What a mov(i)e?

Slumdog Millionare, the celluloid depiction of Mumbai slums and the circumstances the children there in go through, is successful in winning 8 Oscar Awards; additionally,  in drawing International attention to Indian slums and poverty.

Certainly, India has been in an ever-increasing focus for its competencies and there by put under check by the developed nations. Is it not an appropriate time for familiarizing slums (only) in India on Oscar stage?

An episode analogous to this:  In 1927, Katherine Mayo, an American journalist wrote a book Mother India highlighting the plight of women in India. It described Mayo’s belief that India was not ready for independence either. It became a bestseller. But in India, it created a storm of protest. Around a dozen of books were published with titles like Father India, Sister India, A son of Mother India Answers,………….. all in retort to Mayo’s report. Number of rebuttals floated up focusing western culture. There were protests all over. She was blamed for painting India in a bad light.

I’ve gone through few pages of the book. Definitely, the modern Indian woman can not just digest the then realities of her intimates (if at all those were the facts). But, one can perceive the intentions with which the book was written. Personally, I feel the whole ignominy (though) did some good to Indian women. It was an eye-opener and the minimum age for marriage was raised to 14 for girls and 18 for boys after the release of her book.

Again India is through global lens for some different stories. Times have changed.  Now, Indians have grown more broad-minded. They can easily adopt western cultures, yet adapt themselves for revolts too. They definitely can not tolerate interference of Ramsena in their lives and start a campaign against it and can popularize very much.  No issues with that campaign. However, I feel this issue also needs another such campaign. Just an idea… to the leaders of that campaign.. I congratulate them on their success.. and request them to take up this issue too…  But, I wonder how many of them really feel the pain that India is shown in negative light and for the usage of objectionable word in the title?

The film’s screenwriter Simon Beaufoy said in interviews that he just liked the word… ‘Slumdog’; Just like the word? And used the word ‘dog’?

No doubt, our competencies have also been recognized internationally. I certainly congratulate the award-winners.

The other day, as part of my routine I was browsing through net and really taken aback by few realities….

US dumps toxic waste in Indian ports..

For five yrs, this massive toxic oil pile is sitting in a Mumbai port - –

Britain dumps its garbage on Indian soil

India Becomes Dumping Ground along with few other developing nations for UK’s Toxic E-Waste

Who is responsible for all this? Developed nations impose all weird conditions on developing countries like India for their safety, to get over their insecurity, and to continue their supremacy for decades.. if possible for centuries together. Keep your countries very clean, throw the dirt on others, and then make movies and money throwing few dollars/pounds.

Hmmn.. A bit relief: There is an SMS in circulation.. “credit of oscars must go to congress, because without congress, there would not have been slums in India after 62 years of Independence”; and a news too that congress takes the credit for SDM’s success. Think about it…

BTW,  I wish all women,  “Happy International Women’s Day 2009!”

Refreshed…

Summing up life in 2008

Bombay terrorist Attacks

Brida by  Paulo Coelho

The worst financial crisis of the decade – its upshots

Veronica decides to die by  Paulo Coelho

Satyam fiasco

Ramsena and the…campaign

Launch of Pagalmoney.com

And, then.. Slumdog Millioinaire

The list is long. All these could have been posts of this blog..  but, change is there everywhere.. in my interests, perceptions,  responsibilities and preferences too.   I’ve been writing everyday… but not here in this blog.. Wanted to update it, my first space online, with happenings of life and my interests..

Coming to the list again… summing up life in 2008 – I avoided deliberately.., the first thing stuck in mind was… Raju’s death…

Colleagues for just 3 or 4 months, we did not interact much.. Still, the way his life ceased…  made an impression.. even today, when I see a baby girl, our last conversation about his daughter’s first year birthday plans – come to my mind. An sms.. related to his sudden illness is still there in my mobile..I have not deleted it.. till now..

In this week, about 4 days back, strangely.. when I opened my gmail..(not gtalk) in the chat window, raju_narsingoji@……….com (the only id of him I have.. to which I sent my sister’s wedding invitation which took place on March 2nd of 2008) … was the only id appeared..  the entire list was filled with only one id.. but, multiple times.. scrolled the cursor up and down.. no other id was there.. I just did not care.. and refreshed the page… and, then it was normal. Then, it happened for the second time in this week – yesterday… as usual, I refreshed the page.. and then it was normal…. Suddenly I thought, let me check once..why did it happen..?   I  scrolled down.. to my surprise.. his id was not at all there in the list… I checked it again.. and again.. but, the result was same..

Probably, a technical issue.. which I  do not understand.. but, I felt strange..

Will stop here.. my mind is filled with questions… about life and death and life after death..

Will continue… with other things…

Happy New year 2009!

Happy New Year 2009!

Courtesy: Karunakar and Sateesh

Hi! Wishing you…

Courtesy:  Karunakar, my colleague. (As I wanted to wish some of my friends on this occasion, he prepared it on my request. Thank you, Karunakar!)

Every exit is an entry somewhere else..

Pertaining to my professional life, for me, it’s an exit from an unworthy place and an entry into a passable place right now.

 

For the time being, I don’t want to jot down all my thoughts. I prefer to freeze them for some more time. In a single sentence, it’s closure of an episode and a fresh beginning. I am hopeful that my career would flourish in my new shell. Now, I am on my way to enjoying the change.. Sometimes, in the waves of change, we find our true direction.. I believe I am proceeding in the right direction.

 

Rain Rain go away…

Rain Rain go away, come again another day… This is what Sriram hums… Today, it is absolutely apposite to the situation… It is literally raining cats and dogs since last two days which has already taken several lives and has been creating chaos in lives.. Looks as if the rain god is extraordinarily showing his power…

Yesterday, while returning from office, we were totally drenched in the heavy rain. It took almost 2 hrs to reach home. In this city, if it rains though not heavily, traffic jam is the common scene wherever you go. By the time I reached home it was 10pm. Again, got up early in the morning, got ready to go to office, but there was no conveyance as heavy rains have caused havoc in Hyderabad.

On last Sunday, we thought of spending our time differently from routine. We went to watch a movie, Ready, in a nearby theatre. Movie was good, an out and out comedy flick. Alas, our moments of joy did not last long. Coming out of the theatre, we saw traffic jam right in front of the theatre due to rain. It took almost 40 mins to find our way to the home.

The other day, it was raining heavily resulting into traffic jam for kilometers together and I got late to the office by 20 mins, for which my salary was cut. In such different conditions too, these kind of things do happen in my esteemed organization.

Traffic jam has become sort of irritation these days. Something happens be it rain, a procession or another. The first thing ensues is – traffic jam. A minister goes along with his convoy on roads; traffic is stopped at any cost, consequently causing heavy traffic jam which in turn causes whatnot, any thing might happen in that time.. I leave it to ones imagination. The other day, there was news covering the whole page about traffic jam in Hyderabad. But, our office HR and the concerned people couldn’t realize the same. How difficult it would be for an employee who commutes 20 Kms on one way to the office in such conditions? They don’t empathize. No flexi timings. And, office does not provide any conveyance; the total onus is on employees. They simply cut the salaries. They excel in performing such duties. Penny wise and Pound foolish! Today, if I had gone to office by hook or by crook, and reached late..the same would have happened again…

 

I realize that digression has taken place! Anyway, now please stop performing rituals like ‘Maha varuna yagnam’. I think, already, Varuna, the rain god had shown his contentment to the ritual conducted by TTD to a greater extent. He is creating mayhem. Let him take rest for some time…. Aren’t there any other rituals to stop him from showing his prowess?

Litchi…Mrs. Laloo(chi)

BIO-DATA

Name : Mrs. Rabri Devi

Qualifications:

1. Speaking whatever comes to her mind
2. Anything for her husband
3. Mother of nine children
4. The lover of Litchis (fruits which look like strawberries)

Designations:

1. Ex-Chief Minister of Bihar (just for namesake)
2. Wife of Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav, ex- Chief Minister of Bihar

Recent Achievement:

Exhibiting her fondness for Litchis & Mangoes (fruits of those trees she had planted) in a press meet and accusing Chief Minister Mr. Nitish for not sending a single fruit to her family this season. She said,

“Litchi season is now coming to an end, and Nitishji did not send a single fruit to us”

“humne lagaya tha, humko bhi milna chahiye tha”

Remuneration:

What should be given???????

The story behind:

Mrs. Rabri Devi, during her stay in 1, Anne Marg – the official residence of Bihar Chief Minister, planted Litchi & Mango trees there. Mr. Nitish, current Chief Minister and occupant of the official residence, last year sent litchis and mangoes of those trees to Rabri & family, considering their liking.

As Mrs. Rabri has not yet received fruits this year from Mr. Nitish, resorted to sharing her agony with the media. On top of all, Mr. Nitish has given a clarification saying that, “The litchi trees were infested with pests.” He also said that fruits would be sent to Rabri when they become ripe.

How ridiculous?? Moreover, Mrs. Rabri devi claims, “At least I have a right to fruits from trees I planted with my own hands.” In that case, I fear the value of properties Rabri has right over in Bihar!!

However, It’s explicable in case of Rabri, who had never understood or tried to understand a single file she signed, and would say ‘saheb se puchhiye‘, when asked by anyone about any file, but Nitish, who should be working for the people as Chief-Minister of Bihar, is also conversing about such inane issues.

Apt Quote:

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. ~Aesop

This day last year…..

Last year on April 19th, I, who was totally caught up in the clutches of household responsibilities for years together, started my career. First of all, I have to thank Sriram (my two and half year old kid) who has been adjusting to the changing circumstances around him. Yes! Forever, child comes first to a mother’s sensitivity than rest of all!

Life has changed all at once after my marriage,at the age of 21. At that time, I was pursuing my first year of PG. I always wanted a string to be there, connecting me to the rest of the world; I sought after continuing my studies to keep up my enthusiasm alive.

Thanks to my husband, without his initiative I can never imagine my self here. Though for a long time our decisions were constrained by circumstances, finally, we thought of giving it our best shot. It was not all that easy for us starting my career with a small kid. He has been there supporting me all through the year, of course my parents too. I could never think of my dad’s support at this age, dropping Sriram at school and bringing him back, as he hardly did that for his own children. High regards to my mom who has been taking care of my kid for the rest of the day, after he returns from his school, till I return to the home.

In this one year, I bagged lot of not so good memories. Nevertheless, these experiences can be added to my portfolio, which I can carry through out my career. To put it in a nutshell, in this one year met few good people and gained few good friends and experiences that shine my attitude towards situations. Experiences made me strong, and sometimes weak too! Wish to pen down my experiences of this one-year soon!

Last but not the least, I am delighted with Sriram’s successful completion of Nursery! He has got a memento today written on it, ” Kinder Garten days are ahead”. He finished first year of his schooling and his mother, first year of her career!

Hiring and Firing!

Don’t be skeptical about the title.

 

I am referring to the top software companies and their HR policies. Software professionals are in dilemma with the things happening around them! First, it was variable pay cut, and, now, it’s the turn of firing fling!

 

Last year, the situation was just opposite to this. TCS was on the spree of expanding its workforce. Now, it is asking (rather ordering) its employees to opt to get out of the organization on their own (read: voluntary resignation), who are rated as poor, i.e., below 2 point grade as per their performance norms. Sounds polite, but, its not! It is equally humiliating than sacking, if not more.

 

Actually, there was no other choice left with the employees than to resign voluntarily, otherwise, they might have been sacked by this time. I heard two cases of such. Those employees who’ve put in years of experience were under pressure by the HR to resign voluntarily by the specified time.

 

See here how the company is downplaying the issue. Some comments of TCS spokesperson:

 

“Those who cannot meet the performance requirements of our company are asked to look for another job commensurate with their abilities.”

 

“This (financial) year so far about 500 people have resigned voluntarily.”

 

He, however, asserted that no employee has been sacked or fired. As a policy the only time when TCS dismisses people is for disciplinary reasons, he added.

 

 

It’s not the case only with TCS. IBM is also following the strategy of downsizing its work force as an option of cost-cutting drive. IBM in India has shown the door to 5000 entry-level employees in the country.

 

The appreciating rupee against dollar and the slowdown of US economy are being the major concerns of software industry right now. As their revenues slashed, the companies have cut the variable pay, which accounts for 30% of the total pay, of all the employees at various levels. So, all is said and done software professionals are facing gloomy times.

 

These companies can actually filter undeserving candidates in the initial levels of the recruitment process, if it is really flawless. Moreover, any appraisal policy follows a specified set of norms. And, TCS follows this modus operandi very strictly. As far as I know, the appraisal norms specify a percentage of employees per each band. The employees are placed between 5 to 1, 5 being the top most and 1, the least. So, for one to be in the 5 point band, one remains in 4 and other in 3 and so on. Consequently, some employees ought to stay in and below the 2 point band.

 

The points/grades depend on various factors which may not necessarily reflect an innate potential of a person. The factors which HR considers might show employees’ performance for a very short duration, which might be a temporary phase. Many aspects either personal or professional might influence employees’ performance within a stipulated time. The rationale of the evaluator might not be flawless. I agree that some unworthy staff dwell in any organization. If they fail to prove themselves worthy of their role repeatedly, sacking would be the only option left with companies. But, sacking, regardless of their experience, just for the sake of cutting down manpower as an alternative to cost-cutting – is injustice done to the employees. “First hiring and then firing”, should not be the practice.

 

A good experience

 

Yesterday – 23-01-08

AAAAH…, At last, I am here…..! Finally, I could take out sometime….at 11:50 pm…I chose the book, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” to the blog in the last few days. It reached into the hands of its owner, Akhil, who might be enjoying reading it. I finished reading it a week back… somehow, couldn’t blog since then… ! After a hectic day, I am trying my day to not to end… with sleepy eyes..!

Liked the narration of Moshin Hamid, the author of the book… the story is not so exciting… but, the way his narration goes on, the language, which is mostly in the first person (using You & I) leaves a personal touch. But, the style that he adopts in the introduction and conclusion parts of each chapter, where he converses with an American stranger, I found it a little disturbing.

I just try to brief the story..!

Changez, a Pakistani young man of eighteen years goes to USA for his higher studies in the prestigious Princeton College, and subsequently gets into one of the famous consulting companies, the Underwood Samson in USA (which has “focus on fundamentals” as its objective). He falls in love with Erica, who could never come out of a realm of memories of her child-hood friend, and lover, Chris, who dies at a young age suffering from cancer. Changez tries and finally fails to pacify her melancholy, and, one day she vanishes. On the other side, an emotional commotion stifles him, related to America’s dominance, its role, and the strategy it adopts during the battle between India and Pakistan. The Protagonist, who once was very good at pursuing fundamentals of his job, turns into reluctant fundamentalist and leaves his job and the country, which gave him unforgettable experiences of life, unable to cope up with his emotional turmoil. He returns to his homeland and becomes a fundamentalist who instigates many young men to protest against American stratagem, which are largely intended to reinforce its supremacy.

Hmmmnn… I tried my level best to exercise my memory!

I adore many expressions used in the book! He expresses many emotions and feelings quite simply, subtly, which most of us would have left unsaid in our lives. I am sure some of these expressions would stir up those buried feelings with in for lot of us, those who would read this book.

Here I go…quoting a few!

Today – 24-01-08

I wanted to post this yesterday on the blog, but as it was getting late, I couldn’t finish it. BTW, Akhil finished reading the book and also blogged about it. Hhmnn.. Better late than never!

Consider these statements:

“It hurts when you care about someone and they go away.”

“These unworthy sentiments helped me to keep my distance.”

“Things might have worked out rather differently if I had turned around.”

“I resolved to write this to her in an email, as a sort of apology, perhaps, and as an invitation to resume the contact between us.”

“I brought something of her with me here-or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I lost something of myself to her that I was unable to relocate in the city of my birth”

“What is natural in one place can seem unnatural in another; and some concepts travel rather poorly.”

“Time only moves in one direction. Remember that things always change.”

“Certainly I wanted to believe, at least I wanted not to disbelieve.”

“I felt as though a world has ended.”

Good expressions! Aren’t they?

All in all, a good experience indeed, reading it!