Embracing Self-Reliance: Nurturing Independence in an Uncertain World

 In our lives, we naturally seek connections with others, forming bonds of friendship and family to share the joys and challenges of existence. Having someone to rely on during life's pivotal moments provides us with comfort and support. However, the reality is that even the most steadfast relationships can change or be lost unexpectedly. Whether it's the uncertainty of death or the unpredictability of life's circumstances, the notion of self-reliance becomes increasingly important. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of cultivating self-sufficiency, preparing for the unexpected, and blossoming into a strong and self-reliant individual.

 

1. The Fragility of Relationships:

 While companionship is an integral part of human life, it's important to acknowledge that relationships are not immune to the tests of time. Even the most solid partnerships can face unforeseen challenges leading to separation or loss. Recognizing this inherent fragility encourages us to embrace the concept of self-reliance as a means of safeguarding our emotional well-being and preparing for an uncertain future.

 2. The Unpredictability of Life:

 Life is full of surprises, some pleasant and some profound. However, it's essential to understand that not all unexpected occurrences unfold in favorable ways. Circumstances beyond our control can bring about sudden changes, leaving us to navigate unexplored territories alone. By acknowledging the unpredictability of life, we can foster resilience and develop a proactive mindset that empowers us to rely on ourselves during challenging times.

 3. Cherishing Independence:

 Embracing self-reliance does not imply forsaking the joys of companionship or dismissing the benefits of having a support system. Instead, it encourages a healthy balance between nurturing relationships with others and nurturing our independence. Cultivating self-reliance enables us to become more self-aware, confident, and self-sufficient individuals, capable of thriving in the face of adversity.

 4. Preparing for the Future:

The future is a canvas upon which many possibilities are painted, including events that may deeply impact our lives. While we cannot fully predict what lies ahead, we can take steps to prepare ourselves for the uncertainties that may arise. This involves developing practical skills, such as financial literacy, emotional resilience, and adaptability, which provide a solid foundation for self-reliance.

 5. Reinventing the Notion of Support:

 Relying solely on external sources for support can sometimes lead to disappointment or vulnerability. By embracing self-reliance, we redefine the concept of support, recognizing that we have the capacity to nurture and uplift ourselves. Seeking personal growth, investing in our passions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle contribute to our overall well-being, ensuring that we are better equipped to face life's trials.

 Conclusion:

 While bonds with family and friends enrich our lives, it is essential to acknowledge the impermanence of these connections and the unpredictability of the future. By nurturing self-reliance, we can transcend the limitations of dependency and prepare ourselves for the unexpected. Embracing our own strengths and investing in personal growth allows us to thrive even in the absence of external support. Remember, life is an ever-changing journey, and developing self-reliance equips us with the resilience and determination to navigate its twists and turns with grace and confidence.

Year 2022 Iconic moments

 Year 2022 Iconic Moments

Focus on your strengths, work on your weaknesses

We rarely look at our strengths. I used to think i know my positive sides very well and i need to focus on my negatives as i need to work on them. But actually there is a balance that is needed. One needs to indeed work on areas you need to improve, but do not forget the strengths you have. This is so important for your self esteem,and also to ensure that you actually are able to work on your improvement areas. You can only be successful in your achieving your improvement areas, only by counting on a strength of yourself...

Innovation & Banking Sector?

In late 90's and till 2004, Banking industry jobs were seen to be one of the most sought after jobs. Since 2008, ever since bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, banking industry has seen the worst crisis and has not been able to stabilize till 2012. Every now and then, one or another financial institution has been in news. Let it be JP Morgan, UBS, or any other big giants..

The reason may be linked to economic crisis, but that is not the only one in my view. Banking sector has limited or no innovation since electronic banking / internet banking. Initially there was a rush to provide internet services, and one way or another, old back offices / systems were used or upgraded to provide the new technology. The main focus of technology within banks has been to make the processing efficient, cut costs of technology etc..So the focus was and has been on cost cutting. But has there been any other real innovation since Internet banking?..I am wondering..... Mobile banking has come up in last 2 years. But still, i consider it just an add on to the existing internet banking..It is not a breakthrough / revolutionary innovative product that can bring profits that can please the investors or the markets.

Not only is the technical innovation within Banks behind, but also Banking Product innovation itself. Once Cash pool / Notional pooling etc were drafted as Liquidity management solutions for the major clients, there has not been new Banking products innovated, that make a bank different than others on the street. All banks are offering the same solution. Only difference that attracts a customer from one bank to another, is probably the relationship.

There is no breakthrough difference between one bank than another. Neither are they working to innovate. Rather cut costs and cut margins, rates etc...

Unless banking sector focuses on providing a unique solution, a new product to its clients, which makes them see something revolutionary in the sector, nothing is going to change, and only fixes / firefighting within banks will continue. Not only this, the society will not respect the bankers. If bankers need to excel, they need to leave the rather bureaucratic focus of cost cutting, fixing issues, but rather focus on Innovation.

Innovation in my view is the only thing that can save the Banking industry.

Vaudeville - Dramatic or funny

Those who follow french politics might remember "Ségolène Royal". The lady who stood as an opponent against Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. She lost the presidential elections in 2007. But interestingly, not only the French did not like Sarkozy after a few months yr in office, but also in the next french election the ex -husband of Royal, Francois Hollande became the next president in 2012. Their long term personal relationship ended just after she lost her 2007 presidential race. 
Royal seems to lost so much politically that she is not even elected for a seat in parliament. Recent apology from the new partner of French president "Valerie Trierweller, for publicly supporting the rival of Ms Royal in these elections does result in eyebrows to be raised.
These kind of news in politics brings a kind of funny entertainment..."Facetiousness" and also at the same time make us wonder  wonder - "Will France ever get a female president"; 
French politics is so male dominated. It seems Asia is doing well in terms of women development and representation, as compared to Western world.

Medical Industry & Health Insurance Paradox

In my family they always say since my childhood : Hospital and Court visits are the worst things that can happen to someone.

Decades passed. I could relate to Hospitals in india where one has to pay all bills of medical from their own pocket and one can easily relate that medical assistance is expensive, and is purely money outflow. The same is relevant even today in most of Asia. The plight in Asia has improved for atleast a few percentage of educated working class, working in MNC's who take care of medical expenses, as long as you are employee. Thus it is part of paypackage. So eventually, as long as you are working, it is beneficial, since your medical expenses are paid for.

Now looking at the Health insurance model, mostly prevailant in the western countries. There is a socialist aspect, where "Basic Health" coverage is there. i.e. if you fall sick, all medical expenses are paid by the Insurnace company to whom you are paying your monthly insurance premium. During economic boom days, the preiums were mostly subsidised. Good stuff. Even if the cost of medical care was rising, people were covered. Come downturn..the subsidies on medical insurance are reduced by the government. Insurance companies are increasing premiums. That is surely understandable.

But what is not acceptable is to refuse the hope to patients. A doctor or medical praticitioner's role is to try try try again and do his/her utter best for the patient. In an industry that is highly regulated by the covers provided by the insurance companies, the doctors are being directed / influenced to identify the breakeven point i.e. to invest / not to invest on a patient further iby providing treatment. The insurance companies are challenging docs, on the number of tests conducted on a patient. 

This is scary....

A doctors credibility or professional expertise judged based on how he was able to diagnose disease is understandble. But based on one test  or matching profiles is not appropriate and can result serious implications.

Medical profession should not be influenced or guided by the financial / economic situation of Insurance companies. 

In this case it is better to pay for your entire medical bills and be treated, rather than to remain untreated or receive wrong treatment. In a way it is therefore better to pay your own medical expense rather than being covered by the medical insurance.

Punjab - Sikhs’ most precious gift to India

In the events leading to partition, it is pertinent to note that the Sikhs paid the most price due to their ‘opposition’ of the Congress and the communal propaganda of the Muslim League.

The greatest losers of partition were the SIKHS

Major tensions have persisted among both Muslim and Sikh communities, which suffered most from the violence and land loss resulting from partition. These tensions erupted most seriously in the 1980s in a violent campaign for the creation of a separate Sikh state.

Renewed victimisation of Muslims has also occurred, notably with the destruction of the Muslim shrine at Ayodhya in 1992 and anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2004.

For both India and Pakistan, the most singular conflict unresolved since partition has concerned the former Princely State of Kashmir, whose fate was left undetermined at the time the British left. Lying as it did on the border, Kashmir was claimed by both countries, which have been to war over this region on numerous occasions.

What issues were left unresolved at the time of India's partition in 1947, have continued to plague both India and Pakistan since independence.

Life & Relations

“Nanak dukhiya sab sansar” – They say O’Nanak every human being has some sorrow, and no one is happy…It is just perspectives. We think that the other person is happier than us, however, if we look into their lives, we will see that they have problems even bigger than us, that we may not be able to handle. I was once told a story..kind of remembering it…people went to god and said that my bag of worries is too big and I cannot take it anymore. God said ok I take your bag of worries, but u must have a bag. Go in the store and pick any bag of your choice. The person went to store and came back. He asked God, give me my bag only, since with this bag atleast I know what the problems are..If I pick any other bag, I am not sure what I am picking..may be the bag I pick has even bigger problems…


No one would ever like to dare to take a bag of bigger problems…


Isn’t man selfish…he just wants comfort and happiness for himself. We all are in relations also because of our own selfish benefits. We need to be social to live..


I like western culture in that sense. They are very honest in their relations. If it is not working they will walk out of relations. It is better than being hypocrite. Although an argument is there that they do not try to adjust and make relations work..Well who doesn’t want relations to work. However if it goes beyond a point where it is not giving any happiness but suffering to both individuals then it is better to separate..


Was watching a movie lately on Gandhi’s son..what an irony..Gandhi termed as the father of nation for India, could not fulfill his role and duty as a father to his own son. The contrasting demands both father and son had from their lives resulted in one to suffer. But isn’t it that Gandhi was a bit selfish in focusing on his expectations from his life, and wanted his son to follow the same, without understanding what his son needs and what his problems are, how they can be solved..Did he invest time, part of his life into this relation, did he feel it was worth his time and effort to ensure that his own son’s life is not ruined. Was he not selfish that he wanted his name to be not tarnished by his own son’s deeds..Somewhere he knew he had failed..


Relations are overrated..yes, but they are still the best investments. The happiness received from fruitful relations is not comparable to any happiness in the world. We may acquire materialistic things, but fame and recognition in the society remains the most sought after thing in people’s lives...and being social remains the foundation of human life