Letter to Mr. Bahl and his reply !

Dear Mahesh - many many thanks for your very kind words. Cheers. Raghav
From: Mahesh Nadgaudi [maheshn@hdfclife.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 6:04 PM
To: Raghav Bahl
Subject: Superpower: The Amazing Race...! Indeed very empowering feel !

Dear Mr. Raghav Bahl
At the outset huge heart felt thanks for penning down one of the finest book of 2011;" Super Power, The Amazing Race between China's Hare and India's Tortoise ". Few days back I finished reading this book and it not just made me understand the current situation but kind of enlightened and empowered me. Time and again I reread some pages where you have in a subtle way compared mind-sets of politicians, entrepreneurs, social scientists, media professionals and common men with distinguished insights.Language is laconic and commentary about this game which is being played in Asia and followed by spectators all over the world specially the Westerners , is very unbiased.
From preface to the very end where you end up saying it is 50-50 now , it 's very gripping account of both economies and it in a positive way unleashes energy among readers. I personally have always admired the great leadership team you have built which has outstanding integrity, ethics and professionalism and we are die hard followers of both CNBC & CNN-IBN.
Coming back to your book , it has left kind of profound effect and it has the essence to be a good practical economic book for many Indians. Two books of the decade if I were to compile for which are good for Indians one would be " India after Gandhi " by Dr. Ramchandra Guha & the second is " Superpower " which is not just for business or corporate fraternity. I recommended to my colleagues and friends from different fields.
Many, many thanks for outstanding work. Wish you a very fine year end and wonderful, successful New Year ! :)
Would love to see you sometime may be with my CEO & MD Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry who happens to know you.



Warm Regards Always,
Mahesh Nadgaudi.
Area Manager- HNI and Strategic Business.
HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co Ltd.


Hand Phone : 98906 56333

A day to remember !

Will he, won't he ? And for this meet had kept fingers anxiously closed. Had got confirmation from his PA about his plan to visit us day before yesterday. We had done some groundwork of what to present based on some info we collected from the net.

His flight arrived on time and for the first time ever got driven with him in a VIP Z security squad all the way to office. Pragmatic and sharp Mr.CLIENT with his aid was very attentive and seemed impressed. Our MD Mr. Amitabh, GM Mr. Mehta, Jayesh, Vijay, myself and Keyur attended this meet. MD's presence added dignified importance and that was x factor I feel. Mostly Jayesh and partly I presented our plans.

Naturally HO was surprised to have celebrated politician, ace businessman all of a sudden amongst us. It increased my equity a little more. Mr. Singh is indeed very charismatic and frank about his views. Taking this relationship forward will be one of the biggest mile stones of my career if it happens. Let's see. Chance to meet him and know him thus far has been deeply interesting and learning experience. Hoping to nurture this further by putting our best foot forward !

Marching in March... Delhi..

Arrived in Delhi to meet Mr. Amar Singh for exploring possibility of selling him financial plans. It progressed in a sense that got second meeting fixed for 22 nd with his CA.. A step forward !
A casual conversation on the flight about 2 months ago is likely to unfold good business opportunity..
Overall, last 2 months have been partly fulfilling but majorly frustrating and our initiative for lack of people in team is not reaching desired results. New MD sounds promising and a Change Agent and has made impressions which are moving organissation towards speedy execution of intentions.
And amidst seniors who are not upto the mark , our frustration levels are being tested.
In 2 months this year bought long due stocks with the help of Mr Powar who lent me money for a month.Have been running quite well. Have started 2 books but not finished any yet.
And yes msut close some calls myself to stake claim for my next
action in this company..
It has been good day in Delhi and now having breakfast at India Habitat surrounded by some beautiful and smiling faces and posting this. Will return by evening flight to Bombay..

Race it is ! No rat race, let's run for a cause !

And finally realised the "Bucket List dream " which was penned in diary a year ago and scripted in mind since 2 years.

Registering, participating, preparing, getting mentored and finishing with unmatched thrill !! This all happened and even after 9 days, the 21 km stretch , still remains etched in memory like it happened yesterday...

For a change I realised that chasing worthy target involved not a RAT RACE at all and everyone on the road inspired every each one to help him /her finish her own race. Some ran the entire 21 km stretch, the others managed their milestones and some made spirited attempts. Eventually, all were winners.

At my age it goal was to finish it irrespective of time. Timing for a moment was not the matter, time you remained on the road with relentless mind mattered. So , unlike other younger and stronger feet which finished the distance in comfortably less than 2 hours , mine took two hours fifteen mins ! Not bad, considering that there was energy that much still there when there is enough chasing that happens daily to meet EMI and sales targets !
Actually, on a day it happened quite smoothly and first half distance literally ran slower than usual and saving, accumulating myself for the later miles which are more demanding.Stuck to what I had read, listened to the runners who had been there and done it and executed those experiences. More proteins and bananas were recommended , hence must have gobbled 30 odd boiled eggs and more if not less number of bananas in days leading to the event.. Also, read somewhere that staple diet for runners in PASTA, hence had it few times prior to race day. Most importantly on the recommendation of a doctor, changed and bought specific Nike's air cushioned shoes and practised with them. Fortnight ago, had developed soreness in toes because of shoes which were tight and had scared me with the possibility of missing the race. With the timely and gracious help of a doctor recovered in time.Over the last few months had exercised some control on diets and invariably had little meals in the evenings instead of dinners.
Most importantly confidence booster was a day in gym when on treadmill, determinedly had run 20 kms non stop. And that Oct 10, run in the gym gave me ultra high and prepared for a real day. Over the last 7 months or so was managing 20/25 kms a week with some rest days thrown in.

So on a race day, woke up and 4.45 and post ablution and shaving and gobbling boiled eggs and bananas, headed for a shuttle which plied for runners and took us all the way to Vinay Marg from where it all began. Had put on micro-cheap on a shoe and were in clothes which were used and washed. As usual runners from allover world literally flocked the place. One could see the americans, africans without whom you can't imagine the athletics world, the Chinese, Koreans, and of course Indians from as afar as Hyderababd and Banagalore. Many Mumbaikars too were there for this event.

As mentioned earlier, had focused on going slowly for the first ten kms and hence hardly was exhausted. All along the path there were 13 water stations and 6 energy drink supplying outlets. Till 5 kms ran without any fuel and then had water breaks some 5 times. Race covered some of the finest roads of New Delhi and we cruised through Nehru Park, African Avenue, Satya Marg, Akbar Road, Jan Path, Raj Path, ManSingh road etc.It turned back from Hotel Le Meridian which was 10.5 kms landmark.
More or less it was flattish track except Safdarjung Flyover which tested you at the beginning and end of the race at around 17 kms which where some either walked, gave up or persisted and later completed non-stop. Glad that I managed to last on that climb up. In fact towards 18 kms it was becoming daunting, little soreness was beginning to surface in the right foot. Thankfully, miraculously it vanished and an old man running with better rhythm than me inspired by saying , hey, it's just another 20 odd mins and we would be through ! Ya..! That kind of spirit of pushing each other when it matters most separated this race than other runs we run in our personal and professional lives.
It taught lot and certainly I promised to return for more runs and better my timing next time. For achieving this target you get paid priceless rewards of mass human spirit on show,importance of togetherness for a cause,ability to endure the odds and challenge your self physically and mentally...
Finishers medal they provided was just a good memorabilia that added glory to the glorious memories of a race where no rat races but only humans participate !

In a cafe by the sea on a liquid evening !

Aha, the joy in becoming a part of a nature's beautifully hidden surprise is something different. At the end of the quite usual day, I returned to Bandra early and thought of catching a cuppa coffee at ever exciting CCD that is situated at carter road. No sooner I parked the car, some rain drops started and by the time I crossed the road, they turned into monstrous rainfall. Mellowing sky with orange tinge looked lovely and it perched nicely on the flattish white coloured.sea. You had pedestrians walking and chatting of all ages. And as usual this cafe with all Youngy crowd, buzzing with buddy talks and what not !

And in a moment just that bolt from the blue changed it all. Suddenly, you witnessed skyline that became black because of thunderous rainfall, you helplessly saw the sea water covered with blackness of the night and swaying trees came to standstill, mutely submitting to the fury of rain gods. Some people and jauggers specially some of them still braved this pouring and that's quite a sight. Caught unaware by this bashing people after a brief halt, carried on with drenched clothes and vehicles never ceased to ply the roads. Mumbai , they say doesn't stop forget about sleeping.
This cafe has dazzling crowd and mostly today are youngsters loose living on fathers' money and some hardly any who would be professionals or work going class.
I can see now one old man and another old lady and couple of pros here and there.

Lightening with thunderous roaring continues and people notwithstanding ferocious rain spell continue to walk in to catch up with friends, others to laze around, some to gaze and some to de stress themselves at this place.
Being here now and scribbling this in this setting, for a moment I became oblivious of business, economy, issues around. Probably reached a zero thought zone in a cloud bursting rain spell by the sea side.

Picked my title from a soothing Holy Near song where she thinks poignantly about her lover and sings " In a restaurant by the sea on a liquid afternoon ....!
Having said this, cool breeze is flowing now and sky is becoming clear and it's still raining but it's much gentle and worth taking a shower in and refreshing your body, mind and soul...)

You just need to want something and feel for it

Had given of hopes of a decent house in a classy Bandra suburb. Either came across costly and good houses or the ones which were affordable were in filthy localities. Had made the mindset for moving to other lesser known suburbs in terms of living standards and lifestyle standards.
And all of a sudden , out of nowhere got a call from an agent with whom I had seen 7 houses , that there is something in store on Andrews Road which is sort of guest house accommodation. And happier I became when heard that it would just cost 15k.
Good room, better apartment, even better landlady, opp Bandra Gymakhana, off Carter Road. It's amazing deal !
Enjoying now after a hard day's work a bowl of salad at a nice place " Moccha" which is just 25 meters away on the street I stay. Great Boney M title " By the river of Babylon " is making atmosphere even lighter.
Overall, a good day finished with a visit to this lively place.

Remembering Ernest Hemingway

This legendary writer got introduced to me rather luckily. In a lunch recess when I was studying in junior college, I found a copy of "Farewell to Arms " in the house of a friend and his mother who was a professor had brought it from her library.

Title attracted me but more was drawn to it because book was being read by a very educated woman and hence I thought it must be good one. My love with English was making me pounce on anything that came to notice.

This book left profound effect on me and characters of Frederick, ambulance driver with shades of grey and Catharine, pristine and caring British nurse and their romance caught the imagination and I was spellbound by the plot that unfolds in Italy's war. Poignant end, background of war, the rain- soaked country, fragile humans and other characters like Rinaldi and Priest also remained itched for a long time. Partly autobiographical this book made me Hemingway fan.

Then I got hold of " For Whom the Bell Tolls" , an account of Spanish civil war and the struggle for Republic and against Fascists. It's some paragraphs depicting discussions of Pablo, hero Roberto, Maria and Pablo's wife Pilar who has a towering presence in a group in Spanish mountains engage you
and evolves intense story which again brings forth famous Hemingway code of " grace under pressure "! Tragic end after heroic attempt and reiterating the fact that Hemingway mentioned once " There is glory in failures too ".

Wanting to know more of him , I got the finest short story ever written and that's " The Old Man and the Sea " changed and inspired my thinking. A story written with conviction that only a writer who experiences and writes can bring. The old man, his relationship with the sea and the past in which he lives and draws inspiration from , the boy, the description of his feeling for the fish and the reason for his killing him and the cathartic analysis of self in the end is something which keeps us drawing to this book time and again.

"The Sun Also Rises " also was a delightful read in mid twenties and got fascinated by Paris he describes and the pit falls of loose living expatriates in that magnificent place and journey to the Spain, the country which he( Hemingway ) had more love for than US and appears here more for the bull fights and chasing of a woman called Brett who he knows will never be his.

And recently read some short stories of his and was saddened by the tragic end of main character in " The Snows of Killmanjaro ".

Traveller in me became more awake by his astonishing description of Africa in his another remarkable book " Green Hills Of Africa " where the plot is about hunting. It's again partly based on his experiences of hunting in that country and he mesmerises you with African countryside, hills, forests, smell of wet lands and mountain trails , hynas, buffallows, streams, breeze from hills and hunting tales.

Sensitive person, sports buff, hunting lover, an idealist , a deserving Nobel Prize Winner , a writer who many tried to imitate, thousands in US and Cuba who tried to follow his way of life had a tragic end. His failing health and mental condition drove him to commit suicide in Idaho. He shot himself and world lost the genius who lived many lives successfully. An American way, some say !

When I visit Spain, Cuba, America and Africa, I don't know when it will happen, for sure is one thing that Hemingway's lithe and laconic descriptions are one reason for arousing interest about these places.

For now, an amateur person that I am will end by remembering his famous code.

" Courage is grace under pressure "