Saturday, November 08, 2008
Decent democracy
The decent, peaceful transition happening in White House currently from President Bush to President-elect Obama has left me wondering - why do we lack decency so much? What's the root cause? Why do we need to tolerate leaders who are in the news for abusing reporters, airport officers, mud-slinging at opposition for the sake of opposing,criminals....? Why? Why can't our leaders be self-respecting, decent human beings? Why? Why do they have to be noisy, indecent to be political leaders?
President-elect Obama;s first press conference
What did I do last night? I stayed up till 1:20 AM to wait for President-elect Obama to address his very first press conference after the victory speech. And he was very president like. Composed. Cautious. Yeah he needed to be. His speech has to be measured - millions are following him, having found a hero, an idol finally. But even amidst discussion of economic crisis, taxation policy ( a sweet spot for the journalists), foreign policy, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Russia he managed to talk about the new puppy that he owes Malia and Sasha. That's what I love about him. You're my man, Barack. You're my hero.
Obama's family is planning to adopt a shelter dog. God bless you good souls.
Obama's family is planning to adopt a shelter dog. God bless you good souls.
Life is in control if you forget worrying about death
Is it because of the fear of leaving the world without the story being told? May be. With the current uncertainties, may this is the way. But life is in control if you forget worrying about death. And that's how it should be.
The other day my kid sister had a bad dream. Little girl - she called me up and shared her dream. She was disturbed. I told her what I had discovered myself - that there is hope. And I told her good that she had the dream, atleast now she knows some thoughts were buried in her system somewhere and now are being expressed. The key is to wash those thoughts away from the system. They are just extra baggage. Obviously she told me - "Yeah Ba, I know. I will be fine. Its just the situation in Assam, and Maa & Deta live their alone". I remembered Rhonda Bryne and I told her, think good, you will get good. And I believe in it strongly. There's hope. Make best of life. Live it without worries. I believe in the strength of my prayers.
I felt bad for her. She lives alone.I need to do more than just think. Love you sis.
And then I remembered my own paranoia. The blasts in India had left me completely disturbed. But somehow, I have hope now. Its very immature to be so obsessed with Obama. But his win has given me hope. If nothing else, I've a direction in life. Focus. And sometimes you need those forces in life.Someone who is testimony to the fact that anything is possible, if the intention is right and there is sincerity and hardwork.
The other day my kid sister had a bad dream. Little girl - she called me up and shared her dream. She was disturbed. I told her what I had discovered myself - that there is hope. And I told her good that she had the dream, atleast now she knows some thoughts were buried in her system somewhere and now are being expressed. The key is to wash those thoughts away from the system. They are just extra baggage. Obviously she told me - "Yeah Ba, I know. I will be fine. Its just the situation in Assam, and Maa & Deta live their alone". I remembered Rhonda Bryne and I told her, think good, you will get good. And I believe in it strongly. There's hope. Make best of life. Live it without worries. I believe in the strength of my prayers.
I felt bad for her. She lives alone.I need to do more than just think. Love you sis.
And then I remembered my own paranoia. The blasts in India had left me completely disturbed. But somehow, I have hope now. Its very immature to be so obsessed with Obama. But his win has given me hope. If nothing else, I've a direction in life. Focus. And sometimes you need those forces in life.Someone who is testimony to the fact that anything is possible, if the intention is right and there is sincerity and hardwork.
Life's bucket list
Its very important to have one - or who knows you might end up living a life that means nothing to you. I wanted to make mine today - pretty much because I thought I needed focus in life. For once, I wanted to assume there's no limitation in the world - you know truly "impossible is nothing" types, and dream on... what can possibly motivate me each day, everyday to go that extra mile - to make use of my life? It's not an easy discussion - and every time I start this exercise I end up in bed with a headache that dispirin can't cure.
But I'm proud of myself that I attempted very hard!
There again I started the day with today's editions of MINT, Economic Times, Times of India ( this one is losing respect soon for the level of journalism) and, BBC and CNN.What would I do without news channels? R actually suggested that I take consider studying Public Policy and who knows serve Indian Government by being Rahm Emanuel if not Barack Obama. Not a bad thought! But I wonder if Indian politicians would ever need qualified public policy advisers. Anyway.
On another note, it was encouraging to see so many Indians in Obama's transition team - Preeta Bansal, Sonal Shah... I heard a few more names that I can't recollect now. When will India feel the need of them?
Here's what another respected channel reports - Boby Jindal might as well be the Republican presidential nominee.... wow! not bad!
But anyway, I was supposed to write about my bucket list. But somehow all the preceding discussions have a connection - very much related to my bucket list. Here's an attempt:
- A healthy, fit me and promote the same to Maa, Deta, Moo and R ( the last one is almost impossible, he can't give up junk!)
- A completely aware me. I must be as updated as CNN, BBC, Newsweek, WSJ,Vogue(!!),HBR, McKinsey Quarterly. Spread the same to Maa, Deta, Moo. (R is already ahead in the game)
- Find/help sis find her life partner - her best friend (after me!), my younger brother that I never had
- Write. In local dailies of Assam so that I can share what I read/learnt
- Write a book(s) ( I already have many story outlines chalked out. I need to start expanding them)
- Form a organisation which employs the best talent, intellectual capital and creates employment
- Travel a lot. See the world with sis and R. Show the world to Maa, Deta.
- Adopt 2 dogs of each breed!
- Have a big bungalow with a BIG garden where all the homeless dogs of the area can find love, food and shelter
- Find a solution to the stray animals problem
- Preserve Assam's culture. Bring in progress to the land
- Research on terrorists. Explore if written words can ever solve violence.
- Be a smart, intelligent mom - the one my daughter/son love and admire
- Once in my life, attend Harvard Business School. If I can't be a student, I will see if I can do my PHD there, or who knows teach there someday
- Love and security of my family - the most important thing in the world. At the same time what matters is linking them to the progressive world, to the greatness of the world
- Get Maa, Deta interested in world affairs, help them educate themselves. I want them to see today's world.
- Spread home
- Discover myself, and celebrate my uniqueness
- One day become my hero - Barack Obama (Columbia, Harvard Law School, President of USA, a loving father, pet lover, intellectually inclined, motivator, author, loyal spouse, leader, problem solver, strength of character - a great idol!)
- Above all - have hope, give hope. Inspire. Motivate!
But I'm proud of myself that I attempted very hard!
There again I started the day with today's editions of MINT, Economic Times, Times of India ( this one is losing respect soon for the level of journalism) and, BBC and CNN.What would I do without news channels? R actually suggested that I take consider studying Public Policy and who knows serve Indian Government by being Rahm Emanuel if not Barack Obama. Not a bad thought! But I wonder if Indian politicians would ever need qualified public policy advisers. Anyway.
On another note, it was encouraging to see so many Indians in Obama's transition team - Preeta Bansal, Sonal Shah... I heard a few more names that I can't recollect now. When will India feel the need of them?
Here's what another respected channel reports - Boby Jindal might as well be the Republican presidential nominee.... wow! not bad!
But anyway, I was supposed to write about my bucket list. But somehow all the preceding discussions have a connection - very much related to my bucket list. Here's an attempt:
- A healthy, fit me and promote the same to Maa, Deta, Moo and R ( the last one is almost impossible, he can't give up junk!)
- A completely aware me. I must be as updated as CNN, BBC, Newsweek, WSJ,Vogue(!!),HBR, McKinsey Quarterly. Spread the same to Maa, Deta, Moo. (R is already ahead in the game)
- Find/help sis find her life partner - her best friend (after me!), my younger brother that I never had
- Write. In local dailies of Assam so that I can share what I read/learnt
- Write a book(s) ( I already have many story outlines chalked out. I need to start expanding them)
- Form a organisation which employs the best talent, intellectual capital and creates employment
- Travel a lot. See the world with sis and R. Show the world to Maa, Deta.
- Adopt 2 dogs of each breed!
- Have a big bungalow with a BIG garden where all the homeless dogs of the area can find love, food and shelter
- Find a solution to the stray animals problem
- Preserve Assam's culture. Bring in progress to the land
- Research on terrorists. Explore if written words can ever solve violence.
- Be a smart, intelligent mom - the one my daughter/son love and admire
- Once in my life, attend Harvard Business School. If I can't be a student, I will see if I can do my PHD there, or who knows teach there someday
- Love and security of my family - the most important thing in the world. At the same time what matters is linking them to the progressive world, to the greatness of the world
- Get Maa, Deta interested in world affairs, help them educate themselves. I want them to see today's world.
- Spread home
- Discover myself, and celebrate my uniqueness
- One day become my hero - Barack Obama (Columbia, Harvard Law School, President of USA, a loving father, pet lover, intellectually inclined, motivator, author, loyal spouse, leader, problem solver, strength of character - a great idol!)
- Above all - have hope, give hope. Inspire. Motivate!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
My parents' dreams of me after Obama
I am still reeling in the news of Obama's success. In some ways, I consider this my personal victory. In some strange ways I could relate to Jesse Jackson's tears, and to the cries of victory in Times Square. Yes - one would argue what do I know of Jesse's struggle to claim affinity? Very right. Probably being born to parents who belong to post independence India, I've no clue. But I do identify the feeling, and in some watered down versions of it still face it everyday - if not directly, through the struggles and pain of the brothers and sisters of my community. We have such a long way to go, and yet we keep ourselves busy in wars of religion, caste, and our own narrow visions ramified in our own narrow worlds. We have such a long way to go - human life can be so much better.
And in the midst of all the excitement and emotional whirlwind, my parents say something...
My parents have not been as involved with the election campaign as I was. In general, for them the local Assamese daily carries all the news that they care about the world. The world outside that newspaper seems so distant for them, so far away, so un-real. I'm perhaps their only connection to the world. And I've been bugging them with so much talking about Obama that my poor parents were forced to educate themselves on the American election and specifically on Obama. Bless their good souls - how much they will do for me! And my sister - I converted each of them to my hopes, my dreams, my beliefs. Thank you - Ma, Deta, Moo and now, Rajib.
Anyway, without digressing - my dad calls me full of excitement in the morning. He was traveling to work from home - he works in another town in Assam, away from our home. He perhaps had the solitude to make this calls; he usually doesn't do this heart-to-heart talk with his daughter in the presence of Maa. " Majoni, you must be still busy reading about Obama, enjoying his victory".And then he prepares for the ultimate objective of the call, " He has proved if there is a hope, a dream and a belief, its possible. You just need to dream big and strong".I agree energetically as I have been long engaged in this mission of making them aware of what's possible in this progressive world. And then comes the thunder, "Majoni, you've to become our Obama. You must. The world needs, specially our corner of the world, needs such forces. You will be able to do it" And then as if I'm almost in between things, he goes ahead to predict road blocks," But our system is a problem. Honesty and sincerity are put to challenge in our system. You must have the grit. But I guess being from the old world, I can caution you of the probabilities." Just at that moment, the network got disconnected. Good it did. Thank you - Assam's winding roads through hills. I could not have taken more of it. There was too much going on in my head.
After a few minutes, almost like a plot of conspiracy unfolding, Maa calls." So how are you feeling?" In some ways, my parents treat Obama's win as my personal victory. I respond to that question with gibberish -so much to say, so many good thoughts in my mind. Then in her motherly censure, " How long will we keep admiring other countries, other leaders? When will your generation give us that hope? Rise up to the cause!" That's my mother. She doesn't waste two minutes to tell me that her moment of pride is in seeing me do something that will change the lives of the majority of the community for better, rather than seeing me live a comfortable life in a beautiful house. This has been her tone always. But it become stronger after she finished reading "Daughter of the East". Doing good to the masses is her religion. She follows it passionately.
Maa, Deta - you've expressed a strong dream to me today. The very fact that you believe in my ability is inspiration, responsibility enough. I don't know how to collect myself. But I will for sure. Thank you for the strength. My life means so much more than the frustration in office, frustration over the boss who limits me everywhere, frustration from the system - your words spoken today will me steer me through the journey and accompany me to the destination. The journey doesn't seem difficult any longer; the challenges on the way don't bother me for I can see the world beyond the mountains. Thank you again.
But to start the journey, I need to prepare. And the first step is to cleanse myself. I must teach myself to think about the good - the benefit of all, benefit of self too - all balanced, and symbiotic. Lift everyone else with me. But to be able to know of the possibilities, I must first lift myself - see the elevated plan.
Kopili, I hope you're reading my thoughts. That's our journey Kopili, to make the best of our life. To work hard. To have dreams. And to conquer the world - with goodness, with talent, with sensitivity towards one and all.
I feel so much better!
And in the midst of all the excitement and emotional whirlwind, my parents say something...
My parents have not been as involved with the election campaign as I was. In general, for them the local Assamese daily carries all the news that they care about the world. The world outside that newspaper seems so distant for them, so far away, so un-real. I'm perhaps their only connection to the world. And I've been bugging them with so much talking about Obama that my poor parents were forced to educate themselves on the American election and specifically on Obama. Bless their good souls - how much they will do for me! And my sister - I converted each of them to my hopes, my dreams, my beliefs. Thank you - Ma, Deta, Moo and now, Rajib.
Anyway, without digressing - my dad calls me full of excitement in the morning. He was traveling to work from home - he works in another town in Assam, away from our home. He perhaps had the solitude to make this calls; he usually doesn't do this heart-to-heart talk with his daughter in the presence of Maa. " Majoni, you must be still busy reading about Obama, enjoying his victory".And then he prepares for the ultimate objective of the call, " He has proved if there is a hope, a dream and a belief, its possible. You just need to dream big and strong".I agree energetically as I have been long engaged in this mission of making them aware of what's possible in this progressive world. And then comes the thunder, "Majoni, you've to become our Obama. You must. The world needs, specially our corner of the world, needs such forces. You will be able to do it" And then as if I'm almost in between things, he goes ahead to predict road blocks," But our system is a problem. Honesty and sincerity are put to challenge in our system. You must have the grit. But I guess being from the old world, I can caution you of the probabilities." Just at that moment, the network got disconnected. Good it did. Thank you - Assam's winding roads through hills. I could not have taken more of it. There was too much going on in my head.
After a few minutes, almost like a plot of conspiracy unfolding, Maa calls." So how are you feeling?" In some ways, my parents treat Obama's win as my personal victory. I respond to that question with gibberish -so much to say, so many good thoughts in my mind. Then in her motherly censure, " How long will we keep admiring other countries, other leaders? When will your generation give us that hope? Rise up to the cause!" That's my mother. She doesn't waste two minutes to tell me that her moment of pride is in seeing me do something that will change the lives of the majority of the community for better, rather than seeing me live a comfortable life in a beautiful house. This has been her tone always. But it become stronger after she finished reading "Daughter of the East". Doing good to the masses is her religion. She follows it passionately.
Maa, Deta - you've expressed a strong dream to me today. The very fact that you believe in my ability is inspiration, responsibility enough. I don't know how to collect myself. But I will for sure. Thank you for the strength. My life means so much more than the frustration in office, frustration over the boss who limits me everywhere, frustration from the system - your words spoken today will me steer me through the journey and accompany me to the destination. The journey doesn't seem difficult any longer; the challenges on the way don't bother me for I can see the world beyond the mountains. Thank you again.
But to start the journey, I need to prepare. And the first step is to cleanse myself. I must teach myself to think about the good - the benefit of all, benefit of self too - all balanced, and symbiotic. Lift everyone else with me. But to be able to know of the possibilities, I must first lift myself - see the elevated plan.
Kopili, I hope you're reading my thoughts. That's our journey Kopili, to make the best of our life. To work hard. To have dreams. And to conquer the world - with goodness, with talent, with sensitivity towards one and all.
I feel so much better!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Hurrah Obama! Audacity of hope!
Yup - the first projections are out... Obama is all set to win the very important battleground state of Pennsylvania, and hence all set to win the elections. And I can't hide my excitement. I almost risked my position yesterday in a meeting with conservatives - but Obama did it. And by doing it, he gave hope to the likes of me - several thousand miles away!
Why did I wake up 5 AM to see the CNN update? Why does Obama's win mean so much to me? For Obama is a testimony to the fact - if you have a dream, you can do it. Thank you, Obama. I don't have political affinity or preference to any of the American parties - but I do know Senator Obama had all that it takes to lead. Impeccable character. Honest. Calm. Inclusive. Progressive. Fair. Charming.Inspiring. That's what is needed in the world today - an unifying force.
Obama - audacity of hope.
Why did I wake up 5 AM to see the CNN update? Why does Obama's win mean so much to me? For Obama is a testimony to the fact - if you have a dream, you can do it. Thank you, Obama. I don't have political affinity or preference to any of the American parties - but I do know Senator Obama had all that it takes to lead. Impeccable character. Honest. Calm. Inclusive. Progressive. Fair. Charming.Inspiring. That's what is needed in the world today - an unifying force.
Obama - audacity of hope.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Evolution
I had not shared this to anyone - but yes I got shortlisted for an interview by ISB for the class of 2010. The interview was good, but lets see where do I fit into ISB's scheme of things. I know diversity is a big thing, and only the school can assess how do I bring diversity to the class. I'm hopeful.
In between I've also been working on my business plan - the one around conserving the weaving crafts of the North East, especially the silk weaves. Before the ISB interview, I was working hard on this plan. I had taken a big break in between - various reasons - mostly mental disturbance because of the recent incidents in Assam. But I guess I should be doubly determined now to continue to work on the plan.
I did think in between if going the entrepreneur way makes sense as I need the security of money. Having money is having one less problem in this world.And why spend your time worrying/struggling for money when life is short and there are better things to put your life to use. I so much need the money to give my family what I want to give - and sometimes even for the mere sense of security.
I will work hard. Have dreams. And follow them.
And above all - I will remain positive about the state of things. There is peace round the corner.
In between I've also been working on my business plan - the one around conserving the weaving crafts of the North East, especially the silk weaves. Before the ISB interview, I was working hard on this plan. I had taken a big break in between - various reasons - mostly mental disturbance because of the recent incidents in Assam. But I guess I should be doubly determined now to continue to work on the plan.
I did think in between if going the entrepreneur way makes sense as I need the security of money. Having money is having one less problem in this world.And why spend your time worrying/struggling for money when life is short and there are better things to put your life to use. I so much need the money to give my family what I want to give - and sometimes even for the mere sense of security.
I will work hard. Have dreams. And follow them.
And above all - I will remain positive about the state of things. There is peace round the corner.
Obama...my leader!
I don't have political affinity. But being an outsider, I can only say I'm charmed by Obama's leadership. He brings people together. He is a gentleman. He has the qualities that a man admires and hopes to attain to become a higher human being. Yes, Obama you have my intangible vote. And if you become the president, you will do wonders to my confidence - you will give flight to my wings of ambitions. You've inspired me a lot, and I will closely follow you. I hope, I pray you continue to inspire and White House (if) doesn't change you.
And I wish India had its own Obama - a force that unifies and gives hope to its youth.
And I wish India had its own Obama - a force that unifies and gives hope to its youth.
Outsource to India! But don't think!
I don't know how many of you will agree - but this whole outsourcing thing has maimed the thinking capacity of those who are capable of thinking. The amount of meaningless activities that go on in such "outsourced" environments drive me towards frustration, made a "zombie" out of me.
4 and half years back when I joined the industry, I took pride in my "potential" - in my high motivation and energy. Some years down the line, the management of the outsourced industry ensured that my motivation, aspiration and energy is weaned off each day. Yeah - I started viewing myself a misfit to the industry. There's no need for original thinkers, for that spark of genius - you only need to keep following "processes". There is no space for creative thinking.
My boss too has succeeded in totally crippling my wings, by making sure that he makes me realize that he is better than me in whatever skills the organization needs - more often not the skills are "copy and paste" and format PPTs! There is no incentive to stay current with what's happening in this world as long as you know your processes right. Forget about all the excitement in the field of research in your area - they are so waste of time! The whole environment is so deprived of IQ that "going green" is associated with having green dressing theme! Give me a break, please - I need it.
My boss in order to make himself feel good criticizes everything that I've a knack for:) While doing it, he ensures that spark in me is killed and I too become a zombie like him.Another set of hands in the assembly like. Keep following the process, don't think!
Hello, Boss.You're so wrong. Your insensitive has only made me follow my dreams with a vengeance. I'm waiting for the day I can look into his eyes and say, " And you said I don't know what I want in life, and that I'm confused, and that ...." You were so wrong. Can't help it if my spark makes you insecure. That's how I'm!
But then, its not my boss's fault. I'm sure he too has the same frustration. The cribbing is universal across the different levels in an "outsourced" environment. But I will not sit and suffer. I will go out and do. Sorry, boss if your appraisal looks bad next year if you couldn't retain me - I need to "think" and keep alive the spark!
You can join me next year if you want to - atleast I will ensure you grow in the job!
4 and half years back when I joined the industry, I took pride in my "potential" - in my high motivation and energy. Some years down the line, the management of the outsourced industry ensured that my motivation, aspiration and energy is weaned off each day. Yeah - I started viewing myself a misfit to the industry. There's no need for original thinkers, for that spark of genius - you only need to keep following "processes". There is no space for creative thinking.
My boss too has succeeded in totally crippling my wings, by making sure that he makes me realize that he is better than me in whatever skills the organization needs - more often not the skills are "copy and paste" and format PPTs! There is no incentive to stay current with what's happening in this world as long as you know your processes right. Forget about all the excitement in the field of research in your area - they are so waste of time! The whole environment is so deprived of IQ that "going green" is associated with having green dressing theme! Give me a break, please - I need it.
My boss in order to make himself feel good criticizes everything that I've a knack for:) While doing it, he ensures that spark in me is killed and I too become a zombie like him.Another set of hands in the assembly like. Keep following the process, don't think!
Hello, Boss.You're so wrong. Your insensitive has only made me follow my dreams with a vengeance. I'm waiting for the day I can look into his eyes and say, " And you said I don't know what I want in life, and that I'm confused, and that ...." You were so wrong. Can't help it if my spark makes you insecure. That's how I'm!
But then, its not my boss's fault. I'm sure he too has the same frustration. The cribbing is universal across the different levels in an "outsourced" environment. But I will not sit and suffer. I will go out and do. Sorry, boss if your appraisal looks bad next year if you couldn't retain me - I need to "think" and keep alive the spark!
You can join me next year if you want to - atleast I will ensure you grow in the job!
Some thougts...
Now I've been turmoil in the past few days - its not a "new" situation with me. But the blasts in my Guwahati has degraded my situation.The insecurity, the uncertainty surrounding my homeland disturbs me.... but no more.
They can't terrorize me! I will live life - a happy life everyday, have hope, and look forward towards a bright future.
God bless my Ma, Deta and my sister. God bless them with a long healthy and happy life. God give them enough energy every day to make most of life each day, everyday. God give them energy to create impacts in whatever ways - and make the world a better place. God give me that state of calm to make best use of the skills that I was born with to make a better world.
God bless R and me to prepare for a better future.
God bless Assam, North East, my country and the world with peace and prosperity. God give me strength and motivation to change things, to make things better.
I will do what needs to be done - live a happy life, and make best of every day!
Amen to good thoughts!
They can't terrorize me! I will live life - a happy life everyday, have hope, and look forward towards a bright future.
God bless my Ma, Deta and my sister. God bless them with a long healthy and happy life. God give them enough energy every day to make most of life each day, everyday. God give them energy to create impacts in whatever ways - and make the world a better place. God give me that state of calm to make best use of the skills that I was born with to make a better world.
God bless R and me to prepare for a better future.
God bless Assam, North East, my country and the world with peace and prosperity. God give me strength and motivation to change things, to make things better.
I will do what needs to be done - live a happy life, and make best of every day!
Amen to good thoughts!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Enough is enough!
Whoever...whoever planned those blasts? What kind of elements are you made of? Did you not see the little 5 year old girl with 80% burn suffer in pain? How was she responsible in anyway? She was just coming back from school!
Have some respect for yourself - for the life that flows inside you. What pleasure do you get out of this? What is your whole point? Has anything ever been achieved by bomb blasts, by innocent killings? Do they help feed stomachs, create jobs, preserve identity? We all need a world to live in. Give that a thought.
I'm sure you're motivated enough. Just do a bit more - if you've convictions, speak them out, debate them out like a respectable intelligent human being - in forums, in books - let your voice be heard. Why go the terror way when you can solve problems by collaborating with the mainstream? Pause. Think. If you're doing these things in the name of conserving identity - do it with intellectual pursuits. If you're fighting for economic progress, lets all brainstorm and create jobs, build enterprises.
Speak out loud - what are your eventual objectives at human needs level?
Whatever they might be, they can't be achieved by killings. It is wise to use the energy more effectively elsewhere.
Have some respect for yourself - for the life that flows inside you. What pleasure do you get out of this? What is your whole point? Has anything ever been achieved by bomb blasts, by innocent killings? Do they help feed stomachs, create jobs, preserve identity? We all need a world to live in. Give that a thought.
I'm sure you're motivated enough. Just do a bit more - if you've convictions, speak them out, debate them out like a respectable intelligent human being - in forums, in books - let your voice be heard. Why go the terror way when you can solve problems by collaborating with the mainstream? Pause. Think. If you're doing these things in the name of conserving identity - do it with intellectual pursuits. If you're fighting for economic progress, lets all brainstorm and create jobs, build enterprises.
Speak out loud - what are your eventual objectives at human needs level?
Whatever they might be, they can't be achieved by killings. It is wise to use the energy more effectively elsewhere.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Assam bleeds...
My state bleeds. There are fumes everywhere.11 blasts in Assam.5 blasts in Guwahati in the span of 5 seconds. 68 dead. Hundreds are dead. What kind of statistics are these?
All I know is my state bleeds...Ganeshguri is in fumes. I grew up here. I walk these very area every single day when I visit home, and my family walks every day. I buy grocery here, catch an auto from the very auto stand and often plan a get-together in "Delicacy" - the restaurant which perhaps is in shambles today.
Panbazar DC Court - so much reminds me of my days in Cotton.
My Guwahati, my Assam is bleeding today.And I have no idea how do I react?
It took me quite some time to calm down. My needs in Guwahati have been very simple - home, school, college, friends, competition to get into the best college, shared cups of coffee, walks by Dighalipukhuripar,tuition in professor's colony, buying music from Meghali's in Panbazaar. I don't remember any hatred - all that we ever cared was to have momos with friends in the evening. And yeah - we also cared about Assamese music, the various folk cultures. Such peaceful was our land.
But like I told you before - our generation is different. We are better. We are big hearted. Hatred will not overcome us. We believe there is enough space for everyone to fit, and not kill for that piece of earth. We believe in sharing music. We believe in flaunting our different weaves. We believe in our simplicity. We believe in good life.
And thus, on a very bad day when my whole land is tattered, I have hopes. I'm listening to Papon - Angarag Mahanta. Papon, if you ever read this, I want to say "Thank you". Your voice and words bring in a sense of calm to this otherwise paranoid mind. We all need to be calm. We need to think.All we have is one life. Lets live it. Lets make it livable for everyone. Isn't that what we all need?
Fellow disturbed minds from the North Eastern corner, stay clam. Listen to a lot of music. I recommend Papon's music. It will soothe you. We have to go on. We have to bring in the peace. Lets keep believing in the walks by Dighalipukhuripar, in the evening momo sessions, in the shivers down the spine every time we listen someone mention North East - we're so proud of it, aren't we? Lets give peace a chance, hope a chance. Peace. Love. Empathy.
Ma,Deta,Moo - my life. God bless you always, and me to take care of you. God bless Rajib. God bless everyone's family. God give strength to every child to take care of her parents and siblings. I'm certain the world will be better. Believe.
God bless all the dogs. Powali, Utterly, Butterly, Deli, CORLEONE,BATHSHEBA, Smirnoff, Jerry, Jelly Bean,Jonaki, Tikhor, Chiku, Woolfie,Seuz, Blackie,Xonali,Travolta and all the other nameless four paws I know - without you I wouldn't have been me. Thanks for believing that I'm good. I wish I were half as good as you all think I'm.
Long live hope.Welcome strength, purpose.
All I know is my state bleeds...Ganeshguri is in fumes. I grew up here. I walk these very area every single day when I visit home, and my family walks every day. I buy grocery here, catch an auto from the very auto stand and often plan a get-together in "Delicacy" - the restaurant which perhaps is in shambles today.
Panbazar DC Court - so much reminds me of my days in Cotton.
My Guwahati, my Assam is bleeding today.And I have no idea how do I react?
It took me quite some time to calm down. My needs in Guwahati have been very simple - home, school, college, friends, competition to get into the best college, shared cups of coffee, walks by Dighalipukhuripar,tuition in professor's colony, buying music from Meghali's in Panbazaar. I don't remember any hatred - all that we ever cared was to have momos with friends in the evening. And yeah - we also cared about Assamese music, the various folk cultures. Such peaceful was our land.
But like I told you before - our generation is different. We are better. We are big hearted. Hatred will not overcome us. We believe there is enough space for everyone to fit, and not kill for that piece of earth. We believe in sharing music. We believe in flaunting our different weaves. We believe in our simplicity. We believe in good life.
And thus, on a very bad day when my whole land is tattered, I have hopes. I'm listening to Papon - Angarag Mahanta. Papon, if you ever read this, I want to say "Thank you". Your voice and words bring in a sense of calm to this otherwise paranoid mind. We all need to be calm. We need to think.All we have is one life. Lets live it. Lets make it livable for everyone. Isn't that what we all need?
Fellow disturbed minds from the North Eastern corner, stay clam. Listen to a lot of music. I recommend Papon's music. It will soothe you. We have to go on. We have to bring in the peace. Lets keep believing in the walks by Dighalipukhuripar, in the evening momo sessions, in the shivers down the spine every time we listen someone mention North East - we're so proud of it, aren't we? Lets give peace a chance, hope a chance. Peace. Love. Empathy.
Ma,Deta,Moo - my life. God bless you always, and me to take care of you. God bless Rajib. God bless everyone's family. God give strength to every child to take care of her parents and siblings. I'm certain the world will be better. Believe.
God bless all the dogs. Powali, Utterly, Butterly, Deli, CORLEONE,BATHSHEBA, Smirnoff, Jerry, Jelly Bean,Jonaki, Tikhor, Chiku, Woolfie,Seuz, Blackie,Xonali,Travolta and all the other nameless four paws I know - without you I wouldn't have been me. Thanks for believing that I'm good. I wish I were half as good as you all think I'm.
Long live hope.Welcome strength, purpose.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
We're a better generation....lets not be used!
Mark my words – we will soon see another hippie age round the corner. So much of violence, hatred has left the today’s youth clueless .....and hopeless. Life can’t go on without hope, as you can’t cycle without pedaling. The youth will find hope, in a similar way that they had found once – in a world of defiance from the world around, in a boundary-less world, in love and acceptance, in music and beads and colors and spiritual pursuits. The only difference is today’s youth has become educated enough not to use grass to achieve God. They will use art exhibitions, literary pursuits. Really – everyone is tired now. You’ve one life man, just live it. Smell the flowers. Make love. Raise healthy babies who will perpetuate “you” in this world when you’re gone, show the world to your parents, discover new things..... and yes work for improvement, for a better life. Aren’t you and I are of the same age – lets prove it to the upcoming world – only hard work wins, sincere efforts win. Reach out – lets join hands. We’ve seen enough of destruction.
In your heart and mine, what feelings reign? Purity of soul. Purity of purpose. Lets put it to good use – its all the same, believe me. Its peace that everyone wants. And yes, an equal world. Let’s achieve it. Actually, goodness is in abundance in this generation – more than it was ever in the world. We’re more united than ever. We are broader than ever. More progressive than ever. More compassionate than ever. Lets stop being used. The youth can rock the world. Listen to yours – what does yours say? Spread goodness. And live in peace!
In your heart and mine, what feelings reign? Purity of soul. Purity of purpose. Lets put it to good use – its all the same, believe me. Its peace that everyone wants. And yes, an equal world. Let’s achieve it. Actually, goodness is in abundance in this generation – more than it was ever in the world. We’re more united than ever. We are broader than ever. More progressive than ever. More compassionate than ever. Lets stop being used. The youth can rock the world. Listen to yours – what does yours say? Spread goodness. And live in peace!
Crafts Council Of India, Raintree etc
Now on the happier side. Or lets not label it “happy”. Let’s just call it “karma”. After a long time, I ventured out on my own today.
I took an auto rickshaw to Chitrakala Parishad where the Crafts Council Of India was holding an exhibition on textiles called “Vastrabharan”. Entrepreneurs, mostly women from different states of India displayed their weaves – sarees as well as fabrics. I must admit I was amazed – I must have away from the “weaves” scene for quite some time. A lot is happening. Young designers are implementing art inspirations on the sarees and the fabrics. They have “contemporarized” the age old saree. Innovation at play – blending of fabrics, new printing techniques, new color palette. Impressive!
I spoke to the convener – an elegant silver haired lady who willingly answered all my questions. The discussion soon went into the direction of the weaves of the North East. It seems lack of contemporary design sense and marketing talent, along with the steep pricing have stopped the same from becoming a viable business outside the North East. I couldn’t agree more. She asked me to be in touch with her and plan something.
Good – got a contact there.
Went to Raintree – the shopping extension of the Windsor Sheraton. Another good experience. There was an exhibition put up three lady entrepreneurs behind the cafe. Though they definitely came across as stay-at-home wives of rich and busy men who need some engagement, I must admit their assortment was more than just plain half-hearted time pass. I mean they have substance there. One of them sources eclectic jwellery; I really doubt her contribution to the business because all she does is “source” jwellery from abroad! C’mon!
The other two have implemented their creativity – one in diyas in mural, and the other in making tunics out of the left overs of her husband’s export business.
I ended up buying a few things for I needed a “conversation” with them. I’ve to do some serious follow-up and networking.
As anyone can make out, I’m tired and ready to hit the bed – but I’m trying hard to do this update. Many sad news around – a 26 year old journalist was shot dead last night when she was returning home from office. But now today – I will leave it to the cosmic force, I will do my karma – do my best, and then leave the rest to the one who knows it all, the force that rules the world. That’s what I can do best.
I took an auto rickshaw to Chitrakala Parishad where the Crafts Council Of India was holding an exhibition on textiles called “Vastrabharan”. Entrepreneurs, mostly women from different states of India displayed their weaves – sarees as well as fabrics. I must admit I was amazed – I must have away from the “weaves” scene for quite some time. A lot is happening. Young designers are implementing art inspirations on the sarees and the fabrics. They have “contemporarized” the age old saree. Innovation at play – blending of fabrics, new printing techniques, new color palette. Impressive!
I spoke to the convener – an elegant silver haired lady who willingly answered all my questions. The discussion soon went into the direction of the weaves of the North East. It seems lack of contemporary design sense and marketing talent, along with the steep pricing have stopped the same from becoming a viable business outside the North East. I couldn’t agree more. She asked me to be in touch with her and plan something.
Good – got a contact there.
Went to Raintree – the shopping extension of the Windsor Sheraton. Another good experience. There was an exhibition put up three lady entrepreneurs behind the cafe. Though they definitely came across as stay-at-home wives of rich and busy men who need some engagement, I must admit their assortment was more than just plain half-hearted time pass. I mean they have substance there. One of them sources eclectic jwellery; I really doubt her contribution to the business because all she does is “source” jwellery from abroad! C’mon!
The other two have implemented their creativity – one in diyas in mural, and the other in making tunics out of the left overs of her husband’s export business.
I ended up buying a few things for I needed a “conversation” with them. I’ve to do some serious follow-up and networking.
As anyone can make out, I’m tired and ready to hit the bed – but I’m trying hard to do this update. Many sad news around – a 26 year old journalist was shot dead last night when she was returning home from office. But now today – I will leave it to the cosmic force, I will do my karma – do my best, and then leave the rest to the one who knows it all, the force that rules the world. That’s what I can do best.
Believe in the light....its there...
What is this? A mockery of human life? What started in Bangalore, followed by Ahmedabad, then Delhi, Delhi again in two weeks Malegaon, Ahmedabad again, and now my very own North East. There’s a pain in my head that doesn’t seem to go. I’ve been praying and praying. God – the cosmic force give the world goodness, bless the world. I’m certain the prayers will be heard. Definitely heard. I’ve been driving my family crazy by forcing them indoors. But then – its the festive season. This is the time to visit friends and family and share the good times together. That’s naturally human spirit.
No. I’m not ready believe the other side. There will be peace. We must strongly believe in it.
When I was growing up, my worst fear was that I will be religious some day. I was young and defiance was my religion. I believed cosmic force is in me – I’m my hope, my faith, hence I’m religion. I believed “God” ? ( I wouldn’t even use the term for I didn’t believe in idols made of stone) is intelligence, wisdom, sensitivity, goodness – hence “God” was in me – and that was my religion. Somehow down the years – I “converted”, somewhat. The person who would never pray in the traditional, customary sense began praying. As I grew up, I needed those conversations – the onslaught of the world around me was becoming too much to handle with my so called “intelligence, wisdom”. I needed to have my moments with “God” who I still define as a cosmic force who surely “controls” the world in ways that I can’t define. I know there is some force.
Protect the world - that’s my earnest prayer. Protect my family. Protect everyone’s family.
Even when I was agnostic, I believed in the powers of the scriptures. For the fear of receiving the “biased” interpretation, I inferred my own lessons from the scriptures. And I believe in “Karma Yoga”. Whoever is distressed like me – try this, it works. Sink yourself in “Karma” – the good will come. Let the good cosmic rays radiate from you, good will come. And pray. Converse with the voice. Converse with the force. Stay calm. Its after all – intelligence, common sense that drives everything.
The good will come. That’s inevitable. Have faith.
No. I’m not ready believe the other side. There will be peace. We must strongly believe in it.
When I was growing up, my worst fear was that I will be religious some day. I was young and defiance was my religion. I believed cosmic force is in me – I’m my hope, my faith, hence I’m religion. I believed “God” ? ( I wouldn’t even use the term for I didn’t believe in idols made of stone) is intelligence, wisdom, sensitivity, goodness – hence “God” was in me – and that was my religion. Somehow down the years – I “converted”, somewhat. The person who would never pray in the traditional, customary sense began praying. As I grew up, I needed those conversations – the onslaught of the world around me was becoming too much to handle with my so called “intelligence, wisdom”. I needed to have my moments with “God” who I still define as a cosmic force who surely “controls” the world in ways that I can’t define. I know there is some force.
Protect the world - that’s my earnest prayer. Protect my family. Protect everyone’s family.
Even when I was agnostic, I believed in the powers of the scriptures. For the fear of receiving the “biased” interpretation, I inferred my own lessons from the scriptures. And I believe in “Karma Yoga”. Whoever is distressed like me – try this, it works. Sink yourself in “Karma” – the good will come. Let the good cosmic rays radiate from you, good will come. And pray. Converse with the voice. Converse with the force. Stay calm. Its after all – intelligence, common sense that drives everything.
The good will come. That’s inevitable. Have faith.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
And now 5 in 25 minutes, in the national capital
It would have been otherwise a great day – Maa is here, heard from Jennifer (of www.theants.org) in the morning, I met Smitha and Pradeep in the afternoon and spent 2 hours discussing the potential and the challenges of the crafts of the North East, visited Anokhi and Fab India in the evening to explore more about businesses around traditional crafts, read a lot of literature on Assamese traditional crafts which Maa had brought from Guwahati – these are my ingredients of a happy day, a day spent in following my passion.
But that was to be short-lived. For when I switched on the TV after returning home, I saw the most horrifying images on the TV – a girl wearing a yellow kurta lying in a pool of blood, and later leaving a bloody trail as she was being carried to an ambulance that she might not require any longer – and as she was carried, her limp limbs dangled by her sides – a scene I knew would remain with me for long times ahead – making it one of the several images that have stayed with me life long – like the image of the right foot of the lovely pair of shoes bought the previous day which fell down the bus as a sleepy 4-year old me forgot that I was wearing any shoes, like the image of the white frock I used to wear to my dance classes that I didn’t continue because I saw an accident on the way from the village to the classes – you know images not necessarily gory but strong, leaving long lasting impacts. And there were so many of them – a young man dressed trendily in denims and white shirt, his hands still clutching a cell phone lying lifeless on the street, young girls dressed in their best “weekend” outfits which now bore stains of blood – what the hell is the matter! I must have lost the news when it happened, which is surprising because I’m the “alert service” for my friends and family. My sister who I was on the phone with at that time updated me on the situation when she heard me cry in despair at the sights. Delhi has been rocked – 5 times within 25 minutes, and in busy places, in parks and shopping complexes. And lives bombs were still being discovered – one of them in a children’s park.
How does one keep sanity in such matters? I didn’t know how to react. I said a silent prayer to the unknown force to protect the goodness in the world, and to protect the ones I loved and cared for. But more than anything else, I prayed for courage this time – which is different from the feelings I would have in the past. Somehow these incidents have made me more fearless – may be that’s the case with most Indians now – you don’t fear any longer, you only try to make the most of the moment, for who has seen tomorrow? That’s the feeling I had. I asked for courage to make the most of the resources we have – and do what we can to change, change things for better. With that intention I called my sister – not to warn her from venturing out as I would do normally, but to reflect on the incident and do the best she can to impact the state of things positively, while rationally protecting our lives – that’s precious. It doesn’t make any sense any longer to keep hiding yourself from the probabilities of being terror-struck, it seems to be controlled by a random theory. We might as well get up and start working.
I could see that determination in the faces of Barkha Dutt and many other reporters I don’t know names of. I’m not commenting on the quality of your journalism, but on your courage – I admire you for refusing the safety havens and struggling to keep the spirit of human beings alive. I also saw the same spirit in young volunteers who came out to help after the blasts. It could be any of us – any that they were helping.
What do you want? I fail to understand that there can be bigger needs than basic needs of life – you know the basics that keep a human life alive so that the other faculties like intellectual and spiritual development can take place. I understand that fight – fight to improve the state of things for majority, but not harassing others in the process. But I don’t understand this fight.
All of you who make these bombs and plan these blasts – don’t you realise human life is precious – a lot can be done using the resources of one life – a nation can be given freedom, books can be written, new discoveries made – if nothing else, a few lives can be supported. What are you doing by depleting these resources, and in such disturbing ways? What are you proving anyway? That you lack the intellectual strength to win a logical argument? That you lack moral conviction in your cause?
No, no- I don’t support any suffering, yours included. But surely there can be otherwise. Your activities say you’re intelligent – and I’m sure you will have other ways. Are you sincerely immune to the agony faced by those that were killed in the blasts? Do you sincerely think you’ve avenged yourselves? You all look young and progressive, surely if not on any other count, you will agree with me on this – that you and me – we need a better world, right? For our future, for the people you care and I care? Can we all not come to consensus on that? I often see an image of myself in your efforts – you want to protect your people, like I want to protect my family. You want things to be better. Surely we can work together – for a better world. Think about it.
But that was to be short-lived. For when I switched on the TV after returning home, I saw the most horrifying images on the TV – a girl wearing a yellow kurta lying in a pool of blood, and later leaving a bloody trail as she was being carried to an ambulance that she might not require any longer – and as she was carried, her limp limbs dangled by her sides – a scene I knew would remain with me for long times ahead – making it one of the several images that have stayed with me life long – like the image of the right foot of the lovely pair of shoes bought the previous day which fell down the bus as a sleepy 4-year old me forgot that I was wearing any shoes, like the image of the white frock I used to wear to my dance classes that I didn’t continue because I saw an accident on the way from the village to the classes – you know images not necessarily gory but strong, leaving long lasting impacts. And there were so many of them – a young man dressed trendily in denims and white shirt, his hands still clutching a cell phone lying lifeless on the street, young girls dressed in their best “weekend” outfits which now bore stains of blood – what the hell is the matter! I must have lost the news when it happened, which is surprising because I’m the “alert service” for my friends and family. My sister who I was on the phone with at that time updated me on the situation when she heard me cry in despair at the sights. Delhi has been rocked – 5 times within 25 minutes, and in busy places, in parks and shopping complexes. And lives bombs were still being discovered – one of them in a children’s park.
How does one keep sanity in such matters? I didn’t know how to react. I said a silent prayer to the unknown force to protect the goodness in the world, and to protect the ones I loved and cared for. But more than anything else, I prayed for courage this time – which is different from the feelings I would have in the past. Somehow these incidents have made me more fearless – may be that’s the case with most Indians now – you don’t fear any longer, you only try to make the most of the moment, for who has seen tomorrow? That’s the feeling I had. I asked for courage to make the most of the resources we have – and do what we can to change, change things for better. With that intention I called my sister – not to warn her from venturing out as I would do normally, but to reflect on the incident and do the best she can to impact the state of things positively, while rationally protecting our lives – that’s precious. It doesn’t make any sense any longer to keep hiding yourself from the probabilities of being terror-struck, it seems to be controlled by a random theory. We might as well get up and start working.
I could see that determination in the faces of Barkha Dutt and many other reporters I don’t know names of. I’m not commenting on the quality of your journalism, but on your courage – I admire you for refusing the safety havens and struggling to keep the spirit of human beings alive. I also saw the same spirit in young volunteers who came out to help after the blasts. It could be any of us – any that they were helping.
What do you want? I fail to understand that there can be bigger needs than basic needs of life – you know the basics that keep a human life alive so that the other faculties like intellectual and spiritual development can take place. I understand that fight – fight to improve the state of things for majority, but not harassing others in the process. But I don’t understand this fight.
All of you who make these bombs and plan these blasts – don’t you realise human life is precious – a lot can be done using the resources of one life – a nation can be given freedom, books can be written, new discoveries made – if nothing else, a few lives can be supported. What are you doing by depleting these resources, and in such disturbing ways? What are you proving anyway? That you lack the intellectual strength to win a logical argument? That you lack moral conviction in your cause?
No, no- I don’t support any suffering, yours included. But surely there can be otherwise. Your activities say you’re intelligent – and I’m sure you will have other ways. Are you sincerely immune to the agony faced by those that were killed in the blasts? Do you sincerely think you’ve avenged yourselves? You all look young and progressive, surely if not on any other count, you will agree with me on this – that you and me – we need a better world, right? For our future, for the people you care and I care? Can we all not come to consensus on that? I often see an image of myself in your efforts – you want to protect your people, like I want to protect my family. You want things to be better. Surely we can work together – for a better world. Think about it.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
My vision of a business organization in Assam, as told to Maa
Maa,
I've nurtured this vision of building a business in Assam that would be based on the "people, planet, profits" framework. My business vision will have the following impacts:
People : It will be a business model that will impact the people of Assam - create jobs, give them economic benefits, disposable incomes - while making use of the skills that they have, or have inherited from their forefathers. I want to build a business model based on preserving the art and culture, and identity of the people of Assam. Besides love of family, force of roots, of belonging to a culture, the identity of a community - always anchored me, and kept aligning me to the purpose of right use of my life and the skills I was blessed with. I would definitely want the rest of the children of Assam to also have that privilege - I want them to have a strong sense of self. My business model is to make high fashion, high style life style products out of designs originating in Assam, and the other hill states - from fabric to other hadicrafts. I'm dreaming big here. I'm dreaming of becoming an international brand. I will use all modern techniques of product assortment, replenishment systems, prediction models, inventory management, marketing strategies - to make this a successful venture. I will pick up all those skills - some of which I already have.
Planet : It will be a business model that will not disrupt the natural harmony of the planet - of the land of Assam. My organization will leverage the resources of Assam and will follow a method that will not deplete the natural resources, rather sustain it. Hence, I'm eliminating any flaw in the system that will lead to industrial waste and hence increased pollution, and hence imbalance of nature. One of the primary mission of the organization would be " ethical use of natural resource". I will grow trees to cultivate silk worms, and use renewable energy as much as I can. Our earth is in real danger - we often tend to ignore it thinking the problems will not hit during our lifetimes. We may be just lucky Maa, but our future generations - your grandchildren may not be. I want to leave behind a safer world for them for I want them to have a good life. And no region of the world will be a safer place -we will all be impaceted. So I better put some efforts in building an environmentally safe Assam.
Profits: I believe every business must make profits. For a business to be sustainable, it has to generate profits - it has to make enough money to pass on economic privileges to its employees, to its people.Besides, I also want to enjoy the fruits of hard work. I want to give a shape to the dreams of many like me - " If you have a vision, work hard for it - you get to do what you want in life". Hence I definitely want to have a revenue generating business model. As of now, I don't believe in non-profits. I want to make profits, so that these profits could be passed on the people who work hard to make these profits.
I also believe this industry will also give rise to increased profits in other related areas - tourism for instance. My organization will help build curiosity and interest in Assam and her people. People would like to see the land of origin of such unique design - for the same reasons people visit Rajasthan for. Like Bandhini is known all over, so would be Muga. I also plan to build museums which would tell the history of the land that I'm so proud of - but in a way and format that is attractive to the masses. Beauty charms all - and I will use the power of beauty of Assamese design to unify people and fortify my land, and my people.
Ofcourse I've to learn various things - strategy, finance, marketing, negotiation skills, network, blessing of some venture capitalists or angel investors - that's why I'm going to a business school.
Now, I need your help:
- What is the history of Assam's art and culture? What is the origin? What were some of the long lasting influencing and impacting factors? ( e.g Ahom rule, impacts of Sankardev's religious teaching on art & culture and design)
- Which are the most flourishing form of art & cultures? (e.g. muga, paat), Which vanished on the way? And why?
- Why these are primarily developed in pockets? e.g. Sualkuchi and not uniformly all across Assam?
- What are the factors of the success of these traditional businesses? What are the factors of failures?
- What is the cost price of muga, paat, endi?
- What is the usual mark-up price?
- How much of silk is produced?
- What is the demand?
- How much is exported now?
- How many well known retail outlets are there? I know Silkaloy is one of them
- How many individuals are doing good business? What typically are their annual revenue? Do they have consistent business?
- Do these retailers or individuals plan their business - predict how much they would sell, what should be the revenue 2/3/5 years down the line? Do they have a business plan, a methodical approach? Or do they just rely on instincts - without any data pattern?
- Anything else that you would tell me, I would listen:)
Lets see where do I go!
- Majoni
I've nurtured this vision of building a business in Assam that would be based on the "people, planet, profits" framework. My business vision will have the following impacts:
People : It will be a business model that will impact the people of Assam - create jobs, give them economic benefits, disposable incomes - while making use of the skills that they have, or have inherited from their forefathers. I want to build a business model based on preserving the art and culture, and identity of the people of Assam. Besides love of family, force of roots, of belonging to a culture, the identity of a community - always anchored me, and kept aligning me to the purpose of right use of my life and the skills I was blessed with. I would definitely want the rest of the children of Assam to also have that privilege - I want them to have a strong sense of self. My business model is to make high fashion, high style life style products out of designs originating in Assam, and the other hill states - from fabric to other hadicrafts. I'm dreaming big here. I'm dreaming of becoming an international brand. I will use all modern techniques of product assortment, replenishment systems, prediction models, inventory management, marketing strategies - to make this a successful venture. I will pick up all those skills - some of which I already have.
Planet : It will be a business model that will not disrupt the natural harmony of the planet - of the land of Assam. My organization will leverage the resources of Assam and will follow a method that will not deplete the natural resources, rather sustain it. Hence, I'm eliminating any flaw in the system that will lead to industrial waste and hence increased pollution, and hence imbalance of nature. One of the primary mission of the organization would be " ethical use of natural resource". I will grow trees to cultivate silk worms, and use renewable energy as much as I can. Our earth is in real danger - we often tend to ignore it thinking the problems will not hit during our lifetimes. We may be just lucky Maa, but our future generations - your grandchildren may not be. I want to leave behind a safer world for them for I want them to have a good life. And no region of the world will be a safer place -we will all be impaceted. So I better put some efforts in building an environmentally safe Assam.
Profits: I believe every business must make profits. For a business to be sustainable, it has to generate profits - it has to make enough money to pass on economic privileges to its employees, to its people.Besides, I also want to enjoy the fruits of hard work. I want to give a shape to the dreams of many like me - " If you have a vision, work hard for it - you get to do what you want in life". Hence I definitely want to have a revenue generating business model. As of now, I don't believe in non-profits. I want to make profits, so that these profits could be passed on the people who work hard to make these profits.
I also believe this industry will also give rise to increased profits in other related areas - tourism for instance. My organization will help build curiosity and interest in Assam and her people. People would like to see the land of origin of such unique design - for the same reasons people visit Rajasthan for. Like Bandhini is known all over, so would be Muga. I also plan to build museums which would tell the history of the land that I'm so proud of - but in a way and format that is attractive to the masses. Beauty charms all - and I will use the power of beauty of Assamese design to unify people and fortify my land, and my people.
Ofcourse I've to learn various things - strategy, finance, marketing, negotiation skills, network, blessing of some venture capitalists or angel investors - that's why I'm going to a business school.
Now, I need your help:
- What is the history of Assam's art and culture? What is the origin? What were some of the long lasting influencing and impacting factors? ( e.g Ahom rule, impacts of Sankardev's religious teaching on art & culture and design)
- Which are the most flourishing form of art & cultures? (e.g. muga, paat), Which vanished on the way? And why?
- Why these are primarily developed in pockets? e.g. Sualkuchi and not uniformly all across Assam?
- What are the factors of the success of these traditional businesses? What are the factors of failures?
- What is the cost price of muga, paat, endi?
- What is the usual mark-up price?
- How much of silk is produced?
- What is the demand?
- How much is exported now?
- How many well known retail outlets are there? I know Silkaloy is one of them
- How many individuals are doing good business? What typically are their annual revenue? Do they have consistent business?
- Do these retailers or individuals plan their business - predict how much they would sell, what should be the revenue 2/3/5 years down the line? Do they have a business plan, a methodical approach? Or do they just rely on instincts - without any data pattern?
- Anything else that you would tell me, I would listen:)
Lets see where do I go!
- Majoni
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Private life in American Politics
An American president's family life (or atleast a hopeful presiden'ts family life) has to open out for the entire country.Why do spouse and daughters and sisters and brother-in-laws and grandparents and parents become crucial factors in an election? Ironically, that too in a country which talks about individual freedom. That someone's son is in Iraq fighting doesn't make him a more deserving presidential candidate in the same logic that someone was brought up by a single mother. No, those can't be logical reasons of electing someone a president; those are just playing with emotions.
Well, I admire Obama's oratory skills - I respect his ability to motivate and inspire. But I don't like his attacks on John Mc Cain's number of houses. John Mc Cain's wealth, by birth or by life, does not make him a less desirable candidate. Similary, Obama's tryst with adversities does not make him a more deserving presidential candidate. Personally, yes - my heart goes out to Obama for he represents my situation in life. But wealth, or lack of it, doesn't qualify a president. Adversities or abundance is the determining factor itself; the end product is. Did adversity make an Obama out of you or delinquent - that matters. In a similar way - did wealth make a Paris Hilton out of you, or you chose to be Bill Gates, whose donations only make the dream of attending school possible for a few thousand children in India. Personal wealth, or the lack of it can't be political propaganda. I would not expect any mature person to use it.
And secondly, stop using your family. Stop bringing your wives to the convention and using public display of affection to fortify your image as a strong family. You don't have to exhibit that. Michelle's speech the other day was a stroong evidence of the intellectual compatibility shared that you share.( I actually found Senator Hillary Clinton's comments funny - Barack has a potential partner in Michelle to run the country? Now is the Barack the presidential candidate or Michelle? These may be confusing to an India who is new to American politics. But I was secretly thinking our Indian polliticians are not far behind - Laloo handed over reignes to Rabri; clearly Laloo must have been elected because he had an able partner in Rabri!)
And then I feel sorry for the two gilrs - the little one surely was awake past bedtime, and it was evident. Yes, I believe in supporting my family, very strongly, very undonditionally. But what's the point in exhibition? May that's not what it is done in India. Given our history, we often find only one in the family who is all out - rest are shadow.
I don't think so anyone in India elected Manmohan Singh because of his deserving family; but I do know Sigh's daughter has scaled intellectual heights.
In the true spirit of American freedom, Joe Biden'son can become what he wants to and John Mc Cain can live in the most luxurious house, provided they knew to respect their freedom and acepted their responsibilities to the community.
Well, I admire Obama's oratory skills - I respect his ability to motivate and inspire. But I don't like his attacks on John Mc Cain's number of houses. John Mc Cain's wealth, by birth or by life, does not make him a less desirable candidate. Similary, Obama's tryst with adversities does not make him a more deserving presidential candidate. Personally, yes - my heart goes out to Obama for he represents my situation in life. But wealth, or lack of it, doesn't qualify a president. Adversities or abundance is the determining factor itself; the end product is. Did adversity make an Obama out of you or delinquent - that matters. In a similar way - did wealth make a Paris Hilton out of you, or you chose to be Bill Gates, whose donations only make the dream of attending school possible for a few thousand children in India. Personal wealth, or the lack of it can't be political propaganda. I would not expect any mature person to use it.
And secondly, stop using your family. Stop bringing your wives to the convention and using public display of affection to fortify your image as a strong family. You don't have to exhibit that. Michelle's speech the other day was a stroong evidence of the intellectual compatibility shared that you share.( I actually found Senator Hillary Clinton's comments funny - Barack has a potential partner in Michelle to run the country? Now is the Barack the presidential candidate or Michelle? These may be confusing to an India who is new to American politics. But I was secretly thinking our Indian polliticians are not far behind - Laloo handed over reignes to Rabri; clearly Laloo must have been elected because he had an able partner in Rabri!)
And then I feel sorry for the two gilrs - the little one surely was awake past bedtime, and it was evident. Yes, I believe in supporting my family, very strongly, very undonditionally. But what's the point in exhibition? May that's not what it is done in India. Given our history, we often find only one in the family who is all out - rest are shadow.
I don't think so anyone in India elected Manmohan Singh because of his deserving family; but I do know Sigh's daughter has scaled intellectual heights.
In the true spirit of American freedom, Joe Biden'son can become what he wants to and John Mc Cain can live in the most luxurious house, provided they knew to respect their freedom and acepted their responsibilities to the community.
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