Book Review _ Tata Stories

 

Tata Stories

40 timeless tales...

Being part of Tata group for almost a de case now, it has made me also part of many stories but history always enchants than the future which is yet to beacon
.

A very nicely worked upon book by Harish sir. Interaction with him is always an enriching experience  whether its via a book or his article or his sessions.

This current book has been worked upon considering minute details and expressed in an easy way.

I knew many but few were really revelations to me.

Like story of kalpana chawla being inspired from JRD and her family handing over a token of gratitude.

Story of Eka the Indian super computer 

The epic karachi flight of JRD and handing over of shares to his young fellow participant...

This book also brings to light other legends of Tata Group who have ensured the liveliness of the spirit of Tata Culture.

A definitely must read book, the stories are max 4 to 5 pages so you can read quickly in your leisure time.

No need of long hours to stretch at one go...

Book Review: Coalition Years

Coalition Years

My first read by Pranab da, had heard about his writing style and approach but personally not that much impressed.

The book abruptly ends at middle of his tenure and he could have added a flavor of contrast by adding glimpses of Modi era too.

The main objection or bias which I have with all these high flyers of congress is they could never stand up to Madam...

Pranab da puts up the story quiet lucidly and gives stress on relevant issues with elaborations and backing but still it's not so fascinating.

An average book as per me would love to read part 2 post 2014 to 2016 due to my personal bias.

 

Fabulous Fantasy Journey_ Rage of Immortals

Fantasy always keeps me glued and if it is written by a friend then it's an additional plus.

This book is a perfect blend of fantasy and thrill and is packed with love, anger, pain, chaos, magic, secrets and much more. Kara, Cipher, King of the Heaven, the Caretakers of the Underworld and many other mystical beings are nicely woven making it a very good read.

The suspense element is very nicely developed and has the unexpected twists that kept me glued to the story till the end. Though this book is a bit long and I  had to read it in break journey. But still after each break I could connect well and continue. Character development and detailing is very nicely done.  The language is simple and lucid.

Overall it's really a very nice read!! Totally loved it

Will recommend.

Book Review : The Upside down King

 Book Munching...

Started reading after a long gap.
Was struggling to finish one book for last 2 months.
The book was "What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful", the book is good and has
many implementable aspects but still somehow could not connect.
It is true that one can not force self to read unless there is an internal urge.

Then I started reading "The upside down king _ Unusal Tales of Rama & Krishna" a book by Sudha Murthy.
 

A wonderful author and mythology, both were perfect recipe for me to be glued to the book and I managed to finish it in 2 days...

Time rarely matters in such scenarios but it is about the journey, which I enjoyed thoroughly.

The book takes you through unknown sides and connects of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It enlightens us about few of the known places like Girnar, Gaya, Gokarna, Kishkindha/Hampi...
It makes you revisit child hood stories of "Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra", Hanuman. Vishwamitra...

Over all a good one time read...

Last summing up view from the book...
Among Ram and Krishna , I always lean towards Krishna and this book gave me one more reason for same.
Ram all along his life had one enemy, while Krishna had different enemy at different junctures of his life.
This truly connects to the humans who have to face different types of challenges at different stages,
So one more reason to relate to Krishna more than anyone.
 

Book Review_2017_1_Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish

Scion of Ikshvaku

 

My first book of 2017 and a good read as per me.
Similar to the Shiva trilogy, Amish has done a good job in setting up the stage for the novels to come.
The best part of these new age mythology/epic writers portray the main lead as a commoner unlike old as a divine entity.

Three central characters, Ram, Bharat and Lakshman are depicted with a distinct traits of rule follower and idealistic vs practical and obedient vs follower.

Dasharath a capable King who could not handle his failure and left under the burden of expectations from Raghu clan.
Three mothers Kaushalya, Kaikayee & Sumitra with a different thoughts about her sons future.
Most interesting character is Sita, an empowered women with freedom of expression.
An unknown but a touching character Roshni ( Daughter of Manthara) who meets with an unfortunate end.

Book offers a few good anecdotes about how a leader should be and his conduct which are apt in the current world also.

Eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series.

 

Rulomania

Everywhere it is flashing that 53rd Rule change in 30 days by RBI...
No doubt De-Monetisation/Modi ( as they are synonyms these days) are the real root cause of it.
But why were the initially defined rules had to be revisited...
I see two reasons to it
a) Lack of foresightedness
b) Lack of discipline on general Junta part


The case is weighed equally on both sides of the above mentioned points.

In my earlier post I have put my views on the point (a) already hence here it will be point (b) only.


As a citizen of India how wisely did we exercise the rights given to curb the black money deposits.
There are few handful in the society who are always willing to find a way to by-pass the rules and that results in punishment for all.
The population of India has always been a boon as well as bane for us, because of this huge number the handful turn out to be lacs and make the life of rest crores to suffer.
I completely agree that the poor or lower strata of the society is law abiding and the damage of their deeds is minimal.
But because of these handful all are suffering.
What did these handfuls do
1) Deposit money less than 2.5 lac in their account to help others
2) Use multiple ATM cards by distributing money online and bypassing 2500 limit
3) Help in purchase of  gold in past dated bills/vouchers
4) Maintain illegal accounts
5) Provide new currency illegally & start hoarding new currencies
6) Allow usage Jan dhan accounts for small allurements
etc

No doubt all of the above cases should be tracked and be brought to justice as it has made masses to suffer.
But India is a vast country and has challenges of infrastructure availability, but still agencies are doing a good job with 3185 cr  have been unearthed or seized.
Last but not least, if this move fails to bring Political parties under their gambit then I will say a major chunk of goodwill for this move is lost.
Parties need to be accountable and no such blanket approvals for non disclosure below 20k should be there.

Its not the end but its a beginning is my personal take still.
Supporting links:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/rbi-withdraws-rs-5000-old-note-deposit-restriction-for-kyc-compliant-accounts/story-my3Xd4XZo0nn86kjlTaUDP.html
http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/post-demonetisation-it-detects-rs-3185-cr-black-income-and-seizes-rs-86-crore-new-notes/story/242699.html

Book Review_Corporate Chanakya

A good book to read...
Our own management Guru Chanakya's thoughts blended with day to day examples makes it very much relevant.
Simple changes to the working style can lead to good results.
Chanakya was master politician and the more I am getting to know, I am much more interested to read his own work.

Some of the interesting quotes:

So many people imagine themselves to be hard-working, sincere and ‘active’ — without understanding whether this is a fact, or a figment of their imagination. You do not become active if you are just running around and working

It is only a good student who will become a good teacher. After all, only a good subordinate will ultimately become a good boss


Most of the external threats to organisations stem from ‘internal’ insecurities felt by their own people

A golden rule in business is, think twice before you speak. Even a tailor is advised during his apprenticeship, “Measure twice, but cut once

Business is not a one-time deal, but a collection of deals over a period of time which makes the business successful. Hence, understanding the requirements of people around you is a continuous process

There are three ways of getting work done from your subordinates — instigation, motivation, and inspiration. Instigation is the way terrorists are made to work. Motivation involves incentives and promotions, whereas inspiration comes from within the self, which is eternal and everlasting