Thanks Vijay Mallaya!

Well Done Mr Mallaya!!! Bringing Gandhiji’s memorabilia back to India, is the best ever gesture a citizen could ever bestow upon his country. You have retained the ownership of the Father of our nation’s personal articles. These articles are a legacy and inheritance of our nation, a matter of pride and glory of our country, and saved Mahatma’s legacy. It is a great relief that Mahatama Gandhi’s iconic items; his wire-rimmed spectacles, a pair of sandals, a Zenith pocket watch, plate and a bowl, are now on their way back to India, thanks to you. You have reminded us of Gandhiji’s contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle, and his lessons of peace and communal harmony.

As a matter of fact, Mahatma Gandhi had gifted his personal items to a Los Angeles based peace activist and filmmaker James Otis during his lifetime. Moments before the auction, Otis changed his mind and wanted to abort the auction. However it was too late by then and the Auctioneers could be of no help. Now, Mr Mallaya wants to gift these items, termed as “national treasures”, to the Government of India. Right now, it is not clear whether the government would hand these over to Navjeevan Trust – the sole heir of Mahatma’s personal belongings appointed through a will registered in 1929 or has any other plans. We, the people of India, are elated that Mahatma Gandhi’s heritage is with the rightful heirs, in India, with the Indians...

Effective Communication

Writing Effective and Impressive E-mails

How many times have you come across a situation when you have just clicked the Send button and then remembered a couple of things you forgot to write? Then you need to unnecessarily draft another one and write the remaining points, wasting your precious time and effort, an effort which is probably not even well taken. Sometimes, it could even pose some communication gap.

Did you ever think about the spelling mistakes in your e-mails? Sometimes, you may also have thought, ‘why bother?’ After all, "it's just an e-mail!"

What happens when you receive an e-mail in which there is a promise about an attached file (that you need urgently, most probably) but the attachment has perhaps done an invisible or disappearing act?

E-mails allow you to communicate promptly and frequently with your customers, colleagues, subordinates, and senior officials. A well-structured e-mail message can let you have an edge over others and you would certainly get a better and more desired response. Therefore, you must put your words in a clear manner with a comprehensive style. On the other hand, a poorly written e-mail text could drastically hamper not only productivity and progress, but image, whether it is an individual or a company. Your misspellings and unorganized messages may even call your competence into question in the eyes of the reader, who could be your seniors or clients. Does your inattention to spelling reflect your careless character? E-mails without a subject line or without a promised attachment file are very common. These things reflect your callous approach.

E- Mails though a most impersonal form of communication - imagine from a machine to a machine, not even handwritten but typed, can leave a very personal and permanent impact. It can reflect moods and personality. They can be judged and categorized as polite or rude, professional or personal and leave an impact temporary or permanent on the psyche of the reader. While writing an e-mail, always remember that the reader will judge you by what you say and how you present it.

For communication protocols we were taught in schools how to draft letters of various categories – official, to government bodies or formal personal or just personal. But now the postal mail has been taken over by the electronic mail – do we have any or even think about protocols on the same? Why was communication given so much importance earlier and why are we so callous and indifferent to it now?

You can (or should) improve your e-mail communiqué by following below mentioned points:

1. Think (plan) before you write

Before writing an e-mail, it is always better to prepare a rough draft of all the important points you want to write. Then, edit your write-up before putting the text as a final draft in the e-mail. While writing mass-mails or writing for international clients, it is important to consider the cultural makeup of the audience, so that you can convey the message without inadvertently causing any embarrassment or resentment. Sometimes, you could have very little time to follow this approach of e-mail drafting, but believe it, by following the said process you can express a lot and leave a positive impression on the readers.

2. Write clear subject lines

One-word subject lines like Meeting, Update, Reminder, etc. are very common and leave an aberrant impression on the reader. Instead, write meaningful subject lines like “Goal setting meeting in conference hall on 22nd May 2009 at 3 PM”, or “Update about GRMAP version4 project status”, or “Reminder to update the project plan”, and so on. Always remember, a good subject line keeps the reader interested in reading your e-mail down the page, and a vague subject line prompts the user to delete the e-mail without even reading it.

3. Tell the reader what action to take

Sometimes, reader has got no idea what to do with the e-mail. Never leave the readers guessing why you sent the e-mail and what you want. Instead, it is better to convey it clearly the desired action you want from the reader.

4. Write less, remove unnecessary information

Do not explain unnecessarily. It will needlessly increase the number of lines in the message and may considerably reduce the effectiveness of your message. Readers may also deviate from the theme. Instead, write in short, concise, and direct. Use active voice as much as possible.

5. Communicate with the concerned person only

Do not (unnecessarily) broadcast your message and send a copy to everyone you know in that department or company. It may reduce the effectiveness of your e-mail. Instead, communicate with the concerned (accountable) or interested people or departments only.

6. Check your tone and language

Your mood and mental status has nothing to do with the reader of your e-mail. Whatever be you mood, always keep you tone professional, cordial, unbiased, and business like. If the customer or your subordinate has done something silly, keep your cool and politely guide the right way to settle the things.

7. Read and spell check your e-mail before sending

At the very last, always read and spell check the e-mail that you have drafted. Try to ascertain whether you have written what you initially had planned.

My views on Mumbai Attacks – Stop Chitchat, Start Action

I had just reached home when I received a call from one of my friends about the shootouts in Mumbai. Immediately, I felt the urge to switch on the television and grab the remote. To my utter dismay, I watched some of the news channels reporting about the shootout. Of course, in the beginning, due to unconfirmed media reports, the incident looked not more than a regular gang war. Therefore, I decided to take dinner and went to bed.

Next morning, all hell broke loose when I switched the television on and saw details of the shootout. All the news channels were telecasting the live videos and clips of Mumbai attacks. The severity of the attack was very much understandable from what I was watching on the television screen. As I was watching the terror act, it seemed as if everything was happening beside me because of the noise of gunshots and explosions being heard all around. Militants had attacked several places in Mumbai—the financial capital of India— killing hundreds of innocent people. Their well-coordinated attack indicated that they have come with a plan to take hostage of as many people as possible and seize India. It appeared as if Mumbai has become a podium of war. The militants looked like devils, as they were killing the people mercilessly. Security forces including Mumbai Police, Army, Naval Commandos (MARCOS), and NSG were trying to overpower the militants. Finally, after conquering the battle, our brave and courageous security forces successfully flushed out the heavily armed militants.

It is really a big excuse for us every time to say that we have coped up again, Mumbai can never stop, and the coward killers cannot dominate us. When something like Mumbai attacks happen, we all start chitchats and gossips. Politicians condemn the incident and give their lecture as usual. Media focus shifts to discussion panels involving politicians, media heavyweights, religious leaders, academicians, et al. Defense experts and former diplomats give their readymade analysis—as they do after similar incidents. We too, the common people, take interest in such topics for 2-3 days or a week and then return to our day-to-day life. In a matter of weeks, the situation becomes normal. Then, one day the news of blast hammers us again and the cycle of political speeches, media reports and discussions, blah…blah… repeats. Finally, this is just an excuse for everyone, nothing else.

Militants are motivated to the highest extent where they hardly allow their brains to judge and think about their actions that partake to right and wrong consequences. They just obey the orders of their mentors. They even do not think of the aftermath of their attack – children becoming orphan, earning members of many families dying and there is brutal psychological effect on common people. People, who survive such an attack, suffer from trauma for a long time. Therefore, the basic idea should be to eradicate the root cause of militancy and make the world free of terrorism.

Killing of the innocent people in Mumbai attack was very shameful. This act of militancy is highly intolerable. The obvious question is “When will the terrorism stop or should we have to accept it as a part of our daily life like some countries have accepted?” My fellow Indians, now it is the time to wake up and fight with not only the terrorists but also terrorism. We must devise long-term strategic plans to wipe out militancy. Our government should take stringent steps—both at diplomatic as well as offensive level—to stop such attacks. Not only the government, but also it is the responsibility of all of us to take sincere steps and make this world free from militancy.
Let us together make this world terrorism free!!!

Ergonomics for Computer Users

While using a computer for prolonged hours, you may feel backache, pain in your fingers and wrist, burning sensation in eyes, and so on. These can be the warning signals, which may turn into musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, etc. The origin of these disorders could be:
· Improper or bad body posture
· Improper workstation setup
· Long periods of typing
· Incorrect work habits
· Stressful work conditions, and so on.

If you feel any persistent or recurring pain or discomfort that you think may be due to computer usage, consult a qualified physician immediately.

The science of comfortably adjusting the work environment to fit human body is Ergonomics. You should follow the principles of ergonomics while using your personal computer or laptop. Following the ergonomic principles can help you in following ways:

· You can work for long hours without getting strain
· Despite the workload, you would not feel body ache and uneasiness
· The quality of work and output improves
· Can optimally concentrate on your work thereby increase your efficiency

Major causes of body ache and strain, and their preventive measures are as follows:

· Improper body alignment: Set up your computer, notebook, table, and chair heights to fit you.
· Prolonged positions: One of the major injury risk factors is the static posture. Try to have a short break of 4-5 minutes every hour to shift positions, walk, stretch, and so on.
· Repetitive movements: Make variations while working so that you use different muscles. It helps you to keep a particular muscle away from strain.
· Inadequate vision: Go for an eye check every six months.


ERGONOMICS PRACTICES WHILE USING YOUR PC

Position of Monitor
The screen should be about 25 inches from your eyes, or about an arm's length. The top of the monitor should be at eye level because the eyes are at their most comfortable position straight ahead but slightly downward. This posture also makes it easiest to balance your head above your shoulders with the least muscular effort.

Screen Brightness and Color Scheme
Make sure there is no glare on the screen and it is dust free. Black characters against a light gray background are often easiest on the eyes for long periods. Adjust the contrast and brightness to create the brightest screen without blurring.


Position of Keyboard
Keep keyboard level with or slightly below elbow height. The elbows should form a 90-degree angle with your body from the shoulders. While keyboarding, try to hit the keys lightest possible.

Position of Mouse
Mouse position should be on the same level as the keyboard so that using of mouse does not create a twisted or reaching posture. To reduce the use of mouse use key commands and shortcuts as much as possible.

Room Lighting
Adjust room lighting as per day and night requirements. The most important aspect of lighting is to reduce glare and bright reflections from your screen, glass walls, or other reflective surfaces.

Position of Wrists, Hands, Head, and Shoulders
Keep yourself in Neutral Posture. Neutral posture is the position that is most effective with the least stress on the body. We can describe the Neutral posture as:
· Head straight, should never be bent ahead
· Back relaxed and supported, shoulders straight and relaxed
· Elbows close to the body, wrists and hands straight
· Never twist your hands and elbow. Keep wrists and fingers straight
· Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys

FACT TO KNOW
While working on a computer, take frequent short breaks and make posture changes. Stand up and stretch at regular intervals. Do not keep a water bottle near you. Instead, go to the water tap to get water.

Position of Chair
Use an ergonomic chair that provides good support to your hands and lower back. If an ergonomic chair is not available, use a pillow or rolled-up towel to provide lower back support. Use a footrest if your feet cannot touch the floor. Adjust your chair or work surface height to keep your arms and hands in a neutral position. The seat of the chair should be large enough to accommodate frequent changes in position. Try to adjust the computer tables or desks vertically so that it suits your height.

Care for Eyes

Scientists have studied that while looking at a computer monitor, on an average, people blink 1/3 as frequently than normal. This may lead your eyes to fatigue and dryness. Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point to give your eyes frequent rest.




Ergonomics for Laptop Users

· Do not put your laptop directly on your lap, heat related diseases can expose you
· Never block the laptop air vents. Do not allow other equipments like printers, stationary, notebook, etc to block the airflow.
· Do not let the laptop Ac adapter to touch your body or any heated surface.

Ergonomic Exercises for Computer Users

· Resting and refocusing your eyes: Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point for 2-3 minutes.
· Correct Posture: Try to sit in the neutral posture on an ergonomic chair.
· Exercise for your neck: Turn your neck to left and then bring back to the normal position. Similarly, do for right sides also. Follow same process for turning your neck up and down also.
· Wrist rotation: Stretch both your hands straight to the front and close the fist. Now, rotate both the fists together ten times clockwise, then anticlockwise.

Apart from these ergonomic exercises, you can go for jogging, walk, swimming, cycling, and other exercises. Enjoy computing!!!