. This temple is on the way to Meenakshi temple on Bannerghatta road. So we drove down on a Saturday evening having collected enough information about the way from various sources. The road is not a well laid one and you get the feeling that you are driving towards a village.
The Ramalingeswara cave temple is 2000 years old. It is said that sages used to perform penance inside the cave. The main deities are Lord Shiva and Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. There is also an idol of Lord Krishna. The entrance as you can see on the side leads to a cave. Anyone whose height is more that 5 ft 3" needs to bend as long as they are inside. Even at the entrance there are stone slabs which may hit your head if you are not careful. Every first Sunday of the month, satyanarayana puja is performed here.
On top of the cave there is a footprint which is supposed to be that of Hanuman. I do not know the story behind it, but I will find out some day. The locals say that the cave was a part of a hill which now disappeared thanks to ‘urbanisation’. Also the land which belonged to the temple is now used by a school.
When we were inside the priest was performing the last puja of the day. The power went off and the cave was lit only by the diyas near the deities and the harathi. It gave an eerie look to the whole temple.
A transquil and well kept place. A memorable trip.
July 26, 2008
Terror in Life
This is on the occasion of serial bomb blasts in Bangalore (25/07/2008) and Ahmedabad (26/07/2008).
The events show the vulnerability of common man’s life. As such life is difficult due to rising inflation, increasing power cuts and scarcity of basic resources like water. Now even walking on streets has become difficult.
It makes me wonder about the sadistic pleasure some people get out of terrorizing others.
Cant really blame the governments or the officials or intelligence bureaus. With a huge population, how many policemen are required to check and ensure law and order? One look at the crowded bus stations or railway stations will tell you the futility of any such attempt. That is why terrorists have easy access to any corner of the country.
Then there are others who look to make a quick buck. There are some who vandalize shops in the area after blasts or riots. There are some who try to have fun by spreading rumors. I would say they are no less guilty than the terrorists.
On the other hand, there are others who help children reach home safely in the middle of chaos. There are those who ensure that the injured are taken to hospital.
Probably the only way we can ensure our own safety is to become model citizens ourselves. Each of us should ensure that our actions do not hurt others physically or otherwise. We should obey by the law at all times. We should ensure that any deviation is reported. Terrorists are not born suddenly. They are among us/ within us.
Is that enough, you may ask. No it is not. But at least, we are helping the law and order system in the country by not adding further complications in the midst of chaos.
As for the cause of chaos itself, as long as there are inequalities there will be outbursts of every kind whether right or wrong. Some other time on this.
As of now let me pray for the safe recovery of all those injured.
The events show the vulnerability of common man’s life. As such life is difficult due to rising inflation, increasing power cuts and scarcity of basic resources like water. Now even walking on streets has become difficult.
It makes me wonder about the sadistic pleasure some people get out of terrorizing others.
Cant really blame the governments or the officials or intelligence bureaus. With a huge population, how many policemen are required to check and ensure law and order? One look at the crowded bus stations or railway stations will tell you the futility of any such attempt. That is why terrorists have easy access to any corner of the country.
Then there are others who look to make a quick buck. There are some who vandalize shops in the area after blasts or riots. There are some who try to have fun by spreading rumors. I would say they are no less guilty than the terrorists.
On the other hand, there are others who help children reach home safely in the middle of chaos. There are those who ensure that the injured are taken to hospital.
Probably the only way we can ensure our own safety is to become model citizens ourselves. Each of us should ensure that our actions do not hurt others physically or otherwise. We should obey by the law at all times. We should ensure that any deviation is reported. Terrorists are not born suddenly. They are among us/ within us.
Is that enough, you may ask. No it is not. But at least, we are helping the law and order system in the country by not adding further complications in the midst of chaos.
As for the cause of chaos itself, as long as there are inequalities there will be outbursts of every kind whether right or wrong. Some other time on this.
As of now let me pray for the safe recovery of all those injured.
July 14, 2008
Mysore trip
I am back with another travel story. This time it is Mysore and Srirangapatnam. This is not my first visit, but it is my first blog about it.
The drive to Mysore from Bangalore was fabulous. Ever since the new highway was made the traffic is flowing smoothly. I remember my first drive to mysore – we saw umpteen number of accidents on the way and it took us more than 6 hrs to reach. This time it took us around 2 hrs that too because we were driving by ourselves leisurely.
We went straight up the Chamundi hills. You do not realize the altitude till you take a peek down the hills. The drive is lovely with greenery surrounding you. Nothing has changed in the temple premises since 1993 when I first visited Mysore. The surroundings have been preserved amazingly. Ditto for the palace which looked very familiar and as beautiful as I remember when I visited it last in 2001.
Once a sleepy town, Mysore is slowly wearing the colors of a vibrant city thanks to a number of IT firms which made it their home. It is still a tourist hot spot which is evident from the fact that you find several people offering to be your guide at every junction.
What has changed is KRS dam which is now dry most of the year. The musical fountain in brindavan gardens was a wonder back in 1993 and people flocked to take pictures of the gardens where many a famous movies were shot. Now not many venture that side as the gardens are devoid of all those lovely flowers. And now musical fountains are everywhere and no longer a wonder.
Srirangapatnam has not grown much despite the tourist traffic. But one can make out the newly placed sign boards for tourists marking important places.
There were quite a few places I wished we had time to stop. All in all a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
We went straight up the Chamundi hills. You do not realize the altitude till you take a peek down the hills. The drive is lovely with greenery surrounding you. Nothing has changed in the temple premises since 1993 when I first visited Mysore. The surroundings have been preserved amazingly. Ditto for the palace which looked very familiar and as beautiful as I remember when I visited it last in 2001.
Once a sleepy town, Mysore is slowly wearing the colors of a vibrant city thanks to a number of IT firms which made it their home. It is still a tourist hot spot which is evident from the fact that you find several people offering to be your guide at every junction.
What has changed is KRS dam which is now dry most of the year. The musical fountain in brindavan gardens was a wonder back in 1993 and people flocked to take pictures of the gardens where many a famous movies were shot. Now not many venture that side as the gardens are devoid of all those lovely flowers. And now musical fountains are everywhere and no longer a wonder.
Srirangapatnam has not grown much despite the tourist traffic. But one can make out the newly placed sign boards for tourists marking important places.
There were quite a few places I wished we had time to stop. All in all a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
June 10, 2008
Schooling
We had a gruelling day at our daughter’s school to get her uniforms and books issued. It was a weekday. Yet we drove all the way to discover that every parent landed up on the same day. We spent hours waiting in the queue to pay the fees and buy the necessary things. Just when we thought that it was time to crash at home, I had to go back to office.
When returned in the evening, I discovered my daughter joyfully trying on the new uniform and checking her new books. Her smile made my exhaustion disappear. It made me recollect my schools days.
It was joy to start a new year at school after the summer vacation. New books needed to be covered with brown paper, labels with name neatly written. It was an annual event at home with parents. Labels selection at the shop itself was as long as selecting a gift.
It was a shining new me at the school. The handwriting was neat for the few days. New books, you see! All the things that you collected during your vacation had to be included into your school bag for the first day at school. There used to be many vacation stories to tell friends.
Old benches, but new benchmates. Old school, but new teachers.
I recollected those days with a sigh. I sure am happy that some things dint change for my daughter.
When returned in the evening, I discovered my daughter joyfully trying on the new uniform and checking her new books. Her smile made my exhaustion disappear. It made me recollect my schools days.
It was joy to start a new year at school after the summer vacation. New books needed to be covered with brown paper, labels with name neatly written. It was an annual event at home with parents. Labels selection at the shop itself was as long as selecting a gift.
It was a shining new me at the school. The handwriting was neat for the few days. New books, you see! All the things that you collected during your vacation had to be included into your school bag for the first day at school. There used to be many vacation stories to tell friends.
Old benches, but new benchmates. Old school, but new teachers.
I recollected those days with a sigh. I sure am happy that some things dint change for my daughter.
March 2, 2008
Memories
These days I am wandering around the campus like a lost puppy. There are memories to be collected at every corner. Some of them will fade away as time goes by, some of them will be back to haunt. There are so many things that I took for granted whose importance I started to realize now that I have to leave them.( this is applicable to relationships as well !!)
As long as you are inside you long to get out of this place. You crib, you are mad at the system, every little slip irritates you, yet you miss all this because life is more chaotic outside. Then you realize that this is the best place to be in.
I thought I wouldn't get into this phase after my graduation (its been 11 years !!). Destiny had other plans for me. I am going to miss this campus more than I missed my earlier one. For me it is as if life has started the circle once again.
I think I will keep coming back to this place - whenever I need to get away from the chaos outside, to relive these moments, just for a while, to re-energize myself and to return to practicality outside.
In my heart there is a ‘home’
That will not go away
Where woods are a place to roam
And classes bring a new day
I know that it will not be forgotten
And all that will stay there
That someday I shall return to
Bring memories back with care
As long as you are inside you long to get out of this place. You crib, you are mad at the system, every little slip irritates you, yet you miss all this because life is more chaotic outside. Then you realize that this is the best place to be in.
I thought I wouldn't get into this phase after my graduation (its been 11 years !!). Destiny had other plans for me. I am going to miss this campus more than I missed my earlier one. For me it is as if life has started the circle once again.
I think I will keep coming back to this place - whenever I need to get away from the chaos outside, to relive these moments, just for a while, to re-energize myself and to return to practicality outside.
In my heart there is a ‘home’
That will not go away
Where woods are a place to roam
And classes bring a new day
I know that it will not be forgotten
And all that will stay there
That someday I shall return to
Bring memories back with care
February 26, 2008
silence
First of all, I apologize for not blogging for so long. But my silence is not due to lack of thoughts. Oh I have many things to share. Sometimes things kind of get to you and you need a little space to yourself. Combine that with technology that refuses to be controlled by you (just couldnt access this site at all for many days!!), you have a silent period in my blog page.
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