WEEK 51, Edinburgh, Scotland / England

I have returned from work some hours back. I have been through my scenes for tomorrow a million times, and still fail to remember all the lines correctly. I have completed all the necessary chores for the day. I have sat myself down for my moment. I have an emotion building up. I have wet eyes. I have no reason why they should be there, but they are.

I have met this evening two very dedicated members of the blog - Miss Lakshmi Jag and Mrs Vijji. I have spent some quality time with them. I have used the word ‘quality’ because most parents these days refer to their meetings with their siblings as ’spending quality time’ !

I have realized through this meeting with the two members of the blog, what a wonderful family of friends we have built up. I have realized that I did not have any intention of doing so when I started the blog. And I have finally realized how an inconsequential offering of wanting you all to be my extended family, has resulted in such great devotion and sincerity, that it has moved me to tears.

Expectation has never been a quality that I have ever endorsed. So when its results present itself in great volume, in reciprocation, in love and understanding, in combining, in coming together, holding hands and hearts and feelings, in building and structuring associations - it moves me to an uncontrollable emotion.

Listening to the tales of compassion. Listening to the coming together in hours of strife and struggle among us. Being exposed to the glorious facts of what this platform has meant to all those that stand steadfast on it. Being exposed to the world that exists within this world of ours, is a devastatingly overwhelming feeling.

I had always believed that I stood alone, within myself, without any assistance or crutch. I am convinced now that I am not alone and I know never will be, thanks to the loving hands that come up, unasked, to hold and support me up. To allow me to stand up to my height. To permit me to walk that stride with dignified firmness. To reach out and know that it shall be taken in the spirit of the righteousness with which it was presented. To speak, to voice my opinion, to challenge, to debate, to discuss. And in all this, to be able to spread the affection and love with utmost genuineness, and know, that it shall be justly received.

I have expressed my attraction and my fondness towards my family, this extended family, on many an occasion. I have, I know, received in return, a reciprocation beyond measure. I have valued it as truthfully as I know I breathe. But I do not know why, the feeling today has been beyond all. And the more I stay with this the greater the emotion builds.

So ….

I have wiped away the liquids from the ocular. I have brought upon myself the smile of contentment through my rich growth of fresh grey on my chin. And I have realized the true meaning of the comment made by some of the readers

“Look what a wonderful family you have built Mr Nayak !”

I have built nothing. You have structured yourself around me in such fashion that when others look at it from a distance it seems the buildings all belong to me !

Thank you for this additional space. These large comfortable living rooms and spacious bedrooms and expansive lawns and hills and valleys that surround me with the freshness of the green after a generous monsoon.

There will be times when I shall be unable to live up to this generosity. There will be times when I shall falter, make errors and atrocious mistakes, fail in my duties or belie expectations. But never, never ever, will there be any reason for this, with deliberate intent.

I turn in for the day, content with the thought that tomorrow shall be another day of association with my extended family, my readers, my friends …

Love affection and all that is dear for me .. for you  !!!

  

Ok i shall go to sleep now...

Best Regards

Harish Nayak

WEEK 51, In Düsseldorf, GERMANY

When you travel often and long and when you have deprived sleep before, there is every possibility that when you do get to rest it shall invariably end up in disorientation ! As did happen to the I. And it is quite quite frightening !

It has happened often with me and it is an indicator that rest for the body in my normal circumstances is such an important commodity. Irrespective of age and condition, it is indeed a reviver. Of bringing one back to its prime state. Of recuperation. Of mending all that may have been broken or destroyed. What a wonderful system, our bodies, and what a wonderful way we destroy it with our careless and frivolous habits, when all it needs is an act that we actually all enjoy – sleep and rest !!

It is the simplest things in life that give us the most endearing and lasting solutions to the complex !

I had always wondered why individuals suggested solitude and ‘be with yourself’ moments as being an important ingredient in our existence, or in the existence of any human. I felt it to be such a waste of essential time, when so much more could be done and accomplished. But being here in these solitary liberties, I am compelled to change, or at least consider to change my thinking. I feel with ample revitalization of the body, with ample time devoted to idle thinking, the quality of what you think is clearer and greatly enhanced.

Many a time have I heard and seen friends associates contemporaries ‘take off’ to some unknown isolation for ‘peace of mind’, to ‘recharge’ as it were. And I have laughed within, at this their demeanor. For me recharging has been to be at work, to get into the business, to not be away from it ; for that is what re establishes, that occupies and keeps one connected. And surely once connected, you enjoy the presence of its benefit, its surroundings and its effects. But I think I need to change most of my arguments that tilted towards the past to what I feel today in the present. I am alone and still and in solitude and if I may say so … rather enjoying it !

There is a certain satisfaction to be aware that I do not report, or answer, or concern myself to anyone. Yes … the concern shall always be there because of the social responsibilities that we commit early on in life. But at present it remains not so pronounced and definitive. A laxity prevails. Distance from it could be the reason or a disconnect due to distance. In the olden times this could have been a pronounced path. Not so now. Communication on the palm of the hand and on the tips of ones fingers prevents that. We know it is there and immediate. Not so in the days gone by. So in the days gone by there was a greater resistance to the connect, primarily because you knew that there was limited possibility. What had to happen without would happen without. You were reconciled to it. Not so now. Now the responsibility of refusing a connect using an old excuse is un pardonnable. There is outrage and anger if ever that element was used or brought up as an excuse.

But, they argue … you could have done this … or this … or then why didn’t you … how could you not know that this was … if one failed, you should have tried the …

……… and so on !

Never were there so many options in the past. And therefore never were there the reasons and questionings that developed. Better ? Who knows ! Awkward situations and moments of answerability perhaps helped us then … perhaps shall not now … in some ways not all !!

A connect is a connect. It has its benefits and qualities that are attractive and lasting and essential. Look at all of us now. Our connect is bringing us together everyday, every moment with such intimacy and consideration. Imagine this earlier when the facility lacked in its effect and operation. Merely the time taken in building all of it would have deterred most of us. But who knows ! The very fact of a delayed operation in those times could well have been the bond that we so liberally use now. Maybe those bonds could have turned out to be stronger. Or maybe not. Maybe the immediacy of the present is what cannot be overlooked, simply because the immediacy of the other elements of our society cannot be set aside or slowed down.

Life is such a sucker. We clamor and delight in its construct for betterment. Betterment comes in the shape of wanting to find and invent ways and means to ease our way of existing and working. And when that is achieved we work to speed it even more. Shorter cuts in life is what we aim continuously, in its functioning. Yet when it comes to nostalgia, we lament the past … we are a funny people !!

And thank the Lord that we are funny ! If not we would have been living in the age of the stone ! Evolution shall always be welcomed, but what transpired earlier shall always be referred to as being the ‘good ol’ days’ !!

I wonder why I say this today – ahhh ! yes !! Solitude and its wonders … you think clearer, or at least pretend that you do .. am I really pretending … who knows … and who will ever know !!

So i am heading towards London in couple hour or so. I planned this yesterday evening to have a go at London for few days. As we are so close to it, why not have a go at it. All trip went well as planned, all meetings and seminar's were superb. Had a great fun all around. Many new friends i have made, more and more intelligent individuals i have met during this trip. Oh world is such a better place to line in. Love being human really. 

Just for information to my readers, the total flight duration from  Germany to London, United Kingdom is 1 hour, 18 minutes approx.

Afcourse, this assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.

Okies.. more on that shall be written and shared with you tomorrow.

Till then Love you all....

Harish Nayak

WEEK 51, BAVARIAN SWABIA, FRANKFURT GERMANY

What a day ! What a moment ! Historic and so fulfilling !

Well that is all I can and will be ever permitted to write. But I do hope that in time to come there shall be sufficient reason for all of you to note and recollect todays conversation. So many lessons to learn, so many examples to follow, so many truths to be believed – all in one single day. Life is never devoid of surprises. Each day starts off with perhaps desultory thoughts, thoughts that in no way command respect or even to be entertained. But suddenly someone or something happens and in one swift move minds thoughts ideas attitudes change, and an energy enters that fills you up with adrenalin of untapped proportions. That is the moment of life and its unexpected nature !

The body is comfortable and relaxed. Gym has been regular and perhaps the reason for the body comfort. The nights have been late yes, but, adequate. And perhaps the load of work shall be diminished for tomorrow. So … there shall be sufficient time to infuse more energy, more sleep, and more time out in the sun ; a luxury I enjoy the most.

Ideally now I would wish to be excused from pushing more words into the post, for then I could get those extra hours of rest. I am certain that all of you shall understand if todays conversation is kept to its minimum …

For some strange reason the eyelids close voluntarily, demanding sleep. I have struggled to keep them open as I find my way through a chinese meal at a restaurant within the premises that I stay in. And now as I connect with all of my family in extension, I cannot but ask for more than to be excused to night from any laborious message.

I am after long getting an opportunity to rest enough and rest well. I must and should avail of it, should I not ? Your understanding nature fills me with a lot of joy and happiness. Perhaps this little aversion shall convey better conditions for me as time goes by, but the aversion must be executed first, should it not ?

So dearest ones allow me the liberty of an early exit … but a promise that I shall be back, out of turn perhaps, tomorrow and make up for this loss ….

Ya few pictures for you all to see.

Regards

Harish Nayak..

WEEK 50, GERMANY.

Some of the most exhausting exercises in life are the ones when one doesn’t exercise at all !

You could wear out your entire energy in just a long winded conversation and at the end of it feel as though you had just run the marathon. The tongue they say is the strongest muscle in the body, and not without reason. It is the tongue that bears the burden of speech and food consumption – both rather consuming exercises !

I have talked my way through most of the day and almost most of the night, today, and there is still some scope for more. I find excessive talking such a waste of energy. Listening is better. Many talk just to be heard, or to make relevant and valid points. Sometimes perhaps, to merely give the impression that they are the ones in control, for they are the ones that are being heard. Wrong ! The ones in control know they are in control. They do not need the consolation of being vocal. Indeed in most meetings of collective intelligent minds, it is the one that has remained the quietest that comes under observation. The one that remains silent is the one you need to fear most !

Quite obviously I was not the one to be feared today. My endless ranting actually increased my appetite, than the increase in understanding the point that I was about to make on the topic of discussion. Once done, I quickly rushed home for a meal than get occupied within an arena that does not want to think so ….

It has always been rare to find the saner elements in life, for so diminished is their number that it becomes embarrassing even to mention them in public debate or conversation. A dearth of the sanity that we require prevails and then everything else either falls into place or gets destroyed.

My head droops in slumber today and my eyes burn with lack of sleep and exhaustion, but writing to the blog is primary at any cost, and so it shall be..

Ya i won't await you more, here it goes few more pictures just for you. Have a go at it.

Cheers..

Harish Nayak

WEEK 50, GERMANY

Jummah Mubarak

salaam

ALAIKUM

I made a dua for you today and I know Allah must have heard

I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word

I didn’t ask for wealth or fame I knew you wouldn’t mind

I asked him to send you treasures of a far more lasting kind

I asked that he’d be near to you at the start of each new day

And grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way

I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small

But it was for His love and care I prayed for you most af all.

May Allah on this very day bring you something special:

A thought that makes you smile

A smile that warms your  heart

&

A heart that holds much happiness inside. 

Jummah Mubarak

Finding trust and commitment to it, in today’s world, seems an improbability. Finding desire to work for others without an agenda, seems an improbability too. In a materialistic world, especially in regions which survive and exist only on the factor of personal aggrandizement through the process of value in terms of gain, not in substance for the heart but for the body, there remains very little for any thing else.

If peace of body and mind is required, the suggestions are to travel beyond the mountains to the highest and most remote peaks among the Himalayas, the world’s tallest mountains. To be able to discover perhaps why the place that could, materially, be closer to the Almighty, if that is where He or She resides. To attain solitude, for solitude environmentally builds that exclusive moment of being away from all else and to be able to be with oneself and oneself alone. That finding yourself in the quiet of what God built could perhaps construct a moment when He or She would present themselves to you. Who knows !

The great saints and ‘rishi’s’ and ‘muni’s’ sought solace there. Why there ? Why not here where humanity exists and struggles in pain and hardship and uncertainty. Was it the distance from temptation, from distraction ? But if they were exalted in being, would distraction and temptation ever be an obstruction. They were after all superior beings.

But places of pilgrimage of prayer and meditation exist and flourish in the remote and we are indoctrinated into believing that that indeed is the right course to be taken. There must be some method in that. There must be some method in the belief also, that solace could be found even in the most inhabited locations as well. Perhaps more so, because the odds were greater. I am unable to say or reflect.

He or She for the Almighty has had serious debate.

Rousseau and his concept of the General Will comes to mind. Why? There is mistrust and dislike for the phrase of the ‘common man’, not only for reasons of gender politics, but equally so by the connotations of ‘common’. It is felt strongly that it is disrespectful, and for many reasons. Yet there is a powerful sentiment that can underlie its better use, which, simply because one dislikes the phrase itself, should not be lost along with it. Hence,I am  reminded of the General Will. It ties in with that shifting, impossible, but essential concept of Fraternity, which binds Liberty and Equality together in the real world of a collective human existence. 

In our descriptions of the ‘aam aadmi’, so commonly prevalent in political jingoism in India vis a vis schemes and benefits that they talk of, a literal translation has come to the connotation of ‘common man’, and is a term generally used, without I am certain, any intent of harming the concept of gender bias or religion, but there it is … and does one think that there is reason enough in it for debate and discussion. If so I would love to be able to hear some voices on it.

And now a warning …

There is a serious effort by a member that writes and comments on this blog to use language and expression that is abusive,filthy and utterly disgusting. I have brought this to the notice of the authorities and corrective measures to see none of the stuff that comes from this foul mouthed individual shall ever be allowed on this platform. Any further attempt from this person shall now be under legal cyber space action, now very prominently activated in this country. Further more. This individual has been sending me the most unprintable abuse on sms on my phone. I have after great tolerance for many months now reported the matter to the police and they will be taking serious punitive action, not just in my country but in the country of the origin of these missives.

This blog, this platform, this home for our extended family members is a sacred and revered destination and any attempt to defile it shall be dealt with in the most severe manner.

Regards

Harish Nayak

WEEK 50, BERLIN, GERMANY

Each night as I sit to communicate with the best family friends, I am filled with a desire to write extensively, with great information on topics not mentioned, on reactions and comments on the goings on elsewhere .. but for some reason the eyelids start to shut … incoherent vocabulary takes over … the mind thinks something else and the writing another … it is quite frightening at times .. for, I wonder how thought processes were formed to design what I may have inadvertently not intended at all …

Quite often this does become the case for introspection ; what does in fact go into our minds and why does it give substance to it, despite it not being alive at all to the moment.

Ah ! well … best it be left to conjecture than to be spending a large hour of time in finding its correct solution or solutions  … it is best at times to not be deliberate about findings … findings can be most damaging at times. Best if it be left alone.

Yet there are many that cannot survive without findings. A research to be done extensively even before a sip of water be taken. It helps no doubt, but then the factor of trust and faith and belief in the other simply vanishes.

An event for the Head Injury Foundation and the Neurological Society of India, both institutions that I have supported and am committed to work voluntarily, gives vivid descriptions through statistics and visuals what ails our system … the traffic conditions, the medical care and the psychological ramifications of those that suffer the misery and the horror of  accidents that mar the life and career of the young ..

And then there is huge debate and discussion on the latest Supreme Court judgement on homosexuality !! Some very strong views being expressed, hurt anger and disbelief by some, applause and commendation by others.

The Supreme Court has passed judgement that homosexuality is a crime .. and that has triggered a massive reaction among those that have till now had the preference of choice, as per human rights, to lead their life the way they wish to .. I wonder where this shall lead to ..

The invitations to the many organisations and events that come across daily, is at times overwhelming but also at times, not considered, simply because that moment of rest and reflection gets eaten up by the requests…

Refusal is a problem with me. It would be difficult for me to ignore, challenge, or neglect an invitation or a simple request perhaps to lend voice or presence, if asked. And I wonder whether that is a problem or a necessity …

Decision making is something that has found great distance from us and people like us. And there is great admiration for those that can handle this with some dexterity. I do not fall in that category … by huge distance !!

What has not been able to distance itself from me has been your continued support, and my love for all ..

Hey i am getting Indian newspapers here and am reading as well. Despite being busy in meetings and seminar's i love reading Indian newspapers here in Germany.

Hahaha getting the real feeling of missing India.. My mother land. Oh god.

Few photographs have been pasted for you all to see. Just have a go at it. More shall follow.

Good night dear all …

Germany’s finance minister Wolfgang Schauble (right) and president of the Deutsche Bundesbank Jens Weidmann answer questions during a news conference of the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Economic and Financial Affairs in the National Art Gallery in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Wednesday.

Winner 2013: Dr. Rebecca Mäke (aged 32) airberlin, Marta Harmacka (aged 31) Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Christina Gräßel (aged 31) Capgemini Germany GmbH (München), Dirka Klettner (aged 30) Zalando GmbH (Berlin), Nadja Prinz (aged 28) from tesa Werk Offenburg GmbH (Offenburg)

Berlin declaration and new activities as result of WORK-IN-NET HR conference

Lake Wannsee, Berlin

Besucher am Strand vom Strandbad Wannsee

This is a photo of conference participants

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel Catering

The conference was held in the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw.

The President of the ICD HR Initiative Janez Janša, & Mark Donfried discuss ...

 In the first evening there was a reception event.

WEEK 50, MUNICH, LEONARDO ROYAL HOTEL, GERMANY.

The beauty of system is seen, the beauty of its execution is observed, the beauty of its absence else where, is a harsh reality, difficult to understand and comment. But I do .. I realise that the impression of a country is and can and should always be gauged by the very first incident on touching its soil ..

When you land in a particular country, its character and its system is recognised by how the airport works, the customs the immigration, the roads, the drive, the road regulations .. all give an impression of where one has landed. This … and how and what is the behaviour of those in uniforms … for they shall execute without haste or fuss, the law of the land …

To say that one does not notice that here in Berlin is a falsehood - they are representing all that can match the very best in the world.

Public transport is rapid and timely, city halls imposing and well run, food is fresh and wholesome, and beer served in chilled glasses which have been polished to a high shine.

 

It’s also a country well set up for business, with the financial capital of Frankfurt boasting the second largest airport in Europe and every city having sterling capacity for travelling corporates.

But whilst you may find yourself comfortably ensconced in a well-run business hotel in Germany, there are other stereotypes of the nation which hold less true. Historically this is a country which has only been united relatively recently, and a few hundred years ago existed as separate nations and republics. The effect of this divided past has filtered into the country as a whole, and while a certain combined identity might have been established overseas, within Germany the different regions often feel as distinct from one another in their customs as if they were unique states.

When it comes to fulfilling expectations of a German city, the nation’s capital does the job whole-heartedly. Munich is located in the heart of Bavaria, which tends to showcase every national cliché going.

Ok my plan of Germany is 2 days in Munich, for attending World's best Automation companies, next going to Berlin for a day, to watch several impressive architectural accolades, including the Brandenburg Gate and the nearby glass-walled Reichstag or Parliament. Berliners love to eat out too, and while the city has numerous good restaurants, business types should try out social concept eatery Sankt Oberholtz – an establishment destined to house the city’s ‘office-less creatures’ who are accommodated with WiFi and good quality food.

Next moving to Frankfurt, for couple of days. Although Munch is ostensibly the capital of Germany, it is Frankfurt where the real economy thrives. As the financial powerhouse for the entire nation Frankfurt is unashamedly a business destination, with a glass and steel skyline, and parts of the centre are more reminiscent of New York than a European city. The trading centre houses Europe’s largest stock exchange, together with the national bank, and the entire financial district teams with business people from all over the world.

Then to Hamburg, The city is renowned for its love of football, and the beautiful game is Hamburg’s number one spectator sport. Fans are well catered to, with a spectacular 55,000 seater arena housed just outside the city centre.

Next to Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf is home to the nation’s fashion and art interests. The city has an almost accidental designer heritage by privilege of being the chosen location for Germany’s first fashion exposition back in the fifties.

Following the unprecedented success, Düsseldorf became the place for big fashion names to set up shop, with Karl Lagerfeld, JOOP!, and Escada all attributing great retail successes to this German conurbation. The centre is seen as the place to go shopping in Germany, with the famous Konigsallee Street housing the best of the city’s fashion names.

All this high fashion has had something of an effect on the psyche of the people, and Düsseldorf boasts the highest standard of living in Germany.

Christmas commerce in Germany

 
While Germany might be a sensible and efficient nation, all austerity is neatly dispensed with for the festive period. The country is well-loved for its all out approach to festivities which sees almost every town square festooned with Christmas wooden huts selling everything from reindeer woollens to giant lollipops. In contrast to most seasonal markets the arrangements manage to be both appropriately festive and surprisingly tasteful, as towns carefully vet stallholders for the quality of their stock.

Here are few pictures. Just have a look.

 

Looking forward to visit all these places, oh our driver arrives to take us for meeting, i shall write to you more on my tour very soon. Till then do whatever u want to do guys... Enjoy..

Harish Nayak