मंच पर एक बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति न... 1000 रूपये का नोट हाथ में लेकर पूछा, " यह नोट किसे चाहिए?" हाथ ऊपर उठने लगे. वह बोला," मैं आपमें से किसी एक को यह नोट दूंगा, लेकिन पहले मैं यह कर लूं.' कह कर उसने नोट को अच्छी तरह से मरोड़ दिया. फिर उसने पूछा," अब यह नोट किसे चाहिए?" लोगों के हाथ अभी भी हवा में थे. "ठीक, अब में नोट केसाथ यह करने वाला हूँ." कहकर उसने नोट को जमीन पर गिरा दिया और फर्श पर पैर से मसल दिया. अब उसने नोट उठाया, नोट मुड़ा-तुड़ा और गन्दा था. "क्या आप अभी भी इसे चाहते हैं?" उसने पूछा. अब भी बहुत से हाथ ऊपर हवा में थे. "दोस्तों, आप जिन्दगी का एक बहुत कीमती सबक सीख चुके हैं . भले ही इस नोट के साथ कुछ भी हुआ हो, लेकिन इसने अपनी कीमत नहीं खोयी. इसकी कीमत अभी भी 1000 रूपये ही है. जिन्दगी में अक्सर हम कभी अपने गलत फैसलों की वजह से तो कभी हालात बस अपने आप को गिरा हुआ, कुचला हुआ या इस समाज में अवांछित समझते हैं. हम अपने आपको किसी लायक नहीं समझते. लेकिन हमारे साथ ऐसा कुछ भी हो चुका हो या आने वाले समय में हो सकता है कि ऐसा कुछ हो , बावजूद इसके हमारी कीमत में कोई गिरावट नहीं आती और हाँ एक बात और, हम में से हर-एक कुछ खास है- यह बात हमें भूलनी नहीं चाहिए.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Soldier and Software Engineer in Shatabdhi Train
A conversation between a Soldier and Software Engineer in Shatabdhi Train .........An interesting and a must read!
Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man. Even the plush comfort of the air-conditioned compartment of the Shatabdhi express could not cool his frayed nerves. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought; he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time. As PM, he had so many things to do!!
He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
"Are you from the software industry sir," the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop. Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.
"You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized. "
"Thanks," smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation. The man was young and stockily built like a sportsman. He looked simple and strangely out of place in that little lap of luxury like a small town boy in a prep school. He probably was a railway sportsman making the most of his free traveling pass.
"You people always amaze me," the man continued, "You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside."
Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naive ness demanded reasoning not anger. "It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it."
For a moment, he was tempted to explain the entire Software Development Lifecycle but restrained himself to a single statement. "It is complex, very complex."
"It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid," came the reply.
This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone. "
Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. Indians have such a narrow concept of hard work. Just because we sit in an air-conditioned office, does not mean our brows do not sweat. You exercise the muscle; we exercise the mind and believe me that is no less taxing."
He could see, he had the man where he wanted, and it was time to drive home the point.
"Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized booking centers across the country.
Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security. Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?"
The man was awestruck; quite like a child at a planetarium. This was something big and beyond his imagination.
"You design and code such things."
"I used to," Vivek paused for effect, "but now I am the Project Manager."
"Oh!" sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over,
"So your life is easy now."
This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, "Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder. Responsibility only brings more work.
Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me, that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.
To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements, the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday."
Vivek paused in his diatribe, his belligerence fading with self-realization. What he had said, was not merely the outburst of a wronged man, it was the truth. And one need not get angry while defending the truth.
"My friend," he concluded triumphantly, "you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire"
.
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.
"I know sir.... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire......."
He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.
"There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.
The enemy was firing from the top.
There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.
In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top only 4 of us were alive."
"You are a...?"
"I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed my term and can opt for a soft assignment.
But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier.
On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while we were hiding behind a bunker.
It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety. But my captain sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.
He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of the nation foremost followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded... ....his own personal safety came last, always and every time."
"He was killed as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into the bunker. Every morning thereafter, as we stood guard, I could see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me. I know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire."
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly, he switched off the laptop.
It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the presence of a man for whom valor and duty was a daily part of life; valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical heroes.
The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight.
"It was nice meeting you sir."
Vivek fumbled with the handshake.
This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted the tricolour. Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute.
It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
संदीप-मोनिका ने कन्याओं को बचाने के लिए लिया आठवां फेरा
May 09,2011 07:56 pm
भिवानी, जागरण संवाद केंद्र। घुड़चढ़ी कर नई इबारत लिखने वाली खापड़वास की मोनिका बृहस्पतिवार को भारीवास निवासी संदीप के साथ आठ फेरे लेकर उसकी जीवन संगिनी बन गई।
मोनिका और संदीप ने बृहस्पतिवार, 5 मई को अग्नि को साक्षी मानकर हिंदू रीति-रिवाज में बताए गए सात फेरे और कसमें पूरी करने के बाद एक और अतिरिक्त फेरा तांबे के पवित्र लोटे में गंगाजल डाल लोटे को हाथ में लेकर एक फेरा और लेते हुए संकल्प लिया कि वे जीवन पर्यन्त कन्या भ्रूण हत्या नहीं होने देंगे। उन्हें ईश्वर चाहे लड़का दे या लड़की, वे उसे स्वीकार करेंगे और कभी भी लिंग जांच नहीं करवाएंगे।
आठवां फेरा बेटी बचाओ अभियान अगवा रेडक्रॉस सचिव श्याम सुंदर ने दिलाया। पवित्र तांबे के लोटे में गंगाजल डाल संकल्प लेने वाले दूल्हे संदीप ने कहा कि कन्याओं को बचाने के लिए आठवें फेरा दिलाने की अगुवाई करने वालों की आवश्यकता है।
शादी में शामिल संदीप के दादा ने भी बेटियों को बचाने के लिए शुरू की गई मुहिम को एक सामाजिक मुहिम का दर्जा देते हुए कहा कि नई पीढ़ी को इस ओर कदम बढ़ाते हुए शादी के मंडप पर संकल्प लेना चाहिए कि बेटियों की रक्षा के साथ-साथ वे वृद्ध लोगों को भी अपने साथ रखेंगे।
मोनिका और संदीप ने बृहस्पतिवार, 5 मई को अग्नि को साक्षी मानकर हिंदू रीति-रिवाज में बताए गए सात फेरे और कसमें पूरी करने के बाद एक और अतिरिक्त फेरा तांबे के पवित्र लोटे में गंगाजल डाल लोटे को हाथ में लेकर एक फेरा और लेते हुए संकल्प लिया कि वे जीवन पर्यन्त कन्या भ्रूण हत्या नहीं होने देंगे। उन्हें ईश्वर चाहे लड़का दे या लड़की, वे उसे स्वीकार करेंगे और कभी भी लिंग जांच नहीं करवाएंगे।
आठवां फेरा बेटी बचाओ अभियान अगवा रेडक्रॉस सचिव श्याम सुंदर ने दिलाया। पवित्र तांबे के लोटे में गंगाजल डाल संकल्प लेने वाले दूल्हे संदीप ने कहा कि कन्याओं को बचाने के लिए आठवें फेरा दिलाने की अगुवाई करने वालों की आवश्यकता है।
शादी में शामिल संदीप के दादा ने भी बेटियों को बचाने के लिए शुरू की गई मुहिम को एक सामाजिक मुहिम का दर्जा देते हुए कहा कि नई पीढ़ी को इस ओर कदम बढ़ाते हुए शादी के मंडप पर संकल्प लेना चाहिए कि बेटियों की रक्षा के साथ-साथ वे वृद्ध लोगों को भी अपने साथ रखेंगे।
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Self Appraisal.... short and meaningful story
A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone. He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits. The storeowner observed and listened to the conversation:
The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."
"Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy.
The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.
The little boy found more perseverance and offered, "Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North Palm beach, Florida."
Again the woman answered in the negative. With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.
The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said, "Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."
The little boy replied," No thanks, I was just checking my performance on the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to !"
Be Confident on what you do cause that's the only thing which matters
The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."
"Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy.
The little boy found more perseverance and offered, "Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North Palm beach, Florida."
Again the woman answered in the negative. With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.
The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said, "Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."
The little boy replied," No thanks, I was just checking my performance on the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to !"
Be Confident on what you do cause that's the only thing which matters
Friday, April 29, 2011
Lesson to be learnt from Japan - need of the hour for us Indians
Last night, I was sent to a little grammar school to help a charity organization distribute food to the refugees. It was a long line that snaked this way and that and I saw a little boy around 9 years old. He was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. It was getting very cold and the boy was at the very end of the line.
I was worried that by the time his turn came there wouldn't be any food left. So I spoke to him. He said he was at school when the earthquake happened. His father worked nearby and was driving to the school. The boy was on the third floor balcony when he saw the tsunami sweep his father's car away.I asked him about his mother. He said his house is right by the beach and that his mother and little sister probably didn't make it. He turned his head and wiped his tears when I asked about his relatives.
The boy was shivering so I took off my police jacket and put it on him. That's when my bag of food ration fell out. I picked it up and gave it to him. "When it comes to your turn, they might run out of food. So here's my portion. I already ate. Why don't you eat it?"
The boy took my food and bowed. I thought he would eat it right away, but he didn't. He took the bag of food, went up to where the line ended and put it where all the food was waiting to be distributed.
I was shocked. I asked him why he didn't eat it and instead added it to the food pile. He answered: "Because I see a lot more people hungrier than I am. If I put it there, then they willdistribute the food equally."
When I heard that I turned away so that people wouldn't see me cry. A society that can produce a 9-year-old who understands the concept of sacrifice for the greater good must be a great society, a great people.
Well, a few lines to send you and your family my warm wishes. The hours of my shift have begun again.
Ha Minh Thanh
2. THE DIGNITY Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE ABILITY The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly!
----------------------
THIS letter, written by Vietnamese immigrant Ha Minh Thanh working in Fukushima as a policeman to a friend in Vietnam, was posted on New America Media on March 19. It is a testimonial to the strength of the Japanese spirit, and an interesting slice of life near the epicenter of Japan 's crisis at the Fukushima nuclearpower plant. It was translated by NAM editor Andrew Lam, author of "East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres." Shanghai Daily condensed it.
I was worried that by the time his turn came there wouldn't be any food left. So I spoke to him. He said he was at school when the earthquake happened. His father worked nearby and was driving to the school. The boy was on the third floor balcony when he saw the tsunami sweep his father's car away.I asked him about his mother. He said his house is right by the beach and that his mother and little sister probably didn't make it. He turned his head and wiped his tears when I asked about his relatives.
The boy was shivering so I took off my police jacket and put it on him. That's when my bag of food ration fell out. I picked it up and gave it to him. "When it comes to your turn, they might run out of food. So here's my portion. I already ate. Why don't you eat it?"
The boy took my food and bowed. I thought he would eat it right away, but he didn't. He took the bag of food, went up to where the line ended and put it where all the food was waiting to be distributed.
I was shocked. I asked him why he didn't eat it and instead added it to the food pile. He answered: "Because I see a lot more people hungrier than I am. If I put it there, then they willdistribute the food equally."
When I heard that I turned away so that people wouldn't see me cry. A society that can produce a 9-year-old who understands the concept of sacrifice for the greater good must be a great society, a great people.
Well, a few lines to send you and your family my warm wishes. The hours of my shift have begun again.
Ha Minh Thanh
************ LESSON TO LEARN FROM JAPAN ***********
10 things to learn from Japan.
1. THE CALM Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated. 2. THE DIGNITY Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE ABILITY The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly!
----------------------
THIS letter, written by Vietnamese immigrant Ha Minh Thanh working in Fukushima as a policeman to a friend in Vietnam, was posted on New America Media on March 19. It is a testimonial to the strength of the Japanese spirit, and an interesting slice of life near the epicenter of Japan 's crisis at the Fukushima nuclearpower plant. It was translated by NAM editor Andrew Lam, author of "East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres." Shanghai Daily condensed it.
Monday, April 18, 2011
MONEY IS YOURS, BUT RESOURCES BELONG TO THE SOCIETY
Germany is a highly industrialized country. It produces top brands
like Benz, BMW, Siemens etc. The nuclear reactor pump is made in a
small town in this country. In such a country, many will think its
people lead a luxurious life. At least that was my impression before
my study trip.
When I arrived at Hamburg, my colleagues who work in Hamburg arranged
a welcome party for me in a restaurant. As we walked into the
restaurant, we noticed that a lot of tables were empty. There was a
table where a young couple was having their meal. There were only two
dishes and two cans of beer on the table. I wondered if such simple
meal could be romantic, and whether the girl will leave this stingy
guy.
There were a few old ladies on another table. When a dish is served,
the waiter would distribute the food for them, and they would finish
every bit of the food on their plates.
We did not pay much attention to them, as we were looking forward to
the dishes we ordered. As we were hungry, our local colleague ordered
more food for us.
As the restaurant was quiet, the food came quite fast. Since there
were other activities arranged for us, we did not spend much time
dining. When we left, there was still about one third of unconsumed
food on the table.
When we were leaving the restaurant, we heard someone calling us. We
noticed the old ladies in the restaurant were talking about us to the
restaurant owner. When they spoke to us in English, we understood that
they were unhappy about us wasting so much food. We immediately felt
that they were really being too busy body.
"We paid for our food, it is none of your business how much food we
left behind," my colleague Gui told the old ladies.
The old ladies were furious. One of them immediately took her hand
phone out and made a call to someone. After a while, a man in uniform
claimed to be an officer from the Social Security organization
arrived. Upon knowing what the dispute was, he issued us a 50 Marks
fine...
We all kept quiet. The local colleague took out a 50 Mark note and
repeatedly apologized to the officer.
The officer told us in a stern voice, "ORDER WHAT YOU CAN CONSUME,
MONEY IS YOURS BUT RESOURCES BELONG TO THE SOCIETY. THERE ARE MANY
OTHERS IN THE WORLD WHO ARE FACING SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES. YOU HAVE NO
REASON TO WASTE RESOURCES.´
Our face turned red. We all agreed with him in our hearts. The mindset
of people of this rich country put all of us to shame. WE REALLY NEED
TO REFLECT ON THIS. We are from country which is not very rich in
resources. To save face, we order large quantity and also waste food
when we give others a treat.
THIS LESSON TAUGHT US A LESSON TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT CHANGING OUR
BAD HABITS.
My colleague took photocopy of the "fine ticket" and gave a copy to
each of us as a "souvenir". All of us kept it and pasted on our wall
to remind us that we shall never be wasteful.
This mail is received as forwarded one, but please think on that We
should learn to save resources like petrol food, water electricity
etc.
like Benz, BMW, Siemens etc. The nuclear reactor pump is made in a
small town in this country. In such a country, many will think its
people lead a luxurious life. At least that was my impression before
my study trip.
When I arrived at Hamburg, my colleagues who work in Hamburg arranged
a welcome party for me in a restaurant. As we walked into the
restaurant, we noticed that a lot of tables were empty. There was a
table where a young couple was having their meal. There were only two
dishes and two cans of beer on the table. I wondered if such simple
meal could be romantic, and whether the girl will leave this stingy
guy.
There were a few old ladies on another table. When a dish is served,
the waiter would distribute the food for them, and they would finish
every bit of the food on their plates.
We did not pay much attention to them, as we were looking forward to
the dishes we ordered. As we were hungry, our local colleague ordered
more food for us.
As the restaurant was quiet, the food came quite fast. Since there
were other activities arranged for us, we did not spend much time
dining. When we left, there was still about one third of unconsumed
food on the table.
When we were leaving the restaurant, we heard someone calling us. We
noticed the old ladies in the restaurant were talking about us to the
restaurant owner. When they spoke to us in English, we understood that
they were unhappy about us wasting so much food. We immediately felt
that they were really being too busy body.
"We paid for our food, it is none of your business how much food we
left behind," my colleague Gui told the old ladies.
The old ladies were furious. One of them immediately took her hand
phone out and made a call to someone. After a while, a man in uniform
claimed to be an officer from the Social Security organization
arrived. Upon knowing what the dispute was, he issued us a 50 Marks
fine...
We all kept quiet. The local colleague took out a 50 Mark note and
repeatedly apologized to the officer.
The officer told us in a stern voice, "ORDER WHAT YOU CAN CONSUME,
MONEY IS YOURS BUT RESOURCES BELONG TO THE SOCIETY. THERE ARE MANY
OTHERS IN THE WORLD WHO ARE FACING SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES. YOU HAVE NO
REASON TO WASTE RESOURCES.´
Our face turned red. We all agreed with him in our hearts. The mindset
of people of this rich country put all of us to shame. WE REALLY NEED
TO REFLECT ON THIS. We are from country which is not very rich in
resources. To save face, we order large quantity and also waste food
when we give others a treat.
THIS LESSON TAUGHT US A LESSON TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT CHANGING OUR
BAD HABITS.
My colleague took photocopy of the "fine ticket" and gave a copy to
each of us as a "souvenir". All of us kept it and pasted on our wall
to remind us that we shall never be wasteful.
This mail is received as forwarded one, but please think on that We
should learn to save resources like petrol food, water electricity
etc.
Friday, March 4, 2011
A real story : just fantastic
Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man. Even the plush comfort of the air-conditioned compartment of the Shatabdi express could not cool his frayed nerves. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought, he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time. As PM, he had so many things to do!!
He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
"Are you from the software industry sir," the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop. Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.
"You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized."
"Thanks," smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation. The man was young and stockily built like a sportsman. He looked simple and strangely out of place in that little lap of luxury like a small town boy in a prep school. He probably was a railway sportsman making the most of his free traveling pass.
"You people always amaze me," the man continued, "You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside."
Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naiveness demanded reasoning not anger. "It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it."
For a moment, he was tempted to explain the entire Software Development Lifecycle but restrained himself to a single statement. "It is complex, very complex."
"It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid," came the reply.
This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone. "
Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. Indians have such a narrow concept of hard work. Just because we sit in an air-conditioned office, does not mean our brows do not sweat. You exercise the muscle; we exercise the mind and believe me that is no less taxing."
He could see, he had the man where he wanted, and it was time to drive home the point.
"Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized booking centres across the country.
Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security. Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?"
The man was awestuck; quite like a child at a planetarium. This was something big and beyond his imagination.
"You design and code such things."
"I used to," Vivek paused for effect, "but now I am the Project Manager."
"Oh!" sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over,
"so your life is easy now."
This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, "Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder. Responsibility only brings more work.
Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me, that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.
To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements, the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday."
Vivek paused in his diatribe, his belligerence fading with self-realisation. What he had said, was not merely the outburst of a wronged man, it was the truth. And one need not get angry while defending the truth.
"My friend," he concluded triumphantly, "you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire".
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.
"I know sir,..... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire......."
He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.
"There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.
The enemy was firing from the top.
There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.
In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top only 4 of us were alive."
"You are a...?"
"I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed my term and can opt for a soft assignment.
But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier.
On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while we were hiding behind a bunker.
It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety. But my captain sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.
He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of the nation foremost followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded... ....his own personal safety came last, always and every time."
"He was killed as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into the bunker. Every morning thereafter, as we stood guard, I could see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me . I know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire."
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly, he switched off the laptop.
It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the presence of a man for whom valour and duty was a daily part of life; valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical heroes.
The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight.
"It was nice meeting you sir."
Vivek fumbled with the handshake.
This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted the tricolour. Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute.
It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
PS: The incident he narrated during the capture of Peak 4875 is a true-life incident during the Kargil war. Capt. Batra sacrificed his life while trying to save one of the men he commanded, as victory was within sight. For this and various other acts of bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the nation's highest military award.
Live humbly, there are great people around us, let us learn from them!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
बेहूदा
-भारत कुमार इंटरव्यू देने के लिए जैसे ही वह उम्मीदवार कमरे में दाखिल हुआ मैंने उसे पहचान लिया। यह वही लड़का था जिसे मैं अकसर आफिस आते हुए बस में देखा करता था। उसे देखते ही मन चिढ़ जाता।
उसका गंदा व्यक्तित्व, ओछी हरकतें और भिखारियों सा पहनावा देख अजीब सी घृणा भर गई थी मेरे अंदर। एक दिन जब वह बस में चतुर्थ श्रेणी के घटिया लिबास में मेरे साथ बैठा तो मन में आया कि उठकर कहीं और बैठ जाऊं। लेकिन थोड़ी देर बाद वो अपनी आदत के मुताबिक स्वयं उठ गया और महिलाओं के लिए आरक्षित सीटों के पास जाकर खड़ा हो गया। फिर उसकी नजरें नजदीक की सीट पर आंखों पर चश्मा डाले बैठी एक लड़की के चेहरे पर रह-रह की फिरने लगीं। एक दिन की बात हो तो कोई बात नहीं, लेकिन ये उसका रोज का पेशा था। वह कनाट प्लेस में कहीं काम करता था क्योंकि मैंने उसे हमेशा वहीं उतरते देखा।
किन्तु वह अपना गंतव्य स्थान आने से बहुत पहले ही अपनी सीट से उठ जाता और बुरे आचरण में संलिप्त हो जाता। ठीक है वह नवयुवक था लेकिन उसकी उम्र के दूसरे कई युवक भी तो थे जो बेहूदगी की उस हद तक नहीं पहुंचते थे। मैंने कभी सोचा भी नहीं था कि वो कभी मेरे पास नौकरी के लिए आएगा और मैं उसे अपने पास नौकरी देने के लिए तैयार हो जाऊंगा। बीस-पच्चीस मिनट बात करने पर मैंने जाना कि वो अन्य उम्मीदवारों के बराबर योग्यता और अनुभव रखता है। लेकिन उसके चयन का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कारण रहा कि घृणा भाव से ही सही लेकिन वो मेरा परिचित जैसा बन चुका है। फैसला तो कर चुका था लेकिन संशय हो रहा था कि कहीं मैंने गलत निर्णय तो नहीं ले लिया। अपने निर्णय को सही साबित करने के लिए मैंने उसे हिदायत दी, ”तो मोहन, अपने पुराने आफिस से हिसाब लेकर तुम अगले सप्ताह से हमें ज्वाइन कर सकते हो। लेकिन इस बात का ध्यान रखना कि हमारे आफिस का स्तर तुम्हारी पोशाक से गिरे नहीं।
”जैसी आपकी इच्छा। वैसे भी यह जरूरी नहीं कि हम जीवन का प्रत्येक काल अपनी इच्छानुसार जीये। कई बार समझौते करने पड़ते हैं।” मोहन ने कहा। ”मतलब मैं समझा नहीं। तुम कहना क्या चाहते हो?”
मेज पर हाथ रखते हुए वह बोला, ”मैं पहले बहुत आकर्षक कपड़े ही पहनता था। उन दिनों मैं कई गरीब परिवार के लड़कों की आंखों में देखता कि उनमें मेरे जैसे कपड़े पहनने की इच्छा उत्पन्न हो रही है और अगले ही पल उस इच्छा को आर्थिक कारणों से ऐसे वस्त्र न खरीद पाने की बेबसी मार दे रही है। तब से मैंने सामान्य कपड़ों से भी गये बीते कपड़े पहनने शुरू कर दिये ताकि शहर के सबसे विपन्न व्यक्ति को भी मेरी वजह से कष्ट न मिले।”
उसका संस्मरण सुन मेरा दिमाग चकरा गया। सोचने लगा कि एक तरफ इतने श्रेष्ठ विचार रखने वाला व्यक्ति दूसरी तरफ लोफरों जैसी छिछोरी हरकते कैसे कर सकता है? मेरे स्पष्टीकरण मांगने पर उसने कहा, ”आपने देखा होगा कि मैं केवल सामान्य से भी कम शक्ल सूरत वाली लड़कियों को ही देखता हूं। कालेज के दिनों में मैं महसूस करता था कि सुंदर नयन नख्श वाली लड़कियों में हर कोई रूचि लेता था लेकिन काली, बोझिल चेहरे वाली लड़कियों की उपेक्षा की जाती थी। इससे उन्हें दुख होता। उनका दुख कुछ हद तक कम करने के लिए उन्हें एहसास दिलाने की जरूरत थी संसार में वो उपेक्षित नहीं है। दूसरी लड़कियों की तरह उनकी जिंदगी भी महत्वपूर्ण है। यह एहसास उन्हें मेरे द्वारा देख लिये जाने से मिल जाता था। कालेज के बाद भी यह कार्य जारी रहा। ऐसी किसी दूसरी भावना को मैंने इसमें कभी शामिल नहीं होने दिया जिससे मेरा चरित्र मलिन हो।”
”लेकिन इसके लिए आधे रास्ते में अपनी सीट छोड़ने की क्या जरूरत है?”
”मेरे सीट छोड़ने का इससे कोई संबंध नहीं है। इसके पीछे दूसरी कहानी है। एक दिन मैं शाम को सात-आठ बजे कालेज से घर लौट रहा था। जिस सीट पर बैठा था उसके बगल में एक अधेड़ व्यक्ति खड़े-खड़े सो रहा था। मैंने अनुमान लगाया कि वह डयूटी करके आ रहा है और थकान की वजह से खड़े-खड़े ही झपकियां ले रहा है। मन में आया कि अपनी सीट उसे दे दूं। लेकिन फिर खड़े-खड़े अपने लम्बे कष्टदायी सफर की कल्पना कर मैंने सोचा कि जब मैं आधा सफर तय कर लूंगा तब सीट दे दूंगा। इस आदमी को भी थोड़ा सूकून मिल जाएगा और मैं भी उतना ही कष्ट सहूंगा जितना मैं स्वाभाविक रीति से सह सकता हूं। अपने निश्चय के अनुरूप मैंने आधे रास्ते में उनके लिए सीट छोड़ दी। उसके बाद दूसरो के लिए आधे रास्ते में अपनी सीट छोड़ देना मेरी आदत बन गई।
इन आदतों से मुझे एहसास हुआ कि सेवा के लिए जरूरी नहीं हम समाज सेवी संस्था ही बनाए। एक आम आदमी अपनी दिनचर्या में ही समाज सेवा के लिए कई अवसर खोज सकता है।” मोहन की सभी बातें सुनने के बाद मैंने जाना कि उसे नौकरी देकर मैंने कोई गलती नहीं की है।
Saturday, January 8, 2011
देवी अहिल्याबाई का गोमाता को न्याय
एक बार की बात है इन्दौर नगर के किसी मार्ग के किनारे एक गाय अपने बछड़े
के साथ खड़ी थी, तभी देवी अहिल्याबाई के पुत्र मालोजीराव अपने रथ पर सवार
होकर गुजरे । मालोजीराव बचपन से ही बेहद द्यारारती व उच्छृंखल प्रवृत्ति
के थे । राह चलते लोगों को परेशान करने में उन्हें विशेष आंनद आता था ।
गाय का बछड़ा अकस्मात उछलकर उनके रथ के सामने आ गया । गाय भी उसके पीछे
दौड़ी पर तब तक मालोजी का रथ बछड़े के ऊपर से निकल चुका था । रथ अपने पहिये
से बछड़े को कुचलता हुआ आगे निकल गया था । गाय बहुत देर तक अपने पुत्र की
मृत्यु पर शोक मनाती रही । तत्पष्चात उठकर देवी अहिल्याबाई के दरबार के
बाहर टंगे उस घण्टे के पा जा पहुँची, जिसे अहिल्याबाई ने प्राचीन
राजपरम्परा के अनुसार त्वरित न्याय हेतु विशेष रूप से लगवाया था।
अर्थात् जिसे भी न्याय की जरूरत होती,वह जाकर उस घन्टें को बजा देता था।
जसके बाद तुरन्त दरबार लगता तुरन्त न्याय मिलता । घन्टें की आवाज सुनकर
देवी अहिल्याबाई ने ऊपर से एक विचित्र दृश्य देखा कि एक गाय न्याय का
घन्टा बजा रही है । देवी ने तुरन्त प्रहरी को आदेश दिया कि गाय के मालिक
को दरबार में हाजिर किया जाये। कुछ देर बाद गाय का मालिक हाथ जोड़ कर
दरबार में खड़ा था। देवी अहिल्याबाई ने उससे कहा कि '' आज तुम्हारी गाय ने
स्वंय आकर न्याय की गुहार की है । जरूर तुम गो माता को समय पर चारा पानी
नही देते होगें। '' उस व्यक्ति ने हाथ जोड़कर कहा कि माते श्री ऐसी कोई
बात नही है । गोमाता अन्याय की शिकार तो हुई है ,परन्तु उसका कारण में
नही कोई ओर है, उनका नाम बताने में मुझे प्राणो का भय है ।'' देवी
अहिल्या ने कहा कि अपराधी जो कोई भी है उसका नाम निडर होकर बताओं ,तुम्हे
हम अभय -दान देते है। '' तब उस व्यक्ति ने पूरी वस्तुस्थित कह सुनायी ।
अपने पुत्र को अपराधी जानकर देवी अहिल्याबाई तनिक भी विचलीत नही हुई। और
फिर गोमाता स्वयं उनके दरबार में न्याय की गुहार लगाने आयी थी। उन्होने
तुरन्त मालोजी की पत्नी मेनावाई को दरबार में बुलाया यदि कोई व्यक्ति
किसी माता के पुत्र की हत्या कर दें ,तो उसे क्या दण्ड मिलना चाहिए ?
मालो जी की पत्नी ने कहा कि ÷ जिस प्रकार से हत्या हुई, उसी प्रकार उसे
भी प्राण-दण्ड मिलना चाहिए। देवी अहिल्या ने तुरन्त मालोजी राव का प्राण-
दण्ड सुनाते हुए उन्हें उसी स्थान पर हाथ -पैर बाँधकर उसी अवस्था में
मार्ग पर डाल दिया गया। रथ के सारथी को देवी ने आदेश दिया ,पर सारथी ने
हाथ जोड़कर कहा '' मातेश्री ,मालोजी राजकुल के एकमात्र कुलदीपक है। आप
चाहें तो मुझे प्राण -दण्ड दे दे,किन्तु मे उनके प्राण नही ले सकता ।''
तब देवी अहिल्याबाई स्वंय रथ पर सवार हुई और मालोजी की ओर रथ को तेजी से
दोड़ाया, तभी अचानक एक अप्रत्याशित घटना हुई। रथ निकट आते ही फरियादी
गोमाता रथ निकट आ कर खड़ी हो गयी । गोमाता को हटाकर देवी ने फिर एक बार रथ
दौड़ाया , फिर गोमाता रथ के सामने आ खड़ी हो गयी। सारा जन समुदाय गोमाता और
उनके ममत्व की जय जयकार कर उठा। देवी अहिल्या की आँखो से भी अश्रुधारा बह
निकलीं । गोमाता ने स्वंय का पुत्र खोकर भी उसके हत्यारे के प्राण ममता
के वशीभूत होकर बचाये। जिस स्थान पर गोमाता आड़ी खड़ी हुई थी, वही स्थान आज
इन्दौर में ( राजबाड़ा के पास) '' आड़ा बाजार के नाम से जाना जाता है।''
के साथ खड़ी थी, तभी देवी अहिल्याबाई के पुत्र मालोजीराव अपने रथ पर सवार
होकर गुजरे । मालोजीराव बचपन से ही बेहद द्यारारती व उच्छृंखल प्रवृत्ति
के थे । राह चलते लोगों को परेशान करने में उन्हें विशेष आंनद आता था ।
गाय का बछड़ा अकस्मात उछलकर उनके रथ के सामने आ गया । गाय भी उसके पीछे
दौड़ी पर तब तक मालोजी का रथ बछड़े के ऊपर से निकल चुका था । रथ अपने पहिये
से बछड़े को कुचलता हुआ आगे निकल गया था । गाय बहुत देर तक अपने पुत्र की
मृत्यु पर शोक मनाती रही । तत्पष्चात उठकर देवी अहिल्याबाई के दरबार के
बाहर टंगे उस घण्टे के पा जा पहुँची, जिसे अहिल्याबाई ने प्राचीन
राजपरम्परा के अनुसार त्वरित न्याय हेतु विशेष रूप से लगवाया था।
अर्थात् जिसे भी न्याय की जरूरत होती,वह जाकर उस घन्टें को बजा देता था।
जसके बाद तुरन्त दरबार लगता तुरन्त न्याय मिलता । घन्टें की आवाज सुनकर
देवी अहिल्याबाई ने ऊपर से एक विचित्र दृश्य देखा कि एक गाय न्याय का
घन्टा बजा रही है । देवी ने तुरन्त प्रहरी को आदेश दिया कि गाय के मालिक
को दरबार में हाजिर किया जाये। कुछ देर बाद गाय का मालिक हाथ जोड़ कर
दरबार में खड़ा था। देवी अहिल्याबाई ने उससे कहा कि '' आज तुम्हारी गाय ने
स्वंय आकर न्याय की गुहार की है । जरूर तुम गो माता को समय पर चारा पानी
नही देते होगें। '' उस व्यक्ति ने हाथ जोड़कर कहा कि माते श्री ऐसी कोई
बात नही है । गोमाता अन्याय की शिकार तो हुई है ,परन्तु उसका कारण में
नही कोई ओर है, उनका नाम बताने में मुझे प्राणो का भय है ।'' देवी
अहिल्या ने कहा कि अपराधी जो कोई भी है उसका नाम निडर होकर बताओं ,तुम्हे
हम अभय -दान देते है। '' तब उस व्यक्ति ने पूरी वस्तुस्थित कह सुनायी ।
अपने पुत्र को अपराधी जानकर देवी अहिल्याबाई तनिक भी विचलीत नही हुई। और
फिर गोमाता स्वयं उनके दरबार में न्याय की गुहार लगाने आयी थी। उन्होने
तुरन्त मालोजी की पत्नी मेनावाई को दरबार में बुलाया यदि कोई व्यक्ति
किसी माता के पुत्र की हत्या कर दें ,तो उसे क्या दण्ड मिलना चाहिए ?
मालो जी की पत्नी ने कहा कि ÷ जिस प्रकार से हत्या हुई, उसी प्रकार उसे
भी प्राण-दण्ड मिलना चाहिए। देवी अहिल्या ने तुरन्त मालोजी राव का प्राण-
दण्ड सुनाते हुए उन्हें उसी स्थान पर हाथ -पैर बाँधकर उसी अवस्था में
मार्ग पर डाल दिया गया। रथ के सारथी को देवी ने आदेश दिया ,पर सारथी ने
हाथ जोड़कर कहा '' मातेश्री ,मालोजी राजकुल के एकमात्र कुलदीपक है। आप
चाहें तो मुझे प्राण -दण्ड दे दे,किन्तु मे उनके प्राण नही ले सकता ।''
तब देवी अहिल्याबाई स्वंय रथ पर सवार हुई और मालोजी की ओर रथ को तेजी से
दोड़ाया, तभी अचानक एक अप्रत्याशित घटना हुई। रथ निकट आते ही फरियादी
गोमाता रथ निकट आ कर खड़ी हो गयी । गोमाता को हटाकर देवी ने फिर एक बार रथ
दौड़ाया , फिर गोमाता रथ के सामने आ खड़ी हो गयी। सारा जन समुदाय गोमाता और
उनके ममत्व की जय जयकार कर उठा। देवी अहिल्या की आँखो से भी अश्रुधारा बह
निकलीं । गोमाता ने स्वंय का पुत्र खोकर भी उसके हत्यारे के प्राण ममता
के वशीभूत होकर बचाये। जिस स्थान पर गोमाता आड़ी खड़ी हुई थी, वही स्थान आज
इन्दौर में ( राजबाड़ा के पास) '' आड़ा बाजार के नाम से जाना जाता है।''
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
Change your thinking,... Change Your mindset...
It will take just 67 seconds to read this and change your thinking..
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
0A
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'
It will take just 67 seconds to read this and change your thinking..
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
0A
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'
The origin of this letter is unknown, but please pass it on.
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