Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 31.07.2010 – Quest for knowledge

Posted on July 31, 2010

Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 31.07.2010 – Quest for knowledge

Our knowledge and experience are the only things that, if passed on, will remain with the generations. All the other things, money, property, etc, will have a natural, timely or untimely death.

Knowledge passed on, by any means, will become immortal. It will be all the more, if it is through a creative medium. I was surprised recently to learn this when I happened to notice a painting, which I had created in 1999 and posted on a webpage created that time, now being used in a German site, where they explain in detail the thoughts and principles underlying that drawing. I was amazed and swept off.

I am writing this to all those who hold their reservations, either due to shortage of time or other reasons for not utilising a wonderful opportunity thrown in front.

This is not the old age situation that happened to Ekalavya, who learned the secrets of archery techniques from the legendary guru Dronacharya, by hiding behind the bushes. When he came to know that Ekalavya had learned more than what he had taught to his favourite student Arjuna, Dronacharya, asked for his thumb finger as the Guru Dakshina (fees) from Ekalavya.

Don’t worry, our science and technology is far and well advanced now. Give your thumb finger out to your gurus or mentors if they are asking for it, and share your knowledge, as we have many a new technology already ready to replace it better than the original one. Have no fear, and have no holds.

This is also a tribute to all those who work hard and do continuous education through various Distant Learning Programmes. They deserve a special applause for hard work and dedication put in to continue their quest for gaining knowledge, without forgetting commitments towards profession and family.

Thanks to all those professors and support staff who work hard to present and create a classroom atmosphere and provide quality materials at par with other universities worldwide for these knowledge seekers, who in normal case could not have done it without their efforts.

Ramesh Menon

To read this in orginal, please visit GULF TODAY online.

Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 24.07.2010 – Keep Communicating

Posted on July 25, 2010

Keep communicating

The heat is on. CVs are coming in volume from job hunters. Thanks to the global recession, many companies still reduce staff.

The banking sector is also in greater caution and this is another major area for many of us who have an attitude to be there when in need.

In the coming days/months we may get to hear many sad stories/tragedies of job loss/life etc directly or indirectly due to the economic scenario.

It is, therefore, important to be in touch with your regular friends/loved ones/contacts. Make sure you get to create a communication and feel their pulse. I am sure you will definitely be able to get the feelings across, even if it is a silence or pause in the communication. But to be there at the time in need is the most important gift you can give to a friend or a well-wisher of yours.

The reason for writing this here is an interview of Indian actor Dileep shown on TV some time ago about a movie where he did a stunt scene by jumping into the sea. In it, he explained what was his feeling before jumping and once in motion down.

No control, and life and death were seconds away.

Luckily for him there were people to rescue him, who were on standby. But a repeat shot had to be taken and he continued, there were no one around and it was really touch and go.

Two years ago, a friend committed suicide due to a financial fraud by one of his customers. Almost similar time, another friend’s wife committed suicide due to prolonged arthritis ailment. Both took the same aerial route of jumping from the balcony and the narration by Dileep was really touchy and brought back memories several times.

If, someone was there to hold them/restrain them back from that decision, life would have been an altogether different thing for their children.

Let the party continue, enjoy life as it happens, let the rejoicing progress if you are on the lucky side. But keep an eye and ear open for that precious silence somewhere around.

You never know, a chance hello or a short email will make you realise the reason for that precious silence and may give you an opportunity to be the important person for someone whom you care.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 17.07.2010 – Stick to values

Posted on July 18, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 17.07.2010 – Stick to values

We all come from different walks of life, and walk past different routes and directions of it each day. During the same course, we come across several people and some remains within our mind for a longer time and some are easily forgotten. Certain actions by certain individuals will easily capture our admiration and then we follow them and certain others, they might have a slow start and we tend to ignore them totally.

It is time we think about how we could transform ourselves to a society that responds at the right time.

Each day brings out a joy of learning a thing new, irrespective of which side I get up, who double parks in front of my car, and who speeds and misses hitting my car while travelling between work and home. The world is growing in pace and volume and along with it the diverse culture and style. Even during the last holy month of Ramadan, I witnessed women dressing scantly, people smoking discreetly, which a few years before I could have never even imagined or seen. Several times I did ask myself, why public has a tendency to violate rules and values when they clearly know that these are not to be violated during this period to give respect to the religion and numerous people who follow it. May be I will be labelled crazy, if I discuss such things frequently. But, how can I resist expressing myself. No, never, I will never keep my thoughts within.