Learning from ANTI CORRUPTION MOVEMENT: In my view

Although this movement have a set agenda and a specific outcome is desired out of this - a very strong and effective LOKPAL BILL.

However, I tried to look at this in a different light!! There are many more learning for us as to take away from this nation-wide common thread of protests:

1. We can have peaceful, non-violent protests and the results of such protests are more dignified and fast.

2. To have unconditional support of all the citizens of nation irrespective of caste, creed and financial status it is very important to build a common thread - the way this Anti-Graft movement has connected people of all sections of the society together, it proves that we don't have to force people to come together for any manufactured issue for any political interest of a handful of people.

3. The events that have unfolded in last few days have educated the citizens of India about their rights and now the common man is better prepared to choose his representative in government bodies.

4. The customary mindset about the youth of India has completely changed in last 2 weeks. Youngsters with goatee beards, spiked hair, tattooed bodies and piercings all over the body are coming forward in thousands of numbers with ANNA's images painted on their shirts, bodies and are raising slogans like INQALAB ZINDABAD and VANDE MATRAM - its an unprecedented sight. It is an evidence of the fact that YOUTH of INDIA is equally aware and concerned about the condition of the social system of the country.

5. Support from all sections of the society is being extended to the movement. Those who are protesting on the roads and have gathered at Ramlila ground or other such places are very visibly demonstrating their support. However, those who are not there on roads are also not sitting just like that, in fact they are doing whatever in their capacity to be connected with the crusade against corruption. Evidently, when DABBAWALAS of Mumbai decide to go for a strike for a day, their customers (the number is more than 2 lacs) gladly supported their stand with an intent to contribute to the movement.

6. The wide outrage that has been seen in last 2 weeks across the length and breadth of India has given clear signals to political groups to better mend their ways for future, since surfacing of any more scams will only deteriorate their position in country. This wave of education amongst the common man will play a vital role in steering the course of action for the governments in future.

Anti Corruption Movement: My view

Image courtesy: fakingnews.com

I have been trying to write about the most composite bustle in the country in last few days but somehow could not make time to do so!! Or should I say that I was not able to decide as to what exactly I feel about the same. 
Being a patriot, I am certainly with ANNA HAZARE in this movement (do i need to say that actually!!!), but then I also had some other trepidations about the entire episode which has unfolded in last week or so.  I still am making attempts to reach at some conclusive argument on this entire matter, which is on either if the sides. Apprehensions are not on the intent of the revolution, but somewhere I do not find myself completely in line with the entire process of handling this delicate situation. Neither by the civil society nor by the govt.

Both the parties claim that the new law (in question!) is to curb corruption and make the system free of it.

However, the common man, who is affected till date by corruption and also will be benefited if the law is enforced, is not completely aware of the attributes of the said LAW.

When I say so, lot of voices will raise claiming me to be uttering nonsense since entire nation is aware of this and that's why people have taken to streets to protest. I ask a simple question: Is the common man on streets because he is aware of exactly what this LAW will do OR because he has got exasperated by the way his life has been affected by corruption on daily basis and now he has an opportunity to vent his frustration out.

If you sit back and try to read the emotions of the people who are protesting, you will see one common feeling in most of them: not understanding of LOKPAL but being hurt be corruption at some point or the other in life. I do not question the fact that this feeling only is the base of this outrage, but until and unless people understand the common agenda of this revolution, I am afraid that even after it is over we will not be in a position to realise its results. 

BUDDHISM: A different way of life

Lately, we have been talking a lot at home about BUDDHISM, its teachings, people following the religion and the difference they have felt in their lives after they adopted the religion!!

This is when an impulsive feeling started building inside me to know more about the globally putative religion.

While reading through the contributions of a few authors who have been writing on Buddhism, I learnt about the principles and teachings of the religion.

Chip Tolaney states that the aim of the Buddha was simply to show mankind how to live without turmoil and in harmony by following the Eight-Fold Path and the Ten Precepts, as well as the Four Noble Truths.

He describes it further that to understand the basic principles of Buddhism, it is not necessary to believe in heaven or hell or to chant mantras.

While monks must practice all the precepts, the lay Buddhist (if he is to be called Buddhist) is expected to follow the five main precepts. 

Buddhist principles are based on the basic idea of cause and effect, also known in eastern philosophy as karma.

According to this law every intention, thought and action has a consequence that equals the energy invested in it.

From good deeds come good results. Leading a disciplined life can ensure that suffering is kept to a minimum. The calm mind that comes from a disciplined life leads down the path of spirituality to the goal of all human life - self realization, or what the Buddhists call Nirvana.

The Buddhist philosophy and way of life is laid out in the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path and the Five Precepts. The first three doctrines are pursued by those who either adopt a monastic life or are involved in a deep philosophical interpretation of Buddhism.

The Philosophy of Buddhism

The Buddha presented his philosophy in the Four Noble Truths: 

1.     Life is suffering: Disease, death and emotional pain are inevitable.

2.     Attachment causes suffering: An attempt to derive happiness from things that have shape and form results in suffering because these are not permanent.

3.     To cure suffering, free yourself from attachment: The cause of suffering is attachment, so make attempts to free yourself from attachment.

4.     The eight-fold path will show you the way out of suffering: The Buddha taught practical ways to end suffering through eight pursuits - right speech, right action, right livelihood, right concentration, right view, right intention, right mindfulness, and right effort.

The Five Precepts are what a lay Buddhist is expected to follow in day-to-day living.

The Five Main Precepts

1. Refrain from killing: In order to live harmoniously with all living creatures and create positive instead of negative vibrations, the Buddhist must be vegetarian. This is necessary for the growth of compassion. 

2. Refrain from stealing: In order to be free of guilt, and not cause pain to others, Buddhists must not take anything that is not freely given. 

3. Refrain from sexual misconduct: The Buddha taught his disciples that sexual desire is the greatest obstacle to enlightenment, and the most difficult to overcome. Sexual misconduct is forbidden. 

4. Refrain from lying: To tell a lie is to deny the truth, and a Buddhist centers his life around truth - whether it is the truth of his spiritual path, the truth about himself, or the truth of the universe. Denial of the truth leads to confusion, guilt and disharmony. 

5. Refrain from drugs and alcohol: If we are to clearly see the truth, and gain an accurate perception of life and reality, our minds must be free from the delusion and fuzziness caused by alcohol and drugs. An alert mind is capable of controlling actions efficiently and directing them along virtuous paths.

Buddhism affords believers an oasis where they can regain equilibrium by following the Middle Way. Buddhism enables people to look at life anew and stop blaming God, the universe, and others for their plight. They are the creators of their own worlds. Once they can grasp this great truth, life becomes a joyful journey.

Put the WHIRLING MIND at rest!!

Lately I have been thinking of the lifestyle I am leading owing to my commitment towards job and my family. I always feel that there is so much to do and so little time for that.
Was just having a morning "over the cup of tea" talk with my wife discussing how one should spend the whole day doing something or the other and should have some hobbies & passions to follow..

But then it just hit me my mind that am I clear about what I feel about these things?? About living a full life?? Do I actually know the meaning of all that I just said??
I guess I had such a life in the past and all my talks were based on the past experience.

However, my present is not the same.. Nowadays my Mind is always occupied with work, some pending electric repair work at home, cleaning my office drawer of the trash, cutting a DVD of movies, downloading a rip software for digital frame I just got although I have enough DVD players and computes at home!! My mind is never at rest and its continuously spinning!!!

Even when I am lying in the bed trying to fall asleep, my mind keeps spinning with all the things I need to do and the thoughts just keep ticking? (I even wake up in the middle of the night to scribble things on my pad.. phew!!)

I realize that we (I believe all of us) wind ourselves up like a motor when we pile on more things than can possibly get done in the time frame have. When we rush to meetings, speed in the car and make it to places "just in time", it's no wonder some of us can have a tough settling in for the night. Or settling in for the day! 

Wondering how can we keep our mind from whirling? I just tried to figure out as to why do we face these situations:

Matter of Life and Death:
Most of what is keeping our minds whirling isn't as serious as we make it out to be. Fetching the can of milk for home, getting something for the kids or trying to make it to the movie show is not life or death. Most of the time if things don't get done when we think they should get done, life stills goes on. Just think, when you are sick and down, does the world stop revolving?? But we forget this because we like to stay busy and experience the adrenaline rush.

I don't have time for myself!!:
Sounds familiar??? Yes, it is so important to have the time when nothing is planned; no meetings, no reunion with friends, no taking-the-kid-out. Maybe its the time to get some pampering done, like a massage. Or go for a drive all alone with your favourite music playing.. no phone calls, no grocery list in your pocket and no "From -To" schedule in your mind... Its really important to let yourself loose at times..

Review your TO-DO list:

Its very likely that there is a lot going on in our lives at the same time.. and its always logical to have a TO-DO list maintained for all those activities.. But did it ever occur to you that you should probably revise the TO-DO list to drop something from it?? 

Just give it a thought: 

Is it that you actually have to fix that leaking faucet in your kitchen yourself or can you simply hire a plumber?? 

Have you accepted an invite for a half day conference on "How to save the planet?" on the other side of the city, which you don't want to attend?? 

Have you actually denied the "Home pick-up" service for your car and decided to go all by yourself to the service station to get the car serviced?

We need to get rid of the TO-DOs that take up time but do not add to the quality to our life!!

Keep the Evening Subtle:
Usually the times I have trouble sleeping are when I have worked too late on the computer or have been watching an action packed movie right before bed. The computer screen and the quick-paced movie are too stimulating late at night. Though I realised that turning off the computer or TV at least an hour before bed really helps... I actually feel relaxed with some soft music or a book instead.

Work Life - Personal Life Balance:

We often talk about that at those social gatherings and at evening tea-time chats.. A few people boast of striking perfect balance between work and personal life.. I somehow have never been that lucky.. and am friends with people who are more like me (and I guess 90% of the people out there are my friends)..
There are people who feel extremely guilty when they are at work because they aren't spending time with their family. Then, when they go home they feel guilty that they aren't working. They feel miserable most of the time....

Its up to us to enjoy work when we are at work and enjoy with our family when we are at home. Living in the moment helps to be happier. 

As you can see, how just a few simple changes can bring us closer to a calmer and more peaceful mind. Hope we all strike that balance and have a peaceful and joyful life..

Cheers!!

TECHLAND TYRANTS - A perspective on those who made BIG

Read an intresting publishing in todays newspaper where the Leadership style of 2 of the most powerful leaders of 2 of the most successful companies was discussed.

Steve Jobs - APPLE & Bill Gates - MICROSOFT.

Just have a read..

TECHLAND TYRANTS 

compiled by Harsh Vora, published in PUNE MIRROR dated 18th May 2011

You think your boss is finicky the world’s most-popular nerds Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are known for their unforgiving autocratic management style. Here’s a look

STEVE JOBS

FROM IPADS TO CAFETERIA FOOD, IT’S HIS CALL
In his mid-blue Levis and black turtleneck tee, Steve Jobs looks almost harmless. It’s easy to picture him at the Apple Campus in California the Wonkas chocolate factory of the tech world working on the next wonder device and politely marshaling his engineers.This, however, may be far from the reality.

A recent article by Fortune magazine, details how one of the most successful and secretive companies operates. It reveals that the Apple CEO and enigmatic tech visionary is a corporate dictator, who doesn’t settle for anything less than perfection. Failures are anathema to him. Here are some insights into his autocratic management style.

I AM THE CAPTAIN, DAMN IT
Jobs, the article by Adam Lashinsky says, makes every critical decision at Apple and oodles of seemingly non-critical ones, too.From the design of buses that ferry staff members to and from San Francisco to the kind of food served in the cafeteria it’s his call. He makes sure that his approach to product design is shared by staff.

DUDS OUT, NOW
In 2008, Apple launched the first version of its iPhone that worked on 3G networks. It also introduced e-mail system MobileMe, which proved to be a disappointment.

When negative reviews started pouring in, Jobs summoned the MobileMe team and asked a simple question; Can anyone tell me what MobileMe is supposed to do After receiving an answer, he thundered : So why the f** k doesn’t it do that... You should hate each other for having let each other down. He then quickly named a new executive to run the group.

ARE YOU V-P OR JANITOR
He tells employees who are made vice-presidents that there is no acceptable excuse for not getting a job done. He draws a comparison between an executive and a janitor, illustrating that if the garbage in his office is not cleared and he questions the janitor, the latter could give an excuse that he didn’t have office key.

When you’re the janitor, reasons matter. Somewhere between the janitor and the CEO, reasons stop mattering, says Jobs, adding that Rubicon is crossed when you become a VP.

HUDDLE UP PEOPLE
At Apple, there is an employee’s group Top 100, which is not formed on the basis of rank. Each year, the group meets Jobs for a three-day strategy session at a secret location. Jobs preference for the venue: good food and no golf course.

 

BILL GATES

DONT DISAGREE WITH BILL, THE BULLY
A memoir released by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen last month portrays Bill Gates as a sarcastic bully who hates disagreements. In Idea Man: A Memoir by the Co-founder of Microsoft, he describes the software mogul who these days spends a significant amount of time and wealth on charity as a person who thrived on conflict and wasn’t shy about instigating it. Childhood friends Allen and Gates founded Microsoft in the 1970s.Here are some points made by Allen that show his former partner and pal in unflattering light.

A TALENT FOR TAUNTS
Many consider Gates management style as a key reason behind Microsoft’s initial success. Allen, who left the company in 1983, disagrees. He says Gates demanding and confrontational style destroyed their friendship and ability to work together. He claims the Microsoft chairman was unable to settle arguments rationally and publicly belittled co-workers with his favorite insult: that’s the stupidest f** king thing I’ve ever heard. A few of us cringed at the way he’d demean people and force them to defend their positions, Allen says. He writes of having fights with Gates that lasted hours.

HARD TASK MASTER
Allen claims Gates jeered at colleagues who sought time off. Once, he seemed baffled by a programmers request to take a day off after working 81 hours in four days.

He would apparently ridicule coworkers’ efforts with put-downs like I could code that in a weekend. According a report on the memoir by The Guardian, Gates would prowl the company car park to see who came to work on the weekend.

BLIND AMBITION
Allen recounts meeting Gates in the 1960s.At 13, Bill asked me: What do you think it’s like to run a Fortune 500 company I said I had no idea. Bill said: Maybe we’ll have our own someday. Allen accuses his former friend of mercenary opportunism. He claims that Gates wanted to reduce his share in the company when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1982.

I’d thought that our partnership was based on fairness, but now I saw that Bills self-interest overrode all other considerations... My partner was out to grab as much of the pie as possible and hold on to it, and that was something I could not accept, he writes. 

Can't stop thinking if I also should start working on changing my management style to the kinds elaborated above.. It really takes THAT to make it big; I guess.. :)