Speak Your Heart

Today we had the second meeting of Spandan. The agenda of today's meeting was "Speak your heart". It was a nice experience to learn about 6 different things in a span of 90 minutes. Each person came with his/her heart and spoke about it.
We started with Ravi. Ravi said that he wants to instill Redknee culture in the new people joining RKI. Initially when people used to join at lower levels, it was easy to influence them. However with more than 30 people joining the organization in less than 3 months, it is important that we maintain the cultural fabric and set the right expectations in the new folks joining in. We decided to take it up as a part of Spandan's activities and help champion this cause.
Yogesh talked about how difficult is it for him to do public speaking and so this forum was a good place to open up. He talked about the incident that happened in parliament last evening and we talked about the dirty politics going on in India at present. How these men, who hold the highest positions in indian powerhouse behave with each other and the disrespect that they show to their positions. We all agreed that the debate was about everything but the nuke deal. One interesting learning that Sameena brought to our notice was how Manmohan singh waited for the right time to deliver his speech. We should wait for the right moment to speak.
Avdhut then talked about the traffic problems that he sees everyday on the roads and the frustration that grows in him. He wants to help himself and the public by taking whatever initiavies possible at self and this groups level. We plan to take it up and talk to the policemen at marigold square. We plan to gather additional information on how we can help. We also plan to make another blog which will list down all the traffic problems being observed at different places in pune and record them on the blog. We are hopeful that it would get noticed someday.
Sapna talked about the fitness class that she intends to start for the group. She wanted to know the logistics of how to go about starting it. Hopefully we will see something happening very soon in this direction. I desperately need to get in shape soon (although I realize that round is a shape too :) )
I then had an opportunity to speak about what I want to do. In one of the movies "Shall we dance", I heard this dialogue that every human being craves for getting his existence acknowledged. That was one of the reasons to start this group. Now 18 months in Redknee, I do not see a lot of "new" challenges in managing projects and so I want to get more out of my life. This group would be a good place to vent my energies. I also want to generate a lot of jobs at some point of my career since I have experienced first hand what it is to be without a job. I hope I will be able to do it some day.
Girish spoke in the last. But he raised a very interesting topic that got everyone sparked up. He talked about the documentation that we are doing and the ways it needs improvements. He shared with us how other organizations manage and standardize documentation. The conceptual and procedural documentation that organizations generate is where we should look at moving. We discussed about how different groups (R&D) can help if they get to participate in document evolution process. We intend to call someone from that group to help us know more on documentation evolution. It was amazing to hear different people talk on different topics. I could not capture everything that we discussed but it gave a sense of satisfaction to know so much more about things than what I possible learn new each day. I hope we are able to implement some of these suggestions and see results. The end results can be more motivating than anything else in forming and continuing a group.

Why I go to same Boutique?

Oh well... seems like me and Yogesh got the haircut on the same day...

Well now reading the post from Yogesh I think, I got inspired to search for a link Create or Post Blog. Being blogholic by nature, well I took 5 Mins (Yeah ... obviously exaggerated) to find the link.

For me Haircut is like once in 3-4 months activity, which, I afraid will soon become a yearly activity. And the only criteria to me is, get the appointment for the Haircut; go and relax. Well yes the problem still persists; Mr. Hair dresser cuts my hair. But you know what, when there are lot many hair and even Moon can see itself in the midnight clearly on my head, I prefer to go to the same HE person and he takes care of the rest. J Yeah I am in love with the Guy and with the Boutique... J

I got into this habit since I was in US of A and we (Me and My co-friends) used to go to one of the cheapest saloons out there, which would qualify easily probably for 3.5 star saloons here :p. Since then, it’s not acceptable getting a haircut, without looking at at-least 20 different hair styles with foreign models. Well you select the one and to your surprise, HE tells you, well you don’t have too many ...L... But Yeah I am in love with the Guy and with the Boutique... J

Today I found a Desi guy in the saloon (You would have understood why I would call somebody Desi ..) getting a haircut and trying to understand the Desi accent of HIM. Desi guy was a lot excited about the haircut, he had got and was checking for n number of creams and lotions ... Lovely desi wife in English dress was too standing beside him, giving me a good company.
Probably yes because of which again... Yeah I am in love with the Guy and with the Boutique... J

Well to be honest I thought of my decision yet again … Is it really important to be in Non Desi land and earn money? Well has really $ overtaken all the spice of life ... All the moments you spend with your entire family (Well ... I am talking beyond 2 people ...) I too come from a middle class family with the USA dream obviously. Being in US for close to 2 years now (Courtesy Infosys), I definitely thank god for not respecting me on my GRE abilities... J At a stretch I could stay there for Max 9 months :P .. Yes but even that was difficult as I used to dream about being with everybody daily... That used to be my favorite past time... Dreaming ... J (Yes I was in the middle of friends but you know what ... Let’s leave it here...you would understand me more in this continuous journey of Spandan ...) Somehow I don’t like to be alone when I don’t want to be.... I met many Desi people greeting with Angrej artificial smile, English chanting Hindu temples and the small lost kids in the color culture. Well also happened to be with Some close relatives listening to old Hindi songs every weekend and dreaming for 5 mins ... “Yes, I will be in India again” (To the contrary there next dream would be I want to buy a boat and go sailing … You know how much this is possible in India …. So first dream used to get over soon where second used to persist till the next weekend till the next Rafi’s song) ...Yes the only favorite past time used to be shopping ...where you spend some Dollars for yourself... J One of the activities being Hair cut on regular basis ... well really who cares about 18$... then ... I was in love with the GAL and with the Boutique... J

How would I feel cheating my-self on every weekend… Is it really important for me to wait for the day when Salary happens and smile only when I see the $ rising or is it important to enjoy 29 days and worrying only on the 30th day about my/our financial status... well for me I choose the second option. (Thanks to Amruta yes … She is the most active gal I have ever met in my life. She is Crazy about people here … Crazy to make things happen… Crazy to make a difference in others lives…On top of this … she has one more quality, she has the will power and the mind to make this happen, touch-wood, but yes I get the inspiration from her all the time.) Yes it’s difficult at times but come on... Kuch pane keliye kuch khona padta hai... one has to decide what you want and what you don’t ... I took another important decision of my life and I quit Infosys. Just to be with my dear once for some more time in real life. And just because of this I am in love with the Guy and with the Boutique... :) He gives me precious time to think about my EMI status without bothering about has the hair cut gone bad … ;)


Work Hard and Party hard.

Hair Cut and The Airlines!!!!

Getting a hair cut could be a hair-raising experience. Seriously!!!!!
This weekend was 'Get your hair cut' weekend and after I headed towards my favorite saloon (criteria - the one nearest to my place). As expected, could see almost a delegation of IT crowd waiting there to get the loads off their heads. So I headed for the less preferred saloon.
Saloons are a good venue to socialize. I am not a person who could strike a conversation with complete strangers. But could see people coming, sitting there waiting for their turns to come and start chatting with each other as if they are having a conversation with some long lost friend - 'Kab ke bichde aaj yahan saloon mein aake mile' types.
I, for sure am not one of those who is capable of doing this.
So, while the others in the queue were speaking their hearts out, i grabbed the newspaper lying on the chair and started browsing.
One of the articles caught my attention and I managed to read through ('managed' because every now and then you need to be watchful to ensure that no one has illegally sneaked in front you in the queue while you are reading).
The author (who happens to be a millionaire and context of airlines is of US airline industry) discussed the downgrade in the hospitality of the airlines crews, downgrade in facilities and increased risk of accidents. Reasons cited:
a) Airlines are not being preferred by the multi rich class who opt out for private jets instead. Hence the crew ends up dealing with the poor junta from which they could not expect/receive any favors. So even if they do not serve these people properly it is not going to affect their bottomline.
b) Facilities are becoming chargeable and even a can of coke comes with a cost.The baggage is also chargeable and there are ideas floating around charging the tickets based upon the weight of the person.
Oh God!!! Can you imagine being weighed before checking in? "Sorry Sir/Madam, you cannot be let in as you are 5 kg over the permissible limit. If you still want to board the flight you will have to shell out 'x' dollars". I might just be becoming too pessimistic. Anyways, the point is obesity comes with a cost and with such ideas taking shape obese crowd will have to watch out. Beware of those French Fries!!!!
c) Safety hazards would be on the rise with the airplanes getting older and the airlines not very keen on replacing them.

Author suggested that the situation above could be improved by encouraging the multi rich to travel in these airlines by providing them luxuries which they seek in their private jets. By doing this, it would cut down on the costs incurred by the multi rich and also benefit the airlines.
Nice article!! Now let us get back to my hair cut.

Well i was pleasantly surprised to discover that i was at the throne being attended by the scissor artist in less than half an hour. The scissors went swiftly over the growth of 2 months on my head in a matter of seconds. On my way out.I could see people still chatting merrily.

And i thought "Sar ka ek bojh to Halka Hua". Now its the turn of the tyres to get rid off, the ones which i have meticulously acquired on the periphery of my stomach. How I wish it was as easy as the Hair Cut!!!!!!

My First Blog-Spandan First Day

Spandan has really awakened me and touched my soul .Since morning I could not think of anything else than Spandan.This does not mean that I did not work today:-),but yes my all imagination and thinking was revolving around Spandan.
Morning I and Alok was only the members to arrive first. I was bit disappointed by not seeing anybody for more 10 mins . slowly Girish entered the board room, followed by Yogesh..So Alok initiated the session. Sameena was in by that time ,joining Avdhut ,Ajay and Daksha. We discussed all the ideas that came into our mind. The time passes by and we could not even recognize as to we spend one and half our discussing about the things.
Yellow chilli was another one of the good experience of my life. Knowing group members was the key part ,but other than that I spoke my heart out there. That even I never spoke with Alok. It gave me confidence of speaking as well as thinking .The hahahhehehe time was Fantabulous.
LETS CHEERS FOR SPANDAN. LETS ROCK

Yogesh Dewangan - My first blog

From Yogesh

Although the ‘Times of India’ of 16th July suggested a drought like situation and warned for water/electricity woes in the city, Sameena could feel her soul drenched. How I wish that thirsty land of Maharashtra could feel the raindrops as well. Hang on!! We are not here to discuss the drought situation (not at least on the kick-off day of Spandan!!).
I was of the opinion that I was perhaps the one who had his apprehensions regarding the event. But reading Sameena’s article learnt that I was not alone. And I am sure there would have been others as well with their pocketfuls of apprehensions. So here we are – a group of like-minded people J

I would really like to congratulate all who could make it on the first day of this event. Alok in particular for taking a lead and being present bang on time(leading from front, as they say!!!!! J).
It was really good to see people pour their ideas/feelings during this meeting and later on at ‘Peeli Mirchiyan’. I am hopeful we will continue with the same zeal and fervor.
Hey all Spandanians, it is a commitment to our own selves. Let us make this a successful venture. Hoping for more rains (spiritual as well as actual!!!)

Ello Chilly - Our first meeting

Hey! I can feel the raindrops on muh soul!!!!!!
9 AM !!! OMG !! I am going to be so late . Wonder why Alok kept the meeting so early? These thoughts did their usual rounds in my mind as I crossed the hustle bustle of the IT crowd at Holkar Bridge. Each step towards the office kept me apprehensive with thoughts of “will- it- happen ““how” and why. All my apprehensions were laid to rest as I walked into the conference hall and a bright good morning greeted me.
Meeting started with a bang. I could see Girish yawning (poor guy is not used to seeing the sun rise so early). Avdhut and Daksha came jogging in and so did Ajay. Host Alok did the job beautifully as he delivered the ideas as fast as he gathered them. At the end we had SPANDAN, right before our eyes. Smiling we embraced it with our heart and soul. Yes, we were on the road to salvation. We decided to meet once a week for a “Speak you heart out “session. This activity was aimed at people talking their heart out, and THEY DID at Yellow Chilies (a spontaneous khana peena program ). Roaring tumbling hungry stomach and the excitement of finally getting the reservation at Koregaon Park ‘s most talked about restaurant was just too much . We sat, filled our bellies with goodies and then started the whole session of venting out. That sure was a good session and off we went HI ! HO !. Everyone shared their experiences and fun happening of their life. SPANDAN was finally declare OPEN. Our first session was successful. It was drizzling as we chatted inside. Did I feel the raindrops on me? Goodness Gracious!! I could feel it in my soul. That’s one soulful beginning …….
Sameena Arya

Spandan - Pulse of a new beginning

We had our first meeting today. It was quite good to see most of the people present in the meeting and discussing their feelings. The ideas we received were amazing and it was impressive to see how much people thought of improving their workplace and surroundings. Details of what we discussed in the meeting is mentioned below.

Attendees: Alok, Sapna, Girish, Ajay Farate, Daksha, Avdhut, Yogesh, Sameena, Atul
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi All,

Thank you everyone who participated in the meeting today. It was a successful meeting in which we were able to name the group and set objectives. We were also able to list down some of the activities that we would like to take up in this group. Please find below the meeting minutes.

Name of the group - Spandan
Objectives of the group
- Improve ourselves
- Social Welfare
- Common forum to open up

I have
Money : As required
Time: 21 hrs per month
I want to
- Speak my heart out (Share ideas)
* 5 Hrs
* Co-ordinator - Alok
- Teaching/Orphanage/Old age
* More information required - Daksha/Avdhut to procure and share information
- Knowledge Sharing
- Technologies - Mobile tech
- PMO Processes
- Estimation Techniques
- HR Processes
- Business Articles
- Current Affairs
- Communication Skills
- Learn language (Japanese)
* 2hrs
* Co-ordinator - Sameena
- Adventurous outings
* 6 Hrs
* Co-ordinator - Yogesh
- Fitness
* Co-ordinator - Sapna/Daksha
* Mon - Wed - Fri (6Hrs)
- Meet People (Networking)
* Needs Money
* 2 Hrs
* Co-ordinator - Avdhut
I will (Action Items)
- Speak my heart out (official kick off for Spandan) By 23rd July
- Fitness 21st July
- Trek 30th July
- Knowledge Sharing 30th July

Birth of an Idea

I realized that I had some time and a lot of energy to do something additional to my daily work. I wrote a note to some of my colleagues and this was the start of a new idea.

Please allow me to propose a group in Redknee with like minded people interested in doing something unique with their lives. Please come and join the group.

Some basic rules for the group:
1. Membership is optional but contributing to the group is mandatory.
2. The group can survive only on the basis of your interest level.
3. There is no external help available and there is no defined objective of this group.
4. If the group needs financial help, it will look towards its members. If any of the activities have any financial implications, it will have to be borne by the members.


These are some of the activities I was thinking we could do in this group.

1. We can share our experiences of life. This will help everyone to learn from each other’s experiences.
2. We could share info of a good book read or a new movie.
3. We can look at doing some social work. Let us help someone who needs it.
4. Let us look at planting some trees under which we are never going to sit.
5. Let us help each other improve on every aspect of work and life. We can have candid feedback sessions.

Lets add to this list. The objective is to meet at least twice a month for 2 hours and do this activity. We can take time out of our personal time. It could be before the office starts (8 am to 10 am) or we can work out evening time that is acceptable to everyone.

We planned to meet on Wednesday 16-July early morning to have our first meeting.