The Small Voice

Many a times we make mistakes, some times we are not taken seriously and sometimes we meet with failure too. Intellectuals as well as idiots are often in love with their own selves, their own ideas and will seldom listen to you. Even in the stock markets, when I regularly come across super-intelligent people every day, many a times, our thoughts and perspective differs. This difference of opinion, will always be there. One must understand to live with it and respect it too. Some people are hot-headed and blunt, and you may feel hurt at times. Some are way-too frank and you may also feel slighted by their way of talking, even when they may mean no harm. How to deal with these? Should you get angry or ignore it? How to deal with rejection and, sometimes disappointment? Let me remind you, Krishna, was a simple cowherd to many. He was the best of statesman, a fierce warrior, yet he often maintained his visage of the humble and lovable Gopala. Despite being the incarnation of L...

Going against the herd is the key principle of Value investment. This is where it differs from the chartists etc who essentially try to “go with the flow”. Going with the flow is great while swimming. Contrarian thinking is not based on ignoring known facts or just trying to be different / brave. It essentially means stripping out the emotions from the current situation and looking at things in black and white. Explaining with a demo: Let me make this clear with an example. I am sure “3 idiots” a popular bollywood flick, was enjoyed by one and all (including  me). Most of us will also swear by the “message” of the movie. But on a slightly deeper analysis, the movie shows big fallacies and inconsistencies in its events and incidents. I will take one: a student commits suicide since the heartless professor didn’t allow him extra time/credits for project submission. CONSENSUS view: Poor student had to die because of the arrogant SOB Virus (nickname of the teacher...

Surprises happen, often Taking a step back, we had no clue about the PM’s announcement about the de-monetization (banning of Rs 500 & Rs 1000 currency notes) and are still to come to terms with the impact and the after effects of the move. Neither had anyone any idea that a certain Donald Trump, a political first-timer, will be elected the President of the US of America!  But both events happened, and took most, if not all of us, by surprise. Coming back to Indian markets, the commentators are as divided on the economic and political impact of the anti-black money drive on the common man as they were clueless about such an event unfolding. However, prima facie, I see the following likely outcomes: Rise in deposits, will bring down rates: If the so far, surge in bank deposits (Rs 4 lakh crores so far; ~4% of total deposits) are anything to go by, the move may shore up bank deposits which in turn would swell short term liquidity in the system, putting downward ...

Most Indians, like me, deeply love their country and are proud of its rich and its diverse culture and heritage. However, problems like Caste system and the regional / communal division in the country are sobering thoughts and most of us wish we had a more plural, inclusive and united country.  The so-called “Aryan invasion” theory (unproven, but widely believed) is also cause of much anguish and division. I was reading a very interesting book (" The Incredible History of India's Geography ") by Sanjeev Sanyal  and I came across something something that was truly remarkable that I must share with all of you. I was happily amazed when I read that the genetic makeup of Indians is unique and most of us are from the same flock. Hence, the so called “Aryan” and “Dasa” race divide, and consequently, the North Indian vs South Indian divide is all bullshit. Also, most, if not all of us have high & low caste genes in equal measure and essentially we all are the same....

After a long time I am so excited about a novel. The Martian, by Andy Weir (which has also been made into a super successful movie) is taking up all my spare time and more. So, while my son plays around, is busy drawing or jumping on things, I am busy poring over the exploits of Mark Whatney, struggling all alone with death & disco on Mars. My friend Karan often admonishes me that nowadays I don’t read much, something that gave me so much happiness. Well, Karan, I am trying to buddy, not as prolifically as you do, but I am trudging along. Thank God for ebooks :).   Reading for me, is somewhat, an out of body experience. It provides me with perspective & insights. It’s a way for me to organise / germinate new thoughts. And of course, vicarious life-in-life pleasure. Take fiction books for instance, if you really like the book, you are transported to the world & (sometimes) become the character too, that is described in the book. I can shamelessly admit, t...

My heart goes out to the victim of Dadri lynching. Such acts are deplorable. Appalled? Yes!! But lets "choose" our response that can make a difference But my heart also goes out to Sikhs massacred in 1984, Army, CISF & BSF Jawans losing life & limb daily to keep India safe, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs & all others killed in riots since Independence. In short, there is much to mourn, much to deplore. But even if we all “mourn & deplore” what exactly will change? Nothing. Since so much national time and energy is being spent on the scourge of “intolerance” in India, I don’t want to add to the brouhaha. Allow me to draw attention, to our RESPONSE as a nation to such incidents. Lets ask the right questions We, are pointing fingers, returning awards, demanding statements, taking out marches, but surprisingly, neither the media, nor the opposition is asking that the perpetrators be booked and brought to justice. Hardly anyone is asking why the Police ha...

The Delhi Vidhan Sabha (State Govt.) elections are being seen as a big event by the media. Maybe it is significant because it might be the one last hurrah of anti-BJP parties to stop the Modi-BJP juggernaut.  A defeat here will certainly deflate them for the more crucial and larger state elections due later. Since Delhi sends only 7 MPs (or 1.3% of total MPs) to the Parliament, even a NIL tally hardly makes any significant impact for the ruling party or indication of its popularity. A neck to neck contest, will mean even less so for the NDA.  Nonetheless, it is being built up as the first  (possible)  setback for BJP. Some reports indicate that AAP may actually take the lead in a photo finish or with Congress support. Scenarion of Possible AAP win: the positives for India However, an AAP win may be in some way beneficial for the country. Talks over, show the work now:  So far, AAP has only been in the talking mode. Talk is easy.  In my v...