Trust???

When he put down his papers, the HR told him that the company would hold to 1.5 months salary, "as per company policy". When pointed that the policy is for 1 month, the HR representative asked to "trust the company". 

You are holding on to salary, you have held back variable component, you have blocked sites like Gmail, LinkedIn etc., you have blocked USB drives and you are asking about trust!!!???!!! Hilarious!!!

Should Indian Captain for Limited Overs Cricket Change?

Read a news article that there is a rift in the Indian cricket team and two camps have emerged - one with Kohli and Shastri and the other led by Rohit Sharma. The article mentioned that some team members are not happy and they desire a change in leadership. While I believe that (a) the story is work of fiction and (b) one bad match should not result in stripping Kohli of captaincy, I also think that handing Sharma the captaincy in shorter format is not a bad option. My reasons are (a) dependence on Dhoni for DRS (b) lack of flexibility and willingness to try new players/combinations and (c) slight biasedness towards certain players (d) failure to build a strong middle order and (e) failure to realize that some players no longer are fit for the team. I still like Kohli as a Captain and batsman but it would not hurt to try something new. However, I do not think selectors would do it.

Ananya's World of Peppa Pig

Ananya draws and draws well! Touchwood!

Back in my childhood days, I used to be good at drawing. I stopped as I used to be mocked and bullied by someone who was not good. I wish I could go back and change that. I would do whatever I can to ensure that Ananya keeps and hones her drawing skills and imagination.

Pune in Monsoon

This city and the touristy places near by turn heavenly during monsoons. We look forward to the rains which ushers greenery, long drives, kande pakode, tapri waali chai and lots of happy moments!!!

Frost and Sullivan Days

Excited about India A tour to West Indies

India A is touring West Indies and am excited about the series. Indian team failed to win the WC 2019 and it has been acknowledged that the team requires changes. Finally, people are realizing the need of a 'solid' batsman at number 4. Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill (not quite a number 4 though), Hanuma Vihari are part of the India A squad and would try to put their best foot forward. I hope we get some answers from the tour.

In my opinion, India should have a selection policy that the best player of such series (India A tours) would get selected for the Indian team. That would create a healthy competition and would motivate the youngsters to do well. Performance at the domestic level and on such tours must count for something. 

Dhoni: WC 2019 and Retirement

Though the Cricket World Cup 2019 has not ended, the euphoria is over for Indian fans. We were the best team in the league stage and unlike previous WC campaigns, this time we were equipped with the best bowling arsenal.

Bumrah is the world's best limited overs bowler right now. Shami had a great WC even though he did not get too many games. The miserly Bhuvi was good in patches but overall he could have done much better. Hardik Pandya bowled smartly and used the conditions really well. The two wrist spinners went in with a lot of promise. However, both could not really set the stage on fire. Having said that, the bowlers did well through out the world cup.

That does not mean that the batting was weak. Our top order got plenty of runs - especially the flamboyant Rohit Sharma and the ever dependable Virat Kohli. Shikhar Dhawan had a good start but sadly his campaign ended abruptly due to injury. We cannot say that Rahul was good but he did okay in the absence of Dhawan.

If batting and bowling were both okay (fielding was great and we were in fact a better fielding side than most others) then why did we did not win?

Now, with the immense super-powers of hindsight, a lot can be said. However, I will stick to what I have been saying since last couple of years. We faltered in our preparation and when we failed to realize that Dhoni is no longer the same.

I can actually feel some raised eyebrows, some guns coming out of their holsters!!! Some may argue politely (others may start a rabid rant) that we did not have a better option than Dhoni. My question is how do you know? You did not try another option adequately. Actually, let me take another approach in justifying my stance and explain why do I think that Dhoni should not have been there.

Firstly, we went in with a weak middle-order because we kept trying to accommodate Dhoni in the playing XI. There were some good options available. Pandey was given several games but in a lot of those games, his batting position was shuffled. Pandey is a good batsman and is a top order batsman. He takes time to settle in but when he does, he usually plays a good knock. He is not the right candidate to come in the slog overs and start belting the ball around. But he was asked to do that in several matches and was later dropped. This happened because the management was trying Dhoni at 4 or 5. Rahane met similar fate. A promising batsmen like Shreyas Iyer was never given an opportunity. My point is that while trying to fit Dhoni at number 4, we made other batsmen suffer and later we dropped them.

But did Dhoni bat at 4 or 5. No he did not!!! That highlights my first argument but also brings me to the second point. Why did he not bat at 4? If Dhoni was included in the playing XI, his recent style of play suggests that he was most suited to bat at number 4 position. You cannot come and knock the ball around for singles in the slog overs. It costed us the game against England. Moreover, Dhoni managed to put totals that we could defend only because of our strong bowling attack. This shuffling and lack of clarity on his position made our game plan look extremely random and ad hoc.

My third point is regarding wicket-keeping. Dhoni - without any doubt - is the best keeper for spin bowling. He is quick and he also gives a lot of suggestions to the bowlers. But overall, is he as effective as he used to be? Some stats that I looked at (a week ago), suggested that Dhoni gave away most runs in byes. In the semi-finals against New Zealand, he dropped a difficult chance against Ross Taylor. Taylor was 32 at that time and was struggling. After getting a life, Taylor went on to add another 40 runs. May be that could have changed the result. We would never know. I agree that the chance was  difficult but in semi-finals, you have to grab the half-chances. Something that Guptill did when he sent Dhoni and Indian team packing with a direct hit. Not only the WCs, even before that - in IPL and in the matches against Australia and New Zealand, Dhoni did not do anything special with the gloves. Now, it can be questioned that how do we know that someone else - Karthik or Pant - would have faired better. We do not know but if we had started testing Pant 2 years back, he surely could have done well. And Pant brings a balance to the side.

Next argument that a lot of people come up with is that Dhoni is a specialist when it comes to DRS reviews. I would just point that he proved to be wrong on 3 occasions during the WC 2019.

Another point that Dhoni fans make is that Dhoni actually makes all the decisions and Kohli is only a pseudo captain, who cannot operate without Dhoni. Firstly, Kohli-led Indian team has become the top test side so there is no question of his dependency on Dhoni. Secondly, if Dhoni was making all the calls, why are his fans now blaming Kohli for 'sending' Dhoni at number 7 position in the semi-final match against New Zealand in World Cup 2019? Basically, they are saying that if the decision is right, Dhoni must have made it but if it is wrong, its because of Kohli!!! Such flawed and absurd logic!!!

Another point that I would like to put forward is that Dhoni seems to have become slow or his ability to judge a run has probably gone down. He was run-out during the IPL 2019 finals and was again run out in the WC 2019 semi-finals. Age, may be?

Also, Dhoni's ability to plan spin seems to have taken a hit. He was stumped in the match against Afghanistan and got a life or two in the match against West Indies.

To sum up, I would say that Dhoni had not done anything special in the last two years to command a position in the side. The selectors and the management seem to have gone with reputation. Once, several years back, he played a great innings in a WC final but does that mean that you would walk into the side 8 years later without doing anything special? If we had to go with reputation then Yuvi should have played the 2015 WC. As mentioned above, Dhoni fans argue his valuable inputs and credit Dhoni for wickets taken by spinners because he told them what to do. Do they give credit to Sachin for Dhoni's innings in WC 2011 final? After all, it was Sachin who suggested that Dhoni should bat before Yuvi.

Some people are saying that Dhoni should not retire as he mentors the young players and should continue to do that. So if Dhoni continues to keep wickets, how will that help Pant in gaining experience and maturity as a wicket-keeper? If Dhoni bats at 6 or 7, how is that helping a young batsman - who could have batted at that spot - learn anything?

Every good thing comes to an end and must come to an end. Dhoni is definitely one of the best players India has produced. However, he is no longer the player he used to be and that is okay. It happens with everyone. We must look beyond him and give a good run to players who can make it to the next WC side. Dhoni preached through press conference and his indirectly produced biopic that the players who are no longer suitable should make way for new players. While I have always maintained that legends should get a farewell but Dhoni changed that. Several legends did not get a proper send-off under him. Why should the stance be any different for him? He will not play the next WC and must hang his boots. He would always be respected and would be missed but it is time for him, us and Indian cricket to move on.

Willys Shots

Well Played New Zealand!! Now go and win the WC 2019. Show the world that Kiwis can fly!!

Biker Billi!!!

Self4Society

Amma

Its a pic of Amma (my grandma) that I clicked in 2005 or 2006. Now, my youngest Bua has used it on the back of a book on Amma's work. Not sure about the nature of the book but it should have poetry. Amma's writings had deep meaning and she was really good with words. Am happy that the pic is a small part of the book. 

Ma-Papa

King of Clay!!!

We Vote for Good Future, We Vote for India, We Vote for Modi

Corporate Lessons from 'Titanic'

Situation - There is this company, which is not in a very healthy state. Most of the senior leadership acknowledges that without significant efforts and infusion of capital, the company would be in "big trouble". Employees are worried.

Advise to employees from someone in the Senior Management (lets call this person 'Victor Victor') -

1. Titanic (i.e., the Company) has hit an iceberg. It cannot be fixed by people (i.e., employees) on board
2. There are few options available to passengers and crew members (i.e., employees)
3. Option 1: Wait for someone knowledgeable and resourceful (i.e., investor) to come and fix the ship
4. Option 2: Wait for a big ship (i.e., a large firm in the same domain) and rescue (i.e., hire) you
5. Option 3: Wait for a small boat (i.e., a small firm in the same domain) and rescue (i.e., hire) you
6. Option 4: You have the option of jumping in the water (i.e., leave without a job or leave for a company that does not do justice to your experience, profile etc.). Don't jump in water!!!

Great analogy and all very good suggestions from 'Victor Victor'.

But don't forget.....the ship is still sinking!!! 

Don't wait for too long. Find that threshold beyond which jumping in water and trying to stay afloat is a better option. Else the ship would sink and will take you down with it.

When employees no longer trust their management

Employees leave organizations for various reasons. It could be for better compensation, better opportunities, lack of recognition, personal reasons, for not getting along with an individual/team etc. 

For a good/valuable employee, organizations can make changes to ensure that the employee reconsiders the decision.

However, if employee is leaving because "they have lost faith in the immediately as well as top management", it is worrisome. And if several employees leave for the same reason and others are looking for a job, it requires immediate action. 

Trouble is who will take those actions and who would try and convince the employees....the very same people who the employees no longer trust?

40th Marriage Anniversary of Parents

An interview with 'Global Fleet' in early 2018

An interview with 'Global Fleet' in early 2018

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Today we’re talking to Mr. Animesh Kumar. He’s the Associate Director for Automotive Consulting at Frost & Sullivan. We’re catching Animesh during his travels through South-East Asia, where he’s been visiting OEM’s and mobility suppliers in Malaysia and Thailand. Nevertheless, he has kindly made some time for GlobalFleet to answer questions about the automotive industry, mobility and the future of fleet management.

GF: The south-east Asian markets are all benefiting from a decent GDP growth, show increasing consumer confidence & are selling more and more cars. Although the number of cars per capita is still relatively low, we do see that most of the Asian capitals are heavily congested. More cars will mean more congestion. Do you think there’s a limit to the number of additional cars that can be sold in the south-east Asian market?

AK: In my opinion, though some countries have a high motorization rate - for example Malaysia - the cars per capita is not evenly divided among cities and regions. There are more cars in the bigger cities but there is still a large potential in smaller cities and towns. The larger cities, though are getting congested, do not have robust public transport infrastructure and hence there is a heavy dependence on personal cars.

Analysts have been talking about market saturation point but such analysis remains limited to certain cities and are not for any particular country or for the entire ASEAN region. The reason being, there is still a high potential in ASEAN but for tapping those opportunities, more markets have to open up and affordability in smaller markets will increase.

GF: Frost & Sullivan is rather uniquely positioned in its research on the South-East Asian automotive market. What type of customers are interested in the data & what do they do with it?

AK: Yes, you are right. We have a strong positioning across the world but are uniquely placed in the ASEAN region. Our research is highly rated amongst the stakeholders, which include automakers, policy makers, auto component companies, auto-finance and motor insurance companies, e-hailing companies, leasing companies, land transport authorities and so on.

Since we cover a broad range of topics like market specifics, policies and regulations, new technologies, best practices, mobility solutions, future outlook etc, there is something for every segment of clients. Our research, insights and recommendations are used for formulating short/medium/long term strategies.

GF: Why is your research important for the Asian Fleet Manager?

AK: Broadly, in our research, we talk about the future of mobility. We discuss that cars would cease to be products and would become a service and when that happens, EVERYONE will have to adapt. This will impact customer decision making, plans of the OEMs, usage of vehicles, vehicle segments and so on. A Fleet Manager needs to be on top of such trends.

At present, we are working on a research which talks about the impact of the growth of e-hailing as well as improvement of public transport infrastructure on OEM’s. Once such trends start to impact OEM’s, it would also have an impact on the decisions-making of Fleet Managers. We also track regulations like CO2 emissions, end of life vehicle policies, taxes and each regulation impacts the customers. Fleet Managers - in order to device better strategies - need to be on top of such insights.

GF: In your opinion, is there a real mobility offering in South-East Asia or is it just Grab and Uber?

AK: I would like to start by saying that e-hailing is just one component of smart mobility. For countries to have truly smart mobility solutions, they need to go beyond personal cars, taxis and e-hailing. For best results, e-hailing should be the option only for the first and last mile connectivity. Customers should be able to use multi-modal transportation in order to reach their destination in a fast and inexpensive manner. And it should be better for the environment and also solve problems that most large cities across the world are encountering - congestion and parking.

As far as e-hailing is concerned, Grab is certainly the market leader across the ASEAN region. It is either the market leader or at 2nd position in most markets. If we look at the e-hailing landscape in ASEAN, the two players who compete across all e-hailing markets (e-hailing is not available in every market) are Grab and Uber. But then there are local players. A good example is Indonesia - the biggest e-hailing market in ASEAN - where the local player 'Go-Jek' is the market leader.

There are smaller local players in each market. It must also be noted that e-hailing is also compelling traditional taxi operators to innovate and improve. They are joining hands with e-hailing companies and in some cases, they are adopting technologies to counter the growth of e-hailing. We already know that several companies are considering entering the ASEAN e-hailing market and the ecosystem is likely to be very different in long term.

GF: How can Frost & Sullivan’s data and research bring value to a corporate customer?

AK: Frost and Sullivan works with every stakeholder in the mobility space. We have the experience of working with OEMs, auto leasing companies, e-hailing companies, taxi operators as well as car rental companies and we know the strengths and limitations of each player.

We also do customer studies, especially for fleet owners who are conscious of the complexity of the ASEAN market. Our understanding of the mobility ecosystem has already contributed many times to the design of successful corporate strategies. We can help a corporate customer select the optimal solution for their requirements. We notice however that Fleet Managers rely essentially on the information provided to them by OEM’s and Leasing Companies. Although extremely valuable, there’s much more to strategy design than looking at today’s available solutions; the fleet ecosystem is changing, and the Fleet Manager needs to make future-proof decisions.

Only one resolution for the year...'Try not to die'.

God asked him: What will you do if I give you 10 crore rupees?

He said: I will give it to the people I love and......I will kill myself.

Feeling lonely and depressed. No one is talking and no one to talk to.

Life did not take a sharp turn somewhere. It was a slow turn and I was aware of it.

Do I want to go back and change my relationship with some people. Absolutely not. I was naive when those people mattered. Now I am happy that they are not around me.

But some relationships do hurt. I changed my attitude and behaviour towards others because of one such person. And now, more often than not, I get only ridicule from this person.

May be its just a bad day. May be its just a phase. But I have understood one thing.
Beyond a point, no one matters for anyone. Life goes on, people move on.

I am depressed and there is noone to talk to.

Useless

I am feeling useless. My brother needs help. However, I cannot help him. All due to my insecurities, fears and lack of confidence. The one time he needed me and I am not helping him. Useless.

Famous Lines

Some of the famous lines in cricket:

1. “Miya Kaptaani Karogey” - Rajsingh Dungarpur to Mohd. Azharuddin

2. “Ek aur daalega?” - Anil Kumble to Ishant Sharma before giving him one more over on Sehwag’s request in a test match against Australia. It was the fiery spell that he bowled to Ponting and took his wicket in that over

3. “Watch the next match” - A fuming Sachin Tendulkar to Ajay Jadeja when the latter teased him after Henry Olonga got him out in a match against Zimbabwe. In the next match, Tendulkar belted Olonga all over the park

4. “...tum goalkeeping accha karta hai....cricket khelega” - Dhoni’s school coach (Mr. Banerjee) to Dhoni

Boring Already

The second test match between India and South Africa has started. It only 5 overs so far and already the proceedings are attracting yawns.

There is no X factor in the team that India has picked for this test match. Though Bumrah is a good bowler but I do not think he is a test bowler yet. Though he did take few wickets in the first test, he never looked like he would take a wicket. Its the same story so far in this test match.

Shami has pace as well as swing and can be quite effective. Trouble is that he does not remain effective in all his spells. My biggest issue with Shami is that he does not come across as an athlete at all. He looks quite 'dheela'. He would be effective in one spell and then remain quite loose throughout the day. I am hoping that we have the effective and charged up Shami turning up in this test match.

Some of the other changes in the team are interesting. Ishant Sharma can generate some pace and bounce but for some reason he will be bowling first change. Good to have Parthiv Patel back in the side even if it is because the first choice wicket-keeper is out due to a hamstring niggle and should be back for the next test. And, on such pitches, KL Rahul in place of Dhawan is a good move.

Yet, as I mentioned earlier, there is no X factor. Bhuvi has been dropped for the game because he lacks pace. But he swings the ball more than the other bowlers. And he is a smart, thinking bowler. When Bhuvi is bowling, it always seem that a wicket is just round the corner.

And we do not have someone like Sehwag opening the innings. Someone who can put the opposition on the backfoot from ball one. Vijay is a steady bat and so is Rahul. But they will survive, take some chances here and there and that is how the innings would start and continue till they are at the crease. One loose shot and we may have a wicket down with almost nothing on board.

With such a team, I feel (a) India will always struggle on tours outside the subcontinent and (b) test matches would continue to be a boring affair.

<Yawn> Planning to change the channel and watch 'Sooryavansham' on Set Max!!!

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.