Proto.in 2010 is here !
An event focused on Start-ups and other entrepreneurial activities - Proto '10 will be held on 30th January 2010.
You can book your tickets by visiting their website
Also, Proto is not paying me for this. However, I thought attending this event might be insightful for wannabe entrepreneurs. So I am tagging it under Good Deed for the day :-)
Seth Godin, one of the foremost thinkers and writers of our times, and someone I immensely admire, has compiled an 80 page book, filled with nuggets of insightful thoughts from 70 odd thinkers and technocrats.
Sample this line of thought by Jason Fried -
There’s never really a great way to apologize, but there are plenty of terrible ways. If you’re at a coffee shop, and you spill coffee on someone by accident, what do you say? You’ll be horrified and say “Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” When you mean it you say you’re sorry - it’s a primal response. You wouldn’t say “Oh my god, I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused!”
But that’s exactly how most companies respond when they make a big mistake.
Mistakes happen. How you apologize matters. Don’t bullshit people - just say “I’m sorry.” And mean it.
This and many such ideas can be enjoyed and mulled over by downloading What Matters Now.
A nice way to bring in the new year.
Below is a friend, Dhawal's, first day account of the Tata Jagriti Yatra. Dhawal is a Certified Franchise Executive and promotes Franchising opportunities through his venture Way2Franchise I have never been so excited as much as I have been for this trip, I have awaited TJY since almost over a month, since I was shortlisted. We were called at 8 am at Ravindra Natya Mandir, staying in Mumbai, gave me a little comfort. I reached about at 9 am, met over 400 vibrant young men and women, and exchanged ideas. We had breakfast, got done with the formalities and it was lunch time. Then finally we were inducted into the process and institution. TJY is an initiative of Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, a non-profit instituted by Mr. Shashank Mani. I went through the notes and the handbook, a part of the Yatri Kit. And the excitement just kept growing. Post lunch, Ms. Rewati Prabhu and Mr. Shashank Mani presented about how it all began and introduced the 3rd edition of TJY. The mammoth TJY event is organized by a skeleton team of about 8. We practiced the Jagriti Geet. More on that a little later. TJY is a great event, the audience mix is more of students (potential entrepreneurs) than actual entrepreneurs, between the age of 20 and 25. I met a lot of engineers during these days. There were about 20 international participants as well. Now we start getting a glimpse of what it is all about. We begin the evening session with an introduction to Mr. R Gopalakrishnan. Mr. Gopalakrishnan, spoke briefly, initially mentioning that this was not going to be an elongated speech, where he talks about how great the Tata Group is, what they have been supporting it all this while. How happy the Tata Group is to support this initiative. He gave a few examples of India and its greatness. Then we had another brief edutainment session by Mr. Manish Tripathy of the Mumbai Dabawalla’s association. This was the one that kept us all glued, I don’t remember when I was more attentive. Briefly dwelling on the history and the origins of the Dabbawala, he mentioned how a Parsi Banker, who wasn’t happy dining elsewhere for his daily meals, while he was at work due to its inherent problems. He then signed up for the Dabbawala Service, to express his love and devotion to his wife, his colleagues then signed up for it as well, since they too wanted to express their love towards their spouses. Even those that are single and prefer to eat outside sign up for, they deliver restaurant food. This service gradually expanded, all thanks to Word of Mouth. For those that are not aware about the Dabbawalla's, The Dabbawala service is pick up and delivery services of home cooked meals. It began 119 years ago with a humble Parsi gentleman. Some more accomplishments:
Prince Charles as Brand Ambassador, One fine day, prince Charles calls up one of their members asking to meet up, the members decline meeting him at a fancy five star restaurant, and ask him to meet up at Churchgate railway station at 11:30. Since this meeting in 2003, the Dabbawalla’s have been invited by leading B Schools across India and internationally to speak about their systems
Even Richard Branson the maverick entrepreneur of the Virgin Group, visited the Dabbawallas and ferried the tiffins of his employees from Dadar to their office at Churchgate
A lot of the times, the cynics confront and ask if they will continue existing. To them, Manish had another hilarious response, i.e they will be in business as long as husbands will keep loving their wives, ‘Jo Biwi se kare pyaar, woh Dabbawalla se kaise kare inkaar.
Some of the Key Management Principles:
Be inspired about what you are doing, when you feel about it from the heart, the passion will flow
Do not diversify in what you don’t know, i.e. Stick to your core competency
Do not employ, highly qualified people, the Dabbawalla’s employ only Thumbs Up (Angutha Chap / Illiterate), as commitment matters not qualifications
May be the Dabbawalla’s could expand in other cities if such a demand exists, maybe they could franchise their system and know how and provide more business opportunities to other illiterate, uneducated people. Similarly, a lot of social franchising options would open up in parts of India, which would uplift the lives of many, like the 4500 Dabbawalla's in Mumbai.
If you have read the book, it's a definite handicap. If you haven't, the movie, still, might fail to rise up to your expectations.
I fall in the first category.
Loosely inspired by Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots can be called the journey of 3 friends, through the grind of an engineering college, a journey interspersed with "chicken soup for the soul" fundae, romance and other such masala.
Enough has been said about the movie and the performances. So, I wouldn't do it again.
However, I do wish to share what I felt about Ryan Oberoi from Five Point Someone.
Ryan became a cult figure for me. A boy, hard to understand, given his tough exterior, impenetrable mind and a hidden, soft heart.
Sharp, witty and perfect, even with his faults.
A rebel with a cause.
I am sure Aamir could have essayed the character well. Only if, the writing had allowed him to.
This is where 3 Idiots failed or me.
Too often, Rancho reminded me of Ram Nikumbh of Taare Zameen Par. I was disappointed big time.
Leave Ryan, the movie on its own, can't match up with Hirani's previous works.
The Munnabhai Series had humour and magical moments, moments which remain with the viewer forever.
3 Idiots falls flat on that parameter.
For me, 3 Idiots will remain a masala movie, good in parts, but without much magic.
In a welcome move today, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, has set out to review and alter its placement process.
Placements at the IIMs is a high adrenaline affair.
With their eyes solely on the number of interviews and PPTs to attend, most students lose track of the most important variable - that of the profile - Yes, something that you will do for the next few years and are supposed to be good at - gets trivialised.
It's no wonder then, that most graduates get disillusioned with the work content and leave their jobs within the first two years.
Compare this with what top tier B Schools abroad have to offer.
Having attended Career Planning and Placement talks of some of the better B Schools, I can vouch for the importance this particular function is accorded.
The focus is always "You". What it is you want, if you have a plan in place, if you can connect the dots and get there and some more.
Placement is not just about landing a multi million dollar job and a handsome bonus. It is as much about self realisation as it is about knowing your subject fundamentals.
Big names like Mckinsey, Google and Goldman Sachs are known to conduct a minimum of 10 interview rounds for laterals and 6 or more for fresh graduates.
It is measures like these that help them and the candidates decide if a relationship can be forged.
And, just so you know, all of them feature in the 100 best companies to work for, regularly.
If, you do not enjoy doing what the profile offers, even that bonus will play hide-n-seek.
In the run for the big $s, a lot of us forget about what we like and would love to do for most, if not the rest, of our lives.
And the Day Zero wrestling doesn't come in handy in our pursuit of happiness.
So, there would be much to celebrate if a saner system can be put in place, with atleast a month (wishful thinking, I know) of company presentations, coffee table discussions on it's trajectory, the work content and finally the take home.
How well participating MNCs can adjust to such a schedule, needs to be seen.
For now atleast, things are looking bright for the graduates.
OK. I am late again.
This time Vir Sanghvi has beaten me to it.
So, this is about Crest.
Heard of it?
If yes, pat yourself. If no, then buck up and join the club !
After eons, the Times Group has decided that it wants to offer something that readers can relish.
No more mindless ads OR half baked stories.
No cheap journalism.
Good, Old Content. One Page long stories.
And what better day than a Saturday to make such stories known and read ?
Whether you are interested in political strategy or are a follower of occult groups, believe in cats' rights or are an Arts enthusiast, trust Crest to bring you the best of the best coverage on all issues.
The edition has some well known writers penning their thoughts with logical reasoning and ample data.
Most vendors carry the edition for the entire week. For the tech-savvy, there is the online edition.
So next time, book your copy and enjoy the weekend with coffee and a lovely, intelligent and fun-filled forty page ride.
As always, Gujarat is a first again.
In a landmark move, the State Government passed the Mandatory Voting Bill, which will make voting compulsory in all local body elections. What the reports do not inform me, is, if there is an option of a "No Vote/No Suitable Candidate" option.
This was long overdue.
Infact, in my opinion, this move should be extended to the whole nation.
Now, Free Will Enthusiasts will definitely have lots to unload here.
Arguments like upholding basic human rights (of not to vote) will form the basis of coffee table conversations.
You might also add that not exercising this right may also show that you are satisfied with the functioning of the State.
Or simply, you are apolitical and care two hoots about who runs the nation and how.
However, if a Democracy needs to run, more so, if a Democracy like ours needs to run successfully, it becomes necessary that each one exercises this duty.
It's no more about a right, but about a civic duty.
The benefits are aplenty.
The move will ensure that the winning candidate is representative of a larger section of society.
It will demand that candidates take their responsibilities seriously and do not take voters for a ride.
We could also see a more informed and better placed electorate. Finally, people might just start doing their bit of research and making demands of unscrupulous representatives.
Though, it remains to be seen what kind of penalty would be enforced on non-compliant parties.
I say, we have something like x hours of community work in education, environment, rural upliftment or related fields.
Waah ek teer se do shikaar.
Either I need to get my brain checked or there is something colossally wrong with the average Bollywood movie viewer.
Seriously, Paa??
You guys liked Paa???
Somebody please hand me an aspirin.
A request to Balki - Please, please give our kids their innocence back. Ultra smart, smart alecky kids just get on my nerves.
So did Auro.
I am not doing a review, because, frankly, I have no stomach for it.
The excitement amongst Yatris of TJY '09 is quite palpable.
The journey kicks off on the 24th of December and is expected to end by the 13th of January '10.
For all those of us who couldn't make it this year, some hope still remains.
I am glad that a friend has been shortlisted and is participating in the Yatra.
What's more, he will be sending out live updates on all thoughts, meets with role models and insights on small businesses that are changing the face of entrepreneurship in India.
Do stay tuned in for more.
The fun begins next week !
Then you should take G Sampath seriously.
Do read his thoughts on the art of food writing.
The last paragraph is a gem and will force you to finally take that step towards your dream job.
I am almost decided now.
Just got off the phone.
Usual Friend. Usual chatter. Just today it was about meri saat pedhiyaan.
Family trees have always been a source of fascination.
Who were the grand-parents of my grand-parents ?
Where did my family originate ?
What did my ancestors do for a living ?
What ticked them...what they ate...how they passed their days... their motivations ...the school of thought they belonged to...
And finally why am I the way I am ?
Do I have someone in the tree I have taken after ?
I learnt about my seven generations yesterday. Well. Not everything. But good amount enough for the time being.
I already knew about four and getting to know more about the saat peedhiyaan had proven to be difficult. But yesterday, during a family reunion, amidst lots of laughter, buffoonery and some real and fake hugs, I learnt about where my ancestors came from and what they did for a living.
Digging out all that there is on Mattas will always be a labour of love. I can't pin it down to a single reason.
I don't even know what I will do with the Family Tree, that is, if it ever gets completely made.
I am sure I wouldn't want to get in touch with all the cousins. Definitely not.
Yet, filling in the blanks would make me happy.
Cut to the "Phone-a-Friend". All I got from my friend was some laughs, lots of his usual blah and blah and general disinterest in talking about his Roots.
Yet another showed a mild disinterest in the topic and waved it off over chat.
A colleague dared to laugh when I bubbled with excitement over this whole business.
Heck even my cousins couldn't stop laughing over my wide eyed expression as I drank all the information floating around yesterday.
Really, are people in general not interested in their History, Culture and let me be a little mean here, their roots ?
Or Do I really get excited about stupid things ?
Enough has been said about Telangana and what effect it could have on Vidarbha, Avadh and other such regions.
I for one, am all for smaller states.
Provided - the reasoning is correct.
No regionalism, casteism, fasts or student protests should form the basis of bifurcation of a state.
Obviously, this is easier said than done in India, a country riddled with excessive emotionalism and jingoism.
But do imagine Maharashtra, UP, MP, Bengal, Tamil Nadu - all being broken down to sizeable proportions.
Yes, it will increase the cost of functioning. New Capitals, Ministries, Mayors, Municipal Corporations, et al.
But if this helps in efficient administration, more dependable public delivery systems and (hopefully) a better management of funds, then why not?
The states could lose out on bargaining power with the Centre or the threat of terrorism could kill the purpose like in case of Chhatisgarh.
Still, this is a chance we will have to take.
Also about national integration - The US has 50 states. Yet, I do not think there ever arises the question of national integration or patriotism.
What Telangana and Andhra will do individually, only time will tell.
But smaller states, I believe, should be the way to go.
While I wrote this, reports about Gorkhaland Movement gaining momentum and Trifurcation of Uttar Pradesh poured in. Again, if the motive is right, this is the way to go !
Please don't kill me for writing yet another review.
Normal blogging should be back in a while.
For now, I really have to spread the word for Harpreet Singh Bedi, errr.... apna Rocket Singh Yaar !
Yashraj isn't paying me for this. Heck, I had developed a strong dislike for the kind of cinema they were churning out.
But after a long time, I saw a movie that I could discuss long after the credits had rolled.
Don't get fooled with the title. The movie is about a salesman and more.
Apna Harpreet puttar is a "just pass" fresher who, for lack of greener pastures, joins a Computer Firm as a Salesman.
CAT mai toh baithne se raha. Baap Dada ke paas zyada daulat bhi nahi. Toh Chalo Ji, Sales kar lete hain.
He brings excitement, idealism and a naivete to the workplace. As expected from a novice.
So far so sweet.
But just how far can an eager, hardworking and idealistic guy really get?
Are the values he brings to the table enough to survive in the The Big Bad World of Sales?
Will the duffer who hates numbers survive in a game that thrives on daily graphs and charts?
That's really for you to find out.
I will only tell you what you should expect from this package -
- A fresh look, an unexplored plot
- Crisp writing. Killer dialogues. Jaideep Sahni keeps up the great work !
- Great Humour
- Finely sketched characters
- Tight editing
- Amazing performances from an ensemble cast
I eat my words. The guy is definitely on to bigger things. Perfect hai.
I won't say the movie will dramatically increase your respect for sales people. It doesn't have such noble intentions.
It will however, make you look at mundane things, often overlooked, in a new light.
It may not tell you what is right or wrong, but might just help you to take that leap of faith.
A feel good movie that will fill you with smiles and then, some thoughts.
My Thumbs Up to this lovely movie.
Waise, First Day First Show movie dekhna ke mazaa hi alag hai. And if it's a flick like Rocket Singh... Tab toh Sone Pe Suhaga ho jaaye.
Go Rocket Go !
Kolya is set during the times of the Velvet Revolution.
The movie trails the life of a "had been" musician (Mr. Louka) and his everyday, penniless existence in a country grappling with communism.
To help him get over his debts and a non glamorous lifestyle, a friend suggests a marriage of convenience. An arrangement whereby he could help a Russian mother get Czech papers in exchange for truckloads of money.
The arrangement goes on fine till the wife in question runs away to a lover in Germany.
This shouldn't have been a problem for our Mr. Louka who himself enjoys the company of many a woman.
Except for a minor glitch - Kolya.
Kolya, the child who is left behind by the runaway wife and who has now fallen into the unwilling laps of a step father.
How the Russian kid and the Czech father (old enough to be a grandfather) adjust and take to each other forms the plot of the movie.
If I had to cut to the verdict, I would say the movie is an absolute pleasure to watch.
Languidly paced, it gives you little idea about the actual premise.
As a viewer you get a chance to look at the Communist Czech, the slow lives of pensioners, the sleepy streets of the countryside, the incessant drumming of the Soviet army, the gentle yet firm uprising against Communist ideals. Also, how a Czech national with little regard for his Soviet Captors settles down and takes care of a Soviet kid makes for an endearing watch.
The best part of most foreign language movies I have seen is - the details !
Yes, most of these movies show you the details, be it in terms of what food the protagonists eat to what buttons they wear to what kind of homes they inhabit. It lends more meat to the characters. One can easily understand where the character is coming from and how he lives.
For an example, in a simple scene where Mr Louka is shown having a sumptuous meal with his mother - the meal only consists of Boiled Potato Dumplings ! Another shows him having a fresh loaf of bread with jam. Yet, just the way these have been picturised, make you actually smell the fresh bread and the warm potatoes !
Another reason why I like to watch such movies is they invariably make you realise how similar people, languages and cultures are. Now did you know that Russians and Czechs call tea as "Chai"?? You would also realise this if you were to watch Nowhere in Africa. Hindi and African speakers (Kenyan, to be precise) share a lot of their vocabulary.
Performances wise, the movie is how it should be - underperformed and minimalistic. Nobody's trying to make an impact and thus they all end up making a strong one.
Zdenek Sverak (I wouldn't know how to pronounce his name) is charming as an old musician and an unwilling dad.
About Kolya, played by Andrei Chalimon, I just wanted to bring the kid home and never let him go !
A simple movie, a delicate relationship and sweet characters. An Oscar well deserved !
