I received an email on the new year eve, which I found worth reading. I thought of sharing it here also.
Here are some tips for a happier and better life. Small changes can make big difference for your health, personality and overall well being.
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.. Don't envy people for what they have achieved.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20.. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime..
23. Smile and laugh more ....don't seek attention by being miserable.
24. You don't have to win every argument.. Agree to disagree.... .but be sporty about it.
Community:
25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with elder, wiser people who can teach you some essence of life, and younger people who can teach you enjoyment!
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least :
40. Do share this with those who matter in your life....... .
Wish you all a wonderful 2010. Think positive. Do the right things.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Life with a credit card
I was sitting idle at office dreaming about my good future, when my mobile phone rang for the second time in a minute. The first time, I just ignored the call as it was an anonymous one. This time, thinking about urgency, I picked up the phone and said hello. A sweet voice, which I still remember as one among the most pleasant voices I have ever heard, was the response.
“Good morning Sir, My name is Swetha, I m calling on behalf of HSBC credit card section. Could you please spare five minutes so that I can introduce our new credit card scheme.”
I cannot recollect exactly her name and what she said. But I remember that I told her to go ahead even though I was reluctant to hold another credit card account. After her completing the introduction, regaining my sense of mind, I expressed my disinterest in having a credit card.
“Please Sir, We have special offer for technopark employees and joining fees and annual membership fees are waived. We will be visiting your office tomorrow. What time is convenient to you Sir for a meeting?” She asked.
“Any time.” My reply was abrupt as I thought of meeting the young girl who is gifted with this sweet voice. I googled to find out whether girls with good voice are good looking too.
Next day morning a gentleman came to me and introduced himself as HSBC credit card executive. He explained the offers and benefits with HSBC credit card. While he was searching for the documents, I was searching for that girls as I thought she would be accompanying him.
“I am not interested in this credit card, Anyway I will apply for one as it is free. Are you sure about the charges? Is there any hidden charges?” I asked.
“No Sir. You need to pay only the amount for which you purchase.” He explained.
I nodded and signed the application form after going through the terms and conditions.
. * * * * * *
Almost one and a half year later, I got an opportunity to use my HSBC credit card as the available amount on my HDFC credit card fell down to zero. I had not used HSBC credit card till then as I was satisfied with the services offered by HDFC. Then onwards I started using HSBC credit card. I received a security gadget from HSBC, which impressed me a lot since I used credit card for most of the online purchases. I started receiving printed as well as electronic statements and mobile alerts and dropping cheques became my habit. Things were going smooth until I received the last month statement.
To my surprise, an amount of 700 INR was included as annual membership fees. Service tax and cess on this amount was also added. I suddenly contacted the HSBC customer service centre and complained about this. But the service centre representative argued with illogical reasons. In fact, they were not ready to revoke the additional charges. I finally decided not to continue with HSBC credit card and informed the customer care centre representative that I would pay only the amount for which I have purchased. He agreed and assured me that steps for closing the credit card account would be initiated as soon as I pay the amount. As per our agreement I dropped another cheque for the amount thinking that it would be the last one in favour of HSBC credit card. Two days later I found out that the access to their online services was denied to me and that was a relief for me as I was sure that it was the sign of initial steps as part of closing the account.
. * * * * * *
A month later I received a mail from HSBC saying that there is still outstanding balance in my account, which is to be paid. I checked with the customer service centre and found out that no payment was registered in the last two months. Hence there was late payment fees and interest accumulated in addition to the earlier amount. I checked with my savings account bank and came to know that HSBC has not yet produced or claimed the last cheque.
At first I thought that it happened by mistake or because my cheque was lost. But after discussing with my friends, I came to know that same things happened to some of my friends. I searched in Google and some of the social networking sites like twitter and I could see a lot of people in deep sorrow because of similar things happened to them. I am in a dilemma what to do next. Is this a clear case of fraudulent activity by HSBC? If yes how should I proceed further? The problem is that I don’t have a solid evidence to prove that I have dropped the cheque in time. Could you help me with your suggestions?
Now I realize the grief due to girl and gold.
“Good morning Sir, My name is Swetha, I m calling on behalf of HSBC credit card section. Could you please spare five minutes so that I can introduce our new credit card scheme.”
I cannot recollect exactly her name and what she said. But I remember that I told her to go ahead even though I was reluctant to hold another credit card account. After her completing the introduction, regaining my sense of mind, I expressed my disinterest in having a credit card.
“Please Sir, We have special offer for technopark employees and joining fees and annual membership fees are waived. We will be visiting your office tomorrow. What time is convenient to you Sir for a meeting?” She asked.
“Any time.” My reply was abrupt as I thought of meeting the young girl who is gifted with this sweet voice. I googled to find out whether girls with good voice are good looking too.
Next day morning a gentleman came to me and introduced himself as HSBC credit card executive. He explained the offers and benefits with HSBC credit card. While he was searching for the documents, I was searching for that girls as I thought she would be accompanying him.
“I am not interested in this credit card, Anyway I will apply for one as it is free. Are you sure about the charges? Is there any hidden charges?” I asked.
“No Sir. You need to pay only the amount for which you purchase.” He explained.
I nodded and signed the application form after going through the terms and conditions.
. * * * * * *
Almost one and a half year later, I got an opportunity to use my HSBC credit card as the available amount on my HDFC credit card fell down to zero. I had not used HSBC credit card till then as I was satisfied with the services offered by HDFC. Then onwards I started using HSBC credit card. I received a security gadget from HSBC, which impressed me a lot since I used credit card for most of the online purchases. I started receiving printed as well as electronic statements and mobile alerts and dropping cheques became my habit. Things were going smooth until I received the last month statement.
To my surprise, an amount of 700 INR was included as annual membership fees. Service tax and cess on this amount was also added. I suddenly contacted the HSBC customer service centre and complained about this. But the service centre representative argued with illogical reasons. In fact, they were not ready to revoke the additional charges. I finally decided not to continue with HSBC credit card and informed the customer care centre representative that I would pay only the amount for which I have purchased. He agreed and assured me that steps for closing the credit card account would be initiated as soon as I pay the amount. As per our agreement I dropped another cheque for the amount thinking that it would be the last one in favour of HSBC credit card. Two days later I found out that the access to their online services was denied to me and that was a relief for me as I was sure that it was the sign of initial steps as part of closing the account.
. * * * * * *
A month later I received a mail from HSBC saying that there is still outstanding balance in my account, which is to be paid. I checked with the customer service centre and found out that no payment was registered in the last two months. Hence there was late payment fees and interest accumulated in addition to the earlier amount. I checked with my savings account bank and came to know that HSBC has not yet produced or claimed the last cheque.
At first I thought that it happened by mistake or because my cheque was lost. But after discussing with my friends, I came to know that same things happened to some of my friends. I searched in Google and some of the social networking sites like twitter and I could see a lot of people in deep sorrow because of similar things happened to them. I am in a dilemma what to do next. Is this a clear case of fraudulent activity by HSBC? If yes how should I proceed further? The problem is that I don’t have a solid evidence to prove that I have dropped the cheque in time. Could you help me with your suggestions?
Now I realize the grief due to girl and gold.
Monday, October 19, 2009
One day at technopark
.
Panic prevailed in the State on Tuesday after the police and other security agencies carried out mock drill exercises at various parts of the state. The mock drill was carried out, jointly by the Police, Coast Guard, Navy and Intelligence Bureau, to check the security preparedness of various agencies.
As part of this, similar exercise was conducted at Technopark also, as it being the major IT destination in Kerala. On my way to office yesterday, I could see Police checking all the vehicles on NH near Kerala University campus. My friends told me that similar checking was there near the toll junction on bypass road. Common people suffered a lot as those without helmet or seat belt are fined. To my excitement there were lot of policemen and Group 4 securities at the main gate, busy with checking the ID cards of all entrants. I just flashed my ID card and it didn’t matter whether it was a fake one.
The condition in front of the Nila building entrance was also not different. In fact, two my colleagues were waiting there as they were not allowed to enter the building without ID card. Techies wondered whether it was for some VIP visit, or any possible terrorist attack. Some people started talking about bomb threat at Technopark.
Around 7 in the evening, news came that a bomb was placed at Bhavani building and within no time the entire building was evacuated. Techies were frightened and frantic calls were made between employees and their families. Despite of the security arrangements made, a group of eight people were able to enter Technopark, without any ID card, and that too by walk. And finally to the relief of everyone it was known that it was anti-terrorist drill by the IB to assess how the Technopark would react to a terror situation. Those eight people were IB officials who could sneak into Technopark and lighted the crackers which they had with them.
Everyone was happy that it was not a real attack. Employees informed their parents that there is nothing to worry about. The eight member squad was happy that they could successfully complete their task without much tension. But the security officials in Technopark were seen disappointed as if they had lost the general elections. And the disappointed lasted only for a few hours. The next day onwards, they continued with their routine work- checking ID cards at the entrance (doesn’t matter if you show a laminated visiting card or a playing card), blowing whistles at the techies who don’t use footpaths, noting down some of the vehicle numbers (which reminds me of lalettan’s super hit movie “Ayal kadhayezhuthukayanu”), quarrelling with employees miserably looking for a space to park their vehicles, and quarrelling with each other .
There had been a few bomb threats in the technopark last year, following the terror attacks in Banglore and Ahmedabad. Being the major IT hub in Kerala, Technopark is one of potential targets for terrorists. More than 22,000 IT professionals work here and the security measures are not up to the mark to effectively counter any such incident that might happen. Here only the security measurement is the deployment of Group 4 securities. And of course, there are two special trained black cat commandos, who roam around here and there. They are said to be specially trained to defend terrorists with most modern guns, using their “lathis”.
I am not arguing that we must consider CISF, as it may cause many securities to lose their jobs. And I understand that it is not practical to closely check each and every person entering the premises. But the current situation must be changed. Now anyone who flashes a card that looks like an identity card has access to the campus. Many mobile company representatives and credit card sales representatives intrude into the campus without any proof of identification. Union workers enter freely into the campus. Is it that just red/blue shirt and lungi is enough? Does any security at the building entrance check the hotel and cafeteria workers? Who cares about those who travel in the Technopark express bus service? You can see securities at the main entrance of each building, but what about the entrance at the basement floors. Anyone can easily enter the lifts from the car parking floors.
My point is that right now the security measurement is not up to the mark and it needs to be improved. Here come my suggestions.
1. Install digital surveillance cameras at various locations, at the gates, within the buildings and its lifts.
2. Train securities to combat any such situation and deploy anti-terrorist squads and bomb squads.
3. Design and implement special task force, in which techies can also be included.
Increase the height of the compound wall.
4. Make all employees aware of the need for an effective security system.
5. Gather suggestions from various parts and implement the recommendations from IB, state police and other agencies.
The government should allocate funds for this. Implementing effective security measurement can be expensive. But what about the huge tax which IT professionals are paying?
Panic prevailed in the State on Tuesday after the police and other security agencies carried out mock drill exercises at various parts of the state. The mock drill was carried out, jointly by the Police, Coast Guard, Navy and Intelligence Bureau, to check the security preparedness of various agencies.
As part of this, similar exercise was conducted at Technopark also, as it being the major IT destination in Kerala. On my way to office yesterday, I could see Police checking all the vehicles on NH near Kerala University campus. My friends told me that similar checking was there near the toll junction on bypass road. Common people suffered a lot as those without helmet or seat belt are fined. To my excitement there were lot of policemen and Group 4 securities at the main gate, busy with checking the ID cards of all entrants. I just flashed my ID card and it didn’t matter whether it was a fake one.
The condition in front of the Nila building entrance was also not different. In fact, two my colleagues were waiting there as they were not allowed to enter the building without ID card. Techies wondered whether it was for some VIP visit, or any possible terrorist attack. Some people started talking about bomb threat at Technopark.
Around 7 in the evening, news came that a bomb was placed at Bhavani building and within no time the entire building was evacuated. Techies were frightened and frantic calls were made between employees and their families. Despite of the security arrangements made, a group of eight people were able to enter Technopark, without any ID card, and that too by walk. And finally to the relief of everyone it was known that it was anti-terrorist drill by the IB to assess how the Technopark would react to a terror situation. Those eight people were IB officials who could sneak into Technopark and lighted the crackers which they had with them.
Everyone was happy that it was not a real attack. Employees informed their parents that there is nothing to worry about. The eight member squad was happy that they could successfully complete their task without much tension. But the security officials in Technopark were seen disappointed as if they had lost the general elections. And the disappointed lasted only for a few hours. The next day onwards, they continued with their routine work- checking ID cards at the entrance (doesn’t matter if you show a laminated visiting card or a playing card), blowing whistles at the techies who don’t use footpaths, noting down some of the vehicle numbers (which reminds me of lalettan’s super hit movie “Ayal kadhayezhuthukayanu”), quarrelling with employees miserably looking for a space to park their vehicles, and quarrelling with each other .
There had been a few bomb threats in the technopark last year, following the terror attacks in Banglore and Ahmedabad. Being the major IT hub in Kerala, Technopark is one of potential targets for terrorists. More than 22,000 IT professionals work here and the security measures are not up to the mark to effectively counter any such incident that might happen. Here only the security measurement is the deployment of Group 4 securities. And of course, there are two special trained black cat commandos, who roam around here and there. They are said to be specially trained to defend terrorists with most modern guns, using their “lathis”.
I am not arguing that we must consider CISF, as it may cause many securities to lose their jobs. And I understand that it is not practical to closely check each and every person entering the premises. But the current situation must be changed. Now anyone who flashes a card that looks like an identity card has access to the campus. Many mobile company representatives and credit card sales representatives intrude into the campus without any proof of identification. Union workers enter freely into the campus. Is it that just red/blue shirt and lungi is enough? Does any security at the building entrance check the hotel and cafeteria workers? Who cares about those who travel in the Technopark express bus service? You can see securities at the main entrance of each building, but what about the entrance at the basement floors. Anyone can easily enter the lifts from the car parking floors.
My point is that right now the security measurement is not up to the mark and it needs to be improved. Here come my suggestions.
1. Install digital surveillance cameras at various locations, at the gates, within the buildings and its lifts.
2. Train securities to combat any such situation and deploy anti-terrorist squads and bomb squads.
3. Design and implement special task force, in which techies can also be included.
Increase the height of the compound wall.
4. Make all employees aware of the need for an effective security system.
5. Gather suggestions from various parts and implement the recommendations from IB, state police and other agencies.
The government should allocate funds for this. Implementing effective security measurement can be expensive. But what about the huge tax which IT professionals are paying?
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