August 10th, 2011
(First appeared in The Hindu, August 6, 2011)
Never has corruption dominated the public consciousness as obsessively as it does in today’s India. That there are more offenders outside than inside jails has helped the democratisation of corruption, which has seeped down to the pores of economic activity and the grass roots of governance in day-to-day living.
August 9th, 2011
(First appeared in The Hindu, August 6, 2011)
A must-do on your itinerary, the Desert Safari in Dubai is filled with ups and downs, good food and some great dancing.
April 15th, 2011
(First appeared in The Week online edition, April 2011)
For centuries, it was a flourishing port state bridging East and West. Founded by an Indian King in the early 15th century, soon under the Portuguese who were driven out in 1641 by the Dutch, followed by British rule till the middle of the 20th century…
April 3rd, 2011
(First appeared in The Hindu, April 3, 2011)
I landed in Colombo on India’s Independence Day in 2006, with mixed feelings. A tri-nation cricket series involving India, Sri Lanka and South Africa was in prospect, but the inaugural match slated for the previous day was cancelled following a bomb blast in the heart of Colombo. En route to the Taj Samudra, we drove past the spot where a bomb had caused seven deaths just 24 hours ago.
February 11th, 2011
(First appeared in The Hindu Business Line November 2, 2010)
It’s like being at the other end when Sehwag is batting, that is the fate of Valentine’s Day and the Union Budget, this year. With a broad spectrum of themes still at play, here comes the Cricket World Cup, to crowd out the two annual events from mind and media.
February 2nd, 2011
(First appeared in Swagath, Feb 2011)
The tropical forests, turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Langkawi can dish up a memorable vacation
40 kilometres off the western coastline of Thailand and Malaysia, Langkawi is the largest in an archipelago of 90 odd islands, collectively declared a Geopark by UNESCO. 25 kilometres from anywhere in Langkawi, you can reach the fine white sands and the emerald waters. The southern tips of Pantai Cenang and Kuah town, both with a high concentration of hotels, are well connected to all major tourist attractions, with good roads winding through paddy fields if not tropical forests. An ideal place to drive around. Read the rest of this entry »
October 13th, 2010
I had the good forfute to initiate in 1997 and then nurture for 12 years, an employee engagement programme that is yet unique in India’s corporate sector in terms of innovation, motivation and contribution to the balance sheet.
On the night of 9 September, when Air India Express flight IX 622B took off from Chennai, headed for Kuala Lumpur, it had 185 passengers, all of them employees of Ashok Leyland. Around the same time, flights were taking off with their colleagues, from airports at Bangalore Mumbai and New Delhi. They were headed for the Genting Highlands south of Kuala Lumpur to compete in the finals of Improve 2009, joined by judges, guests and volunteers. Together, a group of 460, many of them using their hurriedly obtained passports for the first time.
Read the rest of this entry »
October 9th, 2010
(First appeared in The Hindu, October 9, 2010)
Much to everyone’s disbelief, a weekend in New York is possible even for as little as $250.
Times Square: The crowd is a microcosm of humanity
September 3rd, 2010
(First appeared in The Hindu Business Line, September 3, 2010)
Is the customer looking for it anymore?
The 13th loaf was the baker’s margin of grace to cover for any shortage in weight when selling a dozen loafs.
Whatever happened to the baker’s dozen? Why is it that except in star hotels and dhabas, onion slices are not part of the deal anymore?
The 13th loaf was the baker’s margin of grace to cover for any shortage in weight when selling a dozen loafs – the practice is now extinct but for the dictionary. Meanwhile, onion slices have moved into the menu card, as part of vegetable salad. Read the rest of this entry »
August 30th, 2010
(A shorter version appeared in The New Indian Express on August 29,2010)
Footloose in the American capital for one week is a great way to wholesome learning.
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