Interesting Evening..

She made her way through the beautifully decorated lobby of The Star, into its dim lit yet expensively furnished bar. Hopping on the bar stool, she smoothed the folds of her dress in place and flicked back a strand of hair.

Her kohl-lined eyes darted back and forth, soaking in the ambience along with its clientele. Akanksha's heartbeat slowed down to a  normal pattern.

The bartender glided over to enquire about the new customer's preferential spirit. 

In his mid-20s, Rakesh was a seasoned bartender who had seen all types of drinkers. He was mentally assessing what would be her preferred poison. The conclusion was a glass of sangria/wine.

"How can i get the evening started?" asked Rakesh.

"Hi. Can i get a Watermelon Mojito with less mint leaves and salted rim, please" Akanksha replied.

Rakesh was pleasantly surprised by the order and glad he was proved wrong, since he loved making interesting cocktails and appreciated interesting requests.

A beautifully made cocktail appeared in front of her, eliciting a dazzling smile. It was her most preferred drink. A plate of hummus and pita accompanied the order. Akanksha was as comfortable as a couch potato in front of a TV.

Interest piqued, Rakesh inititated a conversation.

" Havent seen you around, first time at the Star? "

"Oh yes, New to the city and  had read such great reviews on zomato. I had to experience it!"

"Excellent thought. What brings you to our city"

"Work and a bit of fernweh. This state is so beautiful, no wonder it is truly God's own country".

" Will someone be joining you for dinner. I can recommend a great sea food choice"

" Haha, sorry to disappoint. But am a vegetarian who shall be dining alone."

" My bad. My habit of interacting with guests makes me carried away with liberties at times"

" No problems, glad to have some company to talk to. "

" Have u done any sight seeing around? Again, i can recommend few things, Haha"

" Sure, please do. I have just been to the sea face marine drive, the cruise was interesting but at times, people ask me many personal questions here. As if am an exotic creature."

" Not to blame them, but its simple curiousity regarding what brings a beautiful girl to this side of the country"

" Is it your job profile to flatter everyone who has a drink here?"

" You are an exceptional case"

" Glad.. Atleast it will be a fun evening rather than personal musings"

After 2 Mojitos, 1 Bira white and amazing conversation with Rakesh, Akanksha was all set to return to her place.

" Hope to see you again back at the STAR. I shall make interesting fruity cocktail for u next time"

" Sounds delicious! Hey, Rakesh how about catching up for coffee as well.. I mean, if you would like to.. off duty hours"  She was fumbling with her words yet hoping, a positive reply.

Rakesh's heartbeat was so erratic that he could hear it in dolby sound! Elated beyond words since he loved the ease of conversing with her on various topics!

"Sure, Give me your number and i shall ping you"

" Awesome.. See u soon.. My City google"

The Road map that should have been taught in MBA!

Post graduation studies helps in enriching the knowledge in the specific area chosen. 

Courtesy:Google

Embarking on a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) course fulfills many checklists. Getting a cushy-well paying job, learning new things within your area of interest, resume building, guidance for entrepreneurship etc. 

We learn many management theories in various subjects such as, McGregor's Theory, BCG matrix, SWOT analysis,Maslow's hierarchy theory, 4 P's of marketing and so on..

These theories are good to learn and understand, but not always practical to apply. Also, I strongly believe the need of introducing a subject in MBA which will teach you basics of documentation needed anywhere. For example: 

How to file your ITR, buying-selling-renting properties' documentation, overview of Government department which help you in your start up plan, Bank processes for applying loans and working capital requirements etc. 

The course should be a structured road map of the technical work, one has to undergo after completing the degree. Without it, you are a fish out of water. 

Courtesy: Google

I had to relearn everything from start, once i joined business after my MBA. 

Armed with theories and knowledge, bursting with enthusiasm, I joined my Petroleum business. Within no time, i could identify gaps/better processes and suggested the same to my parents. They made me understand that all theories wont apply in real life. Instead, the target market with their mentalities should be assessed before taking any decision. 

Also, when we were about to start a new venture, I was stunned to learn the innumerable permits/licences needed. A Bird's eye-view of regulations would have helped me when I was standing like a deer in front of the headlights! 

Wish MBA courses include this roadmap of regulations/simple documentation and make the students more equipped to deal with the realities of life. 

This Post is inspired by Indispire's post -- 

What's the most necessary change our education system need ? what's your view(s) in this issue?

 

Change is the only constant!

Repeated actions done over a period of time, becomes a habit! But, Never say never to CHANGE!

We, Indians love our traditional customs and habits. 

My memory fails to identify the exact timeline which imbibed my habits in me. Courtesy my mom and the marwari household, I grew up in! 

Few things like, visiting the puja room after getting dressed to convey good morning to the Lord, touching your Elders' feet while saying Jai Shri Krishna, being courteous and humble, doing pranam when someone is going out of station or coming from one, praying to God before sleeping, no wearing black colour during religious pujas and on auspicious days etc; are deeply embedded in my lifestyle. 

Practices which are good and help you grow as an grounded individual should always be accepted with open arms. 

However, redundant practice like sitting away and eating on a plastic plate during those 5 days of the month "periods" should be removed! Its alright not to visit temples during this time, but taking it far ahead and insisting to eat and sleep separately makes you feel like a social pariah! 

During festivals, parents used to make us speak to distant relatives, like my mom's mother's sister or her son, to give them best wishes. Thus ensuring we were more social within our family and extended family, to know our relations and continue them with similar warmth. 

In the Gen-Next era, change seems to be constant and consistent. New blood infused with terrific ideas, being more socially connected and aware, having information on their fingerprints, is paving a way for new set of customs and lifestyle change. 

The technological advent, with its pros and cons, should empower us to juxtapose old and new traditions. 

 

Upcoming generation, may or may not follow the social practice of staying connected with extended family. 

They might replace the jai shri krishna with hello/namaste/whatsup?. 

Its possible they eradicate the stigma of the menstrual cycle! 

It shall be perfectly okay if they are not overtly religious or display it to the world! 

Change which evolves us as better human beings by making us humble yet true to oneself is the need of the hour. It just shouldn't be hurtful and disrespectful to the older generation but taking them along on this voyage!

My personal thoughts are penned here. 

Thanks to Indispire topic--  share a thought about a social practice that is/was followed in your generation but you feel will not hold good for the next/current generation?