Life 2.023

As the new year has started, I have reflected on the lessons and realizations of the past 12 months.

One realization that stands out is the undeniable fact that we will all eventually die. While this may seem like a bleak realization, it is an inevitable truth that we must all come to terms with at some point. This year, I have personally experienced the loss of several relatives in the age range of 55-60, as well as being reminded of death through obituary announcements at work and news of the passing of young celebrities. While it can be difficult to accept this reality, it can also bring a sense of clarity and purpose to our lives, reminding us to appreciate the time we have and make the most of it.

I murmur the following words after hearing the news of someone’s death.

That’s it.

Gone.

The End.

Everything and everyone left as and wherever they were!

Realization 2: It is important to remember that work is a means to an end, not an end in itself. We work to earn money in order to meet the needs and desires of ourselves and our families, but it is important to maintain a balance and not allow work to consume us entirely. Employers, driven by the profit motive, often prioritize growth and profit over the well-being and happiness of their employees. This can lead to the exploitation of labor, especially in developing or poor countries where there may be less protection for workers’ rights. It is important to prioritize our own well-being and to make time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, rather than becoming caught up in the grind of work.

Realization 3: It is important to recognize the value of the human species as a whole, while also understanding that individual people are not inherently more valuable than others. We are all part of the same human family and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. However, not all people will treat us well, and it is okay to distance ourselves from those who do not show us respect. It is important to consider the larger concept of humanity in our actions and decisions, rather than being swayed by the negativity of individual people. It can be challenging to be kind and positive in the face of negativity, but it is important to strive for kindness and compassion towards all people, even when it is difficult.

Realization 4: It is our responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for the benefit of future generations. The rapid “development” of human society has had negative impacts on the natural world, and while it may not be possible to completely undo the damage that has been done, we can work towards mitigating the impact of climate change and adopting more eco-friendly ways of living. In the past, I have focused primarily on working for a livelihood, but I have realized the importance of seeking out employment with organizations that have values and objectives that are people and environmentally friendly. I have developed an interest in green and sustainable finance and am actively seeking opportunities to work for such organizations. In addition to seeking out employment that aligns with my values, I also recognize my personal responsibility to do my part in protecting the environment. This can involve simple actions such as reducing my carbon footprint and using eco-friendly products, as well as more concerted efforts such as volunteering for environmental causes. It is important for all of us to recognize the importance of this issue and to take action to make a positive difference.

Realization 5: It is important to love those who love us back. While it may be tempting to believe that one-sided love is still love, it is not natural or healthy to love someone who does not love us in return. People can be very good at manipulating others’ feelings, and it is common for people to take advantage of someone’s love and emotions, even if they do not love them back. This can be especially harmful in relationships such as those between parents and children, siblings, and lovers. In order to protect ourselves, we may decide to stop being available for people who do not truly care for us in return.

This life and these people

Not until today
or tomorrow
had i wondered what life will be like
in heaven
in hell

or anywhere but mountains
and forests
and deserts

this life
these times
are turning grey —– pale-grey

and I see people going
from nuts to being nutshells
or perhaps they’ve always been so

only that I didn’t wonder before…

– Inahahs

Winter is coming

Ever since I got to know about Louise Glück because she won this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature, I have been reading her poems. The following poem has been on my mind for the last two weeks, all the more likely because it relates to the nights these days getting cold.

The Silver Lily

The nights have grown cool again, like the nights
of early spring, and quiet again. Will
speech disturb you? We’re
alone now; we have no reason for silence.

Can you see, over the garden—the full moon rises.
I won’t see the next full moon.

In spring, when the moon rose, it meant
time was endless. Snowdrops
opened and closed, the clustered
seeds of the maples fell in pale drifts.
White over white, the moon rose over the birch tree.
And in the crook, where the tree divides,
leaves of the first daffodils, in moonlight
soft greenish-silver.

We have come too far together toward the end now
to fear the end. These nights, I am no longer even certain
I know what the end means. And you, who’ve been with a man—

after the first cries,
doesn’t joy, like fear, make no sound?

Louise Glück

Quarter & a half life later…

Not until I turned 35 or 36 that I felt a push to immigrate to a greener land. By greener I don’t mean more money, I mean a clean, honest and ethically sustainable life. The thought to leave my country had occurred to me earlier, but it was never as pushing and was often shut down by alternate thoughts such as I had a safe and secure job here, my relatives and friends were all here and the fear of the what-ifs (what if I couldn’t get a job; what if I or my family couldn’t adapt to new culture/environment… et cetera). The desire to migrate has been on the rise continuously and I am all set to face the unforeseen challenges. I am not only seeking for permanent residence schemes in CAN (Canada, Australia, New Zealand), but also looking for countries where I can at least have a job and live for the next two decades when my kids will be all grown up to live their lives independently. So even the Mideast and Europe are on the list, more importantly because these regions are nearer to my home compared to CAN.

Not a day goes by without feeling angry and sad about the state of affairs our country is in. I may still be able to live with bad economy, but it is becoming really hard to breathe in a society where morals and ethics are climbing new heights of decay. Every segment of society is crossing levels of dishonesty and cheats. It haunts to see people resell expired medicines by changing dates as well as sell fake medicines in original packing, increase prices during festivals and making artificial shortage of things to push prices upward, sell meat of dead animals, mix chemicals in edibles and being totally careless about keeping streets and city clean. There is increasingly intolerance of others views and mainstreaming hatred is becoming normal. There is a bleak picture on the part of the current government as well. There appears to be a soft martial law in place. The prime minister is acting as a puppet, he has no road map, no plans for the future. His focus has only been to annihilate his political opponents. The country is being run by the establishment policies aimed at controlling voices of dissent. There have been record increase in prices of basic commodities and currency has touched new peaks of depreciation. The law and order is as poor as it has always been. Quality of public health services and public education institutions is still pitiable, the people are afraid to seek protection of police and there is corruption in every government institution. 

I want my kids to grow in a society where:

there is no class system and everyone enjoys self-respect;

they can express themselves freely without fear;

they should shamed if they lie, cheat or fraud not if the tell the truth and stay honest;

they won’t be judged on their color, cast, sect or religion;

they will be able to breathe in cleaner air and realize how cleanliness is half of their faith;

they will have equal opportunities.

Challenges

I know there is no such place as perfect, but comparatively there is justice, respect and more humanity in developed societies. But again, there are a number of challenges as well.

1. COVID-19: The prospects for getting an opportunity to work abroad would have been much higher had there been no covid episode. The deadly flu has brought the world on its knees and has forced the governments and organizations around the world to change their policies and priorities with respect to survival followed by revival. The future growth has been projected to be negative for the next year at least, the economies are thus going to take some time to get to where they were before March 2020.
2. Populism in US and Europe: Ever since Trump assuming power as the President of the US, there has not only been a surge in nationalism and racism in the US, but also Europe (which is infamous for being one in past). The right-wing political parties are popping up in every other country at the rate not witnessed before. Both the US and European countries have witnessed a rise in policies aimed at restricting expats and increasing their citizens’ ratio in the overall workforce. This has led to companies to prefer hiring people who are already allowed to work in such locations so as to spare themselves of the lengthy, and perhaps, costly visa process for the new appointees. This seems to be the reason that MNCs have included the question, “Are you allowed to work in the location you apply for?” in their job applications.
3. Arabization: The oil-rich Gulf countries have been preferred location for South Asians, particularly for two reasons, one money (obviamente), and two distance from home (just 2^1/2 hr flight). But the gulf region also has been hit hard by not only covid but also falling oil prices. As a result of economic hit, the states have accelerated nationalization, i.e. to maximize local workforce, drive. There have been rise in policies to increase ratio of locals in the government sector to 100%, and even have advised multinational companies to hire more locals than expats. The picture appears to be bleak there too, at least for the next few years.
4. Canada/Australia/New Zealand: The points based immigration system of these countries is also witnessing rise in applications, however the covid has also affected these countries and they have kind of increased requirements for new applicants. This also appears to be beyond possible.

I haven’t lost hope though, and I may continue my pursuit. It could also be that if my kids would achieve for themselves what I want for them.

🙂

The Incredible Chicago

Louvre Abu Dhabi

30 Day Challenge to Wakeup at 5AM

January 8, 2018 was the Day 1 of my #30DayChallenge to #WakeUpAt5AM; and is the order of the day, I announced it on #Facebook. The only reason of posting it on FB was to receive friends pressure to continue the challenge, ‘coz I must admit that had I not put it on FB, I more likely had failed in the challenge.

As soon as my friends saw the post, a number of comments and questions came flowing in. The Top 3 questions were:

Why on earth?

Have you gone crazy?

Is it a Blue Whale Challenge?

The answer to the last two questions was a smiley 😀 – which definitely means No, Nah, Not at all!

So, Why?

The decision to take the challenge was neither extempore, like one morning I woke up early and decided to continue doing so, nor a well-early-planned. I grew up in a small village so I have been early riser for a long time. In fact, I had been waking up at 0630 every day before the challenge. The number uno reason was the #change in my daily wakeup routine followed by the fascination of the very idea of waking up at 5.

And what did I do?

0500: The alarm rang, I put it off (No. No Snooze at all) and by the time I rub my eyes, dragged myself out of bed and drank a glass of water 15 minutes were already past. I’d check my mobile phone for 5 minutes, then go for jogging and do a little exercise for 30 minutes. Then I’d relax for 10 minutes and do some meditation (prayer) and read a book for the next 20-25 minutes. And afterward, I’d awaken my wife and my kids to start preparing for the breakfast and school respectively…ensued by myself getting ready for the work.

What did I achieve?

The most important lesson I learnt from successful completion of the challenge was that we can do everything with strong determination and willpower. Once we challenge ourselves to perform any task and we take the first step, then nothing can stop us. All the excuses, fears, procrastinations get washed away with our resolve.

Koh Samui – Thailand

Man of Faith

An employee taking time out for God at workplace!

Lost in Dubai