So, what's the plan? - Shivom Oza

I hear about acquaintances getting married. I see friends getting settled in their respective careers. I learn about 'FB contacts' traveling around the world. Few folks turned entrepreneurs and are, apparently, doing well.

I went with these people to the same school/college, have had a similar upbringing, and, presumably, am as focused. Yet, I've no clue about where am I headed, as far as these aforementioned aspects are concerned.

I've been asked the 'what's your plan?' question, often. IMO, the best plan is to not have one at all. Nothing wrong in going with the flow! No?

Shivom Oza

Kitna Hua? Kitna Baaki Hai? - Shivom Oza

How much am I earning? When is the weekend coming? How many hours to go before I leave for the day? If I plan a trip, how many days' leave should I apply for? How many likes did my FB post get? How much time is it going to take for me to reach my destination? How many words to go before I touch 100?

Invariably, we spend most of our day - and life - keeping a count of everything, and then wonder why we've become so dull. If only, we valued moments as much as we value numbers!

Shivom Oza

I'd love to quit my job and travel, but.. - Shivom Oza

Ever heard of people who quit their corporate jobs to travel around the world? Their blogs feature wondrous stories, photographs & videos that encapsulate their nomadic life. I've daydreamed about resigning, packing my bags and setting off to Romania/Cambodia/Bolivia/Guatemala, while waiting for the Churchgate local.

However, like money makes the world go round, it is what makes you go around the world as well. I wonder how these people manage their expenses.

I can't wait to take the plunge, but looking at the trends in salaries at Indian workplaces - I might have to buy a lottery ticket soon.

Shivom Oza

Are you mocking me? - Shivom Oza

An old friend stammered while talking. He used to be called 'Hakla', often! Dark-complexioned are often called 'Kaala' without reason. There are people who've based their mannerisms/sense of style upon those of the opposite sex. Yes, 'Chakka'! I happen to have squint, and I've had the colourful word 'Kanya' thrown at me.

Chinki, Bauna, Totla..

I have called people names too. When I think about it now, I feel terrible. I hope that those of you reading this, who outrage so much against racism, sexism, inequality etc. in your daily lives, take a moment to ponder upon this.

Shivom Oza

Adoption by choice, not compulsion! - Shivom Oza

We've heard of couples opting to adopt only during exceptional circumstances - can't conceive/gay/have resources to bring up biological as well as adopted children. Else, seldom do married couples choose to adopt instead of conceiving their own child.

I've discussed this thought with a few people, and they've thrown words like 'own child', 'our blood' etc. However, can't we look beyond all this? Whenever I come across an unfortunate family-less child, I wonder what could have been had he/she been adopted as a toddler. If only, we stopped thinking about 'our blood' and treated every life as it were!

Shivom Oza

No terrorist is completely guilty - Shivom Oza

November 27, 2008.

I was devastated to know about the loss of innocent lives. However, my heart went out to the several young gunmen.

Can we really blame them? They were probably raised in an environment where killing for justice was considered acceptable. They were brought up on misguided tales of injustices meted out to 'their' people, while children around the world learnt the alphabet, vowels and mathematics. They had to make the choice between poverty and terrorism, while people their age broke sweat over Science, Commerce and Arts.

Punish them, surely. Yet, is it truly their fault?

Shivom Oza

There's no accounting for taste - Shivom Oza

"How can you possibly like Rowdy Rathore? It's 'senseless' - an insult to cinema."

This is what I was told when I publicly revealed that I loved the Akshay Kumar-starrer. Do you have to watch Kashyap/Motwane/Scorsese/Allen/Fincher etc., to be certified as a film buff? Likewise, why can't anyone who only reads Chetan Bhagat, be proud to call himself/herself a reader?

Having an opinion is one thing; imposing it on others is what I'd call 'senseless'. No one has the right to choose what you should read/watch/think/say, but you.

BTW, I loved Kick. There's no accounting for taste.

Shivom Oza

Work Culture in India - Shivom Oza

The work culture in Indian organizations is abominable. A part of the salary gets deducted for coming late, but no compensation is given to those who have to stick around after work hours. If you happen to give extra time to work, you're supposed to be a 'dedicated' employee. Saturday is a working day (ridiculous). The employers stick to the rule book as long as it is convenient for them. They should realize that if they let their employees be, the latter will perform better. However, there is zero trust. The Indian work culture desperately needs an overhaul.

Shivom Oza