Pitiable Pakistan

Staying at home on a 'Holi'-day, I was watching the news about Pakistan where Zardari, the country's President is warned by the Army Chief of another coup given the deteriorating state of affairs in the country. It made me wonder if any government in Pakistan ever had, or has the guts to normalize its nation? I recalled the various analysis by many senior journalists I'd read. Through all that, here's what I'd grasped of what the Pakistan administration has been like since it was born.

21 Prime Ministers, 11 Presidents of which 4 Presidents were Military Chiefs. A 'so called' democratic rule of 25 years, and about 35 years of various other rules including Martial Law, Coups, Dictatorship. Only one prime minister to have completed a full term in office, under a dictatorship. Average vintage of prime mister in the Prime Minister's office being .57 years. Ladies & Gentlemen, that's a rough sketch of Pakistan. Details of individual PM's & President's rule given below in the end.

Apart from Administrative instability, during this time, Pakistan has had such restlessness when confronted with war with India thrice - 1948, 1965, 1999; civil war and the separati0n of Bangladesh in 1971; involvement with Soviet Union - Afghan war in 1980..

Not only this, but the factionists, fascism, differences in indoctrination, Shia-Sunni divide, clashes between communities, the pressure to Talibianize, the fire of jihad breeding pockets and new ideas of terror, the state sponsored terrorism breaking out of control, administration's failure to provide immunity to its citizens against US attacks, the hate spawning in all of these acts, and the possession of nuclear weapons make Pakistan a significant power to reckon with but incapable leadership to contain it.

U.S. was silent when Pakistan Govt. was making truce with Taliban within boundaries. There's no hard-liner from US even as Pakistan government plays Yes-No with India over 26/11 Mumbai terror attack with no decisive action, nor intent. Now, there is also news of a new terror-plot on US being planned in Pakistan, let's see how things shape up.

Such is the history of Pakistan (I hope I had a better style of presentation)

• 1947 - Jinnah leads Pakistan post-India's independence
• Sep 11, 1948 - Jinnah passes away
• Mar 7, 1949 - Liaquat Ali Khan becomes Prime Minister; With Liaquat, Objectives resolution of the constitution declared the sovereignty of Pakistan lay with Allah, it had democracy, an independent judiciary, freedom, equality, and minority rights as key elements. Not one of them got implemented
  
• Oct 16, 1951 - Said Khan (an Afgan) assassinates Liaquat Ali Khan; marks the beginning of power struggle in Pakistan
• 1952 - Khwaja Nazimuddin, (Governal General after Jinnah) becomes Prime Minister
• April 1953 - Nazimuddin government dismissed as Ghulam Muhammad steps up as Head of State
• 1953 - Muhammad Ali Bogra appointed Prime minister by Ghulam Muhammad to please Americans & Bengalis
  
• Oct 24, 1954 - Emergency declared by Ghulam as Bogra tries to change certain statutes; Borgra government dissolved.
• 1955 - Iskander Mirza becomes Governor General with Army support; Chaudhri Muhammad Ali appointed prime minister
• Feb 29, 1956 - Pakistan declared Islamic republic, title of Governor General renamed as President
  
• Sep 12, 1956 - Heseyn Suhrawardy becomes Prime Minister
  
• Oct 17, 1957 - Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar becomes Prime Minister
  
• Dec 16, 1957 - Sir Feroz Khan Noon becomes Prime Minister
• Oct 7, 1958 - Mirza declares Martial law, suspends constitution; Muhammad Ayyub Khan takes over as Chief Martial Law & Administrator
  
• March, 1969 - Yahya Khan, another general takes over Ayyub Khan due to protests. Yahya Khan ensured free and fair elections
  
• Dec 7, 1971 - Appointed Prime Minister Nurul Amin lasted only for 13 days in office; Martial law continues; Martial law imposed
• 1971 - Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto takes on President & Army Chief's office
  
• Aug 14, 1973 - Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto becomes first elected Prime Minister
• July 1977 - Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto overthrown in a coup by General Zia Ul Haq, imposes Martial law
• Mar 24, 1985 - Muhammad Khan Junejo appointed as Prime Minister by General Zia
  
• Dec 2, 1988 - Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zuliqar Ali Bhutto elected Prime Minister after winning general elections
• 1990 - Benazir dismissed as Prime Minister by the then President Gulshan Ishaq Khan for corruption
• Aug 6, 1990 - Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi becomes interim Prime Minister
• Nov 6, 1990 - Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif becomes Prime Minister
• Apr 18, 1993 - General Ishaq Khan dismisses Nawaz Sharif, makes Blakh Sher Mazari caretaker Prime Minister till Nawaz returns on May 26, 1993
• July 18, 1993 - Wasim Sajjad takes on as Acting President
• July 18, 1993 - Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi appointed caretaker Prime Minster
• Oct 19, 1993 - Benazir Bhutto reelected to Prime Minister's office
• Nov 5, 1996 - Malik Meraj Khalid appointed caretaker Prime Minister after Bhutto's dismissed yet again on corruption charges
  
• Feb 17, 1997 - Nawaz Sharif returns to Prime Minister's office
• Jan 1, 1998 - Muhammad Rafiq Tarar becomes President, remodels the president's office in the true spirit of the constitution of Pakistan
• Oct 12, 1999 - Nawaz Sharif ousted, General Pervez Musharraf does a military coup. Allows President Tarar to continue in President's office
• June 20, 2001 - General Pervez Musharraf appoints himself President
• Nov 21, 2002 - Zafarullah Khan Jamali elected Prime Minister
• Jun 26, 2004 - Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain replaces Khan Jamali as Prime Minister
• Aug 20, 2004 - Shaukat Aziz elected Prime Minister, becomes first to complete term in Prime Minister's office
• Nov 16, 2007 - Muhammad Mian Soomro becomes acting PM & later acting President on expiry of term of Aziz & on resignation of President Musharraf respectively
• Mar 25, 2008 - Yousaf Raza Gillani elected Prime Minister
• Aug 18, 2008 - President Musharraf resigns under pressure
  
• Sep 8, 2008 - Asif Ali Zardari (husband of Late Benazir Bhutto) of takes on as President

(The timeline was composed out of multiple secondary sources)

Bengali Babu

Who, or what, is the Bengali babu?

It's more than 2 years I'd read that statement and the historic 'devastating' response to that as the author of 'The Shade of Swords', M.J. Akbar quoted in his book, it's devastating indeed. It's copyrighted material, so I can't put it up here, but go ahead, read it - click here! What's even more interesting is that the answer to that question was given by a Bengali Babu - Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, author of Vande matharam.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in there are only as cited. No endorsing of views by the author of this blog.

The Devil's beatitudes

So the devil says:

Blessed are those who are too busy to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in church, for they are my best workers.

Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked, for I can use them.

Blessed are the touchy, for they may stop going to church. They are my missionaries.
Blessed are those who are very religious and get on everyone's nerves, for they are mine forever.

Blessed are the troublemakers, for they shall be called my children.
Blessed are those who have no time to pray, for they are easy prey for me.

Blessed are the gossipers, for they are my secret agents.

Blessed are those critical of the leadership, for they shall inherit a place with me in my fate.
Blessed are the complainers, for I'm all ears for them.

Blessed are you when you read this and think it's about others, for I've got you.

(I don't know the author, if you do please drop in a line. Thanks in advance)

Some days are diamonds, some days are stones..

Was just listening to this beautiful country song (by John Denver), and it set the mood for the day..

When you ask how I've been here without you
I like to say I've been fine and I do
But we both know the truth is hard to come by
And if I told the truth, that's not quite true

Some days are diamonds, some days are stone
Some time the hard times won't leave you alone
Some times the cold wind blows a chill in my bones
Some days are diamonds, some days are stone..

Finally, a blog-look I wanted!

Since the day I'd created my blog, I'd wanted to reform the look of it. I did twice, but was limited to the very few templates on blogger. I must admit that I haven't been aggressively looking either, nevertheless, I finally did a little experiment with this cool 'Illacrimo' found on http://blogandweb.com, a 3-columned template, just what I was looking for.. and bingo, here it is! Howzzat? Some cool templates o'er there.. check 'em out..

Version control for People

Whoever is involved in close interaction with the Quality teams, ISO practices, Six Sigma among others would certainly know what version control is. Else, even the net savvy would know what versions are - every new update of windows is a new version, we have many other software and now Web 2.0 as well.

I imagine that soon people will be called by their versions at work or in corporate at large by their terms in an office / role / experience in an organization. O yes, and a unique reference code to identify each :) And there follows the Version history.. 1.0 was this, approved by so so..

Manohar Lazarus 8.2.0 referring XYZ 10.3.1, ABC 1.0.. LoL
Would certainly be fun to see this coming up..

TODAY

Let me today do something that shall take,
A little sadness from the world's vast store,
And, may I be so favoured as to make,
Of joys too scanty sum a little more,
Let me not hurt by any selfish deed,
Of thoughtless word, the heart of a foe or friend,
Nor would I pass, unseeing, worthy need,
Or sin by silence where I should defend,
However meagre be my world of wealth,
Let me give something that shall aid my kind,
A word of courage, or a thought of health,
Dropped as I pass for troubled hearts to find,
Let me tonight look back across the span,
Twixt dawn and dark to my conscious say:

"B'coz of some good act to beast or man, the world is better that I live TODAY."

~ Ella Wheeler Wilson

Theory X, Y & Z

Theory X & Y by Douglas Mc Gregory

Theory X & Y lay out two different attitudes different individuals might have, which can be understood proactively by managers in dealing with them and adopting managerial styles that are appropriate to get the best and desired outcome. The assumptions of X and Y types are given below.

Theory X Assumptions

• The average human being has an inherent dislike of work and will avoid it if he can.
• Because of their dislike for work, most people must be controlled and threatened before they will work hard enough.
• The average human prefers to be directed, dislikes responsibility, is unambiguous, and desires security above everything.

These assumptions lie behind most organizational principles today, and give rise both to "tough" management with punishments and tight controls, and "soft" management which aims at harmony at work.Both these are "wrong" because man needs more than financial rewards at work, he also needs some deeper higher order motivation - the opportunity to fulfill himself. Theory X managers do not give their staff this opportunity so that the employees behave in the expected fashion.

Theory Y Assumptions

• The expenditure of physical and mental effort in work is as natural as play or rest.
• Control and punishment are not the only ways to make people work, man will direct himself if he is committed to the aims of the organization.
• If a job is satisfying, then the result will be commitment to the organization.
• The average man learns, under proper conditions, not only to accept but to seek responsibility.
• Imagination, creativity, and ingenuity can be used to solve work problems by a large number of employees.
• Under the conditions of modern industrial life, the intellectual potentialities of the average man are only partially utilized.

Theory Z by William Ouchi
This is a common misconception held by many that Theory Z is another motivational theory. But, Theory Z is propounded by Ouchi based on the Japanese management styles and gives a new dimension of decision making which is consensus oriented in a team environment. This theory assumes the interest and loyalty of the team workers towards the objectives to be achieved by the team.

Is money a good motivator?

The old school of thought "Money is a good motivator' has been overthrown by contemporary research that proves that money is no longer an effective motivator, and beyond a given circumstance, it ceases to be one. This reasoning is very subjective given the various levels of need an individual currently is in. For example, an individual at the first level of needs (Maslow's hierarchy) would crave for money, and it would act as a very strong and effective motivator. The point here being emphasized that "A satisfied need is an ineffective motivator. Not only that a satisfied need doesn't motivate anymore, but also that it is subjective to an individual's mental and psychological framework that determines his perceived value towards different motivators.

The traditional school of thought established where rewards are associated with monetary forms and nothing else. This, over the time has caused in the abatement of perceived value of money, causing individuals to desire less of it. Another reason why money is not a good motivator is because in pursuit of such rewards, the behavior of individuals gets out of norms and wrong behavior gets rewarded which later proves cost to the company. Also, each one recognizes that 'all the highest paid ones are not the best performers'. Moreover, monetary rewards are also a great expense to the organization and increasing costs is anyways, a reversal to existing trends and hence cannot be tolerated.

In the light of Maslow's theory which defines the hierarchy of needs; it needs to be understood that levels of needs are clearly identified. Also, the essence of the theory is that a satisfied need cannot be a good motivator. If an individual looks forward to upper mobility in the social status and has climbed up one step, the desire to be there at that point diminishes and his expectations rise to another elevated level. Similarly, once an individual's need to earn enough or satisfactorily is achieved, money no longer motivates. However, human beings have more to care for besides earnings like being a part of a relation, institution; to be recognized, to achieve something.

In the light of Hertzberg's two factor theory which demarcates between hygiene factors motivators, it needs to be understood again that there are some factors which are imperative for functioning. And others, which are not but desired, can be good motivators. For example, if an individual is employed anywhere, the basic requirement would be a basic pay, without which a person wouldn't want to work at all. Here, the basic pay becomes a hygiene factor, which is an imperative. If the employer decided to provide something more than basic pay like dating allowance, earned leaves which are not something that is minimum, but might act as a motivator to the employee in performing better, these factors become the motivators. The assumption is that the perceived value of these elements in the mind of employee is high and his desire
to achieve them also high.

Hence, it can be concluded that Money, as a motivator, both when regarded as a level of need or a hygiene factor ceases to motivate someone beyond a given point, and the sense of achievement in the individual diversifies towards attainment of other factors than money.

(This was from my days of IIPM while pursuing MBA, 2001)

Emotional atyachaar, or emotional prostitution?

Talking of love, marriage, relationships, it's a constant maneuver (rather a struggle if you like it) for something still better, but when it's been sometime you've been with the same person, when the highs are not-so-high and they become lows, and things don't seem to work between two persons, the reasons why you both should be together grow thin and worsen.. yes, that's when you say 'the spark is missing'.

Sparks, ha? Here's an interesting statement I came across lately from the movie 'The Accidental Husband', where Uma Thurman, acting as a counselor advices "...Sparks cause fire, and fires will burn your house down. So, if you keep searching for good old sparky you know, you're sure to get burned. Trust me on that..."

OK. The spark is missing... what next? Time to move on.. emotional atyachaar? I'd call it emotional prostitution. Dean Sherman, in his book Love, Sex and Relationships gives a clear explanation of this phrase-- 'A prostitute is someone who's willing to shave sex with anyone who is willing to pay for it'. They have no other criteria whatsoever. Similarly, he goes on to say 'An emotional prostitute is a person who's willing to date anyone who will pay him or her a little attention. The person's emotions are out there for taking'. That's how a emotional prostitute gets paid.

But, where does this all end? Robert Schuller, the possibility-thinking guru opines, the antidote to emotional prostitution is something that's termed 'Stick-to-it-iveness'. He says 'Stay through it through thick and thin, and you'll see through eventually.' Given that we live in a fast world, and demand instant results, this certainly looks like a hard task. But, beware, if you keep looking for good old Sparky, you're sure to get burned. Well then, commit yourself to action through all the happening and the not-so-happening times in your interpersonal relationships, and you'll eventually see it through.. Don't give up. Don't become a emotional prostitute.

P.S.: Special thanks to Ryan Scott, who'd gifted me Dean Sherman's book on his visit to Faith Academy in 1998. It's been such a great positive influence.
P.P.S.: By the way, emotional atyachaar is the latest hit song from the movie Dev D in India.

Slumdog sweeps Oscars, but, did it have a message?

Whoa.. time of celebration for all Indians as the 'Slumdog' title originally written by Vikas Swarup (who thankfully got a mention, once, twice) won 8 Oscars out of 10 for which it was nominated for... It came as a surprise that it won the Best Picture too.. Well, discussing our points of views and our 'judgments' between my colleagues Anubha Mamgain and Kiraun, Anubha leave the thought for this post - 'Nobody talked about the message in the movie.' Perhaps, there was no conscious message intended to pass on. It was purely commercial. If there were true actors in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', guess it was the kids and kids alone. None else. I'm glad to see a press release by the end of the day from World Vision which has also identified the message and here's what it says: "Don't just be entertained; do something!"

World Vision India called for action that ensures children like Jamal, Salim and Latika are protected, educated and cared for. "While the film does a good job depicting the realities of slum life to a large extent, there are many more challenges these children are up against," said Dr. Jayakumar Christian, National Director World Vision India. "Moviegoers should realize that poverty in India is a clear and present challenge for children in India -but there are tangible ways people can make a difference."

About World Vision: The organization works in close to 50 slums like Dharavi, depicted in Slumdog Millionaire, as well as communities across the country, assisting street children, people living with HIV and AIDS, child labourers, migrants and families in need of clean water, sanitation, education and economic opportunities. The public can donate or learn more by visiting www.worldvision.in

CONTACT DETAILS Joy Christina. R, Manager - Media Relations, World Vision India, +91 (044) 24807064 / +919840798734, Joy_Christina@wvi.org

A lesson from Chandni Chowk to China

Despite the torment viewers had to undergo after paying for the comedy movie 'Chandni chowk to China', many did have a lesson to appreciate. I haven't seen the movie thankfully :) but it was my friend Gowri Kumar (a colleague at IBPO), who's a soft-skills trainer that shared this lesson. While learning Kung-fu, a lesson taught to Akshay Kumar is this:

"It's not the thousand things you want to do right , but the one thing you can do thousand times perfectly that matters."

O yes, also Gurmeet Singh, our Quality trainer also did make a mention of it, and my friend Vikram Singh Parmar concurs.. Learning from movies.. :-)

3Cs of an Employee..

We'd had a townhall with Mr. Swaminathan today, our VP-Ops.. here's few take-aways from it..

3 Cs that an employee values most—

• Compensation
• Career
• Comfort

Sharing his learning over the years.. he opined that employees will leave if either of them are not at peak. I'd say that's subject to the personality types. Hmm.. there's many types, isn't it? Guess this forms the core to where the actual EVP (employee value proposition) lies to hold the constant attraction of an individual towards the company among the many other offers..

Another important thing he'd shared was to get the quality of smart working in one's DNA illustrating with few examples from his experience. Guess that's gonna take a little longer time.. But certainly would come with perspiration if you aspire...