Sorry for having "Talent" ???

Strange shades of human nature ..

On business trip of west coast, USA, I meet this person, some one I have talked over phone many times earlier, but face to face for the first time.

After walking in to his office cabin, I saw pictures of his family. As an ice breaker, I asked "Hmm.. two daughters ?" !

"Yeah ! The elder one 14 and younger one is 10". He goes on. "The younger one is a gymnast. A fabulous one". He points to pictures with 180 splits on parallel bars of a cute, adorable girl. He keeps on going - how Olympics is her goal and how she has become among the few contenders in that space.

Then he went on talking about extra ordinary talents of his eldest son who is in US Army etc.

I could see the pride in his eyes. He definitely felt blessed to have such wonderful kids with special talents.

But then, he asked me - "What about you ? Have kids ?". I said - "Yes. two boys. Very normal boys. Busy being brats. Nothing one can point finger to as a talent. They are good kids, average kids, just having fun growing up ".

All of a sudden, he goes very apologetic. Oh! You know - my kids are OK. They have some talents ..I am not really thinking they will be going to Olympics".


Almost, apologetic for having talented kids !! Why ?? Just because I said, I do not have talented kids ??  But, that was just thuth I mentioned...!!

How did it impact the thoughts and pride of a grown up man ??? puzzling but expected in a way too ... !!

The "Ultimate" torture

Came across this story ! So of course not an original thought or work. But something that immediately touched the nerves ...

" A person dies ! And he discovers himself in a beautiful place. A place where everything is in place. Neatly arranged. Food, shelter, clothes, luxuries.

  He examines everything and becomes happy. He has done something good in his previous life to have landed up here in his after life.

  After a few days an official of that place stops by and asks - "Are you comfortable ? Or you need something else ?"

  The man says, 'This indeed is a beautiful place and everything I need I get here, even without asking. Thanks for all this. However, is there some work here that you can give me ? I would want to be busy and do something"


  The official says - "Sorry ! No job here. No one gets to do any job. There is no need. "

  The man was already bored. And said, "I would rather be in hell !!!"


  The official smiled and said - "Where do you think you are now ?"
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Is not boredom the ultimate torture ??

Oh so "Intolerant and insensitive" ..

Last couple of days I have been in a "All Women" conference. Driven by the new age HR initiative across many companies - I&D. Inclusion and Diversity !

One of the key proponent of I&D, wanted to have my opinion on initiating tracks on "LGBT" networking within companies here in Bangalore, India. Support groups. Prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation in the MNCs.

My honest opinion was "Why solve something that is not even a problem ?".

She said - In India, people who are coming to work in IT companies, all in closet. With all the support structure they may come out of it. And the society here is not very tolerant, as good corporate citizens we need to support them.


My opinion was still the same - "Why solve something that is not even a problem ?"

if they are in closet, they are not being "discriminated" in work place. And if we know, society here is intolerant and we are afraid that people may be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, then why put them on spot light by supporting them to come out of the closet ? Won't we endanger them more ?? What service will we do as good corporates ?

Of course I got the LOOK - "Oh so intolerant and insensitive - YOU !!! "

Ok - go ahead ! in the name of inclusion and diversity, differentiate certain people and keep them outside the circle, so that they can struggle to be inclusive !! huh !!!

"Longitude" - A poem !

Naughty grin, stuck to the face
Been a while since you left
shuffling you in my mind
Forward, backward, wind, re-wind

The magic allures
The taste lingers 
Scent scintillates the senses
Can't  you leave me,
Just for a few moments ?

Go ! Far far away
I want to miss you -

say "My friend! so long !"
and wish like a parting soul mate -
"May you never get to cry alone" !!


- Betaal, A Rainy Sunday of November 2011

Superstition !

All of us have some of the seasoned believes, backed by mental statistics and correlations to results - good or bad !

If I wear the blue dress, the presentation will be good.
The old wrist band for a few free aces in the game.
Enter home with left foot in first ? Ok... that's too much !


But all of have some form of superstitions. And when we rationally think about them or especially when we advice others, we frown up on superstitions ! We know, logically,  they have no relevance to reality.

However, superstition can be very very useful in many cases. Most athletes have strong superstitions. When they are not in form, superstition comes handy is getting out of it.

How ?

When an athlete goes through a bad patch, which is not because of physical injuries, it is because of a mental block, self doubt, cluttered thoughts etc.

And if a pair of socks form two different sets, makes him feel lucky and get over all the above what's wrong ?

We can certainly make it a tool to break some degenerative cycles.

PS: Personally tried and tested :)

A week of change

India story turns to the page of "Formula 1", "Lady Gaga", "Metallica" - all in the same week.

The youth has moved on from "I am Anna".

From fighting financial and political corruption, to inviting moral and cultural corruption.

From the demand of inclusive growth, to showcasing capitalistic-porn !

The priorities have changed. The focus has moved to more comfortable subjects.

Nevertheless, change is good and the only constant ! And its cyclic in intention too :) That part is new discovery for sure.

Diwali Greetings !!

Diwali - the festival of lights !
The victory of truth.
Awareness over ignorance.

My very dear friends !
      While you must already be getting tons of best wishes from all around you, let me wish all of us just one thing - "To be aware of what exactly we wish for in our life, family, friends, society, country,  planet and universe. Let just be aware of that."

And  old drop of wisdom "Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram".

Seeking truth will lead to God up on attaining whom we will be beautiful !!

Appreciate beauty. Stay beautiful !

Happy Diwali !