Vision without execution is hallucination

“Vision without execution is hallucination."  ― Thomas A. Edison

Lessons from the Srini Mama

There are always different facets to srini mama in life. He’s a perfect example of a man who fits this ‘If you think, you can’ adage.  In a life span, a person can be lucky and encounter coincidences a few times. Mama’s life was not about coincidence; he has worked his way through the ladder. They were so many crooks, corrupt sports administrators, political leaders, and Government officials. He has networked, befriended the crooks, bribed the greedy and used the loopholes within the system to emerge as a badass Billi Gunn.  Let me take a cue from his rise and fall story.

1. Don't create Enemies

The arrogant, decisive and forthright nature of Srini mama has ended up creating more enemies for him. The mighty and powerful enemies Pawars, Bindras, Muthiahs were waiting for this fall. And media (rational fools) perfectly provided them fodder to hit back at Srini. A Life without enemies/distracters is like a Hindi film without songs. Impossible. But at least don’t leave a trail for people to catch you. (Nadharithanam panna Kooda Naasuka pannanum)

   2. Empower your beneficiaries

The biggest mistake on Mama’s side was all his beneficiaries were tight lipped. Be it the current players or commentators. The players contract system and rise of BCCI as financial powerhouse was during this period. The current and former players who enjoyed during his tenure didn’t speak out on the pretext of contract. His beneficiaries lived in his shadow and in BCCI contract; hence no one could support his claim. In life, there’s a need to create your support base outside your structures, so that people can unequivocally support you.

Only difference between Srini and Pawar was their active role n politics. Pawar thrived on his control in State, central government and Sugar industry mafias. End of the day, as long as the system is screwed up, many more Pawars and Srinis will crop up. 

Targets for 2013

New year resolutions and targets needn't be posted in January. I kick started the year with a few actionable items and hope to follow them in the rest of my life.

1. 15 mins exercise
Being a sportsman, fitness and exercise was never a issue. But I did reasonably well in 2013, so far. Auroville Marathon ensured i prepare myself and remain injury free.

2. Be on time; Punctual
Be it office meetings or meeting friends, i desperately want to be on time and avoid those stern looks. Also the fact that i'm using someone else's time.

3. Stop Watching Tv
Too much noise and glitz, nothing informative, thought provoking or inspiring comes on Tv. And most of the interesting interviews or news items are online in Youtube channels. A 3 hr film is played for 4.5 hrs with news and ads. Highlights of a cricket match or ESPN Sportscenter is a good way to keep myself updated.

4. Write a Small note at the EOD
I wanted to log certain actions i do this year, milestones achieved and interesting characters i met. I've never had the habit of writing diaries. Just wanted to keep track of where i was at the year beginning, and how much I've changed by year end.

5. More Thank You and Congrats; Less Sorry.
What is there in saying Sorry and Thank you, you don't lose anything. (Frankly i don't have anything; that's a different issue). It takes some courage to ask sorry or even to appreciate people.

6. Read Books
As a matter of fact, i've read more books in these 5 months of 2013 than in my entire life span. I'm finding it interesting. Nevertheless good.

7. Meet Deadlines; Not fall in my own eyes
This year I plan to set realistic deadlines and improve my productivity. Not meeting a deadline or your commitment is like falling in your own eyes and i hate it.

List is exhaustive. I'll keep adding as and when i follow something. What's wrong in writing about good things :)

Opportunity in difficulties

Story of Aisha Chaudhary, a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed with an incurable immune deficiency disorder at the age of six months, following which she underwent bone marrow transplant. 

In her incredibly simple and touching way, Aisha took us through her early days when she was wheelchair ridden and destined to inhale oxygen with the help of a tube clipped to her nose. Her story drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation as she told us about the 5 lessons she has learnt during this phase; 

1. 'Believe in miracles'

2. 'Live in the moment'

3. 'Opportunity in difficulties'

4. 'Dare to dream'

5. 'Pets are the best medicines'

(Courtesy: INK conference Jaipur)