Change Delhi Change!!

It’s nice to see the latest concern of our honorable Minister about Delhi. Its really great to feel and imagine that the culture of Delhi and its style can change in 1 years time. What has happened for last 20-30 years, our minister feel can be un-done in just 1 year and suddenly Delhi-ites become different and Delhi becomes an International city. There are few questions to be asked is that in which International city you will find:

• Roads as in Delhi – even surface of moon is better
• Frequent Power and water shortages
• Parking on roads
• No evidence of lane driving
• Erratic street lights
• Flooded streets with few showers
• Animals on roads
• Absurd chaos in front of railway stations
• So much honking
• Un-planned traffic
• Untrained cops to "manage" traffic
• Chaos at latest toll plazas
• Trucks, carts, tractors and so much variety on roads
• No control on number of vehicles on road
• Getting license without knowing how to drive

Delhi has almost reach a point of no-return for the chaos it has and it’s likely to be increased in future. Experts feel that just in couple of years, traffic would almost stop on roads of Delhi. It requires herculean effort to bring some sense to the city. It requires huge investment in training people on basics of life. It has to start from schools, communities, households, colleges etc. Every where you have to create the need to change à change for better.

Government has to play pivotal role in bringing this change through education. How can you make people change in days; there is no humility; no care for others; every one is just wanting to win a race. It requires mind-set change and it requires very tough decisions beyond political mileages.

Most of our ministers and govt senior staff visits other countries and enjoy the goodness there; but hardly anyone takes pain to start some change. E.g Internationally all vehicles must have both side view mirror in cars and 4-wheelers. Here in India, more than half of the vehicles don’t even have the basic left rear-view mirror fitted. In case of lane change you need to check 6 points before you can change the lane; but I am not sure whether the people creating rules also know about these international basic driving rules. Honking in other countries is almost like shouting or yelling at someone and is rarely heard. In India, it’s a necessity.

As a challenge, our honorable minister can try to improve the chaos in front of New Delhi Railway station- Paharganj side in next 1 month. He has power to do it – lets see if he has intention and will and desire to do it.

Talking big is easy – but doing something is difficult ( its surprising that it looks so difficult for the people in power too).

If you really want to see a change in Delhi in 3 years; you have to start now. Involve people from various departments- Indian consultants who are doing excellent job globally. But first have a will, and be ready to take tough calls!

Are you ready ?

Two years of Atmachetna!

Atmachetna was born in year 2007. Those of you know me well – know that, it was the year when self awakening happened for me and that’s how I named the organization Atmachetna (meaning self awakening). The past two years have been filled with numerous experiences- experiences mostly pleasant and enjoyable. The transition from a high paying corporate job to that of every month survival planning was mostly smooth. The credit largely goes to my family – Shilpi (my better half), Sanchit (my scientist son), Udita (my loving daughter).

There was a period when we had to struggle for few months in year 2008; there were all kind of advices by people - go back to working in corporate; you did not think before deciding etc etc. Probably many of them may be right too in their own perspective; but on hind-sight it looks a real fun. Most of the friends helped morally to keep us on track; even if we deviated a little. Friends like Piyush & Giten have specially helped me cope up with accounting and website issues. I am really amazed with the kind of sincerity and support of all my friends. (though there were some who could have helped but backed - no issues that too is learning!!)

The journey of Atmachetna till now is smooth and filled with lot of enjoyment. The real fun comes when I am inside a hall conducting workshops. There have been instances wherein I have just slept couple of hours previous night but I really feel energetic and charged during and after the workshops. The feedback from parents, teens and teachers and many corporates has been very encouraging. Though we are not able to scale up the work and increase our earnings through Atmachetna to what we thought, but the real satisfaction is in bringing a positive change in someone’s life. God has been real kind to us in smoothly managing our work without much hassles.

Apart from this, there has been tremendous learning about life as a whole; about true friends; about family; about nature; about hidden creative talent in me; about relationships; about society; about real purpose of education; about challenges of people; about living with peace of mind; about thinking beyond money; about the difference between living & meaningful living and many more.

It looks I have lived a different life in last 2 years. I am more close to my family than ever before; I have better understanding of feelings of my wife and kids and my mom and many others.

The only low at times for us at Atmachetna is that sometime we feel we should have made changes to many more lives. Hopefully this coming year 2009-10, we would be able to extend the reach of Atmachetna across India and may be beyond! Best wishes to all of us at Atmachetna!

Happy Father's Day!

I was thoughtful and emotional today when the world celebrates “Father’s Day” and one word continuously haunted me is “Kal ho na ho”. Its 10 years now when we lost you daddy; but we miss you every day.

Most of us plan in our life that once I have money and resources, I will give all comfort to my parents. I also thought the same about my father; but one can only plan; ultimate decision maker is GOD. But I lost my friend and my daddy in 1999. I realized from that day that it’s better to live in present and take actions “now” rather than postponing them. I also decided not to dwell over the past and worry too much about future. In 2007, I started Atmachetna with the same quest.

I really miss my father more now, after being father of two kids - Sanchit & Udita. So many myths are broken when you yourself become a father. Now I try to be a good dad for my kids with help from my better half- Shilpi!. I really want to chat/discuss with you daddy; but can’t.

My advise to all those who say “oh I was remembering you” or “one day I will do this/that for my parents/friends” – just take the action now; b’coz you never know what GOD has planned for you. Please don’t postpone happiness and joy in your life and to other’s life through your actions and behavior.

Daddy, I really wish you were here with us now.
Happy Father’s Day – Daddy!

Exploring hills - I

Just returned from Amritsar and himachal after a 6 day break! Feeling re-invigorated by the nature walks and treks!

Started journey with Swarn Shatabdi to Amritsar on 3rd June (almost missed the train due to everlasting chaos on paharganj side of New Delhi station). We all enjoyed the 5 hours journey to Amritsar; especially kids who freaked out in the coach as it was 80% empty. Though Amritsar was almost boiling at 45 degrees; we got our hotel car waiting outside which took us immediately to a wonderful hotel called M K Hotel (probably the largest in Amritsar). After a brief rest and a simple lunch, we started our journey to Wagah border (around 40 min drive).

Wagah border is the border between India and Pakistan and every day a ceremony takes place there, which is attended by almost 1000 Indians and few Pakistanis on the other side. The ceremony is worth watching and is a wonderful experience. The ceremony starts at 6 PM in summers and 5 PM in winters. We were lucky that one of our friends arranged a VIP seats for us, such that we were almost at the gate where ceremony takes place. The place is filled with continuous playing of patriotic music and slogans by Indians. Everyone is so charged up that they almost shout at every slogan. The difference to note here between India and Pakistan side is that – In India we have mixed crowd of men, women and children and other side its mainly men; here we have almost 1000 indians everyday and other side is just few may be 50-60 people attending the ceremony; here all of us Indians sing, dance and enjoy the ceremony. The ceremony lasts for almost 40 mins.

We really enjoyed the ceremony and atmosphere at Wagah border and returned to our hotel filled with energy at 7.30 pm and then proceeded to Golden Temple at 745pm. I had visited golden temple earlier but others (my kids, Shilpi and my mother) it was 1st time. They were overwhelmed by the beauty and atmosphere of the place. We spent almost 3 hours there – praying and enjoying the warmth of the place. We finished our day with langar at golden temple. Even Udita enjoyed the langar!

Dalhousie
We wanted to start our next leg to Dalhousie from Amritsar by mid-day (4th June); but were advised by locals to start early due to some religious ceremony and expected tension on that day in Jalandhar and probably Punjab. So we started at 7:30 am after simple breakfast at the hotel for Dalhousie in an Innova taxi. Dalhousie is 170 kms from Amritsar by road. Enroute we crossed Batala and Gurdaspur and reached Pathankot; bought some fruits from Pathankot as my mother and Udita likes fruits  (If you wish to go to Dalhousie or Dharamshala directly from Delhi- there are a number of trains from Delhi to Pathankot or chakki bank, which is 2 kms from pathankot).

From pathankot there are 2 roads – one going towards Dalhousie and other going towards Dharamshala, Mandi & Palampur. So we took the 1st road and stopped at “Mama’s Rasoi”- a resort for snacks. Nice place – just few Kms from Pathankot; as soon as the hills start; close to the army area. They make pizzas on Kulchas – not pizza bread; though we liked the pizzas; some of you may not!! They make fresh food – so it takes some time to serve.

From there we went non-stop to Dalhousie; road is decent and it took us around 1.5 hours for 60 kms. We stayed at “Silverton Estate Guest House” managed by Mr Vickram Singh and his family. A small heritage property built by his grandfather; with 5 rooms. Each room is nicely decorated and has an attached dressing area and large bathroom. The place is beautiful with a small garden in front with relaxing chairs. We were received with a glass of herbal soothing drink. The place is quite high and requires good driving skills to reach; but Mr Singh sends an escort to the road who will guide you to the place. Silverton Estate is above Govt’s circuit house. The family takes good care of you and provides you home food (breakfast & dinner). The food is simple and tailored to your taste. Lunch is not provided as you spend your afternoons normally outside. You are not allowed to eat anything inside the rooms to avoid smell and rats! Silverton Estate is nice place to stay as you don’t feel like closed hotel rooms – it’s like your home. The place is surrounded by deodar trees.

After relaxing for few hours; we started walking down to Gandhi Chowk (a prominent central place in Dalhousie). Incidentally Dalhousie is sandwiched between Dhauladhar and Pir panjal range of Himalayas and is a beautiful small unexploited hill station. It’s also called as walkers’ paradise; as it offers a number of walking treks rather than shops and congested roads like Manali and Shimla.

We were welcomed by almost 20 monkeys while descending from silverton to the main road and to avoid them we had to take a detour. Monkeys are there in plenty in Dalhousie and they can differentiate between a local and a tourist. They can be a problem if you tease them!! We reached Gandhi chowk and thought of eating our fruits and sat on a bus-stop shelter; which was almost empty. Soon a monkey decided to also eat the musk-melon we had and took away the fruit- eating every bit of it in front of us and teasing us also !! We realized we should not eat anything in open in Dalhousie. Then we started our walk on the road going to Subhash Bowli (1 km from Gandhi Chowk). Subhash bowli (spring) is the place where Subhash Chandra Bose got cured of his respiratory problem after drinking water from there, when he stayed in Dalhousie. It’s a beautiful trek on the road. All of us enjoyed the trek of 2 kms (to & fro to Subhash bowli - Its not a great tourist place but a good trek! Mr Singh from Silverton goes for an 8km walk on this road everyday (you lazy bums wake up!!!)

We returned to our hotel (quite steep ascend to Silverton Estate); those of you afraid of walking up-hill; be cautious! After a simple homely dinner we relaxed and enjoyed the good weather and decided to sleep.

Next day onwards in next post……..

Wake up India!

Just analyze these 2 stories – one is very recent and one is from 2006. 1st one from US and 2nd one about India

“Feb 25, 2009 (Hindu): US President Barack Obama on Wednesday said that his administration would focus on energy, health care and education to not only revive economy of the United States, but also to make sure that these are investments into America's future.
The US President said the current education system is not able to meet the growing challenges of the world. "This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the countries that out-teach us today will out-compete us tomorrow. That is why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education," Obama said.
He said the budget creates new incentives for teacher performance; pathways for advancement, and rewards for success. "We'll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps. And we will expand our commitment to charter schools."
Obama said his plan would make sure that by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. "These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our children," he added. “

January 30, 2006 (rediff)
“Senior ministers of the Indian government told a group of international investors on Saturday that India was committed to more reforms in the education sector to ensure that there was no shortage of skilled manpower to sustain an annual growth rate of over 8 per cent in the coming years.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram said of the 500 industrial training institutes that were to be offered to the private sector, the handing over of 80 had already been completed under the unique public-private partnership initiative.
Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia added that a new policy on beefing up the education sector was expected to be finalised soon by the Knowledge Commission, set up at the initiative of the prime minister.”

So whats the difference?
One is recent and about future. One is past. Both are discussing focus on education for growth of the country. Very nice till now!
But, 3 years passed since the 2nd story and almost no progress made by Govt of India on education reforms; and this is when the head of government himself is a teacher for last 5 years! Recommendations of Knowledge Commission are gathering dust as other reports and documents on education in past.
Surprisingly, in India, there are no significant policy and framework for early childhood education. There is large amount of poor quality education being provided at primary and secondary level. Furthermore, there is no common school system; instead children are channeled into private, government-aided and government schools on the basis of ability to pay and social class. There is significant amount of political interference in curriculum and content to be taught.

There is severe shortage of quality teachers and there seems to be no authentic planned development and growth for teachers & school leaders. Most of the teacher training programs are out-dated and obsolete.

Situation in higher education is as bad as the school education. The curriculum taught in most of the top colleges is almost that of British era and not relevant to anyone. Students just read books and pass exams without gaining any knowledge required in real world. Politicians announce opening of colleges to gain public votes, without realizing the need for quality teachers and considerable shortage of them; not only in technical colleges, but also in arts & commerce colleges. Teaching is not a preferred career by many as it’s not respected and compensated adequately.

Quality and quantity of research is extremely poor and not at all focused. Those who wish to do serious research go towards west and many don’t come back.

In 1986, Late Rajiv Gandhi announced a new education policy, the National Policy on Education (NPE), which was intended to prepare India for the 21st century. The policy emphasized the need for change: ‘Education in India stands at the crossroads today. Neither normal linear expansion nor the existing pace and nature of improvement can meet the needs of the situation.’

Someone can say that - we are doing so well as a country and we have so many successful people in all sphere of life. That’s the beauty of a large country. It’s the efforts of individuals and few progressive educationists that we are able to reach where we are. We achieved because the students and their teachers took interest and they succeeded inspite of all the above. But in future, things are different. Change is required at a very basic level, for India to reach a developed country level. May be India could have reached there early, if things were better!

I am not a pessimist, but feel sad that an educationist as PM could not do much in education and almost wasted 5 years as head of government. I think the time for action has come, wherein government has to begin systemic education reforms. The process of change will take at least a decade to show results, if it starts now.

So wake up India, before it’s too late!!

Lane Driving = Insane Driving!

I was traveling with a friend who recently returned to India for good after staying abroad for 20 years. Don’t ask me the reason – is it love for the soil? Or is it the bad time in US currently? This note from me is not about this. So let’s not deviate from our theme of driving around in Delhi and Gurgaon (supposedly the happening place in India – that’s what he mentioned when he came back).

Coming back to his driving – he started on a positive not with reversing his car from parking; I asked him why he is not honking while reversing; he said it’s rude as I have already given the indicators. Before I could react his car was almost missed by 2-3 cars on the road as no one stopped for him to reverse. So after lot of struggle and me out of car helping him to reverse by stopping the traffic he could take out his car out of parking. So here we began the journey. We started from the ring road in Lajpat Nagar. He mentioned, beautiful roads and then corrected himself soon; asking, why people are not travelling in lanes. I said probably they are rushing that’s why. But soon he discovered than lanes are just some white lines on the road (while he asked a person in the car next to him while stopping on a signal that why he is not following lanes; the guy retorted “what lanes”; on telling the lanes on the road – the person said “oh those white lines on road; I don’t know what are those”.

Our friend stopped before the zebra crossing on the signal and allowed people to cross the road. When the signal turned green, he did not move; I asked him why – he said people are still crossing and the traffic from the other side has not stopped. The traffic behind us was getting impatient and he was amazed by the extraordinary music of horns behind him. Reluctantly he moved and said that’s not right; as we could have hit someone. I said if you don’t move then someone will hit you from behind. He asked what about the training to people about traffic rules while granting the license; I told him that I know of many people who never sat on a wheel and have license to drive! (He did not believe; until he did an informal survey of around 50 people on road and realized that almost 99% drivers did not know what the traffic signs are)

So with some struggle, we reached NH-8 which will take us to our destination Gurgaon. And all this while I was really scared as my friend was not using horn at all and at many instances we were almost hit by many objects on road like rickshaws, cycles, bullock-cart, auto-rickshaws, hand-carts, all size trucks, racing buses and the zoo on the road (yes the cows and the dogs)

He mentioned that he has read about this express-way to Gurgaon from Delhi and it’s really cool! Soon he was sweating about his own statement and asked why buses and trucks are on all the 4 lanes of the road; aren’t they supposed to stick to their lanes. To his horror trucks were swaying like snake on all the lanes with such heavy loads. Then he saw lot of motorbikes on the NH-8 just moving dangerously in all lanes of the expressway (where 2 wheelers are not allowed – at least as per the traffic signs). He again asked why people are not giving way when he wants to use the fast lane. I said you honk; he said but they are supposed to choose their lane based on speed. I said, may be no one knows about the speed & lane concept.

He mentioned that it’s very dangerous, looking at the way traffic is increasing almost daily in Delhi and NCR. I said, yes it is. He again said that why government is not doing anything. I said they give lot of traffic tickets to offenders when they decide as special drive. He said, it requires a lot and lot of training and educating people to not only learn the lane discipline, but also about how to respect others on road and also respecting pedestrians.

After waiting at Toll-plaza for almost 15 minutes we entered Haryana and Gurgaon (the most happening place of India!). Why so much time on toll plaza – because it was designed for almost 1/10th of the actual traffic and people here also do not stick to the right lanes.

He saw beautiful architecture and said; yes this is the place I will keep my office. This place is really nice! But here to the comments were short lived; as we left NH-8 and entered the side lanes of Gurgaon (New Gurgaon); the road was almost shattered near the beautiful “ship building”. He struggled for almost 30 minutes to get the right parking as he did not want to block the road as done by almost 100s of people, while parking on the roads in Gurgaon. He was shocked to see such grossly poor quality of planning by the administration here. No proper roads; if roads there, 100s of cars parked on the side (as the builders did not plan for parking while creating beautiful highly priced buildings and administration never asked them why they have not!); many more animals on road than just cows & dogs; much variety of traffic (trucks almost the size of airplane zipping in Gurgaon all the time on the roads, supposedly designed for the colonies and that too all the time of the day); no public transport (rickshaws add to the beauty of the millennium city); school traffic parked on the road; signals not working (as Gurgaon has an average 8 hour power cut daily!!); call center driver’s road rage and many more amazing things of the millennium city called- Gurgaon.

So coming back to my friend – he again asked few traffic policemen in Gurgaon, why they are not managing traffic; they answered “hum kya kar sakte hain, hamari duty to yahan nahin hai (what we can do, our duty is somewhere else)”. There is no desire from anyone to improve. People in administration who can, are not doing anything (they are more bothered about other issues of politics and votes); common public do not know how to manage as no one ever taught them; corporate who can join hands and improve are not doing as its not their job to improve a city.

So who can help this city or this nation – Only GOD, and that too when he has time to bless us!

So to end - After few months, my friend after lot of trying and reaching to administration to improve has joined the normal public of the city and relaxes on the back seat while his driver drives with no lane discipline and lot of honking; as they say “When in Rome; act like Romans!”
-Puneet 28 Feb, 2009