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