achthegreat

Leadership lessons from the long forgotten, yet one of the most consequential Prime Ministers of India

Today (June 28th, 2021) marks the Centenary (100th) birth anniversary of Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao, popularly known as PV, the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. Until recently, I thought he just happened to be at the right place at the right time as the Prime Minister to undertake the massive economic liberalization ofContinueContinue reading “Leadership lessons from the long forgotten, yet one of the most consequential Prime Ministers of India”

Out of Sight – Out of Mind

At the lunch break, I joined my colleagues to go to cafeteria. There were 5 of us altogether, but then one colleague asked us to go ahead, he would join a bit later. The rest 4 of us went and stood in the food counter queue. I got my meal first and headed in searchContinueContinue reading “Out of Sight – Out of Mind”

The Squirrel service ( Alilu Seve ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ)

One of the interesting idioms in the Hindu Mythology of Ramayana is that of “Squirrel service” ( ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ in kannada). It refers to a very small contribution. I have heard and used this a lot since my childhood and it has an interesting story behind: Lord Ram had to build a bridge (Rama Setu)ContinueContinue reading “The Squirrel service ( Alilu Seve ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ)”

Happy New Year from India – Ugadi in focus

Whilst living in Shanghai, I have been asked by folks here at various occasions on when does India celebrate its New Year. Do we have something called as an Indian New Year? Well, I tell them its complicated. We have several new years in different provinces of India, and we don’t have one single NewContinueContinue reading “Happy New Year from India – Ugadi in focus”

A Weekend ritual

As my heart pounds faster, with every pedaling effort that I make…I am treated to this soothing cool breeze, all that I can take. As I get into my rhythm, my body responds well without much push…Adrenaline kicks in as I happily ride past the lovely trees & the bush. As the sweat on myContinueContinue reading “A Weekend ritual”

You Need 5 Hobbies

The first time I saw this “You Need 5 Hobbies” forward on LinkedIn in November 2020, I was instantly fascinated. What this meant was that the hobbies should serve some “purpose”. Hobbies that can fetch you some money, keep you fit & creative, add some wisdom and impact the way we perceive the world. Wow,ContinueContinue reading “You Need 5 Hobbies”

Proverb themed Bed time stories

One of the nicest routines that’s stuck recently between me and my daughter is about narrating a bed time story. I don’t need to explain how a bed time story telling to young kids influences their imagination & perspectives, but until recently I wasn’t doing this on a regular basis. After giving the routine someContinueContinue reading “Proverb themed Bed time stories”

What is permanent in life?

Last week while dropping my daughter Aishani to school, she asked “Papa, what is permanent in life?”. For a moment I was taken aback. I had not expected such a thought-provoking question in the morning rush hour. It took me a while to respond “oh, that’s a good question, who asked you?”. It was theirContinueContinue reading “What is permanent in life?”

Are you a worrier OR a warrior?

I still clearly remember this question from my manager at work in 2006. Although it’s been more than 15 years since, this question keeps coming back at me like a boomerang. More so, when I run into my annoying habit of worrying about anything and everything. It’s funny that sometimes when I have nothing toContinueContinue reading “Are you a worrier OR a warrior?”

The credit mindset

Credit is borrowing something from the “future” to have a better “present” One of the obvious things that comes to mind when picturing the term credit is the financial credit. Credit card, home loans, etc have become intrinsic parts of our lives. Although it serves its purpose when put to right use, for example borrowingContinueContinue reading “The credit mindset”