Reminiscences of my childhood - PICNIC

 
Autumn Equinox for us as kids in high school, was a signal that the Autumn festivities would start soon. If you happened to have grown up in the eastern part of India, the major festival of Durga Puja preparations would have started or been getting started by then. In the hope that the soggy days would soon be replaced with sunny and cooler days, we would get started to plan for the annual picnic (we called it Bhanbhoj – meaning feast in the forest).

The Picnic for us teenagers was not only a day when we were not looking at our books but also a day when we could go out of home with our friends to the nearby woods for the whole day and act as responsible adults. Did I just say, adults? Yes! We had to watch out for each other and ensure that everyone was safe when the parents were not around, thereby taking their place as ‘adults’.

You may wonder (for those who may not have experienced) what might be involved or what is the planning all about for us.

1.   It started with a small core group of classmates/friends who typically met after school hours or during recess to pick a couple of tentative dates (a Sunday usually) and a couple of locations. The key challenge was that it could not be too far from our homes, yet far enough that it was not behind someone’s backyard. There was usually a lot of back and forth and the ideas would keep changing.

2.    Socializing the idea and trying to convince many other “like-minded” friends was no easy task. Many times, you needed the “right mix” of friends to ensure that everyone was comfortable and that it was a fun event.

3.    The daunting task was always to convince our respective parents about the picnic, when, where and who related questions had to have convincing answers.

4.    In those days, we collected a fixed amount from everyone based on our planned menu, expenses we may incur, what we had to buy and what we may be able to manage. You read it right, we used to buy ingredients and then cook our lunch at the venue. It wasn’t fancy and elaborate, but the pure fun of collaborating and cooking with friends was a different experience.

5.    There were always a few who knew how to cook, while most of the others would help prep, collect firewood, clean, chop etc.

6.    What made it special at times, was when someone got treats for all which were sent by their parents.

7.    Right from choosing the venue, shopping for the menu, preparing the makeshift stove, clearing the place, to getting all essentials, the tasks were distributed amongst us, based on what each one could do well.

8.    Oh, the best part is we didn’t have cellphones to connect with each other or track one another down in case someone was stuck. Albeit people were seldom late. Everyone knew that time was of the essence, and everyone wanted to make use of the day to the best.

At the end of the day, we would all be exhausted, but the spirits would be high, and everyone would wish that the next picnic could happen ASAP. We didn’t have a lot of means nor did we come from very affluent families to spend a lot, but we always wanted to do the best with what we had. I still remember that just to save a few rupees (in those days), some of us would cycle a few kilometers to get the best and cheapest ingredients.
 
When I look back to those golden memories, they taught me a few things, which I think are still applicable.
·       A ton of material resources does not proportionally increase your happiness. We had so much fun with little and no one complained.
·       Play to the strengths of your team. There are several activities that need to be completed prior to the start of a picnic and many more during that day. The activities were always shared between all of us. The work was given based on what each one did best. For example, the core cooking was given to the ones who knew it well or did a great job the last time.
·       When planned well and in advance, you typically reduce the last-moment jitters. We always planned ahead and, in many cases, had a backup plan.

Do you remember anything from your childhood that still holds true, and you cherish those beautiful moments?

What did I learn from Tokyo 2020?

Indians went into a festive fever and were exhilarated, when we won our first ever gold medal in Athletics in Tokyo 2020. Neeraj Chopra became a household name overnight and everyone wanted to be part of his success story.

Certainly, a proud moment for a country of more than 1.3 billion individuals. We all know that such kind of success comes with tons of hard work, dedication and discipline. I watched some exciting moments during the 2020 games and looked beyond the joy and entertainment.

What did I learn?

• It is absolutely critical to keep going and be focused on how one can improve oneself and be better tomorrow than yesterday
• Develop oneself to be calm under pressure situations and be able to deliver one's best
• Keep oneself motivated during the journey, when not many know or believe that one can do it. Let's ask ourselves, how many of us knew Neeraj Chopra prior to August 2021?
• Be able to hold and handle one's success - being calm and humble

The Indian men's hockey team also created history. They were on the medal podium with a Bronze after 40 years. From a complete dominance in this event until 1964 and then in 1980, we haven't been able to even make it to the final 4 since the last four decades

What did I learn?

• Nothing is constant or permanent
• Keep evolving and never lose sight of what is coming and what may change
• One may have a bad patch or rough time, but one must keep challenging his or herself and introspect
• Team work is key. Everyone needs to be committed and share the same vision. This is the success mantra for any team

Question to ask ourselves - Are we willing to invest in upskilling ourselves, our teams, our groups and be patient in handling those not so good times?

Finally, the Indian women's hockey team. They showed so much promise and determination to get on the podium. They stood 4th in 1980, Moscow Olympics and now they are back in Tokyo.

What did I learn?

• One may put their best at times, but the result may become slightly unfavorable
• One should accept ones failure with dignity (if one has tried his/her best) and learn what one wants to do different the next time
• Life is generally sinusoidal in nature with peaks and troughs, one should keep riding along 

I enjoyed the games thoroughly and was at times awestruck with what human limits can be.

Some things to ponder for all of us:

1. Are we willing to help and support our next generation choose a career they love, are passionate about and have skill to go miles ahead?
2. Are we willing to provide the tools and trainings needed to make our sportsmen and sportswomen stronger and more capable?

There is a lot to learn from an athlete. Many of there traits when imbibed can change the way we think and act in our professional lives for good.

Can't wait to see our continued success in 2024 at Paris.

All pictures used - courtesy from https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/

Be the humble "Potato" - A perspective

What is this title all about? who thinks of potatoes? You are absolutely right. Even for a minute I was thinking, what am I trying to write about and why have potatoes come to my mind.

Imagine some exotic fruits or vegetable or may be food items - may be ham, caviar, avocado, berries, etc. Don't think potatoes fit into this list of top choices, for majority of the people?

However, don't we all (may be most) love eating fries, chips, tots made out of the humble potato? Some fact - "More than a billion people worldwide eat potato, and global total crop production exceeds 374 million metric tons. There are more than 4,500 varieties of native potatoes, mostly found in the Andes." source - More about potatoes

This tuberous vegetable is packed with Vitamin C, Potassium and is also cholesterol free. Many more benefits can be found here - Health benefits. It is among the cheapest source of carbs, protein and feeds billions.

Ok enough of potato production facts, dietary value etc. I want to now highlight on the following aspect of potatoes that attracted me to link them to us in someway

• Picks up the flavor of seasonings used in the dish
• Easily transformable - mash to fries to tots to curry etc.
• Provides a body to any dish
• Fills up many hungry mouth and hearts for so little

How does this make me a potato or what is the connection? Let me share my thoughts and views

Pick up the flavor - Change is the only constant and our surroundings, work place, society are no exceptions. As business changes, expectations change, people come and leave an organization. The recipe or constitution of the dish changes. It is key for us individual like potato to be able to adapt absorb some of the flavors and be part of the change.

Is this always easy to embrace the new change? may be not. Like every dish cannot have a potato, in the real world some changes for us we will become acceptable others not.

Ease of being able to transform - As individuals, we may be tasked with work that we haven't done before, is out of our comfort zone etc. We have two choices, either adapt, transform and try it out or out right say no. The former helps you to broaden your experience, learn new lessons and hopefully be noticed by your leadership.

Transforming to move from your comfort zone can also be a challenge, but taking the first step is key. Potatoes in a pie and in French fries bring different levels of happiness when you eat them. 

Be the dependable body - Everyone loves to have individuals who can be reliable, have the ability to seamlessly deliver a given task to completion and can take ownership. Individuals who possess such qualities are the backbone of any successful organization and keep the engine moving.

Like the humble potato always provides that much needed body to any dish where it is diced or sliced into.

Fill someone's heart - It takes nothing to be empathetic, a little considerate and kind. Everyone works under different level of stress and challenges (internal and external). We all have deadlines to meet and expectations keep skyrocketing.

What may not hurt is to be humble, smile and help others in the process. It certainly makes others smile and feel better. The potato may not taste like caviar but for a hungry person it is no less.

Would love to know what you all think.

Can we transmute "Pain" to a "Purpose"?

How often have you said it loud that" I am in pain, this situation has created so much of pain and grief, it just pains me when I remember the past, I wish that I never went through the pain" etc. 

We all have gone through our share of pain, agony and grief. Interestingly, we often remember these situation(s), it's negative effect, the people who seem to be responsible or inflicted (most time this irks the most) the situation and so on. 

It becomes a never ending cycle and we keep remembering them/situation once in a while, sometimes very deeply and at times just a glimpse. This continues and burst of emotions in spurts distracts us until we want to put this to rest. The way out is - "Transmuting Pain in to a Purpose"

Situation 1

"I helped my good friend at his/her time of need, stood beside to ensure that he/she feel comfortable. Now that all is well, my friend does not even remember me."

Option 1 - Pain inflicting mode on

• Keep mourning about it, feel low, curse your friend, curse yourself as to why you did so blah blah and blah...

Option 2 - Purpose mode on

• You are a person who loves to stand by a loved one at times of distress. Give yourself kudos. Not many think that way.
• You learnt to tackle or understand the situation that your friend faced, you grew in terms of experience.
• You acted with empathy and integrity, just remove the expectation part from it
• Identify opportunities (people, organizations, teams) that need your time, value your knowledge, look for your support to step up and solve their problems

Key - "Delete" the "Expectation in Return" button

Situation 2

"I loved someone dearly. The love, affection and relationship is key to me. The person moves on and I feel dejected. I start to feel miserable and wonder why me?"

Tough one here - as your heart is broken

Option 1 - Pain inflicting mode on

• Keep thinking what might have gone wrong, what you might have said or done that could have irked them
• Self pity and dejected feeling
• Keep talking about why me and feel low

Option 2 - Purpose mode on

• You cherish the relationship that you had, you try and have tried to build the bridge and keep the relationship strong
• Accept that relationships cannot be unidirectional
• Accept that they are individuals, have a life and their priorities
• Invest your energy, love and affection on something that you truly love to do, which makes your soul happy
• Keep your doors open and heart welcoming if the "cows turn home"

Key - Always "love un-conditionally with healthy boundaries"

Situation 3

"I am smart, sincere, working hard and deserve the best. I see others are not doing a great job as I do, yet they are recognized. I don't have a way to move up and I am just not on anyone's radar" - professionals will reckon this

Option 1 - Pain inflicting mode on

• Keep getting upset about why you did not get what you thought
• Be sad about others who are getting recognized
• Keep comparing yourself with others and feel miserable
• Why your organization does not consider you

Many more such emotions will run through

Option 2 - Purpose mode on

• Acknowledge and give yourself kudos for the sincerity and hard work you do
• Appreciate your work ethics and commitment that you show
• Identify areas that you may want to improve and learn from your mistakes (as may be)
• Check on how you have progressed and improved, lessons you have learnt and experience gained during the journey
• Always remember there will be someone who will acknowledge your true value. This not your final destination
• Never let your attitude and ethics goes down - come what be. This is what you carry forward

Key - Your attitude, work ethics and integrity matters the most

There can be several such scenarios with curve balls. Before you choose a path/mode ask yourself

1. What has happened?

2. Can or could I have controlled this? If 'Yes', act

3. What lessons did the situation teach me?

4. How could I think or do things differently

These are just ways to think differently and ways to transmute pain into a purpose. 

“The person without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder.” ―Thomas Carlyle

Is poverty a factor of population? Are we digging a deep grave?

When you hear the word "Poverty", the first images that cross your eyes are possibly, people with limited to no food, no shelter or a broken/make shift so called home, wearing torn or battered clothes etc.

This picture is certainly painful to see and yet in this 21st century many parts of this world has people living in these extreme poor conditions. The disparity between ultra rich and poor has only increased.

Did we ever think what could be driving this? Is there a solution to bridge this gap?

Our world has been adding anywhere between 80 to 85 million individuals (check this interesting web-page - World Population Clock). This means every 10 - 12 odd years we shall be adding a billion mouths to this world.

An interesting view

Courtesy: -  https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

A few things will still remain finite (from a total availability perspective) like land mass, natural resources (minerals, water, forest cover, etc.). Unfortunately many of these are depleting at a much faster rate than ever before.

If the above is the reality,

1. Will we have enough for everyone to eat?
2. Will we have enough space for everyone to stay?
3. What is that year or period in time, when we will have nothing more to consume (natural resources)?

Tough questions and may haunt us just thinking about that day

Population boom and increase has been a way to create more demand for goods and services, leading to economic growth. However the same population is also creating a grave situation (has already created) in the future.

I will try and share my views via this representative ultra simplified example

Let's assume there are three four bands in the population based on wealth. Numbers are all just a representation to elaborate

Let's also assume an average family size at each of these bands (as illustrated in the table below). One can clearly see the gap in what an average family member has got to spend.

Assuming a population growth of 2% a year across the band (which typically is not the case). The reality is bottom bands growth rate is higher. I am also assuming an income growth of 5% a year across the bands.

What we observe from the above at a high level are:

1. The growth in resources available for individuals in the higher bands is significantly higher

2. Population will grow faster (growth rate) in the lower bands

3. Disparity will only grow bigger with time

The interesting dichotomy of this situation is Poverty will drive Population and then the same will increase poverty. Typically the thought is that more earning members will mean more income (hoping to alleviate poverty) , but then the million dollar question is what will be that income like? 

Without resources like nutritious food, medicines, education to support, etc. the vision to earn and live better becomes a mirage.

The above is only a simplified illustration but the real problem is looming and is waiting to explode.

We may like it or not, but some serious thought and soul searching needs to be done. It is a sensitive topic but it can be a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Would love to hear what my friends think.