God, Why Me? by Arthur Ashe

Inspirational Stuff – How legendary people are different from normal people

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player from USA was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: “Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?

To this Arthur Ashe replied: “The world over - 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD ‘Why me?’.

And today in pain I should not be asking GOD ‘Why me?’ “

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human,
Failure keeps you Humble &
Success keeps you Glowing,

but only

Faith & Attitude Keeps you Going…

“Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them, Have great dreams and dare to live them, Have tremendous expectations and believe in them - Arthur Ashe.”

News and Reviews - Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. (July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993) was a prominent African American tennis player who was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. During his playing career, he won three Grand Slam titles. Ashe is also remembered for his efforts to further social causes.

Arthur, the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam event, was an active civil rights supporter. He was a member of a delegation of 31 prominent African-Americans who visited South Africa to observe political change in the country as it approached racial integration. World, particularly Tennis fans will always remember him and his achievements.

Becoming a successful Business Analyst

Introduction

Business Analyst (BA) is a very important person in ensuring the building of near perfect Technology Solution for the business. In simple terms, the BA is an interface between Business and Technology Team. If there is a business model for IT industry and very lucrative one, which we all know and acknowledge and where Sales and Marketing Team gets credit for Revenues and Software Engineers for Programming and Development work, it is the BA, who acts as a perfect Center Piece in the hierarchy.

So, who is this BA? What is his / her back-ground and qualification?

The Business Analyst develops and prepares Business Requirements, Functional Design documents and develops procedures to process data. This person analyzes functional problems and determines techniques and requirements most feasible for processing the data.

Most of the project fails, if they fail (50% according to market survey) is because there is always an expectation mismatch between:

a) Client & the IT Vendor (Development – Delivery Team)
b) Project Manager & the BA and last but not the least
c) BA and the Development Team

The Client feel (or is being convinced) that automation or IT solution is the best way to get operational efficiency / control and sure mantra for cost cutting / growth. Every debate, every one says IT is just an enabler but in reality, IT is a business now. Larger the project better it is for the Tech Team and the organization that is managing it. Challenge remains, how to manage it well.

Having said that on general terms, we have to agree 100% that a BA is very important link in finding durable IT solutions for client’s business needs. A satisfied customer mean repeat projects / business. So, the stakes are high to search for a right Business Analyst (BA).

We can go in details about all of them some other time, but let me dwell upon Point 5, which is the center theme of my article i.e. Right BA

A successful BA should have 6 Skills to deliver his/ her job :

1. Business Skills: A BA is not scaled-up version of a Programmer. A Programmer even with 20 yrs is coding / programming experience may not graduate into a successful BA. Business Analyst should have worked with Business some time in his past career because that helps him / her connect with Stake-holders and SME (Subject Matter Expert), essential to deliver his job & KRA (Key Results Area). Capturing MACRO business view and vision is important.

2. Domain Skills: BA’s are like Doctors who must build an expertise in a particular field say Retail / Insurance / Banking / ERP etc. ‘One size Fit All’ does not help in successfully completing the BA role or for that matter in complete the project.

3. Management skills: In present world Projects are complex with huge dependencies on different People, Processes and Projects. BA with management skill plays an integral part in aligning the resources quickly. BA is perhaps the only constant connection between Tech Team and the Business Team while the project is ON; hence he / she should be in position to get the work / info out from both sides with ease. Importantly both sides should respect BA for his / her role in managing & delivering the project. Any disconnect in the team is a recipe for sure disaster.

4. Tech Skills: Tools and Technology: As much as BA is supposed to be a great domain expert, he / she should also be very familiar with Technology Terms and capabilities of employed technologies or tools. A BA can’t function without having decent level of understanding of Languages / Architecture / Databases / FOS / SDLC / PLC / SQL / Online & MS Tools.

5. Editing Skills: BA is like an editor of a magazine. He or she should be in position to grasp the business requirements and convert (edit) them into smart and portable manner. Concise, & Correct conversion of Processes help build the IT solution.

6. Project Skills: BA is the second line project manager or the future PM in the team. Unless BA thinks that he / she is a project manager and is working towards it, his / her contribution in the project or with the team will not be felt. BA should look his role & responsibilities from Scope / Time and Cost (STC) perspectives all the time.

Manish Jaiswal

The Hanuman Chalisa - praise for Lord Hanuman, explained and shared

I have been a strong Hanuman believer since my childhood days. Though, not a strong one going to temple every week or every occasions, but heart-to-heart, always felt connected with the mighty God of my Hindu faith. Lord Hanuman has been my guide and path-bearer since the time I could remember gaining consciousness and growing-up in Patna. However, I was pretty late in picking-up ‘The Hanuman Chalisa’ by-heart. Even today, after so many years and perhaps with uncounted chantings, according to my wife, I still miss few words which is a shame for a religious devout like me. But then, that is me and I am sure my Lord Hanuman will pardon me for that.

Every time, I would read Hanuman Chalisa and wonder what it means really? We all know, Hindu fiath existing for last 3000 yrs, with over 1.00 billion faithfull in India and across the world, has many Gods and many interpretation, so there is no one teaching or Mono-History. Of Course, Lord Hanuman is omni-present from Kashmir to Kanya-kumari, from Goa to Calcutta, around and beyound, one can’t fathom, but I must admit that ‘The Chalisa’ was never understood 100% by me, till today.

My best frined sent me the meaning of “Hanuman Chalisa” and I was too impressed to read it, thus desided to put it on my morning blog. I am sure, not every one is as ignorant as me about Hanuman Chalisa, but this English version interpretation of Hanuman Chalisa will be a good guild for many who wants to know more about our Monkey God Hanuman (Son of Maruti (air) and Shiva avatar.

Here it goes. Read, Enjoy and Believe that “Good is always Good”

Shree Hanuman Chalisa

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari,
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari

With the dust of Guru’s Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar,
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and blemishes.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.

Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Shri Hanumanji’s physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty, wearing ‘Kundals’ ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of ‘SHIVA’ and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram.

Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram’s lifestory and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

For rest, pls click the link below

The Hanuman Chalisa - praise for Lord Hanuman, explained and shared

Golden Bihar - Is it true ?

I recently came across some data (not sure how authentic, but looks one) on Golden State Bihar that is motivating, hence thought putting the same for NRI readers. ENJOY.

* Bihar has more total number of literate than Kerala and Tamil Nadu
combined?
* Bihar has more number of Graduate than Andhra Pradesh and Kerala combined?
* More Biharis are doctors than Punjab and Gujarat combined?
* Bihar has produced more number of IAS officers than Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu , Andhra and Gujarat combined?
* More Biharis are bank probationary offices than any other state?
* More Biharis are in IIT compare to Maharashtra and Gujarat? This year IIT topper is from Bihar.
* Delhi University, North Campus - the seat of India education has more Bihari toppers in every stream than locals.
* Murder rate in Bihar is half of murder rate in Mumbai?
* Rape in Bihar is 1/10th of Delhi?
* Number of people killed in Bihar in communal violence is 1/75 th of Gujarat?
* Naxalites in Bihar have killed less people than in Andhra Pradesh?
* Bihar produces more wheat than Punjab?
* Bihar is only large state where no farmer committed suicide?
* More Bihari Girls complete Graduation than Kerala

Still we have a long way to go in reducing poverty, corruption and lethargy.

However, the credit for changing perception should go to the current CM Mr Nitish Kumar and also millions of Biharis, who despite many odds - in terms of lagging growth of the divided State (Jharkhand) / migrated (Delhi) education and social backwardness are still shinning on every sphere of India success story. I salute my state where I was born, raised and got the first education.

Cheers!

Manish K. Jaiswal
USA

India Tourism is a long way to go - Manish K. Jaiswal

News and Reviews: So, the results are out. India trails behind 41 countries in tourist arrivals. The Incredible India campaign to woo foreign tourists, fail to insert excitement with foreigners to visit the land of diversity. India may like to think that it draws a lot of foreign tourists, but the fact is that the many-splendoured land of the Taj Mahal gets far fewer visitors than much smaller nations like Ukraine, Tunisia, Croatia and Saudi Arabia, says a report.

While India received 4.44 million tourists in 2006, it lagged far behind Ukraine, which got 15.62 million tourists, Tunisia (6.55 million), Croatia (8.65 million) and Saudi Arabia (8.03 million). The findings were from the World Tourism Organisation, a UN agency that compiles global tourism rankings, and put out in the ministry of tourism’s annual publication India Tourism Statistics. In 1998, India stood 47th in the world ranking, which went up to 54 in 2002, 44 in 2004, 41 in 2005 and 42 in 2006. “India’s share in international tourist arrivals, though increasing in recent years, is still quite low at 0.52 percent in 2006,” the report states.

On top of the list is France (79.08 million), followed by Spain (58.45 million), the US (51.06 million), China (49.6 million), Italy (41.05 million), Britain (30.65 million), Germany (23.56 million) and Mexico (21.35 million). Germany is a surprise to me as Dubai, Australia and Thailand should be getting more tourists for sure.

According to the report, international tourist arrivals worldwide registered a growth of 5.4 percent during the year 2006 compared to 5.5 percent during 2005 and 10 percent during 2004 over previous years. The total international tourist arrivals in 2006 was 846 million. The top 10 international tourist attracting countries in 2006 accounted for around 47 percent share. Region-wise, the highest tourist arrivals were in Europe, which attracted 461.0 million tourists in 2006, a 5.1 percent growth over 2005.

In terms of foreign exchange earnings, however, India has fared better. In 2006, India earned $8.93 billion against $7.49 billion in 2005 - surging ahead of countries like Tunisia and Croatia.

“In recent years, there has been significant growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism. In 2007, the number of FTAs and FEE from tourism was about five million and $12 billion respectively,” said Tourism Secretary S. Banerjee. France tops the list in terms of foreign exchange earnings too, with Spain, the US, Italy, China, Britain, Germany, Australia and Turkey following behind.

News and Reviews : It is indeed a pleasure to see rise in percentage (100%) over last 5 years in terms of In-Bound Tourist, but it is far low compared to India’s Potential and Brand. May be the Tourism in India is very much placed on the both end of spectrum. One end reflects the most expensive part (Taj Hotels and S. Indian SPAs) and the second end would be (least expensive) Bag-Packers (tourists) who come in hoard (Chartered Plane load) from UK / France and Spain to GOA. Perhaps, we need to get mid budget tourists who should ideally look at India as a land of Plenty, Modernity and Class rather than current perception of Exotic Land of Extremes. May be we need to change our mind-set towards Indian Tourism besides just talking about poor infrastructure being the culpril.

Manish K. Jaiswal

Key challenges in eBusiness is a tough question because a correct answer means finding the right solution too. Like any Product, marketing a website has similar set of problems except the rejection rate for a website in question could be pretty high vis-à-vis a commercial product or services in the Off-line space. Offline offerings may have more tolerance compared to Online offerings. I guess, like any where else, be it America or India, the biggest challenge for the marketeer or the owner of a Website (Transactional or Static) remains, how to reach masses on a yesterday basis at minimum cost. Fortunately in America, no sooner the Website build the traction, the company gets the credit line (loan) at competitive interest rate. However, for an Indian company trying to put a successful website on the world-wide-web, will not only have to work hard but pray hard too to get either funding or a credit line from a bank. The Indian banks are pathetic as they would want to see 2-3 yrs of Balance Sheet with Profits, because they just don’t understand these new Online business avatars or Online business Valutaion, where there is no inventory but only Human and Tech capital. Lot of successful managers and marketing people, working either in a Funded company or affiliated to Industrial house, with Online diversification, will come out with a simple text book GYAAN, that try Google or put your Ad on electronic media (TVC) / Paper media etc. However, pertinent question is, that how a new start-up could afford these expensive marketing / branding medium to reach masses? How would one build customer traction or media traction without capital or aggressive cash flows, even one has done a great job of filling the expectation gap (Read Value Proposition in VCs language)? So, the biggest challenge for any new website in India is Capital. If one could crack this piece, other things – Technology, Scalability, Value Adds, Marketing, Branding etc. could be managed as India has depth of talents to manage other fringe hurdles of a new business. What you can’t hire is some one who is confident or even experienced to raise capital for the new venture as Online / Start-ups / Investment Banking etc is a new phenomenon in India till date. Having solved the capital issue will bring the other untold challenge of hiring quality people who understands the psychology of an online business. eBusiness is a different animal all together. A great Offline Sales, Business development or Marketing resource may not be able to crack the Online piece with ease. All markets are different and difficult. Any tool that solves the distribution problem, gives room for New Services and the case in point is - Online Services. Whether it is India or America, (I can say this with confidence as I have lived all my corporate life in India and now in USA), the challenges to reach your target customers are same, only degree varies. In fact, I find sales and marketing in America is far tougher then in India because of enormous scale (50 states) and huge operational cost. With a modest budget of say USD 250K and smart marketing plan, one may still manage to push products / services across Indian Metros with good ROI, where as it may cost over USD 2.00 million to achieve the same success in the United States. So, the debate about Indian market is different or difficult or it is more Touch-and-feel market are old management thoughts. Fact of the matter is that if Naukri.com or IRCTC or Shaadi.com became so successful, it means India and Indians are ready for new services or buying options from web portal, that is geared for servicing the growing latent needs. With disposal income rising and Indians ready to experiment with new ideas and new way of life, we will see more and more quality web sites coming up on every opportunity space, be it Finance , Insurance, Forex, Banking, Stock trading, HR, Retail, Travel or Shopping. India is a beautiful market and very lucrative too, if one knows how to crack the Capital piece and of course the Branding piece ASAP. Cheers !!! Manish K. Jaiswal

News and Reviews - There has been 80 percent increase in visas for Indians traveling the U.S, says to Michael S. Owen, Consul General in Mumbai.

In 2007, 2.26 lakh visas were issued, compared to 1.25 lakh in 2006. “Though the government-to-government contacts are important, people-to-people contacts are more important for the relationship,” Owen said while delivering the Lincon Memorial Lecture organized by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.

“The Indo-U.S. relationship has come a long way from what it used to be in the Cold War era,” he said. The turning point in bilateral ties was former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to India.

Owen said many experts were against the visit after India conducted nuclear tests. Still, Clinton was of the view that India will be an important global force in coming years. “Now, India is considered to be a strategic partner by the United States,” said Owen. “Apart from the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal, the two countries have reached an open skies agreement. Both sides are also engaged in a agriculture knowledge initiative, a space cooperation program and military cooperation,” he added.

The hoard of people coming to America is a clear reflection of Indians being accepted in United States. Students / Trainees / Business Folks and Leisure Travelers find United States of America a great destination that would hone their skills and throw wealth creation opportunities in big way.

It is a welcome news for India and America.

News and Reviews - Travelling to USA? Honestly, now you don’t need to wait for an agent to chase you for your Travel Insurance Policy. You could Click-Compare-Buy your policy online, across Insurance companies, at your own pace only from Insurance Mall. Just click your choice link below and you are all set:

• Compare and Buy Indian Travel Insurance (Resident Indians only)
• Compare and Buy American Travel Insurance (Resident Americans only)
• Compare and Buy Global Visitors Medical Insurance (All Citizens upto age 99)

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull by MKJ

· Film Review: Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

· Director: Steven Spielberg

· Story: George Lucas

· Cash: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf

· Rating: 3.5 on 5 Stars

(News and Reviews) Last week, the long awaited Indian Jones sequel, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull arrived. Being a big fan of Director Steven Spielberg and ace story teller George Lucas, I could not have missed it. But, what a let-down!

I can’t believe that the makers of great Indian Jones movies i.e. The Raiders of the Ark & The Temple of Doom, could release such a low quality movie. Our favorite Harrison Ford, of course has gotten old, which has taken away his charm of dare-devil archeologist Indiana Jones, but I guess the Script, the Scenes and the Story killed the euphoria.

In The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, our old and jaded Indian Jones (Harrison Ford) is suddenly being accused as Russian Communist agent by American FBI. The movie sets the scene for 1950’s where in reality all prominent Americans were scrutinized for having any direct or indirect links with USSR or even sympathy for sociologist idea. In the movie, to add misery for Prof. Indiana Jones, Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko (Russian Agent) is after his life in pursuit of finding the mystical and all-powerful Crystal Skull. Apparently in 50’s & 60’s both Russian and American scientists were seriously searching Tools or Means to control ‘Human Mind’ to have the supremacy. Perhaps this alien Crystal Skull is the answer, hence center theme of this latest Indian Jones movie.

Why this movie is a failure? First this story line is not impressive, second the chase for the Alien Crystal Skull is very funny and last but not the least, the movie ends up like the movie E.T. I guess Mr Spielberg is still very much in influence with his past celebrated movie E.T. Roles delivered by Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf were equally un-impressive.

Just because I love the Director and being a big fan for Indian Jones venture, I am giving it 3.5 on 5 Stars, lest this is not worth your time and money. If you still want to see the Amazon Jungles and don’t have any other plan for the week-end, you are welcome to watch Indian Jones.

Cheers!

Manish Jaiswal

for

News and Reviews

News and Reviews : Running a user driven website today viz. MouthShut.com is like running and participating in a nascent Democracy. No way, every one will be happy. I guess that is the summary of customer feedback for MS.

The challenge for MS type of sites (without having own inventory or products) is content and quality. Unfortunately, you can’t filter and control too much, lest you will lose the appeal. May be that is the case with MS.

Of course, some of Faisal’s team could be biased to promote a particular type of User / Blog / Reviews or bashing, but I guess overall he has done a fine job with his MS initiative.

If I were to recommend changes, I would do the followings:

1. Remove Google Ad’s from Reviews space. It is irritating for readers. There are other ways of making marketing revenue to sustain the business cost.

2. Genuine News and Reviews about People, Product and Places at Mouthshut.com should be rewarded based on Reader Hits and Feedback.

3. My Diary Post should be 100% free for the individual inserts, without any control and censorship from MS Team. Let this also be rated as other reviews. This will build more interaction with MS Members and that will push MS Alexa Ranking.

4. Mouth-Pad approval response is very-very slow. They are taking over 15-20 days to approve a new review. By that time, story and excitement is over. May be the reviewers are not competent to judge or decide quickly.

5. International Appeal - MouthShut.com is run by an NRI but it has very limited international appeal. Not many people know about it in United States where I stay.

6. Look and Feel – MouthShut.com new look is good but still way behind for a site that has Alexa Ranking as high as 3K.

Over all a good site. I would rate MouthShut.com 3.5 on 5 Stars.

Cheers to Faisal and the MouthShut? Team!

Manish Jaiswal

CEO – Bonsai Insurance Brokers

India InsuranceMall?; USA InsuranceMall

• Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Producer: Robert Watts
• Story: George Lucas
• Cast: Harrison Ford, Kate Cap Shaw, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Ke Huy Quan
• Rating: 4 on 5 Stars

News and Reviews - It will not be an aberration to call that ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ is the first Bollywood movie directed by Steven Spielberg. You don’t believe me, watch it. You may be surprised to hear good dose of Hindi including abusive slangs being used without translation. I can only visualize reaction from people when it first ran in theaters across western world (America and UK) in the year 1984. After watching this movie, may be, we lost some in-bound tourists to India. Any takes?

OK, back to the movie review, I guess Temple of Doom is a step ahead from The Raiders of Lost Ark in terms of non-stop action, adventure and tint of horror. You definitely can’t see this movie just as vanilla Indiana Jones thriller.

The movie starts at an up-market dance club of Beijing, where Dr Jones managed to save his life form the local gang lord, only to drop from Chines sky to Himalayas and eventually cruised down to mystic India. Well after this scene, this great Hollywood sequel of Indiana Jones transform into a typical Bollywood movie. No complain as George Lucas (Story writer) and Steven Spielberg (Director) has captured the essence very well. You may find Goddess Kaali disciples – Thuggi Cult as shown in the movie, out of place, but sure we had some-what similar to that kind of cult in Eastern India till very much after British left in 1947. So, the reference is no fiction in the movie.

Our own Amrish Puri is very impressive as ‘Heart Snatching – Blood Sucking Priest’. Perhaps what will impress you the most is the kid – He Huy Quan. He is good. Of course our hero Harrison Ford is always impressive.

As I said, Temple of Doom is a non-stop action comedy and thrill movie with lot of entertainment. However, you are advised not to see with kids or with heart patients as many scenes are cruel / gory and scary. But, over all a fantastic film for all adults. I am happy to rate the sequel too as 4 on 5 stars.

Cheers!

By Manish Jaiswal

for

News and Reviews

Tags: amrish puri, harrison ford, indiana jones, mkj, news and reviews, temple of doom, vikram seth