The mental process that goes through all the time, even unknowingly, has a unique way of developing our destiny. As I have understood and witnessed some what, it is the "Mind" that generates thoughts (either positive or negative that produces positive or negative energy in turn), which give rise to "Feelings" ( good or bad). Feelings develop our "Attitudes", which result to into "Actions" ( either spoken or physical). Actions develop our "Habits" that build slowly our "Personality" and finally Personality" creates our "Destiny". None of us can change another person nor any situation. So, to meet challenges of a situation or mitigate the effect of comments from a person, we should start working on our mind, because we are only responsible for our pains and distress under any event. Our mind is conditioned by information (constantly provided by all media, which is much more these days than several decades back, so more distress now, as we have to choose between right and wrong stuff), past experience as held by our Samaskara and more so by our "Belief" ( Dharana) system. If we dislike a person for any reason at the first instance and next time also if we do not enjoy his/her company, slowly it gets into out Belief that he or she is not good at all. So, at his/her sight,we start having an ill feeling in spite of his/her being good to us. All negative thoughts like anger, lust, greed, jealousy, hatred,ego etc. do produce negative energy within our mind that pass though us before it hits other person and then returns back to make us more distressed and pained. So, if we start believing in our pure state of peace and happiness, love and caring etc (all positive aspects) and make our mind work on them, we can feel the calmness slowly emerging and making us peaceful and ultimately happy. We do not need to search our Peace and Happiness outside, since none of them can provide that (except it provides temporary stimulant to make us forget the depressing thoughts for a while when we smoke, drink, take drug, buy stuffs or possess so called valuables; in fact, it comes back with more grief) . All we need is to take care of our MIND ( like we do so much for our physical body) and help others to do so.....so that Peace and Happiness become inseparable part of our Life !

We all search for Peace and Happiness in external world, among people,place and objects of desire. In these days of turmoil with many challenges confronted by all of us simultaneously like effects of economic slow-down, insecurity due to terrorism, sudden spurt and result of swine flu, high level of competition in all fields right from schooling and higher expectations etc., we look for escape routes to overcome these by finding fault with others or situations. Hardly we look into ourselves to find the reason of our pains and unhappiness. It is the common tendency of us as human beings in this era to behave the way we do. I am no exception. During long journey through life, I have had several major impacts apart from what we usually go through during our every day existence, due to sudden shocks of most unexpected events. These bring about changes in our life for better understanding due to clarity.We all know, Change is a must as the old order has to give place to new order by vacating its space. If we watch carefully, we will witness, constant change is taking place in nature, some seasonal like weather (which is also behaving unpredictably these days), in animal and plant life, which are of lower intelligence level compared to human beings. Once we start accepting these phenomena as truth of life, our pains and distress come down rather than revolting against them. Why is it so? This query often baffled me till I tried to understand somewhat the wisdom of Bhagavad-Gita, which provides us the direction to lead a life completely by reaping the benefits of human birth. Many masters on Gita, Veda and Upanishads (our precious heritage, which most of us are unaware of) have explained and elaborated through their depictions. As these scriptures highlight that it is our Mind, which is the creator of hell or heaven for us during this birth, not the so-called hell or heaven as imagined. Mind as we all know, generates continuously "thoughts", which mostly dwell in the past or future, much less in present.Personally I did not know earlier as much that is the source of our "feelings". As stated in all our ancient scriptures, in reality, we are all pure and peaceful souls (atma) in our true state, which is the life energy without any shape but indestructible and is a part of cosmic energy ( paramatma or the creator or the god, as we call). In science too, we learnt, energy is neither created nor destroyed, it gets transformed. Like Electricity, we cannot see it, but feel its existence when it runs a motor, turns a fan, lights out houses etc. On birth, as it is explained, we take on human body as costume to express and experience the potentialities through all relationships like parent and children, husband and wife, brother and sister, friends and colleagues, lovers, community and country men etc. during our journey through life (like electricity does so long it is connected to an equipment) and discard it when worn out and re-born again with another human costume. During this cycle, our Mind (Chitta), Intellect (Buddhi) and Traits ( Samskara...memory) do remain ingrained with atma. So, many child do remember their past and describe it some times vividly. We have all heard of it, but never tried to understand the reason.

I am glad to share with all of you that my manuscript tittled "Living the Life", written last year end to this year Feb. and then polished through editing by me, is finally accepted by US Publisher, Publish America and now it has moved in Pre-Production stage. I sought information on probable publishers and some of you suggested and finally I got reference of Publish America from a link at this site. So, I am grateful to you all.

During this captivity at home with broken foot after sudden demise of my wife on May 11, I have been spending my time on this aspect to ensure this maiden venture does see the light o f the day and be witrh readers soon. The story in short is :

This story is centred around four couples in four main episodes, starting from young unmarried to middle aged married and senior citizens from different countries and cultural background. The quest of the story teller is to find the reasons either for bonding or distancing from a close relationship, which concludes with the story of his own life in the last episode. The theme is that in life, both partners (for that matter, boss and colleague, between friends, parents and children etc) need to fall in step through understanding, appreciation, adjustments, caring and support as need be, in life or if they fall out of step,it causes disharmony, turmoil and finally may cause the break in relation.I used the backdrops of travel with history and cultural settings of all countries in this story, which mostly I have visited.

Have a great day !

cont.....

My woe did not end here. Since I needed an early option for broadband as VSNL dialup was of not much avail, I looked for all options. In that process, I came across Hathway Broadband service on recommendation of a friend, which happens to be in my next building. The concerned rep. came in and took the order for wired internet connection against full payment for a quarter almost a month back from now and promised to get it fixed within 3/4 days. I got a hole drilled on the wall for the lead wire to my PC so that his installation team is not stuck. The first team came and said , they have no entry to the roof of that building and hence they were unable to proceed. How am I supposed to get this access for them ? After few days follow-up, they informed that they are unable to lay the wire as it is not technically feasible since the length is beyond 100 metres. Were they not supposed to check this point before they confirm and take the money ? As an engineer, I feel, the signal strength could be improved by deploying a booster, which they want to avoid to cut cost at the cost of service commitment. They informed to refund the money I paid, which till date has not come. Even for that when I follow up, I am referred from one person to the other as if I am responsible for their operation.It is so pathetic! Meanwhile, I have inducted IDEA Net Setter, USB modem at higher cost to tide over my problem to meet my priority. From above episodes,I wonder, where are we heading with this kind of service in fast growing Communication field ? If every person starts losing a rupee a day, being defrauded thus or otherwise ( many experiences will be there to add), in a country of over a billion population, how many millions can be made by unscrupulous companies ? Mostly these service providers are keeping low grade staff (perhaps at low salary), who cannot speak properly, lest communicate sensibly on the issue. This is probably is the reason of public outcry particularly in service sector, where we have to deal with uncommitted and unprofessional staff without sense of responsility. Hope, all concerned including the Government are listening, since incapable people are being engaged in the name of OBC/SC/ST and son/duaghterof the soil. What could we expect unless there is total overhauling in entire system of governance and management of related Industry ?

Recent some experience with well known Internet Service Providers in this metro, which is the commercial capital of the country, is an eye opener to me due to specific reasons. I wonder how such companies could function defiantly without least care of the woes of customers and also at their cost. This is probably possible in India, where diverse cultures and traditions etc. also breed diverse ways of functioning. Once a person goes through the bad part of the experience, I am sure, he/she will not be interested in touching them like I feel. Due to our majority of our clients are from overseas in Engineering & Construction sector for Oil & Gas, Power and Infrastructure projects, we need to be in constant touch with them to meet urgent manpower requirements as per mobilization plan. As a VP, I do monitor all mails from office to clients and from clients to office while in the office and also at home in early morning and late night before I go and return from office. That way, we could maintain a continuity and take immediate actions as need be(as geographically clients are located apart and in different time zone), in our highly competitive HR business field. It is all the more necessary as we operate in major Service sector. So, the communications facilities must be efficient enough to give us the edge for being effective. About three years back, on advice of the IT guy I opted for MTNL Tri-band facility of broadband Net connectivity to meet my workload at home. In spite of connectivity problems from time to time with MTNL, I had had satisfactory working experience at reasonable cost. Last year October, I was totally taken back with an unbelievable billing for my part time operation of PC at home ( 1-2 hours/day) , which suddenly shot up to Rs. 4000/- from usual Rs. 800-1000 per month. Next month, it continued and bill was nearly Rs. 3000/. While I raised my anguish to MTNL with details on the first inflated bill by providing proof of my usage over past several months, they never bothered to reply with justification. Deeply regret to find the top most officials in MTNL like CAO(TR) for Billing and AGM (CC) for Public Grievance and Appellate Chief did not even bother to respond to any of my several mails to them till date. I had to disconnect the MTNL Tri-band immediately after that two bills to avoid highly inflated amounts. It is a disgrace when we find how such people can hold senior responsible positions and waste public money with least contribution. Obviously, such management breeds corruption, which I came to know later being prevalent in MTNL Net services.In fact, I got so upset ( as I hold some values and principles in life important) that I gave all relevant papers to my advocate to send a notice to MTNL, but later realized I have no time and kind of follow up to do with Consumer Court that takes substantial time to resolve.

contd...

While I find in recent times, many of you have included me within your "Trusted Circle", while I have not done so. It does not mean, I do not trust any one.

In fact, my presmise is to trust each and every one by giving credence to their individuality based on education and experience ( so far whatever achieved qualitatively rather than in quantity viz. no. of years like me) and overall intelligence. So, all of you are in my "Trusted Circle", unless otherwise I am proven wrong.

As shared in my earlier DP that I intend to explore in writing human stories that connect our lives, day to day concerns and also about people, who rise above all by overcoming hurdles and meeting challenges of life. It is like my tribute to human attributes and aspirations.

I have concluded my first writing endeavour entitled "Rhythm of Life" about two months back as the first venture. It is in five episodes, each being devoted to a couple, from unmarried to senior citizens ( being companions to each other). The characters are from Mexico, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil and India of course, who are drawn from the people I have come across and known them, who have a common link. The story teller has been in the midst of the female characters (mostly) to understand their concern of relationship with their mates/counterparts as his quest is to find the cause for harmony and disharmony in such relations, even after prolong period. The theme of the story is to maintain the right rhythm of life, whereby one has to be in step with the partner through understanding, adjustments, caring, diligence and patience or otherwise one falls out of step that costs the relation ultimately. After all, entire creation is due to energy (which is neither created not destroyed ; only it changes form) that vibes at a frequency. So, does a human being ; if the vibes are positive and match the frequecy, that relation propspers. Of course, this is my view, having journeyed so far in life.

In my quest to get the right Publisher, I have written to many Indian Book Publishers/Agents and some in overseas, as my manuscript is ready and written in English for global readers, since the problem is common to mankind. I have so far received the response from a US Publisher, Dorrance Publishing Co. , which is based on the print-on-demand basis and their sister concern, RoseDog as an alternative for large upfront cost to me. I have kept that on hold due to recent impacts I have had owing to sudden passing away of my wife and then fracture of my foot.

I would much welcome any of you, either from Book Publishing background or an author or having proper information, can help me through right guidance for publication of the book. Of course, proper reference or contacts details ( Name, Address, tel and e-mail ID) will serve my purpose, based on which I can approach and interact with them.

During my long journey through Life, I have come across many a hurdles and challenges, which become turning points for a change so as venture out for new vocations and step into new arena. Under present situation of having a major change in life with sudden demise of life partner, I feel within, it is a notice for another change in course of life till departure from this earth. After long stint of my corporate career, I quit my last job as VP & SBU-Head in mid 2000, which was then a turning point. Now, other than my ongoing vocation in HR in Engineering & Construction jobs, which enable me to come across a wide variety of people and also some training and mentoring I do for my young colleagues and those who like to be helped, I intend to take to writing as another vocation. In fact, I wrote my first story entitled "Rhythm of Life" that deals with close relationship among five couples, right from young unmarried to senior citizens as companions with set-up of different countries, nationalities and cultures.

My quest is to find the reason for harmony or disharmony in such relations, the latter being so rampant these days, particularly among youngsters and in that process, I feel, like entire creation, there is also a rhythm (right vibe) that keep us in step. Otherwise, we fall out of step to face disorders in all our relations, personal or official or communal. The gist of Life and how to lead it properly has been so very aptly provided in Bhagavad Gita, whence we can inherit the wisdom for enrichment of our life, which I am trying to. In that context, I have jotted the following :


PHILOSOPHY FOR LIFE ˆ_ˆ Be patient and open minded. Smile often and savour special moments. Make new friends and rediscover the old ones. Tell when you are in love with someone and feel it deeply. Ignore worries, forget problems, pardon enemies, keep promises. If you get more than one chance, try again. Prize your good ideas. Try not to make mistakes and if you do, learn from them. Be crazy. Appreciate miracles when they happen. Notice where the sun is in the sky, listen to the rain. Watch for rainbows and falling stars. Look for the beauty around you. Smile with your heart, confide in others. Give to others, and be gentle with others, always. Hope, Desire, Grow and Work hard....without lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego (negative traits of our life) and be yourself without camouflage. Show understanding, when needed. Be determined in life, have faith and comfort a friend when warranted. Above all, have confidence in yourself to "ENJOY LIFE TO THE LEES" to express and experience as much as you can.

We are all quite familiar with this saying. Probably, most of us take it as a matter of fact unless some are put to test, which I have just gone through at serious personal loss and then learning the truth. In a span of last 20 days, situations have changed so abruptly that still I am dazed and coping with the impacts of the events, while searching some answers from life. On 11th May evening, I returned home in the evening ( around 6.20 pm) like others days to find my wife lying unconscious on bed and then starts the turmoil. Getting a doctor at hand is so troublesome that hour, though I live near Sion circle (Mumbai) for ages at a central location, but things have changed rapidly in recent times. She being diabetic with high BP and recent bout of soar throat and fever, was alone at our only son was out of Mumbai then. The person I talked to, from in the morning was weary but otherwise fine and so did find our watchman during morning hours, I could not imagine such a crisis can happen, which was unfolded when I could bring in a nearby consulting doctor with his assistant from the Polyclinic. He advised to rush her to a ICU since chance for survival is grim and I could take her with the watchman on a cab ( no ambulance available less than half an hour nor I can drive car and park at that hour with the mess of flyover construction and traffic jam...this now Mumbai life...I hate to say!) to Keki Mehta Cardiac Hospital near Gandhi Market and within next 20 minutes, she was declared dead. It seems her cardiac arrest took place around 3-4 pm. That night around 3 am after funeral with help of my neighbours ( the spontaneous help I received made me so much grateful to each of them ...plus side!) I could take her to the pyre as last journey together, I just acted along with events. Several nights, when I did not get to sleep, I had been thinking to find the answer where I went wrong. On Sunday 17th early morning I took her last remains from the crematorium and drove directly to Nashik with my son, nephew and sister for immersion. The fallacy is that while alive, I could not take her out of Mumbai for some time in stead of several plea due to my work priorities and now I had to do so. Just before the final rites on the 22/23rd, on mid night of 21st, I had serious dehydration and collapsed at bed room door. Next morning the doctor administered five intra-veinous injections as I needed to be ready for the occasion with my sprained right foot. Fortunately, the rites are conducted without further hitch. On 26th, when I went for the x-ray of the foot which swelled, assuming it to be a sprain, it turned out to be fracture of three inner fingers. Now, I am laid in cast at home for several weeks. Now, when I reflect on these events in rather immobile state, when the mind works calmly, I feel, the Law of Karma really prevails, since I am almost a witness to these events, which moved so fast like picture frames that I could not do anything of my own to prevent. This is when I find the greatness of Srimad Bhagavad Gita....its universality and wealth of wisdom....that can be the best solace to anyone like me, since it is the Truth of LIfe ! The underlying message that I learnt and like to share with one and all, please check out the priorities in Life and do not defer if you can manage to do today, since past is gone and future is unknown ! Idamastu...as said in our scripture in Sanskrit.....live with present and every moment of it !!

In present situation of slow down in business due to economic stress world over, job opportunities have substantially reduced, particularly in overseas countries including Gulf. Major hard hit has been the Construction sector, though projects in Oil & Gas and Power sectors have slowed down or withheld, but ongoing ones are under execution with emphasis on cost control. Since this change is a reality, attitudes of prospective candidates need to change too. Many still have earlier approach with much higher expectation of remuneration rather than being pragmatic with a commensurate compensation. In fact, we all ought to appreciate that salary is always to be earned through competence rather than by undue demand. Besides, many still camouflage their capability by stating more of the employer companies (which most of clients know and so also professional HR Service providers) rather than his/her job profile and responsibilities. So, it is a lesson for all of us as to realize what goes up, comes down and vice versa. Those candidates, who have capabilities and commitments to their professions, do look out for proper job opportunities for career growth rather than compensation alone. They do understand like we as HR Service Provider also explain to most that money follows a good candidate with proven capabilities, since he/she adds value to the organization and hence really becomes a HR asset for the company. We cannot be simply opportunists to build our career. We need to justify our contributions to the employer by adding values to our work with capability added with sincerity, devotion and commitment. Rest will follow automatically, after all, the worth of a person is measured not only through his/her work, but also the quality of the work turned out with the target accomplished on time bound schedule towards growth and prosperity of the organization. This is the time to reflect and commit to present job whole heartedly, since most of us know that any change in job on uncertain time like now has a risk in it, which may not be evaluated like in normal times. It is better to get going with the present job, if well settled or for available job opportunities where career growth prospect is more; so in future good times, one can expect much better job prospects when job situation gets normalised.