Digital wave is sweeping us all

Six to seven years back- when Amazon used to suggest me what to buy even before I have clicked through the options- it sued to amaze me. Then somewhere down the line- the ads which used to suggest the most appropriate flights when I have just been thinking of going to meet Ma in kolkata or giving me suggestions of gifts in august or in November- i took these intelligent suggestions as some kind of granted magic. Slowly understood all these are part of digital wave. This is the new era of digital transformation. Whether it is ask avnet chat bot( which learns overtime- which microcontroller to suggest the customer, or what parts or articles they may like to read) or the exact song that youtube somehow managed to understand-- i need it is all part of it.
Best is- Google maps- or google assistant- understands what I am going to do or where i want to go. Effect to me as a sales guy was- when claiming for travel bills or for  car kms. Earleir- we used to have distance chart- office to customer- 16.5 kms, home to xyz supplier office- 12km. Now no need. just go to that date and see the exact km. It even asks you politely- were you there? and if you have taken photo- it shows a thumbnail of it. so cute. Basically you are identified with your email and phone number- and entire world is under convenience role.
Approximately 2 years back- my company which is traditional 95 years old- also moved to similar transformation and the results are encouraging. the adoption of digital tools- helps in increased productivity, better customer support.
But all the conveniences are for people who are honest and good. If you are being naughty- ok.... you will be exposed. For example- one of my teammate- youtube suggestions are all ... ok in mild words- erotic. and he was embrassed- when he had to open a content in front of me and the suggested  next clip was- " jawani ka hawas".. what fun in pulling his leg. He argued that all digital intelligence is eroding privacy.
I countered telling him- my suggestions are all nice and warm-- all old hindi movie love songs or motivational songs or new army/airforce videos. My wife's feeds is full of histry of empires, biology and cars ( ok!!! that one because of Birsa).
Digital transformation or revolution is sweeping us and people are trying to hide behind the curtain of privacy. on one hand you have no qualms in sharing your picture or check in when you are going from one airport to other...as if....
But that same person will lecture why AAdhar and google infringes his private private life.
So Privacy is real concern but it is your freedom - how you want to conduct your life. It will all be recorded and no point in cribbing about it. If you are a good citizen, good guy fundamentally- nothing to fear-- rather enjoy the benefits of digital revolution.
We are in interesting confluence of life- We have to concentrate on AI, VR, ML and Data analytics- main components of digital revolution. My next year goal is to be more knowledgeable about these and win more customer projects on it.

Solving field problems- using key principles

Among all the training that I have gone through during my professional stint-- my favourite will always be DDI training. Among various modules- the most important one is Communicating for leadership success or a.k.a communicating with impact. I have tried imbibing it in my personal life and have seen huge benefits. It talks about key principles and how you can use it to meet personal needs of the person you are interacting with. 5 of the principles are- Esteem, Empathy, Involvement, Share and support.

In very brief- for every interaction- we need to maintain or enhance self esteem.Many a times- people will get stuck- then maintain the esteem- if good accomplishments- then enhance it.Listen and respond with empathy--- in many a sales situation- this is the most important one.I was under firing line of a customer- who was comparing 2 leadership style- one who does not pick his call and another who even if busy- sends a message stating that he will call back. In most of the sales situation- when we are down and out- the simple reaction is flight.. donot pick that call and go for tough talks. I believe that is sheer disservice and disrespect. However difficult the situation may be- we have to talk and practice empathy. Short lead time order- complete order screw-up, ego being trampled by colleague in earlier interaction-- all and i repeat all can be solved by this practice.
3rd one- also can solve many sales oblong situation- ask for help and encourage involvement.. to build trust we can use sharing of thoughts, feelings and rationale ( where you need to!!). and final one is provide support but without removing responsibility. This type of support helps to build ownership.

I plan to write more examples and real life- examples of sales- and how it was solved using key principles. Stay tuned.

Pathos behind waiting

तलाश ना जाने किसकी हैं इस आँखों को,
हासिल हैं बहुत कुछ......मगर तसल्ली फिर भी नहीं..
वो याद आये यूँ ही बहुत..
की लौट आएं सब सिलसिले...
वो ठंडी हवा, वो  गिरते पत्ते
और वो कितने सारे यादें।
There is always a poignancy behind every 'missing' thoughts. The abnormally usual days of last quarter of year. The same challenges all over again. But the days.. They never fail to leave behind the imprints on our mind.
In mind, in our dreams... Reaching early to this great iconic metro. One of the nicest and safest city of India. The quite breakfast ..All veg fare. Then to go to our work. Then having the privilege of having a silent walk in Elliot beach. Silent, but full of meanings. Half life time waiting for such things to happen. Like an unfinished love story.Small vignette of talks. Catching up on life. Urging self to move on.The lighthouse... So mysterious yet so dignified. The orange hue of sunset and then counting the stars. Common ground of likes and wonderment.The company par excellence which is tied but ever youthful mind.  The slow fresh breeze giving the awesome fizz of life.New meaning, and refreshed outlook for life. Which still amazes me... The graceful steps, the slow and engaging talks.Those beautiful gazes. Then a great dinner...Which is always a fantasy. Always awesome.Never thought of but always dreamed of. Next day again breakfast with sweet memories of fantastic time. And after a hard day in field... Somehow matching time and again great company at terminal. Then it is always ...The same feeling so much talked but still nothing said.
In actual... It was  all finally very mundane. Only in back of mind planning. Nothing concrete. Usual responsibilities overwhelm. The same type of rough meetings. The usual firefighting. Multiple meetings. Solving problems. One at a time.Motivating the field and then at end of day. Feel empty.. When you are tired to the boots, a little roaming around in the streets of vadapalani. The sarvana bhavan also does not attract the lonely person any more.Feeling lost in front of that restaurant.. About turn, get into shell. Same old routine of punishing self... As if to find out how much I can stretch. 3 am to 1130pm in same day. Have I forgotten the rigour??. Clearing all emails, presentations and the calls. You just close the eyes and float away. The hard work clears the cobweb of mind.The rush of memories overwhelm. Next day, half empty airport. The delayed flight. In different times I may have welcomed it, just to have more time.Observe people. Study fellow being..Nice hobby. Count them only 6 of them. How strange. No pending emails, no calls. Closest of people will be busy. You feel embrassed to talk or whatsapp. You understand.Withdraw.You suddenly feel like crying..And find the tear ducts have been empty long back.Hard cold facts, hard cold numbers. The quarterly numbers fog the mind. No time for self pity. It is how life is, no time for nurturing the soft side of mine. But Keep loving, keep living. And it repeats.....

Beyond Fear

Beyond Fear
Lies Victory;
It is not my queer
to ask- what lies beyond.
Only thing i know- I am here.
Not to ask-why I ventured there.
It is only a liar who says- he is not afraid.
I for one will admit-
it makes me sweat with fear,
it makes my heart pound faster,
it makes me question my sanity.
Still I prod forward...
It is only the sweet smell of victory that beckons...
Because beyond fear lies victory.

-- From the pages of an old diary.

We always perceive a situation as difficult or challenging. That creates fear- is it doable or not? What happens if I fail?
What happens if people reject me? what if everything goes wrong.
Actually sometimes and someday- everything is set up to pull you down. It often happens - I am not ready for a meeting, the numbers are low, I did work for the program but it did not come out as I expected. Now the test with fire- and you tend to pray. but then the interaction goes just fine. People come to middle path and give agreement. In retrospect- those anxious moments seems so funny.
This happens with many- before exam, before a particular work- a phobia sets in. But if you have put your heart and mind into it, really worked for it- the result does come out just fine.

Efforts will yield result and will help to tide over the anxious moments. When we focus not on what others will say and do it just for the work itself- the results will be in favour of us.

So we need to focus on the means.. the end will take care of itself. When you are really scared of something, in reality its actually works out to be very simple.
N.B:- This blog entry and previous one was triggered by two simple questions. Thanks for helping me ponder. Thanks for inspiration.

Finagle's law of dynamic negatives

Finagle's law of dynamic negatives ,a.k.a corollary of Murphy's law- "Anything that can go wrong, will—at the worst possible moment."

We are in rush-- in this world of instant gratification. There is no time to smell the flower, stop and wonder at the sunrise. See the beauty and marvel at this so precious life. and we get late.....
Typically we are not a nation of punctual personalities, but we try a lot.
I remember a time- when I was rushing to a business review meeting and due to one of my colleague- got late. not only that his car broke down. The meeting was scheduled @9am and we were stuck somewhere 500 mtrs from the building. It was Pune, the area an upmarket one, and we never expected delay-- lest we factored any of the mishaps. so we were 30 minutes late. The supplier boss- who was known for his punctuality told me- that we wasted 10 people 15 minutes and hence that is 150 minutes waste. further he calculated that as- worth $1M of business. The shameless avatar of mine got into overdrive- which smiled and accepted everything and proceeded with the business. the numbers were good, the results were good and focus was on what to do next and my delay was forgotten. After 3 weeks similar meeting was slated in Delhi and this time- he got in traffic and it was my turn to remind me that he got delayed 30 minutes and it cancels out the earlier debt. The ensuing  laughter was heard throughout the building.
But that veteran quoted Finagle's law of dynamic negatives.... Thanks Arun Sir...I will remain indebted to gurus like you forever.

Some time ago- one of my friend commented when in rush- and in traffic- the lateness is amplified. In full filmy style-- the statement was " Jab tum late hote ho, puri kayanath koshish karti hain tumhe aur late karane ki"... But Life goes on. when such things happen- we tend to do mistake. It is better to control our emotions and check for our sanity. Maid informs at last moment - not coming, kid says- this was required and now. all push and pull ... no time to breathe. but that is the time to smile. Because energy is contained by smile and positive vibes comes through. That positive vibes tends to rub of the nearby surroundings and accelerates the good things. when that happens- the zigsaw puzzle pieces just fall in place.
Next time when you are tensed being late and everything seems to be going against you. just take deep breath, smile at the adversity and walk on

By the way----- double corollary of --" Jab tum late hote ho, puri kayanath koshish karti hain tumhe aur late karane ki" is my favourite dialog of SRK-"Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to saari kayanath tumhe usse milane ki koshish me lag jaati hai"

so May be we just need to do things according to law of attraction and leave the rest to destiny.
We are never late in life...

Some waiting are forever

I get uncomfortable when people wait for me. Like if someone waiting for me in railway station, airport or bus station to receive me. I have been out of my home since very young age-- but every time when there was time to return- I used to tell my parents not to come. This behaviour continues to this date. Later- when there was more luxury at offer-I will not take those privileges(still I deny!!). But it is not true that I donot like it.... It is simple equation- that the love that you show when you wait to receive someone is very powerful.
Somehow it has got in my mind that - such unconditional love is not  for me. It is not possible for someone, who can love me so much. So why the prepension?However I take it on me to receive anyone and everyone. I love to go out of way to receive, make people comfortable and feel wanted.I have trained myself to love.. Love unconditional...And waiting for someone is manifestation of that love.
In my younger days when placing long distance calls was a huge chore-- you need to book 'Trunk calls'- it was my duty to wait near the phone. Calls will come from overseas for my parents or from different family members. I always used to sit with a pen and paper to note down points- lest i forget. But my heart was so much into it that seldom a point missed my memory.

But some waits are forever. The wait for recognition. The wait for that elusive yes. The waits have been purely personal or truly professional.. some waits have yielded nothing but pain. Some waits have given spectacular success.There is romanticism behind those waits. Then there is always a perennial type of wait. That sad and fatalistic type of wait.

I wait for peace.
I wait for love.
I will wait for next time..Phir kahin, phir kabhi...I will wait forever....
Let the wait be forever , be eternal and transcend time.....I know it is very hard to wait for something which you know might never happen; but it's even harder to give up when you know it's everything you want.

Songs in my mind and heart

I always had this recurring dream--- there is this large auditorium filled with hundreds of people and I am strumming my guitar and singing song ( written by self). I confined this dream to dustbin quite early in my childhood. During the mandatory music class in school- my teacher used to plead with me-- not to sing. I was that bad. Legend has that I once sang 'ye matire..' in front of school inspectors and they fell sick.
Out of tune, deep bass voice with no melody- that is what even my biggest supporter my ma says. But I always felt I sing beautifully with lots of love.
 I still think- where Mendel's Gene theory went wrong? maybe skipped 1 generation.Because both my parents sing very well. Amrita sings well- she was trained too. So Birsa has some chances - i Guess.

Not to be let down- I pushed myself to speak publicly and never leave an opportunity to speak. I love elocution, debates, turn-coat, extempore speeches and poetic recitations. I only wish I had more opportunities. Ok, this topic- more in separate entry- perhaps!!

Coming back to my interest in songs. I always loved songs, singing never happened, and subsequently I discovered I am equally horrible in dancing. It took Amrita 11 years of patience and more than 12 hours to coach me to dance with her publicly (Thanks to Chotu's wedding!!)- and I guess - I made so many mistakes of steps that she also has given up by now. sigh!!!
But I have never ever given up on singing.

The tunes come to me -- I love western classics, hollywood classics, old hindi songs ( romantic), bhajans, spiritual light music. Sometimes the tune will be embedded in my dreams or suddenly it will haunt me and the moment I get up or get opportunity- I need to hear that song. Youtube is a boon for people like me. Often I will remember 1 or 2 major words or lines- and can search to that song. Sometimes I will pester her with tunes that is roaming freely in my mind and try to sing it out. She says it is impossible, but she has her successes in deciphering too.Sometimes....
Then there are songs which remind me of people, incidents etc. Some songs are special and some are like anthems to me.
Beatles- Imagine, sun is fading away have the power to stop me..
Tu Chaiye, Suhana safar, chukar mere man ko, and so many more- act like taking a time machine.
then- Bailamos--- reminds me of success.
Now that there are apps-- it has become so convenient for me ( 300 + top liked songs, after lots of thoughts/ removing/adding). More so-- my new car can stream using Bluetooth, usb and from online too. That is one feature- which has made my commute and travelling around in Bangalore in traffic so much more bearable. I have now made lists and can quickly jump to them- travel songs (while in airports, flights, trains, buses- long distance), commute time songs, morning prayer songs, etc... When the songs are very nice and I want to share- youtube allows me to share. The feeling is so nice when that shared song plays again and again.

That's it- I have decided that when I am no more- and if they ever hold a memory meeting- noone will be remorseful or sad that day. no, not allowed. They can listen to the songs that i love and smile and feel happy.

Alone in the crowd

The article in The Hindu reminded that 28th Sept was 130th birth anniversary of T.S. Eliot. And that made me revisit the poems- also the quote from four quartets- jogged my memory a bit....

"I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hope

For hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love,
For love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith
But the faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting."

After a hectic work week- when I had multiple meetings and little bit more than what is normal-- of my share of having running nose and sneezing-- I was forced to reflect.

How true--- the love and the hope- all are in waiting. You keep doing what you do. Keep laughing loudly, keep encouraging others, keep motivating , keep inspiring but then-- for a moment- when you close your eyes and need all of them to come back to you-- you feel that familiar anxiety. That anxiety of being loner.Somewhere that helpless feeling of being very lonely.

You love, you engage-- passionately. You sing the songs, listen to the raindrops at night and suddenly feel very lonely. You cannot describe-- what you want.

The tempest around you blows off, the splashing road by the car- ceases.....You start sharing then give up...thinking it is of not much importance.

It is important for me to speak, to tell-- my innermost fears- the dark and not so dark side of my story, but there is no caring soul to be bothered.

Why should anyone bother?

The feeling haunts---finally I am not that important. All actions are just coming out of my sense of duty. My duty as a son, husband, father, friend, leader....

The meetings draw on and on-- you keep giving enthusiastic inputs. some will be taken up, most will not be.

The forwards and chats- keep happening... some write one word.. i reply in multiple paragraphs. Some have to just indicate.. and I will be all over.. helping, talking...laughing, smiling.

But then the behaviour will not be replicated.

Then it is like- you sit in room full of crowd and you are still lonely.You command your presence, push the agenda forward, but then you are lonely.  After a while you return to your book, share the notes, but then find around you-- everyone fixated at screens or fixated with themselves. That is the point when you feel the fun. You can get away from all that and not a single soul will miss you. you feel not important. It is too much of give and take in every interactions.

Then I feel- I stop.... maybe it is too much enthusiasm, too much love for life. Let me be alone .. so what.. we are en consed in crowd. The murmur becomes shouting and then you raise a point and people suddenly look at you. The pointer was always there.. then you feel half of the room was feeling why they didnot propose the same. You smile inside. You weep in private. then you decide... no more I will take myself so seriously.

You keep waiting in crowd--- lonely and tired... hoping for love and hope..

Sense of loss and avoiding the tailspin effect

His glassy eyes-- told me the story so vividly. I knew the tempest inside his heart. I knew that he had taken a brave decision. I wanted to hug him and tell him it will be ok. Someone alerted me already- what he may be going through.
 But , waited... till he can tell it by himself. A test again that i do for my fellow soldiers-- am i correct in judging this young man to be a great individual. And I was not wrong....
While returning from the visit- in auto- over the din of Bangalore traffic- he finally told--" Sambit, I have decided to call off my wedding".I allowed him to explain the background. All the while I was actually feeling myself in his shoes. The years of rejections, losses, things which should not happened but happened-- flashed. Just wanted to tell him-- It is ok. Time will heal you, brother. But I did tell him- how incredibly proud i am of him.. of him maintaining the composure and taking it in the chin. Principles first. but then the loss is their.
Rejections and losses.
Another very close friend told me about crying all night because of loss of a close relation.I felt deeply, no amount of love was enough, no words were kind enough. No solace big enough.

 2 different end of spectrum. But personal losses nevertheless.You cannot clarify, you cannot judge. You cannot answer why ?
Dealing with loss- one easy way is to take refuge in some of the excellent books. I have always referred to Bhagwad Gita, Tuesdays with morrie and The last lecture for solace during personal loss.
In truth- we all know Death is inevitable but we want to stretch.. we donot want to believe. The day we are able to stare death at the eye and say-- it is time. i am afraid no more.. the doubts will melt. if it is time... then it is time to go. It is very simple. But we question.. why?

When it is loss or rejection-- for no fault of ours- we again question-- why me? There are increasing cases of depression and young kids-- thinking it to be a disease. All they have to do is think out and talk. Surround yourself with people who are positive, who really care about you. typically they maynot be the first one to like your fb post or IG post but will speak up or stand up for you always. If you have good mentor, good teachers, good friends- then the work of tackling the loss is easier.

It is good to cry, good to grieve, Good to say i donot know , good to feel the pain. But then we have to channelise- the pain and loss.

Visualise oneself to overcome that pain, now that it has happened-- what next? what is the next best possible thing. if you visualise that next best thing- you will get there. always happens.

Bye , Bye- KA03-MH9443

I never thought I will ever be so attached with an inanimate object. But then when I was getting into my car of 10 years 9months for a last ride- from office to home-- I decided to click the picture of the old lady. sometime in November-2007- good freind Sanket- literally shook me out of my famous non decisive mode and we bought this car. Color- Beige was Amrita's choice. Uncharacteristic of myself- I did not do any research also. Just went and found which one is within my budget and bought. Later people told-- ohhh , you bought a very poor model. It was Estillo LXI. Very rugged, very convenient for Bangalore roads and very very lucky for us. I remember- it used to be parked outside our rented house in Thippasandra. And one fine morning- Amrita found out to her horror that someone has dented the front fender. She was so upset. She cried and cried so much that I had to take her for a softie to a nearby icecream shop. I was very rough driver, and Amrita will always be gentle on it. The car saw all our adventures together. Never went on very long drive, but it was part of us. Numerous incidents are associated with it. So many pleasure trips within Bangalore. Birsa loved it...We three colleagues shared our commute- self, Panda ji, milind.Panda ji also had the same car but pink one. We used to call our $90M car -- a sum of  business- that we 3 were responsible for that times. Today-- if we calculate the business we are responsible for is just double. The same car- I remember- during sometime in 2010- I had the audacity of taking 3 Apex members from our office to TI office. Jane Neo, our sr. VP Marcom and materials found the car very cute. Terence, our Regional President- said nice car and Andy wong said- very comfortable car. I had a mouthful from colleagues about my audacity and behaviour. Later I had so many customer visits in it-- all over. So many memories created by this small car. Ferrying friends and family. I smile when i remember some famous quotes. Ramani once told- your car makes a noise like aircraft, but that meeting was super success.  so today when for last time it was on the ramp--- i felt like saying thank you!! From that same designated slot .. with full confidence I have gone ahead.. always to Win.
May someone- equally lucky get you. Good bye KA03-MH9443. You served me well. Amrita will only be able to welcome the new car, Could not say bye to the old lady.

Learn, Share, Lead & Inspire- My 4 steps

Learn-
That is first step for a field person. specially if you are a technical field sales person or techno-commercial guy!!! Everyday is a process of learning and unlearning.Rather we have to unlearn and be in receptive mode to learn. Each encounter, each customer visit, each interaction is a great learning experience. When i get too much mired into daily work- i spice it up. I focus myself to know what am i learning from what i am into. that is sure indicator for me to spur myself up. Even if I am into a very boring meeting ( you can't avoid them, despite doing homework and trying to excuse yourself from many of them)- I try to get myself- into learn mode. Learning mode is something that takes me forward. Reading books has been my habit. I like reading anything and everything ( even the contents of shampoo bottle!!). Reading gives me insight. In last one decade the content has just exploded , thanks to wide reach of WWW. This has been boon for me. so much content, so much to read. But we need to be cautious- sometimes- it is huge time waste- if you just see non value add content. Always curate the social media, the medium to throw up links or genre of your choice.

Share-
Even though learning is continuous- we need to share it with others. Hinduism has always told share the knowledge, if you share it - it grows. In modern times-- I find when you share- people may like , may not like. Some will reject you, people have less time, less patience. We are slowing forgetting how to read, how to think, how to converse meaningfully. In many meetings- I find the attention span is less. So I try to share my main value /message in first 15 seconds.. at the most 2 minutes- after that people are back to their mobile.It is becoming acceptable practice for people to be physically present but not focused. But share we must!!
Sharing of knowledge is important. sometimes- you may be deemed preachy, people will laugh at your back, but keep sharing. Life is very short , when related to the vastness of cosmic timelines. Funny... my colleagues once gave me a cup " Baba ramdev award"--- citing this sharing philosophy of mine. and once more--- another cup" wikipedia award". So even if that happens.. that's it...

I also feel- we should share our wealth. you may be millionaire, you may be billionaire, you may be salaried-- with hand to mouth existence. but there is always some unfortunate people around. Share your wealth. This is subject to practice. Numerous excuses will rise, best i found is- put an ECS of xyz amount to 1 or 2 charity. It works. what you give, comes back many fold.
You will occasionally be cheated, many times taken advantage of. you will feel it also- but still donot forget to give.

Lead-
Leaders are made . you can make yourself a leader. you may not have people to lead, no direct influence, may be the bottom rung official, may be just the ordinary joe. But you can still lead. there are ways and means.First find out what you believe in- then implement. That will help to lead. Influence people by following BAP principle...Hmm. what is BAP principle ( ok- let me see.. if you are interested- get in touch with me. )It is powerful technique of influencing people.

Inspire-
Finally Keep inspiring people. first be positive. Keep giving positive vibes around you. Do good to others. Keep Inspiring till the last breath.

Notes for Self Improvement-3- unnecessary lies

This one trait- also i hate. I lie...
I lie to do good.
I lie to save someone.
I lie to do many things as a sales person.
I make stories.
Many times- on hindsight it was not required.

But not for self profit.. in most cases. and that is strange. I have done mistakes and got punished. Not a single time- when i lied for my benefit- i actually got anything. so that is big solace.
Leni deni .. bhul chook.

but at this juncture- when i think I have another 2nd half to tread through- i need to improve.
I have fought with myself and have reduced this.. but still i can make it perfect...
Way to go.

Notes for Self improvement-2- Avoid Procrastination

If there was ever a gift from God- I will like to ask for the ability to get over my habit of procrastination. I am so self aware and ashamed of this particular trait of mine. This is no.1 enemy of my growth. In pursuit of excellence i have always stumbled on this rock of procrastination again and again.
Earliest memory- reminds me of instance when I delayed giving my name for that debate competition. Was denied entry ... and forced to listen. I was kicking myself- the field was weaker than expected and I could have got that coveted trophy. Next year was too late- the competition was stronger and i could barely manage a 3rd prize. shame was- I did not try...

so many instances flood me right now.. that delayed SSB practice, that delayed decision to pursue my course in engineering (but that had a positive aspect, a consolation-- the friends i got were sublime).. but all of them give a feeling was it destiny or missed chances?

One procrastination I can never forget till I go to grave...  why I was not bold enough? why I put off expressing myself fully ?  was i too young to go further? a step further. agreed it was one sided.. but never asked at that time. left it for providence and a foolish concept of next time?

Each stage of my life- I have been hounded by this fallacy of mine. and my soulmate came to my rescue. She gently pushes, nudges and prods... never nags. Gives me time to reflect. Gives me pro- and cons. that works. Thanks BB... I may not have reached this much also- without that.

Keep reminding me...

and  my soulmate of providence-- you promised to make me better. I know there is next time.. keep motivating me.

Notes for self improvement-1- Practice Humility

Another sales win, another design win and it is always that feeling- " I am master of all that i survey". Then the kid inside myself feel elated and the feeling comes" I can win anything and everything"... Then the natural bragging comes to me.

But wait....Is it that important? and for what I am elated..??
Then the way back- that urge... I must listen to the song.....Don't get me wrong. the urge is so strong I stop on the side of road- and search for the song in youtube-
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbuSOI1Vnc ( E monihar amay nahi saje) .. The cobwebs of the mind gets cleared.
Gitabitan- states that Poet wrote this when he was going through conflict between feeling of achievement and rejection of situation when he was being praised from all corners prior to receiving the Nobel prize. I think no other song could have captured my mood so well.

This jewell-studded chain is not match for me.
It hurts when put on; it clatters while attempting to break.
It suffocates, choking my vocal tune
It is distracting and I am unable to concentrate.
That is the reason why I am on the wait,
I wish to put the chain across your neck and be relieved.
Gracefully receive me with floral garlands
I shy away from you because of this jewel-chain.

Can I practice humility? more?
that i have to- sometimes when in thick of battle, when i feel elated- i just have to remind me- everything is transient. there have been more failures than success. I have done more mistakes than correct things at one go.some mistakes- I could learn from, some mistakes -- i continue to do.. so what is there to be proud of.

I have to be more humble. Enforce it.. Humbleness brings peace.
I have to remind myself everyday- to be humble.. while still pursuing perfection.

The glistening dewdrop

The translated lines of a famous poem by the great bard- Ravindranath tagore-

"I traveled miles, for many a year,
I spent a lot in lands afar,
I’ve gone to see the mountains,
The oceans I’ve been to view.
But I haven’t seen with these eyes
Just two steps from my home lies
On a corn of paddy grain,
A glistening drop of dew."

(Copied from the blog of Mr. Rajib roy)-

On an usual lonely evening- after a hard day's work , when emails just get replied, and still i say to myself- two more presentations to prepare...and these lines get to me. Does it happen to you too? some old lines of favourite poem, some half forgotten lines of old song and you feel .. maybe.. maybe.. it should linger.

It happens with me, these feelings actually keep me sane. It is odd- for a sales person to have lonely time. but yes, it happens to the one- who just keeps his head inside the work and life. I realised today- there is no need to be worried too much about one's own self. You are not that important.

Means- you, me.. nahh. not important atall. we are all so self centred that we have lost the ability to care for others. The precious life is entwined in linkedin, facebook, whatsapp and what not? we are very much into ourself.. so much that we have forgotten to care for others. so that gave me an idea. who care what i think or feel for? who cares a damn.

But maybe I care for--that long abstract shadow-- which i can see of the tall tower all over the okhla phase1. imaging itself on the glistening rainwater -- drizzling and the fading sounds of traffic from the 8th floor. Beautiful moon beckons life from yonder and i wonder--- what is the real meaning of life. the life is full of giving, if I donot - then it is fallacy. Now what will others think?

Then it comes to me like a bolt- I am not that important that someone will care for me. that gave me lot of comfort. The feeling that it does not matter anymore to be correct and proper as long as I have the heart and will to continue doing good for others. without malice, without expectations.  so many things to be done, so many things remain unexplored. then that shadow playing of cloud and moon made me remember the poem...."glistening drop of dew" Ekti sishir bindu....

Is it really necessary that people will see eye to an eye. may be most of the time no. but that does not mean that we stop caring, that we stop loving, or stop doing what we are supposed to do. Onwards always onwards.

when deep love and longing make you feel very important. .... it is prudent to remember- it does not matter much.

Because if you haven't felt your heart and soul being torn apart , then you haven't really loved with all your heart.

So continue loving... life will take care of itself.

continue doing good for others.

I resolve to continue learning and inspiring...

Why I chose sales as my profession?

It is 18years as a sales person for me. 18th August,2000- the day I first did a field visit as a sales person. The customer was Tata elxsi. I just remember - it was to pitch for training services of Bitmapper and that it was Friday. I remember- I was sweating and to make matters worse I wore a tie (the Tie was borrowed from Praveen??).

 I was completely a misfit among a crowd practising casual dressing. I remember the long bus journey from Majestic to Whitefield.
After so many years- I wanted to deal with this question.
Because it was really very difficult for a shy , timid and very introvert kid to take this leap of faith and join the ranks of Alpha males getting their bread from World's second oldest profession.
Today I think I need to do a self evaluation and answer this myself. It was same like the other questions of my life... I was afraid of water- so i learnt swimming , I was afraid of heights (still i get sweat if i have to climb stairs to fix something!!)- and i learnt to love mountains.
I have no hesitation to admit now that like many sales pro- i also joined the rank without ever aspiring to be a sales person. I have heard many kids telling that he wants to be doctor, engineer, scientist, but to think of it noone ever aspires to be sales person. no not even progeny of sales people. Also have you ever noticed--- many few people ever introduce themselves as sales people. But this was one profession which has given so much to so many people. The circumstances were tough for me in year2000. I was average student and there was nothing remarkable to showcase. yes- i did got trained well in technology and got through first stage of many companies which was recruiting en-masse. I kept a count... I attended 28 interviews (Was politely rejected in most. I got into final stage for only 5, but those 5 -gave me enormous confidence).Mehta sir- allowed me to work first and the JD was fuzzy, but i understood I have to do some sales. I was good in doing hard work- so it was not difficult for me to call upon more than 8 customers in single day.. which was routine for me each day and everyday. the training was very hands on... much to the credit of Rakesh Mehta sir-- who taught me literally how to understand that spark in customer's eyes. Lot of help from Naga sir-- our distributor. He made me part of his family. and then i started falling in love with the work. It was addictive and gave enormous kick. It also helped me to forget all the rejections. It was fun- it was ecstasy. I used to be very apprehensive in making friends- i found i can always have a kind of 2 persona. On a typical work day- i can talk with anyone, make friendship under 10 seconds, influence anyone, win anything. It made me forget all my past failures, It made me forget all my pain. I always had the curious mind of explorer-- and i could take up any kind of discomfort. So the nigh bus travels-- long bus travels- 8 hrs, 10 hrs, 24 hrs, long train travels- with multiple hops. They helped me become strong mentally. By Jan 2001- I was completely taken. The first order- 2.5lacs....ohhh.. i went wild with joy. The PO copy in hand, i remember going to that malabar tiffin room ( it was unaffordable for me most days)- and i ordered soup and gobi manchurian. and celebrated- me, my po copy and gobi manchurian. Then slept peacefully .. same room (Rs110/per night)- Renuka lodge.

Then the years rolled by- in form of Quarters and success.the territory- which started with Pune region, then south Maharastra, became Goa, then Tamilnadu, Kerala. finally Bangalore & Karnataka. When i moved to coreel- i had visited each nook and corner of maharastra, Goa, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Hyderabad was always lucky for me... It just rocketed me up and further. some time in 2007- I started having national roles. more cities.  It was always a forward thurst. so it will not be wrong to say--- the profession chose me. and yes, i did the right thing.

An Interview in bis infotech online.

SOC design- in future .
Was trying to search my other articles in EFY and other older journals. This one is most recent- on soc design- link above. Rest I will put up for own reference.. later.

Edit-1-
got this old one-EFY- Memory article
 or copy paste- in browser-
https://electronicsforu.com/electronics-projects/electronics-design-guides/know-designing-memory-embedded-systems/2

Edit -2-
Another article came up in BIS infotech-Feb12-
https://www.bisinfotech.com/electronics-article/how-far-exactly-can-an-electric-vehicle-ev-travel/

Growing with our old friend, the customer (An excerpt )

There was an internal request in my company-- that I write on topic- 'what's on my mind?'
I ended up writing a piece on customer support. After writing- I felt it was very preachy.
Some colleagues took trouble and time to good comments. I am still doubtful about the quality- but before i lose it ( like i have lost my other poems, short stories, and essays!!- let me try to preserve from now on). Thanks to Hannah for helping to edit and my Amrita to say as always ' bhaloi hoeche!!' (Bengali-- 'it is nice').

Thanks always to my organisation for letting me flourish in so many ways. Avnet is truly a great place to work. So here I go--- ================================================================================================================================================ It was a mildly hot May afternoon as I pulled up in my car to a customer’s premises. I signed my name in the visitor registry (while taking a glance at who had called recently) and exchanged a few pleasantries with the receptionist. Both actions assured me that the other guys had still not called, and perhaps were not yet aware of the opportunity.

 Good for me. Bad for them.

 I then sat in that familiar sofa and even after so many years in the field – the familiar adrenaline rush. Am I prepared? Did I miss something while doing my homework? Quickly revisiting in my mind the pending (and burning) issues and my main point – I kept thinking, can I ask for that next step for that new project? Or will the fire-fighting issues take over? In due time, I was in front of the technical director and new product manager. The meeting was scheduled for 30 minutes, but after an hour and a half, we reached an impressive conclusion: eight action points, two great words of appreciation and yes, the “go ahead” for the next project. The customer agreed to work on all four proposals that my team gave the previous week.
 Success! Small, but significant.
I am sure the above scenario is very familiar with most field representatives. It’s the same routine which keeps people like me looking forward to jumping out of bed and just doing it. Each day when I wake up with a plan in my mind, it is for our customers. Each day is different and comes with so many problems to solve. One customer at a time, one supplier at a time.
 It has been 12 years and counting in the field for me representing Avnet India. I began as a key account manager in Sales. From there, it was on to serving as a product manager for two key line cards before working as an FAE manager for the past few years. I feel privileged that I work for a company which has given me an opportunity to exceed the budgets and expectations in different roles. I doubt any other job can give me the satisfaction of working like a business owner, as a leader with ample scopes to make a difference to society. Customers and suppliers always ask me about our transformation. They ask whether they will see better turn-around timed, more technical support, more effective solutions. Suppliers ask if we will bring more value than the others. With a smile, we answer them, “Yes!” We then effectively demonstrate it again and again. Avnet is the true bridge between different technology providers and innovators. A true-blue Avnet field representative must balance both. Both are very important for us because, in crude terms, “customers give us resale, while suppliers give us the margin.” The customer, however, is the most important piece in this entire journey. It gets very cloudy when it comes to execution in real-time. Often there are days when we are challenged by suppliers to push a particular product at a particular price. Project timelines are often very fuzzy and it can be very easy to forget the basics. Being in a high-tech world, many projects do not realise their full potential. We all need help during those times and the beautiful teamwork at Avnet helps us through them.

 Here are a few practices which have helped myself and my team keep the basics in focus daily:

 1) Be responsible and responsive :-
Customers are loyal to us (even in our typical B2B business environment) because we own the project and problems. Proactive calling, informing and responding helps a lot. There will be many problems, delays in samples (stuck in some documentation), longer than expected lead times, price errors, delayed order loading and AR issues. But, all these issues can be resolved and we should own up and tell them the what and why of it. It may not be good news every time, but we must tell them fast.

 2) Ask for referrals:-
  Customer contacts are for life. Nurturing key relationships is very important. If we bring value to customers, I see them coming back to us even when their roles or responsibilities change. It is always easier to get incremental business when we apply ourselves and do our jobs with a lot of love and passion.

 3) Always advocate for our customers:-
 When we advocate for our customers and get them the best possible solutions – whether it’s the most economical choice of components, a better way of doing things, or a new lead – they become ours for the long-term. This is the simplest technique and we should use it more often. Last year, when we faced a sudden drop in revenue due to a few suppliers taking different paths, I found many customers supporting us. When we told them we couldn’t further service these parts, customers asked what can we offer instead? And, can we help them change in new projects? Many new customers, such as independent design houses, love to work with Avnet because we help them when it matters most.

 4) Respect competition but leverage their weakness:-
  I personally feel that when fear and mindless negativity gets to us, it is stronger competition than any one of them out there. Some other electronic component distributers may have better services, better prices, or a better sales system, but none have it all. In each customer situation, we must find their weaknesses. When we find it, we should be quick to leverage them. It is always sweet to win, but when we lose we cannot go into excuse mode. Instead, we must quickly learn from the mistakes and make sure not to repeat them.
 We at Avnet India pride ourselves that for 23 years Avnet has been number one in our region. We recognise that our success is due to our customers, as well as our supplier partners. We have grown with our old friend – the customer – because our success is mutual.

To bare my soul-- Shall I try again?

Seven years went by like a fast paced river. This blog was forgotten, the website that i created-- long lost.I think the responsibilities weighed me down- and i forgot that I could create something other than some reports or good product presentations. Then on this Tuesday on Independence day eve, something very strange happened. It was again a midnight travel spree- relaxed mind with a new book in hand. The book 'footprints on the rocks' was awesome , I was hooked. Nowadays there are so many distractions of social media that focusing solely on feeding your soul is a chore.Thinking has become a luxury.But somehow a very charming, fuzzy & lovely interaction triggered it.
 I remembered my blog... Most of the writings- are personal notes on the flow of my life. Very short but full of truth. I know it is not important. Beauty of this format is- hardly it will get to be read by anyone- unless I point it to someone. Unlike what i write in facebook, IG or Whatsapp.So it will be easier for me to note down again. Does it matter? I donot think so-- who bothers whether there is one more star or nebula in this vast universe. The data explosion is so much that some random notes of mine will be again lost in time wrap of 1 & 0. But I promised myself- I will start writing again. The flow of words were halting, timid - just like small steps of the kid who left the small town and found everything wondrous in big city. The thoughts which were jumbled then became the words- in process- as if the sales pro has taken over that kid's soul. That kid is still alive, still the hopeless romantic, still the same procrastination plague his every decisions. But somewhere down the full flow of life- which is very exciting- he still likes to inspire, still wants to do good. Hoping that I will be honest and be able to bare my soul again. I hope I will be able to write a full fledged observation on life as it happens.

After 28 years

India won the cricket world cup after 28 years. I was witness to the match. the tension was palpable during the end and myself, amrita and Birsa all cheered on. Birsa is only 2 years old-may not have understood. but he was witnesing history being made. Cricket whether i like it or not has become a national passion.I personally find it slwo- except when india is playing and it is dead end of a match :-)

2010- a great year to go through

It was like a flash!!! 2010- started and end with such a fastness that i am worried- may be- I am on fast lane too much. This was not an ordinary end of year. it was end of a decade. Slightly different from end of last decade. Last decade end was- full of aprehensions, it was time when I was in final year of my engineering and we were worried of the job sceneario, less opportunities. But I was hopeful. I always knew- if i worked hard without letting the complacency come in between or hopelessness get to me- I will win.Still lots need to be done- but the last 10 years has been a time to continuously work harder. So many success and failures- that together it made me a better man.Last year was an icing. Lots of recognitions- as if to compensate those dark days/months of early years of this decade- when once i felt- it was all worthless.2010- started with increased work loads, then there was awards, then it was change of role. Increased responsibilities. and it came with its own bagages, own joys, own problems. acceptability in role, further hard work to establish self.I sometimes feel hardwork is addictive- and am afraid won't be able to do any soft job anymore.I have come to love the pressures and that strange feeling when I just drop off to my bed--- dozing off thinking of the encounters of the day, customers/suppliers/my team......God bless. I wonder- if i continue the hard work - where will it take me. I look forward to next day with more anticipation, more hope and lesser greed. May i contribute more and more and make the world a better place.

New year 2011- a poem by colleague

Responsibility comes along with laurels

I like the joke of one of my seniors in semicon industry. 'good things never go unpunished'. I always sincerely beleive that in my profession- you are as good as your last quarter. similarly- when going gets good- i never get too much excited- as whatever goes up- comes donw. ans so i get restless.Two years of hard work--- and chandran's words on oct 2007 became prophetic. I love this experienced colleague of mine- always bang on target and prediction. 2 years and 2 changes in roles- last one being very prestigoious and comes with lots of expectations. my compnay always has been very good to me. It is meritrocracy always- you work hard- you get the goods. You donot do hard work- you donot get the goods but get upteen no. of chances to change the course and excel.this is what i love about my job- learn and unlearn-- win always.Now i am entering a new phase- with lots of hope, and wishes, lots of plans and lots fo misgivings. but i am very sure- about one thing- i will work harder and will try the hardest. I have never been the person who worries about the ends. the means are important. it is always good to fight and then lose than never have fought atall ( sorry tennyson-- that's a sad but apt parody of your line)

To my elder brother....an ode

Dear ....
I promised to self that one day i will write this.And you will know that ( as always-- the connection was and is very strong). We have been freinds, and we have been there and seen all.I first recollect from my early memories- you were the hero. Extremely talented, and somebody whom all look upto- whom all loved and liked. One who cannot fail.Over the years- tried to follow you. Remember the numerous stories we shared-- both of us being voracious readers. You used to tell me all classics and later i used to re-read them. i used to make up some stories- mix of various stories and you also sometimes liked them.on this day of anoteh teacher's day-- a certain wistfullness took over me. woke up at ungodly hour-- kissed my son- who gave me his sincere smile ( half asleep).Then i thought about all teachers, all freinds and then i thought about you. Years and years between us- we never spoke. There was these incidents- which i wanted not be part of- which deeply hurt me. later realised-To forget and forgive is only way out. has not been there the demons in my life too? those innumerable failures, innumerable professional and personal mistakes. did i throw myself out? nay... always came over them and excelled.so it's time to catch up. today when i see your hobby photographs- they are much more beautiful than your paintings. those paintings which i used to admire and begged you to teach me. Realised- excellence is not taught-- it is practicsed. You told the same.I remember- how tolerant you were of me- when- you being the elder had to wait- till i finished my long drawn lunch. We grew up- each summer- we used to meet and catch up- hours and hours of talk.then you became a doctor.Our paths diverged. i remember- missing you on some of my worst days of my life. i remmeber that sales call - i was in chandigarh- and i knew you were a student there-- but professionalism called for no time to meet my most precious brother.Second time- i could not stop- i just called you-- you were somewhere outside. I remember-- I planned and took all my leaves at one go ( taking 10 leaves at one go- when you are a junior sales person-- is something amazing-- and very courageous thing to do) and went dibrugarh for your marriage. then i remember the time- when i was shocked by all unpleasant news.It all came crashing down. won't tell a lie- it was a big let down for me. i tried to reason with my own self--' everybody is supposed to make mistake', 'maybe i donot know enough'.'maybe- it is a bad dream'. but mind overruled heart and those ties snapped. Whenever i go to Mumbai, it is usually in a car of colleague or a bus ( earlier it used to be the red busses and nowadays swanky volvo .. how times change :-) )-- there are some small stops- i keep myself awake and let myself think....( you know hypothysing, if it was like this and that types).. all those places are linked to some persons-- cbd belapur, vashi, anusakti nagar/chembur,iit-powai,andheri...
They remind of friends and collegues and incidents-- mostly pleasant. so, till we meet again, good bye and good luck. but remmeber- I never went away- when we did not talk-- I only thought and kept my silence.

A new brand & the elephant expresses itself

I always love to describe my country's economy as a sleepy elephant.USD1.2 trillion is not a small amount and so strong middle class that world can disregard it at it's own peril. this sleepy elephant got a new identity. indian rupee has now a symbol and i started using it from today. It was so exciting to have something of indian- just like usd or euro or pound.
so it is now the right time to go and tell the world - india has arrived.

For hope and peace-- my prayer

What's wrong with my country- people on killing spree. Was so sad to see Maoists killing hundreds in train incident in West Bengal.I am of view that whatever your demands can be done by peaceful means only. Noway violence can be encouraged-- and be a solution to any problem. violence begets violence and never will triumph.
June month is starting- always a very very exciting month for Avnet employees- fiscal ends and we go bersek to meet numbers/targets. I personnaly am on thresold of touching some milestones and like always have lots to expect out of this month again.

Breathes there the man!!

I recently saw one of my friend who is coming back from US starting a countdown clock in her orkut status- like 10 days left/ 9 days left to return to india/home.
It reminded me that immortal poem by that great Sir Walter Scott:-

Breathes there the man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!
Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned,
As home his footsteps he hath turned
From wandering on a foreign strand!
If such there breathe, go, mark him well;
For him no minstrel raptures swell;
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonored , and unsung.

how true...when you go away from the place you love and was brought up in- and when you return-- the feeling is immense. Each time- when i return home- Durgapur- i feel it....or when i go away- i feel like that brother in flaherty's story- ' living in exile'.. when i return from my countless trips- i feel the same-- breathes there the man with soul so dead... the ahaa moments of life.

An ode to wistfulness

Read a good piece on TOI- supplement paper ( anatomy of breakup)- once passage was on wistfulness and words were very familiar. Took me down memory lane and i wanted to write.'Har khwab jo poora ho jaaye wo khwaab hee kya: hasraton kee khoobsoorti wahi to hai humen jo zinda rakhe ,aur rooh ko kasakta'

How very true!!! It reminded me- of my school days- when i had a burden to show my parents that i am a good student ( whereas i was not-- i was pretty ordinary)- when ma used to ask- when i will stand first ( instead of most of times standing second or in later years turning out disastorous results). My answer was- if everybody did good in academics then- who will bring the rear. Now i laugh at my audacity. but it remained a dream to do good/very good in academics.I used to put lots of effort- but somehow they never reflected in the grades.There were too many failures all along the struggle. Failures to get registered in minds and hearts , failures to get recognised among peers,failure to win over. there were success- but they were made very sweet- because of the failures.so limited no. of fearlessness crept in- when you know what rejection is, when you know you have to start from zero again. Remember- Mahatma had many false starts before he could steer our nation to independence. I am no mahatma- but a beleiver in his ways. In professional life- i always felt being shortchanged- the returns never that big which will complement the years of hardwork. Admitted sometimes i have willingly done mistakes,regretted- punished more than heavily- thrown away dream chances- but agin reddemed myself in my own eyes.There are too many dreams- which may not be fullfilled but maybe that is good. there will always be a wistfullness- to do better.

How to do better?

How to be a better son, husband, father all rolled into one. How to do better - customer service, selling to a customer,marketing my product line, serve my company?How do i say to myself before retiring for the day- it was job well done!!Answers are known, some implemented some still to be done. Remembering kargin martyrs on 10th anniversary of Kargil- but will i ever be able to better those young and fine chaps- who gave there life- so that we live a better life tomorrow?
to do better- let me be humble, work harder and win more.

Learning and unlearning from Gurus

It is my strong belief that we all go through various cycles of learning and unlearning throughout our life. My life till now has been one of that of a learner--continuous learner.I paused today to think of various influencer of my life- whom I deem as Guru. Guru or teacher need not always be some body very big in stature- but they all are huge influencer. My parents- were always the greatest influencers. Baba and Ma taught me to live life- as an ideal son,student,friend,worker,husband and now father.The teachings had always been very subtle- and non pressurizing. they taught me to think big. whenever i see that ad tagline- ' karo thoda jyada ka irada'- i remember them.My freinds had been mine good influence-all of them..too many to write there names.My teachers of school and colleges has been great motivators. My wife and kid teaches me everyday. My bosses had been kind and yes- great influences-Rakesh Mehta ( Taught the basics),John ( taught the fine naunces of corporate life),Ravindranath ( introduced me to semiconductor market), Ramani,Chandran-- all taught me a lot and still i learn from them. Neeraj, Raghu,Kasa,Youvraj-- had been great influences many times.I feel lucky to have so many people to learn from all the time. customers had been great teachers too-daily life is so interesting and so much to gain from. It has been an exciting and incredible journey.

Do you work to live or live to work?

This one is self question.Asked to myself- when i woke up early sunday morning today and was drean to open my laptop and key away the pending reports of the week. The reports were pending since Thursday- different types of weekly reports some asked by superiors, some by suppliers. and that set me thinking. I could not do them during normal hours of working as i was too busy in meeting sales requirement; or meeting customers- adressing there needs ( pull in of materials) etc etc.Can i reduce my workload by being more systematic, more through at first go- rather than firefighting most of the times.can i spend more time for myself then?? Hard to say. I love the work too much to even thinking it to be a chore - in short- i never whine due to work. Yes- there was a time - not very short while ago where i was crying for a fresh breath of air- as there was no work to be done. so is it bad to live to work.. rather the popular addage or maxim to work to live only. i doubt... if i love my work and it is so much a passion for me while i do the job- selling the semicon, making life bit easier for people in my team or outside it; making my customer successful ; making my sales people successful; making my bosses look good.. then it is worthy of all the sweats. so--- i live to work and love to work.

IEEE

IEEE is celebrating 125 years and the theme is focus on India. It feels nice to be part of IEEE for past 6 years.It has become more emotional bond than anything else. I always wanted to be part of IEEE- but in my engg college there was no branch as such at that time.I wanted to eb member- once I started my career- but the fees were beyond me. then some point- i could just afford it. I figured out- if I donot eat pizzas or watch movies- then that money can be channeled into this tag- that i desired most. I was so proud to present a paper in a engg college brance in Hyderabad- me, Aashay and another guy- we won the first prize in that paper presentation. It gives me a good feeling to be part of this great organisation- even though i am not active in the activities - either in local chapter or anywhere else. but it feels good to keep in touch with latest trends through spectrum and newsletters.

On Father's Day 2009

Just read reports on american News paper- about how b. Obama exorted american Fathers to be better fathers. It brought a smile to my face. We in India never need to celebrate fathers. they are taken for granted. Like i had always taken my 'baba' to be. My father-Dr. Sabuj Sengupta. Tall,handsome , witty, full of life, erudite, scholar, a great doctor, a great husband and a leader. So- after reading the piece- I just wondered- am i not lucky to have my father to be My father? He never let me know what hard times are? though i knew there were hard times, there were back breaking struggle that he took on with a smile on his face. He egged me on- without ever hitting me once ( ohh except once- --- he forbade me to put water over my head to protect me from catching cold in Puri- but i did-- as i always loved to do- always opposite to what he would have ideally liked me to do :-)

Today when i have become a father- I feel so much responsible. Will it be possible for me to be a better father than my father? looks a hard act to follow up!!
Only time will tell.

Year of sales

Sigh!! another year rolls by. Ok. i hear you asking--- another year? it is only June. Yes- for me in Avnet- year starts from July and ends in June. I plan everything around it. Life has been great ever since i joined Avnet. Q1-Q2-Q3-Q4. even deciding on holidays based on quarters.But there are multitudes of year ending. there is June end- when i am really busy- meeting and exceeding targets. This is avnet fiscal year. full life revolves around it. Then there is Indian fiscal around which I plan- tax paying( omg, so many types of taxes- I wonder where my hard earned money goes to- donot see any visible effect in improvement of life- except that corrupt people get richer and downtrodden get worse deal ever & us - the middle class--- less said better it is). Indian fiscal from april to march. so March is also very busy- you can sell more during Jan to march as all govt. people buy , buy &buy. then there is real Year- Calendar year- Jan to Dec. so Dec. is very busy end month again- you plan before US people go for holiday and stop taking your calls with a polite 'out of office' message.So Dec. is important.
that leaves my Fav. end of year which is yet ot be listed. September end. yes- usually that is festival time. either durga puja is coming or Diwali is coming..... that is best time of the year.So there goes a year of sales- FY09- Avnet was good, great and one of the best for me.

First Few days- My son- Birsa/Syamantaka/Kiddo

I thought i will post a photograph so that relatives and freinds can see the 'new kid'.

This one for you- my future!

Today-1 st May,2009 at 1701 Hrs.15 seconds- myself and Amrita were blessed with a baby boy. Morning- was different- than others- bangalore summer- saw some rain - when i came to know Amrita went into labor. all exitement broke lose. My parents her parents- rushed here and there. Parents started tonight itself to see their Grandson- damn happy couple.I will be going to Varanasi via Delhi tomorrow early morning.For records- our 'Kiddo' weighed 3.5 Kgs.I cannot wait till i see him. I was hearing siddhi vinyak chants ( tata sky) when the birath took place.

Excercising your right to vote

It is important that we all vote. but sadly- due to my crushing travelling schedule- i will not be able to do so this time.my voter registration is in westBengal- and i have not grown enough roots in bangalore to transfer it. kind of emotional for me.I wish there was voting possible through net ( like i select my president through web vote in ieee.Over the years- i have become completely apolitical and prefer none of the stakeholders.though there are good leaders around- butit will take us years to make this better democracy. We are heading towards years of confusion this time as i assume that we will have hung house and all types of frivolous elements will hold the country to ransom.

To Pune!!!

Will be going to Pune again- regional review!! and i look forward each quarter or every chance to go to this beautiful city. Pune grows on you. I was quite annoyed when my then boss Rakesh Mehta asked me to relocate to Bangalore and take the challenge. In retrospect - that was the best thing that couls have happened to me. Thank you Mehta sir!! But by then i had spent 2 years in Pune. My life's best of the times, worst of the times ( oops!! that line taken from Dickens- pls don't consider it as copyright violation). It is another thing that i am now certain that nobody reads these random thoughts and i can get away with whatever i right. This is better than my journals i used to keep.
ok... Pune. I loved Pune- i get nostalgic about Pune. the Garware pul, the unlimited thali in janta ( near shambhaji putla). 4 rs- in dukkar ( a strange vehicle- now banned) from Kothrud to Apte road. Time spent with collegues of mechatronics and bitmapper. I sometimes take a walk at night after coming back to hotel room ( i still prefer to stay near apte road).FC road is still same - will always remain same- Girls all wrapped up in morning ( Sun must feel bad- He cannot touch those beautiful damsels); and in their finest in evening. I and Rahul- used to freshen our mind in saturday evening after a hard week by walking from one end of fc road to other end ( discussing philosophy and politics). that phone booth is no more there....( visiontek manuf.- so when i went to there manuf in Hyd. i was remembering them). that Ganesh lodge is torn down ( 20 rs per day rent)-- it was the only thing affordable for me. that night- when i cried over the double bridge- in pain- over not getting what i wanted. now thinking back- God is great- He made me toil and get everything after i put efforts.Pune will always remind me of hard days, struggle, love and pain. It will also remind me of freinds made for lifetime.

Connecting & Reconnecting

I was always fascinated by web from early on. I remember- being the first one in my first year engg class ( in 1997) who spent 60 Rs/hr to create an email account. it still functions- sengupta_sambit@yahoo.com I created in a internet shop in DP, Nagpur.then slowly i became power user.I graduated to have my own website, blog, more email ids etc.catched the fever of social networking over web in 2006. found it too addictive ( and anything addictive- i leave like hot potato). but today i had lots of time. I felt over years- i have become too unsocial- more a loner and self centred. that tendency was always there- but it has grown more. more proof- one of my best freind -Sanket-lives just downstairs and today i saw him after 15-20 days. He had a quizical face- he knows me that what i am- so may have pardoned my ways. Actually my wife is just opposite- she makes freinds, laughs and very outgoing- she cannot live without talking with multiple people for 10 mins.
so i had time and sent out too many requests to all old freinds over orkut. the responses have started coming in- some are plain incredulous- isko ho kya gaya? sambit is that you -- kind of....

Ahhh!! finally a trophy in showcase

Right from my childhood days- there was this unspoken desire in me- to see myself as a recipent of trophy. I remember the days in school- I used to participate in all events ( i was a silent competitior always!!)in hope that i will get a trophy. I used to win prizes- everyyear the pattern was kind of similar (1 prize in academics - i used to stand second or third- never the first boy); 2 in extempore speeches ( always first in English and Hindi ones) and 1 in recitation= total 4 prizes. But my school always used to honor me by giving a nice certificate and some kind of utensils. By 1993- i had collected so many of them- that Ma used to joke during annual days (ok, boy- this time how many 'katories'( hindi word for bowls)?)-- ohh horror!!!
I once won a corporate quiz- thought that they will give a trophy- they did give- one- but i kept it with such care in my bike- that it broke in transit. During my higher studies- there was never a scope of winning trophies- was the best student with worst results always. Then i gave up. Then Amrita came in my life--- i openly expressed my jealousy of her Gold medals ( poor girl!! she put it into our locker).
and i forgot all my passions- work took all precedance. I read Randy Pausch's book- the last lecture and felt the pang somewhere.

And finally that day came- without much ado- like all big events of my life- very silently. In all India analog disty meet- Bangalore - my product supplier- Texas Instruments honored me by giving Best product manager- India. And they gave a trophy. the photographer had to click the photo twice- I took it from Steve Parks- and maybe- i closed my eyes- first- yes- everything went past me- zippppp!!!

I shared this with ma and amrita- two freinds who know me better than me. Both of them laughed. I kept it in showcase. and then thought now what? what next? more work? what about another trophy???

Seeds of revolution

In my opinion real Gandhi was born when he was thrown out of the train in South Africa. Rest as they say- is history.If you followed up the sequence of events before this incident and after this- you can pinpoint- revolutionary gandhian principles came from this. Though getting freedom for ourselves was a team game and there were many actors who brought sweet Indian independence- but shoving out Gandhi on cold winter night on a station- contribted much to a new revolution.
today- i had a similar experience but maynot be as ugly as what mahatma faced- but ugly enough to create a steely resolve within me.
while coming to shenzhen using ferry service from HK airport ( skypier)- i had worst possible encounter with customs officials of china. everything was ok till i landed in shekou port. Usual efficiency of HK was at its best display ( thank god it is still specially adminstered zone). I don't know why they held me up and interroated fiercely- as if i am somebody who has landed to create trouble for the china. think about it- china the country which i admire a lot becuase of its history and culture and shared connections with india. and here it was- some customs officials made me run up and down and harrassed me to a large extent. so much so- i was resigned to possible deportation back. ( would have been a great story for future generations -- though). They found fault with my N in sengupta and photograph and my coming to china and its purpose. I think too much caution on china part is slowly killing business prospects. It is time that we took over the lead in business.I was really hurt by the behabiour meted out to me- one who landed only to give a presentation in TI- Avnet summit.

New year with a book

I always wellocme new year by completing a new book this year it was- The last lecture by randy Pausch. It was very moving and inspiring to me. i forced amrita also to read it.now i bought all four editions of speaking tree- but i will not touch them till i complete 'Mohandas'. i also read ' my experiments with truth'- 8th time in last 12 years... Each time something new to learn.

Salutes to those who died - so that we may live

India faced bravely the worst terror attack on it. Mumbai - that great city and it's equally great people faced some heartless, moraleless and insane . Hundreds of innocent people were killed in a terror unleased by some terrorists- who were powered by ammunition and firearms by foreign countries. the ordeal lasted for more than 50 hours.
but did they attain what they wanted?

NO....

India stands united against terror -more than ever. We love peace but we know how to tackle these people [ in humane] who take pride in killing innocents stealthely.Our economy will grow- no matter how much our jealous neighbours don't want us to [ those fast paced breeding ground of insane people- who are highly troubled and failed democracies].
I salute our great NSG commandoes, Army people , police personnel who fought and eliminated these terror mongers.The greats like Karkare,Major Sandeep,Mr.Kamte and others did the supreme sacrifice- so that we may live.
Our fight against terrorism continues.

Time to be MORE OPTIMISTIC

A sense of Deja vu- i saw it in year2001- same sinking feeling- same suddenness- of everything becoming dull. but We saw it regroup and come back and touch great heights- our economy and the market bounced back.
so it is time to go back to basics and visit more customers- listening to what and how we can make things better. How can we make life easier for customers and they in turn have confidence to bring products faster to market.
when tough times come-tough people get going. As in that famous line- muskil bakt, commando sakt :-)

survey results

I started with my illustrated collegues- Panda ji and Milind ji. We do a car pooling everyday- most of the days it is Pandaji who takes us. atleast 2 days of the week- i take all in my car.Milind is yet to zero on his dream car. so I started my survey-both workoholic guys commented that they had less chance of reading news papers- but they knew- us presidents name [ obama] and our president [ patil] thats all. no vp name.
same thing i started doing it on sales- and faes- disastorous results. i was so sad that i gave up on the survey- it cannot be concluded and this is generalknowledge non proliferation problem.

Poll/survey of colleagues

let me do a dipstick poll on Friday morning for my colleagues-
how many of them knows about obama, biden, prathiba patil, hamid ansari,manmohan singh. I carried it out on my sweet wife and she thought biden is some sort of sweet and when asked about our VP- explained that she hates politics.

Oldest Democracy and Biggest Democracy

The world's oldest democracy United status of America proudly elected it's 44th President-Mr. Barrack H Obama. and all hell broke lose.......
The people started telling us how he is manifest of many dreams- first BLACK president, and that america is the greatest country.I heard him declare proudly like my hero mr. Martin luther king- that usa is equal op. country.
I was amused-so much so that i did a 'hulla hulla' dance in a tribute to Mr. Obama ( who has a connection with Hawaii. Then introspected.....What's so great about it. the world's biggest democracy has already been there.. done it..
We already had long back a woman primeminister Mrs Indira gandhi (an old gentleman- mr. Kissinger would have vouched for that). We have a woman president- Mrs. Pratibha patil. We had our minorities well represented- we had a muslim president- Dr. kalam [ muslim!!!! He is Indian and we are proud that we had him as our president] but as americans are making song and dance about Black- prez Obama- i thought i also should cry myself hoarse about Dr. Kalam.. and not to forget our well learned ( low profile)Mr. Hamid ansari ( muslim!! ha ha!! no he is indian) vide president.

It is time for us Indian also to make a song and dance about our diversity-- our unity in diversity.Have been there - done that...
but it required one Obama to win an election to make me realise that. thanks Mr. supreme commander- Mr. Prez.. Mr. Obama. an obscure Indian wishes you luck - great prosperity and urges you to treat all human beings equal- even if they are not American and ( also not chinese). Peace be on land of op. and its inhabitants.
Good night and god bless America.
If USA ever requires light while groping at middle of tunnel- world's biggest and eternal democracy- India will show her the light.while we will deal with bomb blasts and killing of our innocents- we will keep on praying for goodness for all- peace be on all.

Planning to go on a trip back home

I am planning to take a holiday from 1st october to 12th October and go to meet parents in Durgapur, West Bengal. with rising fuel costs , flight costs [ my parents stay 1200kms away]- and incidental puja holiday spending- it will set me back by some amount- but it will be worth it. But what about singur.... It is right behind our house there and lots of trouble due to this agitation by mamta Baneerjee. Personally i feel that Nano project would have done lots of good to our state - west Bengal. Left politics anyway has made us bankrupt technically- now the opposition of left who are out of ideas and mind are taking it out...what to do? cannot help. have to live with the tag that i come from a backward and non progressive state.

Lonely and cold in ChungHsiao Road

This is it....one of those crazy days...
sudden urge to write something..

too many things- not me in my mind. preparing ppt for that important meeting. but who cares- even if i know the business of marketing- who cares. whether i do 16 million or nothing who cares.???
bottom line is i am feeling lonely in chung hsiao road. Perched on a summer night- moolight decked- verandeah- miles and liles of Taipei lights in front. i key away at random thoughts.

moreover- i am cold- kept the ac on full swing- sleepy- but yet to compelte the foils and business leaders will comment on it. But do i care. always work- more work.

the bach music running in background. There is so much all around- but i remember....

i suddenly remember- the touch.....
why do i remember old things- past... present future.why my wifes absence- makes me sad???Why i feel lonely- freinds long gone by. freinds who donot care to write back. i just see them getting mired in social networking sites. those beautiful photos.-- let them be happy.. who cares...



I CARE.. I REMEMBER....

Flashback

Today was flashback day and lots of coincidence. It was very early morning flight from Bangalore international and i was going to fly to Pune.Unlike other days- today i was roaming around and was checking out where BIAL can make a mirror terminal if atall.suddenly a guy came and stared hard at me.How are you soumitra??He asked. I stared back and recognised him [ jogging my memory]- I remembered that sharp guy in cumputer dept.- Ajanta. He was going to Gauhati from USA [ san franisco]. We exchanged notes. Met his wife- sujata [ she is also batchmate]. Talked a lot.and lots of old memories flodded in. on the flight- unlike other days- i was not able to sleep- was thinking of all freinds-fell asleep for some 20 mins- dreamt about all freinds..... it was eerie..and i was embrassed- why i am not in touch with my freinds -old- new- not so new....

Online -blog- revival plan

As if somebody cares!!!!
about what i do to my blog. But today I set up and modified first my website and then felt like going back and touch my blog account. so here i am rambline again.
Will be travelling - most of the time in next 3 weeks [ Pune, Delhi, pit stop back to home se- Bangalore then Taiwan]. Plans this rest of the year- let me blog more- put up my weekly ramblings.L me get back in touch with freinds......

Coming back...

Yeahh life had been busy. but now i am back again. I completed meantime- from last post in 05 till today- a pg degree in management, got married to a lovely lady [ and enjoying every bit of my time with her.. thanks Amrita]-17th Nov.05. Got lots of success professionally in Avnet [ selling xilinx- more and more of it]- became product manager [ life went for a spin- literally all around the world].

I promise to write more here- on ideas.. work and life.

all are invited

Freinds......

All of you are cordially invited to my marriage reception in Bangalore- on 10th December- being held in Taj Residency [ vijayanagar hall]- evening 6 pm onwards.Guys who want to join the marriage party itself [ the actual marriage is on 17th November- Varanasi]; please let me know- so that I can instruct you properly.

Chnage of contact details

Sambit SenGupta

Avnet [India]
2nd floor - "The Estate";121 Dickenson Road
Bangalore - 560042
Phone: + 91-80-5323420 extn. 233
Cell: 9880682436
Fax: + 91-80-5588146

I changed my job place not the job.I have become a key account manager [ guess have to work harder......].

Funny logo creation......

http://www.logogle.com/

I enjoyed this......

see-http://www.logogle.com/ggl.php?hl=ja&lo=Sambit+Sengupta

Free speech

I am cool.. I am transmitting to outer space....

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What Bangalore means to me?

I plan to write a series of short notes on different cities which has been kind enough to host me. I am indebted to various cities- where I have grown up,studied, worked etc. etc. this is my

way to salute the spirit of some of the best of humanity that i have come across.
First in the series is- Bangalore- My current city of residence.

Bangalore means to me 'gold rush'. Like the 19th century Gold rush in America- I represent all the dreamy guys who went on that pioneering trail. History of mankind respects that

adventurism and still counts it as one of its blessings.I am very sure in near future Bangalore and it's present day knowledge workers will be regarded in same note. One good analogy [

courtesy Mr.Modesto Casas, world wide vp-sales TransEDA] In the gold rush of America, The ultimate profit earners were people who sold shovels and other tools and hence I am in right

track- I sell EDA tools.
Bangalore means to me growth. Growth from a small town boy to a dreamy youth [ still lots to learn- but getting there!!!!]
Bangalore means to me money. Specially for a boy who came to understand the value of money quite early, had to become a man quite early....
Bangalore means opportunity. To excel, to do better, to know.
Bangalore means knowledge.For the chance to do Evening MBA[ it was tough, but worth it], thanks for getting to know numerous guys- who mattered.
Bangalore means joy of doing great things.
Bangalore means films with freinds. so many new freinds and each one of them great human beings.
Bangalore gave me confidence by giving my first big orders and each day brought new learnings in nuances of sales.
Bangalore means new life, fresh life- despite of dirty roads and bad infrastructure [ come onn. there will be negative along with positives]
A personal thanks to Mr. Rakesh Mehta for giving me a chance to prove myself- and sending me to Bangalore from Pune HQs. to start everything from scratch. Thanks to Nagavenkatesh,

for so many small and big helps- Naga Sir, heart felt thanks to you for teaching me courage, to explore- you have been a very good mentor to me. Bangalore gave me opportunity to become

freinds with high and mighty of EDA- made many freinds in the dream profile. Thanks - John sir, sujay, Aravind, Neeraj sir- you people have been a constant source of encouragement- and

so much to learn from you all- that one life time seems a small bleep.
Bangalore means my team- Anwar, Vani madam, Umaira, all the AEs- i learnt to have pride in team from you. Bangalore means freinds- manish [ both of them]and all my freinds of airforce.
Bangalore means all my customers--- DRDO labs, Space labs, BEL- thanks for teaching me so much.
Bangalore means failures- numerous ones of them- so many SSB interview failures [ while coming back from Mysore airforce ssb- you required to go through Bangalore] and it taught me to be firm and wipe the tears. Bangalore means-emotions and walking from door to door for jobs[ remember!!! Philips, Praveen, Rahul, Subodh, Amit,manoj-- those worrisome days- those dark days]

Bangalore- thanks for that tree lined beautiful road- New BEL road- so romantic - even when i go to customer , it compels me to stop for a minute and take deep breath.

So Bangalore- thanks for being there

We are lucky people of a great India

http://glutter.typepad.com/glutter/2005/06/beijing_june_4t.html?

Well, great China kills it's own citizens. Atleast here we can stop them.Wishing for a greater future - where all people will be free.

word lovers--- visit this

http://crickler.com/

zooming through rains

Nowadays Bangalore rain is very unpredicatable. Take for example day before yesterday, while returing from ADE I got completely drenched. The roads were resembling lakes.. But i enjoyed getting drenched...

A comment from field & the after effect

After many days- [ well after 8 days to be exact] I went to LRDE , one of my major customer. As usual I went in rounds visiting various groups of RADAR divisions.I have been working with this guys for past 4 years- have a great relationship with all or most of them. Has done lots of business with them and am regarded as a sales consultant in anything related to FPGA. When I was in RAD L - i met Deval. He is the delight for me as always. He never minces his words when criticizing as well as gives his objections in well articulated form.After I presented him with a new methodology for testing chip he started talking. This momnets are very precisous to me- customers giving me feedback- i learn so much from them. He gave me rude jolt and that was what i kept ruminating over till now. He told- that I am a misfit for sales- as i am straightforward. He also added that he likes me specially for this but he wonders- how i survive in the competitive field of sharks.I somehow was flumoxed- it was a comment which has always made me think- somewhere deep in my heart i knew this is true but always avoided seeing it or pointing it to self. Today when he brought it up- i was kind of dazed-- thinking- oh God is it so obvious???
So many incidents came rushing back- situations where I could have won - if I was bit more evasive, less straightforward. Maybe my thinking needs to be tweaked a bit. But can personal ethos be changed like we make change in algorithms? I doubt....I think I try to be honest and upright in my work and in my interactions. Is that the thing which will cause my downfall someday? This feeling of selfdoubt... disgusting..

A fantastic blog--- need to visit again and again

http://www.sankaran99999.blogspot.com/

Sometimes some new things come across me- that puts a faith in myself-- we have hope and a bright future to look forward to.

Dr. Sankaran is my professor and he teaches Strategy.
I will like my freinds to see this blog regularly....

Announcement

It is my privilege to announce my engagement to Ms. Amrita Dasgupta.
Amrita hails from Benares, U.P and is a post graduate from BHU. Our marriage date is fixed on 17th November 2005.

new ways- new thoughts

Does innovation means doing new things or doing things better?
I am constantly innovating in my day to day work. I am in sales , but i like implementing new ideas. So many ways to do a particular thing to do. does it qualifies to be called innovation?

Life in terms of quarters

Quarter means- divide into 4 parts. We use it as a block of 3 months of a year. Ever since I am in a professional life [ i.e.. nearly 5 years]I have been guided by this term. Quarter 1 or Q1[ jan to March] Q2-- hence forth. So much so that life planning revolves around that.

Sometimes i find it conveinent- sometimes quite boring-- can it be changed. i sat thinking and then found out i am thinking that i will do it from next quarter.

Ode to a sales man

Anjan died on saturday in a freak mishap. That too, some thousands of mile away from home in bankok. I remember meeting him out of TAPMI some days back- same cheerful self. same smiling and tied attire- always proper--- a propah sales man. He went to Bangkok with a new proposal. as he was standing out of airport , some drunkards in Mercedes hit him and 3 others. Anjan died on the spot. His body was flown back on Sunday. He leaves behind a 1 yr old daughter and his grieving wife.

I knew him for past 2 years. We had numerous debates on sales technologies and methods. Myself from tehnical sales , he from cut throat insurance and banking sector. We were not that close- likewith most of my aquaintances- all can claim to my freindship.

I wish i knew you better. I knew , that you were a great sales man, best as they come.

anyways--- good luck till we meet.