Returning Calls

"Not returning phone calls is the severest form of torture in the civilized world." Marisha Pessl.

How often is it that you find people not returning your calls? How often is it that you do not return calls or emails?

Not returning calls is one of the most ungracious social acts you can commit. Mind you, I am not talking here of business relationships, where it is perfectly alright to not reply to unsolicited communication. In the personal realm, not returning calls can cause you fractured long-term relationships.

For example, there could be an occasion in the offing to get together socially, with friends or with a common interest group. One of the friends goes the extra mile, co-ordinating the availabilities of group members, setting the most agreeable time and location in order to meet within a short time period, and expecting quick confirmation for the rendezvous.

Yet, you do not call or email back!

Maybe you had other commitments, and you assumed that your not calling back would be sufficient indicator of your unavailability. However, what you have ended up is being personally offensive to your friend, and have sent completely wrong signals. He/she will wonder what they have done to deserve this cold shoulder, and the next time you meet, the interaction will definitely be lukewarm. A quick email/ text message stating your unavailability on that day would definitely have had been a better alternative.

Returning calls and emails is the polite thing to do. Never let people feel rejected. Whether you like it or not, people do obsess about un-returned calls. You would feel the same too. So whatever your reasons, even if the response is a little delayed, make the effort! If the response required is long, or needs considerable thought, at least drop a one-liner message acknowledging the call.

Bottom-line, do unto others as you would have others do unto you!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Proverbial Contradictions!

Proverbs are popularly defined as short expressions of popular wisdom. The wisdom is in the form of a bit of advice, sometimes, to adopt an attitude toward a situation. However, proverbs often run in pairs, reminding us that for every argument for rationalising our stand in a situation, there is an equally rational opposite stand!

If you agree with me that "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"

Then "Out of sight, out of mind" should also make you ponder!

Here is a list of 20 cases where ‘words of popular wisdom’ end up conflicting with each other!

1.       A silent man is a wise one.

          A man without words is a man without thoughts.

2.       Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

          Out of sight, out of mind.

3.       Actions speak louder than words.

          The pen is mightier than the sword.

4.       Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

          Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

5.       Birds of a feather flock together.

          Opposites attract.

6.       Clothes make the man.

          Don't judge a book by its cover.

7.       Cross your bridges when you come to them.

          Forewarned is forearmed.

8.       Great minds think alike.

          Fools seldom differ.

9.       Knowledge is power.

          Ignorance is bliss.

10.     Look before you leap.

          He who hesitates is lost.

11.     Many hands make light work.

          Too many cooks spoil the broth.

12.     Money talks.

          Talk is cheap.

13.     Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

          Better safe than sorry.

14.     The bigger, the better.

          The best things come in small packages.

15.     The more, the merrier.

          Two's company; three's a crowd.

16.     The only thing constant is change.

          The more things change, the more they stay the same.

17.     Two heads are better than one.

          If you want something done right, do it yourself.

18.     What will be, will be.

          Life is what you make it.

19.     What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

          One man's meat is another man's poison.

20.     With age comes wisdom.

          Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come all wise sayings.

Same-sex Marriage?

The Supreme Court today deferred its hearing on the issue of decriminalisation of gay sex among consenting adults in private and listed the case for a final hearing in February 2012. A bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi adjourned the hearing on the matter after the lawyers involved in the case pleaded that they want to argue the case extensively and it would take time. The apex court was hearing petitions filed by anti-gay rights activists and also by political, social and religious organisations which have opposed the Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising homosexual behaviour.

Source: www.dna.com, November 8, 2011

A gay couple -- from India and Britain -- has tied the knot at a ceremony held at a Hindu temple in as Nepal. Social worker Sanjay Shah, 42, from UK tied nuptial knot at a temple in Teku with S Khan, 30, (name changed) from Gujarat on Tuesday under the aegis of Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an organisation dedicated for the cause of gay and lesbian in Nepal.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk,   June 20, 2011

Durban-based sales advisor Joe Singh and his partner Wesley Nolan solemnised their relationship at a ceremony where a Hindu priest officiated. In the Singh living room, Wesley tied a necklace with a Ganesha pendant around Joe’s neck. The couple, chose the Ganesha instead of garlands because both of them are “staunch Hindus’’ and wanted the Elephant God to “ward off evil and remove obstacles from their path’’.

Source: Times News Network, May 10, 2009

The first historical mention of the performance of same-sex marriages occurred during the early Roman Empire. Emperor Nero is reported to have engaged in a marriage ceremony with one of his male slaves. 

Since 2001, ten countries have begun allowing same-sex couples to marry nationwide: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden. Same-sex marriages are also performed and recognized in Mexico City and parts of the United States. 

Homosexual relations were legally still a crime in India under an old British era statute dating from 1860 called Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature.' Eventually, in a historic judgement delivered on 2 Jul 2009, Delhi High Court overturned the 150 year old section, legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults. The judgement stipulates  that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before law. However, same-sex marriages, as of now, do not have a legal status in India

The institution of civil marriage confers a social status and important legal benefits, rights, and privileges.

Opponents of same-sex marriage use the term “marriage” to mean the social union between one man and one woman. They argue that the basic unit of society is the family, and the primary objective of a marriage is to rear children. They argue that a child has a right to be raised by a father and a mother, in order to strengthen the social fabric.

Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that marriage is a legal status, which grants a couple all its attendant benefits, and must have nothing to do with the sexuality of the partners. They argue the case for same-sex marriages on the basis of human rights- the right to family life.

There are many people in our society who want to walk a different path. Then, offcourse, there is a problem of both transsexuals and inter-sexed individuals, who may not necessarily be categorized into “male” or “female”. Each person has a right to happiness. The big question is not, and most of you will agree, the freedom to be happy. The big questions is, is society ready to sanction this happiness legally?

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Relationship Building

“Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.” Richard Bach.

Good times and bad times are cumulation of our decisions and actions. Since no one is perfect, we do tend to take certain decisions that may result in bad patches in our lives. Relationships that we build along the journey of life, our family, friends and loved ones make all the difference during these times. The most essential life skill, hence, is the ability to cultivate support systems in the anticipation of those rough spots. If we can understand this, we can be prepared for life's inadvertent setbacks.Family and friends are frequently primary sources of emotional support. Colleagues and mentors are often sources of career support. Social groups and special interest groups form a support system for stress busting. Relationship networks give us a sense of belonging. We tend to be healthier, happier and more resilent.

Relationship building is a simple function of give and take. Reach out and share yourself with others. Make the extra effort to give help when needed. Appreciate the little things that people do. And, more than anything else, take interest in people’s lives.

The cardinal rule of retaining relationships is staying in touch. Be pro-active in your communication. A simple ‘hello’, once in while, whether by email or SMS can go a long way in forging the relationship. You remind your friend that he/she is in your thoughts. Also, never fail to return calls or messages.

Today’s world is competetive and cut-throat. Sure, we must be focussed on our dreams and goals. But, care must be taken that this does not distance us from those around us. When we reach out for support, we must not find ourselves adrift mid-ocean in the sea of adversity, with no tow-boat in sight.

Support systems are not built in a day. And we cannot build them at once, when we need them the most. They are to be built brick by brick, day by day, so that when we need them, the pillars are in place.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Scamgate CWG

The CVC will give some more fresh cases to CBI to probe alleged criminal conspiracy and graft by certain government employees in carrying out Commonwealth Games-related works. Sources in the anti-corruption watchdog said large-scale financial and administrative irregularities have been found in about seven cases carried out by certain government agencies here.

“We have found irregularities in inviting tender for works and giving undue favours to the selected vendors. Besides, there has been documentary evidence showing involvement of employees and owners of private firms who carried out the works,” a senior CVC official said. The matter was discussed in a review meeting of the Commission with CBI officials last week. “CBI has taken all relevant documents and Commission's findings on the matter. They will register preliminary enquiries after due investigation,” he said.

Source: articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com, October 16, 2011

The Commonwealth games (CWG) scam involved large scale misappropriation of money during the preparatory phase and conduct of the 2010 Commonwealth games held in New Delhi. Apart from this, the CWG has been mired with extensive delays in preparation, leading to unplanned expenses that caused humungous losses.

This was obviously to be expected once Suresh Kalmadi, Congress party representative to the 15th Lok Sabha from the Pune constituency, was appointed as the Chairman of the CWG Organizing Committee. Before the CWG, Suresh Kalmadi’s reputation was already under cloud for underhand dealings when bringing in the Formula One Grand Prix to India in 2007. He also has a string of other previous accusations like charges of land grab, siphoning off public funds, becoming the chief of Indian Olympics Committee (IOC) using shady means and using the same to stay in that position ever since.

The total value of the CWG scam is estimated to be Rs.70,000 crore. This, in a country where 400 million lives below the official poverty line! Or, simply put, in sub-human conditions! Like any other scam, the CWG scam involved politicians, bureaucrats and corporates acting in collusion. While they put the entire burden on the middle class and the common man, these looters stripped the country in every possible way!

Presently the scam is being probed by the CBI.

TS Darbari, Joint Director General of the Organising committee and Sanjay Mahindroo, Deputy Director General of the Organising committee were arrested by the CBI on 23 Nov 2010. Suresh Kalmadi, the Chairman of the Organising Committee was arrested on 25 Apr 2011 and the next day was sent to eight days police custody.

There have been no convictions till date.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

The Pigeon And The Statue

“Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue.”

Very funny, great cliché, but a very sad take on life. Because it is funny, it is not only easy to remember, but easy to implement as well, which is exactly why something is not quite right.

You may have been at the end of some serious crap in life. And you might blame all the people who messed up your life. You cant just sit back and say, “I was crapped upon, now, at every opportunity I will crap on someone!”

Get out of the victim mentality! It is not easy to forgive ….yet work towards LETTING GO! Forgive yourself, too, for ‘crapping’ on others till now! Only then will you start loving yourself and be able to focus on your goals!  No matter what situation or circumstance you are in today, you don't have to accept the way things are in your life.

You don’t have to be a statue or a pigeon!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Cult Suicides

An evangelical pastor and 60 worshippers sparked fears of a mass suicide pact by holing themselves up in a Havana church. The group have spent more than three weeks locked in the 'Fountain of Life' Pentecostal Church, prompting conspiracy theories about their aims. But now the pastor's son has insisted they are conducting a regular spiritual retreat and aim to 'liberate Cuba from sins'.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk, September 15, 2011

MAJOR MASS CULT SUICIDES

• Peoples Temple: On November 18, 1978, 918 Americans died in Peoples Temple-related incidents, including 909 members of the Temple, led by Jim Jones, in Jonestown, Guyana. The dead included 303 children. A tape of the Temple's final meeting in a Jonestown pavilion contains repeated discussions of the group committing "revolutionary suicide," including reference to people taking the poison and the vats to be used.
• Solar Temple: From 1994 to 1997, the Order of the Solar Temple's members began a series of mass suicides, which led to roughly 74 deaths. Farewell letters were left by members, stating that they believed their deaths would be an escape from the "hypocrisies and oppression of this world." Added to this they felt they were moving on to Sirius. (Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky). Records seized by the Quebec police showed that some members had personally donated over $1 million to the cult's leader, Joseph Di Mambro.
• Heaven's Gate: An American UFO religion based in San Diego, California, founded and led by Marshall Applewhite, caused the death en masse of 39 of its followers on March 26, 1997, in Rancho Santa Fe, California. These people believed, according to the teachings of their cult, that through their suicides they were "exiting their human vessels" so that their souls could go on a journey aboard a spaceship they believed to be following comet Hale-Bopp.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Priest of unreason, and charlatan King!
"Hail to the saviour!" believers sing…

Behind every cult there is a charismatic leader who demands total faith and obedience. He commands a faithful following, believing in a future heavenly reward and often an impending, earthly doom. The most dangerous cults abuse the faith of their followers to such an extreme that it endangers all of their lives. The leaders of these groups take advantage of group psychology to generate a fantasised sense of 'us' versus a very hostile 'them' outside. Four basic behaviours found in extreme form in destructive cults: compliance with the group, dependence on a leader, devaluing the outsider, and avoiding dissent.

Cult members can come from widely disparate socio-economic backgrounds and include rich as well as poor who are willing to make enormous personal sacrifices for reaching a faith based goal promised by the charismatic leader. The cult influence is like addiction to a drug . Typical behaviour for both includes draining bank accounts, neglecting children, destroying relations with family and losing interest in anything except the drug or cult.

Today, there is an alarming rise in young people attracted to cults. The psychological effects on members, particularly adolescents, lead them to develop opinions and modes of behaviour diametrically different from their families of origin, causing familial tensions. Often, psychiatrists need to be consulted with the view to understand, treat and correct what is seen as behavioural aberration by the families.

Most democratic governments defend religious freedom. However, there has to be some regulatory mechanism to monitor cults, considering their effects on young people and their families, and some of the reactions they have caused in society.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Tackling Insult

“He who puts up with insult invites injury”.

Insult can be a cause of tremendous social anxiety, especially when someone in your personal environment has made it a habit to put you down repeatedly.

An insulting remark made towards you, especially in public, can evoke the twin demons, humiliation and anger, making your emotional equilibrium go to dogs! Your response might be to shrink inwards, wishing you could vanish from the face of the earth at that moment, or it could be a fit of angry incoherent stuttering! 

Whatever be your emotional reaction, you have given the insulter exactly what he wants- power! You have given him the confidence to insult you again and again.

If the insulter has the effect of causing you social anxiety, you need to do something about it as soon as possible.

Brace yourself- you’ve got some insulting to do too! Prepare some choice retorts. Nothing hits like comments on a persons personality. The more true to fact the comment is, the more effective it is.

Bullies are like dogs- they smell fear! Show your  tormentor you are not afraid. The next time your tormentor insults you, insult him back instantly, looking straight into his eyes.  Half the battle is won when your eyes lock, and you don’t look away. Walk away from the insulter as soon as you have retorted, thus leaving him no chance to carry the conversation further.

Some people insult subtly. A good way of countering a subtle insult is to rephrase the insult bluntly and ask the insulter if he meant what you thought he meant. This will put him on a back-foot and you will get some lame answer like, “Just kidding…”. You can then tell him calmly that you hope he was, because you have not liked his comment.

You might face a situation where the insulter tries to save face saying he’s sorry, he did not think you were so sensitive. Beware! It’s his way trying to emotionally overpower you by passing on the blame of your reaction on to you. Do not reply. Just walk on, and the game is over.

No one has ever escaped insult, not even very successful and confident people. The only thing is that they never accept an insult. They are either able to rise above being insulted at all or are able to nip the insult perpetrator’s audacity in the bud.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

'Arakshan' Ban Quashed By SC

Giving the go ahead for the screening of Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Aarakshan' in UttarPradesh, the Supreme Court on Friday quashed the ban imposed by the state, saying public discussion and dissent are necessary in a vibrant democracy. A bench of justice Mukundakam Sharma and justice A.R Dave lifted the state’s two-month ban on thefilm in UP holding that the restriction would go against the democratic value of free speech and expression.

Source: www.hindustantimes.com, 19 August, 2011

The policy of reservation of academic seats and government jobs based on caste was to be implemented for a period of ten years following the independence of India. Over sixty years have passed but the policy still continues to be implemented. ‘Arakshan’, meaning ‘reservation’, is a movie that highlights the frustration of the majority of students in the ‘general’ category.

Points to be pondered upon:

• We have seen systemic ineffectiveness in many of our government institutions. Merit, and hence performance, has taken a back seat. Is merit not being sacrificed at the altar of vote bank politics?
• It is true that certain sections of society still need support for enhancing their lives and moving upwards on the social scale. Cannot students from these sections be given economic help and training facilities in order to compete for academic seats and jobs rather than reservation?
• Since many meritorious Indian students cannot avail of seats in colleges, they are leaving the shores for higher studies elsewhere. The money that could have gone into our educational system is leaking to foreign universities. Is reservation not responsible for this monetary loss and further brain drain?

In a democracy, citizens have a right to express their views. Different people may have different opinions on the issue of reservation.The movies addresses an issue that can raise a healthy debate on the reservation policy. Politicians with vested interests cannot appoint themselves as ‘super censors’, when there is an expert panel appointed by the Indian censor board.

The Supreme Court of India, by quashing the ban on the movie, has adjudicated admirably!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Work Attitude

People are the life blood of any business. Getting people with the right skills and attitude keeps the company moving in the right direction. At times, it is difficult to get people with the right skills, but it is never difficult to ensure that people with the right attitude are hired.

I believe in hiring nice, pleasant people. People with the right attitude can be trained easily, and can gain skill and expertise. Also, positive people keep the office environment healthy. Employees with a wrong attitude, negligent, unmotivated employees, affect the service factor of the company and kill customer brand loyalty.

I believe that an employer must be flexible. Every company has certain objectives. Every person has certain personal objectives. It is the job of the employer to make sure that both the objectives are aligned. Understanding this, if certain allowances are made, an employee will make sure he/she reciprocates with commitment and conviction. Given the amount of time an employee spends in office, the work environment must be open and friendly.

Also, I believe in communication. Employees need to know where the company is going. They need to contribute their ideas for growth. Being heard increases an employee’s involvement. At times, tough decisions taken by the management need to be explained so that there is no mis-communication through the grapevine. 

Very rarely, there are people who misuse the company goodwill. If you have a finger on the employee pulse, it is easy to identify such people. If you turn a blind eye to or make allowances for such people, the good workers get demoralised, as they feel cheated. Hence, it is important to eliminate people with a wrong work attitude from the system.
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You may like this story that most management students would have already heard.

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

"I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. "T'hey're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after some more nights, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him off the tree.

Moral of the story : Bull shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there long.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Teen Suicides

S. Srinivasan (18) was found hanging inside his house on Saturday. On Sunday, his parents found a seven-page letter in his school bag reportedly written by the student. The letter, according to his parents, accused four school teachers of harassing him ever since he and his friends complained to the headmaster about the poor quality of teaching.

Source: www.thehindu.com, June 21, 2011

A 15-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison on Tuesday night. Police said Sathya, a student of Government High School in Jayapuram and resident of Getapayanur village in Natrampalli police station limit, failed in Class IX examination.

Source: www.thehindu.com, June 23, 2011

A 16-year-old girl today allegedly committed suicide after being snubbed by her father in Sirsaganj area, near here, police said today. Sarita''s father snubbed her over a petty issue following which she consumed some poisonous substance, they said, adding that the body has been sent for postmortem.

Source: www.siasat.com, July 3, 2011

More adolescents die of suicide than physical disease. This is because of depression, which is increasingly be-devilling both children and adolescents.

Technology has changed the way humans interact, and the information age has come in with its own positive and negative consequences. Unlimited access to television and the internet makes children more socially reclusive. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and social phobias. They are also more likely to perform badly at school and have worse relationships with their parents.

Academic performance in the Indian education systems is competitive. The focus is on getting a job, rather than enriching life. Hence, parents push children to perform, not taking into account their abilities and inclinations. This pressure often takes its toll. In fact, newspapers are filled with suicide news during the examination seasons.

Adolescents, with their raging hormones, are in constant state of mental turmoil and confusion about issues. They need an outlet for their emotions. Familial support, which was available in the joint family system in the past, considerably alleviated environmental stress. Teens would always have some sympathetic adult to talk to and to sort out their situation. Today, parents are incredibly busy and quite often do not have the time to empathise. When a friendship or a relationship fails, teens easily lose confidence in life. An unrealistic sense of hopelessness brings in the suicidal urge. With no one to talk to, they are unable to analyze things in the right perspective, and jump to the conclusion that their problems are insoluble.

Being a teenager has never been easy. But in the new millennium, amidst unprecedented prosperity, growing up seems to have become more trying than ever for Indian teens.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Change

“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Benjamin Disraeli.

Continual innovations in technology have ensured that the environment around us changes very fast- ways of doing business, means of communication, lifestyle trends, people’s expectations- and hence, opportunities and threats are continuously changing. Considering this, remaining on top of the knowledge curve in ones chosen vocation is of paramount importance.

Here is a story.

A boy, particularly good at chopping trees, went looking for work, axe on his shoulder. Chancing upon a logging site, he asked the supervisor if there was any work available.

“Well”, said the supervisor, “Chop down that tree, and we shall see.”

The boy completed his task with dexterity and was immediately hired. It was Monday.

At the end of the week, the supervisor called him and told him his services were no longer needed.

The boy was shocked! “I am your most productive worker. You can’t sack me.”

“Well, you were the most productive worker on Monday, but by Thursday you had sunk to the least productive. And you’re doing even less well today.”

“But, I spend all my time chopping down your trees. I start early and finish last. I work through lunch.”

“I agree”, replied the supervisor, “but how much time do you spend sharpening your axe?”

Just the awareness of change and the intent to adapt are not enough for consistent success. In order to adopt new strategies and be more creative, you must keep your mind tools sharpened at all times.

How do you keep your mind tools sharpened? Just three simple tasks!

• Listen: Keep your ears to the ground. Understand feedback objectively .
• Read: Keep abreast of new theories, new laws, new research and new ideas, both specific (to your vocation) and general. The more you read, the more things you will know. There is a saying that goes, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."
• Write: Capture in writing the insights you have gained through your experience, feedback and your reading. Writing clarifies your thoughts and ideas. It also helps you analyse your learning needs.

At all times, do not lose sight of your goals. Learning can be said to have occured only when you put to use the new insights gained in following your goals. Hence, you must take the time to reflect and fit new knowledge with your strategies so as to enhance achievement.

Remember, mental faculties must always be “Work In Progress”. Being proactive is the only way to stay on top of change, or, in this fast-changing environment, we will quickly be extinct.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Ambanis' Fortunes Plummet

The share prices have been tumbling in recent past for both the Reliance groups, led by the billionaire brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani, and the analysts put the blame on a string of controversies surrounding them for many months now. On the other hand, a host of Tata group firms have grown stronger, in terms of stock market valuation, while shrugging off overall bearish sentiments in the broader market and even some controversies related to them.

As per the latest market value of individual groups,the Tata group ranks on the top with Rs 4,40,000 crore, and bigger than the combined figure of the two Ambani groups together at about Rs 3,67,000 crore. It is followed by Mukesh-led Reliance group at second position with about Rs 2,85,000 crore. The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), which ranked third after the Mukesh-led RIL group and Tatas a year ago, does not figure even among the top 10 groups now.

Source: www.business-standard.com, June 19, 2011

The reason for the downswing in the fortunes of the Ambani brothers is largely because of continual spats between the two, leading to reduced investor confidence in their companies.

After Dhirubhai Ambani’s demise, the long drawn ugly fight for control saw the credibility of the Ambani’s slip in the market. End result, the Reliance group, which always had the interests of ordinary shareholders as its primary focus, took a beating. Not just that, in the years that followed, the two brothers bitterly competed with each other and tried to sully each others images.

Having significant presence in the stock markets, any whisper about the activity between the Ambani brothers or change in their relationship moves markets.

We can only hope that at some point both Mukesh and Anil realise the harm they are causing to the Indian economy. If they could work towards a cordial relationship and have at least a loose working association, they could forge a formidable partnership.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Perseverance

“It is only through labour and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things.” Theodore Roosevelt.

There cannot be a greater feeling of exultation than to achieve your goals. People often give up their goals because the path to success is painful. However, as much as you try to eliminate pain in life, the fact remains that there can be no gain without pain.

Simply put, ‘pain’ is nothing but the ‘effort’ needed to surmount hurdles in pursuit of a goal.

Achieving all of life's lasting pleasures - good relationships, successful careers, robust health - requires a lot of effort. The first step, hence, is the decision to get out of your comfort zone and take on the bull by its horns. Often, this means grappling with issues like resolving a conflict, gaining a necessary competence or taking on a physical challenge.

Here is a story.

"A museum laid with beautiful marble tiles had a huge marble statue right at the centre of its lobby. It was that of a magnificently beautiful lady, and people all over the world visited the museum just to admire this beautiful marble lady statue.One night, a marble tile started talking to the marble statue.

Marble tile: Marble statue, it’s just not fair! Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you? Not fair!
Marble statue: My dear friend, marble tile, do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?
Marble tile: Yeah! That’s why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!
Marble statue: Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted his tool?
Marble tile: Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy! How could he use his tool on me, it hurt so much.
Marble statue: That’s right! He couldn’t work on you at all as you resisted being worked on.
Marble tile: So?
Marble statue: When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tool; instead, I bore all the painful tools he used on me.
Marble tile: Mmmmmmmmm…………
Marble statue: My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can’t blame anybody who steps on you now."

Most people expect some return on their efforts in a relatively short time period. It takes patience to work on something without immediate returns. There will be point when the path to success seems arduous. This is the time you have to make your decision- whether to put in extraordinary effort in pursuit of the goal or to give up. Finally, it is only you who will be responsible for your decisions.

You want to be successful, and enduring temporary stress is a small price to pay in order to reap lasting pleasure!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.