Some random thoughts

I keep thinking and wonder about many things...here are some random thoughts from my collection ;)

Wondered if you have heard (in your ear) the keypad tones on your phone sound different for every different digit dialled? Was that meant to be?

Its true and always works - when you initiate the smile at someone and greet them, they invariably open up and respond...its weird or amazing how often we remain stone faced and don't initiate??!!

Stray dogs (in India I mean) have a way pouncing in front of your car/bike just at the "wrong" time...how come?? A friend once told me that dogs have suicidal tendencies......umm!!??

Many, many old Tamil/Hindi film songs (in the 1960s/70s) in their lyrics touched upon aspects of life, failure, emotions, resilience, philosophy - why don't we see that in today's songs?

I read many a place online that the Dutch are among the happiest people in the world. Having visited Netherlands in recent times, I have actually seen that...they are a very chirpy lot and seem very happy :)

Its funny how at work; if you try hard enough for a while and don't get results, people ask you if its really worth it whereas if you say the same after a shorter while, you are asked if you have tried/put in enough efforts!!?? How much enough is enough!!?? Who measures...ummm! Ross of "Friends" rightly said, "It's all relative"...ain't it??

That's enough randomness for now....Ciao!

Steve...Oh Wow!

My fascination with Steve Jobs began sometime in 2007-8 with seeing Youtube footage of his commencement speech at Stanford 2005. Being the CEO of a legendary firm, and in front of an audience known for their academic prowess, he spoke nothing about corporate world, not about careers, not about professional growth. He spoke of inner drive, passion, life and its significance and all of it with the kind of fervour, impact and conviction only he can. You could see he meant what he said; what he had himself experienced. That's Jobs for you.

I am an even bigger fan of his presentation skills. Watch how he, in this Stanford speech, spells out upfront, "today, I like to share 3 stories from my life - just 3 stories, no big deal" - sets the platform for what the audience is about to get. It is basic but what impact and must have gotten the audience sit up and listen!!!!

I have been seeing some reently uploaded vidoes of Steve (not sure they were up earlier) where he talks about life, failure and I found them to be amazing!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYfNvmF0Bqw

It has made me think about life, the walls and perception of life, we live in....very thought provoking! Here's wishing 2012 is more purposeful, fun, refreshing, will open me out, and be truly memorable!

Jagath Janani

I learnt Carnatic music for about a year long back when I was in school.....and suddenly quit! Don't know why!!??

Music and singing is a very close part of me...Music means moods, life's moments, deep meaning, symbolic of situations, gets me emotional, livens me up, keeps me occupied. Suddenly 2 days back, an old beautiful devotional song I used to hum before, sprung up in my mind - Jagath Janani Sukha Paani by MM Dhandapani Desikar and I managed to look it up on in.com. Its a short, lovely song, free flowing, simple and melodious. I used to love singing it before and had forgotten it for a while now. I heard some other versions of the same song by Priya Sisters and other performers - but none I believe matches MM Desikar. I slept last night humming that very song....many, many a time - priceless!!

THE JOURNEY WITH A FRIEND

My best friend is someone I know since 1993 and it feels great that we have been in touch ever since and we are not far away from 20 years of knowing each other well. I recollect a brilliant scene from a recent Rajnikanth starrer, a story of his real life where he talks about friendship. At a school annual day function where he is the chief guest, he says the following

‘’look around at your classmates; you are all the same. Your friend today is what he is because he likes you for what you are right now and not for what you might become. Hence pick your best friend today and treasure him/her for life for only that is for keeps. He/she doesn’t even know or care for what you would become but will be beside you come what may." He then remembers his best friend who is the very reason for his today’s success and progress in life.

The ardent Rajni fan that I am, this scene moves me to tears and I remember my best friend!! Here is to many more years of knowing him and getting closer to each other.

MUSIC & COOKING AT THE END OF THE DAY

There are many days when I come back after a hard day’s work; drained completely of mental energy. It’s amazing what music does to me. Put the head phones on, play some lively tracks and there I am; completely refreshed and did help me unwind totally. I also have realized over the 8 months that cooking does the same to me; helps me de-focus and relax. Maybe it has got to do with the focus and eye for detail that you need to have while cooking; looking out for when the oil has heated up enough and remembering if you have already added the salt. I think cooking as a whole takes me away from anything else during those 30-45 mins and that’s completely relaxing.

MY TEACHER

During my recent trip home, I visited my Physics teacher. My professor who taught me Physics as when I was preparing for the IIT-JEE. I have known him since 1991-92. 17 years of knowing someone is a long time.

I didn’t make it through the JEE but I met and came in touch with a great human being. I have always been in touch with him updating him of what I was upto in life. I spent half a day with him reliving those days; sitting next to him – the man who taught me so much Physics, so well and so wonderfully. I loved Physics because of him; I couldn't solve all the problems I encountered but I enjoyed working on them, attempting to solve them; trying to apply those wonderful concepts.

That learning was greater joy to me than anything else; the intellectual stimulation; that I was learning; that my mind was sharp and active; that I was challenged and needed to solve problems that looked me in the face.

As I sat next to him and spoke with him, as I took him for a walk, sat in the park I was very humbled, feeling tiny next to a great man, felt very simple like a student should always feel and be. I was very emotional and moved that day. I bought some fruits for him. He can hardly see and hence very rarely steps out of home, apprehensive of maybe the traffic, the kids playing around or worried he might bang himself against some objects. But I told him that I would hold his hand and guide him, that he can get some fresh air.

As I held his hand and walked, thoughts were flooding my mind. It hit me hard that all of us would age, would wither, would experience weariness, the tide will turn and we might not remain as strong as now, either physically or emotionally. I took his blessings, told him that I was honored to have been his student, privileged to see and spend time with him. I updated my mobile number in his small notebook where he maintains data of all his old students in alphabetical order.

As I said good bye and left, I asked myself, what am I going to do for him, how am I going repay my gratitude, for the immense learning he gave me at that point in my life? I left extremely satisfied though for seen him in person and spent quality time; having gone back to my past and relived those days.

WELCOME HOME SON

I recently made a trip home for some important personal work. Spent about 2 weeks there in my home, my home town, where I grew, where I studied, where my roots are.

Drove around on personal tasks in my Wagon R; my first car; my first big buy; from my hard earned own money . I felt absolutely calm, wonderful, free, happy and independent. Early morning drives, late evening drives. I was off work that week. On a personal front, it was the most calm and peaceful time I have had for a long time. A feeling of simplicity, a feeling of being there for someone special; a feeling of wanting to and reciprocating for all that I have got, a feeling of calmness, a feeling just being there in person, of doing nothing in particular, of no time lines.

I enjoyed the change. I was myself....just my own self. Was thinking of what I call 'the inner circle', the people who ACTUALLY matter to me and my existence, people to whom I matter the most.

Looking back, it was as though I was in another world during those 2 weeks. A world where I was no one but myself; my true inner self.