Friends
When ever there is challenging time, new inventions take place. The struggle to survive, sustain and grow takes us to new heights. In between we use all tactics of the game but it is always very long and cumbersome before we see the light. I'm talking about the Economic and Political turmoils our country facing. Last 2-3 years were not good for economy due to policy paralysis in the Government. This also resulted into political turmoils and various incidences like corruption, scams, arrogance, cheap language etc.
Being a finance consultant I have felt the impact of economic slow down directly. The advisory services has changed drastically in last 3 years. General finance products have changed and has been replaced more by the products commonly used in crisis. We need to be very much attentive and flexible in adapting the changing environment to sustain and grow. In my view coming six months would be more challenging and market will see lot of players going in hibernation. Also we may see some new financing products more convenient and comfortable to the financing needs. Let's prepare ourself and do the best. After all "this too would pass".
CP

"Makoda'

Friends

I am blogging after more than a month. In last one month we celebrated Diwali and had  long vacation. Gujarat celebrates almost a week's holiday during Diwali.

During Diwali we exchange gifts and sweets to retain the relationship and further expand and strengthen the relations. This is integral part of social and professional set up and needs continuous updating. Such festivals give great opportunities to sync with society.

While analysing various professional and social  relations, we come across many persons growing beyond our imagination and expectation. They give good surprise when we come to know about them suddenly. We try to reconnect with them in anticipation of getting some favour from them. In most of the cases the experience is not very good and we end up with embarrassment or heart burning. 

Here I would like to remind about on movie "Billu" casting Shah Rukh Khan and irrfan. Do you remember, in this movie character of SRK (Shahid Khan) becomes a very big star where as his patron character of Irrfan (Billu) remains a small time barber. When SRK comes to his village every one pushes him to meet him more particularly his wife Lara. At that time in the story, Irrfan says that if I would go to him now Shahid would think that see 'Makoda' has come. Makoda is an insect who moves towards some sweet product and plunges into that till that Makoda pushes head inside and most of the time die there it self. So in the movie, Billu avoids going to Shahid fearing embarrassment and insult despite lot of pressure from every corner. He does not want to become Makoda. Similar story was with Lord Krishna and Sudama. But in this case as per the story Sudamaji reached to Lord Krishna. 

In our daily life we come across with many people  becoming senior officer, politician, businessman or celebrity  and we try to reach to them . We feel that he would give us same response of earlier times and revert with love. Practically it rarely happens. Most of the cases he would rather show you his success more loudly and may even hurt you emotionally.  Anyways, we should always avoid to become "Makoda" unless it is the question of life and death. I experienced that those who become highly successful would never care for old friends and they may be right too. It is better to save your self from becoming "Makoda". Whenever any old friend becomes big celebrity or officer or politician we boast of knowing him and try to reach him. Our purpose may be selfish. Also that guy would never like to be associated with such friends who are at lower scale in his eyes. He may also not like the world to know his roots. Whatever be the reason, we should avoid being Makoda. It may not benefit in short term but later on it would help a lot. Better we remain Billu at least self respect will be retained.

CP

Happy Dussehra

Friends
Today is Dussehra. It is said that today Lord Ram had killed Ravan after long fight. It is the day we celebrate as a mark of win of good over bad. This day is followed after 9 days worship of Maa Durga, called Navratris. It is one of the holiest days amongst we Hindus. Festive season is at its peak. Soon we will celebrate Diwali and then Christmas and then new year followed by Makar  Sakranti and Holiday.
It is good to celebrate all these festivals and in fact it shows the strength of a society . Still I feel we people waste lot of time in celebrations. If we calculate all the holidays in a year these may exceed the working days. This affects the prosperity of a society and in turn country. Most of the families have single earning member concept. It will take some more time when it would increase two earning members. The pressure can be eased out only when we reduce the holidays and add up working days.
CP

Friends
Today is third day of Navratri, one of the most celebrated festival of Gujarat. This 9 day festival is vastly celebrated here. This festival is recognised by the Garba dance or dandia ras. This time Maa Durga is being welcomed by Lord Indra and hence continuous rains. This untimely rain has not only spoiled the festival but also damaging the current crop severely .

We should review ourself periodically at least every 3 months. Our decisions, actions and plans need to be corrected every time and again according to the situation and circumstances. The life is full of distractions and challenges, which can divert or stop the plans any time. To correct self or ensure that we are in the right track we should have honest and harsh review of ourself. We can speak lie to any body but not with self. I have experienced that we stop ourself fearing the challenges or even divert from the basic agenda. It needs to be supervised continuously to avoid the failure. The challenges may force us to stop the journey of progress but with strong belief and hardworking we can come out of such situations. Nobody in this world can stop us from achieving out goals unless we wish so. It is upto us what we decide.

C P 

Friends,

Indian politics is passing through biggest change these days. Last 6 months have witnessed lot of actions on every front be it the ruling party or it's allies , opposition parties or their associates. Every body is trying its best to seize the opportunity to their benefit. By the way Indian politicians are masters in this game but the problem is that this game is between themselves and not with then outsiders. In fact the seeding of turbulence in infirm politics was done by Anna Hazare when he started screwing the government for Lokpal. Then came Baba Ramdev, then new political party AAP and so on. In almost all the events youth have been the torch bearers and that has caused the change in the drama and actors. Before that every thing was smooth. People were minting money and some wee being reprimanded and others awarded. No body was objecting. Unfortunately the principal opposition party BJP was also inactive or involved directly or indirectly. Every body was happy and public was crying. Suddenly various events started unfolding and forced all the politicians to either act or wear the mask of acting. Situations forced BJP to remove the blanket which was too old and hence tourney and decaying. I don't know who will the next election. But one  thing is sure that it would be very difficult for any party to take the public for granted in near future. Legal authorities are equally sensitive for the public. In last 6 months lot of people have been hanged , sentenced to death and the process has been fastened for early justice. 

The politics can be further strengthened if youth join the political parties and all these gundis and criminals are thrown out. In near future the system will clean it further and it may be almost impossible for the criminals to enter into this arena. Yes they may remain active behind the curtain. 

We also witnessed the entry of new Governor of RBI , who is quite young and energetic but seems to be under the obligation of some politicians and may not have free hand to act. With such a Good monsoon, let us hope for the better economy in next 6 months. 

CP

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi, Michhami Dukkadam

Friends
Today is Ganesh Chaturthi and Samvatsari. Both the days are very pious with two different purposes. Lord Ganpati's Birday is known as Ganesh Chaturthi. Amongst all the gods, Lord zag patni is worshipped first. lord Ganpati is only god which is mix of man and animal and also with smallest Sawari ( Musak). I wish the Happy Ganesh chaturthi to all of you.
Today is also Samvatsari which is the last day of paryusan for Jains. However Digambars celebrate the paryusan parva after 10 days. Today is the day to ask for forgiveness for all the deeds and actions which may have hurt to others during the whole year. I ask 'Michhami Dukkadam' for all my deeds and actions which may have hurt my all colleagues, near and dear ones.
CP

Happy Independence Day

Friends

Greetings for the 67th Independence Day. Our country got independence exactly 66 years back from the clutches of England. There were many other countries who got independence during same time or later. In last 75 years, the worldwide scenario has changed drastically in terms of technology, Development, Social and Economic matters. In those days it was quite easy to change the geography of any country but now it is almost impossible at least in near future. The world in those days was balanced with two super powers but now only one single power .

Our country has seen lot of events and faced lot of challenges including 3 full fledged wars and lot many hidden wars. In last 30 years, terrorism has taken its great toll. Politically in our country instead of two party dominance, there are large number of small parties who run them as private limited company where business interests are more important than the national interest.  

Wish that soon our political situation gets matured we put national interest above all.

CP

Tap Dancing to Work

Friends

Recently finished a wonderful book "Tap Dancing to Work" by Carol J. Loomis. This book is basically compilation and analysis of Annual Letters, Comments and Interviews of Legendry Warren Buffet. This covers his entire professional life and  more particularly from 1966-2012. His straightforwardness, Simplicity, indepth knowledge of subject and communication style is worth reading. Even jokingly he would comment in such a way that the message would go loud and clear. He is truly god of investment and management. Here are some of his comments I noticed in the book:

1. " All I want to know is where I am going to die so I will never go there."
2. "Gold is a barren asset; bonds are seldom rewarding to investors; well chosen productive asset like common stocks and land are the logical prospects to deliver superior returns."
3. When a management with a reputation for brilliance tackles a business with a reputation for bad economics, it is usually the reputation of the business that remains intact. You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will.
4. Never invest in a business you can not understand.
5. you should get greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.
6. It is better to be approximately right than precisely wrong.
7. It is far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.
8. A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do any thing but not enough to do nothing.
These apart the book gives insight into lot of other issues related with Warren.

CP 

Friends

Last couple of months have seen huge gap in blog posts. For various reasons and circumstances, the concentration to share thoughts on blog was not available. During last 3 years, I hv been more busy in managing the things than in developing new things. More busy on personal/social matters than in professional issues. In life the events are decided by the God or circumstances as we generally believe and not by us as is evident from the experience . Once we handle a situation presuming that this is end of the challenging phase but it does not happen like that, rather immediately thereafter new things crop up. 

Challenges make a person stronger, mature and self confident. When God gives challenges, the power to face that is also given. God says you have descended to earth to play the game called Life and this game you need to play always without break. Hence he throws challenges and the power to face those challenges just to keep us busy in playing the game. Every day is new and full of activities, challenges, enjoyment all wrapped in 24 hours. We can handle any kind of challenge with positive attitude , hope , hard work and relationships. No challenges can stand these ammunitions for long . After 4 days in Jaipur , I am back in Ahmedabad trying to recover and getting ready for better tomorrow. 

CP

Friends

What we propose God disposes. We plan some thing but happens something else. We are puppets of God, who has own plans unknown to us and full of surprises and shocks. No complaint, we have to just follow presuming "Jo ho raha hai achha hai and Jo hoga vo Bhi achcha hi hoga". Just have faith in God and continue to do the best possible efforts.

Last time when I was writing post on this blog I had never thought in distant dream that immediately thereafter a tough and painful time will start. We had planned a lot once the kids come home on vacation. Never thought that Hitisha will have health issues suddenly and will land in hospital immediately after touching Ahmedabad soil. Anyways , she is recovering fast and with God's grace soon would be back on her original status.

Summer season is at its peak and our land is heating with more than 44 degree Celsius coupled with heat waves. The killer season will take its toll and grill the people for at least one month more. The monsoon is yet to kiss the Indian soil and it may be normal this year too. Summer is very painful for every body and hence schools are mostly closed. Anyways, we have postponed all the plans for this summer season.

CP

Friends

The personality of a person can be judged by the discipline or commitment he/she shows in action vis a vis words. We commit lot and deliver not even half of this. Those who do this are always successful in their respective fields. The discipline of getting up in time, reading books regularly, working hard every day for long, going for walk, exercise in every situation every day and eating in full discipline. All these things are very common we people commit but very few strictly adhere to. For every incidence of failure of these commitments we have sound reasons to justify but the fact is that we can't tell lie to self in any situation. If we want to be successful in life then following strictly the above commitments is first major step. Rest will automatically follow. It is pity that I'm the most indiscipline and failure in these commitments despite the fact that I know very well the importance of  following these commitments. Yes,I have many convincing reasons for these failures but none can deny  the fact that I failed in commitment. If we wake up one hour early every day, our year of twelve months can be stretched to about 14 months (additional 365 hours are equal to about 45 days working). This way we can extend our life by almost 15%.

After initial lull , last fortnight has witnessed lot of travelling to various places like Hyderabad, delhi, Jaipur, mumbai etc. it is good sign professionally but also created lot of tiredness.

CP

Friends

When we were kids, the carrier in life was not clear and no one knew what is in store of the life. Some would say to become Engineer, Doctor or IAS or Bank Officer or CA and all. Every area was challenging and did not know what is best suited to us. In those decisions of selecting a career, everything was based on the guidance of Parents. Our own knowledge and vision was NIL. We just believed in whatever our parents say tried to achieve that. Today the situation is totally reverse where the kids decide what they should do and parents just give in their decisions and support. In both the situations once the career is decided, the long journey starts which is full of challenges, hurdles and all. Real test of life begins once the degree in a particular career is achieved. It is innocence which makes one dip into that profession . The same innocence also pushes youngsters towards marriage. In both the cases (career and marriage), the journey is very much challenging.

It takes hell of efforts to be successful in any career and long long time to accomplish . As per my observation, it takes about 15 years on an average to reach to a particular  level of success and stability . Even after that we have to put in rigorous efforts to sustain at that level . World will see only the achievement and never to the efforts and sacrifice we made to achieve this. This world would see the fruits and flowers and never the roots.

CP

Friends

Last week was full of travelling. First to Dwarka and then Hyderabad . Dwarika is one of the Char Dham. This was my second visit to Dwarika. Last time I visited Dwarika in 1999 and lot has changed in last 14 years. Hyderabad visit was mix of professional and personal visit . Hyderabad is going to be a temporary habitat for Nikita, due to her internship, and wish she would enjoy this trip. It gives immense pleasure to be with Kids but suddenly the parting is more painful and tense. Parents always treat kids as kids only irrespective to their age and maturity. 

After lull in finance sector, suddenly their is sea of activities in new financial year. I pray to god that this year would be a great year compensating the previous one too. This would be possible only if the mobility is at its best and thus lot of travelling across the country and overseas too.

CP

Friends,
Political war has started and it is expected to accelerate in near in our country. Politicians are warming up their muscles for 2014 elections. Every fifth year this is most celebrated festival of our democracy. We can learn lot from our politicians if we look into them closely. Some of the feature which I noticed from these learned politicians are as under:
1. Vision and planning: Politicians have most clear and long vision and they give 100% to achieve that. Their planning, timing, strategy and efforts are fully focused and aimed t achieving the results. Despite all th rods, lot of parties in arena, they all try to find their niche and try to get the best and when finally the numbers are out, they re-strategise and deal accordingly with the situation to the best possible beneficial manner. They are never loser and in present scenario even small numbers matters a lot. A businessman can learn a lot from these politicians how to visualise, strategise and plan with full focus.
2. Organisational Skills: It is not an easy task to win the desired number of seats in this most competitive market. To win seats they to choose capable candidate (ignoring their back ground), con as for all such selected candidates, arrange funds, mobilise workers and handle all kind of situation during election. This requires mammoth organisational skills. Dealing with crores of people, is not an easy job in any situation. Nothing can be better example to learn organisational skills than our politicians.
3. Communication and Media Skills: politicians do lot of home work before coming to the public domain to express their views and also combat the competitors who are also equally capable in every sense. In a very short time they communicate with chores of people, impress them and get their votes. Despite a very high tech publicity they start communicate about 15-18 months before the D-day. Their way of presentation, propaganda, branding are the best and most effective. A businessman need to go any where else to learn these skills except just watch them carefully.
4. Resource Mobilisation, Budgeting and Resource deployment: This we can learn in excellent way from politicians
CP.

Happy "Truue" Day

Friends,
Today, 4 th April has a very special place in my professional life. In 2009, I was seriously thinking to  expand the finance consultancy activities but nothing was materialising. Then, I started discussing about my business plan with some close friends. Then this date 4th April was decided to hold a formal meeting for two days to brain storm the business plan. The meet for two days was attended by my very good friend Chandran, close business associate Gaurang Acharya, my nephew Romil and very close associate Brij Saluja. This was the day when the first step towards expansion was taken. Today after 4 years, me and Brij are carrying on the business plan and giving everything to make our dream come true. This being a very historical day in my career, will be always remembered . I wish a very happy and wonderful "Truue" Day.

April month is the beginning of the new financial year hence more attention is towards business plans, budgeting, team appraisal and increments . In a sense more of in house activities and the same would continue till 15 the of the month and then the business would be at its peak to realise the business plans.

Tomorrow , one day tour to Delhi is scheduled with lot of meetings and activities after long time. I wish it would be a successful trip.

CP

Life & Week Days

Friends,

Days are same, sunlight is also same but some how,the afternoon of Sunday is always different. Sunday afternoon gives the luxury of day sleep, dull mood, more eating and so on. No other day offer these characteristics. No other afternoon is so long . Most of the houses are closed , very few phone calls and people don't prefer to be disturbed. I always feel the Sunday afternoon more hot or cold than any other day, more lethargic, full of laziness. If we move out on such day, the streets would be completely deserted. Even shops are closed and rarely any body would be on the road, be to rich or poor.

While analysing the seven days of a week, I noticed every day has some different characteristic. Like evenings of Saturday , morning of Monday etc. In same manner if we analyse our life, all these days explain everything, our life starts from Monday morning I.e. birth and ends on Sunday night I.e. old age. Our activities, relationships, love, affection, priorities, friends, society every thing changes with every passage of day and we can easily notice which day of the week are passing. It is Sunday afternoon which provides rest, dullness and lot of care. Of course no body would like to be on Sunday afternoon in life but this is fact and can't be changed. We had started day of life on Monday when we got lot of caring, love and affection. The same day can't continue, if it stops, how new day would come. Whatever be the day of life, we should always enjoy that , because movement is life and every movement of the day gives lot of learning, experience. Way to enjoyment may be different but every day should be enjoyed fully before we really approach  to Sunday evening of life .never repent about the days of life, if we gave enjoyed the same to its fullest , every day of life would be wonderful for us .

CP

Friends

Hope every one celebrated Holi today. Holi festival is coinciding with end of financial year and exams of the children.While relaxing at home today I was thinking about the way people do business and get success. While recollecting the memories,  I noticed various characteristics of entrepreneurs like ;

i. Some take risks and some avoid it.
Ii. Some borrow hugely and some don't like to borrow to avoid tensions.
iii. Some expand globally and some are satisfied with whatever they are doing .
iv. Some try to go beyond the control and some keep every thing in control.
v.  Some let the things happen on its own, delegate the powers and some tightly stick to that .
vi. Some wait for the right time, which never comes and some don't think about the timing .
vii. Some jump into new areas of business and some don't even move an inch in the existing business.

There may be large number of such characters of an entrepreneur . It depends on their attitudes, capability, expertise and so on. What is most important is how they view this world. In fact all kind of people are right in their own views and no one can be proved wrong. Those who run may fall some day, and those who don't may not grow beyond a point. Those who fall may be cursed and proved wrong, and those who don't grow may be blamed for wasting time. No one knows the future and no one can be always right. Then what is the best option for an entrepreneur should  he move forward, should  he wait for the right time , should he not take any risk or should he not dream? There is no standard answer to all these questions and that is the reason that life of every entrepreneur goes on trial and error basis. If he gets success , he is branded with good luck and if not then with bad intentions. That is the reality of this world and I believe an entrepreneur should go ahead with taking risk, expanding, entering into new arenas without caring much about this world or what people would say.

CP

Happy Holi

Friends

Wish you all a very happy and colourful Holi. This is the unique festival where communication is done through colors, informality, humbleness, forgiveness and equality. Once all coloured the differences wipe out. All look same and equal , no difference in caste, creed, status and so on. All behave in same way. In most of the cases, we hug each other and then only during this festival we again hug friends. What a surprise that rarely there is any other occasion when we repeat this with friends. We go to friends' house in the most unusable clothes which would not be reused again . Do we behave in this manner on any other day ? This is the day when we don't care about clothing, formality and look. The  most important feature of this day is that it gives opportunity to forget and forgive the past, burying the past grudges and bad hurt feelings  with in ourself and live life afresh. All the festivals of we Hindus carry unique messages and customs. We get he message they these festivals only and that is the reason that since centuries, we give more importance to dharma , Vedas and shastras.

CP

Friends,
Some quotes representing frustration, depression or low confidence:
1. Bhagya se jyaada and samay se pehle kuchh nahi milta;
2. Jo likha hai vo hi hoga;
3. Insaan apna bhagya likha ke lata hai;
4. Jo apne bhagya mai nahi hai vo kisi bhi haal mai nahi milega;
5. Jitni lambi chadar utne hi pav pasarne chahiye;

All the above quotes are very effective tool to prove oneself right otherwise how would one save himself from the blame of failure or non performance?

Now let us change the above quotes with positive attitude;
1. Insaan apna bhagya pane karmo se khud banana hai. Jab yeh nahi malum ki bhagya mai kya likha hai to aisa kaise ho sakta hai?
2. Jab likha hula malum nahi to aisa kahna bhi to galat hai.
3. Insaan bhagya Khud likhta hai;
4. Jab bhagya khud likhna hai to kuchh bhi likh lo.
5. Agar pav bade Karna chahte ho to chadar bhi lambi kar sakte ho.

CP

Friends
"Kisi ka Daman pakad ke chale to kya chale, achha hota kisi ko apna sahara deke gir jate. ( what if you have walk with support of some one, better to fall while giving your support).
The thought just cropped in my mind and I made it a shayari.

Suddenly there is vacuum at home. Just few hours back we were 5 in numbers, yesterday 6 and day before 7. For couple of days, both kids and guests descended and all went back. Nothing is static in this world and this includes the life too. The moment kids' arrival plans are finalised we get excited and then wait for that moment to come and suddenly they come and go back and so it converts into history.

Month of  March has peculiar character of final month for study and economy and hence all are busy and tensed too. Most of the people are busy and doing everything to achieve the targets set for the completing year. Soon this phase would end and new year would start and every thing fresh would be in place.

CP

Friends

Recently I got the opportunity to participate in Executive Committee meeting of "Gujarat Dyestuff Manufacturers' Association " popularly known as GDMA  and gave presentation on our new venture www.camelfinance.com. Above pics are from that event. 

CP 

Friends

Yesterday I was in Chennai. The visit was very hectic and bit uncomfortable too. The timings of the flight were quite odd. Morning at 5.50 and evening at 8 ( that too hopping ). So practically it takes more than 20 hrs of travelling and almost 22 hours' activity. Chennai is a very good place in terms of professional potential but the language barrier, cultural differences clearly reflect on the Business. The city is though metro but the traffic culture is not better than Ahmedabad. Also the taxi services are not very matured and probably needs lot of up gradation. Still Chennai along with Bangalore and Hyderabad offer great business opportunities. 

The efforts we made in any thing be it study or profession don't always give the desired results. May be some times even the failure. The frustration resulting out of this failure is always painful. We plan, put efforts, risk lot of resources and then the absence of desired results cause severe pain. The best cure for such situation is patience, maturity and positive attitude which not only helps in recovering but also gives energy to move further. Success comes to those who keep going in all situations without looking at failure. It is not important how many times we are successful, more important is how many failures we have handled and how many more we are ready to handle. Although It is easy to say and hard to act upon, but we have to forget the failure and move forward. That is the reason that attitude is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can be bought but not attitude. Knowledge can be out sourced but attitude can not be out sourced. Attitude decides destiny. 

CP

Friends,

Last month of financial year 2012-13 is progressing and soon this too would be over. We professionals and businessmen would analyse the performance individually in our own way and may or may not be satisfied with the performance. Then we would set new targets and do every thing to achieve that in coming year 2013-14. Other side this month is giving tough time to students as almost all the students of the country are busy in exams. These days hotels, theatres and other entertainment areas are almost vacant and we can see the impact of ongoing exams .

During childhood, I used to look at all the passing vehicles and dream of the best. My first vehicle was a cycle given by my father when I joined CA course in 1981 and now my favourite four wheeler  in 2013. I am happy to get this which is really a dream come true. In these 32 years, I got many vehicles and gradually graduated to this stage. I never meant to boast my self and please forgive me if sounds so.Although it may sound bit exaggerated but the purpose to mention is motivate all the friends who are studying or struggling in career to just wait and focus on their areas of activities. Soon the result would come. Sometimes when we get disheartened, we try to leave the efforts, but I believe, the success is very near to that stage. Do whatever comes to your way with full dedication and efficiency. Don't look at the peers or other persons , never compare your self , just set targets, be humble , and believe in your self .  Only slightly more efforts are needed to get success. Some of the quotes I wish to share :

1. In bad time even lord Ram could not get any help from his army, friends, relatives or even humans, he did not leave the efforts and got the help from monkeys, Bears, etc. so don't worry if you feel hat your own relatives, friends or known people are not supporting , definitely some one is going to support you.

2. Life is like and day and night and hence if the good time could not last long, bad time too would not. If it is day, night would come and if you feel passing thru the dark, day would soon come. So don't worry time would not remain same forever.

CP

Friends

After long gap I was in Mumbai today to meet some of the colleagues and other business meets. The mood here in finance capital was bit down and people were just waiting for the coming budget. It is a matter of guess for we general public to sense about the budget, but the fact remains that the budget is by the politicians and can not be for the benefit of industry at their cost. Whatever the budget, it would be with a sharp eye on elections and hence I believe the goodies, would be more for the general voters and may not be much of benefit to the economy. Although our country got independence in 1947 i.e. about 65 years ago, the real economic independence happened in 1991 and hence in that sense we are less than quarter century old country with "to some extent free " economy. Even in these 21-22 years the government was never equally aggressive for development of the country due to the fact that in all these years the country is run by coalition politics and every one has to keep in mind the interest of all supporting parties particularly regional parties who are more dominating these days. Thus the political compulsions have always suppressed the growth of the country and as i mentioned, the politicians decide the fate of the country's economy along with other areas, a nation like ours need more patience to grow. Despite this fact our country has really grown very fast after we came out of the shell of socialism and decide to open up the economy in 1991.

CP

Friends,

Last week I had a chance to visit Jaipur while returning from Delhi. The travel from delhi to Jaipur by road was pathetic. Complete road was dug up to expand. It seems government agencies don't plan properly. Adding fuel to fire was the continuous rain during the journey which chilled the weather. But overall such trips give chance to meet all the near and dear ones who are quite old and struggling with their lives. I pray to god for well being of all these people who have created us and cared for us to grow. They inculcated the good habits and thoughts in mind which helped in living life quite smoothly. Whenever I meet these elderly people I notice some distance making me feel guilt of moving away from them just for the better career. I fail to understand whether it was good or bad decision to do so some 20 years ago. Was it their mistake to guide and help me for if her studies and opening my vision to move to different locations for better career.  But it is irreversible now and except repentance nothing is left. They suffer because they are left alone now and we suffer because we are helpless. Whenever, new generation boys and girls ask me guidance  for better career, moving to different locations is common feature. Parents feel happy that their kids are growing and developing but I personally feel that soon every one would feel the repercussions . 

Such things gives more pain when these elderly people pass thru health issues and we feel helplessness. Probably this is the life and sooner or later every one would feel the pinch of this. Today sitting at home  this Saturday evening such thoughts are really troubling and hence thought of. Sharing with all of you and this helps me in relaxing.

CP

Friends,

These days we are busy in interviewing candidates from various fields for our regular requirement. One of the category is young CAs who have recently passed in couple of years back. In most of the cases the candidates were not interested in job profile neither in the reputation of the firm. They we interested only in one thing and that is the Money. The package, package and package. I don't understand what kind of profession breed we are developing who want to earn first then learn. It is the pressure the new professionals carry on their head by  way of huge expenditure incurred in their education. They want to recover the cost first. In the process they don't learn any thing and end up with depression and frustration . These days the value of a person is directly linked with the the package he is getting and nothing else. This is a very dangerous sign and we need to act very fast. We should teach these young generation that learning is a long term investment and directly jumping to earning may be suicidal. There is no need together panic and better sharpen your tools by learning more and more in the initial phase of professional life. In the greed of earning more and more some coaching classes are exaggerating the success and widening the dreams of the candidates so they pay higher fee. This way they are spoiling the candidates to look for nothing but only money at any cost and in the process they fake the CV, build stories and try to prove more than their real achievements.

Similarly the parents are also these days citing packages to prove the one up man ship of their kids. They don't introduce them by their character or profession but only by the company where he is serving or the package he is drawing. If other parents cite less package of their kids, he is happy otherwise he would feel less capable. I fail to under this cultural change which is ultimately dangerous for all. If we treat the kids on the basis of their package, we would never be able to Guide them properly, rather they would not listen or care the parents . Result would be unhappy ending of life, distraction, frustration and so on.

Let us change this by properly guiding  these young highly qualified and capable new generation to people. They can be great asset for the country otherwise equally dangerous liability.

CP

Friends

Date will change after half an hour and it will be 9th Feb. this day is very important for us as this is the birthday of my daughter Nikita . She is in Bangalore pursuing law but we are always with her. We wish a very very happy birthday to her and pray to god for great life ahead. God bless her with long healthy, happy life ahead. I seems the matter of few years but in fact more than 20 years when we were waiting for Nikita to come. She came change our lives forever.

Life is full of color where every moment is different and unpredictable. We don't know what is in store in future . We do and plan every thing with best intentions but the  results would always be different . We propose and god dispose. We try to reach the desired destination but god has his own plans and no one can supersede him. Still the end result is always good. We may not understand his plans and repent that time but he would never do wrong to we people his own creation.

CP

Friends

Beginning of the year always brings lot of happiness. With in a period of 30 days i.e. 10th January to 9th Feb. we have three birthdays. First my younger daughter on 10th Jan , 27th Jan mine and on 9th Feb my elder daughter Nikita. These 30 days give immense happiness every year. This year was more special to me as I completed 50 years and entered in 51st year. There was great celebrations and get together in the presence of both daughters and Kamleshji.

When I look back to the life in last 10 years, 15 years or more , a collage of life full of events, actions, happiness, sorrow comes in front of eyes. During last 15 years, my city Ahmedabad has given me wonderful shelter and great life. In 1998, I was in deep trouble and serious struggle of life was going on. Infact at this time I had just recovered from an accident. Kids were only of 5-6 years old, totally unaware of the circumstances we were passing through. They were happy and fully contended with whatever I could provide them and luxury was that I was always at home. No office , a small room at residence was my office and they could access me any time. Probably they did not miss me that time. Time passed and today they are studying in different cities, Pune and Bangalore ,  leaving both of us in Ahmedabad. We may have achieved some thing in professional career but time has re located all of us . This is the life and it happens always. Probably my patents also think the same way because they too are alone in Jaipur . It seems in time to come, this westernised culture would always keep the people each other separate.

Anyways, past is past and always full of bitter and sweet memories. Let us look into the next 10 years. With god's grace, kids would grow to women from girls, professionals from students and may be handling their own families full of their children and in laws. Other side may be we entering into sixties. In profession  running a big organisation or may be into many more activities . Every thing is wrapped in future known to nobody except God.

CP

Friends,

Last 5 days were full of action, surprise, thrill and happiness . On the eve of my birthday i.e. on 26th Jan, the was grand party hosted by Shashi. This was the occasion of my completing 50 years and entering into 51st year of life. The party was total surprise where the guests were totally unexpected and the venue, date and scale every thing. Surprise began on 24th itself when Nikita came late night to join the celebration. I had no idea of her plan till she was in front of me. Next day every thing was mysterious. Early morning on 26th Romil was in front of me, later Hitisha gave surprise and suddenly at about 3 pm, Kamlesh came straight from Belgium, till that time I was in impression that some thing is being organised on 27th. The evening was the biggest surprise of my life when the kids forced me to go for dinner in a hotel and there it was. All my nears and dears, school friends, old colleagues and many other friends were their to celebrate this. The evening was full of happiness, surprise, get together and many more. I am very grateful to Shashi , kids, friends who put in lot of efforts in organising this . Above all I am very thankful to all the guests who came and blessed me and understanding the surprise content of the occasion.

I would try to paste some pics of the occasion soon.

The life is journey and full of sweet and bitter memories. Every day is special and contains all tastes of life. Last 50 years of my life are like any other person's life. As a member of middle class family that lived in joint family system was always full of challenges, togetherness, happiness and scarcity. This made me bit tough too it that helped in settling in new location in different environment. When I had to leave  Mumbai about 19 years back, I was cursing my luck that my health came in way of bright career but today I feel hat God is kind enough and he has his plans for every body. He would never do wrong to us, his way of shaping our life is different and quite long term. Almost two decades in Ahmedabad have shaped my life well and I pray to god that coming years would be full of happiness and satisfaction.

CP

Friends

Today me in Indore after long time. The short visit to this city. The connectivity with between Ahmedabad and Indore is bit inconvenient. Morning flights and late evening flight is the only way to commute by air. It takes about 18 hours to visit this city. Travelling plays major role in professional development and day to day activities. It also indicates the level of working in any profession. 

As mentioned in my earlier post, the education has played vital role in dislocation of a human being. In last 20 years, our country has changed drastically in this sense and it has resulted into heavy reshuffle of people from one place to other place. The village population has reduced from 80% to 60% approx. resulting into the massive urbanisation. The other side of this is the emotional detachment of people from their ancestor places, relatives and culture. In return they may have earned lot of money , power and respect but lost sleep, peace of mind and happiness. Despite lot of support by the government to contain the urbanisation, the result is negligible. In my view, the mass dislocation of people is not good for the society. I believe the world over, dislocation in last 50 years has been highest since civilisation of last 5000  years. The impact may be severe in time to come when any city or country would lose its basic ethnicity and new culture would emerge which will also decide many other factors. Already the culture of our country has deshaped in last 20 years particularly the marriage institution has been badly hit. The old age issues are already haunting the people adversely. In near future, the respect , affection and regard would get adversely affected. In coming time people will fear of old age not because of old age illness but because of loneliness and no support of their children. It is evident with hundreds of old age home cropping up in cities taking care of left out parents. when you visit such places, it is very emotional and one can see his future place. Science has successfully removed the old age health problems to a great extent but in turn we have been gifted by much more serious issues of loneliness and left out treatment. But are not we responsible for this alongwith the children and parents? We want our kids to succeed at any cost and when they go away we blame them. To protect our culture, help ageing parents and live peaceful life, should there not be some limitation of distance or at least time. We should educate our coming generations about this otherwise soon serious issues may crop out.  

CP

Friends,
Winter season in north India is at its peak. Temperature across the country is down. This season is good for health, heavy diet, heavy clothing and to remain in habitat. This season is hot for politics and marriage.
Today, CA final result was out and one of my Article Niyati passed CA . We are very happy to see some one successful after lot of efforts and study .  I congratulate and wish her bright career ahead .
Life is full of uncertainty and unpredictable. We propose but some one dispose. Last Saturday, I was fortunate to go to Gazal  nite by  veteran Pankaj Udas. In one of his ghazal he was describing the changes in our society in last 3-4 generations.  It was too touching that emotions could not be controlled.  As per this gazal,  our grand parents used to live in mud houses, but the pains of own or the  neighbour were equally felt. People were innocent but had sound sleep, there was no tension. They were happy and satisfied. Then education entered in life and our parents moved to concrete homes. Life was better and innocence faded. Still the life was OK. In our present time, the life is completely spoiled. Hitech, fully educated, full of luxury but big vacuum. No one to share the pains. Every one is busy in himself. Selfishness, crime, diplomacy at their peak. Totally devastated life. In final phase of this ghazal, there was a message effort the upcoming generation. Not to run after money, be contained, care for others etc. the ghazal was true picture of what we were and where we have reached in search of happiness. The cost we paid to get all these is much higher than what we got in return.
In search of better career, we forgot every thing else. Carer made us selfish to such an extent that we did not care for parents. To some extent they're are also responsible but some where we became blind and moved wherever the  greed took us. And what we got ? The society  has changed a lot , values changed, basics of life changed. Today the respect is directly linked with pay package, cars, house, money, posts ignoring the facts that in process, people don't care about their culture, parents, relatives, language, values etc. we are now more than westernised in food habits, entertainments, culture, relationships.
Probably I am discussing some thing serious today. Anyways, year 2013 seems full of hopes and the initial signs are quite positive. Let us hope for the best 2013.
CP

Friends

Today was 6 th and last day of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Finally it was over long and tiring 6 days. This  was also the 6th Summit since 2003 under leadership of Shri Narendra Modi. The summit may have been very successful as reported in the media but this time exhibition was more like Mela and no where a business exhibition. The exhibition was open for all and hence the enjoyment of meeting business community, discussing and net working was no where. In this way exhibitors were disappointed . This was not a good sign for the summit because the image of the exhibition so far was of respect, dignity and a very high level of professionalism. In this situation, it is interesting to see the  outcome in near future. Small businessmen and professionals like me would definitely give second thought next time in 2015. Sometimes the intentions of the Government are not properly conveyed through the mediators like exhibitors and bureaucrats who in the process of better outcome and more earnings spoil the basic theme and their over confidence and arrogance takes away the sanctity of the theme. 

Post this Vibrant summit, people would be busy in uttarayan for next 2 days and hope fully from Wednesday things will start to be normal. 

CP

Friends
Last 3 days in Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit were very hectic. The exhibition was fully packed and had no room to meet people . This time Govt. of Gujarat allowed free entry to the summit and also lot of school children were invited to visit the exhibition. This disturbed the complete professional set up and exhibition turned into a Mela. Although this would help in broadening the vision of the kids and people from rural areas but the exhibitors' purpose of business net working was totally defeated despite the huge cost of putting up the stall and other preparations. I don't appreciate this and shall keep in mind next time.
Uttarayan is approaching and more particularly Gujarat celebrates this festival in big way. I wish a very happy uttarayan to every body. Tis festival also demand s lot of precaution while travelling more particularly on two wheelers because the kite strings are so dangerous that it cuts the throat instantly and that may be disastrous . We should also keep in mind that birds need space in sky and use all precaution to save them from kite strings.
CP

Day 2: Vibrant Gujarat

Friends,

2nd day of the VGGIS was quite different from Day 1. General public was allowed to visit the exhibition and hence lacs of people visited today. When public is allowed Freely, the business deals can't bt expected. Best part of the exhibition was the visit of school children who were very curious  and visualising the career ahead . They are entrepreneurs in making and this is the reason the Gujaratis are much ahead in business. People, students and ladies from remote areas and villages we the main visitors  today. Another attraction of the exhibition was diamond studded and gold plated car Chevrolet . Tomorrow, two towers in GIFT city would be inaugurated and that would be beginning of a specially dedicated city which would soon be one of the renowned location in finance and IT in the country.

CP

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Friends,

Today the Governement of Gujarat  started to celebrate the 6th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2013. First VGGIS was in 2003 with hardly 50 stalls and exhibition was spread in the area of 2000 sq. Kms.  This is Gujarat government intiative and every alternate year it is celebrated. In a span of only 10 years , this 6th summit has grown many times. This time exhibition is spread in the area of 160000 sq. mars, more than 1100 stalls , 22 States participation and more than 100 countries are participating. This is sufficient data to judge the volume and importance of VGGIS. It would not improper to  say that this is the biggest business exhibition of the country . It is like a Kumbha mela of businessmen and industrialists , Professionals and Students to learn a lot, meet many people, understand the business and management styles and above all expand the vision many fold. Last time almost 7 lacs people visited the exhibition and this time it is expected to touch 20 lacs hopefully. We are fortunate to have participation like the previous one and are confident to get much better results. This time we are promoting Camelfinance along with Truue asset mgmnt. Day one was very hectic and tiring but quite interesting too. We could communicate with many people and wish to meet lot many more in next 5 days. Many industrialists and international dignitaries are expected to visit thei summit.

Whenever new ideas are translated into action, the uncertainties loom large . We have to live in future and act in present. We boast of success whereas the same is yet to come. The persistent efforts and confidence only would lead us to success. It is just like jumping into river without knowing the fate but the confidence in self, faith in God and belief in the team would definitely help in crossing the uncertain water. Whenever my confidence shaken, I look towards my team who are more confident than me and charge my self. If they are so confident, why not me. Every thing it's own time, efforts and tests. There is no short cut rather long cuts with lot of hurdles . In my view more long route, more hurdles would generate higher success. 

Tomorrow would  be another day for us in VGGIS with full of excitement and fun. Lt us hope for the best. Till then let us sharpen the armour and strategies .

CP

Happy New Year 2013

Friends

Year 2012 gone , 2013 just arrived . I wish a very happy, healthy, safe, peaceful and prosperous new year. Incidences of 2012 have forced to pray for 'SAFE" for everybody. World leaders like UN, USA and many other developed nations have categorically opined that India and particularly Delhi is not safe to live. They are absolutely right in saying so because in a city where politicians are in cluster ruling the whole country, a power hub, no one can claim to be safe, be it man, woman, girl or boys. It seems politicians are just insensitive and do only lip service that too when they feel that their own interest is getting adversely affected. Hence I also pray for safe year 2013. I hope year 2013 will bring some happiness, prosperity and better governance. Let us keep the happy moments of 2012 with us, forget the bad parts and move on.

New year is also bringing normalcy in to business and study activities as the winter vacations have just finished . To me , new year is coming with lot of challenges and opportunities professionally. We have just launched Web Portal "www.camelfinance.com" and it needs lot of efforts. Vibrant Gujarat summit will bring another opportunity. Positive signals in finance sector would further boost the industry and may bring in lot of cheer. Overall new year is giving good feelings. 

CP