Celebrating 1000 Full Moons

My uncle (chote phupaji – father’s younger sister’s husband) Mr. Balkisanji Jajoo is completing 81 years today - Sahasra Chandra Darshan. It signifies that he has seen 1000 full moons in his life. We pray for many more full moons in his life and his blessings in our lives.

Phupaji is like father figure for us. He has special quality to easily mingle with any age group.

My Dadaji shared a special bond with him as stock market buddy. Memories go back around year 1975 at Pune. Around 4 pm, my Dadaji (grandfather) would call Phupaji’s Mumbai office and ask him in Marvadi language, “Kai keve market?” (What was  the trend of stock market today?).

I always admired how Phupaji considered his spouse’s father (my Dadaji) as own father. After Dadaji’s demise in 1992, Phupaji emotionally said, “Many incidences of my association with him are just passing in front of my eyes”.

Back then, Phupaji would pay many short visits to my parent’s place at Pune during his work related travel. He would take special interest in explaining Science related concepts to me. We get inspired with his fond memories about IIT, Mumbai where he has completed Masters in Metallurgical Engineering with Gold Medal.

Seeing off family member visiting foreign country on work was a big family event. Family photo wishing Phupaji ‘Bon Voyage’ at Santacruze airport has special place in our family album.

Being Marvadi, Phupaji always enjoyed being self employed. He shares about struggle period as how material was transported manually for his startup.

Though Phupaji quit job following passion for business, he had graceful exit. He had excellent rapport with Late H K Firodiya (Founder of Kinetic Engineering Ltd). After my engineering, Phupaji fixed an appointment for same day with one phone call to Hastimalji’s PA. It was a great experience to interact with the legend. Hastimalji took keen interest in my project with Automotive Research Association and returned the research paper later after reading the same.  Hastimalji’s passion to keep learning in spite of being head of successful company creates a mark in mind.

Phupaji fulfilled his dream to setup foundry to produce high precision castings. In those days, he implemented gender diversity at factory for controlled employee behavior leading to good productivity. Funds were spent with caution, office had to look good so he chose bamboo for cubicles; great look in least cost. However, circumstances were not in favor and Phupaji had to leave the factory ownership. This setback was handled with courage.

Phupaji speaks only to the point and observes more. Once while traveling he noticed one teenager co-passenger. With his body language, he could make out that this young man is on wrong path. Phupaji tactfully spoke to him, brought him home and later united him with his family. Had Phupaji ignored the boy’s behavior, one life could have gone in wrong direction.

Phupaji has keen interest in many subjects other than academics. He has out of the box thinking. As children, we used to get fascinated during visit to his home. We were always attracted to collage made with cutouts from magazine in drawing room.  We felt awestruck when Phupaji explained the concept of collage as "Depiction of life from his eyes".

Phupaji’s guru’s life size statue in meditating pose, passes positive energy at Phupaji’s home.

Phupaji always encourages Bhuaji to keep learning as per her interest. Bhuaji would run library in their society and we children used to enjoy all books during our visit.

Phupaji is fond of good movies, once he tweaked his schedule a bit to watch Kamal Amrohi’s  great movie Pakiza during his Pune visit. Good balance of work and enjoyment. He is also fond of good food that he consumes in limits.

Phupaji’s deep study in spirituality and magneto therapy benefits many.

He is a true fighter. One of the few cases I know to quickly bounce back to normalcy after stroke. He started exercises at hospital bed itself and later devised techniques to build muscle strength.

Calculated food, exercise, meditation, knowledge sharing, positivism... guide us with more secrets of energy! 

Phupaji, keep inspiring us!

What you become during the journey!

Serial entrepreneur Abhay Deshpande is well known in the Indian start-up circuit as the e-commerce enabler for building India's No. 1 e-commerce platform MartJack (acquired by Capillary Tech).

The current venture RecyKal is pioneer in waste management sector.

Recently, Abhay received the award ‘The mentor of Hyderabad’ from prestigious YourStory and Telangana Innovation cell (A govt of Telangana Initiative) group. Another feather in cap!

On Sunday, 23^rdJune, 2019 evening, Abhay’s close friends who reside in same community, celebrated his success - felicitation as ‘Mentor’. This informal function was planned as total surprise to Abhay.

His better half Pornima had managed to maintain the secret. Pornima had convinced Abhay with story of dinner with kids as part of father’s day celebration. After all, Pornima has mentored the celebrity ‘Mentor’ 😉

Abhay’s professional achievements have been covered at multiple online posts where Abhay has given the credit to family, team, his dreams and hard work. However, candid conversation amongst friends and family gave different perspective about Abhay’s qualities those make him the outstanding human being that he is today.

Abhay has traits of his grandfather who had supported many persons at home town, ‘Nanded’. Now Abhay is doing mentor-ship at broader platform.

Abhay is blessed to be part of supportive and encouraging family.

Memories go two decades back. Nitin Padmawar and Girish Kasliwal heard 1^st time about Abhay at engineering college as legend who had passed before them. After graduating, Nitin & Girish started software business. Responsibilities were divided based on strength; Nitin was hardcore techie and Girish worked towards business development.

While chasing same government contract, Nitin & Girish met Abhay for first time as competitor. Gradually interaction started and like-minded brains formed a team to build success story.

Nitin who is hardcore techie, appreciates how Abhay makes him visualize the dream as own. Eventually Nitin falls in trap and brings the dream to reality. Recently, Abhay had convinced Nitin that it would be fun projecting world cup cricket match with friends and family at community’s club house. Abhay can identify potential candidate & delegate. Though not being a cricket fan, Nitin enjoyed arranging all connections & hardware for the match 😊. It was sheer fun while cheering India to victory.

Nitin clearly remembers struggle period. Abhay once convinced team to build product search engine to fetch discounted price from each vendor. For team, challenge was to access data. Abhay proposed to build system itself to procure data. Dream big and strive to achieve!

Girish jokingly recalls that Abhay never wrote software programs but knew how to apply them practically. Abhay & Girish both handled business development. They worked from adjacent cabins and managed deals depending on own strength.

Pornima’s father (Papa) Mr. Ramesh lightheartedly shares dream about Pornima desiring to marry a person doing various odd jobs. Is Abhay bringing the dream to reality by excelling in diversified fields?

Abhay set first office for ‘MalaMall.com’ at Khairtabad. Papa visited to meet Abhay as prospective groom. Around year 2000, online business was new; Papa joking says, “still he doesn’t understand what Abhay does 😊”.

Abhay’s struggle, can be co-related with a story about British mountaineer girl. This girl was saved after being buried under snow for 4 days. This accident lead to leg amputation. But girl did not loose hope and she conquered Everest using artificial limbs. This desire to struggle to achieve the goal in spite of failures is Abhay’s quality.

Abhay continues to correct previous mistakes; for example, team members are now chosen depending on their capability.

Abhay laughs while remembering registration of 200+ domain names each time new business idea was struck.

Abhay can foresee next problem. When others feel there is no escape from problem, Abhay will show another aspect; real out of the box thinking.

Abhay with his go-getter attitude and positive impatience continued to bring new dreams to reality. Team is growing. Abhishek (aka Bittu) at RecyKal, Prabhu at payment related portal and list goes on.

Pornima’s popularity as leader goes back to college days. While contesting for Student’s Council, opposite party had kidnapped her but finally released as Pornima was a strong contender. Poornima excelled at studies too; received offer from leading MNC’. However, she preferred to handle family responsibility so that Abhay could work peacefully.

Pornima proves the saying that, ‘there is a woman behind every successful man’.

Daughters Aarya, Aadi, appreciate mother for playing role of both parents during father’s busy schedule. They are proud of their father and feel, he can work with total dedication as mother efficiently handles home front.

Abhay enjoys positivity amongst community friends. His 1^st major success was achieved after coming to community. After hectic day, relaxed evenings or active mornings with sports (like cricket, lawn tennis, table tennis etc.) amongst friends recharges his energy for next day.

Abhay has striking quality to eat food with respect. He is a very friendly, humble and modest person; always ready to help! It can be to help to physically carry gas cylinder for neighbor or to negotiate property deal; anything where Abhay can help.

Some friends connect over sports, some over charity and other common interests.

Few connect to him over his desire to share knowledge gained from his experience. He is even ready to visit your home and guide; this small gesture builds great bonds.

While mentoring Abhay asks, what kind of feedback do you want? Sugar coated or straight? It is heartening to know that 90+% people prefer straight feedback.

Abhay is a great leader in business as well as in sports. During intra-community cricket, people prefer playing in Abhay’s team as Abhay can make opponent loose using strategy to mentally deviate opposite team.

There are so many qualities young generation can learn from Abhay. He is living role model.

Extension to quote that applies to Abhay: “It’s not the destination. It is not the journey. It is what you become during the journey.”

“…Napi hain mutthibhar zameen, abhi to aasman baki hain”.

We all wish all the best to Abhay, family and team!

The Inspiring Story of Abhay Deshpande: How a CEO Made a Successful Exit Inspite of Every VC Turning Him Down!

From Malamall’s Bust ToMartJack’s Multimillion Dollar Exit: Abhay Deshpande’s Entrepreneurial Baptism By Fire

Why does this made-in-India product get e-commerce like no one else? The Martjack Story

The art of survival

Hyderabad :MartjackCeo Abhay Deshpande On Startup India (YouTube – interview in Marathi)

Stimulating Sunday at Glorious Greenfields

Welcome Greenfield farm. It is Zenobia (Zen) and Sarosh Rustomfram’s dream that has come true with their efforts of 2+ decades. 

Participating in Zen’s professionally tailored activities based on Outward Bound  while connecting with ‘Mother Nature’ at Greenfield is an enlightening experience. Various groups from different walks of life  get benefited from these activities. Can you believe that it just through word of mouth; no publicity via website, advertisement etc is needed! Today members of ‘Seva Counseling Centre’ are participating in activities. Aim is to enhance their counseling skills while enjoying together, away from city’s hustle-bustle.

Zen is psychologist and works as counselor with NASR school and ISB. Zen explains that ‘Outward Bound’ is an old outdoor pursuit inspired during WW II (year 1941) to enhance young sailor’s capacity as a team member to excel in difficult and daunting tasks. This technique had protected young sailors from succumbing to the torpedo like dangers of the Atlantic Convoys.

Zen and Sarosh’s memories about Greenfield’s inception and growth are still fresh in their minds. Two decades ago, Sarosh was totally involved in his family business, ‘Rustom Bar’ at Koti that is busiest area of Hyderabad.  Zen was also busy as psychologist and counselor.  Sarosh used to miss his tea estates at Assam dearly. One day, they decided to listen to their heart and bought these 2 acres of land that was stamped as infertile in those days.  With their efforts and arrangement of water source, presence of single tree is enhanced to un-countable trees now.  Multi-facility farmhouse caters to all needs now but initial make shift home in Ambassador Dickey is still fondly remembered :)

When first camp of ‘Outward Bound’ was initiated, Zen was not sure if participant would show up on successive day. However, Zen was pleasantly surprised when participants came before time as they had found strong content in Zen’s program and there was no looking back from that time. 

Did you know Greenfield attracts many migratory birds from nearby Gandipet Lake?  Can you listen to the bird chirping; are they announcing their happiness about fruit bearing trees reserved for them at the farm?  Look at these busy squirrels & dancing butterflies making the atmosphere livelier. Colorful blossom on trees is indicating the arrival of spring. 

Wow Sevaites have reached before 9:30 am, their allocated time. Zen and Sarosh are joined by Benzer the Labrador in welcoming and guiding the guests  to classroom. Does classroom remind you of Shanti-Niketan?  Enjoy nature in absence of walls but be assured about roof’s protection from heat and rain.

Plato’s quote on blackboard is saying it all: You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. 

Zen is mischievously pointing to adventure activity related equipments on adjacent ground but what is her real plan? Well, Pandora’s Box of surprises is slowly opening.

As first activity, randomly form pairs. Exchange fact about individual that group does not know, share feeling at particular moment and mention thought coming to mind.

As second activity, complete funny but virtually impossible task. Observation and repetition can lead to perfection.

Now Zen is taking the group to show how yield of farm is consumed at farm itself.  Cattle hay is grown at farm for the pair of plouging bulls. There are lot of fruits and crops like groundnut, wheat and vegetables like tomato etc. Effort is made to remain 80% organic. Compost manure is produced in the farm itself. Scientific approach of growing pest preventing plantations seemed really appreciable.  

Group is experiencing nostalgia about school days while testing raw tamarind. Zen is explaining characteristics of all plants; it is known that Neem tree possesses cooling properties but it is not known that tamarind’s warmth can lead to fever after 2-3 hours.

Zen is now suggesting that each participant should spend 10 minutes at their favorite spot in farm and bring back natural thing that would relate to trait of own personality.

Let’s exchange thoughts those were discussed in first activity and share relation of nature with own personality. Collected natural items are like Crossandra  (Aboli) seed, fruits like sweet lime, coconut, tomato vegetable, flowers like Jasmine, Hibiscus, curry leaf and Bougainvillea, tender leaf  of Mango, grass,  hay, pebbles, ash, wind etc.  Everyone is feeling the peace after finding own natural connection. Thought exchange and sharing of feelings is important for counselors.

Series of showers on sunny Sunday are stimulating surroundings and glorifying greens at Greenfield.

Third activity is completion of logical group task under specific restrictions. This is thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking activity for leaders and followers to build team spirit.

Last activity is about challenging human sense organs to express and respond to mutual faith.

Simultaneous to activities, delicious breakfast, lunch, snacks and tea (with biscuits/popcorn) are being personally served by gracious and charming hosts at appropriate times.

Activities leading to adrenaline rush like Burma Bridge etc.  are reserved for next visit.

 

Never realized how day passed and it is time now to give feedback, convey thanks to Greenfield team and bid goodbye. 

The experience will be cherished forever.

"Contriving Celebration with Celebrity"

He is path setter, celebrity, famous anchor, has interviewed "who's who" including ‘President Abdul Kalam’ ! There was so much of excitement about meeting ‘Sudhirji Gadgil’ in person to invite for parent’s golden anniversary. 

Location for Sudhirji’s  residence seemed tastefully chosen; cool breeze from nearby water body  and positive vibes from adjacent meditation center were enhancing the serenity of the place. Door to Sudhirji’s artistically decorated sweet home was already open & we were welcomed with warm “Namaskar” (greetings) as if we were old friends. 

Sudhirji was multitasking - discussion with colleague, playing with Neel – his bubbly grandson, ensuring comfort of guests who had gathered for family function, receiving successive work related calls involving leaders from politics and industry -  all simultaneous activities. Sudhirji seemed habituated to note all information in his brain. His driver acted as backup arrangement by reminding about important activity when missed. 

Plan for next day’s Mumbai tour after previous day’s Ratangiri tour showed his high energy levels that he claimed to receive from his bond with people. Sudhirji shared another secret of his health & energy as early morning walk in Saras Baug.

We were introduced to all family members - eldest Mom who is active in nineties, youngest grand daughter who is just 2 months old, architect son, charming daughter-in-law, advocate daughter & techie son-in-law. Sudhirji’s better half was smiling at us from photo decorated with fresh flowers.  Her presence was felt more from Sudhirji’s fond memories.

Each memento in the home had interesting story to share. 'Punyabhooshan Award' (Jewel of Pune) represented historical incident about Pune inception by King Shivaji. Awardee for Punyabhooshan are generally leaders from respective fields; in Sudhirji’s case, he is not only leader, his field of 'compering' itself is initiated by him. Sudhirji is lucky to be able to take up hobby of ‘people interaction’ as profession. Though being qualified in finance field, Sudhirji took bold step of choosing journalism. He thanked his soul mate  & thoughtful Mom for being supportive in his decision. 

“You ought to be deserving person if you are interviewed by Sudhirji” these words engraved on copper plate by ‘Shiv Sena’ founder 'Balasaheb Thakre' say it all.It was surprising to see drawing personally made by legendry writer and humorist  'P. L. Deshpande'. There were precious photos too – one sitting next to 'President Abdul Kalam' and another with singer queens 'Lataji' and 'Ashaji'.

We felt honored when Sudhirji accepted to accompany us to our parent’s place. Sudhirji’s humble nature surprised us when he bowed to our parents as mark of respect. He immediately created bond with father as both were N.M.V. alumni. Association with various social organizations, Madu friend circle from his BMCC college, knowledge of various food joints being foodie himself helped to strike the chord further. 

Sudhirji sat with our family for interesting discussion about various topics. We like “Indian Common Citizens”, were eager to know his judgment about current politics. It was interesting to get few pointers about his information network. He shared  innovative ideas about own shows like 'Varasa' (Inheritance) that brings successful successive generations on one dais and also about family documentaries that were admired by TOI under series ‘Packaging Grandpa’.  

He shared many anecdotes from his wide experience of being editor, advertising slogan writer, show producer at Doordarshan, other TV channels and organizations like Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City etc. 

We shared nostalgia with old memories about Babasaheb Purandare's live shows portraying King Shivaji at 'Renuka Swaroop' grounds and Sudhirji Phadke's 'Geet Ramayan' at 'New English School' grounds. We Puneites laughed at ourselves referring to famous 'Puneri Patya' (Suggestion Boards) & 'Puneri Bana' (Attitude).

We had always admired Sudhirji’s knack of pulling leg without offending others. After noticing my ignorance in handling new gadget, Sudhirji seriously asked, “You are an engineer, right?”. I joined others in laughter. 

We felt this meeting should continue for some more time but Sudhirji had an appointment at his favorite meeting joint 'Roopali'.

We bid him good bye. We are looking forward to watch his program 'Mulkha Vegli Manse' (Path-breaking Personalities) and benefit from his rich experience and high energy levels. 

Hats off to you Sudhirji.