Thursday, October 18, 2007

An Idea whose time has come

In the above interview, Manmohan Singh clearly mentions, Left parties as source of opposition to India-US Nuclear Cooperation. He would have never imagined the kind of tussle that has existed between Congress and Left since last two months at the time of the interview.He shares his dreams and vision about India in this interview. India has been blessed with very few prime ministers who have such depth of knowledge and understanding about World's affairs. He shares his views on china and Iran impresssively.Very few politicians can express any kind of insight on such countries. It's remarkable to hear from prime minister about India's desperate need for Infrastructure. He is also critical about Government's role as Ma-Baap. Beaureucrats and politicians should take lessons from his vision about Government’s role as helper and facilitator.
Hear this interview to get insight on his thoughts and dreams for India.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Sidhu's Quotes

Sidhu's sidhuisms have found place on brainyquote.com.

Here is one:
"There is light at the end of the tunnel for India, but it's that of an oncoming train which will run them over"

I am not sure whether these quotes are brainy but definitely they are funny.

Here are some of his brainy quotes:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/navjot_singh_sidhu.html

Sunday, October 07, 2007

IBM's patent on Offshoring

Few days back, I came across an interesting article by Mohan Babu on IBM's patent on offshoring process .

Here is the article.

http://infosysblogs.com/managing-offshore-it/2007/09/patenting_offshoring_jobs.html

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Engg colleges-Need to engineer names

Recently, I came across list of engineering colleges in MP.There close to 83 colleges now.80% of these colleges lack basic infrastructure and are far away from any kind research activities.These colleges are owned by either by politicians or Businessmen.

MP politicians learnt to make money out of educational institutions from their South Indian counterparts. While states such as Tamil Nadu have close to 250 engineering colleges,Madhya Pradesh has lot of catch up do in their comparison.

Precisely, this is the logic quoted by most politicians, for opening new colleges but the logic doesn't consider the huge employment opportunities existing in South Indian states and none in their BIMARU(Bihar,MP,Rajasthan,UP) states

This apalling situatution is true for most of North Indian states.They opened new colleges and produced engineers but they forgot to attract companies into their states to employ these engineers.

While going through that list, I came across some names which were funny and made me laugh.
So here are some names.
  • Technocrat Institute of technology
  • Shri Institute of Science and technology
  • Rishiraj Institute of technology
  • Thakral college
  • All Saints college of technology
  • Nagaji Institute of technology and Management
  • Gyan ganga Institute of technology
  • Shri Dadaji Institute of technology
  • Jagatguru dattatreya college of technology
In my opinion, People who opened these colleges could have named them differently at least, they could have shown some respect to Indian scientists and technologists.

Friday, August 31, 2007

American Telecom Mess

Government Fees and Taxes
  1. California State Telecomm. Relay Svc Surcharge
  2. California State Universal Service Fund
  3. California State Excise Tax Surcharge
  4. California State 911
  5. California State High Cost Fund Surcharge
  6. California State Deaf Tax Surcharge
Surcharges & Fees
  1. Federal Wireless Number Pooling And Portability
  2. Federal Usf Non-Ld Surcharge
  3. California State P.U.C. Fee
  4. Federal E911

Above is list of taxes and surcharges that is part of your cell phone bill.For the first time, When I saw this list ,I was surprised to see so many taxes and surcharges.What's the need of so many taxes? Couldn't the Government collect some kind of single tax which can replace all the other taxes and fees? Single Tax/surcharge is easier to manage both by payer and payee.Some of the taxes are obvious but some like California State Telecomm. Relay Svc Surcharge are difficult to fathom. What could be Telecomm Realy Svc? Only California state could answer.You have state 911 and federal 911 tax.What's the need for two 911 surcharges? You have many surcharges charged both by both State and Federation.

Most ludicrous tax is High Cost Fund Surcharge. Whose cost of funds are high? Have you seen somebody charging you because some body's cost of funds is high?

Overall,this doesn't present a good picture of American Telecom sector.Higher number of taxes impede growth of any sector.

Take notice of some other indicators of existing Telecom mess::

  1. Incoming calls are charged to receiver of call.(Operators in countries like India where Average revenue per user per month less than $15 do not charge customers for incoming calls.)
  2. Non presence of pan US operator.(AT&T has license to operate in 22 states only.)
  3. Not enough competition among telecom operators.
  4. Non existence of cellular network in some parts of the country.(Hard to believe but truth is that there are some regions which don't have cellular coverage.)
  5. Strong lobbying by incumbents like Verizon and AT&T etc(Their recent opposition to Google's suggestion of shared spectrum.)

Things don't look enthusiastic for Consumers.

Regulators should step in and take some path breaking decisions to clear this mess.It's sad to note that sorry state of affairs exists in an industry like Telecom which is considered to be backbone of knowledge society.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Progammers Guild : FAKE JOB AD VIDEO


I recently came across this video which is sponsored by Programmers guild. http://programmersguild.org/

The association is a lobby group which recently rebuffed Microsoft's appeal to Senators for increasing the H1b limit to 300,000. Subsequent to rejection of Bill, Microsoft had to open and expand Vancouver,Canada office as it was finding difficult to place employees without H1 visa in Redmond,US office .
This is a interesting video in which fake job Ads posted by employers are discussed.I have no idea about veracity of claims that are being made in this video but at least it gives another perspective on H1 Visas.


Friday, August 10, 2007

Father:RickShaw Puller, Son:IAS


He is Govind Jaiswal,22,IAS(dream job for a north Indian common man).I got this inspirational forward from one of my colleague.
His story is captured in numerous magazines , websites and blogs.
Yet another story of hard work,continuous struggle,passion,perseverance and unbirldled faith on System.
A rickshaw puller's son can manage to become IAS should inspire millions of people who are living in hope of coming out of poverty and struggle.
It's yet another story which proves that miracles do happen in India where government functions are replete with corruption and redtapism.
I just could not imagine the risk that he was riding on as his father had to sell land for Rs 40,000.
Studying for IAS requires great concentration unaffected by any metro city distraction which he could manage successfully.
It's proud event for govind to achieve his dream which will ensure a decent living his family members in future.
But these miracles happen once in million.This reveals ugly face of Indian system which doesn't guarantee people with decent human life even after 60 years of independence.
It's shame to all of us as we are way short of providing people with dignified living.
Ever wondered why all these stories of exceptional achievements in IITs and especially IAS come from feudal lands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.UP and Bihar are feudal parts of country where development is abysmally low,population is high,castesim is rule of day.In these societies, people with lathi, rupiya and taakat(power) are respected.Common people like Govind can not attain first two but can attain later by getting a job that wields power.
I hope Govind will work developmental agenda unaffected by politicians' pressure and ugly politics.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

M D Pai,True Visionary

I recently read the interview of Mohandas Pai, director on the Board and chief of HR,Infosys.

Here it is . Do read it

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2007/07/27/stories/2007072750020100.htm

I have always found him inspiring and visionary.If I am not wrong, he is only person in Senior Management who is not founder of Infosys. He is a glib talker and charismatic personality. Its pleasure to listen his views on Infosys and IT industry. After NRN and Nandan,If any body can leave audience spellbound,He has to be Mohan.He dreams big and believe in achieving them.

I remember asking him about non existence of ESOPs on billion dollar day celebrations in 2004, to which he hinted on creating Loyalty Bonus program which somehow is not there in priority list now.

I was watching PT Usha's dream to create Sports Academy in Kerala,India on National Geographic Channel. In that documentary, She profusely thanked Mohan's initial contribution of Rs 1 million.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Bring jobs back from India

Yesterday, I stopped on c-span TV channel while I was jumping from one channel to other. For those who don't know C_SPAN http://www.c-span.org, let me tell you that it's a channel dedicated for airing government debates in senate,seminars etc involving public policy. Its a kind of government's interface to connect with citizens. Prasar Bharti (Indian Public Boradcaster) should take steps and transform Rajya Sabha and LokSabha channels to cover more public debates out of parliament.

The live telecast of National Governors Association (http://youinnovate21.net on subject of Innovation and technology was going on. I started listening to Mr Randell's ( AT&T CEO) speech followed by Mr Schmidt's (Google CEO ) speech.
The presence of these two CEOs glued me to channel till end of council meeting.
Randell talked about challenges in broadband penetration and competitiveness of Telecom Industry while Schmidt talked about Transformation of Govt. Services using new and latest technologies.Mr Schmidt is a glib talker while Randell seem to be regulated like his industry is.

All the governors seemed to be concerned about growing importance of new technologies and were deeply interested in learning new ways to bring innovation in government services and change in society.

I was day dreaming of this becoming a reality in India where 99% politicians and 90% IAS officers can't even define innovation.

The speeches were followed by Q & A round.I was struck by question from Mr. John Baldaccid Governor of Maine.He talked about creating IT clusters in his state and asked about Industry's role in partnering Government . His question could have been straight forward but he added chauvinistic spice by mentioning IT clusters will help bring back jobs from India.

This is another example of how India has taken centre stage in Government policy formation on Job creation and losses. Ten years back, these Governors would not have known what and where India is. But today it is a different world.

This development is significant as it highlights the achievement of Indian IT Services Industry.
It very easy to blame Indians for all job loses and but hard to evaluate the core reason behind such development.

The Senators and unaware public in large forget the hard labour that Indians apply to deliver IT Services at low cost to make American economy competitive and robust. They forget the taxes that Indians and Indian companies pay to federal and State Government without availing any Social Security benefits.

Its sad that Indians' hard work for American companies doesn't get much deserved acknowledgement and appreciation

Monday, July 16, 2007

5 worst companies to work for

Here is an article which lists top 5 worst companies to work for.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/career/?p=159&tag=nl.e124

I am surprised to see Verizon in the list. New economy companies are hardly expected to be in such list but Verizon seems to be an exception.I am surprised not to see Walmart which is universally famous for inhuman conditions.

One thing noticeable is that 3 out 5 companies Home Depot,Best Buy,McDonalds all connect with customers directly.

How can they keep their customers happy with demoralised employees?

Monday, June 18, 2007

Fatima's Story

Recently came across this heart touching story. Read the below link:

http://harirhk.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/06/pani-puri-funds-infosys-dreams.htm

India is land of hard struggle. In order to get simple things in life, one has to struggle hard.On one hand this makes people tough and strong to bear and live in this global world and on the other hand exposes the brutal reality of trials and tribulations that one has to go in our society.

Imagine how hard would have been for Salar to manage mind boggling Rs 60,000 for first two years of education. Credit is always for non needy.Poor is always hit hardest. Considering her background being a Muslim girl,married to a street hawker that too a at early age and living in non livable surroundings, achievement is unfathomable,incredible and superb.

Indeed, It must have been of proudest moment for fathima and Salar when she would have entered sprawling Infosys campus.

Hope, this struggle ends one day for millions of Indians

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Infrastructure Bottlenecks

Twenty years back,"India-land of snake charmers", the idea used to popup in people's minds about India...

But now thankfully, if some knowledgeable American has to say something about India-It will be IT, Call centre and Poor Infrastructure.

I have been hearing Infrastructure debates since last 10 years.But sadly nothing substantial has happened.
Some Indians especially BJP leaders might take pride in Golden Triangle Highway Project, But truth is that all the things that have been done on Roads is drop in ocean.

Recently, I was listening to GE CEO's interview with Prannoy Roy. His message for Indian leaders was to focus only on Infrastructure for next 10 years. According to him, this measure alone is sufficient to bring revolution and sustain 10% GDP growth.

Infact in my personal conversations, I have found this is major lacunae that people identify India with.The chaos and mismanaged traffic, and not to mention crowded and poor roads that they see become a point of ridicule.

Indian community in US has a strong sense of appreciation for US Infrastructure and the same time they are grossly pessimistic about Indian infrastructure especially roads.

Urban, Metro Indian now relate Infrastructure with Roads.But what about Electricity,Ports,Airports,Railways?????

Still 6.5 lakh villages haven't experienced what electricity is even after 60 years of Independence.Poor electricity conditions exist in whole of India. Mass Transmission and Distribution losses, Inefficiency of State Electricity Boards are prime reasons for poor electricity infrastructure.

Urban elite especially in Metros have kind of forgotten how sad the story in rest of India.There has been same talks since post liberalisation about electricity sector but hardly anything has happened.....

Millions of Indians are still deprived of basic human needs.How can we grossly ignore plight of 1/6th of humanity?
Let's talk about Roads..."The most talked about topic among Indians in US as far as infrastructure is concerned"

The problem is India is we haven't made it as top priority in spite of recognising it as major bottleneck in her growth.

We are still talking about Golden Triangle which is in fact past now...I haven't travelled on GQ Highway hence, i will not talk about it. But what about 100s of National Highways and 1000 of state highways????
GQ fell into purview of Central Government, hence it was achievable by a central body like NHAI. But how will we expect upgrading of state highways into 4 to 6 lanes which come under purview of bankrupt state governments????

Indians are now touted as most talkative people in the world by looking at figures of time spent on cell phones..Same distinction can be achieved for Roads sector.The kind of economic factory bythat will get built Road and Travel Industry is unimaginable.

We constantly hear about Unemloyment rates in US and Europe.. But If I ask what is unemployment rate in India? Hardly any body would be able to answer.
Infrastructure is key to mass unskilled and skilled job creation.We can seriously kill all birds with single stone called as "Infrastructure".

How can w claim to be a super power in making if we are not willing to solve the gross problems??People always compare India and China.But infrastructure part, China has taken a big lead and where are we?

Take Airports,hardly India, with a Billion+ people have 35-50 airports with most of them below world standard except 4-5 airports which are kind of OK.
Hardly 20 million people travel by flights.We don't have enough airports and enough flights for all 1 million plus cities...

if you happen to be in Mumbai or Delhi Airports, you will find them to be shabbiest Airports in the world....What face do we show to foreign travellers??

what we people, who are neither into administration nor Infrasture sector can do???
I find, there is lack of solid concern about sorry state of affairs in India.
We should at least be conscious and concerned about problems and solutions,discuss, debate the issues.

Do you share same opinion??? Let me know your thoughts................





Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Ugly nexus

Amitabh Bachhan is slowly become synonymous with controversies....

He was one of the charismatic actors who had fair public image.
A year back, when He was admitted to Hospital, whole country's attention was focused on his health.

Here is an article which captures the ugly nexus between the Super Star and Politicians..

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/12nazar.htm

Can any one imagine, Amitabh with such great personality to be associated with petty politicians like Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh?????

Saturday, June 09, 2007

A Comparison between USPS and India Post

I recently went to US Postal Service Office and was curios to see how US Post office is different than Indian Post offices and hence, was busy noting the differences....

Immediately I noticed, Big Building,Clean entrance and blue colors, symbolic of USPS.USPS has long legacy. In its 200 years of existence,USPS has evolved alot. See its history below::

USPS History

It's a Government organisation with financial and business autonomy. People call it semi governmental org.


Interactive website ,Online label,shipping and tracking functions,Stamp Vending machines placed in post offices and retails stores like Walmart ,Operations in lines of carriers like UPS and Fedex( while trying to retain distinction of a Government org), huge technological spend, strong linkages with mail stream companies like Pitney Bowes http://www.pb.com separate USPS from its Indian counterpart.

USPS has a monopoly on letters and cards delivery. Federal govt granted this exclusivity to reserve some business in which USPS doesn't face any competition, while cross subsidizing USPS's obligation to serve rural areas and hinterlands.

If you enter Indian Post Offices premises, you will immediately find decrepit Betel coloured walls.You will go inside and will see crowded counters.Crowd is obvious if you happen to be in India.

There were lot of people on that day on my Post office visit. Everybody was lined up in a disciplined manner.All the stationery was properly placed that can hardly be expected in India(because orderliness is not to be expected if you are in Indian Offices)

You can expect Indian Post offices humming with noise, with sad, tired,unfriendly and ungrateful looks on employees. I noticed that USPS staff was greeting everyone with a friendly smile and a customer friendly greeting, What Can I do for you Sir/Madam?


Has anyone ever received a greeting like this in Indian Post offices??

I tendered my envelope, paid fee and got a computerized receipt.If I would do same in India, I will get either a paper receipt with rounded black stamp or a dot matrix generated small receipt containing bare minimum information.

Americans disparage USPS for being a slow decision maker and bureaucratic. I think they haven't experienced what bureaucracy and slow decision making is.

Serious and strong measures are needed to modernise Indian Post offices offering best services to customers and to make a strong, vibrant, agile entity.

India Post is in desparate need of Business and Financial autonomy. The Indian Govt. should corportise Post office functions, infuse technology in systems and focus on customers.The deficit financing can still be achieved as it is being done today but commercial objectives should drive India Post to achieve world class standards.

One Billion people expect much more than what they have got from thousands of outlets of India Post.


How long do we need to wait to see the transformation??????????????????????????

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Infy Management's Worries

I was going through Google Finance and came across this discussion. Here is the link

http://finance.google.com/group/google.finance.663089/browse_thread/thread/67e7beee64a647cb/2976e02191d13613#2976e02191d13613

Analysts are worried about rupee getting stronger which will put Infy management in diffcult position to meet its own revenue projections.Two months have passed in 2008 fiscal and Every body is waiting for 13th july when Infy will come out with Q1 results. This time if Infy revises its guidance southwards, then we can expect some big selling.If they are able to maintain the guidance(no body is expecting upward revision) for the year, it will be a big boost to sentiments in Markets.

But One thing is sure This year will be one of difficult years for Infy Mangement to maintain growth of 40% in event of stronger rupee,bigger employee base,rising salary pressure and fresh H1B debate.

Let's wait for 13Th July!!!!!!!!!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Basab Pradhan's views on H1B

Here are by Basab Pradhan's(Ex Infoscion) views on H1B visas. Interesting analysis by Basab and subsequent comment poolers.
H1B visa prog needs a revamp

Monday, April 23, 2007

Stolen Antiques from Mandsaur

Last week I came across the article (click the link to read the article) Antiques Scrutiny in US
on Antiques Scrutiny in US.

On April 17, 2006, a stolen Vishnu statue worth about $30,000 was turned over by ICE(Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to the Indian government. The 250-pound sandstone statue was taken from a temple in the city of Mandsaur(My home city) in the Madhya Pradesh state of India sometime in 2000,

I hail from the same city, from where this Vishnu statue was reportedly stolen. But sadly Neither do I nor many of residents of my city remember about this precious loss.

Similar to above story there are thousands of reports with regard to loss of statues and historical artifacts from our centuries old temples and monuments.

Our negligence, lack of care ,corrupt Government bodies and hot antique markets in US and Europe are primary reasons for it.

It was really painful for me to read the above story.Will we ever be able to preserve our rich ancient heritage????????

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Sanjaya Malakar

Everybody knows who Sanjaya Malakar is. If you still don't know the link below can be of help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjaya_Malakar

I am not big fan of music but I followed him because of his name which kept reminding me of his Indian origins. Initially, I thought he is of Marathi origins because his last name ends with "kar" but, no He is not Marathi. He is son of Bengali father.

One of the important attribute which clearly attracted people's attention was his unique style.Be it, his famous hair style or way of talking .

You only gets recognized if you are able differentiate your self and not become part of crowd.One thing is sure, to achieve success, you have to believe in your strengths and be always what you are..............

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Confused State

Young single people in their mid 20s go thru a kind of confusion regarding their relationship status.This becomes prominent when when their friends start getting committed and married....and This is how they share their opinions and thoughts...................



Person1:
Person2:
Hi Person1
u there???

Person1:
hey Person2
whats up

Person2:
Nothing much...
planning to sleep in some time from now


Person1:
great
?
so howz life

Person2:
pretty good

Person1:
cool
still single?
cant be

Person2:
gud question.....
I need to be cautious while facing facing questions from a Poet!!

Person1:
come on
i m no poet

Person2:
Ya I am married thats why chating with u on Friday night..............

Person1:
i understand :)

Person2:
how r things going at ur end??

Person1:
ye going good

Person2:
any plans in near future to leave bachelorhood

Person1:
well i m all for that but i need some1 called a girl to consider me...

Person2:
girls to shayron pe fida hoti hain... u will get one without efforts!!

Person1:
and that part is
no re
girls ko pata hota hai shayars sirf shayari se hi pyar karte hai :)
and i will have to wait until i succeed in breaking that myth

Person2:
i wud disagree with u... ek shyar se achha unhe koi nahi samajh paya hian...

Person1:
ha ha


Person1:
ok
same as xyz person

Person2:
ya infact same ac

Person1:
oh great
she too is here

Person2:
ya u r right.. ur databases are in sync

Person1:
ye m good in maintaing databases :)

Person2:
thats apparent:)

Person1:
databases r pretty handy tools, especially when it is 'relational'

Person2:
That too when history spans from previous company ......

Person1:
?
oh u mean pqr?

Person2:
ya u got it...

Person1:
how do u know

Person2:
need some query tuning...

Person1:
ah ha

Person2:
see I know abt u.....

Person1:
nice to know that
she must have told u

Person2:
whats nice abt she telling me?????

Person1:
i mean nice to know that u know abt me!

Person2:
hehehe........

Person1:
not she telling u :)

Person1:
he he
ye most them r happily married
all the girls r married at least, xcept a few

Person2:
girls ki baat alag hoti hain....

Person1:
ye

Person2:
they get married 4 yrs earlier tha guys...

Person1:
yes
usi me vaat lag jati hai :)

Person2:
ya!! But I mean girls are not right bechmark

Person1:
i know

Person2:
what abt guys from our batch?//

Person1:
well 70% are booked

Person2:
hmmmm...

Person1:
and if u too decide to get married within a year, it will make 80% :)

Person2:
so what r ur plans in this directiomn...
hehe.. and u then 90%

Person1:
i think i will be 100

Person2:
oh I see..........

Person1:
i will have to be 100 else i wud have start from 1
well whenever i look into that direction i see nothing...

Person2:
why are u waiting to be mr 100%. there is greater charm in being 75 or 80%

Person1:
well there is the problem my friend

Person2:
whats that?/

Person1:
mujhe lagta hai abhi mera waqt nahi aaya

Person2:
why do u feel so?

Person1:
coz m not seeing any signs :)

Person2:
what kind of signs?

Person1:
signs that direct u in that direction

Person2:
but what are these kind of signs??

Person1:
good Q. i donno the answer.
now u know i m confused

Person2:
whats making u confused in making decsions??

Person1:
m not making any
just being lazy under the xcuse of signs :)
well i dont want to confuse u more
so tell me abt ur progress in this direction

Person2:
hehe...

Person1:
i might take a clue

Person2:
take go ahead!!

Person1:
i m still a kid in heart's matters
so u did go ahead?

Person2:
Not really heartd filled with emotions are not really kids hearts
Nope dude Ur guess is wrong...

Person1:
how

Person2:
I am also like u...

Person1:
come on
set an example for me

Person2:
waiting for some time......
i wanted t tale lessons from u..............

Person1:
u must be kidding
be prepared to go missing in that case

Person2:
nope... kind of in same boat...

Person1:
well u will sail thru

Person2:
oh whats the basis for reposing confidence in me...
Infact I initially said that shayar has no probs...but ppl like us (without talents) have probs

Person1:
bcoz once u r in boat u either sail thru or sink. and u r not gonna sink. hence u will sail thru...
if u call it a talent, i wud love it. but at the same time u have what i dont have...
so it's relative

Person2:
what do I have hat u dont have??????????/
have

Person1:
can be anything that u might even dont know
we are unique in our own ways!

Person2:
infatct u also dont know the answer!!!!!!!!!
btw since we are in same boat we both will sail or sink!!

Person1:
thats right. bcoz i dont know ur uniq talents. only u do...
nope we wont sink

Person2:
he.........
do we really need this much of permutation of talents and khubainyan.......................

Person1:
no way

Person2:
I guess its pretty much staright forward game

Person1:
u got it


Person2:
chalo I will keep smth resreved to talk later....

Person1:
oh sure

Person2:
it was nice chatting with u

Person1:
it was pleasure

Unicef USA

Visit the following link for Unicef

Unicef USA

Unicef is donating 5$ on your behalf if you join.This seems to be one of unique ways to participate in Unicef's fund raising activity.

Moreover, They have tied up with ebay where you can sell stuff and all the proceeds of sellout will go to Unicef as charity.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Friday, February 23, 2007

American Lunch

I have been having veggie American lunch for past 1 month or so since I came here in Minnesota.
Not much options are there for a vegetarian. But I am liking and now used to having a sandwich at Subway,Wendy or Quiznos along with differnt flavours of chips with a Pop(Amercian Name ) for softdrink. I generally I go with diet Pepsi or Coke....

I go along with my Managers and Seniors here, discuss some new topic everyday and come back and ofcourse I never forget to a have refill of Pop.

Once a week I happen to go to Taco bell(Mexican fast food joint). I like Burritos and chalupas for two reasons. First they are served warm(unlike sandwiches) and some what similar to having rajma with bit a salt and pepper wrapped in chappati roll.

Indians love having hot meals.. While American fast food lunches are generally cold and top of it you have chilled pop with ice... I could not fathom why inspite of living in such cold places, people are used to having cold lunches......while Indians living in hot country love to eat hot food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got one of answers that you love to eat hot food in hot regions as it helps you cool down as you perspire more!!!!

Any scientific or otherwise answers you can think of !!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Are Indians Opinionated about Marraiges??

One of the person asked me recently that Are Indians opinionated about marriages??????

At the first thought I didn't have instant answer...some how tried to give some logic about our family traditions and marraige chemistry........

But do we have such image in outsiders eyes about our realtionships and marraiges???
I feel we(Indians) are still very much an exclusive group...and the we are more inward looking than outward which make people's scratch their heads to ask such queries!!!!!!

14th Feb

So The days of expression of love, day when you want to say to someone that somebody loves you and care for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was special day!!Everybody was excited about the day I would say ladies were more excited than Men(couple of ladies were beautifully dressed In Red)....
But for me(in spite of being youngest in office) it was sadly same day as any another day!!!


In India, people generally associate the day with youngsters, but over here in US its part of every body's life irrespective of whether you are Seniors,Middle aged,young or a school kid. everyone has a special meaning of the day!!!!!!

I was surprised to know that kids celebrate valentines day a schools. They distribute candies and cards to all other kids in class....They have some programs in schools as well.....

Probably Since celebrations of love start at tender age, the celebration of love continues through out life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Opposite American Ways

I wonder how things are so opposite in US than rest of world.
Let me enumerate few:
Americans call a Petrol Station as Gas Station.
Americans call a Curd as Yoghurt
The switch in On status means off here
Most parts of US are quite cold, still evrybody loves to drink Coke with Ice....
The Plug points are totally different...
people drive on right...
Keeping guns is legal in world most advanced legal system...

At the moment I cud think of these points....
Most of Americans origins are in Europe, But Here they created systems which are totally different and unique than their origins.........

Is it coincidence or some conscious strategy!!!!!!

Friday, February 02, 2007


Google search can also give errors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hard to believe, but Yes, search at times is not completed by Google!!!