POST 19 - A TRUE MEANING TO THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY! #WriteAPageADay

The small time grocery shop owner visited a certain modern Hi-Fi Shop on a requirement. As he was checking his buying needs and in process when accidentally overturned a small equipment, the unhappy owner of the shop remarked,

"Hi Dear.. Be careful in handling the equipment here. They are the costliest ones, you know.. It may not strike you as you are familiar with only the rough handling all your years of life!"

The grocery shop owner conveyed his sorry and soon returned with his purchase..

Days passed and it so happened that the rains failed that year. There was acute famine and soon all essential food items were rationed..

One day there was a long queue in front of the grocery shop..

The owner of Hi-Fi equipment shop closed his shop for half day and stood in the queue to secure his rations. When his turn came and as he layed his hand on one of the food items there, the grocery shop owner remarked..

"Hi Dear! Be careful in handling the items here. They are the costliest ones, you know.. It must have struck to you now alone as you were familiar with only fine handling all these years!"

Thus seen, my original freedom stays with me not because I'm self sufficient with many luxury items around me with sizable finances but because I truly remain part of my food production and supply too at a certain minimum level without fail and there I physically contribute for that to happen..

In such a scenario, I can be sure part of

1) Direct food production,
2) Food supply chain,
3) Food preparation and serving,
4) Food storage and preservation or
5) Minimum consumption and preventing food wastage in the process!

If every one of us, in spite of our busy schedules of day to day life, concentrate in the best possible way continuously to remain part of one of these 5 activities with all dedication, we sure are securing the minimum self sufficiency required in our living and thus have our basic freedom with us..

The Great Man who advocated refraining from violence was away from his Ashram on a day.. Seeing the chance, the enemies all of a sudden attacked the Ashram and caused a known damage.. But the inmates kept themselves calm and away during the attack so that they would not become part of the violence..

The Great Personality, on return knowing what happened condemned the inmates' action saying, 

"In stead of keeping quite as cowards, I would haven truly been happier had you given back to the attackers!"

If every one of us carry this spirit in the right sense and thus move in our life with the awareness of danger zones and the likely activities from our end that can cause this disturbance, we sure are securing the minimum safety required in our living and thus have our basic freedom with us..

As we thus start feeling that whatever we do in our life, those primary activities of ours that directly support the active members in the primary areas of,

Food production and Defence 

we sure are knowing the meaning of our freedom and further are supporting the up-keep of the same in the best possible way!

Keywords: FREEDOM, #WriteAPageADay 

POST 18 - IT'S SURE A CHALLENGE; NOTHING MORE THAN THAT! #WriteAPageADay

"This Group Head of mine doesn't specify a single activity to be done to the point. He forever talks loose picking up something here and something there and expects us, the Juniors infer in between and take up necessary action. That way, many of us are often confused on what exactly he expects us to do and by mistake if any one of us asks back, this one straight away humiliates him saying,

• 'You are now a Manager.. Can't you just infer what I meant? If you can't read some one, how do you manage so many trivial issues at your work where the head and tail are never specified and your Client ever expects you to meet the requirement therein to the best of your abilities.

• Rise to the occasion, dear! Work life can never be so cool as you think. You have to solely perform here else no go. There's no via media of existing at an average level and take salaries!'

Many times, we are fed up with such constant condemnation. Some times I wonder, why at all I got this promotion. Mondays mean forever a dreaded life!

Compared to this, earlier life was so much cool!"

Thus was pouring out a young Manger his inner tensions at work to his well-wisher on a Sunday Morning..

The well-wisher listened in full to the young man's saying, paused for a while, smiled and said,

"Dear! I understand what you say. You were given a promotion as Manager and your Company wants to see you as a performing Manager bidding bye to the old style of your working where you were given a specific task and asked to just do that..

No doubt, this is the beginning of such tensions at work and as you move up further the ladder of elevation, this questioning becomes much more tough and you are expected to grasp many things from one single line, take timely decisions and act.

But no worries, that's how a typical work life is defined as the individual goes up the ladder of promotions taking up the ever increasing responsibilities. You may be feeling this strange and odd because earlier as a working/supervising personality, you were never tasked with such jobs by your Management.

But no despair here as that is how our life on the earth too is defined if you take a close look at it.

The Almighty had provided a certain environment around us which if rightly made use of would better our lives but if neglected or misused sooner or later, the results sure will be bad.

To tell you the most interesting fact of our life..

• The Lord no doubt provided all that for human to exist at a decent level thru' his/her own effort but never specified what exactly to do in the scenario and how to progress in that context and further never made it clear to human being what happens the next moment totally leaving everything to the individual's understanding, planning and the execution.

When you are managing such vibrant life issues so well at the back of a great enthusiasm all along ascertaining yourself within..

• 'This is my life. I'll make the best out of it and express in the way I want!'

Why are you so much afraid to take up just man made challenges posed to you at your work and instead straight away take with all cool, address and be done away with them?"

Keywords: Manager, Challenge,#WriteAPageADay   

POST 17 -THE SLOW POISON SURE HAD ITS FIRM ROOTS! #WriteAPageADay

• “This is the sacred duty I have taken up in my life. Thru' this work, a great service is done to the humanity. God has truly given me this golden opportunity in my life. I' ll do my best here. Later in my life I sure have to answer the Almighty on this take care!”

Was the proud proclamation of the then man of thirties..

• “These monies involved in the task are the sacred ones. It is said that in all these instances, one is a Trusty and one should work as a Manager to the Trust. I’ll maintain all the details of spending towards development. The records truly speak at any time!” 

Was his assertion at forties..

• “Yes! it looks, spending these monies may not be that much advisable. But how about the chances of giving better life to those involved? The development is at crucial stage. Let me spend in all directions. One or two may go waste but it's still worth the trial. That’s where the true development lies!” 

Was the talk in his fifties..

• “People may talk.. But to do this work, I know how much we have to struggle. Some times, my own monies are spent away because there is no point in waiting. Plus or minus, the welfare activities should go on forever. That’s the aim!” 

Was his defensive attitude in late fifties..

• “I'm retired. I said, my task is over and the required is done. But you know.. They expect me to look after some of special tasks myself only. Actually, I've no energies in that direction. Since I was asked, I can’t say ‘NO..'

• I just do the works from now onwards for a reduced salary. That's very much needed at this stage for my living as I don't have regular income from now onwards. More than that, I leave everything.. Others too can easily handle all these works well!”

Was the final soft talk of the fully grey haired man at the back of a broad smile!

Yes.. Some of the welfare activities were truly done.. The beneficiaries, the young adults of twenties were well placed in their life and society.. Really, well done..

But when carefully looked at the development taken place and the total cost of development incurred over all those years, there was a mismatch and the cost appeared to be more even though all that was justified towards the monies forcibly spent during the struggle and chance taking..

And the big figures in the accounts of the retired man were discretely smiling behind all that justification!

Keywords: true, development, #WriteAPageADay 

POST 16 - A STORY OF DIARIES AROUND 30 YRS BACK! #WriteAPageADay

The young man completed his graduation and got into a job of hectic work schedules. He was in high spirits..

“My job is quite interesting and inspiring.  And my take home pay stands at.... I can do wonders at the back of this earning.  I decided to write my daily Diary of Events. That way I will be alert.  My Manager is a nice guy. Last time I personally met him and he treated me….”

All the time, a beautiful Diary was in his hand!

A few years passed. Unfortunately, the timely promotion was delayed. And the attitude too quickly changed.. 

“This routine is boring. The Manger, now days is charging me unnecessarily for no fault of mine. I can't relax even a minute here. Soon I have to change the job or do something on my own. Even my favorite TV program ended yesterday. Next week, we decided to  go on vacation to the Picturesque Spot which I unnecessarily postponed all these days thinking that leave from work may affect....”

And the Diary was collecting dust!

To every one's surprise, he announced on a day about a good Offer he got in another Company based on his experience and was straight away given the Role of the Manager. A big Role in the Dept!  On the day of his joining the new Company, the newness brought an immediate change in his talk.. 

“I am posted as In-Charge of a very good Team of Engineers. This is great!  I think I have now the best in life. The targets are too tight but they keep all of us on our toes. A good Spirit.. I love my Company! I forgot, I should tell all my people to write their daily Diary of....”

Soon a brand new Diary was in his hand!

Some more years passed. Again, there was no escape from routine and the next promotion was years away.. The talk too was different.. 

“Yeah! I am stuck to this routine and with this Company. I've so many Offers around but leaving the Company at this stage has my own personal problems. See you cannot leave it but if you get into it seriously, it eats out your 24 hrs and sometimes demands 25 hrs/ day.You should be smart here and get off with nice excuses. After all personal life is more important!”

The old Diary on his table was not changed for a long time!

After 2 years, he was made the HOD by default as the continuing Boss retired but with a good jump in salary…. He was back with all pride....“Whatever the Past may be, I love this…. See as Head of the Dept.,  you can do many things in your Company…. Earlier I was handicapped everywhere…. And now, I have that Power…. I decided to chalk out the best Program for my Dept…. I don’t allow any delinquency any where anytime…. My Mangers on duty should all the time have their latest Diaries in their hands….”

A few Diaries seemed neatly arranged on one side of his table!

Years passed…. That was the end of his Career as many similar Companies in the field all of a sudden changed the Promotion Rules making it mandatory to have a min experience in the earlier Grade for the next Level which the gentleman  …. Neither he could change his job.... All drive had gone at one stroke…. “All these works will be with us forever…. We too need them else what to do with our time? At the same time, we should not run at this age for small praise or small benefit…. Let this go on as usual but something different has to be done now! All these days that part was not touched…. Heard that certain Discourses were arranged at…. And the Great Man is…. It is time to relax and become more Devotional and Philosophical….”

All Diaries slowly were moved to a shelf behind except a single torn One for daily routine!

Keywords: STORY, DIARY, #WriteAPageADay 

POST 15 - HAPPY MAHA SHIVRATRI.. A SOLUTION BY ITSELF! #WriteAPageADay

The time was 6 o’clock the early morning hrs. The family away at native place reminded the gentleman on telephone that as the day was Mahashivaratri, he should go to Temple and offer his Prayer to Lord Shiva. If can't do so due to busy work schedules, he should atleast, do minimum Puja at home and then only go for his work..

The gentleman because of his urgent works with no holiday on the day had decided to carry out Puja at home in the evening only after his return! 

He was soon ready for the day’s Event. After all, the whole program was because of his great effort put in thru’ all those days and he was equally proud of that. The telephone rang..

• “Sorry, Sir.. There's a small problem. We request you to put up with....!”

The gentleman was instantly annoyed.. 

• “What dear? This'll push my other activities at least by 20 minutes. I have to rush now. OK! Please take care!”

He was soon in his car. Yes.. He should be moving else nothing moves. At a junction, there was certain traffic jam..

• “The road is blocked. They are diverting the traffic!” 

Some one was saying.. He took out his phone..

• "Dear! I am held up on the way. Immediately, take care of that work which we discussed yesterday. I'll buy the required planned....” 

He diverted his car into a lane and moved to a near by Market Area to make few purchases..

• “Sir! For the past 3 days, there's a Strike going on in. Some of these items are presently not available….”
• “God! Where else I get them? I need these very urgently….”
• “You can try at….”

Soon, the gentleman rushed to the place suggested. While returning with the required items, the telephone rang up..

• “Sir! It seems our payments have not reached the party. They are holding the release of….”
• "Oh! Dear! What I've to do now?”
• “You can give a call to their Chief….”

The gentleman was confused for a while. It was already 1230 PM. As he was about to dial the number, the telephone rang up..

• “Sir! You have to come urgently to....”
• “Yaar! Sorry, I forgot!”
• “Sir! At least you can spend 15 mts here and oversee the minimum required. Rest we'll manage!”

The gentleman involuntarily made a U turn. As he speeded up, all of a sudden the front tyre gave way..

There was exactly 4 hrs time for the Event to start and it was total chaos and utter confusion in front. He quickly parked the car to a side, hired a taxi and started moving feeling totally helpless..

At the immediate next signal point as the taxi stopped, he suddenly heard the Sacred Panchakshara (The Five-syllable) Mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' being recited melodiously on the loud speakers near Lord Shiva Temple at a distance..

The gentleman involuntarily closed his eyes and started reciting the Sacred Mantra in low tone in tune with what was being heard. And to his great surprise he found himself instantly at peace his mind slowly becoming cool and calm in spite of having a big challenge in front in few hrs of time.. 

There was a Unique Message..

"Feeling totally helpless, as one surrenders with an unfailing Faith that None other than the Lord alone Moves the Entire, Peace is instantly bestowed upon the individual in place of the earlier despair and turmoil!" 

Keywords: 

Mahashivaratri,#WriteAPageADay 

POST 14 - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.. THE EXEMPLARY STAMINA OF THE YOUTH! #WriteAPageADay

“Take precautions everywhere!”

Was the message that an elderly Head of a joint family constantly used to give to the youth of the family. But as usual, many times preparedness was lacking with them and that was constantly replaced by love towards experimentation on and on..

Once, all those young ones had planned an adventurous 'Outing' into the nearby forest. And the elderly was advised by other senior members of the family to accompany them. Knowing well the attitudes of the young, the elderly silently carried with him all the essentials and known gadgets without revealing the same to them..

The adventure began.  Soon they were deep into the jungle valley, the time being past 12 midnight with incessant rain pouring and the temperatures touching the lowest. Exactly there only, the vehicle gave way.  Self repair did not work and outside help was out of sight for the rest of the night..

The young people were totally dumbstruck in the situation.  The elderly immediately took out all that he had brought and made them comfortable and safe for the rest of the night in the vehicle itself with food, warm woolens etc without any need to venture out. The next day morning, they took some help, cut short their adventure and were returning home..

The elderly gentleman was proud. On the way, he said, 

“My dear! See how your lack of preparedness had brought you to a ‘No-Go’ situation.  Suddenly, you had to face pitch darkness where you could see nothing, hunger in the stomach which is a real pain, cold temperatures making you shiver and wild creatures if you venture out. Since I brought many essentials and safety gadgets, we managed. So always follow the Golden Rule.. 

Everywhere precautions and preparedness!”

One of the young person said very politely, “Dadaji, a similar incident happened earlier too. Actually, at that time we had gone into much deeper trouble. We did not tell all that at home!”

“God Bless you! You concealed all that from us, the elders? What happened?”

“We got the help too. One kind gentleman gave us lift but unfortunately his vehicle too gave trouble when we had gone further deep into the valley to exit out!”

“So?”

“That’s all! Nothing happened. We bravely faced the situation without essentials and with no safety around that night and till next day noon. Finally we were out at noon from there with some help!”

Suddenly, it struck the elderly gentleman that youth have an extreme stamina of withstanding a tough situation to the limits that helps them many times come out of dangers unknowingly they get into where people of his age had lost that!

Keywords: STAMINA, YOUTH, #WriteAPageADay    

POST 13 - MY GAIN IS EVER THE PRODUCT OF CONTRIBUTIONS PEOPLE AROUND! #WriteAPageADay

A middle aged man once arranged a grand Social Function. People of all levels from various quarters were invited and the best arrangements were planned for the conduct the function. But sadly, all working around were driven to their portion of work a little beyond when the Head started supervising most of the activities by himself in person at the back of extra strictness. Thus every individual there bore the brunt of the Head to some extent but equally there was no go for them too in the situation..

A distant relative and a well-wisher to the Head who was at the venue one day before happened to see this excess and at once decided to advice the man. The same evening as he met him, he casually enquired about the progress of all activities. The Head proudly announced,

“Sir! It's a 1500 guest Function. The numbers are never less and nothing less should happen. When I'm behind all the works, there's no doubt. All are under control.The Function is going to be really a grand success!”

The elderly smiled and said,

“My dear, I wish you the best of luck and am happy with the effort you are putting in here. But I wish to say that something is missing here and am able to see that. Are you aware of that?”

When the man looked at the elderly not able to understand what he was saying, the well-wisher said,

“The people who work for you are missing your gratitude!”

The man immediately retorted,

“What sir, all these people are paid well more than what any one gives them for such a work and many have a job because of this, what else is to be given?”

“See my dear!

'They are doing your work for money'

is different from

'They are working for your Cause.'

They may be just doing your work now but equally, the earliest they want to get away from you. It's not their fault and it's not due to the hard work they do but the excess authority of yours alone is making them think like that..

Do you know that if all these people working around you for a moment together decide to get away from you whatever you may offer, what type of Function you yourself can conduct? You would be zero in no time and would be worse than an ordinary man conducting a Function with a small strength of his own people around.. Are you understanding this?”

“Oh! I never thought really so deep!”

“That’s the problem! Our ignorance is too powerful. Anyhow, from now onwards be humane to these people, smile for a while and appreciate their efforts too once in a way along with your deligent follow up.. That’s good enough!”

While departing, the elderly quipped,

“Let a similar feeling prevail in your heart too towards your guests who will visit you tomorrow to grace the Function that they really bestowed their grace on you instead of you counting their numbers and the gifts they bring. If they too together decide to boycott you, finally would there be a Function at all?”

Keywords: MY, GAIN, #WriteAPageADay