A Guide to Mutual Funds - Weblinks

With more people turning towards Mutual Funds, I thought to dedicate this post to Mutual Funds providing some good Weblinks and URLs to harness maximum benefits

(please do some research for a couple of weeks before moving forward) - See you at the crorepathi junction!:
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfBasics.php
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfCategoryFunds.php
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfResearch.php
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfTaxIssues.php
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfExpenses.php
http://www.myiris.com/mySchool/mfFundSelection.php
http://www.amfiindia.com/showhtml.asp?page=mfconcept
http://www.mutualfundsindia.com/icon.asp?next_url=investor_update.asp&for_sc
ript=&scheme=&opt=&flag=&news_headline=&views=

Also please check out the site www.valueresearchonline.com which has got some excellent information on mutual funds.
Some more sites where you get good information are as follows:

www.timesofmoney.com
www.moneycontrol.com
www.nseindia.com
www.myiris.com
www.amfiindia.com,
www.mutualfundsindia.com

Feel free to contact me in case of any queries.

Cheers
Suresh

Adorning Child Hood!!

I used to wonder sometime back, how wonderful it would be to relive the Childhood Days,…Knowingly…Nature blesses you and gifts you with a Kid to revisit those nostalgic days….

Being Away from my Son for 3-4 months due to Project Assignments, I always felt guilty of not having spent quality time like his mom..

On Sunday, My wife was not feeling well and circumstances forced me to take the role of Baby sitter….

It started with the change of Diapers/Shirt…. When I changed the Diaper… I could feel the sense of total relieve ness and before I could acknowledge it, he sanctified me with a hot shower for a few seconds.. That was just the Jump start on Sunday Morning…

With 6 Months old… We were focusing on getting him to the habit of crawling…So I made him lie down on the Mat…..with his tummies on the ground… A play toy which had the sound effects and comes back equally to the distance we pushed…The giggles rythmically with the play toy, Eagerness from eyes, made me look upon him with awe and surprise..

He felt the need to come forward and when it hit him and went back. he felt that he had done a great job…The Shrill Note at the peak of his pitch…confirmed that he was enjoying every moment…. After a short time of play, it was time for his Food.

His Mother had prepared a Mashed Rice Cake that was served in his favorite Bowl and Spoon… Placing him in the Fag end of the Thigh being squatted, he was watching me curiously… Every spoon to his mouth required some gimmicks/pranks/variety to take the food in.. Some songs and rhymes came to my rescue to get the task done…

On completion of the same I saw a satisfied face ….guess from whom…Of course the Mother…

After a while, it was time to play lullaby with a cotton sari wrapped around him and with some tunes, he dozed off….

In the evening, it was Outing Time and this time, with his favorite vehicle
(Perambulator) where he owns supremacy… He enjoyed the gentle breeze, watching people, vehicles, shops and was enjoying the gift of nature…. Within 15-20 minutes he became active and was Inviting all and Smiling with his Mouth wide Opened…..Chuckling….Believe me it melted everyone whoever was available within the vicinity…It really taught me How Laughter is to be made….you feel lot satisfied seeing a ever smiling face…

I believe that Kids remind you of the Moments to enjoy and comprehend…all about life… "Life is not measured by the number of breathes but by the moments that takes your breath…"

Looking forward to more such fascinating moments....

Cheers
Suresh

How does Money Fly???

I have observed lot of times people fretting about money vanishing without notice…. Even the It folks do not fall back as an exception… While people consider IT Folks blessed with fat pay cheques…Does this not sound strange???

It is a well known fact that people who do not know how to manage money fall a prey to the order of impulsive buying and give up the need to control and audit the cash flow….

Now why does this become Important….? If you are not aware of the Principles of Cash Management, I am afraid that you might have to pay a high penalty in due course… and lose your valuable money

Principles of Cash Management: Do I need to get a Degree/Enroll for a specific course?

Fortunately, the Solution to this is basic numerical knowledge which we all learnt in school

How do we do that?

Simple…. Income Vs Expenses… Looks easy…However the Key is how you categorize your Expenses?
Maintaining an Expense Sheet on Monthly basis helps you to identify your Spend Thrift Areas/ Regular Dues and Impulsive shopping... ( Use a Digital Diary/small notebook to recollect all your expense for the day for different categories)

Some of the handy tips to keep your Cash Flow and Expenses prudent …

1. Discourage the usage of Credit Cards. It is better to use Debit Cards, so that you see the Money reduced immediately from the Cash Reserves
2. Planning to Go for Shopping – Go with a predefined list and stick on to it…(This will be difficult initially but will help you in the long run)
3. Make Investment – Periodically in different Instruments ( Mutual Fund/Banks/Housing) based on your Risk Capacity
4. Today, you have A/C in 3-4 banks. Make sure your spending goes from one dedicated A/C. This will help you to track and consolidate monthly
5. Allocate a Budget every month and stick on to it… ( Your Expense Graph will indicate your Stop Spending Areas)
6. While Purchasing Groceries/Food Material/Fruits ask on the Cost and Seek the best shop that gives your goods with nominal rates and good quality ( Super Markets)
7. Even When you use Food Coupons be cautious in spending ( After all they also come from your money)
8. Maintaining Orderliness in Home/Offices: Most of the time, we do not have time to search for items and we invariably land up in adding duplicates.
9. Reusability should be aimed at in all possible areas. ( Water/Paper/Clothes)
10. Read Magazines like Money Control/Naanayam (Tamil) which have wealth of tips to improve your financial Style…

I have been able to Track /Monitor by Spending since I started my career and it has given me some valuable insights to the idea of Financial Management… Wanted to share some of them….

If you are more interested, I will be happy to share some of simple tools/templates that can aid you Manage your Expenses brilliantly!! Do pass on your comments and Suggestions as always

Regards
Gps

E- Mail - Think Before You Send

E-mail is an amazingly helpful tool but it is also a largely impersonal one. Working in isolation on your notebook without face-to-face contact can lead to a wide range of miscommunications.

In fact, how we communicate often depends on whether we physically interact or do our 'talking' through e-mail. People often 'say' things through e-mail that they would never say to someone's face.

This is particularly obvious to anyone who has ever been 'flamed' (that is, having received an angry,embarrassing, or offensive e-mail).

Without any facial expressions, voice intonations or any other cues, it is easy to misread an e-mail. Was it intended as straightforward, ironic or humorous? Even a sentence such as 'you did great work today' can take on a thousand different meanings depending on who wrote it, and how you feel at the time.

For the writer, who may rarely if ever see the intended recipient, there is no social blocker in place to mediate their behaviour. Whether angry, upset or simply uncaring, there is nothing in place to stop them from fully expressing themselves.

Even if they had no overt intention to cause offence, what they may assume is innocent, even funny, can come across as rude, patronising and insulting.

There are however a few quick tips that can keep you cool under pressure, whether you feel the need to flame someone or whether you've just been flamed yourself.

Before you send

1. Always think twice

Okay, you're angry or upset. Write your e-mail. Save it. Read it. Go have a coffee. Read it again. Then ask yourself the big question – is it really worth sending? Chances are it isn't.

2. Keep it clean

Remember that everyone will interpret things differently. Jokes, pictures and lewd comments can truly offend.

3. Empathise with the reader

Think of the things you don't like to receive in an e-mail. For example, are people always shouting IMPORTANT things in upper case, using hundreds of abbreviations and emoticons, sending large attachments? If you don't like receiving certain things, why send them to others?

4. Check the 'send to' list before you send

Believe it or not, everyone doesn't want to read your e-mail and you just might be sending your scathing thoughts about someone to everyone.

5. Be polite

Whether at your desk or texting a message from your phone, saying 'hello' and 'thanks' can make a huge difference.

6. Resist temptation

Yes, something was said. Yes, maybe you were criticised. Perhaps you were CC'd on an exchange between a colleague and your boss. How you respond next will say everything about you. Remember, once something is said, it can never be taken back.

7. See Point 1. :-)

Hope this adds value...

Cheers!!
Suresh

Ten Tips to Improve Human Relationships

The following article describes ten salient points that could harness and improve human relationships

1. Putting Yourself into others shoe

Most of the time we get agitated and annoyed when people react in an unprofessional /abrupt manner. At this juncture, if we could pause for a while and put ourselves in their shoes, we would be able to understand the other person’s criticality and invariably be prepared to forgive him and take forward.

2. Reducing Expectancy

We always get disappointed when people deliver much less than what we expected. It is these unrealistic expectations that could create a fissure in our relationships. So reduce the level of expectancy when it comes with people and this would ease the strain of the relationship.

3. Speak Positive about others

We often overlook this statement. The key to astounding relationships is to speak out the best about people with whom you work/related with.
More precisely it pays huge dividends when you appreciate people in public. This has a magical effect to improve Human Relationships.

4. Contribution during Problems

It would make sense to take a minute to introspect on how we were responsible for the problem. Taking personal ownership during problems, can take us a long way to ensure that people find comfortable to work/interact with us.

5. Smile
Smile Costs nothing but creates much. A warm and gentle smile when meeting people can make them their day. Even when we have nothing to say to someone, a simple smile can reinforce healthy ties and warm relationship.

6. Going Extra Mile

If we could move out from our current scope of work to help someone who is in need, it could create a binding force of cherishable relationship. The receiver has an automatic sense of gratitude and respect to such rare people of altruist class.

7. Empathizing and Compassion:

The world today is in need of people who would share compassion with the fraternity and empathize strongly during turbulent times. These qualities can make an individual who is in distress to come back to normalcy after the vent out.

8. Think twice before you speak:

Words spoken out from one’s mouth cannot be taken back. So it becomes increasingly important to think twice before speaking out. The Relationship could be at stake if the choice of words is handled inappropriately. This clause holds good mostly when one loses balance due to some other’s vehement reaction.

9. People are the Best Assets:

People are the best assets and each and everyone should try their level best to keep this in their mind to ensure that they take adequate, measures to sustain a relationship. Believe me it is easy to lose a relationship rather than fostering one. The power of relationship is often understood only during their absence. So do not miss and pay a heavy penalty.

10. Do not involve in Back Biting and Fault Finding

There is a popular saying that “If you want to make a friend your enemy, just tell him ‘He is wrong’ “No one would be generous enough to admit faults when his/her ego gets hurt. Also the habit of back biting can have a lethal effect in a sustaining relationship.


The above mentioned 10 tips when practiced with due diligence and commitment can win some wonderful and astounding relationships in work and personal life.

Happy Relationships ahead!!!

FYI : The Post is also available at the Selfgrowth Website:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/SureshGP1.html


Cheers!!
Suresh Gp

Pen Is Mightier than the Sword

I wanted to take sometime to reflect upon the above statement and its increasing relevance to today’s busy world

Life today , specially that of the software folks ( pardon me for using the word and I am one among them) have a fictious belief that e-mail is all that it takes to convey the real expression/real feelings/emotions…

I beg to be different… The Power of writing a simple personalized letter could make a world of difference to the person at the receiving end… There are many villages in India where an email cannot penetrate irrespective of the Technological Advancement… Conversely even the remotest of the village has a postman who could deliver the letter and could also decipher the content to the intended recipient in his native tongue and make it a memorable day.. Have you had such experiences??? I was lucky to have them for more than half a decade.. They were pleasant souvenirs.

When I stepped in to my first year of Engg, I had to forcefully accommodate myself at the outskirts of Chennai and that was a nostalgic feeling considering the fact I was with my parents together for 18 Long Years.

We neither had a Telephone nor were we comfortable to the advanced world of computing… I believe it was a blessing in disguise.

My father used to write a letter every week and I used to long for each Monday to receive the loving letter. I used to update my day-to-day events/thoughts and post a letter back every Friday evening. Both of us realized the increasing need to communicate and we made sure to exhaust the entire space to record the inspiring thoughts/heartfelt emotions and action plans ahead.

It was like talking to each other face to face with an open heart and those were years that turned our relationship from the typical Father –Son relationship to one of the dream Friendship….. My friends used to ridicule that I and my father was creating job for the Postman…. but we only knew the value of those writings. I still hold on all my Letters that my father has written me and whenever, I feel low, I take some time to open his letters and it creates a different space of liveliness, cheerfulness and Inspiring fulfillness.

Even today, the best gift I cherish to my near and dear ones are my personalized Letters /Cards that will make them smile big whenever they open it up… and everyone to whom I have given always told me that they have kept it with themselves….
I would continue this legacy with my son and make the fraternity realize how this pen can make you win hearts/create a lasting and rewarding relationship…

I personally thank you for having spent some time to go through my article…… Anticipate all your thoughts/inputs and suggestions……

Warm Regards
Suresh Gp

Can Moral Values exist without religion?

Here are some of my views on the Theme “Can Moral Values exist without religion?”

There are two aspects in the above Theme

Can Moral Values exist only with Religion?
If Not what is the Possibility?


Lets have a look at the Webster dictionary. It defines "moral" as follows: "Moral is concerned with the principles of right and wrong in relation to human action and character." Where does "right and wrong" come from? Do we each have our own standard of "right and wrong?" If so, what happens when you and I disagree? Who decides what the standard is? Growing numbers of people see morality as relative and subjective with little regard to absolute standards as outlined by God.

To Start with, let me propose my views on why there has been a long cherished belief that Religion formed the basis of Morality.
During the early formative years of childhood, the concept of Religion and God holds the limelight among many of them. It is the faith in the religion and God that acts as a Binding force. The Parents drive the concept of Morality by keeping God as the Supreme reference and Attribute the Moral Qualities to that of God. At every walk of their life they portray that the Divine Power would guide them to reach totality.

However as the Child Begins to grow out of the shell, the perception, Belief and conception vary due to multiple factors. This could infact mean that those children who were brought up by the binding force of God and Religion might turn hostile to moral values.
Being Adults, the Motives change with Difference in Life Style, Economics and Environment.

So Religion can never be claimed the only factor with which moral values exist. A recent case study showed that 97 % of the responses looked similar between religious extremists and atheists when it came to moral judgment.

How has Religion paved the way to develop individuals with keen Moral Values?

The Power of Belief and indomitable faith have been instrumental in developing an attitude/conditioned habit among a person to be fully satisfied when he does things morally. The Epics Like Ramayana and Mahabharata have shaped communities to chart down what is right?/What is wrong?

Holy Books like Bible, Quaran or Zend Avesta have laid down the ground rules and prophecy to define a man`s conduct and how conducting himself morally could ensure a safe place on heaven. Though we are not here to critically analyze the existence of God/Heaven, we need to understand the emphasis on giving the desired outcome to an aspirant irrespective of the class he belongs to by following the code of conduct dictated in those books.

How can Moral Values exhibit without religion?

Rationalization is a key phenomenon for Moral values to be exhibited. The Art of Reasoning and constant inquisitiveness to question things forms a basis of developing a framework which is rock solid and can help in identifying the right vs wrong. On this regard the Schools and Colleges need to promote adequate opportunity and forum to develop resources to encourage open views and rationalization. In my personal experience , I have found very few people belonging to this class who have not had the taste of Spirituality.


What is the Point when we say, moral values cease to exist?

Irrespective of being brought up in a spiritual atmosphere or rationalized environment, the moral values have certain boundary limits. Every one follows truth, honesty, and ethical values until it affects him/her. To go beyond his comfort and adopt moral values even though he might get affected goes beyond the stated class and exhibits a passion, commitment and relentless nature of his /her character. Such people are very rare and usually stand apart.

Morality also cannot find a place under some conditions like Poverty, Helplessness, unfulfilled basic necessities, jealousy, ego and revenge to settle scores among fraternity.

To Sustain Morality?

The Youth today asks a Million Dollar Question when it comes to Morality… By following Moral Values WIFM (What is in for me)
They are concerned about the tangible benefits that come out of following Morality. In this world where money holds the key, moral values have started losing significance. People who follow up with the ethical standards and code of conduct do not get the right treatment and are often considered crass or stupe.

After analyzing various options and perspectives, I have drilled down to a Million Dollar Question

Irrespective of Moral Values existing with or without religion, My concern is how do we ensure that Moral Values Sustain in the years to Come?


My Suggestion are as Follows

Raising Awareness among the Youth to Inculcate Moral Values as an Integral Part of the Life.
Public Promoting and Awarding Moral Deeds and Actions done in all walks of life
Making Morality an inherent habit of the Human System irrespective of Creed/Caste and Community
Creating Equality which invariably reduces the Jealousy, hatred and Unwanted Behavior.
The Role of parents and Educational Institutes taking personal ownership and to develop Citizens with Moral Values producing meaningful social responsible citizens.
A paradigm shift that Moral Values and Ethical Standards dictate the Destiny of Success



To Summarize,

To Begin with Religion can form a Substantial Base and Binding Force to hold on to Moral Values. But to Sustain and Flourish, It goes beyond religion to a state of Rationalization whereby we have a definite reason for all our doings.
The Moral Values and their sustenance will require a blend of both religion and Rationalization along with the above mentioned suggestions to make it a ground reality..

Looking forward to your Comments and Feedback
Cheers
gps

Last Respects to Dirubhai Ambani

Paid my last respects to the doyen and Tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani

It was on July 7 2002 a sunday to enjoy at home comfortably according to my dictionary. I got out from the bed around 10.A.M and something prompted me to glance the headlines. I was shocked to read the headlines.

All the prayers and efforts to save the giant proved futile. The headlines read "Patriarch of India Inc Passes away". My heart broke down when I understood the news and there was a struggle to meet him before he left for his heavenly abode.

It was declared that the Dharshan and homage was available for the general public from 9:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M . I rushed out and got myself refreshed and set off for my journey to meet the emperor at his empire at 39,Sea Wind CuffeParade. I picked up a train from Thane to VT(Victoria Terminus or CST). I started at 11:00 A.m and managed to reach his residence at 1.30 P.M

I could see a fleet of cars from the starting of the road to the end. I guessed his residence and marched quickly. I saw a few thousands waiting in front of his residence along with press reporters and media people.

I slowly asked the security If i could enter in. The security showed me the green signal and there I was stepping into my role model`s castle.As I started,I was welcomed by the metal detector and there were a few hundreds of RIL employees guiding me to the destination.

All the peple were dressed in white symbolizing purity. My eyes rolled around to catch up the vision satements of the doyen and here were a few excerpts

"Give the youth of India the right environment. Motivate them. Each and every Individual has Infinite source of energy. Tap the energy and deliver the goods for the nation"

"I do not just want to meet the deadlines , I want to exceed the deadlines"

"There is no Invitation to make profits" "Have a big vision .

Dreams and Imagination are not monopolies. He who gets the bigger picture need not worry about his present obstacle" Every place had his mission and vision statements along with the King Makers portrait adorned with flowers.

I was lost in reminiscence and suddenly I saw myself forging ahead to the important part of the place. I saw Anil and Mukesh Ambani thanking all the people who had come to pay the last respect and homage to the departed Industrial Magnet.

As I was about to offer my flowers, I was interrupted in between as some VIP had come to pay his respect. It was a golden opportunity. I saw all the family members gathered together and there I saw my Inspirational Vitamin, Prize Son of India lying down peacefully with a smiling face adorned by a golden towel on his forehead.

As I offered my flowers, Barely did I recognize the tears that poured from my eyes and it was just a manifestation of every aspirant`s gratitude to this wonderful philanthropist and God Father. I was indeed bestowed to meet my Visionary and offer my gratitude through prayers. I spoke to Mukesh stating that Ambaniji was my Inspiration and he has fostered so much youngsters to dream big. I just touched his hands and moved silently.................. What an environment it was!!!!!!!!!

I had to spend my time and energy to reach this place before 3 p.m It was worth an attempt as I discarded all my colleagues statements and was determined to bid my farewell to my Champion and Leader at any cost. I just chanted my prayers and meditated for 30 min . Bhajans, prayers were played from all corners and a big void had occured in Indian History. I left the residence with a heavy sigh...

With the overwhelming response of prayers,wellwishes and passion that Indian people have shown to this Immortal giant I can only conclude that

"for Men may Come and Men may Go.... But very few people embark their names not in monument but among hearts of the fellowmen."

It is an indelible mark and no doubt Ambani is a testimony to epitome of success. Ambani`s ideals and principle will continue to drive the youth and Ambani`s chapter will remain as verdant as the fertile plains until the crack of doom.

It was an experience of my Lifetime and whatever I have attempted to write is only 1/10 of what I actually felt.....

Gps