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SSppaannddaannee –– TThhee LLaasstt LLeeccttuurree

SSeeccttiioonn II

MMyy LLiiffee SSttoorryy

MMrr.. SSuuddhhiirr VVaaiiddyyaa..

Spandane – The Last Lecture Section I – My Life Story

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Index Section I - My Life Story

Sr. No.

Pages

00 Preface 3 01 My Childhood 4 02 My Village Memories - Hansha 4 03 My Father 5 04 My Mother 3 05 My Family 2 06 My School days 4 07 My Experience of Faith 2 08 My College days 3 09 My Article ship days 6 10 My Education 8 11 My Teachers 6 12 My Industry Experience and colleagues. 27 13 My Professional Career & Clients. 14 14 My Assistants 5 15 My Friends 2 16 My Dreams 2 17 My Food Habits 5 18 My Bad Habits 3 19 My Health 6 20 My Hobbies 3 21 My Pets 4 22 Games I Played 2 23 My Social Service 5 24 My GOD 6 25 My Experience of getting cheated. 4 26 Deaths seen in Life 5 27 My Death experiences 6 28 My Deadly Accident 5 29 My Likes & Dislikes 3 30 My Life Philosophy 4 31 My Reflections 11 32 My Search of a Happy Man’s Shirt 9 33 My Spandane Articles 25 34 My Life at Glance 2 35 My Educational & Occupational Career at glance 3 36 My Family Tree 1 37 Thanks 3 38 Few Words …. 2

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Preface to Section I – My Life Story

Every one has a treasure of experiences in Life. But every one may not find it easy to

document the same. On number of occasions, I made an attempt to jot down the memories

of a particular person or an event. Some times I wrote chronologically. Due to

preoccupation, this programme could not be continued for long.

My childhood circumstance made me stronger, go getter, having absolute faith on efforts

(Karma) and a disciplined person. It also made me outspoken, at times unnecessarily. It is

really surprising that even a person like me had unlimited hidden vibrations (Spandane)

on various issues. The entire credit goes to my beloved wife Mrs. Sumitra for this

transformation. It was possible to unearth my hidden vibrations due to her excessive

sensitive nature. I learned to live from my wife.

Today I am on the verge of retirement. Last year I had read the book titled ‘The Last

Lecture’ written by Randy Pausch. He delivered the lecture on 18-09-2007 as he did not

have long to live. “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

—said Randy Pausch. But the lecture he gave—“Really Achieving Your Childhood

Dreams”—wasn’t about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of

enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because “time is all you

have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It was a summation

of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about Living. This book inspired me a

lot.

As a novel concept, I wrote a letter to my grandson on the occasion of his 1st birthday i.e.

10-06-2010. As I was writing the letter, this idea of writing the Last lecture struck my mind.

Why not make an attempt? I have also lived against all odds in Life. I tried to overcome

the problems almost single handedly. My Life experience was unique, which had great

influence on my thinking and my outlook towards Life.

Friends, my childhood would meet you time and again in various Articles as it has

affected my entire Life and forced me to develop philosophies to counter the ill effects of

that pain. Some portion may get repeated in different Articles but with a different context.

I am sure that readers will excuse me for this unavoidable repetition.


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Friends, I am aware that I have not done anything extraordinary in my Life but I did

every thing with full involvement and sincerity. I request readers to judge me not from

where I have reached but from where I have started my Life journey. I have evaluated

my success from not what I have achieved but what I had to give up achieving it.

Friends, I am proud to say that I lived as per my wish. I had set Life Time Table in my

mind since young age. I assumed life span of 60 years and decided to accommodate all my

dreams, education, career, social service ideas, hobbies, relaxation, relations etc. In fact,

I always prayed and requested GOD to call me back after 60 years. I am happy to say that

I have managed all my affairs including career, finances, relationship in such a way that if

GOD really decides to accept my request, I will have no regrets.

I never compromised on my Life philosophy. My employers and clients allowed me to

work as per my wish and without interference.

I have divided my Autobiography ‘Spandane - The Last Lecture’ in various Sections /

Topics instead of writing chronologically for the sake of my convenience.

Section I - My Life Story

Section II - My Letters. Readers would get to know about my Family Life & Outlook

towards Life.

Section III - My Tips – Views & Observations on Various issues, situations, circumstances

etc. I am hopeful that Section III would certainly induce the readers to rethink on these

subjects and cross verify their ideas.

Section IV – My Spandane Poems

Reference to some persons living and dead is inevitable in such type of writing. I have

no intention of insulting or hurting anyone but if somebody is hurt inadvertently, I express

my sincere apology for the same, well in advance. The purpose of making reference to a

particular person is not to comment on that person but to unearth his / her impact on my

mind and personality.

I am dedicating my Autobiography to the fond memories of my parents. My father had

left a great impact on my Life. He was a true ‘Karma Yogi’. His Life Philosophy still

inspires and offers solution in case of need.


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Your Life should be like a square meal. Your destination of ‘Happiness’ in Life will be

your mind itself if you can manage to keep balance /strike equilibrium between your

educational/occupational career, family, health and friendship. I feel that I am fairly

successful in this game.

I also request the readers to visit my website www.spandane.com for various Spandane

Articles. My Life philosophy has been explained with the help of Moral Stories. I have

included a separate chapter on my Spandane Articles with my personal comments.

I would sum up my Life in one of the favourite Gazal. ‘Bhogile je dukha jyala sukh

mhanawe lagale. Evadhe mi bhogile ki maj hasave lagale.’ (I had to consider my pains and

sorrows as happiness and I faced hardships to such an extent that I had to laugh at it.)

I request readers to read the Autobiography serially to capture the real effect of my Life.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Mrs. Sumitra, Deven, Devyani, and

Romin, who have inspired me to write autobiography. Devyani deserves special thanks

for carefully reading the Autobiography and making useful suggestions. Thanks Devyani.

Best wishes to all.

Sudhir Vaidya

15-05-2011


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01 / My Childhood

Every one gets childhood for a short while in the entire LIFE span. It is generally said that

childhood is the best period/phase of Life. However, unfortunately, it was not so in my LIFE.

Now at this stage, I can certainly say that my success in LIFE can be attributed to my

childhood pain.

I was born on 15th May 1951 in a middle class family. I was born in ‘Sade Sati’. My Mother

got herself operated after my birth and hence I became the youngest in the family. I had three

brothers and eldest sister. However my first brother (born in 1943) expired in his childhood.

My elder brother was born in 1949 and eldest brother was born in 1947. My sister was born in

1940 when my mother was hardly 21 years old.

Somehow I always felt that if I would not have lost my first brother, probably I would not

have been born and would have escaped from this Life struggle. But that was not to be and

now I am here documenting my Life Story. It is not possible to unfold the entire Life.

Basically it may not serve any purpose for the readers. Every one has some painful corner

and his Life journey is driven by that pain. Every one also feels that his problem is greatest.

Greatness of problem depends on the distance between you and the problem. It should

suffice for the readers to know that I also nursed the painful corner in my Life but I planned

(Planning was in my blood.☺) my Life ignoring the problem initially and then adjusted with

the problem to come out as a winner. But I must admit openly that it left a scar on my mind

permanently.

My father’s health was in bad condition at the time of my birth. I was looked upon as ‘trouble

boy’ as he fell sick. I failed to understand this criticism till date as my parents were responsible

for my birth. My birth was certainly not in my hands. How my birth can be co-related with

his sickness? I spent my childhood searching answers to such nonsensical questions and

criticism. My father’s food habits were not good for his health. Having spent his childhood in

a remote native place he was fond of rice which finally led to Diabetes. With his aggressive

nature, he ignored it, thereby inviting more problems like TB. He had first attack of TB

sometime in 1952. I was just 1 year old. He went to Talegaon Hospital (near Pune) for


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treatment. Now under these circumstances how was I responsible for his ill health? In fact

I spent my life till date in the fear of diabetes. I am writing this with a heavy heart but I am

sure that my father will excuse me for this.

What I have inherited from my father is far more than such pains but unfortunately I can’t

forget that my parents failed in their core and primary responsibilities towards their kids.

My father got cured from TB in 1952. However, he again suffered from TB in 1957. He decided

to get admitted in Talegaon TB hospital. I remember my journey from VT to Talegaon.

We were accompanied by Mr. Kokane. (My Moushi’s husband) We reached the hospital in the

afternoon at about lunch time. I was very hungry. We went to mess for lunch. We sat on the

ground for lunch. It was a homely atmosphere. I still remember having enjoyed warm rice,

varan and lemon with a spoonful of ghee. Believe me for remembering this incidence. My

age was beyond the understanding the nature of our visit and its gravity. I continued to enjoy

rice, varan and lemon in my life. By doing this I touch that very moment of my Life.

At Talegaon hospital, each patient was allotted a small cottage with a kitchen. Patient would

get cured by dry air with a minimal support of medicines. Evening my uncle took me to

Poona. My sister and both the brothers were already staying at Poona. First time I was staying

away from my parents. I digested that blow. I did not realize that I will be losing the

company of my father in another few years. Ignorance is bliss. But that pleasure of ignorance

could not be enjoyed for long. Within next year or so, I realized the hard reality that my father

won’t be around for long. I became more matured for my age. I never felt like talking, mixing

with other children of my age. My tone of Life became depressed. I was not even admitted to

school because of my father’s illness. However I had continued my studies for 1st standard at

home under the guidance of my sister. My uncle and others hardly realized this sea change in

my behaviour. Observing open sky and clouds, spending time alone in a cosy atmosphere

was my favourite passion.

I remember my birthday that year at Poona. (i.e. 15-05-1957) No body wished me on my

birthday. I was crying in my heart. I was confident that my mother will come from Talegaon

on my birthday. I eagerly waited for her in the dark passage of the house. She came at about


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11 am. I was so happy & thrilled on her visit. Only then every one realized that it was my

birthday. That may be the reason for my wishing the friends, family members, assistants,

colleagues etc. on their birthdays so that they will get a smile on their face. Many of these

people hardly reciprocate by wishing me on my birthday, is a different story.

June 1957, we all brothers and sister returned to Mumbai. My parents had stayed back at

Talegaon. My father’s health was improving. We were accompanied by our Kaku.

I also remember the sweet Kachori cooked by my Kaku. I tasted that dish cooked by my

mother, wife etc. but let me admit that I could not forget that taste.

After few months, my parents returned from Talegaon Hospital. My father was cured

completely. I was relieved some how. During their absence, my sister looked after me. I can

understand the plight of small kids forced to stay away from home (baby sitting) while the

mother is at work.

Friends, I have tried my level best to give the glimpses of my painful childhood. These were

the first / early memories at the age of 6-7 years. I am aware that I have not shared every pain

in clear terms but you will appreciate that it is difficult to do so at this age.

I never realized when my childhood got over? Whether I had a childhood in the first place?

I was deprived of the only golden period of childhood. However, I have no regrets. This

period taught me hard facts of Life and rules of the Game. I never realized as to when my

mind died due to childhood circumstances? Still I am Living, considering every night as my

last night and every morning as one more day to live. I am mentally ready to quit.

Friends, my childhood would meet you time and again in various Articles as it has affected

my entire Life and forced me to develop philosophies to counter the ill effects of that pain.

I pray to almighty super power by whatever name called to offer beautiful childhood to all

new borns on this earth. Let all human beings enjoy this period and get ready for slaughter

for the rest of the Life.

Let me say a few words about our locality. We were staying in Angre Wadi, Tilak Nagar, and

Girgaon. We had a small row house of about 300 sq. feet and open space in front of the house.


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We had planted number of small trees in the area. It was a rented accommodation. In 1960 The

landlord sold away the entire property to the society. (currently known as redevelopment

scheme) The society constructed one separate building (RCC) of 5 stories to accommodate all

52 tenants. Rent was marginally increased to Rs. 21/-pm. The society constructed three

buildings and allotted to its members. We lost our play ground in the process. We became

tenants of the society. Other occupants of three buildings were fairly rich & owned vehicles

etc. We were given room on 4th floor. I stayed in that house up to 1977. Then I shifted to

Wadala. (my eldest brother’s residence) I stayed at Wadala up to January 1983. Thereafter,

I shifted to My Borivali Flat. (Purchased by my father for me, way back in 1965) I booked a

second home in September 1995 at Village Nargol via Sanjan, Gujarat State. I got the

possession on 05-09-1997. There after I have been visiting my second home practically every

month.


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02 / My Village Memories – ‘Hansha’

Friends, I am sure that you would get surprised or may be taken a back with the above

Title. I won’t keep you in suspense for long.

‘Hansha’ is name of my Bull. Surprised again? I have not taken to farming. This is the

story from my childhood and there was a specific occasion which made me to recollect this

story from my childhood. Let me narrate the story of my ‘Hansha’ to start with.

Once upon a time I also had a village like every one. ☺ Now it is no more, meaning

nobody is staying there regularly. I had been to my village way back in October 1967 for

the last time. However the story of ‘Hansha’ started much earlier in 1961. My father used

to take us to the village every alternate year. By the way, I have not told you where my

village is located. The name of my village is ‘Ambere Khurd ‘located in Jaigad creek.

We had to go by steamer to Jaigad. The steamer would leave from ‘Bhaucha Dhakka’ at

about 10am and would reach Jaigad at 8 pm. As there was no jetty at Jaigad, The Steamer

would halt away from shore in the sea. The passengers were required to jump in the small

boat. 10 sailors would row the small boat to the shore. We would spend that night at Jaigad

and would proceed to our village next day morning at 6 am in a launch. (Small boat driven

by engine). We would reach our village by 10am. Travel time of over 24 hours. Then we

had to climb the small mountain for another one hour with our luggage. Jaigad creek was

so far away that the Launch would reach the last destination by 12.30 noon.

Half way to our house, we would halt and look back to the creek. What a beautiful sight.

I had taken a nice snap from that spot. We enlarged that photo and presented to our Poona

uncle as a token gift when he moved to the newly constructed Bungalow. He also promptly

put the frame in his living room. Even today after so many years, I can visualize that

scene. ☺ I have uploaded that photo in my Family Album.

I have been doing Nature photography for many years but very few scenes can compete

with this view.

Some times, our youngest uncle would send a small boat to Jaigad. In that case we would


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take a boat ride to our village. We would reach our village shore at about mid-night.

We would take rest in our grocery shop on the shore and used to climb the small mountain

in the morning. I still remember the journey in a small boat from Jaigad to our village. Cool

breeze would tempt our eyes to close in the back drop of musical sound of waves. The

sky with moon and twinkling stars in the sky would complete the scene.

Friends, I am sure that now you must be wondering about the title. Is this a story of my

village or ‘Hansha’? But If I have to talk about my ‘Hansha’, then I have to narrate a story

of my village. Both are inseparable. ☺

We had gone to our village way back in October 1961. I was barely 10 years old. We had

number of bulls, cows, and buffalos in the village. During that time, one cow delivered a

male ‘Bachada’. His colour was black with white patch on the forehead. We decided to call

him ‘Hansha’. His mother was very calm and would allow us to touch and pamper

‘Hansha’.

After about a week, we took ‘Hansha’ for a ride in our compound with a small rope around

his neck. (As if he was a pet dog.☺ ) He behaved like an obedient dog initially but

suddenly showed his true colours. He shook his head so heavily that we lost the grip of the

rope. He was free. Hansha started dancing. Yes, I mean it. Have you ever seen a dance of

such a young bull? He was throwing his front legs in forward direction and would lift back

legs above the ground. We had no choice but to call our Aunty. She immediately caught

hold of Hansha and tied him to the hook. Hansha was very friendly with us. We would

play boxing with him. Both enjoyed the play.

Our holiday evaporated in no time. We planned our return journey to Mumbai. Previous

day, we all cried putting our little hands around his neck. We could see even Hansha’s

eyes getting watery with this love. Hansha returned the love by scratching his head on our

hand.

We returned back to Mumbai and our routine started all over again. However the

memories of Hansha would make us sentimental. Then I used to write letter to my uncle

and aunty and enquire about Hansha. Two years, passed…..


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Once again, we visited our village in October 1963. Now Hansha was 2 years old. He was

no more our small Hansha but now he was full grown Bull. His Horns had turned

backwards. He had continued his style of boxing by his forehead. His aggressive nature

was totally contradictory with his mother. (Incidentally I am also of an aggressive nature

totally in contradiction with my mother.☺)

He could not be sent along with other cattle as he would pick a fight against any one and

try to show his strength. He was probably adopting US Foreign Policy. ☺ Hence, a

separate servant was kept to look after him. Hansha was not allowed to mix with other

cattle from the village. He was given a special protein diet and green grass. This was not

done to prepare for any Bull fights. My uncle was a farmer. Eventually Hansha was

supposed to do farming work but Hansha was not willing to bow his head for farming

work. As if he was not born for such petty work. He was a born Manager. ☺

Nevertheless, Hansha soon understood the reality and was ready to do farming work.

It was quite surprising that Hansha recognized all of us in our following visits in 1963,

1965, 1967. Whether he was our pet dog in previous birth?

My last trip to village was in 1967 because I lost my Father in August, 1969. I do not know

as to how many more years Hansha lived? But he is still young in my mind.

Now, let me clarify as to why I remembered Hansha suddenly? Time to have one more

twist in the story.

Aryan, my Grandson was 2 years old. Very mischievous since childhood. He won’t play at

one place for long. Very curious. No risk perception. Not bothered for injuries while

playing. One night he was playing and dancing on a steel bed. Missed one step and his

forehead got hit on bar. He vomited after 2 hours. However, next day he went to school as

usual.

He was taken to a doctor in the afternoon. Doctor took X-ray of his skull. Nothing was

materially wrong. He prescribed few medicines. It was really a tough task for my daughter

to take care of him. Aryan likes to visit my residence as he gets our special attention. With

his child play, I suddenly remembered my Hansha and my childhood days at village.


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Our mind is like a bottle of perfume. When the lid gets opened, then memories of

childhood evaporate like a perfume.

Friends, I hope that you must have enjoyed story of my Hansha and my village in the

background.


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03 / My Father (Maze Dada)

My father’s name was Madhusudan. He had 4 brothers and 4 sisters. My grand father was a

farmer. My father had 2 elder brothers who were educated. My father insisted on staying in

Bombay for studies. He studied in English medium. At the time of his SSC results, he was in

our village, working in the farm with other labour. His elder brothers never bothered to

inform his SSC result.

He then returned to Bombay and stayed with one Lawyer family as paying guest. He pursued

Steno typist diploma. With his involvement, he attained the speed of 140/80 in his typing and

dictation. He easily got a job in Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay popularly known

as BMC. He worked in the Legal department of BMC. He had good command on English

having studied in English medium. He was proud to say that his English was far better than

that of the lawyers. ☺ BMC had laid down quota system for typist. However, due to sheer

speed and accuracy, my father used to complete the quota by 3 p.m. & thereafter he would

offer his helping hand to his superiors for correcting the letters and statements. He gained

good legal knowledge in the process.

During evening time, he had taken up part time typing job and would work till late into night.

He loved his typewriter on par with his kids. I had preserved his typewriter for number of

years but finally sold off as it could not be kept in working condition in spite of best

intentions, due to obsolescence.

His food habits were not good for his health. Having spent his childhood in a remote native

place, he was fond of rice which finally led to Diabetes. With his aggressive nature, he ignored

it, thereby inviting more problems like TB. He had first attack of TB sometime in 1952. I was

just 1 year old. He went to Talegaon Hospital (near Pune) for treatment. Thereafter he started

observing some health discipline and changed his life style. He changed his diet, started some

yoga exercise, morning walk etc. He had to take insulin injection every day before lunch.

In our home, every body was a doctor. We all learned the art of giving injection but my Tai

was highly proficient in the job. I used to give him injection from the age of 8 till his death.


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His dress was typical of pre independence days. i.e. Dhoti, Shirt, Coat & Cap. He was very

particular about his dress and its cleanliness. He had 2 coats which he used to alternate every

week. When I was in the 7th standard, with great persuasion he purchased an iron on my

promise that I will press his shirt & coat every week. I was very close to him. He nominated

me as his ‘secretary’. I was deeply involved with him and tried my level best to render every

possible service to him. I became a Company Secretary (CS) in 1980 but I am more proud of

that ‘childhood designation’ of a secretary given by my Dad.

He was short tempered by nature but had clear convictions and ideas. However, his love &

affection was not for ‘show business’ but he deeply cared for the family. He had contributed

25 % of his salary as PF and as per BMC rules; this PF contribution decision was forever and

could not be changed year to year as is possible now. Hence in order to meet both ends, he did

part time typing jobs, thereby spoiling his heath in the process.

Every Sunday, he would take all of us to Girgaum Chowpati. We were more than happy to eat

peanuts and chana. (For us, company of Dada was more valuable. Dada gave quality time to

us) He would walk down from VT station (BMC Office) to Girgaum in order to save 2 annas

(12 paisa) tram ticket. With this saving, he would bring mawa cake from Kayani hotel at Dhobi

Talao. The said restaurant is still operative and I had visited the restaurant number of times

to taste the mawa cake and to remember the sweet memories of my father. Every one called

him ‘DADA’. I have high regards and I am proud of my DADA unlike in recent TV Ads, a

little girl shouts that my Dady is strongest because of the use of Dhara Oil in the house. ☺

He was very particular and meticulous in his approach. He had formed the good habit of

writing his daily expenses in his small diary and to tally cash balance held by him. After his

sad demise, we opened his ‘Patra Trunk’ and found many such diaries. Reading of those

diaries really opened our eyes. He was drawing a salary of Rs.800/-p.m. (in August 1969

when he expired just 2 months prior to his retirement) Part time typing job was contributing

equal amount in which he was managing a family of 6 members.


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He was honorary Secretary of Hindu Education Fund which was constituted to help needy

scholar students for ensuing higher studies abroad. Loan of Rs.5000/- to Rs.10000/- was

granted to each student for proceeding to USA, UK for further studies. The Loan was expected

to be repaid on taking up the job.

He was very fond of money lending with a good purpose. However, he was unlucky in the

sense that barely any amount was recovered not because the person turned out to be dishonest

but because the borrower could not flourish from the loan given by my ‘DADA’.

He was deadly against corruption. (Refer separate chapter on my views on corruption.) I feel

that many of his qualities have been inherited by me such as sincerity, honesty, involvement,

dedication, high moral values. He used to say that you have to be fair to everybody while

holding position of strength and just because you are in the driver’s seat you should not

run over people. I followed this advice in my Life and it bore rich fruits.

He expired on 21st August 1969 when I was barely 18 years old. In such a short span he

influenced my life to a very great extent and showed me the path to pursue in this wretched

world. It was my bad luck that I could not get his company and blessings for more years.

At times I wonder as to how he would have felt now if he would have been alive?

He was very fond of Astrology. He would consult Mr. Bhide (Astrologer) staying at

Thakurdwar at periodic intervals. His main concern was his health & family. I still remember

the last prediction given by Mr. Bhide sometime in October 1968. Mr. Bhide said that Vaidya

Saheb, you do not worry, you will be fit & working till end. What a way to solace a

worrying mind. But Mr. Bhide knew that my dada’s end was around the corner and hence his

working till end was just obvious. My dada expired within a year. It is pity that after slogging

the entire life, he left this world just 2 months prior to his retirement from the job. Why he was

not given few grace years to relax after retirement when his sons having settled in Life

could have offered him a well earned rest? But this was not to be.


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He made it a point to offer equal facilities to all of us including my two cousins who were also

staying with us for studies.

His ‘reading’ of all his sons was shared with my MOM but she could not digest it mainly

due to blind faith for eldest son. His observations and reading is realized now after so many

years. I had developed direct tuning with Dada and could talk with him heart to heart. I was

so much involved with his problems - may be his job tensions, financial problems, health

worries, that I had lost charm in ‘LIFE’ much before I had opportunity of enjoying it. Due to

my involvement in his problems, he would hide his worries but generally failed due to my

attaining still further involvement.

He was of helping nature and gathered many well wishers. However, due to

straightforwardness (sometimes uncalled for) he also created few enemies.

Probably the only point on which I have the objection is that considering his poor health, he

should have limited his family. Also refer my open letter to Dad written on 31-12-2009.

Towards end, he developed Liver Cyrosis in October 1968. (A disease wherein blood slowly

gets converted in water. The disease originates either due to heavy boozing or due to

diabetes.) He was always worried about the side effect of diabetes. He wanted to remain fit

and working till last. He was cured by December 1968 with heavy medication which costed

Rs.25/- per day. I used to make calculation as to how many years we can afford the medicine

out of his PF amount?

Again in February 1969, he developed Liver Cyrosis which was not cured till last. Finally one

day before his demise, he went in coma when doctors attempted to provide relief by sucking

water from his belly.

Finally he left this world on 21-08-1969 at about 08.30 am.

May his soul rest in peace.


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Note:

You are aware that my book ‘Spandane’ and my web site titled ‘www.Spandane.com’ is

dedicated to my Late Father who expired at the age of 58 years after fighting with Diabetes for

over 35 years. Although his Life span was quantified by destiny, he led very cheerful Life and

remained active till his death. He managed his stress by keeping himself occupied in some

activity or the other. He was true ‘Karma Yogi’. His Life Philosophy still inspires & offers

solution to me in case of need. I am sure that readers will get some idea about his Life

ideologies which had a great influence on my thinking process.


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04 / My Mother

My mother was born on 19-09-1919 in the Ogale family staying at Matunga. Her father was a

businessman owning a Grocery Shop having a good reputation in the area. She had three

sisters and three brothers. Two brothers retired from MCGM popularly known as BMC.

Elder one retired as head clerk, while younger one retired as shop & establishment inspector.

My Mom was very intelligent in studies and had passed 7th standard in those days. However,

a further study was not pursued. She did not pursue Diploma in education etc. to get a job as a

school teacher. She could read and write English. She was very proud to sign in English.

My father was most favourite son-in-law of Ogale Family and enjoyed good relationship with

his father-in-law. I hardly remember having gone to Matunga for a stay or even my Mamas

showing love and affections for us. Once or twice I remember having stayed there with my

maternal cousin brother Vilas. (Vilas was of my age. After SSC, he pursued technical diploma

and secured a good job. However due to lock out in the factory, he lost the job. He had tough

time to look after his family but his wife supported him. He expired untimely. I wrote a

condolence letter to his wife. After few years, we had a phone conversation and to my surprise

she thanked me for sending a nice condolence & moral support letter. She requested me to

excuse her for not acknowledging receipt of the letter. Friends, I do not have the copy of that

letter. He was very fond of education. His elder son became a CA and younger one became a

CS. May his soul rest in peace.)

My Mami taught me ‘Ramaraksha’. I was very small may be studying in 3rd standard when

my Grand father expired. My Grand mother expired in 1972 at the age of 85 years. (Probably

she had Saturn in her 8th house.☺)

My Aai was short in height but good looking. Her intelligence could not get scope in Vaidya

family as her service were called for looking after the big family and guests which poured at

regular intervals. Our home was like a ‘Guest house.’ We could hardly enjoy the privacy

/space in our childhood due to a small house and guests. This had a great impact on my

mind. Many years I had neither seen sunrise nor sunset because at sunrise I would reach the

library for studying or proceeded to office early morning and at sunset again either I would be

in the library or in my cabin doing office assignment. Many a times I had gone to public


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garden / Chowpatty for studying.

My dada was very short tempered (may due to his health problems) and hence it was very

difficult to get across any idea or opinion. Thus, she had to tolerate a lot in the initial stages of

her marriage. My eldest uncle (so called Lawyer of Devrukh) insisted on changing her name at

the time of marriage. I was surprised when I heard this from mother. I could not get the

answer as to how my father yielded to his pressure and changed her name to ‘Satyabhama’.

However, I am proud of my mother because she continued her maternal name ‘Shantabai’

and signed all documents as such. Dada gave silent approval for her decision.

Apart from this, I hardly remember two more occassions when she took firm stand against

the wishes of Dada. Dada wished to bring his nephew (my cousin, son of my youngest Uncle)

to Mumbai for studies as he was not getting along with my Poona uncle and his kids.

Second incident was of baby sitting of Rajan. (My sister’s son) (Rajan expired untimely at a

young age of 46 years on 10-07-2009 /Born on 10-04-1963. May his soul rest in peace.)

As she was forced to accept the health problem of my father, her personality got diluted

forcibly as adjustment with Life was call of the day rather than exception.

Her love and affection for my sister and eldest brother was more as compared to me and my

elder brother as evidenced from her actions and a way of talking. However she never

admitted this. I gave her a benefit of doubt. Her love for sister was natural, may be due to her

poor health since childhood and worry about her future. However, our family was lucky to

get good son-in law who understood and accepted her wholeheartedly.

My mother had a basic weakness of inability to take decision. In fact I have seen this

inability to take decision with many educated working ladies. She would also get convinced

with the first argument on any issue. I could not understand the logic for this weakness as she

was bestowed with good common sense. (I have also realized that common sense is most

uncommon with many.☺) Hence, she never took any firm stand on any issue. At best she

would attempt to contradict with me and my elder brother. But with my sister and eldest

brother, no way.


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Barring this weakness (No body is perfect.) she possessed unusual good qualities as a

human being. She would always talk and mention about good qualities possessed by any one

including her rivals or those who had troubled her. She would do her own household chores

and offered helping hand to daughter-in-law even in her old age. She would spend her free

time in reading. She was not very fond of TV serials. She would even attempt to read simple

books in English. She was constantly worried about one thing and that was whether she

would remain fit till the end? She could not even toy with the idea of somebody taking care of

her when she would get confined to a bed. She never wanted to be a burden on anyone.

Due this anxiety, she exerted unnecessarily to prove that she was fit.

Her intelligence got good scope only after the sad demise of my dada in August 1969.

She had adjusted to that state much before his actual demise. ‘Sharada Mahila Mandal’ was

formed in 1970 by her friend Mrs. Ursekar. She won many trophies for the Mandal in

Bhagwat Geeta, essay writing, story telling etc. She acted as Secretary / Treasurer of the

Mandal for many years.

She was an asthma patient in her young age but never suffered acutely. During her old age

she suffered from BP. Before she expired, she lost her memory.

Somehow I never got along well with her. May be due to her inability to take decisions,

inability to take firm stand on any issue, her tendency to avoid confrontation even when she

was right etc. My nature is exactly the opposite. In the process, we always agreed to disagree.

I don’t intent to blame her for these weaknesses. This was probably the outcome of her

childhood and forceful compromise of early marriage; problems faced by her mother and

adjustment in life after marriage. However, I knew that she was inwardly worried about me

till end.

Two years prior to death, she was practically confined to bed. Mrs. Supriya (My vahini, wife

of my elder brother, Suresh) looked after her nicely. I openly salute Mrs. Supriya & Suresh

for this noble job.

My Mother finally left this world on 26-10-2004.

May her soul rest in peace.


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05 / My Family

Generally Autobiography is not complete without a chapter on Family Life of the Author.

Readers are also interested in this chapter. ☺ Friends, you may get disappointed because I do

not intent to include an elaborate account of my Family Life.

However, I have included the separate Articles on My Father and My Mother. Readers would

get information about my family members in various letters included in Section II of this book

and some of the Articles.

You may also come across reference to other family members in many other Articles. The

purpose of making reference was not to comment on that person but to unearth his / her

impact on my mind and personality.

I must acknowledge that my Father had greatly influenced my Life though I could get his

company for only 18 years.

My spouse also tolerated me beyond a point mainly because she understood me more than

any one else in my Life. My beloved wife is my best friend. I am indebted to her for

greatness of her mind. ☺ ☺ I learned to live from my wife.

Initially my relationship with son and daughter sailed through rough weather due to the

peculiar circumstances. But both tried their level best to tolerate me. Now after 25

years, they have reconciled with my Life philosophy, logical thinking etc. having settled in

their own Life and observing behaviour of their spouse & own kids. I am very much thankful

to them.

Some of my family members may get disappointed because I have not shared what they

wanted to read and what I have shared they may not be interested to read. ☺ Any way I have

written this Autobiography for my sweet grandsons.

I hardly developed intimate relationship with my uncles & mother’s brothers etc. Their partial

and selfish behaviour was responsible for this. I learned from these people as to how not to


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behave. I avoided these behavioural patterns when I became Uncle and Mama. It was

unfortunate that the intimate relationship I shared with all my nephews & niece was not

reciprocated by few of them. Anyway, it is part of the game. How to behave is in your hands.

I have carried out my duties as uncle & Mama.

What is Family? F---Father / A---& / M– Mother / I----I / L---Love / Y---You.

Friends, I am proud to say that I Love my Family. Do you?

Readers may refer My Family Tree.


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06 / My School Days

I secured admission directly in 2nd standard in June 1957. My Municipal school was located

near my home (Angre Wadi, Girgaon). Soon the school was temporarily shifted to Banamahal

Lane school due to repairs / renovation. That new school building was located little far. I had

to walk for about 10-15 minutes alone with school bag and the umbrella. Nowadays we find

that either a servant or parent, accompany the kid up to the school bus. I can still remember

that walk to my school on a crowded road.

I still remember my first class teacher, Mr. Chavan Sir. (2nd to 4th standard Municipal School).

His method of teaching was so simple that even below average student was comfortable in

his class. Incidentally, his dress code resembled to my father’s dress code.

Our class teacher used to take our mathematics test every Saturday. It was a mental sum test.

All students would stand up and then teacher would narrate the problem. After you arrive at

the answer, the student was supposed to sit. One day I was standing till end. Everyone

thought that I am unable to solve the sum. Teacher then asked the answers one by one to all

students. That Saturday, I was the only one to give the correct answer.

Up to 4th standard, I studied in Municipal school and then took admission in Wilson High

School in June 1960. Same year my elder brother was admitted in 7th standard in Union High

School. My eldest brother was also studying in 9th standard in Wilson High School.

On the first day of the school, students assembled in the class room. Incidentally one fair

looking boy was seating next to me. He had red birth mark on his right cheek. I smiled at him.

His name was Jayant. His father was a teacher in our high school. Our wavelength matched.

We became best friends. We studied together in school / college, became CA, did practice

together, and shared our pains and happy moments. It was unfortunate that Jayant expired

untimely on 23-05-2006. (Born on 26-01-1951) He was my only best friend, closer to me more

than my brothers. His sudden death really shocked me. With a great difficulty I survived that

shock.

I hosted my website on 23-05-2008 to coincide with his death anniversary.


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Wilson high School had a high reputation. The School was established 100 years back. Though

the school was run by Christian Trust, the teaching Staff was mostly Hindus. I still remember

Paranjape Sir (Sr. & Jr.), Godbole Sir, Sathe Sir, Samant Sir, Chitale Sir, Borde Sir, Barve

Madam, Pawar Sir (Sr. & Jr.), etc. Mr. Waghchoure was the Principal. Sathe Sir was

vice-principal. He was very soft spoken and had a respectable personality.

Paranjape Sir & Barve madam taught Marathi & Sanskrit. Pawar Sir taught History,

Geography, and Civics. Borde Sir & Samant Sir taught Science. Sathe Sir, Chitale Sir,

Waghchoure Sir taught English. Torkhade Sir was in charge of PT. Bansode Sir was

specializing in Handlooms & Charkha etc. He was also in charge of School Garden.

I had volunteered for Gardening work while in school.

All these teachers not only imparted formal education but also informed us the current

developments in the country, told moral stories with an emphasis on developing us as good

citizens of the country. This really laid a strong foundation of my personality. I would say

that this was the ‘booster dose of hard work, sincerity’ learned from my father. Thank you

Sir. Your debt can never be repaid.

English was introduced for the first time in 5th standard. Now days, students of 3 years are

able to write ABC. (A for America, B for bye, bye and C for Computer.☺) We had to cover the

syllabus ranging from ABC, reading English text books, reciting the poems, and answer text

book questions. It was an up hill task to comply in one year considering that most of the

students had not even learned ABC prior to admission in 5th Standard. English was taught

by Mr. Bhalerao. He had cleared BA exam in the same year and joined our school as English

teacher. His English was good but was of no use to us as he did not know how to teach

English to students who are facing the subject for the first time.

In 6th standard, Mr. Chitale Sir taught English. He taught the subject ‘copy book’ style. English

became my favourite subject. My fear for the subject disappeared. In 1967, I took admission

in Sydenham college. Head of the department conducted special English class for one year for

students studied in vernacular medium till SSC. This special English class was of great help

to me.

In 6th standard, I tested my so called first failure. ☺ In 1st Quarterly examination I failed in


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Hindi. I could score 35 out of 100. Friends, are you wondering how I was declared as failed?

Our school had set higher minimum base as 40 marks for passing. Now can you image why

I failed? I never opened Hindi book at home. ☺ I never did revision. I attempted examination

purely on what I learned in the class. I was asked to explain my failure at home. I openly told

the above facts. My father excused me for this failure. I am still wondering as to why I did

that? In fact I should have studied Hindi as the subject was introduced for the first time.

Friends, don’t misunderstand. I have respect for our national language but it is still a puzzle

for me as why I did not study Hindi in 1st Quarter examination. Next quarter, I studied Hindi

so well, that I stood first in the class. ☺

I remember one more major incident when I was studying in 6 th Standard. I first tested

‘Politics and ill effects of Gossip.’ However my Father supported me as he had complete

faith in me. I request readers to read the incident from the Spandane Article ‘Sparrow’s

Parable.’

From 7th standard to 11th standard, I would Top the class in 3rd quarterly examination held in

January. Other examinations I would be in first 5 ranks. This is yet another puzzle. I would

study all through the year but this trend was continued for 5 years. ☺

The school had issued only one progress report book to record the progress from 5th standard

to 11th standard. Of course the book had additional pages for repeaters. ☺ The entire academic

progress was available in one progress card unlike present days of issuing separate sheet

every year. Many years I had preserved that progress book. I never realized when I lost it

like my Childhood?

I passed my SSC examination (11th standard) in June 1967. We had seven papers to answer.

Examination would get over in 4 days. Every day we were expected to answer two papers of

3 hours each. Nowadays, SSC examination lasts for minimum 15 days. We had a choice to take

8th extra subject. If you clear in any 7 subjects out of 8, then you would be declared pass.

My family members (my mother and eldest brother) forced me to take 8th subject namely

Special Arithmetic. In other words, they were not ready to show the basic faith on me that

I can clear 7 subjects. In fact there was no basis for such low confidence in my ability or

intelligence. I had passed in all examinations conducted by the School. I was an average

student securing about 65% marks those days.


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Due to tremendous pressure, I filled up the form for 8 papers including Special Arithmetic.

Arithmetic was not my favourite subject. My favourite subject was History & Geography. The

examination of this 8th paper would take place 15 days after regular examination gets over.

I studied Arithmetic in this gap of 15 days. Unfortunately Arithmetic paper was exceptionally

tough. I could solve the answers of only 65 marks and scored 62 marks in Special Arithmetic.

I had scored less mark as compared to other papers.

I am yet to discover the secret of no-confidence in my ability. My elder brother used to score

marks in the range of 65% but no compulsion was done in his case. This had a very bitter

effect on my mind. I refused to believe anyone in my Life. Finally, I became an Auditor whose

main job was to report on discrepancies in the system. However, I took extra pains to confirm

that I won’t lose the human angle in finding discrepancies. Faith is the great donation to

mankind. Friends, you will agree that our Life runs on Basic Faith. We have faith in system,

human beings and even in GOD or Super power as well.

This incident has troubled my mind for many years. Dear readers, at the cost of some

repetition, I have included a separate Article titled My Experience of Faith. I hope that you

will excuse me for this repetition. Readers kindly have basic faith in your kids considering

their abilities.

Mrs. Barve taught Marathi in 11th standard. We were given assignment of writing essay on

‘My childhood’. My essay got the first prize. Teacher enquired whether it was hypothetical or

a reality? I was obviously not the Author at that age to write something hypothetical. ☺

My friendship with Jayant achieved great heights by the time we cleared SSC. Jayant was

transferred to Division A from 8th standard as he decided to study Mathematics & Science in

English.

Mr. Kalgutkar became my friend in 8th standard. We studied together till SSC. We decided to

pursue Medical (Ayurveda) after SSC. Eventually he became an Engineer and I became a

Chartered Accountant.

Kindly refer separate Articles My Dreams and My Teachers.


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07 / My Experience of Faith

Friends, you will agree that our Life runs on Basic Faith. We have faith in system,

human beings and even in GOD or Super power as well.

I passed my SSC examination (11th Standard) in June 1967. We had seven papers to

answer. Examination would get over in 4 days. Every day we were expected to answer 2

papers of 3 hours each. Now a day, SSC examination lasts for minimum 15 days. We had

a choice to take 8th extra subject. If you clear in any 7 subjects out of 8, then you would be

declared pass. My family members (my mother and eldest brother) forced me to take

8th subject namely Arithmetic. In other words, they were not ready to show the basic faith

on me that I can clear 7 subjects. In fact there was no base for such low confidence on my

ability or intelligence. I had passed in all examinations conducted by the School. I was an

average student securing about 65% marks those days.

Every year from 6th standard I had secured 1st rank in 3rd Quarter examination held in

January every year. My rank used to be within first 5 for other three examinations. Our

Wilson High School was already over 100 years old and had good reputation for

educational standard. Due to tremendous pressure, I filled up the form for 8 papers

including Special Arithmetic. Arithmetic was not my favourite subject. My favourite

subject was History & Geography. The examination of this 8th paper would take place 15

days after regular examination gets over. I studied Arithmetic in this gap of 15 days.

Unfortunately Arithmetic paper was exceptionally tough. I could solve the answers of

only 65 marks and scored 62 marks in Special Arithmetic. I had scored less mark as

compared to other papers.

I am yet to discover the secret of no-confidence on my ability. My elder brother used to

score marks in the range of 65% but no compulsion was done in his case. This had a very

bitter effect on my mind. Since then I refused to believe anyone in my Life. Finally I

became an Auditor, whose main job is to report on discrepancies in the system.


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However, I took extra pains to confirm that I won’t lose the human angle in finding

discrepancies. Faith is the great donation to mankind. Unless a patient has faith in the

Doctor’s ability, he will not get cured.

I define ‘Life’ as Loss of individual faith & enemity arising out of ego.


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08 / My College Days

After SSC, I joined Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics in June 1967. It was a

Government college. Admission process was very strict. Students were admitted only after an

interview. Prof. Belsare conducted my interview on the 3rd day. The cut off list was 62%

marks. The college fees were Rs.300/- p.a.

Our college was situated on B Road, Churchgate. It was a two storey building with long

corridors. Class capacity was of 200 students. It had a stage and a podium. The arrangement

in the class resembled like a Theatre. First day of the college, all students gathered in the

Auditorium for an introductory address by the Principal.

Prof. Dhekane was our Principal. Prof. G. L. Abhyankar was our vice-principal. On the first

day of the college, all students studied in vernacular medium had to give special English

examination. All students securing less than 60 marks were asked to attend Special English

class for improvement. The class was taken by senior professors of English department. What

the school was supposed to do was done by the college.

The entire teaching staff was not only highly qualified but equally dedicated to their job.

They would mix with students but maintain their own dignity. They kept their subject reading

up to date. They not only controlled the class of 175-200 students (attendance was

compulsory) but also kept everybody’s interest in the subject alive. Well known Chartered

Accountants & Advocates were the visiting faculties. They were rendering great social service

by teaching the young generation. The words ‘Thank you Sir’ may not convey their

contribution to my Life.

Our college timing was from 10 am to 2 pm. (4 periods) Thereafter we had to attend the two –

three tutorial classes consisting of 20 students. The purpose was to supplement the efforts of

the professors. The tutorial classes were conducted by the junior lecturers. These classes

helped us a lot. We could ask our difficulties openly due to small number of students. It was

possible for the professor to give individual attention to the difficulties. We learned Book-

keeping (FY commerce) in tutorial class as the regular Professor did not take a single class in

the entire year and hence we would get a free lecture. I devoted that time for studying in the


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Library.

After tutorial classes, I was a Life member of our college Library. I would study up to 8 pm.

At about 6 pm., our group would take a small round on the Marine Drive to watch the sunset.

We would then return to library to study. The library timings were generally up to 5 pm. The

library was kept open up to 8 pm only during the month before the examination. However,

our group managed to convince the Registrar to keep it open till 8 pm. We informed him that

we are all staying in the small room and there is no place to study. I made use of the library up

to Final CA examination in November 1974. (I left the college in June 1971. I was given

special permission by the College Registrar.)

On Sunday, we would request Registrar of Government Law College to keep one class room

open for us. I studied there from 1pm to 8 pm on Sundays.

Friends, you may be wondering as to why I was studying so hard. Let me clarify your doubt.

I had studied in vernacular medium and hence it was necessary to study hard as F.Y.

Commerce examination was conducted by University. (currently it is conducted by the

college) Secondly My father’s health was deteriorating very fast. He did not have very long to

live. There was no scope for my failure in the college. My efforts paid the fruits. I was the

only student from vernacular medium to have cleared the terminal examination held in

October 1967. (FY Commerce) ☺

During Inter Commerce, I came in contact with another student Mr. Jorapur. He was senior

to me by one year. He gave good guidance about the books, study material. We became

friends and eventually I joined him as a Partner in March 1992. Our association is still going

strong.

Those days it was said that if you can pass inter commerce examination, then you would

definitely clear B.Com. The inter examination was really tough. The student securing 1st rank

may not even score 60 %. Week prior to Inter examination, my father got admitted in KEM

Hospital for few pathological tests. I was extremely nervous. Thought of even taking a drop.

Suddenly, I remembered the forecast made by Mr. Bhide (Astrologer). He had expressed fear

that some difficulty will be faced in second year and if I overcome that, then there is no

problem for another 4 years. Good Alert. Thank you Mr. Bhide. I tried to keep cool. I was


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lucky that my Dad was discharged from the hospital just the previous day of my examination.

This was a great boost to my morale. I never looked back and appeared for the examination

confidently.

I cleared the Inter examination successfully and took admission in Jr. B.Com in June 1969.

My father’s health was deteriorating day by day. Now there was no tension of examination

because college was entrusted with the job of taking Jr. B. Com examination. University would

conduct the Final B. Com examination.

As feared, My father expired on 21st August 1969 when I was barely 18 years old. In such a

short span he influenced my life to a very great extent and showed me the path to pursue in

this wretched world. It was my bad luck that I could not get his company and blessings for

more years.

I took drop for Jr. B.com terminal examination held in October 1969 as I had not recovered

from the shock of my father’s death. Soon I recovered mentally and successfully cleared Jr. B.

Com examination held in March 1970.

I did vacation job in Central Bank of India during April & May 1970. The said Branch was

situated very near to my residence. I earned a salary of about Rs.700/- for two months and

managed my fees for Final B. Com. What a co-incidence? I started my career with a bank as

assistant and on the verge of my retirement as an Auditor of a Bank.

I studied regularly from June 1970. I did not like one Accountancy Professor. I mean his style

of teaching and hence I decided to skip his class on every Monday. However, I used to reach

the college as usual but instead of attending class, I would proceed to College Library and

study from 10 am to 2 pm.

I was the Life member of college Library. In fact, it was a group of 4 students namely myself,

Jorapur, Patole and Master. My friend Jayant would join only 2 months prior to examination.

Eventually, I became working partner of Jorapur & Co. (A firm was formed by Jorapur’s

father.) I studied hard and successfully completed B. Com in June 1971.

Mr. Patole joined Bank of India after B. Com. Mr. Master completed CA with me.


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09 / My Article ship Days

For the benefit of readers, let me say few words about CA course before I talk about my

Article ship days. The student is supposed to undergo the practical training (full time, like an

employee) for 4 years (now 3 years) after passing B.Com, (now after passing Inter CA) under

the guidance of a Chartered Accountant. Each CA is allowed to train few students as per rules

prescribed by ICAI. CA examination is conducted by The Institute of Chartered Accountants

of India, New Delhi. Those days due to shortage of CAs in practice, it was necessary to enrol

your name with CA firm after passing Inter commerce examination. However due to

acquaintance of my father and eldest brother, I could get the entry without enrolling my name

in advance. The student was supposed to work without any stipend or salary. (Now

handsome stipend is paid.) Prior to my joining CA course, the student was even supposed to

pay lump sum amount of about Rs. 5,000/- to CA firm and in turn would get some stipend

during article ship period of 4 years.

It is necessary to execute the Articleship Agreement with CA firm and the same is registered

with ICAI. The Training period would start from day of signing the agreement. Now the

Articleship period has been reduced to 3 years after passing Inter CA examination. Earlier the

training period was 4 years after B.Com. Articleship rules have changed number of times in

last 35 years. Earlier student was supposed to answer 5 question papers per subject and get it

corrected from the institute. Subsequently the rule was changed. Then the Student was

required to visit the examination centre on Sunday for answering question paper. Now

student is supposed to clear Inter CA examination and then only he is allowed to undergo

training for 3 years. On passing in all subjects, he would get the eligibility certificate for

appearing for the examination. The examination dates are 2nd May and 1st November. The

result would be declared in July and January. The result percentage was hardly 2%. Now the

passing percentage has improved to say 7-8%. A student is expected to secure minimum 40

marks in each subject and secure 50% marks in a group. No body would dare to appear for

both groups at a time. Friends, I dared to appear for both groups at time & cleared in first

attempt and also secured rank all over India in Inter CA and Final CA. ☺ ☺

After passing B.Com. I decided to take up CA course of 4 years. My father had already expired


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in 1969 but both the brothers since employed in BOI supported my decision. Thanks my Bros.

I did Articleship training with M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co. Chartered Accountants from

14-06-1971 to 13-06-1975. I cleared Inter CA examination in May 1973 with 59% marks and

securing 36th Rank all over India.

I cleared Final CA examination in November 1974 with 53.8 % marks and securing 48th Rank

all over India. CA result was hardly 2 % those days and hence it was a great achievement to

clear the CA examination in first attempt and that too with a rank.

Our firm had four partners. Senior partner Shri Jayantibhai looked after Taxation department.

We had no contact with him. However the other three partners namely Dilipbhai, Maheshbhai

and Chimanbhai looked after Audits and Taxation. We directly worked under their day to day

guidance. Our theoretical knowledge of accounting and auditing received new dimensions.

During four years of Articles, I got vast experience of Audit and Finalization of accounts of

public listed companies. We were taught to carry out detailed Audit after understanding

Accounting & Taxation implications. The emphasis was on getting all material queries of

accounting solved before finalization. This initial exhaustive training laid the foundation in

discharging my duties as Financial Controller and then as an Auditor. I sincerely thank all

partners for the training given to me. I take this opportunity to inform my Professional Gurus

that I also followed similar approach in training students pursuing CA course under my

guidance. Many of them have successfully passed the CA examination and are well placed

in Service or Profession.

I remember my Articleship days because of ‘Piles.’

Our Firm M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co Chartered Accountants, had many Audits of big

companies, Trusts, Schools, Advocate firms etc. In June 1971, batch of 15 articled clerks joined

the firm. We were given just a formal training and batch of 8 articled clerks was sent to Golden

Tobacco Ltd. for audit. Year ending was June those days. We were allowed to take breakfast in

the company canteen. We enjoyed the breakfast of potato vada-pav, cutlet, samosas etc. The

items were very tasty. However in few days, It showed the true colours. I suffered from piles.

I bought piles ointment and applied for 2 days. My problem got cured. ☺ I never realized that

the problem of piles was not over but it had begun. Over the years, I suffered from piles

more frequently. I tried many medicines and ointments but my problem aggravated day by


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day.

I knew the reasons but had no control on them. My body was generating more heat.

My outside eating in canteen, hotels, working or studying for prolonged hours, lack of

exercise, tension in the office and personal life was all adding fury to the problem. I was

helpless. Finally I reached to a stage of surgery. You may not believe that I had to postpone

the surgery for 15 days because our Managing Director had gone abroad and I was running

the show in his absence. I did not pass stool for almost 10 days. I could not even sit

comfortably on the chair due to piles. Finally I got operated on 15-01-1985. It was told by the

doctor that the piles may recur after about 10 years. But with the grace of God and the

availability of proper diet (thanks to my beloved wife Sumitra) I have won the fight against

piles. ☺ ☺ (One face is mine and another is of Sumitra) HaHaHa !!!~~~~

Friends, you may read this episode in another Article on My Health but I have once again

narrated the story because even 25 years after piles operation, I am not able to forget the agony

suffered during those 15 years. I am sure that you will excuse me for this repetition. Those of

you who have suffered from Piles will be able to vouch my experience.

Our Firm had number of Audits of private and public limited companies, Educational

institutions, Trusts etc. We had to go for out of station audits. However I had stipulated that

I will not undertake outstation audits till clearing Inter CA examination to be held in May

1973. (i.e. two years after commencement of Articleship training) Subsequently, I did

outstation audits.

I remember my Articleship days for yet another obstacle. Mr. Bhide had doubt about my

educational career because he had predicted one obstacle 2 years after SSC and once again

after 4 years. However he could not throw light on nature of obstacle. I have successfully

crossed the first obstacle of my father’s death in August 1969. (I passed SSC in June 1967).

I have already mentioned that a student was supposed to write 5 test papers per subject and

submit to ICAI for evaluation. ICAI had set up a counter in Income Tax Office for collection of

answer sheets. We used to handover the papers to our peon for submission to the said

counter. Every month, one of us would visit ICAI office at Colaba to check the status of our

answer papers. ICAI would issue the eligibility certificate on passing in all test papers.


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We were supposed to attach the said eligibility certificate with examination form.

Last date of submission of exam form of Inter CA was fast approaching. I visited ICAI Colaba

office in second week of March 1973 and to my surprise I was told that there is a problem with

one test paper. I was told that you have copied the answers from another paper. I was really

taken a back. The concerned Officer showed me both the papers. The other student had copied

from my paper. I could prove this because he had copied answers of only five questions

instead of six. The date of submission of my paper was prior to his submission. The concerned

clerk at Income Tax must have given my answer paper to that student for copying. Both the

papers were sent to the same examiner foolishly by the concerned clerk without realising the

consequences student may face. My performance was also far better than the other student in

other papers. The Officer accepted the fact but he had no discretion. If matter is referred to

Delhi Office then no decision will be received soon and my May 1973 attempt will get wasted.

I was on the verge of crying. Such allegation of copying was really frustrating. I had already

proceeded on leave. The matter was referred to higher ups in WIRC. I was given a via media

of answering 5 more test papers as a part of punishment.

I came home with a tensed look. I had to share the happening with my mother. In next 24

hours, I wrote 5 Test papers. Next day I submitted the answer papers to ICAI-Colaba. The

Officials were convinced with my sincerity and dedication. It is pity that even good

qualities have to be proved time & again. I was told that eligibility certificate would be sent

immediately. It was not received in time and I had to despatch my examination form without

attaching the certificate. I returned home from Post Office and I received my eligibility

certificate. I wrote a letter and again rushed to Post Office. My earlier envelope containing

examination form was still in the post office. I met Post Master and explained him the entire

episode and requested him to attach the eligibility certificate with examination form.

He expressed his inability for this. Finally I sent eligibility certificate by another Red. AD.

The Postmaster promised to send both the envelopes together.

I returned home with a worry that my eligibility certificate should get attached with

examination form; otherwise, I may not get the Hall ticket. Anyway, I had no choice.

I concentrated on my studies. I received the hall ticket in time. I was relaxed for the first time

in last 2 months. I cleared the Inter CA examination in flying colours as mentioned above.


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My stipend was increased from Rs.40/- pm to Rs.45/- pm after passing Inter CA. I was the

only clerk who cleared Inter CA examination out of 15 clerks appeared for the examination

from my firm. Now I had become a senior articled clerk. ☺ I was made group leader for

conducting audit assignment and to train the junior articled clerks.

I completed postal tuition for Final CA by writing another 40 Test papers. Fortunately, this

time there was no difficulty. I appeared for Final CA examination held in November 1974.

I was allowed 100 days leave. I saw Hindi movie ‘Namak Haram’ with my friend Jayant prior

to commencement of leave period.

I had a tight schedule. I used to leave the home by 7.15 am. I would visit Prakash Restaurant

for break fast and then proceed to the Library at Prarthana Samaj. I would study till 1.30 noons

and returned home for lunch. After Lunch, I would go Sydenham College Library at

Churchgate. I would leave the Library by 8 pm and would reach home by 9 pm. Usually I ate

boiled egg with Dal or vegetable for dinner. I appeared for examination. One paper was bit

difficult. But there was no point in worrying.

I enjoyed the period after examination as there was no tension of studying. I concentrated on

reading of ICAI, BCAS magazines assuming my success in the examination. Once again

I cleared the Final CA examination in January 1975 with flying colours, securing 48th Rank

all over India. My friend Jayant cleared only one group. Jayant was in Delhi on the day of

result. He informed the result to me.

My elder brother threw the grand party at Hotel Satkar, Opp. Girgaon Chowpatty. My eldest

brother gifted suit piece to me.

Now My next target was to secure a job before my articles get over on 13-06-1975. I was given

professional work as I had cleared the examination. My stipend was increased to Rs.50/- pm.

I made it clear that I would leave the firm as per my bond. I had not availed of excess leave

and hence there was no question of extension of training period.

I was given audit assignment of a large sized Solicitor firm in May 1975. I had to work


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overtime to complete the assignment. Finally I completed the work on 13-06-1975 and

handed over the papers to the concerned partner on Friday, 13-06-1975 at about 8 pm. There

after, I was issued articled ship completion certificate for onward despatch to ICAI. One more

segment was behind me in my Life journey.

I reached home, totally tired and exhausted after my long chase of meeting education target.

New era in my Life (Occupational career) was about to begin as I was to join Crompton

Greaves Ltd. next day i.e. Saturday, 14-06-1975.


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www.spandane.com

10 / My Education

Friends, The word ‘Education’ is very complex and difficult to define. Generally we refer the

word education as academic education. But the word, education is very wide. Every activity

we do from childhood is the outcome of continuous education. Initially, we hesitate to do the

activity because of lack of knowledge / education. Take the example of Mobile. Now even an

illiterate person is able to handle it because he has learned the necessary skill for using a

Mobile.

The ‘Managerial skill’ is the buzz word of the day. White collared people usually have a

wrong notion that they only possess the skill due to higher education. Only they are destined

to do the skilled job in the office. Seldom it is realized that practically every job requires skill

and every skill is not taught in an educational institution. Some skills are in the family and

are transferred from one generation to another. Every job requires skill. We must appreciate

and enjoy the skill displayed by anyone irrespective of his age, caste, literacy etc. These

skills are used by them for their livelihood. Given the chance and the opportunity, they can

still do better and also acquire similar complimentary skills. Readers may refer my Spandane

Article Skill on this subject.

We should maintain our ‘childlike curiosity’ even with advancing age. We should remain a

‘Student’ all through life, because one can learn from any one provided you have an open

mind. Yes, I mean it. There is no end to education if you take a wider meaning of the word.

If you think seriously, you will realize that you can learn from Nature, Trees, Frog, Tortoise,

and Computer etc. The list is only illustrative. I invite your attention to my Spandane Articles

– Computer education, Frog, Chick & Bamboo Tree, Tortoise etc. You must have also read

my Articles namely My Teachers highlighting their contribution in my Life. I have given a

detailed account of my education of Astrology, Medical and many more topics in the Article

My Hobbies.

Now let me turn to the subject proper. Yes, you guessed it right. Let me share my experience

of completing academic education.

Story of my education should once again begin rightly from the 5th house of my Horoscope.

I have already mentioned that my father was very much fond of Astrology. His main concern


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was his health and education of his kids. Once he took me to our Astrologer Mr. Bhide (Now

he is no more) when I was studying in 11th standard. (1966) Mr. Bhide advised that I should be

given commerce education. He further said that it is very difficult to predict his education

because of some unexpected hurdles after 2-3 years. If he manages that problem, then again

there would be another hurdle after 4 years. We returned home with a heavy heart. Mr. Bhide

could not throw light on type of problem but assured my father that Sudhir has the basic

intelligence to complete any academic education.

There is one more angle to my selecting of commerce faculty. My sister and eldest brother

were very intelligent in the family. My sister could not think of any Professional education

due to her health problems since childhood. My eldest brother was no doubt intelligent but

had varied interests and was a bit lazy. He could have become a doctor or an engineer.

However, as my father’s health was fast declining, it was not possible. My father wished that

Shrikant (my eldest brother) should complete his graduation before he calls it a day. So my

brother took admission for B. Com. He also accepted my father’s decision without revolting.

My mother had tall plans for our education. She was of the opinion that all sons should not

take up commerce. So she forced my elder brother to take admission for Science. He also

accepted her decision without revolting and deep thinking on his future career in Science.

Friends, you are aware that I was nursing a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. However,

apart from family reality, one more factor influenced my decision of not pursuing science.

My elder brother was not at all comfortable with science especially Maths (compulsory

subject) and Laboratory practical. Having seen his experience, I decided to take up Commerce

line. ☺ Readers may refer Article on My Educational & Occupational career.

I studied in Marathi medium. I secured admission directly in 2nd standard in Municipal

school in our colony. I studied in that school up to 4th standard. I joined Wilson High School in

5th standard. Those days 11th standard was SSC unlike 10th standard as of now. I passed SSC

in June 1967. Readers may refer a separate Article on My School Days, My Experience of

Faith.

As decided earlier, I joined Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics in June 1967.

I passed B. Com. In June 1971. Readers may refer a separate Article on My College Days.


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After passing B.Com. I decided to take up the CA course of 4 years. My father had already

expired in 1969 but both the brothers since employed supported my decision. Thanks my

Bros. I did Articleship training with M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co. Chartered Accountants

from 14-06-1971 to 13-06-1975. I cleared Inter CA examination in May 1973 with 59% marks

and securing 36th Rank all over India.

I cleared Final CA examination in November 1974 with 53.8 % marks and securing 48th Rank

all over India. CA result was hardly 2 % those days and hence it was a great achievement to

clear the CA examination in first attempt and that too with a rank. Readers may refer a

separate Article on My Articleship Days.

After passing CA, I joined Crompton Greaves Ltd on 14-06-1975 after a marathon education of

8 years after SSC. It was really a tiring experience. I decided to concentrate on my job

training. My elder brother got promoted in December 1976 and was transferred to Bank of

India, Uralikanchan branch near Poona. He got married in April 1977. By that time I was

settled in my job. I had fixed a service target of 5 years with Crompton Greaves Ltd. Hence

I decided to take up Company Secretary course. The education format was similar to CA

course. The student was supposed to enrol with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India,

New Delhi. It was necessary to answer 5 papers per subject to seek the eligibility for appearing

for the examination. Accordingly, I enrolled with ICSI in May 1977 with a target of

attempting Inter CS examination in December 1978. Mr. Jayant did not join CS inspite of my

persuasion.

I received the Study Material from ICSI in June 1977. I read the entire Study Material for next

three months. Then I fixed the target for writing answer papers for eligibility. I decided to

write 5 answer papers per week of one subject. Every day after returning from Office, I would

devote the necessary time at night and again on Sunday for writing papers. On Monday,

I would send the answer papers by registered AD to ICSI, New Delhi for evaluation.

I followed this routine for next 6 weeks. I was extremely tired at the end of 6 weeks. My

fingers were slightly swollen.

I had written almost 800 foolscape pages. I received all answer papers duly evaluated by

February 1978. Having received the eligibility for the examination, I commenced the detailed


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study for Inter CS examination to be held in December 1978.

I suffered from Kidney Stone on the first day of Inter CS examination. Readers may refer that

episode in My Health. My will power was at its best and I managed to attend all papers

against severe stomach pain. My efforts and will power were rewarded. I passed Inter CS

examination in December 1978 securing 56.4 % marks.

Along with CS course, I decided to complete one year Diploma in Managerial Accounting

(DMA) of Mumbai University from June 1977 to June 1978. It was a part time diploma.

Classes were held on Saturday and Sunday at Bajaj Institute of Management, Churchgate.

Classes were conducted by visiting faculties from the industry. I still remember two professors

due to their teaching style, one was from L & T Ltd. and one was chief cost accountant of

BEST. I copied their style (unknowingly) initially when I became the Faculty at Bank’s Staff

Training centre. However, later on I developed my style and many participants still

remember me whenever they attend any training course. My lecture used to be live and

inviting participation from all, rather than one sided talk.

The syllabus of DMA was so vast that University could have easily made it a two year

diploma. I was already working in Management Accounts department of Crompton Greaves

Ltd. and found the diploma helpful in discharging my duties still better. I was already

working on various Projects of CG Ltd. The examination was conducted semester wise.

(December 1977 & June 1978) I successfully cleared the examination with 69.7 % marks with

2nd Rank in the University. My Project Report was adjudged as best Project Report.

Mr. Jayant Paranjape also completed the diploma successfully in the same year.

I also completed Diploma in Export Management (DEM) in March 1978 of Indian

International Trade Centre.

Having passed DMA, I decided to enrol for Diploma in Financial Management (DFM)

conducted by University of Mumbai during 1978-79. This diploma was conducted by the

university as a part of distant education programme. Mr. Jayant did not give me company for

this diploma.

I received the study material for the diploma. Examination was due in June 1979. After two


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papers, I suffered from stomach infection apparently for no reason. One week prior to

examination and during examination days, I had made it point to eat at home. I took heavy

dose of medicine. I was staying at Wadala with my eldest brother. Examination centre was at

Government Law college, Churchgate. I took the taxi from Wadala to Churchgate. Mumbai

was witnessing mild rain on that day. I reached the examination centre 45 minutes before the

schedule time. The paper duration was 4 hours. I told the supervisor about my problem.

Once during the examination I had to rush to toilet. I completed the third paper well in time.

I returned home by Taxi. My health had slightly improved. Next day I appeared for the last

paper successfully. ☺

Having done, CA and Inter CS, this Diploma was a cake-walk for me. I completed the

diploma securing 80 % marks with 1st Rank in the University.

Having passed Inter CS examination in December 1978, I enrolled for the Final CS

examination. I received the study material in March 1979. Again I completed my first reading

of the study material within 2 months and started answering papers for eligibility. I wrote 40

papers in next 2 months (8 subjects) before appearing for DFM in June 1979 as mentioned

above. I received the eligibility for December 1979 examination.

I regularly studied from July 1979 till December 1979. This time due to work pressure I could

hardly get 15 days leave. Considering the syllabus of a Professional examination, my

preparation was just adequate. Fortunately this time, there was no health hurdle. I appeared

for the examination. However, I could only clear 7 papers and failed in one paper. I cleared

that paper in June 1980 securing 55.1 % marks in Final CS.

After passing Final CS examination, I underwent on the job training with Secretarial

department of Crompton Greaves Ltd. for one month. Thereafter I was given special leave of

15 days for training with Registrar of Companies. I became member of ICSI on 01-12-1981.

After completing DFM in June 1979, I and Mr. Jayant Paranjape decided to enrol for Diploma

in Operations Research for Management. (DORM) conducted by University of Mumbai

during 1979-80. This diploma was conducted by the university as a part of distant education

programme. It was a one year diploma. This diploma had a practical utility in day to day


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management decisions. I still remember the various modules of the diploma such as

Transportation model, Queuing theory, application of resources etc. I enjoyed the topics.

I made use of these techniques in the industry. I successfully passed DORM in June 1980

securing 79 % marks with 2nd Rank in the University.

Thus from December 1977 onwards to June 1980, I was appearing for some examination or the

other. The hectic period of 3 years (1977-1980) was over. I was also serving in Crompton

Greaves Ltd. during this period. I could get only minimum leave for all these examinations

due to work pressure at the office. I studied regularly at night and on Sundays. Practically no

time was left for relaxation and entertainment. I was staying with my eldest brother at

Wadala during this period. My mother was also staying at Wadala. Playing with my niece

and nephew was my only relaxation. This was one of the best periods of my Life. ☺

Friends, this was the long episode of my formal academic education journey. Friends, I had

to sacrifice many things to achieve this education in a time bound manner. I missed sunrise

and sunset for many years. I hardly attended family functions and picnics. CA examination

was given during CA Articleship years. It was like an unpaid job for 8-9 hours a day. CS and

four diplomas were completed simultaneously while discharging office responsibilities and

late hours in the office. I also spent time for acting as paper examiner of ICAI, ICS, IIB,

ICWA etc. In short, there was always paucity of time for me. I could achieve these results due

to Time Management and Success Management Theories developed by me over the years.

These theories can be referred on my website. ‘You have to leave something to get

something.’ ☺

Completing academic education was just a milestone in my occupational career. I am happy

to say that the knowledge gained in CS and the diplomas could be put to use in my career

with the Industry and also in my Professional career. This helped me to enjoy my work.

As mentioned earlier, education is a continuous process because the various Acts get

amended from time to time. New enactments are made. Hence, it was necessary to constantly

upgrade and update the knowledge. I still devote good amount of my time to reading.

Subsequently, I had to study Banking Regulation Act, RBI Manual, RBI circulars for

conducting Bank Audits. Similar study was required for Audit of Insurance Companies. The

various practical books written by me on Bank Audit and Insurance Audit have been


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uploaded on my website. The List of books & booklets written has been given in my

Educational & Occupational career.

Over the years, learning computer operations became inevitable. I still attend seminars and

lecture meets held by ICAI.

The quality of education was very high for all the above examinations. Result percentage was

below 2 digits. Minimum Passing marks were 50 out of 100. Level of ignorance has to be

below 50. ☺ There was no set pattern of question paper and allocation of marks for each

question. In Accountancy paper of Final CA examination, 1st question was compulsory

carrying 40 marks. Calculator was not allowed for CA & CS examination. Now calculator is

allowed for Graduation. We were given Logarithm tables for doing calculations.

The cost of all this education after B.Com must have costed about Rs. 7,500/-. I could have

recovered atleast Rs.3,000/- from Crompton Greaves Ltd. under their scheme of reimbursing

education expenses of the staff. However, I did not opt for reimbursement. I would inform

the company after passing every examination. Our Chief Personnel Manager was surprised

with my attitude of not seeking reimbursement of examination expenses. Finally, he called me

in September 1980 to enquire about the same. I told him that I won’t be serving in CG beyond

5 years. Having completed education as per my plan, I am looking for a change and wish to

take a line function as I have already worked in staff function for 5 years. (Line function and

staff function are the management terms related to Organization Chart) Why should CG bear

the cost? I will recover it from my new employer in my pay packet. He congratulated me for

my bold and clear thinking on the subject.

This Article on My Education will be incomplete if I fail to thank my cousin sister and eldest

brother for giving negative inspiration in my school & college days by branding me an

ordinary student. I am not approving their method because it could have ruined my Life but

I kept cool, maintained the fire in my mind, took a challenge and decided to reply through

results. In the process I wrote this Formula namely Success = Basic Intelligence X Hard Work

X Fate/Luck. I have achieved such educational level that nobody could have ever imagined.

My father would have been very happy. But I am sure that he must have blessed me from

heaven. Astrologer also could not predict the educational level. However, he had confirmed


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that I have the basic intelligence to take up any education. The 5th house of my horoscope was

fairly silent except indicating commerce education. Having learned Astrology, I analyzed my

horoscope and tried to discover the answer for my success. Few planets gave me immense will

power and ability to work hard. I exploited that combination unknowingly giving birth to

above success formula. ☺

‘The greatest pleasure in Life is doing what people say you cannot do.’ This is the secret of

my energy till date.

Friends, If you get the inspiration from my long journey of hurdles and educational

achievements by an ordinary student, then I would feel that my efforts are rewarded.


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11 / My Teachers (Guru)

Today is ‘Guru Pornima’ day. (Sunday 25th July 2010) Every day I acknowledge the

contribution of Teachers in my Life. However, on Guru Pornima day, I sit for meditation and

by visualization method, I remember all my Gurus. I also telephone few Gurus / Teachers to

seek blessings. My Autobiography Spandane - The Last Lecture will be incomplete without

the chapter on my Teachers (Guru). I was fortunate to get two types of Teachers namely

following Negative inspiration method and also following Positive inspiration method.

Every one gets childhood for a short while in the entire LIFE span. It is generally said that

childhood is the best period of Life. However unfortunately, it was not so in my case. Now at

the age of 60, I can certainly say that my success in LIFE can be attributed to childhood

pains. My childhood circumstances made me stronger, go getter, having absolute faith on

efforts (Karma) and a disciplined person. I was also forced to become outspoken. No doubt

that these childhood pains also left a scar on my mind. It is really surprising that even a

person like me had unlimited hidden vibrations (Spandane) on various issues. The entire

credit goes to my beloved wife Mrs. Sumitra for this transformation. It was possible to

unearth the hidden vibrations due to her excessive sensitive nature.

Now let me first thank my Gurus specializing in negative inspiration method. Credit goes

to my cousin sister and eldest brother. I was an average student happily securing about

65% marks in school those days. However, my cousin sister and my eldest brother were not

happy with my performance. Both were in the upper bracket of 75% & above. They kept

nagging me on my studies as if they were responsible for my career. My father was very

much alive at that time but never interfered in the matter. (His attitude is still baffling to

me.) They literally drove me crazy. Any other person would have gone in to depression and

become a victim of inferiority complex. Fortunately it affected me in the reverse way. I took

the challenge and decided to pursue higher studies and reach to such a level where people

will have to think twice before making comment on my academic intelligence.

My marks were not all that bad. In fact I never failed in any subject or any standard. What

business they had to comment on me? My cousin sister was staying with us as a paying


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guest. She had definitely no business to poke her nose in my career. One day I complained

this matter to my mother. I threatened to retaliate at my cousin sister in front of every one.

Whether she was paying guest or non paying guest? Finally my Mother conveyed my bitter

& hostile feelings to her and then she changed her behaviour.

My Anger saved me from getting inferiority complex. I have still preserved that fury/spark

within my mind. This acts as a motive to win over the problem. Friends, you can exploit this

anger for a right cause, at right time and in right proportion.

I am always indebted to my father for the Gifts of good qualities such as sincerity, honesty,

involvement, dedication, high moral values etc. I have not only preserved these qualities

against all odds but sharpened them further. His Life Philosophy still inspires and offers

solution to me in case of need. I have included a separate chapter on My Father.

Before I proceed further, let me thank all those persons including my family members who

indirectly taught me ‘How not to behave?’ Of course this was possible due to my observation

of their behaviour. Observing nature /Art of reading a person was inherited from my Father.

Thank you Dad.

We should remain a ‘Student’ all through Life because one can learn from practically any one

provided you have an open mind. Yes I mean it. As mentioned above, I learned from

negative inspiration as well. If you think seriously, you will realize that you can learn from

the Nature, Trees, Frog, Tortoise, and Computer etc. The list is only illustrative. You can refer

Spandane Articles on this subject.

We should always remember the ‘Contribution’ made by our parents, teachers, relatives, and

society in shaping our career and turning us into an individual of active habits. We owe

thanks to these people. This debt can never be repaid. The only way to repay this debt partly

is by doing something for the society, carrying our job whole heartedly, sincerely with full

synchronization of mind and body. Have you seen a ‘Gudhi’? On a bamboo stick, ‘Tambya’ is

kept upside down. We should transfer our knowledge and expertise to next generation as per

the teaching of ‘Gudhi’. We can do this if we consider ourselves as a ‘visitor’ in this world.

I still remember our class teacher Mr. Chavan Sir. (2nd to 4th standard Municipal School).


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His method of teaching was so simple that even below average student was also comfortable

in his class. Incidentally, his dress code resembled to my father’s dress code.

I secured admission in Wilson high School in 5th standard. Wilson high School had a high

reputation. The School was established 100 years back. Though the school was run by

Christian Trust, the teaching staffs were mostly Hindu. I still remember Paranjape Sir

(Sr. & Jr.), Godbole Sir, Sathe Sir, Samant Sir, Chitale Sir, Borde Sir, Barve Madam, Pawar Sir

(Sr. & Jr.), etc. Mr. Waghchoure was the Principal. Sathe Sir was vice-principal. He was very

soft spoken & had a respectable personality.

Paranjape Sir & Barve madam taught Marathi & Sanskrit. Pawar Sir taught History,

Geography, and Civics. Borde Sir & Samant Sir taught Science. Sathe Sir, Chitale Sir,

Waghchoure Sir taught English. Torkhade Sir was in charge of PT. Bansode Sir was

specializing in Handlooms & Charkha etc. He was also in charge of School Garden.

I had volunteered for Gardening work in the school.

All these teachers not only imparted formal education but also informed us the current

developments in the country, told moral stories with an emphasis on developing us as good

citizens of the country. This laid a strong foundation of my personality. I would say that this

was the ‘booster dose of hard work, sincerity’ learned from my Father. Thank you Sir. Your

debt can never be repaid.

I made an honest attempt of following similar approach of imparting formal knowledge on

the subject and shared with them ‘The Art Of Living’ on becoming a faculty member offering

training to Bank Executives. I also acted as Paper examiner and Paper setter for 15 years as a

part of social obligation. Even in my Service career and Professional Career, I followed this

noble job of Teaching my assistants, colleagues and staff working with my clients. Today,

I have also become a ‘Guru’ to many. Today, my day started with one such SMS. I am proud

to say that my teaching is still remembered by all and they greet me by ‘Namaskar’ and do not

shake hands whenever we meet. Many times I feel awkward when my students bow down

to touch my feet even on a road or on in the office. They still look forward to my visit to their

offices, so that they can share their problems and seek solutions. I hosted my website

www.spandane.com to share my knowledge, information and experience for the benefit of

others.


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After SSC, I joined Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics. Prof. G. L. Abhyankar was

our vice-principal. Prof. Dhekane was our Principal. Professors of English department took

extra classes for students coming from vernacular medium. What school was supposed to do,

was done by the college. Ours was a Government college. The entire teaching staff was not

only highly qualified but was extremely dedicated to their job. They would mix with students

but maintaining own dignity. They kept their subject reading up-to-date. They not only

controlled the class of 175-200 students (attendance was compulsory) but also kept

everybody’s interest in the subject alive. Well known Chartered Accountants & Advocates

were the visiting faculties. They were rendering great social service by teaching the young

generation. The words ‘Thank you Sir’ may not convey their contribution to my Life.

I joined M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co., Chartered Accountants for a 4 year CA course in June

1971. Our firm had four partners. Senior partner Shri Jayantibhai looked after Taxation

department. We had practically no contact with him. However, the other three partners

namely Dilipbhai, Maheshbhai and Chimanbhai looked after Audits and Taxation. We directly

worked under their day to day guidance. Our theoretical knowledge of accounting and

auditing received new dimensions. During 4 years of Articles, I got vast experience of Audit

and Finalization of accounts of public listed companies. We were taught to carry out thorough

audit after understanding accounting implications. The emphasis was on getting all material

queries of accounting solved before finalization takes place instead of resorting to short cuts of

writing notes to accounts and making reference in Audit Report. This initial exhaustive

training laid the foundation in discharging my duties as Financial Controller and then as an

Auditor.

I sincerely thank all partners for the training given to me. I take this opportunity to inform my

Gurus that I also followed similar approach in training students pursuing CA course under

my guidance. Many of them have successfully passed the CA examination and are well

placed in Service or Profession.

After passing CA, I joined Crompton Greaves Ltd. On 14-06-1975. I was posted to

Management Accounts department headed by Shri Rajgopalan. My association of over

5 years with Shri Rajgopalan was the best learning period of my Life. We set up the

Management Accounts department for the first time in the history of Crompton Greaves Ltd.


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We prepared Budget Manual, introduced monthly analysis of actual performance vis-à-vis

Budget, prepared rolling forecasts, carried out financial analysis of CG and its competitors,

evaluated major Capex decisions, prepared project reports for availing of finances from

Banks/Financial institutions, Project evaluation etc. These topics were studied for examination

purpose. I could get practical experience in this field which helped in my entire

professional career. It changed my outlook towards Accounts & Audit which have to be

carried out for the benefit of the organization. Shri Rajgopalan was a true teacher. He was a

philosopher too. His contribution in my Life cannot be described in words. I can only salute

him.

I also wish to thank many of my assistants from whom I learned many qualities. Sachin

made me comfortable with my first PC. I learned advanced excel from Mrs. Meena Sawant.

(another assistant) I also learned many computer applications from Deven (my son). I learned

internet from Mrs. Sumitra as she had joined the computer class for a few months. Devyani

(my daughter) and Romin (my son-in-law) also provided latest developments in advanced

computer applications of social networking etc. Some of the computer shortcuts were learned

from school going boys, from their observation. Friends, Thanks a lot for your contribution.

My son has promised to teach me AutoCAD.

While in Profession, I learned many things from client’s staff. I am thankful to all of them.

After introduction of computers in Banks, Mr. Narahari Sawant (popularly known as ND)

(Branch Manger) conducted the tour of Banking software for my information. ND, I am

thankful for this contribution. ND also possessed number of qualities required for a busy

executive such as keeping cool even during office pressure, sweet talk, not hurting even the

enemies.

I studied Astrology under the guidance of Late Mr. Prabhakar Agashe in 1987 and there after

Mr. Suresh Palkar updated my Astrology knowledge from time to time. I am thankful to both

of them.

I studied Alternate Therapies under the guidance of Dr. Gala in 1997-1998. I am thankful to

him. I must also express my thanks to my family doctor Dr. Shashin Shah for supplementing

my medical knowledge.


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Friends, I am aware that the direct efforts /contribution of many persons listed above and of

the society in general, in my Life cannot be documented successfully. This contribution has

laid a strong foundation in my mind and hence my feet are on the ground in ‘success’ and also

in ‘failure’. There is nothing like remaining a humble student all through Life.

Friends, Do you have any memories of your Gurus?


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12 / My Industry Experience & Colleagues

I passed Final CA Examination in January 1975 and achieved an important mile stone in Life.

This was my action reply to the nasty remarks of my well wishers (???) about my intelligence

level. I do agree that negative inspiration makes wonder but at a great risk. Even after 45-50

years, I am not able to erase such nasty remarks from my mind and in a way I am thankful

to all those who criticized me in my childhood. Now It’s my turn to get reply from them as to

what have they achieved in Life with their so called extra ordinary intelligence? This

childhood insult acted as a fury to my hard work. The greatest pleasure in life is ‘doing what

people say you cannot do.’ This is the secret of my energy till date.

Considering my financial position, it was necessary to take up a job in the industry though

I had preserved the dream of joining the profession, in one corner of my mind. As I secured

the Rank in Inter & Final CA, I was invited by many companies to attend the interview for a

suitable opening. I also applied in response to advertisements in TOI.

Essentially I had to make two choices namely location and the type of Industry. I was

staying at Girgaon. However my father had purchased the flat in 1967 for me at Borivali. (He

expired in August 1969) Though the accounting function is similar in any organization at a

macro level but because of the nature of business, you need to acquire the accounting skill at

micro level. The change of job from Engineering company to other industries was possible.

But getting a change from specialized industry like Hotel, Air Lines to engineering company

was difficult due to above.

I attended few interviews just for the sake of practice ☺ having decided against joining that

company due to type of industry or location on central Railway beyond Thane etc.

I was called by many reputed companies such as Godrej, Taj Hotel, Crompton Greaves ltd.

etc. Our CA Firm’s Clients also gave me good offers but I politely declined those offers

because I knew these companies in my Articleship days mainly in terms of Professional

attitude of the Management. I was not trying to make any hasty decision as I had practically

four months at my disposal. I was selected in Taj & Godrej but declined the offers.


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Finally I got a call from Crompton Greaves Ltd. (A giant in Engineering sector, next to L & T

Ltd.) I met Mr. Joglekar Personnel Manager. He took me to Chief Management Accountant

Mr. N. Rajgopalan for an interview. Mr. Suri, Chief Accountant also joined the interview

panel. We had nice discussion for 30 minutes. Mr. Rajgopalan asked many questions on

Management Accounting & Finance. Mr. Suri was just observing me. Mr. Joglekar was trying

to convince me about the bright prospects in the company. I thanked the panel & left. The

company had a huge complex. It would take about 15 minutes to walk from the last building

(where my interview was conducted) to the entrance. As I was about to handover the gate

pass, I was stopped by Chief Security Officer. Mr. Joglekar had kept the message to contact

him. I telephoned from the gate. He requested me to come back to Personnel Department.

I had to walk all the way back for 15 minutes.

He requested me to give one more interview with Vice President Export division. VP was

busy till late afternoon. It was about 12.30 noon. Mr. Kumar, Personnel Officer accompanied

me to canteen for a lunch. Lunch was very impressive. ☺ Mr. Mohile, VP-Export division took

my interview for the post of Accountant - Export Division. He was pleased with my

knowledge but I had no working experience as Accountant and hence he sent me back to

Personnel department. Mr. Rajgopalan was pleased with my performance. He was basically

looking for a fresh CA with good academic record so that he can mould the candidate.

(Mr. Rajgopalan had joined recently joined from L& T Ltd. after serving for 15 years.)

Mr. Joglekar had a word with Mr. Desai, Director - Administration and interview was fixed

with him next day. I left the at about 4 pm. Next day morning, I appeared for an interview.

I still remember one question. He asked to explain the term ‘Inflation’ with example. I nicely

obliged him with 10 minutes lecture on ‘Inflation’. The inflation was picking up that time. (it is

still the call of the day in 2011) I was given appointment letter. My first salary was Rs.1,190/-

p.m. However on the day of joining I was given supplementary letter stating my salary as

Rs.1,250/- p.m. (Additional Rs.60/- given as Temporary High Cost of Living Allowance)

Inflation? ☺ Though the allowance was worded as Temporary, it was temporarily

permanent during my next 5 years till I left the company in 1981.

I joined CG on Saturday, 14 the June 1975. People say that new activity should not be started


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on Saturday. (But I never bothered for such notions.) I spent entire time in discussion with my

Boss. CG’s turnover was over 150 crore. The company was operating through 6 divisions

having factories at Kanjur Marg, Bhandup and Worli. It had Regional Offices across India,

supported by Dealer network. Every month, Chief Accountant would prepare monthly

accounts (P&L and Balance Sheet) and submit it to Management. CG had substantial NRI

holding. Our first job was to introduce Budgetary control mechanism.

However it was necessary to compile Budget Manual. This was the new field for me in the

sense that these topics were only studied without any practical experience. We completed the

1st draft of Budget Manual and submitted to Director –Administration for comments. The draft

was circulated to Divisional VPs for their comments. After receiving all comments and

suggestions, we issued the final Budget Manual. However the same was revised yearly in

view of expansion & diversification of business.

Other staff members used to wonder about our contribution because Management

Accounts department was set up for the first time in the company and there were no

prescribed job responsibilities.

After compiling Budget Manual, Divisional Budgets were also compiled. Monthly

Reporting formats were also revised to include comparison between monthly performance

and budget estimate. As mentioned earlier, HO accounts department was entrusted with the

job of compiling monthly provisional accounts. We used to compare the provisional results

with budget estimate with our comments for the variance etc… However Mr. Prabhudesai

(Deputy Chief Accountant) and Mr. Suri (Chief Accountant) wanted to get rid of this job. They

mis-represented the story with Director – Administration that there is a duplication of work

and hence the job of compiling provisional accounts should be shifted to our department. Both

of them took advantage of the situation that Mr. Rajgopalan was new in the organization and

the department had no specific job card. It is needless to say Director agreed to pass on the job

to our department without even bothering to cross check the status from my Boss. Of course,

I accepted the job under protest. I called on DCA & CA and told them bluntly without

considering the consequences that they have mis-represented the case. Submission of

provisional accounts was duplicated by accounts department and our department after

comparison with budget. Thus the submission was duplicated and not preparation. They


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4

could not place any counter argument. I did the job of compiling provisional accounts on

monthly basis and then preparing our report. This enabled to me to get insight into company

accounts. I came in contact with divisional accounts staff and indirectly it was a value

addition exercise for me. My objection was not to the job but the way it was shifted to my

department. It was the first bitter experience of professional management.

Then we undertook exercise of analyzing CG performance over last ten years. We literally

made research of the progress of the company. The compilation was circulated to all divisional

& Regional Heads. Our department became very popular. I have still preserved that research

paper in my record. I did the entire analysis and made draft comments. My Boss wrote a

beautiful write up.

There after, we issued another research paper on analysis of our competitors. This paper was

also well acknowledged. Subsequently, issue of such research papers became the regular

feature. Compiling CAS forms for submission to Bankers for getting Cash Credit Limit

sanctioned was another yearly job of our department.

I remember having done a break even exercise of cash vis-à-vis credit purchases by the

factory. That note was not only appreciated by VPs but was also implemented in the

respective divisional factories.

MD and other directors understood our knowledge strength and there after financial

decisions of the company were referred to our department for review and I am pleased to

say that our comments were given due weightage in final decision making.

We did project Reports for the establishment of new factories at Nasik. CG also acquired

other manufacturing units based on our report.

CG was planning to issue bonus shares to its shareholders. The formula and methodology

was prescribed by the Government. This was the secret assignment as the news should not be

leaked in the share market. We finished the calculation overnight and sent our report to MD.

Bonus shares decision was announced in board meeting held next day morning.

I continued with CG for 5 years mainly because of unusual work experience and


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5

knowledge gain in the company of my Boss. This knowledge extended my horizon about

any business transactions. I got the vision to look at accounting figures in a different

perspective. I made use of this valuable insight in my next jobs and in Profession. Thank you

Mr. Rajgopalan. I completed higher education such as ACS, D.M.A., D.F.M., D.O.R.M., and

D.E.M. during my service tenure with CG. (14-06-1975 to 09-02-1981) I completed Company

Secretary ship training in the company. CG granted special leave to complete the training

with Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra.

Staff turnover in CG used to take place in first year of joining or immediately after completing

5 years because of PF Contribution of the company was withheld if left within 5 years. This

was another reason of my continuing with CG for 5 years.

I openly discussed about my leaving the job with my Boss. Having worked in the ‘staff

function’ (Management Accountant / Financial Analyst) I was planning to shift in ‘Line

function’. (i.e. Financial Controller / Chief Accountant)

I remember CG for nice lunch served in Kanjur Marg Staff canteen. However our department

was shifted to Fort Office in 1978 and we missed that special lunch. I could get few friends in

CG such as Joshi, Shah, and Naik etc. My relationship with Mr. Shah continued even after

I left CG. Mr. Shah also left CG subsequently and joined Deepak Fertilizer Ltd. He introduced

me to his new Boss after I entered the Profession. I did one major assignment of MIS for DFL

of Office & Residential project at Poona.

CG had 6 divisions when I joined in 1975. During next 5 years, these six divisions were further

broken and separate divisions were formed with separate infrastructure. Finally it had about

20 divisions with separate GM, Factory Manager, Administration Manager, Accountant,

Personnel Manger etc. Obviously overheads increased disproportionately. Labour

productivity was also a concern. Profit margin was under tremendous pressure. In 1976,

increments were not given to Management & Office staff. The company faced tough

competition from small manufacturers. Production of few products was outsourced.

However the company came out of all these problems and once again emerged as a major

player in Engineering & other sectors.


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6

I updated my bio data (Now a days it is called CV) I feel C stands for compulsory retirement

i.e. pink slip and V represents Voluntary retirement. i.e. staff is always on the look out of new

opportunities and leave on its own. ☺ Young generation, please excuse for mentioning this

reality.

I posted my bio data to few companies. I was applying for the post of Financial Controller /

Chief Accountant. I had all the experience of Management Accountant not possessed by every

CA. But I had no experience of running Accounts department. Hence I was not called by every

company where I applied. This was basically a problem of mindset. Unless you are strong in

Accounts, you can not perform as Management Accountant. I secured a job in Mafatlal

Industries Ltd. I was also offered a job by Public Ltd. company engaged in Chemical sector.

However the company was situated in Kutch (Gujarat). I was offered a bungalow and

handsome package. I kept both the options open. In the mean time, my eldest brother told

me to approach Indu Nissan Oxo-Chemical Industries Ltd. (INOCIL) which was incorporated

in 1980. The company had approached BOI for Banking limits etc. I applied for the post of

Financial Controller. MD & Company Secretary of the parent company took my interview.

They were impressed with my qualification & experience in Management Accounts.

I joined the company on Tuesday, 10-02-1981. Let me say few words about the company & its

Project. The company was incorporated in 1980 by a Gujarati businessman. He and his

brothers were already in business & controlling few private limited companies. However ours

was a public limited company having foreign collaboration with Japanese company. The

product to be manufactured was Oxo Alcohol. This was one of the raw materials for

manufacturing Plasticizer which was manufactured by our parent company. Plasticizer is

used for manufacture of Plastic articles. Oxo Alcohol was imported and was not manufactured

in India. In other words, our project was in the nature of Import substitution. We proposed

to manufacture Oxo-Alcohol for the first time in Asia excluding Japan. Project cost was about

Rs.20 crore in 1981. The proposed means of Finance was share capital Rs.5 crore & Term Loan

Rs.15 crore. . Company had to follow the provisions of MRTP Act. Our HO was located at

Churchgate. Registered Office was at Vadodara and Project site was few kilometres away from

Vadodara. Target for Project completion was December 1982. Company was planning public

issue during June/July 1981. Project Report was compiled by a well known consultant. Project

finance was sanctioned by All India Financial Institutions such as IDBI, ICICI, and IFCI.


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7

Working capital was financed by BOI acting as lead bankers and other 5-6 banks. ICICI was

acting as Merchant Bankers.

Land was already acquired. Project needed continuous power supply and some gases

produced by nearby Government owned companies were required as raw material and hence

Gujarat state was selected for the project. Most of the machinery was to be imported from

Japan. Orders for other machinery & equipments were placed after detailed engineering.

M/S Humphreys & Glasgow worked as Project Consultants.

I was the first person to have joined the company at Mumbai. Mr. J. G. Vyas, Project Manager

had also recently joined. After few days, Mr. Katre joined as Company Secretary. I met the MD

and Chief Accountant of parent company. Office of the Parent company was on 3 rd floor and

our office was on 6th floor. I met the staff members of parent company and also company

secretary. I was given Project Report of the company for review. It was a huge binder

containing atleast 1000 pages. One account assistant Mr. Desai had joined our company.

He had cleared Inter CA.

Furniture work was still not completed. My cabin got ready after about 10 days. I could see

the sunset from my cabin and also the Wankhede Cricket stadium at Churchgate. ☺ My first

job was to study the Project Report on priority. I listed few observations on the Project Cost.

Next week, Project Manager visited Mumbai Office for discussion with MD. He was a hard

core Mechanical & Electrical engineer having experience of executing number of Projects in

Gujarat. In first meeting itself, we became friends. He treated me like his younger brother.

Our pair did wonders in next few months. By our team work, we could complete the project

ahead of schedule by 3 months. ☺ In the grand party thrown by the company after

commissioning of project, our contractors and vendors openly talked about team efforts.

It was a great satisfying moment. ☺ ☺ (PM & FC ki Jai ho!)

I recruited accounts staff. The work was being handled on different fronts. I had to spend

practically 4-5 hours for meeting and could get time in the evening for my work and guiding

my staff. I got Purchase Register made of the proposed machinery to be fabricated/to be

purchased. Each item of machinery was listed on a separate sheet and details of actual orders

& payments were noted below. The order was placed for various components after completing


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8

detailed engineering & drawing. The machinery was finally assembled at the site.

I insisted on having a meeting with our Technical director (Mr. Kulkarni) to understand the

Production Process. He was surprised with my request. I explained him the purpose. Unless

I know the process, it would not be possible for me to make realistic projections of raw

material consumption. It will also enable me to get well versed with different raw material

names, suppliers, wastages, bye products etc. I had already read Project Report number of

times. Personal discussion would make my ideas about the project absolutely clear. He was

convinced. One day I went to Ghatkopar factory of our parent company for a discussion. Our

meeting lasted for almost four hours. It was a satisfying experience.

It was stipulated that appointment of key personnel would be subject to the approval of IDBI.

IDBI has also deputed a nominee director on our board. My appointment was informed to

IDBI and one day MD told me that IDBI has taken an objection to my appointment due to my

young age. MD himself was upset. I offered my resignation. MD arranged the meeting of

IDBI director with me. We had elaborate discussion on the project, my qualification and

experience in CG as Management Accountant. He was fully convinced with my experience

and capability. Accordingly he sent the report to IDBI and my appointment was ratified by

IDBI.

I was also attending meeting along with Mr. Katre, with our Merchant Bankers for preparation

of Prospectus for our public issue. I had passed CS examination in 1980 and there was an

opportunity to make use of that knowledge. Mr. Katre Company Secretary was well

experienced. Public issue of about 4 crore was over subscribed number of times.

I was fortunate to get very good and co-operative staff. Also refer Article My Assistants.

Accounting was not complicated as the project was under execution. Mr. Makani, Accounts

assistant took the responsibility of submitting Trial balance by evening on 1st of every month.

I would prepare the statement of Sources & Application of Funds and submit it to Financial

Institutions for obtaining Term Loan disbursement.

Every day, we used to send the mail and LR/RR through Angadia to Vadodara office. Delay

in sending LR/RR means delay of project execution by a day.


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As mentioned above, public issue was oversubscribed. I & Mr. Katre had to go Delhi to sign

share certificates as Delhi based firm was managing our share department. We stayed in a

hotel for about 10 days and each one of us signed thousands of share certificates. We returned

on diwali day (1981) to mumbai. Our fingers were swollen due to signing.

Once MD went to Japan for a month. He handed over about 300 cheques (blank) duly signed

and handed over to me for custody. His brother was also a director & signatory. I gave him

the detailed statement of cheques issued. He was hardly interested in looking at the statement.

He simply asked me as to whether I have asked this info? If I had no faith on you, I would not

have given blank cheques duly signed knowing fully well that bank balance runs in to more

than a crore. This was the height of faith.

Project execution was in full swing. I was continuously keeping track of Project Cost Overrun

after compilation of statement of Project expenditure every month. Around middle of 1982,

I submitted Project Cost Overrun statement to the Board. Consortium meeting of Financial

Institutions was called. I represented the case on behalf of the company. The Officials kept

on firing questions and again & again expressed their inability to finance the over run.

According to them, directors should finance the over run by introducing additional share

capital. I gave patient hearing to their heated arguments. Anger may be better word. ☺ Now

it was my turn to reply. I thanked all of them for sparing their valuable time and giving

valued comments. I submitted the key observations on the over run. The over run was

mainly on account of Indian Machinery. One of key machinery was instrumental for this. The

Machinery estimate was understated in original project report which was approved by the

financial institutions. Considering the delivery period of almost 15 months, the order for that

machinery was given immediately on sanction of Term loan. There was hardly any time gap

between these two instances. The reason given was that capacity of machine was not properly

ascertained at the time of Project Report. I raised a question as to how the company is solely

responsible for this over run as Project Report was reviewed by Engineering department of

Financial Institutions.

Secondly preoperative expenses were grossly underestimated. Considering the project

execution period of about 20 months. The FI Officials had no answer because the Project

Report was approved by them. These two main mistakes were accounting for the major


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overrun and could have been avoided if Project cost was correctly arrived. In that case, they

would have sanctioned more term loan proportionately but now they were backing out. There

was complete silence in the meeting. The Officials were speechless. Then I decided to throw

one more bombshell. I gave the message of our MD expressing inability to finance the overrun

without participation of Financial Institutions. Financial Institutions had no alternative but

to finance the over run partially as they had already pumped in about 15 crore.

Next target was to arrange working capital finance from Banks. Our requirement was about

Rs.300 Lacs. BOI our lead bank called the meeting of other 5 consortium banks. Then we met

RBI officials to get the CC Limit ratified by them. (Just imagine how the time has changed.

Today a small co-operative bank sanctions this CC Limit on its own.)

The project was completed inspite of all hurdles. (There were so many and it is difficult to

share every hurdle.) Some of the hurdles were not even conceived at Project report stage.

However MD had good political contacts and hence it was possible to meet those challenges.

Raw material was imported from Japan and transferred to Vadodara in Tankers. Project was

commissioned and the finished product was tested and found of excellent quality as per

norms set by the collaborators. MD’s dream was fulfilled.

But MD’s happiness lasted for few days as our parent company was raided by IT Officials.

Raids were conducted simultaneously on residence of all directors & executives of parent

company. Our Office was situated on 6 th floor. One assistant told me & Mr. Katre that our

company had nothing to do with the raid but the IT Officials are also present ton 6th floor and

not allowing any one to use telephone. We had to attend urgent meeting in IDBI and other

institutions. We decided against going to office and went to IDBI for a meeting. Raid was not

over till late afternoon hence we finished our pending meetings with other financial

institutions. We were in the field till late evening.

Next day afternoon, MD called both of us. He was very upset. We told him about our logic

but he was not convinced. He felt that we are not with him in his difficult period. I offered to

resign immediately. Next day morning I went to his residence and tendered my resignation.


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MD realized his mistake the moment he saw my resignation. He said ‘sorry’ and requested

me to understand his mental tension. He never meant to ask my resignation. ☺ The words just

slipped from his mouth due to tension. However I was firm on my decision of quitting.

I bluntly told him that one should always mean what he says. As one goes up the ladder,

this principle assumes more importance. (Friends, to share a secret, I had decided on the day

of joining the company to resign from the company as soon the project gets commissioned.

Fortunately I got a nice excuse. ☺ ☺ ) MD was not even aware about the notice period to be

given by the staff. He requested me to continue for few days. I told him that I am supposed to

give 90 days notice. He was very happy. He requested me to take necessary steps to recruit

my deputy. I gladly accepted this job.

Within next few days, I drafted an advertisement for my successor. I reviewed & short listed

the applications with my remarks etc. and handed over to MD. Interviews were conducted

and my successor joined the company after I left the company on 08-01-1983. (I had joined the

company on 10-02-1981.)

Friends, I had thrown my resignation without a job in my hand. I wanted to exploit the

entire episode. My confidence was at its best. I had behaved as per my natural style. (I am a

LEO) I had nothing to loose. I was a bachelor. Not burdened with housing loan etc. I had

saved enough money for my survival in case of calamity of out of job for few months. Above

all I had my professional education and experience in the industry of about 8 ½ years behind

me.

I had half a mind to enter the Profession. But I was not mentally prepared for such a move

because I had not settled in my family Life. I was planning to get married. It would have

been an uphill task to settle on two fronts at time namely family and occupation.

I decided to take up a job. This time, I decided to take up an assignment with a

manufacturing company with marketing network. My mom was also planning to shift to

Belhe (Maharashtra). My elder brother was working as Manger in Bank of India at Belhe.

I thought that this is the right time for me to step in to Borivali flat purchased by father for me.

Every one opposed the idea of my shifting to Borivali flat. My eldest brother and vahini


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wished that I should shift after my marriage. In fact, I was still not clear on marriage plans.

So against their wishes, I went ahead with my plans to shift to Borivali.

Obviously I commenced my search of job between Andheri to Dahisar. Fortunately few

days after my resignation, I came across an advertisement which was nicely drafted. The

advertisement was for the post of Financial Controller in a manufacturing company at

Kandivali having wide marketing network across India. It was my dream job. My sixth sense

gave the verdict that yes; this would be my new job. ☺ Friends, you need to believe this.

I applied for a job with a covering letter written by hand and enclosing my famous bio data

spread over 4 pages nicely cyclostyled. (Friends, Xerox was not available those days. Stencil

cutting & cyclostyling was call of the day.)

As expected I received the call for an interview. Interview was fixed in the afternoon.

My office was at Churchgate and hence it was not possible to take ½ day leave for attending

interview at Kandivali. I took leave. I was staying at Wadala with my eldest brother. Aai had

cooked special dish for me as I was on leave. I felt drowsy after lunch. I took nap for a while.

I was feeling lazy to attend interview at Kandivali. Well, I threw away such thoughts, got

ready and left for the interview.

I reached Kandivali and I was surprised that office building was just getting constructed.

Factory was still not constructed. I was about to leave. Suddenly one gentleman arrived at the

site. He introduced himself as Personnel Manger of the company. He told me that it was

expected that office building would get ready and hence call letters were sent at this address

in Government Industrial Estate. He took me in a car to the existing factory & office located in

few industrial Galas of Parikh Industrial Estate on S. V. Road, Kandivali. Candidates were

called with a gap of about 30 minutes. After a cup of hot tea, I was called for an interview.

Interview panel consisted of 3 persons; one of them was Jt. Managing Director of the company

and other two were his consultants.

It was a detailed interview with more emphasis on my outlook and ideas for development

of the company. I was very happy with my interview and it was apparent that even the

interview panel also had a sigh of relief on their faces. ☺


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I once again got engrossed in my existing job as my parting day was approaching fast.

Around that time, I happened to meet one of the consultants Mr. Thanawala near my Office.

He enquired whether I had received the offer from the company. I said No. He assured me

that I have been short listed. Same week I was invited on Saturday at Kandivali factory for

final discussion. I had final discussion with Jt. Managing Director for about an hour.

Considering my previous experience in the Industry, I had many points to discuss. Obviously

it was a fruitful discussion. I confirmed my date of joining namely 08-02-1983. Exactly one

month after I was supposed to leave my existing job. Jt. MD was reluctant to accept the delay

in joining but I explained him that I deserve a break of one month. After joining articles on

14-06-1971, I had not taken break between CA Articles and my 1st & 2nd job till 08-01-1983.

I also need to refresh myself for meeting the challenges of the new job. Finally he had no

alternative but to accept my terms as I refused to join immediately. I left the company with

offer letter in my hand. I was informed that Appointment letter would be issued on my day of

joining. I left Kandivali and went to Thane to meet my sister for appraising about my shifting

and new job.

Finally the D day of my parting from Indu Nissan Oxo-Chemical Industries Ltd arrived. It was

Saturday, 08-01-1983. If I remember correctly, Sunil Gavaskar scored a century on that day.

I called up our factory at Baroda. Those days direct dialling was not available. I booked a

Trunk Call on reaching office. Luckily I got the call to factory within 30 minutes. I spoke with

my colleagues such as Works Manger, Project Manager, all Engineers, and Factory

Accountant. Every body was overwhelmed about my leaving the company. I had already

posted parting letters to my colleagues and thanked them for giving me co-operation. I still

remember my association with all of them. Although I was Financial Controller, I was

youngest in the team. I told them that change is part of Life and we should accept the

change which is always for our betterment. Do not wait till change is thrust on you.

My relationship with Project Manager was very close. We were instrumental in completing the

Project ahead of target date by about three months. We worked as family members and not

merely as colleagues. Project Manager was also to resign within few months. He had selected

his career as Project Manager. He had executed number of Industrial Projects in Gujarat. His

Philosophy was clear and simple. He said that every project is dream of an industrialist and


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hence during execution of project, maximum freedom is given to a person like him who is

known for ‘delivering the goods.’ He would change project with his team of stores keepers,

factory accountant etc. He suggested that I should also join the band wagon as Financial

Controller. I told him my difficulty. I was not settled in Life like him. I was planning to marry

next year before switching over to Profession. I met MD and other directors and left the

office with Mr. Katre, our Company Secretary. He had brought a scooter to office. We went to

Dadar and had lunch in Prakash Restaurant & parted. Mr. Katre also resigned after few

months and took up a job in south and retired within few years. I took a cab to Wadala. One

more era had ended. ☺

As mentioned above, I had taken a break of one month. My first priority was to furnish

Borivali flat. I called my friend Mr. Pandit to Borivali and placed order for necessary furniture,

bed, cupboards etc. My friend Jayant was already staying in Borivali. I booked order for

Godrej cupboard and Refrigerator. My flat was done up in 15 days.

Then I requested my elder brother to take leave for few days and we went to Murud –Janjira

for a short vacation. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Tadi-Madi and sea food. After we

returned, I had to pay the penalty of Tadi madi & sea food in the form of eruption of Piles

once again. The situation got so much aggravated that piles operation became call of the day.

However Dr. (Mrs.) Vaidya of Thane sent me medicine with a request that if medicine does

not work, then I should not postpone operation any further. (I was taking her medicine twice

or thrice in a year since 1975.) Fortunately, my piles got subsided.

Once again the D day arrived for joining a new assignment of Financial Controller with

Superphone India Pvt. Ltd from Tuesday, 08-02-1983. I had joined earlier company also on

Tuesday, 10-02-1981. Tuesday is a day of Lord Ganesh. I always worshiped Lord Ganesh.

I reached office at Kandivali well in time. Instead of waiting for the company bus, I took auto

to reach the factory. I was the first person to reach the office. ☺ Soon the company bus

arrived. Mr. Kantak, our Personnel Manager (he played major role in my Life. Read Article on

My Friends.) greeted me and showed my cabin. He introduced me to all staff. After some time

JMD called up and informed me that he won’t be coming to factory and called me to Mumbai

Office at Charni Road.


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After a cup of tea with Mr. Kantak, I called for Audited Accounts for last five years and got

engrossed in my favourite job of Financial Analysis. I completed the scrutiny of Balance Sheet

and Profit & Loss Accounts. I also compiled Funds Flow Statement and Accounting Ratios.

I left for our Charni Road office after lunch. I had discussion with JMD and we left to meet our

consultant at Churchgate. His office was situated at Churchgate near to my previous office.

I saw my ex-deputy as I was passing from that lane in a car with JMD.

Next day JMD attended factory. He called me for discussion about the existing financial affairs

of the company. I reminded him about my appointment letter promised to be handed over on

joining. Obviously the letter was not ready. Certain perks such as superannuation etc. though

promised in the offer letter were not introduced. Hence we renegotiated the salary. He called

Mr. Kantak and requested him to prepare the appointment letter as per revised terms.

Before I proceed, let me say few words about the company. Our company was pioneer in

manufacturing Intercom system. The business was carried as partnership firm namely

Superphone Enterprises having factory situated in few Galas of Parikh Industrial Estate, S. V.

Road, Kandivali. Recently a Private limited company was formed to take over the business of

the said Firm. The company had taken a Term Loan from MSFC and had shifted to

Government Industrial Estate. Office & part of the factory was ready and operations were

already shifted from Parikh Industrial Estate by the time I joined on 08-02-1983. Factory

expansion (new building) was still pending. MSFC had appointed their director on our board.

Year ending of the company was 30th June. Accounts of Superphone Enterprises for the year

ended 30-06-1982 were still not finalized. The business was taken over by Private limited

company wef 01-07-1982 without opening trail balance. ☺ The company had regional offices

in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and New Delhi. The company had a marketing network of about 60

dealers practically in every city in India.

The company was formed by father of JMD. JMD and his brother joined the company after

completing formal education. JMD’s brother was looking after Mumbai Office acting as our

dealer for Mumbai. MD was looking after R&D and factory. JMD was in charge of

Commercial, Administration, Finance, Personnel, and Purchase etc. My position was number

2 next to JMD. After my joining, Factory Manager, Commercial Manager was recruited.


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Shifting from industrial Galas to a separate Factory was the dream project of JMD. Project

Report was prepared and Finance was already arranged from MSFC prior to my joining.

Company had planned to increase the production substantially and hence needed a factory to

house the modern machinery such as latest Injection moulding machine, Soldering machine

etc. Earlier soldering of PCB was manual.

I completed the Financial Analysis of the company and listed few observations,

summarized below.

1) Debt-Equity Ratio was very high. i.e. Promoter’s capital was low as compared to Loans.

2) Debt-Service Coverage Ratio was poor. i.e. capacity to repay interest & loan installment.

3) Stock holding was huge.

4) Debtors Turnover Ratio was high. (Customers were not settling the bills in time)

5) Suppliers were not paid in time.

6) Stock Reconciliation in quantity was not seriously done.

7) Use of Short Term funds for Long Term use.

8) Liquidity problem.

9) Overheads were exorbitant mainly Staff Overtime, Consultation fees & Advertising.

10) Labour Productivity was low.

11) Other income was negligible.

12) Low Security deposit from Dealers.

And many more observations were made. I had specifically asked for the audited accounts for

review before joining just to prepare myself for the challenge. However my request was not

granted. I also never insisted beyond a point. Any way I had to spend another 2 years before

entering the noble Profession. ☺ I understood that I have a tough time ahead. I openly

discussed my observations with JMD who appreciated my efforts. JMD respected me from

the word go because of my straight forward nature, qualifications and I was elder to him by

two years. ☺ I promised to go to the grass root of the problem and would recommend the

solution. I also insisted that I would set up my work priorities and would not tolerate any

interference. He gladly accepted my request or shall I say Demand? Having recruited a

person like me, whether he had any alternative? ☺

It was necessary to hold a board meeting with a nominee director of MSFC. Obviously, the


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minute book was not available. I requested the Nominee director to postpone the board

meeting by a fortnight. He gladly accepted my request. He himself was the owner of

Pharmaceutical Factory. I started compiling minute book. I had to refer various

correspondences with MSFC, Banks, and Government to search for the resolutions passed and

given to these authorities. The company was supposed to hold 4 board meetings in a year, of

which one meeting would be to approve the Accounts for the year. I was successful in

compiling the Minute Book. JMD was not aware about this statutory compliance and its

importance.

The accounts were computerized. The company had hired the services of a computer

consultant for computerizing the accounts. JMD had series of meetings with him and the

programme was being used prior to my joining. However numbers of loose ends were not tied

up. I spent my few Saturdays in completing this task.

The accounts of Superphone enterprises were finalized and audit was also concluded. The

opening balances as on 01-07-1982 were incorporated and accounts of private limited

company were also finalized for the year ended 30-06-1983. My staff was fed up with regular

OT throughout the year as company had no financial head and the work was directly

supervised by JMD.

Soon after I joined, I had called a meeting of accounts department staff. I requested all the staff

members to explain and give it in writing the job done by them. I told them to write the sub-

jobs and the pending position against each sub-job. Thereafter I discussed with each one of

them and understood the exact methodology in performing the work. I also offered tips/

shortcuts to save time and energy. My Staff was delighted with this approach without

realizing that this session would be the first step to make them dispensable. I gave

predefined appointment to each staff during the day to call on me to discuss the work

position. I also had detailed discussion about their education, family back ground,

responsibilities, dreams, limitations etc. I motivated them. I have documented My Tips –

Staff Motivation in Section III of this book. I also request readers to read Article on

‘My Assistants’.

Even at the cost of repetition, I am reproducing the relevant Para from my Article ‘My Bad


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Habits.’

I left this job and joined Superphone India Pvt. Ltd. in February 1983. The smoking rate

jumped to four packets a day. However I did not smoke while giving dictation to my

Secretary. Those days, I would smoke my first cigarette after first cup of tea in the morning.

Our financial year ending was 30th June. However accounts would get audited by next 30th

June because IT Return was due 12 months after the year end. Hence the management was

never in a hurry to finalize accounts in time. I joined the company in February 1983 and

decided in staff meeting that this year Accounts will be finalized & Audited by 31-08-1983.

Staff was also tired of overtime prior to my joining. We decided to stop Overtime from

01-07-1983 and I decided to discontinue smoking with a promise that I may restart the

smoking only after finalization of Accounts. My Team worked hard and first time in the

history of the company, we finished the Audit by 31-08-1983. My deputy brought a packet of

555 cigarettes. I lit the cigarette after a small party with my department staff in celebration of

our achievement. But I soon realized that there was no charm in the in the smoking. No

need to say that I left smoking even without finishing 555 Packet. ☺

One of the gains of working with the company was that I came in contact with Consultant

who managed the loan from MSFC. He was CA specializing in liaison work with MIDC,

MSFC etc. (I need not elaborate on this.☺) We became good friends. He helped me in the

initial stages after I entered the Profession in June 1985. Auditor Mr. Desai (Partner of M/S

Parikh & Shah, Chartered Accountants) also became my good friend. I also had pleasure of

doing few assignments jointly with him after I entered the Profession.

Having settled in the job, it was high time to work on the weaknesses mentioned above.

I called the staff meeting and informed them that now on; I will not be able to devote more

time for day to day follow up. I congratulated the staff for their sincerity and involvement

shown in the job. I told them that you have displayed Professionalism in your jobs although

all of you are not Professionally qualified. I selected one of the senior assistant and

designated him as Internal Auditor of the company. (He had passed Inter CA. Subsequently

he completed Final CA with my moral support. He left the job after I left the company and

entered the Profession and now is well settled. I met him many times during our CA

conferences.) Every accounting document & vouchers generated by any one in the department

should be sent to him for approval and only after his approval, the voucher would be sent to


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EDP department for data entry. Another Officer was given the responsibility of Regional

Accounts. One Officer was given the responsibility of all Dealers and their accounts follow up

etc. One Officer was made in charge of General Ledger and finalization of accounts /audit.

I would go through the vouchers depending on availability of time at my disposal. Staff

members accepted the idea wholeheartedly. It is my experience that people give more

output with minimum supervision.

I also finalized various rules for reimbursement of expenses, railway pass, travelling

expenses, advance to factory staff, canteen facilities etc. Our Office had holiday on Sunday and

on 1st & 3rd Saturday. I convinced JMD to give holiday on all Saturdays and to increase the

working hours on week days to bring about reduction in expenses such as electricity,

transport, lunch etc. I could take all these steps because of the moral support of JMD who

understood my dedication in the job. I was indeed fortunate to work him. He respected me

like his elder brother. (Once his wife told me that evening does not pass without talking about

you and your attempt to improve the company. I had virtually become the family member.)

As I was thinking on various issues listed above, I received a call from Factory Manager. He

was requesting me to arrange the payment for plastic powder which has practically run out of

stock. Such request I had received in the past on number of occassions. The company was

facing the strange phenomenon that we had huge stock of Finished Goods but Commercial

department was not able to execute the orders. There was ongoing pressure for purchase of

plastic powder and LED. Hence I decided to address this issue to start with.

At this point, let me say few words about the product. As mentioned earlier that our company

was engaged in Intercoms. Though the product category is one, in fact every model would be

considered as separate product depending upon number of connections i.e. 4,8,12,16,20 etc.

The intercoms were offered in five colour combination. The top plate and bottom plate was

made of plastic. Switches are assembled for various lines as mentioned above. The telephone

instruments are connected to junction box with cable. Our company would supply telephone

instruments & junction box. Dealers would purchase cables locally. The dealers used to make

profit mainly in cabling and service contract.

Coming back to the inventory problem of scarcity in the midst of plenty, I observed that


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factory was consuming plastic powder in moulding various models in rotation without

considering the usage. At another end, switches were assembled. Finishing department would

assemble the finished product exhausting either the switches or plastic parts. In other words,

WIP was low. Raw material stock was also low as plastic powder is consumed as soon as

received in moulding the parts. RM would mainly consist of LED, soldering wires, metal parts

for manufacturing switches. FG stock level will be high but at times of no use if requisite

colour combination / number of lines are not available. Thus no body was happy. We had

stock for which there was no order and we had no stock for which there was order. In the

process, every day tension would get developed between Commercial department and

factory, thereby affecting the Financial liquidity as payment for plastic powder, PCBs & LED

(Imported) was made against delivery.

Having studied the basic problem, I gave my recommendations to JMD.

1) To reduce colour combinations from five to three.

2) To maintain WIP (plastic moulded parts & switches) proportionately.

3) Not to consume plastic powder in one go. To run the injection moulding machine for

only few hours, instead of keeping idle after exhausting plastic powder.

4) LED would be soldered at the time of finishing.

5) Having built WIP, Final assembly should be given the target of production based on

orders to be executed.

6) To keep minimum stock of plastic powder, PCBs, LED to execute urgent juicy orders.

7) Spare parts mainly switches were made available for 7 years for maintenance. Our

product was found in working condition even after 7 years. I emphasized that in the

changing scenario, it is not necessary to maintain and service the product for 7 years.

This period should be brought down to 3 years. Thus the old system would get

replaced with the new system. Old system can be bought and dismantled. The good

parts can be used for maintenance.

JMD was reluctant to reduce the colour combinations and making available spare parts for

only 3 years. These points were discussed in the monthly meeting with Regional Managers.

Finally with lots of deliberations and considering liquidity problem, JMD had no alternative

but to accept the suggestions. Initially Factory Manger took this as insult and interference in


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his territory but fortunately understood the situation in the right perspective. One hurdle was

over.

This step improved the situation a bit because I was able to maintain the flow of billing

and utilising the discounting of these bills on day to day basis.

Then I turned my attention to saving expenses. Mismatch situation of stock and order

execution was inspite of factory doing Overtime. Office staff was also doing OT and still the

work was pending, accounts not finalized even after 10 months of closing etc. Staff was also

fed up with daily late sitting, no holidays etc. I stopped OT after discussion in a staff meeting

wef 01-07-1983 and still managed to complete the Audit by 31-08-1983. (first time in the

company’s history) Then, I convinced JMD to stop OT in factory in a phased manner. With

discontinuing OT, even other expenses such as evening snacks, power, auto fare in the

evening as contract bus at times was not available after OT etc. were reduced.

I have already stated that I made five days week, thereby reducing on lunch, electricity etc.

Advertisement expenses were disproportionate to turnover mainly because of dreams shown

by Advertising agencies and fear in the mind of JMD of reduction in sales due to less

adverting. Advertising was mainly done in press and on hoardings. I analyzed turnover

growth and advertising budget. There was obvious mismatch. I emphasized that product

margin and the quantity turnover is unable to absorb the advertising overheads. Moreover the

product was well settled in the market with practically no major competitor was having wide

marketing network. Dealers were making good money and doing aggressive marketing with

their team of salesmen. Our Regional Mangers and Regional Sales Team were assisting in

discussion/finalization of major order. Thus Advertising campaign had a limited role to

play. In view of this position and liquidity problem, reduction in advertising expenses will not

have adverse effect on the company. Thus, we decided to drastically reduce the advertising

expenses. Obviously, Advertising Agencies were disturbed with such decision. There was no

adverse effect on Turnover next year.

Payment to Consultant was extremely high. Almost 3 times of my salary. Once a week, a

consultant would reach factory with JMD at about 10 am and both of them would spend the


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entire day in the cabin. No visitors were allowed. Even Executives can’t get appointment with

JMD. It was surprising that none of the executives were involved in discussion with

consultant. JMD also never asked for any data for discussion with consultant. However

Consultant would try to create gossip and politics between executives by loose talk with some

executives. I could not stand the concept of consultant as the company had recruited

professional mangers to shoulder the responsibilities. Apart from overheads, it was a

question of lack of confidence on our ability.

One day, I asked a simple question to JMD. I said that within a short span of my service in the

company, I tried to identify the core problems and offered solutions. You have also seen the

improvement in the affairs. Why these suggestions were not made by the highly paid

consultant? Don’t you think you are wasting money? Moreover, Consultant is spoiling the

atmosphere in the company by indulging in politics. I once again raised the topic in the

monthly Regional Manger’s meeting. Finally, JMD was convinced and consultancy was

terminated.

Then I decided to initiate the steps for improving inflow of finance. I found that dealers had

paid insignificant security deposit in relation to the sales and profit made by the Dealers. I got

the opportunity to discuss the matter in the yearly meeting with All India Dealers conference

held at Delhi. JMD was doubtful about the response. He instructed me that the proposal

should not be pursued beyond the point but to his surprise, none of the dearer opposed the

idea. On the contrary, they were surprised as to how the company never increased the

security deposit in line with yearly performance. We could collect the cheques of an enhanced

dealership deposit in the conference itself. (Friends, you will recall as to how Electricity

companies collect security deposit in line with your bill)

Our customer relationship was almost in the nature of Marriage as we were rendering service

for 7 years including one year warranty. I was surprised that service contract revenue was not

substantial. The telephones covered under 1st year AMC should be atleast 75% of previous

year sales in quantity assuming every customer may not opt for AMC. This % was very low.

Service expenses were quite negligible as compared to AMC. As the Product was of good

quality, it was more in the nature of assured service as customers were so much used to

talking on intercoms. I insisted in RM’s meeting that every effort should be made to increase


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AMC. Quarterly Targets were fixed. This move paid off well. Our service contract

substantially increased and our profits soared. ☺ ☺

Having improved the execution of orders, it was necessary to give attention to unpaid bills

by Dealers. JMD always followed friendly approach while dealing with dealers. Dealers were

his GOD and JMD was happy with the dealer meeting the target and lifting more material

from the company without realising that ‘SALE is a SALE only when REALIZED.’ In fact

dealer used to take advance and grant credit of say 45 days. Hence there was no reason as to

why the dealer can not settle the bills in 60 days. Credit period was reduced to 45 days for

future despatches. The company had a system of preparing debtor’s statement Agewise.

However the strict actions like stopping the supplies, recovery reminders, and not issuing

credit notes in time for overriding commission etc. were not taken. I made series of recovery

letters. This was something new to them. Most of them were not formally educated though

good in marketing a product. 3rd reminder letter had a line stating that ‘our patience is

wearing thin really made waves in their mind.’ With 4th reminder, I stopped further

despatches. I had to take such step against very few dealers but this action was understood by

all as it showed in improving the collection.

Some dealers used to come personally and collect the material against cheque and avail of 3%

cash discount. In fact cash discount was given only against DD but due to soft corner of JMD

for the dealers, many dealers took undue advantage of this. My bankers would send the

cheque to the concerned branch for collection by Regd. post. (This process is called BRBC in

banking field.) The dealer would request his banker to keep the cheque pending for a period

up to 30 days. Our banker would send reminder after 3 weeks and then the dealer’s bank

would debit the cheque, prepare DD and send it to our bankers. I discontinued this practice.

Labour productivity was also improved by daily – weekly targets of group production. Our

factory had a music system to avoid the monotony of work. I got the speakers fitted in the

office and turned on the system during lunch brake.

Our bankers also insisted to raise the capital /introduce unsecured loans by directors. This

condition was also complied. I also got CC limit enhanced.

I could achieve this within one & half year of my joining. i. e. August 1984.


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My experience about two assistants in the company has been shared in another article

My Assistants.

Having settled in the job, I gave a serious thought to marriage. I proposed to Sumitra. She

took her sweet time to reply. We had series of meetings to sort out the various issues. Those

days I was doing OT. ☺ After office hours, I used to meet Sumitra atleast twice a week for

discussion. Finally Sumitra got fed up with the discussion and both of us decided to jump in

the marriage ocean. ☺ We fixed our marriage date in May 1984.

I have already described the role played by Mr. Kantak (Personnel Manager) in my article

My Friends. I was lucky to get another good colleague, Dilip Nabar. He was working as

Regional Manger-Western India. He left the company in March 1985 and took company’s

dealership at Poona. Our association continued after I left on 31-05-1985 as Auditor –Client.

All my assistants were hard working and sincere. After many years, they were working with

a Professional Financial Controller. They enjoyed working under my guidance. Thanks to

various staff motivation method deployed.

I got married in May 1984 and my struggle days started for settling in family life. I had

adopted two kids. Our relationship of one to one never posed any problem. The problem was

of behaviour in the group. By the time I resolved these problems some what, my piles got

erupted in December 1984. I once again tried Ayurvedic medicine but it was of no use. Finally

I decided to get operated. However JMD had gone abroad. I was holding the fort. I attended

office but could not sit on my executive chair. I stood for about 15 days. Finally on day of

JMD’s return, I got admitted in the hospital for operation on 15-01-1985. Readers can read

detailed history of my piles in another article My Health. I recovered from the side effects

operation and resumed office in February 1985 with resignation in my pocket.

It was shocking news for JMD because he had ambitious plans of expansion. However I was

firm on my decision. We discussed about my continuing the relations a consultant. However

the arrangement could not be finalized. Finally I left Superphone (India) Private Limited on

31-05-1985. JMD did not attend the office on that day. He was busy at Mumbai Office and

promised to return to Factory by evening. I talked to him before leaving my cabin.


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What a co-incidence? He was also not present on first day of my joining the company on

08-02-1983. Dilip Nabar had come to factory to place order for material. I left with him.

All staff members gave me standing ovation. They were virtually in a crying mood. It was

really a sentimental parting.

I completed higher education and took the senior level job in the industry. Here again

I continued my habit of rendering ‘social service’. I am sure that you may not digest this

statement. You may ridicule me for the philosophy because I was drawing a fat salary for the

work. You are right and I do not wish to dispute your counter argument. Yes, I was drawing a

fat salary but the I was carrying my work sincerely, honestly without expecting any extra

fringe benefits of the post (I guess you will understand this) for the benefit of the

organization and without considering the mood / inclination of higher ups. This is very

difficult and better still if you take close look at your self. I did job in three companies over 10

years and switched over to profession in 1985.

Let me end the article on Industry Experience by sharing some Tips to professionals

in the Industry: (Tips are not necessarily in the order of importance.)

1) Do not loose your independence.

2) Keep safe distance from the boss & colleagues.

3) Motivate your staff. Follow the attitude ‘we need each other.’

4) Make your staff dispensable.

5) Do not indulge in politics.

6) Do not gossip. Follow three filter test prescribed by Socrates. (Truth, Goodness, &

Usefulness)

7) Give justice to your salary.

8) Do your work sincerely and with involvement.

9) Enjoy the work. Try to get optimum job satisfaction. Money will follow.

10) Select the job which will provide opportunity to use your knowledge.

11) Pay attention to few observations made by ‘Abraham Lincoln’ many years ago

namely:

You can not bring about prosperity by discouraging Thrift.


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You can not keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

You can not establish sound security on borrowed money.

12) Saving should be the first charge on Income.

13) Pursue some hobbies.

14) Take care of Health. Do some exercise regularly.

15) Take healthy diet.

16) Spend enough time with family members and parents.

17) Exercise control over ‘Hurry’ ‘Worry’ and ‘Curry’

18) You should constantly look for every opportunity to learn.

19) You should not carry any complex either inferior or superior. You should carry

equality complex.

20) You should ‘mean’ what you say but you may not ‘say’ what you mean unless called

for.

21) You should honour every person’s ideas and skills.

22) You should constantly exchange information and knowledge and keep optimum

amount of transparency in your dealings.

23) You should not ignore signals. (Take macro meaning)

24) Happiness lies in MIND.

25) You should do retrospection at periodic intervals.

26) You should believe that you owe some obligations to society.

27) You should always do PLANNING before taking any action, decision etc. (Take macro

meaning)

28) You should measure the success by not what you have achieved but by what you

had to leave to achieve the same.

29) You should either don’t carry EGO or try to keep the EGO under control.

30) Do not change the jobs frequently. Do not compromise on designation for a higher

salary. Both should go hand in hand.

31) You should love what you get as you may not get what you want/love.


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32) Your success in life depends on realization of one’s limitations.

Friends may also refer articles on My Reflections, My Assistants.


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13 / My Professional Career & Clients

Having decided to resign from the company in February 1985, I was once again confronted

with further action namely to search a new job or to finally join the Profession. Mr. H. K.

Desai, Auditor of the company was suggesting me to join one of his clients as Financial

Controller. I kept the option open. However I was reluctant to take up the job. No doubt,

I updated my bio data and kept necessary print outs ready but I was trying my level best to

hook few clients before I leave the company.

Our consultant suggested me to meet one of his ex-client. (This consultant was assisting the

Industrialist to get the land from MIDC and Loan from MSFC.) I met the said client. MD was a

technocrat and had returned to India after serving in USA to set up the factory in India (his

Life time dream). He had already set up a factory in New Mumbai. We had detailed

discussion about the work to be carried out. I was supposed to make two visits per month.

It was a good beginning.

Mr. Dilip Nabar my ex-colleague had taken up our company’s dealership at Poona in early

1984. He was also planning to shift to Mumbai in 1985. I have already mentioned that he

accompanied me on last day in the company i.e. 31-05-1985. He had formed a private limited

company at Poona. I agreed to take up his assignment as Auditor & Management

consultant.

During my resignation period (February – May 1985), I came across an advertisement from the

firm for the post of consultant on retainership basis. The proprietor was an educated Muslim.

He had inherited the warehousing business from his father. I was expected to supervise the

accounts and administration departments on concurrent basis. I agreed to visit the office

every Monday for four hours. I was given an AC cabin and the necessary powers to give

instruction to his staff.

Thus by the time, I left the company, I had three clients to start with. I had assured income

to the extent of 80 % of salary. Finally I left the company on Friday 31-05-1985.

On Saturday, 1st June, 1985, I stepped out on my long Professional walk. ☺


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I went to Chembur. I was thrilled on my first day of Practice. I spent my time in reading the

project report, analyzing the accounts of previous year, reading the minute book,

correspondence with MSFC, Bank etc. I also had detailed discussion with MD.

MD was south Indian and highly qualified. He had set up a modern heat treatment plant. His

wife was also educated and assisted him in looking after administration & EDP department of

the company. He had great concern for his workers. He provided safety uniform, shoes,

lockers, milk, and free electricity to their hutments. Inspite of this, workers formed the union

and harassed the management.

Over the years, we became very friendly. He used to consult me not only on financial matters

but also on family matters mainly his sons. I got the opportunity to use my counselling skills

along with my professional work. (But I was never paid for such invaluable personal

advice.☺) One such piece of advice in relation to his son was not implemented and his son

broke the relations with my client and settled abroad. Another son completed education

(as per father’s wish) but selected music as his career. (He had pursued music since childhood

against the father’s wish) He settled in South India. My client could not bear the situation.

He was hoping that atleast one son will continue the business which he had developed as his

dream. My client admitted his mistake in not accepting my advice, after I left his

assignment.

I can not share with you the episode of difficulties & harassment faced by him from

Government authorities, political leaders etc. and how boldly he managed them although he

was a south Indian. Finally he sold of his running business. I left this client in 1995 as part of

my retirement plan.

On Monday, 3rd June, 1985 I visited another client running a warehousing business. I spent

almost 5 hours to get acquainted with the business, accounting records, staff etc. I had

preliminary discussion with proprietor before leaving the office.

Proprietor never interfered in my work. I looked after his personal finance. Once he went

abroad for two months and requested me to supervise the business. He signed 200 cheques

(most of them blank / bearer) and handed over the cheque book to me for custody. I issued

the cheques as and when requested by the Manager & Chief Accountant. Proprietor was very


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happy with my performance. He presented Yashica camera (Fully automatic) to me for

services provided. I left his work in September 1996 after my deadly accident & as a part of

my retirement plan.

Mr. Dilip Nabar was still operating from Poona. He was on the look out of office in Mumbai.

Finally he got the office on rental basis at Wadala. Initially I was also operating from his

office. Dilip was more than happy because I was there to look after his office in his

absence.

I knew ‘ins and out’ of his business and hence I was not only looking after his accounts

department but also supervising stores department, inventory control, staff training etc. I also

looked after his personal finance & investment. I was part of his family. I left his work wef

31-03-1997 as a part of my retirement plan. It was very shocking for him but with great

persuasion, he managed to tie over the feeling. I am happy to inform you that our relationship

bond is still strong although we don’t meet so often.

Mr. Dilip Nabar fell sick in 1998 with a high fever. He was admitted in hospital at Borivali.

Due to drug reaction, his lever failed and he suffered from jaundice. Next day his kidney also

failed and he was shifted to Nanavati Hospital at Vile Parle. He had to undergo dialysis twice

a week. It was necessary to run the business in his absence. Basically his company was one

man show and he was hospitalized. I met him in the hospital and promised him to look after

his business. I attended his office for few hours every day and managed his business without

disclosing to clients and suppliers about his major illness. I called staff meeting to keep their

moral. Staff also co-operated and we successfully carried the business in his absence.

It was obvious that these three initial clients can not keep me busy. Now my first task was

to make people aware that I have entered the Profession. I made the list of all persons with

whom I had dealt in my service period of about 10 years. I wrote them the letters. I was also

looking after the advertisements in TOI for the post of consultant on retainership basis. I wrote

letters to Co-operative Banks, my friends and ex-colleagues in the industry.

Consultant referred above gave me one more reference of his ex-client at Andheri,

sometime in August 1985. I called on the client. He was a Gujarati businessman. His problem

was peculiar. He was running a factory for few years, operating a bank account but had not


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written the accounts. Obviously he could not file his IT Return due to above. The main job was

to reconstruct the accounts of say last 8 years based on bank statements and other records

such as invoices and purchase bills. It was a Herculean task. Topic of Single entry booking is

taught to commerce students in Inter Commerce. This was my favourite topic in Accountancy.

A person with core knowledge of Accountancy can only convert Single entry booking records

into Double entry booking records. When I learned the topic and scored good marks in the

single entry topic, I had never imagined that I will have to use this knowledge in the CA

practice. I accepted the challenge. It was made clear that time dimension of the job can not be

determined because initially a month may be required for going through the available records,

finding out missing records etc. Thus fees will have to be fixed on hourly basis and should be

settled every Monday. Hourly fee was quoted and I started the work. The assignment was

like hide & seeks game.

After about two months, I could arrange the available records. The next problem was of cash

deposited in bank account. The client was asked to get the cash entries from the market.

I commenced my job of compiling the accounts. Considering the quantum of assignment,

I introduced my friend Jayant to help me out.

Friends, the client was carrying a small manufacturing process of mixing two chemicals. The

basic raw material had to be purchased against cheque and hence there was no problem for

purchase records. However one more chemical was added to the main raw material to make a

finished product. Certain amount of process loss was also playing its role. Now the problem

was of non availability of purchase bills of subsidiary raw material apart from ascertaining the

quantity purchased. Thus it was necessary to compile sales register to find out the quantity

sold to arrive at the Production quantity. Once the Production quantity was arrived, it was

fairly easy to ascertain the purchase of subsidiary raw material after considering the process

loss. ☺ Friends, you will realize how difficult the task before me was.

Not only this, but I reconstructed the Board Meeting Minute book of last 8 years for his

associate company. (Accounts could be constructed fast because not much business was

carried out by the company.)

I spent whatever time available at my disposal on this assignment. Jayant was regularly


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sparing few hours every day for this job. The job lasted for over a year. I earned handsome

fee. ☺ Finally the client got the accounts neatly written in the books of accounts. IT Returns

were filed and even assessments were done. Client was relieved and happy because it was

economical affair for him. He had saved the Accountant’s salary of 8 years and hardly shared

60 % as fees. By the time we finished the assignment, accounts of one year were due for

finalization. However some how he avoided giving the regular assignment. I had friendly

relations with him for few more years.

His office was situated in his flat. Mother & all the three married brothers were staying

together. I could observe the problems of joint family. All brothers and at times their spouses

shared their complaints against each other. My counselling skills probably got developed

from that stage. ☺

In the mean time, brother of my ex-MD’s wife contacted me. He was also Gujarati. He was

setting up a private limited company with his NRI friend for the manufacture of cassettes.

I took up the assignment right from incorporation of company, compiling project report,

negotiation with bankers for loans, company secretarial work and Statutory Audit. My entire

professional experience in the Industry had a role to play in this assignment. However

I could not earn handsome fees considering the time I spent. Being a Gujarati, he negotiated

the fees with a promise to give internal audit assignment of his other five private limited

companies. However he never kept his word. (He followed a typical American style of

Marketing) However I left the work after Audit of 1st year. The Project was set up but never

took off in the real sense.

The first three clients were going strong. 1986 was coming to an end. I was yet to hook the

big client who can keep me busy. Around that time, a new circular was issued by Registrar of

Co-operatives societies allowing the housing co-operative societies to get their accounts

audited by CA provided he has attended the certificate course of ICAI in respect of Society

Audit. (I completed this course in August 1985) I decided to take up this diversification.

I contacted office bearers of housing societies in my area. I found that Audit was pending for

more than two to three years due to shortage of staff with Registrar of co-operative societies.

In many societies, books were written but accounts were not finalized. Minute book and other

statutory registers were not up to date. Society audit kept me fairly busy during entire 1987.


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I did the work at residence cum office and I could relax, could do gardening, played

badminton in the evening, could take evening walk and also earned money and above all

created number of friends and well wishers.

Subsequently, I did audits of housing societies devoting my leisure time on Sunday as I was

busy on other days for audit of banks, companies etc. Audit fee scale was Rs. 210/-for yearly

audit. In fact this petty amount would get spent on conveyance or offering tea /snacks to

office bearers. Even a junior CA was not willing to carry such audits. Due to this attitude,

Audit would get pending for years together. By doing audit of such societies, I was relieving

tension of the office bearers of the society. Even today I meet many such office bearers and

they inform that now once again, the Audit is pending for few years. I did such society Audits

for 15 years. I made many friends and well wishers. The fact that People remember my

sincere service pacifies me. A great thought to cherish in my retirement days. Office bearers

would feel awkward to give a petty Cheque of Rs. 210/- knowing fully well that I was

carrying out audits of banks and companies and earning handsome audit fee. Finally I left the

audit of co-operative housing societies from 1996.

There was another development in 1986. My best friend Mr. Jayant had also left the job and

entered the Profession from July 1985. He had already started his coaching classes for

commerce students from June 1985. We decided to form partnership firm for undertaking

Statutory Bank branch audit and Insurance Survey assignments. We entered into partnership

and formed the firm namely M/S Paranjape & Vaidya Chartered Accountants. We enrolled

our name with ICAI for allotment of bank branch audit.

We also did necessary paper work to secure Surveyor’s License from Government. Now the

next task was to get our name empanelled with Insurance companies. I spent my entire free

time for enrolling our name initially with the Regional Office of Insurance companies and

subsequently with their respective Divisional Offices. Friends, You may not believe but It took

me almost 4 years to complete the process after securing Surveyor’s License in last quarter of

1986. The License was issued for 5 years and was due for renewal in 1991. Finally the License

was sent for renewal and Mumbai experienced worst ever rain on 8/9 the June 1991. I had

returned from Matheran on 07-06-1991. It rained cats & dogs in Mumbai. And finally we got

our 1st insurance survey assignment. Thanks to Mumbai Rain. ☺ Thereafter I never looked


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back. Our firm became one of leading Insurance Surveyors in the field specializing in

Miscellaneous department and investigation of accounting records of the Insured.

I acted as an ‘Insurance Surveyors’ for over 14 years. (i.e. up to 30-09-2000) Insured would get

the insurance claim based on my remarks in survey report. Even then I never misused my

position. Policy holder hardly understood this approach. Today every body and every thing

is for sale (Professional is no exception). In this back drop, it was difficult for clients to

understand that I was not for ‘Sale’. Incidentally let me enlighten you that there are two other

types of Insurance surveyors. One category would certify inflated figure of loss for a ‘price.’

The other category would threaten the policy holder that he would certify the lower loss and

would demand a price. Due to my sincere approach, I enjoyed respect with Insurance

companies. Many a times I was given the assignment of reviewing the reports of other

surveyors. Survey work expanded my knowledge horizon as I came in contact with

businessmen and had opportunity to know the intricacies of different types of business.

I shared this knowledge with my spouse. I could have created many enemies in this field due

to my straight forward approach but my sincerity in the job was felt by Insured as I offered

free professional advice for their business to avoid the loss in future.

It was decided initially that though the firm has been formed to take Bank branch audit &

survey assignments, eventually our individual practise will be merged & carried out in the

Firm’s name. Similarly I would also join the Coaching Class set up by Jayant after 3 years.

However it did not happen because Jayant could not get many clients and was more

interested in teaching. He spent almost 5 hours for teaching and left with no energy to do

serious audit assignments. He took up consultancy assignment on retainership basis and used

to spend his entire day from 12 noon to 6 pm for that work. He used to spend 3 hours in the

morning between 6 am to 9am and 2 hours in the evening from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for

teaching. He was famous Professor in the area.

At other end, I gradually hooked many clients and moreover I was not very keen on breaking

my head to teach college students. In fact, the entire Survey work was looked after by me on

behalf of the firm as Jayant had no time and the survey job demanded different approach and

skills which he did not possess. He tried his hand with few surveys but made a mess and I

had to spend my time to sort out the same.


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During 1987, I learned Astrology under the guidance of my friend Mr. Agashe. He conducted

classes on Sunday afternoon. In that class, I happened to meet Agashe’s friend Mr. Suresh

Palkar. He was working as Development Officer with LIC. Eventually he became my friend &

Astrological Guru. I learned Astrology from January 1987 to September 1987. However what

I learned was basics and further interest in the subject was aroused. I read number of books

during October &November 1987. During December 1987, I compiled Astrology Guide

(1st draft) and updated regularly with my advancing of knowledge. More of it you would read

in other Articles namely My Hobbies, My Social Service etc. I finished Astrological Guide in

December 1987 and good news was knocking the door.

Our firm M/S Paranjape & Vaidya was allotted two branches of Bank of India situated at

Wadala for Statutory Audit for the year ended 31-12-1987. Good beginning for the firm.

Friends, to share a secret, both us had never done bank audit during CA articles. Of course

we knew as to how bank functions due to our close association with many banks during our

service as I was working as financial Controller and Jayant was working as Chief Accountant.

It was a challenge for us. However we had bit of experience of bank audit as we had recently

done Revenue Audit (popularly known as income leakage audit) of one of the large sized

branch of Bank of Maharashtra. We read Bank Audit Manual of ICAI, attended the refresher

seminar conducted by ICAI. I prepared the checklist of queries and information to be obtained

from the branch officials. We had to attend conference of Auditors conducted by Bank Of

India before the audit. BOI had issued comprehensive guidelines to Branch Auditors. Central

Statutory Auditor also addressed the gathering. With this we were theoretically ready to face

the assignment. I am happy to say that we successfully completed the assignments. The

branch officials were surprised and complimented us for our efforts. They openly admitted

that they had never experienced such a comprehensive audit & co-operative auditor with a

human face in their Life time. I am happy to inform you that I received this compliment on

number of occassions in rest of my career. More of it has been stated in Article on My Social

Service and other articles. The branch Manager gave us party on the last day of audit (it was

3rd week of January, 1988). We had a drink followed by a nice non-Veg lunch. I telephoned

my client’s office to find out any message for me. To my surprise, I was called for a discussion

by Chairman of a co-operative bank at 8 pm at Parel. Our firm carried out statutory branch

audit of number of nationalized banks till 31-03-2004. Our firm M/S Paranjape & Vaidya was

finally dissolved wef 30-09-2004.


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I had sent letters to co-operative banks to empanel my name on their panel. I rushed home.

I asked Sumitra to give me limbo-pani as I had taken drink before lunch. I applied face pack.

It was necessary that no body should get smell of the drink. I took the necessary papers and

left home at about 6.30 pm. I reached at about 7.30 pm. Chairman and few directors had come.

Board Meeting was scheduled at 8.15 pm. Chairman of WIRC of ICAI was also called for

discussion. He was elder by 5 years but very much senior in the profession as he entered the

profession immediately after completing CA. We knew each other very well. Finally at about

8.45 pm, the other CA mentioned above was called for discussion. I was called inside at about

9 pm. The chairman of the Bank expressed his apology for keeping me waiting. (He was ex-

MLA and well known Advocate) We had nice discussion. He was very much impressed with

my high professional qualifications, industry experience and also bank audit experience.

I was appointed as Joint Internal Auditor of the Bank for the year ended 30-06-1988. (7 months

of the accounting year were already over.) I acted as Internal Auditor of the Bank till

year ended 31-03-2011. (Refer Section II My Letter Letter no. 16)

By 31-03-2009, I left all my clients as a part of my retirement plan but this client was not ready

to leave me and hence I continued my services. Other CA firms appointed as Joint Auditor

along with me were replaced in last 24 years but inspite of my blunt reporting, I was

preferred. The entire Management and staff members have developed the relationship

bond with me. However the line of control between friend, guide & philosopher at one end

and Internal Auditor at another end was kept intact. Finally with a heavy heart I left this

client after completing audit for the year ended 31-03-2011.

My professional advice was taken on number of occassions in respect of Project Finance. It so

happened that when ever my advice was not adhered to, the bank faced some problem or the

other with borrower. The management openly admitted this fact.

I can not resist from mentioning one incident. Once, the union had issued the order of ‘work

to rule’. But to my surprise, union secretary called up the branch to inform that the said rule is

for the management and complete co-operation should be given to me. This was possible

because of good inter personnel relationship developed by me over the years.

I offered my professional services as consultant and improved internal control of the bank.


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I assisted the bank in establishing Training centre. I also invited staff members of other banks

audited by me, to participate in the training programme. I also established similar Training

Centre for another co-operative Bank.

I took specific efforts for the personality development of the participants. I made extensive

training notes and training manual. I also gave special training to bank officers for giving

lectures on various subjects. These Bank officers were also inducted as faculty members for

imparting training. This step boosted their confidence in their day to day work. I was very

proud and happy for their success.

Along with my profession, I also acted as paper examiner of various Professional bodies such

as ICAI, ICSI, IIB and ICWA etc. since 1976. I hardly earned Rs.4/- per answer paper. You

would need atleast 20 minutes per paper for checking. In addition I had to spent time for

collecting and sending back answer papers. You will realize that I was obviously not doing

this assignment for earning money. My bill also would get settled after 4-5 months. Inspite of

these hard facts, I did this noble job for over 15 years obviously due to the intention of social

service. I thought that some body has done the similar job when I completed my professional

education and various diplomas. Now it is my turn to repay the debt. I had to do this job on

holidays and during night on other days. The job too had a deadline. Many times I have

checked the answer sheets in the train. I nearly saw the death once doing this job. Refer my

Article ‘My Death Experiences’.

I also acted as paper setter for Institute of Banking Personnel and selection for few years.

Friends, It is difficult to talk about every client because I left number of clients after a short

period because basic professional equations could not be established. I also did number of

one time assignments of introducing Management Information System in the organization,

Compiling Project reports, looking after recruitment of staff for the client etc.

I never sold my knowledge for unethical acts. I used my knowledge, education and experience

for the benefit of the society. But the current picture is other way round. Knowledge and

education is being used for accumulating wealth. We have all along tolerated political

leaders /workers for this. But the sad story is that even professionals, intellectuals have also

joined this band wagon. No service provider wants to be left out of this scenario. With the


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result, quality of management is deteriorating day by day because they have full confidence

that somebody would ignore their shortcomings for a ‘price’. No doubt, there are exceptions

to this rule and in fact India has made progress on all fronts due to single handed efforts of

such honest persons. However this work scenario makes things difficult for a sincere

worker. I have faced this music for cultivating good qualities such as sincerity,

involvement, working for the interest of the organization rather than the person etc.

It is unfortunate that many Professionals have converted their ‘professional practice’ in

‘business’ and are busy recovering the value of their signature acquired due to professional

qualification. I did the Audits for the benefit of the organization without considering what

is convenient for the office bearers. There was every chance of losing the client by doing

this. But I have still done this tight rope walk since 1985. I doubt whether every one can

visualize my efforts in doing this.

In March 1992, my friend Mr. B. K. Jorapur CA called me and requested professional

assistance. Initially I accepted one assignment and successfully completed to his satisfaction.

During Inter Commerce, I came in contact with Mr. Jorapur. He was senior by one year. He

gave good guidance about the books, study material and helped in my studies. We became

friends and eventually I joined him as an Executive Partner in March 1992. Our association is

still going strong.

Mr. Jorapur joined the firm set up by his father after CA. His father had since stopped

attending office. We did internal audits of number of co-operative banks and statutory bank

branch audit of nationalized banks.

We also carried out Divisional Audit of Insurance Companies for number of years. I already

had insight into working of Insurance Companies in the capacity of Insurance Agent &

Insurance Surveyor. In 1987, I came in contact with Mr. Suresh Palkar (friend of Mr. Prabhakar

Agashe) in the Astrology class. Mr. Palkar was working as DO of LIC. He requested me to

take up an insurance agency. I had already obtained Insurance License in the name of

Mr. Sumitra Vaidya for insurance agency of General Insurance companies. I did the LIC

agency for 5 years from 1987 to 1992. I offered free investment advice to my clients. I sold LIC

policies to genuine investors. I had the opportunity to sell the policies to the Insured as

I was also acting as Surveyor. But believe me that I never misused my office of power for my


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personal benefit.

I thoroughly enjoyed Statutory audit of Divisional Office of Insurance company because

I was confident to poke my nose in any department namely underwriting, claims and

accounts. Insurance officials appreciated my knowledge and attitude and recommended my

name to their colleagues for allotment of insurance surveys. I met with an accident in July

1996. (Read article ‘My deadly accident’.) I was in need of policy of the bus owner to lodge the

claim with MACT. I could get the policy due to my acquaintances with the Divisional

Manager of another company. ☺

I also assisted Mr. H. K. Desai, CA for audit of DO of another insurance company. In this case,

Divisional Manager of that company helped to get my Survey license renewed in 1996.

Insurance company appoints auditor for a period of 3 years and hence once you make the time

investment in the first year, you can carry audit for next two years in less time. Time given for

audit is also adequate. Moreover importance is given to Audit Report because this report is

sent to CAG and hence Officials are interested in getting the clean report and co-operate

with the Auditor.

Allotment for bank branch audit is done in last week of March and Auditor is expected to

submit the report by 10th of April. Every year new branches are allotted. I have experienced

that adequate comfortable space was never available in any branch for Auditors. Branch

Officials do not get afraid with discrepancies in audit report as each branch faces about ten

auditors during the year.

Let me throw light on the attitude of bank management. Statutory Bank Branch Auditor is

supposed to answer few questions on ‘Fraud’ detected during the year as per RBI Guidelines.

One year we found that fraud was detected in one of the branch allotted to us for audit. CBI

complaint was lodged and matter was under investigation. Ex-Branch Manger had committed

the fraud and he finally committed suicide. Friends, I can not share with you the further

details of fraud. My partner Jayant had to spent almost 10 days to study the files, FIR, Internal

reports etc. in relation to the fraud. We prepared the detailed note on fraud as to how it

happened; whether any negligence was observed and remedial action to be taken by bank to


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avoid such frauds in future. Our note ran into 25 foolscap pages. Our note was discussed with

Branch Officials and with Regional Officials. There was indirect pressure on us to tune down

the note and not to insist for provisioning of loss. Obviously, we did not agree and submitted

the report as it is. There was no feedback from Statutory Main Auditor on our report. Next

year we were appointed as auditors of branches located at New Delhi. We were expected to

arrange our tickets and hotel stay at a short notice of 2 days. The branch audited by us in

previous year was allotted to Delhi Auditor. It was obvious that bank tried to take the

revenge on us. We flatly refused our appointment.

Let me share one more experience. The bank was in the process of converting their branches

under CBS. (Core banking solution) Under this system, interest and service charges

application is done from central EDP cell. We observed that interest was not paid on one

deposit product. Being CBS branch, we enquired with EDP cell and found that our

observation was correct and the mistake has happened in case of all branches covered under

CBS. We calculated the amount and found that the mistake was material for the branch. We

qualified the report. Here again there was pressure from Regional Officials for deleting the

remark. We said that if amount is material for the branch, the said lapse will be material for

the bank as the mistake had happened in all branches under CBS. We qualified the report.

In this case also, there was no communication from Statutory Main Auditor on our report.

We were also told that none of the other auditors have pointed out this mistake.

We also carried out Revenue Audit of number of banks. If Auditor reports the revenue leakage

more than his audit fee, the management would get pleased and our appointment for next

year is assured. Here I had developed a special strategy for finding out the leakage and

successfully implemented the technique and reported revenue leakage of over 15 times of our

audit fees. Even Branch Officials would get surprised and keep wondering as to how

inspite of internal control/double checking of records, this income leakage could happen. ☺

I enrolled the firm M/S K. B. Jorapur & Co. with Bank of Maharashtra for stock audit.

Simultaneously I enrolled M/S Paranjape & Vaidya with BOI for monitoring of sick &

rehabilitated accounts of borrowers. I did number of stock audits for BOM. One such incident

has been covered in the article ‘Deaths seen in Life’.

I also did monitoring of sick advances on behalf of BOI. However the experience was not


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encouraging because neither the bank nor the borrower co-operated with us. Yes, you read it

correctly. Even bank officials were not very serious about monitoring of sick advance. We

received our agreed fees but without the job satisfaction.

Now let me share a secret of my success in the field.

I can get along with any age group forgetting my age, designation, education etc. I can have

heart to heart dialogue on an equality complex. I have respect and soft corner for every

service provider. I specifically introduce my self to all staff members of the client including

sub staff. This helps me in getting the records in time for audit. Sub-staff feel happy because

no body talks with dignity. You end up getting confidential information about the office

which is helpful in carrying out the Audit. The word Audit has been derived from the Latin

word ‘audire’ which means to hear. I get to listen more due to my open approach with

equality complex.

This year I have retired from profession. I have been retiring every year since 1995 by saying

good bye to one or the other client. I hosted my website ‘www.spandane.com’ in May 2008 to

share my vast professional experience, my various hobbies such as astrology, medical,

graphology, body language, photography, writing articles on life philosophy etc. I am more

than happy with the response of over 6,50,000 hits till date i.e. 28-02-2011. The website was

updated every quarter with new Articles. I must have spend over Rs.60,000/- for this hobby.

I have not even mentioned my name on the website with the intention that my introduction

should be reflected in the contents of the website.

Friends, I invite your attention to Articles ‘My Social Service’ and ‘My Reflections.’ to get

better insight in to above professional experience.


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www.spandane.com

14 / My Assistants

We need each other in every sphere of Life. Occupational Life is no exception to this rule.

I was really lucky to get good and co-operative assistants, without them I could not have

succeeded in my occupational and Professional career.

I am a born teacher by birth. I like to teach and learn simultaneously. I have looked at my

assistants as human beings first and not man-machine. Every Manager should follow this

approach. Unless you create a relationship bond, you cannot get 100% participation from

assistants or for that matter from anyone.

We can develop better relationships with others if we understand their entry in our life.

A person may come into your life for a ‘reason, for a season or for life.’ If this focus is clear,

we can decide our relationship pattern. Assistants enter your Life for a ‘reason’ and ‘season’.

You have to essentially understand that your assistants also have career goals/dreams like

you. As you welcome them in your job / life, you should also say warm good bye to them

from bottom of your heart and wish them good luck when they leave.

At times, you will learn many things from these people. These people will share their

experience, knowledge with you and try to enrich your life. You will have unbelievable joy

and happiness in their company. But please remember that this association is only for a

‘season.’ The relationship may get broken in spite of your good intentions. You should be

ready for such eventuality. No point doing post-mortem of your behaviour and their

behaviour.

Before I talk about my few Assistants, let me list down few principles of creating good

relations with assistants and colleagues. These principles were used by me.

Common Tips:

i) Let there be space in your relationship.

ii) Give respect to get respect.

iii) All fingers are not alike.

iv) Each person inherits good and bad qualities.


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v) Your behaviour with any one should be the replica of your expectation of their

behaviour with you.

vi) Respect individuality.

vii) Always remember that our opinions change from time to time.

viii) We all need each other.

ix) No body is perfect.

x) When you are angry, criticize the behaviour, not the person.

xi) Human being is a social ‘ANIMAL.’

xii) Avoid Gossip. Have straight dialogue with assistants.

As we spend our major part of Life in the office, it imperative that we should have healthy

relationship with our assistants and colleagues.

When assistants and bosses get along and like each other, going to work can become a great

pleasure.

Lets us look at the specific Tips generated from my experience.

i) Feelings play pivotal role in giving insight about people and their behaviour.

ii) It is necessary that you should trust others in the environment as much as you trust

yourself.

iii) Good point in an assistant should be acknowledged even if you don’t like him.

iv) You should not shirk from your actions and emotions.

v) Pay attention to the feedback from your assistants and clients from their non-verbal

signals.

Now let me make special reference to few of My Assistants.

Few years back, I was waiting on Dadar W. Rly platform in the evening for return journey to

residence. Suddenly Mr. Makwana rushed towards me and touched my feet. I was taken

aback. He just said ‘Sir, you made my life.’ He left job in my company after I left way back in

1983, he took up accounts writing assignments and now he was well settled. According to

him, he could achieve this because of intensive training given to him.

Mr. Makwana worked in my department from February 1981 till I left the job in Jan. 1983. Mr.

Makwana was fresh B.Com from Gujarat University, having studied in Gujarati medium till


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graduation. But his core knowledge of accounting was up to the mark. He was staying with

one of his relatives at Virar. Our office was situated at Churchgate. He was very punctual and

sincere in his work. He was very hard-working and eager to learn. Once trained, he gave me

tallied trial balance of previous month, on 1st evening. One month, he could not keep his

promise. He came to my cabin at about 5.30 pm in a depressed mood. He apologised for not

being able to tally the trial balance. I made him comfortable. I enquired about the difference.

I just asked him to recheck the posting of one entry of similar amount. Yes! The amount was

not posted to ledger and hence the difference. He was so happy and thrilled, that I can’t

describe his feelings in words. When I left the company, he literally cried. Friends, It was in

my self interest to teach him the work. My efforts and time spent on his training paid the

fruits.

I had one south Indian secretary. Good Looking but already married. ☺ I was a bachelor that

time. I was chain smoker those days. I would call her in the morning for giving dictation for

about an hour. However, I restrained myself from smoking during dictation. I made it clear

in the beginning that I won’t waste my valuable time in dictating each and every letter.

I would specify the points on each letter and she should draft /type the letter in my style.

I gave her two months to catch my style of letter writing. I told her that this would help her

career. She took the challenge. I saved my valuable time. She left the job and joined MNC

soon after my resignation. She telephoned me specifically after her confirmation that my

training of drafting letters had yielded great benefit in her new job.

During her tenure as my secretary, she became friendly with another good looking south

Indian typist of her age, seating next to her in the typist pool. Their friendship became the

topic of discussion in the company. Our MD wanted to take strict action against both of them.

I assured MD that I would do the needful but in my way. I discussed the matter with our

Personnel Manager Mr. Satish Kantak. We decided to have discussion cum counselling before

issuing memo or taking any stern action. That was my first counselling experience. Friends,

thereafter I became honorary counsellor in my life. I have documented those Tips, Views etc.

in Section III for your benefit.

Let me say few words about my deputy in one of the companies. He was a young CA,

pursuing active habits such as trekking, mountaineering etc. He would go on trek practically


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every fortnight and would either come late on Monday or take leave. After noticing this

pattern, I enquired about the real reasons for this. I had one more occasion for counselling.

I told him that at this stage, he must decide his priority. He can’t get everything every time.

You are holding a responsible position. Your behaviour should be a role model for the staff.

If you are casual about the responsibilities, is it possible to have high expectations from your

assistants? My talk was fruitful.

Now let me share one bitter experience. Another south Indian CA was working with me.

We were in the midst of finalization of accounts. The completion of work was just a day away.

We worked till 12 midnight. Took dinner and parted to have the final assault on the work next

day. Sorry, the same day as the new day had already begun. I reached office at 8.30 am. This

assistant did not turn up till 10 am. I called his residence where he was staying on rental basis.

I was told that today morning he left for Chennai for some urgent work.

A person who talked so passionately about the pending work had run away. I completed the

finalization as planned. I got his resignation after 15 days. He had worked sincerely during his

tenure. I sent his dues with best wishes.

As I started writing this Article, memories of number of assistants flooded my mind. You

will appreciate that it is not possible to write about each and every assistant. Most of the

assistants were elder to me. They respected me as their boss and I respected them as my elder

brothers.

I have already documented the various Tips for establishing relationship with assistants.

I also motivated the staff. I have documented My Tips – Staff Motivation in Section III of this

book. But let me share the top secret for keeping your assistants in your control.

You should be able to make the staff dispensable. This is possible only and only if you are

ready to exert. You must know not only the work done by each staff but should also know

how to do it. Initially, you should request each staff member to list down the jobs done by

them, specifying the sub-jobs at every stage with pending position at that stage. Try and

understand critical points of the job. Do the sample jobs, get confidence, suggest short cuts if

any. Once you prepare yourself on above lines, then your staff can’t take you for a ride.

Before this step, you must acquaint yourself with each member of your team on one to one


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basis. Try to understand his family background, aspirations, dreams, financial position etc.

This will give you a head start in establishing relations and eventually controlling them. His

minus/plus points should be explored for motivation and support. Friends, it is not very

difficult as it sounds. Give it a try and enjoy the freedom from tolerating staff.

I am proud to say that after my resignation, the department work was not affected till

recruitment of my successor. This was possible because I had given enough confidence to my

staff that they can work and should work without online supervision from the BOSS. In the

process I had also made myself dispensable and practically my MD never had to bother me

for some information or papers after I left the company.

Readers may refer one letter dated 15-05-1999 sent to my Assistants. Till date I get call from

my Assistants on Guru Pornima day to thank me. I consider this as my achievement.


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15 / My Friends

Friends, basically I have very few friends, right from my childhood days. I am not a social

animal. I prefer to stay aloof due to sour experiences of the society and surrounding people

since young age. I always believed that a person can be called your friend only if you can

practically share your entire Life with him, which, at times you may find difficult with your

near family members. I was fortunate to get such friends.

Mr. Jayant Paranjape was my best friend. Up to 4th standard, I studied in Municipal School.

I took admission in Wilson High School in June 1960. On the first day of the school, students

assembled in the class room. Incidentally one fair looking boy was seating next to me. He had

red birth mark on his right cheek. I smiled at him. His name was Jayant. His father was a

teacher in our high school. Our wavelength matched. We became best friends. We studied

together in school / college, became CA, did practice together, and shared our sad and happy

moments. It was unfortunate that Jayant expired untimely on 23-05-2006. (Born on 26-01-1951)

May his soul rest in peace. He was my only best friend, more than my brothers. His sudden

death really shocked me. With a great difficulty I survived that shock. I hosted my website on

23-05-2008 to coincide with his 2nd death anniversary. Our friendship lasted for 46 years till his

death. Although, he was in the same age group, his maturity level matched with mine. Jayant

also whole heartedly supported my decision to marry Mrs. Sumitra.

Another friend & colleague Jayant Kantak was 15 years elder to me. Our friendship started

from 1983. I am surprised that somehow our relationship came to an end from 1993 without

any reason. Recently, I saw Jayant Kantak in Borivali while travelling in auto rickshaw.

I am thankful to Jayant for playing a crucial role in my Life. One day I decided to commit

suicide. (1983) I selected the day. It was Saturday –our day off. I completed all pending jobs at

office so that my employer will not face immediate problems. I sat very late in my cabin

previous day. (i.e. Friday) My friend and good colleague Mr. Kantak was also giving me

company. We talked a lot on various subjects. He felt some unusualness in my talk. He took

a promise that I will be cancelling my suicide decision. He invited me for Dinner on next day.

It was Saturday. We drank good amount of beer followed by non-Veg food.

Obviously as promised to him, I cancelled the plan of suicide. ☺ Some where I must not


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have been fully convinced about my decision. My worry was that in case I am unsuccessful

in my suicide attempt, then the incident would ruin my Life. I discussed my choice of

Mrs. Sumitra with him. He supported my decision and agreed to take the lead in case my

family refused permission.

I had one more friend by the name of Prabhakar Agashe. He was elder by 8 years. He was an

Astrologer. He was working with Bank of India. Our association began in 1982. Earlier, he was

staying at Mahim but subsequently shifted to Borivali. He taught me Astrology in 1987. He left

the job with Bank of India and joined Saraswat Co-operative Bank Ltd. as Principal of their

Training College at Vashi. He left Borivali and shifted to Vashi and again to Panvel after

retirement as Principal. Obviously our personal meetings were discontinued, though we tried

to maintain our telephonic contact. It was unfortunate that he expired at the age of 64 years

mainly due to faulty life style. He was my Astrological Guru. He also supported my decision

to marry Mrs. Sumitra by studying our horoscope. May his soul rest in peace.

Now, I am left with only friend namely Suresh Palkar. He is elder to me by 12 years. I came

in contact with him in 1987 at Prabhakar Agashe’s residence. He had also joined his

Astrological class. Suresh was working with LIC of India as a ‘Star’ Development Officer. My

wife acted as LIC Agent under his supervision from 1987 to 1992. Like me, he also continued

astrology study after learning basics from Mr. Agashe. Subsequently, Suresh became my

Astrology Guru. We regularly meet for dinner or for an evening walk. Telephonic discussions

are very common and frequent. I wish him good health and long life.

Incidentally, My wife, Mrs. Sumitra is also my best friend.

I must also make a mention of another friend Mr. B. K. Jorapur. He was my senior by one

year. We studied together in Sydenham college library. He also became CA and joined his

father as partner in his CA firm. After passing CA, I joined the industry and entered the

profession in June 1985. Subsequently I joined him as Executive Partner in March 1992. Our

Professional association continued till June 2009 as I decided to take one step towards

retirement. However, our friendship was not purely professional. We shared our problems

and worries with each other too.


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16 / My Dreams

1 Every child nurses some dream in his young age. I also had a dream of becoming a

doctor. My father was suffering from diabetes for many years. His days were

numbered. I worked as his ‘PA’ and caretaker since the age of nine. I had prepared a

time table for his medication. In fact I learned to give him insulin injection every day.

Finally, he expired two months prior to his retirement at the age of 58 when I was

studying in Jr. B. Com. Twice he had TB and he was suffering from diabetes for over 35

years. I was nursing the dream of becoming a doctor in this backdrop of my life.

I had no thought of making money by becoming a doctor.

I spent my childhood in the grand company of medicines, injections instead of toys.

When I realized that my Dad won’t be with us for long and also realizing the financial

position, my dream of becoming a doctor evaporated in no time.

I joined commerce faculty after SSC and completed higher education. I took up a job in

the industry in 1975. I served in the industry for over 10 years and ventured into

practice in 1985. However my dream kept nagging me all the time. Finally, I learned

Alternate Therapies under the guidance of a well known doctor in 1998-99. I continued

my Medical study along with my professional practice. I made elaborate notes on

various topics and compiled tips on each disease etc. I have shared these notes on my

website ‘www.spandane.com’. With the help of this medical knowledge I am taking

care of the health of my family. I have already covered this topic in the chapters

‘My Hobbies & My Social Service’.

2 Having joined commerce faculty, my immediate dream was to complete B.Com and

then become a Chartered Accountant. As mentioned earlier, my father expired when

I was studying in Jr. B.Com. My dream of becoming CA got a jolt. However, my eldest

brother supported me and encouraged me to undertake CA course. I am very much

indebted to both my brothers for their moral support.

3 Having successfully completed CA with flying colours in November 1974, my next

dream was to join the industry and head the Finance department and then to leave

the job on attaining financial stability and commence independent CA Practice.


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4 I joined the Industry in June 1975 with the aim to retire by 2000. (Since 1995, I reduced

my work load in a phased manner and utilized time for other activities.)

5 To act as faculty member and examiner. I have already covered this topic in the

chapter ‘My Guru.’

6 Photography. I have already covered this topic in the chapter ‘My Hobbies’.

7 To become an Author. (Hosted website www.spandane.com on 23-05-2008 and

uploaded number of books on Audit, Medical, and Life Philosophy etc.)

8 To learn Astrology. I have already covered this topic in the chapters ‘My Hobbies & My

Social Service.’

9 I also had small dreams without obsession. Such as to purchase car, (Purchased in 1989

and sold in 1992) to travel by first class, to travel by air, to undertake sea journey by

cabin class on a steamer etc. I have fulfilled those dreams. These small dreams had

roots in my childhood.

10 Dreams in the pipeline:

To learn Palmistry. To learn AutoCAD. To play Casio player.

I am thankful to GOD for supporting me to fulfill my dreams. Only I Know the cost

of this journey. GOD is one who Gives On Demand. ☺


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17 / My Food Habits

Friends, I had mentioned in my school days that English was introduced for the first time in

5th standard. Nowadays, students of 3 years are able to write ABC. We had to cover the

syllabus ranging from ABC, reading English text books, reciting poems, and answer text book

questions etc. It was an uphill task to comply in one year considering that most of the students

had not even learned ABC prior to admission in 5th Standard. Obviously we used so many

words without knowing the exact meaning. One such word was ‘food’. May be after 3-4

months of learning English, I found the meaning of the word ‘food’ by referring the

dictionary. ☺

Friends, society can be divided into various groups and sub-groups depending on various

parameters such as age, caste, religion, education, sex, wealth etc. etc. Society can be divided

based on role of ‘food’ in their Life. I am not joking. Don’t get confused. Based on ‘Food’,

society can be divided in to following categories namely those (i) Who Live to Eat (ii) Who

Eat to Live (iii) Who do not get enough Food (iv) Who get Enough Food but waste the same.

(v) Who get Enough food and are aware about poverty in the country.

Friends, I belonged to categories ii & v. Which class do you belong to? ☺

Now let me turn to the subject proper. ☺ ☺

I was born in a middle class Hindu Brahmin family. Hence, by birth I was a vegetarian. In fact

God has made our body best suited for vegetarian food and hence eating non-Veg. is not

conducive for good health. ☺

The word ‘habit’ has acquired glamour in recent times. Those days, there was no room for

such words. Incidentally let me share the secret that inter personal relationship to a very

large extent depends on your ‘habits’ if you take ‘macro’ meaning of the word. Readers may

refer to Spandane Article on the subject to study the point further. ☺

We were happy with whatever food offered to us by our parents. We ate all types of

vegetables and preparations done by our beloved mother. However, I was bit fussy about

cooked onion being used in the vegetables or in the Dal. There was no problem with eating

raw onion but I was not comfortable with the very sight of cooked onion swimming on top of


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the vegetable or Dal. I had no problem of onion nicely chopped and dissolved in oil. However

I had no guts to refuse due to fear of my father. He was very strict in such matters. Once I told

my mother about it. She confessed that most of the time it is not possible to chop the onion

finely due to paucity of time. She had to cook food for about 8 people in the house. Guests

used to pour in our house regularly. Hence, she had to spend most of her time in the kitchen.

Having understood her plight, I never grumbled in future. She also tried her level best to

avoid the use of onion wherever possible.

My favourite food in the childhood was Rice and thick Dal. Potato bhaji was a bonus.

Saturday I had to attend school in the morning. I used to come home by 11.30 am. My mother

used to cook special rice and thick Dal, especially for me. After marriage, my wife also

pampered me with this menu. What an easy way to conquer a man? ☺ The road towards

‘Love’ goes via ‘Stomach’. Isn’t it? ☺ ☺ ☺

Sabudana Khichadi and potato vada was another favourite dish. I still remember the taste of

these items served in our school canteen. My father used to give 50 Ps. as pocket money on

every Saturday. I would spend that amount for these two items. Of course, My mother would

also cook Sabudana Khichadi on ‘Sankasthi Chaturthi’ every month or on Sunday evening.

I am also fond of ‘Hot Chapattis’. My mother had obliged all of us with hot chapattis. We

used to take our lunch or dinner one by one in quick succession and hence every one had

enjoyed hot chapattis. My beloved wife has happily continued my habit till date. Thank you

Mom & Sumitra. ☺ Two sweet words to conquer a lady.

These were the memories till the age of 11 years. We then shifted to newly constructed

building. My father’s health was also getting worst day by day. My mother used to be under

tension most of the times. She also suffered from serious asthma attack once. My father hired

the services of a lady cook. My Mother soon recovered but could not continue with the same

zeal to satisfy our tastes all the time. I understood this situation more than any one else in

the house.

My Father was advised to consume egg every week. It was really a tough job to get rid off the

egg shells. My mother was worried about the reaction of other residents in the building.

Brahmins were not supposed to eat non-Veg. food. Friends, you must have guessed rightly


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by now. I had tasted egg in my childhood and let me admit that I enjoyed the taste. During

1971 onwards, it was my main food due to paucity of time. My problem of Piles got

aggravated due to this but I had no choice. Ready food like Oats/corn flakes etc. was not

available at that time.

My elder brother had tasted non-Veg. food. After passing Inter CA in June 1973, he took me to

a hotel at Lamington Road for a non-Veg. treat. First time in my life, I tasted Chicken Leg

Masala. It was the flagship dish of that hotel. I liked the dish immensely. Thereafter we

regularly visited that hotel. Friends, let me tell you that I was getting the stipend of Rs. 45/-

pm during CA Articleship days but I could enjoy the luxury of non-Veg. on one or two days in

a month. ☺ ☺

Therafter, I made further progress in the direction. I also tasted sea food. I searched various

joints for eating non-Veg. One such joint was ‘Hotel Delhi Darbar’. The hotel was famous for

Chicken Biryani. Hotel Gomantak was famous for sea food. You would read about the hotel

in another article ‘My Health’. During outstation visits, I enjoyed non-Veg at Baroda, Poona,

and Chennai etc. I also remember having regularly tasted ‘Mutton Kababs’ at Girgaon

Chowpatty followed by Maghai pan. During college days, we had celebrated our exam

success with Omlette party in an Irani restaurant at Chowpatty. For Veg food I had visited

‘Thakkar hotel’ at Marine Lines over 100 times in those days.

I joined Crompton Greaves in June 1975 and my tongue could taste non-Veg. preparations of

our canteen. Highly trained cooks were in company employment. The cost of lunch those days

was Rs.50/-. The food was subsidised to staff for a coupon of Rs.1/-. I still remember the taste

of that lunch. This luxury soon ended in 1978 as our department was shifted from Kanjur

Marg to Fort. I once again moved to my favourite dish of Rice and Dal.

I left Crompton Greaves Ltd and joined Indu Nissan Oxo- Chemical Industries ltd. in February

1981 as Financial Controller. Our office was situated next to Balawas Restaurant, New Marine

Lines. 4 Star Hotel West End was just 100 feet away. No wonder, I enjoyed my food and

office work simultaneously. I remember having enjoyed buffet lunch/sizzlers with Japanese

Engineers at hotel West End on regular basis. I was so much in love with that hotel that

I organized my marriage reception / lunch in that hotel on 11-05-1984.


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‘Hotel Pritam’ at Dadar was also favourite joint when I was staying at Wadala. ‘Tomato Fish’

was fabulous, followed by Kiss me Quick Ice Cream. (Combination of Jelly, fresh fruit salad

and ice cream) It was an up hill task to consume it on a full stomach. ☺

Bloody Mary was my favourite drink. I also enjoyed Teachers brand whisky. Sorry Teachers.

☺ I am consuming ‘Teachers whisky’ right now while writing this Article. I have already

given a detailed account of my ‘drinking habits’ in a separate Article - ‘My Bad Habits’. ☺

What an outspoken attitude of openly writing on bad habits? ☺

I shifted to Borivali in January 1983. I tried all hotels in Borivali and finally settled down on

‘Hotel Leisure Point’ situated near the railway station. I am a regular visitor to the hotel

atleast once a month. All the staff members know me. I am given red carpet welcome. They

know my preferences and likes. It is a wonderful experience. This also displays my

‘Loyalty’. ☺ ☺ This quality has practically disappeared.

Incidentally let me share few words on ‘Loyalty.’ I was loyal to my employers. I did not

jump from one company to another company for sake of money. I joined CG and became

master in Management Accounts. I joined INOCIL for getting Project Execution experience.

I left the company after project was executed in time and on commencement of commercial

production. Subsequently I joined Superphone to get the experience of a running company.

I improved the financial condition of the company within a small period of 2 years. I left the

company as it was to be shifted to Poona. The MD had sold off the Kandivali Premises.

I started my CA practice from June 1985. I continued with most of the clients for over 10-15

years. In fact I left my clients one by one from 1995 as a part of retirement strategy. I did

survey work for over 10 years. Offered my services as paper examiner for about 20 years. I had

continued my Tailor from school days till he shifted out of Mumbai in 1990. I have now settled

on another Tailor in Borivali since then.

I purchased almost all electronic equipments from one shop since 1984 namely Gala

Electronics. Well let me not bore you with my Loyalty list. ☺ I am probably saying this after

I have driven you to boredom. ☺

However I have changed my lifestyle after Stress Test in April 1994.


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Let me just summarise the food I like. Food I like (not necessarily I eat this often): Chicken Masala, Egg curry, Fried fish, Rice &

Plain Dal, potato-bhaji, Kheer, potato vada, potato pakoda, Sabudana Khichadi, Puranpoli,

Infact, I eat all sorts of food. My wife is a great Chef. Thank you GOD~~~~!!!!! Or shall I

say ‘Thank God’. ☺


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18 / My Bad Habits / Addictions

I am sure that you will be surprised with this chapter on My Addictions / Bad habits.

I personally feel that there is no harm in having any addiction or bad habit up to a

controlled limit.

Generally advice is given to stay away from bad habits because the person himself cannot

decide the upper limit for these bad habits and at times it cannot be enforced on the person.

I feel that addiction or bad habit is like riding a wild horse. So long as you can control

the horse, there is no harm. ☺

My first bad habit was smoking. However, I had stipulated the condition for this. I had

decided to start smoking only after getting through Inter commerce. ☺ I cleared the

examination in June 1969. My friend Madhu taught me smoking. He had taken up smoking

after SSC. My first cigarette was of ‘Cool’ brand. I think that this brand is not available

now. I could smoke without coughing contrary to what was told or expected. May be

because of good observation. ☺ After the first lesson from Madhu, I would reach college at

about 9.30 am and smoke one cigarette in one of the by lanes of Churchgate. Most of the

time would get wasted in confirming that no body is watching. But let me admit, the

enjoyment of smoking in such atmosphere was great.

Smoking got restricted during CA Articleship during 1971 to 1975. However, I remember

having enjoyed smoking on out-station audit tours.

After completing CA, I joined Crompton Greaves as an Officer. I restricted the smoking

outside the factory gate. Obviously daily consumption was not more than 2-3 cigarettes.

I practically became the chain smoker after joining Indu Nissan Oxo Chemical Industries

Ltd. as Financial Controller in February 1981. The main identifiable reason was work

pressure and I would get 5 minutes break from the work. I had a separate cabin and

hence there was no question of passive smoking by my staff. I would smoke about two

packets a day.

I left this job and joined Superphone India Pvt. Ltd. in February 1983. The smoking rate


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jumped to four packets a day. However, I did not smoke while giving dictation to my

Secretary. Those days, I would smoke my first cigarette after first cup of tea in the morning.

Our financial year ending was 30th June. However, accounts would get audited by next 30th

June because I T Return was due 12 months after the year end. Hence the management was

never in a hurry to finalize accounts in time. I joined the company in February 1983 and

decided in a staff meeting that this year accounts would be finalized & audited by

31-08-1983. Staff was also tired of overtime prior to my joining. We decided to stop

Overtime from 01-07-1983 and I decided to discontinue smoking with a promise that I may

restart the smoking only after finalization of accounts. My Team worked hard and first time

in the history of the company, we finished the Audit by 31-08-1983. My deputy brought a

packet of 555 cigarettes. I lit the cigarette after a small party with my staff in celebration of

our achievement. But I soon realized that there was no charm in smoking. No need to say

that I left smoking even without finishing 555 Packet. ☺

Thereafter I must have smoked say 1-2 cigarettes per annum. That too was stopped long

back. Of course prior to June 1983, I had brought my smoking rate under control by not

smoking on even days, Saturday, Sunday etc. Can any one do this? ☺

Why I started smoking? Maybe because I always led a stressful childhood, faced lot of

difficulties. May be it was a channel to express my frustration or vent out the mental unrest.

Maybe it was an attempt to tease the others and to show my boldness. God knows. ☺ ☺

My second addiction was of drinking. My father was advised by doctor to take about two

spoon brandy once a week. He was in a way a jolly guy. ☺ He would offer brandy to us.

He would say that there is no harm in tasting. It was a unique experience to sip one

spoon at that young age.

My eldest brother shifted to his flat at Wadala in 1977. Thereafter I remember having done

few drink parties without tension. As we were staying in a Chawl, there was always a

tension for such programme as one does not know when the sweet neighbours would drop

in?


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I joined Indu Nissan Oxo Chemical Industries Ltd. as Financial Controller (Japanese

collaboration) and participating in drink parties became part of my job. Your skill would

be to make the official drink a lot while you drink in moderation because you were

supposed to escort that ‘drunken official’ to his residence. I would drink about two pegs

while the official (getting a free treat) would consume atleast five. Whenever I had no such

duty, I remember having consumed five pegs of ‘Bloody Mary’ and travelled from Dadar

to Borivali at mid night. What control !! ☺ ☺

Let me tell you that I was never fascinated with excessive drinking. I would always drink

in moderation followed by a good lunch or dinner. One can enjoy the drink only if one

eats right.

I have framed some guidelines for drinking and I have followed them sincerely. I would

not drink alone in a bar. I would not drink whenever I am under tension. I would drink

only when I have met some important deadline or target at work. Friends, I am in habit of

setting so many targets but I don’t drink after meeting every target. Such drinking episode

would be limited to once a month. Generally, I drink with one of my close friend Suresh

Palkar, (elder to me by twelve years). But honestly I would love to drink alone at home

while listening to music ♫ and simultaneously either reading some interesting book or

working on the computer. My sweet wife would offer the ‘most hygienic chakana’ and

would cook one dish meal of my choice. Friends, try this. I am sure that you will never

visit the bar with a gang of your friends and waste money. After my drink programme,

I take a night walk and enjoy the cool breeze. I would recommend drinking @ one peg per

45 minutes and eating healthy snacks. Just follow this and let me know your experience.

My third habit was of eating ‘Maghai pan’. (Not available every where) I used to eat about

12 such pans in a year. Friends, Can you call this a bad habit? ☺ ☺

Friends, what is your experience of Bad habits? Don’t worry, I will not tell your spouse.

☺ ☺


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19 / My Health

Friends, the word ‘Health’ is generally referred as ‘Physical health’. But Friends, I always

look at any word from a wide angle and then take a close look at the word. I can’t help it. This

is the way I have grown up. Any way, the word ‘Health of a person’ may refer to Financial

health, Mental health, Social health and finally Physical health. As regards the first three

types of my health, Readers can form their opinion on reading other chapters of my

Autobiography.

With the grace of GOD, my health had no major issues. However, the phrase ‘major’ is also

subjective. But one thing is certain that my health could have been better if my parents

would have taken the necessary timely action within one year of my birth. Though action

was taken but with inordinate delay and hence the action was of little significance. I must

admit with a heavy heart that my parents failed to discharge their core responsibility.

Probably this may be the reason why I am more concerned with my core and primary duties

& responsibilities in Life. Well as mentioned in my childhood days that my father’s health

was in poor condition at the time of my birth and few years thereafter. It was a question of his

survival and obviously any one under those circumstances would have failed in the core

duties. Dada, please excuse me for writing this.

My moon Rashi is ‘Leo’. Persons born with this Rashi have fairly strong health. They would

rarely fall sick. However, the exact prediction would depend on many issues such as

‘Nakshatra, Bhavesh, Relationship of various planets’ etc. The subject of astrology is very

vast and there is no point in diversifying in to that territory.

First occasion of my illness as per my memory was during the year of SSC i.e. August 1966.

I had jaundice. I could not attend the school for a week. I got cured by Ayurvedic medicine.

My eye sight was poor since school days. I was half blind at the age of 10 years. Against the

advice of doctor I selected commerce faculty. It was expected that my eyes will support me till

that age i.e. 60 years.

As feared, my eye sight (left eye) developed first major problem in 2002 of black floaters.

There is no cure for this degenerative disease. While I was finalizing Reports this year, my


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right eye developed similar problem on 23-04-2011. With a great difficulty I managed to

complete the Reports. I called on Eye surgeon for investigation. The condition was confirmed.

Further complications (of retina damage) can not be predicted. I am keeping my fingers

crossed.

Due to delayed action as mentioned above, I had the problem of overweight. My food habits

in childhood added fury to the fire. I joined a Gym but could not do any magic on my weight.

This mainly affected my performance in the subject of PT in school. I would just score passing

marks in PT and hence this would bring down my percentage. Our PT examination consisted

of running, long jump, high jump, double bar etc. and with my weight and short structure,

I was happy with third in the group for every event. ☺

I got used to those nasty teasing remarks on my fatness from my school mates, relatives etc.

I would get upset mentally. What way was I responsible for the condition? But I had to

tolerate and face the people. I remonstrated my mother for the timely inaction. One day

I was very much frustrated with life. I was alone with my mother in the house. My mom’s fear

of God had further enhanced. I was damn angry with GOD. My mother was cool. She quietly

asked me to throw the God out of the house as I was furious with God. Let me admit that

I could not do that. Eventually I cooled down and accepted the bitter truth in Life.

I started blaming my fate. I became speechless for a few hours. I got engrossed in some deep

thinking. I realized that we can not avoid problems, sorrows & reality in life. It is the balance

of our previous birth which gets brought forward. You are left with only one alternative and

that is to accept the reality and to observe the sorrow of others. Birth is not in our hands but

we can decide as to how to live?

My attitude became introvert. I refused to mix with my friends. Got myself buried in books

and studies. I spent more time in rendering helping hand to my father. I tried to seek his

company. I felt more secured in his company. Soon I realized that even his company may not

be available for long.

In college too, I continued my attitude of aloofness. I buried myself in college library.

No doubt, this was necessary to reach my goal of higher education. At the same time I could

not have afforded the luxury of failure in examination. But above all, my introvert attitude


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due to childhood pains also acted as force for spending more time in the library. I could get

my mental peace back in the company of books.

I completed B.Com and then took up CA course. I joined M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co

Chartered Accountants for CA Articles. We had many Audits of big companies, trusts,

schools, advocate firms etc. In June 1971, batch of 15 articled clerks joined the firm. We were

given just a formal training and batch of 8 articled clerks was sent to Golden Tobacco Ltd. for

audit. Year ending of the company was June those days. We were allowed to take breakfast in

the company canteen. We enjoyed the breakfast of potato vada-pav, cutlet, Samosa etc. The

items were very tasty. However, in a few days, it showed its true colours. I suffered from

piles. I just brought piles ointment and applied for 2 days. My problem got cured. ☺ I never

realized that the problem of piles was not over but it had begun. Over the years, I suffered

from piles more frequently. I tried many medicines and ointments but my problem aggravated

day by day. I knew the reasons but had no control on them. My body was generating more

heat. My outside eating, in canteens, hotels, working or studying for prolonged hours, lack of

exercise, tension in the office and personal life was all adding to the problem. I was helpless.

Finally, I reached to a stage of surgery. You may not believe that I had to postpone the surgery

for 15 days because our Managing Director had gone abroad and I was running the show in

his absence. I did not pass stool for almost 10 days. I could not even sit comfortably on the

chair due to piles. Finally I got operated on 15-01-1985. It was told by the doctor that the piles

may recur after about 10 years. But with the grace of God and proper diet (thanks to my

beloved wife Sumitra) I have won the fight against piles till date.

I also suffered from Osteoarthritis during June 1978, while I was working with Crompton

Greaves Ltd. My knee would get jammed and I had to return home by cab and take injection

from the family doctor. That time I was staying with my brother at Wadala. During that

monsoon, I must have taken atleast 10 injections for Osteoarthritis. Doctor could not diagnose

the reason for this condition. I was just 27 years old that time. Overweight was probably the

only reason. But if that is so, then I had never faced the problem till that time. ☺ Was there

any psychological reason? GOD knows. Thereafter I never faced this problem till date.

I once suffered from Kidney Stone in December 1978. In this case also, my wrong diet at the

wrong time and consuming less water was responsible for the condition. Friends, you are

aware that I was born and brought up in Girgaon. I shifted to Wadala in 1977. I was studying


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for CS simultaneously with my job with Crompton greaves Ltd. I took leave for 15 days in

December 1978 for Inter CS exam preparations. I used to reach our Girgaon residence by 8 am

for studies. I would take a break at about 12.30 noon. I was fond of Fish and non-Veg those

days. I would go to Gomantak Hotel in Khotachi Wadi for Lunch. I would continue my

studies till 7.30 pm. and again take the dinner in the same hotel and then would return to

Wadala.

I followed this routine for 15 days. I was drinking hardly one litre water during the day. On

the 1st day of the examination, I got up early. Finished my day to day chores. Suddenly I felt

acute unbearable stomach pain. I was restless. I drank hot water, applied Amrutanjan pain

balm on the stomach, and took some pain killer tablet. With grace of God, pain slightly

subsided. I rushed to the exam centre and wrote the paper. Four more days to go. Evening

I met Dr. Thakkar. (family doctor) He enquired about number of times urine was passed, any

pain felt at that time etc. That time I realized that I was hardly passing any urine all these days

and also felt slight pain in doing so. He enquired about my diet. I told him my latest routine.

He had no hesitation in diagnosing the problem. He immediately gave one injection. I passed

the urine in adequate quantity, took his medicine for 4 days. I completed my examination.

Then I took X-Ray and the diagnosis of kidney stone was confirmed. I was advised to drink

substantial water and cyston tablets for 6 months. I followed this advice religiously and

supplemented by ‘Beer therapy’. ☺ Friends, you may not believe that I never faced this

problem of Kidney stone thereafter. ☺

There was one more major occasion of illness. On 23-04-1994, I experienced Chest pain in the

crowded train. Fortunately I had managed a get a seat. I was perspiring a lot. I took antacid

tablet. But the remedy was of no use. Everybody was staring at me. Finally people helped me

to get down at Andheri. I took the train and returned to Borivali. I met family doctor

Dr. Shashin Shah. He examined me, took my BP. He gave one injection and medicine for a

day. He advised me to take rest for a day and took me to Dr. Pradeep Vyas, Cardiologist that

night. ECG was abnormal. I was advised to take bed rest and Coolspirin tablet every 3 hours.

Next night, Stress Test was carried out. I came out as a winner. The test was negative. The test

lasted for over 9 minutes. Subsequently I carried out pathological tests. All reports were

normal.


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However, I changed my lifestyle. I discontinued sugar, rice, potatoes etc. I started some

exercises at home and undertook evening walk depending on availability of time. I never

faced such problem thereafter.

After studying Alternate therapies, I realized that the problem though physical was caused by

disturbed mental condition. I had a heated argument with one of my neighbours. The topic

was of my daughter. She had left the residence in April 1993 and was staying with her

grandmother. This neighbour was unnecessarily inquisitive about her. Time and again he

would make roving enquires about her. Somehow that day, I lost my temper and fired him.

Our conversation lasted for 10 minutes as I had given him a lift in Auto rickshaw to Borivali

station.

On 24-07-1996, I met with deadly bus accident while returning from Poona. The said

instance has been covered separately in another chapter ‘My Deadly Accident’.

Friends, you are aware that I spent my childhood in the grand company of medicines,

injections instead of toys. These diseases and painful experiences prompted me to study

Alternate Therapies. Finally I took out the time out of my busy profession and I studied

Alternate Therapies under the guidance of Dr. Gala in 1998-99 and continued my medical

study till date.

During December 1998, I suffered from fever for 25 days. I had studied few Alternate

Therapies in early 1998. I applied all those techniques. I took all pathological reports which

were normal. Finally after taking medicine from family doctor for 3 days, I decided to consult

specialist MD. I wrote my health history, observations about appetite, stool, urine, pulse,

temperature etc. Fever could not be diagnosed as Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid, Australian fever

etc. Doctor advised X-ray to rule out TB. X-Ray report was normal. Doctor wrote on the case

paper ‘fever of unknown origin’. He prescribed some tablet. Within 2 days, my fever

disappeared. I took 10 tablets costing hardly Rs.30/- and then telephoned him. He said that

I am cured. He advised to take proper diet and adequate rest. I had lost weight by 7 kgs and

experienced remarkable hair loss. I was feeling extremely weak.

As fever could not be diagnosed, I had lost hopes of recovery. Morning, my day would start

as usual. By 12 noon, fever would start rising till night. After medicine it would come down a


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bit and again show its colors. (Just like Sensex, ok in the morning depending on favourable

conditions in Asian & American markets and suddenly would get dropped on opening of

European markets.) ☺

I continued my education of Alternate Remedies in 1999 & 2000. Here again, the fever was due

to contaminated food consumed during November end. I had consumed Idli in one of the best

restaurants at Goregaon. I felt some different taste but as others were also consuming Idli,

I followed the suit. Next day, I drank sugar cane juice. I had consumed sugar cane juice on

many occasions in the same hotel. Here again different taste was identified but still

I consumed the juice. After this incidence, I practically stopped eating Idli and consuming

sugar cane juice. I would restrict myself with Toast S/W or Sada dosa.

I also suffered from Gums inflammation during 1975-1980. Also suffered from Hyper acidity

problem on and off. However these problems were overcome by proper diet and medication.

After 1998-99, I took charge of my health. Observed strict Naturopathy diet, strictly observed

morning-walk schedule.

However, I do visit my family Doctor but not for medicine but for chit chatting. I also meet

him on his birthday. ☺ Once or twice he visited my residence for a cup of coffee. ☺

Friends, How is your health? You may get the necessary guidance from my website

www.spandane.com.

Friends, please remember that prevention is better than cure.


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20 / My Hobbies

Generally every person has some hobby. This helps him to seek relaxation from tensions and

worries in Life. The choice of hobby would vary from person to person. Any hobby which

serves the above purpose is good. However, I have seen that many people having practically

no hobby find their retired life boring. One must deliberately acquire some hobby to pursue

along with occupational career which would assist him in enjoying Life.

One should know the Art of Relaxation.

We should find out what makes you relaxed and having known this, we must enjoy the

relaxation. Most of our time is spent in discharging our duties appropriate to the age.

In childhood & middle age, we spend more time for studying, and then we spend more time

in office or profession and also for the family. Even then we must nurse our childhood

hobbies. In fact I would say that we should not lose our childhood and should preserve

childlike instinct as the age advances. We must remember that the ways & means of

relaxation would vary from person to person. According to me, any activity which is not

your primary activity is the activity for relaxation. Once you form the habit of relaxation,

your current performance is bound to improve.

I have nursed many hobbies such as Reading, Astrology, Graphology, Medical reading,

Photography, video shooting, music, counseling of senior citizens and young generation,

interpretation of body language, playing games, morning walk etc. I have been relaxing from

my professional work with these hobbies consistently & simultaneously. I have shared my

knowledge & my hobbies in my website ‘www.spandane.com’ for the benefit of the public.

It is necessary to pursue the hobby consistently. Let me share my experience in this direction.

I studied Astrology in 1987 (3 years after I entered the Profession) and offered the suitable

advice to near ones and that too without charging any fee. After few years I had to discontinue

this due to preoccupation in my profession.

Having gained the basic knowledge, I pursued the education in this direction till date. I wrote

number of Articles of practical utility to readers in addition to Astrology Guide. (Not shared


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on website) I have shared these articles on my website www.spandane.com. I also did detailed

study of Medical Astrology which can help us to know our health problems and what

precaution one must take depending upon his Rashi. Medical Astrology study is in advanced

stage. Now I am studying Palmistry.

During 1998, I studied Alternate Medicines such as Acupressure, Magnet Therapy,

Naturopathy, Vitamin therapy, Interpretation of pathology reports etc. with one of the leading

doctors in south Mumbai. There after I purchased number of books on related subjects.

My study is still on. I have spent handsome amount for this hobby. I wrote number of

Medical Articles and books on Alternate Remedies – Common diseases, Chronic diseases and

Major diseases. I wrote another book on ‘Naturopathy’ and ‘Stress Management.’ The above

books have been uploaded on my website.

Since 1999, I started medical counseling for my relatives and neighbours on honorary basis.

I have reserved one day a week for this activity. Many senior citizens from my housing society

take advantage of my services. I also check BP and keep records. Young generation also call

upon me to discuss personal problems which cannot be shared/discussed with their parents.

I really enjoy this day. In fact all my patients also eagerly wait for this day which gives them

the opportunity of opening their mind. Satisfaction from their face gives me more strength to

excel. Today senior citizens are neglected in their house. Nobody has time to talk to them.

Checking BP is just the formality. I give them the opportunity to spend time in my company,

discuss their problem etc. They like my company. I have intention to work for a senior

citizen home in the future.

Since young age, I organised and coordinated number of family functions. I documented my

observations and I wrote a book on ‘Management of Marriage Events.’ The basic principles

can be used in similar functions. I have uploaded this book on my website.

Today I am on the verge of retirement. I have been retiring every year since 1995 by saying

good bye to one or the other client. I hosted my website ‘www.spandane.com’ in May 2008 to

share my vast professional experience, my various hobbies such as Astrology, Medical,

Graphology, body language, photography, writing articles on Life philosophy etc. I am more

than happy with the response of over 6,50,000 hits till date. The website is updated every


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quarter with new articles. I must have spent over Rs.60,000/- for this hobby. I have not even

mentioned my name on the website with the intention that my introduction should be

reflected in the contents of the website. To share my Audit & Survey Experience, I wrote

number of books on various subjects and uploaded on my website for the benefit of my

Professional colleagues.

I studied Graphology and Body language. I made use of these techniques in dealing with

assistants, colleagues, family members etc.

Photography was my passion since childhood. Till date, I have over 13000 photos saved on

my PC. I have recorded over 500 videos and saved them on my PC. You can enjoy my Photo

Gallery on my website and on http://bit.ly/c4EACG

I also enjoy reading. I have made list of books worth reading and uploaded the list on my

website for the benefit of the viewers.

I prefer instrumental music. Kishore Kumar, Mukesh are my favourite singers.

I also assit my wife in the garden & household chores. Friends, these hobbies kept me relaxed in my Educational / Occupational / Professional

career. You will appreciate that I have pursued these hobbies consistently.

If you get inspired with my experience of pursuing hobbies, I would feel that my efforts are

rewarded.


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21 / My Pets

Every child has a fascination for pets. Generally, a child enjoys the company of pets on par

with his parents and friends. However, at the same time, some children are afraid of pets like

cats, dogs etc. I was also very fascinated with pets in my childhood days.

With great persuasion, my Dad agreed to keep a kitten. Our neighbour (Late Mr.

Prabhudesai) was working as a Manger in a hotel in the Fort area. He brought one cute kitten

one day. Now I don’t remember the cat’s name. However, the cat enjoyed my company and

vice versa. I used to play with the cat after returning from school. My mother fed him well.

The cat was very fond of bread. My dad used to bring bread every alternate day. The cat

stayed in our house for about 6 months. I never saw him catching a mouse. ☺ One day the cat

fell sick and practically stopped eating. Even bread could not tempt him. My father convinced

me and left him in the near by area so that he can’t return to our residence. I am sure that my

father took this decision because there was no chance of his survival. My father must have

thought that I may not be able to bear the death. Probably he never knew that threat of my

dad’s death was already hovering on my mind.

Friends, you are aware that I was staying in Girgaon. I shifted to Wadala in 1977 to stay with

my eldest brother. Again the thought of keeping a pet crept into my mind. This time

I planned to have birds. Somehow I managed permission from my brother. I went to Crawford

Market and purchased a nice cage and sparrow like birds. I also purchased their special food

& grains. My niece was also very happy with the birds. It was a nice way to pass time in the

evening. Morning the birds would get up early and make noise. I used to feed them twice a

day and give them a bath once a week. Once day I found that one of the birds was trying to

escape from the vertical rods of the cage. The gap between the rods was fairly small. I did not

pay much attention. After few days, I found in the morning that one bird has escaped from the

cage. Somehow I thought that second bird must be unhappy as he was alone. After two days,

I opened the door and allowed him to escape too. I wished him good luck. Friends may read

Spandane article ‘Cow-Freedom & Man’ uploaded on my website.

Few days, I kept the cage empty. The bird tried my Life Philosophy. Birth is not in your


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hands, but how to live is certainly in your hands. The bird was not happy with the cage. He

tried and escaped without any guarantee about his happiness in the open. But after all

survival of the fittest is the call of the day.

Again I went to Crawford Market and purchased another pair of birds. This time one bird

died suddenly. I buried him in the society compound. Again I allowed the other bird to

escape.

Then for the last time I went to Crawford Market and purchased nice pair of Love birds. These

birds were happy to stay in the cage. They gave indication of laying eggs. So I attached the

separate private cage for laying eggs. But it was a false alarm. Somehow my initial

excitement of keeping birds was fast diminishing. I was also getting busy in CS studies and

work pressure. I could hardly get time to spend with the birds. Finally I decided to let them

go. One day I fed them and kept the cage door open. Love birds took long time to realise that

door is open but having realised the fact, they escaped in no time. This was a simple case of

‘Mind conditioning’. If you tell your kid repeatedly that he can’t do the particular task, then

after few days, the kid really starts thinking and gets convinced about his inability inspite of

the fact that his ability has increased. This approach makes or mars the man. The reverse

effect is possible by positive strokes. In my case, I was branded average but I revolted

mentally against this branding and gave appropriate reply by my actions.

I shifted to Borivali in February 1983. After my marriage in May 1984, I purchased a fish tank

and nicely decorated it. I purchased assorted fish and one fighter fish to keep the lively

atmosphere in the tank. Generally, I offered them dry fish food. However, I used to give

special meal of live worms once a week. Cleaning the fish tank once a week was a big job.

I regularly put blue drops to take care of the skin infection etc. I decided to renovate the flat in

December 1984. I shifted the tank to my neighbour’s house. Renovation and painting was

completed in January 1985 and then I brought back the Fish tank. However, one by one fish

started dying due to smell. Only Fighter survived. I brought another Fighter to give him

company.

I left the job in May 1985 and entered the CA profession. Soon I got busy and was finding it

difficult to spare sufficient time to take care of the fish tank. I gave the Fighter fish to my


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friend’s (Prabhakar Agashe) son.

I got married on 11-05-1984 with Sumitra. Although it was supposed to be a love marriage, we

took around one year to settle in our relationship. The year was full of ego clashes, tension,

personality reconciliation etc. Our marriage was moving through rough weather. All of us had

problem adjusting with each other. It was an out of hat experience for every one.

My acceptance as guardian by my son & daughter was the core issue of all tension. Both of

them had to share their mother. However, due to grace of God, the tensions eased out

gradually. Each one of us understood that we have no alternative but to live together.

Although we had different opinions on various issues (the difference is obvious in case of

opinion based on heart and opinion based on brain.☺), but we had unanimous opinion

about keeping a pet and that too Dog. We all thought that pet may be instrumental in

reducing the tension and ego clashes at home.

Once agreed, Sumitra and I were on the lookout for a puppy. (Incidentally in our horoscope,

there was a chance of having a pet at home.☺) There was also logic in keeping a dog in our

young age, considering 12-14 years of life span for a dog. We unanimously decided to have

Pomeranian dog. We purchased Soni on a Dassera day in 1985. Soni was 5th puppy of her

mother ‘Rakhi’. Her name was kept as ‘Sarin’ by the owner. We decided to change it to

‘Soni.’ Over the years, she became famous as ‘Soni Vaidya’ in our society. Her birth date was

07-08-1985.

Soni was very fond of my wife as if she had some relationship of earlier life. Soni lived like

a human being. She got married. She gave birth to two puppies. However, one of them died

immediately on birth. She had a friend by the name ‘Mackie’. Her husband also died after a

few years. She had cataract. Soni never had any major illness. She developed tumour in her

mouth but with homeopathy medicine, the tumour size was kept in control. She had no

difficulty in eating and drinking due to the tumour.

Soni loved my son Deven. Both used to play like brother and sister. Soni would bark at me if

I scold Deven. Her intelligence quotient was equivalent of a 5 year old child. She was very

particular about eating on time, going out for a walk etc. She would bark and compel us to

follow her schedule.


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It may be co-incidence but soon after arrival of Soni in our house, I got few professional

assignments with good fees. She turned out to be lucky for me. I would have to pamper her

on my returning home late in the evening.

Once a gang of robbers attempted to break my neighbour’s door/lock. She continuously

barked for half an hour till the thieves left the attempt. Thus next day morning, our Soni

became famous in our society. People specifically came to thank her.

My wife used to talk with Soni and she also would respond. Over the years, we understood

her language expressed by different tones of barking coupled with her body language.

My wife did Soni’s delivery. One puppy died during the delivery. Another puppy came out

smoothly. We called him ‘Toni’. Soni loved Toni very much for about a month. Thereafter, she

could not tolerate the pampering of Toni in her presence. She was against sharing our love.

After a month, I gave Toni to a friend.

Soni is still alive not only in my memory but in her special album. Finally, the tumour

increased to a significant size. Doctor advised operation but also expressed fear of her

tolerance of anaesthesia. Fear turned out to be true. Soni died immediately on administering

the anaesthesia on the operating table. We carried out her funeral in the hospital compound.

She died on 03-08-1999. May her soul rest in peace. She lived for 14 years. I can never forget

my years with Soni. It was hard for all of us to readjust with life after her departure. But time

is a great healer of all sorrows.

We took possession of second home on 05-09-1997 at Nargol and soon got busy with new

dreams.

Friends, what is your experience of keeping pets?


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22 / Games I Played

Like any other child, I also played number of indoor & outdoor games in my childhood. The

only problem was that initially I played games much above the standard (☺) as compared to

other children of my age but subsequently my skill increased at lesser speed as compared to

my advancing age. ( )

I played Chess, Carom, Cards, Table tennis, Badminton, Cricket in my school days. However,

Cricket and Table tennis were my favourite games and my skill was also developing at par

with my age. ☺ I was the captain of Jr. Cricket team of our colony. Basically I was all rounder

in cricket. (I was also all round physically those days. ) But my fatness was never the

hindrance to my cricketing skill. Soon my cricketing days were over as our row houses were

demolished and we shifted to stay in a building.

We had champion Carom board at home. I played carom with my brothers. My concentration

and judgement of angles / straight line was great. (Geometry was my favourite subject.☺)

Moreover I am a straight forward person. ☺ My eldest brother was most proficient in the

game; still he had to work hard to record a victory over me. His dream was to win in 3 straight

boards. I never allowed him to fulfill his dream. I made him struggle for atleast 7-8 boards.

Any way I am a born struggler too. ☺

Slowly my game days were evaporating. I had to join Gym for my fatness. On Sundays, I used

to attend extra classes for English and Maths. Thus, practically no time was left to play

outdoor games. My father was also not keeping good health and hence even playing indoor

games like carom, cards were not possible frequently.

Soon I realized that Life itself is a Big GAME. My first priority was to win that game at any

cost. Today I can proudly say that I have won the GAME. ☺

I once again started playing badminton from 1984 till 1996 with my wife & my junior friends

in the society. Our society has a ground surrounded by buildings. We mainly played for

fitness. The thrust was to chase and return the shot. Residents of the surrounding buildings

also enjoyed our game. We could also see the flash of jealousy on their face and while talking


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with us. However, due to a deadly accident in July 1996, I had to stop playing the game. This

was the biggest personal loss of the accident. After I recovered from the accident, I tried once

to play but it was risky to play with a recently fractured right hand cured with 25% permanent

disability in its function. Thereafter I started morning walk for fitness.

Now practically no games are played. I was never fascinated with computer games beyond a

point. However I play solitaire (card game) just for relaxation and giving exercise to fingers.

(My right arm was fractured in 1996 accident.)

Earlier I used to watch Tennis and Cricket regularly on TV. However over the years, I lost the

charm in watching these games minute by minute. I do see the highlights though.

Friends, do you play games?


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www.spandane.com

23 / My Social service

Whenever we hear the word ‘social service’, our mind instantly thinks of a political leader,

follower, MLA, MP etc. Current political situation and the condition of our democracy

have taught the lesson namely ‘one cannot render social service without such

designation.’

In fact, there is a close relationship between ‘retirement’ and ‘social service’. Retirement

means freedom from service & occupation/profession and right to have relaxed life style.

However there is hidden thought in the word ‘retirement’. It is the freedom from

occupational career for rendering social service. It is the opportunity to repay the debt of

the society.

You are the centre point of the society and hence social service should take off from

yourself. One should do their own chores and become self sufficient. Thereafter to help

family members may be considered as the first step towards social service. I had digested

this concept of ‘social service’ since my childhood due to the circumstances,

experiencing life’s realities etc. and I have continued this habit till date.

I grew up by doing various jobs such as cleaning the school class room, assisting friends

with their studies, doing petty jobs for neighbours, keeping the surrounding clean,

gardening, looking after the medication of my father, assisting mother in household chores

etc.

I completed higher education and took a senior level job in the industry. Here again

I continued my habit of rendering ‘social service’. I am sure that you may not digest this

statement. You may ridicule me for the philosophy because I was drawing a fat salary. You

are right and I do not wish to dispute your counter argument. Yes, I was drawing a fat

salary but then I was carrying out my work sincerely, honestly without expecting any

extra fringe benefits of the post (I guess you will understand this) for the benefit of the

organization and without considering the mood / inclination of higher ups. This is very

difficult and better still if you take close look at your self. I held jobs in three companies

over 10 years and switched over to profession in 1985.


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It is unfortunate that many Professionals have converted their ‘professional practice’ as

‘business’ and are busy recovering the value of their signature acquired due to

professional qualification. I did the Audits for the benefit of the organization without

considering what is convenient for the office bearers. There was every chance of losing

the client by doing this. But I have still done this tight rope walk since 1985. I doubt

whether every one can visualize my efforts in doing this.

I also acted as an ‘Insurance Surveyor’ for over 18 years. The Insured would get the

insurance claim based on my remarks in survey report. Even then I never misused my

position. Policy holder hardly understood this approach. Today everybody and

everything is for sale (Professionals are no exception). In this back drop it was difficult for

them to understand that I was not for ‘sale’. Incidentally, let me enlighten you that there

are two other types of Insurance surveyors. One category would certify inflated figure of

loss for a ‘price.’ The other category would threaten the policy holder that he would certify

the lower loss and would demand a price. Due to my sincere approach, I enjoyed respect

with Insurance companies. Many a times I was given the assignment of reviewing the

reports of other surveyors.

Along with my profession, I also acted as paper examiner of various professional bodies

such as ICAI, ICSI, IIB and ICWA etc. since 1976. I hardly earned Rs.4/- per answer paper.

You would need atleast 20 minutes per paper for checking. In addition I had to spent time

for collecting and sending back answer papers. You will realize that I was obviously not

doing this assignment for earning money. My bill also would get settled after 4-5 months.

Inspite of these hard facts, I did this noble job for about 20 years obviously due to the

intention of social service. I thought that somebody has done the similar job when

I completed my professional education and various diplomas. Now it is my turn to repay

the debt. I had to do this job on holidays and during night on other days. The job too had a

deadline. Many times I have checked the answer sheets in the train. I nearly saw death

once while doing this job. Refer my Article My Death Experiences.

I also did audits of housing societies devoting my leisure time on Sunday as I was busy on

other days with audit of banks, companies etc. Audit fee scale was Rs.210/-for yearly


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Audit. In fact this petty amount would get spent on conveyance or offering tea /snacks to

office bearers. Even a junior CA was not willing to carry such audits. Due to this attitude,

Audit would be pending for years together. By doing audit of such societies, I was

relieving tension of the office bearers of the society. Even today I meet many such office

bearers and they inform that now once again the Audit is pending for few years. I did such

society Audits for 15 years. I made many friends and well wishers. It is a satisfying

experience that People still remember my sincere service. A great thought to cherish in

my retirement days. Office bearers would feel awkward to give a petty Cheque of Rs.210/-

knowing fully well that I am carrying out audits of banks and companies and earning

handsome audit fee.

I studied Astrology in 1987 (3 years after I entered the Profession) and offered the suitable

advice to near ones and that too without charging any fee. After few years I had to

discontinue this due to preoccupation with my profession. After partial retirement, I am

studying the complex subject of Medical Astrology.

During 1998, I studied Alternate Medicines such as Acupressure, Magnet Therapy,

Naturopathy, Vitamin therapy, interpretation of pathology reports etc. with one of the

leading doctor in south Mumbai. There after I purchased number books of related subjects.

My study is still on. I have spent handsome amount for this hobby. Since 1998, I started

medical counseling for my relatives and neighbours on honorary basis. I have reserved one

day in week for this activity. Many senior citizens from the housing society where I live

take the advantage of my service. I also check BP and keep records. Young generation also

call upon me to discuss personal problems which can not be discussed/ shared with their

parents. I really enjoy this job. In fact all my patients also eagerly wait for this day which

gives them the opportunity to share their mind. Satisfaction seen on their face gives me

more strength to excel. Today senior citizens are neglected in their homes. Nobody has

time to talk to them. Checking BP is just a formality. I give them the opportunity to spend

time in my company, discuss their problems etc. They like my company. I have intention to

work for a senior citizens home in the future.

Many years I acted as faculty member in staff Training College of few co-operative banks.

I took specific efforts for personality development of the participants. I made extensive


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Training notes and training manuals. I also gave special training to bank officers for

giving lectures on various subjects. These Bank officers were also inducted as faculty

members for imparting training. This step boosted their confidence in their day to day

work. I was very proud and happy for their success.

Today I am on the verge of retirement. I have been retiring every year since 1995 by saying

good bye to one or the other client. I hosted my website ‘www.spandane.com’ in May 2008

to share my vast professional experience, my various hobbies such as astrology, medical,

graphology, body language, photography, writing articles on life philosophy etc. I am

more than happy with the response of over 6,50,000 hits till date. The website is updated

every quarter with new Articles. I must have spent over Rs.60,000/- for this hobby. I have

not even mentioned my name on the website with the intention that my introduction

should be reflected in the contents of the website.

I am regular donor since 1975. I suffered a major accident in 1996. I recovered

compensation from Insurance Company and before the compensation cheque got cleared, I

donated 10 % of the compensation. I also encourage students securing good marks. I also

donated in case of natural calamity. In 1975, out of my initial salary of Rs.1250/-pm,

I donated Rs.1000/- to the Talegaon hospital where my father took treatment for TB in 1952

& 1957. I also assisted my colleagues and neighbours in case of their financial need.

I can get along with any age group forgetting my age, designation, education etc. I can

have heart to heart dialogue on an equality complex. I educate small kids of various games

played in my childhood. I have respect and soft corner for every service provider. I even

chit chat with auto rickshaw/ taxi driver, bus conductor etc. I specifically introduce my self

to all staff members of the client including subordinate staff. This helps me in getting the

records in time for audit. Sub-staff feel happy because nobody talks to them with dignity.

You end up getting confidential information about the office which is helpful in carrying

out the Audit. The word Audit has been derived from the Latin word ‘audire’ which

means to hear. I get to listen more due to my open approach with equality complex.


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I can not resist from mentioning one incident. Once, the union had issued the order of

‘work to rule’. But to my surprise, union secretary called up the office to inform that the

said rule is for the management and complete co-operation should be given to me. This

was possible because of good inter personnel relationship developed by me over the

years.

Friends, this is all about My Social Service carried simultaneously with my occupational

career.

What is your experience of Social Service?


www.spandane.com

24 / My GOD

Few years back, I had read one book titled ‘Me Ani Maza Dev’. Many celebrities had

written their opinion about the concept of GOD. I also thought of writing on this topic as a

part of my Autobiography. Hence I am making an honest attempt to write on this subject.

Initially I was bit confused about approach towards the subject. I have written about GOD

as a witness to my Life journey from childhood till date.

The word GOD is common but Maza Dev makes appeal to individual concept of GOD

as settled in one’s mind.

I was born in a middle class family. I was born during a ‘Sade Sati’. My father’s health was

in bad condition at the time of my birth. I was looked upon as the ‘trouble child’ as he fell

sick. I failed to understand this criticism till date as my parents were responsible for my

birth. Birth was certainly not in my hands. How my birth can be co-related with his

sickness? I spent my childhood searching answers to such nonsense question and

criticism.

My father was not a ‘Devbhakta’. He used to pray but without getting involved in

religious peripherals/ rituals. Nevertheless, every year during ‘Shravan’ month, he would

perform ‘Satyanarayan Pooja’ religiously. This practice he continued almost without fail

over his life span. He would also fast every Saturday. His Rashi was ‘Makar’ and Saturn

was the ruling planet. He had a tough life and hence probably he was observing fast on

Saturday to pacify Saturn. ☺ He used to visit Maruti Temple as I remembered having seen

‘Shendur’ on his forehead. He had strong faith on his ‘Karma’. He had developed good

public relations due to his helping nature.

As compared to my father, my mother had a strong faith in GOD. (My maternal Grand

mother was God fearing.) She would spend a good time on daily pooja. She would chant

religious poems /mantras, Bhagwat Geeta etc. while performing pooja. She used to fast on

many days. However, inspite of observing all these rituals, I never saw boldness on her

face because this Devbhakti was directly related to my father’s declining health.


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I hardly remember having chanted ‘Ram-raksha’ regularly. However, I still remember

‘Jivatichi pooja’ and ‘Nagpooja’ performed by my mother during the month of ‘Shravan’

every year. Every day at seven pm, my mother would light a lamp before the God. We all

Brothers would chant ‘Ramaraksha,’ ‘Shubham karoti’ etc. However, this worship was

again directly related for our father’s well being.

I still feel that I had worshiped mainly because of love and affection for my father. No

doubt, sweet dish cooked on every Friday also had some effect on my positive attitude

towards worship. I also remember having gone to the temple on the occasion of ‘Diwali-

Dassera’.

All the above memories are up to the age of ten. One day my sentiments towards God ran

into rough weather when I was young. One day I was very much frustrated with Life.

I was alone with my mother in the house. My mom’s fear of God had further enhanced.

I was damn angry with GOD. My mother was cool. She quietly asked me to throw the

God out of the house as I was furious with God. Let me admit that I could not do that.

Eventually I cooled down and accepted the bitter truth in Life. I started blaming my fate.

I became speechless for a few hours. I got engrossed in some deep thinking. I realized that

we cannot avoid problems, sorrows in Life. It is the balance of our previous birth which

gets brought forward. You are left with only one alternative and that is to accept the

reality and to observe the sorrow of others. Birth is not in our hands but we can decide as

to how to live Life.

Few more years passed by. I set a goal of higher education and to reach to a level which

would force people to envy me. I must thank my cousin sister and eldest brother for

hurting my ego which eventually activated my goal setting. Their approach had positive

result on me but the effect could have been other way round. But this approach did left

scar on my mind. I was an average student, getting through in all subjects, would score

about 65% those days. ☺ However I was branded as poor in studies as both of them were

in the bracket of over 75%. I decided to reach at such a height that people would think

ten times to call me an average student.

In this uphill march, I was once again got fascinated with worship. I started observing

fast on ‘Sankasthi Chaturthi’ every month. I could not rule out the pressure from my


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tongue of tasting ‘sabudana khichadi’ on a fast day. I used to read ‘Ganesh Stotra’ every

day. I would perform the Ganesh pooja by chanting the ‘Ganesh Stotra’ 121 times

continuously which would take about four hours after every success in examination.

I would offer garland made of 11 coconuts to Lord Ganesh on achieving success in

examination. However, my prayer was of the style of ‘Amitabh Bacchan’. I would insist in

my prayer that I must get success in Life as you have made me to suffer so much in my

childhood / Life.

Well at this juncture I do not know whether the secret of my completing higher

professional education was the result of my worship, fight with GOD or my untiring

efforts to achieve success. I was envied by many for my success. My angered / insulted

mind was slightly pacified.

I took up the job in Industry but continued my education. I passed company secretary

examination and cleared three one year diplomas of Bombay University in flying colors.

I had tensions in my job as well. The ghost of God’s worship faded.

I got married and restarted ‘Satya Narayan pooja’ during the month of December every

year. This practice continued for few years. The practice got discontinued for some reasons.

Thereafter I did pooja once after recovering from deadly accident on 24-07-1996. However,

while performing ‘uttar pooja’, I had a dialogue with God. I said that ‘O God’ please

accept this as my last pooja. Hence forth I would not perform the pooja in my Life. Even if

in times of difficulty my mind promises something, please consider as null and void.

I have honored my word till date. ☺

Over the years, I became more and more sentimental, may be because of my advancing age

or the experience over the years. I had to interact with many people due to my profession

as Auditor and Insurance Surveyor. The difference between an ordinary man and me got

underlined time and again. It was not possible to expect my qualities from all and sundry.

My life parameters got more strength and offered assistance to my hard life. I found that

my principles are in minority. Following these scarce principles was probably my rituals

of worshiping God.


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I got fascinated with masses. I took upon me the hard job of pacifying the unhappy souls.

I also resorted to motivating people to overcome problems. I did this with my equality

complex. I never made them realize that I am more educated and experienced in

comparison with them. I never allowed ‘Inferiority complex’ and ‘superiority complex’ to

spoil my mind. I kept strong faith in hard work. In fact my work (Swa-dharma) was my

God. I worked sincerely, honestly and with dedication, involving my mind and body.

I had every chance of creating host of enemies in my Insurance Survey work. But I was

fortunate to convince my clients as to why claim can not be paid. I offered free

consultation on insurance matters to safeguard their interest in future. Many of these

parties became my ‘fans.’ ☺

I followed the same approach in my Audit assignments. I understood the difficulties of the

staff, their educational standard, experience etc. I had heart to heart dialogue with them.

In fact let me admit it openly that I also learned many things from them. I never created a

class of ‘I am right and you are wrong’ in dealing with audit queries / observations. I tried

my level best to convince the client about the real motive and its long term effects of audit

observations on the organization.

I was fortunate to get good clients who offered their ear to me and tried their level best

to improve.

Subsequently in 1987, I learned Astrology. I took up the Herculean task of finding

astrological answers to the problems. However due to paucity of time I had to discontinue

this hobby.

I studied Alternate Therapies in 1997. I utilized this knowledge to take care of health of

my family and friends. I tried my level best to help needy people. I gave handsome

donations to good charitable institutions.

I never believed in religious rituals. I do not know what purpose is achieved by following

rituals and wasting money and energy in the process.


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Birth is not in our hands but how to live is certainly in our hands. You have to make

sincere efforts with the support of your mind. You must try so hard that even your fate or

luck will have to think twice for not supporting you.

Whenever my wife is away, I still do pooja but mechanically. I don’t get disturbed if

I forget to perform pooja. I do it as any other day to day chores such as eating, sleeping,

resting, working etc. Why we can’t spare 5 minutes for pooja?

Our housing society’s Ganesh temple is in front of my building. I salute the Lord Ganesh

on my way to office. This action has become a part of my routine. I can not digest or

understand the concept of 33 crore Gods. However I remember Ganesh when ever I hear

the word God. Concept of God & its rituals vary from religion to religion.

I had a dream of accepting Christianity in my young age due to the calm atmosphere in a

Church as compared to our temples. Many times, I salute the God as done by Christian.

I consider my work and communication with people as Devpooja. After my accident on

24-07-1996, I had first thought of my clients on getting consciousness. I had sigh of relief

that my clients will not suffer even if it takes about a month to recover from the accident.

Even today I try to remember the day and what work has been planned when ever I get up

at night or in the morning. I am ware that you may find this little odd but this is the

reality.

During this walk of my Life, I never considered myself as ‘Aastika’ or ‘Nastik’ but fasting

and worship done in young age for whatever reason has been discontinued.

Now on the verge of retirement, my Life has turned out to be faith in good work, learning

new skills, carrying out hobbies and constantly thinking as to how my post retirement time

can be devoted for a cause.

Friends, I am eager to know your opinions about your GOD.


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Who is GOD?

GOD is Almighty Super Power who gives on demand of the devotees. (provided

demand is irrational.)

G --- Gives / O --- On / D --- Demand

Friends, do you worship regularly?


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25 / My Experience of getting cheated in Life?

Friends, today I would like to share with you my experience of getting cheated. I have

looked at these incidents from various angles. When I got cheated for the last time, I felt

like writing on the subject. Instantly I could remember few events.

At the time of first incident / experience, I was about 20 years old. I was studying for

B.Com examination. I was alone at residence. Mom had gone out. At about 1 pm, door

bell rang. I opened the door. Young salesman with cotton payajama and kurta with

‘shabanam’ bag on his shoulder was standing outside the door. He enquired whether

Vaidya maai is there in the house. I have brought ‘Agarbatti’ for her. Aai had not

mentioned this. I got confused. I asked the price. It was about two rupees. Aai returned in

the evening. She said that she never purchases ‘Agarbatti’ from door to door salesman.

It was not a matter of two rupees but it pained me because I got cheated.

I started analyzing the situation. I realized that from the name board, he had smartly

enquired whether Vaidya maai is there. He had also enquired about my studies. He

created some sympathy by these questions and managed to sell Agarbatti. I also

remembered that I had seen in his eyes and after that I could not say No. Whether I was

‘hypnotized’? I prepared myself for his next visit.

As expected, he returned next month. He played similar moves like last month. I took the

opportunity to fire him left and right. He literally ran away from the building and never

attempted to sell Agarbatti in our building.

When I was delivering a lecture on ‘Customer Service’ few years back, I realized the

technique used by the salesman. Customer likes to be called by the name. He likes when

somebody enquires about his business etc.

At the time of second incident / experience, I was about 30 years old. I had recently

joined Indu Nissan Oxo Chemical Co. Ltd as Financial Controller. Our factory was under

construction near Vadodara. The Vadodara city was just getting calm after communal

riots. It was month of September 1981. I reached Bombay Central Station at about 10 pm.


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I just checked my bogie number and turned back. Suddenly one young man called me

Vaidya Saheb. I was surprised!!! I asked him as to how he knows my name? He admitted

that he observed me while checking reservation list. Even today I remember his face. He

had not shaved, bulging stomach, colourful shirt, worn-out slippers. He requested

Rs. fifty for purchasing railway ticket to Vadodara as he had lost his baggage while

returning from Poona. He said that he was studying in Poona. His parents were staying at

Vadodara. His father had called him for some urgent work. He requested me to

accompany him for purchasing ticket. I was very much tired. Having worked till late

evening, I was visiting Vadodara by night train. I just gave fifty rupees. He gave his

father’s office telephone number. He promised to meet me next day morning on arrival at

Vadodara station to say good bye. I waited on the platform for 5 minutes. Soon

I understood that once again I was cheated. Amount involved was small for my status.

I checked in at the hotel. Having reached my site office, I tried to telephone his father. The

number was correct but there was no such person working.

After few years, I spotted that person standing on Western Railway platform number one.

I was on the foot bridge. He also recognized me and I saw him running away from the

platform. Yes, he was the same person. My cheating got confirmed.

My third experience was classic. I had just returned after hard day’s work. I had tea and

as usual I was reading some magazine. Bell Rang. I opened the door. I called the

gentleman inside. I could not recognize him. I offered him water. He introduced himself.

He was the postman of my area. He was in civil dress and hence I could not recognize

him. Many times I have taken the mail from him. He would sincerely bring examination

test paper packets weighing about 5 kgs every fortnight. I used to give handsome Diwali

Tip. He explained his difficulty. My wife offered him tea. He was staying at Boisar and

deputed in Borivali area. His wife was suffering from piles and was to be operated in

Bhagwati Hospital next day morning. He requested Rs. 500 for the medicines. Operation

was free. I understood his plight as salary was due after about 7 days. I knew the pains of

Piles as I had suffered from piles for over 14 years. I just gave him Rs.500/-. He was

deputed to the post office hardly 10 minutes away from my residence. He promised to

repay the amount on getting the salary next week. Obviously he never repaid the loan.


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Few months after the said incident, I went to Post Office to collect my Income Tax Refund

Order. I casually enquired about the said Postman. I was told that he was transferred

recently to another post office. Yes, I had lost 500 rupees. It was not a great financial loss.

This postman was in my area for atleast 4 years. Considering the quantum of mail and

examination test paper packets he had delivered, the loss was insignificant. Just

additional Rs. 500/- diwali tip for 4 years.

Now the fourth incident / experience. *Ramesh has been working in my society for many

years. (*The real name has been canceled.) He was not well. He got admitted in the

hospital for few days. His BP was high. He would perspire a lot. He would get tired

within a short time. Once he came to my residence for checking his BP. Friends, I have

learned Alternate Medicine in 1998 and devoting one day in a week for medical

consultation and checking BP etc. I took complete account of his health and reviewed

medical treatment prescribed by doctor. The medicines would cost about Rs.500/-pm.

I offered him Rs.500/- as medical help on my own having known his salary. His son was

also searching for a job. Many kind hearted residents were also helping him.

Next month morning as I was going for work (January 2006) he requested Rs. 1000/- for

stress test in J J Hospital. I called him in the evening and paid Rs.1000/-. He promised to

repay the same within 4 months. Next day I left early at about 9 am for going to my

village at Nargol. I saw him in the society doing some work. I returned after few days.

I soon realized that Ramesh is trying to hide from me. Whenever he would spot me, he

would run away to the pump room. He managed this hide and seek game for 6 months.

However, one day he could not escape from my route. He once again promised to repay

the loan. Few more months passed. He went on making and breaking promises. Finally

I told him that he need not make false promise. Since he himself offered to repay the loan,

I am reminding him. I told him to admit that it is not possible to repay the loan and I will

never remind him again. He didn’t accept my offer. Made a final promise. However he

fulfilled it 50%. He repaid Rs.500/- and further took time to repay the balance in next 3

months. Finally he repaid the loan. (December 2007)


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Few months passed and he came once again with Pedha in his hand. His son had secured

a good job. I was happy. Just while discussing, I realized that he had utilized this

amount for securing the job for his son.

I wrote this Article after this incident. I could identify few common points in all these

incidents.

1) The amount involved was small. (Ranging from Rs.2/-, Rs.50/-, Rs.500/- and

Rs.1000/-) The spread of these amounts over 35 years was not much. ☺

2) Persons took undue advantage of my sympathetic behaviour.

3) Though there was no material loss, the pain of somebody cheating was great.

4) Whether it was my inability to judge people?

5) Whether I made mistake in relying on their talk?

6) Why these persons selected me? (Infact I have a stern face) I have a habit of mixing

with all classes. I like to talk with them to understand about their plight. Many a times

I offer help, financial assistance etc. on my own. Is it a bad habit to pacify people?

7) Whether my status was coming in the way of my refusal to offer financial help?

8) What should be the course of action in future? Do I continue to keep faith on a person

or do not show faith in money matters?

Friends, what you feel?

Why somebody should cheat the other genuine person?

Whether a person should allow himself to get cheated again and again?

Friends, what is your experience?


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26 / Deaths seen in Life.

Friends, there is no escape from Death and hence there is no point in getting scared of it.

Death is the final destination and the only truth in this world. You must have read

Bhagwat Geeta. ‘Soul does not die. Soul changes the body.’ Pascal says that death is

certain but the time is uncertain, then why we should worry about death?

News about death is most common in any media. Hence practically all of us have become

immune to it. In Life we have heard / witnessed sad demise of our relatives. The topic of

death is very near to my heart. I have spent my childhood in the shadow of death and

hence I have decided to include one chapter on deaths seen in my Life in the

Autobiography.

When I decided to include a separate chapter in my Autobiography, I instantly

remembered four death instances.

Death is a death but I could recapitulate the same because of typical time, place &

circumstances involved in these deaths.

First death incidence is of my Father, who expired on 21-08-1969 morning. I was studying

in Jr. B.Com. My elder brother had just passed B. Sc. and eldest brother had completed

M. Com. Both the brothers were recently employed in a bank. My father was to retire in

October 1969. He expired 2 months prior to his retirement at the age of 58 years. There was

no need of an Astrologer to predict his Life span as his days were numbered due to

diabetes over 35 years.

He was very fond of Astrology. He would consult Mr. Bhide (Astrologer), staying at

Thakurdwar, at periodic intervals. His main concern was his health. I still remember the

last prediction given by Mr. Bhide sometime in October 1968. Mr. Bhide said that Vaidya

Saheb, you do not worry, you will be fit & working till end. What a way to solace a

worrying mind. But Mr. Bhide knew that my dada’s end was around the corner and hence

his working till the end was obvious. My dada expired within a year. It is pity that after

slogging his entire life, he left this world just 2 months prior to his retirement.


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Twice he had suffered from TB. Once in 1952 soon after my birth and again in 1957.

Thereafter he started observing some health discipline and changed his life style. He

changed his diet, started some yoga exercises, morning walk etc. He had to take insulin

injection every day before lunch. In our house, every body was a doctor. I used to give him

injection from the age of 8 years till his death.

Towards the end, he developed Liver Cyrosis in October 1968. (A disease wherein blood

slowly gets converted into water. The disease originates either due to heavy drinking or

due to diabetes.) He was always worried about the end effect of diabetes. He wanted to

remain fit and working till the last. He was cured by December 1968 with heavy medication

which costed Rs.25/- per day. I would make calculation as to how many years we could

afford the medicine out of his PF amount.

Again in February 1969, he developed Liver Cyrosis which was not cured till the end.

Finally, one day before his demise, he went into coma when doctors attempted to provide

relief by sucking water from his belly.

I spent my childhood in the grand company of medicines, injections instead of toys. The

death was certain. The only question was how and how soon? I had seen the fear of death

in the eyes of my father and mother. I still wonder as to how I did not go insane with such

tension. Since then I observe the eyes (to the extent possible) and try to find out whether a

person is inwardly happy or not. The wait was really killing. I never realized when my

childhood got over or whether I had a childhood in the first place. I never realized as to

when my mind died due to childhood circumstances. Still I am alive and consider every

night as my last night and every morning as one more day to live. I am mentally ready to

quit. I had developed insomnia those days. Friends, you may find it odd to read but I slept

well on the day my father passed away. Dear dada please excuse for this but this is the

fact. Cat was out of the bag in the form of his death. One tension passed away and gave

baton to what next? Friends, my eyes were already dried and I did not cry. Few days prior

to his death, I applied my simulation technique (I visualize that an event has taken place

and I react to that event. Friends, try this technique. It is very effective to counter the

problems in Life) and cried enough as if he had expired. I gave way to my accumulated

tension of my childhood.


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Friends, you must be wondering as to how I can write such a painful experience as a third

person. I might have hardly spent 30 minutes in documenting my feelings but I

remembered my childhood days all over again and got disturbed.

Now let us turn to the second death seen in Life.

I and Mrs. Sumitra were waiting on Borivali Platform No. 1 at about 9 am for a train. One

person tried to enter the first class compartment. There was no rush. He put his foot in the

compartment and was about to hold the middle rod. But could not reach the bar and fell

down heavily on his head. Yes, he had left this world. What a shocking death? His legs

were still in the compartment. He and his family members must not have thought of such a

tragic end when he left the sweet home. I could not forget this sight for many days.

Now the third death I witnessed in Life.

Few years in my Professional career, I carried out stock inspection audits of borrowers of

Nationalized Banks. I completed one such assignment. I discussed the preliminary

observations with the borrower who was a Maharashtrian, mainly engaged in Printing

business of SSC Board Text books. We went for lunch after the inspection. He was

discussing his business plans. I also offered my friendly professional advice. Next day he

was to visit Poona for a new order. Third day I read about his accident news in the

newspaper. His car met with an accident on the way to Poona. The person was so

optimistic just 24 hours back and he was no more. A sad end of a businessman.

The fourth death incident is of Mr. Jayant Paranjape, my best friend and partner.

Mr. Jayant Paranjape was my best friend. Up to 4th standard, I studied in Municipal school.

I took admission in Wilson High School in June 1960. On first day of the school, students

assembled in the class room. Incidentally one fair looking boy was seating next to me. He

had a red birth mark on his right cheek. I smiled at him. His name was Jayant. His father

was a teacher in our high school. Our wavelength matched. We became best friends. We

studied together in school / college, became CA, did CA practice together, and shared our

pains and happy moments. It was unfortunate that Jayant expired untimely on 23-05-2006.


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(Born on 26-01-1951) May his soul rest in peace. He was my only best friend, more than a

brother. His sudden death really shocked me. With great difficulty I survived that shock.

I hosted my website on 23-05-2008 to coincide with his 2nd death anniversary. Our

friendship lasted for 46 years till his death. Although, he was in the same age group, his

maturity level matched with mine. Jayant also whole heartedly supported my decision to

marry Mrs. Sumitra.

Jayant had gone to Andheri for Audit on his last day. He returned late at about 7.30 pm. He

had dinner with his wife and daughter. He was watching TV and suddenly he had a

massive heart attack. He has suffering from acute diabetes since 1999. He was also suffering

from BP since young age. His daughter had got engaged in February 2006. Marriage was

fixed in December 2006. All the arrangements were done /planned. We had gone for a

walk about 2 weeks prior to his death. He was planning his retirement from 2007 after his

daughter’s marriage. He was also planning a long holiday early 2007. But the dreams were

destined to break. He left al of us & went alone on a long vacation.

In the last three cases narrated above, Death had no place. These people were leading

active lives, full of dreams. But death had the last laugh and took them with it.

Late Vinoba Bhave had nicely explained about death in his book on Bhagwat Geeta. Unless

a person gets blessings of 4 Gods namely Fire (Agni which represents work) Chandra

(Moon which represents kind, good qualities of mind) Surya (Sun which represents

sharpening & use of knowledge) and Avakash (Space which represents detached attitude);

peaceful exit from this world /Life is not possible.

Such peaceful death is good for that person but is painful for his family members. But

death has its own rules. A person who wants to die remains alive. A person who is afraid of

death, passes away suddenly. Death Time-table is final and is adhered to unlike our train

time table. ☺

People do not like to talk about death but as written in the beginning, it is my favourite

subject. I am ready to quit. I have already sent letters to my son and daughter outlining the

planning after my death. (Refer Section II – My Letters) I am worshiping the above Gods.

Now whether my request will be accepted or not, only time can tell.


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Incidentally, Astrology offers some guidance for prediction of death, such as death time,

Life span, circumstances leading to death etc.

Friends, I have studied my 8 th house relating to death in the Horoscope but I will not

divulge the findings. ☺

I wish my readers good health till end and a peaceful exit from this world.


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27 / My Death Experiences

Friends, you must have already read chapter on Deaths seen in my Life. Any person has

an inbuilt fear of ‘death’. It is natural as well. He is generally so much scared with death

that he thinks twice before even uttering the word ‘death.’

Jokingly I would say that there is a certainty of two things namely Death & Taxation. ☺

Our Life is nothing but a journey between birth & death. Both the things are not in our

hands. Pascal says that death is certain but the time is uncertain, then why we should

worry about death?

Basically every one has a worry whether he would be confined to a bed before death / in

old age. A person gets some experience of death on getting a heart attack. When, How and

circumstances of death is not known. Every one faces a big suspense in this regard.

However being a student of Astrology, it is possible to get some clue as regards time of

death, life span and circumstances at the time of death etc. One has to study the 8th house

in the horoscope relating to death. Readers can log on to Spandane - Medical Astrology

http://bit.ly/9QP9Cw for the necessary guidance. Every one is interested to know as to

How many years they will Live? Many do not even bother to ask as to whether I will be fit

till the end?

Our Life should not be viewed / rated by number of years we lived but from the fact as

to how we lived it? Since childhood, I was never worried about the word ‘death’. I have

spent my childhood in the shadow of death and hence I included one chapter on deaths

seen in my Life.

Friends, I have given an elaborate account of my father’s health in various Articles. Now

you may be wondering about the inclusion of this Article. Let me clarify. This Article is

about the death experienced in my Life. It was touch and go affair. I am still alive. Many

times I touched the line of death and returned safely.

I was 12 years old when I experienced death for the 1st time. My father was honorary

Secretary of Hindu Education Fund which was constituted to help needy scholar students

for ensuing higher studies abroad. Trust had no office. Two cupboards consisting of Trust

records were kept in the residence of one of the Trustees. Most of the current files and


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documents were kept at our home. Every fortnight, we had to visit the Trustee’s house for

keeping the files on which action has been taken and bringing the other files for action.

I used to accompany my father. My elder brothers hardly took interest in this work.

I would also carry a few files. The Trustee stayed on the second floor. It was a wooden

staircase with copper Patti in front. There was no light in the passage. One day I slipped

from the first floor while climbing down and I had the experience of sliding on my back

from the stair-case. I directly landed on the ground floor. I rarely played on the slide in the

garden.

I was unconscious. As I was sliding down, I experienced the numbness of the body. I do

not know as to how long I was unconscious. When I regained consciousness, my dada

was sitting before me. I still remember his frightened face.

His worry was two fold namely about my injury and what explanation to be given to my

mother. I stood up after some time. My back was paining as spinal cord had rubbed on the

staircase but the pain was bearable. We returned home. Mother had gone to market. Then

my father applied ‘Amrutanjan pain balm’ on my back.

While resting, I was analyzing the reasons for the fall. (My old habit of post mortem of

any activity.☺) I could see many reasons. First reason was about my ‘Chappals’. I was

wearing new Chappals made of leather. Copper plates on the stair case were smooth

without any design. I was carrying more files considering my age and height. Bag

containing files was almost touching the ground. My mind was also engrossed with

father’s ill health. I was his best friend. My mother and elder brothers always thinked

twice before talking with him but I could talk freely due to our friendship. ☺

Whenever I see such staircases laden with copper Pattis, I remember that incident and

again get scared for a second. Fortunately, I never suffered with backache and spinal cord

problem till date. My back is still straight. (Take macro meaning.☺)

During 1990, I had my second experience of Death.

Along with my profession, I also acted as paper examiner of various Professional bodies

such as ICAI, ICSI, and ICWA etc. since 1976. One would need atleast 20 minutes per

paper for checking. In addition I had to spent time for collecting and sending the answer

papers back. You will realize that I was obviously not doing this assignment for earning

money. My bill would get settled after 4-5 months. Inspite of these hard facts, I did this


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noble job for over 15 years obviously due to the intention of social service. I thought that

somebody has done the similar job when I completed my professional education and

various diplomas. Now it was my turn to repay the debt. I had to do this job on Sundays,

holidays and during the night on other days. The job too had a deadline. Many times

I have corrected the answer sheets in the train while going to client’s office. Anyway, this

was for the background to my experience.

I was correcting answer papers on Sunday as mentioned above, sitting on the bed. I had to

finish the last bunch of 50 papers for which I needed crucial 10 hours. Today was a crucial

day. I had made it a practice to take rest for 5 minutes after every 45 minutes. I would close

my eyes, do some slow breathing exercises etc. After my rest, I just casually searched for a

pen. The ball pen refill touched sharply on my wrist / pulse. I started my work but body

was playing different tunes. My hand slowly became blue. I started perspiring profusely.

Heart rate increased. My throat became dry. Breathing became difficult. It was classic

combination of heart attack symptoms. My wife was taking bath. I called her out.

Obviously she could not oblige. There was nobody in the house.

I called up my family doctor but being Sunday, he had gone for a medical camp. My wife

was wondering about me. I almost saw the death in front of me. I suddenly rushed to the

first aid box and took out Amrutanjan and rubbed on the wrist and held it tightly by

another hand. Within next 10 seconds, I could realize that the symptoms were receding

slowly.

I narrated the incident to my wife. Thereafter I rested for a while and completed my target

of checking 50 papers. ☺

Next day, I met my family doctor and narrated the incident. He explained that as the refill

point hit my wrist, air bubble was formed and started rotating with the blood and hence

I had the typical symptoms of a heart attack. I was saved because as a reflex action, I held

my wrist tightly by another hand. Now there was nothing to worry.

Since Childhood I had witnessed mental agony but today I witnessed Physical agony

for a change. ☺ ☺

On 23-04-1994, I experienced Chest pain in a crowded train. Fortunately, I had managed

to get a seat. I was perspiring a lot. I took antacid tablet. But it was of no use. Every body


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was staring at me. Finally people helped me to get down at Andheri. I took the train and

returned to Borivali. I met my family doctor, Dr. Shashin Shah. He examined me, took my

BP. He gave one injection and medicine for a day. He advised me to take rest for a day and

took me to Dr. Pradeep Vyas, Cardiologist at night. ECG was abnormal. I was advised to

take bed rest and ‘Coolspirin’ tablet every 3 hours. Next day night, Stress Test was carried

out. I came out as a winner. ☺ The test was negative. The stress test lasted for over

9 minutes. Subsequently I carried out pathological tests. All reports were normal.

However, I changed my Life style thereafter. I discontinued sugar, rice, potatoes etc.

I started some exercises at home and undertook evening walk depending on availability of

time. I never faced such problem thereafter.

On 24-07-1996, I met with deadly bus accident while returning from Poona. The said

instance has been covered separately in another chapter ‘My Deadly Accident’.

Since then whenever I read or watch accident news in media, my mind gets shattered with

my accident memories. I get perturbed when media says that only 2 persons have died and

5 persons are injured because I know the real meaning of the word ‘injury’.

During December 1998, I suffered from continuous fever for 25 days. I had studied few

Alternate Therapies in early 1998. I applied all those techniques. I took all pathological

reports. All reports were normal. Finally after taking medicine from my family doctor,

I decided to consult specialist MD. I wrote my health history, observations about hunger,

stool, urine, pulse, temperature etc. Fever could not be diagnosed as Malaria, Dengue,

Typhoid, Australian fever etc. Doctor advised X-ray to rule out TB. X-Ray report was

normal. He wrote on the case paper ‘fever of unknown origin’. He prescribed some tablet.

Within 2 days, my fever disappeared. I took 10 tablets costing hardly Rs.30/- and then

telephoned him. He said that I am cured. He advised to take proper diet and adequate rest.

I had lost 7 kgs and experienced remarkable hair loss. I was feeling extremely weak. As

fever could not be diagnosed, I had lost hopes of recovery. Every Morning my day would

start as usual. By 12 noon, fever would start rising till night. After medicine it would come

down a bit and again show its colors. Just like Sensex. (Ok in the morning depending on

favourable conditions in Asian & American markets and suddenly would drop on opening

of European markets. ☺ )


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I continued my education of Alternate Remedies in 1999 & 2000. Here again, the fever

was due to contaminated food consumed during November end. I had eaten Idli in one of

the best restaurants at Goregaon. I felt some different taste but as others were also eating

Idli, I followed suit. Next day, I drank sugar cane juice. I had drunk sugar cane juice on

many occasions in the same hotel. Here again different taste was identified but still I drank

the sugar cane juice. After this incident, I practically stopped eating Idli and drinking sugar

cane juice. I would restrict myself with Toast S/W or Sada dosa.

I lost hopes mainly because fever could not be diagnosed initially and even finally, I was

not worried about death. I was worried that my wife should not face any problem and

hence I was requesting her to acquaint herself with my investment papers. I called my

friend & Partner Jayant Paranjape to appraise him about the work position. Moreover fever

was affecting my brain. Morning I would see a different angular face in the mirror.

However my wife would confirm that it was not so in reality. My wife refused to

understand my view point in my actions mentioned above. My wife took good care of my

health.

I recovered by end December 1998 and resumed my work gradually from January 1999.

It was a terrible experience of fever over 25 days. It was diagnosed as ‘Fever of unknown

origin. ☺

Friends, I have shared my Death experiences. When I finally die, it will not be possible to

document that last and final experience. But now with so many death experiences and

deaths seen in Life, I feel that final death experience will be some combination of above.

☺ ☺

Astrologically I have studied 8th house of my horoscope and made some prediction. But

I won’t divulge the same. Let there be some suspense with my near and dear ones. My Life

was a close book. By writing this Autobiography, I allowed the readers to read few

episodes/pages of my Life book. ☺

Late Vinoba Bhave had nicely explained about death in his book on Bhagwat Geeta. Unless

a person gets blessings of 4 Gods namely Fire (Agni which represents work) Chandra

(Moon which represents kind, good qualities of mind) Surya (Sun which represents

sharpening & use of knowledge) and Avakash (Space which represents detached attitude),

peaceful exit from this world /Life is not possible.


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Basically every one has a worry whether he would be confined to bed before death / in old

age rather than of death itself. Who would render service / look after if he were confined

to bed? Whether the spouse would be alive? Whether the son would be in town atleast or

settled abroad or on office tour? What is the use of worrying? God has sent us into this

world. He only has to think about our exit. Either we should have unconditional trust on

our kids or on God. What do you say? ☺

I never realized as to when my mind died due to childhood circumstances. Still I am

living considering every night as a last night and every morning as one more day to live.

I am mentally ready to quit. I have already donated my eyes, finalized my wealth papers,

giving serious thought to donating body. You may refer a letter sent to my son &

daughter outlining the planning after my death. ☺

Our Life is controlled by our Mind set. I am tuning my mind that I do not want to be in

this world after a particular date. In fact I have been praying religiously and requesting

God to call me to his kingdom after my 60th birthday. (I am ready to quit even now.) If you

can stop drinking liquid, then death is certain within 7-10 days. The Law of ‘voluntary

death’ is yet to be enacted in India. If such Act gets passed, then I will be the first person

to seek the permission.

I wish my readers good health till end and a peaceful exit from this world.


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28 / My Deadly Accident

14 years have rolled by ~~~~~

Once again the monsoon has set in ~~~~

& Memories of 24 th July 1996 flooded back to my mind.

Every year on 24 th July, I spend my day at home instead of going out for work. I spend time

screening memories of my accident and to analyze its effect on my personality, life, my

career, my long term ambitions, my outlook towards life etc.

Incidentally, 14 years have also passed for the murder of Mr. Kini. (resident at Dadar) Do you

remember him?

I went to Poona against my wishes. I was literally blackmailed, emotionally, and forced to

visit Poona to attend a marriage of my niece. After her engagement in April 1996, I had

declared that I wouldn’t be attending her marriage to be held in Poona in July 1996. We were

badly insulted at the time of her engagement. My relationship with my eldest brother was

already running into rough weather for various reasons. It was more of a personality clash

since childhood. More of it can be spelled later. I told him clearly that I would not be

attending the marriage of his daughter. He requested my wife, Mrs. Sumitra, to convince me

to attend the marriage. My Mom, elder brother, sister were also pressurizing me to rethink on

my decision. In fact everyone was insulted and even due importance was not given to any one

at the time of her engagement but somehow nobody was bold enough like me to tell the facts

on his face.

Before going to Poona, I was experiencing accident dreams practically everyday.

Astrologically, I was going through rough patch of my life.

Finally I did the hotel booking for 23 rd & 24 th July 1996. I have been visiting Poona since

1984 at least once a year for some work and I had never stayed at any relative’s home. After

accident my destiny forced me to stay at my cousin’s residence.

Since 21 st July 1996, it rained cats & dogs at Mumbai and suburbs. I refused to attend a


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survey call on 22 nd July 1996 since I was to visit Poona next day.

Rain continued till 23 rd morning. I had never experienced such dreadful rain in my life.

I requested Mrs. Sumitra to cancel the visit but she refused on the plea that it is only a matter

of one day. She wanted to enjoy ‘Varsha sahal’. (Monsoon picnic) In reality it turned out to be

‘Varshachi sahal’. (One year picnic) One has to bow against the wishes of destiny. Deven

firmly cancelled his plan to visit Poona. Now I wish that I should have also done the same

thing. Mrs. Sumitra was bent on going alone and hence because of her love, I decided to

accompany her against my wishes. First time I acted against my Inner Voice.

We left home at about 6 a.m. I told my neighbour about my nervousness about proceeding.

Bus left on time. All roads and even the highway were flooded. Our bus was proceeding

against all odds. We reached Poona at about 11 a.m. The entire journey was completed under

stress as driver was very reckless and was overtaking every vehicle on the way. I fell down in

the bus while helping a co-passenger.

We checked in at Hotel Shreyas at Deccan Gymkhana. Poona was also witnessing heavy rain.

Evening we went to ‘Sarita Nagari’ to visit Mrs. Supriya’s mother. (My elder brother’s mother-

in-law).

In the morning, I again had a rehearsal of the accident. While taking bath, the plastic stool in

the hotel bathroom suddenly broke down and I fell on the ground. Luckily I was not injured.

We proceeded to the marriage hall. Here again we were badly treated. We were not

introduced to anyone. In fact practically nobody was introduced. We spent some time and

returned to hotel to check out. We had our lunch and left the hall.

Bus arrived slightly late. Fortunately the rain had stopped. We were about 20 passengers.

Bus left at about 4 pm. The bus was being driven by the same reckless driver. It was about

4.30 pm. I was sitting in a relaxed position. Suddenly the thought of the accident disturbed my

mind. My mind gave instruction to sit properly otherwise I would suffer in case accident

took place. By the time I corrected my sitting posture, I found bus moving from left to right to

left. Finally the driver lost the control and bus fell down into a small valley after doing

somersault twice. I lost my consciousness the moment the bus was running right to left.


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I was in a deep sleep. My right arm was fractured. As the bus fell on left side, luggage fell

down on me. My wife was also badly injured. She had sustained injuries to her eye. Both of

us occupying the front seat were badly injured. Driver was thrown out from his seat by

breaking the front Glass panel. One policeman managed to put us in a car and we proceeded

back to Poona. Fortunately our luggage was not lost. My wife was carrying all ornaments in

her purse. Mrs. Sumitra helped me to sit on a ‘mile stone’ and helped me to put on shoes

which I had removed on boarding the bus.

I was doing overtime during July. Mrs. Sumitra was surprised. She would remind me that we

are going to Poona for a day only. Some how I finished all pending jobs. I filed my Income Tax

Return for the year. Friends, you may not believe that the first thought crept in my mind after

accidents was of my clients. It gave me solace that my clients will not suffer due to my

accident.

We reached my cousin’s bungalow. My vahini (cousin brother’s wife) telephoned the doctor

and we were admitted into a private hospital of Dr. Vinod Kelkar (MS). First aid was given.

The doctor had to take 25 stitches around Mrs. Sumitra’s eye. My right arm was fractured

along with one left rib. I was suffering from acute pain. We had to stay in the hospital for a

week. My condition was a little bad. I was not able to move freely. My left hand was badly

injured with glass pieces. The doctor took about one hour to remove the glass pieces.

My small finger of left palm was also badly injured. The doctor applied number of stitches on

my left hand fingers. My chest was wrapped in a plastic bandage as rib had sustained fracture.

After about 5 days, I was taken to operation theatre. I was given general anaesthesia for

applying plaster on my right hand. My worry was how to sign the reports and documents on

returning to Mumbai? After applying plaster, I took about 3 hours to regain consciousness.

After a week, I was discharged. Mrs. Sumitra was discharged after two days. We stayed with

my cousin for about a week and then decided to return to Mumbai. My sister suggested doing

a break journey. So we decided to get down at Thane, stay for two days then return to

Borivali.

We safely reached Thane and took an auto to reach her residence. But here again, our auto

broke down. We had to walk half way down to her residence. We rested for two days at


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Thane.

My partner and best friend Jayant (since expired) came to Thane to accompany me to Borivali.

We took taxi from Thane and reached Borivali by 5 pm. My neighbour offered us evening tea

and snacks. I made a mistake of returning on a Saturday. My well wishers were probably

waiting for my return. There was a mad rush to meet me. I had to skip my dinner. Guests

followed one by one continuously. Everybody was interested in the accident story.

Monday morning I met my family doctor. He took me to an Orthopaedic surgeon for further

treatment. My earlier plaster had become loose. I was operated again. But this time I was

given the injection to induce deep sleep and new plaster was put. The plaster was so tight as if

somebody is holding your hand. I was surprised with the difference in medical aid offered

by Poona Doctors and by Mumbai Doctors.

It took me about two months to recover from the acute condition of accident. I lodged

Insurance claim. Mrs. Sumitra’s cousin brother staying at Poona helped us a lot by collecting

FIR, Panchanama from Poona Police. Divisional Manger of National Insurance Ltd. (my

clients) helped me in getting policy document of the bus company. I lodged the suit with

Motor Accident court for compensation. I had to visit another doctor to get certificate of

permanent disability of my right hand. The doctor certified 25% permanent disability.

I received the compensation in Lok-Adalat. You may not believe but my Lawyers took 25%

compensation as their fees. I donated about 10% compensation even before the

compensation cheque was encashed.

I continued my life with disability of right hand. Till date, not a single day has passed

without getting reminded of my disability.

Accident made me wealthier not in terms of money but in terms of experience, which

enabled me to have fresh look at Life and the Path I should follow. One year after the

accident, I wrote the letter to all those who helped me to recover from the accident. (given

below)

Accident left more scars on my mind and I took one decision of not attending any function,

religious or otherwise. I have followed this decision till date against all pressures from my


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relatives.

24-07-2010 Dear A year has rolled by ~~~~

Monsoon has set in ~~~~~

and Memories of last July flooded my mind, prompting me to express sincere thanks

once again for the help rendered by you after my accident.

Accident has made me wealthier not in terms of money but in terms of experience,

which enabled me to have fresh look at life and the Path I should follow.

I do agree that we must forget the past and look at the future but a person like me

looks at the future from window of the past and doors of the present.

I will remember the trouble taken by you for years to come and such kind gesture will

strengthen the foundation of life in general.

LIFE today as I see is nothing but Loss of Individual Faith and Enemity arising out

of ego.

I pray to Almighty God that happiness, good health, prosperity and peace of mind be

showered on your family and all your wishes and desires be fulfilled forthwith.

With kind regards.

24-07-1997 Note: I met with a deadly accident on 24-07-1996 at Poona. This letter was sent one

year after the said accident to all those who helped me to recover from the accident,

both physically and mentally.


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29 / My Likes & Dislikes

1.0 Every person carries with himself a long list of likes & dislikes. The main reason of

misunderstanding between persons is due to lack of knowledge of this long list of

likes & dislikes. If a person makes these points aware to others over a period of time,

he can make his Life peaceful. At the same time, one must constantly make an

attempt to understand & bear in mind that the other person also has a similar list.

The following list of Likes & Dislikes is not necessarily in the order of importance.

2.0 I Like……..

2.1 People having right perspective.

2.2 To Adjust with realities of Life to the extent possible and then Revolt.

2.3 To appreciate achievement / good qualities etc. of anybody irrespective of any barrier.

2.4 To quit before somebody asking when you will quit.

2.5 To relax proportionately with work.

2.6 Peace of mind.

2.7 Aloofness.

2.8 Listening to soft instrumental music.

2.9 Nature.

2.10 Nature Photography.

2.11 To walk with Life partner.

2.12 To keep the stomach slightly hungry. (Your performance improves.☺)

2.13 To take calculated risks. (People at times call me pessimistic in the process but for me

cost should be much less than the benefits from any activity, relationship etc.)

2.14 To keep contingency plan ready with every activity.

2.15 To work with co-ordination of mind & body.

2.16 To honour signals.

2.17 To remain a student. (Constantly trying to learn new things, gather information in day

to day walk of Life apart from formal learning of new topics.)

2.18 To break outdated barriers of the society. (broken many)


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2.19 To bridge communication gap between people.

2.20 Shreya attitude. (i.e. to give advice though bitter for the benefit of the person or the

organization)

2.21 To retrospect.

2.22 To do household chores.

2.23 To be punctual.

2.24 To love whatever I get in Life.

2.25 That Success should be measured by not ‘what you have achieved’ but after

considering ‘what you had to leave to achieve’?

2.26 To set Goals.

2.27 To keep an open approach in Life.

2.28 To save money, energy, time etc. (Saving is my first consideration in any issue)

2.29 To face Life realities with smile. (Though at times I fail in my attempt.)

2.30 To work with involvement and sincerity.

2.31 To do balancing act to reach equilibrium in any matter.

2.32 To respect persons irrespective of age, nature, law of the land etc.

2.33 To honour appointments.

2.34 To wish relatives, friends, colleagues on birthdays etc.

2.35 Guests visiting my home by prior appointment.

2.36 To mean what I say. (I don’t say what I mean unless called for. I don’t hesitate when

warranted by the situation.)

2.37 To concentrate on one matter at a time.

2.38 Simple dress.

2.39 Food I like (not necessarily I eat this often): Chicken Masala, Egg curry, Fried fish,

Rice & Plain thick Dal, potato-bhaji, Kheer, potato vada, potato pakoda, Sabudana

Khichadi, Puranpoli,

Note: I eat all sorts of food. My wife is a great Chef.

2.40 To drink alone at my home while listening to music and either reading or doing office

work on PC.

2.41 Cold bath.

2.42 To get up early.

2.43 To read philosophical books.

2.44 Problems, difficulties, sorrows, frustration etc. which can be shared.


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2.45 Straight forward approach / attitude.

2.46 To accept any problem, failure / than justify / blame.

2.47 Parents performing core duties towards their Kids. (I must admit with a heavy heart

that my parents failed in this test.) Probably this may be the reason why I am more

concerned with my core and primary duties & responsibilities in Life.

2.48 To enjoy Life journey more than destination.

3.0 I dislike….…….

3.1 Opposite of what I like.

3.2 Corruption (both inward & outward). At times, I am forced for outward corruption to

save my time and energy.

3.3 People throwing the ladder on reaching to the top. (i.e. forgetting the people after

seeking their help) I have tasted bitter taste of this experience.

3.4 Preya attitude. (What is good to listen or to give advice expected by the other person)

3.5 People ‘selling’ knowledge for money.

3.6 Goody Goody approach.

3.7 Hypocrisy.

3.8 Guests dropping in without prior appointment.

3.9 Rude and insulting approach while dealing with people.

3.10 Artificial behaviour.

3.11 Cheating.

3.12 Sniper behaviour.

3.13 Personal comments.

3.14 Travel by any mode of transport. (I feel nervous if journey time is over 3 hours.)

3.15 Getting trapped during travel.

3.16 Confused person.

3.17 To change decision day in day out. (I will change decision only if warranted by sea

change in the situation imagined originally.)

3.18 To attend parties & functions of any kind.

3.19 Brightness.

3.20 Drinking while on tour.

3.21 Movies or dramas without good subject. (I do not give weightage to actors.)

3.22 Problems, difficulties, sorrows, frustration etc. which cannot be shared.


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www.spandane.com

30 / My Life Philosophy

Few words………….

I am on the verge of retirement from my professional career. When I retrospect on my Life as

to what I had achieved in Life?, What sacrifices I made to achieve something in Life?, What I

could not achieve?, Why I could not achieve? etc., the first thing I realized was that, that I have

led a Balanced Life. I followed certain principles in my Life which enabled me to achieve

balanced success in Life. I am sure that whosoever tries to follow the same can also make

his Life happy.

I inherited these principles from my late father. You are aware that the Web site titled

‘www.Spandane.com’ has been dedicated to my Late Father who expired at the age of

58 years after fighting with Diabetes for over 35 years. Although his Life span was quantified

by destiny, he led very cheerful life and remained active till his death. He managed his stress

by keeping himself occupied in some activity or the other. He was true ‘Karma Yogi’. His

Life Philosophy still inspires & offers solution to me in case of need.

Your Life should be like a square meal. Your destination of ‘Happiness’ in Life will be your

mind itself if you can manage to keep balance between your educational/occupational career,

family, health and friendship.

The word ‘Spandane’ means ‘Vibrations of mind.’ At times it is difficult to express this

feeling in words. However, I have made an attempt in the book titled ‘Spandane’ (written in

Marathi - English) to express my Life philosophy which matured over years of my

experience and my perception of this world.

My habit of expressing these vibrations in Articles, Photography, compiling Slide shows etc.

enabled me to enjoy my occupational and professional career.

1 Perspective:

One should look at the world with magnifying glass of the mind.


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2 Adjustment:

One should always try to adjust with Life; otherwise he will be fish out of water.

3 Race:

Slow & Steady approach wins the race.

4 Appreciation:

One should not hesitate to appreciate.

5 Point of view:

When you raise one finger, you should remember that three fingers are pointed at

you.

6 Quit:

One should know when to stop.

7 Direction:

One should always try to select the right path.

8 Relaxation:


9 Approach:

Open approach helps in life.

10 Saving:

Saving should be the first charge on income.

11 Approach to Life:

One should face Life realities with a smiling face.

12 Real wealth:

Wealth can purchase tangible good but not peace of mind.

13 Risk:

One must acquire the skill to take calculated risk.


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14 Work ethics:

Any work should be carried out with involvement & sincerity.

15 Signal:

One should not ignore signals.

16 Equilibrium:

Everyone should master the balancing act.

17 Education:

One should study regularly to avoid burning the mid night oil.

18 Barriers :

One should always try to break all out-dated barriers in life.

19 Communication:

One must constantly make an attempt to minimize communication gap.

20 Ladder:

One should not throw the ladder after reaching on Top.

21 Transaction:

We should not sell our knowledge for unethical acts.

22 Fault Finding:

One should leave the habit of finding fault with every matter.

23 Work ethics:

One should concentrate on one matter at a time.

24 Wining Stroke:

We cannot always get best of everything at every time.

25 Magic:

Every one is bestowed with magic stick, realization of which is essential for success

in life.


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26 Approach:

Our hands should be clean irrespective of any act.

27 Labour:

One should take pride in doing household chores.

28 Punctuality:

Your success in life depends on doing right thing at a right time & in right

proportion.

29 Retrospect:

One should form the habit of retrospection.

30 Self realization:

Your success in life depends on realization of one’s limitations.

31 Goal:

One should always set a noble goal in life & make an all out efforts to achieve it.

32 Pack Up:

Nobody knows as to when you will get the invitation to visit heaven.

33 Peace of Mind:

You should love what you get as you may not get what you want/love.

34 Success:

Success should be measured by not ‘what you have achieved’ but after considering

‘what you had to leave to achieve’?

35 Sacrifice is the other side of Love.

Many of these Principles or ‘The Guiding stars’ have been explained in brief in

the separate Article on ‘My Reflections’.


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31 / My Reflections

Today I am on the verge of retirement and trying to make a Balance Sheet of what

I gained and what I lost in my Life. When I decided to make this accounting, first thought

that crept in my mind was of ‘Principles / Guiding stars’ which assisted me in my Life

journey. I learned these Principles from hard realities of world which I experienced since

childhood. I was brought up in a middle class family, spent my childhood in the shadow

of my father’s illness and in the threat of losing him shortly. Nevertheless these Principles

right or wrong helped me to fight my Life battle. I feel that my uneasy and disturbed

mind over the years has now settled down ☺ as the end is not far. I just thought to

document my Principles deep rooted in my mind. As it is, I am very fond of & good at

taking photos of ‘Reflections.’ This attempt is something similar to this.

1. Perspective :

One should look at the world with magnifying glass of the mind.

What you may see or hear may not be true. There is always some hidden bond/current

which we can’t realize instantly and hence you need to involve your mind in interpreting

your experience. I would say that there are three sides to the coin and not two as every

one feels. One has to make an attempt to realize the ‘third side’ of the coin which is

decisive in every experience.

2. Adjustment:

One should always try to adjust with life; otherwise he will be a fish out of water.

We cannot manage in this world without adjustment. Birth is not in our hands but we can

certainly influence as to how we want to live? There is no guarantee that things will

always happen as we wish. In fact, they never happen. You may not get what you want in

Life but you can certainly love what you get in Life. One should learn what is the

bottom line of adjustment, when to adjust and how to adjust.

3. Race:

Life is a race from birth to death. We should know how to complete the race. Slow &

steady approach wins the race. We must know how to adjust the speed according to the

circumstances.


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4. Appreciation:

One should not hesitate to appreciate. I have always observed that every body likes to

criticize others but they would avoid the situation when it comes to appreciate somebody.

However, you must appreciate from your heart. Everyone likes sweet talk. You should not

consider the status of the person while appreciating. Appreciation done at the right time

and in right proportion motivates the person in his future endeavours. Appreciation

should not be resorted to as part of politics or a mere formality. When somebody

appreciates, one should also learn to reciprocate. This important lesson is generally not

learned.

5. Point of view:

When you raise one finger, you should remember that three fingers are pointed at you.

It is necessary to follow the simple rule that one must think while criticizing as to how he

had behaved in similar circumstances or at that age. What logic was resorted to? One

should be able to focus our mind in every circumstance. It is said that a person staying in

a ‘Glass house’ should not throw stone at others.

6. Quit:

One should know when to stop.

As one should know as how to complete the Life’s race and at what speed, one should also

know when to stop. One must plan retirement. You should retire at a time when

somebody would ask you as to why you are retiring rather than some body asking when

you are retiring. The word ‘STOP’ should be interpreted in wider perspective. The word

should be in the backdrop of your mind when you are scolding your assistants, kids, while

eating, whenever angry, while enjoying, resting, accumulating wealth, donating etc.

Practically in every sphere, you should know when to stop because excess of every thing

is bad for us. ☺

7. Direction:

One should always try to select the right path.

In our Life journey, we come across two roads ahead of us. We must make every attempt

to select the right path depending upon circumstances, pros and cons of the situation. If we

can’t decide then we should not hesitate to take opinion of someone who knows us deeply.

However it is necessary to have faith in that person and ability to decide. Once you decide


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then it is necessary to stand by your decision. Your mind should not flicker with initial

outcome. One stands to lose more by changing decisions quickly.

8. Relaxation:


We should find out what relaxes you and having known this, we must enjoy the

relaxation. Most of our time is spent in discharging our duties appropriate to the age.

In childhood & middle age, we spend more time for studying, and then we spend more

time in office or profession and also for the family. Even then we must nurse our

childhood hobbies. In fact I would say that we should not loose our childhood and

should preserve child instinct in old age. We must remember that the ways & means of

relaxation would vary from person to person. According to me, any activity which is not

your primary activity is the activity of relaxation. Once you form the habit of relaxation,

your performance is bound to improve.

I have nursed many hobbies such as Astrology, Graphology, Medical reading,

Photography, Music, counseling of senior citizens and of young generation, interpretation

of body language etc. I have been relaxing from my professional work with these

hobbies carried out consistently. I have shared my knowledge & my hobbies in my

website ‘www.spandane.com’ for the benefit of the public.

9. Approach:

Open approach helps in Life.

Inspite of my knowledge and education, I never took the stand either in the Office or in the

Family that I am wise and rest are fools. I mixed with people by understanding their

position, status and on an equality complex. I never give opinion without understanding

all the sides of the issue.

10. Saving:

Saving should be the first charge on income.

Since childhood I learned the Art & Necessity of Saving. My father had a unique

definition of saving as Income Less Saving = Expenses. We learned the real meaning of

this philosophy when he was nearing his exit from this world. He was drawing a salary of

Rs.800/-pm out of which he had offered deduction of Rs.200/- towards PF and he would

do part time typing job to make good the shortfall in household expenses.


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Typically I have witnessed slow and steady rise in the cost of living over my life. If I

would not have followed this formula, I could not have nursed the dream of early

retirement from the profession on my terms.

11. Approach to Life:

One should face Life realities with a smiling face. ☺

We can dream about happiness but technically we have no control on these dreams.

We can only try our level best and leave it to God to do justice. Ultimately GOD decides

your happiness and problems. His decision is final. He does not give what you want.

At the same time he gives something which you have not demanded or requested. Change

is part of life. We have no choice but to accept the change, good or bad. We must see to it

that you will not compromise on your peace of mind in the process. Every one faces

problems in Life and every one feels that his problem is the worst of the lot. Friends, but it

is not so. If one looks at the problem peacefully, one can still think of ways & means of

fighting it out.

12. Real wealth:

Wealth can purchase tangible goods but not peace of mind.

All tangible goods can be purchased with wealth but not the peace of mind. A rich person

is not one who has everything but a person who does not need any thing. A person with

a balanced mind, having peace of mind, detachment from material pleasures can be called

a rich person.

13. Risk:

One must acquire the skill to take calculated risk.

Every activity in our Life is full of risk. In fact, we unknowingly undertake risk even in

breathing. We inhale whole range of impurities with every breath but still we don’t fall

sick very often. We fall sick only when the germs find our body condition suitable for

growth. We are forced to undertake risk from the moment we leave the house for work.

But we get so used to this, that we don’t realize the risk. In Life, risk is associated with

every decision we take. Hence decision should be taken after considering pros and cons of

the issue. Once decision is taken then we should stand by it. If we have a wavering mind

and keep changing the decisions, then we will be the loser in the process. At times we are

not confident while taking decision in spite of logical, practical, technical analysis.


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We must seek the advice in such situation from an expert who ‘can’ have unbiased

approach to decision making. However we must hear our ‘inner voice’ and take the final

decision accordingly. If your ‘gut’ feeling does not permit then drop the decision.

14. Work ethics:

Any work should be carried out with involvement & sincerity. The mental satisfaction

you get in the process can not be equated in monetary terms.

Any work should be done sincerely, honestly and with involvement of mind and body.

No work is small. Every work has its own dignity. The only difference is that each work

or job demands different skills & education and experience. Hence one is essentially a

service provider irrespective of his designation.

15. Signal:

One should not ignore ‘Signals.’

Let me share one secret with you. If you want to avoid the problems and sorrows in life,

then you must learn to identify signals. You may not identify every signal in physical

form. Many signals can be felt such as change in tone of the boss, behaviour of the

colleagues, wife’s changed face, worries hovering on the face of your parents,

mis-behaviour of your kids, minor health problems (indigestion, acidity, insomania etc.)

16. Equilibrium:

Everyone should master the ‘balancing act.’

We must achieve equilibrium in Life to be successful. We should learn what a joker does

in the circus to reach the equilibrium irrespective of the nature of problems or fight

between principles or participants. (Say between boss and assistants, wife and mother etc.)

It is possible to achieve equilibrium only if you take into account the third side of the issue,

which generally gets ignored.

17. Education:

One should study regularly to avoid burning the mid-night oil.

Clarity and consistency is most essential if we want to be successful in Life. These

attributes are required in every sphere of life. It helps to reduce tension in the long run.

Just imagine a student studying regularly appears for the examination confidently and is

not bothered about the results. A person who does office work regularly according to


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priority is always tension free. We should remain as ‘Student’ all through Life because one

can learn from practically any one provided your mind is open.

18. Barriers:

One should always try to break all ‘out dated barriers’ in life.

We stay in a society and try to follow the rules, regulations, conventions of the society.

In fact every person is at the centre point of his ‘Society’. We generally think of the society’s

reaction whenever we wish to deviate from its rules & conventions. If we are weak minded

then we do not indulge in deviation at all. But it’s time to have rethinking on many

outdated customs, blind faith, beliefs which are followed blindly by all classes

irrespective of education, wealth, age etc. We must try and unearth the new meaning of

the Customs and if convinced and if not causing any disturbance to others, then we must

become the Trend setter. Have confidence that one day the same society will adore you.

My experience is great in this matter. Let me share the secret. A person like me highly

qualified & working as Top level executive married a widow and adopted two kids, way

back in 1984. Today my son and daughter are well settled in Life. No doubt we had

problems initially but more so due to interference of relatives but our concept was clear

and hence we could swim in the rough water.

19. Communication:

One must constantly make an attempt to minimize communication gap.

Most of the dispute happens because of improper or no communication. You should mean

what you say but you may not say what mean unless called for. We can communicate by

speaking, body language, handwriting etc. However there should be unity in all these

forms. It is the responsibility of every generation to bridge the gap.

20. Ladder:

One should not throw the ladder after reaching on Top.

We all play snakes & ladders game in our childhood. You will realize that contribution of

the society (our family being the integral part) in our development is invaluable.

This debt can never be repaid in full. Any animal baby stands on own legs shortly after

birth and takes its own care shortly. However a human being takes 20-25 years to stand on

own legs in true sense of the term. During this period every one including parents,

teachers, relatives, family members offer their own ladder of knowledge, finances etc. to us


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with a sole intention of making us successful in Life. When ever you get promotion, don’t

think it as your victory. This is the victory of all those who have contributed to your

success and you are receiving this recognition on their behalf.

Some how, I have a bitter experience in this matter. Persons after getting assistance from

me failed to acknowledge it. They took undue advantage of my kindness. Still I continued

my mission of offering helping hand to needy people. I made it a point to share my

knowledge.

21. Transaction:

We should not sell our knowledge for unethical acts.

We must use our knowledge and education for the benefit of the society. But the real

picture is other way round. Knowledge and education is being used for accumulating

wealth. We have all along tolerated political leaders /workers for this. But the sad story is

that even professionals, intellectuals have also joined this band wagon. No service

provider wants to be left out of this scenario. With the result, quality of management is

deteriorating day by day because they have full confidence that somebody would ignore

their shortcomings for a ‘price’. No doubt, there are exceptions to this rule and in fact

India has made progress on all fronts due to single handed efforts of such honest

persons. However this work scenario makes things difficult for a sincere worker. I have

faced this music for cultivating good qualities such as sincerity, involvement, working for

the interest of the organization rather than the person etc.

22. Fault Finding:

One should leave the habit of finding fault with every matter.

There is a natural tendency of a human being of finding fault. It is necessary to win over

this defect. Nobody is perfect. Every one has some bad qualities or the other. Few people

do self analysis and try to win over these bad qualities. But every one may not be

successful in his efforts. Hence it is the responsibility of parents, teachers, bosses and

elders to pinpoint the deficiencies of person. However care needs to be taken that a person

doesn’t get hurt in the process. One can induce/appeal to him by highlighting his good

qualities. The advisor should also think as to how he himself had behaved under similar

circumstances and at that age.


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23. Work ethics:

One should concentrate on one matter at a time.

At every stage one must realize what is the call of the day? What are his priorities in life?

What are his duties and responsibilities? One must know, what to delegate & whom to

delegate? Differentiate between important and urgent activities.

24. Wining Stroke:

We cannot always get best of everything every time.

It is worthless expecting that we will get every thing we dream or want in Life. In fact it

never happens. Very few people can digest this truth. Success and failure are two sides of

the same coin. We should not lose balance in these situations. Every happiness and

pleasure you get in Life has a ‘cost.’ Think about it to realize this. At times experience of

failure makes you stronger person. One must also taste the failure in Life to enjoy the

relieved feeling. Success is likely to make you arrogant.

25. Magic:

Every one is bestowed with magic stick, realization of which is essential for success in

life.

We generally carry out ‘SWOT’ analysis of ourselves. However each one of us is bestowed

with a ‘Secret Energy’ and it is the responsibility of the family members, teachers to make

the person aware of this secret energy. In difficult times, this secret energy comes to our

rescue.

We set our educational goals, make all out efforts to achieve the same. It is also necessary

that we must do the job or carry out the profession-occupation which would demand

our educational knowledge. You must have observed that many people compromise on

this concept of utilization of educational expertise achieved and take any job for earning

money. Under such circumstances, do you think it is possible for them to give justice to the

job?

26. Approach:

Our hands should be clean irrespective of any act.

Our behaviour should be in line with our primary objectives of Life (Swa-dharma).

We get this swa-dharma by birth and education. It is our duty that nobody should get

opportunity to raise their finger for our failure of discharging swa-dharma. Similarly, we


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should not resort to corruption in discharging our duty. One may attempt to avoid

inward corruption but what about outward corruption? Many times corruption is

resorted to due to nuisance value of bureaucrats. Bureaucracy has no alternative in

democracy and no body is afraid of penalties. India can make still better progress if

corruption is buried successfully. (Refer my views on corruption)

27. Labour:

One should take pride in doing household chores.

You cannot classify any work as small or big. Our reputation is not spoiled if we do

household chores or do our own jobs. Have you at any time enjoyed this experience of

offering a helping hand for household work? In fact your spouse may not allow you to

work because she won’t like her husband doing household chores. You can learn many

things if you observe your wife working in the kitchen. Woman is the first ‘Management

Guru’. (Refer my Spandane Article ‘PERT-CPM’) Try to remember how your mother was

managing the show with limited finances? You cannot value her efforts in monetary terms.

(Also refer my Spandane Article ‘Suffocation’). You must offer your helping hand as a

salute for her contribution towards the well being of the family.

28. Punctuality:

We must decide Priorities in Life and accordingly do Time Management. Your success in

Life depends on doing right thing at the right time and in right proportion. Our

approach should be modified according to changed scenario. If we adhere to the deadlines,

then most of the tensions in life can be greatly reduced.

29. Retrospect:

One should form the habit of retrospection.

One should form the habit of evaluating gains & losses on reaching the milestone in Life.

This analysis would help you to decide the further goals, what should be avoided etc.

30. Self realization:

Your success in Life depends on realization of one’s limitations.

It is necessary to know the limitations along with strong points. The knowledge of our

limitations will enable you to keep your feet firmly on the ground. Your behaviour will

never get spoilt by instant / easy success.


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31. Goal:

One should always set a noble Goal in Life & make an all out effort to achieve it.

No doubt that we should set lofty goals in Life. But our all round development of

personality, social service, helping needy persons, creating good family ties, maintaining

good health, keeping peace of mind, making good friends should also find place in your

GOAL setting. You are bound to earn enough money if you work sincerely and honestly

and hence to earn handsome money you need not keep a separate target. To work

honestly and sincerely without corruption (financial or intellectual) should be the main

target. To become the good citizen of the country should be the highest goal which

every one should pursue.

32. Pack Up:

Nobody knows as to when you will get the invitation to visit heaven or hell. ☺

Every one is afraid of ‘death’. People hesitate to utter this word in the house. Hence

preparing for death is just impossible. I spent my childhood in the shadow of death of my

father. He was suffering from Diabetes and his days were numbered. I still remember his

efforts taken for the family inspite of his poor health.

I suffered serious accident in 1996. I had an undiagnosed fever in December 1998. I am still

trying to fight and enjoy Life. I never realized as to when my mind died due to childhood

circumstances. Still I am living considering every night as a last night and every morning

as one more day to live. I am mentally ready to quit. I have already donated my eyes,

finalized my wealth papers, giving serious thought to donating body. For many years,

I have been parlaying God to lift me on completion of 60 years.

It is quite likely that you might get bored with reading these Principles. But you can

also make a similar attempt to unearth your principles. It is a necessary exercise one

should do in Life.

You will notice the reflections of above principles in my writing and you would be able to

get some idea about my personality.

If you can get the rhythm of your life after reading this, I would feel that my efforts are

rewarded. God bless you.!!!!


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Let me sum up the discussion with Few Tips for Living a Happy LIFE.

We have to bear with Life problems and difficulties as Birth is not in our hands.

We have to follow the changes that take place in the world/society and adjust with it.

We must decide when to stop. (take macro meaning)

We should render social service according to our capacity along with

service/occupation/profession.

We should face the difficulties with the smiling face. We should keep our sorrows in mind.

But we should try to make others smile. ☺

We should always remember the help rendered by every one in our Life. We should not

throw the ladder on reaching to the top.

We should be always ready to say good bye to this world.

We should tolerate people, circumstances to the extent possible.

We should aim to leave the world happily.


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32 / My Search of Happy Man’s Shirt

Friends, I wish to share my experience of searching Happy Man’s Shirt. Man’s basic

nature is of happiness and every one makes all out efforts to seek happiness but the

problem is that he does not know as to where he will get happiness. We never give much

thought to what is happiness. Happiness related to acquisition of luxury articles is

obviously short-lived.

We will be happy if our Mind rules the body & intelligence rules the mind.

If it happens, then there will be equilibrium between our inner mind and body leading to

stable mind.

In the first place, a person gets confused with the term ‘happiness’. He cannot define

what happiness is for him. He searches the answer not within his own mind but in the

outside world. In the process, he becomes more confused. This leads to Stress in his Life.

‘Jagi sarva sukhi asa kon ahe vichari mana tuchi shodhoni pahe….Ramdas.’ Every one

carries/ faces stress. Nature of stress varies from person to person.

Stress is born with your birth & continues until your death. Every happiness & luxury has

element of inbuilt stress. Today this subject has acquired greater importance.

World has changed over the years. New inventions have resulted in saving of human

energy and time. Now the question is whether the man and his sentiments have

changed. The answer is NO.

We have no control over our birth but largely we can decide how to live.

We generally indulge in PAST or FUTURE. We hardly concentrate on PRESENT.

Our failure to take decision between two positive alternatives or two negative

alternatives leads to mental conflict.

Our sense of security depends on articles, circumstances and individuals. Feeling of

insecurity follows sense of security.


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Our stability of confidence depends on stability of circumstances, company etc. We fail to

understand and get correct perspective of individual, circumstances, due to arrogance. We

generally tend to create our own image and if others accept it, our ego is flattered or else

our emotions are badly hurt resulting in anger. We do not change our image effectively

with our movement in various segments of Life.

With this background of above factors leading to stress, let me start the discussion on

‘Management of Happiness.’

Today I wish to take you on the path of happiness. I have discovered the road leading to

happiness and taken walk on that road. My journey is not complete but I can certainly

share the experience for your benefit.

Let me start my discussion with a short story. This story I had read in my childhood.

I could hardly grasp the moral of the story at that time. However as I faced problems in

Life and tried to solve them without any help, I once again remembered that story.

King Vikram was very brave. He looked after his citizens properly. Apparently, every

body seemed happy. Somehow, King Vikram was not sure as to whether people are

mentally happy in his kingdom. King Vikram and his secretary take a journey in the

Kingdom. Finally, they succeed in identifying the ‘happy citizen’ but to their surprise, he

had no shirt to wear.

Since childhood I am an introvert and of a serious type. I am not a social animal. ☺

1st mile stone on this road towards Happiness is your ‘Mind’ itself.

This world is made up of Trigunas. It is natural to enjoy life up to a limit, but when we are

dragged after our so-called enjoyment, and then our downfall begins. Ignorance, Asakti

and Insecurity leads to FEAR, which in turn leads to Anxiety and Stress. We must take

necessary precautions but should not keep worrying unnecessarily. Anxiety follows fear

like a shadow.

Each individual has 3 characteristics namely ‘Satwa gun, Rajo gun, Tamo gun,’ However

the proportion varies from individual to individual and at various stages of Life in an

individual. Individual is known by the above characteristic depending on proportion.


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An individual having ‘Satwa gun’ in abundance does not feel happy with material

pleasures. He does not long for such material pleasures. He remains introvert and thinks of

the society and his swadharma.

An individual with ‘Rajo gun’ remains busy all the time. He tracks down material

pleasures. He tries hard to retain these pleasures. He feels that people should all the time

adore him, praise him etc. He has the motive of making himself popular with masses.

An individual with ‘Tamo gun’ can go to any extreme to seek material pleasures.

Every one should analyze the own nature and make deliberate efforts towards

increasing ‘Satwa gun’.

Due to childhood pains, I was on the path of ‘Tamo guni.’ I was frustrated all the time.

Why I have to face all these pains and tensions? The day I could not throw God out of the

house, was the turning point in my Life. I accepted the challenge. I set my goals.

I compartmentalized my Life. I made deliberate efforts to become Rajo Guni and Satwa

Guni. I gave secondary importance to material pleasures. I saw to it that my mental peace

and happiness would not depend on material pleasures. I followed the thumb rule path

from essential to comfort. I avoided Luxuries. Other Articles in this autobiography would

throw more light on these aspects.

2nd milestone is Body, Mind, Intelligence and ‘Atmavivek’.

We will be happy if our mind rules the body & intelligence rules the mind.

If it happens, then there will be equilibrium between our inner mind and body, which will

lead to a stable mind.

Friends, try this control mechanism. It is not very difficult as it sounds. Refer Article

‘My Bad habits’ for my experience in this matter. I have done it successfully. It is difficult

but with consistent efforts, you can succeed. It is Possible. It will give you tremendous

confidence in Life.

3rd Milestone is ‘Shreya’ & ‘Preya’.

Once you understand these basic concepts, it is easy to march towards our goal.

‘Shreya’ means what is good for the person or organization. ‘Preya’ means what the

person or the organization likes. One needs to know the ‘Swa-dharma’. Our behaviour


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should be in line with our primary objectives of Life (Swa-dharma). We get this

Swa-dharma by birth and education. It is our duty that nobody should get opportunity to

raise his or her finger for our failure of discharging swa-dharma.

It is necessary that your first step it self should be on the path of ‘Shreya’ if you want to

be happy. You are likely to create enemies or likely to face opposition, but believe me that

finally you will come out as a Winner. Better late than never, Friends, try this path.

Refer My Views on corruption, My views on donation, My Social Service, My Reflections

etc. for further elaboration and my experience.

4th milestone is your Mental Thoughts.

We get around 60000 thoughts during the day. Let us forget who counted and how he

counted the number. You must have experienced that thoughts keep pouring in if we sit

quiet for even 5 minutes. You need deliberate efforts to make your mind thought-less.

Most of the time, negative thoughts are in majority. It is quite likely that the very first

thought on any matter may be of negative type. People do not like negative thoughts.

Many people advocate that one must generate positive thoughts on any matter. The

approach may be correct but it has one major drawback. When your mind is full of

optimism, then more likely you have not considered all sides of the issue. (In my opinion,

there are three sides to any problem and not two as is generally advocated) If a person

meets failure in the process, it is very difficult for him to digest the blow.

The negative figure is indicated by minus sign namely -, while positive figure is indicated

by plus sign namely +. The journey from negative to positive is much easier because you

have to give a vertical stroke to the minus sign. However, the journey from + to – is very

difficult. The rubbing of vertical stroke can ruin your Life.

You may not be able to stop the negative thought but with deliberate efforts, you can

convert it into a positive thought. Readers, kindly refer My Spandane Article ‘Thank God’

available on the website.

5th milestone is of Thoughtless Mind.

I recommend that every one should spare ten minutes and sit in isolation and attempt to

reach the ‘state of thoughtless mind.’ I am aware that it is very difficult to stop the

thoughts. However, you can resort to ‘visualization’ technique to achieve the results. You


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can visualize the pleasant situation such as, a sunset, garden etc. and concentrate your

mind as if you are watching a sunset. I solved most of the problems in my Life by this

Visualization technique. Once I realize that unpleasant event will happen in the near

future, I would sit in meditation posture in isolation and think that the said event has

indeed happened in reality. I would respond to that event. This would bring peace to my

tired mind. When that event actually happens, then your reaction is bound to be sober.

You will face & absorb any shock. It will condition the mind. Readers do not brand me as

cruel but I tried this technique few days before I lost my father & mother. I could bear the

loss without any shock. Try this. I could deliver the lecture for 3 hours when my mother

was serious and admitted to hospital.

6th milestone is ‘Half Glass’.

Whenever the negative thought attacks your mind, visualize the glass half filled with

water. ☺ Every glass is generally half filled. Just add up what you have got in Life. You

have to leave something to get something. Just think of those who do not have glass or

their glass is empty. You may not get what you want in Life and hence you should love

what you get in Life. Even when you reach to the top, think of those who are still at the

bottom. This will enable you to keep your feet firmly on the ground inspite of your success.

7th milestone is Risk & Opportunity.

Problems and difficulties are more common as compared to happiness. In China, the word

problem has two meanings. ‘One is risk and opportunity.’ You should think of opportunity

when you face a problem.

Every pessimist looks at difficulty in every opportunity but optimist looks at opportunity

in every difficulty.

8th milestone is Present moments.

Discipline your mind. I am aware that you cannot see mind objectively in a physical form.

Let your mind be in the Present.

We have no control over our birth but largely we can decide how to live.

We generally indulge in PAST or FUTURE. We hardly concentrate on PRESENT.

Indulging in either past or in future is bad.

9th milestone is learning to use your mind.

Try to understand mind. Identify the inner voice. Try to use your mind. Let the mind rule


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your body. Winston Church had said that if mind would be useless if the same is not

used. Old people accustomed to use mind make their Life happy along with Life of those

on whom they depend. Keep yourself busy with some activity. Task should be good with

social obligation in the background. Perform job according to Swa-dharma. Do not think

of fruits. Offer the fruits to God who has given you success. Enjoy the work. Do the work

sincerely and with devotion. Your quality of work would improve if you do it with

synchronization of mind and body and carry respect for the work and for whom the work

is done. Friends, just try this once. With such work, the fruit (benefit) will follow

automatically. You do not have to keep a separate target for that.

10th milestone is Concentration.

Do every work whether personal or official, with devotion and sincerity. Your idol should

be ‘Arjun’ from Mahabharata.

11th milestone is beginning of happiness.

Happiness is a chain of number of small incidents of happiness. Do the work as per your

liking. Concentrate in the job, which you can perform confidently. Cultivate some hobby

along with work culture. Study Visualization. Visualize that you have successfully

completed a particular task before you take up the job in hand. I use this technique very

often. It pays results. Just try. When mind and body join together to perform, the labour

involved in the job is not felt. Happiness is in the journey and not necessarily the

destination.

12th mile stone is Goal setting.

Set a noble Goal in Life. Many people have a target of earning handsome income and

accumulating wealth. This need not be your separate target. When you work honestly and

sincerely, money would follow automatically. Time dimension will have to be added to

your goals. You will also have to think in advance, as to what compromises you will have

to make to achieve the goal. There is no point in grumbling on reaching the goal. Every

success has a cost. You have to leave something to get something. Make your SWOT

Analysis. If you are successful in this exercise, then I would say you have won half the

battle. Please remember that the answer of pleasures received in Life divided by

pleasures wished in Life can never be one.

Success = Basic intelligence x Hard work x Luck. Luck should not be taken for granted.

Test your Goal with the rod of Theoretical, Technical and Practical possibility.


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Refer Spandane Article - AJB & TTP Technique uploaded on my site.

13th milestone is Self-development.

Do not ignore self-development. It should be proportionate. Try to achieve the

equilibrium between education, career, family, friends, health etc. Take right action at the

time in right proportion.

Please remember that you need healthy body as a pre-condition for self-development.

Identify your fears and take corrective steps.

14th milestone is Isolation.

Every day spend some time in isolation. Today’s job should be finished today itself. Do

not keep today’s work pending. Who knows, today could be last day in this world. Atleast

for 15 minutes observe silence. Do not talk with anyone. See to it that you will not talk bad

about others.

15th milestone is Naturopathy Way of Life.

Try to understand Naturopathy way of Life. Refer My Tips on Naturopathy way of Life.

16th milestone is Mantra.

Chant some mantra after bath. ‘Man’ means mind and ‘tra’ means to make it free. Mantra

means free your mind.

17th mile stone is molding personal nature, ego etc.

There is no ready medicine across the counter for your nature and ego. You will have to

make deliberate efforts to mould the same. Do not consider simplicity as weakness. Help

others. Be polite and win the confidence. You should be good citizen in the first place. Try

to conquer anger and other bad qualities.

Keep trying. Interpret the failure positively. Follow rules of the land whether social or

legal. Rules are necessary to enjoy the freedom. Teach this to your kids.

18th milestone is Reading.

Do reserve some time of the day for reading. Read autobiographies for motivation. Read

books on sharing life experiences. You can save yourself only by reading.

Friends, the topic is very vast and there is no end to this discussion. Believe me that

I have walked on this road and sharing these secrets on the verge of my retirement.


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My mother was aware & understood my pains and frustration and hence she repeatedly

gave instructions against my wishes on above points. On my ‘turning day’ mentioned

above, I tried few tips with halfhearted approach. Found some mental peace. I changed my

Life style. I tried to control my anger on near & dear ones, mainly on my parents. I blamed

my fate initially. As I grew old enough to digest the whole episode, I considered my

present Life for repayment of debt of earlier birth. I became more and more introvert.

I lost interest in Life. I decided to compartmentalize the Life. How we leave some portion

of the syllabus for option? ☺ I set higher educational goals. Having achieved that, I set the

goal of becoming successful Financial Controller and then down to earth Professional.

Somewhere in between my mind gave up. I decided to commit suicide in 1983. Satish my

colleague noticed some unusualness in my approach that day. I burst of in his company.

He pacified me. I changed my mind & once again, my fight with Life was resumed.

Let me confess that having reached the substantial distance on above path, I realized that

I have a shirt and what was required was to consider myself happy. I searched happiness

within my mind. I further refined these principles. I am happy now.

Whenever I face problems, I look at the problem from distance and problem looks

small. You have to search happiness within you. Happiness is a concept of mind.

I am sure that happiness will follow if you walk along the above path.

Happiness and problems are two sides of Life. One follows the other. Thank God for

the blessings. Do not compare your treasure with others. Do not compete with others.

Compete with yourself. Believe in Super power by whatever name called. Soon you will

realize that you have not one but many Shirts of a happy man.

Friends, you may have to read my various Spandane Articles for digesting the road map

because I have tried to express my feelings on various issues with the help of moral stories

etc.

My best wishes for your journey towards Happiness.

Let me end the search in a lighter spirit. ☺

If you want Happiness for ~~~~~

An hour ………….Take a nap

For a day….............Go on a picnic


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For a week…...........Go on vacation

For a Month,……...Get Married.

For a Year…..…….Inherit wealth

For a Life Time,…..Learn to Love what you do through Self Development.


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33 / My Spandane Articles

The word ‘Spandane’ means ‘Vibrations of Mind.’ At times it is difficult to express this

hidden feeling in words. However I have made an attempt in the book titled ‘Spandane’ to

express my Life philosophy which matured over years of my experience and my perception

of this world. I have placed before you some thoughts which arose in my mind about the Life,

People and Nature etc. in the said book. I am sure that whosoever tries to follow the same can

make his Life happy.

My habit of expressing the vibrations in Articles, Photography, Slide shows enabled me to

enjoy my Occupational and Professional career.

I am giving below the gist of my Spandane Articles for your ready reference. Readers can

review this summary for selecting Articles for reading which have been uploaded on

www.spandane.com.

I have added few comments to share my experience to apprise you that these Articles are the

outcome of my Life experience. I am not an Author by conventional definition.

Documentation of my Life experience has given birth to these Articles.

01 / Chase:

Our Life is nothing but a long ‘Chase’ from birth to death. (Education, service, marital life,

kids, wealth, pleasures, maintaining health, friends, and family responsibilities). Many times

we ignore the extent to which each of this should be chased and loose the entire tone of our

Life. Many problems are invited by our attitude itself. Hence it is necessary to know what to

chase and how to chase. Please remember that your success on all fronts should be

proportionate.

My comments: I had a dream of becoming a doctor. But having realized my family

background, financial condition, I redefined the Goal. The proportionate goal was set in Life

and tried my level best to maintain balance between family, career, friends, hobbies and

health. This is the secret of my happiness and relaxed mind.


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02 / Relationship:

Man is a social animal. We stay in the society. Please remember that society starts from you or

in other words, you are the centre point of the society. Hence we build & maintain

relationship with others. However the outcome of relationship also depends on the response

from the other end. Disturbance in the relationship upsets you. Relationship should not be

based on selfish grounds. It should not be developed by concealing the expectations from the

other party. Since the other party does not know your expectations, may not reciprocate

thereby upsetting you. Just think on your real motive in developing relationship. I do agree

that a person feels secured in certain relationships.

My comments: I always maintained transparency in my relationship with every body. I made

my expectations clear. I never made any assumption in any relationship. I never made one

side investment in relationship considering the future. My relationship style is ‘pro-active’

and based on ‘Shreya’ principle. People do misunderstand me initially because they can not

adopt my style although they approve it. However as days & years pass, these people adore

me.

03 / Food, Clothing, Shelter:

We all work for Food, Clothing and Shelter. No doubt that we also work for self esteem.

However you will observe that each one does not work with his heart. ‘Bhagwat Geeta’ teach

us three basic concepts namely Karma, Vikarma & Akarma. Karma is what we do. The same

karma becomes Vikarma when our mind joins the body to carry out the job. In other words,

body and mind should work together to accomplish a wonderful job. When you form this

habit of working with mind and body synchronization, you will not feel the efforts put in

which is called Akarma. Not only that but you will enjoy the work. You can also enjoy the

work when you like / love the job and you also love the person for whom the job is done.

My comments: Having completed the higher education, I selected the job/work considering

my temperament, core abilities etc. Hence I could really enjoy the work. I never got tired of

my job because the ‘work’ was giving utmost job satisfaction on par with financial reward.

This enabled to me to concentrate on whatever I did in Life. I did the work considering the

interest of the organization ahead of management which appointed me.


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04 / Frog, Chick & Bamboo Tree:

We must realize that ‘Change’ is part of Life and also inevitable. Change should be

anticipated and we should mould ourselves for the change and there after change should be

accepted whole heartedly. Then again get ready to ‘Change’.

My comments: I have always accepted the every change thrust in my Life whether it was of

my health, childhood problems, career tensions, my father’s ill health, relationship tensions

etc. Then thought over it to find out as to what can be done, what maximum can happen and

what is the probability of happening? Subsequently I tried to forecast the change in Life and

took rearguard action to face the same. The Article also gives some insight to my childhood.

05 / Computer Education:

We should remain as ‘Student’ all through the Life because one can learn from practically any

one provided your mind is ‘open’. Yes, I mean it. If you think seriously, you will realize that

you can learn from the Nature, Trees, Frog, Tortoise, and Computer etc. The list is only

illustrative.

My comments: I like the role of a student. All through my Life, I tried to learn something out

of every occasion. Professionally I had the opportunity to learn out of my interaction with

various categories of people. I purchased my first PC in 1997 when Pentium I was introduced.

As I was studying the key board, this topic struck my mind giving way to this Article. I am

basically an introvert person since childhood. I used to spend hours together in a cosy place

thinking some issue or the other. Over the years, the habit literally percolated in my blood.

I would always try to find out what can be learned from the existing situation, matter,

object, experience etc. This habit has given birth to few similar Articles.

06 / Hansha:

My memories of village and our ox.

07 / Holi:

‘Colours’ play very important role in our Life. Our Life would be boring without colours.

We use different colours as per our mood. Any celebration is not complete without colours.

If that is the case, why we indulge in rubbing black colours on the body of our friends and at

times strangers on Holi day? Is it to express our hidden jealousy?


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My comments: I never played Holi. I have also discouraged my kids from playing it but never

insisted. However after few years, they understood the real ugly nature of the social game and

discontinued.

08 / Diwali:

I am sure that you must have heard the word ‘Adveit’ which denotes that there is no

difference between you and other person. Do we see the reflection of this word in our

behaviour? The answer is negative. We get disturbed when the desired service is delayed or

not made available. Do we think of the other class who works hard to provide the said

service? Just take the example of ‘Tea’. It has four ingredients namely water, sugar, tea

powder and milk. Can you imagine the chain of activities in procuring each of these items?

At our end, we feel that it is easy because we just purchase. Just think of efforts taken from

grass root level. If you are successful in doing this, then I am sure that you will never grudge

or at least think twice before showing your displeasure.

My comments: Co-operation of all segments is the only key to success. I learned this quality

from my father. He was expert in developing relationship with any class on an equality

complex. I followed this in my Life and hence try to understand & appreciate people & their

contribution in a different perspective.

09 / Bad Habits:

I personally feel that there is no harm in having any addiction or bad habit up to a controlled

limit. I feel that addiction or bad habit is like riding a wild horse. So long as you can control

the horse, there is no harm.

My comments: I have shared my personal experience with above philosophy.

10 / Beggar:

I have described different beggars adopting different methodology for begging. I would say

that all of us are in fact beggars on both fronts. Are we beggers? Is there a separate category of

beggers? Confused? You need to read Article to resolve.

Refer my comments under Article no.05 given above.


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11 / Camel:

We set our educational goal, make all out efforts to achieve the same. It is also necessary that

we must do the job or carry out the profession / occupation which would demand our

educational knowledge gained. You must have observed that many persons compromise on



job? We also observe that intelligent girls complete higher education such as Architecture,

Engineering etc. but once they hook NRI, they would leave their job/profession and would go

abroad as Kitchen-in-Charge. What a waste of energy in completing education and

government money? Don’t you think its time to think on this?

Refer my comments under Article no.03 given above. 12 / Tortoise:

We should remain as ‘Student’ all through the Life because one can learn from practically any

one provided your mind is open. Yes I mean it. If you think seriously, you will realize that you

can learn from the Nature, Trees, Frog, Tortoise, and Computer etc. The list is only

illustrative.

Refer my comments given under Article no.05 above.

13 / Mazi Phasavnuka:

My experience of getting cheated has been shared.

14 / Advertisement:

My observations on advertising field.

15 / Anand:

How to look at failure was nicely taught by Anand (my grand son)

Refer my comments under Article no.05 given above.

16 / Shiva Muth:

We stay in a society and try to follow the rules, regulations, conventions of the society. In fact

every person is at the centre point of his ‘Society’. We generally think of the society’s reaction


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when ever we wish to deviate from its rules & conventions. If we are weak minded then we do

not indulge in deviation. But it’s time to have rethinking on many outdated customs, blind

faith, beliefs which are followed blindly by all classes irrespective of education, wealth, age

etc. We must try and unearth new meaning of the customs and if convinced and not causing

any disturbance to others, then we must become Trend setter. Have confidence in your mind

that one day the society will adore you. My experience is great in this matter.

My comments: I like to break outdated customs. Society should not have objection. My wife

has also supported this thought.

17 / Friends:

Our Life is incomplete without good friends. Our relationship with a friend should be more

intimate. Our friend should be a good critic and should put us on a right path when we depart

from our life path. But does this happen? It should but rarely happens because basically we

don’t develop so intimate relationship with him & we like our friend only when he concurs

with our opinion even if wrong. The moment he gives frank advice for our benefit, we are

hardly in a mood to accept such advice. When ever any one offers helping hand we should

always remember this but when ever some body insults us or behaves against our wishes, we

should forget this unpleasant episode as early as possible.

My comments: I was fortunate to get good friends. I had very few friends. Two of them have

already expired. Now I am left with only one friend. I enjoyed very close relations with all of

them. We all gave frank advice when ever called. Many times I had given pro-active advice

but the same was not followed in few cases and my friend paid the penalty. I was helpless. .

Kindly refer a separate Article on My Friends in Section – I.

18 / Question: Questions arising out of Press News.

Refer my comments under Article No.05 given above.

19 / Blind Faith: My observations of faith & blind faith.


20 / Habits: Whether two persons would get along well will depend to a large extent on their

‘Habits’. Our parents, teachers make all out efforts in our childhood to inculcate good habits.


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Their success depends on our attitude to learn. When we become father, we make similar

efforts to educate good habits to our kids and then we realize that why our parents were so

fussy about our acquiring that habit. In other words, observe your habits and make necessary

improvement.

Refer my comments under Article No.05 given above. 21 / Jar:

How to Live Life?

Refer my comments under Article No.05 given above. 22 / Love: Have you ever thought as to what is Love and on whom? The definition of Love

may vary from person to person but please remember that if you have love for the family,

mankind then success and wealth will follow automatically.

23 / Candle:

In difficult times, ‘Hope’ gives us energy to fight the problem. You will agree that in modern

era, words like ‘Peace’, ‘Faith’, and ‘Love’ have lost their glamour as every one is now

accustomed to live on ‘Hope’ that current situation will improve. Please remember that if

your ‘Hope’ is alive, then you can swim through the rough water.

My comments: I always relied on Hopes and did every thing possible to clear out my

problems.

24 / Desire:

We set lofty goals in Life but it is unlikely that we will achieve every thing as planned. One

must remember that two things are essential to make your dream a reality namely ability

and willingness to exert. When things don’t happen the way we want, you must do the

retrospection of the Failure. What was lacking? Our Ability or Willingness? In my opinion,

experience is what you get when you don’t achieve the target. It is also necessary to adopt

the philosophy that ‘You may not get what you love and hence you must love what you get’.

I guarantee that Life becomes heaven if you really master this philosophy.

My comments: I learned this hard core reality in childhood from a reply given by my father to

a simple question raised.


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25 / Ekroop:

Life is nothing but a Laboratory. Whatever we learn (take macro meaning and not micro

meaning of what you learn in educational institutions) should be put to use for the benefit of

the society /mankind. Just observe your inner happiness when you are able to take few

steps in that direction.

26 / Inner voice-1:

At times we are not confident while taking decision in spite of Logical, Practical, Technical

analysis. We must seek the advice in such situation from the expert who can have unbiased


decision accordingly. If your gut feeling does not permit then drop the decision.

My comments: I always took decision after hearing my inner voice. I took a very difficult

decision of marrying a widow and adopting her two kids based on my inner voice. My family

members were confident about me and my courage. The decision turned out to be successful.

When I allowed my inner voice to get overruled by love & affection, I had to suffer.

Also Refer Article My Deadly Accident.

27 / Inner voice-2:

At times we are not confident while taking decision in spite of Logical, Practical, Technical

analysis. We must seek the advice in such situation from the expert who can have unbiased


decision accordingly. If your gut feeling does not permit then drop the decision.

28 / One Step:

We wish to achieve so many Goals in Life. We also decide the priorities and Time frame.

We make the list of all subsidiary jobs and their interdependence. However our mind may be

still be shaky because of difficult Goal. I would advice that don’t get panicky. Start the journey

towards your Goal. We take only one ‘Step’ at a time while walking. So remember the same

rule and start the activity in right earnest and success will be yours.

My comments: I have already mentioned that I compartmentalized my Life when I had to

accept the hard core reality of Life problems and then marched towards the immediate Goal

without disturbing thoughts of the future. Friends, just try, It’s simpler than it appears to be.


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29 / Appointment:

In modern era, we spend 10-12 hours outside house in connection with our job, profession. We

get practically 2-3 hours to spend with family, wife and kids and we must gainfully utilize this

time without bringing office tension in our mind. We should leave our designation, power

etc. outside the house and should enter the house in the capacity of ‘Son, father, husband,

brother etc.’ Just watch the difference. If we fail to do so, then we start taking family

members for granted and ruin the family relationship.

My comments: I always advocated Equality Complex and followed the same in real Life.

I learned this philosophy from my father. This attitude helps you to interact more freely with

masses. Friends, believe me that you stand to gain in the bargain in terms of overall

knowledge gained.

30 / Speed:

We all wish to become a ‘Big Shot’ in Life. But have you decided the ‘Speed’? Let me share

the secret that happiness is in the journey and not necessarily at the destination.

My comments: Friends, I tried to enjoy every situation in Life. Once you enjoy the activity,

then you don’t feel the burden of it. Monetary compensation automatically follows. I enjoyed

my studies and hence never felt any tension for giving any examination. Occupational /

Professional work was selected considering my temperament and hence there was no

problem.

31 / LOL:

At times we seek advice from expert because we are not competent to take decision. But what

is the guarantee that your consultant would give correct advice? I would suggest that one can

seek the advice if absolutely necessary but final decision should be taken considering the

varied opinions and our inner voice. Hence you can solely enjoy the pleasure in your success.

This approach is essential because there is a section of unsatisfied persons giving wrong

advice deliberately. You must remember the Lesson of Life i.e. ‘Seek advice but take action

as directed by your mind.’



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32 / Search:

Birth is not in our hands but how to Live is certainly in our hands. We all need happiness,

pleasure in Life but should define the ingredients of happiness and where we will get the

same? Otherwise entire life we may searching the same at a wrong place.

33 / Secret Energy:

We generally carry out ‘SWOT’ analysis of ourselves. However each one of us is bestowed

with ‘Secret Energy’ and it is the responsibility of the family members, teachers to make the

person aware of this secret energy. In difficult times, this secret energy comes to our rescue.

My comments: Unfortunately I came across people who tried to discourage me. They raised

questions on my ability. However I took this as a negative inspiration and gave back the

answer by my deeds. However I followed this approach in an extreme situation as a last

resort. I dealt with people after understanding their SWOT. I offered pro-active advice based

on Shreya Principle.

34 / Consultant:

We should also learn ‘decision making’. We should face the problems in life and should not

run away. We should take expert opinion only when absolutely necessary. We are more likely

to find the solution as the entire input is available with us. Our God fearing attitude has its

origin in inability to take firm decision. I hope you will excuse me for making such bold

statement.

My comments: I followed a well laid master plan for tackling any problem or difficult

situation. Read my Tips – Problem solving given in Section III.

35 / Life Span:

Our Life is divided in four compartments namely childhood (education), Adult (service,

family), Vanprasthashram) (Retired life spend for social service) and Sanyas (social service to

mankind). Earlier persons used to leave the house after retirement from job for rendering

social service by handing over responsibilities to next generation. However now we observe

that a person remains engrossed in day to day affairs even after retirement age resulting in

conflict with younger generation. I do agree that now we may not leave house but still we can

reduce our attachments to material world and try to render social service as per our expertise.


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But how many of us plan our retired life in this fashion? I am sure that you must be

wondering about my retirement plans. I had planned my retirement at the age of 24 (right on

1st day of my career 14-06-1975 Saturday). I have greatly reduced my professional practice and

enjoying my Life by offering medical consultation, studying finer aspects of Astrology

including Medical Astrology, Photography, Reading, updating my website, counselling etc. on

an honorary basis.

36 / King & his Queens:

Bhagwat Geeta has taught one important lesson that ‘Body’ is perishable but soul has a

perpetual existence and hence soul would leave the body and rebirth would take place. All

our belongings such as wealth, relatives, and friends would not accompany us after our death.

However we spend more energy for accumulating wealth, friends, nursing relations but

neglect call of the soul. Death is the only certainty in Life. Without death, Life would be more

complicated. Unless a person gets blessings of 4 Gods namely Fire (Agni which represents

work) Chandra (Moon which represents kind, good qualities of mind) Surya (Sun which

represents sharpening & use of knowledge) and Avakash (Space which represents detached

attitude) peaceful exit from this world /life is not possible. We should remember that every

day is the last day and should spend the day in the best possible manner. You can appreciate

this sentence if you can image getting up in the morning as ‘birth’ and sleeping at night as

‘death’. Once you accept this ideology, I am sure that you will get your best Life.

37 / Coffee:

You must have observed that Happiness and Problems follow each other. Change is

inevitable part of Life. What goes up eventually comes down. Every Act of pleasure (Luxury)

brings certain element of difficulty. How we react to difficulty? No body wants sorrows,

problems and difficulties. Some persons of soft nature become tensed even after tying over the

bad days. Some brave persons may become soft and pessimist after difficulty is sorted out. We

should accept problem as blessing without asking question as to why I am suffering. When

you get reward in Life, do you ask the question as to how I got his high reward

disproportionate to my Abilities? Please remember that Optimist finds opportunity in every

difficulty and Pessimist finds difficulty in every opportunity. We should accept the

difficulty without blaming any one and then try everything possible at our level and leave the

rest to GOD who knows what is best for us.


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My comments: I definitely got perturbed with my childhood but I accepted it as challenge.

No doubt, it affected my mind and mindset towards the society initially but soon I tied over

that feeling professionally.

38 / Thank God:

All of us face difficulties in day to day life. (I need not give list and increase your agony) Our

patience to overcome these trifle problems is wearing thin. In fact these small problems need

not spoil our mood. Shall I make small suggestion? You view the difficulty from positive

angle. Let me give example. (You find that trains are running late. You get irritated. You just

add the word ‘Thank God’ and reconstruct the same complaint. Thank God that trains are late.

If derailment or accident would have taken place then what you would do. ) Just try this trick

for guaranteed results. Read my Spandane Article ‘Thank God’ for more such examples.

39 / Death:

Death incidents witnessed by me.

40 / Worry:

In Marathi words ‘Chita’ and Chinta’ has a difference of only one dot but in terms of meaning

both the words convey different meaning. ‘Chita’ burns the body after death and ‘Chinta’

burns the person during Lifetime. Hence one must stop worrying and start Living. God

knows what is best for us. Here again I would like suggest a way out to overcome ‘Chinta’ i.e.

worry. Just think what maximum would happen? What you can do to avoid or combat with

the Chinta? Have you done that? What is the probability or chance that you would suffer

maximum consequences? What is your Life’s Law of Average? You will realize that you never

suffer to maximum extent if you have lead a honest and sincere life, cultivated habit of

lending helping hand to needy people etc.

My comments: I always study pros & cons of every problem form various angles. Having

realized that my Life’s Law of Average is fairly good, I have stopped worrying.

41 / Change:

We must realize that ‘Change’ is part of Life and also inevitable. Change should be

anticipated and we should mould ourselves for the change and there after change should be

accepted whole heartedly. Then again get ready to ‘Change’.


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42 / PERT-CPM:

You will be surprised if I say that your wife is Management Expert. You would ridicule me

by saying that she has not studied management. If I say that every Management graduate

can’t make a good Manger, then again you have temptation of writing me off. Please bear with

me. Well let me touch the subject proper. You must have read about the term ‘PERT & CPM’.

Any job (in office or residence) involves series of subsidiary jobs. Some of these jobs are

independent while some are interdependent. Once you can think and list all such sub jobs and

decide their dependence or interdependence, then you are assured of successful completion of

the same. Now you can react on my statement of calling your wife as Management Expert.

My comments: I learned this topic while studying for Final CA. Having understood the topic,

I applied the technique practically in every job/situation.

43 / Gudhi:

We should remember the ‘Contribution’ made by our parents, teachers, relatives, and society

in shaping our career and turning us in an individual of active habits. We owe thanks to these

people. This debt can never be repaid. The only way to repay this debt partly is by doing

something for the society, carrying our job whole heartedly, sincerely with full

synchronization of mind and body. Have you seen ‘Gudhi’? On a bamboo stick, ‘Tambya’ is

kept upside down. We should transfer our knowledge and expertise to next generation as per

the teaching of ‘Gudhi’. We can do this if we consider ourselves as ‘visitor’ in this world.

My comments: You may refer Article in Section I – My Social Service.

44 / GOD:

My concept of GOD has been explained.

My comments: You may refer Article in Section I – My GOD. 45 / Safety:

‘Security ‘has become buzz word of the day. In the changed scenario of bomb blast, terror

attacks, natural calamity, accidents, there is no guarantee that a person who leaves the house

in the morning would return safely in the evening. One must remember that our life is

decided by the Almighty super power and hence there is no point worrying about safety. No


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doubt, we should take the necessary care and precautions and leave the rest to GOD. Your

mind should sense the safety and it will automatically be seen on the face.

46 / Opportunity:

We should do justice to whatever opportunity we get. Opportunity does not knock your door

on and off. One needs to be optimist but should also have contingency plan in case things

don’t happen the way you anticipated.

47 / Changed mood of the society:

Value system in the society is changing very fast. What was correct and good yesterday

might have become old fashioned and rejected by younger generation. Every body is right in

his way but your right should not be at the cost of others. The dispute of two generations is

mainly because of this new mentality. Our behaviour should be such that minimum

inconvenience is caused to others.

48 / Kojagiri:

My experience of celebrating ‘kojagiri’ on sea beach near my second home with Neighbours.

49 / MOL-DIL:

My observations on relationship of Mother-in-law & daughter-in-law have been shared.

50 / Morning Walk:

My observations of people on jogging track have been shared.

51 / Communication skill:

Communication plays pivotal role in creating, maintaining and breaking relationship with the

world at large. We should not say what we mean unless called for but we must mean what

we say. This simple principle has the power to improve relationship.

My comments: I have adhered and sharpened this theory in my Life.

52 / Success Management:

Do you know the Success formula? Well, let me share the same.

Success = Minimum Ability / intelligence x hard work x Luck. The reply to what is success

will vary from person to person but what is important is to have overall proportionate


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SSuucccceessss oonn aallll sspphheerreess ooff LLiiffee.. BBaassiicc iinntteelllliiggeennccee ccaann bbee ffoouunndd oouutt aass wweellll aass iitt ccaann bbee mmeeaassuurreedd

//estimated. Luck element is known within few years of birth. Ability to do hard work lies

with everyone. What is required is desire. One should carry out SWOT analysis and then

decide the goal in life. One should set goals in different fronts such as education, career,

family, health, friends etc.

My comments: I have shared my formula of achieving the ‘Success’ in my Life. I give

minimum weightage to Luck factor and concentrate on other two. I constantly thrive to

enhance my ability with new technology & knowledge and I am always ready to slog. Thanks

to my typical relationship of few planets in my horoscope. ☺

53 / Time Management:

IItt iiss nneeeeddlleessss ttoo ssaayy tthhaatt ssuucccceessss ccaann nnoott bbee aacchhiieevveedd wwiitthh ddiissrreeggaarrdd ttoo TTiimmee MMaannaaggeemmeenntt..

TTiimmee iiss MMoonneeyy.. SSaavvee bbootthh ffoorr aacchhiieevviinngg ssuucccceessss iinn lliiffee.. TTiimmee ccaann’’tt bbee ssttoorreedd.. TTiimmee uusseedd

jjuuddiicciioouussllyy ccaann hheellpp yyoouu ttoo mmeeeett ggooaallss sseett iinn lliiffee.. TTiimmee sshhoouulldd bbee ssppeenntt proportionately on

various activities. It is unfortunate that younger generation is not very serious about Time

Management. At every stage one must realize what is the call of the day? What are your

priorities in life? What are your duties and responsibilities? What are your social obligations?

How you are spending TIME at present?

My comments: I have tried to cover the complex topic in a lucid manner for the benefit of

readers. These are Time tested Tips from my Life.

54 / Clock:

We expect that Clock must show correct time. ‘Correct timing’ also plays important role in

Life. We must remember 3 things while taking any action namely correct time, correct

reason/cause and correct proportion. Your action becomes effective only when all the above

three ingredients are present. Usually we take action based on 1 or 2 ingredients.

55 / Death experience:

My death experiences. I could have died on all these occasions but still survived and hence

sharing that experience.


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56 / Reflections:

Today, I am on the verge of retirement and trying to make Balance Sheet of what I gained

and what I lost in my life. When I decided to make this accounting, first thought that crept in

mind was of ‘Principles /Guiding stars’ which assisted me in my Life journey.

57 / Happy Mans Shirt:

Sharing my discovery of Happy Man’s Shirt. ☺

58 / Failure Management:

Everyone is afraid of Failure in life. How one can taste success all the time? Success and

failure follow each other in most of the cases. Confidence is generally lost with failure.

Experience is what you get when you don’t achieve your goal. Failure is the first step

towards success. I am not saying this just to pacify you but if you read autobiographies of

great personalities, you will agree with me. Have you witnessed how a baby takes her first

step? She falls down again and again in the initial stage but keeps trying. Why not follow this

when we are confronted with failure?

59 / Anger Management:

When ever things don’t happen the way we want gives birth to Anger. It is needless to say

that Anger is first most important enemy of a man. You are aware that anger is responsible for

causing diseases such as BP, Diabetes, Heart trouble etc. Person looses the control on his

mind and can’t decide what is good and bad.

My comments: Once upon a time, I was Angry young man. Now My wife calls me Angry old

man. These Tips are very effective.

60 / I am OK you are OK:

We all have born under same circumstances with no control on our parents, place of birth,

financial condition. We were neither pessimistic nor optimistic. We were born with neither

good qualities nor bad qualities. Through exposure to our environment, our parents, teachers,

friends and society in general, we developed mental pictures of ourselves. Circumstances

exert greater influence on our daily conscious activities & us. Kindly analyze your

Behaviour while dealing with others. In which slot you find yourself generally.

I am OK - You are OK / I am OK- You are Not OK


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I am not OK, You are OK / I am not OK, You are Not OK

You should note down your behaviour and try to work in I am OK / You are OK zone.

I am not O

61 / Parent-Adult-Child:

We all inherit 3 Ego status such as Parent (attitude, opinion) Child (feelings, emotions) and

adult (thoughts, learning). All these Egos are essential and play vital role in balancing our

behaviour. We move in and out of these egos in response to what is going on around us.

Child ego wants something; Adult ego makes the decision and Parent Okays the decision of

adult.

I am not O

62 / Service & service providers:

Are we proud service providers? Think twice before you answer. All through Life we are

service receivers. Whether this has a bearing while rendering service?

63 / Faith:

We must have basic faith in our kids considering their abilities. I am sharing my experience.

64 / Camel:

We set our educational goal, make all out efforts to achieve the same. It is also necessary that

we must do the job or carry out the profession-occupation which would demand our

educational knowledge gained. You must have observed that many persons compromise on



job? We also observe that intelligent girls complete higher education such as Architecture,

Engineering etc. but once they hook NRI, they would leave their job/profession and would go

abroad as Kitchen-in-Charge. What a waste of energy in completing education and

government money? Don’t you think its time to think on this?

65 / Fashion:

I have tried to look at the word ‘Fashion’ from different perspective.

66 / Objective Answers:

Problem faced by parents in communication with young ones has been shared.


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67 / Observation:

Visual definitions of subjective concepts such as risk, devotion, happiness, frustration etc.

68 / Conflict:

Conflict is part of our LIFE and is inevitable. We may not be fortunate to avoid all conflicts

but we can certainly try to manage them well in time. Understanding reasons of conflict &

acceptance of conflict etc. are most essential for its management. The points of agreements and

disagreements should be jotted down and solution should be thought to reduce the

differences by both the aggrieved parties without involving arbitrator.

69 / ABJ-TTP/P Technique:

You will agree that Theoretically every thing is possible. But have you considered Technical

possibility and thereafter Practical possibility? When all three possibilities are present then

and then only the Goal is achieved positively. However when you fail to achieve the desired

results, what is first reaction? Is it blaming somebody? Is justify the results? Or for a change

you accept the hard fact? Blaming somebody for the failure or justifying the failure may not

help you. In case you want to win over that unpleasant situation, you need to accept the

reality. Just see the difference by doing this. Many doors will open for the next try. Don’t ever

ask the question to God as to why I am forced to face this situation? Have you raised question

on getting disproportionate success not commensurate with your abilities?

70 / My Father:

My website has been dedicated to the fond memories of my Father.

71 / Suffocation:

Ours is a Male dominated world. Have you at any point of time realized / given serious

thought / understood the suffocation of female population. ‘Women Day’ is celebrated on

8 th March. When will Males realize the hidden contribution of ladies in all spheres of life?

It is said that there is backing of a lady behind the success of a man.

72 / My Social Service:

How I rendered social service without joining politics?


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73 / Love & Duty:

At times you are confronted with ‘Love and Duty.’ I am the opinion that when you really

Love somebody then only you carry out proper duties in respect of that person. We should

carry out our duty considering what is right for that person not what is liked by him. This

applies not only for family relationship but also at place of work. You should carry out the job

according to its natural justice and not according to the wrongful wishes of your Bosses. Have

you read the book ‘How to manage the Boss?’

74 / Cow-GOD & Man:

Story of a selfish Man. Also recorded a video in support of the Article.

75 / Diwalichi Story:

My comments on ‘Diwalichi story’ heard on TV.

76 / Cow & Begging:

I have tried to redefine the term begging from the observing ‘cow begging for food’.

77 / The Art of Living:

The Art of Living’ is call of the day. I don’t remember having heard this concept of ‘The Art

of Living’ from my parents. However now in spite of obtaining higher education, it is a pity

that we have to learn this Art. I have placed before the readers various real time problem

situations, problems, attitudes, stress situations etc. If one thinks seriously on every point,

notes down the thought process, then one can decide his own ‘Art or Style of Living’.

78 / Cow-Freedom & Man:

One can not enjoy freedom without the formal set of Rules & regulations.

79 / Beauty:

The Beauty is not what you see in mirror. The word ‘beauty’ can be looked from different

perspective.

80 / Sparrow’s Parable:

Moral story on social service and public tendency.


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81 / Change yourself, not the world:

Many times we have no control as to how the other person should react, behave etc. If you

want to change the society, then you should change first.

82 / Anomalies of Human Behaviour:

Human being is considered as most intellectual ‘animal’ in the universe. He can use his brain,

can think from various angles, knows the risk factors, can analyze cost-benefits of his actions

etc. If it is so, his behaviour is supposed to be consistent, rational etc. But we observe in day to

day life that it is not so.

83 / Behaviour Therapy for wood be Brides:

‘Relationship’ is born simultaneously with our birth. Relationship is a complex phenomenon.

I am aware that developing any relationship is a long drawn process. Although this Therapy

has been prescribed to would be ‘Brides’ but any daughter-in-law can start following this

therapy depending upon the circumstances to redevelop, mould, reconcile relationship with

In-laws. In fact many of the above Tips can be successfully used to improve relationships with

people.

84 / Behaviour Therapy for wood be Bridegrooms:

‘Relationship’ is born simultaneously with our birth. Relationship is a complex phenomenon.

I am aware that developing any relationship is a long drawn process. Although this Therapy

has been prescribed to would be ‘Bridegroom’ but ‘Any Bridegroom’ can start following this

therapy depending upon the intention to redevelop, mould, reconcile relationship with wife.

In fact many of the above Tips can be successfully used to improve relationships with people.

85 / Slave:

Whenever we hear the word ‘slave’, a dumb servant comes before our eyes. In history this

word taught us as to how slaves were punished, kept starving etc. by their masters.

We always take the literal meaning of this word. It is a pity that we don’t take macro

meaning of the word. All of us must accept one basic fact that we all are slaves, by whatever

sugar-coated name it is called.

86 / Pilot on Drive:

Who is pilot? Every one is a ‘Pilot’ in his own field. You can carry self respect for becoming a


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‘Pilot’ (or completing higher education etc.) but you should also respect others. Every one

should respect the individuality of another person. You have no inherent right to insult the

other person. Respecting others is like saluting ‘God’ because it is said that God is hidden in

every person.

87 / Exploitation:

If you take the macro meaning of the term ‘Exploitation’, you would observe that we survive

or for that matter succeed purely on exploitation. I have narrated few instances of day to day

exploitation. Lets join together to end Exploitation.

88 / Donation:

I have shared my views on Donation.

89 / Track:

Whether track has anything to do with a man? The answer was obviously yes. Surprised?

Whether you realize or not but we all follow the hidden track from the word go. i.e. since our

birth to death. However, the word ‘Track’ is seldom used. Well friends, I am sure that if one

tries to run his life’s race on some of the hidden tracks mentioned in the Article, his life will be

not only successful but one can even witness heaven on earth in his own life.

90 / Ramesh:

All of us face difficulties in day to day life. (I need not give a list and increase your agony)

Our patience to overcome these trifle problems is wearing thin. In fact these small problems

need not spoil our mood. Shall I make a small suggestion? You can view this difficulty from

positive angle.

Friends, I am confident that this article would change your outlook towards your life. When

ever you get confronted with petty problems, think of this story. If that happens, then I

would feel that my efforts are rewarded.

91 / Umbrella:

If one has to ‘carry unpleasant relationships’ in family/office and at the same time ‘carry

expectations’ from superiors, parents, teachers, spouse, kids and other family members, then

what is the problem of ‘carrying an umbrella’?


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My comments: View point of my Father in carrying umbrella has been given new dimension.

92 / Five Hs in our Life:

There are 5 Hs which play a vital role in our life namely House, Home, Hostel, Hotel and

Hospital.

93 / Question paper:

Different type of Question paper for every Indian citizen to answer.

94 / Corruption:

My views on corruption and my experience in this regard have been shared.

95 / Nataranga:

Review of Marathi Movie ‘Nataranga’ from management perspective.

96 / Spandane SMS:

Ready compilation of Mobile SMS for various occassions.

97 / Tips on saving Electricity consumption:

This compilation of Tips has been prepared to create awareness about necessity of reducing

Electricity consumption Let us Act positively by implementing the various Tips for saving

electricity consumption. Electricity Saved is Electricity Generated.

98 / Save Water:

This compilation of Tips has been prepared to create awareness about necessity of reducing

water consumption in view of unpredictable monsoon over last few years.

99 / Crisis Management:

This Article has been compiled to prepare all of us for meeting the challenge of CRISIS and

diluting its effect.

100 / Global recession & Common man:

Global Recession has become a Topic of discussion since September 2008. I have outlined Few

Tips under various categories which would enable every one to not only Save Money but it

will also help to improve the quality of LIFE. One will reap many indirect benefits such as


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improving planning skills, understanding importance of co-operation, improvement in

personal relationship, good health, mental peace and Happiness from Inside out etc.

101 / My Life Philosophy:

I followed certain principles in my life which enabled me to achieve balanced success in

Life. I am sure that whosoever tries to follow the same can also make his Life happy.

102 / Tips for improving relationship:

We can develop better relationship with others if we understand their entry in our life.

A person may come into your life for a ‘reason, for a season or for a life.’ If this focus is clear,

we can decide our relationship pattern.

103 / Cricket & Life:

Do you feel that there could be a relation between cricket and Life? First look at the word

‘cricket’ and try to learn some thing from the word itself. You need same qualities whether it is

Cricket or Life.

104 / Man & the Tree:

Friends, do you feel that there is a relationship between a man & the tree. I feel that a very

close relationship is prevalent between a man and the tree. This subject flashed in my mind

when recently I was specially shooting the big trees and their trunks.

105 / Money –Possessions –Happiness:

Many a time’s happiness is equated with wealth and or material possessions. Friends, what

you think? Is there any relationship between these three ingredients?

106 / Demand & Supply –New Perspective:

If we look at the various problems, one can realize that the root cause is ‘imbalance between

demand & supply.’ Though the said reason is obvious, it is rarely accepted for the purpose of

problem solving. At best it is accepted in the forum of dignified people who have no control

on execution of the solution.

107 / Skill:

The ‘Managerial skill’ is the buzz word of the day. White collared people usually have a

wrong notion that only they possess the skill due to higher education. Only they are destined


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to do the skilled job in the office. Seldom it is realized that practically every job requires skill

and every skill is not taught in the educational institution. Some skills are in the family and

are transferred from one generation to another.

108 / Three sides of Life Triangle:

In Young age, you have time and energy but no money to enjoy!!! In Middle age, you have

energy and money but no time to enjoy!!! In old age, you have time and money but no energy

to enjoy!!!! I have made an honest attempt to address this burning issue.

109 / Three stages of Marriage:

There are three stages of Marriage namely MAD for each other / MADE for each other /

MAD because of each other.

110 / Behaviour Therapy for Senior Citizen:

If your relationship gets clicked spontaneously, then nothing likes it. But there is no guarantee

that it would so happen. Hence you must try to establishment relationship by adhering to

various Tips listed in the Article. Why not make an attempt to develop relationship

professionally instead of relying on your mood /ringing of bells in your mind?

111 / Jail-Jailor-Prisoner:

I have looked at these words from different perspective. To look at the terms on macro level,

our birth itself gives rise to the triangle of jail, jailor and prisoner.

112 / Result:

I have looked at the word from different perspective. In fact we await results every minute,

every hour, every month in fact every movement from birth till death. Confused? Read the

Article.

113 / Monsoon Breeze – my experience:

I have shared experience of heavy breeze during monsoon supported by 4 videos recorded in

a short span of 30 minutes. I have captured the mood swings of the nature.

My comments: I always like to share my knowledge, experience for the benefit of others. It’s a

pro-active behaviour on my part.


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114 / Fallen Tree:

Is there any relationship between a Tree and a Man? Can we learn from Trees?

115 / Crow:

I have narrated New Moral Story based on Video clipping of CROW.

Refer my comments given under Article no.05 above.


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34 / My Life at Glance

Date Major Events in Life

15-05-1951 Born in Girgaon, Mumbai 400004

1952 My father was sick with TB, Diabetes. Admitted in Talegaon Hospital.

1957 My father was sick with TB, Diabetes. Admitted in Talegaon Hospital.

June 1957 Admitted in 2nd standard in BMC School.

June 1960 Admitted in 5th standard in Wilson High School

June 1967 Passed SSC examination. (11 th Standard)

June 1967 Took Admission in Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics.

June 1969 Passed Inter Commerce examination.

21-08-1969 My Father expired at the age of 58 years.

June 1971 Passed B.Com Examination.

14-06-1971 Joined M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co. For CA course. (14-06-1971 to 13-06-1975)

May 1973 Passed Inter CA Examination. 36th Rank all over India.

Nov.1974 Passed Final CA Examination. 48 th Rank all over India.

14-06-1975 Joined Crompton Greaves Ltd.

29-10-1975 Became Associate Member of ICAI

June 1978 Passed Diploma in Managerial Accounting (DMA)

2nd Rank in Bombay University.

June 1979 Passed Diploma in Financial Management (DFM)

1st Rank in Bombay University.

11-04-1980 Obtained Certificate of Practice of ICAI.

June 1980 Passed Diploma in Operations Research for Management. (DORM)

2nd Rank in Bombay University.

June 1980 Passed Final CA Examination of ICSI.

09-02-1981 Left Crompton Greaves Ltd.

April 1981 Became Associate Member of ICSI.

10-02-1981 Joined Indu Nissan Oxo-chemical Industries Ltd as Financial Controller

08-01-1983 Left Indu Nissan Oxo-chemical Industries Ltd.


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08-02-1983 Joined Superphone (India) Pvt. Ltd as Financial Controller.

11-05-1984 Marriage with Mrs. Sumitra.

15-01-1985 Piles operation. (suffered from 1975 onwards)

31-05-1985 Left Superphone (India) Pvt. Ltd.

01-06-1985 Engaged in practice as a Chartered Accountant on full time basis.

01-06-1986 Partnership with Mr. Jayant Paranjape (M/S Paranjape & Vaidya)

03-06-1986 Became Fellow Member of ICAI.

1976-1996 Paper examiner of ICAI, ICSI, ICWA, IIB etc. & Paper setter of IBPS

1987 Studied Astrology under the guidance of Late Mr. Agashe. Study is still on.

1991-2000 Acted as Surveyors & Loss Assessors for General Insurance Companies.

Sep.1995 Booked second home at Nargol, Gujarat State.

24-07-1996 Met with a deadly accident at Poona.

05-09-1997 Took possession of Flat at Nargol.

1997-1998 Studied Alternate Therapies under the guidance of Dr. Gala. Study is still on.

30-09-2000 Left Insurance Survey assignments. (1991 to 2000)

03-01-2001 Marriage of Devyani (daughter) with Mr. Romin Irani.

07-09-2003 My 1st Grandson Aryan was born. (S/O of Devyani & Romin)

30-09-2004 Dissolved the Firm M/S Paranjape & Vaidya Chartered Accountants

26-10-2004 My Mother expired. (DOB – 19-09-1919)

23-05-2006 My Friend & Partner Jayant expired. (DOB – 26-01-1951)

12-09-2006 My 2nd Grandson Neil was born. (S/O of Devyani & Romin)

20-06-2007 Marriage of Deven (my son) & Kirti.

23-05-2008 Hosted website www.spandane.com.

10-06-2009 My 3rd Grandson Aayush was born. (S/O of Deven & Kirti)

30-06-2009 Retired from the Firm M/S K. B. Jorapur & Co. Chartered Accountants.

28-04-2011 Declared retirement from Profession.


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35 / My Educational & Occupational Career at glance

1.0 Name Mr. Sudhir Madhusudan Vaidya

2.0 Date of birth 15-05-1951

3.0 Address

4.0 Educational qualification B. Com., F.C.A., A.C.S., D. M. A., D. F. M., D.O. R. M., D.E.M.

5.0 Present Occupation W.E.F. 01-06-1985, engaged in practice as a

Chartered Accountant on full time basis.

5.1 Conducted Audit of Banks, Insurance companies, Ltd Companies, Societies etc.

Also conducted Management Consultancy assignments.

5.2 Acted as Insurance Surveyors and Loss Assessor from many years.

(1991 to 2000)

6.0 Employment Experience:

Name Designation Period

Crompton Greaves Ltd. Accounts Officer 14-06-1975 to 09-02-1981

Indu Nissan Oxo Chemical

Industries Ltd.

Financial Controller 10-02-1981 to 08-01-1983

Superphone (India) Pvt. Ltd. Financial Controller 08-02-1983 to 31-05-1985

7.0 Experience as Examiner of following Institutes:

7.1 The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

7.2 The institute of Company Secretaries of India.

7.3 The institute of Cost & Works Accountant of India.

7.4 The Indian Institute of Bankers. (IIB)

8.0 Experience as Paper Setter:

8.1 Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Mumbai.


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9.0 Teaching experience:

9.1 Associated with Apna Bank Staff Training Centre & Maratha Sahakari Bank

Training Centre as Honorary Faculty on regular basis.

9.2 Guest faculty at BOI Staff Training College.

9.3 Prepared Training Notes on various subjects.

10.0 Hobbies:

10.1 Studying Alternate Medicines

10.2 Studying Astrology, Medical Astrology

10.3 Writing Articles on Life Philosophy, Behaviour Therapy, Socially important

subjects etc.

10.4 Photography

10.5 Video shooting

10.6 Reading

10.7 Listening Music, learning Casio.

10.8 Updating my website www.spandane.com

10.9 Graphology

10.10 Interpretation of Body Language

11.0 List of Books & booklets written / compiled: Log on to www.spandane.com

11.1 Bank Audit Formats

11.2 Bank Year End Closing Statements

11.3 Financial Analysis

11.4 Training Notes to Bank Staff

11.5 Unit Inspection

11.6 Insurance Audit, Survey Report

11.7 Excise Duty Formats

11.8 Management Handouts

11.9 Project Report Guidelines

11.10 Assets Classification & Provisioning Norms (UCB) - NPA


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11.11 Guidelines for Investment in Share Market

11.12 Information System Audit of Banks

11.13 Management Information System & Management Articles

11.14 Naturopathy (Medical)

11.15 Stress Management (Medical)

11.16 Household Remedies for Common diseases (Medical)

11.17 Alternate Remedies – Common Diseases (Medical)

11.18 Alternate Remedies – Major Diseases (Medical)

11.19 Alternate Remedies – Chronic Diseases (Medical)

11.20 Compendium of Pathological Reports (Medical)

11.21 Management of Marriage Event

11.22 Spandane Articles (Life Philosophy)

11.23 Spandane Poems (Life Philosophy)

11.24 Spandane Letters (Life Philosophy)

11.25 Medical Astrology

11.26 Astrology Guide

11.27 Personal Data Formats (Personal Investment)

11.28 Drafting of Will

11.29 Graphology (Interpretation of Handwriting)

11.30 Interpretation of Body Language

12.0 List of Articles written for the benefit of the Society:

Log on to www.spandane.com

12.1 Spandane – The Art of Living

12.2 Global Recession & Common Man

12.3 Tips for Saving Electricity Consumption

12.4 Tips for Saving Water

12.5 Swine Flue & Malaria


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36 / My Family Tree

Sr. No.

Name Relationship Qualifications Occupation

1 Mr. Sudhir Madhusudan Vaidya Self Refer educational & Occupational Career at Glance.

2 Mrs. Sumitra Sudhir Vaidya Wife Up to B. Com. House wife

3 Mrs. Devyani Romin Irani Daughter B. Com. D. M. A. Social service

4 Mr. Romin I Irani Son-in-Law B. E. Computer Service, Author, Visiting Faculty,

Social service, R& D,

4 Mr. Deepak Son D. M. E., B. Sc. (IT) Service

5 Mrs. Kirti Daughter-in-Law B. Sc. House wife

6 Mrs. Usha P. Kelkar Sister B. A. House wife

7 Mr. P. V. Kelkar Sister’s husband M. Com Retired

8 Mr. Shrikant M. Vaidya Brother M. Com., CAIIB, Retired from BOI

9 Mr. Suresh M. Vaidya Brother B. Sc., LLB. Retired from BOI

10 Master Aryan Romin Irani Grand son

11 Master Neil Romin Irani Grand son

12 Master Aayush Grand son

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37 / Thanks

Friends, I have already expressed my Thanks to various persons and situations at appropriate

places. However I felt like acknowledging their contribution in my LIFE once again in a

separate Article. So many persons have contributed to my LIFE and this debt can never be

repaid.

My childhood circumstance made me stronger, go getter, having absolute faith on efforts

(Karma) and a disciplined person. It also made me outspoken, at times pro-active

unnecessarily.

It is really surprising that even a person like me had unlimited hidden vibrations (Spandane)

on various issues. The entire credit goes to my beloved wife Mrs. Sumitra for this

transformation. It was possible to unearth my hidden vibrations due to her excessive

sensitive nature. I learned to Live from her. Thank you Sumitra.

I am thankful to my Parents for their ‘inaction’ in time because of which I could learn the

bitter realities of Life. No doubt it left a permanent scar on my Mind. But I also inherited will

power from my father and hence I could manage my Life without any support. I wish and

pray to GOD that nobody should get similar treatment from the parents.

I am thankful to my father for gifting good qualities such as sincerity, honesty, involvement,

dedication, high moral values etc. I have not only preserved these qualities against all odds

but sharpened them further. My father had left a great impact on my Life. He was true

‘Karma Yogi’. His Life Philosophy still inspires & offers solution in case of need.

My Mother was not able to take firm decision. She lived in the shadow of some fear about

future. She also possessed a good quality of appreciation but could not do timely criticism.

Hence I understood the importance of Decision making which eventually became my strong

point. I stick to whatever decisions I took in Life. Let me share my experience in decision

making. Changing decisions frequently spoils the show more than sticking to a wrong

decision. I did pick her quality of appreciation but also learned timely criticism.

I am thankful to my sister for giving moral support in my Life. She is the only person in


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addition to my wife to have understood me in totality. Thank you Tai.

I am thankful to my eldest brother for initially giving moral support but over the years his

attitude changed a lot. Now practically we have no relations for many years. It is basically a

personality & ego conflict. I still enjoy good relationships with my elder brother.

I am thankful to my cousin sister and eldest brother for branding me an average student.

I may not advocate this style of ‘negative inspiration’ because the side effects could be

devastating and unpredictable. However fortunately this method created ‘fire’ in my mind.

I still admit that I was never an extra intelligent student but had basic intelligence and

willingness to work hard. ☺

I once again express my sincere thanks to all my Gurus / Teachers for imparting & sharing

their knowledge/experience.

I am thankful to Late Mr. Agashe, Mr. Suresh Palkar for teaching me Astrology.

I am thankful to my Medical Gurus namely Dr. C. T. Patel (Neurologist), Dr. Shashin Shah

(Family doctor), Dr. Gala (Homeopath), Dr. Pradeep Vyas (Cardiologist), Dr. Niranjan Rathod

(Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr.(Mrs.) Vaidya (Ayurveda), Mrs. Kondurkar (Pathologist),

Dr. Candes (Pathologist), Mr. Yogesh Parikh (Pathologist) for answering my queries & doubts

in Medical education.

I am thankful to all friends for critically evaluating my decisions and giving the opinion and

extending moral support to me in case of need. Mr. Satish Kantak deserves special thanks for

defusing my suicide instinct. ☺

My spouse also tolerated me beyond a point mainly because she understood me more than

any one else in my Life. My beloved wife is my best friend. I am indebted to her for

greatness of her mind. ☺ ☺ Now let me share success of our unusual marriage. I enjoy twin

relationship with wife. One is husband-wife and another is of best friendship. We do fight

mainly because I view the matter (problems, relationship etc) from ‘brain’ and she views it

from ‘heart’. She understands my philosophy but does not admit it openly with me.

Initially my relationship with son and daughter sailed through the rough weather due to the


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peculiar circumstances. But both tried their level best to tolerate me. Now after 25

years, they have reconciled with my Life philosophy, logical thinking etc. having settled in

their own Life and observing behaviour of their spouse & own kids. I am very much thankful

to them.

I am thankful to all my Assistants and colleagues for the co-operation extended to me in my

occupational & professional career.

I am thankful to all my clients for tolerating my Professional bluntness in Audit Reports and

not interfering in my work.

Friends, I am aware that the direct efforts /contribution of many persons listed above and of

the society in general, in my Life can not be documented successfully. This contribution has

laid a strong foundation in my mind and hence my feet remained on the ground in ‘success’

and also in ‘failure’. There is nothing like remaining a humble student all through the Life.

Thank you all.


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38 / Few Words ….…

Readers will agree that though the Title of my Autobiography is ‘Spandane – the Last

Lecture’ but I have made a sincere attempt to demonstrate as to how I Lived against all odds.

Birth & death is never in our hands but how to live is certainly in our hand. As mentioned

earlier, it is not possible to share every problem and fate in this public document. It would also

not serve any purpose. If you have the capacity to read in between the lines, into it and out

of it with a dash of imagination, then it is possible to imagine my pain.

I lived within a capsule of ‘Suffocation’ though over the years, the capsule became little

transparent. I wish that nobody should experience such suffocation. Let me clarify that this

Autobiography is not an attempt to give explanation of my behaviour because those who

know me, need no explanation and those who do not wish to know me, I do not owe any

explanation.

My Attitude of being ‘pro-active’ was also not well understood by many persons. Similarly,

my approach of following a ‘Shreya’ attitude instead of ‘Preya’ attitude always ran into rough

weather. (I did what is good for the person, family, organization based on inputs instead of

doing what will be liked by that person or the organization.)

I have come a long way in my Life and I am happy having reached to this point. I once

again lived my Life, experienced the pain & anxiety while writing the Autobiography. My

Life was a Test match. I had to bat on a bouncy track. Only after 3rd day, I could get some help

from the track. Now readers will have to decide whether I have won the game, lost the game

or drawn the game. But Let me inform you that I enjoyed playing the game.

Some of my family members may get disappointed because I have not shared what they

wanted to read and what I have shared they may not be interested to read. ☺ Any way I have

written this Autobiography for my sweet grandsons.

I can not visualize / imagine the reaction of my grand-son for whom I have taken the trouble

of writing Autobiography because he is very small. (he will complete 2 years on 10-06-2011)

By the time he reads and understands, I may not be /should not be in this world.


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I request all parents to discharge their core duties as Parent. Child health should be given top

most priority in initial years. I also request parents to avoid negative remarks on the child.

Every one can not secure 1st rank. Try to do SWOT Analysis of your child and before passing

judgement on him, spare some time to recapitulate the remark made by your parents, teachers

in your childhood. Allow your child to express dreams. You will always get opportunity to

mould his dreams. But do not discourage them from expressing their ideas, dreams etc. If you

can do this, I would feel that my efforts are rewarded. You may read Tips for improving

relationship with kids from Section III.

My advice to average students is that do not get discouraged by negative remarks of your

parents, teachers. Try and analyse as to how far these remarks are valid. Try to improve your

performance. There is no substitute for hard work. Let your performance speak instead of

your retaliation against negative vibrations received from the society. ‘The greatest pleasure

in Life is doing what people say you cannot do.’ This is the secret of my energy till date.

I am confident that if any one has misunderstood me earlier, would change his opinion

about me after reading this Autobiography.

Good bye and best wishes to all. Take care. ☺

Sudhir Vaidya

15-05-2011


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