The story of Punyakoti

Hey!

Most of us are familiar with the story of Punyakoti. Here is a link to it on the YouTube.
The complete story is here.

Well, in this story, most of us feel for the cow and her calf. whereas Arbud the Tiger is pictured as a villain.

Is this tiger really a villain?
I think real hero of the story is Arbud, the Tiger. Tiger by nature has to hunt and eat. This time he picked Punyakoti. But when Punyakoti asked him that she wanted to get back to her shed and feed her calf, the Tiger generously let her go, even though he was very hungry. When Punyakoti came back, the Tiger who was very pleased of her truthfulness, jumped off a cliff and ended his life, out of guilt. Perhaps the guilt of him being a carnivore and guilt of stopping Punyakoti. Instead of quenching his own hunger, Arbud sacrificed his life and saved Punyakoti.

So, for me, the real hero of this epic tale is Arbud. He sacrificed himself to unite a mother with her child. In spite of this he is considered as a villain, how unfair is that??

Perhaps, I should call this blog as the story of Arbud, the generous Tiger.

Happy Winter,
Shashank

Hairy Story...

I am losing hair. I admit it. The density of hair on my head is gradually reducing exposing my scalp. Let me not blame it on heredity, pollution, harmful computer radiation or whatever.

I see more than 50% of the men today are losing hair (NOT bald). It is most common in the cities. There are generally 3 stages in men losing hair: 1) Ignore, 2) Preserve and 3) Give up.
Most of them blame it on pollution, environmental conditions, hard water, harmful computer radiations, heredity, bad food etcetera.

Thankfully there are a few women who think that bald is also beautiful. These women have realized that it is the stuff inside the head that matters rather than the stuff on it.

How serious is this problem?
Well, one of my friend almost gave up on his PhD because of this. This guy decided to fly to the US for his PhD this year. Being a victim of hair loss, a few of us told him about the chances of him getting a bride after his PhD (that is after 6 - 8 years) with the current hair fall rate + US climate + PhD pressure. The chances were as good as driving a car without a single scratch in Bangalore! Finally, after a lot of thought, he decided to fly.

My former roommate used to tease me a lot for my "premature" hair loss. However, one day, he suddenly understood the grimness of the issue as he began spotting hair less patches on his scalp. He then began a series of rescue attempts to save the existing hairy patches. Being a tanker for a boozer, he decided to cut down on booze, started applying all varieties of hairy oils, got home all kinds of mild shampoos and conditioners, shielded his declining hair from pollution, started eating more nutritious food. Altogether he changed his entire life style for sake of his hair. The best part for me was that he cut down on teasing me. We then decided to start a club for all men losing hair.

The story of my current roommate is no different. This guy too used to tease me a lot. One day standing in front of the mirror, he noticed that his hair is no more thick as it used to be a couple of years ago. There were a couple of hairless patches here and there. Initially, he ignored the situation. But as days passed by, hairless patches were everywhere. He was desperately trying to cover them up by spreading his short curly hair over them. Now even though it was my turn to tease him, I didn't. I consoled him and wholeheartedly invited him to join our club. But it gives me immense pleasure to watch him cover his hairless patches on his scalp with this funny expression of a dying old man on his face every morning.

There was this guy in my school who had every inch of his body covered with hair. We used to call him Jadendra. After school, I met him recently. Shockingly, the guy has become bald as an eagle. He too was shocked to see the left over patch of hair on my head. Poor guy then blamed his condition on malnutrition, harmful computer rays and horrible pollution of Bangalore. There are many stories like this, of people who have lost hair suddenly.

Parents and relatives become extremely worried when the guys start shedding (hair). They give a lot of advice on oils, oil bath, home made remedies, herbal medicines and even suggesting an early marriage. I guess, all this will result in more rapid hair fall. One of my colleague decided to take treatment for hair loss from one of these Before - After quacks. Medicines he got played with his hormone system which promptly took away all the left over hair on his head.

Hair loss is like Global warming. It just happens.
So, 1) if you are a hair loss victim, don't worry, have patience. Its like Global warming, its gonna affect everybody around you.
2) if you are not a victim, stop teasing people, you can be the next victim. Step up the precautionary measures

Situation in my company and the slow down continues to inspire me to write more. I appreciate it!

Blogging...

Wow! I got a lot of feedback for my previous blog. A few angry words, a few threats and a few sympathies. So, first of all DISCLAIMER. The guy I wrote about in the previous blog is definitely NOT me. The blog is NOT directed towards any particular person. It was intended to be generic. All the experiences recorded in the blog are NOT fictional also and resemblance to any person(living) proves that I am right!

This is all because of my company. A few days back, I got an SMS. It said that an organization is like a tree full of Monkeys. All on different branches, at different levels. Some climbing up and some climbing down. The monkeys on the top look down and see a tree full of smiling monkey faces. The monkeys below look up and see nothing but a$$ h0£€$. This is quite true at my work place. I work as a software engineer for this big multinational company (which I don't want to name and spoil the brand name). The company is so good that they have decided not to make me (and people like me around here) work. This has pushed me to cultivate a lot of hobbies like blogging, watching movies, listening to music, chatting, orkutting, jogging etc. Slow down is such a nice time to relax.

Recently, I had grown a beard which had been the center of attraction and criticism. It was interesting to see what all people branded me for a patch of facial hair. I was scolded, threatned and emotionally blackmailed to shave it off. For all those people who slung mud on my innocent beard, go find something else, I got rid of it.

I can't think of anything controversial right now. I will end this here. I hope that the recession continues to give me enough time to enjoy blogging.

Mädchen verwirren mich

Girls confuse me!
I have tried to comprehend the behavior of girls for the last 2 years. I must admit that I have failed terribly. Whatever email jokes we get on girls' behavior is true! Believe me, it is.
Girls are attractive, moody, complicated, emotional, shrewed, wicked, crooked, ill-tempered, spend thrift, generous, kind, unkind, cool, hot, sexy, irritating, frustrating, selfish, lazy, active, friendly, (extremely)cold, stupid, intelligent, strong, weak, egoistic, dumb etc etc..
Confused? Thats exactly what I feel...
Every damn feeling on this earth has been bundled and put inside every girl in equal proportion. If we make the mistake of stimulating the wrong feeling at the wrong time, thats like inviting a tsunami of trouble! Tsunami can be unstoppable tears, inconsolable (cold) anger or a combination of both.
A few facts(which none of the girls would dare to accept), Girls can never have a close(best) friend. Most hated person is the one whom they call their best friend.
Girls love their family a lot, they also blame their family a lot!!
Girls in relationships are the most complicated creatures on this planet.
When we decide, enough is enough and try to move on, girls won't let us go. If we decide stay on, they act like the Queen of England!!
Recently, one of my friend broke up with his girl friend. He totally became addicted to alcohol, cigarette and with his shabby looks, he resembled a share trader on Dalal street after Tuesday's carnage. He said that his girl friend dumped him because of her parent's pressure and got engaged to some guy (from the US).
This is most common in any break up. But I have never seen any girl doing this, you know, looking shabby (never!!), fagging and boozing complaining about their broken heart. Its one of those typical guys' things. Why? Well, when there is a break up, girls never get lonely. There is always a long queue of despo guys waiting to hit on them. Or geeky NRI guys set up by their parents. In the worst case, there will be another girl, the BEST friend to console. But for guys, not even a dog will care. Guys become terribly lonely. I think thats why we do all the drama to get some attention.
Girls are also extremely fast in putting the past behind and moving on. They can easily have and forget any number of relationships and move on to adapt to a new one in no time. Thats amazing!

Well, as far as guys are concerned, we are all the same. Guys on this side of the planet and on the other side are all MARTIANS (coz, men are from Mars ;-)).
Its been a long time since I blogged here, Aaahhh, it relieved a lot of steam and frustration..
Girls confuse me man!

My Company

My Company

It was during the first week of June, a rainy day in Mangalore. I had been home for the weekend to help my dad pack his bags. He was supposed to leave for London on Tuesday. My dad was speechless. I could see him shocked and extremely worried. My grand pa was shouting at me for giving up the offer at IBM. My sister too called from the UK and she wouldn't stop chattering. My mom wanted to know whether I can go back to claim my offer at EMC. More than that they were all worried at my come-what-may attitude. I somehow still trust my company and its wonder product SG-8. It might be true that we are finding it difficult to market our box, but a day will come when the market for our technology will see a boom.

Our company just had third round of funding and a major restructuring in the top management. Most of the guys in the US office left, so, did the sales team in many other countries. There were rumors flying that Indian team too will have to face some cuts and lay-offs. This was the news that pushed my family to agony. I still remember the day I got 3 job offers. Everybody was so happy. I had finally settled, so, they thought. My mom called all her friends and even had a mock party. My sister rushed from UK with her 2 months old baby to join us for the joyous occasion. Today they were all concerned. Yes, they are my family. They celebrate on my success and they have the right to be concerned.

Well, for me, it was just another company affair, like hiring new faces. Me and a few friends of mine (who are from JCE too) were undeterred by the rumors and the restructuring process. Our founders left, entire Hyderabad team was sacked and many people in Bangalore center too quit. It was chaotic. But that didn't affect me, nor my friends. We didn't look for new jobs or neither planned to quit company to pursue higher studies or our own venture. Thats why my parents were so concerned. I assured my father that I can take care of my own future and he left for UK with a heavy heart. After lot of arguments over the phone, I successfully convinced my sister and mother. I knew I could not convince my grand pa. So, I gave up the idea.

Many colleagues in my company were looking for new ventures. They wanted to quit before the ax fell on them. I just didn't care. I thought, in the worst case scenario, the company will fire me, I'll take up a job in Infy, Mangalore or get into politics! My friends from JCE and I decided not to quit the company until we are asked to. There was mistrust and lack of confidence everywhere in the company. Nobody believed us when we said, we are not looking for alternatives. We even tried to convince a few, but in vain.

Meanwhile, senior members in the company were busy in confidence building among the existing employees. One evening, during first week of June, I was having my routine coffee with biscuits in my cubicle. Technical director (T.D) of India operations (The post sounds big, but his cubicle is smaller than mine. Thats how informal and friendly our company is and thats why I have no plans of quitting it.) came up to me and said that he had something to share with me and took me to a conference room. I was certain that he was going to fire me since I had no development work recently and usually spent my day in office browsing. My senses went numb and I was all wet with sweat. I was waiting for the worst to come.

He started speaking, “Don't worry. Lately the company is seeing some major changes. I know these are all very confusing for a fresher like you, take my words, we are not going to fire any one in Bangalore.”

What! I could not believe my ears. No lay offs, I'm staying here? I literally wanted to get up and dance. But he went on.

He said, “I know you are a bit apprehensive”,

I interrupted him saying, “What!! No, no, no way. I'm fine.” I was now happy and up with confidence.

But he didn't believe me.

He continued, “Its alright, I can understand. Probably you are seeking other ventures, getting call from consultants, but its really ok. Everything will return to normal. All we need is some time. Are you ready to give NetD some time?

What the hell! I thought, and I told him, “Don't worry, I'm not at all looking for other ventures. I'm happy with my job...”

He didn't trust me at all.

But I continued “... and I'm willing to stay with this company.”

He kept staring at me blankly.

He finally said, “If you stay with us now and we go down in this crisis, I assure you that, I'll help you get placed in best of the industries. I can definitely do that for you.”

Oh! Come on man! Don't get emotional.

I assured him, “Ok look, I was a bit tensed, but now when you said there'll be no lay-offs in Bangalore, I'm relieved. These things happen in start ups. Thats where all the fun is. I trust the new management. Believe me I think we'll move on and make a huge profit. We just have to come together and work for the company, thats it. I'm ready to give whatever the company needs from me.”

I knew he bought it because he was stunned. He managed to say, “Wow, Its very surprising to see your attitude. Good, and Thank you, I have nothing else to say, lets end this meeting.”

Thats what I wanted, lets end the damn meeting, I wanted to celebrate.

I immediately called my sister in UK and told her that my job was fine. I could hear her trying hard to control her tears.

Even today, there are uncertainties. Ours founders, who had left the company have come back. People in Bangalore are quitting for plum packages and a safe future like every opportunist would do. But life moves on. We get 2 builds every week to sanitize. Seniors try to be happy and cheerful. I still don't have any work as such. My manager says, he'll get the road maps in place pretty soon. I've enjoyed every moment in this company. I certainly do not want to quit it when its ailing. I'm determined to be with it and see the company making new revolution in the market. I know we'll make it. My company will rise again.

Its been a long time since I wrote something here. Let me start from where I left last time. If there is no god, what are religions? Well, for me religion is something with a set of rules which says what to do and what not to do in a society. Basically, all religions are derived to enhance the living conditions of the people. When people led selfish life, killing each other, Buddhism was born. When society was suffering from superstition and people lived like animals, Islam was born. Similarly, all the religions in the world were born at different times, for different societies. Thus I strongly believe that religions and their principles are to be upgraded with time (Reform is a better word).

In this aspect, Hinduism has seen many reformers. Vyasa, Shankaracharya, Madhawacharya, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Savarkar, Gandhi etc have all tried to reform Hinduism by discouraging evils like superstition, caste-ism, sati or by enhancing the Vedas or by deriving new philosophies to attain 'Moksha'. There are very few religions in the world that have seen such reformation.

Today MAN is global. No religion, caste can bind him. Unlimited accessibility to information and knowledge has virtually opened the doors for the people all over the world to unite under one single banner of humanity. (AOL's Vasudev Kutumbakam is one such concept). Conversion has no meaning. The holy-wars, jihads are a joke! You could see peace and tranquility in such a world.

It all depends on the individuals education and capacity to understand things. Religions only regulate us. They inject the fear of heaven and hell and direct man to do only good things (according to that religion). But any educated man should be able to do sensible and good deeds. Good deeds are not bound by religion. Generally, planting a tree is a good deed whereas killing a man is a bad deed. But if you go by religion, eating beef is a bad deed for Hindus whereas eating pork is bad for Muslims and eating meat is itself bad for a Jain. So confusing! In a situation like this, it is the individuals conscience that will help us decide which is good and which is bad.

So, my friend, it your conscience that rules you. Listen to that. Try to make sensible, judicious decisions.

Catch you soon.

--
Shashank N

La Vérité Éternelle

La veritte eternelle, the eternal truth. Many of us believe and worship the god. What is god anyway? Many say he is the only source of Energy. God is used wherever phusics fails. The creation of universe is attributed to the god. The creation of life on the earth is attributed to the god. Wherever our theories fail we associate god. God is worshipped in many forms. There are many religions, many principles to praise and justify the existence of god. God is pictured as the forgiver, punisher, guardian, rescuer, creator, destoryer and whatnot. They are not only confusing but also contradicting each other. The stories of the god are equally eccentric. God is supposed to have awakened the dead, killed the immortals etcetra. There are religoous books like the Bible, Quran, Bhaghavata, Tora etcetra that explains these stories. The paper work available on god is larger than the largest ocean on the earth. Yet we find atheists!

When you have so many things about god, it is indeed difficult to decide which is the truth, the eternal truth. When man came into existance, did he believe in god? If not, when did this principle of god came into existance? And how exactly it was derived and why?

There are in fact no exact answers for these questions. Analysing the human behaviour however, you can arrive at the nearest possible answer. When man arrived on earth, he was totally wild. Hunting for food, sleeping in caves, no civilisation. It was just a struggle for survival. Human thinking was subdued by this struggle. He could not explain any physical phenomenon. As human race evolved, man started asking quetions. Questions to himself and to the world. But he had no answers. Everything was intangible. Then he started attributing every inexplicable physical phenomenon to the god. Sun, moon, earth, trees, animals, birds, water eveyrthing. Everything was just god for him. And this belief continued through generations, ages.

But gradually human were able to find proper answers for their questions. It was a rebellion against the god, agianst the beliefs of the scoiety then. Physics took over. Human discovered amazing things about the nature, universe. The number of non-believers of god gradually increased. It was science(physics) replacing god.

Though we are civilised now, we have enhanced thinking power and unlimited resouces to research, we still attribute the intagible physical phenomenon to god. And I clearly think that is wrong.

So does god exist?
Well, answer to this question is a bit complex. God exist only if there is a believer (theist). God exists in the mind (heart or soul) of the believers. People have said many things about the god. Lemme just take a few points from the greats.

• Atma and paramatma are one and the same (advaita philosophy, Sri. Shankaracharya)
• There is only one god but many ways to reach him. (source: unknown)
  
• There is only one soul for a body.(source: unknown)
• God gives to strength and the power to face challenges. (Gita)

Well, lets just do a summation of all these. The god is within ourselves. Soul is no different from our consiousness. So god is our consiousness. When we worship the god, we get a secured feeling that the god is with us all the time and it does provide a great deal of strength, doesn't it? Every preacher preached the same thing. But their preachings were tampered and maligned. People were made to believe in myths. Every religious book praises the ruler of that time as a god, be it Bhagavata, Bible, Tora, Quaran. Most of the times, rulers have created a seperate religion to portray themselves as god!

So, the eternal truth is, my friend, if you believe in god, be truthful to yourself. There is no need to go to a temple, a mosque or a church. There is no need to follow a religion. God is within all of us.