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How reality loses to momentum?

Truth prevails is an old adage that seems to be losing its relevance in the current sentiments. Still I am confident that "Truth shall prevail". Hopefully, sooner than later. The case in point is the investor confidence in the stock market. Indian markets are aping the performance of the stock markets of developed world. In fact, the possible loss in indices is reasonably predictable in the last few weeks based on what happened on the previous day in Europe and US. Are the situations similar? Are Indian businesses facing the same situation as companies in western world? Are Indian corporate giants going bust like crackers in Diwali? Have companies of great repute and history in India have filed for bankruptcy? Has any company in India reported loss of sales (top line) in double digits and evaporation of profits? Slowdown yes. How bad is India? Is it comparable to West? It has baffled me as to how convenient has it been to be infected with "western sentiments" virus ...

Irresponsible youngsters?

One of the common references made by people of upper youth (40+, a la upper ground floor) for kids (25 years old) is that they are short of hard work and irresponsible. Is it perception or is it a reality? End of the day reality is nothing but a perception seen with coloured glasses. Today's youth is in fact far more responsible than ever before. The key difference, as I see it, is about the attitude to life and living a full life. Unlike earlier times, where opportunities, resources and exposure were low, the time was largely spent in office/college and at home. Look at options today and the affordability quotient. Today's youth want all that without compromising on the content of each of the part played in life. Work hard is turning to work smart. Party hard is turning to party and network smat and so on. Professionals would have had limited ambitions a couple of decades ago. Dream would be to be a GM or at best a VP before retirement. Todays young want to be there by mid thi...

Economy drive - why we forget things?

There was an interesting chat going around in the company. Usual topic of the times - how to cut costs? Solutions : Mundane points which are as visible as to anyone with a sight of 2/6. Recycle paper, book tickets in advance, get cheapest fare, pool cars, print on two sides of paper, etc. Normally, I resist from talking buisness at home but when TV is on and I am watching a business channel, how can kids be immune to corporate doings? My children beat any journalist when they start asking questions. They can be nasty (in questioning) but calm. I had to sit up when my daughter asked, "Dad, what is economy drive? " I knew that more missiles are on its way. Next few questions were - Why talk of cutting costs now? Why build up costs anyway? Why office lunch costs Rs 100 per person when food in school canteen is available at Rs 25? Why office people use top class stationary and writing instruments? "My Rs 5 Linc Ocean Gel writes as good as the your fancy Rs 20 pen." Why...