The power of an Apple!

First of all, I would like to thank Amruta and our boring and long trips to the hospital for treatment (its a ligament tear...so stop thinking of me as insensitive :-P). Had it not been for our hour long wait today where I got this idea, I would not be writing a post on this subject. :-))

So let’s get to business.

Background: I jumped out of bed at 9 a.m. I didn’t want to get late again and be on the receiving end of Amruta's nagging. So while I did manage to get ready by 10 (somehow!!), I had no time to eat. So OF COURSE I was hungry at 11:37 p.m. while we were still waiting for the orthopaedic doctor to attend to us.

Stage: Alexandra Hospital has this sinfully large basket of red juicy apples kept on the registration counter of the emergency ward. It’s for the traumatized patients. But no such luck in the specialist (by appointment only) ward. (C’mon, jumping out of bed at 9 can be traumatizing!!).

The wisecrack: So when we realized that we weren’t as privileged as the traumatized patients, I passed one of my smart wisecracks, "Oh, the power of an Apple".

Now before you think that this statement was passed without any thought, well you are so mistaken. My "sharp" mind came up with this for the following reasons (yup I know its hard for you to believe, but it does process really fast sometimes):

1. Adam wooed Eve with an apple: Thanks to “an apple”, we are an entire population of over 6 billion today globally!!!
2. Apple and its health benefits have long been popularized with the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".
3. Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravity, thanks to "the apple" that fell of the tree.
4. And the best...."Apple" (aka Steve Job's Apple) products. If I was given a choice to make one advertisement in my life, I would happily make one for an iPod with a tagline "An iPod can change your life". I took to jogging, and snapped out of my blues a million times because the iPod is just so damn good! It is my motivator, my therapist and my all-season friend. And today, Apple products still rank as the most gifted products during Christmas. Again, "Apple" has been an expression of love.

So there you go, "an apple" has changed the face of the planet. Now really, do we want to contend with that???!!! ;)

I wonder

By Dreamcatcher

Life and its growing cycles can be so strange.
The more one introspects, the more mysterious it gets.
Sadness is part of everyones life. And so is happiness.
Until we have experienced the prior, the latter is not appreciated.

As I smell the rising sun, I can choose to "wake up" or I can choose to "dream on".
Dreaming can make you happy, but snapping out of it is sometimes the best way.
How we all wish for a crystal ball reader, someone who would tell us
"The future is bright. It will all turn out exactly the way you wished and hoped it would be".

But reality and He have other plans for us, oh they can be such party poopers.
If only the party had all our guests, all our friends and all our loved ones.
If ever there was something that we could change,
We would all like to go back to the point where it was all going well.

I have been searching for that one key, that one little passage to my future.
Some place where all my imaginations are a reality.
Where music fills the air and the glow from happy faces lights up the room
A place where the pied piper is the happy soldier guiding sadness out through the city walls.

Sometimes anger can fill your heart, but you have to realize
That only leaves no room for love from our loved ones.
It's the grey cloud that stops rationality from waking up
Thundering words can cause more harm than good.

I believe in the future, I believe in luck.
Serendipity, I know will someday find its way.
But then again, the clouds overshadow me and I can't help
but wonder....

"Music"ensors!

Ok lets see...I have to finish couple of assignments, I have to complete a couple of applications, I should really be reading at least one textbook right now and most importantly, its 1:53a.m. I should be sleeping...but look what I am doing exactly???!!! I love breaking rules ;)

My all-time favourite quote on music is "If music be the food of life...play on"! And lately "it’s all coming back to me now"! :) My God I am getting so corny these days! What’s happening??? I think I need to "soak up the sun"!! Hahahaha....sorry guys! :D

Well the only Hindi film that all Indians are talking bout these days is "Rock On" and I lovedddd the film. The music...amazing....so of course it’s no rocket science to guess the songs I have been singing lately. But what is amazing is that EVERYONE I KNOW who has watched the film is also singing the same songs. It’s almost like our home anthem is changing. All my home buddies are listening to "Rock On" songs. All my school buddies are singing its songs. All my friends back in India are singing its songs. All my sisters have been singing its songs. And what more...so is Dad! (There are of course people who have differing views on the movie but since that’s not the subject of my post, I will not dwell on that.)

The healing power of music has long been a subject of research. This subject personally has been of interest to me. While it’s interesting to read articles and research reports on this subject, I love it when I make my own little observations and discoveries. So (yet again!!!!) I made an interesting observation which I know was sitting happily at the back of my mind.

Many a times you will come across people (including me) whose typical answer to your question "what is your favourite kind of music" is "it depends on my mood!". Well while it’s true, I was wondering why?? If moods play such an important role in defining our music preferences, then why do we listen to music to change our mood. Vicious circle there.

Well we all have our low days and I had one a couple of days ago too. Since I was still fresh from my "Rock On" craze, I decided to listen to its music. Now "Phir Dekhiye" is supposed to be a song that makes you see the hope side of life. But for some strange reason, I wanted to cry after listening to it. That’s when it struck me (and thank God it did, it diverted my mind) that music is also a multiple dimensional entity.

Listen keenly to any song and you will notice at least 2 rhythms. The same song can have a fast/happy beat and another slow beat! At any moment we can catch only one rhythm. And what is this dependent on...our mood! Our mood is like a biosensor which detects the song rhythm which matches the mood frequency. Therefore, the song only reinforces your emotions at that moment. Since the frequencies lock in together, the song synchronizes with your emotions and become “easy listening”. And if you notice, listening to a happy song at a sad time can be more irritating than happy. They only cause more agitation.

Now one really has to get out of ones comfort zone to listen to the so-called “happy song”! And before you get me wrong, such songs can have a happy and can have a positive effect on you. Reason…cause you have made up your mind and garnered strength to make a change. The act of moving away from your comfort zone itself makes you stronger and it starts changing your mood frequency. You are determined to be happy and so you shall be. This starts changing your mood sensors and so…in time…you are happy again! And that’s called getting your groove back :)!

Now I am sure many of you may not agree with my theory, well…to each his own! So if you ask me, moving around in circles is not always a bad thing! ;)

Relationship Curve - The Dreamcatcher Theory

I know I run a serious risk of being termed a nerd or an even worse…an MBA! Just a case of “you can run but you cannot hide” ;)! Funnily, yesterday I was reading an article on “finding your inner voice” and today I had an “enlightened” thought…inspiration ;)??!!

Benjamin Peirce defined mathematics as "the science that draws necessary conclusions”. If you google the term “mathematics”, Wikipedia will tell you that “Other practitioners of mathematics maintain that mathematics is the science of pattern, and that mathematicians seek out patterns whether found in numbers, space, science, computers, imaginary abstractions, or elsewhere”. And today, I found a pattern in all relationships. A graphical representation of all “non-blood relationships”! Let’s call it the “relationship curve”… (God, I know so clichéd…but I promise this is not at all a preview of what is to come! I promise!)

In my opinion, all non-blood relationships in this world go through a curve like the one shown above.

X-axis: Represents the ability to “give” in a relationship
Y-axis: Represents what you “receive” in a relationship

When we meet someone new in our lives, we all start at THE ORIGIN. It’s all neutral at that point.

Quadrant 2 (shown as Dislike to Hate Quadrant): This is a phase that I don’t want to spend too much time explaining. This phase is very self explanatory. You can dislike someone and with time, it’s possible, you may end up hating the person. And remember, “Hate” is a strong word. You may have done something (as viewed by the other person) nasty to be on the receiving end of this emotion. The time to reach infinity in this phase is way shorter than in Quandrant 1.

Quadrant 1 (shown as Like to Love Quadrant): This is my favourite phase and I hope that most of you have lots of people on this side of the axis.

Zone 1(shown as Phase 1 in the diagram):
y=x relationship
As time progresses and our x co-efficient increases, the curve is somewhat like a straight line.
What does it mean: It is a give and take relationship. A point at which you cannot take the other person for granted. In order to receive, you have to make an almost equal contribution. You enter the “more than just acquaintances” zone!

Zone 2 (shown as Phase 2 in the diagram on the left of the dashed vertical line):
y=f1(x) relationship
As our x co-efficient increases, what we receive increases at a faster rate than what we give in the relationship.
Where does this get you: We enter a comfort zone. A zone where friendships are born. A place, hopefully, devoid of judgements. A wonderfully fun zone where “leg pulling” is the name of the game and in return, sporting spirit is an omnipresent phenomena. This point, in my opinion, charts the entire course of what is to come. But it is also the most sensitive spot in the curve. It’s a point where one can easily end up moving backwards, towards the negative axis, if not handled with care. Again, one cannot take this zone for granted. It requires constant input. Else the way out of here is only backwards.

Zone 3 (shown as Phase 2 to the right of the dashed vertical line):
Plateau Point: y = e^x relationship
And this is one where most of our friends tend to reside. Its an overcrowded spot. The people who will be there for every birthday of yours. Who know which country you are living in. People who not only know where you work, but also know your designation. But DON’T REMEMBER WHAT YOU DO. We all need people in this plateau. Cause when there are promotions, they are first in line :)!

Zone 4: y = infinity (shown as last phase of quadrant 1)
This is the point where you reach a wonderfully beautiful threshold value of “love” that renders the relationship permanent. A point where, no matter how busy we get, we know the other person will be there! Our 3 a.m. calls, our alarms for a 5 a.m. flight, our “come to the airport to pick me up” person, a “I am out of milk…can you pick it up when u are coming over” person, a “I am insecure” soundboard, our “I am tired but I will still come along for your office party person”…the ever dependable, always listening, having-more-faith-in-your-strengths-than-you-have-in-yourself person.

This is also one of the most difficult and time consuming phases to reach. It requires a lot of nurturing and a lot of input. You risk seeing mirages if you speed up too fast. This relationship stands the test of time, of misunderstandings, of jealously, of love. What we give is insignificant in the face of what we receive. It’s the point of “infinity” (infinite love). This is the best place to be in. (And I wish this one for all of you! :)).

This model should typically be a 3 dimensional model, where the third dimension should be time i.e. the time taken at each phase. But honestly, my intelligence constrains here! Plus, really it would be pushing it a lot. Wow, just realized this would make a great research thesis (wow that’s giving myself a lot of credit). One day maybe! :D

P.S. This is dedicated to all my girls! :D Here is to the last 10 years! :D

Colors of India

I have three incomplete blogs lying in my posts sections...oh well! Now some of it was just due to pure lack of words...so no excuses there...and for the rest...well again...no excuses! Haha!

I realized my last few blogs were a lot about the sorry state of India and Indian healthcare and Indian education system...sigh! So I decided to balance the act here and tell you why I love India.

This may seem strange and funny...but really...Indian advertising is one of the reasons why I love it...I know funny! :) Now the big Times of India loyalist that I am...I am absolutely excited about their "Teach India" campaign! (Anjali and Neha...good luck with that!). I think its a great thing that they are doing...and while cynicists may call it a "gimmick"...even if it helps a few 100 kids...really I dont see any problem there. And its a great way for people to give back to society...I know a lots of people who want to. And of course their ads are all over the city...but this one really touched me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V75u1ehgfnc

I have had an experience in the past way back in school interacting with students from the Spastic Society of India. It was a very humbling experience to teach these guys for a year and believe me it was FUN! So I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

And of course...Bombay (Mumbai!). This city rocks. Literally. But its the spirit of the people living here that you cannot ignore. And you know one reason why we are the business hub of the country...at least the original business hub. Well we sure can multi-task. You just need one ride in the second-class local train of Mumbai to absorb everything there is to know about the city. It cuts across all sections of society and age! Where else will can you see women cutting their vegetables on their way home to prepare a good home-cooked meal for their family. Hats off to them! And no conversation about Bombay can be complete without a mention of my (sorry OURS...Neha is watching) favourite places in the city. Hard Rock Cafe! I agree Neha..thats one of the most saddest thing about leaving Bombay. I am sure none of the other ones arnd the world can match upto this.

I love India for Kerala. In a strange way I know there is some past life connection there! I love India for the hospitality and camaradie of the general public. Recently, I happened to go to the vegetable vendor we were a regular at in my old locality. While the decision was purely out of convenience (I was driving through the area and Mom needed me to buy some veggies), I was surprised at the unexpected “welcome” of sorts that I received. He was most happy at my decision to shop from him even though we moved houses 20 mins away and my new locality has better vegetable vendors (in terms of variety). So he happily offered me a discount and his “best rates”. Within seconds, the fruits vendor came to say hello and I was super surprised. They all wanted me to send my regards to “Bhabhiji” (my mother)!

Of course there are a million more reasons I love India but time and lack of words constrain me from going on and on. So I will stop here while India moves forward! Now really...do I need to explain why the "Happiness Quotient" of India is rising! :)

And it continues...sigh!

Looks like this issue is getting enough media attention as well...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mumbai/90_med_grads_skip_rural_stint/articleshow/3204471.cms

As many as 90% medical students give ther rural stint a miss...how are we ever going to improve the public health system of India if this continues.

The article explains it all...I dont need to say no more!

The power of BIG!

I am a person full of contradictions and today I discovered another such contradiction about me! When I have a story to tell, I can go on and on about it (of course digressing through the way) and ensure that the others present in the conversation do not get a chance to talk and are listening to every single detail and responding. Of course, I do not want to discuss how entertaining some of my stories can be(…modesty ;))! So literally, I make a mountain of a molehill.

But when it comes to articulating any professional communication, I have the power to make even a big thing sound miniscule and irrelevant. And this goes back to my engineering days, where after putting in 5 months of relentless efforts on my final year project, both Anjali and I were incapable of justifying our efforts in the report. And that’s when we realized how we both lacked the capability to use “flowery language”. Basically, modesty becomes operational at all the wrong times in life.

The reason I choose to blog about this is because, during the internship, I felt challenged by this incapability yet again. This, to the extent of my mentor telling me “why do u underplay everything…use big words…the impact is always better that way”. This is something that I am sure will remain at the back of my mind at least for sometime. Another incident occurred today that brought this issue to the fore. In the past couple of communications between the Cerebration team and potential case sponsors, I have realized that Amruta does a brilliant job of glorifying the event. While the thoughts have been resonated by all of us at different occasions through different mediums, this particular mail by Amruta blew me away. And knowing her…I know that its not one of those “creative high” days. It’s just that she has the talent.

As I decide to embark on this journey to enter the big Consulting Arena, I realize that this is a weakness I have to overcome. Consultants are paid to tell you things that at most times is already known. It’s the job of a Consultant to send the message across in the most effective way. Sometimes, it’s about making you come to terms with reality. At other times, it requires them to tell you “we are there for you”. Whatever be the case…it was never achieved through “being modest”. As Shyam puts it…”Its all about Marketing and PR”! And I agree! It’s the power of making things sound BIG! So my next KPI is to be told by someone…“you sound like such a consultant”!!!! :)