27Jun

Be in the moment – Its lighter

Filed in Blog | extract | personal 2 Comments

20110627-084312.jpg
Autobiography in Five short chapters – Portia Nelson

Chapter 1
I walk down the street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost…I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes me forever to find my way out.

Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.

Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in… It’s a habit…but
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.

It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.

@ excerpt from Serge Kahili’s book I am reading…

This is a beautiful way to remember to be aware of the present and if you are aware of the experiences you are having NOW, you can actually live the moment lighter and with the right perspective that is needed for you at this moment. :)

We get so caught up with what was in the past and what will happen in the future and that seems sometimes so much like a heavy burden to bear.  The present is so much lighter.. and so much more filled with possibilities.

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17Nov

On leadership : Something I liked reading

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I picked this up from Robin Sharma’s blog and thought this was worth sharing it with my readers.

73 best ideas/insights/lessons I’ve learned for winning in business and life

  1. You can really Lead Without a Title.
  2. Knowing what to do and not doing it is the same as not knowing what to do.
  3. Give away what you most wish to receive.
  4. The antidote to stagnation is innovation.
  5. The conversations you are most resisting are the conversations you most need to be having.
  6. Leadership is no longer about position – but passion. It’s no longer about image but impact. This is Leadership 2.0.
  7. The bigger the dream, the more important to the team.
  8. Visionaries see the “impossible” as the inevitable.
  9. All great thinkers are initially ridiculed – and eventually revered.
  10. The more you worry about being applauded by others and making money, the less you’ll focus on doing the great work that will generate applause. And make you money.
  11. To double your net worth, double your self-worth. Because you will never exceed the height of your self-image.
  12. The more messes you allow into your life, the more messes will become a normal (and acceptable) part of your life.
  13. The secret to genius is not genetics but daily practice married with relentless perseverance.
  14. The best leaders lift people up versus tear people down.
  15. The most precious resource for businesspeople is not their time. It’s their energy. Manage it well.
  16. The fears you run from run to you.
  17. The most dangerous place is in your safety zone.
  18. The more you go to your limits, the more your limits will expand.
  19. Every moment in front of a customer is a gorgeous opportunity to live your values.
  20. Be so good at what you do that no one else in the world can do what you do.
  21. You’ll never go wrong in doing what is right.
  22. It generally takes about 10 years to become an overnight sensation.
  23. Never leave the site of a strong idea without doing something to execute around it.
  24. A strong foundation at home sets you up for a strong foundation at work.
  25. Never miss a moment to encourage someone you work with.
  26. Saying “I’ll try” really means “I’m not really committed.”
  27. The secret of passion is purpose.
  28. Do a few things at mastery versus many things at mediocrity.
  29. To have the rewards that very few have, do the things that very few people are willing to do.
  30. Go where no one’s gone and leave a trail of excellence behind you.
  31. Who you are becoming is more important than what you are accumulating.
  32. Accept your teammates for what they are and inspire them to become all they can be.
  33. To triple the growth of your organization, triple the growth of your people.
  34. The best leaders are the most dedicated learners. Read great books daily. Investing in your self-development is the best investment you will ever make.
  35. Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business.
  36. Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.
  37. Measure your success by your inner scorecard versus an outer one.
  38. Understand the acute difference between the cost of something and the value of something.
  39. Nothing fails like success. Because when you are at the top, it’s so easy to stop doing the very things that brought you to the top.
  40. The best leaders blend courage with compassion.
  41. The less you are like others, the less others will like you.
  42. You’ll never go wrong in doing what’s right.
  43. Excellence in one area is the beginning of excellence in every area.
  44. The real reward for doing your best work is not the money you make but the leader you become.
  45. Passion + production = performance.
  46. The value of getting to your goals lives not in reaching the goal but what the talents/strengths/capabilities the journey reveals to you.
  47. Stand for something. Or else you’ll fall for anything.
  48. Say “thank you” when you’re grateful and “sorry” when you’re wrong.
  49. Make the work you are doing today better than the work you did yesterday.
  50. Small daily – seemingly insignificant – improvements and innovations lead to staggering achievements over time.
  51. Peak performers replace depletion with inspiration on a daily basis.
  52. Take care of your relationships and the sales/money will take care of itself.
  53. You can’t be great if you don’t feel great. Make exceptional health your #1 priority.
  54. Doing the difficult things that you’ve never done awakens the talents you never knew you had.
  55. As we each express our natural genius, we all elevate our world.
  56. Your daily schedule reflects your deepest values.
  57. People do business with people who make them feel special.
  58. All things being equal, the primary competitive advantage of your business will be your ability to grow Leaders Without Titles faster than your industry peers.
  59. Treat people well on your way up and they’ll treat you well on your way down.
  60. Success lies in a masterful consistency around a few fundamentals. It really is simple. Not easy. But simple.
  61. The business (and person) who tries to be everything to everyone ends up being nothing to anyone.
  62. One of the primary tactics for enduring winning is daily learning.
  63. To have everything you want, help as many people as you can possibly find get everything they want.
  64. Understand that a problem is only a problem if you choose to view it as a problem (vs. an opportunity).
  65. Clarity precedes mastery. Craft clear and precise plans/goals/deliverables. And then block out all else.
  66. The best in business spend far more time on learning than in leisure.
  67. Lucky is where skill meets persistence.
  68. The best Leaders Without a Title use their heads and listen to their hearts.
  69. The things that are hardest to do are often the things that are the best to do.
  70. Every single person in the world could be a genius at something, if they practiced it daily for at least ten years (as confirmed by the research of Anders Ericsson and others).
  71. Daily exercise is an insurance policy against future illness. The best Leaders Without Titles are the fittest.
  72. Education is the beginning of transformation. Dedicate yourself to daily learning via books/audios/seminars and coaching.
  73. The quickest way to grow the sales of your business is to grow your people

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23Sep

My favorite time of the year

Filed in Article | Blog | Just like that | personal | Thoughts 1 Comment

Godess Durga, in one of the Pandals of Calcutt...
Image via Wikipedia

Well, Durga Pujo is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year.

Right from when I was a child who could grasp the meaning of festivities.. this is one time of the year which used to make me feel very content and extremely blessed.

Mahalaya would be the time when we start getting excited and joyful at the oncoming of Pujo.

It would bring forth holidays and then my mashis ( aunts) getting excited and welcoming the Pujo.

Back home in Shillong, it was a time, all the mashis would get together and they would chatter and natter on what they would get this Pujo. And who will wear what on which day.

As a child, Ma would take me to the pandal in the morning for Pushpanjali. I would see my classmates there too. We used to gather mostly at Ramakrishna Mission to pay our respects to Ma Durga.

I would listen avidly to stories told by my parents on how Ma Durga would be coming home this time. There is a significance to every mode she uses to come to her parents home. I personally loved her story and her strength of character and believed in her energy  more than anything…

Today when I explore different paths of healing and learning, I am not surprised that her form is present across all cultures.

I remember I had a dress for the day time and for the night time.. it used to be fun..

We used to share between friends how many idols of Ma Durga we saw..

As we grew, Pujo used to be a landmark of our progressive youth..

It was kind of Sunday church where we would wear new clothes and preen around. And the food is awesome.. we would get to eat all kinds of food during this time. :)
Here is something you can try during Puja..

It was a playground for kids, a time to get together and be a part of the festivities for the older children. Teenagers would spend time giggling or showing themselves off for the crowd or that special someone.. For the newly weds it would be their first Pujo, for all, young and old, it would be a time to seek the Ma’s blessings and revel in her presence.. and her beautiful divine energy..

Evenings would be spent with family and all would gather at the temple and then go pandal hopping. Once upon a time, Shillong was a great place to be for the Pujas.. its been quiet I think for a while after the politics took over..

I loved the time where the young guys would start dancing with the dhuna..
The drums still echo in my ear and I love to swing to the beat of tak du ma dum …

I can sit through the chantings and the pujas non stop..

The food would be awesome. Having hot kichudi and then watching the program in the evenings…

Then again.. get ready the next morning..

I remember there was a big hullaballu over Kumari Puja..

Then it would be Dashami.. the time would fly in the blink of an eye and it was time to look at the mother’s face via the reflection of the water. And also watch the married ladies play with Shidur.. (vermilion)

It would be a time to say goodbye and well look forward to another Pujo the next year.

Today Pujo is not what it used to be. I do try and keep up the joy and the pace and the excitement.. but its all inside.. and sometimes, its nice to see a crowd in the various Pandals in Bangalore.. but its not the same..

Pujo at home with family and friends and people you know.. off the street and off the corners of the street.. has a poignant joy and nostalgia to it..

A time for giving and receiving, a time to share the divine joy.. and a time to just dance to the rhythm of the feminine divine…

Yes, its always will be and always is the favorite time of the year..  I love the feminine divine and all that she stands for… I bow to you Ma, and seek your blessings.. and welcome you….

May you bless the humanity and take away all our sufferings and help us have a perfect human rebirth again…

I wish all my friends  who worship this deity,  a very Happy Durga Puja :)

Durga Puja in Bangalore :

@ Bangalore Durga Puja cultural programme

Wed 23 Sep ’09, 06:00 pm To Sun 27 Sep ’09. 10:00 pm
Below is a list of programmes by various puja committees & performers.

The puja committees reserve the right for any change/ cancellation in plan due to conditions which are beyond their control.

23rd Sept – Maha Panchami

BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
6PM: Anandamela
8PM: Celebrating 50 Golden Years with NACHIKETA

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
7PM: Anandamela
7.30PM: Musical Programme by SHRISTI

SORRBA
7PM: Anandamela
7.15PM: Cultural program by Porfessional and Amateur member performers and FUN CONTESTS

24th Sept – Maha Shasthi

BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
9PM: Dance programme by the Children of ” Sri Ramana Maharshi Academy for Blinds”

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
10PM: Beats n Melody

SORRBA
8PM:Dandiya & DJ Night

North Bangalore Cultural Samiti (NBCS)
7PM-8PM: Matri Bandana by Piyali Das and group

PURVA Bangalore Cutural Association
Selfish Giant & Amritasya Kanya – Dance programme by children

25th Sept – Maha Saptami

BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
8.30PM: The L’IL Champs of Zee Bangla
SA RE GA MA PA – NIHARIKA, ARPITA , SHUBHANKAR with SHUBHOJIT

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
8PM: Maatir Gaan by Debjani Datta
9PM – Musical by Kohal
10PM -O Hansini – Musical programme

SORRBA
8PM -Sumaner Gaan (performance by KABIR SUMAN)

North Bangalore Cultural Samiti (NBCS)
7.30pm – 8.15pm – Completion of Geetanjali’s 100 years- Rabindrasangeet by Susmita Datta and Ashim Datta.
8.40pm – 9.45pm – Jeebanmukhi Gaan -Avishek Burman (Mohiner Ghoraguli – Kolkata).
10.10pm – 11.30pm – Dance Recital by Manasi Das (Dushari – Kolkata)

PURVA Bangalore Cutural Association
Dance drama’ Shyama’ by members. Performance by ANTARA CHOUDHURY (daughter of Salil and Sabita Choudhury)

26 Sept – Maha Asthami

BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
8pm – Melodious Bangla Adhunik, film and folk Songs by Trinayanee (BABLOO MUKHERJEE and group)

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
9pm – “World of Salilda” by ANTARA CHOUDHURY

SORRBA
9pm onwards – Bollywood Hits by BIJU NAIR and SINCHANDIXIT

North Bangalore Cultural Samiti (NBCS)
7.30pm Peacock Dance,Ganesh Abirbhab Geetinatya and Bengali Folk Dance by Mrs.Kajal Sinha, Mrs Tripti Nath, Aradhana & Group.
9-30pm-Symphony Orchestra and Hindi classical by Dr. Jayanta Das & Group

PURVA Bangalore Cutural Association
Odissi Dance by Sharmila Mukherjee. LIVE performance by LOPAMUDRA MITRA (Kolkata)

27 Sept – Maha Nabami

BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
7-30pm – AURKO rocks the stage
9-30pm – Arati Nritya and Famous Traditional Dhunuchi Nritya competition

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
9pm -Kingfisher Nite – An Enchanting Evening with LOPAMUDRA MITRA(KOLKATA)

SORRBA
9pm onwards – Backbenche-rs Band

North Bangalore Cultural Samiti (NBCS)
8-20 -” O P Tumi Nei Aar”-Tribute to Musical Maestro O P Nayyar, directed by PUSHPENDU GUPTA.
9-40pm- Bouquet of Bengali songs by Ananda Group.

PURVA Bangalore Cutural Association
Dance Performance by Badri (Theatre Boy) Musical performance by SINCHAN and BIJU

Venue details:
BENGALI ASSOCIATION (BA)
Venue: R.B.A.N.M.S Ground, Opp. to Ajanta Talkies, near Ulsoor Lake.

Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust (SSCT) -Koramangala.
Venue: Mangala Kalyan Mantapa, 8th Block, 80ft Road, Opp. Ganesha Temple, next to Aangan Restaurant, Koramangala.

SORRBA
Venue: Sun City Playground (Sarjapur Outer Ring Road Junction)

North Bangalore Cultural Samiti (NBCS)
Venue: Sadhu Maata Hall,4th A Main,12th Cross,Mahalakshmi Layout.

PURVA Bangalore Cutural Association
Venue: VSR Convention Hall,ITPL Road,opp HLL,Brookefields

Other Major Durga Pujas and programmes of Bangalore

Socio-Cultural Association, Indiranagar – Bijoya Dashami programme will be performed by EUPHORIA Band of Dr.PALASH SEN.

Programme schedule of ‘TRINAYANI’ by Babloo Mukherjee and Group – A collection of Immortal and Evergreen old and new Bengali adhunik, film and folk songs.
25.09.09 – SOCIO CULTURAL ASSOCIATION, INDIRA NAGAR
26.09.09 – BENGALI ASSOCIATION, ULSOOR
27.09.09 – JAYMAHAL PUJA COMITEE, BENSON TOWN
_____________________________________________________________

Programme schedule of Mayukh Mazumdar’s performance
24.09.09 – Koramangala Sarathi Forum.
25.09.09- Marathahalli,Munekolala.
26.09.09- Jayamahal Sarbojanin Durga Charitable Samiti, Benson Town.
27.09.09-Koramangala Sarathi Trust.

Pragramme schedule of Debjani datta
· Solo Folk at Sarathi Socio Cultura on Saptami at 6.30 ~ 7.00pm (Matit Gan)
· Program with SBCA children at SBCA at 8~8.20pm on Astami
· Her solo Bengalee Variety at SBCA at 8 ~ 8.30pm on Navami.

Some more:

  1. Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Charitable Samiti, Jayamahal Extension, Ladies Club premises.
  2. Socio-Cultural Association Indiranagar, Defence Colony Playground, 6th Main, between Indiranagar 100ft Rd and 80 ft Rd.
  3. Sarathi Forum, Koramangala, Munureddy Kalayan Mantap, 80 ft Rd, 6th Block, Koramangala
  4. Probashi Association, Malleswaram Canara Union Hall 8th Main, 13th Cross, Malleshwaram
  5. South Bangalore Cultural Association, J.P.Nagar Puja, opp.to Bannerghata Road Shopper’s Stop.
  6. Whitefield Cultural Association, Chetan Building Besides Whitefield police station, close to Nilgiris.
  7. RT Nagar Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, Sai Baba Mandir, HMT Layout, Anand Nagar Next to RT Nagar Bus depot.
  8. Antaranga Bengali Cultural Association, Sanjay Nagar puja. Its Sanay Nagar Main Rd through Ganganahalli, close to Food World.
  9. Banaswadi Bengali Cultural Union, Sitaram Kalan Mantap, Banaswadi Main Road, Near Uttam Sagar
  10. Murugeshpalya (Air Force) Wind Tunnel Road
  11. Air Force Command Hospital, Near Ulsoor
  12. Air Force Training Command, Mekhri Circle, Bellary Road.
  13. Air Force Station – Jalahalli West.
  14. Airforce Station – Jalahalli East.
  15. Munekolal Marathahalli Durga Puja. Near Marathahalli Bridge.
  16. Kagadaspura Durga Puja, 29th Cross, Janajeeva Nest, near SCT College.

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