Life is not fair. is't it so?

Reunion preparations are in full swing. All are in midst of planning, contacting classmates, creating database but mainly trying to catch up & update on each other. But I am looking forward to the reunion with mixed feelings. Both excitement and apprehension. Thrilled but with fear. (More about what I feel about Reunion in next blog)

Each day was reconnecting me to a new classmate. Within last week, right from Vasudha, sisters Aasha and Usha, MV Usha, ManiBabu, Pranoti to now Rosebell, Mercy and Gracy-who just called- it was a non-stop trip down the memory lane. My emotions were just gushing up from deep within, at reacquainting of so many classmates; and recollecting of long forgotten sweet incidents.
In midst of all this I had a conversation which dampened my enthusiasm and left me disturbed for rest of that night.

RB called. She was excited (in fact overexcited would also be understatement), she wanted to know about my last thirty years of my life in five minutes! And was asking non-stop questions without bothering to pause and see if I was answering any one of them. She still was as usual so sweet on phone. She made me feel elated by saying that for past one year she was fervently remembering me and used to frequently tell her children about Satish Uncle’s school antics. She desperately longed to meet me for past year. She also persistently asked me the one question most are asking me ‘Are your children as mischievous as you were?’ and I only say No. Such a sweet innocent person, ever ready to help and who wished no one bad, a person whose life should be surrounded by all-round prosperity. And this RB confessed that 'she did not have money to pay for our reunion!!!!!
Yes, during our conversation, RB indicated me in different ways that she was looking forward for the reunion but had some work hence could not come. After my heavy persuasion and lot of dillydallying by her, she opened up and cryingly admitted that she wanted to desperately come to reunion but she was in financial crisis and did not have the money to spare for the reunion.

i was too distressed to hear this and I became angry at God. In fact I was always angry and bitter with God for having given me so many tragedies in my life. And on many occasions, when I was suffering the traumas one after another, I almost wanted to scream to God and say ‘enough please no more please’. And plead to Him- Why Me?

But today I was seriously as disturbed at the life RB is living, as I was for mine. In no way I can understand the justice of fate where a simple girl with one of the kindest heart one could possess, was hesitant to come to reunion because she could not afford the contribution of Rs 500/- I mean a girl who showered me with pure selfless love & affection and by seeing whom, the word Florence Nightingale comes to my mind; a sweetest person who gave me so many precious sugary memories that helped me endure my turmoil. And a person who gave me so many gifts and spend money on me when she was working. Such a person in financial crisis was hard to understand.

For me, RB and Pranoti were two such school friends who gave me the most selfless affection without I giving them anything in return. Though few other girls have been more closer to me. But these two were exception in that I never gave them my affection or time-as I did to others-but still it did not diminish theirs for mine. Particularly RB. I remember her regularly bringing vada-pav from her job just because I liked it and she used to stand on school ground to give it to me after I finished playing my hockey. Who will show such platonic love to a boy who is not her brother or her boyfriend?
Why such girl should suffer a fate is beyond my comprehension. I mean where does the philosophy that ‘u reap as u sow’ stands in this context. She enjoyed a better standard of life then many of her classmates and now she is living a life which we would have never wanted any one of us to experience. Really God, please do something and bring the smile back in her life.
I may pay her reunion contribution. That is the smallest I can do. It will be just a small repayment of debt she has over me. A debt, huge enough, that cannot be repaid by any amount of money or deeds from my side. No one has taught me how to calculate the cost of selfless good memories given by your classmates.

Still the last thought before signing off is GOD Why Her? i wud ahve glady borne one more tragedy in my life. But God Why Her?

A year after 26/11-Has anything changed?

continuing.......

Some further questions also bother me and answers for which are not easy;

How can we call the policemen killed as martyrs and their death as sacrifice?

These policemen went in without fully aware of dangers that lay ahead. Their death was more of accidental-they were caught by surprise by terrorists who were in midst of shooting spree. It was unlike the commandos or NSGs who bravely went in fully aware that their chances of being killed were more then that of survival. They knew that death was in front of them but still they went in. That is SACRIFICE and those are our martyrs. As far as our policemen are considered, at the most we can say that they died in line of duty. Certainly I am moved and feel for the loss of these top police officers and concur to whatever honor, the government and people have give to them. Absolutely no grudges at all. But in my opinion, to equate their death with that of NSG commando like Sandeep Unnikrishnan will not be fair to these brave martyrs who walked to their death fully aware.

What purpose these morchas, candle light walks, seminars etc serve? How it is going to help in capacity building of our nation?

When I saw the NGOs or concerned people speaking on TV (while holding some banner or message in hand) they all said to the effect that; their way of showing concern or empathizing with the affected would certainly make a difference!! And I again wonder ‘but how’? Throughout the history of mankind, the doers go about doing their work without the need to be vocal and the spokespersons have always spoke but do little action. The litmus test will be how many of this spokesperson would like to confront a group of terrorist or visit a place which is filled with danger. I know there will be few takers on that. But arrange a TV broadcast talk show on national channel and you will find millions hand volunteering.


To be continued

A year after 26/11. Has anything changed?

Today evening at a public forum, I was asked to say few words on the occasion of first anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. The ‘mother of all attacks’, which had kept Mumbai awake for three whole days.
And I flatly refused to speak. I did not want be a hypocrite and speak on where our government lacked and what they should do or not do etc
In fact the last whole week I was sick of watching the rat race of different channels trying to show “how differently this tragedy can be revisited and presented”. These TV channels went to the actual affected sites, interviewed each and every person related to that event and did not even spare the family members (of dead ones) to grieve in peace. Or gave them some solitude to mourn their personal loss. The whole idea of such TV networks was to make family members cry and create or gain artificial sympathy. It was as if the networks were not caring how low they were going, to catch the eyeballs. In fact, the race for TRP was getting so ridiculous that I wondered what next? Are the journalists now going to try the last trick of the book i.e by going to heaven and taking interviews of the persons who died on that day? Perhaps in future they would find a way to do that also!!

Add to that, the most appalling part was the peace walks, morchas, demonstrations, candlelight marches, seminars, exhibitions, talk shows, debates, so on and so on. It looked like every NGO, social organization, political party was trying to take advantage of that day by trying to portray ‘how concerned we are’ for India and how we empathies with the dead ones. Everyone had a punch line that ‘how their supreme sacrifices should not go waste’.
In the afternoon also, when I had gone to VT, Nariman Point and other parts of town, it seems that the marches, slogans, demonstrations, street exhibitions etc were here, there, everywhere. Everyone wanted to be part of this façade and all of them wanted to appear on TV or media. In fact more then the actual issue, the bottom line was about getting noticed. That is, appearing on media and TV to get personal mileage for themselves or their organization.
But why am I angry at all these publicity seeking pathetic attempts? Why do I think that all this is hypocrisy at its best? And the answer is not hard to seek. Last year after the terror attacks, everyone and every NGO including citizen association of elite areas (Cuffe Parade N. Point, Malabar hill) took to streets. They occupied prominent place in newspapers and TV networks for more then a month. They screamed, protested, created uproar, gave opinions about what is wrong with India, the government its citizens etc. And also whose fault it was and what should be done. Many suggested of changes in policy, government and anything they could think of blaming. The uproar was so huge that it seemed like finally the elite class was being concerned with what is happening with non-elite common public. There also emerged a feeling that average citizens will now be more aware and proactive in matter of governance and their rights.

But all that proved to be a illusion. Hopes rose only to be dashed. All these so called social reformers talked about participative governance. But when the need for voting came, it was back to the old habits. The voting in those elite areas was mere forty percent in both LS and VS elections. Now everyone knows that base of successful democracy is in participation of voting process by all and thereby ensuring election of an effective government. But what we observed was all talk and no action by these so called elite citizens and their elite social organizations. That made me so bugged and angry at them. Only talk and no action. These were people who occupy important positions in corporate and were symbol of wealth and power. They had an genuine opportunity to make the difference but they really squandered their chance away by not coming down to vote. What right they have to question the government or give suggestions? Hence I refused to talk and be a part of ‘all words and no action’
to be continued......

The Bhau I knew-a tribute to an visionary soul

Death is the ultimate truth of life. The final destination. At some point of time in our lives, we get used to hearing the news of some one or other's demise. You just accept the news and move ahead. But still in rare cases, you feel deeply affected and touched, on hearing upon the demise of an extraordinary visionary person. Bhau's demise was one such case.

Manohar Pundalik Kulkarni-popularly known as Bhau- was a person on whom, pages and pages could be written and still, one would nowhere be near in understanding what made Bhau such an extremely endearing and likable person. It said that in case of successful persons “either you love them or hate them but you can’t ignore them”. But in case of Bhau it was always “either you loved him or liked him but you cannot ignore him”. Such was the friendly and pleasing personality of Bhau. We all would agree that at first glance, no one would predict this simple unassuming person, to be an extraordinary achiever of sorts.

And thus it makes me wonder like so many others “How can a man achieve so much in his lifetime and still be so modest and humble”. I think more then the need for answer, there is a greater need for us, to follow the ideal in the question.

As a Rotarian, Bhau was a hardcore dedicated member who served the Rotary and its objectives, as he would for his own family and vocation. For our Rotary club, he was a selfless worker, a generous donor, a motivating leader and in the last few years a guide and counselor to many new Rotarians and Presidents. Some of his significant achievements during his Rotary stint were; Founder member and continuous member for 28 years of Rotary Club of Thane East, Club President for two years, Chairman of CORPS, only member from our club who was elected to District Nominating Committee and a PAUL HARRIS FELLOW. Bhau was one of the most respected senior Rotarian from Thane clubs and had been given Vocational Excellence awards by many Rotary clubs.
But what made Bhau stand apart, is his trend of wearing Rotary pin 24*7 and that too with great pride. His tireless service and compassion for the needy is unmatched. In fact for all of us, the dictionary meaning of word Rotarian was Bhau Kulkarni

We Rotarians may miss Bhau's fatherly presence, his assuring experience, his comforting strength, and many other aspects. But we find solace in that he lived a life in a style, which has become role model or roadmap for juniors like us. We are proud to be members of RC Thane East mainly because Bhau was member of that club.

Bhau wherever you are, may you rest in eternal peace and I thank Almighty for blessing my life with presence of Bhau, however brief it may be.

How Green was my Valley/club!

KJ offered to resign more then a month ago. Though it was a shock to everyone but still will confess that it was relief for me. As posted earlier, in case of RCTE, it was case of ‘frankly dear i don't give a damn’. Therefore the fact that I simply did not care that our club was headless and was having no future did not amaze me. And why so indifference? The reason is simple. I knew this was coming. I was as certain of club going down, as I was earlier, of my club going to top.

The reasons, as I stated before, were simple to seek. The club and especially new members were embracing and idolizing wrong ideals and principals. This was ensuring a short term artificial success or temporary ‘feel good’ factor. Any intellectual person knows that Long term vision is not built on personal ambitions of one or two persons. Not on ‘I am the only one great’ attitude and certainly not on ‘I only win and u all lose’ situations. In spite of my repeated warning and cautioning against targeting for short-term gains, still everyone was engulfed by the obscene greed of fast success and fame.

One fact is indisputable. A great club is built on teamwork of experienced PPs, effective BOD and energetic new members. It is built on love and harmony. It involves rotary training and grooming of juniors by knowledgeable seniors and also giving support and confidence to President by key persons of club. This is where our club was lacking. And the club also suffered because persons like me who knew what was happening and what needs to be done were not bothered by the turn of events.
Though DP has accepted to be PE but I know it will be difficult for the club to find its bearings again. The club will never be able to recapture its innocence, its enthusiasm, the bonding, the harmony, the joy of discovering each other and the happiness of just being in each others company. Unless a new breed of 15-20 exciting members are inducted together, the lost era of our club may never be regained.
When I try to look back at my initial years in RCTE, I realize with dismay how it has changed in such a short time and also realized what I will be missing. Initially the members knew each other personally, incl their families. There was innermost fierce desire to meet informally for fellowship at someone’s place. I remember the various times I enjoyed at PP RJ house, the simple ice-cream fellowship in my small office where SA DS AA VS late RP, late Khanna etc used to come frquently and where we used to just chat/gupshap. Now looking back, I realize rotary was more simple but enjoyable in those days. There was sense of both solace and satisfaction in doing something for club members and the club. Personal ambition was nowhere on the horizon. And it is for these loving affectionate members that I tried to build a tajmahal of our club. It was my tribute to the lovely times I have shared with these members. But I now know that I was defeated in my purpose by ambitions of few persons. But I have to now reluctantly accept that as my failure and move on.
Some how the magic of those days will never return

……. That is until another magician appears on the avenue

Turmoil and more turmoil

Yes writing after long time and so much happening after 1st week of august. Somehow the things I learnt during the past few months were;

You need lot of determination and zeal to write a daily or a frequent blog, (I really admire Amitabh for writing the daily blog in such a hectic schedule)

Also, the more I want to stay away from Rotary the more it is chasing me (or to be frank involving me)

The search for ‘purpose of life’ is getting more distracted then ever before and I am still not out of blocks for my search.

Past two months has tested my relationships in rotary, as if to see if I can come out with flying color in relationship test.

And finally, how winning can fail to bring joy is something inexplicable?

Let me categorize the events unfolding in past weeks

RID3140 world

The utmost turmoil one can wish for happened in our rid3140 world. Two dialogues aptly convey the happenings. Mrs NI, wife of Dr BI, remarked ‘perhaps it is not in our destiny to be DG’. And local AG phoning me and asking ‘why things don’t happen at top level as you wish?’

Yes our AG with help of BD wrestled the DGN from DR BI. It was against all PDG nomination and defying the group opinion. In fact I had specifically told both AG and BD that ‘u r rocking the boat of our group. In case u want to rock it then have the power and confidence to stabilize it’.

Now the boat has been rocked but has the duo power to stabilize the boat and direct it towards our predetermined objectives? Only Incoming days will answer the question

The more I wonder on these happening, the more I am disappointed at the turn of events. AG may have been the first choice of some from our group but all of them would not have liked AG to win this way. I personally feel betrayed and would blame MB for such a situation. His double cross games made our senior PDGs lose their face and in turn our group becoming laughing stock of rid3140.

But who is to be blamed for this fiasco? Our PDGs, whom I was repeatedly telling to have a transparent dialogue with eligible candidates? Or BD trying to ensure that our groups power centre shifts to him. Or AG who erroneously feels that he has been aggrieved party and also for feeling that the position was his for taking? Or I should be blame myself for laying low instead of taking proactive stand and ensuring settlement within group?

Perhaps there may be a challenge and the coming days will be like Bigg Boss serial where friends turn against each other, as days go by. Indeed we are heading into turbulent times. And hence my opening remark; ‘And finally, how winning can also bring no joy is something inexplicable?’

How it will end? ‘Que sera sera, the future is not for us to see’

one of my most satisfying day....... cont

Monday 11th August morning brought wonderful news for my rotary dist group. KB was elected as RIP for 2011-12. From the phone calls made by senior PDGs, I gathered and cud make out that this was wonderful news for our group and all were happy that they were able to interact with KB just almost a ten days ago during RCTGC installation. In fact everyone was thankful and appreciated that because of my invitation they got such opportunity. I also talked to KB and he remembered me from installation (as induction master) and was happy that I had called. In fact he also inquired about my Microcredit book which I was supposed to send him.

Also the hangover and stuttering of 1st august still remains. Still getting congratulatory calls and emails. Also continuing of my previous post about points which made me extremely happy;
Ms D.Doshi a senior member of a very old club congratulating me for being district trainer and inquiring if I can come to train their club. That was really a highpoint!
Or that PDG JTV spoke for one hour next day and inviting me to dinner
Or that people flocking me after the function just to talk with me, give compliments and inquire if I can help them in public speaking
In fact today also their directors are totally relying on me for their projects and calling me to help them!!

In short still the success hangover has not gone away. So I am still happy.
And lastly I realize that since president Girdhar and I are clicking of; I have a chance to create a family-environment club which I had always dreamed of.

One of my satisfying and rewarding day

1st August Saturday was one of the most rewarding and satisfying day of my Rotary life. Even after couple of days I am still basking in the afterglow of the success of the event. On Saturday RCTGC had its first ever installation at a grand venue at TipTop plaza and what a evening it turned out to be. Till today I am receiving compliments for that evening.
The background is that- RCTGC was having its first ever installation. And my new found friend Girdhar wanted it to be an event to be remembered for long long time to come. And I thought why not? And it also gave me opportunity to authenticate not only my relations within 4way group but also my equations with the PDGs in group. I was always a team man and always offered everything I had to the team/group without asking for anything in return. It was another matter that appreciation from seniors was rare in coming. But the event was acid test of how much these PDGs and seniors valued me.
And eventually on that matter, I passed with flying colors. Whatever doubts I had, that my selfless work may not be recognized by my own, was put to rest on that day. On Saturday many PDGs honored me by not only gracing the occasion but also openly declaring the fact that the prime reason for their coming was my forceful request to them. Not only PDGs but seniors in group also came without fail. And the event certainly created a uproar in Thane Rotary. Realy, the event happened in a much better way then anyone of us could imagine
About the function, the time management was perfect, the presentations, the speeches the intros by JG and RK were flawless and the intros by member’s children was icing on cake. The minute details I had visualized and rehearsed turned out as per plan. in fact the combination of Girdhar and me made the function a successfull one.

As I look back on that I am trying to pinpoint as to which point made me more happier. After so many days I am still not able to decide on that.

Is it the fact that I got so many compliments from all quarters not only for the event organising but for my induction speech?

I always knew that my special induction speech (reading for 8-10 mins without referring to any piece of paper) would be a hit but never thought it would be so super duper blockbuster.

Is it the fact that 11 PDGs a PIRID and numerous district officials attended the function made my day?
All PDGs said that the induction speech was the best one they have heard in their life (and that was a huge compliment).

The PDGs also thought no one in our district can recite like that
and the ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT I recieved was from PRID KB "Satish u r one of the finest Rotarian I have ever met and you will make your district proud'

Other Quotes incl
PDG GV said that the event made him feel like he was attending district conference.
PDG SP felt very proud of myself–his president- and was vary happy that Pres Girdhar had appreciated my work.
PDG UK commented that RCTGC was lucky have me as their supporter and requested me to continue the association with them
PDG SR said this was the best installation of a new club in his life.
PDG BD said that even top Mumbai do not have 11 PDGs as guests.
The new Rotarians and their spouses and their children were enamored by my presence in all the formation period. They were genuinely sad that my visits would now be rare in their club. But I was happy that so many invited me to their house for dinner. That will be remembered by me for long time
To be continued

Nice to be Trainer again

The process of decoding or understanding the life, as we know, is still going on. For last few days I was trying Nirmal Kriya but it seems it is not easy ritual to do without a guru. Was going to a centre where I think I may get a link to my guru. And also met the said person PN in our club’s rotary meeting and though was not over impressed by PN lecture but certainly felt a hope that he may give me directions to my path. One good thing is that PN is arranging a workshop on Holistic approach. Let me see if it can bring the change I need in my life.

Last week when I was enjoying the adulation and company of the members of the new club we had formed, one thing struck me. I was wondering why I was enjoying their company so much and why I was devoting more then necessary time to train these members. And why I am concerned more about those new members then my club members.
And I am again reminded of the time where I would have never felt such indifference towards my members.

And as I mused over the reason for my indifference I realized that why so. During the last six months or so I saw a change in not only attitude of my members but also change in their thinking and their ideals also. I could see that more then teamwork, individual ambition had started creeping in minds of the junior Rotarians. Club and ‘the family of club’ were pushed backward in preference over so called position and power in club. It seems the mantra is ‘service for self’. There is no harmony or synergy in the members as whole. And importantly, in the fight between love and fear; the fear was winning. People, whom I had trained as my own, turned out to be bad students. And to top it all, the leadership of the club including many PPs were also being submissive and not taking brave stand on morally correct issues.

And this was not the club I had dreamed of. This was not the club which I had toiled for and given my so much blood and sweat for. It is sad in the way the club is turning into. I think the club may reach to greater heights but never nobler heights.


Here I think here I must salute PS, the ex-rotarian who has just quitted from rotary. I always thought that there may be only three-four members who would stand for their principles AND I may be the only one who was willing to even GO DOWN for my principles. Prem proved me wrong; by quitting, he proved that there is at least one more person who is willing to sacrifice and go down for his principle. I really salute Prem and dearly wish KJ RT RR RR AM CC BC SS etc, my other so called students, would have turned out like him. I really wish I was able to create such brave students,

And this is where I think I may have another chance to know that if I am better teacher. The fresh and virgin minds of new club members gives me chance to be teacher, a motivator again. I would like to teach them to be a good and brave members. And always stand for what they think is right.
And after two years I may know who was right. That is; were my earlier students not up to mark and had flopped or was my teaching not up to mark and I had flopped. Who was the weak link? I think time will give the answer. But now I am understanding a little, as to why I want to get out of my club.

FACING TRAGEDY

Woke up in morning to hear the news that my collegiate Rajan Kelkar (my college friend) is no more. RK was ailing for sometime. Just two three months ago we learnt that RK was detected with cancer in food pipe, But never expected the end to be so soon. Felt that when a cancer is detected you normally have 3-4 years but this abrupt demise was really shocking.
My second college mate to go much earlier then expected. Anyway the first one committed suicide so sympathy was more for those he had left behind. But here it was sad.

Early forty is not a age to die. you are neither here nor there. nor too young to have anyone depend on you nor too old that your dependents have started becoming independent. Really mankind must appeal to GOD to change some of his rules and not tak eaway at such sensitive age.

Though by controlling my thoughts I controlled my emotions thereby not shedding any tears. But still when I saw RK's 12 year daughter standing in the balcony crying vehemently and with hands pointing in direction on road where RK's body was being placed in ambulance for the final journey, it made me weak and emotional. What will remain in my memory for long time is scene of his daughter crying till her father's mortal body was visible and after being placed in ambulance the way she cried "Aai Aai" and went running inside to her mother seeking comfort from mother for her sufferings. Really this was not a age to die.

But in city we see so many such tragedies that we somehow will get used to this one also

God give peace to RK and happiness to his Daughter. It was nice knowing you

Nothing happening

I am a great fan of Hugh Prather and love all his books, especially his ‘notes to myself-my struggle to become person’. (I also love the book because it was given by a very dear and sweet friend, during my turbulent phase, just after college) Hugh’s reflections and the struggle to come to terms with his life simply represent the struggle of many such persons.
In my quest to find a purpose of my life, I think it is a struggle for me to be a person. During last couple of days, I lost some intensity in my pursuit; was struggling to retain the same intensity and hence was reminded of the above mentioned book.
I observed that I have lost some intensity and focus in pursuing my goal. Trying to understand why? But when I went to PN meditation centre today, I learned that there are many who even after so many years are nowhere near their objective. It made me realize that the path is not straight and upward but more of zig-zag and with no certainty of time required nor of results. In short no predictability.
But learnt one thing that there is no short cut to enlightenment and will have to make lots and lots of effort. So preparing myself for the long journey ahead. No mood to report more
Till next time bye

a good motivation poem

A good poem to lift you whenever you are blue. It seems to cover every sob story or any demoralising event of current times. and above all does not potray to give one line solution but ends with a practical note
Here it goes........
When there is no friend,
When life is on the dead end,
When world is not a paradise,
When your confidence dies,T
ell yourself - Go on, THIS IS LIFE!
When things don't go right,
When there is no ray of light,
And its too hard to survive,
Tell yourself - Go on, THIS IS LIFE!
When there is competition to face,
When you are lagging behind in the race,
When you've lost faith in God,
When you're betrayed by a fraud,
Tell yourself - Go on, THIS IS LIFE!
When others don't respect you,
When you're not amongst the admirable few,
When for a question, you can't find a solution,
When all you're sure about, is confusion,
Tell yourself - Go on, THIS IS LIFE!
When your destination is miles apart,
When you don't know where to start,
When all you see around is pain,
When your hardwork is in vain,
Tell yourself - Go on, THIS IS LIFE!
Even though all this happens
just have faith in self & face the lifewith smile,
things will surely change one day
because as said "THIS IS LIFE ... »
The End
Till next time .......

NRC (Mohone) Nostalgia

NRC Mohone Nostalgia
Today had a bout of NRC Nostalgia. Got it triggered by browsing profiles of some NRC mates on Facebook. And stumbled upon something delightfully surprising.
I found that one of my NRC schoolmates is doing social work. And that too of a magnitude which I did not expect from anyone I have come across in my life. I always had an impression that out of the so many NRCites I grew up with, I may be the rare one who had such an strong itch for community work. Maybe the only one who was obsessed with ‘making a difference’. But when I read the profile details of one of my schoolmate Jahnvi Andharia, I was wordless for some time. And after further browsing, I was both happy and proud of the work she was doing.
It seems Jahnvi is co-founder of Anandi, a NGO in Gujarat and which does a yeoman service in field of woman equality, woman empowerment, microfinance, rural livelihoods and so on. She along with her other members seem to have not only worked in those areas but have unarguably made a difference in at least some of the areas they are serving. From what I gather she is still single, perhaps indicating her devotion and sincerity towards her selfless work.
I always thought that my work in social field and my book on Microcredit-which was graciously released by Nobel Laureate Mohd, Yunus- was a highest any NRCite can go in field of social work. But Jahnvi has gone several notches up. Her name along with other cofounders was mentioned in TIME magazine. The TIME not only described her work but also praised the bravery and dedication shown under tremendous pressure-after the Gujarat riots, and that is a highest form of honor any NRCite can receive. Come to think of it, how many of the NRCite may have found mention in TIME magazine. It certainly would have been a lifetime achievement for me atleast, to find my mention in TIME magazine.
This information made me happy that I know atleast someone, who has made other peoples lives- the main objective of their own life. It also makes me feel proud that someone had guts to go ahead and try to ‘make a difference’. It certainly made my day.
Suddenly have an immense desire to interact with Jahnvi and understand her overall thoughts, views and of course exchange work notes. Let’s see when it happens

So till next time…….

Start of a new phase

In everyone’s life there comes a phase, when you pause and start asking questions about life or to be precise your life. Many times you have lots of questions to ask but very few answers available. And in rare times like now, you do not even know the questions for which you are seeking the answers. Your mind feels the turbulence inside but is unable to crystallize the words needed to form those questions.
It is strange that I am facing that problem. But for anyone to understand my predicament, a little background is necessary; and also to connect with my further musings. Hence the first blogmusing may be little long.

A Practicing Chartered Accountant by profession, a hardcore Rotarian day & night and with lots of interest in sports, philosophy, self development, history and motivational biographies. Always been ‘Jack of all and Masters of some’. In short had all that is needed and sought by any ambitious college student. But still I am at a threshold where none of my present activities holds any interest to me.

And that is where I wonder-why does it happen that in midst of an average successful life; you suddenly get restless and try to seek something more in life. For past decade, I served my Rotary club like no one has (let me not be modest about fact). Today, I know that no one may dare to openly acknowledge; but my efforts have resulted in creating and building a club which no one dreamt of.

Perhaps the urging to serve the local community, to interact with other Rotary members, and the aspiration to ‘make a difference’ would have been the motivation. But what caused it to cease, I still do not know.
Somewhere along the ‘conversations with myself’, I learnt with shock that Rotary is not something I need in my life from here onwards. Rotary is not something which holds my interest. And that, will be the attempt of this blogmusings, i.e. to try and understand, what makes me run away from Rotary or the my other likings; and run after something I do not know what it is nor have identified it. My object is still vague, unsure, unclear to me but I do know that it is there, just after the horizon, waiting for me to reach it.
Let us see if I can reach that purpose, while understanding on the way- ‘why I am de-toxin Rotary from my system?’
Till then have a nice time