Today’s newspapers are replete with life and times of the great Ratan Tata, who breathed his last yesterday. The articles celebrate the man’s achievements – the way he expanded Tata empire , with international footprints, but an equal, if not greater coverage has also been given to the man that he was! His love for philanthropy ( something that’s been the hallmark of the entire TATA group’s philosophy), downtrodden, animals, especially the homeless strays, budding entrepreneurs and above all, growth and development of India, make him a person extraordinaire that he was! Truly a son of the soil, a gem of a person, justifying his name, “Ratan”.

However, amongst all the obituaries, obeisances and condolences by a cross section of people, one that I received on WhatsApp forwarded by my friend stood out. It said-

“ RIP Ratan Tata – Sir, Return if possible.”

I don’t think there could be a more emotional expression from one’s condoling heart. He indeed touched the people of this nation like a very few before him or may do so after him!

In our schooldays, we studied, among other subjects, CIVICS. If I recall correctly, we were taught that we must use our right to vote, which is exercised through secret ballot, signifying that we had freedom to vote for anyone we liked without revealing our identity so that nobody could influence us or subsequently victimise us for not having voted for him or her.

Aren’t these exit polls an exact antithesis of the spirit of secrecy associated with voting? Why should the voters casting their votes reveal their cards to the exit poll analysts?

Ironically, second time on the trot, exit polls have failed to make right prediction. While during Loksabha polls, exit polls sort of justified BJP’s catchword of “ Abki baar 400 paar” and BJP barely scrambled home needing crutches to form government at centre, exit polls for Haryana predicted a sweep for Congress, which in reality has been swept away by BJP juggernaut.

It’s for these pollsters to recheck their methodology, sampling and sample size, but I hope that the essence of secrecy of right to vote and its sanctity is being meticulously maintained while conducting exit polls.

And mind you, the election outcomes are becoming increasingly unpredictable and the old theories of anti incumbency, disenchantment with long ruling parties, coalitions etc are all no guarantee for poll outcomes that are solely the prerogative of an increasingly maturing Indian voter.

Long live Indian democracy!

Have you noticed an increasing phenomenon on Mumbai roads? These are delivery persons on their e bikes running helter-skelter , with scant regard for traffic rules ! They come from wrong direction, move in zig zag patterns and don’t understand the significance of traffic light! But they are not to be blamed;  their masters and employers are solely  responsible for this reckless phenomenon on our city roads, who are shouting from the rooftop – all essentials are delivered in 10 minutes! 

If I recall, this trend was first started by a famous pizza brand, assuring delivery within 30 minutes, failing which, free pizza! Many of us would have devoured this free treat, little realising the risk these poor hapless delivery persons would be taking in fulfilling this promise! 

And mind you wrong side driving is no longer a fun thing with couple of deaths happening recently caused by these gross traffic violators. Traffic police is trying to convey the risks of such violations and penalty applicable, but what we need to do is to ensure that this farcical efficiency of delivering trivial stuff such as gobhi, mirchi, chips, coke, biscuits, samosa etc within 10 minutes must be brought to an immediate halt! These are not things to die for that they got to be delivered in 10 minutes! Instead, these e commerce companies can make “ assured and quick delivery of quality stuff” as catchline and internally monitor the behaviour of delivery personnel for any time wastage or any undesired act! The delivery persons should also be educated to meticulously comply with the traffic rules! 

Let’s stop this 10 minutes bunkum and devise a methodology that’s sustainable and safe – for the delivery persons as also for other road users! People on their part should plan their provisions more rationally to avoid this last minute rush or be prepared to wait for reasonable period ( of say 30-45 minutes) for something very urgent as a contributor to arresting this dangerous trend ! 

In late 60s and early 70s, when the first signs of inflation started hurting the then newly emerging middle class, my grandmother, who managed a large household, decided to cutdown expenses by using loose washing powder instead of the branded one. When she went to the shop, she asked the shopkeeper to give her “ loose Surf”. Such is the strength of Surf brand that people use its name, instead of the product’s name that’s washing powder. And this has continued for past so many decades, though Surf’s numero uno position has been challenged by many strong brands of detergents. Another glaring example of this brand dominating the product is Xerox that’s commonly used for photocopying!

The above recollection got refreshed as I read about an iconic brand Tupperware having filed for insolvency. The brand that revolutionised the technology for making airtight containers to preserve food became synonymous with such products and people bought the products of rival companies while asking for Tupperware container and not an airtight container!

It’s a dilemma for the iconic brands and may be the companies should lay as much emphasis on product features and product uniqueness as they on brand building so that brand doesn’t outlive and overwhelm the product itself!

One case that immediately comes to my mind where the company sort of sidelined the brand for its own domination is “ Only Vimal” that once identified Reliance. But here the promoters had big plans to diversify from textiles to becoming a conglomerate, leading to Vimal losing its relevance.

Whenever an iconic brand, restaurant, theatre etc folds up, it invokes nostalgia for its users, lovers and patrons. Whether Tupperware will survive the insolvency proceedings or shall go into oblivion, is not clear, but it certainly makes one feel sad !

Fiction is imaginary and not a true story. However, the setting, premise, execution of a fiction story are real in the sense that these are all existing; only the characters and story are made up. Fantasy goes beyond fiction and here not only the story and character, but also the setting, execution, premise etc are liberally imagined. Fantasy also liberally borrows from folklore and fable.

Recently, someone gifted a set of Roald Dahl’s books to my grandkids and out of sheer curiosity, having heard so much about his work for children, I picked up his popular book, “ Charlie and the chocolate factory.” A very interesting book, a lot in it is futuristic ( high speed elevators that overshoot the building into the outer space right up to planets) , but the content connects with the reader, especially children. After finishing it, I picked up the second book out of the collection, “The Enormous crocodile”. A very brief book with a simple story line and replete with interesting illustrations, this book is bound to be loved by children. Of course both the stories have a strong message. The first rewards Charlie for not being greedy and the second is standard theme of celebrating victory of good over evil.

A third fantasy book I happened to lay my hand accidentally. I got hold of Salman Rushdie’s “ Haroun and the sea of stories”, little realising that an author dealing in only serious themes could write such a wild fantasy! After finishing the book and reading its review did I realise that the book was actually written for children.

Interestingly, my reading of late has been all fantasy and children literature and hopefully apart from invoking childhood memories, this reading would clear some of the boredom and aimlessness that sometimes set into one not leading an active professional life.

In a large family, with quite a few good looking chaps, the question was never, “ Who’s the smartest?” For that matter, Ashok uncle stood miles ahead of others. The point of discussion always centred around whether he resembled Shashi Kapoor more or Sanjeev Kumar more, the two of the most popular stars of 70s! And he indeed loved to juggle with his looks by occasionally growing moustaches and occasionally shaving them off to keep the above discussion alive. 

But handsomeness was not his only quality. He was the pioneer of the family in investing in shares of good companies, much before the current rage of everyone joining the shares/Mutual Funds bandwagon and was an astute investor. However, he was satisfied with whatever he achieved professionally and led a peaceful, family oriented, relaxed life post quitting his job. 

There was another reason for him being slightly special for me in particular. He was exactly in the middle amongst 7 brothers and sisters. While those elder to him were too elder for me, my mother included, I clearly remember all his important life events – his marriage on 5/2/71, birth of his daughter on 9th November the same year, his transfer to Hyderabad, Rohtak etc. I remember almost all major events connected with his life. 

On the 21st instant, our Sanjeev Kumar decided to bid adieu to this world to undertake his journey to the heavenly abode. He was bereft of any major sickness but surrendered to a very severe assault on his health by a sudden ailment. 

Handsome yet reserved, savvy yet simple, but above all an endearing member of our family has departed, leaving all his nears and dears shell shocked. 

May your soul be in the most peaceful state Ashok Mama! 

A thought just occurred to me as to whether our WhatsApp group is merely meant for exchanging birthday/anniversary wishes or occasionally sharing a few photographs of stray meetings that some of us have? When I delved deeper, the writer in me got provoked and I am penning this for our group.

Thanks to the social media, we are reconnecting with lots of our past connections that we thought to have been lost forever. An enterprising chap amongst us, Kannan, took the grand, but painstaking initiative of finding the coordinates (phone numbers, E mail IDs, FB handle etc) and managed to bring at least a few of us together! And as goes a popular Urdu couplet, “ Main akela hi chala that janib-e-manzil magar, loag saath aate gaye aur karvan banta gaya”, this group has only grown in numbers since then! 

In 2028, a few amongst us will be celebrating 6 decades of togetherness – 1968 was the first time a few of us met, which is by no means a small achievement! Aren’t we lucky to have seen the world in our own ways, discharged our responsibilities (largely), played a long professional innings and some of us now graduating to becoming grandparents, and be  still in touch, rather touching each other’s lives in some way. At least, I am a major beneficiary of maintaining this touch with this group! Ashish is not only a friend and a doctor, but personal physician to my immediate as well as extended family. My mother ends up calling him more often than she calls me! In a way, he seems to be shouldering the responsibility of a dedicated son that I am supposed to! Sunil Babbar was never really out of touch as both of us had Rajasthan as our karmabhoomi for a very long period. His professional and personal struggle is awe inspiring and being a neighbour in Delhi, I know anything to do with my family, especially my aged mother, just requires a call to him. Of course, now with his travel business flourishing, he’s travel advisor to almost all of us. Ashwani has been one of my earliest friends as were neighbours in Sector 2 RK Puram. His occasional visits to Mumbai kept us in touch and his wide ranging interests have benefitted me a lot. Pradeep and I go back a long way having spent some quality time together. In spite of not meeting him very often, I know he’s there if and when I need him. Receiving Aditya and Sanjeev at my residence in Mumbai was such a delightful experience that it exorcised away even the hint of depression that I might have experienced upon my retirement! Sudhir Sharma flies into Mumbai but never stays overnight. The day he does so, we will spend that evening together. Atulya was in Pune and my hopes of catching him there vanished when he decided to relocate to Delhi. Inderpal may be in Canada, but times that we spent together and great favour done by his elder brother, an eminent homoeopath, when I had fallen seriously ill is unforgettable! Vipin, Rajeshwar, Raju, Deepak are all great achievers and give a sense of pride to all of us be their pal. Ajay Wahi got in touch incidentally and since that time we are waiting for the opportunity to be together! 

And outside this group, I am in touch with Sandeep Issar, since retired from SBI and he, in turn, introduced me to Hari Om, who is settled in Indonesia. The beauty of this KV bonding is that I got in touch with Samir Chaturvedi, who was in our KV for hardly 1 or 2 years and is now a big shot in Abu Dhabi ports. During my Dubai visit, he came to my hotel to take me and my wife to his palatial Dubai home in his Hummer. Neither he could place me nor could I him and yet we spent a memorable evening with him and his wife and enjoyed a Hummer ride for the first time and probably the last, unless one of us (I impossible) buys one! 

Pankaj and Anil Seth left us under saddest of the circumstances, probably exhorting us to enjoy the life, share each other’s happiness and get on with life without any regrets, pauses or excuses. I can go on and on. It’s possible that I might have omitted a few names and experiences, but a bit of faux pas by a sexagenarian should be acceptable.

Yesterday was Anant Chaturdashi, the tenth day of Ganesh festival ending with immersion of Ganpati idols. It is believed that with him Ganpati takes all our problems, giving us an opportunity to start afresh! I pray that all of us and our families are beneficiaries of this lore concerning Lord Ganpati. 

Today is Anant Chaturdashi, the last day of Ganpati festival. As my residence is on the way to the beach, the tenth day immersion processions present a scene that’s full of spirit, devotion and gaiety. While the spirit of those forming part of immersion procession is understandable, dancing untiringly to the rhythmic beats of the accompanying bands, it’s the spirit of traders, shopkeepers, residential cooperative societies, groups, individuals lining the procession route that’s to be seen to be believed! It’s truly a selfless service being offered to Ganpati bhakts – water, vada pav, halwa, boiled chana, samosa, khichadi, sherbets – with utmost enthusiasm. And the service is not exclusive for the immersion processions . Every passer-by, passing vehicles, BEST buses – their staff as well passengers, bikers, cyclists et al are the beneficiary of this free service. 

And year after year I see the members of  Aniruddha Disaster Management Academy forming orderly queues to manage processions, traffic and passers-by and extending great help to Mumbai police. Ditto home guards, scouts, volunteers from Bohra community, all helping maintain order is highly appreciable. 

A few days ago I wrote a post on master chef Vikas Khanna’s sharp retort to a western media journalist on hunger in India. India may still be struggling to feed all its 140 crore citizens, but the never say die spirit that’s especially demonstrated on occasions such as Ganpati festival in Mumbai is unparalleled and unique. 

Ganpati Bappa Morya! 

I haven’t driven a Ford but had an excellent experience of driving a Chevrolet. There are some inherent strengths of American cars. They are sturdy, spacious and powerful.

And Ford did quite well during its two decades long stint in India. I remember the craze for its Ecosports model that at its peak enjoyed long waiting period. Just before Ford decided to bid adieu to India, it’s relaunched Endeavour was seemingly generating substantial interest amongst big car lovers.

I have heard good words about their sprawling Chennai factory and even if it’s currently being restarted solely for exports, it’s a great news – for workforce, Chennai and of course, Indian automobile market that’s of late seeing exciting developments.

India is a slightly unique market where consumer is price sensitive and conscious of mileage. Given the Ford’s experience, I am sure they can come out with products especially customised for India, apart from its much loved Ecosports and Endeavour that will always find buyers in India. But that’s still undecided as currently they are targeting only export markets.

Welcome back Ford as their reentry should further spice up passenger vehicles segment in India.

I worked for 10 years in one and then for about 28 years in the second organisation thereby spending an entire career span of almost four decades in two organisation. The shift from the first to second organisation was also incidental and not on account of any issue with the first! 

Civil servants join civil services and retire after holding various positions upon attaining superannuation. Ditto defence personnel though defence services do have a concept of short service commission, including the newly introduced Agniveer. Even organisations like Tatas are known to recruit greenhorns who then go up the organisation’s hierarchy to finally retire! 

I as also the examples cited above are the cases of people working in their comfort zones and yet neither regretting nor necessarily stagnating in having served their respective organisations over long periods! But every time you listen to or read a management guru, a spiritual guru or any motivational speaker, they will exhort you to come out of comfort zone to attain success! 

I interpret this exhortation not as much against long engagement with single organisation but rather getting smug or complacent while working there at! All my 40 years or so, I remained excited, motivated, inquisitive, optimistic and ready to accept new challenges ( assignments, roles, transfers etc), never really becoming smug or complacent to be falling into so called, “comfort zone” that the gurus caution us to avoid.

The mantra, therefore, is not to necessarily look out for career growth but not treat your workplace as a comfort zone, but a karma bhoomi! Job hopping should be resorted for very cogent purposes based on sound logic and not for the sake of testing survival out of comfort zone as preached and exhorted! A workplace should be full of excitement and challenges and therefore, can never be a comfort zone.