I am a comparatively early riser. My day begins normally at 7 am.I like to go out at that time, and get paper and bread etc for breakfast. I come back, get bath, do Puja, then make a quick breakfast and settle with a novel or the day's newspaper. I plan at that time what needs to be done in the day, and I am so used to planning that if I don't I feel something is amiss. Although it is a good exercise yet I think I make unrealistic plans, so it does not turn out the way I plan but the main thing is that I don't forget something important, which I don't because of my schedule.
I am still on a schedule. And my internet deadline finishes at 20 mins from now.
What I wanted to write here is about the week. What I would be doing this week! Since the next week I am leaving for my home, where I would not be connected.
This week I have 2 assignments and 1 case study to submit.
Besides I am going to increase my speed of reading manyfold. I want to finish lots before I leave.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Big Bad World
Meet myself.Yeah,after 21 postings, I feel I should make an introduction so that you could relate to whatever I say.I am a 23 year old girl from a small hamlet in remote Jharkhand. Hamlet does not mean, I did not have education and other things. It just means, it was not a happening place. I had my schooling in a decent enough school--DAV Public School--till Class XII. Then I shifted to Orissa,because at my place, it took 4 years to complete graduation, so what's the point to waste 1 whole year when there are alternatives! Till my Graduation, I had not imagined for once that I would do MBA someday. Frankly speaking, I had Group Discussion fear. I was into NIFT, I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. I was the one who would be glued to TV, not blinking for once, to watch Miss India, Miss Universe, Miss World Contests. Designer clothes seemed bizarre to me but even then I would think they are creative....blah..blah..blah. And then I got over this Fashion phobia. I wanted to get into Indian Institute of Mass Communication. The first time I could not make it, as I was not prepared, and then my brother, who wanted to do MBA, somehow convinced me that MBA is THE profession these days. So here I am.
But I actually drifted from what I wanted to say.
I was telling about how entirely different is life at that small hamlet--Jhinkpani--and here at Pune.There are ways in which you grow up, and there are ways through which you lose yourself, in the crowd of such a huge city! I am glad I have grown, but I fear that others do not lose themselves.....I fear!!!
But I actually drifted from what I wanted to say.
I was telling about how entirely different is life at that small hamlet--Jhinkpani--and here at Pune.There are ways in which you grow up, and there are ways through which you lose yourself, in the crowd of such a huge city! I am glad I have grown, but I fear that others do not lose themselves.....I fear!!!
Friday, October 22, 2004
Festive Season's here!
Tomorrow's Dussera!!!Yeah, it is that time of the year again. But in Pune, it does not look like it. Back home, it would be one big event for the entire place--Music blaring at full volume, people dressed in new clothes for atleast 4 days on a row till Dussera. But here I have to ask people again when is Dussera, so that I don't miss Dussera. Mum-dad are also missing us but oce you grow up, you hardly kow where you are going to celebrate your festival. It depends on your commitments and priorities at that point of time.When we were in school, it was so simple, whenever you would have holidays, you would be home or may be out to some relative's place. But these days, the time you reach home is supposedly festival time!
I would be home for Diwali. But the problem is you become so out of reach at that place, that I have to think 10 times before scheduling my holidays. There's no cellular service except Cell One, and no Internet!!!Yeah, it's that remote! But you do not find fault in your child, do you? So good or bad, it is yours!!!The home, that is!
I would be home for Diwali. But the problem is you become so out of reach at that place, that I have to think 10 times before scheduling my holidays. There's no cellular service except Cell One, and no Internet!!!Yeah, it's that remote! But you do not find fault in your child, do you? So good or bad, it is yours!!!The home, that is!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Trite & Prejudice
My weekend was not really full of books as I presumed. Sunday is always my favourite in terms of spending time doing something or nothing. My room-mates can't digest why I get up early on a holiday but I have been like this always. My logic is simple, if I get up early on a day when I have to attend classes early in the day, I would only get up and get ready for the class. But when its holiday, I wear my shoes and go for a leisurly walk, get newspaper, milk, prepare garma-garm Tea, take bath; and then settle down to reading something. It is Bliss.
Yesterday, I went to watch 'Bride & Prejudice'. I would say it was yet another ordinary Bollywood movie, only difference was that, it was in Hindi!And yeah, the male lead, Martin Henderson was the breather, if you know what I mean!
But I particularly loved one song--"Show me the way, take me to love....!!!"It's beautiful!
By the way, I am refreshing the original story of 'Pride & Prejudice' at www.bartleby.com.
Yesterday, I went to watch 'Bride & Prejudice'. I would say it was yet another ordinary Bollywood movie, only difference was that, it was in Hindi!And yeah, the male lead, Martin Henderson was the breather, if you know what I mean!
But I particularly loved one song--"Show me the way, take me to love....!!!"It's beautiful!
By the way, I am refreshing the original story of 'Pride & Prejudice' at www.bartleby.com.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
My article
By the way, here's my article.................
RURAL MARKETING IN INDIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Rural Marketing is the latest buzzword in the Indian Market. The villages and small towns, which were once inconsequential dots on maps, are now getting the attention of global marketing giants and media planners Two-third of the country’s consumers live in rural India and almost half of the national income is generated here. Thus not only a large consumer base stays at the backwaters but also because of the stagnancy in the urban demand, the only way out for the companies is to target the Rural India.
Is it that easy to target semi-urban and rural customers? It is in fact easier said than done. There are scores of issues associated with this, from poor infrastructure to low income, from the difference in the buying habits of the urban and rural customers to their wants and desires, from different lifestyles to consumption trends, and several other issues. Think for yourself, would it be a cakewalk for a Korean company to understand the idiosyncrasies of a resident in Siwan (Bihar) or a Marwari in the remote Rajasthan?
This article dwells into the opportunities enfolded in the Rural India and the challenges, which companies need to consider before taking the plunge.
OPPORTUNITIES AT THE HINTERLAND
Volumes
The most lucrative aspect of Rural Marketing is to reach the untargeted 700 million potential customers, which would bring huge volume Sales to the company. What this data means could be sensed from the case of LIC. Almost 55 percent of LIC's business today comes from villages and as much as 47 percent of the total Sum Assured is accounted for by village folk. Of a total of 1.7 crore life insurance policies bought in the country, more than half have their origin in villages.
Untapped Potential
The estimated size of India’s rural market stated as the percentage of world population is 12.2%, which consists of largely untapped markets. Besides, introducing the existing products to the rural markets, companies are also bringing the rural customers face-to-face with several new concepts. ITC has been extremely innovative in this regard with its e-chaupal and first rural mall ‘Chaupal Sagar’ (Madhya Pradesh).
It works like this. With its network of e-chaupals, ITC communicates its latest commodity prices to the farmers via the Internet or VSAT lines. If they find these attractive, they sell their produce to ITC. Now, by setting up the mall next to the warehouse, ITC is trying to monetise the footfalls from farmers. Most of the brands sold here are national. You would find Marico, LG, Philips, torches from Eveready, shirts from ITC's apparel business, bikes from TVS, and tractors from Eicher.
Government Initiatives
With government’s focus shifting to agriculture, rural development and infrastructure, the economics of the agricultural sector is expected to see an upward trend. For example, the increasing focus on organic farming in the Planning Commission, and impetus on growth of rural sector in this Budget show positive signs.
Vanishing Urban-Rural divide
The Urban-Rural divide is shrinking as never before. The aspirations of Rural India are scaling new heights. Increased literacy and greater awareness in rural markets create new demands and discriminating buyers. Villagers who used to spend the entire day munching paan-tambakoos now demand chocolate candies. Charcoal-cleaned teeth have given way to Colgate and the likes.
In fact there are categories where rural market share is greater then urban like batteries, blues, tea, washing cakes/bars, etc. 38% of the two-wheeler consumers are rural. Besides, LG has clearly set a target of 70% value growth in rural market. It anticipates the contribution of the rural market to be 65% this year. As also, 50% of the confectionery market lies in rural areas, and the market is growing at a rate many times more than the urban market. Even Coca Cola India claims that 30% of its sales come from rural markets.
Competition in Urban Markets
Intensified competition in urban markets increases costs and reduces market share. The situation is that the total market in Urban India is not increasing substantially, thus companies are fighting hard to maintain their market share, sometimes at the cost of their profits also. For example, the recent case of price-cuts by HLL and P&G in detergent powder segment has led to drastic cut in the profits of both the companies. It is also not viable to sustain market share in this way because low profits rely on volumes to sustain it.
The rural market thus provides the obvious scope for furthering company’s market. The automobile market brings this out clearly. Bajaj scooters and Ambassador cars find ready acceptance in the rural market in the present scenario, where the urban market is flooded with brands of motorbikes and cars in a variety of range.
CHALLENGES
Low Income level
Rural consumers have a lower disposable income. A majority of these comprise of daily-wage earners, who rely on their daily earnings for sustenance. Since their disposable income is low, so their needs are also restricted to minimum requirements. For example, if they decide to buy a TV, they would not look at Flat-screen or surround sound system or golden eye. They would buy a TV with the basic functions and no more specialties or value-addition, simply because they cannot pay for it.
In the Television segment, LG’s ‘Sampoorna’ and Onida’s IGO, at lower cost, are targeted towards rural consumers. 14-inch economy colour TV models also saw competitive pricing.
Inadequate infrastructure facilities (electricity and roads)
Poor infrastructure leads to poor physical distribution. When companies target rural markets, availability is also a very important aspect. Poor electricity facilities and poor roads leads to difficulties in distribution of product on time and storage problems.
Retail & Distribution Network
Unlike the variety of stores in the urban market, rural markets have only small retailers in the form of kirana shops. There is no proper display of products and most of the times there is hardly any brand-loyalty.
The rural India had first brush with the concept of shopping malls with ITC’s Chaupal Sagar.
Different Buying Behaviour
It is observed that the buying behaviour of urban and rural consumers is very different. For example, since a majority of rural consumers are daily-wage earners, they cannot possibly buy big ‘money-saver packs’ simply because they are cheaper in effect. The companies fear that if they introduce such packs in the rural markets, it would lead to loose retail of their product by the retailers and they would loose control over quality, brand presentation and price.
HLL had been able to gauge this and it introduced the concept of ‘nano-marketing’, which meant products made available in small sachets especially for the rural consumers. After so many years of introduction of this concept, today everything possible is available in a sachet, from edible oil to shampoo, from tomato sauce to coconut oil, from coffee to milk powder. This concept brings affordability with variety to the rural consumers.
For Coca Cola also the launch of the Rs 5 pack has reaped rich dividends in terms of sales. 50 gm packs of Godrej’s FairGlow and Cinthol at Rs 5 each, and HLL’s Lifebuoy at Rs 2, are examples of how companies are reacting according to the rural markets
Inaccessibility of conventional advertising media
Since TV is accessible to only around 50% of the rural consumers. Thus the conventional advertising media does not really work in these quarters. Thus companies have to take a different route to reach out to the consumers. Rural marketing discourse, Wall paintings Calendar advertising and outdoor advertising are most common. Besides, companies target gatherings like ‘Kumbh Mela’ festival, where they provided ‘touch and feel’ demo and free samples like Colgate-Palmolive distributed free samples of its herbal toothpaste. There are Consumer Video Vans, which carry informecials to rural villages.
Seasonal consumption
One more problem with this market is that it is more-or-less seasonal. In most of the places, there is acute dependence on monsoons. Besides, there is also increase in disposable income and more willingness in the rural consumers during harvests and festivals, unlike urban consumers, who buys throughout the year.
Understanding local tastes
It is easy to imagine how difficult it could be for MNCs to understand the local tastes and preferences of people. To solve this problem several companies go for Joint Ventures o tie-ups. For example, in early 90s, P&G tied up with Godrej, as it was oblivion to local tastes.
Cheap alternatives
Since rural consumers comprise of illiterate people also. It forms ground for the cheap copies of established brand. For example, Fair & Lovely could be Fare & Lovely or Parachute could be Farachute. Since the packaging is so similar that the consumers are easily fooled. Thus, companies also need to monitor what goes on in the rural markets in this respect.
CONCLUSION
Thus, rural marketing is not a child’s play. It calls for an extensive research about the market and the consumers. Meanwhile, the investment for improving the basic conditions of water, electricity and roads in rural areas must be strengthened so as to create a better environment for growth in all respect.
Looking at the opportunities and challenges in the rural market, it is certain that the rural sector is extremely lucrative but only for those who understand its dynamics and are able to make the best use of it, otherwise it can become a trap in the sense where the companies lose focus of their core customers.
REFERENCES
www.indiainfoline.com
www.businessworldindia.com
www.rediff.com
www.worldisgreen.com
www.sify.com/finance/insurance
www.maxwell.syr.edu
www.exchange4media.com
Pitch-The Advertising, Marketing and Media Review
Rural Marketing by Sanal Kumar Velayudhan
RURAL MARKETING IN INDIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Rural Marketing is the latest buzzword in the Indian Market. The villages and small towns, which were once inconsequential dots on maps, are now getting the attention of global marketing giants and media planners Two-third of the country’s consumers live in rural India and almost half of the national income is generated here. Thus not only a large consumer base stays at the backwaters but also because of the stagnancy in the urban demand, the only way out for the companies is to target the Rural India.
Is it that easy to target semi-urban and rural customers? It is in fact easier said than done. There are scores of issues associated with this, from poor infrastructure to low income, from the difference in the buying habits of the urban and rural customers to their wants and desires, from different lifestyles to consumption trends, and several other issues. Think for yourself, would it be a cakewalk for a Korean company to understand the idiosyncrasies of a resident in Siwan (Bihar) or a Marwari in the remote Rajasthan?
This article dwells into the opportunities enfolded in the Rural India and the challenges, which companies need to consider before taking the plunge.
OPPORTUNITIES AT THE HINTERLAND
Volumes
The most lucrative aspect of Rural Marketing is to reach the untargeted 700 million potential customers, which would bring huge volume Sales to the company. What this data means could be sensed from the case of LIC. Almost 55 percent of LIC's business today comes from villages and as much as 47 percent of the total Sum Assured is accounted for by village folk. Of a total of 1.7 crore life insurance policies bought in the country, more than half have their origin in villages.
Untapped Potential
The estimated size of India’s rural market stated as the percentage of world population is 12.2%, which consists of largely untapped markets. Besides, introducing the existing products to the rural markets, companies are also bringing the rural customers face-to-face with several new concepts. ITC has been extremely innovative in this regard with its e-chaupal and first rural mall ‘Chaupal Sagar’ (Madhya Pradesh).
It works like this. With its network of e-chaupals, ITC communicates its latest commodity prices to the farmers via the Internet or VSAT lines. If they find these attractive, they sell their produce to ITC. Now, by setting up the mall next to the warehouse, ITC is trying to monetise the footfalls from farmers. Most of the brands sold here are national. You would find Marico, LG, Philips, torches from Eveready, shirts from ITC's apparel business, bikes from TVS, and tractors from Eicher.
Government Initiatives
With government’s focus shifting to agriculture, rural development and infrastructure, the economics of the agricultural sector is expected to see an upward trend. For example, the increasing focus on organic farming in the Planning Commission, and impetus on growth of rural sector in this Budget show positive signs.
Vanishing Urban-Rural divide
The Urban-Rural divide is shrinking as never before. The aspirations of Rural India are scaling new heights. Increased literacy and greater awareness in rural markets create new demands and discriminating buyers. Villagers who used to spend the entire day munching paan-tambakoos now demand chocolate candies. Charcoal-cleaned teeth have given way to Colgate and the likes.
In fact there are categories where rural market share is greater then urban like batteries, blues, tea, washing cakes/bars, etc. 38% of the two-wheeler consumers are rural. Besides, LG has clearly set a target of 70% value growth in rural market. It anticipates the contribution of the rural market to be 65% this year. As also, 50% of the confectionery market lies in rural areas, and the market is growing at a rate many times more than the urban market. Even Coca Cola India claims that 30% of its sales come from rural markets.
Competition in Urban Markets
Intensified competition in urban markets increases costs and reduces market share. The situation is that the total market in Urban India is not increasing substantially, thus companies are fighting hard to maintain their market share, sometimes at the cost of their profits also. For example, the recent case of price-cuts by HLL and P&G in detergent powder segment has led to drastic cut in the profits of both the companies. It is also not viable to sustain market share in this way because low profits rely on volumes to sustain it.
The rural market thus provides the obvious scope for furthering company’s market. The automobile market brings this out clearly. Bajaj scooters and Ambassador cars find ready acceptance in the rural market in the present scenario, where the urban market is flooded with brands of motorbikes and cars in a variety of range.
CHALLENGES
Low Income level
Rural consumers have a lower disposable income. A majority of these comprise of daily-wage earners, who rely on their daily earnings for sustenance. Since their disposable income is low, so their needs are also restricted to minimum requirements. For example, if they decide to buy a TV, they would not look at Flat-screen or surround sound system or golden eye. They would buy a TV with the basic functions and no more specialties or value-addition, simply because they cannot pay for it.
In the Television segment, LG’s ‘Sampoorna’ and Onida’s IGO, at lower cost, are targeted towards rural consumers. 14-inch economy colour TV models also saw competitive pricing.
Inadequate infrastructure facilities (electricity and roads)
Poor infrastructure leads to poor physical distribution. When companies target rural markets, availability is also a very important aspect. Poor electricity facilities and poor roads leads to difficulties in distribution of product on time and storage problems.
Retail & Distribution Network
Unlike the variety of stores in the urban market, rural markets have only small retailers in the form of kirana shops. There is no proper display of products and most of the times there is hardly any brand-loyalty.
The rural India had first brush with the concept of shopping malls with ITC’s Chaupal Sagar.
Different Buying Behaviour
It is observed that the buying behaviour of urban and rural consumers is very different. For example, since a majority of rural consumers are daily-wage earners, they cannot possibly buy big ‘money-saver packs’ simply because they are cheaper in effect. The companies fear that if they introduce such packs in the rural markets, it would lead to loose retail of their product by the retailers and they would loose control over quality, brand presentation and price.
HLL had been able to gauge this and it introduced the concept of ‘nano-marketing’, which meant products made available in small sachets especially for the rural consumers. After so many years of introduction of this concept, today everything possible is available in a sachet, from edible oil to shampoo, from tomato sauce to coconut oil, from coffee to milk powder. This concept brings affordability with variety to the rural consumers.
For Coca Cola also the launch of the Rs 5 pack has reaped rich dividends in terms of sales. 50 gm packs of Godrej’s FairGlow and Cinthol at Rs 5 each, and HLL’s Lifebuoy at Rs 2, are examples of how companies are reacting according to the rural markets
Inaccessibility of conventional advertising media
Since TV is accessible to only around 50% of the rural consumers. Thus the conventional advertising media does not really work in these quarters. Thus companies have to take a different route to reach out to the consumers. Rural marketing discourse, Wall paintings Calendar advertising and outdoor advertising are most common. Besides, companies target gatherings like ‘Kumbh Mela’ festival, where they provided ‘touch and feel’ demo and free samples like Colgate-Palmolive distributed free samples of its herbal toothpaste. There are Consumer Video Vans, which carry informecials to rural villages.
Seasonal consumption
One more problem with this market is that it is more-or-less seasonal. In most of the places, there is acute dependence on monsoons. Besides, there is also increase in disposable income and more willingness in the rural consumers during harvests and festivals, unlike urban consumers, who buys throughout the year.
Understanding local tastes
It is easy to imagine how difficult it could be for MNCs to understand the local tastes and preferences of people. To solve this problem several companies go for Joint Ventures o tie-ups. For example, in early 90s, P&G tied up with Godrej, as it was oblivion to local tastes.
Cheap alternatives
Since rural consumers comprise of illiterate people also. It forms ground for the cheap copies of established brand. For example, Fair & Lovely could be Fare & Lovely or Parachute could be Farachute. Since the packaging is so similar that the consumers are easily fooled. Thus, companies also need to monitor what goes on in the rural markets in this respect.
CONCLUSION
Thus, rural marketing is not a child’s play. It calls for an extensive research about the market and the consumers. Meanwhile, the investment for improving the basic conditions of water, electricity and roads in rural areas must be strengthened so as to create a better environment for growth in all respect.
Looking at the opportunities and challenges in the rural market, it is certain that the rural sector is extremely lucrative but only for those who understand its dynamics and are able to make the best use of it, otherwise it can become a trap in the sense where the companies lose focus of their core customers.
REFERENCES
www.indiainfoline.com
www.businessworldindia.com
www.rediff.com
www.worldisgreen.com
www.sify.com/finance/insurance
www.maxwell.syr.edu
www.exchange4media.com
Pitch-The Advertising, Marketing and Media Review
Rural Marketing by Sanal Kumar Velayudhan
Saturday has arrived. Finally!
This day was extremely taxing. I got up at 6.30 am for a class at 8 am. After the class, at 9.30 am, I sat down finally to write my pending article for our college magazine LINKPIN. I have been an editorial board member for more than a year and did not write one article!!!That was really, really bad. So by 2.30 pm, I completed my article on 'Rural Marketing in India-Opportunities & Challenges'. That done, I went to canteen to grab a quick lunch of Masala Dosa (although I have got sick of it!). Then I spent time in the library flipping through Economic Times till 4.30 pm. I had a class till 7.30 pm. And after everything, I am here at our good, old computer lab to post stuff about something atleast. Everyday I logged into Blogspot, wondered what to write, close it and leave for home! It had been days since I last posted!
Anyways, my reading cruise is still on! Now that my article is completed, today I would start 'The Da-Vinci Code', then I have also got a collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies and one from Harry Porter series (I finally decided to have a look why JK Rowling is creating so much buzz everywhere!) piled up! Besides, I have 2 issues of USP, 1 issue of Pitch, 1 old issue of 'The Brief' and bound A&M issues. Anybody would think I am completely drowned in Advertising! Well, atleast I am trying.
Its a dream to be there, in Advertising, creating wonderful ads!
You know something? I really love Saturdays, it has a Sunday a day after to relax!
OK, enough of dreaming. My back is aching like hell! I have been working since morning without rest, so catch you later, sweetie!
Anyways, my reading cruise is still on! Now that my article is completed, today I would start 'The Da-Vinci Code', then I have also got a collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies and one from Harry Porter series (I finally decided to have a look why JK Rowling is creating so much buzz everywhere!) piled up! Besides, I have 2 issues of USP, 1 issue of Pitch, 1 old issue of 'The Brief' and bound A&M issues. Anybody would think I am completely drowned in Advertising! Well, atleast I am trying.
Its a dream to be there, in Advertising, creating wonderful ads!
You know something? I really love Saturdays, it has a Sunday a day after to relax!
OK, enough of dreaming. My back is aching like hell! I have been working since morning without rest, so catch you later, sweetie!
Friday, October 15, 2004
Reading like a Maverick!
Yeah! That's what I am doing these days. As time is running out and I am counting days in this institute, I want to read all the books which I want to read!I read Kiran Bedi's Biography 'I Dare'. I found it really motivating. This woman is really something!
Secondly, I read R.K.Narayan's 'Malgudi Adventures', stories of our good old Malgudi!!!I remember its Tana..na..tana..na.na..na tune. And infact Malgudi's ringtone is quite popular!
And today I got hold of "The Da Vinci Code" finally!
Secondly, I read R.K.Narayan's 'Malgudi Adventures', stories of our good old Malgudi!!!I remember its Tana..na..tana..na.na..na tune. And infact Malgudi's ringtone is quite popular!
And today I got hold of "The Da Vinci Code" finally!
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Life hits you really Hard!
Last two days had been difficult. It seems that those were not just two days but several!!!!They were long, really long!
On Saturaday, two of my friends met with a very severe accident on a bike while driving back from a picnic in the outskirts. The accident was so severe that we lost one of our friends, and the other is fighting for his life at ICU.
I feel really sad when I look at his parents! At this age they have to go through this. His Father is sitting outside ICU since the time he got admitted, barring few trips home. He looks normal but anybody could imagine what it is to see your child in such state. You really need nerves of steel.
I just pray to God that he gets well soon,back to his normal self. I really miss him around. Just a day before his accident, all of us dined together. And now we are seeing him stuck inside life-support system.
Life is really, really difficult. But keep the Faith!
I must add here that Pune is a really a nightmare for two-wheeler drivers. (Hope my brother doesn't reads this!)But then in India where do you find people abiding by rules? But this incident has made me extremely afraid.
On Saturaday, two of my friends met with a very severe accident on a bike while driving back from a picnic in the outskirts. The accident was so severe that we lost one of our friends, and the other is fighting for his life at ICU.
I feel really sad when I look at his parents! At this age they have to go through this. His Father is sitting outside ICU since the time he got admitted, barring few trips home. He looks normal but anybody could imagine what it is to see your child in such state. You really need nerves of steel.
I just pray to God that he gets well soon,back to his normal self. I really miss him around. Just a day before his accident, all of us dined together. And now we are seeing him stuck inside life-support system.
Life is really, really difficult. But keep the Faith!
I must add here that Pune is a really a nightmare for two-wheeler drivers. (Hope my brother doesn't reads this!)But then in India where do you find people abiding by rules? But this incident has made me extremely afraid.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Yahoo!!!!!
Actually I had been searching for Online Books since a very long time and finally today I found two links. I don't know whether these are the most popular ones or not, but they would do for the time being.They are
www.bartleby.com
http://www.pagebypagebooks.com
The first book I am going to hit is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I had read this book before but a very long time ago. So, since apni Aishwarya's Bride & Prejudice is creating so much hype. I should get through the original scipt before getting to watch the movie!
www.bartleby.com
http://www.pagebypagebooks.com
The first book I am going to hit is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I had read this book before but a very long time ago. So, since apni Aishwarya's Bride & Prejudice is creating so much hype. I should get through the original scipt before getting to watch the movie!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Deamz Unlimited
I don't know why but I have always felt this attraction for books, book shops and even magazine stalls. I like to be in the close vicinity of lots of books. I might not read all of them, as I love reading, yet there is some sort of strong pull.This has given me idea to own a chain of book shops like Crossword or Landmark but better and beyond their scope. It has to be exotic! Something which no one has ever seen! I know I would love to own such a thing!
Another of my dreams is to have my own Greeting cards company. Sometime back I used to design greeting cards myself for the B'days and Friendship days for my friends. It would start with a picture that I would be hit with while going through magazines or books. It would somehow relate to some mood or some moment that is close to me and then it would turn into a card complete with a poetry. I used to make cards mostly for my best friend as she understood the feelings that makes a mere picture in some obscure magazine into a card! It would have a poem that would be specially for her! But I have not made any card since a long time, may be soon I would get back to my love once again!
Yesterday I was discussing about The IITians by Sandipan Deb.
I remember, somewhere in the book, the author mentions that IITians do their work only when they have no other option, that is, at the last moment. But that is true with all of us. Here at IMDR, we think it is an IMDRite trait. But I guess, it is an Indian mentality or shall I say Lethargy. They do not do anything till the last moment.
It was also a new discovery for me to read about the social skills of IITians. I would rather say that I never thought about it! Imagine 400 guys and 12 girls!!!Crazy situation!
About the deadline thing----it is true everywhere in India. Women are meant to be protected and hence all sorts of absurd rules and regulations even after you reach the Age!!!At our hostel in college, the deadline was 5 pm! Anyways, there was nothing to do in any case outside, before or after the deadline!
Another of my dreams is to have my own Greeting cards company. Sometime back I used to design greeting cards myself for the B'days and Friendship days for my friends. It would start with a picture that I would be hit with while going through magazines or books. It would somehow relate to some mood or some moment that is close to me and then it would turn into a card complete with a poetry. I used to make cards mostly for my best friend as she understood the feelings that makes a mere picture in some obscure magazine into a card! It would have a poem that would be specially for her! But I have not made any card since a long time, may be soon I would get back to my love once again!
Yesterday I was discussing about The IITians by Sandipan Deb.
I remember, somewhere in the book, the author mentions that IITians do their work only when they have no other option, that is, at the last moment. But that is true with all of us. Here at IMDR, we think it is an IMDRite trait. But I guess, it is an Indian mentality or shall I say Lethargy. They do not do anything till the last moment.
It was also a new discovery for me to read about the social skills of IITians. I would rather say that I never thought about it! Imagine 400 guys and 12 girls!!!Crazy situation!
About the deadline thing----it is true everywhere in India. Women are meant to be protected and hence all sorts of absurd rules and regulations even after you reach the Age!!!At our hostel in college, the deadline was 5 pm! Anyways, there was nothing to do in any case outside, before or after the deadline!
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Booked!!!
Last week was intellectually fulfilling. I read 2 books--first being, Scenes from an Executive's Life by Anurag Mathur and The IITians by Sandipan Deb.
Let me first dwell on the first one!It was truly typical exercepts from an Executive's life.The same old office politics, which all of us have gone through or heard about! The same old mistakes people commit! The same old consequences of promiscuous rendezvous!But it all made for an interesting reading.
I want to write more about the second book so I leave you here with the review of the first one to go ahead and explore for yourself. Because that is what I did!
I had read about this new book called The IITians and I thought, now that Five Point Someone (another one about IIT but a fiction) has become so popular, the market would be flooded with all sorts of details and statistics of IITs! But then I chanced upon this book in my college library. I had not intended to read it earlier because I thought such books would make sense only to the IITians! But then somehow I picked the book and after a few chapters was hooked to it! I would not be as dramatic as saying that it changed my life! But when I think in terms of Pre-The IITians and Post-The IITians, it has definitely made me more aware about several things related to the most coveted and respected professional brand we have--The IITs!
I came to know about so many IITians and the way they are affecting our lives and the lives of the people around them and across the globe!
Over the years we have been talking about Brain Drain. I came to know more about it--the Whys and Whats!Earlier I did not understand anything much on this issue. But now I understand much of it! I was impressed by the grassroots level work done by several IITians and was filled with awe by the enormity of achievements that so many of the IITians carry!Even to general people like us it is of some pride to connect ourselves in some way with some IITian! My friend studies at IIT Delhi. We are hardly in touch but I do mention this to my newly formed friends at some point of time! IIT also fills me with some awe. I feel that those who go to IIT must be people of some other planet, extremely intelligent and outstanding, and yeah, with a lot of out-of-box aptitude ( I am a management student afterall)!
I never dreamt of going to IITs! And thank god for that! Because those who do, sweat it out for atleast 4-5 years these days, in such extremely competitive environment! I am the creative sort! Thinking about machines and motors, make me sick...but I admire all those who do wonders with these things.
I was really impressed by the work done by Prof. Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras. And also of 'The Toymaker'( I forgot the name!)that the book had a chapter on.
I had this argument yesterday with some of my friends who clearly were irritated of seeing me hooked to this book day in and day out! The issue was why people crib so much about IITians not doing enough!What they are doing at grassroots level, even other engineers could also do, then why people raise eyebrows on only what the IITians have not done!
I would continue with The IITians in my next posting.
Till then, enjoy!!!
Let me first dwell on the first one!It was truly typical exercepts from an Executive's life.The same old office politics, which all of us have gone through or heard about! The same old mistakes people commit! The same old consequences of promiscuous rendezvous!But it all made for an interesting reading.
I want to write more about the second book so I leave you here with the review of the first one to go ahead and explore for yourself. Because that is what I did!
I had read about this new book called The IITians and I thought, now that Five Point Someone (another one about IIT but a fiction) has become so popular, the market would be flooded with all sorts of details and statistics of IITs! But then I chanced upon this book in my college library. I had not intended to read it earlier because I thought such books would make sense only to the IITians! But then somehow I picked the book and after a few chapters was hooked to it! I would not be as dramatic as saying that it changed my life! But when I think in terms of Pre-The IITians and Post-The IITians, it has definitely made me more aware about several things related to the most coveted and respected professional brand we have--The IITs!
I came to know about so many IITians and the way they are affecting our lives and the lives of the people around them and across the globe!
Over the years we have been talking about Brain Drain. I came to know more about it--the Whys and Whats!Earlier I did not understand anything much on this issue. But now I understand much of it! I was impressed by the grassroots level work done by several IITians and was filled with awe by the enormity of achievements that so many of the IITians carry!Even to general people like us it is of some pride to connect ourselves in some way with some IITian! My friend studies at IIT Delhi. We are hardly in touch but I do mention this to my newly formed friends at some point of time! IIT also fills me with some awe. I feel that those who go to IIT must be people of some other planet, extremely intelligent and outstanding, and yeah, with a lot of out-of-box aptitude ( I am a management student afterall)!
I never dreamt of going to IITs! And thank god for that! Because those who do, sweat it out for atleast 4-5 years these days, in such extremely competitive environment! I am the creative sort! Thinking about machines and motors, make me sick...but I admire all those who do wonders with these things.
I was really impressed by the work done by Prof. Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras. And also of 'The Toymaker'( I forgot the name!)that the book had a chapter on.
I had this argument yesterday with some of my friends who clearly were irritated of seeing me hooked to this book day in and day out! The issue was why people crib so much about IITians not doing enough!What they are doing at grassroots level, even other engineers could also do, then why people raise eyebrows on only what the IITians have not done!
I would continue with The IITians in my next posting.
Till then, enjoy!!!
Friday, September 10, 2004
In touch with me
I am a bundle of Introspections, Retrospections, and yeah,Contradictions. Like everyone else, of course!
These days all of us are talking about placements, jobs, etc,etc.I feel, and mind it, it's no gyaan, that there are lots of jobs outside the campus. OK! Let me begin this afresh.
I am doing PGDM at IMDR, Pune. Many of you would think....ok, yet another institute, at yet another corner of Pune. You might as well be thinking, what must be the situation at Pune and Bangalore, really??!!These places are being over-crowded with institutes and more institutes, and the number is just increasing in such a way that the rate would might beat our population growth rate as well!!! But jokes apart, IMDR means Institute of Management Development & Research.It has been around 30 years in Management education, and it does not believes in Advertising itself in order to attract more application forms. So forget that it would resort to several of those antics, so many of the institutes do these days in order to attract companies to come for placements!It stands by its values. Some say it is all crap! Some say the values have become outdated! I think it surely needs some integrity and strength to stand by your values. In fact, situations--good and bad--really test your values. Otherwise all of us could write great sounding words as our Values!!!
The point is why should this institute follow that suite , which all others are following. Just because it is convenient to get placed through campus? Just because campus placements come with some pride? What else?
I live in reality. I think this institute is great but I also know tht none of the kind of jobs I want would be available in campus, and that does not make this institute any less great! I know everone would say it is easier to give gyaan rather than stick to these principles! Lets c!
So the point is when I know that no matter what I do, the kind of companies I would like to join would not come for campus placements, then rather than cribbing wouldn't it be far wise move to plan things with this assumption! Only because HLLs and P&Gs do not come to my campus, my institute is inferior? I cannot buy this view!
Personal Opinion, of course!!!
These days all of us are talking about placements, jobs, etc,etc.I feel, and mind it, it's no gyaan, that there are lots of jobs outside the campus. OK! Let me begin this afresh.
I am doing PGDM at IMDR, Pune. Many of you would think....ok, yet another institute, at yet another corner of Pune. You might as well be thinking, what must be the situation at Pune and Bangalore, really??!!These places are being over-crowded with institutes and more institutes, and the number is just increasing in such a way that the rate would might beat our population growth rate as well!!! But jokes apart, IMDR means Institute of Management Development & Research.It has been around 30 years in Management education, and it does not believes in Advertising itself in order to attract more application forms. So forget that it would resort to several of those antics, so many of the institutes do these days in order to attract companies to come for placements!It stands by its values. Some say it is all crap! Some say the values have become outdated! I think it surely needs some integrity and strength to stand by your values. In fact, situations--good and bad--really test your values. Otherwise all of us could write great sounding words as our Values!!!
The point is why should this institute follow that suite , which all others are following. Just because it is convenient to get placed through campus? Just because campus placements come with some pride? What else?
I live in reality. I think this institute is great but I also know tht none of the kind of jobs I want would be available in campus, and that does not make this institute any less great! I know everone would say it is easier to give gyaan rather than stick to these principles! Lets c!
So the point is when I know that no matter what I do, the kind of companies I would like to join would not come for campus placements, then rather than cribbing wouldn't it be far wise move to plan things with this assumption! Only because HLLs and P&Gs do not come to my campus, my institute is inferior? I cannot buy this view!
Personal Opinion, of course!!!
Job...............less???
The first thing on everybody's mind is Placements!!!Mine too!But surprisingly, I am not worried, like others.
My institute does not believe in advertising, and it has stood by its values through all seasons. I think it is really commendable, considering the fact that there is a Management institute in every nook and corner, and each one advertises obscenly to attract more students and companies!Sad, it might sound, but truely, education has become a booming industry.
Some of us get frustated and abuse the IMDR that it is playing with our careers, blah...blah...blah!But what is really beyond my comprehension is that why campus placements is the only way of getting a job? There are several wonderful jobs out there, and people need you! In any case, no company pays you out of charity, it needs you!Why do we always underestimate ourselves???
My institute does not believe in advertising, and it has stood by its values through all seasons. I think it is really commendable, considering the fact that there is a Management institute in every nook and corner, and each one advertises obscenly to attract more students and companies!Sad, it might sound, but truely, education has become a booming industry.
Some of us get frustated and abuse the IMDR that it is playing with our careers, blah...blah...blah!But what is really beyond my comprehension is that why campus placements is the only way of getting a job? There are several wonderful jobs out there, and people need you! In any case, no company pays you out of charity, it needs you!Why do we always underestimate ourselves???
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Women all the way!
I started a project with LIJJAT Papad, a women's co-operative. It is an all-women organisation barring a few male employees. One of the important things to note here is that all the 40,000 women from across the country who work with the organisation (called Bhagini)are owners of the organisation. Each of them have veto power. No man can be an owner of this organisation.They get a 5kg, 7 kg, etc dough each day which they make into papad and bring the next day. The next day papads are weighed and the women are paid their 'Mehnatana'. There is 1-2 Sanchalikas in each of the 63 branches who are responsible for the supervision of the work done. The dough is made with the help of machine and then 6-7 women pound it.The Sanchalika gets only Rs 50 more than the others.
As it is said that two women cannot be the best of friends but at LIJJAT nobody bitches about the other. There is no comparisons and no competition.
Usually, the entire neighbourhood of women are selected because papad is anyways made with the help of others.
Secondly, the orders are collected from the distributors and within 4 days, they receive the required papads.
So as they say there is no Male Chauvinism in this organisation atleast!
Women Power!!!
As it is said that two women cannot be the best of friends but at LIJJAT nobody bitches about the other. There is no comparisons and no competition.
Usually, the entire neighbourhood of women are selected because papad is anyways made with the help of others.
Secondly, the orders are collected from the distributors and within 4 days, they receive the required papads.
So as they say there is no Male Chauvinism in this organisation atleast!
Women Power!!!
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Women wowed me!
Well, do not get me wrong!
This Sunday I happened to see the world famous (or infamous???) play 'The Vagina Monologues'. It has become a sort of talk of the town. Well, since none of my friends are so crazy as to give 200 bucks for a play! So I had to go alone!
Whenthe play started, well, it was not really a play! So when it started, I felt like ...so this is the begining of yet something new.All the actors were amazing. And I mean every alphabet of AMAZING! I was completely bowled over!
I don't know what to comment on the play but the acting was simply awesome!Since this was the first time, I was part of something so bold and in-your-face, I really did not know how to react to their dialogues. But yes, it was really commendable in which the actors did it! The monologues were all about how 300 odd women from across the world reacted to a survey which essentially discussed...eh..well, yeah, Vagina! See I am not yet too comfortable with the word! So that was some experience!
Here's few lines to Womanhood..........
"I am a Woman,
I am the one,
I am a Woman
who has always Won."
This Sunday I happened to see the world famous (or infamous???) play 'The Vagina Monologues'. It has become a sort of talk of the town. Well, since none of my friends are so crazy as to give 200 bucks for a play! So I had to go alone!
Whenthe play started, well, it was not really a play! So when it started, I felt like ...so this is the begining of yet something new.All the actors were amazing. And I mean every alphabet of AMAZING! I was completely bowled over!
I don't know what to comment on the play but the acting was simply awesome!Since this was the first time, I was part of something so bold and in-your-face, I really did not know how to react to their dialogues. But yes, it was really commendable in which the actors did it! The monologues were all about how 300 odd women from across the world reacted to a survey which essentially discussed...eh..well, yeah, Vagina! See I am not yet too comfortable with the word! So that was some experience!
Here's few lines to Womanhood..........
"I am a Woman,
I am the one,
I am a Woman
who has always Won."
Saturday, August 07, 2004
This day that was
Not a really happening day but I must say this Corporate Finance is getting on my nerves. I feel as if I am getting sunk in all the assignments and works to do! I don't even remember how many things I am supposed to do! I am afraid I wold have to quit this midway. Because I am concentrating more on Finance than Marketing, whatever little even that might be!
Poetry sometimes.....
Elizabeth Akers Allen
At Last
At last, when all the summer shine
That warmed life's early hours is past,
Your loving fingers seek for mine
And hold them close—at last—at last!
Not oft the robin comes to build
Its nest upon the leafless bough
By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,—
But you, dear heart, you love me now.
Though there are shadows on my brow
And furrows on my cheek, in truth,—
The marks where Time's remorseless plough
Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,—
Though fled is every girlish grace
Might win or hold a lover's vow,
Despite my sad and faded face,
And darkened heart, you love me now!
I count no more my wasted tears;
They left no echo of their fall;
I mourn no more my lonesome years;
This blessed hour atones for all.
I fear not all that Time or Fate
May bring to burden heart or brow,—
Strong in the love that came so late,
Our souls shall keep it always now!
Friday, August 06, 2004
Some more....
John Clare
First Love
I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet.
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete.
My face turned pale, a deadly pale.
My legs refused to walk away,
And when she looked what could I ail
My life and all seemed turned to clay.
And then my blood rushed to my face
And took my eyesight quite away.
The trees and bushes round the place
Seemed midnight at noonday.
I could not see a single thing,
Words from my eyes did start.
They spoke as chords do from the string,
And blood burnt round my heart.
Are flowers the winter's choice
Is love's bed always snow
She seemed to hear my silent voice
Not love appeals to know.
I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before.
My heart has left its dwelling place
And can return no more.
First Love
I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet.
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete.
My face turned pale, a deadly pale.
My legs refused to walk away,
And when she looked what could I ail
My life and all seemed turned to clay.
And then my blood rushed to my face
And took my eyesight quite away.
The trees and bushes round the place
Seemed midnight at noonday.
I could not see a single thing,
Words from my eyes did start.
They spoke as chords do from the string,
And blood burnt round my heart.
Are flowers the winter's choice
Is love's bed always snow
She seemed to hear my silent voice
Not love appeals to know.
I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before.
My heart has left its dwelling place
And can return no more.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Friends Forever
Yesterday was Friendship Day! Since last 2-3 days, I had been feeling very down. Life seemed so dull.I missed my room-mate, my best friend very much!
I remembered the wonderful times we had together!How we used to share life's li'l experiences, life's compulsions,happiness,troubles and what not! I remember, she would religiously bring water for me in case I would have tea, because tea harms empty stomach, as I have a problem of acidity!
I remember how I used to get possessive about her, and get angry when she would not come to room for a long time and sit with others!
But she was the most uderstanding, the most accomodating; she would understand everything! She knew what was she to me and vice-versa!
She was a sweetheart, so innocent and caring!
Every Friendship Day, she would try to get up early and wish me first, but she would always fail at that!
This year I missed her a lot.This is one relation which does not loses its lustre, no matter how many seasons change!I know she would be there, and she kows I would be there too!
While I was going mad trying to reach her, she called me up on Friendship Day and, really made my Day!
I always pray that may God give her the very best in Life, because she's really worth it!
MISS U SWEETHEART!
I remembered the wonderful times we had together!How we used to share life's li'l experiences, life's compulsions,happiness,troubles and what not! I remember, she would religiously bring water for me in case I would have tea, because tea harms empty stomach, as I have a problem of acidity!
I remember how I used to get possessive about her, and get angry when she would not come to room for a long time and sit with others!
But she was the most uderstanding, the most accomodating; she would understand everything! She knew what was she to me and vice-versa!
She was a sweetheart, so innocent and caring!
Every Friendship Day, she would try to get up early and wish me first, but she would always fail at that!
This year I missed her a lot.This is one relation which does not loses its lustre, no matter how many seasons change!I know she would be there, and she kows I would be there too!
While I was going mad trying to reach her, she called me up on Friendship Day and, really made my Day!
I always pray that may God give her the very best in Life, because she's really worth it!
MISS U SWEETHEART!
Monday, August 02, 2004
Poetry at all times!
Author: Laurie Picotte
Poem Title: WILL YOU BE THERE
When time comes to a stand still and the world come to an
end,
will you still be there for me from now until then.
When the moon never beams and the sun no longer shines,
will you still love me more and more as days go by.
The way I feel about you the world cannot compare,
please don't ever leave me I need you there.
I read this wonderful poetry on www.poetryonline.com, and thought it worthwhile to give it a space on my Blog.
Poem Title: WILL YOU BE THERE
When time comes to a stand still and the world come to an
end,
will you still be there for me from now until then.
When the moon never beams and the sun no longer shines,
will you still love me more and more as days go by.
The way I feel about you the world cannot compare,
please don't ever leave me I need you there.
I read this wonderful poetry on www.poetryonline.com, and thought it worthwhile to give it a space on my Blog.
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