Inspiration

What is inspiration? I am at a loss to describe what exactly this intangible feeling which a strong human heart generates; but I can describe what inspiration does. Inspiration, eggs on a human being to achieve tasks matching his potential, and sometimes beyond his potential. If you ever give some thought to ponder the reason of all the great discoveries & inventions, there’s definitely a stroke of genius fuelled by inspiration.  That inspiration may be derived from a special someone, or may just a random occurrence, but can change one’s life forever & beyond.

Look no further that our own Mahatma Gandhi. He gained inspiration from an event, where a British threw him out of the train in South Africa. Fortunately for all Indians, that event instead of demoralizing “bapu”, instigated & inspired him to do something which shook the entire British Empire. Today, hundreds & thousands of people around the planet gain inspiration from Mahatma’s deeds.

Coming back to our own practical life, we may seek inspiration from anyone & everyone. I get inspired from my colleagues who day in & day out do their work diligently & manages time to such a perfection. I get inspired by my parents & grandparents who over the years have carried the responsibility of the family with unflinching support. I get inspired by the daily struggle of so many people in the world, who inspite of not having two square meals a day, still carry on and never give up on the way of life. I get inspired by the soldiers of our country, who inspite of great difficulties & hardships still stand erect guarding our nations’ pride & honour.

The list is endless, but before I forget to mention, inspiration through self is the most potent force. Own deeds or thoughts inspire one the most; and eventually it’s self inspiration that counts… cause inspiration needs to subsequently followed by determined action to complete the circle.

Eventually inspiration is the seed of every great thought & action. The word ‘great’ implying the very minute changes to be on the track of being a better human being. I would finally like to submit a poem, which Nelson Mandela used as source of inspiration to inspire an entire nation out of the bonds of injustice, racialism and anarchy:

Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole

I thank whatever gods may be, for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud

Under the bludgeonings of fate, my head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears, looms but the horror of the shade

and yet, the menace of the years finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll

I am the master of my fate - I am the captain of my soul. 

This reiterates how powerful human inspiration is, and what it can help to achieve… 
However I am still at a loss to describe what Inspiration is!

CUP of EMOTIONS: CWC 2011

LiveJournal Tags: Cricket World Cup 2011,Champions of Cricket

Backing one’s own idea fully needs a lot of conviction and courage. However, if the belief is solid, it percolates to the people around; who also starts believing and it translates into results. This is the greatest learning that I’ve gained in this Cricket World Cup 2011, and incidentally this has been shown by Team India and specifically the captain, the cool & collected “Mahi”.

In various instances, mentioned below, throughout the span of the tournament, our team showed this honest ability.

• The decision to play Piyush Chawla - the leggie to provide variation.
• The decision to go with 3 seamers inspite of the sub-continent conditions. Worked wonders against Pakistan.
• The decision to play Suresh Raina though he wasn’t part of the team in most of the league matches. Successful in all the three knockout games.
• The decision to accept that the fielding wasn’t of greatest standards and to improvise thereafter. We started peaking from the quarterfinal game against Australia and our best fielding show was there in the finals.
• The decision to promote Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the all important final, in the tough situation inspite of his form. Won us the World Cup!

This team had the courage; played the fearless brand of cricket and behold the new champions! It was great as an Indian, to see our team display such rare commitment, passion along with a cool demeanour in the cricket field. It has changed the way our thought processes used to work about how to get a job done, and indeed as they say… “Nothing succeeds like success”! Congratulations to Team India for giving us unparalleled happiness and also to our nations’ billion people for the support & wonderful celebrations.

Role of ERP in Supply Chain Management

Enterprise Resource Planning is principally an integration of business management practices and modern technology. Information Technology (IT) integrates with the core business processes of a corporate house to streamline and accomplish specific business objectives. Consequently, ERP is an amalgamation of three most important components; Business Management Practices, Information Technology and Specific Business Objectives. Integration is an exceptionally significant ingredient to ERP systems. The integration between business processes helps develop communication and information distribution, leading to remarkable increase in productivity, speed and performance.

Implementing an ERP system in an organization is an extremely complex process. However, following prescribed systematic processes from project initiation onwards till closure helps the organization achieve the desired goals in more efficient way both with respect to cost of implementation as well as turnaround time. This will in process will ensure much better return on investment (ROI).

In today‘s Oil & Gas business, increasing competition and strive for higher operational efficiency has prompted organizations to streamline the Supply Chain, i.e. Demand Forecasting, Just in Time Procurement policies, Transport Optimization (Logistics) and reduction in Inventory Costs. These have implied the need for information, which is accurate, exhaustive and real time. Here ERP has come to the picture and radically changed the purview of the decision making process of the managers of the Supply Chain.

Focusing on the Oil & Gas Industry, it is evident that in upstream, midstream as well as downstream organizations have implemented ERP to their advantage, though the focus has been different. Upstream organizations focus more on procurement & logistics, midstream on logistics and downstream on logistics and inventory management. Amongst the challenges the HR related issues, top management‘s commitment and business process change management being the top reasons of concern. Organizations have though taken on the challenge and with the help of efficient ERP handling teams have been able to implement ERP and reap the benefits of a total integrated system in the decision making process.

Candle of My Life – An Inspirational Story

 

Part I

It was pitch dark with a candle shining like a beacon of light, dispelling the gloom and darkness… Load-shedding was in full swing in the chilly winter evening in Rourkela, and may be it was the coldest day of the season. I was about to complete my work, and thinking what to do next. If you’ve ever been alone, you’ll understand Einstein's Theory, which said that time passes according to the situation you’re in! For me, alone in the new city and not having much acquaintance, every passing work-free second seemed like an eternity. I sat, staring at the candle, the chill and the darkness in the room seemed to be touching my bones and I seem to go back to old times… the day which was like this load-shedding day, dark, damp and with no hope in sight!

Part II

It was 2002, Inter School Football Tournament, my final chance to represent my school (Xavier’s, Durgapur) football team, for which I had given more than just sweat… and yet I lay numb at the hospital with a severely stitched eye. We had already gone to the final, and yet it was not for me to play. I was the stopper of my team, and in the 2 years that I represented, we had the record of keeping our goal untouched! Obviously, it’s a proud distinction for any defense of a football team.

The game was pulsating and we were defending stoutly our solitary goal lead. It wasn’t a new proposition for us, and we’re up to the task. All of a sudden, a routine overhead pass came through, which I sought to head and clear… I kept my focus on the ball, and rose to meet it in mid air… There was connection, a few to many for my liking! I had connected with the ball and steered my team of any danger and yet the elbow of my opponent crashed into my eye. There was pain, but I was too engrossed in the game to understand the magnitude of the damage. Suddenly, there was blood… and I couldn’t see anything! Next, I was lying in a hospital bed, with doctors covering the blood and deciding how to stitch the wound back.

When I came to my proper senses, it was late in the evening, there was certain dizziness, but the moment I thought about it, missing the final came to my mind. This very thought, increased the pain. I asked the nearby doctor about my recovery chances, and he said I needed a fortnight to heal completely. It was too late… final was only 5 days later! I was kept in the hospital overnight just for precautionary measure, though I didn’t like to… but I guess that was the turning point!

I was advised complete rest, and I lay there staring at the dark hall helplessly… with disappointment engulfing me with every passing minute, it was like this load-shedding moment… chilly, dark & damp! Suddenly, the light of a struck match and a subsequent candle surprised me… I wondered, in these wee hours of the night which patient was awake! I rose to see, a cute little girl, maybe 7 – 8 years old. She noticed me, but without any word, knelt and started praying silently. She herself reflected the light & warmth of the candle, looked like a guardian angel! I was fascinated and moved near her bed.

She became aware of my presence, yet unmoved continued her prayers. I waited… just couldn’t bring myself to disturb her prayers… there was a serenity around her, like some force emanating from her which gave me a certain push to kneel down myself and join her in prayer!

The silence of the ward had a calming soothing effect and I prayed to God for some miracle to get me recovered in time for the final. After the prayer, I looked at her and asked her, why the odd time… and why is she awake till late in the night. Her answer was, “I wish to stay awake for whatever time that’s left in my life”, saying that she moved her hand to her hair, which to my shock, fell off (it was a wig)! She was bald… the truth dawned upon me… she had cancer, which one I don’t know, but its effects had started to imprint on this little girl.

Part III

I played in the final, we won it as well, after all we were the favorites! While I was there lifting the cup with my friends… I looked up in the heavens… thanked God, that He gave me the chance to meet her angel, ‘Khushi’ was her name. Why, so? Well, we had chatted the whole night, Khushi learnt all about me, and I about her. I couldn’t help but notice, her concern for her parents, relatives and even for her ward-mates in the hospital… even in her condition she was smiling and answering my questions!

She had her hopes intact and said, “Death is not end of the journey, but another beginning!” I couldn’t comprehend how this little girl had the courage, enthusiasm and the spirit to face life even when it had been so unfair to her! She also explained me God’s doings, and said she doesn’t need a reason to be angry with Him!

I realized that even though it’s not in our hands to decide how much life we have to live, but it’s in our hands to decide how much life we fill into our lives and how we spend the moments that are given to us. I drew inspiration from the little girl, facing death, and yet living life to the fullest, spreading a smile always… no matter what time of the night be it!

I left the hospital the next day, and vowed to give myself the best chance to be ready for the match. The infectious spirit that my “candle-girl” has bestowed upon me, urged me on. I stopped taking any sugar related food to quicken my healing, as well as religiously followed the medicine routine. I was ready, my coach wasn’t prepared to risk me, and yet I had to convince him on this one. I did play, and the rest they say is a little history of my own!

After the game, I made a point to visit Khushi. As I entered the ward, an empty bed stared at me. I blanked, knowing what would be coming… I looked at the nurse, didn’t have the strength to ask. Before she replied, I knew the answer… Khushi was gone! Leaving this mother earth, without a complaint or a grimace… with an unfaltering smile, and so many people whose life she had touched and given light & direction, just like a “candle”!

Even today, as I look into a candle, I recall those eyes, the infectious laughter and spirit of an angel, and hope someday in some other form will get to see her once again. Hope remains!

School Days – St Xavier’s School, Durgapur

I remember a scene… I was standing beside the playground, we’ve been given our farewell! The D-day we had waited with so much of anticipation was over… and after our board exams, I was alumni… and not a student anymore! People were shedding tears, few were enjoying their long awaited freedom… I had no words! I remember standing blank, without a trace of emotion… not knowing how to react. It has been 8 years, since that day, yet my feeble memory had registered that moment, as a day not to forget!

I stare at the playground, where I had indulged in so many duels… football matches which was the life & soul of any Xaverian of Durgapur. There were tournaments, which we had won… but here we had matches every P.T. period… it was here through the games… playing 30 players each side… I learnt the importance of team spirit. The one aspect which every organization expects of its professional employee. Here, I had learn to win, and also be gracious in defeat. It was here, I learnt that it’s not about how many goals you score… but whether you have it in you to thwart your opponents every single time… weather every storm… and still stand up and smile at the end of the game!… as you can guess, I played stopper!

I recall my Primary section days, where we had teachers who embodied mothers at home. The love & care with which they taught not only different subjects, but manners and the basic principles of being a good man… I’m sure are engraved in the hearts of every Xaverian. I recall P.D Costa Miss, Lily George Miss, Temple Miss, Pushpa Miss, Krishna Miss, Deepali Miss, Sonali Miss, Ananya Miss, Nandy Sir & Neeta Miss… all of whom were my class teachers! I even recall the section I was in, in every single class… 1-A, 2-B, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C, 6-A, 7-C, 8-D, 9-D & finally 10-B!

I recall Anita Mukherjee Miss, Snigdha Miss, Anita Pal Miss & Sumita Miss teaching Bengali & Hindi, Dorothy Miss teaching Maths, Chandana Miss teaching Science, Nandini Miss teaching Chemistry, Madhubala Miss teaching Biology, Angana Miss teaching Economics, Bhowmik Miss teaching Geography, Rita Miss teaching History… then our beloved Sirs… Raja Sir teaching Physics, Suvro Sir & Sandip Sir teaching literature and our Maths folklore handled by two stalwarts Roy Sir & Nandy Sir! Then obviously, our Football coach & Cricket Manager & Table-Tennis coach - Volleyball coach – you name the sports and he handled that… our beloved Shanti Sir!

I know it’s injustice missing out on names of our beloved teachers who have been a part & parcel of the Xavier’s institution for long… and I apologize for that! My humble request is that my short term memory is at fault here and not anyone’s credibility or contribution to the school.

While growing up, I had seen the dedication, perseverance and love with which our teachers imparted knowledge, keeping always in mind the discipline that Xavier’s are famous for. It has a profound impression on me, and now that I am facing the world on my own, not under my parents’ shadow, the Xavier's experience has never dimmed in my mind & heart!(Suvro Sir’s parting words to me!).

I also recall our bus conductors, office staffs, facility helpers with whom we had such a long association… and without whose untiring duty Xaviers’ would never function in the same smooth manner as it does. Every Xaverian would be indebted to them, and I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude. I remember Harjinder da who was the conductor for Bus No 2… his stout figure, trimmed moustache, but most of all the warmth of his smile!

This story of my school would never be complete without my friends. My friends with whom we shared our life… right from Tiffin to Homework to what not! I am in touch in few of my batch mates, who are now spread all over India… and the occasional meet happens in railway stations, airports, bus-stands… but the joy & warmth it brings along can never be truly expressed in words!

I am thankful especially to my school for bringing together two persons, who are friend for life… Abhay Shankar Patra & Sudipto Karmakar… we’re 3 Idiots who have been separated with our work leading us different places, but our hearts showing the same care, respect and love every moment!

I have been lucky to get an opportunity to build my life in such a great institution… where truly children like us were moulded in a manner that we grew up to be a man… understanding his responsibilities to the mankind as such! Whatever good I have in me… it’s due to my school, St Xavier’s School, Durgapur!

Thank You all!