Taliban : Don't we learn from history

Taliban is moving closer to Pakistani capital day-by-day. They are now in Haripur, just 40 minutes away from the Pakistani capital. Obviously the intentions are very clear, they want to get control of the capital and thereby the country. That's what they did in Afghanistan and it took massive effort on part of the US and NATO forces to push them out in 2004. Since then, they have regrouped with the support of sympathizers in North Western Frontier Provinces of Pakistan and are battle ready once again. If they are able to get control of the country, it will be the biggest threat to the World, no doubts. It is scary. The most unfortunate part is that Pakistan will be paying the heaviest price for their adventurism. History is replete with examples where organizations/individuals have turned against the very institutions who nurtured them at one point in time.

During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, CIA and ISI provided support to Afghans to fight against the Soviets. ISI and CIA have worked together on many such adventurous projects. However in this case, Pakistan had a commercial interest too. Its trade with central Asia was seriously hampered and it wanted somebody to make it possible. CIA funded with the help of ISI to buy arms for the Talibans. These mercenaries were trained in camps by people like Osama. Taliban grew stronger and stronger and finally captured Kabul.

These Taliban fighters came primarily from the refugee camps of NWFP, after they were forced to flee their country. The breeding ground for these aggressive and fearless groups is Madrassas. It is a thought process which uses a very narrow interpretation of Koran to spread its terror. After they were ousted from Afghanistan, they took shelter in Pakistan, used the last 3-4 years to regroup, and drew support from many other organizations like LeT etc and now they are at the doorsteps of Pakistani capital.

What happens next is going to decide the World politics and state of terrorism but surely this is a lesson for every country. Never give birth to a wrong thought process or rogue element, ultimately it will turn against you.

IPL Season 2: Story So far

The IPL season 2 started with usual aplomb and fanfare and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the splendor of the opening ceremony. Consider that SA cricket had just 3 weeks to organize all this, it is been real good. Lalit Modi and SA cricket have done a good job. The matches so far have thrown up some unexpected results and some old war horses have been match winners. Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Vetori and Warne turning out to be match winners is pleasant but not expected by the most. It shows that love and passion for cricket and the proven skills are never out of vogue in any form of cricket. However, two most talking points of the IPL season 2 have been:

1) Weather: Weather has been a real spoil sport so far turning the matches into very much "Unlike 20-20". This form of cricket is known for blistering pace and hard hitting with usually high scoring matches. For once, it has been more sedate. The matches are being shortened, there are multiple interruptions, D/L baba creating grossly unfair propositions for other team, it is all happening. I think, even Lalit Modi would not have expected this. Hopefully, Rain Gods will be kinder henceforth and matches will be usual 20-20 slam bang ones.

2) Strategy Break: The strategy break has been a talking point since IPL season 2 started. It is mandated to be taken after 10 overs (or midway) in both the sessions. The duration is of 7.5 minutes. In the rain curtailed match yesterday, it was taken even after the match was reduced to 12 overs. This particular instance has raised the hackles of purists of the game and even some experts. Obviously there are some who support this and others who oppose it. I also thought to join the bandwagon and give my point of opinion. Well, in my view strategy break should always be an on-demand break. Every team should be given a 3 minute strategy break every session based on when they deem it necessary. Obviously, a change of strategy or strategy re-thinking is required when things are not going as per the plan. The captain/coach should decide the time to take the break. The coach's role is important and typically the captain is so involved in the actions around him that he needs a fresh approach or input to take corrective actions. That's why I feel it has be a on-demand break rather than a pre-determined one.

Cheers

Satyam Saga: Well done

The world economy is going through one of the worst phases in its history probably as bad as the great depression, 1929. Governments around the world are scratching their heads and coming up with various plans to put the economy back on track. General Motors, Goldman Sachs, Chrysler and many others, the blue chips are in dumps. News of quick bankruptcy of General Motors and the US government's every effort to revive the sinking corporate giants have become part of daily lives. Other countries are also not far behind be it China, India or European countries. Amidst all the gloom, yesterday Tech Mahindra's win of Satyam marks an end to one of the most professionally run effort of a government aided by 3 most sincere and honest professionals to resurrect the hopes of a symbol of Indian success. Satyam was and will remain one of the names which symbolizes the "India arrived" story.

So when Mr. Raju's tryst with money and lust came to light, everyone was shocked. How come!!!!!! Every Indian wished it should not have happened, how can such a respected and appreciated entrepreneur can do something like this? The reputation of not only IT industry but that of India was at stake. I don’t know about others, but I have received sleazy comments by some foreign nationals equating every Indian IT company to Satyam. There was a big risk of losing the transparency and fairness associated with corporate governance of Indian companies. But the way, everybody involved, has managed the process of taking Satyam to this stage is commendable. The government appointed board, the appointment of new auditors, appointment of interim CEO Mr. Murthy, swift action on PwC involved artists and transparent bidding process for Satyam are signs of a very professional and smart handling of this dangerous situation. Now hopefully,Tech Mahindra will ensure that this sorry episode is erased from the Indian corporate map forever.

Kudos to everyone involved.

Cheers

What is Hospice/Palliative Care

The word ‘Hospice’ is derived from the Latin word hospes, which means ‘to host a guest or stranger’. Hospice refers to a medical centre or hospital which provides the Hospice or Palliative care. It can be a specialized Hospice centre or a division of a hospital. In this document, I will refer to them as a Hospice. Hospice and Palliative care are generally used interchangeably though they refer to different concepts. Hospice care refers to the treatment and care provided to achieve relief of pain and other symptoms of terminally ill patients and to offer patients and their families the best possible quality of life. Palliative care differs from Hospice care in only one aspect. It does not only cater to patients who are terminally ill. The core focus of these units is Care rather than Cure and the treatment here involves treatment not only at the hospital but also at home (called Home Care). In addition to that, diversionary therapy is also used as an aid.
Palliative Care
• Focus is on pain and symptom management
• Patient does not have to be terminal
• May still be seeking aggressive treatment
Hospice Care
• Focus is on pain and symptoms management
• Patient has a terminal diagnosis with life expectancy of less than six months
• Not seeking curative treatment

Hospice and Palliative care:My Introduction

I was unaware of Hospice and Palliative care till the time, my company was contracted to develop the software for the Hospice Unit of CIPLA in Pune, India. Once I started to get involved to understand the requirements, I started to realize the importance of work. It is a great service to the people who need such help to make them live a better life which is not possible without the help of Hospices. But unfortunately, it is a great pity that people have misconceptions about putting their loved ones use this service. I thought to contribute to this cause in whatever capacity possible.