From Disaster to Power

When I first became a manager I had an insatiable urge to be liked by everyone. I was a “Yes” person and struggled to integrate the morale of my teams with the “results oriented” demand. The workplace was becoming hard to manage and I felt like a disaster. My manager then (and now), and mentorsContinue reading “From Disaster to Power”

Occasional (In)Equality

On my recent trip to Hyderabad, I had experiences probably very unique to the general perception. As a result of which, I felt a certain way. These feelings are neither positive nor negative but very matter of fact on how it was for me. Not for anyone else. So any preachings about me looking atContinue reading “Occasional (In)Equality”

Utopia

This was the moment I managed to smile after many days. I was tired from the 12-day Hyderabad trip, slightly defeated but proud of myself for accomplishing the impossible, even though I was only able to do the most critical tasks, met very few, didn’t eat at home at all, and had the most hecticContinue reading “Utopia”

My Hyderabad Trip – A Prelude

It was utter madness. I didn’t make any plans for the first time. And I thought I’d be okay and I jumped right in. There were so many bloopers because things were not the same. I was not the same. None that I went there for were the same. We all wanted to give itContinue reading “My Hyderabad Trip – A Prelude”

Where it started….

After nearly two decades, I had the chance to visit the place where my life story started. Up until then, my focus was on the hardships we faced, the open drains I had to cross while going to school, or how the street dogs would come after me at dark, and how I was floggedContinue reading “Where it started….”

Mera Bharat – Day 1 Note

What a humbling experience it has been traveling for pleasure this time after 21 years; 13+ if I were to count the week in between when my only job was to attend to my father in the hospital and help Amma. Ram and Amma were nearly petrified on how I would re-adapt but I stunnedContinue reading “Mera Bharat – Day 1 Note”

Last Minute Wonders

The days, hours, and minutes leading up to the finish-line of a project whether be at home or work are magical. It is a mad rush, chaos, arguments, and sometimes objects fly too. We’d often know when a guest arrives weeks in advance or even if we didn’t, the storm to clean, cook, compose andContinue reading “Last Minute Wonders”

Fading

There were timesWhen I’d rejoiceMore than I do nowIt hurts a little moreEach time they witherChanges that happenTo the mind and heartA piece of me is goneAnd I become differentSometimes what I’m notOr what I shouldn’t beOutpours of sympathy‘Move on’ they all sayBut how to tell themThe turmoil withinPeople that we touchThose that talkedFew weContinue reading “Fading”

‘Baniyan’

Writing is cheaper than therapy and who else but me to validate time and again. But then, there are perceptions that always plague my writings. And many who have enlightened themselves or have been protected that they perhaps wouldn’t understand why I put my words on paper. Even though I come from a highly educatedContinue reading “‘Baniyan’”

Say ‘NO’ to Celebrities

I am very fortunate to have served on cultural organizations here. Considering I’ve been away from India for vastly more years, there is definitely a noticeable disconnect in my mannerisms. Simple courtesies that I was taught especially for celebrities seemed to have vanished. I mention celebrities in terms of those that are associated with actingContinue reading “Say ‘NO’ to Celebrities”