Remembrance

The "tasteless" coffee at work

Amici ice cream being Rs. 70

Railway crossings

Green tea

Street Soul has great accessories

Accessories and bags from Hong Kong

I knew you for only a month, yet the impact was unmistakable.

Movie anyone?

Just days after the terrorist attacks shook Mumbai, Vilasrao Deshmukh entered the Taj with his entourage which included his actor son Riteish Deshmukh and film director Ram Gopal Verma. The media and public were very vocal about their shock and anger.

Now, almost a month after the attacks, several movie titles have been registered with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) and Association of Motion Picture and Television Programme Producers (AMPTPP), which include '26 Taj' and 'Birds Point of View: Taj Terror'. What makes this so despicable is that it seems like the titles are registered from the terrorists' point of view. One could even imagine that the terrorists' master plan could have been called 'Opertaion 5 Star Mumbai' or 'Taj to Oberoi', both of which have been registered.

Although I am part of a media agency, I have always been of the opinion that the media intrudes way too much into people's personal lives. I know - that is what they are paid to do - scoop out the gossip, but there is always a fine line that cannot be crossed.

They were just as intrusive when Amitabh Bachchan was taken to hospital. There was a fine line between reporting the news to the concerned fans, and just clearly overshooting that by intruding and poking their noses where it wasn't welcome. And now this! People are still mourning the loss of lives due to the attacks and here we have selfish, greedy, immature people trying to make a buck from it.

Even if people are interested in paying tribute to those who lost their lives, why make a film? A simple documentary would also suffice - one that is not shown to the public for money - one that is not commercial - one that simply shows the heroic armed forces, the courageous and selfless martyrs, and the plight of the victims.

I have only one thing to say to those who have registered the movie titles - May they spend a million bucks to recreate the tragedy, only to have it open to empty theatres!

A few men with guns cannot change Bombay

At 3 am on Thursday morning, five hours into the attack, with gunfire and grenade explosions going on above her, the receptionist picked up the phone at the Taj and said: “The Taj Mahal Hotel, good morning.”

A few men with guns cannot change Bombay

-- Aakar Patel, former journalist

26.11.2008

"If you’re coming to terms with a job loss or have a home loan you can’t pay, come to India to find peace." This was the tourist minister's prescription for all those who have been burnt in the global meltdown, which was of course before the terror attacks in Mumbai.

These attacks have left Mumbai shaken and numb. The very famous "spirit" of Mumbai was crushed - maybe beyond repair. A day after the attacks started, life in the suburbs got back on track. Of course, this wasn't because of the resilience of Mumbai or its undying spirit. Trains were packed and roads filled with traffic because people have responsibilities, and commitments. While the world is heading in for a recession, they tried to cling on to their jobs and "survive".

But whatever people may say, even 4 days after the terrorists were killed, Mumbai has not returned to "normal". There are still people glued to the news channels, waiting to find out what remedial actions are being taken...waiting for someone to reassure them that this won't happen again. There are still people who jerk slightly when they hear fireworks, or a car backfire. There are still parents wary of sending their children out unnecessarily. There are still people who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. There are still people who have survived and who are haunted by their experience.

Things won't be the same. We have seen the faces of terror this time, and the people of Mumbai want to make sure that they won't have to ever again. They want to be sure that the next time terror mails are received, the Government will act on it...the next time calls are intercepted between the terrorists, the Government will buff up security and inform the public. They want to be sure that the next time NSG commandos are required, they don't have to wait to transport them from Delhi...the next time commandos are required at the scene of terror, there will be planes ready to transport them.

What the people definitely do not want to hear is "Bade bade shehero main aise chhote haadse hote rehte hai" (these small things happen in big cities) If Former Maharashtra Deputy CM R R Patil had even an aquaintance at any of the attacked venues, he may have been more reactive. People also don't need certain leaders (not that they can be called that) to surface only to create a havock to protect their "Maharashtrians". If Raj Thackeray believes that people who are not from Maharashtra should not benefit from employment in the State, then I believe he should be ready to send out his Maharashtrian men to the venues to bail out his "Mumbai". With all his "passion" for the state, he should not have been able to sit back and watch the North and South Indians walk into the face of terror and allow him to sleep safely! People don't want politicians to take advantage of this situation to get electoral votes...we don't want an internal blame game!

So how are they going to convince the people of Mumbai that they are acting to make it a safe place? What are they doing to be PROactive, rather than just REactive? Whatever it is, they better work fast, because the full-spirited Mumbaikars are ready to take action!

The Lipstick Index

Following the crisis in the world today, people are cutting back on spending a lot! People have lost their jobs and are struggling to survive. They have cut down on eating outside, they have stayed away from shopping, tearing themselves away most dramatically, from sales too. Companies too have cut down on advertising and other avoidable expenditure. But somewhere in this bleak picture of the world, there is a colourful trend.

While times are bad, investments are falling and the trend is the market is largely "cost cutting", lipstick sales soar! The term 'lipstick index' was coined by Leonard Lauder, chairman of makeup company Estee Lauder when he noticed that lipstick sales rose during tough times. Let's take a look back - during the Great Depression, lipstick sales increased by 25%; After the September 11 attacks, lipsticks trends followed a similar pattern and doubled; and since history always repeats itself, the New York Times recently reported that lipstick sales have shot up 40%!

Why? Well, the theory states that people turn to less expensive indulgences (such as lipstick) when they are uncertain about the future. When ladies cannot afford to buy that very comfortable and smart new coat, or that cute and preppy new cocktail dress, they turn to something less expensive, which makes them feel and look just as good.

Of course, it could also be a way to make this bleak, dull world, look much brighter! Either way, wouldn't this have been an interesting lecture in our otherwise boring Economics classes?

Educational pride

I admit there have been times wherein I have cursed them for their inefficiencies, blamed them for something going wrong and even ridiculed their hierarchy. But sitting in the auditorium that day, amidst fellow colleagues, was astonishing. I realized how much we achieved, and the relatively short duration within which we did so. The others had elder people speaking on behalf of them, many of whom have created a niche for themselves in the business world and some even renowned speakers. We were a small group, who came to show our support and dedication - to show that we were changed because of its existence. And when they called out "How many from Symbi BBA?", all prior feelings were lost and my hand shot up with nothing but pride for an institution whose progress in a mere 5 years needn't be questioned.

Say what you may, the college gave you great years, and given time, we will all be living off the big brand...and enjoying it!

November 4th, 2008

‘‘If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer’’

--- Barack Obama
(on winning the US Presidential elections)

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy.

Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun!

--- Charles R. Swindoll

It Could Happen to Anyone

I have recently noticed that in TV serials, they always build up a character's happiness on the show, only to show him having passed away on the next episode. They show that he has improved as a person, and that everyone likes him. They show him at his peak, and that's it. The end.

When we watch such things, we always believe that it doesn't happen in real life, it's just a story.

But life too plays wicked games with us. I know of someone who was one of the happier people I have met. She came from a good family and although she had immense wealth, she was down to earth and had her values in place.

She was hit by a train yesterday, while on her way to meet her grandmother for her birthday. She really wanted to meet her (in her own words) "You never know what can happen, and I don't want to regret not meeting her". She never made it to her grandmother's place.

Like with all things I don't understand, I try to find the deeper reason why such a thing could happen to someone so non-deserving.

Standstill

I am here
Standing...
Waiting...
Watching...

Standing in my place
Waiting for the answers
Watching the world go by

I am here
Listening...
Looking...
Hoping...

Listening to the excuses
Looking for some solace
Hoping that someday I will get out of this rut

Why Strike?

About a week back, the taxis and rickshaws in Bombay had gone on strike. Why? Because the State Transport Authority ordered that all "25-year-old" taxis go off the roads by December 3rd 2008. Rickshaws followed suit because they feared that they would be next in line.

While I do not agree with their reason for a strike, I do understand their plight - they fear for their livelihood.

This article could have been solely about how they should either be given appropriate compensation or a chance to continue with new taxis, but the idea turned a complete 180° today morning. While trying to get to work, we approached 4 taxi drivers, asking them if they would go to Santacruz. None of them obliged. It seemed like they preferred to crowd together into one taxi and play cards, than to take the trouble of traveling anywhere.

So then I am forced to ask, "Why have a strike when you're not interested in working anyway?" Maybe it was just a clever way to take the day off.

Don't Worry...Be Happy

In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry...be happy

-- Bobby McFerrin*

*thanks Kishan

Music Memories

Ever listened to a song and thought of that special someone? Well as of late, I've started listening to music on my way back home. And I've realized that every song I listen to reminds me of someone in my life.

There's a song that was supposed to be played when I entered the house on that special day.

There's a song that takes me back to my college days and reminds me of every small thing we did.

There's a song that reminds me of all my close friends who aren't geographically close to me anymore.

There's a song that reminds me of that perfect person for me (which I plan to play for my wedding)

There's a song that reminds me of that special person in my life.

There's a song that reminds me of a friend who told me that the song in mention reminded her of her ex-boyfriend.

There's a song that reminds me of my prom.

There's a song that reminds me that I have the greatest friends in the world.

There's a song that gives me hope in a brighter future.

And then there's that dysfunctional song that reminds me of the times that seem so far away and the people who are yet so close.

Google-d Generation

"I don't know what will happen to this generation!" That's what our parents said about us. Little did they know that their fears would mostly feature in the next generation.

It looked like yesterday's newspaper was a "kids" special, with news of children being associated with things that were previously only associated with adults.

Children are committing suicide over exam stress - yesterday it went as far as a 12-year old kid committing suicide after not being able to cope up with a test! But then again, this news isn't unheard of, and though people criticize it, there is mostly nothing they do when they are in the similar situation.

One very astonishing piece of news was that children as young as 11 and 13 were approaching doctors for plastic surgeries! Peer pressure has certainly reached its height! What's even more unbelievable is that there is a report wherein parents are actually encouraging this, because it will improve their child's performance, once they aren't bothered about their looks. Encouraging this idea could mean that parents could even go to the extent of encouraging their children to sleep around (just so that they do not have to face peer pressure!)

What was further reported was that children are more commonly using email and sms-ing language in their exam papers. Influence off chatting and messaging is actually taking a toll on the future generation. What's further influencing them is the media and advertisements. Marketing professionals will talk about the importance of branding and making your brand name known and remembered. Don't think they expected to achieve it to such an extent that children now start using those branded names instead of the actual, and I'm not talking about calling photocopying "xerox", but spelling quality as "Kwality" after the popular ice cream.

And here I find myself, much like our parents, yelling out to the young ones, "What will happen to your generation?"

Beauty Redefined

There were days when the ideal man was "tall, dark and handsome". So when did the importance of men's fairness creams pop up?

Today even the biggest stars viz. SRK is found endorsing fairness creams.

Perhaps the mindset of the Indian population is changing. Yesterday on NDTV, Barkha Dutt's "We The People" discussed the problem of India becoming obsessed with fairness.

Perhaps we are. Young ladies today are in search of the perfect man, and though many don't admit it, they have a picture of a fair man.

Come to think of it, our idea of the perfect man has changed. Though some may hold on to the traditional "knight in shining armor" idea, but many have grown beyond that idea and are commonly interested in that गोरा [gora], with either a family business, or sustaining himself well. It seems like today's perfect man has been repositioned - "Tall, fair and have-some".

Game Play

Setup: There are essentially 2 players (M & F). Other players may join the game with the consent of the two original players.

Game Play: M's main motive is to advance forward as quickly as possible, but at the same time, has to make sure to avoid certain obstacles called "commitment". F's main motive is to advance forward slowly and to disguise those obstacles for M.

Of course, the game begins with M finding different ways to lure F into taking the same path.

During the game, other players (M1/F1) may join in with the consent of either original player. Thereafter, the motive of the additional player is to lure M/F away from their path.

There are several other obstacles on the path to the end, which the players can either choose to cross over together, or where one can leave the other behind.

The game ends when either player achieves their motives entirely, i.e. either when M/M1 has managed to reach the end without falling into the traps of commitment or when F/F1 has managed to trap their opposite player into going down the road to commitment.

An ideal end (though rarely achieved) is when M willingly walks down the disguised commitment path without being lured there.

Rules:

1. M, F and all other additional players need to keep their motives a secret throughout the game.

2. Neither player should appear too involved in the game. This could result in sudden palpitations and in dire cases, the end of the game.

3. In the event that the additional player does succeed in luring one away, the other original player should appear aloof and either choose to quit the game (non-violently) or stay but not interfere with the other players' game.

4. Mention of past players of the game (who might have exited willingly or through pressure) is absolutely forbidden at any time during the game.

Sounds familiar?

This is definitely the most widely played game in the world, with subtle hints of 'hide-n-go-seek', 'Tom & Jerry' and 'catch me if you can' - the Game called "Relationships".

Wanna play?

Morning Mishaps

Yesterday started off on a bad foot for me. I got stuck in a lift (when I left home for work), found out that HSBC bank was closed (where I had to meet someone) and then my chappal (roadside one) broke. The sole came off right till the heel, and I had a good 10 minute walk to my office!

I thought - that was it, the start of a horrible day! But then, then I heard an elderly man call out to me and tell me that there was a mochi just down the next lane. It was nothing to rectify the horribleness that was my morning, but it gave me hope that my day could pick up. And it did, I met a great friend (something he has come to be called now) and enjoyed a nice snack, before walking to the station together and leaving for home.

It was a good day...!

Today when walking to work (under the shade of many trees) I saw some bird shit fall right in front of me! Phew! Think today is gonna be a 'lucky' day?

Express Expressions

Looking back on a couple of online conversations with a friend, I realised that people are learning to become very expressive online. This can be great, however, when you think about it, you realise that people are quick to adopt it into their day to day conversations as well.

How many times have you been talking to people and they say "sigh". People have refrained from actually 'heaving a sigh of disappointment' only to actually use the expression in their vocabulary.

It's also seen with the commonly used "lol" - expanded to 'laugh out loud'. So people these days have incorporated the word (if you can call it that) into their language. So people today are actually saying "lol" rather than "laughing out loud".

It makes me wonder if the day will come when people will say "clap" or "applause" rather than actually applauding!

Blogging challenge?

When giving the URL of this blog to a friend, I began to wonder why I started another blog, when I couldn’t even maintain my previous one.

Maybe it could be my delight at exploring new options to make a page (if that does prove to be that reason, I am definitely going to try my hand at designing).

Perhaps there was a valid reason for me convincing myself that I will be able to maintain this one. After having pushed that thought to the back of my mind, on my way home, I realized that ideas for articles kept coming to me.

Something as simple as my journey back home from work is tattered with many instances that tug at my emotions and I find myself deciding and reciting the flow the story should take.

Bombay seems to be filled many opportunities to pen down some words.

So on that thought, I hope that I can maintain the enthusiasm with which I have penned down this post.

The STP of Travelling in Mumbai locals

I don't believe that strategies come into use only when your sitting at the desk in your office. After traveling by train for more than 3 months now, I have learned that the most common strategy of marketing can be applied here too - Segmenting, Targeting, Positioning.

Step 1: Segmenting

Having arrived on the station platform, the crowd needs to be surveyed. You need to look around at the crowd and determine where the first class ladies compartment is. Head for the large group of women hurdled around each other. Upon reaching there, determine the class that the women will be entering into. There is a clear distinction between those traveling first class as compared to those traveling second class. As with many strategies, this involves prior research and is merely a one-time action, carried out only at each new station.

Step 2: Targeting

The second step involves carefully planning and targeting to catch the right train. Taking trains after those which eat up all the crowd is a smart idea, but always be careful and be aware of the destination of the next train coming into the station.

Step 3: Positioning

After you have climbed onto the train, positioning is the most tactful of all steps, since it differs from train to train. You can enter an empty train and only stand in the queue right when you enter your destination station. You can enter a completely packed train and have to find your way towards the correct exit. Or you can enter a train and cleverly position yourself in such a place where you are comfortable and not at the push and shove of all the passengers.

Of course, no strategy is complete without “evaluation”. I believe that the evaluation phase should be carried out to ensure that you are getting off at the right station without being pushed out of the train beforehand. Successful implementation of the above strategy can be evaluated by inquiring with the passenger ahead of you of their destination – if you are behind someone getting off at the same station, your STP is successful! Be sure to get off the train at the right stop, in one piece and in case of perfect implementation, you could even be looking forward to your next eventful train journey.

The grass is greener right where I am!

The biggest complain that I have about people is that they keep complaining! (Ironic, I know)

People complain about their relationships, house, work, commute, society, country. It seems like there is nothing they are happy about.

When you get a job after months of searching, you complain that you are either burdened with work, or not given enough responsibility.

When you find a house, you complain about something not functioning properly.

When you find a life partner, you complain that the wedding costs too much.

When you get into the best of colleges, you complain that the faculty can’t teach.

When you have nothing else to complain about, there is always “India and its dismal state”.

I say it with pride – I was once like this. I used to complain about everything gone wrong and question the situation with complete frustration. The grass was always greener on the other side.

So I finally decided that complaining isn’t taking me anywhere (something everyone knows yet few practice). I gave myself work to do in the form of a new business plan for the company. Needless to say, it worked out – my bosses loved it!

So the next time you think that the grass is greener on the other side, get out that fertilizer and start doing things for yourself!

Train-talk

I have been traveling by train for a total of 3 months now, day in and day out. Something very prominent, other than the crowd of course, is the number of life stories you can gather from just one train ride. There is a woman on the phone struggling to explain to her colleague where that important file is. There is another girl yelling at her friend for not meeting her and complaining that she got drenched in the rain waiting for them. Two friends reunite and get each other updated on their lives.

Also, if you tend to travel everyday by the same train (with the same people), I believe you can roughly follow with the story.

Call it eavesdropping or just pure attention to detail, but it makes my train journey just that much more exciting.

So now, where do you think our Bollywood writers get their inspiration from?

Rickshaw no-show

After a grueling day at work and a strenuous train journey, all I was looking forward to was a relaxing evening with the family. But as I approached the rickshaw stand, it appeared to be a mirage in the desert.

Several rickshaw drivers downright refuse to go to areas less than 2km away.

At the Malad station, when one reveals that he wants to go to Orlem, the rickshaw driver reacts as though he was just asked to go to a red light area or a haunted house.

I have even waited for half an hour with hope, just so that I don’t have to walk the 1.5km home. Of course, it was futile, because that’s exactly what happened.

Rickshaw drivers have also been as nefarious to senior citizens, with bags of luggage, just hoping for some help with lugging the bags.

I seriously end up cursing such drivers, praying that they don’t get any more customers on the way.