Enjoying some Red Wine Sangria

Legal Battle: Team A vs Team B

Team A presented some 'facts'. Charges were found to be partially incorrect and were shot down by Team B as well as some neutral eye-witnesses. 

As per Team A, Team B has been making false allegations. That claim could not be verified.

As per Team A, Team B has been using unparliamentary language. Team B is found guilty.

As per Team B, Team A has always lied. That claim could not be verified.

As per Team B, Team A has always used Team B. That claim could not be verified.

As per neutral eye-witnesses, Team A could have avoided the situation.

-----------------------------------------------

Based on all the facts presented in the case, this self-appointed judge makes the following observations. 

• Team A should avoid such situations
• Team B should try not to overreact
• If there is a dispute in future, Team A and B must try NOT to create a scene in front of others
• Team A and B are rarely on the same page and are rarely cordial. They should steer clear of each other
• Beyond this, the judge does not give a f**k!!!

Christmas 2017

Cochin

Kerala and Ranchi Trip

Pune - Cochin - Munnar - Alleppey - Cochin - Thiruvanthapuram - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Thiruvanthapuram - Hyderabad - Ranchi - Bengaluru - Pune

The Fog Resort and Spa, Munnar: Review

We stayed at 'The Fog Resort and Spa' for 2 nights (14-16th October 2017). However, my experience with the hotel started earlier than that. While making the booking on MakyMyTrip, I made an error and booked for 3 nights. This was a non-refundable deal. I called MakeMyTrip and the executive informed us that it can be reversed ONLY if the hotel agrees to it. He contacted the hotel and to our delight, the hotel management understood the situation and gave a go-ahead to the cancellation. I cancelled the booking and made a fresh booking.

On 14th October, I reached the hotel early and enquired if an early check-in is possible. They agreed and gave us a room. Though the room was great, I preferred a room on a higher floor. The Manager (Aby Abraham) happily agreed to change the room. The check-in process was smooth and quick. 

On the day of arrival, since we had checked in early, we had breakfast buffet at the hotel. It was not part of the package (my package included 2 breakfasts and 2 lunch/dinner as I was booked for 2 days only). At the time of check-out, I noticed that they had not included the additional breakfast in the bill. I pointed that and offered to pay but the management included that on complimentary basis!!!

My overall experience with Fog was exceptional. They have great rooms and lots of options for recreation. The location, rooms, food, recreational facilities, view....everything was great. However, the aspect that still stood out was the service. Being a travel enthusiast as well as a frequent business traveler, I have stayed in numerous hotels in India and abroad. Fog Munnar boasts of a truly outstanding staff. You would always be greeted with a polite smile. Every staff member is responsive to your needs. They are willing to go that extra mile to make the guests happy and ensure a great stay. They also click and give you a photograph in their own frame. These little gestures count a lot. Though, everyone was great, for us, Abey Abraham truly stood out!!!

Kalaripayattu

Trip to Trivanthapuram, Kovalam and Kanyakumari

Trip to Alleppey

View from the backseat of an old Amby

Chilling in Cochin

Trip to Munnar

Is there an Ace up your sleeve?

In the last 3+ years, Modi government has taken several steps in the right direction. Some have started to pay dividends, some are in WIP stage (will pay dividends in future) and some probably missed the target. I am happy about even those steps that failed to achieve all the desired objectives because (a) they did not fail completely and did deliver on some counts and (b) they were steps in the right direction and were backed by all the right intentions.

Let us discuss the positives first. Following are some of the key achievements of Modi government (note: these include achievements as well as steps/plans);

1. Strategic relationships with several nations
2. Make in India initiative
3. Swachh Bharat Mission
4. Jan Dhan Yojana 
5. River linking project
6. Fast tracking of defence purchases
7. Smart Cities (100) project
8. Surgical strike
9. Demonetization*
10. Implementation of GST*
11. Program for divestment of public sector companies
12. Direct Cash Benefit Transfer Scheme 
13. Initiative to link Aadhar Card with other systems

* Have been discussed under positives as well as negatives

Now let us discuss the negatives;

1. Alliance with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir: (Though there is no place for emotional decisions in politics and it is a fact that politics is game of numbers, this alliance either should not have happened or BJP should have better handled the alliance with clearly laid out terms and conditions)
2. Demonetization*: Though I firmly believe that demonetization delivered several benefits (e.g. reduction in terror/naxal funding, increase in number of tax payers, even winning the UP elections), it is being argued that 'black money' did not 'go out' of the system. It is being said that 99% of the money found the way back. Having said that, the argument from the government also sounds valid. If the expectation was that the black money that was stored in cash would disappear as the culprits would not find a way to legalize that money then probably it was a failure. However, the government argues that though it is probably true that most of the money came back into the system, that is also a major positive. As per the government, the money moved from "No. 2 economy" (i.e., the black market) to the "No.1 economy". If that is true, it means that the money is no longer black money and has come back in regular circulation. It has become legal money and would help in strengthening the economy. Hence, technically the 'black money' did 'go-out'. Having said that, since demonetization failed to catch the culprits, it did miss the mark as it failed to deliver ALL the desired benefits. Hence, it has (also) been discussed under the negatives
3. Implementation of GST*: Though it is certainly a move in the right direction, the Finance Minister and GST Council could not have done anything more to complicate  matters. In most countries where GST has been implemented, there has been a single tax for everything. India has separate taxes for various good and services and the tax rate depends on the type of goods or service. To make the matter worse, VAT continues to exist on fuel!!! There is a significant and urgent need to simplify GST.

So, where do we stand? While I feel that Modi government could have done better, I am not unhappy at all. I see, acknowledge and appreciate the right intentions. And I do understand that 'Rome was not built in a day'. I am prepared to show patience. In any case, I do not see an alternative. Modi, by far, is the best bet for 2019 and for India.

But am I concerned? Little bit. While I hope that most people would make a rational decision in 2019, I do feel that people are losing patience. Though the steps are indeed in the right direction, the fact that the steps are yet to deliver quantifiable results worries me. Some voters may be tempted to try something new.

It must also be noted that the judiciary has done everything possible to step on the cake. Every decision/bill/policy/move has been questioned by the SC. They are pissed with the government as the government wanted a say in appointment of judges. However, this is also something that people would not consider in 2019. 

Hence, I believe that Modi government needs an impactful 2018. It should have something for everyone.

Do I mean that the government should distribute freebies? Certainly NOT!!!

There is a need for a thorough cost benefit analysis. In my opinion, the government can consider the following;

1. Changes in Income Tax laws. While Dr. Swamy says income tax should be abolished in India, I am not sure if that is feasible. Though only about 1% of Indian population pays income tax, it is still a high source of revenues for the government. With all the infrastructure projects planned, I am not sure if government can really afford abolishment of income tax. However, the threshold can be changed. For example, if the bar is raised to something like 1 crore per annum, it would give a relief to a large chunk of people in middle class. It would definitely have a negative impact on the revenues. It should also be noted that it is unlikely to have a major impact on sentiments as only about 1% of Indian population would be benefitted. Hence a cost-benefit analysis is required.
2. Lowering the fuel prices. High fuel prices impact a large chunk of Indian population and if the government manages to lower fuel prices by removing state taxes, it would do wonders to the sentiments. Again, it should not be a freebie and a thorough analysis of the pros and cons is required.
3. Scrapping of Article 370
4. Removal of MFN status given to Pakistan
5. Strong actions and retaliations on Pakistan border

There are several other actions that come to mind and are really important. However, the idea for 2018 should be 'Maximum Impact, Minimum Controversies'.

Modi and Shah are smart and they must have planned for some quantifiable actions for 2018. 

I just hope they have a real Ace up their sleeves!!!

Trip to Lavasa

Pigg Boss

Kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to poori kaynaat uss plan ki waat lagaane mein lag jaati hai!!

Chand sikkon mein mil gayi khushiyan hamein, 

Kaun kehta hai ki yahaan mehengai bahut hai....

This part of my life, this part right here....this is called 'happiness'!! ☺️

Bahut Yaraana Lagta Hai!!!

There is this girl in the office. She started in a different team but - owing to insufficient work in that team - she was transferred to our team. Not sure if the move was purely due to insufficient work or it performance issue also played a part. In our team, she started with another reporting manager and continued for ~1 year. Later, I was asked to manage her efforts. I could detect some performance issues but more importantly, I spotted serious issues with attitude, behavior and discipline. I let the concerned people know about the issues. I was feeling that - after already trying to  accommodate her in multiple teams  - they would probably outcounsel her. However, to my surprise, they are prepared to try her in another team! I asked a colleague why such a long rope is being extended in this case. As per the colleague, there are other - unofficial & unprofessional - reasons involved.

From now on, I'll call her Arun Jaitley!!

Newton

The movie has brilliant performances from some of the finest actors today....Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi. 

However, I probably did not get the movie.....as I did not quite like it.

I do understand that the movie has been branded as a political satire. I also understand that for the naxal situation today, either sides (naxals as well as system) have played their part in creating/worsening the situation. Having said that, I did not quite enjoy the movie that points a finger at our democracy. It largely shows the negative role of the system, administration and forces while 'almost' ignoring the role of naxals and their supporters/sympathesizers.

This movie is India's official entry for the Oscars and now everyone who watches the movie may question the democracy, system and governance in India.

I am not blinded by my love for my country. I very well know that issues are there and many of them are fairly serious ones. However, I feel that such topics should be handled carefully and  both sides should be presented.

It is clearly not a popular opinion as tabloids suggest that most viewers have loved the movie. But like the protagonist, I am willing to hold my ground. :)

For me, this Newton was as difficult to understand as the original one!! It was all latin and Physics for me!!!

Was Demonetization Successful?

I have been asked that question on several occasions. It amuses me. I am no expert in economics and people know that. Yet, they ask me that question because as per them, I am a "Bhakt". Well.....I do not deny that. I am a Desh Bhakt and so I am also a Modi Bhakt. They ask me this question as they feel here is an opportunity to pin me down.

Though I have already put a disclaimer that I am no expert in such matters, I do feel that Demonetization missed the target. When the move was announced, I was really excited and there were several reasons behind that excitement.

Firstly, I was proud that "my leader" has the balls to take such a step. It was not easy but Narendra Bhai had it in him to go for it. That's what I like about the man and it gave me an immense sense of pride that my country has such a bold leader.

And there were other reasons. The move was targeted at stopping/curbing black money, terror financing, funding the stone pelters in Kashmir and so on. I must say that, with my limited knowledge of the facts, my perception is that black money was indeed impacted but it has found its way back. And same goes for terror financing and other targets.

Could it have been planned and rolled-out better? No, I firmly believe that such a move required an element of surprise and hence, it was announced suddenly.

Then why did it fail?

Well....I believe that one of the main reasons that it failed was because several of us made it fail. I personally know at least couple of people who told me that their clients wanted help in converting black money stacked in their house. I am not sure whether they were just making stories or did it actually happen...and I do not know whether they did help their clients in converting the money or not...but several people did that. Now, these very people are questioning the success of the move!!! That is like insult to injury. First you do your bit in making the initiative fail and then you question the initiative!!! Well done!!!And there were several others. Politicians, bank employees, administrators, agents....they did their bit in making the initiative fail. Certainly not generalising the whole thing and pointing fingers at everyone but you know who you are and you know the others around you who played a part.

Having said that, I don't think that it is fair to put the blame entirely elsewhere. I do wish that the initiative was handled better by EVERYONE. It could have paid rich dividends.

Does this put a question mark in my mind regarding the effectiveness of Modi? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I still firmly believe in Narendra Bhai. My first and foremost reason behind getting excited about Demonetization is still intact. I am still pretty much proud of my PM. It would require a major screw-up for that belief and trust to go away. I firmly believe that the move had the right intentions. It just did not achieve all that it was set to achieve. That happens.

I believe that any initiative towards an all encompassing growth in India requires NaMo at the top. And for that BJP (though I do not like the party) needs to have an absolutely majority in both houses. So even if the only good thing about demonetization was that it helped BJP in winning the election in UP, I can live with that....happily!!!

I am prepared to be patient. Change would not come in a day. It does not matter whether things have completely improved or not. What matters is whether we are heading in the right direction or not. And we are indeed heading in the right direction. There are some speed breakers/bumps/turbulence that we are encountering but did we expect the journey to be absolutely smooth. A democracy with over 1.2 billion is moving.....ground is bound to shake.

And to everyone who is criticizing Modi....I know that you would continue to do so. No amount of reasoning or facts are going to change that. Some of you have religious reasons to criticize him and some of you do it just for the heck of it. Modi is the popular opinion and some people like to irritate others. So do continue with it....whatever is your reason. But do answer, one question. If not Modi, you would you rather have at the top? Rahul, Kejriwal, Mamta, Lalu, Sharad Pawar, Owaisi, Uddhav, Raj Thackeray, KCR, Mulayam, Akhilesh, Mayawati...whats your alternative? Answer that honestly - not to me but to your yourself.

Random Clicks

Wine n Cheese!!

Pics from the Trip to Panchgani

Ananya's Birthday Party 2017

Dream we shall never see again

Streets we have never walked on
Windows we have never opened
Hands we have never held
Dreams we shall never ..never see again

Lives we have never lived
Hopes ..we have never realized
Fires we have never lit
Loves we shall never .. never make again

Wont Save The Tiger

Recognition is a Magic Potion

Favorite Songs

It is extremely difficult to answer when someone asks "What ia your favorite song?". After all, how can you zero down upon a single song from a list of zillions of songs. I feel what you listen depends upon your mood. While driving you may like to hear a peppy song. You may like to listen a ghazal with a scotch in hand. And so, you may have a favorite for each mood or situation.

Last evening, we played a game in which everyone had to list the 'Top 10 Favorite Songs'. Of course it was based on the top of the mind recall. Following was my list (in no particular order);

- Hamaari adhuri kahaani (Hamaari adhuri kahaani)

- Mera kucch samaan (Ijaazat)

- Ae zindagi gale laga le (Sadma)

- Guncha koi (Main, Meri Patni aur Woh)

- Maeri (Euphoria)

- Aaj din chadheya (Love Aaj Kal)

- Tumko dekha to (Saath Saath)

- Yaara seeli seeli (Lekin)

- Iktaara (Wake Up Sid)

- Ae dil-e-nadaan (Razia Sultan)

Relationship Goals

"Babu Moshai....Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi". This is a dialogue from the movie Anand. It has such a deep and special message, which is true even for relationships.

It does not matter what is the duration of the relationship. There are people who remain in a relationship for years yet they feel disconnected. And then there are some relationships that do not last long but remain special.

So make the relationships special. Do not celebrate anniversaries....celebrate each day, each moment.

Strangest Loo Ever!!

Why do I read only e-papers?

Out of all the things that I hate, number 2 spot would go to the bizarre page that Times of India newspaper adds 'on top of the front page'. Sounds strange, isn't it? Exactly my point. It is like a small side page which is equal in length of the other pages but is only ~30% of the width of the other pages. To read it, one either needs to staple the pages or spread it on a table. Now, that is not how newspapers are supposed to be read. I read the newspaper on the thinking pot - I think a lot of people do that. It is impossible to hold the newspaper properly and read it. I simply hate it.

And number one spot goes to the fliers in the newspapers. As soon as you make yourself comfortable on the thinking pot and open the newspaper, the flyers drop down and land at different places in the loo. And for some strange reason, they never land at a dry place!!! Every time this happens, I read the name of the advertiser on the flyer and make a mental note to never use their product/service. These flyers kill the fun of having a relaxed and enjoyable poop-time. 

Saturday Well-Spent

KV Dipatoli Commerce Batch 1995-97: Mini Reunion

It was a pleasure meeting school friends after so many years. In some cases - after 20 years!!!

We had been planning a catch-up for a long time. It never worked out. I was in Malaysia, 2 friends were in Australia. The others were also in different cities in India. However, after Juggy's sad demise, I thought that I should try and meet my friends. Made a trip to Delhi and asked everyone to come. One came down from Dehradun and another from Jaipur. Somehow the timing clicked this time and w could meet. Wish Jinish, Jittu and Ajit could have also been there. Wish Juggy was still around. 

Life is short - try to be in touch with and meet people who are close to you. I did that. I will continue to do that. Cheers!!!

Masterpiece by Artists Ananya & Animesh

RIP My Friend

Probably the first time I am regretting an argument on social media.

A classmate of mine from school days had unfriended and blocked me following a silly political argument on FB. We remained connected for a while through a whatsapp group but there also we used to have frequent arguments. Then he left that group too.

After several months. he sent me a friend request on FB but I ignored the request. Not because of the arguments or ego. But because I did not like that he forgot about the school friendship and chose to unfriend me over a silly argument. Now I realize I was being silly. 

Later, we did speak few times over the phone. He stayed in Australia and I was in Malaysia. He was having trouble in his household. His wife had moved out and had taken their daughter with her. When we spoke, we talked about how much he misses his daughter and how much he cares for her. It affected me deeply and I prayed for him. Later, he again went into a shell and unfortunately, we again lost touch. I did try to reach him few times but could not. 

Just got the news that he passed away on 2nd July 2017 after meeting an accident. What is most unfortunate is that his daughter - when she grows up - would probably never know how much he loved her. That is really sad. 

And that silly argument and not accepting his friend request will haunt me forever. I miss you my friend and I will always pray for the happiness and well-being of your daughter.

Removal of CEO a perfect change towards stronger Uber

News of Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick resignation from his post as chief executive officer (CEO) on June 21 is a sign of changing times for the game-changing app, with analysts at Frost & Sullivan pegging this to be a chance for the group to regain strength.

On one end, shareholders are enthusiastic that Kalanick has finally stepped down from his leadership role at Uber as it signals a possible end to the current version of Uber that has been embroiled in drama over the past few years.

The drama reel includes several allegations of sexual harassment, sexist human resource practices, the covert use of law-enforcement-evading software, illegal obtainment of medical records of a user that was raped by an Uber driver, lawsuits by drivers, intellectual-property theft suits, and allegations of bullying tactics used to penetrate foreign markets and its local taxi industry.

The numerous issues found in Uber were said to have come from the company’s toxic culture.

In a statement released by market research company Frost and Sullivan, it highlighted that a particular incident cemented public perception of where that culture was coming from.

“The release of a leaked video, showing Kalanick berating an Uber driver who complained to him about pay, directly pointed fingers at the attitude and maturity of the former CEO,” said Frost & Sullivan associate director Animesh Kumar in a statement.

“The video spurred global commentary on the personal character and ethics of Kalanick and as a result forced the hand of Uber investors to request his resignation last week in order to quell the negative publicity.

“There is no denying the fact that Travis Kalanick is an asset and has been a driving force behind the success of Uber.

However at the same time, his personality, the work culture that developed under his leadership as well as the recent controversies has negatively impacted the image of the company.”

Thus, Animesh said Uber needs to change the image among the employees and drivers and has the perfect opportunity to do so.

“By bringing in leaders who are able to create a healthy work culture and are also growth-oriented, Uber would be able to put the controversies in the past and march ahead,” he opined.

Agreeing on his point, Kalanick himself expressed the move of his step down as a correct step for the company as he was quoted saying in statement obtained by The New York Times, “I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight.”

However, not everyone was convinced that the move was a right one as media outlets around the word reported on an alleged 1,000 strong signature petition to reinstate Kalanick being circulated amongst Uber employees.

Addressing this alleged call by Uber employees for Kalanick’s return, Animesh pointed out that Kalanick has not disappeared from Uber itself but has just taken a lesser direct role in its future growth.

“He will still own a major portion of the company and will remain as a board of director.

“Moreover, due to the structure, Kalanick and other co-founders have a high number of ‘super-voting shares’.

“So he has clearly not stepped away from Uber but has just stepped aside.” While some might find comfort in this, some stakeholders are also questioning the point of his resignation if Kalanick will continue to hold power in making decisions for the group.

To this, Animesh argues that Kalanick’s involvement in Uber’s future decisions and directions may not be detrimental at all as he has experienced immense success in penetrating and creating a foothold in hostile markets with high barrier of entries due to opposition from local taxi unions and industry regulators.

In addition, the potential presence of a changed and mature Travis Kalanick in the future could also significantly contribute to the emergence of a stronger Uber2.0 said Animesh.

Looking forward for Uber’s future, Animesh reports that the its first goal will most likely be to assembly a new leadership team to transform Uber into a new and improved Uber 2.0.

“Following an assessment by former US attorney general Eric Holder, Uber’s management and investors felt that there is a need of significant changes and with Kalanick’s resignation, Uber now needs to fill three significant positions in the top management – CEO, chief operating office and chief financial officer.”

Source: Borneo Post Online

Uber and Kalanick

Future of Uber Sans Kalanick

The news about the resignation of Travis Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, from the position of CEO of the company has raised several questions regarding the future of the company.

Uber, a privately-held company, has a valuation of around USD 70 billion and is the world’s most valuable venture-funded tech start-up. However in recent times, it has attracted a lot of negative publicity. There have been several allegations including sexual harassment, sexist HR practices, covert use of law enforcement-evading software, illegal obtainment of medical records of a customer who was raped by an Uber driver in India, lawsuits by drivers and allegations of intellectual-property theft. The release of a leaked video, showing Kalanick berating an Uber driver, who complained to him about pay, directly pointed fingers at the attitude and maturity of the former CEO.

There is no denying the fact that Travis Kalanick is an asset and has been a driving force behind the success of Uber. However at the same time, his personality, the work culture that developed under his leadership as well as the recent controversies has negatively impacted the image of the company.

Following an assessment by former US attorney general Eric Holder, Uber’s management and investors felt that there is a need of significant changes. With Kalanick’s resignation, Uber now needs to fill three significant positions in the top management –CEO, COO and CFO. Uber needs to change the image among the employees and drivers and has the perfect opportunity to do so. By bringing in leaders who are able to create a healthy work culture and are also growth-oriented, Uber would be able to put the controversies in the past and march ahead.

But is Travis Kalanick completely out? The answer is NO. He will still own a major portion of the company and will remain a board of director. Moreover, due to the structure, Kalanick and other co-founders have a high number of ‘super-voting shares’. So he has clearly not stepped away from Uber but has just stepped aside.

His involvement in the decisions and directions may not be detrimental. He was immensely successful in penetrating and creating a foothold in markets, where Uber encountered relentless protests from local taxi unions and had to overcome hurdles presented by regulators. The presence of changed and mature Travis Kalanick could significantly contribute to the emergence of a stronger Uber 2.0

Animesh Kumar is Associate Director with Frost & Sullivan. He can be reached at animesh.kumar@frost.com

Asombroso....Amazing!!!