Categories
Book Reviews Branding (personal) Motivation

Coca Cola International Day of Happiness

rsenthilkumar.com

There is a very simple way to happiness, the easiest way is to not depend on anything to be happy but is that really practically possible. Yes in a way making ourselves happy because these will be steps that will take me through the day and week together.

So here goes some of the things that bring happiness:

On a crowded day after work, getting into the bus and finding a seat vacant is happiness, and being able to vacate that for much deserved elder person is then the happiness doubles.

My bike ride is one of happiness, never has given me a problem and more so I can rely on and the kick to start is a sign of happiness. Been on long rides and short ones, but its a nirvana riding the bike.

Rain makes me happy. When heavens open up its a big smile for me. Love to watch the rain. Love to ride my bike on the road happy and unfettered, and sometimes take a walk. Like the feeling of the rain drops on me that’s absolute happiness

Chai – the tea is another one of my happiness moments, It has the ability to make you just get up and make it happen, something like Coca Cola, which is the cold equivalent of tea for me. Never a time to turn down, I driven long and walks distances to get some chai.

Books make me  happy, the smell of the new print is a happiness moment. Time to read and time to sleep are things that go together. They say books are friends who don’t speak back but yeah they do all the speaking in a way.

Getting on the road to a green corridor in my city is a happiness moment, in one of the arterial roads, you get to drive clearly across the traffic lights if you clear the first one on green and you could go all the way some 7 km straight at an average speed of 60kmph.

Well there are things online which make me happy some likes on the FB post not really behind the likes for all the posts, some RTs from the followers. Sometimes a mention from a celebrity or a RT will be a happy moment.

Some times the messages from friends and loved ones on the text  messengers or the whatapp sometimes. the most valued ones are those when they deposit money into your account. Well that’s always there.  There are more occasions when I see someone make great strides makes me happy. Things that way are an inspiration in more ways than one.

Sometimes when you are congratulated for your role which you deserve are some of the other moments when I am happy and this is most of the times in my career!

 

Now tell me what makes you happy?

Senthilkumar

Categories
Book Reviews Books Reading / Read

When she smiled – by Ritoban Chakrabarti #bookreview

 

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Publisher Notion Press
Publication Year 2015
ISBN-13 9789384878252
ISBN-10 9384878251
Language English
Edition 1
Binding Paperback
Number of Pages 225 Pages

I was happy that it was a debut novel, but along the way I missed the speed and pace that could have been better.

It is a story of school crush and how life changes for one Mrutunjoy the hero in his class 11 to be precise and his lady love Akanksha makes an entry into his life. Things are not the same for a guy when a girl enters his life. Or even at least when he thinks it to be. This has to be the best of all the novels that we come up with. Its quite a school boy falling in for a girl and how they go to the next step of their relationship, its like a bit cinematic, may be we are used to more movies showing this relationship in a way that we all seem to approve not knowing how it will end up.

The story could have been fast paced with the characters getting on, but it has too many description that lead us to nowhere. The language could have been polished in the sense there were instances for moderation of the usage.

The days in school is almost common place and there is not the special feeling effect on you and there is this going forth and back that doesn’t gel with the narrative at times. The author has been harsh on himself unnecessary if I have to look at this in a semi autobiographical way.

May be its because of the school boyish stuff that we were reading but I am sure we can expect much more than the cinematic narrative that we were placed with. Some places seems to touch a nerve but the momentum doesn’t last long enough for your to get them on you.

The language could have been a help especially in the days when we are overloaded with so many romantic and first love stories from all over. The vivid background of Shimla would have made for some scenic narratives if you ask me. The author sometimes gets on to be clueless as much as the characters presented are.

I know this being a debut has a bit of Chetan Bhagat effect on the storyline and the way of narration but the thing is it was a different world when Chetan Bhagat started writing and now there are enough and more of authors spinning tale after tale on the same names and you can have a series of social media led love stories. Here’s where I believe the author missed a great chance to live the romance sans these media interruptions and weave a nostalgic story. The story is a easy read but had a lot of potential if you ask me. Simply because you could take them on a memory down lane those times. Will wait and see how the author  takes up the next book.

My rating : 2.5 / 5 stars

Senthilkumar

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Categories
Just about it Management Motivation Personal Stories/storification Training Uncategorized

Resilience / Resiliency? anyone…

Resilience Define Resilience at Dictionary.com

I have been down and out and how?

One of the worst times was when I lost someone very close and dear to me. Add to that being held liable for the same event, and there was no time to mourn. Legalities continued and took almost 5 years to get off.

Every day there was no sun shine if at all there was it was a bit of hope. Godsend my job was intact by the mercies of some one who I will adore for the rest of my life for being solidly behind me. So those were times when it said you still have HOPE. Yes in capital letters HOPE.

I had to change when the trial was getting on and was jobless in a way after that.

Though these were days of nightmares here’s how I made use of them.

Some of those things I did in no particular order:

1. Took to blogging, even some articles on mouthshut.com. I wrote on everything I could relate to especially R K Narayan or things I felt about.

2. Took to official blogging in a sense, I was blogging at O3- now defunct its a part of indiatimes.com (infact we are trying to get a plugin built so we can download all our works but no one responds from Indiatimes)

The blog was my biggest refuge – at last count I had over 150 written on F1 seasons and also had a prediction league at that. Top it all with a second prize for sports category in O3 Awards.

I made some great friends who are in touch even today.

3. Turned to spirituality, it wasnt new for me, except I would not think about the rituals as a big benefit, but this time I did take to rituals every two weeks fasting and very regularly being at the temple for the special arathi that would be held. I was regular in every sense of the word.

4. Started Reading: Though reading was in my habit this expanded to more of book on motivation, some of the Robin Sharma titles and other came my way. More understanding and getting on.

5. Legal training: I was getting trained to think legally in every aspect of life. What if. I was getting to read and sort articles and help my lawyer friend and keep track of the latest judgement on the certain topic that I was involved with.

6. Very close knit friendship: It was close and very small in number though I had enough of contact and acquaintances as a part of my professional network.

I think I should have taken to physical fitness  or a physical regimen and that would have amplified in a healthy life style not that it was showing anything bad  still looking back it would have made a lot of difference.

So why am I writing this now.? well in case you think you have had your worst moment think about it, almost everyone has had one and its actually the way you bounce back that marks the person you are.

Senthilkumar

PS: I had wanted to write on this ever since I read a blog from Shailaja mam!

But the immediate reaction was an invitation from our JCI Coimbatore Cosmo chapter for its ID program. The best part was the sharing of the presentation with all members and found it useful to go through that since I was not able to make it.

 

So I thought I shall pen down some of my own experience during the last 10 years or so.

Categories
Branding (personal) Events General Motivation Spirituality Training

Just the moments of togetherness #together

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I am an eternal optimist and know that I will pull it off. Its only a matter of time before things fall in place. During those moments when you feel that you are on the thin ice not necessarily true to the literal sense, still think you need some one who can say ‘yes that’s the way and don’t worry everything is gonna be alright’. That’s the time.  Those are life changing moments in small measure not so drastic for the world to see,  still needs someone who can say what you want to hear and boost your morale.

I know I can look upto him, my friend. Not much is in common with our careers and personal life. Never the less there seems to be the meeting of minds when we need to discuss and take a decision for good. This is when it matters the most. But we have had our time managed to meet at regular intervals at our favourite places.

At times there would be no talks and at times heated discussions, it all boils down to having to understand the others point of view. But more than that its the belief that there is someone behind you to back up your plan, your thoughts and someone to vet it for you in terms that you never fathomed it.

At times its just the meeting that makes it all worthwhile. Being together and sharing the things would make it easy. That’s kinda I know I can get myself assured feeling and moment.

The best part is this, sometimes its a monologue from my side at a stretch. It could be that we needed someone to listen. Infact helps to be listened to may be. Makes a lot of difference in the way we approach it after someone has heard us and decision is made. It also feels like its being more independent after such a meeting of togetherness.

The other side of it is he is not near these days. His presence is felt when I go to the places where we have been and have had our talks. That those places still seem to buzz on activities make it a nostalgic even today.

And there are times I take a walk all alone at night and then come back refreshed with an answer that has been prodding me. A lone walk with melodious music from the playlist of my mobile will add to the calming effect that is needed for you. There is a talk between one self and it makes you very clear on what the next step should be.

Senthillkumar

These online activities of Housing.com has certainly opened up a great way to interact with the online community of bloggers. Thanks Housing.com!

Categories
Events Just about it Motivation Personal Stories/storification

To be or not to be! #StartANewLife

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The times have been turbulent. Legally. The storm has ended. The sea was getting back to normal waves from being ruthless high tides. It was time to set sail. Literally. Five years back, looking ahead I boarded a train after one of my wellwisher friend said ‘get on to the next train.’ Lets get going. (On looking back that train was destined to Mumbai, where Housing.com started it all.)

Sometimes change is all you need and sometimes that’s so true for the place, which obviously gives you a sense of comfort. A sense of comfort zoned. Things can be ok an sometimes mediocre still you would want to continue. You don’t want to risk anything. maintain status quo. But you need that jolt that you can be better or there is a whole world waiting for you. Experiences and relationships that can change your life forever for the better.

It was going to be new place, new people, I would be building a new life literally. I reach Mumbai and with the help of my friend who happens to be my brothers classmate in Thane. I got to know he took the Western Expressway to go to work.

A week of searching houses and getting into a PG a Punjabi family at that. I was getting to work with new set of friends, well wishers, and fully expanded career in digital. The pace was  too good getting settled into the role was on the job in a matter of few days.

I was living the game. enjoying it if you ask me. It made all the difference. To look at the different aspect of life. To be you and make up for the lost time. That moment that I decided to leave hometown made all the difference in starting a new life.

You get a sense of what adaptability means and get used to everything new but that’s how the life is and if we can make it happen with those challenges then we have arrived.

You got to do your own things, all of a sudden, there are personal responsibilities, keeping things perfect. You are the master of the house. You get to do it the way you want. Keep it clean or dusty and the like…

Since then it has been a roller coaster ride career juggling a lot of things, and looking forward to more challenges everyday. It opened up new vistas and new way of thinking and also a bit on entrepreneurship which was latent made a come back.

This phase also got me to look at change in pace of a metro and was soon realizing the cinematic expressions first hand. A lot of things you get to know how life reflects the reel and vice versa. Looking back I knew that was a start that was very much needed.

Some time later I moved to Delhi, that again was a move that changed my ideas for better. Thats for another day.

if you ask me this video is a wonderful collection of the journey that comes in fulfillment to the newest logo on the block. Housing.com could not have expressed it better.

Senthilkumar

Categories
HRT Indian F1 fan Indian Grand Prix Motorsports narain karthikeyan Quotable Quotes

Narain Karthikeyan makes history #6thMar2005

Its almost 10 years now since Narain Karthikeyan scorched the tracks at Australian GP in 2005. The season opener had good news for the Indian since Schumi acknowledged him during the Press Conference on Thursday.

I know Narain would have been on cloud nine, why not that was his idol Schumi talking about him. He has always said this about Schumi – He is like red wine and the more the years, the more better he gets. We do hope Schumi gets back to normalcy at this juncture and yes we do know his son Mika is getting into his boots.

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That pic is a memorable one for the reason that an Indian was taking part in the parade for the first time. Back home it did create a lot of expectation for him to win the races. Well it was a well intentioned thought, though from people who didn’t know Narain did all he could with the machine at his disposal.

There was a placard held by a girl in the stands which read “Marry Me Narain”

The qualifying was a classic affair giving Narain the rain master as he is nick named a chance to prove his mettle. He went on to start the grid on 12! A great way to start off the season.

There was a big headline I remember which said, Narain will carry on the big hopes of a billion people, it was true and it indeed was a moment to cherish.

Formula One World Championship

Narain finished a creditable 15th on the grid on the race day 10 years ago at Australia.

That was a start of a roller coaster ride for an Indian in F1. Will get you more on this series.

Before I sign off this one, I should mention the critical part played by the sponsors and especially Mr. Ratan Tata who endorsed Narain’s talent to be a part of this big league. Thanks to TATA Motors, Bharat Petroleum Speed, JK Tyres, and Amaron Batteries.

This is the 2nd part of the series #MyF1years getting you some inside moments during the year.

Senthilkumar aka – Indian F1 fan

Categories
Advertising Branding (personal) Product Review Stories/storification

The pampered comfort #pampers

Pampers dry pants

The times have changed and so too is the way the kids’ demand. As much as you think they are pretty little kids who would not demand much more you are mistaken.

The arrival of the kids is one of the most awaited moments at home and then there is such a vibrance of energy with everyone that they try their best to be the kids best pal. Obviously its the mom and sometimes the dad who take the spot unless there are more relatives in the household.

The best part is the time they choose to sleep and it could be the day or night as they fancy. The ritual has changed with the Pampers Dry Baby Pants. They are pretty secure in the sense that the kids feel so happy about. It shows in the way they move unlike when they weren’t wearing the Pampers. Probably the dryness add to their sense of comfort all night or all day when they are out playing or just about to doze off.

They are their best friends especially when going out. The kids don’t feel the wetness more so helps to keep them clean and healthy. You can actually make out from the kids face if they have got the Pampers protection.

So to get the baby to his favorite things to do, probably the first thing is to be on a Pamper dry pant and his joy knows no bounds because he knows he can do anything he wants. Play, dance and freely wander around the house.

The best part is about the Pampers diapers is, this is designed with babies in mind. They come with lotions that moisturises and nourishes the baby skin. That actually helps the baby from rashes and roughness which are associated with diapers.

A magic gel layer helps absorb liquids and keep the surface dry up to 10 hours giving the kid the comfort and pampering that he deserves, well add to that they come in all sizes and remain dry through the night or day.

There is a change in the way the kids are happy and they way they go about their playfulness or being cute. It all perhaps starts with the right diapers and get pampered in that so all the worries are gone. You don’t have to think about the diaper part. Leave it to Pampers.

So the next time you think about the diapers its not just about the dryness on the outside that matters, its actually the dryness on the inside. And you will know how much difference it will make.

I am reminded of the kids song when you are happy and you know it clap your hands, and it so true with Pampers.

When the kids are wearing Pampers, you know it and of course the baby will clap his hands.

Senthilkumar

Categories
Branding (personal) Just about it Management Motivation Personal Stories/storification

Lookup – A roof over the head #happyhours

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I remember those days. Very stark in a way.

We were in a rented house and our house was being built. Brick by brick. We had our fun times, playing in the sands, building castles, making miniature kitchens and dinner served among us little friends.

A hazy remembrance of those still exists. Simply because the topography of our location has changed considerably in all those 30 years.

The house was being built and it had come to the RC level. We needed to get those set of RC mixers, those days we needed to build a step which will be a bridge from the mixer to the place where they mixed concrete was thrown to make a ceiling.

All the work was done and as the fate would have it, the engineer or so-called one disappeared with all the money meant for the next day. I didn’t know that day how frantic my dad and my mom was. But I got to know later how they had to literally ask every one in the family to help and also get loans at higher interest so that the work on that day – of the reinforced concrete was done.

A few weeks later, we moved into the partially built house with our belonging, we would be saving on the rent, though just one room was made with just built out of bricks and no windows and a make shift door in the front greeted us.

It took a few years of hard work to get on to making the desired house and now as I look back at the way how my parents have done it, its absolutely a miracle and sometimes do think how they made it. Almost some ten years to get the whole thing into a complete home. I knew all those moments when the home is done with people even if there is no complete building. I do reckon that’s how so many homeless and under privileged also live giving it a sense of accomplishment in their lives to have a roof over their head.

I know it was a sense of optimism that we can do better ahead, and sense of a positive future that we are looking ahead. This has been an inspiration in a sense that all you need is to look forward and things will fall in place.

Everytime I think about this, I look up to my parents perseverance and dogged determination to make it happen. Its a dream for any one to have a roof over your head. And sometimes the cost is not just the money that you might not have.

Senthilkumar

PS: I really loved the Housing.com’s  rebranding and that arrow showing upwards and the meaning can only be that of infinite possibilities.

Just take a look! https://housing.com/lookup

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Categories
Mobile Advertising New launches

Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL: keeping you prepared for anything

BARCELONA, Spain — March 2, 2015 — Today at Mobile World Congress 2015, Microsoft Corp. introduced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, two new smartphones that give people greater flexibility and freedom to choose when and where they get things done. Both phones are upgradeable to Windows 10, which offers more personal computing and greater productivity, and will be available later this year.

In a competitive marketplace, Microsoft continues to deliver innovative smartphone experiences at all price points. Both devices offer the seamless integration of hardware essentials — with a choice of screen sizes and camera capabilities — and Microsoft services to offer incredible productivity with affordability. With Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, people are prepared for anything — for work, at home and on the go:

  • Smoothly and quickly access important documents or run popular websites, apps and games thanks to the onboard 1 GB of memory and powerful Qualcomm ® Snapdragon ™ processor featuring quad-core CPU running at 1.2GHz.
  • Enjoy photos and videos on a crisp high-definition (HD) display — either 5 inches on Lumia 640 or 5.7 inches on Lumia 640 XL.
  • Power through the day with battery to spare with a long-lasting battery — 2500 mAh for Lumia 640 and 3000 mAh for Lumia 640 XL.
  • Capture detail-rich photos even in low light with the 8MP camera on Lumia 640 or 13MP ZEISS optics on Lumia 640 XL. Both feature LED flash, a front-facing camera for Skype video calling, and Lumia Camera software right out of the box.
  • Enjoy the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1 and the Lumia Denim update, complete with one-swipe Action Center, Word Flow and Live Folders. People can also upgrade Lumia 640 and 640 XL to Windows 10 and enjoy its benefits as it becomes available later this year.
  • Have the best of both worlds with LTE support available on dual-SIM models for the first time. In addition, all dual-SIM models will feature Smart Dual SIM to help ensure people never miss a call.

Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL customers will be able to access new Windows 10 features and innovation through the Windows Insider Program, as well as upgrade to Windows 10 later this year. Key features and improvements of Windows 10 include new universal apps such as Office, Mail and Calendar, and Photos; Internet Protocol-based messaging from Skype and others integrated directly into the messaging experience; an entirely new browsing experience with the new Project Spartan browser; and extended integration of the Cortana personal assistant.

Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL also come with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, which includes the latest Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote) on the Lumia as well as on one PC or Mac and one tablet, plus 1TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 free minutes of Skype Unlimited Worldwide calling per month.**

“Our newest Lumia devices build on our momentum in the affordable smartphones space,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president for Phones at Microsoft. “With the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, we continue to make innovation accessible to more people. We have packaged competitive hardware with innovative Windows software and Microsoft services to help you achieve more, wherever and whenever you want.”

Lumia 640 XL will begin rolling out globally in March and will be available in matte cyan, orange and black, as well as both matte and glossy white. Lumia 640 will be available starting in April and will be available in glossy cyan, orange and white, as well as matte black. Both Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL will be available in single-SIM and dual-SIM LTE and dual-SIM 3G variants. Lumia 640 XL will also be available as a single-SIM 3G variant. Pricing will vary by market and operator; Lumia 640 is estimated to be around 139 euros for the 3G model and 159 euros for the LTE model, before taxes and subsidies. Lumia 640 XL will be around 189 euros for 3G and 219 euros for LTE, before taxes and subsidies.

About Microsoft Devices

The Microsoft Devices Group includes award-winning hardware used by over a billion people around the world, including Lumia smartphones, Nokia ultra-affordable feature phones, Xbox hardware, Surface and Surface Hub, Microsoft Band, and HoloLens.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

*Like any upgrade to a new operating system, not every phone will support all possible Windows 10 features.   Certain features and experiences will require more advanced future hardware.

**See office.com/information for details. Skype account required. Excludes special, premium and non-geographic numbers. Calls to mobiles are for select countries only.  Skype available only in select countries.  See FAQ for details.

Categories
Just about it Motivation Politics Stories/storification

Here we go the world remade! #theworldremade

Apple

 

“Can you see the apple?” asked God!
“Oh yes I can!” I replied
“Eat this one and be blessed! There’s going to be no Satan henceforth! ” God said and disappeared.

I woke from my dream with that little session of God. I turn to my right to see apples and oranges beautifully arranged on a glass bowl.

I reach for one apple and take a bite, a surge of energy passed through me and I could feel myself vibrant as if an electric current passed through me. Feeling as if I became a super man I walked to the window and saw a pale picture of the road and a beggar crossing it.

‘How I wish there was no poverty so that the man walking there doesn’t have to beg for food?’ I thought and behold below me on the street were two angels who came and dressed him in best clothes and vanished and then came a road cart full of food near the once a beggar and he was surprised and ate to his contentment.

Oh it works I thought, very pleasantly surprised with myself and not able to conceal the surprise.

I thought may this extend to the whole world, may be it happens may be I may not see them for real, nevertheless I saw the whole world change over in a flash – a timelapse presented in front on my eyes.

Once the food is done what would you want the guys to live for obviously for nothing. Lazy minds are devils workshop. They generate ideas to disturb peace not only for themselves but others too.

The best part is to make them play what they want to play because the food is already there. Lest there be corruption, contentment will be default. Everytime they make money they would ask if its enough, good enough for them and more over if they need money.

When this is done, love happens without being forced. Make them see the other human beings as a part of themselves. So they cannot hurt, and being human is the religion.  Make them forget about their God.

The land gets the rain, the food is grown, harvested and cooked, the cycle continues, the sun rises the sun sets and the men go dancing around.

The best part is the technological marvel is left as it and continues to help the people. When the food and education is free and a basic human right, we have a world which will be less fighting and less harming the people. Dogmas are relegated to the back seat simply because the men cannot point to the past for their justifying the present.

As I walked down the road an elderly man came to me and said “Be blesssed! today the world has changed for good!”

As I look back I could see the end of all that is black and negative. The journey continued…

I am participating in the #TheWorldRemade activity at BlogAdda in association with India Today #Conclave15

Senthilkumar