Redefining Horizons

  Caveat.   This article is a research paper in multiple parts. The subject demands such careful treatment. It draws inferences based on facts and figures. It doesn’t tow any political ideology.  It is not meant for casual reading. It is meant to educate the reader. Do not get inside expecting something sensational.  Comments are welcome.    Realisation I was on vacation when the call came. Ms Rini George, Director of GIIMS, was on the other side requesting me to join the panel discussing the contemporary subject, Developed India 2047 Aspirations, Challenges, and Choices. The discussion was part of the ‘Leadership in Action' series hosted by the Global Institute of Management Studies located in Kochi. It took me some time to agree because the event was five days away and I needed time to prepare. I never engage in a discussion without reading up as much as possible about the subject. She insisted, and I agreed. The topic was straightforward, but the ch...

  “ Oye Gwachi ga, Kithe chale ?”  (I will let you in on the meaning a little later) Havildar Mahinder Singh shouted at the soldier carrying something and seemingly headed in the wrong direction.  I was a young lieutenant on attachment with an Infantry Battalion and was overseeing the maintenance parade of the unit. I liked the way my troops spoke Punjabi. It sounded musical even when they said the harshest things. The way Malayalam, my mother tongue, is spoken also changes from place to place. In my area, it sounds bland, but it often meant far more beyond what was said. H owever, in Thrissur and Trivandrum, there is a distinct musical touch to the way they speak their dialect. The Punjabi my troops spoke was different in every possible way.  We, as officers, are expected to learn the language of our Troops and communicate with them in their mother tongue.  During my training, I had picked up Hindi. I could communicate my way around. However, there was a proble...

  Happy New Year    May this year bring each one of you, and your loved ones, happiness, good health and a sense of safety. Being located in more than 180 different countries, we are separated by time, space, geography, and cultural backgrounds, but we are united in our quest for serious reading. Thank you for choosing to read my articles. Thank you for sharing my articles with your friends. Please use the comment section under each article published to engage in discussion and exchange thoughts on the subject discussed.  Now to the topic of the Day -  When silence prevails,  “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” “There is wisdom in silence.” “Learn to listen.” “Silence is Golden.” “Do you always have to speak?” “Can't you keep quiet?” “Why should you speak for him?” Irrespective of our nationalities, it is likely that we grew up having heard one or more of the above statements or questions. These are a few of the dictums that condit...