Are you a leaf, branch, or a root?

When I look back and wonder what made me name Ashwath, there was a lot of thought process behind it. There was a lot of inspiration from our epics and puranas & Vedas. But eventually we came to conclude "Ashwath" means "the holy tree where Buddha did meditate and gained lot of knowledge  leading to  Enlightment "Nirvana"... so it can also be considered as tree of knowledge, the peepal tree or the or the "ashwattha tree". The epitome of purity. 

Today I can vouch Ashwath is indeed . A holy spirit.

This is something which made me write after a long time. Though these are not my own words but the feelings are fond and the same.

In life as we grow we come across many people and we reach a stage when we look back. There was a time when I used to write about 10 pages of letter to my lady love every day. I made it a point to send greeting cards with hand written feelings to all my friends close to me.

Over the years things changed from full scalp paper to inland letters to a 50 paisa post card. Now nor the 50paisa nor the post card mean anything. Its just a copy past cold message on social media.

One who is sitting on a social media getting regular updates is the trump and the other who forgets is ignored. Lol is perhaps the first and most appropriate word which is intimated from social network.

Something I heard today made me think, it really resonated. I don’t think I ran across it by coincidence but it made me think about my life and the people currently in it. People in our life are like parts of a tree; leaves, branches, and roots. I begin to reflect on my current friendships, the ones hanging in balance, and  ones I haven’t really spoken to in a long while. I thought about all the people in my life over the past two years. Ones who stayed, ones who left and their overall purpose in my life.

1. "Some people are like leaves on a tree. When the wind blows, they’re over there… wind blow that way they over here… they’re unstable. When the seasons change they wither and die, they’re gone. That’s alright. Most people are like that, they’re not there to do anything but take from the tree and give shade every now and then. That’s all they can do."

People who are like leaves on a tree, leave. They were only meant to be in our life temporarily and for a season. Leaves, like most friendships, are beautiful in the beginning, but often take more than they’re willing to give and only offer temporary relief and support. They were never meant to be permanent because once seasons change, they will “blow away”, they leave.

When I think about my own life, I think about the people who were leaves and how many times over the past 10 years I was left. I try not to be resentful or have regret, but every friendship in my life ended because they were only meant to be temporary. They helped me grow as a person, provided support only they could give, and when they fulfilled their purpose, they left.

2. "Some people are like a branch on that tree. You have to be careful with those branches too, cause they’ll fool you. They’ll make you think they’re a good friend and they’re real strong but the minute you step out there on them, they’ll break and leave you high and dry."

People who are like branches are the ones who tell you, “You can depend on me, I’ll always be there for you,” are the same ones when conflict arises or there is an issue, they will find any reason to back off or leave. Friendships that are like branches are easily broken because the person leaving decides the friendship isn’t worth any more effort.

3. "But if you find 2 or 3 people in your life that’s like the roots at the bottom of that tree you are blessed. Those are the kind of people that aren’t going nowhere. They aren’t worried about being seen, nobody has to know that they know you, they don’t have to know what they’re doing for you but if those roots weren’t there, that tree couldn’t live. "

People who are like roots of a tree are permanent. Friendships who go through everything, hell and back, and still stand strong are friends worth keeping. They’re friendships worth fighting for.

"A tree could have a hundred million branches but it only takes a few roots down at the bottom to make sure that tree gets everything it needs. When you get some roots, hold on to them but the rest of it… just let it go. Let folks go."

...source: incitefaith

26/11 - The Bloody Wednesday

Date: 26Novermber2008

Place: Mumbai.

It was a sincere initiative by a group of awakened souls who volunteered to come forward and build a platform for “The Common Man” to voice out their experience of 29/11. It was a committed movement for the “The Common Man” who has no option but to go through the same trauma every moment.

We have seen this in Mumbai. There were people from all walks of life, all religion from all over mumbai. There were people from all over India and world. We have been seeing it across India. It is the same "The Bloody Wednesday" everywhere.

We have been asking and answering the same question “Where Were We” again and again, only to be invalidated and become “Victims of our own Amnesic Nature”. However this was a step forward.

I don’t know whether to empathise or sympathise. We all know it was sad. It was a loss for everyone. What happened that evening was absolutely terrible and unforgettable. People screamed… petrified and distraught, looking for near and dear ones. Some were trapped while some were held as hostages. The raging fire at The Taj Hotel only added to the misery. Many were killed and many more were injured. The chain of events that unfurled one after the other has left us all in a complete state of shock. Many still trying to cope up with the situation.

It was a calm Wednesday and I had to attend a tourism workshop at the Trident hotel from 11 – 6. I was at the Taj the evening before. I had to pass through the door frame metal detectors and was asked to keep my cell phone, wallet, cigarette case and lighter in the given tray. We are all used to these routine and mandatory security checks at most public places.

Everyone and everything seemed to be normal till I reached home and was about to switch on the television. Initially it seemed like a cracker burst by the little boy next door. What me and my son saw was different. There was a huge crowd on the road and all I could see was a Taxi ripped off on SV Road, Ville Parle. There was smoke. I rushed home and switched on the TV and it was smoke all over.

There were 10 terrible boys. They had taken India under siege. There were bullets and smoke all over. There were just brave firemen and policemen helping out people risking their lives. There were excited media grabbing for their “Scoop” and it went on for more than 60 hrs without a commercial Break.

The media could not capture any elected representative, nor could they find any representation from those who make “Much Ado About – Amchi Mumbai”. We did find some representation walking in for a site inspection with someone from film industry. (No Security Again?)

It was a real agony watching a different side of story being unfolding on television. News reports continually focused on each and every move of the terrorist attacks at Taj and all the other areas of Mumbai. While brave officers lost their lives, television journalists held microphones before distraught people to know their reactions. Every minute, channels gave ‘live coverage’ about Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attacks.

Did media realise "Social and National Security could be at stake. It was a live telecast. Did it help disseminating information and hamper security operations? For them “It was one of its kinds” and we can’t blame them. There was no regulatory Act. I am sure we all were as impressed as Sagarika Ghose of CNN debating about Media Coverage of Mumbai terror. "The point is media has come. It is an unpresidential situation which Indian television had never seen "60 hrs nonstop without a commercial break. It is Mind Boggling “- Ashutosh - Managing Editor IBN7.

We all appreciate Barkha Dutt on her onsite coverage of Kargil War in 1999 and the way she covered the Tsunami Disaster. The situation here was different. It was a rescue operation being reported live. The eagerness as ‘Breaking News’ flashed across with other news channels. Brave journalists rushed with their cameramen to capture live footage, which brings one to our mind… can we really call this a brave attempt?

The channels were accessible to all, including the controllers of this ghastly terror attack. Giving minute-by-minute coverage about ground realities and important activities by the security services is surely not a wise move and can never be justified.

Mr. Desh Kapoor has a different prospective about Barkha Dutt and NDTV, in his blog, on the way they covered Mumbai Terror Attack. (The comments were a bit harsh, perhaps, but that was how people felt.)

Media can be a powerful tool to help people in a time like this. However we have seen Journalism turning pale and we all are witness to downplaying legitimate news in favor of eye-catching headlines to sell more to get more TRP. We have seen media agencies and journalists featuring exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, sensationalism often debated as unprofessional practices. Whether it is Social or National Security the media seems to overreact at some stage to almost every crisis they report. We are sure media is aware and does follow or at least refers to the guidelines set by NBA (The News Broadcasters Association).

It reminds once reading once “Whoever controls the media controls the mind”. Hitler also described the Press as a "machine for mass instruction," ideally, a "kind of school for adults." In such a scenario it becomes very important for all of us to find out "Who owns/ controls Media in India".

The two most important questions which we all have in our minds are perhaps:
1. Is it the absolute truth what we read and see every day?

2. Do we see only what media wants us to see?

After one year do we know what happened exactly? I am sure most of us have seen on the internet or forwarded emails. We have seen the documentary “Terror in Mumbai” Produced & Directed by Dan Reed revealing the untold story of 26/11 in the words of victims and gunmen.

(Courtesy: Daniel Reed )

Approx. 50 minutes video

Today after one year, the most important thing still remains in all our minds. Are we going to be asking same questions again and again - “Where Are We”? Are we again going to console ourselves to be “Victims of our own Amnesic Nature”?

Are we going to let media hyperventilate on every crisis they report?

We are looking for actions and solutions for human emotions. They value more than any media figures and statistics.

Sincerely.

Is media hyperventilating Swine Flu?

How loudly should a responsible person shout (or Whisper) “Possible Fire!” in a crowded theatre? Noting can be louder when news channels overreact to almost every crisis they report. This is quite evident when three deaths in Pune, recently, were wrongly ascribed to the Swine Flu without waiting for test results.

We all agree Swine Flu (H1NI) awareness is needed. But is there a need for media to see the world in a tabloid form always? Is there a need to hyperventilate and spread more misconceptions than correct medical position and scientific information on the Flu?

There is an immediate need to balance the act of staying informed about the danger without being carried away by fear created by media’s “over – hyping” of Swine Flu.

What is Influenza?
Influenza commonly referred to as Flu is a seasonal viral infection. We all are affected by it at least once in a year and then become immune to, in most cases, through our natural immunity system. Common symptoms are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

How is Swine Flu different?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is just a subtype of influenza A, the most common cause of flu in humans. Swine Flu refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine) and rare in humans. The outbreak of flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu" or H1N1 flu by media.

How is it transmitted?
Typically, influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by bird droppings, saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood, contact with these body fluids or through contact with contaminated surfaces. We need to take care of children, elderly and people who have less immunity.

General Precautions.
Basic hygiene, close contact with sick people and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth, washing our hands often with soap and detergent will help us more to protect us from germs. If affected then it makes more civic sense to stay at home from work for school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Do Face Masks Help?
Use of face masks and respirators do help to some extent but should be combined with other preventive measures for effective prevention and spreading of virus. N95 respirator mask, however are more effective than wearing normal surgical or dental mask as a fashion statement.

If our government is really taking measurable steps to fight H1N1 then these masks should be provided free of cost, if not then certainly not at a premium rate under Drug Act. It is also advisable to avoid crowded places and air-conditioned cinema halls where recalculated air leads to higher multiplication of the virus density.

Treatment
Amantadine and Rimantadine are indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A or common flu while Antiviral: Oseltamivir (brand name Tami flu®) and Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) - are primarily recommended for the treatment and prevention of swine flu H1N1 virus infection.

If we remember two years ago SARS was blown out of proportion and what happened was humans developed immunity to the virus. The same could happen again and who knows our body is already developing the immunity, so why to get panic.

In India, we all know that infections like measles, Tetanus, Anemia, Diarrhea and other respiratory tract infections, unhygienic practices and unsafe drinking water take toll of thousands every year, which media has never hyped about, perhaps .

It is ironical that some of the best medical centers are either still not equipped to handle an emergency case of Swine Flu or perhaps are not willing to attend such cases. The health authorities perhaps have more excuses saying “It is too early to detect the virus or possibly too late”.

In such a situation when public health officials around the world who are trying to stress that people should be prepared for an emergency, even if one never materializes. To continue the metaphor, they are just whispering loudly, “Make sure the theater has fire extinguishers!”

Vodafone - Tired to Help!

Vodafone’s Zoo Zoo’s ads might have made more hits than twenty20 itself. However it has always been more pleasing to watch the commitment coming from Spike – the cute little Pug to the pretty girl - VODAFONE - HAPPY TO HELP

No doubt Vodafone Essar rate themselves as the “Most Creative and Most Effective Advertisement of the Year”

My eagerness to find out this commitment turned out to be a nightmare after I called up Delhi customer care at 111 to reconfirm my payment towards my mobile bills.

I could have avoided this, if had realised that I was roaming in Delhi. What was more surprising was the executive who attended the phone did not recognise my Vodafone no which was registered in Mumbai.

It was even more surprising to know that a Vodafone customer having an account in Mumbai can’t get much assistance in Delhi and has to call Mumbai Customer care at 9820098200 which is a charged call. (I believe this could be a new regulation from TRAI. This is what was told to me by Mr. Neeraj Dubey Supervisor on duty, Vodafone Customer care Mumbai). Another reason could be that they have more than 78.08 million satisfied subscribers.

I being a customer at the mercy of a service provider hoped to get some favourable feedback from the supervisors. However it was more disappointing to the call being dropped while being transferred at least 10 times.

Whether it was intentional or a technical snag still remains a mystery but I am at least happy to recollect the names of customer care executives in Delhi. Vijay, Shefali, Satyanarayan, Iqbal and supervisors like Vipin Kausihik and Ratan Singh. The floor Manager on Duty Mr. Atul Gulati did not care much on the quality control and my concern. Perhaps it was not that important for him to attend. I have no reason to blame if I had understood on my very first call that Essar Vodafone speaks different language and has a different profile in each city.

In spite of keeping a different profile, I sincerely appreciate the uniformity in the verbiage - We ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU from the equally dissatisfied customer care executives. It is ironical to lean that they are always eager to place a customer on a short hold yet prepared to apologise for their long hold.

Out of desperation, when called Mumbai customer, I was fond that the IVR does not have the facility to reach the customer care directly. One has to complete the entire loop and think where to go next. The easiest way after dialling twice, I thought would be to go through buying a new connection and I was quite lucky to be attended quickly Why not have additional call revenue as well as a prospective client.

Vipin, the customer care execute in Mumbai was quite proactive and helpful and told me the payment has been received and my line would be activated at the earliest. The verbiage of course changed from 2 hours to ASAP as two hours had elapsed since I had made the payment.

I wanted to share my experiences of Delhi Customer Care with the supervisor in Mumbai and Vipin proactively transferred my call to Mr. Neeraj Dubai. Having an account in Mumbai I was hopeful to get a favourable reply. However Mr. Dubey was quite blunt and wanted to make it short and sweet to avoid any further doubts of any kind in future.

Mr. Dubey confirmed as per latest TRAI regulations a customer has to call up the home city for any major concern. He also clarified that it was not necessary for a Delhi customer care executive to recognise a Vodafone no. registered in Mumbai. I was also surprised to know it is no more mandatory for the executives to complete the interaction notes after each call. Most of the system based companies call it CRM; I believe Vodafone calls it something else according to Mr. Dubey. Whatever they name it, I believe customers should make their own records for the safety of their concern and avoid any discrepancy.

Finally but not the least one can be sure of getting marketing calls and messages promptly once you become a customer not only on the mobile but also on your alternate landline. I believe it is high time we have some Data Protection Act, if not the privacy of an individual should be respected.