Success is "Relative", Experience is "Eternal"

We have all heard people, friends, relatives often saying that 'he is so successful', 'she has achieved a lot' and so on. This comparison has been explicitly or implicitly present at various levels in our society or organizations.

Interestingly, this comparison is about wealth accumulated, position(s) held, property owned etc. No one cares about what kind of an individual is behind all this.

Have we ever analyzed what does this do to us? Possibly unnecessary pressure, bitterness at times, unhealthy competition etc.

Questions that get to our mind. What can I do about this? Can I prevent what the world around me perceives? Can I change a lot? so many of them.

Let's think of a scenario which I think many of us can relate to. Two individuals have been given two different projects or objectives to meet. 

Person A get a project that get complicated and gets slammed with difficult situations. This leads to long hours at work, tough decisions to make, delayed delivery, managing and motivating a near burnt out team. On the other hand Person B get a project which sets off on a smooth ride, does not get into any road blocks and gets completed on time.

What does this tell us? Oh yes, Person B delivered it and was successful as expected. Person A feels miserable and possibly had to do many explanations.

What we forget

1. Both have learnt from their situations

2. Possibly A got pushed into the difficult situations and got more experience in managing and pulling out things from a ditch

3. A's experience has possibly made him/her a stronger person

4. Under a similar situation in the future, A may come out with flying colors

It is key to know that your experiences and learning from situations will never go away. It is real. I did share my views on a similar topic earlier. Our Priorities. There are various way to reach to a given goal, each route provides different experiences and brings a different you at the end.

Take another scenario, friends A and B both plan to join a premier college and have to write a test. A has been preparing for the test and got support from others. A passes on the first attempt and is happy, friend B wasn't able to qualify. In this process, B understand his limitations and get the experience on how better preparation needs to be done. Next time B qualifies too.

Success can have different paths, can have different definition for each. What we forget in the drive to be successful is the experience gained. Experiences cannot be lost, it just adds to the improvement of an individual.

Travel Diaries - Khmer Empire - Cambodia

South east Asia and the Indian sub-continent have seen the rise and fall of mighty Empires and Kings who have been able to build large temple complexes and monuments to showcase their might and power.

My travel took me to get a glimpse of the Khmer empire (9th through early 15th century). Also know as the Angkor empire, the word 'Angkor' is derived from the Sanskrit word nagara, meaning "city". Angkor period began in the 800s, when the Khmer Hindu monarch Jayavarman II declared himself as a "universal monarch" and lasted until the late 14th century.

The Khmer rulers constructed some of the world's most magnificent architectural masterpieces (temples) and built large water reservoirs called Baray to hold water for its people and support agriculture. Starting with Yasovarman I until Indravarman II, they kept adding and creating marvels.

Most of us have heard about the famous 'Angkor Wat', but I wanted to know more about the other marvels and get a glimpse into present day Cambodia. To my luck, I was able to connect with Asean Angkor Guide team. During my email exchanges (yes you heard it, just email exchanges), I realized Raksa and his team would be the right people to show me what I wanted. 

A quick 45 minutes of flying time from Bangkok took us to Siem Reap, the city closest to Ankor Thom, the walled city built by possibly the greatest of the Angkorian kings - Jayavarman VII.

Day 1: 

We decided to relax a little and enjoy the local hospitality after a couple of flights and a night with little nap time.

The Le Meridian Angkor did not disappoint us. The open design, warm hospitality of the staff and grand pool helped us sail through the day. A trip to Artisan Angkor and Made in Cambodia street market in the old city was a nice way to wind down the evening.

Day 2:

After having a heavy breakfast (knowing we will need to walk and climb up stairs), ensuring we are comfortably dressed and mentally ready to enjoy the tropical warm day with lots of sunshine and blue skies (we were lucky), we started with the Bayon temple. Bayon is known for its rich decoration and showcases various expressions of Buddha. Its multiple levels structure and various face towers amazed us. Face towers of the Bayon represent the king as the Bodhisattva Lokesvara

Our next stop was Baphoun. It is located in Angkor Thom, next to Bayon. It is a three-tiered temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple measures 120 east-west and 100 meters north-south at its base. It resembles like a pyramid. In the late 15th century, the Baphuon was converted to a Buddhist temple. A 9 meter tall by 70 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha was built on the west end side.

A quick stroll through the ruins and courtyard of the royal palace (adjacent to Baphoun) meant we needed to refuel.

After a good Khmer cuisine (which we mostly had for lunch at local family run small businesses) we started the afternoon session.

With temperatures soaring and humidity at more than 85%, we started to walk into the huge complex of Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu (Vishnu) or religious temple ever build. The nine tower represents the Nava Gruha (nine planets) with the sun in the center. The temple is also a representation of Mount Meru, the home of the gods. The central towers symbolizes the five peaks of the mountain, and the walls and moat symbolize the surrounding mountain ranges and ocean.

Day 3:

We started our day by traveling 60 kilometers from Siem Reap to the Kulen Mountains. Phnom Kulen has major symbolic importance for Cambodia as it is the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire.
We spent some good time at the two waterfalls. What we saw after this was amazing. Kbal Spean is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special significance to Hindus. Just centimeters under the water's surface over 1000 small Shiva linga carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. The waters are regarded as holy. It is unique to have such carvings on a riverbed.

Next was a walk to the Preah Ang Thom, which houses a large statue of Buddha. It was built in the 16th century. Preah Ang Thom is considered sacred and is the worshiping god for the Kulen Mountain.

After a lunch break and we got to see one of the most spectacular temple. The temple's modern name, Banteay Srei also known as citadel of the women or citadel of beauty. Banteay Srei is built largely of red/pink and yellow sand stones. Many carvings into the walls of the temple are related to Hindu gods.

Day 4:

What better can it be to wake up at dark, walk the long complex of Angkor Wat with just a torch to get a glimpse of the sun raise behind the horizon. To our surprise we were with hundreds of others who wanted this experience.

After this surreal experience, we continued our day by visiting Ta Prohm, the temple that got famous after the movie Tomb Raider. The trees growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ta Prohm.

Next stop was the unique temple of Pre Rup. It is built using bricks and sandstone. Pre Rup was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple's name also means "turn the body". This reflects the common belief among that funerals of royals were conducted at the temple.

Moving from Pre Rup, we visited the Preah Khan. A massive temple which is mainly flat without many levels. Preah Khan has been left largely unrestored, with numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins.

After an early start to day we decided to call it a day and take some rest. In the evening we attended the Phare Circus of Cambodia. This was a treat and seeing the local talent performing was a pleasure.

Day 5:

We started the day with a boat and canoe ride to Tonle Sap and its mangroves. Tonle Sap is one of the largest fresh water lake in South east Asia.

The fishing village, small floating market and restaurants was an interesting sight.

After the water, it was back on the land and to see the last two temples of the day.

Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, but some carvings depict Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps.

Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes (the ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing diseases). It is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built.

With many more to see, we had to call it a day and keep something for the next time. This trip made us think how powerful, knowledgeable and scientifically gifted our earlier generations were.

There is so much to see in this beautiful country. Here are a few tips that I would like to share based on my experience along with my family for anyone trying to visit Cambodia

1. Plan your trip in advance. Make sure you have a local guide or tour company. Highly recommend Asean Angkor Guide. They were professional, passionate and extremely considerate. If you looking for a customized tour based on your interest, they are awesome

2. Pace your trip. There is a lot of walking and climbing (if you want to see and understand details). I wouldn't recommend a 1-2 day trip if you have small kids.

3. Light and comfortable clothing and shoes are a must as you will walk

4. Since it is a tropical country, temperatures will be warm and humidity can be high. Please drink a lot of water

5. If you have liking for specific food, would recommend to stay in a nicer hotel which can cater to your palate

6. Please bring in US Dollar currencies and lots of them (smaller denomination). This is almost the default currency accepted. BTW they don't accept old and torn/weathered currency notes

7. Credit cards are not accepted unless you are in a big hotel and in select restaurants. Good news, the ATMs do dispense US dollars if you need it

This has been a life time experience for me and my family and I am sure many of you may like it.

Until next time Arkoun.

Your priorities your journey

Human mind is very powerful and can do wonders. This differentiates us from all other organisms. However we very quickly succumb to thoughts like 

• What others have that I don't?
• How better someone else is doing than me
• How much happier someone is than me
• How tough is my life than theirs
• How much more does someone have than me

The list can go on and we happily get trapped into this never ending vicious cycle.

What we forget is that as individuals our journey is unique, based on

• What stage and state in life we are in
• What we wanted to do in life
• What opportunity we got based on circumstances at hand
• What makes us happy

It is naive to model your life with someone else and regret when it does not simulate as we wanted.

Having experienced several peaks and troughs throughout my life, I have realized and believe in the following. This may or may not resonate with your experiences and which is perfectly normal. After all we are different :)

1. Focus on your priorities - What is key for me may not be yours. One needs to be internally at peace when addressing priorities. Priorities change with time and so your choices may also need to be aligned accordingly. Understanding your priorities is key to happiness - inside out.

2. You are your biggest competition - We have all it takes to make a difference in the work we do or assigned to us. We may or may not know how to do the same, but it is our zeal, persistent effort, striving for excellence that makes us better. When we compete against ourselves we improve and grow as a stronger and mature individual. 

3. Learn from your mistakes and observing others - Life teaches you lessons everyday and there is no better way to learn from mistakes. As long as we understand not to repeat the same.

Sometime it is even better to observe and learn from other's experience and mistakes, avoiding the need to fail.

Failures should also be looked as an opportunity to learn and not a dent in your career or life.

4. Being strong and benevolent - When life or situation put you in a difficult situation, it is key to be strong and face the situation head-on.

Being benevolent is a key asset as it keeps you calm, level headed and focused. You need this the most when you are successful and patience when you have nothing.

Finally the most important thought

5. Being happy - This is key, come what may be the situation. A glimpse to my blog earlier will give you some insight.

Being Happy and Why

We are individuals who have likes and dislikes, choices and wishes. These manifest emotions and key is to balance our priorities, emotions and desires.

Would love to hear from you all :)

A lifeline we often take for granted - WATER

Isn't it true that most of us find pleasure and happiness in accumulating wealth? It could be money, jewels, real estate, investments, expensive cars etc. Nothing wrong with it, everyone has their own happiness quotient.

What about clean drinking water or pollution free air or reliable source of electricity? Well most of us just don't realize the significance of these critical lifelines. Imagine a day when you have no water to drink, your home is out of electricity and the air you are trying to  breath causes more suffocation. Will the wealth help you in anyway? Possibly not.

According to World Bank, population and economic growth have placed unprecedented pressures on water resources. The following are some startling points to ponder:-

1. With current population growth and water management practices, the world will face a 40% shortfall between forecast demand and available supply of water by 2030.
2. The world will need more water for energy generation, over 1.3 billion people still lack access to electricity.
3. Groundwater is being depleted at a rate faster than it is being replenished. By 2025, about 1.8 billion people will be living in regions or countries with absolute water scarcity.

This can be scary. 


WHO has created this very interesting perspective of the Maslow's hierarchy. I think, this is something that needs to be analyzed seriously.

It is also important to know how much of this precious commodity we need on a daily basis.

Population growth in major economies are creating a lot of stress on this resource and the situation seems to be getting bleak unless we take some serious steps to conserve the same.

The rate of consumption versus replenishment could go for a toss in the next decade.

The last super cyclone which hit the eastern seaboard rang big alarm bells. With howling wind speed of more than 175 kms/hour, power lines, trees, homes, infrastructure were severely damaged. Bustling cities and towns with regular water supply and electricity went dark for weeks.

Wealth in a flash meant nothing and everyone wanted some clean water to drink and cook, electricity to bring back their lives to normal.

Today large cities like Chennai, Bangalore etc. have daunting challenge to meet the basic need for their residents - clean and reliable source of water. 

We all need to wake up and realize that it is our job to conserve and use this commodity with utmost care. Let's realize this is the most precious commodity and can be responsible for our extinction.

Conservation starts with me and not anyone else.

Imperfect in many ways - yet PERFECT - INDIA

A civilization which is as ancient as 2600 BC, a country that has weathered invasion from Persian, Turks, Arabs, Portuguese, British and many more for centuries, a country where an unique amalgamation of religious coexistence, a country with numerous languages and dialects can have imperfections when someone looks from outside. This is our country India or Bharat or Hindustan. 

Home to more than one sixth of world population, largest democracy where more Muslims stay than any Muslim country, only other country outside Iran where Parsi's live in peace is bound to have some imperfections.

Why am I talking about imperfections? Well that is because today many of us Indians don't feel proud of our heritage, traditions and culture. A country that embraced everyone who came here and never invaded anyone, gave '0' to the world of mathematics, knew about surgery and medicines centuries before the existence of the western world, finds more critics inside than the world around.


1. Young country - After centuries of colonial rule and siphoning wealth away, a seventy plus year old free country has many herculean challenges

- Rising population meaning pressure on resources
- Changing minds from being ruled to living with dignity
- Ever increasing need to create infrastructure and opportunities

2. Nation first - Our freedom fighters left everything and even gave their ultimate sacrifice to see a free tomorrow. The love and respect for the country should be unconditional. Something which we are forgetting and need to learn from the west

3. Equality and social structure - Century old social structure and systems are not easy to change. Equal opportunity and undivided society (not based on caste, religion, creed etc.) is the need of today and tomorrow. 

Imperfections are opportunities to make things better. What we need to ask ourselves are

1. Am I willing to be a hard working, honest and tolerant person no matter who else is joining me?
2. Am I willing to respect public and nation's property irrespective of who cares or not?
3. Am I willing to keep my place and area clean no matter what?

It starts with me and this is the movement that will transform this great nation to newer and brighter tomorrow.

Nothing is perfect and so is a nation. It is constantly changing. Let's look at the great things that our country has to offer. As India celebrates its 70th Republic day this quote from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address is just apt, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,”