Roger and the Williams sisters rule!

So many times, we have heard of champions coming back from a point where it almost seemed impossible! Roger Federer is an example of this. Being without a grand slam for the last 2 years did not deter him from fighting and keeping the main objective in mind. And today as we know, he is back and how! It is nice to see him at the top of the table followed by Djoker and Rafa.

What amazes me is that at 30, he is still playing some of the best tennis and players like Djoko, Murray and Rafa are at least 4-5 years younger to Fedex. It is simply wonderful to see Roger play matches and win with such grace and dignity. The way he plays, the way he conducts himself is just unbelievable. Great points won have hardly any reactions on his face and the strokes that come from his racquet are like a flowing river, one after the other are absolute masterstrokes!

It is going to be a tough fought next 3-4 years in men’s tennis as the top 5 of Fedex, Djoker, Rafa, Murray and Tsonga look set to take it ahead and fight for their battles. With Federer back in top form, it’s no secret that he will be the man to beat in the coming grand slams. As we all know, once Roger starts winning, there is hardly anyone who can stop him even at this age where he has reached the peak of his career.

The women’s tennis is also having some kind of renaissance with the Williams sisters back in action! Serena won the singles crown while the sisters won the doubles crown. Their story is a tale which will be told to all youngsters when they start playing tennis that these were sisters who were almost impossible to beat! With 10 Wimbledon women’s singles titles between them, it’s not at all difficult to say that who has dominated the women’s tennis in the last decade! Kvitova and Sharapova are also there to show some fight and resistance, but the domination of Williams sisters is back and I am sure that this will generate tough competition among women tennis players, but if the Williams sisters play up to their full potential, talent combined with brute force and accuracy then they are almost impossible to be defeated!

The Euro Cup, 2012

Football has always been a game which has brought people together globally. No matter where one stays or lives, football has been omnipresent and the popularity of this sport has been growing every moment! The world cup, the club matches, the various leagues and of course the ongoing Euro Cup!

It has been a fascinating 15-20 days of exciting football with now the tourney coming into its last stages. Spain looks good, England the underdogs but I feel the real contenders being Portugal and over them are Germany who are hot favorites! England has always been a team which will have surprises in terms of their performance. One day they will outplay every team and some other day they will be smashed! Rooney has come back and come back for the good!

The other player criticized for his performance for his country, CR7, Cristiano Ronaldo has helped his team win in the last two matches. He missed a sitter of a goal, but from there he has never looked back and is looking strong and determined to lead his team to the championship!

Having said all this, I strongly feel, Germany looks an all round side, and they should win this. But in sports, you never know, one bad day and you are out! Letz see how it spans out in this Euro Cup! Meanwhile, let us wait and watch and letzzzz enjoooyyy!!!

Competition...

The results all across are out and the yearly fight has begun! Students running from one college to the other in search of that coveted seat! Parents waiting with the anxiety of the admissions of their children! This is a regular yearly occurrence. Marks are something that no matter how many you get, they are always less. It's always fascinating to hear the ladies (mothers) talking among each other about their ward and his/ her performance and how it could have been better! Marks at times are the best gossiping and bitching topic as well!
The tales are discussed thereafter, with some getting admissions in the college they want and some, well majority adjust to some college that they managed to enter into but, still show it on their face that this is the college that they actually wanted! Deep inside there is always that regret that I could not make it to the college I wanted but my friend(s) made it!
But life goes on, college starts, new friends enter life, more freedom comes in, with it also comes aggression and here is where the crushes and love stories also start! Well no matter which college you enter into, one must just enjoy the days, have a blast and well, forget the competition and face life as it comes! College days are full of fun and those who miss out on that, really miss the real BLISS of life!

Gowaaaaaaaah (Goa) – Rejuvenating, Refreshing and Re energizing!

I was away from the SHOR in the city with my MBA friends, and this time around, in Goa which I always prefer to write and pronounce as Gowaaaaaaaah. I don’t know why but, every time I go there, I feel there is this unusual burst of energy that comes within and  I just feel like having a blast! On all my visits there before as well, I have had a real blast and that too without drinking!! (I am an absolute FOOL for all my friends for this!!)

This time around it was really different as I had been with a gang of professionals who at times, or should I say most of the times prefer being the most ROWDIEST! One among them Sanjeev had written all across that this trip is gonna be full of confusion and chaos with lots of fun and leg pulling! It was indeed, as the journey started with RAC tickets with 8 of us sharing 4 berths and the return tickets still being in the waiting list, we came by bus, which many could not manage, especially the young and dashing THE BURZIS!!

Goa welcomed us with a slight drizzle but, thankfully it did not continue as we got to visit most of the happening places there. Calangute, Anjuna and Baga beaches were amazing, with some CBRs abusing Parijat that why didn’t he bring them to BAGA much earlier!! The breakfast at Curlie’s, the dinners by the beachside restaurants like Souza and St. Anthony’s were really the most amazing! The Fisherman’s Cove was a nice change for all us! The prawns and chocolate ice cream being simply superbbbb!

It was a nice and comfortable experience for me and Parag to drive two cars – Alto and Swift on the wonderful roads of Goa surrounded by water, tall and green coconut trees and off course, beautiful women!!! The beer, vodka, whisky, rum and breezers were just flowing from the resort fridge and Pradip, Sanjeev and me were enjoying the fruit juices!! I must admit that the CBRs have an amazing DRINKING capacity! Hats off to them for that, especially Parag, Chandan and Collin!! I just enjoyed watching them soak themselves with alcohol! Photography was at its best with Dharav clicking all pics possible with Collin having maximum pics in different angles! All accounts were superbly maintained and managed by one and only, the 30ml expert!

The 3 day stay was relaxing for us with the resort booked by the HR director, being one the main reasons for that, from the point of view of comfort and cost both! We enjoyed the stay there and also the fun that we had there in the rooms and the balcony!! Our HR director had also organized a wonderful cake with lovely gifts for the birthday boys – Dharav, Parag, Chandan, Sanjeev and me! But I must confess that, I have never in my life heard of a discussion and participated in one that involved PHENYL bottles!! That was amazzzzzzzing!

All in all, it was a trip worth remembering and also one which brought all the 10 CBRs much more closer than before! There were hiccups, roadblocks, hindrances but we managed to scrape through all of them and we all contributed to make this trip a HAPPENING EVENT indeed! As my friend and McDowell whisky sponsor Chandan said we all felt like singing the song – “Dil chahta hai, kabhi naa beete ye chamkile din!”But as the old cliche goes, all good things have to come to an end, this trip also did, but with lots of memories, events, nice gifts and the most treasured one being BONDING!! 

As I wrote at the start, the CBRs had a REAL BLAST and I am sure each one of us can’t wait to head off to another place ASAP! We have discussed some places, but I have absolutely no problem if we decide to head to Gowaaaaaaaah again!! 

Social Entrepreneurship on Radio...

Social entrepreneurship is gaining pace surely in India and many young entrepreneurs are coming ahead and helping the needy. This is really helping those who really need help in its true sense. Many are benefitting and since these entrepreneurs and young and energetic the funds are being used in the best way and reaching the right people.

I have launched this initiative on radio on Gyan Vani FM 105.6. I have done the start to create awareness about this concept. I have introduced this concept with the initial explanation and its impact in India. I am also planning to interview some experts in this field and young social entrepreneurs to share their experiences in this field.

I will share the audio files as and when I get it. Till then, keep reading this blog for more updates on the buzzword “Social Entrepreneurship.”  

Satyamev Jayate – Aamir Khan

On a relaxed Sunday morning, I saw the program Satyamev Jayate hosted by the perfectionist Aamir Khan and it was simply wonderful. There are actually no words to explain the way in which Aamir conducted the show. Right from the sensitive topic to the discussion everything was apt and perfect.

The child sex abuse topic as such has been a topic of discussion for a long time, but through this episode I am sure that this will be noticed by the Government also. That is Aamir Khan for you, whatever he does gets noticed.

The victims of child sex abuse shared their horrifying experiences and shared the way in which they dealt with it. Those experiences were shocking to say the least. At the end there was a workshop conducted to create awareness among children which was effective as many would have learnt a lot from it.

It is an information cum awareness show and is a must watch for all. On a Sunday morning if you can learn about social issues which tend to be neglected then there is no better way to learn from them and also act as per every individual’s capacity and ability.

Aamir Khan surely is a man of sheer class and caliber! Bravo Aamir Khan! This is another feather in his cap and if I may add, one of the best!

Extraaa Innings – IPL T20

Without any doubt we can say that this year’s IPL has been a HUGE hit. So many cliffhangers and nail biting finishes. Many of them last ball finishes. It has been incredible. Good quality cricket and it is totally a POWER game now! So we must all thank the players for such wonderful standard of cricket.

But friends what we should not ignore is also the pre match show – Extraaa innings… its really wonderful with a combination of cricket and entertainment leading to the word “Cricketainment.” The show has a good mix of cricketers, hosts and celebrities.

Full credit to Samir Kochchar, Gaurav Kapoor, Archana Vijaya and Shibani Dandekar. They have done a wonderful job so far and they way in which they conduct the show ensures that people watch the entire show of 1 hour in addition to the 3 hour match! It is real fun! Navjyot Siddhu adds a unique spice to the show. Sunil Gavaskar is completely a different person on the show pulling everyone’s leg and rocking there as well.  Harsha Bhogle is at his analytical best. Sanjay Manjrekar and Ajay Jadeja do a fair job as well!

To round it off, in addition to the matches of IPL, the pre and post shows ROCK big time!! IPL is a great PACKAGE indeed!

Saguna Baug – In Harmony with Nature

I visited the Saguna Baug at Neral yesterday with my friends (hardcore management students!!). It’s a place known for Organic Farming, horticulture, floriculture with a wonderful river which is a swimmer’s delight! You all must have heard about camel ride, horse ride but here they have a BUFFALO ride!!  Saguna Baug has a lovely green environment with unique trees and fruits. We all know the commonly said names of these trees, but the English names of these trees are extremely difficult to pronounce for a common man like me!

The ambiance is very village like with simple food and hospitable people. The guides there are cordial and try to answer all odd questions thrown at them! There is boating also in a pond within the premises. Those interested, can enjoy fishing as well! But those who are faint hearted should not attempt to catch a fish!! There are cottages and dormitories also for those who want to rest amongst the woods or for those who want to stay overnight.

The charges are very nominal and it’s worth every penny you pay. It’s a 15 minute drive from Neral station and is accessible by a car also. All in all, a very convenient place to head for a picnic/ trip/ get together!

It’s a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. A day there is sure to recharge all your batteries. So friends, if you have the time, a good company, then pack your bags and head to a nice, simple, yet a place seriously rich with nature called, ‘Saguna Baug.’

Statutory Warning: If you are caught plucking flowers/ fruits, there is a HEFTY FINE of 

Rs. 500/- !!!!

Marathi Natak (plays)

Currently following some good Marathi plays (nataks)… Some good ones coming in and it’s good to see that the BIG stars are taking time out and performing in these plays... It’s looking good for this industry… It is on the rise and some good actors are contributing to its growth…

I saw a Marathi natak, “Keshava Madhava” which is based on the existence or non existence of God and how one man played by Makarand Anaspure fights against God to claim his insurance… It has some good punches in there and the dialogues are wonderful… It is worth a watch…

But, for me, the best nataks to watch anytime would be The King, Prashant Damle’s “Gela Madhav Kunikade ”  and The Prince, Bharat Jadhav’s “Punha Sahi re Sahi.”

Friends, if you have the time, do watch the current Marathi nataks, u will enjoy them BIGGGG time!!!

Mumbai Indians and the IPL

After watching the last few matches of MI and following them over the last 4 years, we can say that this team is the most unpredictable!! They can lose the easiest of easiest of matches and win the toughest of matches! They have also managed to win the Champions League which was an absolute delight!!

MI has the biggest support staff right comprising of Robin, Pollock, Jonty and many other experts of their fields. It is very frustrating when this team loses against weaker oppositions. They have the powerhouse in Pollard, the best T20 bowler Malinga, the wily off spinner and captain Bhajji and off course THE GOD… Not to forget the encouragement and support provided by the team owner Nita Ambani… Come on guys fight hard and make it BIGGGGG… On paper I feel MI is one of the strongest, if not the strongest…

The DD team I can say is perhaps the most in form team at the moment… This IPL is now going to be closely fought with DC and Kings 11 making the move… We should not count out the underdogs RR either! Many have been criticizing the IPL and saying many negative things, but one thing for sure, this is pure entertainment and I feel something better than the daily soaps!

IPL is here to stay and will continue to generate interest as long as champions all around the world keep playing and performing for their teams!

Meeting Social Entrepreneurs

Interacting quite regularly now with some SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS… Getting to know the minute details of this field…  Interesting and innovative to the core… A wonderful field indeed… Nice to know that many youngsters are taking up social initiatives as a launch pad…

Social Entrepreneurs

Social entrepreneurs are a unique class of people who use their strong business sense and urge to solve societal problems.

These are people who are enterprising individuals who with innovation apply management and business strategies to solve problems of the society. This movement of social entrepreneurship is gaining speed gradually in India and other parts of the world. 

Social Entrepreneurship...

What is Social Entrepreneurship?

There have been numerous attempts at defining Social Entrepreneurship.

“Social entrepreneurship is the work of a social entrepreneur. A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change. Whereas a business entrepreneur typically measures performance in profit and return, a social entrepreneur assesses success in terms of the impact s/he has on society.”  – Wikipedia

There are 3 key components that emerge out of this definition and are more of less common when it comes to other variations of the definition of Social Entrepreneurship:

* The problem

* A sustainable solution

* Social change

Some more info coming your way!! 

A new and a very engaging concept gaining ground all around! Its Social Entrepreneurship.
Its all about doing things and activities with an objective of helping the society to grow and prosper and also nurture its growth and lead it towards prosperity...

Lotz more coming your way on this BUZZword... Keep logged in here for further updates on
Social Entrepreneurship and Prasanna's take on this!!

Keep Blogging!!

Prasanna says...

Cricket is taking centrestage at the moment with IPL reaching a crucial stage... Many teams still not sure about their best 11! Tricky but true...

Meanwhile thanx to Vicky Donor movie, sperm donation is the newest BUZZWORD!!

Gold is on the rise... Safe investment???