An experience has no boundaries!

Life is something which has an end only when we see death. During this time we will only have experiences; it can be good or bad. Good teaches us to be happy and bad teaches us to learn from it and move on. We keep on learning with time. Whether such experiences make you a bad person or good person, I do not know. We can only learn from experiences that we have in our day to day life. I have surely learned from my experiences. It has made me stronger and better. These experiences have made me search my true soul within me and have helped me be a better human being. At times, I feel why we cannot handle our own emotions. It happens with me. I am unable to understand my own emotions. I have some mixed emotions about everything. Can we say maturity comes with experiences? Do we really get matured with experiences? Yes, of course, we do. If I feel I am matured enough to be my decision maker, then I am. After so many ups and downs in life, I don’t need people to suggest me. I ask such people to just work for themselves and on themselves. Have some soul searching for yourself? My experiences have taught me a lot. The best is that how to get more independent. For me, my independent nature has made me arrogant and rude. This is what people believe. If that is case, then I feel, I will be more independent because that will make me more secured. In today’s date, I cannot seek advice from anyone as everybody has their concerns. The concern is of course not for me but for them. Problem is I am just tired of proving myself. I am just tired of explaining myself. My mind and heart have got choked with pain and agony. My fault is nothing but still things will be pointed on me. I feel I am a lonely soul. I am a lonely soul. Lonely soul!

Will death penalty help?

Today once again I have decided to pen down my thoughts. I feel sad and shaken to write anything about. My mind is somewhere else and my heart is crying for someone. I mean it. I really do not have much to say--just spell bound. What is going on in this country, I question? Are we alive with a good soul? Is the soul pure? Obviously, to my understanding we are selfish species and egocentric mankind. Humanism has just disappeared somewhere in today's world. We are just left out with hunger and thirst for money, fame, power, and lust. Are there no better things to devote our time and energy? What is the silliest thing that is wrong in our over modern Indian society? As always, I and you do not have the right answer to explain it. Till now, I am shaken from inside and feel pity on the heinous crime and brutality that has been shown to the girl--now no more there among us. She has gone away. I hope wherever she is her soul may rest in peace. But, what now, will this incident be forgotten by us or will this be a lesson to remember for all? Will there be any justice? Of course, the government will not spare the culprits which is completely understandable. But will a death penalty change the thought process or the norms of the Indian society. The question is how to do away with such criminal acts like Rape. How? Today, she has been a victim and tomorrow someone else can become or may be something worse than this can occur. So, in that case, will a death penalty help? Can these types of punishment scare the people indulging themselves in such filthy activities? I am sure a strict punishment will not be enough to scare them. The only point I am trying to make is that this time they got caught and next they (rapists) will be alert and careful of getting caught. In fact, there are many incidents of such type taking place secretly without being a police case. Are we able to stop them? The answer is, no. The society and the government are doing enough for the people of this country. We should stop protesting and saying that government is not able to address this problem in the society. 'Rape' has got a law or an act. But the problem is it is just a law and people are not afraid of the law. That is very surprising for me to understand. I actually fail to get the point why man rapes? What is actually cooking in their mind when they are proceeding steps for such activities? Is this lust or poverty? Does life's enjoyment comes with raping a woman? Disgusting. What is lacking in our society? Is it education or right parenting. I suggest to every family in India to start educating their male within their households to treat women equal and not as the weaker sex. This should be done from now onwards and then see the result. I am sure rape word will vanish from this society. Why a woman should be scared to be out at 7 p.m in the evening or at 9 p.m in the night? There should not be any time constrain just like men are free to go out at any odd hours. Men are like free birds then why cannot women be. After this incident I get goose bumps at 7 p.m and always alert in my subconscious mind. Always being cautious of my footsteps wherever I am. Why I need to be so cautious living in my own land? I am not living in some foreign land. I want to feel safe and at ease. What else am I asking for more? I really want to be safe and protected. Can't I be? Can I get that in my own land, India? I will not suggest to take right actions against the accused or change of law. But would end up reminding you about Gloria Steinem who have rightly said, “We've begun to raise daughters more like sons but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.” Just think about it!

Newly-empowered government needs to wakeup

The new government needs to be on track to get set go with a new financial status in the upcoming budget. The industry has been reeling under the pressure of the massive economic slowdown, so now the order of the day after the election manifesto is to seek rigid and concrete measures which is requisite to implement for industry's prosperity.

Recently, the appointed Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has taken the charge of the finance ministry which means via heading ministry in the newly-empowered government will bring relief to some extent.

Mukherjee has already opined that he would address the issue of slackening growth through focusing on investment, particularly in the infrastructure sector. The industry stalwarts expects that the government needs to witness the situation of downturn closely and give steroids at this juncture not vitamins.

I think now the political agenda in the new government should include in-depth analysis of the crisis and proper consultations rather than encouraging ruthless political speculation within the government.

Time has arrived for the new government to encourage and focus on areas which has hit hard the Aam Admi. We need to safe millions of workers who have lost their jobs in the midst of the present economic crisis and restore the growth momentum.

I hope the next union budget would likely address the problems of varied sectors that are fighting under the financial turmoil. The government should encourage investment and also take steps to promote consumption of demand.

Recession will not last very long if proper prop up steps are taken to protect the economy. In fact, when earlier recession has hit hard the key markets such as US and UK, many jobs disappeared due to the crisis but the current recession has just gathered the steam of washing out employment opportunity as of now. In fact, the Obama administration is busy finding deliberately the reason for loosing jobs in the US nation.

Nonetheless, the Prime Minister of India has always put forward his view saying that India has still been insulated from the current crisis. If this is so, are we in a dilly-dallying situation where on one hand we know that India is insulated from the crisis and on the other hand we are reacting via witnessing the global financial meltdown. What is the fact, we need to be clear not confused, Isn't it?

Let us be lethargic and watch out what the new government is cooking for us.

Women entrepreneurs in SMEs - making it big!

By Namrata Kath Hazarika,

Are women entrepreneurs running the show? Today women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) no longer stand behind in the industrial world dominated by the masculine sex.

Notwithstanding the fact that women entrepreneurs are usually criticised for being too cooperative and compassionate, today, many women are not only occupying the coveted slots in corporate hierarchies, but have also emerged successful in leading a business of her own.

"They have moved ahead by getting their priorities right. They are educated, talented, know how to balance their personal and professional lives at the same time," says Pria Warrick, Executive Director of Warrick Finishing School.

Women entrepreneurs can initiate, organize, plan and above all operate an individual venture solely. They are now seen as being more accomplished in negotiations than their masculine counterparts.

In fact, like every single male entrepreneur even the women entrepreneur have varied functions. Women entrepreneurs are ready to face extreme challenges and have overpowered men in many aspects of business. They are smart enough to overcome the hurdles and explore the prospects of new ventures, ever ready to take risks, introduce new ideas and implement them in a successful way and be an extreme fighter with a complete leadership.

"The days when women were suppressed within the four walls of their domestic chores are a passe now. With the changing times women are being given the respect they deserve in the business world. A case in point is the recent phenomenon of women in business," says Deepishika Shivhare, who owns an independent firm named Advent Infosoft Pvt Ltd.

Astoundingly, women are effectual enough to open a small business independently and work hard for the successful functioning of the business.

"Yes, today women are career-oriented and many have set their own business entities and by facing big challenges head on, have made huge profits in their businesses. But at the same time the greatest deterrent for women entrepreneurs is that they are from the fairer sex. In this male-dominated society most women are deprived of their business success. Often, during any business dealings the male generally plays big," says Pria.

"For instance, suppose I have to introduce my company to a prospective client who is incidentally a male member, he thinks that it is quite risky to do business with female counterparts. When we come across such kinds of circumstances it hampers the growth of our business in the long run," Shivhare says.

"I have started my business some years back. I was an one-woman army. But this one-woman army has turned into a small-medium business with the passing of time. Today I have at least 50 employees working with me. My motive is to reach to the far end customers and promote my services. I do not want to cater to small segment of business. The purpose for doing business is to earn profit," Shivhare says.

"Sometimes circumstances are major problems for women to build a small business. Yes, today women have an independent mindset to achieve goals on their own. But still major parts of India are deprived of the rights to be their own-selves. Even after tremendous hurdles from the society, women are climbing the ladder and achieving success," Pria explained to SME Times.

"It is true that there is always a male and female competition, but to the extreme level men do not know how to balance their lives as women are doing at present especially the working women.

A recent study too have found that women are more accomplished in negotiations than man.

The study found that women are more generous negotiators, better co-operators and are motivated to create win-win situations. The study noted that men have begun to follow feminine strategies during negotiations which require cooperation and competition.

Women have unique skills to offer. They are great listeners, they care about the concerns of the other side, and they're generally more interested in finding a win-win situation to the benefit of both parties than male negotiators. These are especially desirable traits in today's business world, which is calling for service improvements for customers and clients. Women today are earning more top positions because of this trend, the study noted.

Rita Kachru seconds the findings. When she started her garment export business from her apartment in Mumbai's Goregaon area, she called several prospective buyers for a home-cooked dinner.

"I cooked and all the importers, one from Australia, discussed business during the dinner. We developed a very informal and friendly relation. It has been two years now, they are not only doing business with me, we also exchange occasional gifts. In fact they have even introduced me to other buyers too. I have a pretty big clientele now...thanks to that dinner."

"Now a man can't do that. He will have to take them to a good hotel and the meeting will be formal and there are chances that the client may back out...waste of money and time. So that's the power of a women entrepreneur. We can give a human touch to business deals," she adds with a smile.

Delhi blasts likely to impact business proceedings

By Namrata Kath Hazarika

The terror attacks that hit Delhi on Saturday evening, have somehow had an immense impact in the minds of exporters in Delhi.

Connaught Place has always been a shopping hub for visitors coming from various foreign destinations. Much to say, Janpath that extends from all the way to the south end road to the Connaught Place, where two blasts took place in quick succession entice huge number of foreign buyers since years. But unfortunately, the situation in this part of the capital seems to be very different after the blasts. Fear of losing potential buyers has left vendors a bit worried.

Gulshan Rai who runs a shop in Janpath in the vicinity of Saturday's two blasts, said, "I was extremely aghast when I heard commotion as people ran for cover. It was a dreadful situation in CP.

"Business has slowed down undoubtedly. Today when you visit the place you will not be able to see the usual hustle-bustle that the area usually witnesses. Customers whosoever used to come during the peak business hours have vanished somewhere," he said.

Adding to that he said, "Business was already very less at Janpath and the blasts has worsened things even more. Life has changed in Janpath. Connaught Place has always been the best shopping destination for even foreign buyers, but even the foreigners are too scared now to shop in this locality."

"Even though some customers are coming they are pretty scared. We are just having huge losses currently due to the blasts."

"The blast have created havoc in Janpath. We never expected that terrorists would attack this posh locality, but now I have realized that there is no security measures given to the Delhiites. No place in Delhi is safe."

"Particularly, the government is doing nothing. Just see, after a couple of days things will be back to normal and the government will be busy in something else. The government had information that the blasts will occur, but still they were caught unawares. They did nothing to prevent them. This is another case of intelligence failure. The authorities learned nothing from the 2005 blasts," he told SME Times in great anguish.

"Many buyers come to India especially to Delhi for handicraft and handloom items, and Janpath is their favorite destination. They come here to give direct orders, but the blasts have created panic. All the customers and buyers have drifted to somewhere else. The frequency of customers coming to the Janpath market and Connaught Place have decreased," says Raju Yadav who deals in Indian handicraft items in Janpath.

Showing disappointment he further said, "I have another shop at Karol Bagh too. I cannot even increase revenue from there as Karol Bagh has been also affected by Saturday's blasts. On Saturday evening after the blast took place, my shop has been sealed for investigation."

"Blast will impact business, I would rather say it have already impacted my business. Mainly our export business have been impacted immensely. Some days back I used to get at least few calls from foreign buyers, but today I am hardly getting any," Yadav said.

Being a little bit optimistic Parvinder Singh a whole seller and exporter of ladies outfits said, "The incident will be there in our minds for few days, but it will be forgotten with the passage of time. In the year 2005 when 29/10 blasts took place in the national capital killing many, we were astonished about how come there was no safety in Delhi too! But we have to accept the fact and learn to support our own-selves. However we need to learn. Our security agencies should learn from these incidents and ensure that they don't occur again."

"At a time when the industry is going through a tough phase, we can't keep on mourning for ever. If there is loss in business, we need to face it boldly. What else can we as common citizens do? As the incidents of 2005 Delhi blasts faded away, similarly these incidents of 2008 will fade and bring normalcy to our daily lives as time passes by. The blasts can't keep people to stay indoors for a long period of time."

He further opined "The blasts should have little impact on people, on investment and other economic activities. Life has to move on as usual and no man can cage himself in his house. People in India should be brave to fight terror and show the terrorists that they are not scared."

"Let the government do their duties and let us do ours without creating some negative fallout and prove ourselves to be a proud Indians," he added.

Delhi's serial blasts has burnt lives to cinder

Delhi bomb blast has created a havoc in the national capital. Nearly hundreds lives have been injured and almost approximately 45 dead has been reported till now. Life has been tough with a such a big massacre. People were hearing the commotion of people with wide eyes open in the streets of Connaught place, the most posh locality of Delhi.

Lives, however did come to a pause but eventually with the passage of time now things seems to be normal but the fear of the devastating blast's picture has not washed from the minds of those who have lost their near and dear ones.

Not only delhites has been affected by the miserable tragedy but there occurred a serious resistance for the businessman in those localities.

On one hand the depreciating of the rupee has somehow gave relieve to the exporters, the blasts made things worse than what can be expected. Even foreign buyers are reluctant to hop into such places, which perhaps making business quite slow.

Government is not making immense move and being very impotence, which is most probably their utmost duty in the support of the nation betterment.

Still businessman have crossed their fingers and are praying for the best to happen. Let see what next!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old VS New

Employees have many questions generally tickling on their mind.To retain or fire? You might be thinking what am I talking all about. Very simple! Its what exactly the companies in the Indian industry is doing. They are creating a havoc by nurturing new babies and demoralizing the old ones.

When talked to some industry experts they gave a different opinion to the topic. Some says that old employees with changing of time becomes a spoilsport for the organization whereas on the flip side many had the opinion that new babies in the industry agenda brings new up innovation.

Old employees usually are not abreast with the fast changing methodology. Moreover, as they are not aware of the changing scenario they cannot bring out innovative ideas for the companies. This however, makes or perhaps you can say brings out a difference of opinion between the Gen Ex and the Gen Next.