A few days ago in TOI, I read a article by Jag Suriya ( Second Opinion columnist) on Politically Correct (PC) words. There was a nice explanation given in the article, about how we are getting rid of all emotionally provoked words and words which can create racial discrimination among people in the Society.
The columnist has given some good examples, such as, the PC terms for blacks/negros/niggers ,Whites, Red Indians are African-American , Caucasians and Native Americans respectively. The columnist was very sarcastic in his approach to explain the usage of such PC terms. Language have a very strong influence on the society as a whole. It's the communication media through which everyone try to express themselves or the people/incident around themselves in a more effective way.
The evolution of PC words is of great importance as it holds the key to bridge the differences among the various sections of society based on religion, color, culture etc. People are very sensitive to the words they hear. That is the sole reason, why some people make a good impression of themselves through rhetorical and good oratorical skills.
The point here is that we should abandon all sensitive words and get hold of PC words as soon as possible. The careful usage of these words will help us a lot in more effective communication.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A horrendous experience!!
"Salt Lake "- a place in Kolkata basically known for software service companies and many other govt offices.
This place is quite planned if we go by the housing layout and everything. The roads are clean and easily accessible from other places.
But I had a horrible experience today afternoon. I went from my office to send some documents by speed post. As I am new to Kolkata , I don't know much of the places. I asked someone on the road in Bengali :) mixed with Assamese and Hindi.... " Dada, aas paas Post Office kothai asse?"...
He thought that I know bengali quite well (I can understand it though), and showed me the route explaining every detail in Bengali. I boarded in to one Shared Auto which goes to Karunamoyee Island ...( Island- people here call every circle that connects 4 roads as island...quite funny..huh..)..aneways I started my jouney towards that Island and in some five to ten minutes I reached there...From there I started walking towards a market (someone showed me ofcourse) where the Post Office is...At first, I was quite ambivalent of finding a post office there as I have never heard of any post office inside an enclosed market.But the gentleman's confident reply compelled me to go there and somehow when I saw the Post Office, I sighed in relief. " Thank God !! I have found one"
But from here onwards , my sanguinity of finishing the simple task at hand proved to be totally wrong. It took me more than two hours to do that...
From one of the employee in the Post Office inside that market, I got to know that in Salt Lake , though there are umpteen post offiices scattred here and there, but there is only ONE Post Office from where one can do Registered/Speed Post..."Only ONE", I grumbled.
I had no other option than to send the document today as it was urgent. So started towards the next Post Office. I looked in to watch ..." It's 1.15pm", I said to myself. I thought like I will be back to office maximum by 1.45pm.
But when I reached the Post Office, the scene was totally different. There was only one counter from where we can do Speed Post!! and there was a long queue of people waiting annoyed at the process. I stood in the queue and counted my position from the 1st person and found out to be 15. I calculated in my mind " 15 *5 mins=75 mins and so i will be back to office by 2.15pm"..
But at last I reached near the counter 5 mins to 3pm and one lady is still before me. Someone in the queue was discussing that the counter would be closed from 3 pm to 3.30pm. I started countdown from that time onwards. I thought that i had to go back today without doing the Speed Post. That feeling depressed me and annoyed me a lot. I persuaded the SINGLE person working there to be fast and do my speed post, and at last I was the last person at 3 pm to have successfully done the speed post. My heart felt with a sense of accomplishment.
But while coming out of the counter, I could see faces of a lot of people still waiting to do a simple task like Speed Post from a long time.
The whole incident was more of a learning and a feeling of how in India - a supposed posh area in a metro Kolkata,Salt Lake, still working like the way I explained. There is only ONE Post Office from where we can do Speed Post and in that, there is only ONE person who is responsible for taking the speed post requests.
There must be a lot more offices in various places within India which are working like the Salt Lake Post Office. It compelled me to think " Is India really shining?". If a country/person/office don't know the value of time, then how can it grow towards prosperity? But for everything we can't blame on government. We, as the citizens of the greatest democracy of the world, must have a sense of our right and should use the power when needed. If we become active, then surely the society as a whole will become active. A serious matter to ponder on!!
This place is quite planned if we go by the housing layout and everything. The roads are clean and easily accessible from other places.
But I had a horrible experience today afternoon. I went from my office to send some documents by speed post. As I am new to Kolkata , I don't know much of the places. I asked someone on the road in Bengali :) mixed with Assamese and Hindi.... " Dada, aas paas Post Office kothai asse?"...
He thought that I know bengali quite well (I can understand it though), and showed me the route explaining every detail in Bengali. I boarded in to one Shared Auto which goes to Karunamoyee Island ...( Island- people here call every circle that connects 4 roads as island...quite funny..huh..)..aneways I started my jouney towards that Island and in some five to ten minutes I reached there...From there I started walking towards a market (someone showed me ofcourse) where the Post Office is...At first, I was quite ambivalent of finding a post office there as I have never heard of any post office inside an enclosed market.But the gentleman's confident reply compelled me to go there and somehow when I saw the Post Office, I sighed in relief. " Thank God !! I have found one"
But from here onwards , my sanguinity of finishing the simple task at hand proved to be totally wrong. It took me more than two hours to do that...
From one of the employee in the Post Office inside that market, I got to know that in Salt Lake , though there are umpteen post offiices scattred here and there, but there is only ONE Post Office from where one can do Registered/Speed Post..."Only ONE", I grumbled.
I had no other option than to send the document today as it was urgent. So started towards the next Post Office. I looked in to watch ..." It's 1.15pm", I said to myself. I thought like I will be back to office maximum by 1.45pm.
But when I reached the Post Office, the scene was totally different. There was only one counter from where we can do Speed Post!! and there was a long queue of people waiting annoyed at the process. I stood in the queue and counted my position from the 1st person and found out to be 15. I calculated in my mind " 15 *5 mins=75 mins and so i will be back to office by 2.15pm"..
But at last I reached near the counter 5 mins to 3pm and one lady is still before me. Someone in the queue was discussing that the counter would be closed from 3 pm to 3.30pm. I started countdown from that time onwards. I thought that i had to go back today without doing the Speed Post. That feeling depressed me and annoyed me a lot. I persuaded the SINGLE person working there to be fast and do my speed post, and at last I was the last person at 3 pm to have successfully done the speed post. My heart felt with a sense of accomplishment.
But while coming out of the counter, I could see faces of a lot of people still waiting to do a simple task like Speed Post from a long time.
The whole incident was more of a learning and a feeling of how in India - a supposed posh area in a metro Kolkata,Salt Lake, still working like the way I explained. There is only ONE Post Office from where we can do Speed Post and in that, there is only ONE person who is responsible for taking the speed post requests.
There must be a lot more offices in various places within India which are working like the Salt Lake Post Office. It compelled me to think " Is India really shining?". If a country/person/office don't know the value of time, then how can it grow towards prosperity? But for everything we can't blame on government. We, as the citizens of the greatest democracy of the world, must have a sense of our right and should use the power when needed. If we become active, then surely the society as a whole will become active. A serious matter to ponder on!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Singur deadlock
The ongoing melodrama in Singur not only affected the common people but also it has come as a big question to the people of WB to take a rational decision. The adamenacy of Trinamul Congress Leader Mamata Bannerjee, the strikes in Singur and corresponding bandh in WB on last wednesday by CITU - all these accounts for the sensitiveness of Indian common people and the Political leaders taking the advantage of that.
If we browse through any news report or any analysis of the incident, it clearly shows that indeed WB will get benefits out of Tata's Nano Plant in Singur. The industrilization of a state depends how the state is flexible to a change for good.
Tata is helpless unless and untill the local people are cooperative to set up the plant. Already Tata has invested around 1500 crore for the project but they will never resist themselves to pull out of WB if situation becomes worse. Taking advantage of this political turmoil, other states are inviting Tata Motors to setup plant for Nano in their states.
What WB is getting out of all this farce? If they dont come out of all their grudges, they are sure to lose Tata Plant here in Singur. The consequence will be some other state will be benefited.Ratan Tata has already conveyed his decision to pull out if the situation remains same and he also made clear in his statement that even though they have invested a lot already, it would not come as a hurdle in the path of pulling out of WB.
That's true. If some industry set up a plant for some innovative idea, they always have a plan of action in their mind when to launch the product, at what condtions of the market. If they dont get proper response from local people around the plant , it will surely have doubt in their mind regarding the successful accomplishment of the whole project.
WB people, most importantly, Mamata Bannerjee who is heading the agitation must realise now the long term consequences of the Nano Plant in Singur. If they dont, some other state will surely take advantage of this situation.
I do agree the interest of the common people what Bannerjee is concerned about. But every problem has a solution, if it is not , then it is not a problem. Negotiation on some common ground must be reached sooner or else WB will lose Tata Plant.
If we browse through any news report or any analysis of the incident, it clearly shows that indeed WB will get benefits out of Tata's Nano Plant in Singur. The industrilization of a state depends how the state is flexible to a change for good.
Tata is helpless unless and untill the local people are cooperative to set up the plant. Already Tata has invested around 1500 crore for the project but they will never resist themselves to pull out of WB if situation becomes worse. Taking advantage of this political turmoil, other states are inviting Tata Motors to setup plant for Nano in their states.
What WB is getting out of all this farce? If they dont come out of all their grudges, they are sure to lose Tata Plant here in Singur. The consequence will be some other state will be benefited.Ratan Tata has already conveyed his decision to pull out if the situation remains same and he also made clear in his statement that even though they have invested a lot already, it would not come as a hurdle in the path of pulling out of WB.
That's true. If some industry set up a plant for some innovative idea, they always have a plan of action in their mind when to launch the product, at what condtions of the market. If they dont get proper response from local people around the plant , it will surely have doubt in their mind regarding the successful accomplishment of the whole project.
WB people, most importantly, Mamata Bannerjee who is heading the agitation must realise now the long term consequences of the Nano Plant in Singur. If they dont, some other state will surely take advantage of this situation.
I do agree the interest of the common people what Bannerjee is concerned about. But every problem has a solution, if it is not , then it is not a problem. Negotiation on some common ground must be reached sooner or else WB will lose Tata Plant.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Let's welcome " Lakhtakia" Car - Nano
“Small is beautiful !! Some people said that we should call it a ‘Buddha Car’, while others said that we should call it ‘Mamata’ or ‘ Despite Mamata’. We decided to call it as ‘NANO’. “
These were the words uttered by Ratan Tata in the launch of the most awaited ’Lakhtakia’ car by Tata Automobiles - NANO. “ A promise is a promise. And there is no compromise on quality and safety”- This simply draws love and respect to Ratan Tata. His unrelenting passion to prove what he promises, his desire to do something for common people, his confident in himself- all these factors counts to his greatness not only as a business tycoon but also as a common Indian man from his roots.
“This is the biggest thing I have ever done”. This statement clearly shows his satisfaction after lots of question marks on the successful completion of Nano Project. Though the cheapest car on earth will hit the market in Sept this year, a lot of fascination have already started in common people’s mind regarding the car. Some people believe that as far as the mileage and price is concern, it seriously meets their aspiration. Some people are still questioning on the safety issue.
But I do have believe on Tata, the most respected name in every household in India. Tata has always been up to expectation in their products and services .Think of any Industry in Tata group, they are the best in their field.
“ Improving the quality of life” . This tagline of Tata’s is indeed true. I seriously adore one aspect of Tata’s- its responsibility towards society. Every company always works for profit making. This is unequivocal. But keeping in mind the social aspect, only few companies can think of and have worked in practical. If I think of Indian perspective, I can only think of Tata.
I remember one incident when I visited my hometown around two years back ( I usually go home once in a year and this was my first visit after I started my corporate career). One layman asked me “ So where r u working now a days?”. I replied “ Uncle, TATA Consultancy Services(TCS)”. Before I could say something else about the company, he himself started with high acclamation in the name of Tata. His ignorance about TCS was justifiable ( He was thinking like I am working in Tata Truck company), but his respect towards the name TATA was seriously unbelievable. This small incident shows profound impact of Tata on common people.
When few years back Tata Indica came to market, everyone said it was the most successful midsized car launched by Tata and still people believe that. So I don’t think Tata will ever compromise safety and quality for price.
Nano will also make up to people’s expectation. “The biggest thing” done by Tata can never go unrecognized.
Hats Off to TATA!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
War against Terrorism - who is betraying whom??
“9/11”,Can anyone ever forget this day? Of course not. The attack on WTC on Sept 11, 2001 and the aftermath every one had to face for this. That incident not only reverberated US but also its aftermath echoed through every nation in the world, specially the countries like India which are directly or indirectly depends on the economy of US. That was the first ever audacious attempt by Terrorist groups.
After that attack, US started to think of the power of the terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and the need of strategic plans of prevention of such activities in future. This was the true beginning of Global war against terrorism. Pakistan also took part as a responsible country in that movement. The undeniable amiable relationship between President Pervez Musharraf and the Bush Administration led to a deal of $5 billion which was to help Pakistani army to counter against high skilled terrorist threats and activities. They named it as Coalition support fund which was to reimburse expenses incurred by Pakistani army in anti terrorist activities.
After six years have been passed after that US-Pak deal, I have encountered a news report today where US is now complaining about the improper use of that aid fund by Pakistan. It has come to the notice of Bush administration that the American Money is not properly routed to the frontline Pakistani units to build an effective counterinsurgency force. Instead during these 6 years the lump sum money had been diverted to finance the activities against India, not Al-Qaeda or Taliban.
This claim raised a strong question mark in my mind. How US, the country which has the largest intelligence network almost in all countries, unable to track this misuse during these six years? Is the friendly relationship between President Musharraf and Bush Administration is the cause of this negligence? This also puts on doubt the Islamabad’s repeated claims that it will take every measure to fight against Terrorism in Kashmir and the whole world. ISI is growing its network like mushroom in every part of our country India. Bombings in public places, in religious sites to ignite communal violence; helping India’s internal terrorist groups to meet their requirements- such activities have always been under the purview of Islamabad . This is how Islamabad is fighting war against terrorism!! If the 5 billion as US is claiming is misused against India, then India should be more cautious now and should find out some means to strengthen its anti terrorist squad ( May be by convincing US to get a financial Aid)
On the part of US, I think US should check the credibility of Islamabad once and find some means to track every penny that was routed to Pakistan as Aid against terrorism. It should rethink its policy of sectioning aids to countries in war against terrorism. It’s because if the money is misused somewhere, US (in return India) is not gaining anything. The only beneficiary in this whole process is Pakistan. If India and US march forward together in the war against terrorism with intelligent ways, then they can find out some effective measure to at least minimize the repercussions. In that case, US has to take the ownership of taking initiative as India is getting plagued by not only outside border threats but also internal security threats like Naxalite movements.
On the part of Islamabad, time has come to prove their repeated claims. Islamabad should now come up with a transparent plan to eradicate the roots of every terrorist group. The world community should also keep a vigilant eye on each other in the war against terrorism.
Then only we can step forward ahead to a world of peace…free of terrorism and violence!!!!
The Pursuit Of Happ'Y'ness
The life goes on and leaving behind all hopes and aspirations. The only thing valuable for you may not be the best thing for you. The person you care for the most might not care for you, and the person you care the least might care for you the most. That is the kind of irony we face in life.
The quest for happiness leads us to a state where though we are not happy at all, yet the same of our near and dear ones gives us the feeling of Utopian contentment. Though someone might question 'How ?', yet the fact remains that if everyone has to compromise in his/her life once, why not compromise for happiness??
Human traditions and values have bound us to some restrictions where we think that we are at the receiving end in certain situations that come across in the path of life. Then, we try to be Spiritual, which gives us a sense of divine feeling. But is spirituality all about worshiping God and asking HIM for help at the time of trouble??
If we Human beings think so, then it’s really disgusting on the part of us, the best species of God’s creation. I think spirituality means to strive for the best with the believe in God, the supreme power. We may not get everything. But, God is never responsible for it. We aren't capable enough to get that. May be something very good is awaiting for us somewhere. We are the ones who are responsible for everything that happen to us. If we somehow get in to the habit of learning from every situation, then we can get the best out of life!!
At some point of discussion, one of my best friends told me “ there is nothing as such as Right or Wrong, its all about perception”. Though at that time I thought it isn't true, but after some point of time, I started respecting that thought. If we start thinking like that, we will never have any expectation from anyone, and we can be the happiest of all.
Once one question came to my mind “Who is the most unsuccessful person in this world? “. After taking in to account all the incidents that happened in my life, I have got the answer as “the person who is too much EMOTIONAL.“ I giggled at my own craziness, about my own musings. But the truth is always a truth, may be bitter in taste. May be someone won't agree to this answer of mine, but it's the experience I have got in my life which has made me to think like that.
People always say in our time of trouble,” Be practical...be practical! Why r u behaving like a stupid?" I think Practicality and Stupidity are the two sides of the same coin. They always go hand in hand. At a point of life what seems stupid to everyone might seem to us the most Practical solution. You know why is this so? Because Human beings’ strive for happiness make them to behave like that. The practicality is that we are always selfish and we never want to get hurt. Keeping in mind all these, I think the best way to live life is to live being in present, past we can never change and the future is in our hand. We can either make it beautiful or ruin it. It's at our discretion.
Love yourself and be happy. That's the mantra of successful and happy life.
The quest for happiness leads us to a state where though we are not happy at all, yet the same of our near and dear ones gives us the feeling of Utopian contentment. Though someone might question 'How ?', yet the fact remains that if everyone has to compromise in his/her life once, why not compromise for happiness??
Human traditions and values have bound us to some restrictions where we think that we are at the receiving end in certain situations that come across in the path of life. Then, we try to be Spiritual, which gives us a sense of divine feeling. But is spirituality all about worshiping God and asking HIM for help at the time of trouble??
If we Human beings think so, then it’s really disgusting on the part of us, the best species of God’s creation. I think spirituality means to strive for the best with the believe in God, the supreme power. We may not get everything. But, God is never responsible for it. We aren't capable enough to get that. May be something very good is awaiting for us somewhere. We are the ones who are responsible for everything that happen to us. If we somehow get in to the habit of learning from every situation, then we can get the best out of life!!
At some point of discussion, one of my best friends told me “ there is nothing as such as Right or Wrong, its all about perception”. Though at that time I thought it isn't true, but after some point of time, I started respecting that thought. If we start thinking like that, we will never have any expectation from anyone, and we can be the happiest of all.
Once one question came to my mind “Who is the most unsuccessful person in this world? “. After taking in to account all the incidents that happened in my life, I have got the answer as “the person who is too much EMOTIONAL.“ I giggled at my own craziness, about my own musings. But the truth is always a truth, may be bitter in taste. May be someone won't agree to this answer of mine, but it's the experience I have got in my life which has made me to think like that.
People always say in our time of trouble,” Be practical...be practical! Why r u behaving like a stupid?" I think Practicality and Stupidity are the two sides of the same coin. They always go hand in hand. At a point of life what seems stupid to everyone might seem to us the most Practical solution. You know why is this so? Because Human beings’ strive for happiness make them to behave like that. The practicality is that we are always selfish and we never want to get hurt. Keeping in mind all these, I think the best way to live life is to live being in present, past we can never change and the future is in our hand. We can either make it beautiful or ruin it. It's at our discretion.
Love yourself and be happy. That's the mantra of successful and happy life.
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