Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Necessary Evils

I have always believed in this phrase " Necessary Evil " and in my opinion there are quite few around in this world. Its a point of perspective, to me whats an evil to you it may be a blessing. Lets explore this idea then, I think its a interesting topic to be debated on. Let me get the ball rolling then.

To me the most significant Necessary Evil is " Politics ". We all crib about the politicians and how they misuse, manipulate and exploit all the things they can. But then are you ready to leave the comfort of your home and your high paying corporate jobs, and go work for people. Its easier said then done cause its both an art as well as trait in a person to be a politician. All of us are not meant to join politics but you need to be an active citizen.

This brings me to the second Necessary evil I that want to talk about " Opinionated Humans " if you want to hear a great work of art, science or a respected personality torn to shreds ask another human to analyse it for you. Don't get me wrong I am also one such human but at least I know the error and want to rectify it ... do you... Specially in our great country and my great state I remember countless bus rides to school in the morning when the person seated next to me would blast the League of Extraordinary gentlemen from Sachin to Sourav... Beckham to Ronaldo.... Sonia Gandhi to Clinton.... I am sure if they knew Da Vinci and Van Gough they wouldn't be spared. I respect that the greatest asset of modern society is freedom of speech and opinion but before we open our mouths next time just think have you done something in that field of equal merit ... If so be my guest and enlighten us.

The next one is a controversial subject " Marriage " .... In my very personal opinion marriage is an institution and I believe that sane persons don't need to live in one. I believe that if you really care about someone let them be free like a bird and if they still choose to perch next to you ... well wouldn't that be an amazing feeling. But then look at the other side of the coin are we not inviting chaos for the coming generations and also we will be lead to an era were partners wont even try working on relationships . So I guess what I want to say is that even though I am not a big fan I believe you need it to have a civil society...

There are countless such issues and all of us have our opinions about them. Come lets see what we all think .....

Review - L & L

First and foremost thanx everyone for reading my blog and most importantly leaving your invaluable comments.....
Every reader is invited to leave his or her mark behind....

I agree with Amit that a leader has to be visionary who can see the rising sun or the approaching storm far ahead of others.
As for the Poll the single most important quality was " Ability to take tough decision "

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Leaders & Leadership

Well honestly could not think of a more apt topic to start with. I have always admired leaders who were ready to be different. People who actually had flaws that were evident, but were able to leave behind great legacies from their hard work. Therefore the leaders I admire are the ones who have been in controversies rather than those who adorn the haloed walls of the Chapel.
The Political leader I admire most is the reason this post becomes relevant. Indira Gandhi was a leader who was not only a visionary but also a woman of steel. Indian politics had been the ball game of male stalwarts when she became the prime minister of India though you may argue that it was her surname that got her the post but then even Asoka ascended his father's throne. All of us need opportunities in life to excel and when the time comes to do so then you can separate the men from the boys. Men leave behind their mark while the boys go back and wait for the next turn.
I have utmost regard for the grace and grit Indira Gandhi had. A nation plagued by problems needed someone like her. Even though she had her forgettable moments but you cant let those tarnish what she had done in 21yrs for the public.
The second leader I want to mention is Sourav Ganguly. Imagine leading India in cricket , now imagine leading Indian cricket after dark days of match fixing and you would appreciate Sourav as a leader rather just a cricketer.
Coming from Kolkata you may say I am biased but then surely I cant imagine you disagreeing with me when you read the stats as he still remains India's most successful captain. Moreover if you see the kind of side he lead then you would begin to appreciate his contribution. Imagine Kapil Dev lifting the Prudential cup in the famous balcony at Lord's and then imagine Dada's dance of fury when we won the Natwest trophy need I show you more evidence of changing face of Indian cricket.
Again Sourav had his share of Grey areas but the way he encouraged and persisted with young players is remarkable. Today your current stars of cricket Yuvi, Bhajji and even Dhoni owe their journey to him. For me he changed the way i celebrated victory it was the clenched fist and the unbounded expression of joy.
So I believe the people I will admire are the ones who take decisions which are path breaking, sometimes doing things which they shouldn't have. But then they would rise from their ashes to stand tall.
My first escapade with leadership came when I was in my graduation. Being a leader is tough but you know for me it was tougher to pass the baton on. I still remember when I had relinquish control over the things that I had nurtured for the last couple of years it wasn't easy. I believe I didn't do well but yes as I look back I know now what I could have done more importantly what I would do when time comes.

My take on life

A very warm welcome to you let me tell you what you should expect from "Saansein".... Well in short it is my take on life and subjects that I choose to discus here...
One thing that you can be sure of is that all the articles are going to be politically incorrect.....your welcome to disagree...
Most importantly I would like to encourage you to leave behind your take on the topic or a similar life incident so that as time goes "Saansein" not only becomes my take on life but a forum for discussion...