I wont deny that I am a hindi film buff..and generally if anyone knows, hindi movies are like a fairy tale, allz well that ends well.
In the end the good prevails over the bad.
I got a new take of this ending..which said
If everything is not well its not the end. aND I really liked that, as long as things are not good in your life, just dont accept that its the end, its only an intermission. hENCE hang on till you have a happy ending.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Kyon..Why
it is inspired by a serial and will add my experience as well.
In one of the episodes, it was shown..to give a background, the scene was between two close friends, or lets say two colleagues, who seemingly like each other, but cant say it openly.
The guy says, that I some how cant feel bad about anything you do, even if you behave badly, I dont feel bad, cant be angry at you.
The girl asks, kyon..why.
He replies, that why do you keep asking why for every question, arent you satisfied by the fact tht there is someone in the world who doesnt mind whatever you do /say. why do you need a reason for everything.
And I realised, that its right, even if someone is good to you, you need a reason for that, aisa kyon, why !
I have myself faced that situation many a times in life, why is he helping me so much, why is she taking care of me, kya reason hai.
In my current project, I have had good colleagues, bad colleagues and I wonder why. More for the good people.
Some people go out of the way to take care of you, help you and one is like kyon. What does he/she stand to gain..
And i was like, why cant I just be happy with the fact that there are people who are good to me.
And stop looking for a reason behind people's actions..
How about you ?
In one of the episodes, it was shown..to give a background, the scene was between two close friends, or lets say two colleagues, who seemingly like each other, but cant say it openly.
The guy says, that I some how cant feel bad about anything you do, even if you behave badly, I dont feel bad, cant be angry at you.
The girl asks, kyon..why.
He replies, that why do you keep asking why for every question, arent you satisfied by the fact tht there is someone in the world who doesnt mind whatever you do /say. why do you need a reason for everything.
And I realised, that its right, even if someone is good to you, you need a reason for that, aisa kyon, why !
I have myself faced that situation many a times in life, why is he helping me so much, why is she taking care of me, kya reason hai.
In my current project, I have had good colleagues, bad colleagues and I wonder why. More for the good people.
Some people go out of the way to take care of you, help you and one is like kyon. What does he/she stand to gain..
And i was like, why cant I just be happy with the fact that there are people who are good to me.
And stop looking for a reason behind people's actions..
How about you ?
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
I am an Introvert
A blog after long time folks..I was on holiday guys..
coming back to the topic..."i am an introvert"
I just want to use this example to bring out a point.
Everyone of us have behaviourial traits, extrovert, introvert, outgoing, jovial, moody, short tempered, etc.
I for one used to say many a times, to many people that I am an introvert, I dont talk much to people (I know some ppl may find this to be false), I take time to open up to people, etc.
And I mentioned the same to someone..and here is the explanation I got,
He asked me what does an introvert mean ? An introvert is a person who likes to keep things to himself, and when you declare it openly that you are an introvert, you are not acting upto the word.
And I know for a fact, that I do talk to some/selective people and not all the people. He further mentioned that as a child was I born with this trait. Did i talk to some people and not all when I was young.
This habit had been acquired by me over a period of time. Why did i acquire this habit? This is something I need to think.
And gradually his words did sync in.
I realised that as a child no one is different, all children have the same traits, then why over a period of time I started talking less. I realised, my encounters with some people were not good, maybe they hurt me in some way, and my way of retaliating was to not talk to strangers or newcomers. But to talk only to people I became comfortable with. I wasnt something I was born with, it was something I had become.
Now I am changing that habit of mine and have started talking to strangers/new people a little more than what I used to before.
this logic holds true for a lot of our behaviour, fear of talking, short tempered, stage fright, etc. Generally there is some incidence hidden in our past which unknowingly changes our behaviour before we even realise and then we think this is how we are !!!
So guys, you too can change yourself, just think who you are and the reason for that.. you will find your answers
coming back to the topic..."i am an introvert"
I just want to use this example to bring out a point.
Everyone of us have behaviourial traits, extrovert, introvert, outgoing, jovial, moody, short tempered, etc.
I for one used to say many a times, to many people that I am an introvert, I dont talk much to people (I know some ppl may find this to be false), I take time to open up to people, etc.
And I mentioned the same to someone..and here is the explanation I got,
He asked me what does an introvert mean ? An introvert is a person who likes to keep things to himself, and when you declare it openly that you are an introvert, you are not acting upto the word.
And I know for a fact, that I do talk to some/selective people and not all the people. He further mentioned that as a child was I born with this trait. Did i talk to some people and not all when I was young.
This habit had been acquired by me over a period of time. Why did i acquire this habit? This is something I need to think.
And gradually his words did sync in.
I realised that as a child no one is different, all children have the same traits, then why over a period of time I started talking less. I realised, my encounters with some people were not good, maybe they hurt me in some way, and my way of retaliating was to not talk to strangers or newcomers. But to talk only to people I became comfortable with. I wasnt something I was born with, it was something I had become.
Now I am changing that habit of mine and have started talking to strangers/new people a little more than what I used to before.
this logic holds true for a lot of our behaviour, fear of talking, short tempered, stage fright, etc. Generally there is some incidence hidden in our past which unknowingly changes our behaviour before we even realise and then we think this is how we are !!!
So guys, you too can change yourself, just think who you are and the reason for that.. you will find your answers
Sunday, October 14, 2007
HAPPY and Sad thats life
This is something very real, happy and sad, thats life, learn to live with it.
Not sure if its a cancerian trait, but small things can change my mood.
A call from a friend, a small jump in my shares, a smile from a colleague, all can make me very happy.
And you guessed it right, a frown, a decline in shares, a -ve comment from my parents, anything can make me sad.
Chhoti choti baatein khushi aur gum deti hai..and one day i feel the happiest person living and the very next I am howling, why me..
To that, I was once told, happy and sad thats life, just learn to live with it. And thats what i advice others nowadays, if every day you are smiling away, its ok to be sad/homesick one day, har roz khush rehna possible nahi hai.
thode gum hai, thodi khushiyaan hai, yahi hai yahi hai
Not sure if its a cancerian trait, but small things can change my mood.
A call from a friend, a small jump in my shares, a smile from a colleague, all can make me very happy.
And you guessed it right, a frown, a decline in shares, a -ve comment from my parents, anything can make me sad.
Chhoti choti baatein khushi aur gum deti hai..and one day i feel the happiest person living and the very next I am howling, why me..
To that, I was once told, happy and sad thats life, just learn to live with it. And thats what i advice others nowadays, if every day you are smiling away, its ok to be sad/homesick one day, har roz khush rehna possible nahi hai.
thode gum hai, thodi khushiyaan hai, yahi hai yahi hai
Quantity or Quality
I used to always believe, that more than quantity it is the quality of your friends that matters.
Ek do hi sahi, but ache friends ho. (sorry for the hindi, but I cant help it. I guess this one is going to be in hindi majorly :) ). But life has at times taught me that kaise bhi ho, magar 1000 friends ho wahi better hai.
What do yu think quality/quantity ?
Ek do hi sahi, but ache friends ho. (sorry for the hindi, but I cant help it. I guess this one is going to be in hindi majorly :) ). But life has at times taught me that kaise bhi ho, magar 1000 friends ho wahi better hai.
What do yu think quality/quantity ?
Heads I win, Tails you loose
Yes, thatz few people in the world, heads I win and tails you loose, which means whatever you do, you loose.
Such people can never believe in the goodness of people.
If you do good for them, help them they will think that you have an ulterior motive. How can someone help others selflessly, there must be some ulterior motive, people are never so good.
And if you dont care for them, or help them, they will say obviously, why would they, they are selfish, people are bad.
So its very difficult to convince or change these people, no matter what you do, you are the bad guy..
Such people can never believe in the goodness of people.
If you do good for them, help them they will think that you have an ulterior motive. How can someone help others selflessly, there must be some ulterior motive, people are never so good.
And if you dont care for them, or help them, they will say obviously, why would they, they are selfish, people are bad.
So its very difficult to convince or change these people, no matter what you do, you are the bad guy..
Saturday, October 13, 2007
You only remember me when you need me
I was told this by one of my friends, that people only reach out to you when they need you,
you only come to me when you need advice.
And I used to always say that you only reach out to your friends in times of need, and not to strangers. You only remember people you are close to when yu are facing tough times in life, tough decisions, bad things etc etc. I believe that even if your friends/family are not able to help you, just by talking you can reduce your problems. Hence I always believe in sharing your problems and happiness with friends/family.
Infact if some of my friends are in trouble and they dont tell me, I would take it otherwise, feeling that they dont share their problems with me..and maybe I am a stranger.
But you have other set of people, who say, o No, why should I tell my problems to others, they will make fun of me..be happy that I have problems..
I could never understand this logic..I mean I agree that you shouldnt be an open book, but with friends/family you should share your life.
Atleast I am one of those who needs to be told everything :) I cannot understand if you dont say..
you only come to me when you need advice.
And I used to always say that you only reach out to your friends in times of need, and not to strangers. You only remember people you are close to when yu are facing tough times in life, tough decisions, bad things etc etc. I believe that even if your friends/family are not able to help you, just by talking you can reduce your problems. Hence I always believe in sharing your problems and happiness with friends/family.
Infact if some of my friends are in trouble and they dont tell me, I would take it otherwise, feeling that they dont share their problems with me..and maybe I am a stranger.
But you have other set of people, who say, o No, why should I tell my problems to others, they will make fun of me..be happy that I have problems..
I could never understand this logic..I mean I agree that you shouldnt be an open book, but with friends/family you should share your life.
Atleast I am one of those who needs to be told everything :) I cannot understand if you dont say..
Changing Times
this is an old incident but just shows how times have changed..
Imagine some office going people, very hectic schedules, work pressures. In such places its so tough to get holidays, killing deadlines, tension, etc and you just cant get a holiday.
You ask your manager, I need a day's holiday tomorrow, it will be immediately rejected. Hence people have to resort to some lies.
Early morning the manager will get a call, that sir I am sick today, I cant come to office. And generally everyone knows that he/she is lying so that one can get a holiday.
One day one of my friend's took a holiday on the same excuse, she had twisted her ankle and she couldnt come to office. Next day people were asking her had she taken a holiday to study for her exams. When she explained that she had indeed broken her ankle and couldnt walk, people werent ready to believe her.
Such are changing times that even if you tell the truth people dont believe you.
Imagine some office going people, very hectic schedules, work pressures. In such places its so tough to get holidays, killing deadlines, tension, etc and you just cant get a holiday.
You ask your manager, I need a day's holiday tomorrow, it will be immediately rejected. Hence people have to resort to some lies.
Early morning the manager will get a call, that sir I am sick today, I cant come to office. And generally everyone knows that he/she is lying so that one can get a holiday.
One day one of my friend's took a holiday on the same excuse, she had twisted her ankle and she couldnt come to office. Next day people were asking her had she taken a holiday to study for her exams. When she explained that she had indeed broken her ankle and couldnt walk, people werent ready to believe her.
Such are changing times that even if you tell the truth people dont believe you.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
strange feelings
couldnt find a better title friends, but its something like strange/contradictory feelings.
And please dont laugh, I am sure everyone faces this..atleast I think so
and i have a old hindi film song to support my views.
Havent yu been in situations, with people, where you want to talk to someone but when you meet them you are as dumb as dumb can be ? get me ??
do yu face this situation ??
And please dont laugh, I am sure everyone faces this..atleast I think so
and i have a old hindi film song to support my views.
Havent yu been in situations, with people, where you want to talk to someone but when you meet them you are as dumb as dumb can be ? get me ??
do yu face this situation ??
Life in Bratislava
We had the movie, life in metro..and as I am picking up a line from that movie, I thought I might as well name my blog accordingly.
In the movie, Irfan Khan tells Konkona a story
A guy owns a ferrari, its a brand new ferrari standing in his garage. But he is scared to drive it, he says something like the traffic is always huge or red signal..something like that
To which someone tells him unless yu take your car out how will yu reach yur destination.
Guys, i did try google, but cant find the exact dialogue. but the crux is basically, unless you try to drive you will never know whether yu are a good driver or a bad one.
He is basically telling konkona who is skeptical of getting married, that unless yu try yu will never know if its good.
And these days I am experiencing similar situations. People I had thought may not be good, friendly are turning out to be very good.
I had been to a weekend outing for two days, and it turned out to be a very good trip, and I realised when I get released from the project I will miss my team.
There were a couple of surprises for me, wherein people surprised me in a good way.
The less you expect, the more happier you are, these were people whom I thought were not so good.
And I am now wondering, are people really so good :) skeptical me I guess
I only wish I have a similar team every where...It made me realise that if the people around you are good, bad places, bad situations, dont seem so bad..atleast not for me.
Be good to your teams/friends folks :)
In the movie, Irfan Khan tells Konkona a story
A guy owns a ferrari, its a brand new ferrari standing in his garage. But he is scared to drive it, he says something like the traffic is always huge or red signal..something like that
To which someone tells him unless yu take your car out how will yu reach yur destination.
Guys, i did try google, but cant find the exact dialogue. but the crux is basically, unless you try to drive you will never know whether yu are a good driver or a bad one.
He is basically telling konkona who is skeptical of getting married, that unless yu try yu will never know if its good.
And these days I am experiencing similar situations. People I had thought may not be good, friendly are turning out to be very good.
I had been to a weekend outing for two days, and it turned out to be a very good trip, and I realised when I get released from the project I will miss my team.
There were a couple of surprises for me, wherein people surprised me in a good way.
The less you expect, the more happier you are, these were people whom I thought were not so good.
And I am now wondering, are people really so good :) skeptical me I guess
I only wish I have a similar team every where...It made me realise that if the people around you are good, bad places, bad situations, dont seem so bad..atleast not for me.
Be good to your teams/friends folks :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Cinderella
Guess i am in the blogging mood today !!
This is a small one, generally things in life are so tough, difficlt people, challenging situations, cunning ppl, that we start expecting everyone to be bad.
If you come across good people, you start doubting, o why is that person behaving so nicely with me, i am sure he has a vested interest, its not possible for someone to be so selfless.
We start doubting the good things /good people as well.
Count me in on doubting good things..if things are going well, i am always scared, abhi kuch kharab hoga..something is going to go bad, it cant be going so smooth.
There is a small story I had read about cinderella, wherein cinderella never doubts why the prince likes her of all the people, she never wonders, maybe the prince is a bad guy, thats why he is interested in marrying me, a maid ; or maybe he has a bad past, thats why he likes me.
She never doubts her luck or the intentions of the prince.
Hence folks be positive and accept good things/good people as a part of life..and dont be skeptical..i will try the same :)
This is a small one, generally things in life are so tough, difficlt people, challenging situations, cunning ppl, that we start expecting everyone to be bad.
If you come across good people, you start doubting, o why is that person behaving so nicely with me, i am sure he has a vested interest, its not possible for someone to be so selfless.
We start doubting the good things /good people as well.
Count me in on doubting good things..if things are going well, i am always scared, abhi kuch kharab hoga..something is going to go bad, it cant be going so smooth.
There is a small story I had read about cinderella, wherein cinderella never doubts why the prince likes her of all the people, she never wonders, maybe the prince is a bad guy, thats why he is interested in marrying me, a maid ; or maybe he has a bad past, thats why he likes me.
She never doubts her luck or the intentions of the prince.
Hence folks be positive and accept good things/good people as a part of life..and dont be skeptical..i will try the same :)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Dil Chahta hai
This one is based on the small scene in dil chahta hai movie..I am sure everyone would have seen this movie (hindi speaking people).
Aamir had a fight with one of his best friends..akshaye..and in the end they show that he is going
back to meet his friend.
On his way, Aamir passes by a group of college friends and he remembers his old times. Its a very nice scene.
And that scene reminds me of a few of my own friends with whom I have grown up and had fights. big fights.
I had read somewhere, in the end the pain goes away, only the sweet memories remain. And with some of your close friends thats what happens, no matter how big fights you had, it just takes one sorry/one phone call to erase all the bad things and you are friends again.
The intervening time period just passes by, as if nothing has happened and before you even realise you are spending time to catch up on the lost time.
I have realised
-people say things in a fit of anger, and they dont mean it
-its best to forgive and forget
-gradually you just accept your friends as they are, no more judging, is he right/wrong, good /bad. All that matters is that they are your friends
-time is a true test of friendship.
-But, building a friendship doesnt take time, like all things, maintaining a friend takes time
-Never say never again :)
to be continued further later ...:)
Aamir had a fight with one of his best friends..akshaye..and in the end they show that he is going
back to meet his friend.
On his way, Aamir passes by a group of college friends and he remembers his old times. Its a very nice scene.
And that scene reminds me of a few of my own friends with whom I have grown up and had fights. big fights.
I had read somewhere, in the end the pain goes away, only the sweet memories remain. And with some of your close friends thats what happens, no matter how big fights you had, it just takes one sorry/one phone call to erase all the bad things and you are friends again.
The intervening time period just passes by, as if nothing has happened and before you even realise you are spending time to catch up on the lost time.
I have realised
-people say things in a fit of anger, and they dont mean it
-its best to forgive and forget
-gradually you just accept your friends as they are, no more judging, is he right/wrong, good /bad. All that matters is that they are your friends
-time is a true test of friendship.
-But, building a friendship doesnt take time, like all things, maintaining a friend takes time
-Never say never again :)
to be continued further later ...:)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Expect the unexpected
One should expect the unexpected in life.
and beautiful surprises at that :)
Its an old story/experience.
Our team here in Slovakia had gone for the hike..the normal usual hike, just too steep and long one. It wasnt the tuf hikes, just long one..took the inexperienced ones around 1 -1.5 hrs. We were a bunch of ppl, from our project, around 8-9 ppl i believe.
None of us had any inkling of what lay ahead of us , it just looked a hike, steep hiill, covered with dry grass, no trees etc..just a hill, having the route built coz of each successive climber.
We almost reached the top, enjoying the view at every succcessive halts, which was just about ok.
Then we were almost set to give up...a long hike and had the same difficult road back home..when we chanced upon some other hikers, and they said there is a beautiful view few blocks up.
and beautiful surprises at that :)
Its an old story/experience.
Our team here in Slovakia had gone for the hike..the normal usual hike, just too steep and long one. It wasnt the tuf hikes, just long one..took the inexperienced ones around 1 -1.5 hrs. We were a bunch of ppl, from our project, around 8-9 ppl i believe.
None of us had any inkling of what lay ahead of us , it just looked a hike, steep hiill, covered with dry grass, no trees etc..just a hill, having the route built coz of each successive climber.
We almost reached the top, enjoying the view at every succcessive halts, which was just about ok.
Then we were almost set to give up...a long hike and had the same difficult road back home..when we chanced upon some other hikers, and they said there is a beautiful view few blocks up.
so we chucked along and truly, it was a beautiful view, not worht missing and definitely worth the hike.
And thats when we realised, that we hd started the hike not expecting to see the view.
Life brings unexpected and beautiful things..
(Yet to learn hw to manage the picture placement on the blog )
Sunday, September 9, 2007
some money matters
The initial idea for the blog was about stocks/markets.
Gradually it become less of moneytalkz and more of lifetalkz !!
Two stocks I am planning to buy..Amara raja batteries and Jyoti Structures.
Guys you can buy it, I will buy it now
Amara raja..~ 650
Jyoti ~230
Gradually it become less of moneytalkz and more of lifetalkz !!
Two stocks I am planning to buy..Amara raja batteries and Jyoti Structures.
Guys you can buy it, I will buy it now
Amara raja..~ 650
Jyoti ~230
Growing old with age
The current generation faces the mid life crisis much sooner than the previous generations..
Maybe early/late thirties.
I wouldnt say I am facing a mid life crisis, but at times, I try to see have people around me changed. Ppl say that change is the only constant and with time even people change.
What and who were your friends in college, if you are lucky will still be your friends when you are in your thirties, forties, etc.
But if you see, your friend circle/social circle keeps changing, who were friends earlier fade with time and acquaintainces would have become your friends.
However, some ppl continue to be your friends. However they also change. I am sure you would have also changed with time.
Remember how you were when you were about to start your first job after qualifying.
What were your initial fears, how will I stay alone, how will I leave my friends, how will the food be, will the people be good, o I am yet to pack, and its a new country, how will I stay there.
Fast forward to the next 5-10 years, and see do you still have the same fears ? Do you still panic at the thought of packing ? expect people to help you/be honest? I am sure most of your old fears would have gone, and maybe you have new fears, or you have become more adventurous ?
And you think, lo..I have changed, I am a new person, I have learned from life, people have taught me how to take risks/face the challenges
Move further, you love chocolates, ice creams (I do..hence the easiest example). However for last few weeks, you have been to such a place that has no chocolates. And luckily, you visit a new city, and it has many chocolate shops..Most probably, you will act like a child and gorge on the chocolates..act just like a child..So have you changed over the years ? Has life changed you ?
It may be different things for different people/ a visit to disney land, meeting an old friend/visiting the alps, or even niagara falls :)
My point is, though at the times you think you have changed, your main crux/the basic DNA is the same, people dont change with time :)
Maybe early/late thirties.
I wouldnt say I am facing a mid life crisis, but at times, I try to see have people around me changed. Ppl say that change is the only constant and with time even people change.
What and who were your friends in college, if you are lucky will still be your friends when you are in your thirties, forties, etc.
But if you see, your friend circle/social circle keeps changing, who were friends earlier fade with time and acquaintainces would have become your friends.
However, some ppl continue to be your friends. However they also change. I am sure you would have also changed with time.
Remember how you were when you were about to start your first job after qualifying.
What were your initial fears, how will I stay alone, how will I leave my friends, how will the food be, will the people be good, o I am yet to pack, and its a new country, how will I stay there.
Fast forward to the next 5-10 years, and see do you still have the same fears ? Do you still panic at the thought of packing ? expect people to help you/be honest? I am sure most of your old fears would have gone, and maybe you have new fears, or you have become more adventurous ?
And you think, lo..I have changed, I am a new person, I have learned from life, people have taught me how to take risks/face the challenges
Move further, you love chocolates, ice creams (I do..hence the easiest example). However for last few weeks, you have been to such a place that has no chocolates. And luckily, you visit a new city, and it has many chocolate shops..Most probably, you will act like a child and gorge on the chocolates..act just like a child..So have you changed over the years ? Has life changed you ?
It may be different things for different people/ a visit to disney land, meeting an old friend/visiting the alps, or even niagara falls :)
My point is, though at the times you think you have changed, your main crux/the basic DNA is the same, people dont change with time :)
Hugging Man
Hugging Man
This post has been lying in draft mode for awhile now.
I dont know how to put it/ its something hanging on for awhile now, Let me try. It might lead to jumbled up thoughts.
Each country has its own way of greeting/wishing people. Like in Japan, as far as I know, you bend to greet the people. In India you fold your hands to greet some one or during business meetings, maybe a handshake, generally there is no physical contact though.
Long ago I had read the story of the hugging man in one of my chicken soup books. The summary of the story was that there was a man, who was famous for hugging people, he used to hug everyone, including strangers. Gradually people started accepting him as everyone realised that hugging people has a good effect.
Infact as a child the first thing the child recognises is a touch, the human touch, parents and everyone hug a child, massage him, caress him.
But as one grows up, the hugs become a little less, at times the kids as they grow up feel embarassed to be hugged in public (me included).
I am more of a closed person, and not much into public display of affection (should be the strong one :), but since past few years, I have had my share of friends, who just take me into a bear hug and I have no choice but to respond back.
And I have realised that hugging people is very comforting. It gives you a feeling that someone is there for you, to take care of you and share your problems, joys.
In US/EU hugging is a very common form of greeting people, and I dont mean those formal ones, but a good hug, between close friends and office colleagues, siblings.
And believe me, its very comforting/reassuring, things just become so easy, you see things in a different light. And more so in my travelling job, when I am away from home and family, it is very comforting.
And since then I have decided I should be little open with people. And maybe you should do the same..
Infact in India, also things have gradually changed and you see people hugging each other. Close friends, siblings, mother daughter, sons, etc.
Hope my blog made some sense
This post has been lying in draft mode for awhile now.
I dont know how to put it/ its something hanging on for awhile now, Let me try. It might lead to jumbled up thoughts.
Each country has its own way of greeting/wishing people. Like in Japan, as far as I know, you bend to greet the people. In India you fold your hands to greet some one or during business meetings, maybe a handshake, generally there is no physical contact though.
Long ago I had read the story of the hugging man in one of my chicken soup books. The summary of the story was that there was a man, who was famous for hugging people, he used to hug everyone, including strangers. Gradually people started accepting him as everyone realised that hugging people has a good effect.
Infact as a child the first thing the child recognises is a touch, the human touch, parents and everyone hug a child, massage him, caress him.
But as one grows up, the hugs become a little less, at times the kids as they grow up feel embarassed to be hugged in public (me included).
I am more of a closed person, and not much into public display of affection (should be the strong one :), but since past few years, I have had my share of friends, who just take me into a bear hug and I have no choice but to respond back.
And I have realised that hugging people is very comforting. It gives you a feeling that someone is there for you, to take care of you and share your problems, joys.
In US/EU hugging is a very common form of greeting people, and I dont mean those formal ones, but a good hug, between close friends and office colleagues, siblings.
And believe me, its very comforting/reassuring, things just become so easy, you see things in a different light. And more so in my travelling job, when I am away from home and family, it is very comforting.
And since then I have decided I should be little open with people. And maybe you should do the same..
Infact in India, also things have gradually changed and you see people hugging each other. Close friends, siblings, mother daughter, sons, etc.
Hope my blog made some sense
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Language
just wondering..
we have a lot of languages or rather so many languages in the world.
forget the world, India itself has 20+languages..maybe more.
Come to think of it, why do we have a language..so that we can communicate with one another. with everybody.
And that very same language becomes a barrier in our communication..
We have instances in india itself, where if people dont speak the state language, they dont communicate with you..wherein the main intention is communication and not language.
I would say language shouldnt be the focus, the main purpose is to talk.
Currently in Kosice, we are facing lot of language issues, many people are cooperative and help us around and some just turn a blind eye.
We are currently communicating by dancing if you can say so, basically acting out everything..
so i am now much better in dumbcharades if you would like to think :).
The first 2 days were fun, challenging, right from water, milk, curd, butter, salt, sugar, time..yu name and we had to act it out..but it was fun....
And some of my colleagues have come with innovative ways, they have started taking pictures on the cell of everything..basically taken the fun out :)
we have a lot of languages or rather so many languages in the world.
forget the world, India itself has 20+languages..maybe more.
Come to think of it, why do we have a language..so that we can communicate with one another. with everybody.
And that very same language becomes a barrier in our communication..
We have instances in india itself, where if people dont speak the state language, they dont communicate with you..wherein the main intention is communication and not language.
I would say language shouldnt be the focus, the main purpose is to talk.
Currently in Kosice, we are facing lot of language issues, many people are cooperative and help us around and some just turn a blind eye.
We are currently communicating by dancing if you can say so, basically acting out everything..
so i am now much better in dumbcharades if you would like to think :).
The first 2 days were fun, challenging, right from water, milk, curd, butter, salt, sugar, time..yu name and we had to act it out..but it was fun....
And some of my colleagues have come with innovative ways, they have started taking pictures on the cell of everything..basically taken the fun out :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Happiness Pills
I know I need to write a few things..not sure where to begin,
it happens some times I guess when yu are just happy for no reason..I am going through one of those days/weeks :)
Infact ppl in my project have been asking me if I am taking happiness pills, I am always happy..
currently our team is in Slovakia..yes the erstwhile Czechoslovakia..the one place on the map which i think i cant yet place..however i am in that place :)
Its just those days when no matter how bad things go , yu are still smiling ...
To begin with, its not as bad a place as was made out, some of us were wondering if we are going to some jungle..thats not true guys.
We do get indian food, rice, dal, flour etc..(uncooked)..though not the same but we get it..And I mean come on guys, even within india , when we go from north to south, you have different varieties of rice, boiled rice, fat rice..infact trivandrum has brown water.
And not to worry, Kosice has another type of water..basically soda..here the normal water is soda water..so the first words we learned was no gas water.
Neperliva..yes my friends..thats noo soda water for you..
And you get good italian food, have a pizzahut also, so vegans can also live out here.
Not to mention, that I do cook at home, so I get some indian food for lunch or dinner.
I will try to upload some pics soon..
till thenn:)
it happens some times I guess when yu are just happy for no reason..I am going through one of those days/weeks :)
Infact ppl in my project have been asking me if I am taking happiness pills, I am always happy..
currently our team is in Slovakia..yes the erstwhile Czechoslovakia..the one place on the map which i think i cant yet place..however i am in that place :)
Its just those days when no matter how bad things go , yu are still smiling ...
To begin with, its not as bad a place as was made out, some of us were wondering if we are going to some jungle..thats not true guys.
We do get indian food, rice, dal, flour etc..(uncooked)..though not the same but we get it..And I mean come on guys, even within india , when we go from north to south, you have different varieties of rice, boiled rice, fat rice..infact trivandrum has brown water.
And not to worry, Kosice has another type of water..basically soda..here the normal water is soda water..so the first words we learned was no gas water.
Neperliva..yes my friends..thats noo soda water for you..
And you get good italian food, have a pizzahut also, so vegans can also live out here.
Not to mention, that I do cook at home, so I get some indian food for lunch or dinner.
I will try to upload some pics soon..
till thenn:)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Relations
Now some good/cheerful posts..
It is a kind of rip off from one of the serials..(yup serials, one of the 3 serials I am addicted to)
The protagnist asks his father, why arent relationships in our control, and his dad replies :
Relationships are like human beings, they live, grow and die.
Whatever is in our control is more like a convenience, here today, gone tomorrow. And such things are not relationships.
It is a kind of rip off from one of the serials..(yup serials, one of the 3 serials I am addicted to)
The protagnist asks his father, why arent relationships in our control, and his dad replies :
Relationships are like human beings, they live, grow and die.
Whatever is in our control is more like a convenience, here today, gone tomorrow. And such things are not relationships.
Gossips
gossips..
I know its a bad topic to have a blog on..but pl read along.
I have been travelling and working in new groups of people since last few years..And I have realised a few things :
1. Office relationships mostly are need based..if two people have a common goal, they just hang around together, no friendship but just same goal.
2. Generally no two people get along together, every small group has issues, I have realised that its not just me who has issues getting along with people, no single person in my larger group is happy with everyone, everyone has issues with someone. Guess fights are a way of life. On an average they have issues with 2-3 ppl. I have with one person only :)
3. Advices are always given to others. Not implemented for one self. !!! Sometimes ppl treat me as a child and give me all sort of bad and foolish advices which are only applicable to me.
4. Silence is golden, believe me I know the value of this saying, I generally have a habit of talking a lot I suppose, I keep telling small small things to everyone, and that backfires.
5. There are v few people who would be interested in doing something which benefits you, most of them are out to get their own work done. So be careful when you take someone's advice.
6. Coming to gossip, the standard way of living is, to gossip about most of the people when they are not around, and later you hang around with the same people. I have never understood why hang out with someone you dont like.
7. But then again, friendship, or maybe acquaintainces are of different levels, some people are better than others, but they are not the BEST. So in short, you have a hierarchy of friendship, he/she doesnt gossip about me but gives me wrong advice. Basically, comparmentalising one's friends, ...I am learning that out here.
8. Office life is never easy, there is a big competition out there and each one is out to eat the other
9. C'est la vie. !! tHIS IS life, and I am not cribbing !! I am learning every day..
I know its a bad topic to have a blog on..but pl read along.
I have been travelling and working in new groups of people since last few years..And I have realised a few things :
1. Office relationships mostly are need based..if two people have a common goal, they just hang around together, no friendship but just same goal.
2. Generally no two people get along together, every small group has issues, I have realised that its not just me who has issues getting along with people, no single person in my larger group is happy with everyone, everyone has issues with someone. Guess fights are a way of life. On an average they have issues with 2-3 ppl. I have with one person only :)
3. Advices are always given to others. Not implemented for one self. !!! Sometimes ppl treat me as a child and give me all sort of bad and foolish advices which are only applicable to me.
4. Silence is golden, believe me I know the value of this saying, I generally have a habit of talking a lot I suppose, I keep telling small small things to everyone, and that backfires.
5. There are v few people who would be interested in doing something which benefits you, most of them are out to get their own work done. So be careful when you take someone's advice.
6. Coming to gossip, the standard way of living is, to gossip about most of the people when they are not around, and later you hang around with the same people. I have never understood why hang out with someone you dont like.
7. But then again, friendship, or maybe acquaintainces are of different levels, some people are better than others, but they are not the BEST. So in short, you have a hierarchy of friendship, he/she doesnt gossip about me but gives me wrong advice. Basically, comparmentalising one's friends, ...I am learning that out here.
8. Office life is never easy, there is a big competition out there and each one is out to eat the other
9. C'est la vie. !! tHIS IS life, and I am not cribbing !! I am learning every day..
Kal ho Na Ho
Posting it a little later, but will try to make up for the lost time.
As a part of the project, I had to go to New York..Friday and a weekend.
It was my first trip to NY, and it was a very nice experience. I had always heard NY is a nice place, but you have to see it to believe it..and I can say Karan Johar also doesnt make it look so good.
I was staying at NJ with my friend, took a train to go to NY..
Landed at NY Penn Station. For once I felt i was in mumbai, the train station reminded me of the Churchgate station, you see so many people, all running, a sea of ppl, a sight yu generally dont see in USA.
Next destination was the Slovak visa, got the visa. and then went about sightseeing in NY downtown.
Our trip was unplanned, so we ended up going from one end of the downtown to other, from 6th avenue to 2nd and then back and then back...
First destination was the Statue of Liberty, I couldnt take the ferry, but no regrets, enjoyed the river and the statue. The statue reminds me of Titanic, where Kate Winslet reaches USA in the life boat..
well, I couldnt see the original up close and personal, but took few snaps, took pictures with the fake statue and a quick shower in the fountain..
Next destination the Brooklyn bridge and the Manhattan bridge..Not sure which one, but one of them is the KalhoNaho bridge, I was already so tired, couldnt walk on them..but the bridges are v beautiful and must see.
Next destination was the Grand Central Station, which again I suppose is the place which they showed repeatedly in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, nice station..good architecture
And finally, but not the least, times square..It is a sight to behold, I took lot of pictures, such a huge area, big bill boards, big malls, everything was big..A live and happening place.
Reminded me of the Oxford Street in London..
Then I took the bicycle ride to the Central Park..
And after a quick visit to empire state bldg, called it a day and went back to NY Penn Station to go back home.
That was my whirlwind tour of NY, a very enjoyable experience !!!
Two good visits in one US trip..NY and Niagara..
(Have a look at the pics on flickr)
As a part of the project, I had to go to New York..Friday and a weekend.
It was my first trip to NY, and it was a very nice experience. I had always heard NY is a nice place, but you have to see it to believe it..and I can say Karan Johar also doesnt make it look so good.
I was staying at NJ with my friend, took a train to go to NY..
Landed at NY Penn Station. For once I felt i was in mumbai, the train station reminded me of the Churchgate station, you see so many people, all running, a sea of ppl, a sight yu generally dont see in USA.
Next destination was the Slovak visa, got the visa. and then went about sightseeing in NY downtown.
Our trip was unplanned, so we ended up going from one end of the downtown to other, from 6th avenue to 2nd and then back and then back...
First destination was the Statue of Liberty, I couldnt take the ferry, but no regrets, enjoyed the river and the statue. The statue reminds me of Titanic, where Kate Winslet reaches USA in the life boat..
well, I couldnt see the original up close and personal, but took few snaps, took pictures with the fake statue and a quick shower in the fountain..
Next destination the Brooklyn bridge and the Manhattan bridge..Not sure which one, but one of them is the KalhoNaho bridge, I was already so tired, couldnt walk on them..but the bridges are v beautiful and must see.
Next destination was the Grand Central Station, which again I suppose is the place which they showed repeatedly in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, nice station..good architecture
And finally, but not the least, times square..It is a sight to behold, I took lot of pictures, such a huge area, big bill boards, big malls, everything was big..A live and happening place.
Reminded me of the Oxford Street in London..
Then I took the bicycle ride to the Central Park..
And after a quick visit to empire state bldg, called it a day and went back to NY Penn Station to go back home.
That was my whirlwind tour of NY, a very enjoyable experience !!!
Two good visits in one US trip..NY and Niagara..
(Have a look at the pics on flickr)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Patience is life
Back to my favourite topic of investing..at times I wonder if the experiences of stock market simulate real life...or help you in real life.
One virtue is patience..I have generally never been patient in life, if someone doesnt return my call, I think what has happened, maybe she is angry, maybe she doesnt want to talk to me etc. And I tend to keep msging, calling back till I have bugged the person.
Missing virtue..patience.
Another example, I fight.argue with my friends/family..I never give ppl time to get over their anger, all I tend to do is keep calling/talking to the person..which again bugs them.
Missing patience..
another and maybe a familiar experience..
I go for a job interview, its all gone well, my dream company..1 hr goes, 2, 3 and now ONE WHOLE DAY..Imagine why hvent they replied, maybe they didnt like me. maybe they got someone else..and what do I do, call them up..hey how did yu guys find me ? ?And yu know what that results in.. a bad hike..a bad designation..
Missing patience..
Since my days of active investing I sure have learned to be patient. For one, the returns in the share markets are not linear, its not that in 6 mths if the rise has been 10%, you can assume that every six months you will get 10%, for all you know the stock maybe a laggard for the next one year and then in one day it gives you back 100% returns..so the key is patience.
One really has to be very patient when investing in the markets..One bad day shouldnt let you down, coz there is always a next day..
I have realised patience is the key..be patient and good things will always follow.
One virtue is patience..I have generally never been patient in life, if someone doesnt return my call, I think what has happened, maybe she is angry, maybe she doesnt want to talk to me etc. And I tend to keep msging, calling back till I have bugged the person.
Missing virtue..patience.
Another example, I fight.argue with my friends/family..I never give ppl time to get over their anger, all I tend to do is keep calling/talking to the person..which again bugs them.
Missing patience..
another and maybe a familiar experience..
I go for a job interview, its all gone well, my dream company..1 hr goes, 2, 3 and now ONE WHOLE DAY..Imagine why hvent they replied, maybe they didnt like me. maybe they got someone else..and what do I do, call them up..hey how did yu guys find me ? ?And yu know what that results in.. a bad hike..a bad designation..
Missing patience..
Since my days of active investing I sure have learned to be patient. For one, the returns in the share markets are not linear, its not that in 6 mths if the rise has been 10%, you can assume that every six months you will get 10%, for all you know the stock maybe a laggard for the next one year and then in one day it gives you back 100% returns..so the key is patience.
One really has to be very patient when investing in the markets..One bad day shouldnt let you down, coz there is always a next day..
I have realised patience is the key..be patient and good things will always follow.
Monday, July 2, 2007
To the moon and back
To the moon and back..
I surely had a trip to the moon ..Last weekend I had gone on a one day trip to Niagara (from the USA)
Couldnt have had a better gift..
The day started on 29th June, I was not sure till the end if I will be able to leave/make it to the trip..but allz well that ends well and I could go to the trip.
To give a background, the falls are physically in the USA, hence to see/have a view, we should be in Canada. But for a one day trip, USA is as good as Canada.
Two main attractions in Niagara:
1. The maid of mist : Basically, there is a ship which takes you literally inside the falls. You wear the raincoats and go take a boat ride.
The first fall is a small one or rather we didnt go inside the falls. The next two are the big ones and the ship takes a circle where in you are up close and personal with the falls. And if you dont wear a head gear, you will get wet.
And yes I had removed my head gear and got drenched :) ..Couldnt take pictures for fear of spoiling my camera. But it was an amazing view, looked like ice/snow/fog//
Once you get off the maid of mist, we took some steps to see the falls, close and personal.
2. Cave of the winds : Last but not the least, we saw /went to the Cave of the Winds. And it was the best !!! I literally felt like imitating the famous titanic pose :), I am the king of this world !!!
You are literally standing below the falls and the way the planks have been made, you dont get scared, but yet feel the full impact of the falls. Most of us were shouting our guts out..You have to be there to feel it
This is a must see for each one and we saw the rainbow as well
And you can see the pictures..on the flickr..
I surely had a trip to the moon ..Last weekend I had gone on a one day trip to Niagara (from the USA)
Couldnt have had a better gift..
The day started on 29th June, I was not sure till the end if I will be able to leave/make it to the trip..but allz well that ends well and I could go to the trip.
To give a background, the falls are physically in the USA, hence to see/have a view, we should be in Canada. But for a one day trip, USA is as good as Canada.
Two main attractions in Niagara:
1. The maid of mist : Basically, there is a ship which takes you literally inside the falls. You wear the raincoats and go take a boat ride.
The first fall is a small one or rather we didnt go inside the falls. The next two are the big ones and the ship takes a circle where in you are up close and personal with the falls. And if you dont wear a head gear, you will get wet.
And yes I had removed my head gear and got drenched :) ..Couldnt take pictures for fear of spoiling my camera. But it was an amazing view, looked like ice/snow/fog//
Once you get off the maid of mist, we took some steps to see the falls, close and personal.
2. Cave of the winds : Last but not the least, we saw /went to the Cave of the Winds. And it was the best !!! I literally felt like imitating the famous titanic pose :), I am the king of this world !!!
You are literally standing below the falls and the way the planks have been made, you dont get scared, but yet feel the full impact of the falls. Most of us were shouting our guts out..You have to be there to feel it
This is a must see for each one and we saw the rainbow as well
And you can see the pictures..on the flickr..
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Life is Beautiful
This is not about money talkz..this is more abt life talkz..
To sum it up shortly, last 3-4 years I have been travelling, basically not staying with my family, first it was london, then gujarat, bangalore, hyderabad, delhi and now Pittsburgh..
And have been staying with different people, who were strangers..I mean who were strangers in the beginning and friends later.
And during these 3-4 years I have met some bad people and lot of good people.
And I have realised, that some of my good friends, close friends, have been those whom I have met for a short duration, but then been in touch virtually, through emails, chat.
Few of my friends, except for my mumbai friends are people whom I have worked with for very few months, 2-3 months..But even now when I meet them (which is very rare), but when I do, its like we have always been together. I know what the phrase to pick it up from where we left means..It is those relationships which make me feel lucky..
It feels good to see people care about you, like to be with you and admiring you.
I have a family which adores me, my younger brother at times thinks I am a good role model for him..
and then friends who admire me..these are people whom I can talk about any of my problems in life..the latest being my experiences in deloitte..where I am supposedly not so professional :)
and recently when I met some of my virtual friends, I realised that how nice it is to have a good friend, thats what makes life look so easy and beautiful.
I get caught up so much with the daily battles in life, she did that, she mailed, she bitches, that I kind of stop expecting people to be good.
And a good friend, is a whiff of fresh air..thank you guys n gals for being there
To sum it up shortly, last 3-4 years I have been travelling, basically not staying with my family, first it was london, then gujarat, bangalore, hyderabad, delhi and now Pittsburgh..
And have been staying with different people, who were strangers..I mean who were strangers in the beginning and friends later.
And during these 3-4 years I have met some bad people and lot of good people.
And I have realised, that some of my good friends, close friends, have been those whom I have met for a short duration, but then been in touch virtually, through emails, chat.
Few of my friends, except for my mumbai friends are people whom I have worked with for very few months, 2-3 months..But even now when I meet them (which is very rare), but when I do, its like we have always been together. I know what the phrase to pick it up from where we left means..It is those relationships which make me feel lucky..
It feels good to see people care about you, like to be with you and admiring you.
I have a family which adores me, my younger brother at times thinks I am a good role model for him..
and then friends who admire me..these are people whom I can talk about any of my problems in life..the latest being my experiences in deloitte..where I am supposedly not so professional :)
and recently when I met some of my virtual friends, I realised that how nice it is to have a good friend, thats what makes life look so easy and beautiful.
I get caught up so much with the daily battles in life, she did that, she mailed, she bitches, that I kind of stop expecting people to be good.
And a good friend, is a whiff of fresh air..thank you guys n gals for being there
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
eyes
Aankhen bhi hoti hai dil ki zubaan..
Not that lot of non indians read my post, but still the above lines mean
'
your eyes are also a way of communicating, they convey the thoughts of your heart..
'
Many a times, we use our eyes to communicate with people..
A stranger in your office/restaurant/road,,...any where..the first communication we have is with
eyes/face..
A smile/ a wink/ a comforting look.
Hence many a times, inspite of talking v less, you feel you have known the person for a long time.
The initial communication/breaking of ice happens when you talk through your eyes..your body language..
yu make friends/enemies all just by a look :) Hence be careful how you look at the next person !!
I am sure each one has experienced this before.
Not that lot of non indians read my post, but still the above lines mean
'
your eyes are also a way of communicating, they convey the thoughts of your heart..
'
Many a times, we use our eyes to communicate with people..
A stranger in your office/restaurant/road,,...any where..the first communication we have is with
eyes/face..
A smile/ a wink/ a comforting look.
Hence many a times, inspite of talking v less, you feel you have known the person for a long time.
The initial communication/breaking of ice happens when you talk through your eyes..your body language..
yu make friends/enemies all just by a look :) Hence be careful how you look at the next person !!
I am sure each one has experienced this before.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
What is a good amount to invest?
Many a times we tell ourselves that oh, I have just Rs 1000/- to invest, it’s a very small amount, how much appreciation will I get on such a small amount, I cant really begin investing with just Rs 1000/-, it’s a very small capital.
However it’s my personal point of view that no amount is too small to begin investing. It’s more important to make a beginning and start investing something atleast rather than keep saying oh, my savings are very small, I cant invest.
Rather than postpone investing/saving by saying I dnot have a huge principal, I would say atleast begin investing.
Only if you begin, can you reach the end.
As the tagline of Johnny Walker goes, a journey of thousand miles begins with a small step.
Further, with the recent advances in the financial sector in India such as
Dematerialization of stocks: The smallest unit of share one can buy is a single share; hence there are very few shares which are out of reach of an individual.
Online trading/investment in securities: There are umpteen number of share broking companies that have opened shop and are online. This makes investing in shares/mutual funds very easy.
Net Banking : Trading/Investing/Banking have all been enabled via the internet, hence one can keep tab of the investments anywhere anytime
Hence I don’t see any reason why an individual investor cannot start investing even with a small capital.
To narrate a small incident I came across on TV, amitabh bachchan was narrating an incident from his childhood about his father.
His father used to go for a morning walk daily, and he had a habit of studying the landscape. If he used to come across any interesting stone/pebble during his walk, he used to get them home.
One fine day, little amitabh was woken up by his father early morning. There was a very big boulder near the main gate of their compound and he was asking amitabh to get the boulder in their house. Young amitabh along with a handful of neighbors managed to get the boulder in after some effort. Later amitabh asked his father, how did he manage to get the boulder till the compound? To which his father said, for the past 3 months, daily he used to push the boulder about an inch.
The message is make a beginning and even if you take small baby steps, you will reach the end, provided you make a beginning.
However it’s my personal point of view that no amount is too small to begin investing. It’s more important to make a beginning and start investing something atleast rather than keep saying oh, my savings are very small, I cant invest.
Rather than postpone investing/saving by saying I dnot have a huge principal, I would say atleast begin investing.
Only if you begin, can you reach the end.
As the tagline of Johnny Walker goes, a journey of thousand miles begins with a small step.
Further, with the recent advances in the financial sector in India such as
Dematerialization of stocks: The smallest unit of share one can buy is a single share; hence there are very few shares which are out of reach of an individual.
Online trading/investment in securities: There are umpteen number of share broking companies that have opened shop and are online. This makes investing in shares/mutual funds very easy.
Net Banking : Trading/Investing/Banking have all been enabled via the internet, hence one can keep tab of the investments anywhere anytime
Hence I don’t see any reason why an individual investor cannot start investing even with a small capital.
To narrate a small incident I came across on TV, amitabh bachchan was narrating an incident from his childhood about his father.
His father used to go for a morning walk daily, and he had a habit of studying the landscape. If he used to come across any interesting stone/pebble during his walk, he used to get them home.
One fine day, little amitabh was woken up by his father early morning. There was a very big boulder near the main gate of their compound and he was asking amitabh to get the boulder in their house. Young amitabh along with a handful of neighbors managed to get the boulder in after some effort. Later amitabh asked his father, how did he manage to get the boulder till the compound? To which his father said, for the past 3 months, daily he used to push the boulder about an inch.
The message is make a beginning and even if you take small baby steps, you will reach the end, provided you make a beginning.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
GOLD ETF
Gold Exchange Traded Funds..My two cents on the gold trading in India
One of the oldest forms of investment in India has been in the form of gold. Investing in gold serves multiple purposes; it can be used to make jewelry and also helps tide over the inflation. Historically, the returns in gold are not spectacular, but they do help earn returns in real terms, ie the returns are more than the inflation rate. Hence since ages, Indians have been investing in gold in huge amounts.
The traditional way to invest in gold has been to buy gold physically in different quantities from his local vendor. This traditional way of investing entails a lot of difficulties:
The local jeweler sells gold in fixed quantities, viz 10 gm, 20 gm, 50 gm and above. Hence an investor needs huge amounts of money. For your reference, at current prices, 10 gms of gold costs, 9500 Rs.
The local jeweler charges some making charges on the gold biscuits/bars that you buy. These making charges are additional charges which add no value to your investment. For e.g. if the buy /sell rate of gold is Rs 9500/-, the local jeweler will charge around 100-200 per 10 gms for the biscuit that you buy. This is a non-value add cost as it doesn’t add any value to your investment. Again, these making charges are ad-hoc and not uniform across jewelers.
There is an additional problem of storage, the investor needs to arrange for storing the gold/pay locker charges to the bank
The local jewelers prefer to deal in cash.
Looking at all the above problems, National Stock Exchange of India has started Gold exchange traded fund in NSE. The purity of gold is 99.5%.
To explain the concept in layman terms, just as one can buy/sell shares, one can now buy/sell gold in the stock exchange.
All one needs is to have a trading account or you can even ask your broker to buy gold for you.
The smallest unit of trading is one gm of gold, which at the current prices is Rs 950/.
To briefly explain how this works, a buyer places a buy order for the gold on the exchange.
For e.g. he places a buy order for 10 gm, he has to pay Rs 9500 + brokerage charges for his broker.
The investor now owns the 10 gm of gold which he can sell as he pleases by paying the brokerage on sell side.
However as you can see, the buyer doesn’t get physical delivery of gold. Hence if one wants to convert the gold into jewelry, the only option is to sell the gold and then buy the gold physically.
One of the oldest forms of investment in India has been in the form of gold. Investing in gold serves multiple purposes; it can be used to make jewelry and also helps tide over the inflation. Historically, the returns in gold are not spectacular, but they do help earn returns in real terms, ie the returns are more than the inflation rate. Hence since ages, Indians have been investing in gold in huge amounts.
The traditional way to invest in gold has been to buy gold physically in different quantities from his local vendor. This traditional way of investing entails a lot of difficulties:
The local jeweler sells gold in fixed quantities, viz 10 gm, 20 gm, 50 gm and above. Hence an investor needs huge amounts of money. For your reference, at current prices, 10 gms of gold costs, 9500 Rs.
The local jeweler charges some making charges on the gold biscuits/bars that you buy. These making charges are additional charges which add no value to your investment. For e.g. if the buy /sell rate of gold is Rs 9500/-, the local jeweler will charge around 100-200 per 10 gms for the biscuit that you buy. This is a non-value add cost as it doesn’t add any value to your investment. Again, these making charges are ad-hoc and not uniform across jewelers.
There is an additional problem of storage, the investor needs to arrange for storing the gold/pay locker charges to the bank
The local jewelers prefer to deal in cash.
Looking at all the above problems, National Stock Exchange of India has started Gold exchange traded fund in NSE. The purity of gold is 99.5%.
To explain the concept in layman terms, just as one can buy/sell shares, one can now buy/sell gold in the stock exchange.
All one needs is to have a trading account or you can even ask your broker to buy gold for you.
The smallest unit of trading is one gm of gold, which at the current prices is Rs 950/.
To briefly explain how this works, a buyer places a buy order for the gold on the exchange.
For e.g. he places a buy order for 10 gm, he has to pay Rs 9500 + brokerage charges for his broker.
The investor now owns the 10 gm of gold which he can sell as he pleases by paying the brokerage on sell side.
However as you can see, the buyer doesn’t get physical delivery of gold. Hence if one wants to convert the gold into jewelry, the only option is to sell the gold and then buy the gold physically.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Memories
For memories they say
that when in crowd yu can feel lonely and when yu are lonely you may feel yu are in a crowd.
thats the role the memories play.
For me memories are an integral part of my life..and I can say bangalore is a very impt part in my life..it has shaped the current me..my perceptions in life..
its been a year now since I have moved out of Bangalore..but it will always be special to me..
There are a lot of first to bangalore's credit..materially and emotionally.
materially, its the place where I took my first car and my first house. I learnt to drive my car in the bangalore roads..
Emotionally, lot of good and close friends..a new beginning career wise. It was the first time I started staying indepenedently. I learnt abt life, I realised how ppl change with time and how you also change, you adapt to life.
Now when I visit bangalore as a tourist/visitor I make it a point to visit old places, I love to eat at the same places I used to go, TGIF, the coffee shop at leela, spinn, and any nook and corner in koramangala. Its like each place has its memory..
Guess some places and people are forever etched and yu can not forget them. For me its bangalore and obviously mumbai.
I can say i am truly bangalored :)
that when in crowd yu can feel lonely and when yu are lonely you may feel yu are in a crowd.
thats the role the memories play.
For me memories are an integral part of my life..and I can say bangalore is a very impt part in my life..it has shaped the current me..my perceptions in life..
its been a year now since I have moved out of Bangalore..but it will always be special to me..
There are a lot of first to bangalore's credit..materially and emotionally.
materially, its the place where I took my first car and my first house. I learnt to drive my car in the bangalore roads..
Emotionally, lot of good and close friends..a new beginning career wise. It was the first time I started staying indepenedently. I learnt abt life, I realised how ppl change with time and how you also change, you adapt to life.
Now when I visit bangalore as a tourist/visitor I make it a point to visit old places, I love to eat at the same places I used to go, TGIF, the coffee shop at leela, spinn, and any nook and corner in koramangala. Its like each place has its memory..
Guess some places and people are forever etched and yu can not forget them. For me its bangalore and obviously mumbai.
I can say i am truly bangalored :)
When do I sell my Wares
when to sell
In the markets, the decision of when to sell is as important as when to buy.
They say we shud be greedy when people are fearful and be fearful when the ppl are greedy.Over the last one month the market have had a rollercoaster ride.
One day it is up by 200 points and the next day it is down by 200..fORGET the fluctuations on a day to day basis, the prices fluctuate on a broad range on the same day.
Hence the moot question is what should one do ? shud we buy or sell or stay invested ??
Let me present my point of view :1. For some stocks you need to have a target, that is I am expecting 30% profits and once I achieve that profits I will sell off my stocks.
2. For some stocks which are more or less evergreen..I cant say TCS.Infy are evergreen any more, things change any minute..such stocks you can keep for a longer time..rather than a target. Such stocks, you can sell a portion of your stocks once yu reach yur target and then as the stocks reach higher targets, increase your stop loss.
3. And at times, for some stocks, you have to ignore the various lows or highs of the stocks. For e.g. you can take Ansal Properties,, this stock hits the upper circuit on one day and the next day it hits the lower circuit. For such stocks, a better attitude is to just ignore the daily stock moves and hold onto your positions.
As much important it is to decide what to buy and when to buy, it is equally or more important to decide when to sell a stock.My short experience of 2-3 years in investing says that it is important to encash yur profits. One shuld keep encashing the profits when the stock reaches new highes. Else you might just end up with no profit/loss. I can give an example of some commodity stocks, the stocks reached double my acquisition price and hoping that they will cross further highs, I held on..and the end result was I was back at my acquisition price with no profit or loss.Hence it is better to encash your profits for some stocks.
All said n done..investing in the markets requires you to be v disciplined and not take hastydecisions in fit of emotions..
In the markets, the decision of when to sell is as important as when to buy.
They say we shud be greedy when people are fearful and be fearful when the ppl are greedy.Over the last one month the market have had a rollercoaster ride.
One day it is up by 200 points and the next day it is down by 200..fORGET the fluctuations on a day to day basis, the prices fluctuate on a broad range on the same day.
Hence the moot question is what should one do ? shud we buy or sell or stay invested ??
Let me present my point of view :1. For some stocks you need to have a target, that is I am expecting 30% profits and once I achieve that profits I will sell off my stocks.
2. For some stocks which are more or less evergreen..I cant say TCS.Infy are evergreen any more, things change any minute..such stocks you can keep for a longer time..rather than a target. Such stocks, you can sell a portion of your stocks once yu reach yur target and then as the stocks reach higher targets, increase your stop loss.
3. And at times, for some stocks, you have to ignore the various lows or highs of the stocks. For e.g. you can take Ansal Properties,, this stock hits the upper circuit on one day and the next day it hits the lower circuit. For such stocks, a better attitude is to just ignore the daily stock moves and hold onto your positions.
As much important it is to decide what to buy and when to buy, it is equally or more important to decide when to sell a stock.My short experience of 2-3 years in investing says that it is important to encash yur profits. One shuld keep encashing the profits when the stock reaches new highes. Else you might just end up with no profit/loss. I can give an example of some commodity stocks, the stocks reached double my acquisition price and hoping that they will cross further highs, I held on..and the end result was I was back at my acquisition price with no profit or loss.Hence it is better to encash your profits for some stocks.
All said n done..investing in the markets requires you to be v disciplined and not take hastydecisions in fit of emotions..
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Dream a Dream
Dreamz Unlimited
A person who has no dreams is not living. Each person should have his dreams, something he aspires to achieve. That is what he lives for, to fulfill his dreams.
Many times we are bogged down by the society or our age. Feeling, this is not the age for me to achieve my dreams. There is always a right time to do the things and once the time has gone by, I can’t do this, can’t do that.
How many times have we seen our friends, parents, brothers, sisters, etc let go of their dreams as they think they can’t achieve it, they have no resources to achieve it, or the time has gone by.
Recently there was a small episode being shown on television, where a young child says, should I do what I think/feel is right or should I wait for the right time?
Hence go for your dreams. And your dreams can be anything, from visiting some place, learning to dance, study further, meet Sachin Tendulkar.. anything under the sun. Long ago it was my wish to watch snowfall. And finally when I did get a chance to see the snowfall, it was a beautiful feeling. Currently my dream is to sit on the hot seat with SRK. Lets see if I can get a chance to.
Rather than laugh at other people’s dream, help them achieve their dreams. If you can’t dream at-least don’t stop others from achieving their dreams.
A person who has no dreams is not living. Each person should have his dreams, something he aspires to achieve. That is what he lives for, to fulfill his dreams.
Many times we are bogged down by the society or our age. Feeling, this is not the age for me to achieve my dreams. There is always a right time to do the things and once the time has gone by, I can’t do this, can’t do that.
How many times have we seen our friends, parents, brothers, sisters, etc let go of their dreams as they think they can’t achieve it, they have no resources to achieve it, or the time has gone by.
Recently there was a small episode being shown on television, where a young child says, should I do what I think/feel is right or should I wait for the right time?
Hence go for your dreams. And your dreams can be anything, from visiting some place, learning to dance, study further, meet Sachin Tendulkar.. anything under the sun. Long ago it was my wish to watch snowfall. And finally when I did get a chance to see the snowfall, it was a beautiful feeling. Currently my dream is to sit on the hot seat with SRK. Lets see if I can get a chance to.
Rather than laugh at other people’s dream, help them achieve their dreams. If you can’t dream at-least don’t stop others from achieving their dreams.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
FMP Vs FD
Bank Fixed Deposits : A safe haven OR ??
One of the easiest and safest ways to invest your savings is the bank fixed deposits. The banks offer a facility to create an FD for different durations starting from 15 days and beyond. Infact one can create an FD through net banking from the comfort of our homes, the interest and principal being credited automatically to our savings accounts. Plus we have the added and maybe the main benefit that the investment is risk free. Under no circumstance would our principal be eroded.
And more over till the last year, the interest on the FD was exempt from taxes up-to Rs. 12000/.
However from the financial year 2006-07 that exemption stands withdrawn, hence the entire FD interest is taxable. If one falls in the highest tax bracket, the tax is 33.33%.
In my opinion and I am sure most of us will agree that saving the tax liability is as important as intelligent saving. More so when the highest tax rate is 33.33%, its safe to say that if one can reduce the tax liability, one has invested intelligently.
Compared to the FD, there are certain debt oriented schemes called fixed maturity plans (FMPs) which are a better option.
Let me explain, various asset management companies (AMC) like Kotak, Birla, Reliance, HDFC come up with schemes (some what similar to the mutual funds) which are debt oriented. I.e. instead of investing in the shares, these schemes invest in Debentures and similar instruments. In finance parlance, they invest in the money market/debt market instruments and government securities. The AMCs generally invest in AAA rated companies (the best). Hence they are more or less risk free. The returns are in the form of interest payable at the end of the maturity of the scheme.
However, these FMPs don’t come with an assured return. The schemes announce an indicative yield. The actuals may differ compared to the indicative yield.
Further these FMPs are for different periods, ranging from 1-3 mths to more than a year. Hence they do offer flexibility in duration.
The key benefit is the taxation of the interest on the maturity of the scheme. The interest is taxed @ the rate of 11.22% in the hands of the individual investor. Hence this is a key benefit as compared to the FD. All things being equal, even if the interest rate on FD is the same as that on an FMP, post tax returns on the FMP outweigh the returns on the FD. Hence when compared to the Bank FD, I would recommend FMPs as an investment Option.
One of the easiest and safest ways to invest your savings is the bank fixed deposits. The banks offer a facility to create an FD for different durations starting from 15 days and beyond. Infact one can create an FD through net banking from the comfort of our homes, the interest and principal being credited automatically to our savings accounts. Plus we have the added and maybe the main benefit that the investment is risk free. Under no circumstance would our principal be eroded.
And more over till the last year, the interest on the FD was exempt from taxes up-to Rs. 12000/.
However from the financial year 2006-07 that exemption stands withdrawn, hence the entire FD interest is taxable. If one falls in the highest tax bracket, the tax is 33.33%.
In my opinion and I am sure most of us will agree that saving the tax liability is as important as intelligent saving. More so when the highest tax rate is 33.33%, its safe to say that if one can reduce the tax liability, one has invested intelligently.
Compared to the FD, there are certain debt oriented schemes called fixed maturity plans (FMPs) which are a better option.
Let me explain, various asset management companies (AMC) like Kotak, Birla, Reliance, HDFC come up with schemes (some what similar to the mutual funds) which are debt oriented. I.e. instead of investing in the shares, these schemes invest in Debentures and similar instruments. In finance parlance, they invest in the money market/debt market instruments and government securities. The AMCs generally invest in AAA rated companies (the best). Hence they are more or less risk free. The returns are in the form of interest payable at the end of the maturity of the scheme.
However, these FMPs don’t come with an assured return. The schemes announce an indicative yield. The actuals may differ compared to the indicative yield.
Further these FMPs are for different periods, ranging from 1-3 mths to more than a year. Hence they do offer flexibility in duration.
The key benefit is the taxation of the interest on the maturity of the scheme. The interest is taxed @ the rate of 11.22% in the hands of the individual investor. Hence this is a key benefit as compared to the FD. All things being equal, even if the interest rate on FD is the same as that on an FMP, post tax returns on the FMP outweigh the returns on the FD. Hence when compared to the Bank FD, I would recommend FMPs as an investment Option.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
I WILL NOT INVEST EVER AGAIN
How many times do we hear, I lost my hard earned money, almost 1 lac in the share market. And know what, I lost it in one day only..rather in a matter of few minutes, my hard earned savings have been wiped off.
I am not going to invest again..:(
Do we ever hear people say, that I flunked my exams, I will stop studying, I crashed my car, I will not drive again, I couldnt get through in the company of my choice, I will stop working.
I doubt many would have heard these words..and if we do, we all suggest/advice our friends, dont be a loser, you shud study harder next time and you will clear yur exams.
So I dont understand that when one loses money in the markets, they are quick to blame the market.
And I too have committed the same mistake, I tend to apply to IPOs on hearsay and when I lose money, I dont apply for the good ones. Immediately I say, IPOs are sick, I am not going to apply and in doing so, I miss out on the good ones.
This whole attitude of blaming the markets when you lose money is not correct.
Let me explain the main reasons or a few I know due to which you lose money.
I watch cnbc/see some websites//,,they say the target for 'X' company is 100RS. The current price is 45RS. And many of us jump to invest in this company. We just go by the so called tip and are ready to invest 1000s of rupees in this company, without even knowing what this company does, what are its profits, how is the management, what industry does it belong to..
We dont investigate all these things, all we can see is a jump of 55%. It appears to be easy money for us..arre kuch karna nahi hai, we will get so much profit, lets invest. And how much time did we spend in investigation..zilch.
A few days later, you check that the prices have dropped and instead of 100/- it has reached 25/. So you lose the money. And whom do you hold responsible..good o'l markets.
share market ppl are chor. sare chor hai..i am not going to invest again.
Dear friends, if investing in markets and making money was so easy, everyone would have done that.
If you lose money, just see the reasons why you lost, did yu research properly before committing the money.
If not, then dont blame the markets, blame yourself.
Just think, before buying a fridge, tv, ac, car, how much time do yu spend researching and investigating.. The same intelligence and due diligence is required when you invest. And if you do so, you shud not falter..
--And as for me, after the bad investment in CAIRN, i am ready to research other IPOs and apply for some good ones..
I am not going to invest again..:(
Do we ever hear people say, that I flunked my exams, I will stop studying, I crashed my car, I will not drive again, I couldnt get through in the company of my choice, I will stop working.
I doubt many would have heard these words..and if we do, we all suggest/advice our friends, dont be a loser, you shud study harder next time and you will clear yur exams.
So I dont understand that when one loses money in the markets, they are quick to blame the market.
And I too have committed the same mistake, I tend to apply to IPOs on hearsay and when I lose money, I dont apply for the good ones. Immediately I say, IPOs are sick, I am not going to apply and in doing so, I miss out on the good ones.
This whole attitude of blaming the markets when you lose money is not correct.
Let me explain the main reasons or a few I know due to which you lose money.
I watch cnbc/see some websites//,,they say the target for 'X' company is 100RS. The current price is 45RS. And many of us jump to invest in this company. We just go by the so called tip and are ready to invest 1000s of rupees in this company, without even knowing what this company does, what are its profits, how is the management, what industry does it belong to..
We dont investigate all these things, all we can see is a jump of 55%. It appears to be easy money for us..arre kuch karna nahi hai, we will get so much profit, lets invest. And how much time did we spend in investigation..zilch.
A few days later, you check that the prices have dropped and instead of 100/- it has reached 25/. So you lose the money. And whom do you hold responsible..good o'l markets.
share market ppl are chor. sare chor hai..i am not going to invest again.
Dear friends, if investing in markets and making money was so easy, everyone would have done that.
If you lose money, just see the reasons why you lost, did yu research properly before committing the money.
If not, then dont blame the markets, blame yourself.
Just think, before buying a fridge, tv, ac, car, how much time do yu spend researching and investigating.. The same intelligence and due diligence is required when you invest. And if you do so, you shud not falter..
--And as for me, after the bad investment in CAIRN, i am ready to research other IPOs and apply for some good ones..
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Guru bhai
time for my next blog.
I guess it took a GURU to get me motivated to write one.
And as everyone knows, the movie is supposedly based on the story of Dhirubhai Ambani.
Infact Abhishek's name is very similar, it is GURUBHAI..
The movie is a break from the current crop of movies...rang de basanti, munnabhai.It is a story of an entrepreneur.
There are a lot of things I liked in the movie..
1. The never say die attitude of Guru in the movie and his entrepreneurial spirit. If you take a look at a few of the most successful(richest) people, we have Bill Gates,WARREN BUFFETT , LN Mittal..All of them are business man.
They arent working for someone else, they are all working for themselves. They all had a dream to make it big.
And this is what the movie teaches, dream big..unless yu dream yu can never achieve success.Dream, dream big..
2. All is fair in love and war : The way Guru has his way in starting his business, growing it and reaching new heights conveys the message that all is fair in love and war.He doesnt really break the law, but bends it to get his way...He says if the laws can be made in a day, they can be broken as well.
I personally have in my life tried to go the right way, ie the means should justify the end.But here yu see a view where in the end justifies the means.
And for the first time I feel, yes, all is fair in love and war..who cares what is right or wrong as long as yur end is justified.
thats what Guru says, my shareholders are minting money..so even if i have evaded taxes, how does it matter..and it is a fact, the shareholders of RELIANCE have always made money and i guess who cares if they evaded taxes..
3. Then we have the amazing relation that Guru's wife shares with Guru. She is always by his side whether he is right or wrong.. she doesnt judge him whether he is doing the right thing or not..all she cares for his to be by his side..which again is something different..nowadays there is a lot of hullabullah about right and wrong..it gave me a new perspective on things..AISH was amazing..and to digress from the subject..aish and abhishek looked cute and wish they get married soon :)
4. We see a father son argue abt starting the business. The father advising his son dont start a business..you wont succeed. I havent, neither will you..And the son says, just coz you failed doesnt mean that I will not pass.aND it reminded me of what I do with my brother at times..Just to protect your kids/siblings, you advise them to play safe. We dont let them take risks, shape their own life..I think thats wrong..life is nothing without risks and i realised that in trying to protect our young nes..we tend to restrict their lives.
5. I guess I can go on and on Abt GURU, but this movie has made me a Dhirubhai Ambani fan..if you need any links about him pl let me know and alternatively, if any one of you is a Dhirubhai fan..pl share yur links..
--as for my moneytalkz..I hope to update my blog soon..once the Guru Mania dies..
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