End of a Relationship!

A 20-year relationship came to an end last week!

I think it was in '92 or '93. I was working on her account, and the Marketing Head had introduced me to her.

One thing led to another, and soon we were in a relationship.

Time went by, the Marketing team changed, but we kept in close touch.

Then I changed jobs and moved to a different area. I had much lesser time for her, but we still kept in touch, meeting occasionally.

Then I met my future wife and had a 'chat mangni-pat byaah' (a quick marriage) without informing her.

All this while, she was also changing. Perhaps we were outgrowing each other.

Life went on; she made new friends, and so did I. But our relationship continued.

Then in 2003, I introduced her to my wife.

This meeting became the start of the second phase of our relationship - a much more intense phase.

I was abroad for more than three years after that, and we were in touch almost every month of those three years.

My return in Dec 06 and the subsequent work again meant that I could not devote time to her.

We kept in touch off and on, corresponding more on e-mails and phone (initiated nearly always by her, I must confess!) and meeting once in a while when I was in South Mumbai.

I think during this time we must've realised we drifted too far apart, but neither of us was willing to accept it.

Finally, last year, I finally brought up the 'break-up' word.

As expected, there was the usual discussion, 'Let's change this', 'Let's give it one more chance' etc. And we continued for one more year.

Finally we realised. Enough was enough. It would just not work out. We were just too physically far away from each other for a long, long time!

But while it lasted, I must confess, it was a beautiful relationship!

Hope our paths cross again sometime, and we meet again!

(For all you perverts out there, ‘She’ in this case is my HSBC SmartMoneyAccount which I had opened 20 years ago, and converted it to an NRE account with my wife in 03. I just closed my account last week. Heh heh)

Tilak and the degeneration of Ganesh Chaturthi

Circa 1893. The great freedom fighter, statesman and writer, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, was pondering ways and means of getting people together and spreading the message of freedom among them.

To keep the colonies in check, the British had discouraged all sorts of political and social gatherings, thus having political rallies was extremely difficult.

In Pune, from where he published his Marathi daily, Kesari, and English weekly, Mahratta (Maratha), Lokmanya Tilak saw the celebration of Ganeshotsav at the homes of certain families. While this festival was mainly a family affair, certain influential families were celebrating it as a public festival, where people were encouraged to visit their ‘waadas’ (palatial family homes) and the immersion procession was taken out on the roads with public participation.

Lokmanya Tilak saw the potential of this festival as a good opportunity to get people across castes and communities together for not one, but ten days without significant interference from the British, and in 1894, established the first Sarvajanik Ganpati (public Ganpati) at Vinchurkarwada, Pune.

This became a significant point in India’s freedom struggle, because large numbers of people were now gathering together for a cause, and the British could do precious little about it.

The movement quickly spread to various cities over the next decade or so. And the Ganeshotsav – apart from being a religious festival – became the hub for political gatherings, interactions between communities, intellectual discourses, folk arts etc.

With the British leaving India, the festival ideally should have gone back to being a family affair, but as it had now incorporated a lot of the social elements to it, it continued.

Till the late 1980s, the basic fabric of the festival remained as Lokmanya Tilak envisaged it – a community festival to encourage people to get together and celebrate it in the spirit of simplicity.

I still remember seeing the Ganesh festivals where people used to play ‘lezhim’, sing songs, have group dances and generally celebrate these as socio-cultural gatherings. I also remember seeing the music and dance stop whenever the procession used to approach any religious place of another community, and move on after exchanging pleasantries. The approximately 30 meter area around any masjid or church used to be a silence zone enforced by the participants themselves (I have personally seen this numerous times at Byculla, Lalbaug, Mazagaon and Parel).

However, with the emergence of another Bal (how ironic!), this festival quickly degenerated over the next few years, and how!

Today, all we can associate Ganeshotsav with is pollution. Pollution of every kind.

Noise pollution: Just a couple of days ago, we read about the glass windows of a popular eatery in Mahim being shattered due to the noise of the music being played by a procession. We’ve also seen all the reports of noise touching 115 decibels. And I have cotton stuffed in my ears, despite the windows being closed, as I write this!

Environmental pollution: The use of Shaadu Mati (earthern mud or clay), natural colours (haldi, gulab etc.) and other natural ingredients to make idols was relevant, as the idols being immersed at the end of the celebrations represented the cycle of nature. The harmful effects of the increasing use of PoP, chemical colours etc. are too many to enumerate.

Cultural pollution: Starting from electronic music, to DJs and Trance Music, what next! Does anyone even remember lezhim?

Communal pollution: Instead of religious areas of other communities being silence zones, they are actually increased noise and slogan shouting zones. We are the living witnesses of the consequences of such activity.

Political pollution: What else do we call it when the cutouts of so-called ‘social workers’ and their acolytes are larger than the statues of Ganesh themselves.

And finally, Religious pollution: It is amazing how certain Sarvajanik Ganpatis and certain other idols have acquired amazing powers over the past decade or so, especially in terms of being able to acquire multi-crores of income for their mandals or trusts.

Anyway, Happy Anant Chaturdashi, folks!

Sources: Wikipedia, ekmev.com, maharashtraspider.com, Kesari

...And some have greatness thrust upon them

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” –William Shakespeare

How true this quote is! And it cannot be truer than in the case of the children of our beloved political leaders.

Right from a very young age, they have their career path clearly defined, with success guaranteed!

What I have found most interesting is that such greatness is thrust upon them not only by the parents themselves, but by the assortment of so-called uncles, aunts and other sycophants who have made fawning into a fine art form.

It is amazing how people who come up with some good ideas and thoughts are so happy to easily pass on the credit to novices who

And hence we have cases where an unknown college student is suddenly the visionary of a political sena, a foreign-returned environmental engineer is the driving force behind his party’s recent victories (never mind the work done by his father and other associates for the past two decades) and becomes the youngest Chief Minister in India, a pilot without any political experience becomes India’s Prime Minister and his son – who has nothing to show either - is the next big hope.

To be honest, people earlier than me have also raised this point, and they have been shut up with the usual counter-argument, “A doctor’s son becomes a doctor, an actor’s son becomes an actor, so what is wrong with a politician’s son becoming a politician?”

True, a lot of people follow their parent’s professions. But they take a long time and expend every effort to reach a level. It is not given to them on a platter as soon as they enter their chosen field. Kumar Gaurav was the son of Jubilee Kumar and yet he fell by the wayside, Abhishek Bachchan has still not become the hottest star, despite being the son of The Big B, Surinder Amarnath and Rohan Gavaskar could not sustain despite being the children of legends. Even in business, Tanya Dubash started off as a Brand Manager in her father’s company, and took nearly 15 years to grow up the ladder. Not to mention that she has all the right academic credentials too.

Fact of the matter is – in any other profession, parental association can give you a head start, but it is only your own work that will take you to success. No amount of parental support or sycophancy will work beyond a point, if you are not good enough.

The only exception – and I challenge anyone to correct me on this – is politics, where all you need is the right genes to become an overnight leader.

P.S. This thought was going through my mind for a few weeks, but the immediate stimulus for this post was a banner wishing a politician on his birthday that I saw last week, which had the photograph of his 12 year old son - complete with his school uniform - showcasing the child as the new great white hope!

Zakaat (Part 2: Who is eligible to receive it, and who should not be given)

Thanks for your lovely e-mails and messages on my previous post. Interestingly, most of them are on my e-mail, a couple of facebook and just one as a comment here! :-)

Basis your messages, thought it would be apt for me to also write about the people who are eligible to receive Zakaat, and the people who should not be given Zakaat.

According to the Qur’an, eight categories of people are eligible to receive Zakaat.

Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. (Qur’an 9:60; Translation by Yusuf Ali)

Let me describe these further:

The Poor: The Arabic word used in the Qur’an is Fuqara’a. This refers to people who earn or have the means to sustain their bare existence, but their wealth is below the value of the amount that makes it necessary for them to give Zakaat.

The Needy: Referred to in the Qur’an as Masakeen. This refers to people who are extremely poor and have no wealth at all – not even to sustain their basic necessities.

Those employed to administer funds: (Arabic – Aa’mileen). In Islamic countries, there are people employed by the Government to collect Zakaat. Even in India and many other countries, there are groups of people who collect Zakaat and distribute it among the needy. They may themselves be wealthy, but are collecting Zakaat for / on behalf of others. It is eligible to give Zakaat to these people.

Those whose hearts have been recently reconciled: (Arabic - Mu-allafatul Quloob). These are deserving people who have recently embraced Islam. Zakaat can be given to them as it would help reconcile their hearts further towards Islam.

Those in bondage or slavery: (Arabic – Al-Riqaab). It is encouraged to give Zakaat to those who are held in slavery, in order to free them.

Those in debt: (Arabic – Gharimeen). Self-explanatory. Giving Zakaat to someone who is in debt in order to help remove his burden is encouraged. Of course, it is important that the debt is not due to any un-Islamic reason.

Those travelling in the way of Allah: (Arabic – Fee-sabeel-Illah). Those who are travelling in the path of Allah, spreading his word or working for Islam. Islamic Missionaries would come under this definition.

Travellers: (Arabic – Ibnis-sabeel). A traveller who is stranded and in need of financial assistance. This person may otherwise be wealthy, but that does not disqualify him, as he is needy at the present juncture.

Among these too, it is encouraged to first give Zakaat to your near relatives, as they are most deserving of your Zakaat. These relatives include siblings, their children, uncle, aunt, step-grandfather, step-grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "The best charity is that which is practiced by a wealthy person. And start giving first to your dependents." (Bukhari: Book 2, Volume 24, Hadith 507)

Then, your poor neighbours are deserving of your Zakaat. In fact, the rights of neighbours in Islam are extremely strong.

'A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Gabriel impressed upon me (kind treatment) towards the neighbour (so much) that I thought as if he would confer upon him the (right) of inheritance. (Muslim: Book 32, Hadith 6354)

At the same time, among the relatives, Zakaat cannot be given to parents, grandfather, etc., or to one's children and grandchildren. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other.

Zakaat also cannot be given to an able bodied person who can take care of himself, but does not do so. This is also applicable for all forms of charity.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Sadaqah may not be given to a rich man or to one who has strength and is sound in limbs. (Dawud: Book 9, Hadith 1630)

The importance of working for one’s bread is mentioned in a separate Hadith.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "No doubt, it is better for a person to take a rope and proceed in the morning to the mountains and cut the wood and then sell it, and eat from this income and give alms from it than to ask others for something." (Bukhari: Book 2, Volume 24, Hadith 558)

And lastly, Zakaat cannot be given to descendents of Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Al-Hasan bin 'Ali took a date from the dates given in charity and put it in his mouth. The Prophet said, "Expel it from your mouth. Don't you know that we do not eat a thing which is given in charity?" (Bukhari: Book 2, Volume 24, Hadith 568)

Zakaat

Another possibly five days to the holiest month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar – the month of Ramadaan.

Muslims over the world would fast during the day and establish more prayers at night, while continuing to work their normal office routine as required.

This is also the month when most of us will pay our Zakaat. Very badly translated as wealth tax in most definitions, Zakaat is the amount that believers who have a certain amount of wealth give as charity to their less fortunate Muslim brothers and sisters.

Paying of Zakaat is one of the five principles of Islam.

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle

2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly

3. To pay Zakaat (i.e. obligatory charity)

4. To perform Hajj (i.e. Pilgrimage to Makkah)

5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan

(Bukhari: Book 1, Volume 2, Hadith 7)

There are numerous references to charity in the Qur’an. Just to mention two-

It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing. (Qur’an 2:177; Translation by Yusuf Ali)

O ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have (honourably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and worthy of all praise. (Qur’an 2:267; Translation by Yusuf Ali)

Very simply calculated in today’s times for urban areas, a Muslim who has combined liquid wealth (cash, gold, silver etc), equal to or more than 85 grams (~ 8.5 tola) of gold or 595 grams of silver for more than one lunar year has to give Zakaat equal to a minimum of 2.5% on his total liquid wealth. The more the person gives, obviously, the better.

(There are other calculations of Zakaat on agricultural produce, mined wealth, animals etc. but they are not relevant for the purposes of this blog)

So, why do we pay Zakaat?

The word Zakaat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. (Source: http://www.islamicity.com). The Qur’an has references to both these meanings when referring to payment of charity by Muslims.

Of their goods, take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf. Verily thy prayers are a source of security for them: And Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth. (Qur’an 9:103; Translation by Yusuf Ali)

The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things. (Qur’an 2:261; Translation by Yusuf Ali)

Isn’t it interesting? Give, so that you may receive. Give, so that you may be purified.

And I love the analogy of the pruning of the plants. We prune the top of the plants, and what grows is stronger and healthier.

Add to that the unexplainable joy of giving, seeing the smile on the face of the receiver, enjoying Eid with someone who otherwise may not have been able to enjoy it as much; and you would realise why Zakaat is such an important part of our belief.

Day...Uninterrupted

Aah!


After a time longer than I can even remember, I had the entire day - uninterrupted - for self and family yesterday.


Slept like a log till 11:30, light breakfast followed by good lunch; retail therapy for more than two hours with wife, finished most of the grocery shopping for Ramadan; played with the kids, completed quite a few odd jobs around the house.


Intentionally, I did not touch the laptop or the mobile the entire day. And mercifully, with one lone exception, there were no calls!


Honestly, I do not even remember the last time I did this!

And it feels so good! I feel mentally refreshed and ready for the next week.


Monday, here I come!

Blah Blah about Brand Names

Having been a part of many a meeting on new brand launches, I have seen a lot of conversations on the name to be selected for the brand.

"We need a name that conveys the brand's identity".

"You see, the name does not signify the depth of the brand's ethos".

"This name is just there, but not quite! The brand persona is not accurately captured".

And perhaps the best of all - "The brand name should convey the brand values, its promise, what it stands for. It needs to mean something to the consumer”

Earlier, I too would enthusiastically participate in those intellectually stimulating discussions. I must confess I still do, but with reservations on their intellectual stimulation.

I mean, how does a brand mean ‘something’ to the consumer when s/he has never even heard about it?

And does having the ‘brand ethos / persona / values / promise’ in the name necessarily mean that the consumer would take it?

A quick glance at the most successful brands over the years tells me that the brand builds the name, and not vice versa.

Consider Godrej. The most trusted name for locks, FMCG products, furniture and what not. There is absolutely no meaning except that it is the surname of the owners.

Some other large Indian brands that come to mind - Bajaj, Parachute, Amul, Fevicol, Nirma, Parle, Hawkins, Dalda, Patni, Infosys, Wipro, CavinKare...

Can’t link any one of these brands to pre-defined values, persona or promise. In fact, most Indian brands are just family names, and the brand value has evolved over years of building trust with consumers.

Perhaps the best example of this is Tata. I believe it is their trucks that have led to the ubiquituous Indian greeting - ‘Ta Ta, Bye Bye’.

Even worldwide, which is where we tend to look for inspirations, most well-known brand names did not really convey anything initially.

Consider Google – a brand brought about due to a misspelling.

Or Virgin – because no one was one!

Or Apple – a fruit?

McDonalds – another family name.

As I mentioned earlier, brand value evolves over years of building trust with consumers. A name is just an identity, and no more.

It is just like selecting a name for a baby. One needs to choose a name that does not have any negative connotations. And if it has a positive one, that’s great.

But beyond that, invest in building the brand itself. All other connotations will evolve with time.

Ceasefire had one of the most apt Brand Names. Does anyone remember it?