A OUR GARDNER

 So his name is..... well let's just say it starts with the letter A.

I first met him when my daughter moved into her new premises and A was the gardener.

Short, of slight build and a million watt smile is how I would describe him. I would also add - rather talkative and a tad boastful of his accomplishments on the gardening front.  Also very simple .

My son in law and daughter seemed wonderstruck after he explained as to what  he had  planned for their garden.

I didn't need any further persuasion and without so much as a little digging into his ' previous work experience' I appointed him too.

To be fair, my daughter and son in law's garden is pretty good.

You can read those last two words together or separately. 

Our little garden is another story. 

It's green; it's clean; and quite tidy.

However here is where my story takes a tiny bend.

Bear with me folks. If you've read till here then you must read on.

A digs when in the mood.

A plants when in the mood

A tends to the garden six days a week

But I don't believe A is a Gardner.

I am laying it bare for you to be the better judge.

If he is a Gardner- then I am an astronout.

He has a large blower with which he keeps the place clean. He spends about 7 minutes from the time he enters till he leaves. 

He hates my brother in law and probably gets irritated when told that he is not doing a good job.

My wife interacts with him more than me. She gives him fruit, biscuits and sweets etc as he looks malnourished. 

My interactions are only to pay him his salary and tell him occasionally that the garden does not look up to the mark. 

Mind you , he doesn't switch off the blower when I talk to him , so I doubt he hears what I am saying , because while I am speaking , he is smiling and nodding.

When I go to pay him , he first pretends not to see me . Then when he does , he makes a sign to say ' put it on the garden table'.

I have threatened all and sundry that I will get rid of him , but that day has not come. A leads a charmed life I guess.

This morning he nearly lost his job.

I saw him entering, so went out to ask him why he hadn't brought the new plants I had asked him to.

I did this before he put on that noisy blower. 

He pointed to some miniscule plants and I almost exploded.

I then reminded him about what I wanted- the same plants he had bought for my daughter. He promised to do so.

Then came the icing on the cake.

He moved towards the tap.  

I couldn't fathom what he was doing .

(It has rained heavily for most of the night)

A connected the pipe and began watering the plants. 

I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I walked out to confront him.

However I didn't have the heart to tell him he was being foolish and just stood transfixed as he watered every plant . 

He gave them an extra dousing to prove to me he was doing his job .

Poor plants.

Poor me

God bless A!

It's URGENT

 Was talking to a colleague the other day when he received a call - he and I were having a casual chat after office hours . His response astounded me . He said " Can I call you back later -  I am in an urgent meeting " 

In today's workplace, it seems every single task has been knighted with the title of "URGENT."

 Need an email response? URGENT! 

Document to fill out? URGENT! 

Quick catch-up meeting? Absolutely, you guessed it: URGENT!

 The sense of urgency is so thick, that I’m half expecting the water cooler to start issuing “urgent hydration” notifications.

Every whatsapp notification also calls for an urgent response lest you be considered " slow to respond" or " not sufficiently motivated" 

But seriously, what in heaven's name is this mad rush all about, and where are we heading ? 

When did we decide that every trivial task must carry the same importance as the launch of a spaceship? Somewhere along the way, “urgent” lost its urgency and became the new “normal.” Suddenly, we’re all running around like headless chickens, fueled by caffeine or whatever else gets us moving ,and the fear of missing out on the latest “urgent” memo.

 What happened to tasks that could simply be “important” or “when you have a moment”- terms which seem outdated in this space age!

The absurdity doesn’t end there. If something isn’t labeled “urgent,” it’s instantly sidelined, ignored, or thrown in a dusty corner of the virtual to-do list. 

So in reality we are all to blame for being tardy! 

 And if you think through this 'urgency syndrome' -  when everything’s top priority, nothing really is. 

We’re no longer making deliberate, well-considered decisions at an appropriate pace; instead, we find ourselves in a constant rush, frantically putting out one fire after another, driven purely by a relentless sense of urgency and the rush of adrenaline

So, what’s left? Is there a single email, meeting, or file out there that dares to be “non-urgent”? 

Perhaps that’s the holy grail of modern office life—a task we can take a deep breath before tackling. But until then, we’ll keep rushing, spinning, and labeling every last detail with urgency, hurtling along in the frantic pace we call progress.

 Or perhaps it's the strange thrill of constantly teetering on the edge, not of excitement or adventure, but of an overwhelming inbox and a never-ending stream of tasks demanding our immediate attention.

Back then, the world moved at a slower, more thoughtful pace, yet things were accomplished with remarkable efficiency and care. Time wasn’t wasted; it was used wisely, with focus and intent. Now, we find ourselves in a constant, frenzied rush, racing from one task to another, juggling endless “urgent” demands. We’re busier than ever, but is more actually getting done? The relentless pace leaves little room for quality, creativity, or even a pause to think. It’s a cycle that feels both absurd and exhausting, where the speed at which we work seems to matter more than the work itself.

Will the third world war be AI generated

 Will the next world war be started by an intentional AI ‘mistake’? 

Is this not in the hands of any one fanatical leader, of which there are quite a few? 

If this thought can come from me – a non-militant, apolitical individual, then surely it has been contemplated by some crafty conmen, warmongering autocrat or reckless authoritarian, many times over. 

An AI generated war has already sparked intense debate across political, technological, and philosophical circles in the recent past and one doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize that it is a very probable possibility in the not-too-distant future. 

AI’s growing influence on military strategy is undeniable. Autonomous weapons, cyber warfare, and AI-driven decision-making in national defense, are transforming how nations view conflict. AI can process vast amounts of data and make decisions much faster than humans, giving countries a significant strategic advantage in military operations. However, this same ability could lead to an escalation of tensions and an unintended conflict. Misinterpretation of AI-driven actions, errors in programming, or even purposeful driven cyber-attacks, could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

One of the alarming possibilities is the rise of authoritarian and fanatical leaders in so many countries, who might sanction or misuse AI technology to provoke an all-out conflict. If a country deploys AI in defense systems or uses autonomous weapons irresponsibly, it might create a situation where human oversight is minimal, leading to irreversible actions. Worse yet, devious leaders could intentionally manipulate AI systems to provoke conflict, and then blame the machines, masking their own aggressive intentions.

The ball may already be rolling in terms of AI’s role in warfare. 

Several nations, including the U.S., China, and Russia, and other smaller countries too, are investing heavily in AI for military purposes. Autonomous drones, surveillance systems, and AI-enhanced cyber defense are already in place. In some ways, the "AI arms race" has already begun, and this can only intensify in the guise of ‘balancing power’ 

A study by the RAND Corporation titled "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Warfare" has come up with a startling fact - over 35 nations are in the process of developing autonomous military systems, many without ethical guidelines on their use. As the race for AI dominance intensifies, the risk of an AI-triggered conflict becomes more tangible.

The question is whether AI can still be controlled, or whether the proverbial horse has already bolted, considering the fact that the technology is advancing faster than regulations, creating a very dangerous gap.

There is a fear that once AI takes control, human oversight could become less relevant, leading to rapid and uncontrollable escalation. 

The risk of AI-generated disinformation is also growing. AI can be used to create convincing fake videos (deepfakes) or simulate events that could mislead leaders into making irrational decisions, potentially triggering military responses. For example, an AI-fabricated attack video might lead a nation to retaliate against an innocent party, spiraling into full-scale conflict.

There is still time to prevent AI from triggering a global conflict, but it requires immediate and concerted efforts. One approach is to establish clear international regulations on the development and use of AI in warfare but this, as we all know, is easier said than done. Efforts such as banning fully autonomous weapons systems and ensuring human oversight in AI-driven military operations are essential steps, but who will bell the cat? 

Wouldn’t it be nice if all Governments decided to put together an independent ‘anti-war, think tanks’, dedicated solely to preventing conflict. I know this is simpler in theory, but it is a thought, nevertheless. 

 An Anti-war think tank, within a government, could play a crucial role in promoting peace and preventing conflict, by offering expert guidance on diplomatic solutions, conflict prevention, and policy development.

 It would advise on negotiation strategies, identify early signs of potential conflicts, and recommend proactive measures to avoid war at all costs. Additionally, it would be tasked with formulating policies that prioritize dialogue, humanitarian solutions, and international cooperation over military action, while evaluating the ethical and long-term consequences of warfare.

 By raising public awareness and fostering discourse on the costs of war, the think tank would provide non-violent strategies, helping governments focus on sustainable, peaceful resolutions. 

War leaves destruction in its wake, causing immense loss of life, resources, and stability. No nation truly benefits from its devastation, as the costs far outweigh any short-term gains. Preventing wars must be a global priority to ensure peace, security, and prosperity for future generations.

Its never too late to take the first step towards world peace

I am not a handyman

 I am not a Handyman. That being said – let me proceed. 

 Now I am not some lazy jobless oaf – I would like to think that I am talented and doing okay in life. It is just that when you put me into situations that require a certain skill set, I just back away and leave it to the “so-called” professionals. 

Am I embarrassed about it?  No way! In fact, I am smiling while keying in this article with two fingers on my trusted keyboard. 

So let me start at the beginning and paint the picture. 

I remember attending “Craft” classes in school. We had a great teacher, a large craft laboratory and plenty of tools. We were all made to purchase a piece of wood from school – two square feet in size and about three quarters of an inch thick. Not too sure, what we had to make but one thing is definite – I made nothing. Period after period I used a file and kept filing the piece of wood on all four sides. The year ended and my piece of wood was reduced to half its size. It was glossy and smooth but that is it. 

Many of my classmates’ excelled in carpentry. Words like Chalk line, Framing Square, chisel, claw hammer, pliers and nail gun were used frequently. Then there were screws & nails of varied length and thickness, wooden plugs of various sizes, sand paper of various grades & glossy varnish.

 During the final week before the exhibition, there was frantic work all around. Soon some pupils had produced small bookshelves; others had created beautiful boxes and a few elegant corner stands on which something known as a fret saw had been used for carving. I admired their skill and dexterity.

On the day we were called upon to display what we had made, I absented myself for obvious reasons! Not too sure if I was conspicuous by my absence or even if, they displayed my well-filed piece of wood.  I never ever found it! Even today, carpentry is anathema to me. I must add that I have painted a few doors and windows at home but did not do a very good job. The less said about assembling anything from Ikea- the better!

Then there is sound and light – both of which I know precious little about. I love music and played in a band for a number of years but someone else always did all the connections.   Some people in the world love tinkering and are good at it. I am not . 

Give them an iron that over heats   a washing machine that has a water filling problem ,  a fridge with a fused bulb  ,  mixers or a toasters that do  not work,  a music system where one speaker is louder than the other, a fan where the blades refuse to turn or a television that is blinking  and they are in their elements. 

Here is a scene, which I have been a part of quite often. Something is not working in the house and I am on the verge of exasperation – then Mr. Handyman walks in at the opportune moment - the saviour to the rescue!

The moment you tell these people that  something is not working and you want it to be repaired ,  their  eyes light up and in the same breath they  ask – like they always do- for my  toolbox. 

Okay let me put it out there – I do not possess a tool box- I never have - I do not need one for goodness sake. Last Christmas I almost bought one but then better sense prevailed. 

I do possess a hammer and a few screwdrivers in some draw or the other but I can never find them when most needed.  If you know repair people, you will understand that they can manage very well without toolboxes. They are usually carrying a mini screwdriver and a tester on their key ring & they can, within minutes, have any item open. 

They then proceed to stare at the innards and hum a tune while doing so and I stare too, just willing the item to function as normal   again . They then get to work – ripping wire with their teeth, loosening and tightening screws, blowing and removing the dust. From time to time, I am asked to produce or just hold on to screws, nails, wire, a fuse, a circuit or some other part and I do so willingly. I look on in admiration 

The guy looks as if he knows what he is doing- very confident indeed.  The biggest joke is that there is a running commentary on what is wrong, how it is a minor glitch and how it is being repaired, most of which I do not understand. 

I do keep my fingers crossed because there are some who are over confident. They open the item and cannot put it back together again.  

However usually, depending on the condition of the damaged item, it is soon repaired & ready to be tested. Now if you pay close attention to these people you will observe that they always insist on testing these electric items with the electric switch on! I consider this uncalled for either bravado or downright insanity. 

They poke and prod with the tester and at times, sparks fly but it bothers them in the least. I must add here , that on a few occasions I have tried using a tester to see if there was a leak in current and I have received quite a bad shock. I have worn rubber slippers, stood on a rubber mat and been as careful as possible, in vain.

Vehicles are another pain. Luckily, in Dubai, we hardly have breakdowns but if we did, I would be at a loss as to what had to be done. Yes, you guessed it right. I cannot change a tire or repair anything that may go wrong under the bonnet. Do not ask me about the number of cylinders, the combustion chamber, the piston rings, the gear lever, the vibration damper, the crankshaft or the bearings. Someone once showed me how to fill air in the tire and I think I would manage that if push comes to shove. I drive fairly well and that is good enough for me. 

I could go on but then this article would show me in poorer light than it already is doing, so I will end here. 

There is a well-known saying, “If you want something fixed well, then do it yourself”. I guess it was written for people other than me!

What is our purpose

 Purpose. A simple word with profound implications.

 What is it that compels us to rise each morning, strive for something – anything - more than the mere act of existence? This question about purpose has occupied the minds of philosophers, and ordinary individuals since the dawn of human consciousness. Some have found clear answers, while others continue to grapple with the idea, unsure whether the quest for purpose is even necessary! We are living, aren’t we? 

At the heart of this inquiry, lies the diversity of answers that individuals may offer, when asked about their “purpose”. For some, the response is immediate and crystal clear: wealth, success, fame, recognition. For others, purpose is more elusive, a concept that shifts with time and circumstance. What follows is a reflection on the possible dimensions of purpose, not as a definitive answer, but as an exploration of the ways in which people approach this perennial question.

For many, the notion of purpose is closely tied to material gain and success. Wealth, after all, provides access to a multitude of opportunities: comfort, security, stability and the ability to indulge in some or all of  life's luxuries. The pursuit of wealth is often seen as the route to freedom—to do what you want, when you want, and without being constrained by the limits of financial resources. Success, too, often carries the connotation of respect, recognition, and a certain social status that signifies you’ve “finally made it.” But does the accumulation of wealth and success truly equate to purpose, or is it merely a means to an end?

The question arises: is there something more? Is the pursuit of success hollow, if it’s not accompanied by deeper meaning?

Recognition, like wealth, is another common motivator for those searching for purpose. To be acknowledged for one's talents and efforts, to be seen and valued—this validation can offer a profound sense of worth. For many, it is not enough to succeed privately; they crave the public acknowledgment that comes with accolades, awards, and praise. This needs to be seen, can often intersect with the desire for love.

There are those for whom purpose is deeply spiritual. To live a life aligned with the teachings of a higher power—whether it be God, the universe, or a metaphysical principle—provides a moral compass and a sense of divine purpose. For them, purpose is not rooted in material success or social recognition but in humility, empathy, love, kindness, and faith. Their life is not a race to the top but a steady walk toward enlightenment or salvation. 

For a large majority, it is a mixture of all the above-  and then some more 

For others, the notion of purpose is far less grandiose. Why must there be a singular purpose? Why can’t life simply be lived and enjoyed?

 Perhaps our purpose is not something to be achieved, but something to be experienced moment by moment, breath by breath. 

This approach to life removes the pressure to constantly be more, achieve more, or do more. It suggests that we are enough as we are, and that perhaps the only true purpose is to experience the world in its fullness without the burden of expectations. We can finally get off the Ferris wheel.

But must one have a purpose at all? The idea that every individual needs a clear, well- defined purpose, can sometimes feel overwhelming, even unnecessary, to make sense of an otherwise chaotic existence. To exist without purpose is not to exist in vain; it’s merely to exist, and for some, that is enough.

The search for purpose is a deep human endeavor. It may be a question without a definitive answer, but perhaps the value lies in the search itself—the ongoing reflection, the continuous striving, and the understanding that life’s purpose may not be singular or fixed, but as fluid as life itself.

In the words of the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

 Purpose, like life, may not always be clear in the present moment, but it reveals itself over time, through our experiences, choices, and reflections.

What success means to me

 Success is a word that holds different meanings for different people. For some, it's wealth; for others, it's fame or personal satisfaction while for some it may just be a good hair day! It’s the culmination of small victories, overcoming challenges, and continually pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible. It’s not about titles or accolades, though they may come along the way. True success is about the legacy you leave behind, the people you inspire, and the value you add to the world- and I guess that’s what counts in the end. 

For me, success has always been about growth, impact, and trying to lead a fun yet meaningful life where I can inspire others to be their best. It’s often been about some form of Leadership - about making a difference in the lives of students, staff, and the educational communities I’ve been privileged to serve over the last forty odd years. To me, success has never been a destination, but a journey and I am still soldiering on. 

Success is certainly important, because it motivates us to strive for excellence. It challenges us to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Without success as a goal, we’d be content with mediocrity. For me, success has always been about the responsibility of leadership, the opportunity to elevate others, raise standards, and create environments where learning and personal growth thrive. It gives purpose to the work I do every day.

My journey has not been without its fair share of challenges.

 One of the most difficult decisions I was forced to make early in my career was leaving my mother and moving to Pune to join The Bishop’s School, as a young teacher. It was heartbreaking, as she was a single parent, but it had to be done and all credit to her – she was behind my decision every step of the way. Without her encouragement I would have been nowhere. I was apprehensive about stepping into the unknown, entering a new place, new job, and taking on new responsibilities. It was a defining moment— but one that would shape my future in more ways, than I could ever have imagined.

In my years at The Bishop’s School, I took on a multitude of roles: Class Teacher, Dormitory In-charge, Housemaster, Boarding Superintendent, Headmaster, and more. I wasn’t just teaching; I was involved in everything from Badminton and Volleyball to editing the school magazine, overseeing Elocution, Drama and Debating competitions, managing supplies and orders, and running academic and exam programs for about three thousand boys. It was an immersive experience, and it taught me the value of versatility, hard work, and perseverance. It was in Bishops, that I learnt the basics of Leadership. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside umpteen stalwarts and legends and learnt so much from them. In retrospect, there are umpteen decisions I could and should have taken differently & things I could have done better, but one matures and learns!  

Despite my commitment and success in these roles, I faced a major disappointment when I was overlooked for the position of Principal. It hurt, no doubt, but success isn’t always about wins. It’s about how you handle the setbacks. I could have wallowed in self-pity, but instead, I decided to take it as a learning experience. This mindset opened new doors for me. In hindsight – I thank those who overlooked me! Everything happens for the best.  

When I applied to join GEMS Education in the UAE, I had no idea that this move would change the trajectory of my career. I was interviewed by the Chairman – Sunny Varkey and that is another story in itself – what an amazing man. Empathetic, approachable, ethical and visionary. 

 Once again, I found myself in a new place, this time as the Headmaster at The Modern High School-Dubai- one of the premier educational institutions in the UAE. My work there, inspired a lot by what I learnt at Bishops, led to a promotion, and I was given the opportunity to become the Principal of The Millennium School in Dubai. This was another pivotal moment in my career, as I helped the school grow in numbers and reputation, raised academic and cocurricular standards, and guided it to a "Very Good" rating in school inspections. I had a great team who assisted and advised me in so many ways. 

Over the course of 12 years, we achieved remarkable success—not just in academics but in co-curricular activities, sports, and parental satisfaction. We became the go-to school - always over-enrolled and consistently improving across every metric. Being involved in the opening of two more Millennium Schools was a challenge I embraced with enthusiasm.

After 12 years of leadership at Millennium, I was promoted to Vice President of Education at GEMS and eventually Senior Vice President, overseeing the largest cluster of schools. Today, I am responsible for almost 40,000 pupils and over 2,500 staff members. The schools in my cluster are led by brilliant Principals and they all under promise and over deliver. They excel in every aspect—academics, wellbeing, health and safety, inclusivity, co-curricular activities, parental satisfaction surveys, and even in financial performance. We consistently lead in sports, academic competitions, and community involvement and we are always oversubscribed!

But what makes all this meaningful is not just the numbers or rankings. It's knowing that, along with colleagues, I’ve played a part in shaping the future of so many young minds, nurturing the talents of teachers, and contributing to a system of education that prioritizes excellence without losing sight of the individual.

If you ask me what attributes have helped me succeed, my answer is simple: I’ve always believed in PRAYER, in hard work, being humble, being decisive, empowering others, being optimistic   and keeping things simple. I don’t believe in overcomplicating matters. My approach has always been to tackle challenges head-on, be straightforward, and ensure that trust, kindness and empathy guide my decisions. 

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is not to interfere in others’ work and not to let others interfere in mine. This mutual respect for personal and professional space allows people to flourish.

Of course, while striving for success, you also must remember to laugh along the way. There were moments, especially during those early years, managing large classrooms & dormitories full of energetic boys, whose only intentions seemed to be to dodge class, cause a nuisance or slip out at night —where I questioned my sanity! But humor is the antidote to stress, and in education, there’s never a shortage of moments that remind you to keep things light.

My journey in Education continues – it has been long, filled with both triumphs and challenges, but it’s one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Success, to me, has always been about more than personal achievement. It’s about the impact you make, the people you uplift, and the legacy you leave behind. 

And if there’s one piece of advice, I’d leave you with, it’s this: Work hard, stay humble, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Another tryst by the lake

 I have been chased by ducks, a Swan, Cockbirds and had crows and mynahs swoop down on me during my walks around the lake near where I reside. 

There are large dogs  ,usually on leashes and I give them a wide berth. When I see them approaching I move on to the grass because more often than not, the maid walking them is on her phone and she would hardly notice if the dog scratched or bit me. Hence my policy with these alsations and hounds has been " stay far".

However, here is a bit of advice for people who go for walks near residential areas.

I have found that the large dogs - more often than- are non interfering and pretty docile. They pass by - they sniff the air at times, look away nonchalantly and go about their business. 

It's the small ones that are dangerous.  They look tiny and cute and oh so loveable. Beware of tiny cuteness coz it's deceiving.

Over the last few weeks I have passed by  Chihuahuas  , poodles , pomeranians, Maltese and Yorkshire terriers and have noticed that the tinier and cuter the dog- the more sly and aggressive it is.

They are ever ready to snarl, bark, scratch  ,attack and bite as well.

People say its a survival technique and they do it because they are scared. I tend to disagree .

So here I was last evening, out for a brisk walk. I had Teddy Swims on the headphones and was strutting manfully.

I passed large dogs and at times I thought that they smiled at me!

Then out of nowhere I saw two little ones come around the bend. Mind you , they were on long leashes . As expected  ,their minder lady was in a world of her own  , busy chatting on her phone. 

As they passed me , one little rascal decided it was time to show who was , Boss of the sideway.

He darted in my direction and went straight for my ankles. The maid was jerked out of her reverie and screamed.  I tried to kick and side step at the same time. 

The scream  , the attempted kick and my agile side stepping worked , and the little devil backed off whimpering like he was the aggrieved party. 

An elderly couple who were passing by tut tutted in anger . They probably thought I had done something to the dog.

It was dusk, they were about 10 meters away and probably had the onset of cataract but they muttered and looked angrily at me. 

I sniggered in disbelief at the careless maid, the nasty dog and that conceited looking couple. 

I then made my way home to live another day.