tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70445737622575124902024-03-13T20:37:01.562-07:00LeadershipAnanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-23462514994259451252019-10-01T03:33:00.000-07:002019-10-01T22:01:53.372-07:00Rumjhum's 8th Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Rumjhum’s 8<sup>th</sup> Birthday<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for small girl birthday clipart" border="0" height="320" 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" style="text-align: left;" width="273" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum opened her eyes and looked at the calendar beside her bed. Her eyes twinkled. She was very excited. Tomorrow, 3<sup>rd</sup> October is her birthday. She will be 8 !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum studies in class 2. She gets up everyday at 6 am. The schoolbus comes at 6.45 am and the assembly starts at 7.15 am. But today is 2<sup>nd</sup> October and her school is closed for Gandhi Jayanti. Rumjhum’s mother and father are also at home. Their offices are also closed today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She quickly got up from the bed, brushed her teeth, combed her hair and went to the drawing room. Her parents were sitting on the sofa. She ran and sat on her father’s lap. Her mother was making a garland with the white flowers from the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma, why are you making this ? “ Rumjhum asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Today is 2<sup>nd</sup> October – Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. I will put this garland on the picture of Bapu “, her mother pointed towards the framed picture of Gandhiji on the wall. “It is his 150<sup>th</sup> birthday, so it is special.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“He is 150 years old ?” Rumjhum was amazed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her father kissed her on the cheek and said “Yes. If he was alive, he would have been 150 years old.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And I will be 8 years old tomorrow !” Rumjhum jumped with joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes ! And we will have a birthday party in the evening when Rumjhum’s friends will come …” Her father smiled at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And I will wear a new frock , cut a cake and play with my friends .” Rumjhum danced around the sofa in glee. Her father picked her up and made her sit beside him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You know Rumjhum, the whole country celebrates Gandhiji’s birthday every year. He is called Bapu – the father of our nation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Baba, will my birthday also be celebrated by the whole country someday ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her father looked at her mother. She said “Yes, why not ? But you will have to become like him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How can I become like him ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well, to start with, you will have to always tell the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Bapu never lied ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Never. He said that truth and love always win.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really Baba ? “ Rumjhum’s eyes were wide as she looked at her father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. But it is very difficult. Gandhiji had to go to jail many times but even then he never let go of his values.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What is value Baba?” Rumjhum was puzzled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Values like Telling the truth, honesty and many other things”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjum was quiet for a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Did the police beat Gandhiji in the jail ?” Rumjhum asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. The British police tortured him but in the end, they had to release him from jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum got down from the sofa and went near Gandhiji’s photograph. She looked at his smiling face. Her mother had put the garland and it was looking so beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rumjhum, will you wear the white frill frock to school tomorrow?”, her mother asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Ma.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And here is your box of chocolates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On their birthdays, the children were allowed to wear coloured dress to school instead of the school uniform. They distributed sweets in the class and to the teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“In the evening, for the birthday party, you can wear the red skirt and the black top which your Grandmother has given you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm … Yes , Ma” Rumjhum had a strange expression on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the evening, Rumjhum called up Rina, her best friend. Rina’s mother picked up the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Rumjhum, Rina will come to your birthday party tomorrow. Now she is sleeping. She was not feeling well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum knew why Rina was not feeling well. Rina was punished yesterday for breaking a flower pot kept in the corridor of their classroom. Rina cried so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Miss, I did not break the pot. Really I did not”. She sobbed and cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the school, their lunch break is from 12.30 pm to 1.20 pm. During that time, the children are not allowed to be inside the building. They have to be in the field or the lunch-shade. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yesterday, during lunch break, after Rumjhum and Rina finished their tiffin, Rina said “Oh ! Ma has given me sweets in another box. She has asked me to share it with you , and I forgot all about it. Let me quickly go to the classroom and bring the box. Then we will eat it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But Rina, we are not allowed to go inside now. If someone sees us, we will be punished.” Rumjum was afraid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I will go and get it in 1 minute. You can stand her. If you see anyone coming, just clap your hands and warn me and I will hide.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ok, but I am feeling nervous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum stood there and Rina quickly ran towards her classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just after lunchtime, there was an announcement on the speakers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Children, the flower pot kept near class 2A has been broken by someone. Whoever has done that, come to the principal’s room immediately.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After sometime, there was an announcement again. The principal spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“This is really upsetting that no one has owned up. Miss Swaminathan has seen a girl running in the corridor during lunchtime. All the students will line up before Miss Swaminathan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Miss Swaminathan recognized Rina. “Yes, she was running away. The pot was broken at that time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rina started crying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Miss, I came inside the class , but I did not break the pot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Principal was angry. “Rina, the pot is not important, but what it is very wrong that you are lying ! Bring your diary. I will write a complaint to your parents. They should come and see me.” Rumjhum was scared. Rina kept on crying. Even in the bus, Rina was crying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While going to sleep, Rumjhum snuggled close to her mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rumjhum, are you alright?” , her mother asked her softly. “You want me to tell you a story ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum put her face on the nape of her mother’s neck and shook her head. “No, I am feeling sleepy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When her mother patted her head and adjusted the rug, Rumjhum suddenly held her hand and whispered, “ Ma, where do people sleep in jail ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her mother was surprised. “ They sleep on the floor, on a thin matress.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Do their mothers come and put them to sleep ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her mother smiled and hugged Rumjhum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No. They have to sleep alone. Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day for you … remember ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum looked at her mother and slowly closed her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next day morning, Rumjhum’s father and mother hugged her and sang happy birthday when she got up from sleep. She looked lovely in the white frilled frock. She put the box of chocolates in her bag and as she got into the bus, she turned and waved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I think something is wrong” He mother told Runjhum’s father. “Her eyes looked sad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm.. she will be alright in the evening when her friends are here for the party.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the school assembly, a small program on Gandhiji was arranged. Rumjhum had a beautiful voice. She was in the Choir team of the school. Rumjhum and the other choir members stood on the raised platform and sang the song “Vaishnav Jan to tene kahiye je … “, Gandhiji’s favourite song. Two girls from class 5 spoke about Bapu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum’s heart was beating fast. Her face was flushed. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just after the speech, she went to Miss Swaminathan , who was standing near the mike , and said “ Miss, I want to say something. Please give me permission. Please miss..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Miss Swaminathan was very surprised. She nodded her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum walked to the mike. Suddenly she was not feeling scared anymore. She looked at all the students standing in rows in front of her. Rina was also there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum held the mike and started speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Today, we are celebrating Bapu’s birthday. It was yesterday, on 2<sup>nd</sup> October. Today is my birthday. On my birthday, I have promised myself that I will always tell the truth – just like Bapu.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum paused and tool a deep breath. She looked at Miss Swaminathan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Miss, Rina did not break the pot. I broke it … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was pin drop silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rina had gone inside to get her tiffin box. She had asked me to warn her by clapping. I saw Miss Swaminathan coming towards the corridor from the other end. I could not clap because she would have heard me. I saw her go inside the wash room and I ran towards the classroom to call Rina. I lost my balance and hit the stand on which the pot was kept. It fell down and broke. I was scared. I ran away. Just then Rina came out and Miss Swaminathan saw her running …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tears rolled down Rumjhum’s cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Miss, I broke the pot. I did not tell the truth when Rina was scolded. I am sorry for lying. Do not punish Rina. You can punish me . “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum bent her head and sobbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I am ready to go to jail … “ , she whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No one spoke for a minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then suddenly, Miss Swaminathan started clapping. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody clapped.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ms. Swaminathan and the Principal hugged Rumjhum. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Principal and Miss Swamninathan looked at each other and smiled.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rina, come on the stage “, Miss Swaminathan said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rina came and stood beside Rumjhum and held her hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rina, do you want to send Rumjhum to jail or will you forgive her ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rina also started crying.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Miss, Rumjhum is my best friend. I forgive her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The whole school cheered and clapped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Principal held both the girls beside her and said “Children, these two girls are not just speaking but actually living the values of Bapu. Rumjhum has spoken the truth in front of the whole school ! That needs lots and lots of courage. And Rina, by forgiving her friend, has demonstrated what Bapu has said. He said that the weak can never forgive. Only a strong and brave person can forgive. Both these girls are very brave. I am very proud of them. I know you will grow up to be great human beings and make us proud ! And let us all wish a very happy birthday to Rumjhum.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody sang the Happy birthday song. Rumjhum’s eyes shone with happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As she held Rina’s hand and went towards her classroom, she waved at Gandhiji’s photograph hung at the majestic landing of the wooden staircase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You were right Bapu. Telling the truth is difficult but once you know that you are doing the right thing, you don’t feel afraid anymore ! ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rumjhum will always remember her 8<sup>th</sup> birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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" 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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">1<sup>st</sup> October, 2019, Bungalow no. 14, Belvedere, Alipore, Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-33091456370059833992019-07-16T07:46:00.000-07:002019-07-16T07:50:25.712-07:003 ways to handle Stress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY304gfNHTLSE1TrbfhWWvn2yqcH7oMItjo5g4yyEq5UJnMoQRIDeBETfTZqK28UoOcYh5y845EX8IdKbO1xHnixkx3uryV7EZCO35_C8M-QSUwFYM2ortxICY9ixwVUWNph_XdBnSxvix/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY304gfNHTLSE1TrbfhWWvn2yqcH7oMItjo5g4yyEq5UJnMoQRIDeBETfTZqK28UoOcYh5y845EX8IdKbO1xHnixkx3uryV7EZCO35_C8M-QSUwFYM2ortxICY9ixwVUWNph_XdBnSxvix/s320/stress.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yesterday evening , during my customary call with my daughter, she sounded very low. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ma, I am stressed ! Too much workload. So many expectations , the sheer volume of files is really burning me out ! "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is a class 1 officer in Indian Railways, posted in Mumbai. She is new to the place and trying to cope up with the driven work culture of Mumbai. On top of that, her boss is going for a year long study leave and she apprehends that she might be put in charge of the entire department. So, the current work and the fear of the unknown future had bogged her down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tried to reason with her that stress is an inevitable part of life and sometimes stress can be good for you. Too much stress is bad . When the situation is very stressful, it blocks your productivity and learning. It dampens your enthusiasm and initiative at work and has an adverse effect on health. <span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">Too much stress, called distress or chronic stress, can bring on certain
diseases and disorders, make existing pain and chronic illnesses worse, and
lead to such problems as depression, isolation and burnout. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">To check whether you are stressed or not, ask yourself the following questions :</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">1. Are you feeling overwhelmed and helpless - like there is nothing that you can do to resolve the situation ?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">2. Do you feel hopeless ?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;"><br />3. Do you want to hide or escape from the stressors by external things like alcohol and food or isolating yourself from the world ?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">If the answer is yes to these questions, that means you are deeply stressed and need help. We all should be aware of ourselves and take the necessary action before the situation engulfs our lives. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30; text-align: left;">"But how do I manage the stress ? " she asked .</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2c2d30; font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2c2d30;">You be feeling pressure because you are involved in three or more complex
work projects at the moment, but at the same time,</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> these work projects are
providing you a lot of meaning and purpose.</span></i></b> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2c2d30;">Rather than seeing them as stressors, view them as </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">rewarding opportunities</span></i></b><span style="color: #2c2d30;"> that you’d
rather have in your life .</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2c2d30;">When stress pressure is just too much. Your health is
worsening. Your relationships are becoming more tense In such situations, it can be helpful to
select one of your many pressures and reduce it. After you zero in on one
pressure, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">use your judgement and critical thinking to consider ways you
can lighten its load.</span></i></b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #2c2d30;">When you consider taking on a new project ask yourself:
</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Will this new project or new action help me or harm me?</span></i></b><span style="color: #2c2d30;"> Of course such ideal
situation rarely occurs – usually the situation is forced upon you. But this question allows you to be fair and
kind to yourself and to keep your pressures from growing out of control. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2c2d30; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9pt;">
<br /></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And of course , last but not at all the least,<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> learn to
say “No”.</span></i></b></span><br /><ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-21812049601560735262019-06-13T05:27:00.001-07:002019-06-13T05:27:44.643-07:00Shapes in the clouds and Artificial Intelligence <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUYvg_BZpFNcz0-W_wF7cSHMCPkrUxR_1A1TwQEddV665xP9cxvarTMVW8z4p0eFL46DdOxbGxOhWW6M_-xEPojXpV8z1_ITAwWub8OvRX3SpSpRdRIrIDL2Q2gLz1jW6bqN9vfmbaHmO/s1600/Clouds-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUYvg_BZpFNcz0-W_wF7cSHMCPkrUxR_1A1TwQEddV665xP9cxvarTMVW8z4p0eFL46DdOxbGxOhWW6M_-xEPojXpV8z1_ITAwWub8OvRX3SpSpRdRIrIDL2Q2gLz1jW6bqN9vfmbaHmO/s320/Clouds-002.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weeks back, I had gone to Arunachal Pradesh to visit the famous Tawang monastery . It was a week long trip and involved a lot of travel through the numerous hills of the Himalayas. The roads were not very good, but we forgot about the wobbly ups and down as we looked through the window of our SUV. I<i>t </i>was absolutely </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mesmerizing. Thick cover of huge green trees, streams of crystal clear water gurgling beside the winding mountain roads, yellow, red, orange blossoms all over and white clouds in the clear blue sky . The mountain weather is treacherous. It can be bright and sunny and the next moment, black clouds or white mist can cover you up. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During road trips, I always tend to indulge in cloud spotting. I see faces, shapes of mountains, rivers, dinasaurs, penguins, horses, or incidents from the past. Sometimes I explain these images to the people travelling with me and all of us amused and entertained . The scientific name is Pareidolia - which means the tendency to interpret a vague stimulus as something known to the observer. In fact, emoticons, which are the norm these days in social media is also a form of pareidolia. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They say that it is a type of illusion of the brain. But somehow, I do find connections . Strange things do happen, even if we cannot explain it always . For example, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in the late nineteen fifties, Friedrich Jorgensen, a Swedish opera singer
bought a tape player to record his voice. When he played the recording, he heard
strange noises- something like whispers that sounded like supernatural messages. After
a few years, he recorded birdsong. This time, he heard the voice of his
deceased mother in the background whispering to him: “Fried, my little Fried,
can you hear me? It’s Mammy.” Later he did research on EVP ( Electronic Voice phenomenon) and spent his life communicating with the spirits. One of the world's greatest scientist and inventor, Thomas Edison created a "ghost machine" to communicate with the dead! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1994, Diane Duyser from Florida experience another paranormal encounter.
After biting into a slice of toast and placing it back down on the plate, she
noticed the face of the Virgin Mary in it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-vokIpKvH1UGN-sl4Re1gNb-KMWHhQfmxaC5wpweLLx_bYb9__XjE6wx4eUxcKNwwb4R7uM6saJuAv7ctC3irGBzqW8vJGTceALMkUb2vQMXdi4BU-i20VUBBV7uchGM5Zi3kMKxx-fH/s1600/vmary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="360" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-vokIpKvH1UGN-sl4Re1gNb-KMWHhQfmxaC5wpweLLx_bYb9__XjE6wx4eUxcKNwwb4R7uM6saJuAv7ctC3irGBzqW8vJGTceALMkUb2vQMXdi4BU-i20VUBBV7uchGM5Zi3kMKxx-fH/s320/vmary.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1978, a woman from New Mexico had a similar experience. Her
tortilla’s blackened spots resembled Jesus’s face. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many scientific minds profess that these illusions are the human brain seeking patterns and rules and if it cannot find a pattern , then it invents one so that we see the face of Virgin Mary on a toast or a familiar face in the clouds. It is called "Clustering illusion" , where our brain try to recognize a pattern. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now with the buzz of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning all around us, are we not trying to do the same thing ? The basic principle pf machine learning and deep learning is that the machine is fed with loads and loads and loads of big data so that an algorithm can be evolved. This algorithm always looks for a pattern on which they can base their decision for the next course of action. If we are trying to mimic the human brain , then will the machines also be prone to these illusions ? In that case, what will the sceptics say ? Will they accept the logic and the reasoning of the machines more than those of the human beings ? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interesting times are ahead. We have to wait and watch .</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me end this post with another uncanny and bizzare event which is very difficult to explain by human brain but maybe after a few years machines with Artificial Intelligence will be of some help.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDD6QIMvcSoOc-JOTv-vA-HbvS1UwlOmgzd_iEIJxqwZ8HQYZ1PukdSpdVS52ldf7pycTxT-cO9XLbrrbhmto6cZkTjiK1jlkdkgDtrtu9owXx5f8kw1Snzqii1Q4atEomFb0hYWwiKUb/s1600/James-Dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="500" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDD6QIMvcSoOc-JOTv-vA-HbvS1UwlOmgzd_iEIJxqwZ8HQYZ1PukdSpdVS52ldf7pycTxT-cO9XLbrrbhmto6cZkTjiK1jlkdkgDtrtu9owXx5f8kw1Snzqii1Q4atEomFb0hYWwiKUb/s320/James-Dean.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">James Dean
was killed in a terrible car accident in September 1955 while driving his
Porsche. After the accident, things started happening that couldn’t be
explained and the car itself was declared extremely unlucky. When the car was
being towed away from the accident, it was taken to a garage. While at the
garage, the engine fell out of the car, crushing the legs of the mechanic
working on the car. The engine was sold to a doctor who put it in his race car.
The doctor was then killed in a race accident. The garage that the Porsche was
repaired in ended up being destroyed by a fire. As if that wasn’t enough, the
Porsche was on display at a museum. While on display, it fell off the mount and
broke the hip of a teenager there to view the car. After this incident, the car
was being towed to Oregon, where it fell off the tow bar and crashed through
the front of the shop it was parked in front of. All of these things added up
seem like a lot of terrible coincidences. But in 1959, the car was sitting on
steel supports where it was found broken into 11 pieces !! </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-80616963046522207502019-05-19T19:07:00.000-07:002019-05-19T19:07:41.895-07:00For Richa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For
Richa<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Girl,</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4kIkWgeLftOcugYd6Dvfp_9oaFhQ0U9ihdX1ANFRPV65oW5pAuQrRdOIme60fDq6AgFVnwG3Hz5J5wvLFtBn00BBehzigVuUSLB4YsVP-QE-cAxV1xriPbyuS644LTYedrFZV0Byxk-t/s1600/go+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="633" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4kIkWgeLftOcugYd6Dvfp_9oaFhQ0U9ihdX1ANFRPV65oW5pAuQrRdOIme60fDq6AgFVnwG3Hz5J5wvLFtBn00BBehzigVuUSLB4YsVP-QE-cAxV1xriPbyuS644LTYedrFZV0Byxk-t/s320/go+girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The stepping stone
has been laid, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is time to fly
high,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dream big, aim for
the stars,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But never let go of
the “Why”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will be hailed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then You will be
judged, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will be watched<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you will be
“typed”,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But girl , hold
tight to your dreams<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And stride ahead
with a smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is nothing
which you cannot do,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not let anyone
tell you so,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go for it , grab
the day – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But never let your
humility go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The road is long, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The walk is steep, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are hurdles
in the way , <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are pauses in
the sail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be times
when you would want to quit, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be tides
which you would want to miss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Girl, pause if you
must – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But never ever lose
your grit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day when you
reach your aim, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you smile and
relish your fame, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Close your eyes for
a moment and remember these days - <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And girl, do not
forget the smiles and the tears, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of the hands which
moulded your years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go ahead girl and
conquer the game, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Help the world be a
better place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be a spark and
light the lamps ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Run and win – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But girl , also be
a good human being . </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<i>Richa has stood 4th in India in ISC (12th), 2019 (99.3%)</i></div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-76863605983120582192019-05-06T02:22:00.005-07:002019-05-06T02:23:41.883-07:00Life Stories - Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a usual busy day for Jenny. She adjusted the nurses white cap on her head , looked at the chart in her hands and went to bed number 19 . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Hey , how are you ? " Jenny smiled at the petite lady on the bed. The patient smiled weakly at her. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her smile was angelic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Hmmm ... today I am feeling a bit uneasy", Ranu put her hands on the swollen belly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny looked at the pulse and softly touched the upper portion of Ranu's stomach Then she put on her stethoscope listened. She should inform the doctor, Jenny thought. Maybe today is the date. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ranu was 25 years old and it was her first pregnancy. She had been married 18 months back. Her husband Ashok worked in South Eastern Railway as a loco pilot. Ranu and her husband stayed in the staff quarters in the Garden Reach Railway Colony , Calcutta. Five days back , when Ranu experienced a sudden spasm in her lower abdomen, she was admitted in the Central Railway Hospital in Garden Reach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny was the ward nurse for the female ward. She was intelligent, competent, smart and possessed a great </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">presence of mind - the key qualities of a good nurse. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny quickly contacted Dr. Burman and updated him about Ranu. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I will come immediately, in the meantime, please inform his family" , the doctor said . </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny paced her way to bed number 19 and looked at Ranu. Ranu was trying to sit. Jenny smiled and helped her sit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Is everything OK ? " </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"The doctor is coming in a few minutes", Jenny smiled brightly and held Ranu's hands , "You might become a mother soon !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ranu paled.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihNgGskNHD8Hn5kbjXxXdd-PAE7jfquaE9bjFWjw70FlmzdlaZGZxKMCDKOLowk5iCX2omwCuffDj4pNhAB7DIuX0lHff18maIG2u4pbDEHvYDIoKBGJhDl9_sWTEBfx61cezns1bN_Jg/s1600/love1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="238" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihNgGskNHD8Hn5kbjXxXdd-PAE7jfquaE9bjFWjw70FlmzdlaZGZxKMCDKOLowk5iCX2omwCuffDj4pNhAB7DIuX0lHff18maIG2u4pbDEHvYDIoKBGJhDl9_sWTEBfx61cezns1bN_Jg/s320/love1.jpg" width="304" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I ... I .. want to talk to my husband ... ", she looked pleadingly at Jenny. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I have already informed your husband ... he will be here soon .. ", Jenny assured her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The doctor checked Ranu and looked at Jenny . "You were right sister she has to be operated tomorrow morning . Do the formalities and get her ready for the c-section . "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny nodded. " Right Doctor, will do !" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny looked at Ranu, who looked listless. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Don't you worry . You are in expert hands !" Jenny smiled, "Your husband will be here at 7 pm . And you will be operated tomorrow at 8 am. he has to to sign a few documents - just formality In the meantime, please remove any ornaments that you have on you - the earrings, the ring, the bangles any foreign article that you are wearing. We will hand over these to your husband"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ok .."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny looked at the checklist . The points listed there were almost imprinted in her memory, but the process demanded that the checklist should be completed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She put tick marks on the checklist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Are you wearing contact lenses? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny checked off the point .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Do you have dentures ? " Jenny did not look at Ranu as she was sure of her answer. Ranu was just 25 years old and Jenny was sure that dentures would be the last thing that she would have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Silence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny looked up. Ranu was fidgeting with her fingers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes or No ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ranu looked down . Tears spilled from her eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Hey, what's wrong ? " Jenny sat beside her . "Are you OK ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ranu nodded her head and looked at Jenny . She slowly opened her mouth and pulled out her dentures. The two front upper teeth and the two below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny was a bit shocked but being an experienced nurse, she was quick to gain back her composure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Why are you crying ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Between her sobs, Ranu told Jenny that her husband and no one in her in laws family knew that she wore dentures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In between her sobs Ranu said "Please , please , please sister, do not tell Ashok about my dentures. My marriage will be ruined... " .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny did not know what to say . As a rule, she would have to hand over the things to her family . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny gave a tranquilizer to Ranu and waited till she slept. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny was in a fix. She was in a dilemma. She packed the dentures separately in a box. The rest of the things she kept in another bag. She decided that she would give the dentures separately to Ranu's parents. Poor little thing . She was really sweet. God know how she lost those teeth, Ranu grimaced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ashok came that evening at 8 pm. He met Ranu,but neither she talked with him nor smiled, just nodded her head. Jenny knew the reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"The patient has been given some sedative as she was feeling a bit nervous ", Jenny told Ashok , "I think you should leave now. Please wait for 5 minutes outside, I will talk to you". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As Jenny left, Ranu held her hands, her eyes pleading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ashok was standing in the corridor, waiting for Jenny. A nervous first-time-father-to-be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Is everything OK, sister ? " </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes ... er... I have to handover the articles to you ... her jewelry, watch etc ... By the way, are her parents expected to come tomorrow before the operation ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No.. They stay in Bombay and her father is not too well. They will come later, after the delivery .. "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny had no other choice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She took out the two packets and gave it to Ashok, along with the list of articles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ashok looked incredulously at the dentures .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What is this ? Ranu wears these ??? " He was aghast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Sir, she had requested me not to tell you about these ... but ... I am bound ... "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ashok was quiet for almost 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then he slowly looked at Jenny . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Sister, will you please do me a favour ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What ?" , Jenny was a bit wary. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Please do not tell her that you have given these to me and that I know about these dentures ... tell her that you had kept it with you and give it to her to wear after her delivery "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny was genuinely surprised . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Why ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ranu will be very embarrassed if she knows that I know... " said Ashok , "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Let this remain between you and me ... please sister ... </span></i></b>", he handed over the packet to Jenny and walked away .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenny looked at him with misty eyes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She walked towards her cupboard and kept the dentures carefully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These were the moments which made her fall in love with her job all over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: xx-small;">These are true life incidents recounted by a nurse in one of my motivational workshops. The names have been changed for anonymity.</span></i></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-5055330168407903122019-01-28T03:25:00.000-08:002019-01-28T03:25:49.768-08:00Right or wrong ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Monday, I was conducting a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">motivational workshop for a group of nurses.</span></i></b> I follow the methodology of <b><i><span style="color: blue;">experience sharing and real life situation</span></i></b> discussions. Most of the times, the solution to the problems are discovered by the participants themselves from these discussions. And for me, this <b><i><span style="color: blue;">experience sharing is a great learning tool. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this post, I will share one incident which was shared in this workshop. It left an impact on my mind and made me wonder about what is right and what is wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Durga Puja</span></i></b> is the biggest festival in Bengal. It is actually a sort of four day carnival , where the Bengalis just freak out. They wear <b><i><span style="color: blue;">colourful new dresses, indulge in eating , music , dance, drama ,</span></i></b> meeting relatives and exchanging gifts . The offices, school and colleges are closed at least for a week and many people plan their vacation around that. It is also quite difficult to get doctors and nurses during that time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This being a Government run hospital, the nurses have to adjust their leaves so that there is a minimum strength in each shift. Just a day before the start of the Puja, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">an old lady was brought in the hospital by her son. </span></i></b>She had <b><i><span style="color: blue;">severe diarrhea, </span></i></b> he said. After a while, the son left, saying that some emergency has cropped up at home and he had to leave immediately. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlctg_fERrYL0KF_RTfSQidBv7HvpiXE9GPBK_CYTv0uUT3Ve9A7BFBRW3J0GAUouBrdXDRbILswZZtpMDWjNh5TflwTakGeqS25-E_XFY04AkBhNSFEd2qP3pUqqg8lnz8Gpf3SZEN1e/s1600/old+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlctg_fERrYL0KF_RTfSQidBv7HvpiXE9GPBK_CYTv0uUT3Ve9A7BFBRW3J0GAUouBrdXDRbILswZZtpMDWjNh5TflwTakGeqS25-E_XFY04AkBhNSFEd2qP3pUqqg8lnz8Gpf3SZEN1e/s400/old+woman.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The old lady, around <b><i><u><span style="color: blue;">80 years old</span></u></i></b> was admitted and given a bed in the general ward. She was <b><i><span style="color: blue;">hard of hearing and could not walk</span></i></b> without anyone's support. When asked any question, she gaped at the nurses , nodded her head and smiled. It seemed that she was enjoying the company of the nurses. She sat on her bed, smiling, looking around her. She waved at the person lying on the next bed beside her. At night she was given<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> soup and khichdi</span></i></b> (rice and pulses boiled together in a mush ). The old lady ate it with relish and had a good night's sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day, the nurse came and asked her "How are you feeling " ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She said " uhh ? " </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nurse raised her voice, came near her ears and repeated the question. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She smiled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">"I am fine " </span></i></b>, she smiled her toothless smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"During the night, how many times did you go to the washroom ?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She raised her finger and said "Once". </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>"But you are suffering from diarrhea, isn't it ? "</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She smiled again, shook her head and said "<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Na To</span></b></i> !" (It Means not at all in Bengali "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh ! But your son admitted you for that !" The nurse was surprised. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Na, Na ... My son, daughter-in-law and my small grandson have gone to visit Darjeeling. They have got leave now. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">There is no one at home to look after me</span></i></b>, so they have brought me here... They will be back after two days ..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the nurse recounted this incident, many other nurses said that they too have had similar experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was quite shocking for me. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">How could someone just abandon their mother like that , that too telling a lie.</span></i></b> As this thought came to my mind, I tried to put myself in his son's shoes and tried out the "empathy" experiment which I do in,my workshops. Well, the son thought that this was the best way to take care of his mother and also please his wife and son. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>But, what is right and what is wrong ? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In some religion like Islam and Christianity, there is this concept of the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Judgement day, </span></i></b>where when a person dies, he or she is judged according to the rules laid down by the religion. Based on these, it is decided <b><i><span style="color: blue;">whether he will go to heaven or hell. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Hinduisim, there is no such concept. Here, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">every act has a consequence</span></i></b>. And it is not always necessary that good act will have a good consequence and vice versa. For example, in Gita,when Arjuna says that he cannot kill his own uncles and relatives, Krishna tells Arjuna that the consequence of this bad act will be good. Hinduism tells us that the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">action is in your hands but the consequence is not.</span></i></b> During this life or after rebirth or after many births, the balance has to be struck. <b><i><span style="color: blue;"> It is like a balance sheet.</span></i></b> The actions and consequences will always be matched. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I look from a moral angle, the son has done a wrong deed, by lying and almost abandoning his mother in a unknown place. But if I look from his practical and worldly angle, he had done his best to keep everyone happy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Readers, what do you think ? Right or wrong ?</i></b></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-73260538123954220442019-01-13T22:34:00.000-08:002019-01-13T22:34:26.286-08:00The smartest advise to manage your boss - The Nandi Effect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are <b><i><span style="color: blue;">three</span></i></b> kinds of people in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>One who gets along with their boss . </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Second who are at logger head with their boss.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>And the third kind who can manage their boss to suit mutual needs and get the work done. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is the rarest of the rare cases when the boss and the subordinate really really gel along naturally with each other. Usually the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">first</span></i></b> kind of people are <i style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">bootlickers and they are forever lying prostrate </i>in front of their bosses, ready to do anything which their lord fancies. They are the typical "Yes managers" who neither have self respect and they turn their backs immediately once they understand that their boss has lost his position or power. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Their loyalty changes with the blink of an eye. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> second</span></i></b> kind of people <b><i><span style="color: blue;">never</span></i></b> ever get along with their bosses. Since you cannot choose your boss, these kind of people's <b><i><span style="color: blue;">stay in the organization is usually short-lived. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c6NsgsdWpr4ml1crbKsIDsyz7nYamW7PHjoNuCs77d_rI_xooDW8oTODnOGtpiAv-XZrYwmp6AKjgbR6SANPy2pHSncEHjFpyKtJb-c-Ih0HpfWaWE-d63UfDWhJ50uTcJJ7CGp4anlR/s1600/nandi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c6NsgsdWpr4ml1crbKsIDsyz7nYamW7PHjoNuCs77d_rI_xooDW8oTODnOGtpiAv-XZrYwmp6AKjgbR6SANPy2pHSncEHjFpyKtJb-c-Ih0HpfWaWE-d63UfDWhJ50uTcJJ7CGp4anlR/s1600/nandi1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then finally the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">third</span></i></b> kind of people who manage their bosses. These are the people who can <i><b><span style="color: blue;">make things happen</span></b></i>, give valuable and correct feedback diplomatically and grow in their jobs. </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">stay in the system to make positive changes. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this blog post, I will talk about <b><i><span style="color: red;">one very important tip</span></i></b> to become the third kind of person. I call this the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Nandi Effect". </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the readers who are not familiar with the Indian mythology, I will elaborate about <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Nandi", the bull. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nandi the bull is <span style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: 0px;">one of the most iconic and well-known characters in Hindu mythology</span>. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most common depiction of Nandi is </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; outline: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">a </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">sitting bull with folded limbs</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">.</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">
He is either black or white colored and wears a necklace with a bell. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">He
</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">provides the music to which Lord Shiva performs the Tandava </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">or the cosmic
creation dance.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GlU9QZ9-o6-bWeGHOhQcNowxXuV8LGCXgigd1Y85xAUgJrLYsBa8E6JSzjq7I4QiLn8ehivpP07ZOihxq6A7Do-72JpVZiNHuLt4lgJYExST-VWp7IL0tNFIav34ZBnQCZg2AOFGmJOY/s1600/nandi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GlU9QZ9-o6-bWeGHOhQcNowxXuV8LGCXgigd1Y85xAUgJrLYsBa8E6JSzjq7I4QiLn8ehivpP07ZOihxq6A7Do-72JpVZiNHuLt4lgJYExST-VWp7IL0tNFIav34ZBnQCZg2AOFGmJOY/s320/nandi2.jpg" width="237" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">There is hardly any Shiva temple which does not have the idol of Nandi in front of the main temple of Shiva. And there is a </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">curious custom</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Before entering the Shiva shrine,</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> the devotees whisper their prayers and wishes in the ears of Nandi.</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> This ensures that their prayers get answered. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How intuitive , isn't it ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you to be able to <b><i><span style="color: blue;">get your way with the boss, look around and figure out the people who are the closest to her</span></i></b>. The subordinates who are working with her for the day to day work , like her personal assistant, the person who is running miscellaneous errands for him, the subordinate who is the closest to her . </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Make them your friends. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Take them into confidence . </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Gain their trust . </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Do it slowly over a period of time. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These people are very important. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be occasions when there are some important decisions to be discussed with your boss. Something which is<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> important for you </span></i></b>or a bit out of the way which can be only handled by your boss. In such similar situations, you should <b><i><span style="color: blue;">whisper your point and wish in the ears of your boss's Nandi.</span></i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your rapport with the "Nandi" is good, then he will whisper your wishes in the boss's ears at the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">opportune time.</span></i></b> Or he will tell you whether it will cut well with the boss or not and what might be the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">best way and the best time</span></i></b> to put across your point of view. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember, it is important to be <b><i><span style="color: blue;">honest and show your integrity.</span></i></b> If ever your are found to be double crossing , you are doomed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So , go ahead and <b><i><span style="color: blue;">find the Nandi of your boss and see how smoothly you can manage your career moves !</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A happy new year to all my readers and hope to be writing regularly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your cheers and feedback will give me fuel to write better . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, do feed in your comments and let me know whether you like the posts or not !</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-61024372160981793622018-09-30T09:56:00.000-07:002018-09-30T10:14:38.179-07:00The "Why" of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YmLh4btnnTq-m5DLBY6im_rG12eFn2JblpwDy03PtcDcLLnVVDU30epLQB-P1qRiEaMb6O1pcJA2DkfRE9tj5Unmmh3Ejl4LJkab6MqPO9UEvD4FlpBsfCEteWZJHZnIZ7LEyEywlYev/s1600/why.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YmLh4btnnTq-m5DLBY6im_rG12eFn2JblpwDy03PtcDcLLnVVDU30epLQB-P1qRiEaMb6O1pcJA2DkfRE9tj5Unmmh3Ejl4LJkab6MqPO9UEvD4FlpBsfCEteWZJHZnIZ7LEyEywlYev/s320/why.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was conducting a session on Stress Management for an organization. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> During the break, I saw a participant of the workshop standing near me as if hesitating to talk to me. He was in his mid thirties and had a peaky and disturbed look on his face. As if I had not noticed, I kept on going nearer to him , talking to other people. And as I had guessed, one he found me alone, he came up to me and said " </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mam, just wanted to tell you that your session is going on very well, but somehow , I don't know why, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I can't </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">relate with the things being said </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i></b>..</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have recently lost my wife ... <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I don't see any point in going on further with my life ... I have nothing to expect from life anymore ...</span></i></b> "</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I found it very very disturbing. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And in the next session of the workshop, I talked about the book by <b><span style="color: blue;">Victor E Frankl , "Man's S</span></b></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">earch for Meaning "</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNsPfFU9sn3-hC2fsbMiqHwp1kh9UaN7hr3eJDrTJ2Wb1E01EFM5veashIP_RFDDmjIo-VfJhrmIX6KC2l9pyhxjv_FoZ6E05AFD9E3a_2goVzuQ1jeQoqL9hH_oLcDR6pPgzbpe20djY/s1600/frankl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNsPfFU9sn3-hC2fsbMiqHwp1kh9UaN7hr3eJDrTJ2Wb1E01EFM5veashIP_RFDDmjIo-VfJhrmIX6KC2l9pyhxjv_FoZ6E05AFD9E3a_2goVzuQ1jeQoqL9hH_oLcDR6pPgzbpe20djY/s320/frankl.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Victor
Emil Frankl (1905 – 1997) was a Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Holocaust
survivor</span></i></b>, devoted his life to studying, understanding and promoting <b><i><span style="color: blue;">“meaning.”</span></i></b>
His famous book, Man’s Search for Meaning, tells the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">story of how he survived
the Holocaust by finding personal meaning in the experience, </span></i></b>which gave him the
will to live through it. He went on to later establish a new school of
existential therapy called <b><span style="color: blue;">logotherapy</span>,</b> based in the premise that <b><i><span style="color: blue;">man’s underlying
motivator in life is a “will to meaning,” even in the most difficult of
circumstances</span></i></b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The key lesson's are these :</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="text-align: left;">1. </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #222222;">Frankl and his fellow
prisoners had to endure atrocities that many of us cannot even
imagine. Prisoners had to</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> survive on one small piece of bread a day </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">and
maybe some thin soup. They had to work 20 hours each day, digging and laying
railroads and so on. </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">If you looked weak, you were beaten</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">. If you stopped
working, you were beaten. And </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">you didn’t get much of a second chance</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> after
that. You could be killed for any reason. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;">Frankl
talks about one inmate that had a </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">dream that the war would be over on March
30th</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">. He told this to Frankl at the beginning of the month and had hopes that
his dream was a premonition that would come true. However, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">on the 29th, when no
sense of an ending was coming,</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> this inmate became ill. On </span><span style="color: blue;">March 31st, </span><span style="color: #222222;">Frankl
writes that “his prophecy came true and </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">he died</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">”. The war was over for him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">To all outward
appearances, he had died of typhus.<span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">It wasn’t typhus that had </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">killed him. It was his loss of hope. </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> On the other hand, there was an inmate who </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">had a small kid waiting for him</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">. He had a purpose to live and he lived. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>2. "<span style="background-color: transparent; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">Love is the ultimate and the highest goal
to which a man can aspire"</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Frankl himself endured the camps by</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> thinking constantly of his wife</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> who had been
separated from him long ago and sent to a female camp.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Even in the harshest parts of the day, exhausted,
sleep-deprived, overworked, underfed, Frankl found salvation in the love that
he had for his wife: "</span>But my mind clung to my
wife’s image, imaging it with an uncanny acuteness. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I heard her answering me,
saw her smile, her frank and encouraging look.</span></i></b> Real or not, her look was then
more luminous than the sun which was beginning to rise"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Frankl learned that love really does conquer all.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> The sadistic
guards could do anything they liked to him. It didn’t matter. He had his loving
wife’s image in his mind for company. </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Love was an antidote to pain.</span></i></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>3. "Suffering too has a meaning"</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Frankl argued that we always have the freedom to <b><i><span style="color: blue;">find meaning through
meaningful attitudes even </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">in </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;">apparently meaningless situations</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">. For example, an
elderly, depressed patient who could not </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">overcome the loss of his wife was
helped by the following conversation with Frankl:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Frankl asked <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"What would have happened if you had died first, and
your wife would have had to </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;">survive you ?"</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Oh," replied the patient, "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">for her this would have been
terrible; how she would have suffered</span></i></b>!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Frankl continued, "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">You see such a suffering has been spared her;
and it is you who have spared </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">her </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;">this suffering; but now, you have to pay for
it by surviving her and mourning her</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The man said no word, but shook
Frankl's hand and calmly left his office. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">There are three ‘whys’
that stand out from Frankl’s writing:</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Love <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Work <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dignity in suffering</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have likely heard many
people utter these words from a concentration camp prisoner:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> “I </span></i></b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">have nothing to
expect from life anymore”.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">In fact, we have probably uttered these words </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Many of our own darkest moments look positively radiant when
compared to </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">that </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">which POWs </span></span></i></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">like </span></span></i></b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Frankl had to endure .....</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>So if ever you lose hope, think about Frankl and <span style="color: blue;">find the "Why" of your life and say "Yaay " to life !</span></i></b></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-14879861911091941532018-09-20T00:22:00.001-07:002018-09-20T00:22:28.139-07:00How to outperform in stressful situations - Autopilot !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOZOJ9jvwPXqHOxEApGUX-db3h8OJRfN2zULslvJwjlxtym25MjVVviw7dBHDULFoluGwLdWyhXfilT5U-I6-86UIpvRHYAH3VSbNJPpBE0ostyYInE69iFTzbKVrAcKqsemSOzrEn8Ls/s1600/stress4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="700" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOZOJ9jvwPXqHOxEApGUX-db3h8OJRfN2zULslvJwjlxtym25MjVVviw7dBHDULFoluGwLdWyhXfilT5U-I6-86UIpvRHYAH3VSbNJPpBE0ostyYInE69iFTzbKVrAcKqsemSOzrEn8Ls/s320/stress4.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I conducted a test on Principles of Management for Calcutta University. After the exam, before calling it a day, I went to the wash room to freshen myself. There I found one of the brightest students of the class , sobbing and after seeing me , tried to camouflage her grief by splashing water on her face. I pretended ignorance and did not ask her anything. After a few minutes, suddenly she blurted out "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Mam, why does this always happen to me ? </span></i></b>I study so hard , so so well in class participation but when I am appearing for a test, my mind goes blank. <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>I try so hard to concentrate , do well , but usually I buckle under the pressure.</b></span></i> Why mam, why ? " And she cried inconsolably. I just held her tight . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This blog is dedicated to all of us who at some time or the other have <b><i><span style="color: blue;">choked under pressure</span></i></b> - just like the bright young student of mine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVF1dF7e_9j68Yl3PZ0Ahopjo8el4xGcEq4pNK1_ZPKBksau7tXL4NenL-ie3rDn8PQjDD_iXwPrUkW2grN9WKVnx0gQl8Ufm2tCJ0L5gXwuroRdwHuNI7tqG__JynQI4zOijRU9ZTsKj/s1600/stress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="644" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVF1dF7e_9j68Yl3PZ0Ahopjo8el4xGcEq4pNK1_ZPKBksau7tXL4NenL-ie3rDn8PQjDD_iXwPrUkW2grN9WKVnx0gQl8Ufm2tCJ0L5gXwuroRdwHuNI7tqG__JynQI4zOijRU9ZTsKj/s320/stress2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">So why does it happen?</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Why do we sometimes fail to perform up to what we're capable of when the pressure is on? It may not be so surprising to hear that in stressful situations, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">we worry.</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> We worry about the situation, the consequences, what others will think of us. But what is surprising is that we often get in our own way precisely because </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">our worries prompt us to concentrate too much ! </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">That's right -- </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">we pay <u>too much</u> attention to what we're doing</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">. When we're concerned about performing our best, we often try and control aspects of what we're doing that are best left outside our conscious awareness, and the </span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>consequence is that we mess up.</i></b></span></span><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I remember my meeting with </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Anand Kumar</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> - the celebrated educationist who is best known for his </span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Super 30 program</i></b>.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">The program claims to select 30 meritorious and talented candidates each year from economically backward sections of society and trains them for the IIT Joint entrance exams - one of the toughest exam in the country. </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Super 30 has a hit rate of 99.99 % success. </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">As an answer to my question that </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">what was the secret of the stupendous success of Super 30 ,</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> the gentleman had smiled and softly said "</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><u>Leave yourself on autopilot at the time of the final performance !"</u></span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"What ? Autopilot ?" , I was confused. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">He smiled again . </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPZdPSs6DtRmbAMOAYL8tRyNDk_HOl_5JY6vqYxXL_RfBN8JQLt5HR5Lv8EG0ymhhs2Sag84CL4c7c2IYlLEQr5cg6xJxsMVa3Op3S2GlF39ibuyfS7w6ASJ-wwo5hLQhuAytvwELPzbL/s1600/autopilot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPZdPSs6DtRmbAMOAYL8tRyNDk_HOl_5JY6vqYxXL_RfBN8JQLt5HR5Lv8EG0ymhhs2Sag84CL4c7c2IYlLEQr5cg6xJxsMVa3Op3S2GlF39ibuyfS7w6ASJ-wwo5hLQhuAytvwELPzbL/s320/autopilot.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">"Yes ! The key is to practice and build yourself up so that </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">you are at your peak performance at the moment when it is needed the most.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> At that time, your mind should work automatically, unconsciously, without having to concentrate or worry about the result. That is autopilot mode !".</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">The stress of wanting to do really well makes you self-conscious, Your </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">mind is driven by worry, fear, and anxiety.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Your over focus becomes a force of destruction that </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">interferes with your natural and practiced flow </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">as you start paying too much attention to what you're doing. And then starts the downhill journey of your performance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Our </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">working memory,</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> just like a computer's Random Access Memory (RAM), is a </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">limited resource.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> When we start letting anxious, worried thoughts intrude in our brain, we deplete major mental resources that could be better used anywhere else </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">than over-thinking every move.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">So, what should we do ?</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Here are some tips which I have gathered from my own personal experiences. I share them below : </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">1. </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Practice Under Stress :</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Good and sincere people work hard for tests, practice before performances . But it is important to keep in mind whether they are performing under stress or not. For example, if we are appearing for an exam, we have to practice </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">writing mock tests and try to emulate the same environment of the actual tests -</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> like time limitations, writing conditions and evaluate ourselves on that. Before any performance on stage or presentation to customers or senior management , we should practice in front of somebody who can critique us. If no one is available, record your performance and scrutinize yourself. And of course it goes without saying that you have to </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Practice, Practice and Practice , till you feel that you are ready for the autopilot mode !</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlzlyeGBspm5g_Gfl0q1cS7S3KNsVN7fUnngTwJrTGQIac_rwsEoiNknXfdehpm3Thxf6somSI6NU-bcwOuS8mdd0fif9Lbf4kh_39ui2qVnlk77z3pSaDPJyG1NgDHg80uW7NLxIo3uz/s1600/stress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="480" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlzlyeGBspm5g_Gfl0q1cS7S3KNsVN7fUnngTwJrTGQIac_rwsEoiNknXfdehpm3Thxf6somSI6NU-bcwOuS8mdd0fif9Lbf4kh_39ui2qVnlk77z3pSaDPJyG1NgDHg80uW7NLxIo3uz/s320/stress3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">2. </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Do not dwell on the past and neither in the future :</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Take </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">failures</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> as hurdles which have helped you to learn how to go about problems . Do not let them stop you from trying again. Dream big but </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">do not dwell on what might happen in future.</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I know it is easier said than done but living in the present moment is what we all should strive for. Once you have the answer paper infront of you or the moment you are standing in front of an audience, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">live the moment. </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">You have already practiced a lot . So come in the autopilot mode - live the moment. Remember </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Shah Rukh Khan's talk to his tennis team just before the final match?</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Forget the past and the future. Live the minute. Enjoy the moment !</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0cYxzq5BaQEkuPQYBruZRMAP6T4l8Luk1vyBlr75kHlrvmEms-TANcav2BYt8wVH7OjyZuRRI1OGOXBskxdW29mexVQmS16GcqhDBPnT74spV4RQoYrA1YQCI6UDPssjXMlCB61pnLG2/s1600/superstition.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1125" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0cYxzq5BaQEkuPQYBruZRMAP6T4l8Luk1vyBlr75kHlrvmEms-TANcav2BYt8wVH7OjyZuRRI1OGOXBskxdW29mexVQmS16GcqhDBPnT74spV4RQoYrA1YQCI6UDPssjXMlCB61pnLG2/s320/superstition.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;">3</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">. Distract Yourself : </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I know a person who always wears the same tie when he is going for an important client presentation. There are people who have </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">superstitions like humming a tune before the exam </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">starts or keeping a flower or a leaf with themselves before any important event. All these may be superstitions, hang on, I am not a proponent of superstitions , but as an example of busying our mind somewhere else, I say that they also serve the </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">purpose of distracting our minds and prevents us from focusing too much on the consequences</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;"> and the upcoming stressful situation. This is one of the reasons that you might have heard your elders say that do not study on the day before the examination. Read a book, listen to a song etc. so that your mind is distracted. This slight distraction helps us cope up with the stressful situation and come to our super efficient autopilot mode !</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">What happens in our heads really matters,</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> and knowing this, we can learn how to prepare ourselves and others for success, not just in the classroom and stage but in the boardroom as well.</span></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-50155517096127536682018-08-30T03:30:00.001-07:002018-08-30T03:30:29.507-07:00Sophia and Me - Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GR4r9cNrUbYtJRWRVhnaYTlAVGgkmKzHd3vUNfvGXY7_CClTN-8r-XipagvSQHB3a7FNvXjjq52D-wAeOwvsPvLvUo328IMBHnnkU-vVU4UBBYkN1qgaeiB9uf1WrdTOs-A0vsdCvG04/s1600/ai9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GR4r9cNrUbYtJRWRVhnaYTlAVGgkmKzHd3vUNfvGXY7_CClTN-8r-XipagvSQHB3a7FNvXjjq52D-wAeOwvsPvLvUo328IMBHnnkU-vVU4UBBYkN1qgaeiB9uf1WrdTOs-A0vsdCvG04/s320/ai9.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was 7.30 pm and raining heavily. I stood
in front of the Seminar hall waiting for
my Uber. </span></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I checked my smartphone . </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My
cab was just about 1 minute away. It
arrived and I swiftly ran from the shade of the outer atrium of the hall towards
the gate, got into the taxi and heaved a sigh of relief. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But my relief was very short lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Let’s go !” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Uber driver was
fiddling with his phone - shaking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wiping
, putting it near his cheeks and ears .</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sorry Mam, I cannot
go. Please cancel this ride and get another one “,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the driver said . <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What ! But Why ? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is raining so heavily , can’t you see
?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have a doctor’s appointment at 8
pm ! “ <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Mam, I can go but you will have to tell me
the directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">GPS is not working
because phone is damaged</span></b>. It fell into a puddle when I was helping the earlier
passenger with her bags.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh God !” I groaned. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
tried to open the net but by that time it has started raining cats and dogs. My
current location was below a flyover and there was almost <b><span style="color: #660000;">no network.</span></b> And the torrential
rain made the connectivity almost nil. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was really flabbergasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I was going to this doctor for the first
time. In the morning , my husband had asked me to look up the direction on
google maps but I had refused. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I will anyways get an
Uber . <b><span style="color: #660000;">With technology , I don’t even have to communicate with the chauffeur.</span></b> I
will reach on time. Don’t you worry !” I had laughed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>I never imagined that
my laugh will cost me so heavily !</b></i><b> </b></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">And
at that moment, I truly realized the extent of our dependency on technology.</span> </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or you can call it on Artificial Intelligence.
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Artificial Intelligence,
Machine Learning </span></i></b>and now the most recent , <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Deep Learning</span></i></b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me first try to
explain these in layman terms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2dqVp_U8tnltVDvvRZjg3-dCv85ewL82BqjKv1B9GVEMSv8NB8AFYZprT3K3NGg-i7rOnCrRRCOD-ZuvLdS900sSGX5PKRuIcPS3ER8FIPdYt7KKUA3mh3SWi4HRcy_iLPVZ9rFWNnK2/s1600/ai1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2dqVp_U8tnltVDvvRZjg3-dCv85ewL82BqjKv1B9GVEMSv8NB8AFYZprT3K3NGg-i7rOnCrRRCOD-ZuvLdS900sSGX5PKRuIcPS3ER8FIPdYt7KKUA3mh3SWi4HRcy_iLPVZ9rFWNnK2/s320/ai1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Artificial Intelligence
is the broad umbrella term for attempting to make computers think the way
humans think,</span></i></b> be able to simulate the kinds of things that humans do and finally
the machines <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>solve problems in a better
and faster way than we do.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">J</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ohn McCarthy, widely recognized as one of
the godfathers of </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Artificial Intelligence (AI)</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, defined AI
as “</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">the science and engineering of making intelligent machines that
have the ability to achieve goals like humans do</span></b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">”</span></b>. In short, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Artificial
Intelligence is human intelligence exhibited by Machines.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In fact AI has been around for quite a while.
Though the term </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Artificial Intelligence
was coined at the Dartmouth Conference in 1955, simple things like computers,
calculators, computer games , washing machine, dishwasher –<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> anything which the
machine does faster and better than human beings comes under the umbrella of
Artificial Intelligence. </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was only since <b><i><span style="color: blue;">2015, the domain of AI <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>started becoming more focused and narrow. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This
gave birth to <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Machine <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning .</span></i></b> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
idea behind Machine Learning is fairly simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rather than programming
computers to be smart by hand-coding software routines with a specific set of
instructions to accomplish a particular task, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">you give machines access to a
large number of sample data and code them to find patterns and learn on their
own how to perform the task.</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Machine Learning is built based on
algorithmic approaches that over the years included decision tree learning,<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">inductive logic programming, clustering, reinforcement learning, Bayesian networks etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me try to make it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>simpler. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I taught the English Alphabets to my daughter - ,<b><i><span style="color: blue;">A for Apple, B for Ball, C for
Cat</span></i></b>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not tell her the algorithm
to identify the features and then decide what is it. I <b><i><span style="color: blue;">simply showed her the
picture of an apple , a ball<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a
cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b>When I bought fruits , I <b><i><span style="color: blue;">showed her
apples - some green , some red. </span></i></b>When I went to the park as saw a cat sitting
there, I held her hands and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said “ See ,
a Cat !” . </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">So when she saw multiple examples of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>object and then her human brain automatically
identified the features so that her brain could identify </span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">that
object</span></i></b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>exactly what a Machine Learning Model does.</span>
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Human brain is a machine par excellence. </span></i></b>The Same thing is simulated in Machine
Learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge amount of data is fed
into the computer and after analysis of the data, prediction can be made and some
action is taken. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Google uses Machine
Learning to filter out spam messages.</span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amazon and other top technology driven e-commerce sites use machine
learning wand data analytics to <b><i><span style="color: blue;">advertise their goods based on what the algorithm
predicts about your needs and tastes. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now about <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Deep Learning</span></b>. This is
even more focused and intense , the next level of AI.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8RsXeJXx15a0275mJhjRtXkK1za3eN2MjoMR3S2D1Zi7_8EsrcC9QeeXMdv7rEyDWwdFuRZAhM_OXvEwtGCCFGy5nKG59KCVpdDkndLkqSVpdf6jbAlTRI34oDRL4gGDDw3-GP1Gq_1T/s1600/ai2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8RsXeJXx15a0275mJhjRtXkK1za3eN2MjoMR3S2D1Zi7_8EsrcC9QeeXMdv7rEyDWwdFuRZAhM_OXvEwtGCCFGy5nKG59KCVpdDkndLkqSVpdf6jbAlTRI34oDRL4gGDDw3-GP1Gq_1T/s320/ai2.png" width="310" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Deep learning was <b><i><span style="color: blue;">inspired by the structure and
function of the brain, </span></i></b>namely the interconnecting of many neurons. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Neural
Networks are algorithms that mimic the biological structure of the brain.</span></i></b> In
the brain, the neural points are physically spaced out, but in Deep learning,
there are <b><u>layers </u></b>of neural network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Deep Learning can be explained as a system of probability. Based on a
large dataset you feed to it, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">it is able to make statements, decisions or
predictions with a degree of certainty. </span></i></b>So the system might be 63% confident
that there is a cat on the image, 81% confident that it’s an animal and 4%
confident it’s a toy. Then you can add on the top of it a feedback loop,
telling the machine whether it decisions were correct. That enables learning
and possibility to modify decisions it takes in the future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Again I will try to make it simpler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Suppose </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">there is a traffic
signal detector installed in a </span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">driver less<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> car</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> . After processing billions and trillions of data, the f<b><i><span style="color: blue;">irst
layer will decide that there is a probability</span></i></b> of 81 % that there is a rectangle
. This</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> decision will <b><i><span style="color: blue;">passed on to the
next layer </span></i></b>of the neural network </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">which
will again process a </span>humongous<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> amount of data and give a signal to the next
layer that there is a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">72% probability that the rectangle is a traffic signal </span></i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">with red , yellow and green light on it. This then
goes to the next layer and to the next and so on. </span></div>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Finally the signal detector
will take a decision whether to drive ahead or not. </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And it will take back data cues whether the decion was correct or not and improve itself for doing better next time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As in my
previous example of teaching alphabets to my daughter, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Deep Learning can be
compared to the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>way she became capable
of learning from mistakes and constantly improving.</span></i></b> Like when she called<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the dog a cat<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and she got a poor grade in her test, <b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she was given the feedback, she corrected
herself and improved .</span></i></b> She then became capable of learning new objects on her
own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Deep learning </b>is being implemented for<b style="color: blue; font-style: italic;"> driver less
cars, face recognition,</b><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><b style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">pattern
recognition, forecasting,</b> the list is huge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>The future is wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But somehow I
tremble at the thought of the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I start thinking , I am scared. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim40c2aniG0KIh7rFYVsgm8OfLuIE8qzExNcDAmV3KgI8x5wPfRKnIl4XJ2joIzjM-kOKU3OZOnO2DDmpJQ2oFLFTIRCfSvHn7cGFeROsA41ljvF9f1ymjaBCfaTU94Fad5lAX5I3ebxqE/s1600/ai8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1170" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim40c2aniG0KIh7rFYVsgm8OfLuIE8qzExNcDAmV3KgI8x5wPfRKnIl4XJ2joIzjM-kOKU3OZOnO2DDmpJQ2oFLFTIRCfSvHn7cGFeROsA41ljvF9f1ymjaBCfaTU94Fad5lAX5I3ebxqE/s320/ai8.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Will machines replace human beings
? </span></i></b>Already we are at a stage where for <b><i><span style="color: blue;">several tasks, we trust the machine
more.</span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier, for giving loans, the
data was analysed by human beings for deciding whether to give the loan or not.
But nowadays,<b><i><span style="color: purple;"> the banks rely on the computer algorithm , which scans and processes
huge amount of data</span></i></b> and tells us whether to process the loan or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you ask the bank <b><i><span style="color: blue;">why your
loan was not sanctioned,</span></i></b> they might just s<b><i><span style="color: blue;">hrug their shoulders</span></i></b> and say – <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I don’t
know but the computer said so ! </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b>And like
by Uber driver refused to complete my ride because of a technological glitch, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">will a time come when machines will literally
rule us ? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Industrial Revolution when F.W Taylor </span></i></b>came up with the scientific model of
management, <span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">it gave rise to processes
and greater productivity</span><span style="color: cyan;">.</span></i></b> <b><i>But assembly line production in factories, created jobs too.</i></b> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But
with Artificial Intelligence, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">the human
jobs might be completely eliminated</span></i></b>. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">And it's not just in
factories, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">but truckers, drivers and even jobs like telesales,
customer service and hematologists as well as radiologists over the
next 15 years are going to be gradually replaced by artificial
intelligence.</span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> Sundar
Pichai, the CEO of Google</span></i></b> has said that “<b><i><span style="color: blue;">in the next 10 years it will be AI
first !”</span></i></b> .</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">AI is cheaper and more productive</span> .</i></b> <b><span style="color: blue;">It doesn’t sleep, need breaks,
get sick </span></b>or take vacations, and it doesn’t need health insurance or retirement
benefits. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">It can work 24X7, faster, better and accurately.</span></i></b> With Deep Learning,
AI can <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>quickly acquire and learn new
skills too<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>without making mistakes
!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>Isn’t this too scary ?</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know that
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">repetitive and boring jobs will be replaced by AI</span></i></b>. But many learned people have
predicted that by <b><i><span style="color: blue;">2050, there will a big chunk of people who will not only be
unemployed but also unemployable !</span></i></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So
what will happen to <b style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">my economically poor housemaid, my not so intelligent, personal
driver </b><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span>and the<span style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> good natured neighborhood
carpenter ? </span>How will they sustain themselves ? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIF5gkR7BG-FUpiiE6wBj9sWbMNV0GXLwPjAwejyAIBoA2PYPBVk61zi5AVQD3dWvBG3n3pESO_F-t7NN4CklouhfjJFfau31ODM9Gx_kas5t1EwyqYNlDwkb4mBq4ozlmTyOg0DjUmK3/s1600/ai7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIF5gkR7BG-FUpiiE6wBj9sWbMNV0GXLwPjAwejyAIBoA2PYPBVk61zi5AVQD3dWvBG3n3pESO_F-t7NN4CklouhfjJFfau31ODM9Gx_kas5t1EwyqYNlDwkb4mBq4ozlmTyOg0DjUmK3/s320/ai7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="color: blue;">AlphaGo </span></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">is a
computer program that plays board game. </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It has been developed by Google’s DeepMind,
using Deep Learning. </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Reently AlphaGo defeated
the world champion Ke Jie. </span></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And how Ke Jie
cried ! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>With all these
technological advances, have we become happier than our forefathers ? </b> I really don't think so ! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We have </span><b style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: blue;">already lost simple joys of life</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white;"> like
</span><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>receiving letters from our dear ones</i></b> </span><span style="background-color: white;">and
preserving them for later. Many a times I have taken out the </span><span style="background-color: white;"> bundle of letters written by my husband during
our courtship days , read and re read them , <b><i><span style="color: blue;">feeling the written word, smelling
the musty smell of</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> the paper. </span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The</span><span style="background-color: white;"> joy of waiting for my Uncle coming to visit
us, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">running towards the gate whenever I heard the sweet tinkle of the bell of
the rickshaw </span></i></b>, cursing the train service for being late and then <b><i><span style="color: blue;">jumping with
joy when he scooped me in his arms when he finally came home</span></i></b> ! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Simple thing
like<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> peeking out of the taxi window to ask a shopkeeper or a passerby </span></i></b>about an address
location and smiling back at him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>In these
interesting times, will a time come when humanoids will exist together with
human beings ? </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It is already a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEuvRbzdJjD1z0E85mb8T9F2TfmScxcqtPRjkP5gl5sepiWPS_-p0t3IbDoDcUkPJEdP59wYpdDJYRDeKBKdaEPcJFJTWj7BVFxHGzfJYys2OypbifzY9NkuLkC2HCqiOOaxp_ZsxrMJu/s1600/sophia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEuvRbzdJjD1z0E85mb8T9F2TfmScxcqtPRjkP5gl5sepiWPS_-p0t3IbDoDcUkPJEdP59wYpdDJYRDeKBKdaEPcJFJTWj7BVFxHGzfJYys2OypbifzY9NkuLkC2HCqiOOaxp_ZsxrMJu/s320/sophia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Sofia, the
first humanoid robot , made her first public appearance in 2016. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">She is a doe
eyed woman with delicate features, designed to <b><i><span style="color: blue;">look like Audrey Hepburn. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">AI allows her to hold eye contact, recognize
faces and understand human speech.</span></i></b></span> Cameras within Sophia's eyes combined
with computer algorithms allow her to see. She can follow faces, sustain eye
contact, and recognize individuals. She is able to process speech and have
conversations using a natural language subsystem. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">She has become a
citizen of Saudi Arabia !</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Ke Jie cried
when he lost the game to AlphaGo. </span></i></b>He loved his game so much that it broke his
heart. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Did AlphaGo feel pleasure or happiness when it won ?</b><b> </b></span></i> Definitely not . </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And Sophia, she might become super intelligent
but<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> her deadpan voice tone, mechanical facial expression </span></i></b>will never be able to
replicate the rush of </span>Adrenalin<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and the heavenly emotions of love, pain and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are living in very interesting times. Let us see
what holds in the future. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe it will be like what <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Charles </span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Dickens</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> had</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">expressed </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">in the immortal <b><i>opening lines</i></b> of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> his</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> novel - <b><i>The Tale of Two cities </i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">“</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>It was
the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was
the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of
incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was
the spring of hope….</b>.</span><span style="color: #660000;"> “</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Let us hope for the best !</b></span></i></span></div>
<br /></div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-85294028341642643872018-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:002018-08-25T10:14:15.717-07:005 things to avoid while speaking in Impromptu Situations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGC9dQ8lZVjk4S9OaQ1xgBEYXC21rEtPx-g1i6WAN8PF4BWtrJFi8i4eXR6BMh1u1ggJ_QzsoAvfJ8zCrOfr1JDgjw3CMVSCAKoK8JmVvWYcI715gPlhKaTm3R5tWSFhR6L3wKanVk7Md/s1600/SPEAK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGC9dQ8lZVjk4S9OaQ1xgBEYXC21rEtPx-g1i6WAN8PF4BWtrJFi8i4eXR6BMh1u1ggJ_QzsoAvfJ8zCrOfr1JDgjw3CMVSCAKoK8JmVvWYcI715gPlhKaTm3R5tWSFhR6L3wKanVk7Md/s320/SPEAK2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you want to speak as a
leader in impromptu situations, avoid the following blunders:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #494949;">1. Talking Too Much</span></strong><span style="color: #494949;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span id="more-15428"></span><span style="color: #494949;">A common pitfall is blabbering <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on. Those who have this tendency, interrupt
others, monopolize meetings, ignore valuable contributions of others, and in
general turn people off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stick
to the matter at hand. Don’t waste anyone’s time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #494949;">2. Not Preparing</span></strong><span style="color: #494949;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Winston Churchill had fun with
speakers who talk without thinking. He observed: “Before they get up, they do
not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking, they do not know
what they are saying; and when they have sat down, they do not know what they
have said.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h3138MbX7C7aw0Q0RPUVbdv1L9hKhg8TS8G6r-pANIz7kjV6840TSMynmQK13U9Rbnmq7mesIm_0JLOLFPrJHbpZ4yJjGnBxvq6So1-9b1qDKauI9dOaUXep8b2BHmzXyXjoNzHGEQN7/s1600/speak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1000" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h3138MbX7C7aw0Q0RPUVbdv1L9hKhg8TS8G6r-pANIz7kjV6840TSMynmQK13U9Rbnmq7mesIm_0JLOLFPrJHbpZ4yJjGnBxvq6So1-9b1qDKauI9dOaUXep8b2BHmzXyXjoNzHGEQN7/s320/speak1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well,
we can prepare to be spontaneous. There are times when you know you’ll be part
of an impromptu event – a client chat, a conversation with a subordinate, an
important visitor. Take whatever time you have to prepare notes, or a mental
outline of what you will say. Even if you only have a few seconds, pause and
decide what your message is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #494949;">3. Misreading your Audience</span></strong><span style="color: #494949;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #494949;">Still
another impromptu faux pas </span><span style="color: #494949; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #494949;">is misreading
your audience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be
sensitive to the feelings, concerns, and knowledge of your listeners. Some of
the engineers I’ve coached are spot on when speaking , but overestimate the
ability of colleagues and clients to understand particular issues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Similarly,
a boss might misread a situation in which a new hire needs a compliment, or
friendly guidance, rather than a critique. A participant in a meeting may speak
up with a proposed plan, not realizing (because he has tuned out) that the
group has just moved beyond that proposal. Staying attuned to your audience’s
thinking is critical in all situations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #494949;">4. Letting off Steam</span></strong><span style="color: #494949;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another
impromptu gaffe is letting off steam. We all carry baggage with us\ in our
minds. Fears, disappointments, concerns, and uncertainties. Occasionally
impromptu exchanges bring these to the surface. As a result, sometimes we say
things we regret.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #494949;">5. Cracking Jokes</span></strong><span style="color: #494949;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Humor is dangerous for leaders
if not properly thought of !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An
executive I know was honoring a staff member, who was about to retire. He stood
up and began his speech: “Sunny is a memorable figure. One colleague will
remember him for being late…. another for his crazy sense of humor…. and still
another for the fact that he has always been a bit wierd.” He concluded by
saying, “So we’ll always remember you, Sunny, for the things you may wish to
forget!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyone
laughed – Sunny the loudest – but no one was laughing inside. They were
embarrassed for Sunny and for the speaker. This was not a moment of leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All
these pitfalls can be avoided if you prepare for your impromptu remarks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #494949;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The underlying message of Impromptu
is that extemporaneous speaking requires forethought, discipline, and
preparation. Keep key leadership messages uppermost in your mind. And use
whatever time you have to read your audience, collect your thoughts, choose
your words, and structure your script. These techniques will equip you for
success as a leader in the Age of Impromptu.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<br /></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-8241286926067197672018-07-29T23:01:00.000-07:002018-07-31T23:02:01.733-07:00What I learnt from my Teenaged Daughter <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIWdjlzFSUO5OLpFn2vKhglyQ9TG_4rilwQnUSPTFnW4y7ZfAsgtzqGHgXkEnNfkAayuG6KOEq3f8PAZXAMIp4pZEEZCpu0t21ACgDKhzfaiHnqltkvu1m3Ib8-bX_ydf23S1tweqkrNQ/s1600/zanz3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIWdjlzFSUO5OLpFn2vKhglyQ9TG_4rilwQnUSPTFnW4y7ZfAsgtzqGHgXkEnNfkAayuG6KOEq3f8PAZXAMIp4pZEEZCpu0t21ACgDKhzfaiHnqltkvu1m3Ib8-bX_ydf23S1tweqkrNQ/s320/zanz3.jpg" width="305" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">My daughter was a 15 year old teenager when we went to Tanzania on a family vacation. Me, my husband and my daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is always very difficult to match the holidays of all three of us but after quite a lot of trials and tribulations , we had managed to take 2 weeks off from our busy schedules. Initially, we had planned to go to Europe , but </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pulin, a very dear college friend of my husband, who was posted in Tanzania at that time, insisted that we visit Africa instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I will make all the arrangements !" he said "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">You must visit Serengeti Wildlife reserve. It is my guarantee that you will not be disappointed !"</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So , off we went to Tanzania. And by Jove, we were not disappointed ! Pulin had meticulously planned everything for us . The logistical arrangements of the stay included spending a night in a tent right in the middle of a dense forest ! It was near the huge Ngorongoro crater . The tents had 2 beds each. I insisted that my daughter and I sleep in one tent and my husband spends the night in another one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My daughter did not like the arrangement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Ma, I am big enough and I am not afraid. I will sleep in the other tent , not Baba</span></i></b> " . The rebellious teenager said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No ! " . The protective mother insisted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was silent for a few moments and then said . "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">OK. But you have to promise me that the next thing which I will ask for , you will not say No". </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She looked straight at my eyes. I waited . Seconds ticked away. She kept on looking straight at my eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had to say "OK" . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You know, it is always so difficult to communicate with a teenager. At that moment, I wanted to have my way, come what may. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I did not know what price I would have to pay for this promise later !</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't know whether Minnie, my daughter was frightened or not when the foxes came trotting up to our tent and made strange noises, but I definitely was ! I clutched her tightly throughout the night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The visit to the Seringiti Reserve was also magical. Lions, Giraffes, thousands of Zebras walked past our Safari Jeep! You just have to experience it to believe it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pulin was right . It was an amazing experience. Unforgettable !</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLIqrPL7oCBMbXmZ0oovwKt3dw0aNz3DINzUWLCrlbeLt2-7IXIginsEHQ7L73Ku3k3tBmOcKnv9MqH_NVVImP8JI981aEmxBaw5s24ihsVVuGjKEhsCxeEKLSvvJ_6IdIfHIy1kL3Uhh/s1600/zanz1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLIqrPL7oCBMbXmZ0oovwKt3dw0aNz3DINzUWLCrlbeLt2-7IXIginsEHQ7L73Ku3k3tBmOcKnv9MqH_NVVImP8JI981aEmxBaw5s24ihsVVuGjKEhsCxeEKLSvvJ_6IdIfHIy1kL3Uhh/s400/zanz1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last lap of our vacation was in the beautiful island of Zanzibar. The soft white sands of the beach, the transparent water of the sea, the blue ocean mingling into the blue sky in the horizon, it was heavenly. We were absolutely enchanted. It was almost 12 noon when we reached the beach side hotel. We kept our bags in the room and ran towards the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love the sea. It never fails to mesmerize me. The waves, the beach, the happy faces, the sunlight, the breeze, I soak them in whenever I am near the sea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But , I have a fear of water. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Knee deep water is my limit for venturing inside the sea. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we looked around the beach, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I knew what was coming next ....</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both father and daughter looked at me and said, "Lets go snorkeling !".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did
not protest because I knew that snorkeling is always done in shallow water , not too
far from the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean in front of me was not like
the angry Bay of Bengal at Puri (Orissa in India). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The blue water in Zanzibar
beach swayed softly like the long tresses of a youthful girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">But my ordeal was yet to begin.</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A snorkeling guide came towards us. My husband discussed with him
and signaled towards us to come to the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Boat ? Why Boat ? Snorkeling is done right from the beach
!" I exclaimed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yeah, I know , but the guide is saying that due to the tide,
he will take us a bit inside the sea and then we will do
snorkeling". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No. Then you can do it tomorrow ". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Both of them looked disappointed and then came the lethal weapon .....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ma ! I want to do snorkeling now !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"No ? Ma ... " Minnie paused , " Remember your promise ? " </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did not know what to say. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">How could I go back on my words ? A promise is a promise is a promise !</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did not say anything for a few seconds. Those few seconds were like eternity for both me and Minnie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then I made up my mind . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"OK. I too will come with you two on the boat " . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ma , You will also come into the water ? " Minnie's eyes shone with excitement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Not exactly ! I will sit on the boat while you enjoy the sport", and all three of us sat on the boat, put on life jackets on us and ventured ahead on the gorgeous water which twinkled as the bright sun rays fell on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tried to put on a very calm and unperturbed face, mustered up enough courage to look stoic and happy. <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>But deep down my heart, I was very very afraid. </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What we did not know was that high tide had set in and snorkeling could not be done . The best time for it was in the early hours of the morning. The tout did not want to lose an opportunity to make some quick buck and hence he had suggested that we take the boat, go inside the sea for snorkeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the boat pounded further into the sea, my heart started thudding harder and harder. There was water all around me. Due to the high tide, there were no other boat around us. I was frightened , Really , really frightened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At that moment, <b><i><span style="color: purple;">I took a decision.</span></i></b> I know it might sound foolish, but I was dead serious. I took a decision that if I see anything untoward happening to my husband and daughter, I will instantly throw open my life jacket and dive inside the deep water. Yes. That was what I decided. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">As soon as my decision firmed up in my mind, I became calm.</span></i></b> I looked around me and soaked in the beauty of the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I could feel the thin line between life and death. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG0e-O7m701s5qaY6G1L-RbZdiwHjZWaJOd4R7BhaZAxgjYe-_hzb83rb-0TXXvuDcipnEsW06vDeFssDPjw2RkstxmbJsnU7JyvRI05YQHVPMqYhKejjEB-mdKuln1zMzKneRhnR5cpg/s1600/zanz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="905" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG0e-O7m701s5qaY6G1L-RbZdiwHjZWaJOd4R7BhaZAxgjYe-_hzb83rb-0TXXvuDcipnEsW06vDeFssDPjw2RkstxmbJsnU7JyvRI05YQHVPMqYhKejjEB-mdKuln1zMzKneRhnR5cpg/s400/zanz2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My husband and my daughter put on the snorkeling gear and went into the water. I kissed them. My husband had done snorkeling earlier in Philippines, but that experience was different. It was near the beach. Here, when he went inside, the water came inside his nose and throat and suddenly he lost his cool when he could not sense the ground under his feet. He came up the boat and said he will prefer not to snorkel. I held his hands tightly and asked my daughter too to come up. She could try again </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tomorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This time, it was she who said "No " !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ma, I have decided to do it now. I too am feeling a bit afraid, but if I do not overcome my fear now, I know I will never ever be able to snorkel ", Minnie panted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"But .... ".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<b><i><span style="color: blue;">If I do not let go of my fear now, I will lose my self confidence. Would you like that ? I HAVE to succeed .... "</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hearing those words from a 15 year old immature teenager had a profound effect on me. I could not say anything . I looked at her as she talked to the snorkeling guide and asked him to hold her hands and be near her when she would snorkel. I saw her putting on the gear, take the air pipe in her mouth and dive inside the water. I sat like a statue .<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> I saw her disappear from my line of sight . </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">And I looked inside my heart. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If my small daughter was trying so hard to overcome her fears, could I too not try ? </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can I not take my fear by the horns and at least try to drive it away</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ?</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After about 20 minutes, Minnie came back. She was ecstatic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"My God ! " she embraced us . " The sea is so beautiful. I saw the most wonderful corals . I have never seen such colours before . It was just fantastic. Thank you Ma for letting me do it !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I looked at her flushed , happy, animated face. Her words blurred inside my ears. She chatted and talked and shrieked and described her adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She had succeeded. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we returned towards the shore, the cool breeze brushed my hair on my face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">I made another decision.</span></i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will learn from my daughter. I will also succeed. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Tomorrow, I too will go snorkeling with them. </span></i></b></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-9664195087053420612018-06-27T00:29:00.000-07:002018-06-27T00:33:27.015-07:00Ramu and the two Candles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a hot summer evening. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-jsjO-EZV8zLLr_jx3uqfg7A-w5AI-BnYkdHSo_gW5LE4wyFsoiS_7JX2kDTMqUgO2l8UqPARWVUa2SFMdHbYhEA6-sGa-2eL-PHuqThwkeMyk7MX-ViMrpI-FInj5dd-5-INf9XBmiT/s1600/candle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-jsjO-EZV8zLLr_jx3uqfg7A-w5AI-BnYkdHSo_gW5LE4wyFsoiS_7JX2kDTMqUgO2l8UqPARWVUa2SFMdHbYhEA6-sGa-2eL-PHuqThwkeMyk7MX-ViMrpI-FInj5dd-5-INf9XBmiT/s320/candle1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ramu knew that there will be long power cuts and he wanted to stock candles for
the eventuality. He went to a shop
and bought two candles worth two rupee each.
When he gave a ten rupee note, the shopkeeper returned six rupees to Ramu.
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">There was a five rupee note and two fifty paisa coins.</span></i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="max-width: 750px;" />
<br style="max-width: 750px;" />
<span style="background: white;">When he returned home, there was no light. So Ramu lit the
candle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Accidentally,
he dropped a fifty paisa coin in the dark. He looked around but could not find
the coin. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Slowly the candle burnt to half </span></i></b>but Ramu was still busy looking for
the coin. Gradually the candle was burnt out. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">So Ramu lit the second candle too
and kept looking for the coin. </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A few minutes later, the second candle was also
burnt out but luckily Ramu recovered the
coin. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="max-width: 750px;" />
<br style="max-width: 750px;" />
<span style="background: white;">When both the candles were gone, Ramu pondered. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">"For the fifty paisa
coin, I have burnt out candles worth four rupees. Have I gained or lost ? "</span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAc6cg1MIF7AXf2p9rt_b6j0BotbRCmLQOovoVBFkhw8m4dLXO-6YrHAyD8uPehTObh_dlPBjVwIpL8CdhzBatNp-NK-zCCiYUm7jDa_5DU4-fPPnFK-DZFKi37jHHvO_FO2AwD9AH9kH/s1600/candle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="450" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAc6cg1MIF7AXf2p9rt_b6j0BotbRCmLQOovoVBFkhw8m4dLXO-6YrHAyD8uPehTObh_dlPBjVwIpL8CdhzBatNp-NK-zCCiYUm7jDa_5DU4-fPPnFK-DZFKi37jHHvO_FO2AwD9AH9kH/s320/candle+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dear Readers, what do you think ?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here the answer is <span style="color: blue;">very simple but in real life , don't we do the same thing ?</span> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: blue;">While pursuing small things , we lose sight of the bigger loss that is happening.</span></b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We lose out on spending time with our kids and parents, having fun with friends, keeping ourselves physically and mentally fit . </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Ramu has lost. </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Let us not be a Ramu !</i></b></span></span><br />
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-61985774926402612072018-06-18T23:32:00.000-07:002018-06-19T10:03:17.129-07:00Yours Fearfully .... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<b><i><span style="color: blue;">So, how was your last day at work?</span></i></b> " I asked Amish , who had left his previous organization and was supposed to join another company next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was quiet for a few seconds and said "<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Well, it was good but ..."</span></i></b> he gave a significant pause . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I waited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"You know what , ? <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Sushil, one of my peers, actually came till the exit gate to see me off in the evening and he said a very unusual thing ... "</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Hmm ... what ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"He said that he had learnt many things from me and he valued my contribution to the organization and that he found me very professional and rational ... !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Thats good Amish ! But this is not unusual though !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"But it is !" Amish cried out, "In fact , I told him that<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> if he had articulated this even once to the MD during my stint in the organization, things might have been different ! </span></i></b>Everybody fears thie MD and his whims. He does not like to hear anyone negate his views. And me being me, there would be sparks while working with him. It was clear that he did not like me and the rest of the people who matter, never spoke up !" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Classic case of Leading with Fear</span></b>. And as I hear from Amish, most of the good people have left the organization and the company is at the lowest point </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EoFXYt1pRS3slLP2nPvmVtPVAPGpLW197hm-9NNnUthj9H4JKOln6jXIcAAUXdPpuf9WfaIQB_QQoII8ac9_lfI8bPJV3ack4BbCkCtLDqHwkUV_2QE48EG41IXrDLcczbSl5fqwVg8O/s1600/fear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EoFXYt1pRS3slLP2nPvmVtPVAPGpLW197hm-9NNnUthj9H4JKOln6jXIcAAUXdPpuf9WfaIQB_QQoII8ac9_lfI8bPJV3ack4BbCkCtLDqHwkUV_2QE48EG41IXrDLcczbSl5fqwVg8O/s320/fear1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The <b><i><span style="color: blue;">traditional notion</span></i></b> in many organization is that fear is a good thing and benefits the organization. I remember when I had joined an organization, the first thing that my boss had told me was - "<i><span style="color: blue;">Ananya, be strict with your team or else they will not work !</span></i>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, fear is a good motivator, but if the environment reflects <b><i><span style="color: blue;">respect, care and love , it becomes much more effective than people mindlessly following orders.</span></i></b> A fear-based organization loses its best people and the knowledge they take with them. Just like Amish !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the organization is being led with fear, it creates an <b><i><span style="color: blue;">avoidance behaviour</span></i></b> in the people , because no one wants to make a mistake and this inhibits growth and change. People will <b><i><span style="color: blue;">not take any risk </span></i></b>because they will fear that failure will not be tolerated. The employees will always follow status quo and will not be able to perform upto their real capability and potential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the leaders bind the people with<i><span style="color: blue;"> <b>care, compassion, listening</b> </span></i>and connecting on a personal level, the people will be attracted to <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>work harder, take risks, learn and the the organization will grow and go to the next level !</b></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjw4b2IMm1sNAml5c1UaPqZaUqc-bVETSdZpmm8vFihTpXE73G7UKEHj3w2m1imoC_l2dW30_FCyk-xwwB6RKIomorBnj8SvwNTMAfbox1mQDztvw2m9tKJ2W6ZcPEg0wLZrw-24VjVE6/s1600/fear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjw4b2IMm1sNAml5c1UaPqZaUqc-bVETSdZpmm8vFihTpXE73G7UKEHj3w2m1imoC_l2dW30_FCyk-xwwB6RKIomorBnj8SvwNTMAfbox1mQDztvw2m9tKJ2W6ZcPEg0wLZrw-24VjVE6/s320/fear2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the senior leadership show respect and trust , it not only makes the employee work better, they get <b><i><span style="color: blue;">emotionally connected </span></i></b>to their work. On the contrary, if there is fear at work, it will slowly destroy the people's spirit and ultimately, the organization will face a slow death . When there is an atmosphere of fear ,<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> the opportunity for getting genuine feedback is throttled. </span></i></b>The leaders remain blinded to the ground reality, denying them the chance to take the right decision and change </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">damaging behaviour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though competitiveness and ambition are hailed in organizations, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">love, respect and genuineness are very powerful tools.</span></i></b> I remember a sequence in a Hindi Film named <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Munnabhai MBBS"</span></i></b> , where a medical intern did an experiment with love. There was an old sweeper , who was forever cribbing . He wiped the floors , cleaned the dustbins , sweeped the corridors. No one had ever seen him smiling. Munnabhai, the intern applied his <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Jaadu ki Jhappi "</span></i></b> <b><i><span style="color: blue;">(Magic of the hug)</span></i></b> on him. One day, when the sweeper was cleaning and cribbing that no one cared about cleanliness and people just littered everywhere, Munnabhai went and stood in front of him. The sweeper scowled and started shouting expletives. Munnabhai did not say anything but hugged him tightly. For a few seconds, the sweeper did not know what was happening. No one had hugged him ever ! And while hugging him, Munnabhai said "<i><span style="color: blue;">I know that you work so hard but no one ever says thank you to you. Everybody is grateful and showers thanks profusely on the doctors , nurses etc, but you, who keep the hospital spic and span , no one notices you ! I am saying thank you on behalf of everybody ! Thank you for all you do ! Please understand that your work is as important as ours!"</span></i> And then he addressed the sweeper by his name. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgrQdVZSiiCazak5n7hZEWM1TZoUnyxYEQRTmjs5b30FML9Gsecu1jRnxFJFnL0CgUK2dtzzqFgBxI-7jto208ASerzphwihmOFZif77HoQZh6X4ytBJ51wGxYemeVlDJDdjbFbOfDSRU/s1600/munnabhai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgrQdVZSiiCazak5n7hZEWM1TZoUnyxYEQRTmjs5b30FML9Gsecu1jRnxFJFnL0CgUK2dtzzqFgBxI-7jto208ASerzphwihmOFZif77HoQZh6X4ytBJ51wGxYemeVlDJDdjbFbOfDSRU/s320/munnabhai.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And it was really magic . <b><i><span style="color: blue;">The sweeper was transformed.</span></i></b> He smiled ! From that day onwards , he never cribbed. And of course, Munnabhai was a hero for him . When the intern left the hospital, people wept ! Such is the power of love !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fear based motivation says " <b><i><span style="color: blue;">You give me a job and I will give you just enough to keep it "</span></i></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But a love and respect based motivation says " <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I will give ALL that I have to offer " </span></i></b>! I feel this the real motivator which makes you feel alive, connected and energized. It meets the unspoken needs , respect and affirmation for the employees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fine balance needs to be maintained by the leaders. Sometimes and in some situations, fear is definitely needed . Yes, I agree that rational thinking is important but if it is balanced with love, it builds trust, creativity, a culture of innovation , initiative and enthusiasm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That one response from Amish's colleague told volumes about the culture of the organization. I sincerely wish that the leaders change their attitude there , else , just like me, can you too not foresee it's future ?</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-47940514245872677282018-05-31T10:33:00.000-07:002018-06-01T00:27:54.774-07:00Rani Decides<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani Decides<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">8<sup>th</sup> March 2018, 10 am</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was a stony silence in the top floor
conference room.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lights were dimmed and a blank excel sheet was projected
on the newly acquired big high end screen on the wall . The final appraisal list had been collated
from all the managers by the secretary of the CEO. All the five senior managers sat with their
laptops , looking at the comments that they had given for the promotion list.
They revised their justification for the promotions and increments to be
given. They knew that it needed quite an
effort to convince the CEO. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Shh… the Boss is coming</span></i></b> “ , Nitin, the
secretary announced and all the people in the room stiffened. It. was exactly
10 am and everybody knew that the boss is never ever late for meetings. The CEO
came inside the room and sat on the designated chair at the head of the table. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Nitin, start the meeting and make sure that as
planned , we end exactly in a hour and a half
“. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nitin stood up and started .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“All of us know about the <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Appraisal
Normalization meeting</i></b> </span>which has been started by our CEO last year. But I will explain it again as a refresher.
All of you have submitted the list of senior members of your teams with their
appraisal rating data . You have also
indicated whom you wish to promote along with your comments, explaining the
rationality of your choice. In this
meeting, we will look at the employees across different teams and normalize the
ratings. For example, if there is a person A in Sanjay’s team who has 7 years
of experience and has performed consistently well throughout the year has given a rating of 4.5 to the team member,
another employee having the same no of years of experience and also working at
the same performance level has been given rating of 4 by a Rajesh, then the
ratings will be normalized after discussion in this meeting. The promotion cases will be discussed.
In case of any deadlock, the CEO’s decision will be final “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nitin paused. The CEO nodded. Nitin projected the collated excel sheet on
the screen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I have reviewed the data and have some
questions. Let us start with the promotion cases. <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Sanjay, can you please
justify why you have promoted Rahul</i></b> ?</span> I see that he met all his goals in the
first quarter but he has been faltering in the last two quarters. ”. The CEO
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sanjay fidgeted with his hands. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Boss, Rahul got married in July and maybe due
to his added responsibilities and er.. distractions he did not do so well in
the last two quarters. But in the last
one month, I have seen him working hard. He has in fact taken initiative and
created a wonderful project monitoring dashboard and it is helping a lot in
project execution. I think that if we
give him promotion, he will be motivated and will add value to the organization".<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm … Mark this as a re review case and we
will decide in the final meeting next week .” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Phew …” , Sanjay panted and was visibly
relieved. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“The next case I want to discuss is about Shripad. I do not see his
name in the list, but I know that he has done exceptionally well in the last 3
quarters but in this quarter you have not given him a good rating. Can you
explain Mahesh ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mahesh stood up like a spring. He had joined only a year back and this was
his first rationalization meeting with the CEO. Last year he was a silent spectator in the meeting,
learning from other managers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You can sit down and explain Mahesh “ the CEO
said softly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I do agree that Shripad is a good performer
and has performed well throughout the year. But he is not a good team player. A
few weeks back , I had asked him to talk to a customer regarding a few upcoming
needs and make the necessary changes in the application. He was
late in delivering by 7 days ! And when I asked him about the reason for
the delay, he said that he had unearthed a few issues with the existing system
and had to rectify them first before making the new changes. We missed the deadline and the customer was
unhappy. That is why I did not give a
very good rating to him and I think that his promotion can be delayed by
another year .”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm… well , <b><i><span style="color: blue;">did Shripad keep you updated about
the reason for his delay before it happened </span></i></b>?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes, he did “<o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Did you go into the details of the reason why
he was delayed ? What issues was he talking about , were they valid ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well .. uh … I asked another team member about
it and he confirmed that there were a few issues . But he also said that
Shripad spends a lot of time in documentation and process .. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I think that is how we should do our work ! “
The CEO retorted. “When we do a job, it should be complete, bug free and done
right the first time ! We should not waste our time in fixing bugs later ! what
do you all think ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The managers nodded . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mahesh,
we should do justice when we give ratings. In this case <b><i><span style="color: blue;">,you yourself should have gone
into the depth of the problem rather than getting second hand information from
a person from the same team !</span></i></b> And also,
just because of one lapse, you are denying a well deserved promotion? Just to salvage your ego ? That is not at all
correct . I propose to promote Shripad . “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mahesh’s face became red. He had heard about the CEO being blunt and to
the point, but this was his first experience . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The meeting went on . Several cases were
discussed . Decisions were taken . A few cases were marked to be re reviewed in
the next meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">All cases were almost done when the CEO said “I
am OK with the rest of the promotion cases, just one last one I want to
discuss. Nitin,</span> can you please
navigate to the last page … yes… the third row … yes. … this one is your team
lead , right Prasad ? “<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The CEO looked at the middle aged
, slightly plump manager. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Boss !” Prasad said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well , s<b><i><span style="color: blue;">he has performed well in
all the quarters, but you have not given
her promotion. Can you please explain </span></i></b>? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well , yes. I have actually put
a lot of thought into this. She has
performed well throughout the year, but she has been taking leaves on and off
since the last four months. To be fair
to her, I would say that even during her absence, she has been working from
home and been constantly in touch with her team , customer and me . In fact ,
she is the one on whom I can rely to communicate with the customer. Having
worked with the SBI account for so long, she has built up trust and rapport
with the clients. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“So ? Why no promotion ? I see
that you have promoted her peer … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Here is my reason “, Prasad
looked confident, “She is on a family way and is expecting a baby after 3
months. That is the reason , she has been taking offs and work from home ,
sometimes check up, sometimes the doctor asked her for rest, etc. etc… <b><i><span style="color: blue;">And now
with the new Government directive, she will go on 6 months maternity leave </span></i></b>and …“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And .. ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Even after that , she will take another
month from her accumulated paid leaves, sick leave and after that too … I know
she will have divided attention ... I
have been just to her and proposed an increment of 8% for all the good work she has done. Instead of her, I have promoted Jeetu. Jeetu
has been doing quite well and will surely pick up and once he gets
motivated with the promotion and the 15%
hike which comes along with the promotion. There are so many projects in the
pipeline and I have taken this decision
keeping the organization in mind .. we need motivated people who will work
hard!“ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The CEO seemed to be far away …
thinking … could see snippets from the past …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Boss … I hope you are convinced
and OK with the decision “ Prasad quipped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And we have finished on time ! “
He looked at his watch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm. .. Oh yes ! I have a client meeting lined up. Let us have
the follow up meeting day after tomorrow , instead of next week “. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But … “ there was a faint murmur in the room .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Day after tomorrow is a Saturday
… “ Nitin whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“We will all meet on Saturday,
11.30 am. Make yourself available” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The CEO walked out of the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">7<sup>th</sup> April 2006,
6.30 am.</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani did not want to leave her
bed. She snoozed her alarm clock , put
the pillow on her face and kept lying down.
It was a bad night yesterday. She
had tossed and turned but the heaviness of her stomach and the bloated feeling
kept on bothering her. She looked beside
her and smiled. Shekhar was fast asleep.
She felt bad for him. Her continuous tossing and turning and frequent
visits to the loo at night disturbs Shekhar too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ow !!!” She put her hand on her
womb and talked softly to the one inside
her .</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG_0YuQRHXHhjHNcB1J2V9TD-5gWT7aV-U_CQ13nH2-hpgSJUlyM92SPY7kYF0DZlEMTUAyRt2ak-9rJfUWcWBYo_j3JgZXr6guTvIor9FWyKtomq19NBw9kK_AF6J5QVvIpi07kTnUTr/s1600/p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="736" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG_0YuQRHXHhjHNcB1J2V9TD-5gWT7aV-U_CQ13nH2-hpgSJUlyM92SPY7kYF0DZlEMTUAyRt2ak-9rJfUWcWBYo_j3JgZXr6guTvIor9FWyKtomq19NBw9kK_AF6J5QVvIpi07kTnUTr/s320/p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> “Wait till you get out badmash ! For each kick, I will take 100 kisses
from you ! I am keeping a record … mind you !” She grinned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani took her time to sit up and
carefully put on her slippers and waddled inside the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror and
checked her bloated face. She will have
to visit the doctor tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But tomorrow is later. <b><i><span style="color: blue;"> Today is very important . The day she has been waiting for so long ! <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani quickly brushed her teeth
and went to the kitchen and prepared tea for herself and Shekhar. She peered
inside the fridge to check what all vegetables were there and remembered that
it was Friday today and the refrigerator was almost empty. She took out the bread, eggs and butter from
the fridge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The maid will come in any moment now and
stand on her head and ask “Aj kya banega
? “ .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uff , how she hated that
sentence. Today both she and Shekhar
will have to make do with sandwiches.
And then in the evening they will buy the provisions for next week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 months back when her
mother-in-law had decided to visit her elder son’s place in Bombay, Rani had
complained to Shekhar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It is now that I need her help
the most ! This is my second trimester
and you know about the project that I am handling ! It is a US based company
and the very first engagement with our company. They are very demanding and you
know my workload. Can’t she stay here
till my delivery ? After that when I will be on leave, she can go to Bombay .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shekhar did not say anything to
his parents and Rani knew that he did not want to create any scene with them
again. When Rani conceived, the first
thing that her mother-in-law told her was to quit her job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> “Now <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Shekhar is earning enough to take care of
the family and there is no need for you to work anymore .</span></i></b>” She said. “ Now your first priority should be the baby and
the family “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani was upset and called up her
mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma ! Why should I quit my job ?
I am doing so well and I am enjoying it . I was the star performer last year and
that is why this year I am handling a prestigious project . I am expecting a
promotion and this will be a big leap in my career. I need my own identity . I want my financial
freedom !” Rani had cried. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
Her mother had consoled her and tried to make her see reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I know beta . You are a gem !
Always so passionate about anything that you do. But don’t you think that in a way your sasu
ma is right ? It is the female who has
to look after the household and the kids. Yes, definitely you can continue with
your job, but you will always have to see what is best for your baby and the
family. Think about it and take a good decision, looking at your circumstances.
And understand this, whenever you need me, I am just a call away. ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani had taken the decision to
continue with her job. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Shekhar stood by
her.</span></i></b> She will always remain grateful to him for his support. Her mother-in-law did not defy her son, but
decided to visit her elder son who stays
in Bombay for a few months. She wanted
to spend some time with her grandson , she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shekhar did not request his
mother to stay back for Rani. He did not want any unpleasant interactions. They kept another maid for the morning chores
and the regular maid continued to come in the evening. Though Shekhar helped Rani with things like
making the bed and cleaning up the table after dinner, Rani had to manage the
full household. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But she did not mind so
much. She was a strong girl …
that’s what the doctor said . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Just be careful . Do not
overstrain yourself . Keeping yourself
busy will in fact help you. Keep moving. But avoid climbing up stairs . Eat healthy . Be happy and you will have a
bonny, happy, sweet baby !” Dr. Madhu, her gynecologist had advised her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In her first trimester, when Rani
started feeling giddy and had bouts of morning sickness, she could hardly
concentrate on her work. Any slight smell of food would leave her
nauseated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was then that she told
Ram, her boss, the Country Manager,
about her pregnancy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sir, I just wanted to inform you that I am on the
family way and .. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She had stopped short looking at
the expression on ram’s face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">But Rani , you are handling the
KJ account ! You know how important it is</span></i></b> .. “ Ram blurted out and then quickly
controlled himself “Oh.. I am sorry … Congratulations Rani !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Thank you sir ! But I am not
resigning ! I have informed you about my state so that we can plan properly.
The expected date of delivery is 5<sup>th</sup> June and I plan top continue
working till mid May ! And as per the plan, the project will be over by 30<sup>th</sup>
April<sup> </sup>. In case there are any spill overs, it will be done by the
time I go on maternity leave .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though Ram did nor say anything ,
his face told volumes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm.. But you will take leaves
intermittently, na ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I don’t plan to , but yes there
might be a few bad spells … that’s what my doctor says …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The conversation went on. It
seemed to Rani that she was defending her pregnancy. As if she was guilty of something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But Ram was right. Rani did have to take leaves. But even during her leaves , she was
available on phone and emails. The
project was in a critical state and Rani’s intervention was crucial. She was a very good communicator and could
negotiate very well. No one else in the
team apart from Rani could convince the customer logically about the changes
that were being proposed by them. Only Rani, the Project Manager could bring
these to a logical conclusion which was a kind of win-win for both the customer
and them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day , while lying in the
hospital bed just after her
sonography, Rani scurried out a long
list of things to be done to her team lead . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Complete all these tasks by the
day end today , so that when I come tomorrow morning, I will collate everything
and send the email to the KJ project Manager ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dr Madhu was amazed . “<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Oh my God
! It seems that your company will not run even for a day if you are away !” </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani smiled . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was proud of her work. It
gave her a lot of job satisfaction to do things well and she knew that she was
the best project manager in the company. And not only that , important organizational
activities like the Program on Innovation,
Knowledge Management Portal was always entrusted on Rani for smooth
execution. The CEO specially called for
her whenever something like this was launched. Rani did these over and above
her day job , not only because she was
being asked to do it, but she really enjoyed such work . She was expert in
collaborating and getting things done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Everyone eyes my star performer
!” Ram complained sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So , it was not a surprise when Rani was
called on the stage during the Annual Day and awarded the Title of the Star
Performer of the year, three years in a row. She had worked consistently well. As a custom, the 1<sup>st</sup> floor
conference room was named as Rani Conference Room. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Tears of pride had trickled down her chee</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ks </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">when she was called upon to inaugurate the renovated
conference room.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She kept the tea on the side
table and gently nudged Shekhar. “Get up
! It is already 7.15 am and we will be late for office !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shekhar moved and without opening
his eyes pulled Rani towards him. Rani bent on him and hugged him and Shekhar
gently stroked her stomach and opened
his eyes and smiled at her . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Just 5 weeks to go … and then we
will have our bundle of joy !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm , mister, you will have to
hold the bundle quite a lot. I plan to rejoin after my three months of
maternity leave !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But you do have some paid
leaves, na ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yeah … but I do not want to
spend them if I can manage. Once the baby arrives then there will be many
complexities , hindrances. I want to save the days for exigencies”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmmm … Ma will be there in two
weeks and she will help you …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really … ? “ Rani winked at
Shekhar. “But anyways , now get ready, I can’t afford to be late today !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Oh , ho ! It is the D-day today
! You will be promoted. Well in the evening I want to celebrate with Rani,
the Senior Project Manager !” Shekhar embraced Rani.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani blushed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You had been pining to go to the
new Chinese joint in the next block. Let us go there in the evening today. It
will be my treat ! “ Rani laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Accha ! “ Shekhar pulled Rani towards him and planted a
kiss on her forehead. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Money talks, eh !”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">7<sup>th</sup> April 2006, 3
pm</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Come on in Rani “ Ram beamed at
her , “Sit down”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani smiled brightly and
him. Ram’s cabin seemed unusually cold .
He had this habit of keeping the AC at 22 degrees. Rani rubbed her hands for
warmth. Or was she nervous ? Rani looked at the envelope with her name
printed on top of it on Ram’s desk . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her appraisal letter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani, You have done very good
work . I am happy with you. The KJ
project is stable , though the next 4 weeks are crucial since the User
Acceptance testing is going on and I am keeping my fingers crossed”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Things are in control sir, do
not worry “ , Rani reassured him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I hope so. A lot depends on this
project . You too know that we are expecting a huge project – almost three
times as big as this from KJ. The
project will have 3 project Managers and a senior Project Manager , and about a
hundred team members “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I know sir. I am confident that
we will get it “ . Rani said earnestly. Her rapport with the KJ Project Manager
was very good and she would be able to handle the big project along with three
project Managers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“So, when is your expected date ?
“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It is on 5<sup>th</sup> June ,
with a plus or minus of 7 days … that’s what my doctor says “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“All my best wishes to you and
hope you are doing Knowledge Transfer to Krishnan so that he can take over from
where you leave .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE24aaMZxMejRaTsdlYW3zOiPZyy0v2GnsJqSxcv81zCHgz42SoA_nxrkgannA3sRO4CvXet_NY3M3zQdX-W2Trd-MY5GUB_XRtzFluNi4OevPCD1tOVDw0dghYgdEZ37uNquY2ZisDXYb/s1600/p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="635" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE24aaMZxMejRaTsdlYW3zOiPZyy0v2GnsJqSxcv81zCHgz42SoA_nxrkgannA3sRO4CvXet_NY3M3zQdX-W2Trd-MY5GUB_XRtzFluNi4OevPCD1tOVDw0dghYgdEZ37uNquY2ZisDXYb/s400/p2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. I have planned things such
that he will be able to pick up seamlessly. I keep him updated and in the loop
for everything. I do not want any
disruption in this project. It is also like my own baby !” Rani laughed and Ram
joined her in her laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Good , good ! So here is your
letter. You have been given a 10% increment for the great job done and
hopefully you will continue with your great performance”. Ram gave her the
appraisal letter. ”Please sign one copy as acceptance and the other one is your
copy”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Rani was a bit confused . Promotion usually came with an increment more
than 20% .. have they decreased it this year ? She opened the letter. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ram … Is there any mistake ? I
see my increment letter, but not my promotion letter”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Er… there is no promotion
letter” Ram muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For a few seconds, Rani did not
know what to say. It took time to sink
in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You mean to say that I have not been
promoted ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani, I am sorry, but this year
we could not promote you …” Ram faltered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“May I know the reason sir? I
have performed consistently well, received accolades, praises both internally
as well as from the customers …”. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani’s voice choked with emotion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani, do not get upset. You have
been appreciated . A conference room has been named after you and next year I
myself will look into this and get you a promotion”. Ram tried to console.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani was livid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I have earned my promotion. For three years I have been working as
a project manager and you also know that I deserve the promotion to the Senior
Project manager grade. Then why? I want
it spelt out ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani, you are a mature
person. You should understand. As a
country manager, I only have a limited no of promotions which I can award and
there are some people who also are doing well and they are the next in line .
They need to be motivated. You are a self motivated person and I am telling you
that I will look into this next year … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani stood up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Why don’t you complete the
sentence Ram ? You will look into it next year when I will come back from my
maternity leave … right ? You have promoted Krishnan as a Project Manager who
will manage this account when I am on leave .
Just because I am expecting and you feel that I will take leave and
after that too you are not sure how I will perform , you have very conveniently
overlooked the hardwork I have put in for the last three years . All my contribution to the organization is
meaningless now ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani moved towards the door to step out of the
room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani ! Take your letter ! “ Ram said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I will not accept this letter .
Thank you !” said Rani and walked out of his room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her face was flushed. Her eyes
smarted. She suddenly felt weak and heavy. She waddled towards the
washroom and locked herself up , sat on
the commode and flushed so that her cries were muffled in the sound of the
gurgling water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani called up the Chinese Food
joint and cancelled the dinner reservation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">She will talk to the CEO tomorrow and plead her
case. </span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani picked up her bag. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rani, We have a client call at 5 today , are
you leaving ? “ Krishnan came running towards her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Huh ! Yeah ! I am not feeling well Krishnan,
you can carry on with the call “ .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani looked at him and knew that he knew. All this
thing about confidentiality of increments , promotion etc was farce. Somehow
everybody knew everything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the
first time in the last three years, Rani left office at 4 pm without informing
or pre planning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10<sup>th</sup> March, 2018,
11.25 am<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sanjay, where are you ? Come
fast. You know the CEO gets upset if you are not on time for meetings”. Nitin
knew his boss’s mindset. A stickler for time . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The CEO entered the room exactly at
11.30 am and looked around the table . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sanjay will be here in a minute
boss ! We can start the meeting .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just at that moment Sanjay almost
barged inside the room. “I am sorry Boss
! Got stuck in a jam !”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well, next time plan to reach 10
minutes early to take care of traffic jams “. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Today, I will start the meeting.
I want all of us to to go back to the basics and question ourselves before
taking any decision “. Everybody looked at the CEO. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani stood up and went towards the wall where
the poster of the Organization’s Values was written. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Folks, this poster is not supposed to a picture on
the wall. We as senior members of the company have to follow this. This is our
culture and the climate of the organization is set by us with our behaviour, our attitude and
our values which should reflect these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All the eyes were glued on
her. Rani knew she was a very good
orator and took full advantage of her skill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Look here “ Rani pointed at the poster
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">“Two of our values are Integrity and Equality and I will talk about these.</span></i></b>
Integrity means doing what you say an. Your action speaks volumes about
morality , uprightness, truthfulness and honesty. And Equality means that we will be impartial
to everybody and do things which are right. We will value diversity and promote
a sense of fairness. We will be have equity in opportunity, status and right “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani paused and had a sip of
water. She knew that pauses in the conversation have a deep impact on the
audience. It creates suspense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Having said that “ She continued
, “you all know that <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I believe in performance and results.</span></i></b> Those are the only
criteria for increments and promotion. And that is exactly the reason why we
have these normalizing meetings - so
that we are fair to all – as much as possible of course . Now coming back to today’s
meeting. The agenda is to come to a final decision about the re review cases
and this time , I want all of us to take responsibility of our decisions – so it
will be us who will be taking decisions and not the CEO alone . Any questions ?
“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Everything is clear Ma’m !” the
managers chorused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Again, before that , let me ask
you some well … personal or irrelevant questions … with your permission … is
that fine ?” Rani looked at the inquisitive faces. They did not know what is
going on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The audience nodded in
affirmation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How many of you do household
work ?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For example cooking or washing utensils or teaching your child ? “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The managers laughed .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I am not joking. How many of you
, you can raise your hands “. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No hands went up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What about grocery and fridge
management ? Managing the maids, planning the food, the vacation etc? . Well ,
no need to answer. I understand that it
also hurts the ego to admit it even if you do these, because it is mainly the females
in the house who do these and they are supposed to do it, right ? ”. Rani spread her fingers and made a quote sign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How many of you have daughters ?
I know Prasad and Manish, you have
lovely daughters and I am sure they have
big career plans . Prasad, just put your daughter in Anjali’s position and then
decide . Are we being fair ? Are we in tandem with our value of Equality ?
Again , I deliberately called all of you on Saturday. I know that all of you
have planned work to do and you had had to re plan and reschedule things for
the meeting. Just think about the married female employees. They are forever adjusting
and balancing and they have become experts at it … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani paused again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“See, I don’t want to sermonize,
but I want you to take the correct decision.
Rakesh and Prasad, both of you wrote so well in our magazine about Women’s
day and I hope you believe what you have written and act accordingly. That is
what the value written over there says – Integrity “ Rani pointed at the poster
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was pin drop silence in the
room and Rani did not break it. For a minute or so, no one spoke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then Rakesh said “ If we are
promoting Rahul and overlooking the fact that he has not been upto the mark
because of distraction due to his marriage , then in that case, Anjali deserves a double promotion! Because she
has performed in spite of her situation
and balanced her worked in such a good way”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Right “ , Sanjay said “And we
should not overlook the fact that Anjali has been a great performer for the
last two and a half years . Just because she will take leave , we are depriving
her of the promotion? That is not at all fair , Prasad … is it ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All eyes were towards Prasad. He did not say anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Prasad , Anjali is your team
member and I would like you to take the final call! Whatever you decide, we will take it as final
and we will leave the room with consensus and agreement “ Rani spoke softly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prasad looked up. His eyes were
moist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma’m, when you asked me to
imagine my daughter in Anjali’s place, I really did that and that made me
realize. I was making a mistake . I think we should promote Anjali ! She
deserves it ! She has earned it ”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Is that final Prasad ? If you
still want to revert to your earlier decision, I am OK. Because you are the main owner of the account
and you will have to manage … “<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I am certain !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyone clapped . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani smiled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Some things have not
changed . </span></i></b>The mindset of our society for
one and the subordinates being swayed by the principles of the boss ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">But some things have definitely
changed.</span></i></b> Like the decision Rani’s CEO
had taken when she went to him about the injustice drawn on her. “My hands are tied Rani !” he had said. I
know you deserve it, but my principle is to go by what the manager says and Ram
… “ . <b><i><span style="color: blue;">The CEO had shrugged his shoulders</span></i></b>. And as she started to get out of the
CEO’s cabin, he had called her back and said “Remember one thing Rani, Life is not always
fair.. you will have to deal with this truth !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Today, after 12 years, Rani has taken a decision,
just like what she had wanted for herself. </span></i></b>
And yes, she too has gone by what her manager has decided, just that
she has facilitated his decision making. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She grinned to herself . She felt
good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, life is not always fair. But sometimes life gives you an opportunity to
give back ! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani got into her Mercedes and Vedji, her
chauffeur , started the car to take her home, he was surprised to see the
expression on his Madam’s face. It was
rare to see her grinning to herself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani’s cell phone rang and she grinned even
more .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Minti , I will be back in 20 minutes and
tell you all about it ! And yes, ask your father to book a table for three in
Mainland China for dinner. Tonight, it will be my treat !”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">31<sup>st</sup> May, 2018, Belvedere , Alipore,
Calcutta<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-25751014565979998752018-05-10T01:32:00.000-07:002018-05-10T01:32:22.816-07:00The Blind Girl on an Elephant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this blog post, I am going o talk about an extraordinary person named <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Caroline Casey. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZHm1EMl7Nyjx2ljnzOkSeQgloA6mwap28QknmB7EUOoTufg9zS8R7qctj7g3AyalJlbTrO1ns8x29uot9neT_kDtvxPVWeRW23KUMvIcb4kDAf81-or35ThqJaIlrkA_KUFOm0pzFeHC/s1600/Caroline-Casey-Article-Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="800" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZHm1EMl7Nyjx2ljnzOkSeQgloA6mwap28QknmB7EUOoTufg9zS8R7qctj7g3AyalJlbTrO1ns8x29uot9neT_kDtvxPVWeRW23KUMvIcb4kDAf81-or35ThqJaIlrkA_KUFOm0pzFeHC/s400/Caroline-Casey-Article-Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When she was a just a kid, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">she wanted to become Mowgli </span></i></b>and ride an elephant thru the dense jungle in India. As she grew up, in her teens, it was her dream to become a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">motorcycle racer.</span></i></b> She imagined herself with her helmet on , riding a shining black motorcycle , her hair streaming on her face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On her <b><i><span style="color: blue;">seventeenth birthday</span></i></b>, she accompanied her younger sister to the ophthalmologist to get her sister's eye tested because she had an eye problem and she wanted to become a pilot. As usual , the doctor checked Caroline's eyes too. Caroline believed that all these years , the doctor just did a fake eye test. The doctor noticed that it was her birthday and asked her <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"What are you doing today to celebrate the day , Caroline ? "</span></i></b> . She replied excitedly "I am going to take my first driving lesson today - you see , I want to become a motorbike and car racer !". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was then that the doctor looked at her parents and said <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"You have not told her yet ?" </span></i></b>. As her mother sobbed silently, Caroline heard the devastating truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"legally blind</span>"</i></b>. She had <b><i><span style="color: blue;">ocular albinism</span></i></b>, a genetic condition which happens once in 7000 births. In her own words,<i><b><span style="color: blue;"> she could see just till where her hands extended </span></b></i>to and beyond that it was "black vaseline" ! She could never drive !</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">So, how did she grow up till 17 and not know that she was blind ? </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was due to her incredible parents ! They wanted her to have a childhood as free from labeling and
prejudices as possible. So they invented an elaborate game. Her sister, who’s three-and-a-half
years younger than her, was born with vision impairment even worse than hers.<b><i><span style="color: blue;"> Throughout her childhood visits to the
eye doctor were designed to be a game to her to accompany her sister, not
knowing that the play-acting where she got her eyes checked was real treatment.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Caroline grew up believing that she was normal. She played, learnt, had her crushes, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">did everything with the belief that she was just like any other kid !</span></i></b> The belief and the faith that her father and mother had instilled in her made her do everything . She went to a business school, he was trained as an archaeologist and started working with one of the best consultancy firms.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">She decided that her "disability" will not hinder her doing anything - just like how she went abut her life till 17. But it was not easy. She says </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The physical limitations of low vision are that I can't drive or cycle. I walk into doors. I start talking to strangers. I go to the gent’s toilet. I can't see the clothes I am putting on. I can't see the cutlery or my plate while sitting down to eat. When I am reading, I have to hold the book up to my nose. I can't read the signs at an airport. Sometimes I come across as rude because I am trying so hard to focus with my eyes that I end up ignoring people. The biggest challenge for me is exhaustion. I am always trying to see. The worst thing low vision has given me is extreme chronic back pain".</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i> S</i>he is wobbly and falls very often and due to that she had a damaged back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><b><i>But that did not stop her from dreaming. </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRxsmKu3fXjgCd5LRBntyo4UzbipgNV674nKyfbrwaMY0f67IIlESsQg63xpeIrRgUcdVV3r8eE9Hlxrg4juasNgbNFFtyGpCFrKYThj-zOGoM4UZGYsQVoE3vIepayWLZMzm9SgujUfN/s1600/cc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRxsmKu3fXjgCd5LRBntyo4UzbipgNV674nKyfbrwaMY0f67IIlESsQg63xpeIrRgUcdVV3r8eE9Hlxrg4juasNgbNFFtyGpCFrKYThj-zOGoM4UZGYsQVoE3vIepayWLZMzm9SgujUfN/s320/cc1.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Since she could not take up biking, she did the <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>next best things</i></b>.</span> She had been trained in archaeology and loved travelling, she went on traveling the world and went to Asia, Mexico, Australia and America. She could not do scuba diving but she did <b><i><span style="color: purple;">snorkeling</span></i></b> ! She did varied things like being <b><i><span style="color: blue;">landscape gardener and masseuse.</span></i></b> Finally she <b><i><span style="color: blue;">joined Accenture </span></i></b>and was doing a great job, till in 2000, to her dismay, she could feel that <b><i><span style="color: blue;">her vision was getting weaker</span></i></b> and weaker and she had no other option to tell the HR about her condition and seek help. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">She was sent to a doctor who told her that she will stay like this and will not get better , ever. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">That was the first time that Caroline broke down.</span></i></b> She took time to process the bad news. It was catastrophic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">After a few days, Caroline mulled over the point which the doctor had said . "What did you want to do when you were child ? Nothing has been able to stop you till now and in future too nothing can stop you to achieve anything. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">You just have to believe in yourself. If YOU think you can , you will </span></i></b>!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">That day she went back to her dream which she had dreamt as a child - to become Mowgli ! She says <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"</span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I made a decision that day that I would go to India, become a mahout and travel across the country on elephant back.</span>”. </i>According to her, making the decision was the hardest part. Once you believe in something, the universe comes together to make it true . <b><i><span style="color: blue;">The Law of attraction !</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Caroline came to India in January 2001. Then she met her <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Kanchi" - her elephant</span></i></b>, in Calicut . It was not a film. She had created her reality ! </span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I walked up to her, we were both silent and looking at each other. I started crying because this was everything I had ever dreamed of. I touched my forehead to her trunk. I smelled bananas and muck and poo. The heat of her skin seeped into mine and I gave her my heart immediately</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 19.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>"</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Caroline trained and became a Mahaout ! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>My mahout trainer was on the ground giving signals and speaking in Malayalam, not a world of which I could understand. I couldn't see his signals. Another problem was that I was a western woman riding bareback on an elephant, who is an embodiment of Ganesha. A lot of people had problems with that. Navigating situations like this was tricky. Trying to convince my trainers that I was capable, to break the stereotype of this weak-disabled person was the hardest thing I had to deal with".</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; text-align: start;">She traveled from Kerela through Karnataka and Tamilnadu. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">The blind girl on the elephant.</span></i></b> In that trip s<b><i><span style="color: blue;">he raised money for 6000 cataract operations</span></i></b>. When she returned to Ireland, she chucked her job in Accenture and became a social </span><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;">entrepreneur and set up Kanchi . </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;">"<span style="color: #cc0000;">I set up Kanchi </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">because my organization was always going to be named after my elephant,<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><a class="t-d:n hover/bg:gray-l.5" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" role="button" style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: color 0.2s;" tabindex="0">because disability is like the elephant in the room.</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">And I wanted to make you see it in a positive way --<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><a class="t-d:n hover/bg:gray-l.5" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" role="button" style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: color 0.2s;" tabindex="0">no charity, no pity.</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><a class="t-d:n hover/bg:gray-l.5" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" role="button" style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: color 0.2s;" tabindex="0">But I wanted to work only and truly</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><a class="t-d:n hover/bg:gray-l.5" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" role="button" style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: color 0.2s;" tabindex="0">with business and media leadership</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">to totally reframe disability<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">in a way that was exciting and possible."</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">What an amazing journey ! </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">The grit, determination, passion and faith in oneself can move mountains. </span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Caroline Casey is an example to the world. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Hats off to </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">her parents and her who seeded the grains of hope i</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">n her with their bewildering game of making her believe that she was normal and </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">the doctor </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;">, who revived and rekindled the hope in her again when she was overwhelmed and distressed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue Custom, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let us all live life to the fullest and believe that we can achieve just anything - provided we have faith in ourselves and the determination to overcome all the odds !</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue Custom, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I salute Caroline Casey !</span></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-21962501756665630002018-04-25T00:26:00.001-07:002018-04-25T00:46:32.922-07:00The peculiar advantage of talking to strangers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzVAXoYs6PcLpVkY4BNYTjkO8-iRoIxcmHSN8AjUQSjOb-3Xx07x6ijb85NpzQGVPJDrY4UllX4KfQbORjO2wFxNqnGs0Kk5SjFG8SfMZpEpP7TvPL8HYE1C-ZoH1LMlq_sQfRIqnnQW0/s1600/stranger2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzVAXoYs6PcLpVkY4BNYTjkO8-iRoIxcmHSN8AjUQSjOb-3Xx07x6ijb85NpzQGVPJDrY4UllX4KfQbORjO2wFxNqnGs0Kk5SjFG8SfMZpEpP7TvPL8HYE1C-ZoH1LMlq_sQfRIqnnQW0/s320/stranger2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few days back , my husband and I were getting ready to go for a get together of his school alumni. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He fidgeted . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<i><span style="color: blue;">There will be so many people whom I have not met for years . There will be their spouses and many people from different batches who are literally strangers to me</span></i> " he grumbled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not getting any response from me, he continued. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I know you are not bothered. <i><b><span style="color: blue;">You can strike up a conversation with anybody , even if they are strangers and happily chat with them and come back content</span></b></i> !" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I smiled. He was right. I had this uncanny knack of striking up conversations with strangers. In fact , I quite like it. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I like knowing about people</span></i></b> , their feelings and all sorts of information about them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1bfVKFZ-shEcerSkkGTYYMPkLomewh5ckm7WU3yD9unH4-XrOJQpY1D5RxPJ_Lg_6V3yibfLi5zcuT2g0GxzlsCJaTr3uOQIoINZtCNBhJB4YTnulbLO0yq1KeL7NB7Ic4QJu6obhYw/s1600/stranger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1bfVKFZ-shEcerSkkGTYYMPkLomewh5ckm7WU3yD9unH4-XrOJQpY1D5RxPJ_Lg_6V3yibfLi5zcuT2g0GxzlsCJaTr3uOQIoINZtCNBhJB4YTnulbLO0yq1KeL7NB7Ic4QJu6obhYw/s320/stranger1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My daughter and my husband are sometimes exasperated and sometimes amazed . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ma !" Minnie , my daughter says <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"In a 10 minute conversation, you have found out so much ! Really ...!</span></i></b>". And sometimes , when she finds me talking and asking questions, she rounds up her eyes at me indicating to stop. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I like to talk to strangers.</b> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">I find it strangely relaxing.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the fleeting moments , I get to see a glimpse of a new persona. Everyone is unique. Each one of us have different feelings , emotions, exaltation and frustrations. And <i><span style="color: #660000;">sometimes even with one sentence, one word or even a small facial twitch or slant of lips , expression in the eyes, many things are spoken. </span></i>And these are the little things I like to observe. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">These fascinate me</span></i></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">There are different types of strangers</span></i></b>. One type is from a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">distinct </span></i></b>group. For example people from my workplace or my spouse's workplace. Another type is for example our school , college alumni group . There can be people unknown to me in my hobby groups of dramatics and singing. In these sorts of groups , there is a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">common thread which binds us together</span></i></b> and we can strike up a conversation using the same. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyMaK_I5fLBWyKNd-pWj8TsSVzWKvJ8DLxjwGwJVE_GflxcV9AAoR137tmpDePT1oPZGJVibAqUosqhKv-llTpnLxv0eFY5SER89oo7AzQMJpH9nCENXScD9MgK9EKEn_6wZzrN89CYg3/s1600/stranger3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="910" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyMaK_I5fLBWyKNd-pWj8TsSVzWKvJ8DLxjwGwJVE_GflxcV9AAoR137tmpDePT1oPZGJVibAqUosqhKv-llTpnLxv0eFY5SER89oo7AzQMJpH9nCENXScD9MgK9EKEn_6wZzrN89CYg3/s320/stranger3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another type are people who are <b><i><span style="color: blue;">completely unknown to us</span></i></b>. For example , if you are traveling - either train or bus or plane, people sitting beside you. Or you are walking or sitting in a park and smile at a person passing by. The conversation can start when both of you see a common thing and comment. Or if they have a baby with them or a pet and you talk with them instead of the person and then depending on the situation, conversation with the person continues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Talking to complete strangers can be very relaxing, interesting and exhilarating. </span></i></b>Of course , not every conversation will be like that , but yes there will be instances when the communication will just flow seamlessly - just like a river in tide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So how
is it possible that we communicate so well with strangers?<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">There
are <b><i><span style="color: blue;">two reasons.</span></i></b><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The first one is that it's a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">quick interaction.<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span></i></b></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">It
has no consequences.</span></i></b><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">It's easy to be honest with someone you're never
going to see again.</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> The second reason is quite interesting. </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">We have a bias when it comes to people we're
close to.</span></i></b><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">We expect them to understand us.<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">We
assume they do,<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">and we expect them to read our minds.<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>With
a stranger, we have to start from scratch.</i></b></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">We tell the whole story,<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">we explain who the people are, how we feel about
them;<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">we spell out all the inside jokes.<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">And
guess what?<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Sometimes they do understand us a little better. </span></i></b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">There have been occasions <b><i><span style="color: blue;">when people have told me something true to them , something really persona</span></i></b>l - their deep longings or frustrations. And then after that they gave an incredulous look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">"<i><span style="color: purple;">I feel so relaxed now. I have not been able to talk about this to anyone ! Thanks for listening !" .</span></i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The beauty of talking to strangers or unknown people is that <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>we make unexpected connections </i></b>!</span> Sometimes while talking to them you disclose something which is lying deep inside a corner of your heart and then you hear the other person resonate your thoughts or share a similar experience which might liberate you. It makes you understand the same thing in a very different light. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So the next time you are in an the company of a stranger, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">try giving a compliment. </span></i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just like Do-Re-Mi , that is the best way to start ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cheers !</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-69759216996664668932018-04-15T07:58:00.001-07:002018-04-15T08:05:07.138-07:0010 tips to deal with Organizational Politics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYCn4S0VUWNmEd_Xxn7sGFvwab6s5DuLueb6lcT9TvJalde4y8PjN9wCYR23bSADQmDVNmfn4snhTwI_iABgdleENGO3ng87_Nj99vs959WbM0vBRSyo57_dfXAG9nBH-zzX6iY7VE14m/s1600/politics2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="700" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYCn4S0VUWNmEd_Xxn7sGFvwab6s5DuLueb6lcT9TvJalde4y8PjN9wCYR23bSADQmDVNmfn4snhTwI_iABgdleENGO3ng87_Nj99vs959WbM0vBRSyo57_dfXAG9nBH-zzX6iY7VE14m/s400/politics2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several centuries ago, Pericles, a Greek Statesman said "<i><span style="color: blue;">Just because you do not take an interest in politics, it does not mean that politics won't take an interest in you</span></i> !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you like it or not, you will have to deal with Politics. There is no organization where there is no politics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Organizational politics is defined as </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Activities
that are not required as part of one’s formal
role in the organization, but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of
advantages or disadvantages within the organization. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And Politics is not always bad. You have to be in the system to change it. If you cannot deal with politics, you might be thrown out of the game .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following are 10 tips to deal with Politics.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: black;">Foster
relationships & Alliances:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Relationships and alliances can help you navigate the political landscape. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">You need to build up alliances well in advance of any political conflict. Good alliances helps us to be more aware of the going-ons and be prepared.</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Every move should be for</b></span></span><b> the best interest of the company:</b> This is the best thing you
can do when in a politically charged company. No one can debate you motivation
when it’s in the best interest of the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv41gBJ_OCM4XnMV1QSKMcBhvB093lTIw1Og4J7AjVgB5pwZJyZ3aT-TyY-f4xyikI6LPsxhVgjOAyXtqqWt2IuSu6LEV07_ciGc6Ph88D-570GPZnncr9R-YF-DNVB4Y_l-yTzJ_IsFcn/s1600/politics1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv41gBJ_OCM4XnMV1QSKMcBhvB093lTIw1Og4J7AjVgB5pwZJyZ3aT-TyY-f4xyikI6LPsxhVgjOAyXtqqWt2IuSu6LEV07_ciGc6Ph88D-570GPZnncr9R-YF-DNVB4Y_l-yTzJ_IsFcn/s1600/politics1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Always</span></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Tell
the truth:</b> However difficult the situation is , always tell the truth. You might feel that this will not make you look good and tempt you to skirt the issue. Make sure you have the
facts straight and that you are striving to seek the truth about the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Emails are not private:</b> Be very careful about the written word. Email can be a
curse in a political environment since it’s a record of half-baked ideas and
half-truths. Use email sparingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">Stand
up for yourself:</b><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"> When you right,
let everyone know it. Don’t cower when someone attacks you. Rather, state the
facts and be proud of how you handled the situation.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Agree
to disagree:</b> Sometimes a
situation will descend into such chaos that the only solution is to agree to
disagree. This should be your last alternative but it’s a powerful tool when
you are deadlocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Help
others:</b> By helping others,
you earn their trust and respect. You also earn their gratitude that will come
in handy when you need help.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Be
the peacemaker:</b> It’s best that you
get the reputation of someone who finds solutions to tricky problems. Being the
peacemaker is one way to achieve that. Peacemakers are looked at favorably
because they transcend the politics and focus on making progress.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Know
When to Say “I don’t know”:</b> Saying I don’t know takes courage. <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s
much better to say I don’t know than to try and make up an answer on the fly. When used correctly, those three simple
words can diffuse a volatile situation for another day. Just be careful not to
use it too much.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 21pt 30pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Admit
when you are wrong:</b> The power of
admitting when you are wrong is seldom understood. When used correctly, it
diffuses a politically charged situation within an instant. The trick is to use
it sparingly since if you are wrong too often, people will start to question
your competence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 21pt 30pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope this helps !</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 21pt 30pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers !</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 21.0pt; margin-left: 30.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-4491744614407663262018-03-08T04:54:00.000-08:002018-03-08T07:11:46.244-08:00A Different Woman's Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Heavily pregnant woman. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkPVGlzg-UHp2LRl9lhpRFzyZ3q9SWvf55bL5rYboTplXuUK8jNNTWJsqAFShEl4xHLoMLvqwZX1FS3kDLTv3HIKM5rjOmjEqiKNW-qNeltD4dtXZHe_oALJT8TTnIbFDQnIcFhwn6ikk/s1600/womens-story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="821" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkPVGlzg-UHp2LRl9lhpRFzyZ3q9SWvf55bL5rYboTplXuUK8jNNTWJsqAFShEl4xHLoMLvqwZX1FS3kDLTv3HIKM5rjOmjEqiKNW-qNeltD4dtXZHe_oALJT8TTnIbFDQnIcFhwn6ikk/s400/womens-story.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She waited at the bus stand hoping to see a slightly vacant bus. But it was the peak time and with no other option, she alighted the bus. As expected, there were no vacant seats. Suddenly she felt someone touch her exposed back above the blouse. She turned around angrily, feeling helpless. A young man was looking at her . She felt her anger rise above her guts and just as she was about to retort, he said </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><b>"</b>Madam, here is my seat , please sit .."<b>.</b></span></i> The lady was stunned ... her eyes suddenly felt moist ... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>This Woman's day, let us celebrate young men like him ...</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was a known name in that Red-light area, expert in the tricks and traps needed to lure her customers. Today she has to entertain a loafer - must be the spoilt and pampered brat of a stinkingly rich father .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is already drunk ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Where is the booze , eh ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Do you really want more ...? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"YES !! Bring it ... FAST ! "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She made a face . She knew his type very well . They will drink till their neck and then vomit on the bed and... but did she really have any choice ? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She started loosening her sari...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Listen, where is your home ? How did you land up here ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was taken aback . </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Wha -at do you mean?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<i><span style="color: purple;">To hell with the usual things. Come and sit beside me ... let us talk .. you know, I do not have any real friend with whom I can just talk ? Neat adda ?</span></i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seconds passed into minutes and the minutes passed into hours till the night melted into the red dawn of a new beginning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This woman's day, let us celebrate spoilt brats like him ...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The married woman had been nursing her bed ridden mother-in-law for days . All the household work , looking after her kids, cooking , shopping, relatives and on top of that her perpetually sick mother-in-law. Though she wanted to tell about her exhaustion to her husband, she kept mum... if she says something, he will misunderstand her and become angry !</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The door bell rang. A middle aged woman stood at the door. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes ? Whom do you want ?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"You , Memsab ... I am coming from the Ayah centre "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ayah Centre ? " She was surprised.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Sahib had called up our centre . Said his mother was sick . He must have forgotten to tell you .. Why don't you call him up and ask ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She called up her husband and after putting the phone down she felt how much people misunderstand each other ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This woman's day, let us celebrate husbands like him ...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The mad young woman was begging for food. No one took pity at her. Her clothes were in tatters , most of her body was exposed. She pointed at her naked stomach to show that she was hungry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"... Come here ... "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She turned back and saw four boys in their later teens. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A woman's instinct perhaps, she glared at them and spat. They pulled her by her hands and took her into the abandoned godown. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She bit them as they handed over a packet to her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<i><span style="color: purple;">Take it . It has a pair of clothes and food. And from today you can stay here, do not roam about on the street. If you need anything, you can go to that club at the end of the road and tell us ".</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Did the woman become mad a second time ? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This woman's day, let us celebrate teenagers like them ... </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The girl writes poems, her own way , her own thoughts. She had told him a couple of times, read out her poems , but she did not see any enthusiasm in his eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She does not tell him anymore , just writes for herself. One night, he calls her up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"How would you like if your poetry book was published ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Are you mad ? Who will print a book containing my poems ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Why ? Me ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"You ? Do you know the money involved ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes. I have found out ."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What... You ... but ..."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<i><span style="color: purple;">Does everything needs to be told in words ? Or you think that if I read all your poems you will know that I like the fact that you write so well ?</span></i> "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The girl, the budding poet, lost all her words... </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This woman's day, let us celebrate partners like him ...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the day the doctors told her that she will never become a mother , her crying has not ceased. It is her fault, the doctor had said. Oh ! Why does she not die of shame ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Be ready at 8.30 am tomorrow "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Again a new doctor's opinion ? What more will we learn? The problem lies in me .."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next day, as their car pulled in front of Saint Mary Home and school, she was surprised. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"We are getting down here ? "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"We have come to pick up our daughter . You always wanted a girl, right ? "</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lady started crying again ... this time the tears were of happiness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This woman's day, let us celebrate fathers like him ...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Woman's day , let us give respect to the men like these in our lives. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let us acknowledge, that because of such men, we can be women like what we are ! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Translated from a Bengali Writeup on WA</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-85639424569107079902018-02-28T05:17:00.002-08:002018-02-28T05:25:04.144-08:00Teeny Weeny : Cinderella <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmja4GYuqfmDq7SEH3mEdw7eQ2zbuG6dHlw7kvZHg9WoH1ZVqpgy6sE8dD6kXW8PkxFJmkagNdf3s4RNjjlZ2fWIZBFoLOZEXmoLxiStkMWqbJP2UZ4GSy8T7fxwxhgKdVphw2RAvCBGV/s1600/Cinderella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="525" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmja4GYuqfmDq7SEH3mEdw7eQ2zbuG6dHlw7kvZHg9WoH1ZVqpgy6sE8dD6kXW8PkxFJmkagNdf3s4RNjjlZ2fWIZBFoLOZEXmoLxiStkMWqbJP2UZ4GSy8T7fxwxhgKdVphw2RAvCBGV/s320/Cinderella.jpg" width="320" /></a>Cinderella : Hi Prince ! Are you awake ?<br />
<br />
Prince : Hi ! Yes , I am ! Wassup ?You looked beautiful tonight .....<br />
<br />
C : As I ran away today, the glass slipper broke !<br />
<br />
P : Hell ! Now how will I find you ?<br />
<br />
C : 😅 ! Did you really want to ?<br />
<br />
P : 😝 ! Not really. But how did you guess ?<br />
<br />
C : I saw you loosen the screw on the heel of the glass shoe ...<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
C : Hey ! Where are you ? I was just joking 😈. Actually I saw you kissing my step sister ...<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
C : It's true , right ? 😌. All the best Prince ! Be happy !<br />
<br />
The emoticons did not reflect her tears. Her guess about the shoe and the step sister was correct .<br />
<br />
Cinderella died that night.<br />
<br />
Cinderellas do not exist anymore ....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-17164514967953752432018-02-14T23:54:00.002-08:002018-02-15T01:26:12.537-08:00The Key and the Hammer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Key and the Hammer </span></u></b></div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bXd_GDNiFf3qTQvVQp6oKuYb8rQf4RKPzmiagdHLz_w2cFa-7ETGq4VrmJeVyrbr2Ws6dR2EgmeiKjB-Y6iM43UncxiQ0xRUxssyrCE16rr2q-0tD-2X4kAgPThuU9iPZjyYmdm36PVG/s1600/hammer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bXd_GDNiFf3qTQvVQp6oKuYb8rQf4RKPzmiagdHLz_w2cFa-7ETGq4VrmJeVyrbr2Ws6dR2EgmeiKjB-Y6iM43UncxiQ0xRUxssyrCE16rr2q-0tD-2X4kAgPThuU9iPZjyYmdm36PVG/s1600/hammer.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A Key and a Hammer lay on a table side by side. The hammer looked dejected , morose and quizzical. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What is the matter , brother Hammer ? You look sad and puzzled ! " The key asked the Hammer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I am wondering ... " </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What ? "</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VjmzNzZ8JxtFiP6N_Vg0qhBeZjhyYzQCZFxvlmIiKiDhOXjLDQ6wXjGO-g2bgB7xSudNURsinq3IfexaFDTpfvbwr43IkInjZLARcHAJm9AhnCVZRtDsgUaDxfZBBWuuYHwJqGD2WCdO/s1600/key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VjmzNzZ8JxtFiP6N_Vg0qhBeZjhyYzQCZFxvlmIiKiDhOXjLDQ6wXjGO-g2bgB7xSudNURsinq3IfexaFDTpfvbwr43IkInjZLARcHAJm9AhnCVZRtDsgUaDxfZBBWuuYHwJqGD2WCdO/s200/key.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I am much bigger and stronger than you, I weigh much more and am costlier than you , but ... "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"But what , big brother ? "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Why is it that you are able to do what I can never ever do ? ". The Hammer sounded puzzled , jealous and dejected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Key waited to hear him out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "You can OPEN a lock. I can break it, destroy it , but I can never open it ! Please tell me , do tell me your trick of the trade " The Hammer pleaded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Key smiled. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Brother, it is very simple .It is because I go inside the lock. I touch it's heart and soul. That is why, just a small nudge from me opens it up ... "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>At work , home or play, whatever we do, if we can touch the inner recesses of the heart and touch a person's soul , it becomes easy to get them open up. It is a great method used by charismatic and transformational leaders.</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Marble slab and the idol</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A big slab of white marble and a small marble idol were being transported in a train to a temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ahh fate ... ! See what it has done to me and what it has made you ... ". the marble slab whispered in the idol's ears . </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmVzJjhr8yLCXvLCNDWmn2A3AsrDmZwpXvappyW-yyjpEl0Vjw0devRd1u5oLL6SVhfSkh3lSwFPRkOPWTAWsXiAeZ2PoR-4Ju6pB93grD5nBqE72vmYquW0Fpg_TTs0U_68F0c2JHoOq/s1600/marble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1104" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmVzJjhr8yLCXvLCNDWmn2A3AsrDmZwpXvappyW-yyjpEl0Vjw0devRd1u5oLL6SVhfSkh3lSwFPRkOPWTAWsXiAeZ2PoR-4Ju6pB93grD5nBqE72vmYquW0Fpg_TTs0U_68F0c2JHoOq/s320/marble.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Fate ? How come ?" The idol asked . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Well, both of us were cut from the same rock, but you will be put up on a pedestal and I will be put on the floor infront of you. The devotees will come and trample on me but they will bow their head to you ... if this is not fate then waht is it ?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The idol looked at the slab calmly and said "It is not fate , my friend... When you were cut, the pressure put cracks on you. That is why they had to make you a slab. I have been cut and after that I have gone through thousands of hammer strikes. Then I have been chiseled with sharp tools and only after that I have become the idol. It is called resilience, my friend, not Fate .... "</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Leaders do not crack or buckle under pressure . They are self confident and calm . They have the resilience to face any situation. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>They inspire their followers.</b></i></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-26816399414519463142018-01-31T22:33:00.001-08:002018-01-31T22:37:57.443-08:004 Surprising Truths<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; padding: 0in;">The following are four <b><i><span style="color: blue;">surprising truths which have been established and validated by research. </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope you find this interesting !</span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; padding: 0in;">1. We don't notice what's right in front of us<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6ccTwZmXqdXjb3pEqQrRtc6nmHipzGo6nOrT4XHy2ZtiMtHlVoLqqDjHFC21Fq2wK_zvBiot7_kKTRx84SbMFon94YTphBcXMIzIw6AbazwVxUSyF3odY7JUH8VpaspvdeJAKPO51Yxm/s1600/study2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6ccTwZmXqdXjb3pEqQrRtc6nmHipzGo6nOrT4XHy2ZtiMtHlVoLqqDjHFC21Fq2wK_zvBiot7_kKTRx84SbMFon94YTphBcXMIzIw6AbazwVxUSyF3odY7JUH8VpaspvdeJAKPO51Yxm/s320/study2.jpg" width="277" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Think you know what's going on around you? Really ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In 1998, researchers from Harvard and Kent State
University targeted pedestrians on a college campus to determine <i><span style="color: blue;">how much
people notice about their immediate environments.</span></i> An</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> actor came up to a pedestrian and asked for directions. While the pedestrian
was giving the directions, two men carrying a large wooden door walked between
the actor and the pedestrian, completely blocking their view of each other for
several seconds. During that time, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">the actor was replaced by another actor,</span></i></b> one
of a different height and build, and with a different outfit, haircut and
voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Half of the participants didn't notice the substitution.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The experiment was one of the first to illustrate the phenomenon
of "<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">change blindness</span></b>," which shows just <b>how selective we are about
what we take in from any given visual scene</b> -- and it seems that <i><span style="color: blue;">we rely on
memory and pattern-recognition significantly more than we might think</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;">2. Power Corrupts</span></strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this study conducted in 2003, two students were instructed to write the paper, while
the other was told to evaluate the paper and <b><span style="color: blue;"><i>determine how much each student
would be paid. </i></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vbDwMbUb_JEabrnqJAu3lZ-Vve3WCgwMeha_28Y9p7aTaVJtthz8mv0k5X2x9_JW-GlLGr1DLb_sROIJXT794Yq9UIl2hKGZr4jTRqwqcxYXL97wQNlXl8Kgo3dkunDf0XZSwt65Zf4V/s1600/study1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vbDwMbUb_JEabrnqJAu3lZ-Vve3WCgwMeha_28Y9p7aTaVJtthz8mv0k5X2x9_JW-GlLGr1DLb_sROIJXT794Yq9UIl2hKGZr4jTRqwqcxYXL97wQNlXl8Kgo3dkunDf0XZSwt65Zf4V/s320/study1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the middle of their work, a researcher brought in a plate of
five cookies. Although generally the last cookie was never eaten, the
<b>"boss" almost always ate the fourth cookie -- and ate it sloppily,
mouth open.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"When researchers give people power in scientific
experiments, they are more likely to physically touch others in potentially
inappropriate ways, to flirt in more direct fashion, to make risky choices and
gambles, to make first offers in negotiations, to speak their mind, and to eat
cookies like the Cookie Monster, with crumbs all over their chins and
chests," noted Dacher Keltner, one of the study leaders. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;">3. The only thing one needs to be happy<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8grofk-7wevGnQn6vz5xBbrFWRL1nBHlOt9FwSNnsIA38rlG8V6csfl0rpqRYBlAsha0IaOQ3ycnu0aKD_gHDJ2PoK50VouX3XOaLFE7FF8zw4mlzeqeuRUZTFxHXQ4eHvbYS3GjStiWp/s1600/study3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8grofk-7wevGnQn6vz5xBbrFWRL1nBHlOt9FwSNnsIA38rlG8V6csfl0rpqRYBlAsha0IaOQ3ycnu0aKD_gHDJ2PoK50VouX3XOaLFE7FF8zw4mlzeqeuRUZTFxHXQ4eHvbYS3GjStiWp/s320/study3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 75-year Harvard Grant study --one of the most comprehensive
longitudinal studies ever conducted -- followed 268 male Harvard undergraduates
from the classes of 1938-1940 (now well into their 90s) for 75 years, regularly
collecting data on various aspects of their lives. The universal conclusion?
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Love really <span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">is </span></span>all that matters, at least
when it comes to determining long-term happiness and life satisfaction.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The study concluded that there are two pillars of happiness: "One is love. The other is finding a
way of coping with life that does not push love away." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;">4. Delaying gratification can make you more successful</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVWwT6AZzAUiKHi7y7ph5TUBMQHf7hSKg0qpUlzkb61-5m-vnFGedBs_6aoeXGaa-vNpSL6jQpSE_D1cvHypaMipy6trQQlhhBh3bvAio6Qe3zEwUUSD8heRXxT34pJoYXgAu32Yu1KVX/s1600/study+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="480" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVWwT6AZzAUiKHi7y7ph5TUBMQHf7hSKg0qpUlzkb61-5m-vnFGedBs_6aoeXGaa-vNpSL6jQpSE_D1cvHypaMipy6trQQlhhBh3bvAio6Qe3zEwUUSD8heRXxT34pJoYXgAu32Yu1KVX/s320/study+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This study was done in Stanford University in the late 1960s . It tested preschool <b><i><span style="color: blue;">children's
ability to resist the lure of instant gratification -</span></i></b>- and it yielded some
powerful insights about <b>willpower and self-discipline</b>. In the experiment,
four-year-olds were put in a room by themselves with a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">marshmallow on a plate</span></i></b>
in front of them, and told that they could <i><span style="color: blue;">either eat the treat now, or if they
waited until the researcher returned 15 minutes later, they could have two
marshmallows.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While most of the children said they'd wait, they often <b><i><span style="color: blue;">struggled
to resist </span></i></b>and then gave in, eating the treat before the researcher returned. The children who did manage to hold off for the full 15 minutes generally used
avoidance tactics, like <b><i><span style="color: blue;">turning away or covering their eyes.</span></i></b> The implications
of the children's behavior were significant: Those who were able to <b>delay
gratification</b> were much less likely to be obese, or to have behavioural problems by the time they were teenagers, and <b>were
more successful later in life.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-25469878246640251032018-01-22T23:33:00.000-08:002018-01-22T23:38:46.724-08:007 Best Tips for delivering an Outstanding Presentation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mam, I am so nervous ! I have prepared my presentation and worked hard on the tips given by you. But still I am getting butterflies in my stomach...</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> " .</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT00gVKm8Jn9OAKfre2VBkVa0WGHw_i0PWmLo9qsl3w2mbzj6-qBKClRNiQltb-Uq0BAEk0h7ZrX6k_6gseomwu1uxQymWnwu-AF09C2s4z7IZD0Vjg0rS5CTEMKO3NqmZdfmxSCxuQ0lk/s1600/pres2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="400" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT00gVKm8Jn9OAKfre2VBkVa0WGHw_i0PWmLo9qsl3w2mbzj6-qBKClRNiQltb-Uq0BAEk0h7ZrX6k_6gseomwu1uxQymWnwu-AF09C2s4z7IZD0Vjg0rS5CTEMKO3NqmZdfmxSCxuQ0lk/s400/pres2.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, no, don't be under the illusion that this is a naive , young junior person. The words were uttered by a <i><b>8 year experienced manager, who had given several presentations in office.</b></i> This time, the audience was different. He was amongst a few others , assigned to present to the Board of Directors about his new idea for business incubation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tried to calm him.<span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"What is bothering you ? Try to be explicit ".</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He thought for a minute and said "Two things - <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">How can I get the Board to listen to me ? How can I keep their attention ? </span></i></b>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whoever you are , all of us know that we<b><i> feel flutters </i></b>when we have to take the centre stage for presentation. And the manager had articulated quite explicitly . These are the key things which is needed for a successful presentation. Keeping the attention of the audience and getting them to listen to you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had written about the importance of the Content. You can read the post here :<a href="http://leadership-mantra.blogspot.in/2014/10/7-tips-for-managing-content-of-ppt.html" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://leadership-mantra.blogspot.in/2014/10/7-tips-for-managing-content-of-ppt.html" target="_blank">7 Tips for Managing Content of the PPT</a> . </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this post, I am going to talk about another very important aspect of a good presentation : " <b>Connect </b>". </span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Engagement vs. Attention :</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">schools of colleges</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> , the teacher often says - </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Pay attention</b></i>.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> But in presentations, if cannot say so. In fact , I always prefer engagement over attention. My words should "</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>engage</i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">" the audience.</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: purple;">It should evoke curiosity</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. It should </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">build a rapport</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. A few ways to do this in the initial slides of the presentation:</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Pose a question to the audience - either to an individual or to the entire group</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ask the audience to imagine</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Use startling facts</i></span></li>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdX-LhP2AoDrLWoG1MAk9iCfaf6VKyGG8HLqWJGF2WJnnhdPZ-TKGIDyzm39Jah72EnQG6_inwGKEwNdEbvu218t4BHbgaKl42k9T15gYw7j7acNCbRqvtbcEEO9Y2TwgNc62ZOeNm9Mf/s1600/pres1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="429" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdX-LhP2AoDrLWoG1MAk9iCfaf6VKyGG8HLqWJGF2WJnnhdPZ-TKGIDyzm39Jah72EnQG6_inwGKEwNdEbvu218t4BHbgaKl42k9T15gYw7j7acNCbRqvtbcEEO9Y2TwgNc62ZOeNm9Mf/s320/pres1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Voice Modulation :</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> To some people it comes naturally and for others this needs lots of practice. Your voice </span><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">should not be monotonic</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Avoid extremes</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> in pitch. Your voice is a very powerful instrument for connecting with the audience. </span><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They will laugh and cry with you if you can attain mastery of your voice. </span></i></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Power of the Pause :</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have seen many people just </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: purple;">breeze</span></b></i> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">through the slides, in a </span><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>monotone without pauses</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Even if the content of the presentation is very good, this will not create an impact. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>They fear that if they pause, the audience will lose interest</i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> . Or they just want to get it over with. The </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Pause is very powerful.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If you can use a lag of 1 or 2 seconds before telling something which is crucial for the presentation, it will create a greater impact.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXtchtMlFvkq-9JpiU39mMhYwpa3L2VDHxXm1I48O8iFdQlaFORcV5R_GfB-FWSZUin25CGpWS9QD-RawX5oM6f_0foYtmlDypdd7NtMNR-5Wy8gPI4hsSRf5i-J2j4HLDqbMJO_2hUT0/s1600/pres3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="713" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXtchtMlFvkq-9JpiU39mMhYwpa3L2VDHxXm1I48O8iFdQlaFORcV5R_GfB-FWSZUin25CGpWS9QD-RawX5oM6f_0foYtmlDypdd7NtMNR-5Wy8gPI4hsSRf5i-J2j4HLDqbMJO_2hUT0/s320/pres3.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eye Contact :</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If the audience is small, it is easy to keep eye contact with them . You just have to give a </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: purple;">sweeping glance from left to right and then from right to left</span></b></i> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">after a couple of slides. In case you are on a podium, on the stage, with lights on you , then you should </span><i><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fix up a point in the air, just in the middle of the hall </span></b></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and deliver your presentation. </span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv1rWXcFD84Dhp1mrn6j-CT2tLpKETjmYivwl_D2qG34q3jG4SnOgjY8VyTu9Qz2RZF2YOmCf1E7_Wa-CPZ8s0m3ev0LhoT_dt_8XsgPx8LYqLFxdD6Oy5lf16GUua9MM25IOaD_nSt67/s1600/pres4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="699" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv1rWXcFD84Dhp1mrn6j-CT2tLpKETjmYivwl_D2qG34q3jG4SnOgjY8VyTu9Qz2RZF2YOmCf1E7_Wa-CPZ8s0m3ev0LhoT_dt_8XsgPx8LYqLFxdD6Oy5lf16GUua9MM25IOaD_nSt67/s320/pres4.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make it a conversation :</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If your presentation is not </span><b><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">interactive,</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> it is very difficult to connect and engage the audience. If appropriate, </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>use humour</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. You have to look at the body language - </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">a smile, a snigger, twitching of hands will give away the trouble makers, if any.</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> There might be awkward questions from them . Just </span><b><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">don't lose your temper.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You can thank them for their input and carry on or you can utilize their point to modify the direction of your talk. Do it calmly and intelligently. </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Storytelling : </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is one of the most powerful tools to connect with the audience. Use </span><b><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">powerful analogies, anecdotes and stories</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to make your presentation richer. This will <i><span style="color: purple;">get their attention and peak their interest</span></i>. You should create an atmosphere where the people will feel the desire to take action.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile : </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know it is not easy to smile when you are on the stage. But do it anyways. Smiling will loosen you up. Be </span><i><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">free and fluid in your movements but avoid aimless movement</span></b></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Watch out for mannerisms like tapping, swaying etc. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All these are easier said than done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Practice is the key</b> and that will take you towards perfection. If you are nervous, rehearse in front of the mirror or in front of your friend or family and ask for feedback. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Breathe deeply. Practice mentally. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And remember ... </span><b><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a bit of fear is normal , as well as good for delivering a great presentation !</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cheers !</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-60404442586352701022018-01-12T08:03:00.002-08:002018-01-12T08:10:35.312-08:007 Best Ways to be Happy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>We do not get everything in our life.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Scene 1 :</span></b> We aspire for something , we try hard and do whatever it takes to attain our goals but sometimes in spite of all our efforts , we fail. We curse our fates, become depressed and unhappy. We mope around with long face , people try to console us , but we still are unhappy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Scene 2 : </b></span>Years pass by. And now when we look back at the incident and our failure, we thank our lucky stars that whatever happened was for the best !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am sure all of us have gone through similar situations. But hang on ! There is a period between scene 1 and scene 2 where we keep on feeling miserable and unhappy and in that duration, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">we miss out on precious time ... the time which will never come back again !</span></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhhXE_S3JdCIydfQO8wJzVB9I9i84RR74aoeT-kCPnqZQZUP9DfM5Jj3awEa3NHs_6Ti_8oI4qw_WjvLLYK7EHxMcModfu_LGV1seC9i2N8Kt0NoWpwVXF3-nYDnJoEELAgKqSPLfB2-W/s1600/happy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhhXE_S3JdCIydfQO8wJzVB9I9i84RR74aoeT-kCPnqZQZUP9DfM5Jj3awEa3NHs_6Ti_8oI4qw_WjvLLYK7EHxMcModfu_LGV1seC9i2N8Kt0NoWpwVXF3-nYDnJoEELAgKqSPLfB2-W/s320/happy3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So folks, here are some tips how we can try to be happy. But the catch is - <b><i><span style="color: blue;">we have to practice being happy.</span></i></b> If we can follow these steps when we are feeling down and in the dumps, we will be able to enjoy our valuable and priceless gift - the present !</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Think of the people who have bigger problems than you :</b> Suppose you do not get the coveted promotion and you are really miserable. Think of the people who do not have a job ! If you are worried that your daughter has flunked in her maths exam , think of the parents who have specially abled children . <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Don't you think your problem just got smaller ?</span></i></b> </span></li>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU64HsDIs-_haQ5kEGUzAp7Mw-3TMJ3GvVTN9leMzOn6kTQx2RwJEZrzr0LyxG-u-47eN1iLjh7UR1dsxm1i_kD30Wo88Z-CTZQsRIZOpIMqf5-oW4OIH4515jMjapmB0_v4301_mJPRus/s1600/happy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU64HsDIs-_haQ5kEGUzAp7Mw-3TMJ3GvVTN9leMzOn6kTQx2RwJEZrzr0LyxG-u-47eN1iLjh7UR1dsxm1i_kD30Wo88Z-CTZQsRIZOpIMqf5-oW4OIH4515jMjapmB0_v4301_mJPRus/s200/happy1.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"This too shall pass " :</b> The famous writing on the wall. <i><span style="color: blue;"> <b>Everything is temporary</b>. </span></i> The sorrow that you feel now will pass and hang on ... if you ever feel that you are on cloud 9 , remember that that is also transient. </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; color: #282f2f; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Fake it till you feel it :</b></span></span><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #282f2f;"> Feelings follow actions. If you are feeling low, </span><i><b><span style="color: blue;">deliberately act cheery,</span></b></i><span style="color: #282f2f;"> and you will find that you are actually feeling happier. If you are feeling angry at someone, do something thoughtful for her and your feelings
toward her soften. This strategy is uncannily effective.</span></span></span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #282f2f;">Do not be too harsh to yourself :</b><span style="color: #282f2f;"> Sometimes , in the rush of things, </span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">we are too unkind to ourselves</span></i></b><span style="color: #282f2f;">. We take ourselves too seriously, punish ourselves and start hating ourselves. Go slow ! Give yourself a break.</span><b><i><span style="color: blue;">You are good. You are loved. You have had your wins</span></i></b><span style="color: #282f2f;">. You have unique qualities and potential. Celebrate your small wins. </span></span>Appreciate yourself. Love yourself.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Don't let time slip away :</b> When people realise that their life is
almost over and look back , they see <b><i><span style="color: blue;">how many dreams have
gone unfulfilled.</span></i></b> Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it. The biggest wake-up call here is that these people didn’t mean for this to
happen—<b><i><span style="color: blue;">one day blended into the next, and “someday” passed by</span></i></b>, and a call to
follow a specific dream went unanswered. Scary, isn't it ? So, do not procrastinate, do not let the seconds melt away. Pursue your dreams. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Let failures come , you can just bend your way and walk on the green grass on the other route, not losing track of the bigger goal. </span></i></b></span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Optimism, Hope and Gratitude :</b> The power of positive thinking is boundless. Regular practice of positive thinking gives us hope and optimism. Gratitude for what we have , a <b><i><span style="color: blue;">word of praise or appreciation</span></i></b> for your child or subordinate , helping others, doing a good deed a week will make you happy. For me , working with orphanages and old age homes are therapeutic. All of us are very busy in the rat race with the fear of being left out. If we can proactively fit in some time for good deeds and service to others , we will automatically be practicing <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"active" gratitude.</span></i></b> And believe me , it will make you profoundly happy and your problems will appear really trivial. </span></li>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iXXflrlQ9lhjnrHHm1F1HG5OMabDz8sgTgxYJof2jvgALCd6AGxB5E5XNshyjKDfbLN2jAhyqB6e-UHpoiNd4t7HyGiWOBJ51lezn0tiK6WvxJMu1VJKvaSvxN7DxsevMpIJ4tD0ms62/s1600/happy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="208" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iXXflrlQ9lhjnrHHm1F1HG5OMabDz8sgTgxYJof2jvgALCd6AGxB5E5XNshyjKDfbLN2jAhyqB6e-UHpoiNd4t7HyGiWOBJ51lezn0tiK6WvxJMu1VJKvaSvxN7DxsevMpIJ4tD0ms62/s320/happy2.jpg" width="273" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Invest in strong relationships :</b> Relationships are our strengths. It is empowering and liberating. Strong bonds make us what we are. They define us. They are our life blood. <b><i><span style="color: blue;">Whatever may be the situation, if we have robust bonds, we are saved. </span></i></b>If we have strong ties with our parents, we know that whatever may be the situation, they are there with us and that gives us immense strength to fight back. So, nurture your relationships - with your parents, friends , spouse, siblings . Stay in touch with them. Spend time with them. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Life is beautiful and precious. Do not waste it !</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Choose happiness ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do <b><i><span style="color: blue;">newer things</span></i></b>, enjoy the <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Fun of failure"</b></span></i> , turn <span style="color: blue;"><b>adversity into advantage</b></span>, enjoy the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"pauses"</span></i></b> that life presents and love yourself !<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cheers !</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044573762257512490.post-15731241783092395762017-12-31T22:21:00.000-08:002017-12-31T22:21:05.065-08:001st January 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st January 2018 ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are always certain rituals about 1st January. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first one is the thought that always crosses my mind on the 1st day of the year is <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Whew ! The last year just whizzed past ... ! '</span></i></b> Time seems to fly and each year 365 days seems to shrink and become smaller and smaller. Why so ? With all the <i><b><span style="color: blue;">automation and technology , we should have had more time in our hands</span></b></i>. We should have been able to do the things that we want to do . But that seems an eutopia. Strange ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd0NyjUht02GkTO0wBzdhVC4OZZg6_sQEIKBTUw80xMKFHcES5Qj3HrC8NhLv79qQr8voYIxmFsJYQY2Q1obCnW0CLHIppfG_d3p8zUD-6M3NnqBNkU3S5EQ3krYkiALcyYnrEQjMV28s/s1600/goal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="505" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd0NyjUht02GkTO0wBzdhVC4OZZg6_sQEIKBTUw80xMKFHcES5Qj3HrC8NhLv79qQr8voYIxmFsJYQY2Q1obCnW0CLHIppfG_d3p8zUD-6M3NnqBNkU3S5EQ3krYkiALcyYnrEQjMV28s/s320/goal1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second ritual is all about <i><b><span style="color: blue;">setting goals and resolutions. </span></b></i>But again , by the time two to three weeks go by, the goals and resolutions just dissolve and we are back to our old self. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Th third ritual is about wishing our near and dear ones a happy and prosperous new year. Earlier , I used to send cards. Then it became phone calls. Then it was SMS . <b><i><span style="color: blue;">And now, it is just a whatsapp message , that too maybe some GIF forwarded by someone else ..</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having said all that, I don't think I have become that cynical so as to not have any resolutions this year. But maybe , I want to change what I want an how I want . Here goes ...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I want to be Happy :</b> I want to live in the moment. The present. I want to enjoy the small things in life like meeting friends, taking care of my health, wearing a new dress, reading a good novel, be with my family.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I want to save time :</b> I will not waste time on things that do not add value to me. I will not talk to people who spread negative energy in my life. I will ration my time for social media. I will not over react or over think about any stressful situations. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I want to start over :</b> This is one big risk which I want to take and foray into a new area in my career. It will be like starting over. I might face failure. But I think it will give me greater joy. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I want to follow my passion :</b> There are some things which I have been procrastinating for the last few years. This year I want to work towards it and accomplish my goal. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I want to talk, meet and touch :</b> Instead of the virtual world, I want to talk to my near and dear ones. I want to see or hear their laughter and not any emoji. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />They say that instead of goals , make habits . And to make a habit, you have to do that act continuously for 30 consecutive days. And the first day is today !</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H7NzVMfZ1J81mxoApe48focVe6gso67SejpmnlOIWBIYGwPdlxJrVqGCp9mAKskQ53KIi93Pbe-_sQBl7BsQroHx2vabDN2_RC7NemBJ4VeiZLmUsHHlQfAycSvTyh-k9tBmgoQVcTLr/s1600/goal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1000" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H7NzVMfZ1J81mxoApe48focVe6gso67SejpmnlOIWBIYGwPdlxJrVqGCp9mAKskQ53KIi93Pbe-_sQBl7BsQroHx2vabDN2_RC7NemBJ4VeiZLmUsHHlQfAycSvTyh-k9tBmgoQVcTLr/s320/goal2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish all my readers a very happy new 2018 ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am sure all of you have at least one resolution and I hope you will achieve it !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers !</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e40JprBR-0yy73OnWFKeQrovbNJCMphvWKsFIiyWY0W4gXkCQO7LDQltQpuQOaKILC1NyvBVxFsnt3lVD5IaZeaYGyYpODBKITbxUbLTdo9Mu6f9M_nkQcxKhXUOa2FB8WKtM3aHERcJ/s1600/goal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e40JprBR-0yy73OnWFKeQrovbNJCMphvWKsFIiyWY0W4gXkCQO7LDQltQpuQOaKILC1NyvBVxFsnt3lVD5IaZeaYGyYpODBKITbxUbLTdo9Mu6f9M_nkQcxKhXUOa2FB8WKtM3aHERcJ/s1600/goal3.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com2