Mother

The first person on this earth whom we are all fond of, in our lives.
The most precious relationship on this earth that we have. Many a times in our conversation with
our friends,relatives, colleagues- we tell them: My mother used to prepare this for me... ; My mother
taught me this one.... ; My mother told me that.... and it goes on and on.

Frankly speaking, she is the living God in our lives. This has come up in my earlier blogs and FB status and make it a point again:
We never know whether God exists or not; we have never seen God; its just our belief in God that makes us feel we are protected always.
But, we have 'God' in our lives whom we can see; whom we talk to; whom we share our happy or sad moments; whom we are indebted for life long- that 'God' is our Mother.
Days may come and days may go; years may come and years may go- but the love our Mother shows towards us always beats any relationship that we come across in our lives.

Having said all these things, I would like to recall and share my personal experience regarding my Mother.
Once upon a time when I was in secondary school, my mother has suffered a nervous breakdown due to our financial situation. She has gone thorough very tough times and that was the time, when my family hid the facts as to what is happening at home. The only reason is that I would be completely offset if I knew the situation (as I used to study in a boarding school) I came to know from my family later on that her health condition was in a bad state. I was even told that its hard to believe that she can come back to normal stage. Its her love towards my family that brought her back to us.
She is the person who made me realize what life is.
She is the person who taught me the meaning of responsibility.
She is the person who changed my way of thinking and attitude towards various things.
She is the person who has sacrificed everything for the well being of our family.
She is the driving force behind me who keeps me moving forward.
She is the reason for what I am today.

I know there is lot for me to achieve and lot to experience. When I become successful one day- I would tell everyone that my Mother is the person behind my success.

According to Hindu religion, there is a belief that though we die our soul will be active and we will be reborn (And, this will happen six times). If ever, I have next birth I wish to be born again to my Mom.

Writing this note with tears in my eyes, remembering all the hardships she has been through for my well being.

Love you Mom.

2010 <> 2011

A note that I shared in facebook on the morning of Dec31st 2010. Yes... New year wishes...!!!

An yr where I entered into an era of new work life ;

An yr that gave new hopes in my life;

An yr that provided lot of exp and realisation;

An yr that put me in various emotional situations;

An yr that gave a value add to my career;

An yr that shaped the career of many of my friends and well wishers;

An yr where I witnessed many events both in personal life and professional life;

An yr that will go down with golden memories in history of my so called diary of LIFE.

The time has come to say good bye to 2010 and simultaneously an eventful decade where I have many ups and downs.

Before the sun sets down on the last day of a promising year 2010, let me wish all of you a very happy 2011.

Let us welcome a new decade and a new year as the curtains raise for an adventurous life ahead for all of us.

Love has its own date with destiny - Part 2

They reached the final semester. It was time when companies started visiting the university. The recruitment went for about three weeks. To their luck, both of them got selected for the same company. Both were posted to a financial firm in London for the same assignment. Santosh was on cloud nine, as he was going to work with the girl whom she loves. He was so excited. Months passed by, but he was not yet ready to propose her. They met regularly in cafes and restaurants. She was very close to him. He realized the importance of her presence in his life. The presence of Swetha had left an indelible mark in his heart.


Santosh decided to propose Swetha. Yes… It was the so called D-day for him. He was about to start to office when his phone started ringing loud. It was from his parents. He was told to pack up everything to come to India for a long leave as his grandma was not feeling well. He went to office to inform his supervisor just when he saw Swetha waiting at his desk. She was eagerly waiting for Santosh to tell that she is going to India for vacation. She told him that her parents looked an alliance for her and will be back to office after a month. She was getting married. He was listening to her with lot of discontent in his heart. All his hopes and dreams vanished in air just like smoke disappears into air. He felt discouraged and disappointed. All his doors were closed. He thought-
OMG… What is happening here? I thought of proposing her today and suddenly I was asked to come home. And, now she is also going home for vacation…. for getting married. Oh God…!! Is this the destiny?? Am I not eligible to share my life with her? Am I not the correct person for her?

All those questions started pinching his heart. He suddenly came out from his thoughts. He told her that he got a call from home asking him to come home as soon as possible. He told her that his grandma was in her last days and that he was very fond of her as he was raised by her. He thought that situation was already out of control and that was not the correct time to propose her. Finally they departed saying good bye to each other. They travelled in different flights. All through his journey, Santosh’s mind was filled with the moments he spent with Swetha. He was so unhappy that he didn’t propose his love earlier. He began cursing himself for not having talked to her about his love. He was literally crying in his cabin, during the flight journey. All through the journey he didn’t take food. Adding to that, he was asked to come home due to his Grandma’s illness. He felt like- each and every situation started hitting him against a wall. His eyes turned blood red in color.

When Santosh came home he was surprised to see his Grandma as healthy as a lion. He was initially infuriated but later on he calmed down. His parents plotted for his marriage and so they told that reason. Many a times in the past he didn’t listen to them. Now that they saw a girl for him, they have agreed to meet the girl’s family along with him. The stage was set for the so called ‘judgment’. All odds were against his favor. He had no option except for accepting what his parents told. At one moment, he thought of calling Swetha to ask about her whereabouts. But, he didn’t have a contact number to call her. He thought that - Sometimes when you are in a bad situation everything will be down. He wished and prayed to God for Swetha’s well being and hoped that she would be happy with the person whom her parents arranged.


Santosh’s family started to the girl’s house according to the agreed date. His mother told him-Look Santosh. I know you are sad about this sudden marriage arrangement. Don’t worry kanna. We know how you wanted to be and what kind of girl you want to share your life with. You didn’t even bother to look at the girl’s photo…. Anyways, today you will see the girl in person. You are going to like her. She will be like an angel and a perfect match for you. Until that day, Santosh never cared to know about the girl that his parents looked for. The only reason was - he was not able to wipe away Swetha’s image from his heart. He loved her more than anything in this world. As his mother was telling him, he just nodded his head. Everything was happening according to perfect Indian tradition. The girl parents greeted Santosh’s family with lot of respect and love. Santosh’s parents were very happy. Then the time came to introduce the bride to the bridegroom.

He was looking dull. He was still in Swetha’s world. He thought- When you love someone, it will be very difficult to forget them. He saw the bride arriving. He was spellbound. Her face was not completely visible. She looked like an angel. She was the best girl that he had ever seen. He suddenly rejoiced and came to his senses. The bride finally came in front of him. He was completely awestruck. He could not believe what is happening there. Ohhh MMyyy God!!! It was Swetha standing in front of him. Dressed as a bride, she was really an angel. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. Yes….!!! It’s Swetha. Swetha also looked at him surprised. She was shell shocked. They asked their parents that they need to talk privately. Both of them were left alone in the hall.

Santosh: My parents lied to me. They arranged for my marriage and told some other reason. Earlier, I rejected their opinion many times. I told them I need some time.Swetha: Didn’t you see my photo before coming here?
Sa: No yar. Frankly speaking… I am in love with you. I thought of proposing you on the day we travelled here. But, I got a call from home asking me to come home urgently. Moreover, you told me the same day that you were leaving to India for marriage. At least now, let me tell you this-
You are so special to me.
You are everything to me.
I love you so much and want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Sw: Oooo Myyy God..!!! Why didn’t you tell me all these days? I too love you idiot. But, I don’t want to go against my parents. I always remember each and every moment that both of us spent together. I wanted you in my life by any means but I had no courage to go against my parents. They are the reason for what I am today. When it comes to marriage, my road always has a dead end.

Tears started rolling down her cheeks as she was revealing his love to him. She was taken back emotionally that she wept out all her worries she had until then. She ran towards him and hugged him. Santosh comforted her and whispered in her years:
Honey…. Love has its own date with destiny.
It is destined that we have to meet.
It is destined that we are made for each other.
It is destined that our love should succeed.
It is destined that we have to live together.
You know the old saying that - Marriages are made in heaven. Yes honey….it is correct.

Sw: Yes Santosh. It is destiny. We have to thank our parents also. They are the reason for us to get together. They have given everything for me. And, now…. even in the case of my marriage. I am going to marry a person with whom I am in love. What more can I ask for? This is the best moment of my life.

Both of them went outside the hall and told everything to their parents. They were very happy that their children were going to marry the persons whom they love. Their marriage was done with a splendid celebration. People who came to bless the couple told that it was the best marriage that they had ever witnessed.


Finally during the reception, all of them danced to the famous number- All Iz Well….!!!

Love has its own date with destiny

He finished answering all his questions. Before clicking the submit button, he prayed to God and thought of his parents for a while. Santosh had been preparing for that exam since a long time. He waited a long time In order to gain experience in corporate field and finally he took the exam. Yes…. Obviously it is GMAT. He aspired to get post graduation in business management from any of the reputed universities in international level. Finally the so called D-day came and he attempted the exam. He had waited and worked hard to get a good score. He hit the submit button, remembering all the work that went into that. Yes… To his expectation, he scored 740 out of 800. His heart was thumping with joy. That was the best ever score that he achieved among all his mock tests. He came out of the test center and shouted very loudly….. “Hurray! I have made it. Thank You Mom and Dad for being with me.” He immediately called his parents and conveyed the result. He applied for LBS (London Business School- London) and ISB (Indian School of Business-Hyderabad). Those are the only two business schools where he aspired to complete his post graduation in business management.



He was really rocking. His academic background added weight to his GMAT score as he excelled well. He got a call from both LBS and ISB. He decided to join LBS and finally he entered into the first class of his post graduation. As usual he began exploring new things and learnt many principles in both MBA and personal life. To his disappointment, Santosh was the only Indian in his post graduation class. After a month one of his classmates who is a UK citizen, proposed to him. Santosh bluntly rejected her. He has some considerations for his life partner. Anyways later on, they became good friends. He successfully finished his first semester with good aggregate. In the next semester he had to select an elective that is in line with his specialization stream. He chose Finance. Being an economic student in his graduation, it was easy for him to follow the classes. At the end of first week of the second semester, he noticed a desi girl in his class. He came to know that she was from India. He thought- Thank God…. There is at least one Indian in my class. Moreover a girl….!!


He went to her and introduced himself. Swetha……. Born and brought up in India. Her parents came to London ten years back and settled there. She looked very innocent and cute. Her smile spoke her friendly nature. Her talk told about her wisdom. Her company made one feel homely. Her thoughts told about her attitude. Santosh was the only person whom she came to know in the class. They became good friends. Santosh was very happy in her company. As he was from economics background, he used to clarify the doubts for Swetha in her elective- Finance. Swetha was a clever girl. She used to grab the concepts very quickly. Day by day their intimacy increased. It was pleasant feeling for Santosh. One day when he was sitting lonely on bench, he began recollecting all his memories…. School, Papa, Mom’s scoldings. College life, first crush, job life blah….blah… Suddenly, the thought of Swetha stroked his neurons. He felt that she was the only person closer to his heart, next to his parents. He began to feel the importance of her presence in his life. Yes… He was in love with her.


But, will she accept his love? Will she like him? Is there someone in her life? Will his parents agree for a love marriage? In case she rejects his love, what will the status of their relationship later on? All these thoughts kept him paralyzed. The very thought of rejection made him sick.


------- to be continued………. to be continued…… to be continued…………….to be continued……………………….

I Miss Thee...!!

It has been quite some time since I have penned down my thoughts. . I am rather guilty that this post should have been out earlier. Nevertheless, there is no wrong time to do the right thing. Well……!! Here is my share for this month.


Having been in Chennai for more than three years it is important for me to write about the place that has set my base. Now that I am sitting in US recollecting my memories, I miss all those persons whom I have been with, in Chennai. Here are the places (or) moments that left an indelible mark in my diary.

>> Sri Rama Krishna Math- The best place which we can’t miss in Chennai.
>> Beach- Walking along the sea shore along with my best friends and playing with the water from the ocean that keeps sweeping the shore. I have been mostly to Thiruvanmiyur and Besant Nagar Beaches which are the closest locations to my residence. Yet, I have visited others also.
>> T.Nagar- It’s very interesting to walk across the streets of T.Nagar during weekends, particularly in the evenings. We don’t find place to even walk along the way. Thank God…!! Now that there is a fly over constructed, the traffic is reduced by some amount.
>> OMR Road- OMG.. Three years back when I came to Chennai, this road has been terrible. Now that proper road has been laid it made the journey to office easy. Else, commuting to office is like a roller coaster ride.
>>Shopping at Spencers- Oh.. It’s better to mention ‘window shopping’ rather than simply shopping. Whenever I go to a movie played at Casino, I would be visiting Spencers. Spencers is a common meeting place for my friends to spend some time. I know…. It is the same for many folks working in Chennai.
>> ECR (East Coast Road)- When I think about ECR, I mostly get reminded of the various restaurants that are located there. As I have resided along ECR all the time, I moved mostly near to the hotels situated there. In the three and half year duration, I have been to almost each and every restaurant along ECR with my friends. My best option for cost and taste is Hotel Basera.
>> Watching ‘3 Idiots’ movie with my room mate Chaitu, sitting in the first row at Satyam theatre. We have bought two 10/- tickets for 50/- . It’s quite difficult to watch the movie sitting in the first row but that made my day… :)

I miss the hustle and bustle of the surroundings…. I miss the Chennai flavor….

When I talk about friends, one thing strikes my mind- Its very hard to build relationship and rather more difficult to break a relationship. Such is the relationship that I have built with many persons whom I am acquainted with, in Chennai. This bond always makes me think of the precious moments that I have spent with friends. If I go on writing about friends, I will be like a person in search of a place where the sky meets the earth. I hope you got my point here.

I am indebted to all my friends for the sweet memories that I shared. I miss you all....

Man proposes but God disposes

“Someday, somehow whatever you prayed for will come true. It may not be in the exact time you wanted. But, it will be what God thinks is the right time for you”- This is one of the most thought provoking messages from the ones that my friend Dina sends every day. Thanks to Dina for such a lovely message.

The message has a lot to do with my Life. I am writing this post in memory of what happened to me in the past couple of years. Yes..! We often expect something to happen but it might not happen exactly the way we wanted. They say- Man proposes but God disposes; so the title of this post goes.

I joined the corporate world under some circumstances. Though situations led me to this stage, I never felt bad for what I am today. Rather I should say I am proud to be in this stage. I always kept thinking that I would be leading to the better path. But, the requirement is that- I have to keep moving on and on; whatever may come across. Last couple of years is a learning adventure for me. Not satisfied with the work that I had done until then (first 8 months), I demanded for change. There again, the so called circumstances hindered the change that I was expecting. Yes of course..! I was looking for a change which I didn’t get immediately when I wanted. All of a sudden things started falling into place. I got into a new role which I never expected. I started off with a blank mind knowing that there is something in store for me in the new path. That change has altered my game.

Well..! Situations don’t always remain the same. At times we will be forced to become the victim of circumstances. And, here goes the famous saying- Nothing is permanent expect change. Even after entering into the new role, circumstances started hunting for me. At times, I have become the victim of circumstances. We never know what is going to happen next. A perfect example is the recent recession period that changed the lives of many people across the globe. I have faced many grave experiences due to such circumstances. The main weapon that I had to fight against the circumstances is Patience. Having this powerful weapon, I held my head high. I just went on doing my job fulfilling my responsibilities. This time, I was waiting for another change that can serve as a value add to my profile. Oh man…..! I have waited for almost two complete years. And, God heard my prayers finally. I am blessed with the change that I was longing for, since two years. I was actually expecting for a better one; but God has given me the best one.

When I am given the best one that I can ask for, I should perform my best. Yes, I have to utilize the opportunity and of course I will.

** I got my H1 visa last month and I am flying to U.S, for an onsite assignment the next Friday (I have initially applied for L1 visa. But, things changed as days went by and I got my H1 visa approved) **

Love You - Mom n Dad

I hope we don’t need a Mother’s day or a Father’s day either for writing something about our parents. I can say that- spending some time thinking about our loved ones is the most precious way of spending time. Well..!! I felt like writing some words expressing my love for my parents. If you ask me- ‘Why now?’ I don’t know the answer. I can just say it is my Love for them.

Yes, it is my love towards them that made me write this. I have been through many ups and downs in my Life until now. Be it to getting grades during college days or financial problems in my family, I have been tossed up and down. Mom used to say now and then- “God puts us to test now and then”. I would simply shoot out a question at her, “That OK Mom. But why always?” More than me, it is they who suffered a lot mentally. I used to stay away from home, in a hostel. I never had the chance to know clearly what used to happen at home. I used to spend time with them only when I go home for holidays. Yet! They wouldn’t let me know what they are going through. My brothers won’t even give a clue on the circumstances that are prevailing. My father used to say this always- “Son, you study well. Let me know what you want I will get it for you. Everything is fine here. Keep good health.” Later on I came to know. Mom’s health condition was serious. She had suffered from nervous breakdown. They spilled the beans to me, only after things are under control.

I can understand the difficulties that they have gone through. For whatever I am today or whomsoever I am going to be tomorrow, they are the reason for it. It is due to them, that I am in this position. At one stage of my life, my Dad didn’t have Rs.8000/- to pay for my seat in an Engineering college. Yet, I rode against the tide with their support. I am thankful to them for everything. Once in a while, when I sit down thinking all the incidents that happened in the past, recollecting my childhood days and my teenage life- I cry out my heart inconsolably. I recollect those days only to increase the burning attitude within me to fight against the circumstances. Yes, I have to move on. I know that they don’t expect anything from me. But, it is my responsibility to fulfill their wishes. Our parents give us everything when we are young, which are the budding years of our lives.

By the way, I feel that this is the correct platform to share my most heartfelt moment, three and half years back when I entered Corporate life- it is the day when I got my first salary. Mom is busy in kitchen, cooking some snacks as I came home for vacation. I started taking the currency notes out of my pocket.

Mom: Hey Vijay! You are going to love these. I am making your favorite snacks.
Me: That’s okay Mom. I have something for you.
Mom: What is it Kanna?
Me: Mom. This is my first salary. I am getting this money straight from the ATM.
Mom: That’s fine. But, I thought you would give to Tirupati Lord Balaji .
Me: Mom, I don’t know whether God exists or not. But, I see God in front of me. It is you. You are everything for me.

I handed over the currency notes to her. She looked at the money in astonishment. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. She ran her fingers through my hair and kissed on my forehead. “I love you Kanna”, she said as she hugged me.The happiness I saw in my mother’s eyes that day, meant a lot to me. I would say it is one of the best ever moments of my Life. I can do anything for her, to see that happiness.

My Dad is a source of inspiration to me always. Though a bit short tempered person, he is very good at heart. If he has hundred bucks with him, he used to feed the poor for seventy bucks from it. He used to always insist me on helping others in need. He thought me to face problems in Life boldly. I have never seen fear in his eyes. Whatever may be the situations, he stood against the problems bravely.

Life wouldn’t be that interesting if we don’t go through problems. We have to face the hurdles and enjoy the sweetness after getting the good results. If we want to enjoy success, we have to definitely experience tough times.

Thank you Mom and Dad, for what I am today.
I dedicate this post to my loving family members.

Tomorrow Never Dies...!!!

Yes Boss..!! You got it right. A famous blockbuster from the list of James Bond movies. Hold on there.... I am not going to write something related to the movie. I am using only the title of the movie for my post. I wanted to elaborate the essence of the words as they have a lot of meaning into it. So, I am penning down my thoughts on these words.

There are many instances where we postpone things. We just put them aside because of only one thought- I still have time for it. But when we are really free, we don't get reminded of such things. This is a general trend that all of us follow knowingly or unknowingly. We get carried away by our daily schedule and thereby subdue some tasks which are not urgent. Such tasks which are not urgent will be always postponed to tomorrow. And, of course we all know- Tomorrow Never Dies.

A couple of weeks back I got to know the contact number of one of my schoolmates. We were thick friends in school. But, we haven't met after schooling. Recently I came to know that he was working in Canada and got his contact number. As the timings varied, I used to wait until evening to call him. Eventually I'll end up my evening without calling him... :)

Recently in our conversation I mentioned this point. He smiled at me telling- Yes buddy... It happens with me also. The so called postpone syndrome.

Here is another very usual scenario- I was discussing with one of my managers Ganesh, about his onsite stay. I got to know a common fact. More than 75% of the population residing in New York hasn't visited the statue of liberty even once in their lifetime. They have one notion regarding that- We are living in New York only and therefore we can visit the statue of liberty some time or the other. The observation is that- only tourists will be found visiting the statue of liberty, thinking that they may not come to that place in the future.

There are few things which we may miss in our Life due to this postpone syndrome. A couple of weeks back, I went to Peraanmai movie with my colleagues. After watching the movie on the way home, I happened to cross one place. My friend LN and I stopped at that place. I have been thinking of visiting this place since a long time. I have been residing in Chennai since three years. Many a times, the thought of visiting this place ran through my mind. Whenever I go to Central Railway Station for travelling to my native, I pass through that way. I told to LN that by any means I have to witness that. It's the auspicious - Sri Ramakrishna Math. A sense of guilt feeling pricked me as I started entering the place. Guilty because- though I have been in Chennai for about three years that was the first time I was visiting that place. It is the similar case with LN also. He is born and brought up in Chennai. Yet, his visits to this auspicious place are just less than five. It's very noisy outside the temple, due to the huge traffic. The moment I started entering the main hall, the silence killed out the huge amount of noise that was outside. Generally we will be deafened by huge noise but that day I had experienced the other extreme- deafening silence. The peace of mind that you find in that place is invaluable. I would say that it is the best of the best places that I have ever visited.

I would end up writing second part and third part similar to my previous posts, if I go on mentioning such instances.

When it comes to our work- this would definitely pose a threat to our deliverables. We should never, ever postpone things when it comes to work. Of course, we will be screwed if we postpone our deliverables. One thing that I observed as a good habit of carrying out tasks is - proper planning before implementation. If we spend at least ten minutes noting down the list of tasks to be accomplished, we would never end up missing any. Our next point of action should be nailing down the tasks one by one as we move forward.

But, whatever happens or whatever matters- Tomorrow Never Dies :smile:

What more can be done to kill tomorrow…??? Can it be?? I am not that experienced for too many suggestions, to let it happen today……. ;) What more can I do, to let it happen the way I like it??

One night, when he left Office... Part III

Santosh reported to his onsite project manager. He immediately pitched into his new responsibilities. He didn’t have many acquaintances in the beginning. He used to go out for lunch and coffee, lonely. Having more responsibilities, he didn’t have much time for his personal life. His schedule was very hectic. He was the POC for very important deliverables. He enquired his friends in offshore, about Siri. He didn’t get any positive reply from them. They told him that they didn’t see her at all after he left. It was very hard for Santosh to put aside Siri from his memories. He used to dream about meeting Siri and proposing to her…

Three months down the lane, a sudden and strange thing happened in his life. That incident made an indelible mark in his life. As usual, he left for lunch alone and found a table for two which was empty. He started eating and heard someone calling him-

Excuse Me. Would you mind me, sitting here?

He turned his head and saw ‘his’ girl. He was spell bound. He was not able to believe it. He was out of his senses for a while. Yes!!!! It was Siri. All the memories of her when he was in offshore began circling around his mind. He was into his sub-conscious state. Her appearance was like a bolt out the blue. She stood in front of him like an angel. Siri was talking again-

Excuse me Sir. Can I sit here?

Then he replied- Oh… M Sorry… S.S..Sure. You can sit here. He was still in a state of disbelief. His heart was thumping with joy. Sitting in front of his girl; looking in her eyes; talking to her jovially. All the things fell into place for Santosh finally. He was on cloud nine. She initiated the talk.

Siri (Si): Hi… This is Siri. Your good name please?

Santosh: (Sa): Hi.. I am Santosh.

Si: I have seen you when you were in offshore. I was staying at your residence only. Santosh was looking keen into her eyes. He can see the cheerfulness in her face. He can even see the excitement in her, when she was to talking to him.

Sa: Oh… Is it?? M Surprised to know that. Even, I saw you in office when I was in offshore. Cool….. Since, how long have you been here?

Si: Over three months. With this client just a week back. I am a new recruit to this account. I was working with another client for about three months. I have recently shifted to this place. Apart from my clients I don’t know anyone here. Today, I saw a familiar face and its you…

Sa: Heyyy.. Same with me yaar. I don’t know anyone here. I have been here for three months. But, I know very few people.

Si: Santosh… When I was in offshore, one day I came in the same cab that you have travelled. That was the first time I saw you. That day, you were completely asleep in the cab. We were the last ones to be dropped. As I was staying near your house, I thought of having a small talk with you. I started approaching you, but you looked back and started running to your house.

Sa: Oh…. That is you? I was asleep. I didn’t notice that someone got down from the cab along with me. I wanted to sleep soon and so didn’t bother my surroundings. Suddenly, I saw someone coming behind me. You know what….I thought it was a ghost. I ran to my house and slammed the door…..

Si: Oh… Santosh… They started laughing aloud. They almost blew the roof.Normally, Santosh finishes lunch within twenty minutes. That day, it took one hour fifteen minutes. Both of them were completely absorbed into the conversation and didn’t notice the time. They exchanged their contact numbers and left for work.

Santosh called his offshore friends and informed about his meeting with Siri. They suggested him to tell her about his love as soon as possible. He told that he still needs time. Now as she was a known person to him, he thought that things would be in his favor. He started meeting her now and then and they both realized their frequencies were matching. He started experiencing new flavor in his life. He enjoyed her company. Their intimacy grew day by day. They became thick friends.

It was winter. All the streets were covered with snow. It was a long weekend. Santosh and Siri met in a coffee shop. They were discussing about various topics. Suddenly Siri told these words:

Si: Santosh. Jokes apart. This is something serious. I feel something is missed out in my daily schedule when I don’t meet you. I feel that I am missing something in my Life when you are not with me. I get a feeling that I am with my family members when I spend time with you. I want to share my Life with you. I am in Love with you. Will you marry me?

Santosh was shell shocked. He was trying to reveal the same to Siri since a long time and finally the odds were in his favor.

The girl whom he had searched for a long time;

The girl whom he wanted to share his Life with;

The girl who was like a catalyst to his experiment of Life;

The girl who added flavor to his Life;

The girl whose memories are carved out in his Diary;

The same girl had proposed to him. Hez the happiest person on this world. He immediately hug her. Tears started rolling down from his eyes. He couldn’t stop crying. That was one of the most emotional moments in his Life. He revealed his Love; How he knew her before; What all he had done to catch a glimpse of her. The fact that Santosh was also loving her, had touched the emotional chords of her heart. Siri also broke down. They both were inconsolable. After getting consent from their family members, they got married.

One day, Santosh is working late night at home. Siri asked him what is pulling him so long. Then he smiled at her and replied- I am writing in my blog, about our love….. We shall gift these memories to our sweet little daughter Mittu, on her fifth birthday.

Disclaimer:The characters presented in these posts are completely imaginary. It is purely coincidental if it matches any ones lives. Thanks for your time here and do give your feedback in the comments…

One night, when he left Office.... Part II

Santosh looked back and was surprised. He shook his sleepy head and saw a white figure coming towards him. Oh… My….God…!!! Being an introvert, he is also afraid of devils. Though he was agnostic towards ghosts, yet his fear knew no bounds. His nerves were trembling. He can feel the pressure of the adrenaline in his veins. He ran towards his house which is at the end of that lane and shut the front door with a big bang. He didn’t dare to peep through the window. He immediately hit the bed and shut his eyes very tightly. The next day he woke up normally and didn’t dare to share the incident with his office buddies or roomies. He digested that incident within him. He just thought- Enough is enough..!! I won’t discuss this with anyone.


Days seem to pass very fast. Thoughts about Siri became a part and parcel of his daily schedule. One fine day, he got his H1 VISA stamped. Having contributed much to his client he was asked to travel for an onsite work. His offshore leads never had a second thought at him. His travel was confirmed and he needs to travel to US within a week. He informed to his office buddies about his onsite assignment. They cheered him and planned for a treat, before Santosh escapes to US. Two of his friends LN and Mahendra noticed tears in Santosh’s eyes as they were cheering him. They asked him why he was sad.


Frens: Hey Santosh! Come on yar. Why you are dull? You have been waiting for your H1 since a long time. Finally you hit it. Now, suddenly whatz wrong with you?
Santosh: Guyz, its all about Siri. You all know that I love her. I will be going to US and I won’t find a chance to look her from now on.
Frens: Easy buddy. We understand your concern. But if you really love her, express it. Talk to her. Just sort it out. You can’t stay like this looking at her daily and comeon dude… you are the most eligible person to her. She will definitely like you.
Santosh: I don’t want to spill the beans at this point of time. I can’t bear the pain, if she rejects me. I need to some time to make up my mind.
Frens: Its’s all over now Santosh. You have to talk to her before you go to US and tell her about your Love.


Two more days to go for the onsite travel. Santosh hasn’t yet talked to Siri. Working in second shift, he is not able to catch her before she left office. He didn’t see her in office that day. Even his friends had no clue regarding her.

The last day in office before the onsite travel, he talked to all his leads and friends. He waited for her to come along the way he used to see her daily. He spent almost the whole day waiting to see her. To his disappointment, she didn’t come to office even that day also. Having gathered all his courage to propose to Siri, Santosh felt very depressed. His friends consoled him that he will meet her some day or the other. He partied with his friends in one of the lavish pubs in Chennai, packed up his baggage. He checked into the airport and was waiting for his flight’s arrival. The thoughts about Siri were ringing in his mind- What happened to Siri? Why did she stop coming to office all of a sudden? Did she get released/ transferred? Did she resign from the job? Oh my God! Please find her for me….. Plzzz


To be continued….

One night, when he left Office.... Part I

Santosh is a very hard working person. He is the topper of his training batch. Committed to work during most part of the day, he is working with one of the most reputed software companies. He is working for a client based out of Middletown, located in Connecticut an eastern state of US. He is a bit introvert. He didn't hang out with freinds whenever possible. Hmmm, its quite rare to find such persons now a days. Neverthless there are a few near our bay, in office.

He works in second shift according to the client requirement to support until 12noon EST. He daily goes to office by two in the afternoon. He would return home at around eleven in the night. He can reach home early, if he catches the first cab which is at 10:30PM. Being an introvert he is not having much friends in office. He always moves around with Anil, Rajesh and Raju who are his close freinds. One day the fabulous four are having a discussion regarding salary hike during their coffee break. Suddenly as there are talking, Santosh's eyes caught the image of a girl who is damn good. He is spellbound, while the others are still buried in the discussion. Immediately Anil noticed Santosh and shook him. Santosh told them that he wanted to marry such a girl and showed her. He pleaded his friends to find out her whereabouts. His friends, pulled his legs singing- Love at first sight...!!

He started looking at her daily in office. He came to know that she is a lateral entrant. His friends reported that she is a nice person and doesn't hang around often. The final testament is that she is not having a boy friend. Listening to his freinds, Santosh's heart is thumping with joy. Her name is Siri. From then on when the fab four met, their topic of discussion is one and only Siri. Santosh's thoughts from then on, are always attached to Siri. Ofcourse he is in love with her. He wants to talk to her but, he is so shy. He is afraid that if she rejects him he will loose his soul mate. He didn't want to spoil the party by spilling the beans very early. Whereas Anil and Rajesh are always pressurising him. They tell him all the well known proverbs- Its now or never and inturn santosh replies to them- Better late than never. This is how the battle continued between him and his freinds. He collected all her details- family, education, her nature, project and what not. To say colloquially, he got to know A to Z regarding her. He tuned his mind that he is going to share his life with her. Days rolled by. Santosh is progressing well in his job life. He received many appreciations from his client. He even received the coveted- Best Performer of the Year award. But, there is always someone bothering him. Yes, its Siri.

One night he had lot of deliverables to be submitted and thereby he got into 11:30PM cab. There are hardly any folks waiting for the cabs. Many people might have left early that day, as it is Friday. Finally the cab co-ordinator allocated a Travera and it started from the office within five minutes. There are five members in the cab. Santosh hardly saw their faces. His eye lids are forcing him to close his eyes. So, he is just managing a nap. He is not bothering about other members in the cab. Three members have got down after some time. Its 12 midnight, when he just managed to give a look at his watch. He is so much tired that he didn't even notice the other person who got down along with him from the cab. The cab driver dropped them on the main road, since their street is very narrow for the cab to fit in.

To be continued....

Happy Birthday Chinnu !!!

Chinnu,

Days have rolled by and months have passed by, since day one when I met you;

Destiny has made our relationship remain as fresh as a budding flower;

A flower in its budding stage, fights for strength from the rays of the Sun;

A student in learning stage thrives for knowledge from teachers;

Similarly our friendship is picking up strength day by day;

May this day bring you more joy into your Life;

A joy that redefines your personality;

A joy that strengthens your relations with your well wishers;

A joy that unites all your positiveness within you to thrash away your weakness;

I wish you the best results in your future endeavors;

I wish you to be the best at your health in the years to come;

I wish you all the happiness that you have been waiting for;

I wish and pray to God for the utmost strength in your tough times;

I pray to God that all your wishes get fulfilled in the days to come;

You are there to comfort me when I am sad;

You are there for me to share my happy moments;

You shared with me your sad moments;

You have been and you are an inspiration to me;

You are a friend, a philosopher and a guide to me;

You are the one of the persons who grabbed some important portion of my 'Diary' of Life;

It's an orthodox way to just wish you with a hand shake and load your mouth with a piece of cake;

I wanted to spend some time thinking about you and write few lines that can make an attempt to touch your heart;

Few lines that fill in some encouragement on this auspicious day;

Few lines that brings a smile on your face;

Few lines that increase the flow of your adrenaline;

Few lines that adds value to our friendship;

Few lines that would add flavor to our relationship;

Yours Ever- Very Jovial >> VJ <<

NB: I have been waiting to publish this post since three weeks, for this auspicious day. I am thankful to God for gifting me such a friend who opened my mind to bring out this post. As mentioned, I thought of giving this pleasant surprise to Chinnu on this day (19th Sep).

Disclaimer: Readers! Please write down your wishes (in the comments) to Chinnu, irrespective of the day you read this post. Thanks in advance Readers...!!

The pain of Separation

There are some people in our lives who are part of our day to day activities. It may be office spouse; our boss; friends; parents; lover etc... We converse with them daily and in a way they influence our lives. We may not feel their importance when we are with them daily. We begin to feel the pinch when we don't interact with them for at least one day. We miss them very badly. They are in away absorbed into our diary and definitely occupy some part of it.

When a soldier leaves his family on duty, it’s very hard for his family to digest the fact that he is going to stay away from them. They know that he is going to fight with danger, yet it is his responsibility. Their feeling of separation is subdued by the thought, that he is putting his life at stake for the sake of our country.

When two lovers are separated from each other, the pain they experience is inexplicable. Though they are separated, they always think about each other. Their hearts are tied with the bond of Love. You can never eliminate each other from their thoughts. They leave an indelible mark in each other lives.

When a child goes for higher education to a distant place, its hard for the mother to bear the pain of separation. Though they are separated temporarily, each others company can never be replaced. A mother is the best company for a child and vice-verse. Knowing that her child is going for a better future, the mother digests the feeling of separation.

I have been acquainted with two persons who are a part and parcel of my daily life. I converse with them daily before going to office. Later, when I come back from my office they are there for me to shed away my office burden by sharing some light moments. Yes, they are my roomies- Sandy and Chaitu. I started realizing their importance first, when Sandy told me suddenly that he got transferred to Hyderabad. Later after some point of time Chaitu informed me that he is also going to get transferred to Hyd. Oh my God! What is this? Why is it happening all of a sudden? I felt sick, realising the fact that after few days they won’t be there to share some light moments. The feeling of separation, started pinching me.

Couple of months back when I was released from my project, I had a conversation with my on- site business counterpart- Cindy.

Cindy: Vijay! Its hard for me to digest the fact that you are released from our domain. I am very sad.

Me: I am also sad to leave you Cindy.... Anyways, they would appoint someone to replace me.

Cindy: Persons may come and go Vijay. But, its hard to build relationship. You have been doing good until now. I never know whoz gonna come but I am gonna miss you.

I had memorable time with these friends. Those dinners in restaurants; mid night B’day celebrations; playing on the seashore ; shouting in the room while watching cricket matches; hanging around in shopping malls and movie theatres... blah..... blah.... We have been together for about two years. All of a sudden, its happening for me. All those wonderful moments are going to be stolen from my dairy. To reiterate Cindy’s words; though I may be acquainted with new persons, no one can replace these two friends.

Sandy and Chaitu- You are like my two eyes. I remember telling you these words. I am very sad that our memories going to be thrown to the warehouse. I am going to miss you a lot. I wish you all the best on your next assignments.

I dedicate this post to you folks...!!!

Change is what we need....

Its surprising to hear that $1500 bn of black money from India is lying out there in the Swiss banks. I have no words to express, the moment I heard this news. This shows the level of corruption that is running around the current system that we have in India. I really don't know if the flaw is within the system or within us. We, the people of India have to realize the current situation. Itseems that this is nearly ten times the annual budget of India.

The questions that are lingering at this point of time are- How is that much money flowing out of India illegally? Who are the persons, escaping from the clutches of the tax system? Can Indian government bring home that money? Well, these seem to be billion dollar questions for the billion dollar amount.

Its interesting to know that people are very well aware of the level of corruption that is prevailing. Now and then people from film industry come up with movies which are thought provoking. We see movies that expose the government officials who are very much corrupted. Some movies depict the rich exploiting the poor; some showing the rich storing black money out of the country. Yes, we can go on and on like that. People just watch the movie and come out. An Aparichithudu (Anniyan), a Sivaji, a Tagore, a Stalin and the latest one to do the rounds is Mallanna (Kanthaswamy)- I can guarantee that if there are hundreds of such movies going to come in the future, the situation is not going to change. In one of these movies, we come to know how developed are Hiroshima and Nagasaki today. Be it economy, education, infrastructure, industrial etc, they are far developed than India currently.

Is it the system that is to be changed or is it 'we' the people of India who needs to change? Well, this an open ended question. There are three aspects of change- Culture, People, Processes. These three are interdependent as shown below:

Finally, these are the questions that need to be answered;

What aspects of change need to be taken care?

Up to what extent these aspects needs to be mended?

How this is going to be achieved?

Innovation at its peak- Bay Decoration Contest for Aug 15th

Context: Aug 15- Independence Day
Theme: India in 2020
Team: LN, VJ, Anu, Balaji, Suha, Vidya
Team Name: TN 74 A 2020

To start with, there is an old saying: It is better to fail in originality rather than to get success through imitation. We had a bay decoration contest with the theme as depicting India, in 2020. This seems to be a good concept to decorate our bays for Independence day. Thanks to the talent management folks for conducting this event. Well, to reiterate the proverb- we didn't want to decorate the bay in a normal fashion. We thought of mixing the context to the theme. We started brain storming around the theme and many ideas hit our minds. And, the credit goes to LN. He suggested for the design of mobile work station. The innovation started while coining the team name itself. It is TN 74 A 2020.

TN 74 A 2020
TN- Tamil Nadu
74- In the year 2020, India celebrates 74th Independence Day
A- Aetna (Name of our Account, which is a Health care giant in US)
2020- The year

Mobile Workstation erases the concept of onsite and offshore model. It is the highest level of business transformation in corporate India. People won't need to go to a separate place and work. Of course, we see this concept in US currently. The idea is to depict the advanced level of living, in India. The so called mobile work station encompasses all the things that you need for living and working. The number plate, headlights, indicator lights would be greeting the people. We took out the front parts of table fan and to make our work station mobile (i.e.) the wheels. The interesting and exciting part is the various things that are found in the bay. To depict the development of India in 2020, we pasted news papers and pictures on the walls.


>A drawing on chart, showing India and Pakistan united. It contains a map wherein India and Pakistan are united into a single country named Youngistan.
>An advertisement from government, recruiting young professionals into politics. Qualifications- Any bachelor's degree from a reputed university with minimum age 24 and retirement age at 52. The screening process will include a written test followed by an interview. Vision for India- to be telecasted live on Doordarshan. Performance compensation and more details awaited.
>Abdul Kalam- The UN Secretary General wishes the people of Youngistan, on their 74th Independence Day.
>Lakshmi Narayanan (Current Cognizant Vice Chairman), the president of Youngistan to deliver the Independence Day speech from 8AM.
>Nandan Nilekani,the prime minister of Youngistan takes two more young professionals into the cabinet.
>A chart showing currency conversion rate as heading and a silver screen. What's behind the silver screen? Oh my GOD!! $10 note = Rs.10 note
>Secularism- There no question of Secularism in 2020. There is no more caste and religion. A day before the Independence Day, Nilekani’s government abolishes caste system. We are all one and we are will be one. There is only unity and no diversity.
>Sachin lifts the 10- 10 world cup. He scores a 50 in the final. He plans to open innings, with his son Arjun in the next match. Rahul Dravid, Youngistan's coach applauds the team members on winning the 10-10 World Cup.
>India surges ahead of other developed nations. Allocations to health care and primary education to be 40% of GDP.
>Bharti and Nokia launch new service for people holding National ID Card. Pay through Nokia micro-touch watch and get 2000 minutes top up absolutely free.

Equipment in the mobile work station
>Micro touch Television (Monitor)
>Radar (Made out of chart)
>Multipurpose Door (An almirah) alias Bed O’Corner - Contains racks, pillow, bed for sleeping; >Oxygen Supplier; Heater; Cooler; RTM- Room Temperature Maintainer.
>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tablets (Dusters wrapped up with decoration papers)- Each have difference in variation of the energy output when eaten.
>Fluid Tap (Mouse is left hanging)- Left Click for soft drink; Right click for hot drink; scroller for water.
>Projector Screen (Curtain)
>Laser Projector (Dog Doll)- Indicates the improvement of technology, that the systems have become too compact. This redefines the concept of nano technology in the products that we use daily.
>Owen; Refrigerator; Wardrobe; Storage Space; Power back up; Solar Energy Saver; Emergency Exit.

And, here are the features of our mobile work station controller (the printer):
20,000 CC
Intake is air; generates water
Solar driven for back up
15 gears
Pick up: 0 to 120km in 3seconds
Automatic Climate Controller
Maximum Speed on road is 300kmph
Maximum Speed on air is 900kmph
Maximum Speed on water is 200kmph
1000KW Backup

We have stuck some extracts from newspapers.
THE TIMES OF TAMILNADU May15, 2015- Vikram’s son eagerly awaiting the release of Kandhaswamy
THE HINDU Nov28, 2018- Literacy Rate in India is at 99.95%
THE TIMES OF TAMILNADU Dec25, 2019- The BRTS between Tirumailai and Velachery is inaugurated (BRTS- Boat Route Transport System. Velachery is a place in Chennai which gets easily flooded, whenever there is a rainfall.)
THE TIMES OF HYDERABAD Jan26, 2020- Vijay Kanamarlapudi elected as Chief Minister of Hyderabad ( Oh my God!! LN is too crazy. He made me the chief minister of Hyderabad in 2020. Here the concept is- People in Telangana region of AP are fighting for a separate state. So, in 2018 Telangana will be announced as a separate state. In 2020, Hyderabad also will be announced as a separate state.)
IT CHRONICLE May2, 2020- Cognizant head count reaches 2.5 lakhs.

Disclaimer: All the pictures displayed are purely not intentional. It’s not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

When the judges came to visit our bay, they were spell bound listening to our concept. If decoration is one stage, the way we presented to the judges is another step. Here again credit goes to LN, who leaded our team with his astounding presentation.

And, guess what…. We have won the second prize…!!!

Here are some pictures that I have managed to capture, before everything is plucked out... :)