5 Min Delay

 5 Min delay is a common phrase used across all age groups in India. From the moment our day begins, many  people ask for "5 more min  extra sleep which often exceeds much longer. This habit is very common in offices,an employee says "5 min" when the manager asks for work status updates, or  all employee join meeting late. Sometimes this excuse becomes frustrating e.g. When a busy bank clerk says "5 min sir", the customer end up waiting much longer. The 5 min delay itself is not a problem unless it turns into a daily excuse that causes inconveniences to others.  A Genuine 5 min break helps people reset, reduce stress considering our busy lives from morning to evening.

To summarize, a " 5 minute delay" is acceptable when helps us refresh  as long as it is not become a regular habit that affect others. 

How to handle Gen Alpha?

 Managing teenagers today is not easy, no mater their gender. As generations change, the mindset of teenagers also change. The tips and methods worked for our parents may not work with the current generation. Instead, parents need to act more like friends so that the teenager can easily share everything with a parent thus managing their emotions is easier. Every teenager is different, so parents must figure out what works best for their own child. It is important to give them space, while also keeping an eye on their activities to ensure they stay within healthy boundaries. 

AI & Its influence on education

 

Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest-growing technologies. It influences nearly every sector of society. Generative AIs are getting smarter year on year with more knowledge base, higher accuracy of responses. AI shows how technology, when used responsibly, can have a positive effect on society, particularly in education.

Historically higher education in all major reputed universities was only accessible to high income group. But with smart AI systems are in place, learning or acquiring knowledge in any specialization is easily accessible to every corner of the world without social or economical constraints. AIs come with the latest up to date knowledge with greater capabilities in solving complex problems or research based studies. I must say AI(LLMs) are great tools to learn anything as long as one has a desire to learn. 

As AIs are getting more smarter year on year, it is important for educational institutions to leverage AI technology as part of their teaching methodology to keep it relevant. 

The below some tips for education institutions to leverage AI:

1. Conduct AI Awareness sessions including AI Prompting

2. Teachers/Professors to blend AI technology

3. Using Quiz/Questions generated by AI

4. Develop student questioning skills 

Multiple LLMs come up with their own specialization, e.g. Perplexity is good for research and education, ChatGPT is good for reasoning, coding , Gemini is good for google echo system integration.

AI is truly a life-changing technology for the education sector. When used responsibly and with integrity, it can democratize learning, enhance critical thinking, and empower both teachers and students. The future of education is not about replacing human intelligence with artificial intelligence, but about augmenting human potential through AI.

Anger and its consequences

There aren't many people that have gone through life without feeling anger in some form or another. It is one of the many emotions that people are able to experience.

Even animals are able to exhibit anger. It is one of the emotions that other creatures express in instances of perceived injustices.

Why do we experience anger? There are many reasons that have been explained below.

1. When we are exposed to some physical or emotional threats.  

2. When we are in some form of disrespect or the situation is felt as being unfair.  

3. When we feel we are losing control.  

4. When we are feeling highly stressed, fatigued, or hungry.  

Is anger a good thing?

Anger is a natural reaction and expressing against disrespect or injustice to others is necessary . E.g. in India, they would not have attained freedom without the anger that was exhibited by the people. At the same time, anger has caused people to lose others due to its negative effects.

It is good for people to have a set of anger control techniques. Some of these might include the following.

1. Daily meditation  

2. Counting to 5 before reacting.  

In summary, there are anger management techniques to use based on the situation. A person's overall success is often based on the person's success in these techniques.

How is electricity produced from Wind Turbine?

 

        Wind Turbine is one the major inventions in 20th Century. India has witnessed 165% increase in renewable energy in the last decade. India is now the third largest producer of renewable energy in the world, stands 4th in in wind power capacity that contributes 30% of overall power capacity.  In this article let's look at how kinetic energy gets converted into electrical energy in wind turbines. 

        India's wind power journey started in 1985 where the first wind project setup in Gujarat with 55KPH capacity. It has been expanded to 48KMW in 2024. 

        Turbines generate electricity by converting kinetic energy, derived from moving fluid or wind, into electrical energy through the use of generator. 

        Here's more detailed step by step process.

    Step1: Fluid or Turbine drives the turbine 

       The turbine blades get rotate by the moving fluid or wind. These turbine bladers are very light made with resistance materials helps rotate even at a wind speed of 11KPH. Each blade of an average 60 meters of length. Turbines stop rotating when the windspeed is more than 90KPH for safety reasons.

    Step2: Rotation of the shaft  

        The blades are connected to a rotor which is further connected to a low-speed shaft. As the blades rotate, they cause the shaft to spin between 7 to 12 RPM. Low speed shaft is connected to a gear box to increase the rotation speed up to 1500 RPM. 

    Step3: Generator converts kinetic energy into electricity 

       The rotating shaft is connected to a generator. The generator uses electromagnetic induction, where a rotating magnetic field induces an electric current in a coil of wire.

    Step4: Electricity is produced and transmitted 

       Electricity is produced from generators is transmitted through a transformer to increase the voltage before transmitted to power grid for storage and circulation across different places. 

 

    

Parenting Teenage Boys

 

                Parenting teenage boys especially Z boys is a major challenge for current parents, it requires more patience and empathy as well as self-compassion. Due to various external factors teens are experiencing more loneliness, depression and anxiety, but neither ready to take help from parents nor seeking help from others. It is adolescent 

    Understanding Teenage Boy Behavior and the teenage brain

                Parenting Teenage Boys is easier when parents familiar with the process of adolescent development. Teenage boy behavior is largely controlled by hormonal and neurological changes during the teenage age (i.e. 16 to 18 years age).  Their brain is still developing, hence their judgement and decision making skills doesn't develop until 20s. Often parents find it difficult to manage teenage boys during these years. 

Let's discuss possible solutions or inputs to parents to handle teenage boys

  Creating clear limits and consequences for your teenage son:

• Set clear limits with agreed boundaries between parents and teen boys. The rules should mutually be agreed to build safe place and keeping harmony in the family 
• Agree on consequences if rules are broken 
• Avoid severe punishment as it can make things worse. Teenage boys may feel rejected and resentful

    How to deal with Teenage Son's attitude?

        

        It is important for parents not to take their teenage boys behavior personally. For teenage boys anger is a default emotion because of the way teenage or young boys are socialized. It is easier for them to show anger than showing other emotions such as fear or sorrow. As a parent it is important to get underneath that difficult behavior. Many times it is difficult to understand the reason for their behavior, but things go better when parents remain warm, open and supportive during this difficult phase. 

    How to communicate better with teens?

    Often, teenage boys find it difficult to put their emotions into words. Many teenage boys hesitant to talk to share their feelings, as a parent one should find a way to start the conversation. 

    

• Keep it short and sweet: If you have something you need your teen to know, offer series of clear points. Subsequently let him respond to each.
• Don't overdo the eye contact 
• Talk while you are on action: Many teen boys find it easier to when they do some activity, it could be playing together, while driving or having dinner together
• Stay Calm: It is important for parents to control emotions when handling teenage boys, don't let your emotions burst rather stay calm irrespective how worst the situation could be. Showing anger or frustration further make things worse, as a result he will less likely come to you for support
• Give him time to process: Many teenage boys need few hours or days to think about important conversations. So don't be disappointed if your teen doesn't change his behavior or attitude right away. Let him take the information and process it in his own time. 

    To conclude, positive parenting by trusting and supportive relationship are proven to boost teen mental health thus help them heal better and faster in dealing with any difficult situation in life. Healthy teen-parent connection helps teenage boys grow strong, independency young man.  No matter what show unconditional love, support to teenage boys to deal with the situation better.

    In addition it is important for parents to selfcare, continue discuss with other parents going through similar situation. Find time to do activities one likes to come out of mental pressure, spend quality time with friends to strengthen your resilience. Don't hesitate to take help from a family councilor or physiatrist as needed. 

Ref: How to Deal with Your Teenage Son - The Ultimate Guide

    

    

The ISRO Effect in Operation Sindhoor

 

        ISRO Played a very crucial role in success of Operation Sindhoor targeting 9 Pakistani terror camps and eleven Pakistani airbases. Such critical mission was possible with a seamless integration between ISRO and Indian military operation plans that includes sharing mission critical data pointers from satellites round the clock, sharing high resolution images and communication security. 

    High resolution earth observation systems like the Cartosat and RISAT series delivered continuous surveillance across the boarder and seashore. RISAT's all-weather synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities were very crucial in cloud covered region and mountain terrain by providing day and night radar images, which helped in detecting enemy movement round the clock. 

    GSAT Satellites enabled secure and real time communication within the defense personnel within the long distance 

    NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) provided high precision geo location data, it helped  in targeting specific Pakistani terrorist camps. It also guided Indian missiles and drones launch to target locations with high accuracy. 

    ISRO and Indian government has plans to increase the current 9 to 11 dedicated satellites to 100+ additional satellites to be launched in the next 5 years. 50% of these satellites to be dedicated surveillance, enhancing round the clock monitoring of 7000 KM long costal line and volatile land borders across the country. Considering current geopolitical situation, ISRO is planning to have both public and private collaboration in swift launch of satellites to further strengthen ISRO satellite network. 

    Operation Sindhoor wouldn't have been successful without an integration between Indian defense units powered by space systems. This is one real time example why India is one of fast developing nation in the world. 

    -- Jai Hind

    

 

    

5 Greatest Indian Spies & Their Sacrifices for the Country

 

Source from MSN....

     We will go through top 5 courageous Spies from India; they took pivotal role in sharing crucial information with Indias government which helped in protecting Indian security and honor. 

1. Ravindra Kaushik: 

     At the age of 21 Ravindra was sent to Pakistan as Spy. He changed his identity, finished his graduation in Pakistan and became an army officer in Pakistan. He helped in sharing crucial information thus saved many threats from Pakistan. He was apprehended and imprisoned in Pakistan, later he died in Pakistani jail.

2. Ajit Dowal

    He is the current NSA (National Security Advisor) to the prime minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He spent 7 years as RAW agent in Pakistan. He lived with enemy groups, gathered very crucial information. His knowledge on Pakistan terror camps helped in successfully spearheading both surgical strike and Mission Sindhoor strikes on Pakistan. He is often called "Indian james bond"

3. Neera Arya 

    India's first female spy. She was a brave woman who spied for the Indian Army Force led by Subhash Chandrabose. She worked against the British rule and helped in freedom movement. She was caught, tortured and jailed.  She is remembered as one of the first Indian female spy with so much of courage. 

4. Sehmat Khan

    Sehmat Khan is a true character in the novel Calling Sehmat, later made a bollywood film Raazi. Though her true identify remains secret, it is a story of an India woman marrying Pakistani army officer during the 1971 war to gather intelligence for India. 

5.  Mohan Bhaskar

    Mohan Bhaskar entered Pakistan in 1961 as a RAW Agent to collect military secrets, later he was caught and tortured in jail. He spent 14 years in Pakistan jail. After his release, he wrote a book "An Indian spy in Pakistan", sharing the pain and struggles from his Spy life. 

 It is truly remarkable to remember their sacrifices for the country for years to come. 

S-400 Missile

 

        S-400 Triumf is a mobile surface to air missile (SAM) system. I heard S-400 first time in Operation Sindhoor, it not only helped Indias defense personal detecting heavy number of drones, missiles and rocket launched by Pakistan but also safely destroyed them. It was very effective in destroying 400+ drones that Pakistan tried across the India and Pakistan border that saved many lives. 

        S-400 Triumf designed and developed by Russia using an advanced technology to detect , track and destroy aerial targets including aircraft, cruse missiles and drones. Developed in the late 1990s.     S-400 can detect multiple targets simultaneously up to a range of 400KMs and an altitude of up to 30 KMs.  It is the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long range SAM (MLR SAM) in the world. 

        Why S-400  the most feared defense system?

• Long Range: It uses long range RADAR system that can detect and track targets upto 400 KMs range 
• Multiple Target Engagement: S400 can detect multiple targets simultaneously thus protect a large areas from major threats
• Supports Multiple Missile Types: S400 has several types of missiles that can be used to intercept different types of targets such as drones , aircrafts and ballistic missiles.
• High Mobility: S400 is highly mobile that can be transported to different locations quickly 
• Advanced Technology: It uses sophisticated and advanced technology that makes it the most feared defense system, including advanced radar system, command and control centers with precision perfect missile launch system in place. 
• Interoperability: It can easily co-ordinate with other air defense systems by giving complete 360 Degree air defense network. 

    

        Reference: https://www.worlddefencenews.com/

Operation Sindoor - Summary

           In my previous blogger Pahalgam Terror Attack explained about Pahalgam Terror Attack. This resulted very intense war kind of situation between India and Pakistan, India Launched "Operation Sindoor" on 7/May night 1AM. In the span of 25 minutes, India defense personnel destroyed 9 terrorist locations across Pak LOC and POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) which eliminated more than 100 terrorists. These Locations were identified as key training and operational centers for different terrorist groups.                  

             To counterattack, Pakistan started launching drones and heavy shelling across the border targeting civilians in India. India started hitting Pakistan so badly by mainly targeted their air bases, Army infrastructure including ports for 2 days from 9th May to 11th May night. Pakistan launched heavy missiles and 400+ drones which India S400 system could neutralize them with very minimal impact on India. India missiles could reach all major cities of Pakistan to name few Rawalpindi, Lahore, Chakwal city. India also destroyed their terrorist launch pads in retaliatory strikes. 

             Overall it was India's dominance with close co-ordination and effective communication between the government officials and defense units. Coordinated strikes from Indian Army, Navy and Airforce proof of India's growing joint warfare capabilities. India forces successfully by passed or jammed Pakistan defense grid by identifying gaps/limitations in Pakistan defense system. 

               India defense forces attacked Pakistan with advanced defense system which includes Rafale jets with precision strikes without killing any Pakistani civilians. The Akashteer air defense system proved its impact by downing hundreds of Pakistani drones and missiles. 

                Operation Sindoor was a befitted response to Pakistan after losing 24 Men, the name signifies losing Sindhoor from 24 Women lost their husbands. India responded to the world that terrorism can't be tolerated any longer and it will not wait for a permission to defend their own people. It also showed that terrorist and their master minds have no place to hide. 

                 Really proud of an Indian by seeing the success of Operation Sindoor. Especially competing with developing countries in defense infrastructure.  

                *********Jai Hind ***********

Pahalgam Terrorist Attack - Apr 2025

 

       Pahalgam is one of the must to visit places in Jammu & Kashmir. It is surrounded by dense pine forest, jaw dropping grass lands. Three main sites in Pahalgam are: Chandan Wari, Betaab valley and Aru Valley. . Pony ride through scenic meadows to Baisaran or "Mini Switzerland" from city center was always an indelible experience one should experience. It is one of the finest honeymoon places for newly wed couples. 

       I was deeply shocked hearing a deadliest attack  on 22/Apr  at the same Baisaran valley,  5 armed terrorists  killed 26 mostly terrorists .  The armed terrorists targeted only Men belong to Hindu region though there was one a christian tourist and local muslim were also killed in the attack. The attackers entered Baisaran Valley with M4 carbines and AK47 around 10AM on 22/Apr, singled our the men and asked for their religion, the attackers asked some tourists recite muslim declaration of faith to confirm their religion. The tourists included several newly wed couples, and the men were shot point-blank in front of their wives including one Ltnd. Naval officer. Pahalgam attack was a deadliest attack similar to 2008 - Mumbai terrorist attacks that killed more than 100 civilians. One of the terrorist told "go and tell Modi" before killing one of the men. 

     The attack further increased tensions between India and Pakistan. It was clearly evident that Pakistan supporting cross border terrorism. India government took immediate tough stand by suspending Indus water treaty to Pakistan, imposed all Pakistani citizens to leave India country by closing the boarders, cross trading with an immediate affect. All these decisions had a direct impact Pakistan financials that would deteriorate their high debt situation. 

    India government led by Mr. Narendra Modi - the prime minister of India took tough decisions to retaliate with strong response to Pakistan. On 7/May - at 1PM, Indian armed force destroyed 9 terrorist locations across POK and Pakistan. India claimed more than 100+ terrorists & their immediately family were killed in the incident. This further escalated situation between two countries resulted war like situations. 

    As an Indian, really proud of India armed forces, my heartfelt gratitude to the sacrifices they and their families have made. We are forever indebted to our heroes. Very hopeful that this will result in peaceful situation in both the countries very soon without tolerating on terrorism. 

   Jai Hind. 

    

Participated in silent march to support Pahalgam attack. 

6 Steps towards lasting Serenity

    

           Mind Peace plays an important role in our lives. Various factors affect our Mind, it is important  how do we control our Mind to attain Mind Peace. 

    When one has a mental peace, you might feel:

• Feel Energetic & Positive 
• Unruffled with day-to-day worries 
• Problem solving mindset 
• Increases productivity 
• Being healthy 

          Finding a mind peace is not challenging as it looks ; you can mind peace by 

1. One can't control all situations, better to accept it and move on

• Life is unpredictable, not always you can control every situation
• Try handle the situation the best of one's ability
• Not over think on what happened
• Accept your thoughts and emotions is an effective strategy 

 2. Forgiving self and others:

• It is always a hard feeling when someone hurts you (or) treats you unfairly. Sometimes it goes beyond our control with a direct impact on thoughts, anger, depression with lack of sleep. 
• Forgiveness of others could do even more for you than others. 
• The early you forgive helps distress with fewer mental health symptoms 

   3. Not to take life so seriously:

• It is hard tooth that life is only temporary, we are all species living on earth
• Not sure how long one can live, so there is no point taking things so seriously
• What we believe wrong today could turn out to right tomorrow, so live in positive spirit irrespective how hard life hits back

   4. Focus on now than past or future:

• We always worry by thinking situations happened in the past, what will happen in future. It is an art of controlling our mind to be in present, it is hard but with practice it is possible on how to control our mind 
• Make time for yourself, retrospect each situation to continue learn from mistakes 

  5. Connecting to Mother earth 

• Natural environments or parks can ease emotional distress and foster feelings of inner calm and peace of mind 
• Relax at a near by beach or a shore 
• Go on a travel 
• Get your hands dirty with gardening to move focus away 

6.  Being calm & composed in tough situations 

• Our peace of mind depends on how we react to a situation. All successful leaders excel in handling the tough situations. 
• Staying calm and composed helps in better decision making than making things worse 
• Step back and see the big picture rather than to get stuck the details of what is happening 
• During challenging times , leader should communicate openly, transparently as effective communication is critical 
• Be Honest to yourself, taking right decision even it hurts

        It is important to have mind peace to achieve successful life. Once we understand the root cause of your anxiety, you can begin to make deep and lasting changes for healing. There are so many resources for you to learn how to live a more peaceful, joyful and non-anxious life.  

        

                  

One Day Trip from Bangalore to Ramanagara

             I took a week break after very hectic work schedule for more than 6 months. It was busy school season for my son who is studying 11th CBSE, my wife and i don't want to disturb his school. We decided not to make advanced plan, rather decided to go out with an adhoc travel plan each day. This is how we started our Bangalore to Ramanagara plan on Friday - 18/Oct. 

           10AM:  It was a cloudy morning; we left after breakfast at 10AM from Bangalore. We took nice road (we always enjoy the drive) with Mysore Road exit, connected to Mysore express highway to reach Ramangara ; about 45 KMs in total, took about 2 hours to reach Ramanagara.  I wasn't aware that Mysore express highway toll charges flat 170 Rs. irrespective of what exit you take. I strongly recommend, not to take Mysore Express Highway rather service road is equally good to save 170 Rs. 

          12:30 PM:  After reaching Ramanagara (also famous called Sholay shooting place) , this place is surrounded by beautiful hills with big rocks. We directly went to Ramadevara Betta a famous hill area. This is off the highway before going to Ramanagara Town. After the highway, it was a bit narrow road, after paying parking/entrance ticket you can drive further inside until you reach a final point where we parked our car and started walking. It was a long walk roughly 2KMs with more than 300 steps. Me and My wife never experienced trekking, initially we thought it was difficult to trek, but we thoroughly enjoyed trekking, we not only reached the Sriram template, but we went further high till the top of the mountain. The trekking for quite adventures with scenic beauty. Climb on the vantage points near the temple to see the panoramic views of the place dotted by huge boulders where Sholay was shot.

                         

                    2:30 PM: We returned back, had a decent veg lunch at one of the restaurants next to high way. Post lunch we went to "Big banyan tree" or "dodda alada Mara" as it is known in Kannada. It is the second largest Banyan tree in the country. The road we took from Ramanagara to Big Banyan Tree was quite scenic surrounded by may farming fields. strongly suggest take good map route to try this scenic drive from Ramanagara to Big Banyan Tree. After we reached big banyan tree, we parked our car next to the park without any fee. We spent decent 1 hour taking pictures with aerial roots of big banyan tree. 

                5PM Return to Bangalore 

Took Reference pictures from : traveltwosome.com 

Are you surrounded by Master Minds to excel in what you do?

 

Very thought-provoking Ted video from Mr. Atul Gawande – A surgeon by profession on why coaching/mentoring matters not just at the beginning of the career but its importance in achieving excellence in what we do. (It is a short ted video, complete video link is available under references section).

A coach/mentor could be an SME, a manager or a boss, colleague, friend, can be anyone you chose. It is important to have right mentors/master minds surrounded for one’s success.  Having a good coach to provide a more accurate picture of our reality, to instill positive habits of thinking, and to break our actions down and then help us build them back up again.    

As Atul explained in his video, as a mentee it doesn’t matter you are now, how good you are going to be that really matters. It helps in achieving long term success in one’s career.  

What a Great Master Mind/Mentor/Coach does?

•          A good observer
•          Gives accurate picture of reality
•          Be with you during challenging situations
•          Instill positive habits of thinking

References

http://t.ted.com/aUKQLte - Complete video from Mr. Atul Gawande

How easy or difficult to define Roles & Responsibility of an IT Program Manager in the current IT era?

How easy or difficult to define Roles & Responsibility of an IT Program Manager in the current IT era?

Program Manager plays a very important role in transforming a company’s strategy into reality. Every IT program is different in its size, complexity, stakeholder involvement, time critical with a direct impact on organization growth/reputation. It would require a program manager to have right skill, ability and knowledge for a successful program implementation, it is not necessary every single skill/responsibility is well defined in R&R of a program manager.

I am sharing the below key insights from my 2+ decades of IT Project/Program management experience that you don’t find them in a program manager R&R template.

a.    Ground Rules:

Every program needs a set of ground rules to be defined at the beginning of a program. It is important rather critical for a program manager to ensure these ground rules are being followed by all team members across the program without dropping a ball. In some programs, these ground rules are closely tracked in the beginning of the program, slowly ignored at a later part of the program.   

e.g. Sprint governance, team updating daily status/effort in jira without reminders, team responding to queries/emails promptly, updating WSR on time, version management, following the right process with no deviations etc.

b.    Mastery of Detail:

More mission critical programs demand a program manager to know granular details of a program. It is a default expectation from a program manager to answer all key questions in both internal and external leadership meetings with no/minimal dependency on the next level of PMs/Leads. A good program manager knows how to get these details without spending long hours.

e.g. Effectively managing scrum of scrums, being a good listener, asking the right set of questions, using collaborative tools such as MS Teams, Jira for better cross channel communication etc. 

c.     Diversified Knowledge

It is not necessary a program manager should master in every area, but the diversified knowledge across the domains (i.e. Business Domain, Technical, QA, Architecture, DevOps, Cloud tech etc.) always come handy in successfully executing a program. It helps the program manager better planning by considering all inter dependencies, decision making, identifying the risks with a clear mitigation etc.  

e.g. High level understanding of program business domain, attending DevOps/Cloud workshops, attending technical architecture walkthroughs with the team etc.

d.    Empathetic

Empathy is another key area often don’t find it in R&R of a program manager. It is an essential feature for a program manager to possess as it enables them to build strong relationships with their team members, internal and external stakeholders. Being empathetic helps in understanding the feelings, perspectives, and needs of their team members, leading to better communication, teamwork, and program outcomes.  By building strong relationships with their team members and stakeholders, program managers can create a positive work environment that fosters teamwork, innovation, and program success.

 

e.g. Being responsible for team work life balance, taking right decision making in the interest of the complete team, taking complete accountability for a program success or failure.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.         

Please do share program manager skills that we often don’t see in the R&R template from your experience.

ICC world cup 2023 - shocking defeats

 

      ICC Cricket world cup tournament happens once in 4 years, all cricket enthusiasts eagerly wait for this moment including me. 2023 world cup is more special as it is being hosted by India. As a cricket freak, i enjoy watching every single world cup match not necessarily played by India. Few matches supposed to be one sided, but it proved wrong. It has been amazing to see how few low ranked nations come so strong, played as a team unit in defeating very strong cricket nations. I am summarizing here few shocking defeats in 2023 world cup so far. 

1. England vs. Afghanistan

This was the first disappointment of World Cup 2023, what a game to remember for generations to follow.  Afghanistan scored 284 in 49.5 overs and England scored 215 all our in 40 overs. Not many would have imagined England lose against Afghanistan in the beginning of the tournament. Afghanistan had played a better cricket, a better teamwork. They appeared better bowling side compared to England, especially their spin department where both Mujeeb and Rashid took 3 wickets each with a decent economy rate. It was their first 2023 world cup match. 

2. Pakistan Vs. Afghanistan 

This was another super thriller match where Afghanistan beat Pakistan with just 4 runs. A decade ago, no one dreamt that Afghanistan beating Pakistan in world cup, but 11 players from Afghanistan created a history in world cup cricket with a major milestone to remember. Pakistan scored 282 in 50 overs; Afghanistan chased the target in 49 overs by losing only 2 wickets.  Pakistan didn't show much intent in both bowling and fielding, which allowed Afghanistan to score runs against Pakistan pacers with ease. As Babar Azam mentioned losing match against Afghanistan was hard to digest, it was consecutive 3rd major loss for Pakistan though their Semi Final hopes are still alive. 

3. SA Vs. Netherlands 

Match between SA Vs. Netherlands was another socking defeat for SA that they ever imagined. Netherlands proved everyone wrong by winning the match, they had shown great courage and teamwork. They outplayed especially in their bowling and fielding departments, defending a score of 245 Against SA wasn't easy but the Dutch team made it happen. It was one of the biggest disappoints for SA in 2023 - ODI world cup. 

Effective Speaking in Spontaneous Situations - Matt Abrahams - Stanford University

You Tube Video

One of the best presentations i come across in youtube on effective speaking Spontaneously. 

He started with a question to find number of F's in the below sentence

"Finished files are the result of years of scientif-ic study combined with the experience of many years"

For better speak one should always control their anxiety, treat as a conversation than performing infront of audience. 

In this video, Matt suggested the below step by step approach to improve speaking spontaneously. 

Step1: Get out of our own way or comfort zone (Dare to be dull)

• We always wanted to give right answer, do right.  
• We want to do right.
• We want our toast to be incredibly memorable
• Over analyze 
• Call them with a wrong name 
• Be in present moment 

He further conducted an activity to point out different things with no patters or no specific order. This activity helps in train our memory to react to spontaneous events/situations. 

"Dare to be dull" - Maxim improvisation. This helps, rather than strive for greatness, try date to be dull. 

Step2: Take it as an opportunity than an obligation/challenge or threat. (Look at as giving gift)

• When your boss asked you talk about something, take it as an opportunity rather than an obligation. It eases pressure on individual, helps coming out of do right mindset. 
• If we see it as an opportunity, it helps framing the story better 
• He further conducted an activity - receiving virtual gifts between two partners 
• Partner A giving the Gift - Part B to mention what he/she felt about the gift
• Partner A to respond to Partner B spontaneously (I knew you liked it, i knew you liked this holiday break to enjoy leisure time)

Step3: Slow down and Listen

Matt talked about communicating with spelling (F-O-C-U-S O-N I-N-N-O-V-A-T-I-O-N) as an activity 

• Unless we clearly focus on the other person, we will not be able to respond back with spelling. So it is a perfect activity on being a good listener
• You have to be at the moment , don't think ahead rather truly understand what the other person is trying to say. This will help in giving more appropriate or targeted response to the other person 
• Slowdown, take a pause
• before responding, rephrase the question to give you enough time to articulate your answer 

Step4:  Structured communication to tell a story 

Respond to a question in a structured way. 

There are two proven methods to communicate a message. We process 40% more than structure way than unstructured communication. 

1. Problem , Solution and Benefits/Summary 

2. What, so What , Then What 

Post this, Mr.Matt had conducted an activity to sell a product (Slinky) to their partner by using the above structured way of communication. 

 FIFA - Biggest Upset 

             My knowledge on football or soccer has always been very limited. Being borned and brought up in India, i am a cricket enthusiastic like other major indians. I hardly followed FIFA games ,know very handful of football players like Messi and Ronaldo due to they world wide popularity. My interest towards FIFA has gone up from early 2010 when i was in the US for a brief 3-4 year period, remember watching most of 2010 FIFA world cup (19th Edition of FIFA) matches for the first time. I even remember watching FIFA 2010 final between Spain and Netherlands with group of colleagues in a cafe (@Columbus, OH) with a large group of Spaniards surrounded in the restaurants, Spain won the world cup with 1-0 Lead. It was great fun to watch, not only that I enjoyed the FIFA atmosphere but also realized why FIFA is so popular across the world. Post this, started following almost every FIFA tournament very closely, even knew few additional player names from Germany, France, England, Brazil etc. 

                It is 2022 - FIFA fever started in Qatar with 2 biggest disappointments at a league level. Just wanted to note down these for my own records, along with a quick recap of other biggest disappointments in FIFA from the past.

                    As i just watched the match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia, i would call it as one of the biggest disappointments that i had come across though there is still high chance Argentina can beat other two teams(Poland, Mexico) before qualifying for Pre-Quarters. No one believed Saudi Arabia, a team with 51 FIFA rank would beat 3rd ranking Argentina at a league level. It is a historic moment for Saudi Arabia, in fact their president announced 1 day public holiday across the country as part of their celebrations. 

                     We also witnessed 2nd FIFA - 2022 disappointments between Germany and Japan. No high expectations from anyone on Japan considering 23rd Ranked team against 1st Ranked Germany, perhaps everyone felt it would be a cakewalk for Germany winning against Japan, but Japan proved wrong and won the match with 2 last minute goals winning the match with 1-2 lead. It was a historic moment for Japan as they had never beaten their European opponents. Otherside Germany's poor world cup form continuous, having finished bottom of their group at the 2018 tournament. 

                         Will continue add.... :)

                          I am writing this on 12th Dec 2022, two top teams reached finals (France and Argentina), Argentina overcame their first loss against Saudi Arabia, returned so strong that they beat all strong teams in QF/SF and reached finals with ease. 

                                      It is going to be another interesting FIFA finals to watch, can't wait to watch the finals on Sunday 18-Dec-2022. 

                                      

            

MindTree first 1 year Experience

MindTree First 1 year Experience

#Mindtree #First1Month @Projec Manager

As on 2012 April, i completed 1 Year in MindTree. This blog is to share my first 1 year experience with MindTree. 

Honestly, I have not heard MindTree until i received a call from the consultant who explained about project manager opening with MindTree, i started exploring MindTree from different websites to know company profile and i was impressed with MindTree growth in the last few years.  I finally got an offer from MindTree in Mar 2011 and joined in April 2011. 

First One Month

Though initial one month was of no serious project assignments,  but it helped in understanding MindTree processes better before going on job. First 3 days, we were in Arboretum classes where they explained about MindTree Introduction, various organization specific processes, finance management, MindTree formation etc.  I could relate each of these MindTree processes better after i read Subroto's book on "Entrepreneur", realized the importance of introducing various processes at an organization level. I also utilized this initial leasure time to attend various organization wise trainings to name few "Function Point Estimation", "MindTree Certified Project Manager". Over all first one month went very well and at the end i convinved myself that i took a good decision joining in Mindtree. 

In this process, also met good friends like Srikanth Chandrasekhar , Diptaraka, Sridhar they were all Campus hires joined from IIMS

First Project in MindTree, NFUM CCP

I was assigned to Insurance IG headed by Naresh. Initially it took a while to get my first project assigned, after a long waiting (about 2 Months) i have been assigned to NFUM-CCP Project. 

What is NFUM?

NFU Mutual is the largest agricultural insurer in the UK and in the top ten UK Insurance Companies. They operate in the general and life insurance, pensions and financial services markets.

NFU Mutual has over three hundred offices and agents across the UK with approximately 6,000 employees.

The Head Office is based in Stafford-Upon-Avon with local offices, agents (GI) and direct sales staff (Life) spread across the UK with a call center operation in Glasgow.

I involved in CCP project from day1, i had ample time to understand the CCP business requirements and client needs better before starting of the project.

What is CCP?

CCP - Claim Contact Portal  - It is a portal to integrate with the core Claim system to maintain contacts, tracking claims information. There was very balanced team with Experienced as well as good number of freshers in the team. My manager was Shrini Vadavadagi, he mentored me on the importance of setting up processes and ensuring the team follows them from Day1. Except some minor hiccups with requirement finalization, rest of the project went smooth. We closed the project with very high gross margin of 70%.

Throughout this project, i got an opportunity to interact with Sr. Leaders such as Ramesh Goapalakrishnan, Veera Raghava, Venkataraghava P K. Great learnings from their reviews, kind of questions they used to ask etc. 

My first interaction and experience with Teach for India - Fellows

My first interaction and experience with Teach for India - Fellows

As Part of our Mindtree IGK project, we visited one of the government schools near Naindali,Bangalore on 8/Sep, we were 5 from Mindtree  reached the school well before the scheduled time 2 PM. 

We met 3 young fellows from Teach for India, we were asked to interact with the 3rd and 4th class elementary students. 2 of us sat in 4th standard class room and other 3 were in 3rd standard class room. 

I just sat in the class room on the floor with 4th standard students. The below are my observations from 2 hour trip/interaction

1. 2 gentle men from Teach for India interacting with students in English, the efforts they put in compelling every student to talk in English was really encouraging 

2. Teach for India fellowship program is for 2 years work in one of the Govt schools, it is their 2nd year in the same school where they started with 3rd std students and now they are in 4th std. 

3. I am from outsider can see the difference in class 4 students, the impact of these fellows created in the last 1 year.

4. They have a tie up with Apple where they were given computer and ipad, they installed few interactive education games, help each student understand the problem and solution 

5. Fellows were closely watching everyone, other than academics they do teach other disciplinary. How to encourage other students, help other students when they don't know something

6. Impressed to see almost all the students in the class be able to do basic arithmetic, hardly 1 or 2 students did wrong in basic arithmetic.

7. They were all able to follow basic English conversation, this was the impact of Teach for India fellows created...They force the students to use small english words and sentences in the class

Other than academics, the brief of activities each fellow involve, these are just few from my interaction....

1. All these fellows are graduated from reputed engineering colleges, some of them take sabbatical from corporate to be part of the program 

2. These fellows undergo 1 month rigorous training in Teach for India - Pune branch before they are placed in any govt schools. 

3. There is no content or curriculum been shared to fellows, rather it is completely left it to fellows to prepare and share

4. The fellows are paid very nominal incentive by Teach for India every month, the fellows use their own fund for taking xeroxes,print outs etc from their own pocket 

5. Other than just education, the fellows do take care of school logistics or infrastructure issues. The school i visited, they did take care of fixing grills on the slab, ensured the cleanliness of the environment, play ground to be maintained well 

6. Every week they interact with  parents, they do visit their homes to maintain in case parents don't turn up..They do interact with local citizens, take their helps and support

7. There are volunteers come on every Saturday to extend their support

8. These classes won't overlap with academics, they pick subjects like Art, Maths, English which is outside of syllabus

Summary

• Really heart touching to see the system is working so well with no major follow-ups and tracking from Teach for India Sr. Management.

• What these fellows are doing is completely outside of the box, collaborating with govt teachers and management. I observed, it is working under the hard condition.

• Very simple principle of bringing Parents, Students and Teachers together, building trust on each other. These guys are able to achieve it. 

• We all must thank Teach for India for the change they are trying to bring in, it is not easy. 

• I have seen many NGOs try support the system from outside, the impact of this is very minimal. The change that TeachforIndia is bringing in being part of the system,introducing competent fellows in the system to bring in high impact..

Please do visit their website, spread the news  ... www.teachforindia.org