Mohan’s musing: When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers –an old African proverb 
This driver sounded very upset and he had reasons to be. Today he is jobless 
It was couple of months back…. He had an alternative job offer from another resident in the complex and when he approached his current employer, both the husband and wife got very upset and just to teach the poacher a lesson, they marginally increased the salary of their driver and net result. He stayed back,
However what really pissed him off was that in the next couple of weeks, they called him and in a routine manner signed him off giving their transfer as the reason. One could not be more empathetic to his current situation especially with a family of four dependent on him for their daily bread.
I was wondering how different this incident is from the plight and fate of over 2,600 workers in Bengal whose future hangs in the balance as Ambassador Production has stopped with the irrevocable decision of the management to close shop and move on
If we roll a few years back, Ratan Tata wanted to set up the Nano factory in the same state which could have been the ‘right time’ lateral opportunity for all these seasoned and well trained skilled workers and technicians. Most of them could have hopped on to something new, better and more reassuring of future
However like the couple who held back the driver; the current CM, then the leader of Opposition was the greatest antagonist and tumbling block to the idea; to the extreme extent that one fine day TATAs decided out of disgust and frustration to bid TATA to Bengal ……the rest is history
The coin had been dropped…. leaving the poor victims to fate and state of frustration and fury. Here was an opportunity missed all for the vain sake to score a brownie political point.

Mohan’s musing: Why a different trial for those juveniles who commit rape?? ……this oxymoron is just not on.
Give a hard rap on the ape for committing the monkey business of ‘rape’.
Less than 18 summers is no excuse from the law to take its course and serve a severe sanction for such savagery conduct.
Well, in my books they must be tried as seriously and swiftly so that the message is clear that they have no escape route.
Yes, age can be a matter of consideration for concession; when you commit an act which is unlawful, but carried out in a state of and in a fit of anger, manifesting itself in spontaneity AND also where there is no sufficient warnings before and while committing the act.

Mohan’s musing: You don’t become a world leader just by thinking a world of yourself 
Breaking news : Malaysian airlines plane shot down by Anti-aircraft missile in Ukranine – leaving 295 dead 
Well, how does it matter to which geography genetics and gender the 295 belong??
But the self-proclaimed world leader thinks otherwise 
“Obama in his first reaction: I have asked my team to determine whether there are any Americans on board. This is our first priority” (sic)
Leaders are made of different stuff. 
Of course, it’s different matter that such of their kind seldom understand this difference.

Mohan’s musing: Euthanasia - Mercy killing: Can there be a better example of an oxymoron in the society.
Well, to kill or not to kill is not the question, even as ‘mercy’ hangs as an ironic prefix begging for consideration before the cruel four letter word.
In this socio – cultural - medico dilemma between the chances of ‘survival and revival ‘ , the moot point is not legality; rather it’s about how do we legally foul safe this act to ensure that in the process India does not become a haven for “suicide tourism”.
Here lies the challenge of the slippery slope in the society and knowing the notorious credibility of the medical profession especially in certain sectors and its systemic high vulnerability, legalizing may become a safe zone for merciless encounter killing in the name of mercy and assisted death.
But then we cannot miss the wood for the trees.
The state needs to examine this with a positive framework and a caring construct that the sufferer does not suffer due to the suffering of the system.
It’s worth an empathetic outlook and examination; before it gets the consent to the operation table

Mohan’s musing: Have tasted different types of Rotis……but not this kind of stuff ….
Here are some food for thought .
Never knew that Roti can be prepared with communal flour and flavor 
But then who cares; as long as it’s a perfect recipe for perennially hungry TRP 
While the conduct simply cannot be approved, what’s appalling is the amplified communal color and complications created across by all channels.
Whom are they serving this “Roti?” 
The answer is begging the question

Mohan’s musing: Rose by any other name ….. here is a twist to the tale

I had to send a letter urgently which brought me to the nearby courier company ( local sorting office ) and before handing over the cover , wanted to know the cost and time for the delivery service ; HYD to BGLR….

Here I was quite shocked to hear this sales pitch (sic)

“ If you want a guaranteed deliver in 24 hours with a promise to return the charges if not delivered ……it will cost you Rs. 150 “

I inquired, what will be the time taken and the charge for normal courier delivery?

“It will be Rs. 50 and it will take about 3 days

Shocked to see me shocked the counter sales guy shot back

“It’s raining sir”

I did not want my BP to shoot up and decided to silently scoot the place and just for curiosity turned back to see if I have come to a truly professional courier company office

 “The Professional Couriers” the name board blared and I almost tripped.

Yes the converse is also true!

An un-professional by any other name does not become a professional ….Now who can argue

Breaking views: Governor’s office is no more a safe haven for those Politicians and bureaucrats who are a suspect and under the scanner of investigating agencies.

That’s to me a path breaking decision cast out of equity, equality and natural justice.

No person is above law and the chair does not give you impunity to be investigated; if your conduct is suspected to be not above board OR you were privy to certain decisions taken as an officer concerned….just that you are cooling in a chamber 

Let’s take a bow to the new AG ….. He has set the records as straight as it should be and this will certainly reduce the clamor for the glamorous safe seat as Governors

Mohan’s musing: Who does not deserve a break, even if it’s.
It has been quite some time now, since he had decided not to trouble him. He felt that a break was necessary from both sides.
Today (after almost a month) he revisited him, both in silence-exchanged sustained glance and for once he found certain calmness and tranquility and serenity on his face.
Perhaps the burden of his not troubling him was evident on the face.
Even God needs a break from these daily additional tasks assigned through prayers and the micro management of HIS performance, he felt 
He stood there for a while in silence and moved on.
If only like him; his Boss also give him a break, he sighed.
But then who cares

Mohan’s musing: The fury of the flood and the fallacy

The inclement weather had created havoc in both the villages. Heavy rains coupled with frequent thunder and lightning like some rhythmic percussion music to the downpour  

If one was submerged under water rendering the people totally immobile and confined to home, in one of the neighboring village the lightening heavily damaged entire structure of the temple which was considered to be over 500+ years old and very highly revered abode of worship from people far and wide.

It took some weeks’ time for the fury of the flood to subside and as the village got into the act of restoring normalcy with the help of host of NGOs, there was this conversation between fellow villagers which was overheard but not disseminated further, for obvious reasons.

Senior: We must have committed some sins for God to have chosen to punish us....look at the fate of all of us …………our homes have been washed away .

Junior: If you talk of sin and punishment, what about the neighboring village, why has the temple been dashed to ground? How can God sin and be punished??

Senior: Shut up and don't ever speak about such things loudly ....God is God and we cannot compare HIM with human being...... Understand. 

The poor junior could neither understand not stand the logic……

Well, he was not privately convinced about the cause effect of “sin and sufferings” ….but as advised he let this fallacy stay within.

Mohan’s musing: One wonders as to what makes sense to an innocent

It was late in the nigh, before going to sleep the girl was searching for her lost teddy bear and after searching the entire house, now suspected that it’s there in the store room and when she wanted to go there, her mother advised that that since there is no light in the room she should look for teddy in the morning next day.

In her enthusiasm to get the lost teddy, the girl entered the dark room and poor thing no sooner she could not spot the short heavy stool in front and tripped over head badly injured her forehead

Now this is a very normal incident that often happen at home

But what set me thinking is the reaction from various quarters

Elder sister: Hi! Mom cautioned you. You could have at least told me; maybe I could have brought the torch. Anyway we all learn …. Yes here is your teddy it was on the table round the corner

Mother: You never listen to what I tell you. What was the hurry all about? You could have waited till morning. Anyway, It’s not very serious, the swelling should come down by the morning….now go and sleep.

Grandmother: God always has his way of punishing people who do not obey the orders of the elders. At least next time you will remember this.  

The child slept off sobbing with pain and same time happy to have retrieved her lost teddy……..

However she is still at a loss on the Role that God had to play in the whole episode.

Sure enough she is going to be careful in future, but the moot question would remain.

What will be her trigger to check her behavior next time?? Fear of God or wisdom of reasoning

News breaking and Heart breaking too: Delhi University Vice Chancellor quits over four year course row

The VC could not have been more insensitive to the cause of the students.

It’s either my way or highway ….well that’s no way sir!

You have decided to move on and not to let go your ego …..But then where will the students who secured admission under your master plan now go??

Their career has been derailed and jeopardized for no fault of them and here you have a moral responsibility to set the house in order re-set the old stream to shape before you lay down the august office and chair

Today, when you board an auto and for some reasons the auto has a break down, the guy does not leave you in the lurch; rather I have seen and experienced the auto man hailing another, explaining his situation and ensuring that you reach the destination as safely.

Well, there is nothing wrong in learning from that guy and taking those pains to set the 4 year course to track.

After all it is your baby ….Do you get me Dinesh Singh. 

Mohan’s musing: When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers –an old African proverb  

This driver sounded very upset and he had reasons to be. Today he is jobless

It was couple of months back…. He had an alternative job offer from another resident in the complex and when he approached his current employer, both the husband and wife got very upset and just to teach the poacher a lesson, they marginally increased the salary of their driver and net result. He stayed back,

However what really pissed him off was that in the next couple of weeks, they called him and in a routine manner signed him off giving their transfer as the reason. One could not be more empathetic to his current situation especially with a family of four dependents on him for their daily bread.

I was wondering  how different this incident is from the plight and fate of over  2,600 workers in Bengal whose future hangs in the balance as Ambassador Production has stopped  with the irrevocable decision of the management to close shop and move on

If we roll a few years back, Ratan Tata wanted to set up the Nano factory in the same state which could have been the ‘right time’ lateral opportunity for all these seasoned and well trained skilled workers and technicians. Most of them could   have hopped on to something new, better and more reassuring of future

However like the couple who held back the driver; the current CM, then the leader of Opposition was the greatest antagonist and tumbling block to the idea; to the extreme extent that one fine day TATAs decided out of disgust and frustration to bid TATA to Bengal ……the rest is history

The coin had been dropped…. leaving the poor victims to fate and state of frustration and fury. Here was an opportunity missed all for the vain sake to score a brownie political point.

Breaking Views: I call this the “Rudaali “of the fourth estate (with malice towards none and respect for all of them).

This was quite a funny ..........sorry ........not so funny conversation ….

IQ: What does it take to start a new news channel??

SR : If you can cover 3 rapes, 2 molestation and at least 1 sexual harassment case; preferably about  people who have political , corporate , social , sports , entertainment lineage...... you are already there .

IQ: But then there is already stiff competition in that space.

SR: Of course, you need to know how to be creative and innovative and present it differently for different audience.

IQ scooted the place showing a pair of heels

Yes, it’s just not funny indeed...... We all deserve to be treated better when we come home ….with some balanced news that makes sense rather than simply sensation …..And definitely not the overwhelming and engulfing gloom to the already tired body and mind.

The moot question here is: How can certain section of the society usurp upon itself the right to invade and outrage the privacy of an individual; especially when s/he/they are going through certain mental trauma and begging of private space to recover and bounce back.

I am not being insensitive here but raising an earnest poser over the ‘over drive’; even if the intent is laudable for argument sake. But then life is like that like it or not, we have to live with it; period.  

Legend: IQ = Innocent Questioner, SR: Seasoned Respondent 

Mohan’s musing: Why do we have such socially divisive, slicing and segmented sections in IPC?

Section: 354: assault or criminal force to WOMAN, with intent to outrage HER modesty

Section: 509: word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a WOMAN

Today especially in our urban society, the force and import of both these sections are equally applicable from either side of the gender table or who can deny it AND having this as a uni-directional infringement actually creates some misleading hierarchy of relative strength and weakness(sic)

In my corporate experience especially with the hospitality industry, I have heard and addressed complaint as much coming from the other side as it’s commonly projected and publicized from the other.

May be the sections need gender neutral correction in its enumeration. as “her or his- instead of her AND woman or man instead of woman.

This will give a level playing field in the society to protect and take to legal cognizance and recourse whenever such violation occurs.

“Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls” wrote Tagore ….well, here is an opportunity to take the cue and travel beyond such divisive definitions in the greater spirit of creating an inclusive society. 

Mohan’s musing: “AAJ CEO KUSH THO HUM BHI KUSH”…… Kya Baat hai Bhai

His was a reasonably small, street corner vegetable, fruits, groceries and multi-purpose shop located right across and opposite one of those huge – hi tech super bazar.

The competition just breathing on his shoulders and yet, at any time in the day you will find his shop overcrowded bubbling with people and doing roaring business

Yes, admittedly he delivered quality, at competitive price, with speedy service, through a agile and energetic team of boyz; besides his personal involvement with each and every customer were to me more clichés and no differentiation.

Somewhere, I was curious to get beyond and to demystify the real secret sauce of his resounding business success.

My luck, I met him at the nearby coffee joint and quickly grabbed the opportunity to warm up to him and let him speak up and spill the beans.

What he shared perhaps may become a best seller book.

He: Sir, I operate on a simple slogan called CEO

Me: CEO???

He: Yes, C- for Customer, E- for my Employees (my boys) and O-for my Owner (my seat. Every day as I open the shop I say it to myself “AAJ CEO KUSH THO HUM BHI KUSH “

Not waiting even for my response he scooted saying, its evening time, leaving me awestruck

WoW… I experienced the ecstasy of a new learning over an espresso coffee, even as I was  recovering from the pleasant shock that he is not the owner of the shop.

Mohan’s musing: It’s no more, “more the merrier” mindset…………a metaphorical sharing of views

The duel between the two ladies both vehemently arguing…returning from walk, I decided to indulge into inquiring….

I knew one of them; the regular in our street who sells flowers and I also knew that over a period of time she has sort of established a monopoly in the area and in the process controlling the price and the quality of supply in her own ways. I suspect that she has studied during her spare time Michael Porter’s “5 forces Model” – Sole seller, she set the sale price and of course no substitutes.

However this morning she had a new challenge in the form of a new entrant and possible rivalry that could change the dynamics - opening up of choice for the buyers and also in the process bringing in the bargaining power of the seller.

I left knowing well the seasoned lady will shoo the new entrant out and I moved on.

Flipping through the paper over coffee, I almost fell off the chair… the flower vendor like reactions from all the interest groups and quarters to the news item of the HRD ministry’s plan to set up one IIT and IIM in each state.

Driving to office, it was coming again and again on how the mindset of some people does not change; be it the unknown street corner flower vendor or the renowned    country’s intellectual centers.

Control the supply ….. Control the sale price…...systemically choke the competition……. The strategy is the same the dynamics are the same. Just the players are different.

“Where the knowledge is free” Tagore must be uncomfortably rolling in his grave today 

Breaking views: Don’t miss this hot debate tonight to be aired by all TV Channel @ 9 pm ……there may not be any repeat telecast; it’s reliably learnt

A gang of 10 guys spot a young lady walking alone late in the evening presumably on her way home from office. Realizing that the place was quite dark and with no people around the vicinity, the gang quickly seized the opportunity. 

Reaching out to her and reassuring her, they escorted her to safety.

It’s expected that a very special select expert panel will be discussing the psyche of this strange gang and their most mysterious behavior.

Meantime, a few NGOs have called for a CBI Inquiry into this incident as they sense and smell some foul play in the civic conduct of the fellow citizens

PS: How I wish the TRP hungry channels also present such positive side of the society, rather than repeatedly telecasting those rapes perpetuated here and there and now and then.

Life is like that - like it or leave it , we have to live with it : Mohan’s musing: It’s nomore, “more the merrier” mi...

Life is like that - like it or leave it , we have to live with it : Mohan’s musing: It’s nomore, “more the merrier” mi...: Mohan’s musing: It’s no more, “more the merrier” mindset………… Early morning the two ladies were vehemently arguing and as I was retur...

Mohan’s musing: It’s no more, “more the merrier” mindset…………

Early morning the two ladies were vehemently arguing and as I was returning from walk, decided to indulge into inquiring….

I knew one of them the regular in our street who sells flowers and I also knew that over a period of time she has sort of established a monopoly in the area and in the process controlling the price and the quality of supply in her own ways. I suspect that she has studied during her spare time Michael Porter’s “5 forces Model” – Sole seller, she set the sale price and of course no substitutes.

However this morning she had a new challenge in the form of a new entrant and possible rivalry that could change the dynamics - opening up the choice for the buyers and also in the process bringing in the bargaining power of the buyer.

I left knowing well the seasoned lady will shoo the new entrant out …

Flipping through the paper over coffee, I almost fell off the chair… the flower vendor like reactions from all the interest groups and quarters ( I better not name  them ) to the news item of the HRD ministry plan to set up one IIT and IIM in each state, made me feel quite sad

Driving to office was thinking all through how the mindset of some people does not change; be it the street corner flower vendor or the distinguished institutes at the country heart centers.

Control the supply ….. Control the sale price…...systemically choke the competition……. The strategy is the same the dynamics are the same.

“Where the knowledge is free” Tagore must be uncomfortably rolling in his grave today

PS: This does not take away the genuine national challenge of getting into academics the best talent at the best price 

Leadership scan: Where there is harmony at home, there is order in the office….who can disagree.

Even a small and slight slip here, the entire social structure crumples like a pack of cards over there. 

The construct of the fine fabric of leadership is built this way!!

Where there is harmony at home, there is order in the work place 

Where there is order, there is cordial and encouraging work culture 

Where there is encouragement, there is a high level of engagement 

Where there is engagement, there is institutionalized integration 

Where there is integration, there is prosperity in business 

Where there is prosperity, there is sanguinity in the work society 

Well, it’s all in the strength of foundation/roots that makes all the distinguishing difference in what we see - between the flock of flowerings fortunes and riches AND those dead blocks of withering weeds and rags. 

So, whenever you sense the dichotomy and disconnect and feel the lack of energy, enthusiasm and engagement among the team members……..Don’t need to get too far ahead into organizational diagnosis and analysis 

Just meet the leader(s) and say ‘ hello’ to them , explore to unpack the mystery about where they are coming from, as they arrive every day to the desk @ Office 

It will open your eyes of appreciative and empathetic understanding of the organization health.

PS: This as much applies to the basic institution – Family …. A probing chat with the parents will be highly paying while understanding how engaged the children are at the class.

Mohan’s musing: God has his own ways of responding even when we give up on HIM. Who can deny HIS way … call it ‘any which way ’

There is a story about this wise man at the kings court who remarked “all for good’ when he learnt about the king cutting his fingers while peeling the fruit skin.

To cut the long tail of the tale short, the king who was so upset with the wise man did not realize the import of the comment till his life was saved thanks to the deformity in his constitution, when on a highway the bandits  who had eloped with him, let him off as not fit for the sacred sacrifice! What a great relief, back to the palace , the king richly rewarded the wise man. So goes the tale.

My friend, who is otherwise a high decimal critic, experienced the same feeling couple of days back ……He was crossing the road late evening. The car from the opposite direction was at such a breakneck speed that caught in the middle, he had given up hopes and even stopped praying for he knew even God cannot come to rescue……till……

Like some providential interventions the unattended cluster of steep and sharp pot holes brought to check the car’s high speed just in time. The driver had to summon all his driving and maneuvering skills to slow down, steady and straighten up his vehicle to avoid the man- machine collusion.

Well, admittedly who can deny- sometimes Corporation’s systemic sluggishness serves as a celestial blessing in disguise…. So what’ the moral of the story I wonder….

“To say that one waits a lifetime for justice to come around is a paradox. People eventually get sick of waiting………..

I was having a casual conversation with a colleague of mine last evening and when the topic switched to discussing the highly disgusting deeds being perpetuated almost on a daily basis, he suddenly came out with a startling statement which set me thinking. I could not imagine such strong vocalization from an otherwise very mild mannered friend

Quote:

Today, the only way left for this helpless society is to take the matter to hand and hand over such cases to the Highest and most Supreme Court to bring them to justice..

Unquote:

A clarification will be overstating what he meant. While reflecting, I thought it represented a true personification of the deep down fury and flare burning inside among the fellow members of the society; just waiting and wanting to burst out of its seam of self-control and patience.

PS: Two competing towers in the national graphs shown on a daily basis; while one is heartwarming however the other chilling the spine …… Sensex and the other close related but which is senseless.

“Behind every corrupt government official is a more dangerous and impatient citizen who lead him into the pathway of sin “Anonymous

I am pleased to share with  all my fellow residents that we stay at RK-401-402 and have obtained the Katha-A from the distinguished members of the BBMP office without paying a single penny and in a record time of 6 weeks (including the ‘on sleep mode’ of the government under the guise of election for 3 weeks )

Applied on 24^th March 2014 and got the Katha on 5^th May 2014

All it cost me was a patient visits to the office 4-5 times.

My learning: Nothing is impossible in life; but the problem is that we want to make it possible the easy way …..

Breaking views: Statistics when used sans sensitivity can be most hurtful 

This Doctor was 200%  sure and assured  the family that the operation will be successful and when asked about the source of his confidence , he said "It's simple statistics you see, In this hospital  9 out of 10 cases of patients die soon after the operation and your patient is the 10th and naturally everyone here is quite upbeat ..... "

That was a sad representation of statistics and if you thought it was sick you can’t be mistaken for this   

Last night I was listening to the news channel discussing about the Rape incidents in UP and I was shocked to hear the state government party spokesperson pulling out statistics of how the number of rape cases has drastically come down as compared to the earlier regime and should not be a matter of high concern; besides...... (He continued)

Can there be more shocking and appalling manifestation of utter insensitivity...

This callousness and insolence deserves nothing short of unanimous social condemnation.