Friday, September 25, 2009

"Quote Unquote"



“Quote Unquote”


It’s been a quite a long time since I last blogged. Going forward, I shall try and ensure I am consistent in posting my blogs.
Today’s blog is more personal to me and I am sharing own experience of my recent past and some of the quotes, which crossed my minds and inspired me during this time. It might sound a little philosophical but I wanted to share what I truly felt.

All this happened after I came back from my Himalayan trek and the book, which I read during that trip “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”. I started looking at life from a different perspective. This is my own quote “ The mighty Himalayas teach us a lot. On the mountains we are all alone, No friends, no family, no one will come to your rescue. We have to reach our destination all by ourselves. The fear of death keeps you going even if you are tired and exhausted. Likewise even in our day-to-day life we have to live all by ourselves, not depending on others. Detach yourself from everything and work harder tirelessly to fulfill your dreams coz its one life we all live.”

During the last few months, I personally witnessed lot of changes both at professional and personal front. New people coming into your life and old people leaving. Saw some success moments, at the same time had to face some grieving moments as well. All this turmoil made me introspect what I was doing. I thought its time to really venture into something new all together.

Someone sent this inspiring mail to me quoting; an ancient Indian mythology stated "Sthita Pragnya". Its the ability to disassociate yourself from yourself and introspect what you are doing, why you are doing and what you should really be doing.....
And I am just trying to do just the same.

“The heaviness of being successful is replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again”
Quote from one of the Steve Jobs speech while he was addressing at the Stanford University.
I am able to relate to this quote as today I am leaving my current role, which got me lot of success and visibility. I am moving into a new role to start from the beginning. I am leaving all the glory behind in search of something that I feel will get me into a lot of new learnings and help me look forward to a new dimension of life and broaden my vision even further.

There is also another quote which I want to share which really inspired me in the recent past. “ Its not what decision you make is right or wrong, but from the given the probables once you have made your choice, it’s the way in which you drive and strive hard ensures that the decision you made is indeed the right decision”.
During my journey so far, life has taught me a lot. There have been moments where I witnessed tremedous success at the same time I have seen loss as well. The feeling of losing shatters you down, but we take inspiration from our past from where we had started and how far we have come ahead in life. Its this feeling which keeps us motivated and becomes the driving factor to strive harder in the future….

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Roger Federer – True Fighter, True Champion – Really inspiring




Roger Federer – True Fighter, True Champion – Really inspiring
Many congratulations to Roger Federer for winning the French Open especially after losing to Nadal in the previous games. This man’s a true fighter and a true champion. His never give up attitude is truly inspiring. For me, he is the best player in the history of game of tennis. His Never give up attitude is what I like. Cheers to the Champion. RF Rocks…

Friday, May 29, 2009

SARPASS TREK - YHAI (Some tips)















SARPASS TREK - YHAI (Some tips)
Hi Friends,
With regard to my experience from 2009 May batch of SARPASS Trek through YHAI, I realized that there is no much information provided on any of the sites/blogs with regard to what to carry and what not to carry. From my own experience I realized that there was a lot missing. Hence I decided to write this blog, which could provide some information to the trekkers trekking SARPASS through YHAI.
- Do some basic preparation before the trek. Suggest some exercising, jogging to help you warm up for the trek. There are some very steep climbs. So better be prepared.
- At the YHAI base camp in Kasol you may leave your extra baggage and collect
it back on your return . You may want to carry your mobile phones along as
at most camps there is connectivity available.
- YHAI provides for Rucksacks and sleeping covers. Hence you may not want to carry your own rucksack.
- As there is a whole lot to climb, carry minimal stuff to reduce weight.
YHAI provides for sleeping bags and blankets at every camp. Hence avoid carrying your own sleeping bags.
- One may not be able to take bath in the cold temperature. Hence avoid carrying toiletries like shaving kits etc that may not be of use.
- It’s very slippery in the snow and may also rain heavily. Hence wear a good trekking shoe. Ideally a water proof one. We friends had purchased Lafuma and Merrell, which has Goretek (waterproof) and Vibram sole (considered best for hiking). It may be a little expensive, but worth buying considering the steep and slippery climbs). Try keeping your shoes dry as much as possible.
- YHAI serves food at all camps during the trek. Hence it’s important to carry a tiffin box, small bowls, and a glass. We also used butter paper, which helped us avoid greasing of our tiffins. It was very hand. Hence I would recommend you carry some butter paper along to place over the tiffin box before you get your food packed.
- Now most important thing – Clothes. What to carry, what can be avoided.
Must Carry – Thermal wear for extreme temperatures. A rain coat which cover till your knees. (Make sure it has a hood). Carry 2 to3 trousers. 3 –T-shirts, which you can reuse during the treks. Avoid extra clothes. One good Jacket is a must, which keeps warm inside, and also which is waterproof from outside (Weather may get extremely cold, Hence ensure you have best Jacket.). 3 to 4 sets of Socks. (Make sure it’s absolutely dry when you are wearing them to avoid blisters). A monkey cap that covers most of your face, a water proof gloves which is also warm inside.Towels,napkins.
Note: Do not wear wet clothes. Look to dry it everyday. If required you may keep your clothes overnight in your sleeping bags provided by the YHAI at every camp. It will help dry your clothes. You may also keep your water bottles inside the sleeping bags to keep the water warm. Travel light.
- Water is available in most camps. Hence 1 little of water bottle should suffice
(ideally a sipper). Reckon carry an extra empty water bottle which may be
used for cleaning etc.
- Your regular tablets. Some First aid kit (pouch) may be carried along.
- Other essentials to carry
- Torch is a must.
- Shades to avoid direct contact from UV rays. Preferably black glasses.
- Good Sunscreen Lotion
- Cold cream (Moisturiser,Vaseline)
- Sanitizer, Toilet Papers, Powder to keep your feet clean.
- At some places the local villagers also provide for food during the lunch breaks. They serve Maggies, omlets, tea etc. There may be porters also available in some camps to carry the rucksacks. Hence you may want to carry some cash along.
- Carry your camera, there are excellent scenic views where you can take awesome pictures.

At any stage of the trek if you feel you may not be able to move ahead, then I would suggest you return back. It’s no point strectching/risking yourself. There is always a next time in life.

The above information provided is from my own personal experience. This blog is an attempt to help SARPASS trekkers get some additional information on the YHAI – SARPASS Trek. One may choose not to consider this suggestion.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Indian Stock Markets Soar Historic High – 15% in 60 seconds >>>>

Indian Stock Markets Soar Historic High – 15% in 60 seconds >>>>
Yesterday we witnessed Indian stock markets soar overall 20% high in just 60 + 15 seconds of trading hitting the upper circuit. The trading had to be halted. The positive news of election results and a stable government in the country has boosted the sentiments of investors. Thus we saw such a rocket high index in just seconds of trading yesterday. This will create a lot of interest among the foreign investors to invest in Indian stocks. Can we say Indian stock market will now serve as an Oasis for the investors in the time of recession? Time will tell.
In my earlier articles I had a mention of the tremendous growth which India will witness in near term and medium term. I guess this is the dawn of the growth which we are witnessing. From the economy stand point in India, a stable government will now enable for some of the reform bills to be passed in the parliament. Most important of which is the Insurance bill, which is long awaited. Thus a good long-term investment can be foreseen in the insurance sector space. The real estate stocks also rose very high from yesterday’s rocketing rally.
Yesterday’s rally also helped some of the US stocks take a positive cue and hence we also saw some of US stocks in green. Thus changing the sentiments of investors towards a positive direction.
Overall a strong indication of growth. I feel, its now the right time to invest in some of the stocks which are still cheap to buy with a high potential to grow. Good time for retail investors to make money too.

Times are changing >>>>

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Green Revolution, Greener Planet - A gimmick of the corporate world..


Green Revolution, Greener Planet - A gimmick of the corporate world..

Friends I thought this week I would pen down my experience of the recent Himalayan trek. But this trip pushed me to write for a cause which is more important and that's Global Warming. The bad weather which took lives of 2 during my recent trek has compelled me to write this blog.

Friends we have been seeing some ads in television of green revolution, go green etc..These initiatives have been put up by various corporates to pretend and cover up of being aware of the global warming and trying to do their bit. Initiatives like no use of paper, less use of power, plastic etc are being taken. All these to me seem to be such a gimmick. On one end these corporations are building power plants, more factories, vehicles emitting smoke which adds to the global warming and on the other end they advocate for a green planet by limiting their use of papers in the offices, building gardens around their offices/homes. You create troubles for the planet and then just say that you are being responsible by taking some measures to stay green. And what is annoying is that the entire world is blind about all this.

Honestly we are not realizing the mistakes, we are doing. My trek to the Himalayas was suppose to have an ideal weather to trek during this season. But it had turned disastrous. Heavy rainfall, snow storms, extreme temperatures made it really difficult for some of the trekking teams. Some groups were sent back. 2 of them even died. No one expected the weather to deteriorate so badly. It’s all due to the global warming.

Gradually we humans are creating a danger for ourselves by making our planet a difficult place to live.

Lot more has to be done to conserve our resources and create enough greener pastures. Not by destroying the forests and building concretes and then saying we are providing gardens around your house.
Pls think though it…

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Tremendous growth in the Recruiting and Outsourcing Market in near and medium term

Hello Friends,
It’s been a long time since I posted any blog. I usually don’t write anything related to my profession (Recruiting), but this time I could not refrain myself as I only can visualize and interpret that there is a lot of positive things ahead for the economy, which would transform into a whole lot of recruitment over the next couple of years.



Last few days have been a lot of socializing and information gathering for me. I happen to meet few of my trekking partners who are into recruiting profession like me. My conversation with them on the current market in the recruiting arena made me feel very optimistic about the future of the outsourcing countries. More and more companies are subtlety outsourcing their jobs. The companies which are worst hit by the recession and are on the verge of bankruptcy are working day and night to outsource their jobs. With the economic slowdown, more and more companies are changing their behavioral pattern of recruiting and are today more than ever before are willing to embrace to outsource their jobs to cost effective countries. The outsourcing compiles will be more and more liberal to move their jobs to cost effective countries. Yesterday the news about Goldman Sachs mentioning about profitability is a positive sign. The copper and other base metals are stabilizing. The crude prices are normalizing. It’s all a positive indication. Most of the American companies are now more than ever willing to outsource their jobs to countries like India and China. The interesting thing to notice is that now more and more of Japanese companies are moving their jobs to India and China. It’s a little slow but it will gain momentum in the next couple of months. There is a definite change. Going forward not only the I.T. and BPO jobs will be outsourced, but lot of jobs in other sectors too will see a growth.
With the recession hitting hard, we will see that the SMB companies will now be open more than ever to outsource their jobs.



Another interesting development which I sense might happen is that, now companies will consider carefully before paying atrocious salaries. This would bring a lot of uniformity and regularize the recruiting market.



I.T. companies will see a whole lot of growth, as more and more companies will want to automate lot of their existing processes.
In the Banking, financial and auto sector I already see a lot of jobs waiting to be outsourced.
I also see growth in the Real Estate and Infrastructure sector in India and China.



Overall I see a lot of potential for growth for countries like India and china, as more and more jobs will be outsourced. Even before the companies and countries come out of the woods of recession, the jobs will move to India and China at faster pace. Thus will create a whole lot of demand for recruiters in the Market place.



Its time for recruiters to pull up their socks and start building up the pipe line of candidates as there will be a huge demand to recruit. I see a great future ahead in the outsourcing space in the near and medium term.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Emotional Outburst.. Is it ok to show your emotions in public?

Emotional Outburst.. Is it ok to show your emotions in public?
I recently watched the 2009 Australian Open Men’s finals. It was such a thrilling match to watch both Federer and Nadal play all the way to the wire till the 5th set. Eventually Federer lost the match. During the presentation ceremony Federer displayed his emotions. It broke my heart to see Roger Federer cry. He is such a brilliant player. People may debate whether it was right for Roger to display his emotions in public.
I root for Nadal but watching Federer sob made me feel very sad. They have both clearly shown that they are the best in the world, not just as the 2 Best tennis players but also even in their respect for each other.
I think anyone who has given his 100% commitment, worked hard day and night and yet ends up losing can understand how Federer feels. I personally can relate to some of the instances in my past where I have seen myself in similar situation.
Recently one of my very close friend told me this “ Deepak Human beings have an emotional side. You cannot apply logic to how different people react to different situation. Each individual is different”. I felt that’s indeed a very good thought and it ‘s so true.
I truly admire Roger Federer and I wish to see him soon break Pete’s record.

Values must replace Valuation. Ethics must replace Ecstasy..

Values must replace Valuation. Ethics must replace Ecstasy..

Friends in continuation of my blogs on the current Economic condition, I wanted to share some thoughts on how individuals can make a difference and help in their own ways to rebuild the economy in this time of crisis.
Recently one of the heads of a manufacturing company by name Baba Kalyani from Kalyani forge volunteered to take a 20% cut in his current salary. Thus leading by example that how one can support in these time of crisis rather than building on million dollar homes. Thus setting an example that values must be replaced by valuation…
We also read in the recent news that US president Obama expressing his unhappiness over top executives of some of financial companies being paid huge bonuses in this time of economic crisis and recession. Was there a need for these execs to be paid such high bonus when there are people losing their jobs leaving and leading their families in miserable state? Thus Ethics must replace Ecstasy..
Its time now for people to get responsible and support one another in these difficult times and help rebuild the society, economy, nation.
Hence Values must replace valuation, Ethics must replace Ecstasy.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Are we witnessing the downfall of Capitalism

Are we witnessing the downfall of Capitalism,

We all know what capitalism means. Just to define Capitalism is the social system which now exists in all countries of the world. Under this system, the means for producing and distributing goods (the land, factories, technology, transport system etc) are owned by a small minority of people. We refer to this group of people as the capitalist class. The majority of people must sell their ability to work in return for a wage or salary (who we refer to as the working class.)

The Capitalist and developed countries which used to dictate the global economies seem to be witnessing a downfall. In other words what we term as recession. What do we attribute this to? In my opinion as we see the communication medium increasing,the world shrinking, the knowledge is being shared across the globe and not just restricted to a particular country or region. Today the definition of markets have changed due to internet and other channels of communication. We are a global economic village and not an isolated/dominating anymore. This being advantageous to the non capitalist countries who are able to manufacture both goods and services at lesser price and able to bring in the same value as compared to capitalist nations. Thus diminising the dominance of the capitalist economies.
As a result we are now witnessing a recession in more of the developed countries like US, Germany,Japan,UK... So will it be appropriate to say that are witnessing the downfall of Capitalism?? Time will tell...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Do not lose your core personality...

Friends,

We all know of the ongoing Satyam saga as to how Ramalinga Raju (Satyam CEO) fudged the accounts of Satyam and inflated the Balance Sheets. The man who was once recognized as one of the brightest entrepreneurs is now in jail for his shady activities. Its an appropriate anecdote of how human greed can make a fine individual to involve in wrong activities.

We all as individuals want to grow. But sometimes the need to grow faster in life leads us to lose our core personality and end up indulging in wrong doings.

As humans lets not lose our core personality for the materialistic pleasures of the world.

Respecting people, appreciate the world around you, enjoy the basic joys of life. Learn to be happy in life, paint a colourful canvas. Make a habit to learn everyday. bring some discipline in life. Love the world around you.

Ask yourself as to how would you like to be remebered?? I would like to be remebered as a fair person.

Hence never lose your core personality.