From Indifference to Respect: Keeping It Professional in Indian Workplaces.....

 #647 (100 posts from this would be 747-Boeing!!)....

A long one... but relevant!!

Back in 1983, when I was a 20-year-old college kid, I watched North Sea Hijack and got hooked on Roger Moore’s character, Ffolkes. He was this quirky, tough guy who loathed women and kept his distance, focusing on his mission. I thought, “That’s me!” Not because I feared women, mind you—I was just indifferent. I didn’t care much for anyone, man or woman. Being a high-D personality—driven, direct, and yeah, a bit arrogant—I kept people at arm’s length. If someone rubbed me wrong, my cuss words flowed freely, no matter their gender. I was like Trump in that way—an equal opportunity abuser! It worked for me back then; nobody messed with me, and life was cool. (Hahhahah!! Parents told their daughters to stay away from me / disappear, while they loved my brother- Such a terror I was even in my teens..... ehhehehehehehhehehhehehehehheheh!).

Fast forward to today, and I’m reflecting on a shocking incident at work. A manager I admired—stellar performer, always hitting targets—was sacked. Why? Sexual harassment. It blew my mind. This guy wasn’t a creep; he was a star. But he developed feelings for a female colleague, crossed workplace norms, and when she didn’t reciprocate, she escalated it. His career? Gone. It got me thinking: how do smart people mess up like this? And in Indian workplaces, especially manufacturing where I’ve spent years, why is it so tricky to keep things professional? Here’s my take, plus tips for staying respectful and safe, whether you’re a brash high-D like me or just trying to do your job.

Why Do Good People Slip?

This manager’s fall wasn’t about being “bad”—it was about missteps. In India, our workplaces are a unique mix of tradition and new-age rules, and that can trip folks up. Here’s why:

• Family-Like Vibes: Indian offices feel like extended families. We share samosas, plan Diwali parties, and banter over chai. But this cosiness can blur lines. The manager might’ve mistaken his colleague’s politeness—say, a friendly nod—for interest. Big mistake. Professional doesn’t mean personal. (Kannadasan aptly wrote in song, 40 years back- சிரிக்கின்ற பெண்களை பார்க்கின்ற கண்ணுக்கு அழைப்பது போல் ஒரு பித்த துடிப்பு -A woman who smiles, makes you feel she is inviting you- beware, "bile it is" ! Boy How much I learned from his 100s of songs). 
• Boss Power: As a manager, he had clout. A casual comment or WhatsApp message from a senior can feel heavy to a junior. If she felt cornered, saying no wasn’t easy. In India, where we respect authority, those in charge need to be doubly careful.
• Cultural Mix-Up: Bollywood’s taught us that persistence wins hearts—think SRK chasing his heroine. Some guys think that’s okay at work. The manager might’ve thought he was being suave, but if it’s unwelcome, it’s trouble. Intent doesn’t erase impact.
• No Clue on Rules: Many Indian companies, especially in manufacturing, skimp on training. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (POSH, 2013) says unwanted advances—comments, texts, even stares—are harassment. But not everyone gets it, and that’s where things go south.

In this case, the manager let feelings take over. Maybe he thought he saw “signals.” She didn’t feel the same, and when he pushed, she reported it. Companies today, under POSH and public scrutiny, act fast. One wrong move, and years of hard work vanish.

Manufacturing: Where It Gets Trickier

I’ve spent years in manufacturing—factories churning out auto components, textiles, you name it. It’s a man’s world, mostly. Women make up maybe 10-15% of the workforce, often in roles like quality testing or line supervision. This setup brings challenges:

• Spotlight Effect: When women are rare, they stand out. A new female technician on the shop floor might get extra glances—not because she’s doing anything, but because she’s different in a sea of men. Some guys, not used to mixed teams, might misread her teamwork as something else.
• Small-Town Roots: Many workers, especially in Indian factories, come from traditional backgrounds—small towns or villages where men and women don’t mix much outside family. Suddenly, they’re working with a female engineer. It’s new, and without guidance, they might not know how to keep it strictly work.
• Macho Culture: Factories have a “bhai” vibe—guys joking, smoking beedis during breaks, bonding over cricket. When women join, some men don’t know how to act. A joke that’s fine among mates might feel off to her. I’ve seen it in canteens or shift handovers—casual remarks crossing lines.
• Focus Trap: Early in my career, I thought women were a “distraction” in such setups. Took me years to realise it’s not them—it’s us. If a guy’s thinking about her smile instead of the lathe machine’s output, that’s his problem, not hers.

These dynamics make manufacturing a hotspot for slip-ups. Women are there to do their jobs—checking tolerances, running production lines. Anything less than professional respect risks drama, or worse, a POSH complaint.

My Journey: From Indifference to Balance:- Looking back, my North Sea Hijack mindset kept me out of trouble, but it wasn’t perfect. Being indifferent and brash worked in college and early jobs—I scared people off, and my high-D arrogance set boundaries. Man or woman, if you annoyed me, you got an earful, no filter! But as I grew (okay, it took 15 years-2000!), I saw there’s a better way. You don’t need to avoid women or cuss everyone out—you just need respect and focus.

That manager’s story hit me because it could happen to anyone who’s not careful. Even a high-D like me, who doesn’t care about gender, can misstep if I’m not clued in. Workplaces today, especially in India, demand more than indifference—they demand professionalism.

How to Stay Professional and Safe

So, how do we keep our careers intact and workplaces fair, especially in manufacturing? Here’s what I’ve learned, tailored for Indian factories and beyond:

1. Work Is King
   On the shop floor, stick to the job—machine uptime, defect rates, shift targets. Chatting with a female colleague? Keep it about work: “Did the new drill bits arrive?” not “You seem tired today.” It’s straightforward and avoids confusion.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
   • No Personal Talk: Skip comments on looks, family, or life unless she starts it—and even then, keep it short and neutral.
   • Smart Communication: Use work emails or group chats for tasks. Avoid texting her at 10 PM unless it’s a production emergency.
   • Read Signals: If she’s formal or avoids small talk, don’t push to be “pally.” Respect her space.
3. Know POSH Basics
   POSH laws apply to every factory with 10+ employees. Harassment isn’t just physical—it’s unwanted jokes, messages, or attention that makes someone uneasy. If your company doesn’t train, ask HR or check online. Knowing this keeps you safe.
4. Build Work-Only Bonds
   You don’t need to shun women colleagues—treat them like male teammates. Discuss the new SOPs, brainstorm downtime fixes, but don’t dig into personal stuff. In my factory, the best teams work like this—men and women collaborating, no drama.
5. Tame Your Inner High-D
   • Think Twice: About to say something cheeky? Ask, “Is this needed? Could it sound wrong?” If unsure, zip it.
   • Feelings Off-Limits: Crushes happen, but work’s not for romance. Vent to a buddy outside, not her.
   • Ask for Input: Not sure if you’re coming off right? Check with a trusted senior or HR, no names needed.
6. Cover Yourself
   • Keep Records: If you’re training or working closely with a woman, save emails or notes to show it’s legit.
   • Stay Visible: Have talks near the assembly line or in open offices, not empty cabins.
   • Clear Misreads: If she seems to take your work vibe as interest, reset gently: “Let’s stick to the schedule.”
7. Change the Vibe
   In manufacturing, culture starts at the top. If you’re a foreman or shift lead, model respect. Shut down crude jokes in the break room. Praise teamwork, not “hero” antics. It sets the tone for younger guys.

An Inoculation for Respect

I like thinking of professionalism as an inoculation—a habit that protects you. Here’s how to build it:

• See Skills, Not Gender: Focus on her work—her knack for spotting defects, not her vibe. Practice this till it’s automatic.
• Learn from Falls: When you hear about a case like this manager’s, don’t gossip—analyse what he missed and how you’d dodge it.
• Stay Sharp: Norms change. What flew in 1990s factories doesn’t in 2025. Ask HR or read up.
• Copy the Best: Watch how top supervisors handle mixed teams—mimic their clarity.
• Vent Elsewhere: Stress or feelings bubbling up? Talk to family or mates, not colleagues. Keeps work clean.

The Indian Way: Respect Wins

In India, we’re juggling old-school values with modern workplaces. Women are rocking it—running lines at Mahindra, designing chips at Intel India. That’s our future. My younger self, inspired by Ffolkes, thought indifference was enough. But today, I know it’s about respect—treating everyone as equals, no more, no less.

That manager wasn’t evil, just careless. One slip cost him everything. Let’s not repeat it. Next time you’re in the factory, look at your team—men, women, all grinding for the same goal. Keep it about the work, keep it respectful, and we’ll build workplaces we’re proud of.

So, what’s your move? How will you make your factory or office a place where respect rules?

Karthik

15/4/25.

From Cradle Offerings to Craving Connection – A Journey Through Heat, Dust, and the Heart.

 #646

Ten days. Four cities. A hundred barricades. A thousand thoughts.

Karaikudi 1988, Parents 25th Wedding Anniversary. I assume you can identify me. (With Grandfather, Anand!!). 

I’ve just returned from what feels less like a work trip and more like a test of endurance. The kind of trip where the kilometres weren’t the only things being clocked — my patience, spine, senses, and spirit were all put through the wringer. From the dusty chaos of Bombay outer, industrial belt to the stillness of Karaikudi, my ancestral home — this journey was a mix of grit and grace.

It began in Pondicherry, where I visited a pharmaceuticals site. Their systems were decent from a GMP perspective — not perfect, but far better than many. Safety excellence, as usual, played the second fiddle to compliance. This has become a running theme in Indian industry: they stop at “compliance” and mistake it for “excellence.” It's frustrating to see organisations chase audit scores, but remain blind to real risk.

Velankanni Church with Lalitha and her mother. 

From there, I moved on to Velankanni, seeking something quieter. And I found it. A peaceful 90 minutes of prayer, unhurried and uncluttered. We offered a cradle to Ava Maria — a symbolic gesture, (for the grand kids) but also, in a way, a whisper of hope. No crowd, no chaos, just calm. Perhaps it was a divine balancing act, because what came next was anything but peaceful.

Outer Bombay, a legacy facility, took me back into the heart of India’s industrial rust belt. Layers of age, average systems, Inertia in tons, — and now a new leadership trying to turn the ship around. They have intent. That’s a start. But it will take more than intent to unlearn decades of “chalta hai” and rekindle pride in process.

And then there was Karaikudi.

My soul's compass.

The home is locked now. But clean, cared for, still echoing with memories. Two generations before me still walk those halls in my mind. The swing creaks a little, but I could swear I saw my mother’s saree hanging from the line… memory plays these tricks, especially when the heart is full. I didn’t stay long. I never do. The longer I stay, the harder it is to leave.

Finally, back to Bangalore, just in time to receive my cousin arriving from Portland. Woke up at 2 a.m. to coordinate, chased traffic in dusty lanes, wished for rain, and silently whispered to myself — tomorrow, I stop.

VB to Madurai. I am off to Madurai Next week for Uncle's first anniversary rituals. 

Mahesh and Sudha arrived from PDX 2am, now on way to Madurai. 

Because amidst all this — the site walks, the train rides, the ancestral flashbacks, and industrial fatigue — what I’ve missed most is Lalitha. Two weeks have passed and we’ve barely had a real conversation, let alone sat hand-in-hand like we used to every morning 5am. It’s not loneliness — it’s a longing. A quiet, familiar space that only she can fill.

So from tomorrow, I pause.

No emails. No checklists. Just conversations. Just breath. Just rain, if we’re lucky.

Because sometimes, we don’t need more kilometres travelled.
We need to travel inward — back to what anchors us.

Karthik

13th April 2025

4pm. (Boy one tiered man!!). 

A Life of Quiet Grace: Remembering Amma, Four Years On

 #645

Mom, Pillayar Patti Ganesh Temple 2016. 

Mom 30th Nov 2020, my final birthday with her, the T-Shirt she gifted. 

It was around this time,(2am) four years ago, on the morning of 1st April 2021, that my mother departed from this world. She left us quietly, at Amritkala, just days before the full-scale madness of COVID engulfed India in its second wave. In many ways, it was her last blessing to us — sparing us the dehumanising rituals, masks, restrictions, and sterilised grief that the pandemic forced upon so many others. The world was in chaos then — lies, deception, and mindless governance had taken over — but somehow, Amma beat it to the finish line with her characteristic dignity.

Born and brought up in Delhi, she was no ordinary woman. In an age when girls from metropolitan India rarely ventured beyond their comfort zones, she chose to build her life in the rural heartland of Karaikudi — far from the bustle and familiarity of her own upbringing. Married to a scientist, she spent over six decades in the Chettinad hinterlands, never once complaining, never once expressing regret.

Amma was deeply pragmatic — never emotional, never asking for anything for herself. She wore her detachment like a badge of quiet strength. A devout follower of the Kanchi Paramacharya, she had long given up silk sarees as a mark of spiritual commitment and often nudged my wife and sister-in-law as well as her daughters, to do the same. Her spirituality wasn’t performative. It was lived, internalised, and quietly powerful.

She believed in giving — not just in the literal sense of charity, but in spirit. Students, the poor, Refugees (1971 East Pakistan Refugees) Vedic causes — those were her priorities. The only time she would ask me for money was to support someone’s education, or contribute to a cause she deeply believed in. She had inherited that large-heartedness from her own mother. And after mom passing, her younger brother confided in us that throughout her life, she never once expressed discontent — even when living conditions were less than ideal. She bore life with a calm stoicism that still leaves me in awe.

It was her clarity of thought that influenced some of my life’s biggest decisions. When I was contemplating whether to build my career in the South, she was blunt. “The South is a hellhole, no opportunities. Go North,” she said — and she was right. That nudge pushed me into a career trajectory that changed my life. Ironically, it was again her — this time as a grandmother — who brought me back to South India. After Appa’s passing in 2017, she seemed to lose interest in her own health. Perhaps she missed him more than she ever let on. The poor healthcare systems in Karaikudi, only accelerated what we all feared.

To honour her wishes and to give her the joy of watching her grandchildren up close, I moved back. I have no regrets — not one. Those few years she spent around the kids were filled with silent contentment.

Even now, four years on, Lalitha and I often feel her presence. In quiet moments. In values she instilled. In habits that live on in us. I hear her voice in my head when I am about to take a misstep. I feel her warmth when I see acts of kindness. And I miss her — we all do — more than words can say.

She lived her life by a quiet code. No drama, no demands, no detours. Just dharma.

And that, perhaps, is the finest legacy anyone can leave behind.

Karthik

1st April 2025. 9am. 

Final Photo of Mom, 20th March 2021, on Gayathri's (Left) birthday @Amritkala. 

Why I Quit LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook — And Don’t Miss a Thing

 #644

Personal Update:- I will be away on travel (Personal/Business) until late 11th April. So there would be a lull.!! 

Context: Few Articles/ Messages glorifying LinkedIn+++ in past few days.(As usual, anything Anti Trump would now get a pump in!). 

For someone who jumped onto the social media bandwagon early—be it Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn—I must admit, these platforms had their golden phase. I joined Facebook in 2007, LinkedIn around the same time, and Twitter not long after. Back then, they offered an unmatched thrill—the excitement of sharing thoughts live, engaging with professional peers, learning in real time, and staying updated on world affairs.

But somewhere around 2017, something changed. The platforms that once felt vibrant began to rot from within. Today, I view them as over-glorified echo chambers where loud opinions drown out genuine dialogue—and Big Tech plays puppet-master, often pushing agendas that disturb democracy more than they support it.

---

LinkedIn: Facebook with a Skirt / Tie?

What was once a sharp, professional space has become an emotion-driven hall of self-praise, corporate fluff, and passive-aggressive politics. LinkedIn today looks like Facebook in formal attire—glorified status updates disguised as leadership lessons. And far too often, I see users sharing political opinions, unaware that it could quietly sabotage future opportunities. 

What alarms me more is the woke politics, ESG, DEI (All Sham) being pushed subtly through posts, hiring drives, and leadership narratives. People don't realise that LinkedIn is also where decision-makers watch—and misjudged posts can close doors behind your back.

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Twitter: Censorship Dressed as Moderation

Once a platform for real-time thought exchange, Twitter devolved into an ideological bunker post-2016. The bias against Donald Trump and his voters became evident—almost pathological. While Elon Musk’s entry brought a gust of fresh air, the damage had already been done.

• The Hunter Biden laptop story was suppressed days before the 2020 U.S. elections—tagged as “Russian disinformation.” We now know it was 100% authentic.

• COVID origin debates, alternate vaccine views, or lockdown criticism? Flagged or suspended.

• January 6th narratives were controlled and censored, silencing many conservative voices—even while Antifa-style violence elsewhere got a pass.

Twitter became a tool of propaganda, not a platform for open exchange.

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Facebook: Compliance Over Integrity

My discomfort with Facebook is not new. I always felt Mark Zuckerberg lacked a spine—a chameleon more concerned with power than principle. Even during his Harvard days, the guy was a Wishy-Washy. 

• During the 2020 U.S. elections, Facebook censored conservative pages and groups in coordination with U.S. intelligence agencies.

• The FBI had direct access to flag content for takedown—raising serious questions about state censorship by proxy.

• And let’s not forget: Zuckerberg himself poured $400+ million through “Zuck Bucks” into local election offices under the guise of “safe voting.” These funds disproportionately boosted turnout in Democrat-heavy areas, skewing the democratic process. [Reference: https://nypost.com/2021/12/14/zuckerbucks-a-dark-money-democratic-scandal/]

Today, he’s trying to backpedal, positioning Meta as an unbiased entity. Sorry, we’re not buying it.

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Behind the Curtains: The Real Power Games of Social Media Giants

Many in India may not realise this, but Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn) has been a central figure in funding anti-Trump efforts, disinformation campaigns, and political manipulation.

• In 2018, Hoffman funded a fake Russian bot campaign to discredit Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore—an actual election interference op, later exposed by The New York Times.

• He’s bankrolled several anti-Trump PACs, and only after backlash did he issue a mild apology.

• The irony? These very people lecture the world on “election integrity.”

What we’re seeing is not just bias. It’s an active attempt to rig narratives, influence elections, and weaponise platforms.

And now that the political tide is shifting back in favour of Trump, you’ll see these same CEOs slowly “adjusting tone” or pretending to be neutral. Don’t be fooled—it’s self-preservation, not sincerity.

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Instagram & WhatsApp: Distractions in Different Packaging

Instagram? I’ve never been on it, and feel no need. It’s a dopamine factory—designed for vanity, not value.

As for WhatsApp, I use it with strict discipline. No groups. No endless forwards. Just clean, direct communication with family and professional contacts. It’s one of the few tools that remains tolerable, as long as you control the usage—not the other way around.

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The Price of Walking Away?

Sure, I may lose “visibility” or some updates. But what I gain is peace of mind, authenticity, and intellectual independence. I now prefer to channel my thoughts through my blogs—both professional and personal. My interactions are filtered, thoughtful, and deliberate—not driven by algorithms or outrage.

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Why I’m Glad I Quit

• No more comparison traps.

• No algorithm playing mind games.

• No shallow ‘likes’ for dopamine.

• No fake humility or self-congratulatory nonsense. Especially LinkedIn is horror worse than Indian Movies. hahahhah! 

I own my content. I own my thoughts. And I don’t need a “platform” to matter.

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Still Curious? Here’s the Other Side

Yes, if you're:

• A jobseeker: LinkedIn can still help but not much.

• A creator/artist: Instagram has its niche.

• Into global news: Twitter might still work if you filter well.

• In community groups: Facebook offers some utility.

But for many of us, these are no longer must-haves. They're optional tools. And tools must be used—not worshipped.

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Final Thought

In a world obsessed with visibility, I’ve chosen clarity.

Big Tech may think they run the world. But I prefer to run my life with purpose, select interactions, and free thought. My voice doesn’t need to echo in the crowd. It just needs to be true.

Karthik

31/3/25 (Boy 3 months of the year flew away!). 

PS: Oh Yes, my youtube feed is blank. I have made settings such that the Home screen is always Blank with 0 suggestions. I need to type what I want to view!! So, No distraction either. 

Save for Tomorrow or Spend It All Today? Finding the Middle Ground in India.

 #643

So, my American friend dropped a bombshell yesterday—recommended a book called Die with Zero. The gist? Spend every dime before you’re six feet under. It’s a wild thought, right? Growing up in the 60s-70s generation in India, I was drilled to save—stash cash, hoard gold, leave a fat legacy for the kids, maybe even the grandkids. But today’s youngsters? They’re out there living it up, spending like tomorrow’s a myth. It’s got me wondering: what’s the right move—save it all or blow it all? And how do we make it work in India? Yesterday, I blogged about saving for hard times here—floods, inflation, the works. Now, I’m digging into balancing that with actually enjoying life. Let’s break it down.

The 60s Way: Save for the Future

This is our parents’ playbook—save like your life depends on it (and it kinda did). I recollect not taking a job offer as it did not increase my 401K entitlement. (Provident Fund in India).
Why It Rocks:

• Safety Net: Emergencies don’t knock—medical bills, job loss, or bailing out a relative. In India, where government support’s thin, this is clutch.
• Legacy Love: Handing down a house or some cash feels like passing on a piece of yourself. Plus, being the generous elder? That’s goodwill gold.
• Chill Factor: Knowing you’re not broke at 80 or during a crisis (like yesterday’s blog) is a stress-buster.

Why It Sucks:

• Life on Hold: Skip that Goa trip or fancy dinner to pad the bank? You might miss out while you’re still kicking.
• Inflation’s a Thief: Cash just sitting there loses punch—India’s rising costs eat it up. Property’s great till you need quick cash.
• Too Much of a Good Thing: Save too much, and your kids might inherit a pile they don’t need—or blow it on bad decisions.

Real Talk –Take Mr. Sharma, a retired clerk from Delhi. Saved every rupee from his 40-year job—bought a flat, stacked fixed deposits, left his son a crore. Solid, right? But he never traveled beyond NCR, skipped upgrading his creaky knees because “money’s for later,” and died at 75 with regrets. His son? Sold the flat, splurged on a BMW, and it’s gone in five years. Lesson: Saving’s noble, but overdoing it can backfire.

The ‘Die with Zero’ Way: Spend It All

This is the new-age vibe—live big, die broke.
Why It Rocks:

• YOLO Vibes: Spend on what lights you up now—trips, gadgets, good food—while you’ve got the energy.
• Stress-Free: No obsessing over how much to leave behind—just enjoy the ride.
• Money Moves: Spending keeps the economy humming, from your local chai stall to India’s malls.

Why It Sucks:

• Longevity Lotto: Outlive your cash, and you’re toast. India’s healthcare costs are no joke, and lifespans? Anyone’s guess.
• Family Drama: Spend it all, and your kids might feel cheated—inheritance is big in our culture.
• Rainy Days: Like I wrote yesterday, India throws curveballs—zero savings could leave you high and dry.

Real Talk – Meet Priya, a 30-something Bangalore techie. Inspired by Insta influencers, she spends her fat salary on luxe vacations, designer bags, the works. Savings? Barely a lakh. Then bam—layoffs hit, and she’s scrambling to pay rent. Living large felt great—till reality crashed the party.

India’s Twist: Context Is King

Here’s the deal,—India’s not the USA. Pensions here are shaky, and family’s often your fallback. Saving feels like survival, not just tradition. But the young guns have a point—why grind your whole life just to hand it over? Inflation’s a beast, and lifestyle creep’s real. Yesterday’s blog nailed it: saving for uncertain times makes sense. Hoarding every rupee? Maybe not.

The Middle Ground: Save Smart, Spend Smart

So, what’s the optimum way? Here’s my take:

1. Emergency Stash: Park 6-12 months’ expenses in a safe spot—India’s unpredictability demands it.
2. Live a Little: Budget for now—maybe a family trip to Kerala or that smart TV you’ve eyed. Balance, not sacrifice.
3. Grow It: Invest in mutual funds, stocks, or gold—beat inflation while you’re at it.
4. Legacy Lite: Plan a modest handover—a flat or some cash—but don’t overstack. Your kids can hustle too.
5. Check In: Life shifts—tweak your plan as you go.

Real Talk :- Ravi, a Mumbai businessman, nails this. Saves 30% of his income, invests in SIPs, and still takes his family to Thailand yearly. He’s got an emergency fund and a small flat earmarked for his daughter. No extremes—just steady.

Wrapping It Up:- So, what’s your play? I’m leaning toward this middle path—saving smart but living well. Yesterday, I wrote about prepping for India’s curveballs; today, I say let’s enjoy the ride too. Save for tomorrow or spend it all? I vote both—done right. What’s your money move? Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears!

Karthik

29/3/25.

1015am.

Surviving the Cost Crunch: How to Thrive in India’s Tough Times

 #642. 

Context: Few messages I received from Folks on how even Rs. 2,000,000 (20 Lacs)(25,000$) an Annum is not enough to meet ends meet in Bangalore / Metros for a family. 

++++++

Hey folks, let’s talk about something we’re all facing—the crazy speed at which the cost of living in India is shooting up. Globally, we’re nowhere near the top of the cost-of-living index (Basel is 104, New York is 100, while Bangalore, our priciest city, is just 28.3). But don’t let that fool you—the squeeze here is real. Inflation, taxes, and creaky infrastructure are hitting us hard. Roads are a mess, traffic eats up our time, and forget doing productive side hustles in your free hours. The state and central governments? They seem busy with distractions and appeasement, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Then there’s the air quality—choking us daily—slums, poor hygiene, and unplanned healthcare costs. I’m sick this week, and I’ve already shelled out $100 (unplanned, of course!). Hospitals charge whatever they want, and low-cost care feels risky because the quality’s dicey. So, we end up at expensive tertiary care right away. Add to that—we’re living longer. More years mean more of these surprise expenses. Even with health insurance and pensions, I wonder: will $25,000 a year (in rupees) be enough for a decent life by 2030? Inflation’s eating everything up.

And don’t get me started on the social tension—haves vs. have-nots. How long before you’re robbed on the street? (Fingers crossed gated communities stay safe! at least for now!) So, how do we vaccinate ourselves against this inflation and uncertainty? Here’s what I’ve been doing for years, plus some extra ideas:

1. Zero-Based Budgeting
   Plan every rupee—monthly and yearly. List all expected and unexpected expenses. Knowing what’s coming helps you stay ready. 
   
   My tracker. ( I update at 5am with Lalitha). 
2. Track Every Paisa
   Use apps or software to log daily, monthly, and yearly spending. Categorize it—food, bills, healthcare—so you see where the money’s going.
   
   
   
3. Sleep on Big Spending
   For anything beyond routine expenses, wait 24-48 hours. If it still feels right, go for it. This has saved me tons! (At home, anything above Rs. 3000 spend on a new item, needs an unanimous vote to proceed including Children)! 
4. Clear Debts Fast
   Pay off loans ASAP—even if it means skipping holidays, fancy dinners, or gifts. I cleared my home mortgage 3 years early with bonuses (and my kids chipped in too!). Avoid hotel/ ordered food /eat out- as much as you can! If you keep a tab on that account, you will realise, how much money goes. (so are in snacks, packaged /ready to eat etc)
5. Multiple Income Streams
   Don’t rely on one source. Two or three streams—even small ones—are a lifeline. Every rupee counts.
6. Play It Safe with Investments
   Avoid high-risk schemes promising crazy returns—they’re usually too good to be true. Stick 90% in safe bets like gold bonds or low-to-medium-risk funds. High-risk? Only 10% if you’re a gambler (I’m at 0%).
7. Get a Financial Advisor
   A family advisor can give ideas and manage portfolios. Listen to them, but you make the final call. 2024, I was strongly encouraged to go for Medical insurance, and I did. (Much against my will, as I feel all Insurance policies are hoax).

Extra Tips from Me

8. Build an Emergency Fund
   Save 6-12 months’ worth of expenses. It’s a buffer for shocks like medical bills or job loss. 
9. Cut the Small Leaks
   Coffee runs, subscriptions you don’t use—trim these. They add up fast!
10. Upskill Yourself
    Learn a new skill online. It could open doors to better jobs or side gigs.
11. Barter or Share
    Swap services with friends—like carpooling or borrowing tools—instead of buying everything.

The next 4-6 years look tough, no sugarcoating it. Costs will rise, and rosy days aren’t around the corner. But if we plan smart, track our money, and hope for the best while preparing for the worst, we can pull through. Godspeed, everyone—let’s do this together!

What is that you do? Please share?

Karthik

28/3/25 9am.

The 6 to 9 Discipline: My Intermittent Fasting Journey. &Weeknd

 #641

Digital Balance, Linked to Weight and Healthness App. 

For most of my adult life, I’ve relied on structure and routines. But over the past 9 months, I’ve taken it a step further—with a practice that’s simple, powerful, and deeply rewarding: Intermittent Fasting (IF).

🕰️ The Rhythm That Changed My Life: 6 PM to 9:30 AM

• Last meal of the day? 6 PM sharp.

• First meal of the next day? 9:30 AM.

• No food, no sugar in between. Only black coffee at 3 AM.

That’s it. This 15-hour fasting window, paired with mindful meals at:

• 9:30 AM (Breakfast -Puffed rice with Nuts and Wheat Kanjii 365 days, Lalitha knows)

• 1:30 PM (Lunch) (Rice/Sambar/ Vegetables/ ButterMilk)

• 6:00 PM (Dinner) (Starter, Roti 2, Vegetable, Buttermilk+ fistful of rice) + 1 Banana. 

…has brought a level of physical ease, mental calm, and energy I didn’t know I was missing.

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most."
– Abraham Lincoln

For me, what I want most is health with simplicity—and this fasting routine has helped me get there.

---

✅ The Tangible Results So Far

• Weight loss:

  • 17 kg down over 9 years, and

  • 4 kg lost just in the past 9 months since following IF strictly. (Yes when Children come to India, the weight goes North, 2-3 Kilos, can't refuse to their request for a happy meal, junk food!)

• Vital signs: Normal across the board—BP, sugar, heart rate, sleep patterns.

• Sleep:

  • A good 6 hours of deep sleep daily.

  • No mobile screen 2 hours before bed—this single act improves sleep like magic.

• Energy:

  • I wake up every day at 2:45 AM sharp, without an alarm.

  • My phone remains untouched until 4:30 AM—this gives me 1.5 hours of stillness, silence, and self-reflection.

• Steps walked:

  • A minimum of 15,000 steps daily—my body craves it now.

---

🧠 But Why Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

The science behind it is clear and increasingly proven.

During fasting:

• Insulin levels drop, encouraging fat-burning.

• Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases, which promotes cellular repair.

• Autophagy kicks in – the body clears out damaged cells.

• Inflammation reduces, aiding heart and brain health.

• Digestive system rests, enhancing nutrient absorption during eating windows.

Essentially, it aligns with the body’s circadian rhythm—our natural biological clock.

---

🛑 What I Strictly Avoid

• Packaged foods, however tempting.

• Sugary snacks, diet drinks, and refined carbohydrates.

• Late-night “comfort bites” that only cause insulin spikes.

“If it comes in a packet with a mascot on it, it’s not for your stomach—it’s for the shelf.”

Instead, I enjoy:

• Fresh fruits (within the window)

• Nuts and seeds (especially post-lunch)

• Home-cooked, sensible meals—without fear or overanalysis. No Vegetable packaged oil whatsoever. Oil is from Cold press shop. 

---

🌍 Real People. Real Results.

Intermittent Fasting is not just theory. Globally, and in India too, many have benefitted from it:

• Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist from Canada, has reversed type 2 diabetes in thousands of patients through fasting protocols—especially in South Asians, who are insulin-resistant by genetics. My Aim is not this... Just get on with life. I am not hoping reversal. 

• Hugh Jackman (Wolverine actor) used intermittent fasting to sculpt his lean physique while staying strong and active.

• Akhilesh, 48, a Chennai-based software architect, shared in The Hindu how he lost 12 kg and reversed early diabetes by following a 16:8 fasting model for six months.

• Rujuta Diwekar, celebrity nutritionist, while not a fasting advocate, has acknowledged that time-restricted eating with good sleep and movement improves metabolism in urban Indians.

---

🧘‍♂️ My Lifestyle Anchors That Support Fasting

• Fixed meal timings

• Black coffee at 3 AM (no milk, no sugar with a tinge of Cinamon)

• No mobile / Screen post 6 PM

• Mindful sleep and screen discipline

• Simple home food

• Walking 10,000 steps without fail

It’s not about chasing numbers—it’s about trusting your body’s rhythm.

---

🎯 Conclusion: A Gentle Discipline, A Lifetime Gift

Intermittent fasting isn’t a “quick fix” or a glamorous health trend. It’s a gentle discipline—something ancient, deeply personal, and surprisingly liberating.

It teaches you:

• To listen to your body, not external noise.

• To say “no” to temptations that offer short-term pleasure and long-term damage.

• To reclaim control over your energy, sleep, digestion, and mental clarity.

And most importantly, it gives your mind and body space to breathe—without the clutter of constant chewing, snacking, and over-processing.

“Let food be thy medicine, and fasting be thy healer.”
– Adapted from Hippocrates

Give it a try. Not for weight loss. Not for trends. But for yourself.

What do you think?

Karthik

24/3/25. 

PS: Good music finds you,if you are a fan of it.... I was mesmerised by this song... Boy close to 2 Billion views. I heard it 100 times on JK Sax the Saxophone version. Wonder I got curious to know the original version!! Boy blown over!!! As they say, when student is ready, the teacher appears. Same is true for a great music.  

50 Years of Mintzberg’s Truth: Are Indian Managers Lost in the 2025 Mess?

 #640

It’s been 50 years since Henry Mintzberg dropped his game-changing The Manager’s Job: Folklore and Fact in HBR back in 1975. (I read the article in early 2000s, I am his big fan). They’re celebrating it this month (March 2025)—I’m diving into that soon! Mintzberg flipped the script on what managers do, but fast forward to 2025, and it feels like his ideas are fading, especially the last 15 years. What’s he saying about this mess? Let’s unpack it.

Mintzberg’s 1975 Wake-Up Call

Back in ‘75, Mintzberg watched real managers hustle and threw shade at the old-school view (cheers, Henri Fayol) that they just plan, organize, coordinate, and control. Nah, he said—they’re chaos warriors, juggling short, messy tasks at a relentless pace, thriving on chats over reports. He smashed four myths:

1. Myth: Managers are calm, systematic planners. Nope—they’re action-driven, half their tasks done in under 9 minutes.
2. Myth: Good managers skip routine stuff. Wrong—they handle ceremonies, negotiations, and gossip to keep the wheels turning.
3. Myth: Top dogs need fancy data. Nope—they prefer a quick call or chai-time gossip for the real scoop.
4. Myth: Management’s a science. Nope—it’s an art, lived, not taught.

He gave us ten roles—interpersonal (figurehead, leader, liaison), informational (monitor, disseminator, spokesperson), and decisional (entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator). It was gritty, human, and spot-on for decades.

2025: Lost in the Last 15 Years

But since 2010, post-2008 crash, Mintzberg’s vision feels like a ghost. Indian managers—you see this, right? The chaos-taming, gut-driven manager he loved? Buried under a pile of caution and corporate nonsense. Here’s how it unraveled:

• Fear Took Over: The 2008 meltdown made job security king—Bengaluru rents, EMIs, school fees—no one’s risking it. Managers turned cautious, not bold.
• Data Overload: Mintzberg’s quick-handshake vibe? Swapped for 30-page docs and dashboards. Decisions crawl, paralysis rules.
• Bureaucracy Boom: Regulations tighter than a Delhi metro rush, fake awards, and certifications killed agility. Managers are paper-pushers now—meetings, reports, MIA from teams.
• Short-Term Greed: Quarterly wins trump big bets—his entrepreneur role’s toast.
• Life’s a Mess: Nuclear families cracking, everyone’s stressed—managers can’t focus when home’s a warzone.

Mintzberg’s Reaction: The Last 15 Years Through His Eyes

Mintzberg, now 85, isn’t blind to this. He’s been vocal—on his site, X, and in chats—about how management’s gone off the rails since 2010. In a 2019 interview, he said we’re obsessed with “change over continuity,” leaving managers disconnected, remote-controlling teams like a TV. His another piece, “Managing on the Edges,” nods to pandemics and tech shifts, but he’s pissed—managers still cling to rigid, top-down habits, not the ground-level hustle he championed. On X, he’s tweeted stuff like, “Metrics over meaning—this is management’s slow death,” slamming the data craze you and I hate.

He’s still roasting MBAs—Managers Not MBAs (2004) vibes live on—saying they churn out analysts, not leaders, worse now with AI hype. In a 2021 blog, he called out “leadership narcissism” post-2008, how it’s left firms gutless, chasing shareholder value over real impact. He’s pushing “communityship”—less hero CEOs, more team grit—but admits it’s rare ‘cause the system’s too bloated. He’s not shocked, just frustrated: the last 15 years proved his point—management’s human art got crushed by fear, tech, and greed.

Can We Fix It?

I’m not holding my breath. This sludge—red tape, cowardice, short-termism—is deep. We need a Drucker or Peters to torch it, but Mintzberg’s skeptical too—says we’re stuck unless we ditch the MBA playbook and get real again. HBR’s new piece might spark something—I’ll update you. Till then, Indian managers: are you trapped in this caution crap too? Hit me up below!

Karthik

21/3/25

12Noon.