Sreeram Srinivasan

Hi folks,Had written previously about how we, as Indians, can certainly do with laughing at ourselves a little more. Here goes some more unique features that we share as Indians across the width and length of this great country. Think it is time to take stock and laugh at ourselves a bit. Here goes...... Have noticed that we Indians have at least four important behavioural features that are unique and so characteristic of us. I would like to call it the 2T2S effect... They are 1. Talk 2. Touch 3. Stare 4. Save steps 1. Talk : what is so special about this, you may ask? Of course citizens of all countries talk, right? Yeah!! They do but not like us.We speak endlessly and incessantly. We speak as a Nation without pausing to listen. We speak even when we are not called to say something. In short, we suffer from "verbal diarrhea" as a country.We say more than we need to always... much more... This is why it is unique. Think for a minute... God gave all mankind measured faculties

This is an ode to an old axiom, the 2nd law of thermodynamics, Many that clarified how all the heat and work mingle and mix. Was Clausius who swore heat can't go from Alaska to Phoenix, Carnot averred that a li'l motive power can chill that pack of six!! Lord Kelvin that clarified all heat can be work but with a few leaks, 'cos bad boy entropy steals a bit of it, so heat ain't all in the works. Its heat that moves toy trains to big ships, a simple law of physics, But its warmth that moves people, this isn't physics but simple civics.

Why does the world fear thirteen as if so gruesome, After all in life, you always win some and lose some. Airlines avoid seating rows, those fridays turn fearsome, What's so wrong about this lovely prime so wholesome? In life, it's start of those teen years so awesome, When boys become men, Li'l girls turn so winsome. Isn't thirteen the time for fantasies, to try all of 'em? To break with the vows one had to make, as is custom. It's a time to explore new frontiers, try ad nauseum, open new boundaries, feel the pleasures so fulsome. To set the wrong notions to rest, let go the skepticism, Smell those fragrances, feel passion beyond symbolism. Sheer magic this thirteen, not a time to play possum, Come out of that shell, let go of it letting love blossom.

Does one's beauty really lie in the beholder's eye? Or is it a fallacy of human mind or just a simple lie? Does beauty lie in those chiselled visages so coy, Dimpled chin, bowing brows and a doe-like eye. Fuller lips, pearly whites, a li'l nose, cheeks set high, ears perfect and curves all so simple, oh! a cutie pie? Is this what's beauty? or one that trancends the sky, one that's deep within, a presence so easy to deify. Beauty is in thoughts, in a reason that's hard to defy, the softness of attitude, and the kindness that flows by. Beauty is in actions, in the hand that reaches out to try help bring succour, and ones that stand guard and fortify. Beauty, oh! myriad thy form, many thy shades that imply, Hearts go aflutter, joy knows no bounds, when thy is nigh.

A new life dawns on this earth, and life's first of the many agreements, choice of one's own parents, made Happy life is but about compromises. Wish for the moon every day, but all we get is once, with all its blemishes, a month, rest only halfs n crescents, Happy life is but about compromises. We aspire for the very best, pursue what holds the greatest of promises, find happiness in something shorter, Happy life is but about compromises. Heart yearns for a special someone, long for sweet missives n li'l wishes, find unconditional love from minions, Happy life is but about compromises. Mind seeks one that offers context, instant rapport, happy reminiscences, in need, unknown souls show up to help, Happy life is but about compromises. Life's contentment comes not from achieving the very best of our desires, but cherishing the love that's around us, Happy life is but about compromises.

You know affluence in the country is up when....... 1. You see grown ups wearing designer shorts in important public places..... 2. There are at least 3 houses in your neighbourhood that have eitherexteriors painted with Lavender or bright green or very dark yellow. 3. People own cars with seating capacity twice that of number ofmembers in their house 3a. People have a driver even for their 800 cc car. 3b. People have 2 kids and put their names in italics on the backglassof their cars! 4. People drive their cars to holiday destinations that are even 1500 km away. 4a. But..... take a flight for destinations that are just 300 km away. 5. The per capita consumption of country liquor drops in favour of Rumand eventually Rum consumption drops in favour of Beer. 5a. The per capita consumption of vegetables drops in favour of fish and eggs and in time the consumption of fish and eggs drops in favourof chicken (broiled!). 5b. The per capita consumption of til oil goes up and is soon replaced b

Blessed is this Mighty land  with its diversity,  a large human pool,  Greatness so near, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  Country so rich, what it spends on  primary education so miniscule,  Give it all we can, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  A headstart essential, to catch 'em  early, set them on their goal,  Delay no further, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  Every child so special, tap into  ‘em  turn ‘em into a truly timeless jewel  by timely nurture, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  Can't learn only from hard knocks,  teach 'em on a structured schedule,  to secure future, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  Rural schools haven't even a teacher,  for the children, isn't that so cruel,  Nurture mentors, let's build roads to  send even little girls off to school.  To school

Ever wondered why so many brilliant people, celebrities, other famous people turn out to be, almost uncannily, from mixed parentages (let's call them hybrids for simplicity)? Now now.... I know many of you are saying, "hey, wait a minute".... but look around and you will see for yourself. When I first came across this some years back I felt the hybrids simply try harder to make it in life to get over their apparent "handicap". I call it handicap b'cos many countries / communities do discriminate or even ostracize children of mixed parentage. But look carefully and you will find that while that is true for any successful person, these hybrids certainly stand out in their abilities. The early example is the story of the "Brahma Bull" in the ranches of western US. Apparently, bulls from India were brought in in mid to late 19th centuries to cross-breed with cows in the US to have hybrid cattle that had better resistance to disease, heat and pests. Let

The past week has been an eventful one for outrageous news items andso I thought it was a good time to pen down some thoughts. History has been unkind to men. It remembers all the outrageous menthat walked this planet. Could be the various Asuras we know from theyore to Atilla the Hun to Mohammed Ghaznis to modern day dictatorslike Franco, Mussolini, Stalin and Hitler. The saga continues to thisday with the ever growing list of the infamous - Zia ul Haq, SaddamHussain, Prabhakaran of LTTE, Osama bin Laden and more recentlyIranian President Ahmadinejad. Sports has also thrown up its own kingsof the Outrageous like tennis aces Ilie Nastase, Jimmy Connors, JohnMcEnroe, Andre Agassi in their heydeys. Even the Gentlemen's game hasthrown up its share of outrageous men of the likes of Douglas Jardine,Intekhab Alam, Javed Miandad, Harbhajan Singh, and the ever (in)famous Sreesanth. There is also this anecdote about the suave General Manekshaw remarking to Mrs. Gandhi the then PM in a high-

I continue with my theme that we as a Nation could laugh a little more at ourselves and also wonder at how amazingly similar we all are across the 28 states + 7 UTs. (Disclaimer: We have in history several famous titles with the word "minute" in them like "60 minutes", "New York Minute", "90 minutes at Entebbe" etc. Nevertheless, the title of this is not intended to be either thought provoking or in the same league as above!!! ) Travel across this country and u will find we are always "a bit late" but somehow we are always only "2 minutes" away. Call up the milk or paper guy in the morning and he is just 2 minutes away. Call him back 15 minutes later and he is still 2 minutes away. Wonder if Albert Einstein would be proud of this patron of his relativity theory or would it be Heisenberg - to see our common Indians prove his uncertainty principle each day. You live through the day and it is the taxi or the driver of your car,

We the people of India deserve a column, in my view, and hence this. While we are so diverse from North to South, East to West, the ethos we share across this 1 billion+ strong expanse are more or less the same and the bungle as well...... So if we can laugh at ourselves a lot more, I feel we will become a great country yet again but only faster. So I decided to compile some of our most interesting (stupid?) practices. It never surprises me how we are all so uncannily similar across these 3.2 million sq kilometers of spread. Here goes.... So you know you are in India if 1. housewives put toothpaste in their husband's and children's toothbrushes in the morning only to reduce paste consumption by the wonderfully unique and patentable "squeeze and pull" technqiue!! 2. you have at least one red+white hand-woven towel in your house 3. you always meld the last little "paper thin" piece of old bath-soap to the new one you just unwrapped 4. you always block the en

We, the people of India or Indians or desis, are a proud lot and there are certainly enough reasons to be (and enough not to be as well). Historically, our country has been the purveyor of knowledge, of discoveries, and even some very clever inventions and innovations to this World. However, I daresay, we as a country have never been known for our punctuality or for our ability to meet time targets in anything we do. We seem to be always late..... We somehow simply and mysteriously "hasten slowly" as a nation... Let us analyse this.... Are we constantly late because we are not industrious enough? Do we dither? Do we procrastinate? Do we make haste and end up tripping over ourselves? Or do we simply don't care for time? My sense is none of above (but some of you may make a case for "a li'l of all the above!"). I feel as a country we are so brilliant a people that we start to build, at least in our minds, a "Rolls Royce" even for the simplest of ta

Poetry as poignant as it can be, Roses as red as it can be, Evening as charming as it can be, Company as enjoyable as it can be. Love as fragrant as it can be, Choices as difficult as it can be, Passion as wild as it can be, Night as restless as it can be. Feelings as indignant as it can be, Action as frenetic as it can be, Guilt as murky as it can be, Denial as torturous as it can be, Thoughts as clear as it can be. Courage as bold as it can be, Resolve as firm as it can be, Righteousness as pure as it can be.

Love ain't chemical, love ain't physical, Love ain't something so quizzical. Love is something so beautiful, a feeling so pure, so soft a zeal, Love can truly truly be platonic, with just a need for touch n feel. Love is something so plentiful, yet so much lingering lightness, A peck on the cheek, nothing but a fulsome act of closeness. Love is something so peaceful, the heart yearns for proximity, but just a loving hug exceeds all that comes from carnal satiety. Love is something so thoughtful, No wrong moves that could hurt feelings delicate, let femininity set the pace, give her that comfort.

It has been a few weeks since I wrote the first part of the above subject. India's had her elections and I have been comprehensively proved wrong on my prediction about the third front and M (not the current PM) playing a key role. I have read somewhere that only sages and fools indulge in prophecies and I know I can lay no claim to sanctity!! :-) Let us come to the subject at hand. Things are starting to look good now with the stock market smartly rallying by as much as 50% over last few weeks and the India's GDP numbers looking respectable at 6.7% for FY09 with positive projections for FY10. Stock markets are also rallying globally from Russia to Brazil. Note that in the same time crude prices have gone up quietly by almost 50% and by lesser extent, a few more commodities and metals. The world's going gaga over the new American president and his first 100 days in office and there is hope that the downturn has bottomed out even if recovery is not yet at hand. Global econ

My poem for this Environment Day... June 5th 2009   Why do we care so much, for this  speck of dust in this vast expanse,  so many ice ages, upheavals so many,  before even man made his appearance!!  Why Man is blamed for all that goes  wrong: hot summers, a cold winter,  and sometimes the opposite but still  poor Man's the target of every baiter.  Oh! May be there is truth to all this  panic about a long sustainable earth,  But tell me this, did we not get here  by sustaining life and conquering death?  Maybe the nature that we altered was  not life nor the wildlife or vegetation  but what Man feared most - death, by  giving life a chance right from gestation.  So why give life a chance as the most  rabid environmentalists that proclaim.....  Let's stop docs that prolong life and  give nuclear scientists much acclaim! :-)  An aside remark to the above poem   Was fine till the white man was ahead,  everything that felt good was clean,  Browns, yellows and blacks want the  goodi

Her li'l girl in her arms, tears in this young mother's eyes, as she bids adieu to her man, on a sojourn of a thousand miles. She holds her baby even tighter, as if it's the only thing she's got, She'd be on her way too, with her man, but for this li'l tiny tot! A child is a blessing and no less a work of art, but at this moment, she was not sure of her burden, was it one or a thing to lament. Years go by, the pains of this event pass, but for flashes of reminiscence. Fades in the joy of watching the li'l one grow from child to pubescence. Another bout of sorrow and pain in store for her as its the li'l one's turn to bid adieu, to go to distant shores, leaving her with agony and heartburn. Ups and downs now the life for this lonely mother, with each passing day, comes news of joy and of struggle, of her little girl, from so far away. As the girl moves up in life, a tiny step each day, hope lights a mother's heart. The day of salvation arriv

Loyalty is a strong word. However, you will understand the connotationas I go through with this write-up. I call it the PCDA cycle..... (a la Deming's PDCA cycle). Each ofthese cycles of loyalty is roughly 15 years in span and as the acronymindicates has 4 phases. They are P- Loyalty to one's Parents C - Loyalty to one's Consort (spouse) D - Loyalty to one's Duties (Farz in urdu) A - Loyalty to the Almighty The wonderful thing is that these phases of loyalty are not contiguous at least in modern context. Typically, there are small gaps in between that I call "Breaks for Self Gratification" (BfSG). These periods of hiatus cumulate also to about 15 years like PCDA but come in 2 or 3 installments. Let me begin to explain Loyalty to one's Parents This is simple. The first 15 years of one's life is to be spent in being loyal to one's parents, listening to their advice, doing what they bid us to do and being so totally loyal to it with a simple

This is a mail I wrote on the KVMAA forum on 5th April......... enjoy........ Given my penchant for numbers, I have always been interested in watching what the numbers say. Even though not a fan of numerology as such esp for prediction of future etc, I have been stuck over last few years by personality traits and behavioural patterns of people and could see a broad correlation. Of course, I am yet to test the robustness of the model but this is derived from several personal experiences with people. So here goes a few tips..... Methodology: I base my analyses on 2 parameters - the birth date per se which is say DD. So if u are born on 2nd, u are a 2. If u r born on 13th, ur a 4 (1+3), if it is 25th then u are a 7 (2+5). The second parameter is what is called the Fadic or "life-path" number derived from the full date of birth : DD-MM-YYYY. This case, the Fadic number is the sum of all digits, i.e., D+D+M+M+Y+Y+Y+Y. So if u are 02-10-1869 then you are 0+2+1+0+1+8+6+9 = 27 =>

I see so many articles in the papers over the last 2 weeks andsmile..... smile a satisfied man with a bit of a "I told you so...."pride. In December '08, when the World was in deep throngs of agony and some prophets were predicting that the end could be nearer than anticipated, this author was solidly maintaining that things would be different for this country (India) in particular and we would see a turn around in 2nd half of 2009. When our Country Head asked me on Jan 1st of this year how do I think Q1 (Jan - Mar '09) would pan out, I told him "tongue in cheek" thatour businesses would finish only slightly below budget but would show a growth of 10% over Q1-08. He was incredulous and told me to be careful not to be too positive and these were unprecedented times and he, in his career, hadn't seen anything like this before and had seen at least 5 downturns in the past. I, as is my wont, stuck to my"contra" guns. But...... I was wrong and we

Where every assorted organism an entity, Where guys were rough and gals all pretty. . Hydras, horses, mammoths in this jungle, Gorillas and savages provided ever the jingle. . Ostriches, puppies, purugus, but no enemity, As always was Granny, reminding of propriety. . Walk free in this forest, so easy to mingle, Still, P' lus and aalus chose to remain single. . Was a River Under the Bridge for the thirsty, Ran out one fine day, spoiling all the party. . While chibu n chimpu eternally in a wrangle, Spongies n specsies provided another angle, . Roy A n Roy J made up for stories and levity, "Gandhi" showed the way towards probity, . Oh! What a class of perfections and bungle, Always stood by each other in every tangle. . Proud are we to be this great class of '80, But remain always at heart, first a Mighty. . Now, teachers, bankers, captains n colonels, Our own Meighty banner of stars and spangle. . Sreeram ('80)

My method is a 5S framework and is as follows 1. Set the context - visioning 2. Support proactively 3. Simplify – Targets, approach 4. Stand by the person in times of crisis 5. Showcase his achievements

There is so much love in this world, look for it and one shall find no dearth, why this need for aggression, when tough love can win you all of this earth. . A man's kindness comes through in countless many ways, that is so true, on faces of people around, the gentle smiles, respecful glances that prove. . A colleague speaks, glowingly of this gentle man, holding back welling tears. Demands, drives hard, but in moments of crisis, stands by us to allay our fears. . Late night at the office is a rarity for his staff, but as well a rare pleasure, Quiet call for an evening snack for 'em, phones homes to prevent any censure. . Where each in his team has a voice, indecisions there is clarity and candour, Then successes are celeberated as all together, in dance and joyous splendour. . A man of great power, treats all with respect, be it his superior or supplier, Takes a great heart to be like this man, Emphatic but a unique knack to inspire. . We salute thee for the yeoman service ren

A late evening call from the Capital, a news incredible shatters my heart, Only a dozen days ago, a hug and a promise to meet soon, we did part. . Such a soft man this friend, voice that still child-like, even after all these years, glint in those deep set eyes, on an ever tranquil face, memories only bring tears. . Always a good sport, this lovable soul, only a soft smiling reaction to any taunt, "primate" nickname a misnomer, cuddly Teddy, a more appropriate endearment. . Faced life's every adversity with a smile and a sense of equanimity and quietitude, How then can an ailment strike at the heart that held such dogged fortitude? . Farewell my friend, may your soul rest in peace, for assured is your place in heaven, Wonder if we will meet ever again, for the Lord's merciful verdict for me is no given. . Sreeram

First rays of light touch down upon this earth, life begins again ever so gradual. An old lady struggles on her early chores, Help or fade away and do what is natural? . Speeding motorists on the empty roads, this early day, unmindful of rules and signal, Surprised joggers jump aside in fright, Rage or walk away and do what is natural? . Parents with children in bright uniforms in tow, care and concern in their eyes so real, There, a hungry child looks longingly for alms, Give or move away and do what is natural? . Men of high status in their Gucci suits, Drive in cool comfort of a car so special, There, a poor old man toils in the hot sun, Stop or look away and do what is natural? . Evening of celebrations of a wedding, an affluent bride sits amid what is ostentatiously floral, There, a destitute woman neglected on the side, care or stay away and do what is natural? . Why so difficult to countenance human suffering, their penury, hunger and struggle, Or have we evolved so much to ass

I just chanced upon a great rendition of Madhyamaavathi about a month and a half back by Bombay Sisters ("Ramakatha Sudha....." ofcourse) and had put it on my iPod for casual listening during my walks. I suddenly realised after listening to it carefully one evening that there was something about this piece. I must have probably listened to it a hundred times since then and still my appetite is far from being whetted and I want to listen more....... such is its power over me. M'vathi has always been a Raaga sung at the end of a Katcheri as audience are starting to think of home and how to pull out their cars out of the parking lot quickly and about all the rest of the problems they all left behind that evening when they walked into the concert. I have seen many in the audience also start to slowly file towards towards the exit. Seeing the mood among the audience, the performers also keep these pieces short without the usual alaapanas, neravals, swara renditions etc. Thanks

Began as any day, plan of a jolly meet, a lovely beach resort soaks in sun's rays, A scenic mid morning drive for the group, To sit around, reflect on bygone days. . So many reminisce about school, the fond memories of friends and mates, while others of teachers, the good ol' days of yore, opening mind's sluice gates. . Not all good in those memories, the years give a certain privilege to speak, of the unspoken malice, words, and acts dealt onto those that were meek. . Aspro, choicest remedy for all, only side effects joy and very rarely a "kick". Was it a twin brother that delivered it or a stunt double that pulled that antic? . And there was another immortal one, "Echoing" among all that were present, Praise, not always, for this "white" man, Eyes well up for the one that is absent. . The young seek more fun with seniors, begin where other ends, a singing game, that captures the Mighty spirit, don't let it end but keep alive this KVMAA fl

Rays of day's early light streaming down, this ordained day on this City of Destiny, Are these nostalgic hordes of alumni or army's platoons rising in joyous mutiny? . A special reunion in mater's holy precincts, Emotions, as each remember and reflect, A teacher in tears as she hugs the past, students bow and bend over in respect. . As one finds a long lost friend or a flame hugs, back-slaps and gaiety among rest, A few sit aside to speak of future vision, While others await an unknown chief guest! . Secrets are unveiled as a car drives up, Out comes a man of age and frail entity, The ever revered first Principal of KVM, Held in high esteem for his quiet dignity. . Ceremonies begin, men of stature on stage, MCs, elegant and comely, hold all captivated. Lamp lighting marks the start, prayer brings nostalgic tears leaving our souls rejuvenated. . Rousing speeches for minds to open, uncover a souvenir, bound to be a collector's delight Honours for ones that taught and guid

Are oceans truly endless or are they Bounded by shores and land that border? Is the universe truly boundless or is it only Our thoughts that have no limits or rudder? . There r limits to the knots a ship can run, And to what strongest of men can endure, Limits to the weaponry a ship can carry, But no limits to what the mind can conjure. . Nation's emergence out of the bondage inventiveness to take it to the summits When the state of the art is indigenous, Then self-reliance truly knows no limits. . When a strong will to excel and exceed meets men with tireless commitment, When flawless planning stands alongside, No limits truly for human achievement. . No limits for this azure expanse above, No limits for depth of one's knowledge, No limits indeed for human imagination, No limits for the one that has the edge. . No limits for this baby, indeed, no limits. No limits for this baby, indeed, no limits.