I thought of sharing my second speech at Toasmasters. Hope you like it....Here it goes....
OPENING
Wife: Darling today is our anniversary, what should we do?
Husband: Sure darling, let us stand in silence for 2 minutes.
Toastmaster of the day, fellow toastmasters, distinguished guests…..Good evening….
BODY
That may perhaps sound like a joke but in sad reality it reflects the state of the institution of marriage today. Divorce statistics from around the world reveal that divorce is on the rise. And, India is no exception. A few years back, a divorce court in India looked like a haunted building. Now, it is one of the busiest buildings in any Indian city. Thanks to our modern India for having become the Outsourcing Hub of the world. There has been tremendous pressure on marriages in past few decades due to globalization that has induced foreign ideas across conservative cultures. Exposure to western culture triggers the human desire to explore the materialistic world. This leads to deterioration of value systems and cultures that were followed for thousands of years. And, then, the problem starts. In a nutshell, the environment that we live in creates those pressures and we gladly carry those bad energies with us home.
So, what do we do in such situations? Have we taken a moment to think about corrective steps when we lose our temper at home? Fellow Toastmasters, I would like to share a story with you today that made a radical impact on my perception of this troubled world. The name of the story is “The Law of the Garbage Truck”.
One day a man hopped in a taxi to get to the airport. The driver was driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of the taxi. The taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the black car whipped his head around and started yelling at the taxi driver. The man was infuriated. But the taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And, I mean, he was really friendly. The man was perplexed and asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when the taxi driver taught him a valuable lesson, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
CONCLUSION
Fellow Toastmasters, today, people start the day by pointing a majestic finger….using the French vocabulary ….honking as an act of road rage…..ignoring you as you wave at them bombarding you with venomous email or morphed mms ….
If that sounds like a morning routine around the world, how much of a culprit are we in this? Actually, most of us are no less competitive. Even if it is our own fault, we have our own set of defensive-vocabulary-kits and tactics to pay such punks back. We would find an excuse for the day to be grumpy and generously share the irritation to anyone who dares to come in our way. And, nothing makes us happier than seeing those punks getting annoyed. And when we get married, we allow this to percolate into our married lives.
MESSAGE
Fellow Toastmasters, let us change……let us be like the TAXI DRIVER….let us be wise and say, “No”, to garbage. Let us not be like the Garbage truck and make sure that we don’t carry garbage and spread it to other people because successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
So ... Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent “what you make it” and ninety percent “how you take it! “
Showing posts with label India's Challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India's Challenges. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Running the Red Light
It was 2 am on a Saturday morning when the alarms went off. Although the alarm’s pleasant tone was no music to my ears, I jumped out of my bed to be on time to receive my parents at the airport. As I was mulling over a backup plan for the cab that I had arranged for 2.30 am (to avoid an IST – Indian Stretchable Time – disaster), I got a call from the cab driver. “Sir, I am waiting for you at the front of your apartment complex.” Not a bad start.
As we started moving into the dark streets, I was enjoying the tranquility in the streets. No traffic. No noise. However, as usual, I have always dreaded driving in the night as the reckless drivers run the red light as if they were absolutely sure of the future. My cab driver was no angel. He was running the red light all the time.
Then this amazing incident happened. As we were approaching a set-of-lights at the TIDEL (start of IT Highway in Chennai) the light turned red. I could barely see any movement of life anywhere in the vicinity. On seeing the ‘red’, I noticed the driver shifting to a lower gear. I thought he was just going to increase the speed. The driver slowed down and stopped at the set-of-lights. My dazed eyes widened and focused on the driver.
The driver was very calm and looked as if he had never run a red light. Now, he can’t fool me. The driver read my intrigued face and pointed me to a bunch of people standing at the set-of-lights. Cops!! No guns!! Instead, Cops with a note-pad and a pen!! I looked back at the driver with a “So??” face. The driver said, “If you run the red lights, you will receive a bill for Rs. 1,500.” I was in for a shock. I pinched myself. Sure, I was not dreaming. I was not driving on “Armstrong Boulevard” in Canada.
I could not control my excitement. I was very happy to see the enforcement working. My excitement intrigued the driver. I don’t think he ever understood why I was so happy.
I used to tell my friends that it would be a miracle to see some disciplined public system in my life time. Now, this incident is not only a proof that enforcement of law can work anywhere in the world, it also gave me a glimmer of hope that things will change for the good in India sooner than later.
As we started moving into the dark streets, I was enjoying the tranquility in the streets. No traffic. No noise. However, as usual, I have always dreaded driving in the night as the reckless drivers run the red light as if they were absolutely sure of the future. My cab driver was no angel. He was running the red light all the time.
Then this amazing incident happened. As we were approaching a set-of-lights at the TIDEL (start of IT Highway in Chennai) the light turned red. I could barely see any movement of life anywhere in the vicinity. On seeing the ‘red’, I noticed the driver shifting to a lower gear. I thought he was just going to increase the speed. The driver slowed down and stopped at the set-of-lights. My dazed eyes widened and focused on the driver.
The driver was very calm and looked as if he had never run a red light. Now, he can’t fool me. The driver read my intrigued face and pointed me to a bunch of people standing at the set-of-lights. Cops!! No guns!! Instead, Cops with a note-pad and a pen!! I looked back at the driver with a “So??” face. The driver said, “If you run the red lights, you will receive a bill for Rs. 1,500.” I was in for a shock. I pinched myself. Sure, I was not dreaming. I was not driving on “Armstrong Boulevard” in Canada.
I could not control my excitement. I was very happy to see the enforcement working. My excitement intrigued the driver. I don’t think he ever understood why I was so happy.
I used to tell my friends that it would be a miracle to see some disciplined public system in my life time. Now, this incident is not only a proof that enforcement of law can work anywhere in the world, it also gave me a glimmer of hope that things will change for the good in India sooner than later.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Forces of Nature
I have had the privilege of acquainting with many true friends in my life. I have lost some good friends too. Not due to a strained relationship though.
Subconsciously, I had shied away from few friends and have regretted immensely. However, not surprisingly, when I have had ran into a lost friend after many years, we have had connected instantly and exchanged pleasantries about how it seemed as if we had been in touch every single day.
Boston, MA - August 15, 2001: My friends and I stepped out of the office to a mall in Beverly. As we were driving in my friends Explorer, we casually discussed about starting a non-profit organization to help the downtrodden in India. As we were seated in one of the tables in a food court at a Mall in Beverly, (Boston, MA), we jotted the plan on a paper-tissue and little did we realize that our dreams would transform into a non-profit organization called Next Generation Foundation. Frankly, I was basking in the steadfast dedication of my friends, who considered helping the under-privileged kids as something that was larger than life. Over the years, although, initially, I was actively involved in the organization, I had shied away from the mainstream activities and gradually disappeared into obscurity.
Chennai - July 2008: I was enjoying my morning walk, by the coast in Chennai, snaking through the regulars (walkers), with my face down trying to concentrate and visualize a positive future. A loud, gruff voice called out my name with such firmness so much so that the person cannot be a stranger. As I was jolted out of my deep-thoughts, it took me a few seconds to collect my thoughts and respond. It was no other than the friend in Boston who was vacationing in Chennai. I had moved to India in 2006. Imagine this!! My friend is living in Boston and I am living in Chennai. We lost touch and here we are standing in front of each other, absolutely stunned by the sheer “Forces of nature”. It was a mind-blowing experience and the best was yet to come.
Since the moment I had disappeared into obscurity, my friend had pursued me many a times to get active with our organization that we founded so passionately. Although there was not a day that went by when I had not felt guilty about my silence, I had conveniently shied away unabashedly. Unsurprisingly, we connected instantly and I was hooked again. Perhaps, it was the bottled energy and emotions that made me embrace the opportunity with all my heart.
I felt liberated and I made peace with myself about a passion that I once pursued so vividly, but failed to follow through.
As we exchanged pleasantries on that beautiful morning in the beach, my friend casually talked about the “Dharma Yuga” project and how that can be coupled with an exchange program across schools in India and the US. I was impressed and wanted to be part of the action again. A residential school has shown interest in participating in the exchange program. As part of the program, the school would help educate over 1000 poor children.
Next Generation Foundation (NGF) is a socio-charitable organization striving to create a revolutionary drive within people to make the social changes that humanity needs. One of our missions is supporting education of underprivileged children. NGF is built on the foundations of peace and prosperity to all of the humanity. We believe that every child across the world should have the equal and fair opportunity to choose their own destiny and build a better future for mankind. We have taken our first step towards this belief. We have started with our home, India, by extending help to the underprivileged children living in this world's largest democracy. In the long-term we should be able to extend charitable help to other parts of the world. Come and join us in this revolution. (www.nextgenfoundation.org)
It is amazing to think of a natural or spiritual force that would pull some strings to orchestrate the daily events of human life. Well, this time, I am glad it was for a happy eventful morning.
Subconsciously, I had shied away from few friends and have regretted immensely. However, not surprisingly, when I have had ran into a lost friend after many years, we have had connected instantly and exchanged pleasantries about how it seemed as if we had been in touch every single day.
Boston, MA - August 15, 2001: My friends and I stepped out of the office to a mall in Beverly. As we were driving in my friends Explorer, we casually discussed about starting a non-profit organization to help the downtrodden in India. As we were seated in one of the tables in a food court at a Mall in Beverly, (Boston, MA), we jotted the plan on a paper-tissue and little did we realize that our dreams would transform into a non-profit organization called Next Generation Foundation. Frankly, I was basking in the steadfast dedication of my friends, who considered helping the under-privileged kids as something that was larger than life. Over the years, although, initially, I was actively involved in the organization, I had shied away from the mainstream activities and gradually disappeared into obscurity.
Chennai - July 2008: I was enjoying my morning walk, by the coast in Chennai, snaking through the regulars (walkers), with my face down trying to concentrate and visualize a positive future. A loud, gruff voice called out my name with such firmness so much so that the person cannot be a stranger. As I was jolted out of my deep-thoughts, it took me a few seconds to collect my thoughts and respond. It was no other than the friend in Boston who was vacationing in Chennai. I had moved to India in 2006. Imagine this!! My friend is living in Boston and I am living in Chennai. We lost touch and here we are standing in front of each other, absolutely stunned by the sheer “Forces of nature”. It was a mind-blowing experience and the best was yet to come.
Since the moment I had disappeared into obscurity, my friend had pursued me many a times to get active with our organization that we founded so passionately. Although there was not a day that went by when I had not felt guilty about my silence, I had conveniently shied away unabashedly. Unsurprisingly, we connected instantly and I was hooked again. Perhaps, it was the bottled energy and emotions that made me embrace the opportunity with all my heart.
I felt liberated and I made peace with myself about a passion that I once pursued so vividly, but failed to follow through.
As we exchanged pleasantries on that beautiful morning in the beach, my friend casually talked about the “Dharma Yuga” project and how that can be coupled with an exchange program across schools in India and the US. I was impressed and wanted to be part of the action again. A residential school has shown interest in participating in the exchange program. As part of the program, the school would help educate over 1000 poor children.
Next Generation Foundation (NGF) is a socio-charitable organization striving to create a revolutionary drive within people to make the social changes that humanity needs. One of our missions is supporting education of underprivileged children. NGF is built on the foundations of peace and prosperity to all of the humanity. We believe that every child across the world should have the equal and fair opportunity to choose their own destiny and build a better future for mankind. We have taken our first step towards this belief. We have started with our home, India, by extending help to the underprivileged children living in this world's largest democracy. In the long-term we should be able to extend charitable help to other parts of the world. Come and join us in this revolution. (www.nextgenfoundation.org)
It is amazing to think of a natural or spiritual force that would pull some strings to orchestrate the daily events of human life. Well, this time, I am glad it was for a happy eventful morning.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We bring it on ourselves....
I was window-shopping with my wife in T-Nagar (most crowded place in Chennai). Surprisingly, it was a very pleasant experience and I wanted to stay in T-nagar for a long time. It was very crowded, but it was very organized. The vehicles yielded to pedestrians that were waiting at a cross-path junction. The pedestrians crossed the road on the designated cross-path. The best part was that there was not even in a single vehicle honking!! No dust!! Less pollution!! Very hot though. I see people taking the time to walk to a garbage dump to dispose a small piece of chocolate paper. No spitting!! I watch people smiling and exchanging pleasantries. It was a beautiful day. My wife and I spotted our favorite food-joint and seated ourselves in a corner table. As I was excitedly thinking of my favorite “chilli porata” that I could order, my son performed a “kung fu” stunt and slammed on my face. I woke up from my nap. The physical impact of “slamming” was so much so that I could barely recall most of the incidents in my fabulous dream.
I know. Wouldn’t that be great? The everyday challenges that we go through just to co-exist in the world’s second most populous country makes us tired, unpleasant and unhealthy. The common reasons that we give: the government, the beggars, the cyclists, the auto, the illiterate, the laborers etc. I hear all the time that it is due to lack of education. I think it is more than education. I see educated people (that I know) throwing garbage from their Skodas and Accords. It is the attitude that matters.
There are a plethora of problems in India that are very complex and will take several decades or perhaps centuries to overcome. However, there are some simple behavioral changes, at least among the so called “educated” circles, can bring a world of difference. For starters, it is to consciously litter at designated places. It is not uncommon to see people throw garbage from the tenth floor of their posh apartments. What a disgrace?!
I am really proud of my neighbor who had invited the garbage disposal company to our apartment to discuss recycling options. Thanks to this good Samaritan, our entire apartment complex, uses the recycling bin.
If we could only reflect on the disregard for anything that we demonstrate in our daily grind, a major part of our discomfort and annoyance can be avoided. It is not the system that is to be blamed for all problems. A good system is not a panacea. There are many avenues to avoid problems that we bring it on ourselves.
I know. Wouldn’t that be great? The everyday challenges that we go through just to co-exist in the world’s second most populous country makes us tired, unpleasant and unhealthy. The common reasons that we give: the government, the beggars, the cyclists, the auto, the illiterate, the laborers etc. I hear all the time that it is due to lack of education. I think it is more than education. I see educated people (that I know) throwing garbage from their Skodas and Accords. It is the attitude that matters.
There are a plethora of problems in India that are very complex and will take several decades or perhaps centuries to overcome. However, there are some simple behavioral changes, at least among the so called “educated” circles, can bring a world of difference. For starters, it is to consciously litter at designated places. It is not uncommon to see people throw garbage from the tenth floor of their posh apartments. What a disgrace?!
I am really proud of my neighbor who had invited the garbage disposal company to our apartment to discuss recycling options. Thanks to this good Samaritan, our entire apartment complex, uses the recycling bin.
If we could only reflect on the disregard for anything that we demonstrate in our daily grind, a major part of our discomfort and annoyance can be avoided. It is not the system that is to be blamed for all problems. A good system is not a panacea. There are many avenues to avoid problems that we bring it on ourselves.
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