देशभक्ति का पुरस्कार

एक आदमी: “अरे यार, क्या जरुरत थी अपने पति को पकडवाने की? ३-४ बम फुट जाते – हम या कोई हमारे घरवालो में से कोई मर जाता ! सरकार कम से कम हर परिवार को एक-एक लाख रुपये देती. उसको क्या मिल गया? पति गया, कमाई भी गई, और २५००० रुपये दे कर सरकार भी छुट गई”

Conviction!

Conviction – a sharply neglected element in human resourcing or recruitment.

Skills, experience, achievements and recognitions – are they evident enough to conclude the presence of conviction? Conviction is subjective and not static.

Conviction is a blend of Subjective Interest and Passion for the type of work he/she is doing. Every organisation would like to ensure that all employees work with the conviction towards whatever they are doing. Conviction is non-material and has to be sensed and not tested through interviews or questions. INFORMATION sharing aids this process if used categorically.

One always has more interest in a few things than others! Majorly, conviction cannot be engineered as similar to interests. But there is always a choice to identify and select the fittest resource for required job. Some basic steps:

• Sense the interest in the type of work the resource is doing

“So how long you are working as a graphic designer? And why did you choose to design?”

• Match and share the type of work offered

“Great, we are also looking for someone who is specialized 3d modeling and flash animation!!”

• Share the information regarding prospective projects

“We have this client who makes bath tubs, basins and other ceramic bathroom accessories. We would be developing a lot of conceptual models for their new products and this involves imagination and creativity!”

• Share the CORRECT information regarding work culture and rewards

“We are normally very flexible with the work culture. But we sometimes deploy disciplinary actions to keep the organisational behaviour and activities balanced and controlled.”

Exchange of key INFORMATION will define if the recruiter and the candidate do fit with each other or not! This information sharing includes the clear denotation of the commercial benefits to be exchanged. This gives the sense of confidence and planning that each one of them can have.

Recruitment process should not be an examination for a candidate; neither the recruiter is a quiz master. A mutual discussion towards identifying the “zipping” synchronization is the key to fruitful relationship between the employee and the employer. This relation will sustain for a longer run with interactive involvement, soft stake holding, partnership, credits and ownership!

Please post your views or queries on sneh@snehism.com. Any additional input may enrich the understanding put through here.

Open Letter to Rahul Gandhi

“Rahul Gandhi compares ‘evil leader’ Narendra Modi with Mao”

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-gandhi-compares-evil-leader-narendra-modi-with-mao_1472934

Dear Rahul,

On a Sunday afternoon, I was reading this DNA news report sitting in a suburb of Cape Town, SA. I am 26, an IT professional based in Ahmedabad. It was delighting to know that you recently visited Ahmedabad for a students’ meet. I always admire your courage and openness to say the truth in black and white without confusing with any diplomacy. Knowingly or unknowingly you may have this non-resistive approach of criticizing the bad.

What really disappointed me is that you couldn’t give enough time! In my perception, the youth of the city like Ahmedabad which is the epicentre of Gujarat’s mind set being a financial capital, business hub and also the developmental show case of Gujarat. It is also an attractive destination compared to all other major cities of Gujarat for employment, studies and also for acquiring a residence. The development of Ahmedabad which might be a result of years and years of hard work of people, the newly blooming entrepreneurial activities by the young graduates and post-graduates, has been manhandled by wrong people. I would also not rule out the contribution of inter-state migration and I would like to show my gratitude to all non-Gujaratis from Gujarat and other states of India, who have come to Ahmedabad and taken part into the overall progress and development.

Having these facts in the bowl, I also feel the need that the many youngsters whom I have observed in Ahmedabad are wide-eyed with the external modern development in the city. I find them non-interested and unwilling in analysing the facts, assessing the good and bad and widen their concern towards entire Gujarat or India. I am sure you will be aware of these facts.

On the positive note, I also am hopeful that the guidance from the leaders like you can inject a lot of energy into all these youngsters and they can really be directed towards the inclusive and actual growth in entirety. Most of them have the least sensitivity for social issues and no fire to speak up against the unjust social events. This includes me as well at some extent!

Having said all this, I would urge you to visit the city, meet the students of the schools and universities. They are very talented, smart, creative and open towards the society and therefore you may have this great opportunity to guide them in the right direction for the good of Gujarat, one of the CEO driven companies of India.

With the best wishes and huge HOPES,

Sneh Bhavsar

E: sneh@snehism.com

W: www.snehism.com

“Chai” – an integral edible + social substance

“teni…,  char cutting!”

“are yaar, koi chai to pilao!!! Chai kab aaegi!?”

“cha na pivu to mathu dukhva lage che!”

Known Facts

Tea (Chai as we all call it) is a universal drink and more considered as a social phenomenon. In how many ways and for how many reasons tea has been drunk in all over the world! Winter, summer or monsoon, be it an early morning, or you need an afternoon kick or you just want to feel fresh in all your nerves, all we need is a little CUPPA TEA!

There are numerous types of teas being consume in different countries. Britons have it with a lot of water and a little splash of milk, or just black. Egyptians tea is made out of some flower and with a lot of sugar in it, whereas Indians have their own rich tea with full of milk and sugar.

Look at the man moving load on a pedal or a CEO sitting in a posh office, all they need is a CUPPA TEA every now and then! It is considered as an addiction as well by some class of people, but it’s more of an accepted addictive substance globally.

Meeting friends, discussing problems, having official discussions or even the fights happen over a cup of tea.

Issues

Having known all these things associated with the tea, social interlocking among people is in danger as a half cup of tea costs 5 Indian Rupees. The quantity has also gone down significantly. The road side vendors serve these teas in tiny little plastic cups and the hurting part is that immense amount of plastic is getting into the environment.



Childish Solution

In a traditional city office, on an average there will be at least 40-50 employees working and having tea twice a day which leaves them with at least 100 cups in their bins. Having the permanent ceramic cups for all the employees will be much friendlier towards the environment; it could save a horrendous amount of plastic spoiling the nature resources.

Try it!

I met a human… – (3)

“Suraj!” – That’s what he said, a little kid in a dirty school uniform roaming around the tea stall at mid night, when he was asked his name! He wanted to have a bun (bread). Out of curiosity, I tried to ask him that why is he asking for food at this time? Is he still hungry?

He said, “I want bun for my younger brother, not for me.” and then I and a friend talked with him for a while. Suraj (hardly 11), whose aunt kept her name Karan and his mother calls him Arjun, wakes up at 10 in the morning. He goes to school – some hindi pathshala at 12pm and his teacher let them write alphabets or numbers. He leaves school at 4pm and goes home! His father, who also begs for sarees, shirts and other clothes and who then sells them in slums, earns for the family of 7. He doesn’t want his children to beg but Suraj’s mother takes her children out and begs with all of them till mid night!

Suraj didn’t or maybe couldn’t smile until he kept talking, he got the bun. He didn’t eat. He said this is only for my younger brother and then he left…

I met a human… (2)

8 December 2009,

Blind People’s Association, Ahmedabad

It was truly heart rendering to meet all those enthusiastic job seekers with physical disabilities at Blind People’s Association! I was so lucky to be the part of this employment fair organized by BPA as I represented Cybersurf India where I work. The auditorium was filled with more than 300 aspirant persons with disabilities, and there were more than 10 representatives from different companies who wanted to hire these people according to their needs. Safal Group was one of these companies who have recently received an award for employing the most number of persons with disability.

Mr Bhushan Punani, Executive Director of BPA, hosted the event where they allowed all the companies to present their needs and the types of jobs they are offering. The count of jobs being offered reached to 250 jobs within a few minutes and the job seekers were thrilled to receive such offering on the day of the fair itself.

I interviewed more than 20 candidates for the computing and data processing related jobs. The amount of readiness and enthusiasm was really amazing in those candidates. Many of them could not walk and made their way into the room moving on the floor. More I was touched when I was being looked as a ray of hope for them! They thought I will give them a job and they will start sustaining a good life ahead. I wish I could employ them all in any way…

The event arranged by BPA is really appreciable and also the companies who are actively taking part and hiring the persons with disability deserve a great deal of respect. Here, in a bit different context, in the context of equality; these were all humans whom I met and I was delighted with the positive energy they had and also the companies and organizers who did put an honest effort to gather both on a platform.

One more incident which really touched me inside out and really made my belief strong that one does not have to be an intellectual or a scholar to be a good human being!

One of my good friends insisted me not to tell this to anyone, but I really want to put this here without mentioning his name…

There is a little boy of around 15-16, and he was working at his office as an office boy for Rs. 900 a month. He lost his father earlier and his mother works as domestic help in neighborhood.  That boy’s willingness to work hard and learn new things got noticed by my friend. He talked to him; put him in a computer class for 6 months. He and his girlfriend collected some 4,000 rupees for the course and now after a year that boy is earning 4,500 a month. The little boy is also more encouraged to work hard, to learn more and lead a better life.

I met a human again…

Know Your Neighbourhood…

21st century woke up with the dawn of extraordinary inventions and also horrendous issues within the society, environment and economy. Where does the right solution lie? INDIA has enough financial resources to empower the poor section! We do not lack infrastructure and arrangements to bring up the problems on the board!

India today, does not seem to be unable to deal with the serious issues we have! Our NGOs, our wealthy industries and businesses, the pool of young, intelligent & talented population and increasing awareness through media and technologies – these are the few of those able sources which can make a difference. Having said that, what can the individuals do?

It is more appropriate to touch upon some questions than answering them right now, because most of us may not think enough about it! Are we Mahatma? I guess, no. Are we Abraham Lincoln? Are we Dalai Lama? No, we are common people with constrained ability, access and power to the resources which does not motivate our intensions and turn our inner zeal into practice. But there is something we all have and that something we do not know. We could be no different than any great personality only if we identify our own ability though limited.

Watering the roots should make the tree grow up and high! Roots have to be very strong to survive a long life. Three major institutions of the society, family, schools-colleges and friends-family (let us call it ‘the neighbourhood’). I have to acknowledge one of my acquaintances who helped me to vocalize this word which was roaming inside of me somewhere! Families pour the substantial values, schools and colleges teach public behaviour and manners whereas what is more important is NEIGHBOURHOOD which remains with us, keeps changing us for the major part of our lives. Hence the first thing is to be aware what is happening around us and then to think of doing something about it!

How can a business/IT professional make a difference? How can an accountant who is just making his/her livelihood, help someone in day-to-day life? Apparently, these people may have least time to spare to conduct a camp, to volunteer in a public service or to join a protest against injustice. As said, there are organisations and nowadays corporate social responsibilities to do that. We all are small time people with our little ability to help others. But often we help a person who meets with an accident on a street, who needs a quick lift to somewhere, who needs a little help with their electric fuse and many other ways.

We apply our hands when we get confronted by our own swoon values or our human responsibilities. We hardly know that what our neighbours are up to! We least know about their profession, their views about others or us, their interests and sort of problems they face in public life. Technically speaking, a piece of information is always helpful! Knowing about your neighbourhood can solve a lot of issues itself. A computer professional can fix someone’s minor problem in minutes! Two neighbours have to travel long to work but their offices are so close to each other, can share a car while going to work every day – which eventually saves money and precious fuel on this earth. There can be so many other major things as well which can be worked out! So again, it is about being aware of neighbourhood and being proactive to know.

Recently, some religious issues got surfaced regarding acquiring a residence in Mumbai and also in Ahmedabad.  Most people do prefer to live in equated communities and we do resist residents from other cast, religion and even language. Again, when we do not know much about our neighbours we know WRONG about them! What do we know about Muslim or Jain religion? Most of us can only give the name of their prophet and their holy book! We wouldn’t know more than this and still we have strong presumptions about their religious practices. Our most opinions are based on incomplete information and our resistive attitude. We are far too busy in blaming government and authorities. One of the recent movies, YEH MERA INDIA (YMI) did try to convey a simple and basic message which is still very deep and worth understanding. There are always good things and bad things; it is up to us what we remember. Resisting the human nature, which is more intolerant about negative things, is the foremost thing we could consider.

Knowing about your surroundings may lead you to be a little helpful to others and there is no university of social services, NGO or public bodies you have to go to. I trust our humane instinct that with some more awareness about the people next door will surely do wonders!

Amen…

Visit  www.snehism.com to view the site.

Online Communities – Trends and Threats!

Facebook is looking very slow these days! It could be a slight downfall as human interests change frequently! If something’s thrown quickly against FB it might click!

One more reason: Compared to Indian visitors (4,063,300) there are far more users in western countries like US (83,558,820) and UK (20,247,300). And all these majority users are busier during August to Pre-December! Approaching deadlines of projects before Christmas… And hence, may get less time for hanky dolly! I have seen significant fall in status updates, useless messages like “I m cleaning my room today!” etc. Facebook is on rank 31 in best 50 sites of 2009! Guess who is on top… Flickr.com.

Facebook is looking very slow these days! It could be a slight downfall as human interests change frequently! If something’s thrown quickly against FB it might click to the users and can go places!

One more reason is that compared to Indian visitors (4,063,300) there are far more users in western countries like US (83,558,820) and UK (20,247,300). And all these majority users are busier during August to Pre-December! Approaching deadlines of projects before Christmas… And hence, may get less time for hanky dolly! I have seen significant fall in status updates, useless messages like “I m cleaning my room today!” etc. Facebook is on rank 31 in best 50 sites of 2009! Guess who is on top?… Flickr.com. Twitter is way on top in this ranking compared to Facebook.

Facebook activities also are more of an imitation of friends or contacts. Well, it is all about following each other and forming a community! But still a thin line is surfacing between imitation and following. Offline (a new word for the “real world”) friends have got new place to meet and share things, Facebook! Friends, people in relation, husband & wife, mom-dad, siblings – all these relations are getting a new dimension through this online world of sharing and caring! Unknowingly, a lot is happening around those tangible comments, pictures and connections! A new sense of jealousy, rivalry, imitation and unhealthy competition is spreading. Some are competing for more friends on the list, some are jealous of their friend’s ability to exploit FB apps to show new creations and there are some who just follow the activities because their friends are doing it!

We still are not aware of the time bomb we are sitting on! These micro and macro level oscillations of emotions, rivalry and imitations are becoming the strength of the online world. The amount of information in various forms they hold, the accumulation will create a dangerous diagram of our lifestyles. Being with Google, they have your emails through GMail, your documents through Google Docs, your location and map activities through Google Maps, your schedules through Google Calendar, your sites through Google Site and many more. A common user may not realize this fact but going ahead with all these community sites and live update of your lives will take a certain level of control on your activities!

It will be a bit early to say anything more, and rather we just keep this thought in mind while embracing anything online!

More on me @ www.snehism.com

Calling the real institutions of the society!

The state is spilling over with internal filth and dirt when Modi is busy defending the so called anti-terrorism bill – GUJCOCA. Government again refused the bill and with the recommendation of changing some clauses in the bill mainly which were allowing the authorities to seize the properties of the suspect and tracing the calls of any suspect at any time without any explanation.

When I assume the process, I can imagine a few thoughtful people thinking over different points of the bill and discussing the pros and cons before reaching to any vital decision. But as the verdict comes out, BJP’s immature comments started coming out and the dirty politics starts over again. Mr. Modi’s ego speaks again, “I will not make any changes to the bill and foot it again to the center.”

Outrage is spreading throughout the state because of increasing overall crime rate. Yes, we cannot deny that the overall rate of crime is also increasing in the whole country. But we haven’t seen the Gujarat in this shape before. We are witnessing the incidents which we have never seen before in our own Gujarat. Police is still summing up the amount of money Ashok Jadeja has acquired from hundreds of people and each day a new rape case is coming out. Frauds, robberies and petty stealing are also riding high in daily newspapers. The crime rate is all time high in Gujarat. I do not think I need to refer to any sources because we all read and watch what happens around us. It is matter of our own sense.

Black memories of Patan gang rape case haven’t yet faded and Surat is blotted with a shameful gang rape. As I am recalling these inhuman acts, news comes out from Rajkot and Himachal Pradesh, teens raped respectively in both of this places where in the latter case the victim is a tourist from Britain. I just took a note of the rape rate in Gujarat before a few months that how it is increasing consistently. Although very complex and sensitive, undertaking the studies of increasing rapes in the social context and also other external reasons for such activities seem essential at this point of time.

Rapes, sexual harassments, making video clips – all these are new form of criminal activities of this modern time and they are getting so frequent. The victims seem to be coming out more openly than before and we can also see many reputed entities of the societies involved and alleged in cases like this. Shiney Ahuja and an MLA from west Godavari are the most recent examples of those. But still the numbers of rapes reported to the police are far lesser than the actual number.

On the other hand, ‘organized’ and gang rapes (which in turn can be called organized) have significantly got surfaced in the recent times. The definition of rape has always been powered over other elements in different cases and it remains the centre of the case in most instances. Even in Shiney Ahuja’s case victim is constantly stressing how Shiney forced, grabbed and pushed her, because all these phrases lead to the confirmation that the rape was committed. I am not sure that how accommodating is our judicial system for the crime conditions and the social context (behaviour of an individual and the reasons for that behaviour) involved in the incident. But I am sure the society should and must be interested in the detailed examination of reasons involved in such criminal occurrences.

The reason behind such study is to understand the affecting elements which trigger such instances like rapes and sexual activities. “Spot” rape – a spontaneous excitement leads an individual to lose the control over sexual urge and expressing that in verbal, gestural or physical form. As I mentioned earlier that the “organized” rapes are increasing and this kind of rapes involve raping a fairly known individual and in many cases an acquaintance or an intimate friend. “Organized” rapes means an individual or a group of people pro-actively look to satisfy their sexual urge or forcing verbal, gestural or physical abuses to a man or woman. If assessed on moral grounds, organized rapes would hold a very lower position compared to the spot rapes which only take place on an instantaneous sexual aggression. This classification may not be that important for the legal resolution of the offence but considering the long term societal balance, some profound study should take place. (There are enough reasons, anger and misery over these inhuman incidents which tell me to conduct such social studies but time, conditions and limited understanding do not YET allow me!)

There is another issue which I do not want to discuss in detail but just a note:

No political parties or diplomats came out at the time of Patan incident. But as soon as the Surat gang rape case came out and the culprits are held, VHP is coming out asking for strict action. Can you people guess? Yes, because the culprits are Muslims. It may get more sensitive as the Rajkot case contains the same attributes. Let us just don’t get carried away by all these and let us focus on the safety of women at first and then to understand, evaluate and take some meaningful actions where we can develop a society which is more cleaner and moral.

“Mothers, please teach your son that every woman must be respected as he respects his own mother!

Fathers, please provide an example to your son that how the women in any relation, mother, sister, daughter, friend or wife must be respected in every manner!

Teachers, please teach your students about the social and public behaviour towards women and any other individual in the society!

You are the INSTITUTIONs of the society!”

I met a human!

26 February 2009, 8:45 PM

Standing near a little corner shop, off the main road and traffic, I met a human!

An ordinary (please excuse this strong word, but that only portrays the actual condition!), an ordinary man, must be in his 50s, old before age, and with an empty three wheeled pedal came to the shop and bought something. This man, who must have ridden his pedal for the whole day, must have earned merely 100-120 bucks and he has not yet reached home, and not yet reached his loaf of bread. He bought a pack or two of biscuits and for those four dogs roaming around!

I shouldn’t utter a word more…