Bollywood Movies and Society

Bollywood. Indian film industry and one of the big businesses in the world. It's an industry which is having  long history from black and white era to the current state. Most of the subjects handled are local to India and with ample variety. And, followed by millions of Indian population.

Every year number of movies are released based on true stories. With the latest release of "Lal Baug Parel",  a movie based on Mumbai cotton mill industry,  its history and impact on common man.
In case of movies based on true stories, most of the time objective stated is to bring facts to the larger masses. Just stretching it little bit further, I would like to ask  bringing facts to larger masses is just a business or does it help to the society in any way ?

Unfortunately, I do not recall single example wherein subject screened for larger audience  has created waves or minor action to address/resolve/help  the core issue.  So,  I am not sure if movies based on true stories bring anything beyond "entertainment value" ?

Any views ?

Input and Infosys

Any work which we carry out can be modeled as “Input”, “Process” and “Output”. I see that more often than not importance is given to the “Process” and “Output” part.

I will take two examples to set the context

1. Software Development Project
Input: Business Problem Statement
Process: Development of System
Output: Finished Product to Business.
2. Consulting Engagement
Input: Business Problem Statement
Process: Analysis of Problem
Output: Recommended Solution.

Theoretically, we have been taught all the time that equal importance needs to given to ALL the three phases. But, when it comes to project/assignment whose delivery is on critical path, we start putting more time and effort on “Process” part to achieve “Output”. Here, we create another problem than real one. If we do not review our input, validate it, scope it then whatever degree of skill/expertise we apply to the “Process” part we will not be get “Output”. Any effort spend has to be billed to the “Rework”, “Learning” and “Wastage” etc. This goes on until you work on “Input”.
This holds true from smallest problem of resolving a bug in the software to the setting up and running successful organization. Input can be in the form of “Correct/Accourate problem statement”, “Right Resources” i.e. right team to run your business. I believe, Infosys is an example wherein they ensured right team since beginning which resulted in sustained growth.

You will agree more to the above deliberation if I quote few examples of ill attention to “Input”.

1. After days of work, we conclude “Problem Statement is NOT clear” or “I think we do not know the problem statement”.
2. Business confirms product is not meeting their needs.
3. With positive markets, company is unable to achieve desired growth or lagging the peers.

I will conclude with the statements that, Successful leadership is outcome of choosing perfect team to work on organization goal. This is nothing but “Input”.

Make sure, "Input" is correct. Define It, Validate It, Scope It.

Effective Learning - Pro-Active, Active or Re-Active

Learning is day to day process. We can’t stop. We cannot avoid. Hence, we are on continuous learning path. I tried to look various ways in which we learn and which one is commonly used and most effective.
In first form of learning, we get a book or search on net for new topic. I will call this as Active learning. We often end up with reading few opening pages/topics. Can you recall how many books you have read from start to end?
It's time now to use and apply the knowledge. This is start of re-active learning stage. We see a barrier or knowledge gap and then try to learn about topic and go ahead.
It is communicated and repeated on all platforms that we should be pro-active. ( This phrase more common during appraisal period in IT Industry ). This is third form of Active.
There is a thin line between Active and Pro-active learning. In case of active you do not have visible time frame for its application. i.e School or college days. In Pro-active learning you know when you are likely to need/use that knowledge.

Now, if we compare to make out which form of learning is common? and which one is effective ? 1. Active 2. Re-Active 2.Pro-active. Irrespective of how much emphasis you give to Active or Pro-active learning, common learning is Re-active. It increases stress wherein you need to learn as well as apply. All said and done, it most effective learning forms.
Now, some unanswered questions? Does re-active learning means we are not disciplined? or work-life does not allow you to be disciplined or organized ? or we work in the area which is always new or different than past experience ? What do you think?

Consulting - Crossing the boundaries

Have you ever amazed when you complete assignment/task/project work which you originally thought are complicated to accomplish or by no means doable for you? I had similar experiences. What is the rationale that one crosses his individual boundaries? Underrate capabilities? If your answer is yes then I think different.
I don’t think we underrate capabilities. I think, there are two reasons for this to happen. One is, we are on continuous learning process which increases our capability to do more. Other is, with structured approach. With structured approach we can even solve seemingly complex problem. This means, we do not require exact skill to solve the problem but we need the approach. This is nothing but fundamental premise of big consulting organisations. They take something which is complex to tackle, something in which they do not have experience in and with right approach they solve the issue. Now, here word “Solve” is very subjective. Solve does not mean best solution. It means solution. This is true when you do not have reference to compare the solution with.
I feel, consulting companies compete on the basis of approach. Approach is mix of experience, knowledge, information, creativity and gut feelings. I tend to think approach as “Skill” which is above particular subject and difficult to quantity. Skill is an individual attribute and not an organisational attribute.
Next time, Give it a thought when you take something challenging!!!

Pimple Saudagar - Resources

Hi All,

I intend to publish some of the common resources which will be useful for people staying around Pimple Saudagar.

For Electrical Work
Small Size (Labour) - Mr. Jogeshwar,. Mob : 9960429434
Laptop Repair : R. N. Systems, Mob : 9272668777.

-For Police verfication of Passports if you are staying at Pimple Saudagar you will need to visit Sanghavi Police Station.

Water – Read the future !!!

Now a days, there is unexpected increase in number of companies aggressively marketing various types of water purification system.
This essentially forces us to reflect, what has made them to make such a massive investment in Water Purification Technology. Commonsense says, pure water is going to be scarce resource. R and D units of these companies may have sensed this and are planning to grab this opportunity. Well, they are helping society in terms of solving the issue. I agree.
But I believe, consideration must also be given to the "Root" causes for degradation of Water Quality. There are known issues, vested interests.
Water one of the basic Human needs. Considering poverty in India, there will be still a lot of population which can not afford purification systems. They will be exposed to polluted water in near terms or long term. Consequence will be impact of health and their capacity to work hard. This will put pressure on govt systems which are already in collapsed state.
Corporate Social Responsibility should speak up !!!
Big Problem and Easy Practical Solutions !! We in our day to day life should reduce the use of chemicals or any activity which will pollute the water further !!!!
This will defiantly not resolve the issue. But will certainly help to lessen the impact.
Golden State : Why can’t we conserve our water reservoirs?

Supernatural

Straight into core….Yesterday, we watched Classical Night at Hong Kong, “Zakir Hussain” Masters of percussion. I can not imagine anyone who might not have listened to Tabala. We get to listen in some or other forms of music.

We went to the show with very high expectations around magical name “Zakir Hussian”. And, believe me it was exhilarating experience to watch/listen to the maestro. By no means, one can describe that experience with words.

We trust what we see. But even though we were watching, we can not believe the rhythm, lighting speed, to the point accuracy, diversity, clarity and most of all effortlessness. Truly Mystical Experience to say !! We experienced something which we have not experienced before and we can not experience alone without the hand from these maestros. May be they give us a pass to get on the journey of wonderful world, mysterious to us. God has gifted this talent to vey few.

Don’t miss your chance to get the pass and enjoy the ride!