I ME MYSELF ( A Class Assignment - BRAND CALLED YOU)

Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails will never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat”.

That’s an apt description of me. I am a doer, a trier and a go-getter. Enthusiastic and ever smiling in the face of adversity. A non-conformist, not for the sake of being odd but because I always believe that there can be, and is a better and efficient way to do things. Ever willing to learn from my own mistakes and from others. I am an optimist who never gives up.

Like Buddha advised, “ Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held”, I like to question everything thrown at me just to understand the core concept behind it, rather than just accept things at their face value. I am unique, because I can work as efficiently in a team as on my own. I am a self-starter, an achiever and a firm believer in goals. Targets and challenges drive me.

My friends and colleagues would describe me as friendly, enthusiastic, motivating, hardworking and sincere and with a proven track record I am hard to beat. I doubled my export sales figure in 2001-02. Established and beat my targets for a new product developed for a specific domestic market segment in 2003. Developed and established a radical product for the Indian blasting industry. Re-engineered our production plant and process mapped the 12 key critical areas. Was an internal auditor for our ISO system implementation, while changing the certification from 1994 version to the current 2000 version.

A strong Engineering background, a varied and diverse on the job experience and expertise, and a humility to accept Gandhi’s saying, “It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err” makes me a must have on any team.

This is ME.

LIVING THE DREAM

“Kindly fasten your seatbelts,” the voice from the speaker was instructing me. The last 6 hours had been a whirlwind and it had barely registered in my mind. As I fastened my seat belts I realised where I was. The adrenalin had carried me through these hours and I had barely felt any emotions, except that the job at hand had to be done. And now in the confines of the plane cabin, physically drained, the emotions surfaced. Luckily I was tied in, or else I would have jumped up. So this was it, I was leaving, in search of destiny, following my call.

This faith is such a funny thing, they say, “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible”. With only this faith as a guide, I was undertaking this journey. Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men, they say, may be this was my biggest dream ever. You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. But you may have to work for it, however.

Buddha says, “What you are is what you have been, and what you will be is what you do now”. Here I was doing something. Something, which I believed would give me happiness. But here inside the plane, tied to my seat, I realised how wrong one could be. I realised that I had wiped my life’s slate clean and I had to start all over again. I shuddered at the enormity of the task. Did I have it in me?? Self-doubt was gnawing at me. Along with that, the sorrow of going away from home & country, in search of the destined land was catching up.

Sometimes we just wish life could be easier and simpler. Wishing we never had to make these tough choices. “But the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”(Martin Luther King Jr).

By our choices and action, we create the person that we are. Our choices shape our destiny. Without our choices and actions, we could never have learned anything from life. We live, because we choose to live. We dream, because we choose to dream and we act, because we choose, what to and how to act. Our life is a progression of the choices we make.

And here, tied up in a small seat, squirming, I realised …… I had made a choice, a choice to follow my dream. And at that moment I choose to live my dream, come what may.

A Love Story (my friends contribution)

He was a great fellow... my friend... one of those rarer types... the kind whose worth you wouldn't know when he is around, however, would miss dearly when not. He was not a great speaker. But, what he lacked in speech, he made up in words. He was one helluva terrific writer.... Even now, when I don't have anything to do, I go and read his works all over again. ( I have made an archive of them. ) They make you nostalgic... make you want to kiss the feet of the person who invented prose.

One would not call him extravagantly handsome... the type who would make women turn and toss in their sleep; but he knew his share of women. Some did confide in him more than they would do with their other girl friends. He was a hit among his friends. Both men and women. Partly, 'cos he appeared more matured than the rest, and partly, 'cos he was a great listener. He was a like a sponge. The kind who could sit and listen to you for hours on end, without saying a word; without uttering a word of advice or suggestion.... A great listener... In more ways than one, he was much like me. One of the many reasons, we were on the same plane.

As I said, he was no stranger to women; and very few could rouse his interest in them. ( Mind you... am not speaking about sexuality.. ) But... she was different. He had been watching her since college. Many had vied for her attention and lost. It had been three years now. He was in the second year of engineering and.. there she was... walking ahead of him. He would see her every morning, while going to college, wanting to approach her, but daring not to.

Then one day, he mustered up enough courage, and went up to her and spoke. God... Was it awkward.. remembers he.. with a wry grin on his face. But to his surprise, she was far different than what he had thought. She was great..... She was not witty.. but she would make him smile. She would not spare him, if he was wrong, lashing at him... but she would make him proud. She would never make herself up for anyone.... but she never needed to.. In short, she was wonderful... A perfet companion..

They would meet every morning, and walk those two minutes, talking about everything under the sun. He would laugh... She would laugh.. And both would laugh out loud... making the early morning joggers turn and smile thinking, "They would make such a beautiful pair.."

She would confide in him that he was the only man she was close to so much... She had never known that a man and woman could be such wonderful companions. That they could share such a beautiful and pure relationship... But he would only smile when she would say that. He knew that the time was near. He was nearing the end of his engineering; only a month to go.... He knew well what her response would be... He dreaded it... He knew it might as well be the end of their relationship... But he had to say it. He had to tell her that he had grown to be fond of her. That he was in love with her.

And.. then, so it happened.... He said it... She felt betrayed. He did not want to look into those eyes. But he braved himself to. "Even you turned out to be the same.... Even you..." they said.

They met the next morning again.. Walked those two minutes, she didnt utter a word. He said he would wait... wait for her reply, as long as he can... and left...
Three years down... he still loves her. Everytime he thinks of her, a smile breaks on his lips.. She could make him happy.. Very very happy... Everytime he walks down that lane, he is reminded of those two minutes they used to share... and laughs involuntarily.. Oh ! Yes.. She could make him very very happy.. He is waiting to ask her again. Ask her hand in marriage again... But he dreads that.. No.. He doesn't even want to think about it...

But everything happens in this world as he dreads..... He comes to know that she is married.. married and happy. Married.. not to him... But happy nonetheless... A wry smile breaks on his lips.. Selfish though he was, isn't that what he too had wanted.. To keep her happy.

He felt exhausted.... spent... he had spent all his love on her. He believes he cannot love anyone... not after her... not anymore...

I believe so too..... I believe that he is truly spent...and he can never write about love again....

LIVING

The announcer was announcing the arrival of my train. i was standing on the edge of the platform & I peered in the direction of the expected arrival. The trains hooting announced its arrival. A sigh escaped me. I had just finished my last day at work and i was on my way home

HOME. I thought that this would be redemption, joy, happiness, bliss ... how wrong i was. The only thing i now felt was pain, a sense of loss .... a sense of loneliness, a void gnawing at my heart. I dreaded that i had made a mistake. I wanted time to rewind, wishing that this moment had never arrived, wishing i could get another chance. But would i get it right then ??? ... SIGHHHH

It was not a sigh of happiness,at the train being only an hour late, but that of despair and agony. Why was life like this ?? WHY ?? I was leaving behind three years of my life. Three years that taught me what 22 yrs before that couldnt.The images of my life flashed before me.
The joy, the pain, the happiness, the agony, ... the whole gamut of my emotions were laid bare by these fleeting images. And i desperately tried to hang onto them, dreading even to blink, lest i loose these precious
glimpses. There i was staring into space. But it was like holding onto sand and clasping the fist.

Suddenly a flurry of activity broke out around me, jolting me into reality. Other passengers and coolies got ready to embark the approaching train. Everyone strode around with a purpose. I was the only person unsure. Unsure whether i had done the right thing, unsure about the future and what it had in store, unsure whether i could handle it all. I faltered.

The hooting grew louder and the train moved onto the platform. Its somberness & girth dwarfing me. Challenging me to board it, daring me, enticing me. Suddenly a coolie bumped into me, the spell was broken, i
shook myself and reminded myself - " nothing is permanent but change" So i decided to take up the challenge, and i boarded the train. I decided to LIVE

Life in its myriad form is a gamut of images, emotions, people and experiences that each of us go through. I decided then, To live life as it is, not worry about what was and what will be, but live what is. I decided
to move on and let bygones be bygones. May be this is what LIVING is all about .. i will never know however hard i try.

And someday i will know whether i have done the right thing,but i will have no regrets, for i have decided to LIVE and i guess thats what LIFE is for.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Expectation, they say, reduce the joy of living, and i was high on expectations on this day. And the apprehension of being disappointed was not far behind. My colleague was very effusive in his praise for the Taj, which built up my hopes, and i prayed that they would not be dashed.

We were dropped off at a narrow alley that led upto the south gate entrance of the Taj. The alley was caulked, with tiny shops lining it. Each shopkeeper announcing his merchandise & fare, trying to entice the customers. We marched on purposefully towards our goal. Though we tried to catch a glimpse of Taj, we were unsuccessful. This did dampen my spirits, but then i am made of sterner stuff.

We bought our tickets and were hounded by the guides, each trying to offer his services. Being a haggler, my colleague bargained with gusto and he managed to secure the service of a guide for 80 bucks, the faint smile of victory played on his lips and he gave me a knowledgeable glance. So with a small moral victory we entered. The security guards stopped us and myriad questions like - do u have a mobile.... do u smoke ?? are u carrying cigarettes & matches .. etc were thrown at us. The metal detectors were run over us and we passed the stringent test and bundled out.

And there it was right before our eyes, the symbol of eternal love, a wonder. An alluringly resplendent monument. I was transported into a Quixotic reverie, mesmerised by this translucent beauty. The guide was reeling off his mugged facts and his harsh voice jarred me back to reality. There was the Taj ahead of me, in all its splendour. They say, a Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever and this vision of the Taj shall always be a joy for me. A view so encompassing, so celestial so powerful, you are left wondering about your mortality. This eternal & etheral beauty literally gave me goosebumps. From the gate this monument looks divine and as you walk towards it, along the beautifully manicured & lawned pathway, it grows on you. Its a colossal structure that underlines how shallow our life really is. The taj has the capacity to make you philosophical. You wonder, in amazement, as to how and what justifies such a grandiose structure. Is love so all powerful a feeling ?? i will never know.

The carvings and the inlay work on the Taj is exquisite. Huge carvings made from single blocks of marble leave u dumbstruck. The dexterity of the craftsmen, and their patience are hard to imagine. The motivation .... still harder. The semi-precious stones were ground to fine powder and used for the inlay works. And precious stones were ground to small sizes to make exotic shapes. All this must have been arduous work, which leaves you breathless. The Yamuna flowing nearby adds to the glamour. So serene & peaceful. A vision to behold and worship.

The taj houses the bodies of both Mumtaz & Shahjahan. The burial is visible and a small light illuminates the interior of the Taj. This is done to avoid the yellowing of the Taj a menace which cannot be stopped.

Though the industries were moved to save the Taj, what do we do about the other menaces ?? namely the people. The carvings and writing on the walls have been marred with people scribbling on them. The inlaid stones have been dug out leaving gashes and craters in place. The marble structure left to the mercy of people who do not appreciate its value ... what chance does it have ?? A friend of mine used to say " Life has zero pass percentage, nobody gets out of it alive" ... may be the same holds good for the Taj, unless something is done.

In retrospect i can say, the Taj more than live up to its expectation. A beauty i shall behold & cherish

LOVE & MADNESS

There i was .... running at break neck speed towards the ticket counter..... the train was supposed to leave any moment & i had to buy a ticket still ..... damn the crowd ..... well my turn came & i thrust my hand forward & got the ticket .... just in time ... the departure was being announced ... and i made another dash .... i just made it into the general compartment & there i stood panting at the entrance, ... phew ....

slowly regaining my breath i soaked in the situation around me .... it was absolute mayhem ..... people were strewn all over the place ... any piece of space available was grabbed ..... the floor, the seats, the baggage rack
.... all conqured .... people shuffled around to make themselves as comfortable as possible & some stalwarts were even dozing ... experience is a great teacher they say ... and i was barely able to stand myself with all
the shoves & pushes .... tenacity at such moments was paramount .....the sadus & sants jostled with us mortals .... the kumbh ka mela in nasik seems to have done its trick in ensuring that the railways get a good business

well u might be thinking what was i doing here in the first place ?? .... u see Bill Clinton said that there we two groups of people, one who have seen the Taj Mahal & the other who havent..... and i was hell bent on correcting this anomaly by joining the former group ... and here i was sweating it out to make it a reality .....

we made it to Agra after three & half hrs. of jostling, pushing and shoving ... anything ... just to stand upright .... the sweat stench was becoming unbearable...... now i realised why the cats were so territorial .... we fell out onto the the platform & were hounded by the rickshaw guys ... we finalised a deal with a guy & off we went ....

He dropped us off at the south entranace .... and we were craning our head to get a glimpse of the Taj .... but no ... the entrance concealed well ..... so we bought the tickets & we entered .. after a strict security check
....

And there it was ... in all its splendour & magnificence ..... one mans love for his wife ..... the magnanimity of the thought was beyond ones comprehension .... it was an awesome sight .... a sight to behold, to be drunk, assimilated & ground into our senses .... the structure was immense & beautiful at the same time & Yamuna flowing by added to the granduer .... what a visionary the architect should have been .... the intricate carvings
in marble, the translucence and the sheer height makes it truly a wonder
....

was it a mans madness or greatness that he spent 22 years, 22 Lakhs using 22000 workers build this homage to love .... what drove him to such extremes ?? what was his motivation ??? these reasons fled me .... i couldnt justify it !!!!! .... may be i should fall in LOVE

U should see it to belive it ....