Invited as a Guest Speaker at ICTACT BRIDGE 2015 – A Largest Industry Institute Interaction Event of India – 17 Feb 2015- Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai

I have been invited to be a guest Speaker at ICTACT BRIDGE 2015 – A Largest Industry Institute Interaction Event of India – 17 Feb 2015- Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. I feel so honoured to be sharing the dias with a host of luminaries from the Government, Academia & the Corporate world. 

The 19^th Edition of ICTACT BRIDGE is scheduled on the 17^th Feb 2015 (Tue) at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai. The theme of this Edition is “The Big Digital World” and will focus on all generations of digital era to discuss and iterate on digital business, technologies and skill for the future digital World. The summit will be attended by around 2000 academicians, industry experts and government officials from across the state.
 
The conference will also have a special focus to trigger and inject vigor into the Nations’ two big visions, through initiating a pledge movement for the key objectives of the two big visions.

• Digital India - Developing Digital Citizens
• Make In India - Fostering Innovation, Skill Development, Development & Projecting IP

I will be speaking on "Digital Skills and Workforce"

ICTACT Bridge will also reach to a huge share of society through its online presence on the day of the conference.ICTACT Bridge as a platform has been showcasing the thoughts of Industry Leaders, eminent personalities and senior government officers who are leading India for today and future. 
 

ICTACT is an Initiative of Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu and Industry, a pioneering venture under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, working with an objective of developing the next generation talent.

Speakers

Am really privileged and excited and looking forward to the event and catching up with my old friends from Chennai and addressing a large diverse audience.

ictactbridge2015-conferencebrochure-150209210658-conversion-gate02.pdf

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Our Journey to the New World, a medley of Travelogue by Raju & Manna

 My parents had visited the United States of America in 1989 courtesy the kind sponsorship of my uncle Late Dr CK Prahalad. They embarked on a 3 month trip to the US, Canada and UK. My father had jotted down his experiences on the trip in a tour diary and I stumbled upon it. Hence I took upon the task of reconstructing it and publishing a book " Our Journey to the New World, a medley of Travelogue by Raju & Manna". The book was published in Feb 2009 and was released by my uncle late Dr. CK Prahalad at a function in Bangalore. I have run short of the hard copies of the book and there were many who were interested in reading the book.

Hence I have created  e-book of the same and re-publishing it on public demand & for those who couldn't lay a hand on it. Hope you like reading it and would value your kind feedback.

ParentsUSTripV2.pdf

3rd NHRD National HR Shared Services Summit at Mumbai

Had a good time at the 3rd NHRD National HR Shared Services Summit at Mumbai. Good to have met my HR friends from other organisations and know whats happening in the field of HR Shared Services. A great program organised by NHRD and an array of speakers. Happy to have shared our Schneider Experience on "HR Transformation". 

Hindu Rituals and Routines Why Do We Follow Those?

Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hindu dharma has many specialties. This is not known as a religion, it is known as the dharma; Sanaathana Dharma.

Sanaathana means, according to Bhagavath Geetha, which cannot be destroyed by fire, weapons, water, air, and which is present in all living and non living being. Dharma means, the way of life which is the ‘total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals’.

Sanaathana Dharma has its foundation on scientific spirituality. In the entire ancient Hindu literature we can see that science and spirituality are integrated. It is mentioned in the 40th chapter of the Yajurveda known as Eesaavaasya Upanishad that use scientific knowledge for solving problems in our life and use the spiritual knowledge for attaining immortality through philosophical outlook. Remember that in each and every aachaaraa there will be a component of spirituality in it.

Without spirituality, nothing exists in Sanaathana dharma. Generally everyone bear a wrong impression that this spirituality is religion. Spirituality is different in Hindu dharma. Here the question of religion does not exist at all, because Hindu dharma was not created by an individual, prophet or an incarnation. Spirituality is a part of every Hindu custom in the normal life of a Hindu.

Aachaaraas are to be followed based on their merits available from the self experience; you need not blindly follow a teacher or someone who gives advice without reasoning. All these aachaaraas are mentioned for the prosperity of the human beings and it should be the prime focus for practicing the Hindu aachaaraas.

Achaaryaath paadam aadatthe
paadam sishya swamedhayaa
paadam sa brahmachaaribhya
sesham kaala kramena cha

This is an important advice given in smruthies. It means a person can get only one quarter
of knowledge from Achaarya - the teacher, another quarter by analyzing self, one quarter by discussing with others and the last quarter during the process of living by method addition, deletion, correction, and modification of already known aachaaraas or new aachaaraas.

Aachaaraath labhathe hi ayu:
aachaaraath dhanamakshayam
aachaaraath labhathe suprajaa:
aachaaro ahanthya lakshanam

Aachaaraas are followed for the psychological and physiological health and long life;
Aachaaraas are followed for prosperity and wealth; Aachaaraas are followed for strong family and social bondage and following the Aachaaraas give a fine personality, dharmic outlook and vision, says our dharmasaastra.

In India everyone followed Aachaaraas for the above mentioned psychological, physiological, family relation, social benefits and national integration based benefits. It is your right and duty to understand scientifically, rationally and logically the meaning of each and every Aachaaraas and follow the same in your life systematically.

Hindu Rituals and Routines.pdf

Will be speaking at the 3rd NHRDN Summit on HR Shared Services & Technology

Will be speaking at the 3rd National NHRDN Summit on HR Shared Services & Technology at Mumbai on the 29th Jan at Lalit Hotel, Mumbai. Am privileged to be speaking with a galaxy of HR Leaders at this prestigious event, yet again

http://www.peoplestrong.com/hrss_summit/speakers/

Advertisement released in Mumbai, Economic Times News Paper on the 19th Jan

http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/index.aspx?EID=31818&dt=20150119

Schneider Got Talent

Here is another Employee Engagement video - Schneider Got Talent- that we had created at APC by Schneider Electric. The theme was to emphasise that India has got Talent and Schneider Got Talent. Again a wonderful experience creating this video. Hope you like it.

JOSH UNLIMITED at APC

We had created an awsome corporte engagement video - JOSH UNLIMITED while at APC some years back. The icing on the cake was when the CEO wanted it to be played back after a few years while on a trip to India a few years back. Nostalgic memories of APC - definitely JOSH UNLIMITED. It was great fun penning the son, scripting the video, shooting it at office and Wonder La and then releasing it. Hope you like it....

My Sons (ANISH RANJAN) Engagement

Happy to announce that my son Anish Ranjan is engaged with Shwetha Kabbinahittilu on 3rd Jan 2015. We drove down to Mangalore with my Uncle & Aunty – Mr&Mrs. CK Madvesh and with Sahana’s cousin Mrs. Bhavani Prakash and her aunty Indu Aunty.

The Engagement ceremony took place at Swetha’s palatial home in Mudipu near Mangalore.The program was well organised and attended. Thanks to the Bhat family – Ram, Pankaja, Ganesh & Swetha for organising a memorable event and being a wonderful host and for their kind hospitality. Thanks to all the near & dear ones who attended the program and especially to my Uncle & Aunty – Mr&Mrs. CK Madvesh and Sahana’s cousin Mrs. Bhavani Prakash and her aunt Indu Aunty for having drove down all the way to Mangalore and spending a few days with us.

Anish is the Founder & Creative Head of Paper Kraft Design Studio (an advertising & media solutions company) and Shwetha a BE (BioTechnology) works for Cell Works as a Scientist working on Cancer Drug delivery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMpfpb-8eXM

LIVE YOUR FULL LIFE

Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is considered a complete body workout. Yoga experts say that doing 12 sets of Surya Namaskar translates into doing 288 powerful yoga poses in a span of 12 to 15 minutes.

A workout for 'busy bees'

Facing a time crunch? Want to feel fit but don't know how? Welcome to the world of Surya Namaskar. Literally translated as sun salutation, Surya Namaskar comprises a sequence of 12 yoga postures. The best part about Sun Salutation is that it works well for those 'super busy' people who often complain about not being able to do yoga because of a time crunch. Doing at least 12 sets of Sun Salutation, preferably at sunrise, at a fast pace provides a good cardiovascular workout. If done at a slower pace, these postures help tone the muscles and can be relaxing and meditative. Moreover, it allows you to enjoy the stretch and makes the body more flexible.

Though pretty much an exercise in itself, Sun Salutation forms an excellent link between warm-ups and intense yoga postures. Start your early morning yoga routine with some warm-up stretches to ease out body stiffness. You can then do a few rounds of Sun Salutation to help increase body flexibility and also prepare the body to stretch more during the intense yoga posture sequence.

Sun Salutation is considered a complete body workout. Yoga experts say that doing 12 sets of Surya Namaskar translates into doing 288 powerful yoga poses in a span of 12 to 15 minutes.

Why Sun Salutation is good for you?

But that's not all. Regular practice of Sun Salutation offers a lot of interesting benefits for every part of the body. These powerful yoga poses have a great impact on the heart, liver, intestine, stomach, chest, throat, and legs - the whole body from top to bottom. It purifies the blood and improves blood circulation throughout the body and ensures proper functioning of the stomach, bowel, and nerve centres. Practicing Sun Salutation daily helps balance the three constitutions - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - that the body is made up of.

Your guide to Sun Salutations

Step #1: Pranamasana (Prayer pose)

Stand at the edge of your mat, keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both the feet.

Expand your chest and relax your shoulders.

As you breathe in, lift both your arms up from the sides and as you exhale, bring your palms together in front of the chest in a prayer position.

Step #2: Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)

Breathing in, lift the arms up and back, keeping the biceps close to the ears. In this pose, the effort is to stretch the whole body up from the heels to the tips of the fingers.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

You may push the pelvis forward a little bit. Ensure you're reaching up with the fingers rather than trying to bend backwards.

Step #3: Hasta Padasana (Hand to foot pose)

Breathing out, bend forward from the waist, keeping the spine erect. As you exhale completely, bring the hands down to the floor, beside the feet.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

You may bend the knees, if necessary, to bring the palms down to the floor. Now make a gentle effort to straighten the knees.

It's a good idea to keep the hands fixed in this position and not move them until you finish the sequence.

Step #4: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)

Breathing in, push your right leg back, as far back as possible. Bring the right knee to the floor and look up.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Ensure that the left foot is exactly in between the palms.

Step #5: Dandasana (Stick pose)

As you breathe in, take the left leg back and bring the whole body in a straight line.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor.

Step #6: Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with eight parts or points)

Gently bring your knees down to the floor and exhale. Take the hips back slightly, slide forward, rest your chest and chin on the floor. Raise your posterior a little bit.

The two hands, two feet, two knees, chest and chin (eight parts of the body touch the floor).

Step #7: Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

Slide forward and raise the chest up into the Cobra posture.You may keep your elbows bent in this pose, the shoulders away from the ears. Look up.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

As you inhale, make a gentle effort to push the chest forward; as you exhale, make a gentle effort to push the navel down. Tuck the toes under. Ensure you're stretching just as much as you can; do not force your body.

Step #8: Parvatasana (Mountain pose)

Breathing out, lift the hips and the tail bone up, chest downwards in an 'inverted V' (/) posture.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

If possible, try and keep the heels on the ground and make a gentle effort to lift the tailbone up, going deeper into the stretch.

Step #9: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)

Breathing in, bring the right foot forward in between the two hands, left knee down to the floor, press the hips down and look up.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Place the right foot exactly between the two hands and the right calf perpendicular to the floor. In this position, make a gentle effort to push the hips down towards the floor, to deepen the stretch.

Step #10: Hasta Padasana (Hand to foot pose)

Breathing out, bring the left foot forward. Keep the palms on the floor. You may bend the knees, if necessary.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Gently straighten the knees and if you can, try and touch your nose to the knees. Keep breathing.

Step #11: Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)

Breathing in, roll the spine up, hands go up and bend backwards a little bit, pushing the hips slightly outward.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Ensure that your biceps are beside your ears. The idea is to stretch up more rather than stretch backwards.

Step #12: Tadasana

As you exhale, first straighten the body, then bring the arms down. Relax in this position, observe the sensations in your body.

288 yoga poses in 12 minutes!

One round of Sun Salutation consists of 12 yoga poses. One set consists of two rounds of Sun Salutation:first stretching the right side of your body and then the left side. So, when you do 12 sets of Sun Salutation, you are completing 12 sets x 2 rounds in each set x 12 yoga poses in each = 288 yoga poses within 12 to 15 minutes.

Surya Namaskar calorie calculation:

One round of Surya Namaskar burns upto 13.90 calories for an average weighing person. You can now set a target for yourself. You can slowly increase the number of rounds of surya namaskar to 108. By the time you reach this number, you will become more toned and fitter.

30-minutes workout calorie meter: How many calories are you burning in your 30 minute workout?

• Weight lifting = 199 calories
• Tennis = 232 calories
• Basketball = 265 calories
• Beach volleyball = 265 calories
• Football = 298 calories
• Bicycling (14 - 15.9 mph) = 331 calories
• Rock climbing = 364 calories
• Running (7.5mph) = 414 calories
• Surya Namaskar = 417 calories

Besides good health, Surya Namaskar also provide an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet. Do 12 rounds of Sun Salutation and then rest deeply in yoga nidra. You might just find that this could be your mantra to stay fit, happy and peaceful. A mantra whose effects last through the day.

(Inputs : Sri Sri Yoga teacher, The Art of living)

13 roads to ride before you die

Throughout the world there are some incredible roads, roads which make your heart ache at the beauty of the scenery, roads that make your heart race with the intensity of the hair-pin bends and roads that you just want to keep riding, and riding, and riding.

Fortunately, the world isn't short on great roads and no matter which country you're in you're likely to find something to ride that you can write home about. We've rounded up 13 roads to ride before you die, it's one hell of a bucket list and we can only warn you here that the following article contains road porn and it may influence your decision to quit your job, pack your bags and head off in the hopes of bagging each one.

13 Roads to ride before you die

The Thonse Effect - my Experiment with Nature Cure

Here is a book that I have penned down narrating my experience with Nature Cure Treatment at Thonse Nature Cure Centre, Kemmanu, Udupi. It was a great eye opener and an unforgettable experience and felt that I should share this with the wider community. Hope you like it and would value your feedback. Happy reading.....

The THONSE Effect Final2

We Are South Indians & Not Just 'Madrasis'

A brilliant video every Indian from the South should definitely show this video to their friends from the Rest of India....ooph! to the Rest of the world. Most of them think South Indian means Madarasi, its time we educated them....

20-pictures-that-prove-that-nature-can-be-a-piece-of-art

Nature is the inspiration for many artists and many a piece of art. Be it a lake, a desert, a mountain, a volcano, a forest, or beaches.... nature has so much to offer to the art lovers. Well here are 20 places that prove that nature can be a piece of art. Must see it once in our life time. Come explore it @
20-pictures-that-prove-that-nature-can-be-a-piece-of-art

19 BRIDGES YOU MUST CROSS BEFORE YOU DIE

If you thought that bridges are meant to connect Point A to Point B, you are sadly mistaken. Its more than that. It can be picturesque, adventuresome, technical marvel and purely a exhilarating drive across mountains, seas, rivers, canyons, deserts etc.

Here have a look at 19 bridges that you must cross before you die

19-bridges-you-must-cross-before-you-die

Why not relive the Child in You....

If you thought that life is all but over in your old age, here is a great opportunity to live life again, after all Sophocles said "A man growing old becomes a child again". Why shouldnt you live your life as a child again.

Primus Eden, a one of a kind luxurious residential community for seniors nourishes and enriches the senior lifestyle through its palette of world class services available on demand around the clock, tailored just for you. Like your favourite coat that always fits or your all time favourite song that has every note right, the Primus Eden experience is a commitment to your individuality for a lifetime.

Primus Eden is a whole new living option which enhances every day with a 360 degree view of senior living providing for comfort, care, safety, and enrichment of its residents in a resort style environment where everything is literally the touch of a button away.

Its open to all who are above 55 years of age and Im tempted to consider trying it out when I cross the line...... why not relive the child in you

Check it out @

Mantri Primus Eden

Veg With An Edge! 16 Vegetarian Restaurants To Check Out In Bangalore

Tired of the pitiful looks that non-vegetarians give you? Non-vegetarians asking you what's the point in going out to eat if you're limited to soups and salads? Maybe you find your options to eat out limited. Does being a vegetarian make it difficult to try out new cuisines? 
Who said Vegetarian food can be boring & repetitive. Here is a list of restaurants and cafes in Bangalore that are perfect for the vegetarians that can tickle your taste buds no end and add spice to your life. 
We suspect we'll find the non-vegetarians trooping in too!

16 Vegetarian Restaurants to check out in Bangalore

13 Romantic Restaurants in Bangalore

A romantic meal on Valentine's day is so passé. Take that special someone, or even pamper yourself, to these intimate, epicurean dining experiences Bangalore has in store:

1. Olive Beach

Image credit: burrp

Despite being around in the city’s gastronomic landscape for several years, this fine dining restaurant does not fail to fascinate food connoisseurs. Nestled amidst the noisy streets of Ashok Nagar, the blue door at the entrance bridges you into a quaint Mediterranean escape. Fine wine, gourmet dishes and dimly lit old-fashion lanterns splattered against white walls make it nothing short of a romantic atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Location: Ashoknagar

Follow them here.

2. Grass Hopper

Image credit: Zomato

Founded, designed and run by Sonali Sattar and Himanshu Dimri, Grasshopper is a rare fusion of scrumptious food, serene space and personalised service. Tucked in a quiet farm, it is popular for its indulgent 7 course meal customized for each table. Ample greenery, relaxed setup and the hassle-free experience ensure a much needed break from the bustling cityscape.

Location: Bannerghatta Road

Follow them here

3. Big Brewsky

Image credit: Google+

One of the latest watering holes in the city, this microbrewery is spread across a lavish 23,000 sq.ft and claims to be one of the largest in South of India. The menu spells inspiration from the bylanes of Bengaluru and world over. The ambience; a chic blend of water bodies, starry lights and contemporary décor is a definite catch to the eye. Make sure you make a reservation around the beautiful pond for that special someone.

Location: Sarjapur Road.

Follow them here

4. Bricklane Grill

Image credit: AngelasBangalore

Simplicity meets elegance at Bricklane Grill. Dominating white interiors seated atop a hotel make it a classic in the alfresco dining culture of the city. A section of the restaurant has a view to the pool below. A short yet crisp food menu showcases Parsi, Mediterranean and Italian fare.

Location: Indiranagar

Follow them here.

5. Om Made Café

Image credit: Kunjal Thakkar Yipeedo

This European rooftop café overlooks the picturesque life of the neighbourhood. Originally a second to the Om Made Café at Anjuna, Goa, the franchise menu boasts organic ingredients and healthy dishes. Potted plants, candle lights and simple fuss-free furniture radiate a relaxed mood for a romantic meal in silver moonlight.

Location: Koramangala

Follow them here or here.

6. Tao Terraces

Image credit: Zomato

Another Asian diner, Tao Terraces gives you the feel of a walk across Thai Temples with cuisine hailing from nine oriental countries. Buddha Stupas, gold-leafed cielings, mammoth pillars and dark spaces make it a cozy dining spot. The terrace, flanked by high rising cabanas peering over the buzzing M.G Road, makes a neat private enclosure.

Location: MG Road

Follow them here

7. By the Blue, Grand Mercure

Image credit: Travelpod

Placed within Grand Mercure, this restobar specializes in Indian cuisine and grills, and is known for its poolside dining experience. A turquoise pool, live cooking stations and soothing music sets the mood right for a lazy Sunday brunch.

Location: Koramangala

Follow them here.

8. The Fatty Bao

Image credit: The fatty bao facebook

Lively, fun and distant from quiet sit down meals, the Fatty Bao stands distinct in the gastropub blooming hub of the city – Indiranagar. Multi coloured décor, giant pandas as wall art and quirky concoctions breathe boisterous youthfulness into this rooftop. Scrumptious Asian bites amidst off-beat ambience turn it into anything but regular prissy dining.

Location: Indiranagar

Follow them here or here.

9. 153 Biere Street

Image credit: 153 Biere Street facebook

A destination much more than a mere restaurant, 153 Biere Street houses a microbrewery (The Biere Club), a restaurant (Mustard and Cress), a bakehouse (Everything Stops for T), retail shops (Tailorman, Design Studio etc), a floristry (Ohana flowers) and an open space for events (The Patio). The cobbled pathway and Victorian streetlamps stage the old-world charm of European streets inspired by the locals. Catching up with your partner over a leisurely stroll along such a backdrop may just turn magical!

Location: Whitefield

Follow them here

10. Bene

Image credit: starwood hotel

This Italian restaurant is a blend of both warm indoor and breezy outdoor dining. Don’t expect traditional Italian décor as natural wood and stone bring out the feel of a modern Californian pizzeria.  The centrally placed Pizza Bar allows you to savour your order in the making, ingredient by ingredient.
 

Location: Malleshwaram

Follow them here.

11. Bang

Image credit: ritz carlton bangalore

A brand new addition to the city’s skyline, Bang, the rooftop bar on the 15th floor, offers a bird’s eye view of downtown Bangalore. Posh bar seating, centre fireplace, soothing water features and gardens will help build the mood. The menu offers platters, sliders and multi-cuisine dishes inspired by a novel ‘sharing concept’.

Location: Residency Road

Follow them here.

12. Le Cirque Signature

Image credit: zomato

A second in India, Le Cirque Signature, Bangalore is one of the latest additions to the fine dining destinations in Namma Uru. It brings culinary signatures of Italian and French origins from the flagship Le Cirque New York. Glass arch, candlelight and comfort ridden high rised seating extend a royal dining experience.  

Location: Old Airport Road

Follow them here.

13. Glass House

Image credit: The fork tales

Needless to say this deli bistro bar is overpowered by clear glass accents. Smooth see through glass setting lends timeless glamour to the place. Glass House brings world cuisine closer to Bangaloreans and will keep your date as transparent as it can get!

Location: Lavelle Road

Follow them here.

Source : http://www.polkacafe.com/articles/240/food/healthy-eating/veg-with-an-edge-16-vegetarian-restaurants-to-check-out-in-bangalore.html