(Authored by Priya Ramachandran and published in Hyderabad Times, supplement of Times of India, dated 22^nd September, 2011.)

Lite teesko
Think of the worst catastrophe to ever have struck mankind. And then place a Hyderabadi bang in the epicentre of it. You will probably see him enjoying a siesta there, without a care in the world. And when he wakes up to see absolute pandemonium and chaos around him, he will probably shrug his shoulder in the way made famous by Hyderabadis, and with a wave of his hand say those hypnotic words — “take lite” (‘take laaaaaaite’, if he’s feeling particularly lazy) . Or if this Hyderabadi in question, is of the Telugu and Hindi variety — “lite teesko” and “lite lo”. This all-purpose phrase is Hyderabad’s magic mantra — it helps us live stress-free, makes the ugliest of situations bearable, lets us feel like everything is in control (when it’s not) and most importantly, it is who we are. “Lite” is not just something Hyderabadis say, it is our way of life.

Haan, baap ka road hai
We are almost proud of how we are on the roads. The way we think our vehicles can be driven in a minimum of five directions from the point we are in, regardless of dividers, red signals, passing vehicles, pedestrians and ruminating cattle. There’s nothing that we don’t do on the road. And if a purist as much as tries to raise an eyebrow at our ways, we have just one thing to say — “Lite teesko anna”.

Subah subah
The Indian Standard Time may be notorious, but pakka Hyderabadis take things a notch further. In a classic case of “take lite”, when one of us say “subbah subbah office ko aatun”, it is safe to assume we mean 11 am. It’s not like we didn’t mean what we said, it’s just that we have our own time zone. And when we finally get there braving Nawabs of our own kind on the roads, no work begins without the auspicious chai. Before you even settle down in your seat, it’s lunch time already. And then it’s chai time. Lite lo. Hum aise ich hai.

Timepass karoon?
Hyderabadis have mastered the art of doing nothing. We stand on the road, looking at the world in wonder. We have all the time to stop and stare. At the road fight that just broke out. At the couple who are holding hands at Tank Bund. At the sky too, if it particularly pleases us that day. So, what if you have a meeting to attend, people to meet or errands to run. Take laaaite! We can always tell the ones who are waiting — “just 2 minutes mein aatun” even if we are hours away. But why does it matter? After all, hum Hyderabadi hai.

Day-long Visits
Bhongir fort
Snow World + Lumbini park
Ramoji film city
Lahari resorts
Zoo
Runway 9 (Go-carting and outdoor sports)
Dhola-ri-Dhani
Salarjung Museum

Evenings
Prasad’s Imax
Golconda fort
Shilpa Raman Park
Botanical Garden
SVM mall (Game Parlor)
Long drive on ORR

Restaurants
Little Italy
100 degrees
Chutneys
Chatees
Ginger Court
Waterfront
Aromas of China (City Center Mall)
Over the Flames
N-Grill
Sahib Singh Darbar  (City Center Mall)
Paradise, Sikandarabad

Shopping
Malls: In-orbit, Central, GVK, City Center
General Bazar
Sultan Bazar
KPHB Market

P.S. Based solely on my experience over the past one year.

It’s because I have a secret.

No need to lie awake in your bed tonight. I am not a weekend vampire. Snap out of it!

It’s just that I have an addiction. I am a shopaholic. Shopaholism is just like the occasional alcoholism that you deal with. Only that there are no unhealthy spirits (pun intended), unpleasant taste, beer belly and dehydration involved. But it does have the high that lasts for a couple of hours, the denial that precedes the moment when you know you are about to give in and of course the hangover.

It all starts on Friday evening, when I heave a sigh of relief basking in the knowledge that even collection minions of credit card companies don’t work weekends. There is no more call/mail/message dodging for rest of the week. Remember that dead pan expression on my face on the way back from office. Yeah I am dreaming about the next two days in shopper’s paradise and the week beyond that when I would get to try on the new purchases.

Did I tell you about my friends in the glitzy stores? They are ever smiling helpful buddies who even bring you beverages and snacks if you go there often enough and make a sizeable contribution to ‘look we are so pretty’ clothes, shoes and bags fund. There was a friend who didn’t like what I was doing. She accompanied me once to deter me from buying unnecessary things. She has applied for a new credit card. Her original one maxed out. She’s been taking tips from me on avoiding the rude collection agents from hell.

Yes I face a lot of problems because of my addiction. There are unpaid bills that I sometimes see in spite of all my efforts to avoid them.  There are occasions when I have go through the agonizing process of getting new credit cards coz the old ones run through their limit. However, with shopping the high is the low and the low is the high. There are tons of reasons I can give to justify my addiction. I can shout you down and win the argument justifying my addiction. But I choose not to. You have your sicknesses and I have mine. Go figure.

PS: I am not a shopaholic. This is a work of fiction.

It is also known that a given amount of money creates value that is many times over its face value when it goes through debt transactions between multiple parties. However, default by one party increases the risk of contagion of default by subsequent borrowers. The crisis is often compounded by the dismal state of public finances and dysfunctional political systems

This is aptly reflected in current state of the world economy. Consider a few statistics related to major economies; Overall debt comprising of household, government, financial and non-financial debt as a percentage of GDP stands at 495% for the UK, 492% for Japan, more than 300% for each of France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland, 288% for the US and in the mid 100s for India, China and Brazil.

While the relative statistics for the UK and Japan appear to be the most troublesome, the fiscal and political situation in the US and Euro zone has made high levels of debt a bone of contention in these regions. In absolute terms, US have a debt of USD$ 14.3 trillion, of which 67% is held by private investors and the rest by government accounts. Financing of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, expensive social security programs and bearing the cost of bailout packages to banks and mammoth corporations rendered nearly bankrupt due to the subprime crisis have been major causes of the enormous debt tab run by the US.

Additionally, the country’s obligations require it to raise further debt which can be done only once the debt ceiling is raised by the congress. However, the current administration’s incapability to arrive at a timely debt deal with the opposition and planned spending cuts cost the country its AAA rating in the bond market. This has created turmoil in the financial markets across the world. The downgrade will cost US economy dearly. Its immediate impact will be record rise in yields on US treasury bonds and subsequent rise in interest cost, which already stands at USD$ 250 billion per annum. This will further worsen the deficit and inflate future debt requirement.

Similarly the Euro-zone is facing a crisis of a ‘debt abyss.’  Some of the countries in the Euro-zone, namely, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain (PIIGS) are finding it difficult to even service their debts. In this region the problem is as much of heavy indebtedness of these countries as of financial interconnectedness. Greece came to the brink of default as it borrowed and spent way too much than it had ability to pay back. A culture of tax evasion, unaffordable welfare measures, debt-ridden public enterprises and cooking books up until the point where none of these was possible anymore, brought it to a situation where it had to be bailed out by other countries of the European Union. Now Italy seems to be heading the same way. The European Union is in a fix as to whether to bear the cost of excesses of its members to make the Euro survive or to abandon it altogether.

This is the third time in global history that the world is finding itself facing a situation of high indebtedness across developed countries. The first was right after the First World War and the Great Depression. It took bouts of hyperinflation and default lasting for over two decades to get out of the debt crisis. The second was post Second World War. This time the war was financed through an innovative blend of capital controls and exchange rate that forced public savings into government coffers. The debt was paid back over a long time, during which inflation reduced the real payouts by the governments. However, this time none of the above solutions is feasible. The rich world is plagued by recession, heavy welfare expenditures, political deadlocks and people unwilling to tolerate austerity.

The theatrics around debt are raising pertinent questions across the world. US treasury bonds once thought to be the safe haven which companies would use to back up their investments and developing countries would invest their foreign exchange reserves in, are turning out to be risky. Investors are heading to Swiss and Japanese bonds which are considered to be comparatively safer. However, even these countries have high debt to GDP ratios and may not be as safe as thought. In fact there are very few places where the investors can place their money. In the backdrop of the Euro-zone crisis, debt ceiling hyperbole of the US and its subsequent downgrade, it is easy to conclude that the world economy is on a downward spiral. The developed countries will either turn to emerging economies for their huge consumer base or take the route to default.

it all; a picturesque beach, lush green countryside, unadulterated air, curious locals and a reasonably well-maintained APTDC resort to provide respite to city bred kids who have had too much of the country. The resort has literally been built on the beach itself. You need to get out of your room walk barely 50 metres and lo and behold, you are in the water.
The nearest railhead for reaching Surya Lanka is Bapatla. We took a late night train from Hyderabad and reached Bapatla in the wee hours of the morning. We were up at the break of dawn since the train had a stoppage of only a minute at the station. The gradual transformation of the pitch

dark sky to a light crimson in a span of 15 minutes, viewed while standing at the open doors of the train compartment, was a sight to behold. We were greeted by a handful of insistent autowallahs and rickshaw-wallahs outside the station. As we made our way out of the station, we felt as if we were in a time warp. The town was waking up gradually. Bapatla is on its way to development but it is still in the early stages and hasn’t yet managed to obscure all the things that give a place character.

Surya Lanka beach is 9 kms from Bapatla. An auto-wallah agreed to take us there for 80 bucks. The single lane road was quite well maintained and seemed to have been carved between farms. Cool morning breeze and the unpolluted country air drove away whatever sleep remained in our eyes. Small ponds, canals, scarecrows, paddy crops, farmers, thatched roofs, buffaloes, you name it, and it was there.  15 minutes later, at around 7 am, we were standing at the reception of the resort where we had a reservation 8:00 am onwards. We walked towards the beach, which was a stone throw away. The beach was serene and mostly deserted but for some locals, fishermen and a few other tourists like us.

In the morning itself we found out that the resort had a provision of making cycles available to its guests, free of cost. A couple of hours later we took the cycle and were out on the road. We were surprised that the resort had cycles at all, and on top of that they were quite new and double rider cycles. And so we went all the way back to Bapatla on the road that we had so relished while coming in the auto. We explored several sideroads leading into sleepy villages, some even ending in dusty pathways. So high was our enthusiasm that we rode around for about 2 hours. The local villagers were surprised at the sight that we were. City folks on a fancy bike, riding along, laughing and talking all the while. People were actually stopping and slowing down their cars to look at us. A small crowd of admirers gathered around the bike when we stopped at a shop for air and oiling.  It was truly amazing (not to be the talk of the town but) to be so close to nature, listening to the birds, the breeze, the constant whirring of the tyres and the sound of us breathing.

In the late afternoon we went to the beach and then into the water. The sea was warm from the afternoon sun and the waves were gentle but growing in intensity as the evening approached. Later in the evening, after dusk, we went out to the beach for a stroll. It was completely deserted except for a few rowdy drunks at a distance who were guffawing around with their car lights on, destroying the peace and quiet of the beach.

Next morning were back on our cycle, riding around on the beach, which is atleast a few kilometres long. Oh! Did I mention, you can drive on the beach. The fishermen were sitting on the beach, with their nets spread out in front of them, separating the squids from the fish. Many of the boats were already out, looking for their ware.

The resort restaurant doesnt open until 8 so we had a sumptuous breakfast at a nearby tea stall. A dosa, idly, bread omellete and 3 teas each later, we were stuffed. We made sand castles on the beach, went into the sea once more and finally settled down by afternoon for the world cup cricket match. In the evening the floodlights on the beach were on, giving it an almost supernatural look. We walked around, yet again, looking at crabs of all sizes running around on the sand. They duck into the little holes they make in the sand each time they hear someone approaching.

Surya Lanka is a place where you only laze around. There are no waterfalls, museums, parks or caves that you have got to see. (There are a few temples though. We chose to skip them.) You can just relax. There is the beach and there’s your resort. That’s it. For the hyperactive fellows like us there’s walking, running and biking too. Go there expecting to rest and rejuvenate. We enjoyed the country side as much as the beach, may be more, but take your pick.

He’ll never do any of these things again. His mortal body was in too much pain. But he is at a better place now. Free from pain and suffering, playing among clouds that match the color of his hair. He is looking down on us, like our guardian angel.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife, three children, relatives and a multitude of friends & well wishers.

My own and my friends’ experiences with small organizations helped me see the distinct traits characterizing most of these organizations. Here is an attempt to summarize them:

• The top brass
  • One man at the helm of affairs; It’s a one man army. Really. They have issues letting go of control. May talk a lot about decentralisation but will never get around to actually doing it.
  • Up to date with technology (unlike our parents); computers and phones, may know more than you, even though you have been brought up in the midst of a technology revolution
  • Alumni of a prominent management institution.(of course it doesn’t matter that they passed out a couple of generations ago.)
  • Essentially workaholic, want to instill the same in their employees, who sadly are people who display mostly ‘theory Y’ characteristics.
  • Mostly intelligent but limited compassion for employees and may get influenced by self proclaimed well wishers, instead of common sense
  • They are self-proclaimed ‘hard to work with people’
  • Decent network built over the course of his/her career. Uses it extensively.
  • Will prefer loyalty over work quality
  • First sign that an employee is trying to switch boats, and you’ll become the black sheep of the office

• The Organization
  • Registered society and then a private limited company
  • May operate as both simultaneously for tax purposes
  • In all probability family members will be on board. This’ll be on paper, of course. The board won’t be functioning like it’s supposed to.
  • A tradition of celebrating the Annual Day like it was done at school, with havans, pujas, lighting of the lamp, etc., followed by a dinner party in which games like tambola would be played and an 80’s style orchestra would be playing to the guests, comprising mostly of clients. And yes there would be a chief guest involved too.What were you expecting; a party at a five-star hotel?
  • Have rightly placed ideals about Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Want to re-brand themselves, before they become too big to manage it. Mostly talk a lot about doing it, seldom get around to doing anything. However, once started, they wont let up until the steam lets off (read: there is work to be done but people are limited)
  • An intricate set of value based on respect, integrity, love. Specially exhorted at the time of induction and during annual functions, employee meetings, etc.
  • No bribing policy; broken at the drop of the hat

• The employees
  • High attrition rate: Initially attracted by the quality of work and level of responsibilities, employees compromise on compensation. However, soon the disillusionment sets in. Being a big fish in a small pond loses its charm and they are quick to jump the boat as soon as the opportunity arrives
  • Employee roles keep changing. You may have been hired with a particular job description, but that, in no way, is all inclusive. You may have to act as an organizer, recruiter, telecaller, marketer… just name it.
  • View the employees as a close knit family. This is just talk. Employer and employees interests seldom match.
  • Work hours tend to be erratic; sometimes

• The Procedures
  • What procedures? Are you kidding me? There are seldom any existing procedures in place.
  • No definite rules regarding leaves, etc. Whether you get leaves or not depends on where you are on the ‘suck up to the boss’ scale.

I understand how important start-ups are to the growth and development of the country.  If you are considering joining any such organization consider both sides of the coin. There would be a lot of work related learning, variety in projects, duties, instant appreciation for work well done. But again, you cannot hide for long in a small organization. Incompetence shows up sooner rather than later. Keep the positives in mind when the initial enthusiasm wears off.

This piece of writing does not mean any offence to anyone.

I am selfish. I think about myself first, put my interest before everyone else’s. I do not realize that these are the last few months that I can spend with my family. I care about how my friends and colleagues are feeling but the people who matter most, who’ve stood by me for so many years, who love me so unconditionally, I take for granted. Or not! Mom, Dad, I realize that you make so many sacrifices for us; you do so much for me without blinking an eyelid. I appreciate it. I am very thankful to you.  However, I have failed to express it on more occasions than one and I am sorry for that.

I know I would be able to do certain things when the time comes, but I have failed to convince my mom of the same. There are certain things that we do only when the need arises/ when we are in that particular situation. Presently, I can’t/won’t do those things simply because they are not required. You can’t learn/practice everything. What about doing stuff impromptu? The more you prepare, the more you would expect and the more disappointed you would be if those expectations are not met.

Mom, I know marriage brings major changes to one’s life. There are new responsibilities to be handled, bigger expectations to live up to, multiple roles to be juggled with and more people one is answerable to. I know I won’t be able to live like the spoilt child, whose every whim and fancy you have catered to till now. I may not be able to live in the carefree way I have been living, under your loving care.

Yes, it will be tough. But mom, I know what I am stepping into. Please trust the values you have imparted to me. I am a part of you, mom. I have grown up looking at how well you handle things, how you behave in different situations, how you support us in everything we do and how you have been the pillar of strength for our family. I have learnt from you mom, without your knowing so. It’s natural for you to be worried about me. But mom, what do you think about the way I have conducted myself over the past month, (when required). Did you have to teach me those things? No!!

Mom, trust me. I can fight my own fights and win my own battles. What I want from you is a little more faith in me. Don’t worry mom. I know I need to learn to do a lot of things. Bring it on. But, don’t you cry. I can’t bear the thought of causing you pain.

This is for you:

Cupid took his time (4 months) in completely infecting us with his love potion. But now that it’s done, he has left us completely immersed in each other. Now I know what it means to be ‘head over heels’ in love with someone. I finally understand how people talk for hours without running out of conversational topics, how they lose themselves in each other’s eyes (Naino ki bhasha…) oblivious to the world around them, how they communicate through a glance and know that the significant other’s company is the only thing they would need, to face whatever life cares to throw at them.

Love changes you; to a person you thought you could never be. It helps you realize what you really want from life and pushes you to achieve your dreams. In my case, love has given me a new kind of confidence; a belief that with my man’s arms around me, I can get through anything in life. Recently I did something very uncharacteristic of me. Otherwise I am a private person, posting regular updates on social networking websites is just not me. But now I updated my status to committed and dedicated the following to him on public space –

Dedicated to ‘you’

You are my dream, my love, my life
I just wanna spend my life with you

You are the one that makes me smile
I just wanna spend my life with you

Suddenly everything has turned me inside out
Suddenly love’s the thing that i can’t live without!!

There, it’s out, for the world, for everyone I have come across in my life, to see. My sister-in-law asked me if I was ready for our pictures to be posted on her profile. I said, ‘Yes, do it now. I am too much in love to be able to hide it anymore.’ Usually, it’s not like me to relish being under the public glare, but these are not normal times and I am not the same person anymore.

To immense astonishment of his friends, cousins and siblings my man turned out to be quite communicative, caring and romantic. In his own words,’ Once upon a time there was a man named Professor Bhadda. His aim in life was to die trying to do something worthy. You corrected it to live and so something worthy.’ He says, ‘it’s totally impossible to get you out of my dreams and eyes. A single thought of yesterday (We had spent the previous evening together), gets me to a new high, I just love the moments I spent with you. Baby, I love you so much that even kalidas clouds (clouds full of flirtacious energy, in our lingo) are insufficient to express the feelings.’ Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I well up at his words and my hearts fills up with love and hopes of a beautiful future together.

Love does amazing things to you. People who had previously thought about nothing but excels, reports, kernels and throughputs, think about how they would ‘resist the scent of the loved one, when it brushes by…’ Silly poems emerge and words start rhyming. Your heart beckons and ‘the touch of your fingers lingers on in my hands, the scenes of the last few hours replay of their own accord, your soothing voice echoes in my ears as I wait for my prince to take me to his turf.’

Man… what’s wrong (right) with me? Damn it, I am hopelessly in love and I’m loving it!!