The 2018 Kerala Flood

 The severe floods that affected the south Indian state of Kerala in August 2018 were the result of unusually high rainfall during the monsoon season. It was the worst flood in Kerala in nearly a century, claiming the lives of over 483 people and leaving 15 missing. The floods also resulted in the evacuation of approximately one million people from various districts across the state. Several factors contributed to the magnitude of the floods. The southwest monsoon in Kerala that year was 23% excess, with August experiencing rainfall 96% above normal. Heavy rainfall in the state caused dams to fill to their maximum capacities, leading to the opening of 35 out of the 54 dams, including the Idukki Dam and the Malampuzha dam. Landslides in hilly districts further exacerbated the situation. Independent scientific studies conducted by experts concluded that the floods were primarily caused by the heavy downpour and dam management, rather than the release of water from dams.

The impact of the floods was devastating. Over 489 people lost their lives, with 15 still missing and 140 hospitalized. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, and an estimated 10,000 kilometers of roads were affected. Cochin International Airport, one of India's busiest airports, had to suspend operations due to runway flooding. Schools were closed, and tourists were discouraged from visiting certain districts for safety reasons. The flooding also disrupted water supply, leaving many people without access to clean water. Rescue and relief operations were launched by the government at both the central and state levels. The Indian government deployed helicopters, aircraft, boats, and rescue teams to assist in evacuations and provide relief supplies. Fishermen played a crucial role in the rescue operations, with thousands of fishermen and their boats participating in the efforts. The government set up relief camps to accommodate the flood victims, and various organizations and individuals provided financial aid and support.

The Kerala floods of 2018 highlighted the need for improved dam management and disaster preparedness. A report by an amicus curiae appointed by the Kerala High Court criticized the dam management practices and called for a review of reservoir operations. The government of Kerala argued that the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government worsened the flooding, while Tamil Nadu maintained that Kerala suffered due to excessive rainfall within the state. The floods in Kerala served as a reminder of the potential impacts of climate change. While it is difficult to attribute any single event to climate change, its possible role in causing heavy rainfall in Kerala cannot be ruled out. The floods prompted discussions on the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events.

Overall, the 2018 floods in Kerala were a tragic event that resulted in significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and displacement of people. The disaster highlighted the need for improved disaster management strategies, including better dam management, early warning systems, and climate resilience measures.

Karnataka State Legislative Assembly Election held in 2018

Karnataka, with its capital in Bangalore, is one of India's most politically crucial states. The election, held on May 12, 2018, witnessed intense campaigning, fierce debates, and a closely contested battle for power among the major political parties.

The election saw a triangular contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S). These parties fielded their candidates across the state to secure a majority in the 224-member assembly. Pre-election Alliances: In a bid to maximize their chances of forming the government, the INC and JD(S) formed a post-poll alliance ahead of the election. This alliance aimed to prevent the BJP from gaining a majority and possibly forming the government.

The election witnessed a high voter turnout, with more than 72% of the eligible voters casting their votes. People from all sections of society, including urban and rural areas, actively participated in the electoral process. Karnataka has a diverse electorate with varied linguistic, regional, and caste-based considerations. The election witnessed the influence of caste-based politics, with parties actively targeting specific caste groups to secure their support.

The election results led to a hung assembly, meaning no single party secured an outright majority. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, followed by the INC with 78 seats and the JD(S) with 37 seats. Several independent candidates and smaller parties also won seats. In a dramatic turn of events, the INC and JD(S) formed a post-poll coalition to stake their claim to form the government. HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with support from the INC. This coalition arrangement allowed the parties to collectively cross the majority mark. The election also witnessed legal and political controversies surrounding the process of government formation. There were debates over the Governor's role, claims of horse-trading, and allegations of unethical practices to secure the support of elected representatives.

The Karnataka State Legislative Assembly Election 2018 had a significant impact on the state's political landscape. The formation of a coalition government marked a unique political scenario, where two major parties joined hands to govern the state. The election showcased the dynamic nature of Indian politics, with alliances and post-poll arrangements playing a crucial role in government formation.

The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: A Historic and Controversial Contest

The 2016 United States presidential election stands out as a momentous event in American political history. With its intense debates, controversies, and unexpected outcomes, the election captivated both domestic and international audiences. Ultimately, the election resulted in the victory of businessman and television personality Donald J. Trump, who would become the 45th President of the United States. Let's delve into the key highlights and significance of this remarkable electoral campaign.

The 2016 election unfolded against a backdrop of deep political polarization within the United States. Divisions between liberals and conservatives, urban and rural communities, and different socioeconomic groups were increasingly pronounced. These divisions, along with growing discontent with the political establishment, set the stage for a contentious race.

The election featured two major party candidates: Donald J. Trump, representing the Republican Party, and Hillary Clinton, representing the Democratic Party. Both candidates had contrasting backgrounds, visions, and approaches to governance, which further heightened the stakes of the election.

Donald Trump's campaign emphasized promises of economic revitalization, border security, and a rejection of political correctness. His populist rhetoric resonated with many disenchanted voters who felt left behind by globalization and rapid societal changes. Trump's unconventional campaign style, extensive use of social media, and a reputation as an outsider candidate brought him significant attention throughout the race.

Hillary Clinton, a former Secretary of State and First Lady, sought to make history as the first female President of the United States. Her campaign emphasized experience, inclusivity, and progressive policies. Clinton's campaign, however, faced challenges related to public trust, controversy surrounding her use of a private email server, and perceptions of being part of the political establishment.

The 2016 election witnessed a series of highly anticipated and widely watched debates between the two candidates. These debates showcased their policy differences, personal styles, and provided moments that shaped public opinion. The exchanges often became heated, reflecting the intensity of the campaign.

Controversies, such as leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton's private server, sparked debates about transparency, accountability, and foreign interference. Additionally, Trump's remarks on immigration, women, and minority communities sparked widespread criticism and debate, further fueling the polarized atmosphere surrounding the election.

The 2016 election also highlighted the significant role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. Both candidates utilized social media extensively, with Trump's Twitter account in particular attracting significant attention. The influence of social media, along with the spread of misinformation and "fake news," became subjects of scrutiny and debate during and after the election.

The 2016 U.S. presidential election garnered substantial global attention due to the United States' role as a superpower and its influence on global affairs. Foreign governments, media outlets, and citizens closely followed the campaign, recognizing its potential impact on international relations, trade policies, and security.

The 2016 U.S. presidential election left an indelible mark on American political history. Its outcome, with Donald Trump emerging as the 45th President of the United States, defied the expectations of many. The election highlighted deep divisions within the nation, the power of populist rhetoric, and the role of social media in shaping political discourse. As the world watched, the 2016 election underscored the vitality of democracy and the continuous need for open dialogue, understanding, and civic engagement in shaping the future of nations.

Disclaimer: This article aims to provide an overview of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. It does not reflect any political endorsement or bias.

NCC Chronicles: A Journey of Leadership, Adventure, and Lifelong Friendships

During my college years at SD College Alappuzha, I had the privilege of serving as a Senior Under Officer in the No. 2 Company of the 11 Kerala Battalion in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Being part of an esteemed group of around 250 NCC cadets, including both boys from the Senior Division (SD) and girls from the Senior Wing (SW), was a source of immense pride. Through my active participation in various camps, winning accolades, and forging lifelong friendships, my NCC journey left an indelible mark on my life.

Camp Experiences and Leadership Roles: My involvement in NCC camps provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow as a leader, strengthen my character, and acquire vital skills. Noteworthy among my camp experiences are:

1. Annual Modus Operandi Camp (AMC) in Alappuzha: At the AMC held in our college, I had the honor of serving as the Camp Senior. This role allowed me to organize and lead activities, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all the participating cadets.

2. National-Level Trekking Camp in Ranchi: Representing the Kerala battalion, I embarked on an adventurous journey as the Camp Senior at the national-level trekking camp in Ranchi. Leading a team of enthusiastic cadets, we conquered challenging terrains, fostering resilience and team spirit.

3. Army Attachment Camp at Madras Regimental Core (MRC): The Army Attachment Camp at MRC in Tamil Nadu near Mettupalayam provided a rare glimpse into the functioning of the armed forces. This immersive experience instilled discipline, commitment, and a deep sense of patriotism within me.

Notable Achievements and Events: Alongside my camp experiences, I actively participated in events hosted by the NCC, making valuable contributions and representing the organization:

1. National Integration Camp (NIC): Our college had the honor of hosting an NIC camp, where cadets from across the country converged to promote national unity. This event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong friendships.

2. Special Police Officer in Elections and Nehru Trophy Boat Race: As a Special Police Officer, I played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections, contributing to the democratic process. Additionally, I volunteered at the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, embracing teamwork and representing the NCC in a renowned cultural event.

3. Republic Day Parades and Selfless Gesture: While participating in several Republic Day parades in Alappuzha, a bittersweet moment unfolded when it was my turn to lead the group. Moved by a junior cadet's plea for a chance to lead, I selflessly gave up my opportunity, knowing it would be his only chance. Witnessing his success filled me with immense satisfaction, highlighting the selflessness and camaraderie fostered within the NCC.

Lifelong Friendships and Recognition: My NCC journey not only provided enriching experiences but also blessed me with enduring friendships. Individuals like Vinod Kallupurakkal, Shajahan, Stephan, Paramesh Hariharan, Alex, Sudip Onampallimadom, Mahesh, and many more became an integral part of my NCC family.

Moreover, one of the most cherished moments was receiving a letter of appreciation from the camp Commanding Officer, Colonel, acknowledging my leadership qualities in resolving conflicts during a challenging cross-trekking expedition. Such recognition reaffirmed my pride in being trained by the NCC and the valuable lessons imbibed during my college years.

Conclusion: My NCC journey at SD College Alappuzha was a transformative period filled with leadership opportunities, adventure, and lifelong friendships

Loyalty is an important quality - A dog princess in the cat's world

During interviews, one question I always ask, particularly to graduates, is how long they envision working for the organization if they are hired. This inquiry serves two purposes: to gauge the consistency of responses and to observe candidates' reactions. However, in reality, the response does not hold significant importance since it largely depends on how employees are treated within the organization. Nevertheless, there is an increasing trend of job hopping within shorter timeframes. In the Indian software industry, the average tenure is less than three years. Therefore, companies with longer average tenures demonstrate higher employee loyalty and satisfaction.

There is a popular phrase that says, "I work for money; if you want loyalty, hire a dog," often accompanied by an image of a lion in the background. However, let's consider another perspective on this imagery. In truth, a lion is simply a large cat. The perception of mightiness and royalty associated with lions comes from stories we hear since childhood. This is not to discredit lions; as a Leo myself, I have watched "The Lion King" countless times. Nevertheless, the concept of the lion being the king of the jungle is a constructed image in our minds. In reality, a lion is just a big cat.

A cat will only stay with you when it needs your protection and food. It may enjoy the comforts you provide, but no matter how well you treat it, it can never truly be loyal. When faced with danger, a cat will be the first to flee. It will remain pleasant to you as long as you continue to provide for its needs or until a better opportunity arises. The moment a cat finds a more favorable situation, it will leave, regardless of the circumstances. Cats never miss an opportunity to steal and indulge, even if it means taking the milk meant for your child. Their primary concern is always their own well-being.

In the IT industry, I have come across individuals who advise, "Do not love your company, but love your job." While it is essential to find joy in your work, true job satisfaction comes when you contribute to a cause larger than yourself and strive to make your company proud. This is the essence of loyalty. Many people have dedicated themselves to organizations for extended periods, and one can observe the deep respect they hold for their employer even after retirement. The level of satisfaction these individuals experience cannot be easily replaced or replicated. This is something a cat could never comprehend.

Loyalty itself is not inherently negative; it depends on what or whom you are loyal to. If loyalty were an undesirable quality, why do organizations have loyalty programs? Why do we recognize long-serving individuals in various companies? Long-term commitment can only yield success when it is coupled with contributions that benefit the organization. If you consistently fail to bring value to your employer due to your mere presence, what can you expect in return? Loyalty does not mean remaining with the same organization without making any positive impact. It involves embracing challenges and adapting to the changing industry landscape. We must actively contribute to the culture of our organization to create a better environment for everyone involved. While some may struggle to grasp the concept of loyalty, I have witnessed team members who revisit their previous teams, engaging in positive social interactions. Their actions stem from the love they have for both their team and the organization.

In the animal kingdom, there is no better friend to humans than a dog. Dogs are renowned for their loyalty, dedication, and unwavering support. They perform their duties with utmost diligence and are always there for you. Recognizing their efforts and showing them love is all they require. If you provide them with training, they embrace it wholeheartedly, utilizing their newfound knowledge to excel. Conversely, cats are unwilling to undertake any work you may assign to them. Even if they do, it would be akin

Let Romans be Romans in Rome

We have grown up hearing the famous saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." However, in today's interconnected world where people frequently relocate to different parts of the globe, the practicality of this adage is questionable. Upon arriving in a new place, one tends to gravitate towards individuals from their own culture and background, seeking a sense of familiarity and comfort. As the community grows in the new location, there is often a desire to preserve and propagate their own cultural practices, especially for the benefit of future generations.

Nevertheless, as time goes by, individuals may begin to notice aspects of the local culture that clash with their own customs and beliefs. Initially, they might have accepted and even shared their experiences with their homeland, sparking curiosity and wonder among their compatriots. Elders in the family may have cautioned against adopting the local culture too readily. However, as the community expands, there is a growing inclination to view these practices as foreign and incompatible with their own culture. It becomes tempting to resist and discourage the locals from adhering to these customs. It is crucial to acknowledge that cultural practices are deeply rooted and often span centuries, carrying significant historical and traditional significance.

In such situations, it is advisable for individuals who disagree with local cultural practices to consider returning to their place of origin rather than attempting to impose their beliefs on others. After all, they were the ones who chose to settle in a foreign land in pursuit of a better life, and it is important to respect and coexist with the culture that originally welcomed them. Attempting to change the local culture based on personal preferences is not a productive approach. It is essential to recognize that the cultural fabric of a society comprises diverse perspectives and practices. While societal transformation can occur over time, it must arise organically from within the community itself.

Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid generalizations and stereotypes based on religious or cultural affiliations. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other religions are not monolithic entities, but rather encompass a vast array of beliefs and practices that can vary significantly from region to region. Geographical nuances within a country, such as the distinctions between the North and South of India, introduce further variations in cultural norms and traditions. Thus, it is misguided to make sweeping assumptions or expect uniformity in cultural expressions.

This reality is applicable in many contemporary situations. For instance, animal lovers may advocate against traditional events like Jallikattu and Seval Sandai in Madurai, while individuals who revere cows in certain parts of India may push for a ban on beef in Kerala. Pentecostal churches seeking to establish prayer halls in densely Hindu-populated areas and attempts to influence the dress code of the Aghoris are also part of this broader context. Each of these scenarios underscores the challenges inherent in navigating cultural differences and the importance of fostering understanding and tolerance.

However, it is essential to note that certain spaces are devoid of specific cultural associations, such as a train compartment. It is not appropriate to engage in religious rituals or ceremonies within these shared public spaces, as it may inconvenience or disturb others. Similarly, it is advisable to exercise sensitivity when choosing business locations, refraining from opening a beef stall adjacent to a temple, for example. Recognizing and respecting the sacredness and sanctity of different places is a fundamental aspect of cultural harmony.

It is important to emphasize that neither forcing others to conform to our cultural practices nor demanding that they abandon their own customs due to personal discomfort reflects a cultured and inclusive approach. Rather, a harmonious coexistence necessitates appreciating and celebrating diverse cultures while preserving one's own heritage. This article serves as a reminder that the phrases "Rome" and "Mongolia" are symbolic representations meant to convey the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences, regardless of the specific geographical

New School, and the environment - Claire

Claire joined VIBGYOR school for the 1^st standard. She was in Kidzee till last year.

Claire was sent to JuzzKids daycare when she was just 7^th moths old. She was grown up in that environment and it was a second home for her. When she turned 4, she got admission in Kidzee, which was in the same building and was managed by the same management of JuzzKids. She was excited to go to Kidzee but it was easy for her to adapt. There was always a lot of people around her with who she grew up.

VIGYOR is a bigger school and has got a big building and a huge ground. It was all different for her. She must have got frightened, excited, and felt lonely when she went to the school for the first day.

Her excitement got over when I took her to the school for the first day. She wore the new uniform and her new bag. Even the socks were provided by the school and the name of the school was written on it. She liked the new environment. But she did not find anyone who she knew in the school and the class rooms were so big. And everything new. She could not stop thinking about the school. We went to sleep early but, she kept on talking about the school and to her teachers in the dream.  Ahilaa, her mother, could not sleep well as she got disturbed with this. She kept on asking Claire to sleep. There was a mixed feeling in her that she even said she wanted to go to toilet in the night.

In the morning Claire got up with a fewer it was 101 in the thermometer. She wanted to go to the school but she is not well. I asked her if she liked the school. She said that she liked the school. And so she took a days leave and I am working from home for the first half and will go to office in the second half when Ahilaa will work from home in the second half. 

Media is only one side of the reality. Think before you vote, but do vote.

As all the political parties are preparing for the next election, and as we all are been convinced by different means on who to vote for, requesting you to spend some time and think without being influenced by anything and any one.
Now all information that we are getting, are through media. Once we see what is happening in a particular location, we think that we actually have seen it. But the actual fact is that we have seen only those things which the reporter or the media wants us to see. You are not seeing everything which happened there, but you are seeing and believing what someone wants you to see and believe. And this is a great threat to the thoughts as we human beings are made in such a way to believe what you have seen. But this virtual reality becomes reality unknowingly and our brain is forced to accept it.

If you are religious, be religious, if you are of specific culture/breed, be proud of it.

Many times it is seen clearly that most of the people opposes a corrupt person and at the same time supports another corrupt person, for the reason that, the second has one common thing with them. It could be religion, cast, language, gender, region, village, state, district etc. and for the same reason, the second person is not corrupted or even though he/she is it is not a big corruption.   
Ask yourself if you are right. I really do not understand how we can be so uncivilised by supporting some people when you actually hear them talk. Most of the talk is happening with a secret weapon called “hate”. And you unknowingly start hating someone for the reason to support someone.
As far as India is concerned we want a good stable, government and nothing else. Even if you take 24 hours it is worth, as this will help you for the next five years.
We do not want a government which would help one particular cast, breed, religion, and what so ever groups we have in the nation. Let religion be religion, gods be gods and culture be culture. All that we are looking for is a party to form a government. We want just pure government and nothing else.
We want a party which can contribute to development, self-sustainability, good relationship with the rest of the nations and build a good government.
Let no wave take you from you.

Husband No. 1

I saw an unread mail in the inbox today morning which was from my child’s school. It was syllabus for the month. I thought it would be appropriate to send it to my wife immediately. I forwarded the mail to her. And I knew I did the right thing. In another five minutes I got a reply from my wife. There was only one line written.

 “Your daughter is in Senior KG and this month is March“.

I did not understand anything. I then looked beneath and read the subject carefully. It was written Syllabus for February. I understood that I was a month late to respond. As today is march 3^rd.

But why is it written that my daughter is in Senior KG? I checked the subject again carefully and read. “File: JuniorKG - February.doc, Description : JuniorKG Syllabus”. Alright, it is the syllabus for the Junior KG for the month of February.

Now it is clear to me,  it was a year and a month late.

Better late than never, I told myself.

A Managers Experience

It was late in the evening and I had returned home late from office as there was a delivery in following week. My team was working very hard as there were some changes which came in the later stage. We accepted those changes as there were some critical decisions taken with the existing contract. Though we were doing well at our end, it was not so great in the overall progress of the business.

I received a call from one of my team members. I picked up the call and he told me that he is leaving to his native as his brother had met with an accident. He said that he is not so sure about the situation and it looks like an emergency. I told him to leave immediately and not to worry about the work. I also told him to contact me if there is any kind of help required. He said he would return in two days and disconnected the call. While talking to him, I got a wild scene of disbelief, for which I felt bad about myself. I told myself that you could not be a bad manager. I made a plan for the situation at the project end.

Next day I called up for the meeting and told rest of the team members about the sad incident happened. I also told the team that we all will have to work a bit extra to ensure that his work is also completed. I also requested help from my managers for an extra resource for some days as we need to complete things on time. Keeping the offshore manager informed about the absence of one member and making him understand the problems it might cause in the delivery, I got some of the deliverables excused for this delivery.

While the day progressed, I thought of calling him and asking him about the situation. His phone was switched off; I could not get in touch with him. My worry increased as there is no information about him. Not knowing what happened to him after leaving that night.  I kept on calling him for one more day and shared my worry to some of the team members who were working closely with him in the current assignment. I also kept my manager informed about the situation.

On the third day when there is no information from him, I send a mail to HR copying my manager on the situation. We in the project have got a practice of keeping emergency contact number of all team members. This will be a local number and a number of his permanent residence.  I reached the first number, which was of his friend who lives in Bangalore. He said he did not hear form him for some days and do not know anything. I got more worried and decided to call the other number which is a mobile number. 

Before I call, I decided to think for a while on what to say and what not to say and called the second number. It was a lady who picked up the call and was talking in a regional language which I do not know. I again got help of one of my team member, who is from the same region, and asked him to talk to the lady and know what the situation is and where he was.

The team member kept on talking for some time to the lady and kept the phone. He turned to me and told me that, it was his mother, but she does not know anything about the accident and also not sure if she felt it appropriate to answer the questions as she is not sure who is calling. Now we both were confused.

In the very next minute I received a call from my team mate from some other number. He was very upset and was worried that, his mother, who is a heart patient, to who they have deliberately kept the news of the accident hidden, because of her health condition, now know that her son has met with an accident. He also told me that she is now taken to the hospital as she was feeling chest pain. I felt sorry and felt that I am an idiot to call her. He then told me that he is in the hospital with his brother who is in a very bad situation. He said that he could not call me because his phone was not working for some reason and now he is calling from his cousin’s phone. He said that he got this number as I called his mother. He told me that he can only come back after a week and is arranging money for his brother’s treatment, which would come around 7 lakhs. As he had no money he needs to sell his farm which is the bread and butter of his family. He said now his brother is in a coma stage, as there is a stone which got into his head in the accident.

I felt so bad about myself and realized that this guy needs help. I talked to my manager and other team members and made them understood about the situation. His phone continued to be offline and whenever I tried his cousin’s number, his cousin picks up the call and says “ I am somewhere outside and will ask him to call you once I reach him”.

Delivery of the project was nearing and we managed to deliver all that we promised on time. It was a great team work. Rest of the team members worked extra hours to complete the tasks on time. I was very happy, but there was always pain thinking about the member who is now in the hospital taking care of both his brother and his mother. Though there was an excuse in some of the modules, those where also completed, but testing was incomplete. So it was excluded in the delivery.  Offshore manager was happy for this delivery and we agreed to include the excluded parts along with the next delivery which is planned in a months’ time.

I tried his cousin’s number. This time I got him on the call and asked about the situation. He said he would come back tomorrow. He said his brother is still moved to another hospital and gave me details of the new hospital where his brother is admitted now.

The very next day, he came to office he said that he is going to apply for a month long leave to take care of his brother and his mother. I called up an HR manager and told him about all that happened and asked him to talk to him and see if he could help him in this situation.  The HR manager talked to him and called me and said that the situation is true and should give him maximum leaves you could give. If he needs more leaves then there are other policies which would support and he needs to avail those.

I called for a meeting with the rest of the team members and told them that I am probably going to give him some money for his immediate expenses. Some of the other team members also offered to help, but two of the team members were so hard hearted that they said they do not know if the accident is true and would not be interested in giving any money. Though I thought it was rude, it was a different angel to the whole situation to think and decided that we should pay directly to the hospital and tied to reach the hospital.

I then called up the hospital, and told them that I am calling to know the situation of a patient and would like to pay a share of the bill. They were happy to help and asked me details of the patient. After some time, they told me there is no such patient admitted in the hospital. I asked if there is a coma patient in the hospital who was admitted a week before and it was an accident case. They could not find any coma patients in the hospital and told me that ICU unit has got a separate register if patient is directly admitted from the emergency. They then transferred the call to the department. I told them the very same reason and asked if they could tell me the current situation of the patient. To my surprise, they told me that there is no major accident cases admitted in the hospital for the last many months. And they never had any coma patient in the hospital.

I was surprised and called him for a meeting, I asked him to tell me the truth and told him that I could help him even now knowing that the whole thing was a story which he made so as to escape from the delivery responsibility. He was defending himself and telling that his brother is in the hospital. I had no better option left than to leave it to HR to handle. I called the HR business partner for help and while talking he accepted that he did not want to show that he could not complete the things he was supposed to complete and in his absence he wanted other team to do it. 

I remembered what Shakespeare told: Never play with the feelings of others because you may win the game but the risk is that you will surely lose the person for a life time. And that is what happened in this case. He lost me for life.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's driver claims he can't have died in plane crash

While a number of books were published on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and committee and commissions set up to solve his mystery, a living witness and close companion of Netaji was never contacted by anyone. 
 Nizamuddin, a 107-year-old man who claims to be the driver of Netaji in Azad Hind Fauj (AHF), lives in Islampura, Bilariyaganj, in Azamgarh district. He claims to have spent four years with Netaji after joining the AHF in 1942. The TOI team also visited him sometime back. Recently the volunteers of a local organisation also went to his place to honour him. 
 Nizamuddin was also sure that Netaji was not killed in the plane crash in 1945. "How can it be possible when I had dropped him by the car on the banks ofSitangpur river near the boarder of Burma and Thailand about three-four months after the incident of plane crash?" he wondered. He has no idea what happened after he dropped Bose on the riverbank. He said that he insisted to accompany Netaji, but he was commanded to return with a promise of meeting again in Independent India. 
Ref: TOI

A 102-year-old man claiming to be Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's driver-cum-bodyguard has claimed that the freedom fighter was not killed in an air crash in 1945.
AZAMGARH (Uttar Pradesh): A 102-year-old man claiming to be Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's driver-cum-bodyguard has claimed that the freedom fighter was not killed in an air crash in 1945, but died a natural death in oblivion, decades later in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
''Netaji was not on the plane that crashed in Taipei in 1945, as he changed his plans to board aircraft at the last minute. He was not killed in the crash, but died a few years ago as Gumnami Baba in Faizabad,'' claimed Nizamuddin, the driver-cum-bodyguard of Netaji in the Azad Hind Fauj, he said said on Thursday at his house in Shahabuddinpur village in Billariaganj, 12 km from the district headquarters.
  
''I ran away from my house in Dhakwa village in Mubarakpur area of Azamgarh district in 1924, when I was barely 20. I reached Singapore by ship, paying a fare of Rs 24, and was later blooded into the AHF,'' said the centenarian who can now walk only with the aid of a staff.
  
''Netaji, who was addressed by everyone in the AHF as 'Babu', asked me to become the driver of his 12 cylinder car, donated by a king in Malaya (now Malaysia). I was later appointed his bodyguard too, carrying a Tommy gun,'' said the man who was rechristened Nizamuddin from Saifuddin, to hide his identity in the AHF.
Endorsing the Mukerjee Commission findings on Netaji's death, Nizamuddin said Justice Mukherjee had arrived at the truth behind Netaji's story.
  
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was reported to have died in an air crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945. His body was never found.
“He did not die in the air crash. The plane did not carry him, but instead had on board Captain Ekram, Lal Singh, a Bengali soldier and a woman, all AHF members, besides two to three Japanese,'' Nizamuddin said.
He reminisced that he met Netaji and brother Sharat Chandra Bose in 1946 over a bridge on a river in Thailand, a year after the alleged death the in air-crash.
The leader, he said, told him that Indian leaders, in collusion with the British and United States governments, were playing a political game using his alleged death.
''Jo jaisa karega woh waisa bharega,'' Netaji had told me when I asked him what he thought of the Indian leaders trying to pronounce him dead.
That was the last meeting I had with 'Babu', who disliked being called 'Sahib' by AHF mates, Nizamuddin added with tears in eyes.
''I wanted to accompany Netaji, but he asked me to go to Rangoon, the capital of Burma, and promised to meet me in an independent India.''
In Rangoon, he married a Burmese girl of Indian origin, Habibunisha, with whom he had six children -- four sons and two daughters -- all married.
While in Burma, he worked in teak plantations and as a tourist guide, but was forced to leave with his family in 1969 due to hostility shown by locals towards Indians.
''I came back to my village Dhakwa and settled in my ancestral house, with a belief that Netaji would have died a natural death by then. But by sheer a quirk of fate in 1971, I met in Varanasi, Swami, the Madrasi right-hand man of Netaji, who confided in me that Babu was alive and residing in oblivion in Faizabad district under the disguised name of Gumnami Baba,'' said Nizamuddin.
The old man recalls that he never doubted Swami's startling revelation, as Netaji had mastered the art of 'disguise', using it many times to hoodwink the British.
''I was a poor man with no job, but somehow arranged Rs 150 to go to Faizabad to meet Babu, but failed as Babu had left for some other place, though temporarily, probably sensing some danger,'' claimed Nizamuddin.
The meeting in Thailand, he said, with turned out to be his last with Netaji.
''It was Swami who met me several times at the Mission Hospital in Azamgarh and gave me messages from Babu.''
According to Swami, Netaji, who was then living as Gumnami Baba, was happy that the country had gained independence, but thought the battle had been partially lost with the nation's partition.
''Netaji said the way the country was moving, many more partitions would take place,'' Nizamuddin said, adding that had Netaji been in the government of free India, the country would have stayed united.
''He was a real secular leader, who reposed faith in a Muslim as a driver, and along with AHF mates refurbished the grave of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in Rangoon,'' Nizamuddin said.
''Netaji died a few years back in Faizabad and the Bengali lady who had given him shelter also passed away later,'' said Nizamuddin.
He said the news of Netaji's death was the last he had heard from Swami.
Justice Mukherjee's findings were right, he said, adding that the ashes in the Renkoji temple were not that of Netaji. But he was sore that none of the three commissions set up to probe Netaji's death, including the Mukherjee panel, had bothered to meet Netaji's driver who accompanied him to several countries including Japan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Laos.
Ref: DNA

K-Community meet Feb 2014

On 22nd Jan  I could make to the KM gathering at Unisys. The session was very informative and got introduced to people who have similar interest. In the session there were people from different companies and also independent KM practitioners. Dr. Madanmohan Rao is a KM author and consultant based in Bangalore, the editor of The KM Chronicles and four other book series also a co-founder of the Bangalore K-Community, was the moderator for the session.
Session started sharp 6:00 PM.
Key presenters
1. LNV Samy, VP, Global Technology and Delivery Centre (India, China and Australia), Technology Consulting and Integration Solutions, Unisys
2. Nirmala Palaniappan, Senior Manager – Social Enterprise, Oracle
3. Ved Prakash, Global KM Practice Head – Application Management, CGI
4. Raju Ramakrishna, Group KM Manager, Wipro
5. Dr. Pushpa who has taken his doctorate in Knowledge Management over social media was also present who presented on how social media is effecting knowledge with respect to the speed of getting information, and other new dimensions of KM over social media.
There were also KM leaders from Mindtree, Tech Mahendra, Societe Generale, etc who shared their thoughts on KM in their respective organisations.
Key notes and highlights.
Most of them highlighted on the importance of involving stake holders to make the initiative successful.
A message to ensure that not to get hung up with technology was given by most of them, which was again on the topic of debate.
Everyone agreed that when comparing quality with quantity we should focus more on quality and not on quantity.
1. Unisys is focusing on bringing KM in to the root level
a. The revenue benefit they achieved was showcased
b. Reuse strategy to increase revenue
2. Oracle is working on an expert locator which involves data from the HR system and also integrates feedback taken from the employees.
a. Introducing big data in to the KM system and to make better benefit out of it
b. Ensuring the usability of the KM system is made better
c. Making objectives for each year which is flexible so that if there is a business requirement, the objectives can be remodelled.
3. CGI had the biggest success story among all
a. Integration and cultural difference which KM had to undergo
b. ACTIONED! Framework
c. Changing the perspective of strength in each technology with horizontal connections.
d. How KM is built around the key objectives of the organisation
4. Wipro believes that the KM that they have now has reached a stage where it has to be re modelled and they are coming up with the next generation KM. They have divided Km in to three so as to keep focus
a. KM to customers (connect to customers and allow customers to reach out to the KM system so as to ensure that knowledge spread across is collected and shared)
b. Internal KM ( KM within the organisation)
c. Next generation KM ( Focusing on the quality and connectivity, collaboration and social networking)
d. Collecting feedback from individual teams on how KM has helped.
e. Creating use cases KM benefits.
f. Included KM as a question in Customer Satisfaction survey
g. Focus on revenue, customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction with respect to KM
5. Tech Mahendra had a different story to share
a. They have a full ledged studio in Hyderabad for KM where videos are taken and shared on specific topics
b. Focused more on those areas where KM could show great importance.
Session got over by 8.

Thanks to Homeopathy, and Dr. Deepak K Tibrewal, my boy, Lohaan, got an award for highest attendance in Class

It was the annual day function at Electronics City Kidzee and Juzzkids school, where both our children are studying. Once all the programs where over, They started giving awards. It was a surprise to us when we heard our 2 year 8 months old boy, Lohaan’s name announced for an award. And the award was for having maximum attendance in the class. Now I am not sure if we are doing justice to him sending him to school all the day. But this made me think for a while.  Most of the children of this age are not able to attend the classes. And this was the case of his sister also. We had to take lots of leaves when Claire was of his age, because of the cough and cold. It is usual in Bangalore that kids get fever, cough and cold when the climate changes. And also because of the pollen in the air. Our kids where no different.

Each time you go to a doctor first thing he would start with an antibiotic. And after some time the dosage is increased for proper effect. Children where getting week over a period of time and we were getting worried. It is also not a good mood that you would get in office when your boss see you taking leaves often for some or the other reason. Claire had some problem in her eyes for which we had to spend a weeks time in a hospital. Pediatric surgeon had a doubt that it was some complex problem. She was given antibiotic over iv for all 8 days. It was the time when my wife, Ahilaa, was expecting our second child in another 8 days. We had no choice but to leave the hospital. We then met more than 60 doctors in Bangalore for this. One would investigate and give reference of another doctor. Then it went for six months. I would not blame any of those doctors, but am thankful to each one of them as they were all trying to help us.  By now we had also started all the same antibiotics for Lohaan who was now 6 months old. For him, there was a problem that his temperature increases and he had twice lost his consciousness.

This is when the magic happened. We got introduced to Dr. Deepak K Tibrewal Homeopathic doctor in Jayanagar. Dr. Deepak K Tibrewal is a unique practitioner of Homeopathy in Bangalore - India, he has Allopathic qualification MBBS from MAHE and Homeopathic MF(HOM) from The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, London. He provides fully personalized modern Homeopathic treatment on the principles of classical Homoeopathy.

He has got a website : http://www.homeoclinic.in . This will help you know more about him.

From then for the last two years we have been taking his medicines for both our children. With God’s grace and Dr. Deepak K Tibrewal Homeopathic medicine we never had to take antibiotics for both our children from then. It is only those sweet medicines that we need to take. The only thing is that when you are taking homeopathic medicines, there are some rules that we need to follow. If we could follow it then the medicine would do its best. Rules are not so difficult. We need to take medicines as per the prescription. For half an hour, should not eat anything before or after taking medicines, should not take medicines immediately after brushing your teeth. And should have a clean mouth at the time of taking medicines. That is all. 

He found out that Claire needs Sodium supplement, and Lohaan he gave a magical medicine HKP. AB etc.  I do not know what all those are. But now we survive with those. Now we know that if there is a chance for fever, AB. If there is cough and cold, HKP.  And for each person the medicine is different according to the body type of the person. So there would be a half an hour consultation which is required to know what kind of person you are and body type you have. 

Now our children can play in rain and go to school next day. In the above picture you can see Claire and Lohaan with other children playing in rain as they have Dr Deepak’s medicine kept inside their home.

I thank him for helping us. Knowing about my children, many of my friends who went there told me later that they were all happy that they met him. They were also thankful to me for introducing him. It is not just them some of our relatives also started his consultation which includes my father in law who could completely remove the usage of his asthma medicine puffs.