Friday Reflections

The Chalk- “Who can guess that precise moment when your world is going to change?" * Dumb Fred episode 3

by Joy Mossang

Point to Ponder: “Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Sometimes we hide the very core of our existence because we fear the judgment of others. Sometimes the universe shifts and we are provided with a brief moment to begin anew." - Cori Garrison

 

Story Line: By Joy Mossang ( from one of many weekly conversations with Anand) 

When you hear the word “college,” what comes to your mind? Maybe freedom from school bells and heavy bags, no uniforms or just a notebook tucked into your pocket, maybe even a romantic breeze across the campus. I don’t really know what it’s like, because I’ve never been through that journey (college) but I found this story very educational in terms of how one moment, one question, changed one person’s (aka Dumb Fred) life forever. 

 

"Life is not what you expect: it is made up of the most unexpected twists and turns."

The day was like any normal college day until the physics professor came to the class room and started his topic on Parabolic Motion. “It’s the motion you see when you throw a ball in the air-it goes up, curves, and comes down.” To explain it better, he drew analogy with car traveling along mountain’s periphery and demonstrated by throwing a chalk in parabolic motion. However, it was a bit dramatic, and students were trying to hold their laughter.

 

Fred , curious and sincere, asked, “But sir, mountains are zigzag when we climb them, right?” The class burst out laughing.

The professor, thinking Fred was mocking him, got furious. He threw a chalk at Fred that hit him in chest and shouted, “Get out of my class!”  As Fred stepped out of the classroom, he looked inside from the window and said, “Your behavior was very unprofessional, Sir.”

 

"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings."

This made the professor even angrier. He stormed out, dragged Fred to the vice principal’s office, and demanded an apology.  But Fred refused. “I asked a question because I was curious and wanted to learn. It’s he who should apologize for throwing the chalk at me.” On this throwback answer, the vice principal suspended him for two days. Who knew this would be his last voice and face on campus?  Finally, with a heart full of disappointment and hurt, Fred walked out of the college-pledging never to return. 

 

His parents were proud of him for standing up-but concerned about what lay ahead in his life. Fred said that he would go to Mumbai to continue his college, staying with his supportive uncle.

 

Midnight Train to Mumbai. 

His train to Mumbai, was scheduled at night from his hometown. His father and two friends came to drop him off. As the train started leaving the station, Fred leaned out of the window for one last look. In the dark, the only thing he could see was his father and two friends’ faces fading away. As the train moved into the night, he whispered to himself, “This darkness will disappear in … and very soon light will follow. My next chapter begins now.”

 

The Whole New World

As he stepped off the train onto the platform in Mumbai, the warm rays of the morning sun touched his face welcoming him to the new beginning. The city buzzed with life-unfamiliar yet full of possibilities. Every face he passed, every street he saw, reminded him that he was no longer the boy who left his hometown in the dark of night. He had transitioned -not just into a new city, but into a new version of himself.

 

Reflection:

Sometimes, life doesn’t give you a warning before shifting. One moment can change everything. But change is not always the end-it can be the beginning of something far greater.

 

Sequel to the story: (by Anand) 

In Mumbai Fred met people from many different parts of India and other countries, learned about their customs, religions and political views. It broadened his world view and gave experiences that became big assets in the incredible success in career and life that followed.

 

About the Author: 

At the age of 17, Joy Mossang left his home in Arunachal Pradesh to explore the world. He took different jobs and also attended classes in schools to learn various skills. During his work stint at ITC Narmada hotel in Ahmedabad he met two guests: Anand and Luisa. In various conversations they discovered synergy in their interests and kept in touch. As the fate would have it, when Anand and Luisa went to Goa the next year, Joy was working there to learn new skills. This is one of the many stories Joy has captured from conversations with Anand. 

 

Aftermath: For All Fairness and (Credit to Missionary College for adhering to their Principles and teachings) Vice Principal Brother Braganza did an independent investigation and learned the facts. Then he personally came to Fred’s home with the professor to request him to return, only to find out from Fred’s father that Fred had already left the town for good. 

 

 

Title: * “Who can guess that precise moment when your world is going to change?" - a quote from the book:  Ping A Frog in Search of a New Pond by Stuart Avery Gold 

How Good Companies Go Bad and ….

Points to Ponder: Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only Paranoids Survive. - Andy Grove 

 

The person who is the star of previous era is often the last one to adapt to change, the last one to yield to logic of a strategic inflection point and tends to fall harder than most. - Andy Grove

 

Story Line: 

Based on my 40 years in tech industry working from small startups to medium size companies to the world’s largest company in its field, here are my observations and some points to ponder.

 

In  big companies most of the problems are organizational and structural.  Technical and Operational issues are the victims of complex and cumbersome organizational structures that slow down decision making and execution. Too much time goes in internal meetings, summits, updates, research, etc rather than doing the work that results in efficient execution. Too many people are busy: data consolidators, reporters, note takers, communicators and very less % doers. There must be shortest path between provider and receiver of products and services. 

 

“Your successful path blocks your vision to the future.” Failed to see rising  competition, wrote it off or missed opportunity to make alliances. Intoxicated by their own success and turning blind eye on benchmarking data. (read recently that the company that was downplayed by the big company may come to rescue them now 😊)

 

When carts start running the horse. The support groups become too powerful. The job of support groups is to help enable business strategies and not the other way around where business managers spend time satisfying their requirements. Why not mandate these very groups that preach efficiency and cost savings to come up with their annual plans that deliver twice output from them with half the resources?
When they bring benchmarking data that says “We are not on par with other companies in terms of number of Vice Presidents and we need to substantially increase that number”, Why not turn it the other way and be the best practices benchmark for the world in terms of fewer upper management with outstanding results? The pity is that more VPs have to create more initiatives to withstand “Ranking and Rating” system for their survival which results in a lot of unproductive work. (And added resources complexity)

 

There are so many people working so hard and achieving so little. ...Andy Grove

 

A desk is a very dangerous place to view the world. Too many tabletop managers, and desktop engineers. Engineers need to dirty their hands and spend more time on the production lines or labs instead of desktop data processing fellows and reporters. Managers should spend time dealing with internal external customers and individual employees. Remember Leadership is more about psychology and less about technology.
As Andy used to say “People in the trenches are usually in touch with impeding changes early. “ 

 

Things  that matter most should not be put at the mercy of things that matter relatively least.Need to monitor very closely how “progressive” initiative like Diversity,  Globalization are implemented. For diversity, Two wrongs don’t make it right. Need to be mindful that What was done wrong for years to one side shouldn’t be done to the other side. (Or perceived that way eventhough not done purposely. but need to be aware of their sensitivity.) Not well thought out implementations resulted in a lot of frustrations, anger and disappointment not only on the other side but also in competent qualified and deserving members of every diverse group.( have a lot more examples and suggestions on this issue but save it for future reflection). 

 

When Pendulum is taken too far in one direction, it goes equally far or taken farther in the other direction as evident in recent events. 

 

Walk the talk when it comes to meritocracy  Accountability: If answer for every new initiative or annual plan is “ I need more resources “ then why not get a trained parrot instead of managers? Much cheaper alternative. ( Don’t get Macau, just a common green parrot will be cheaper). If the headcount has become too large, whose problem it is? The management that made those bad decisions to hire more people instead of finding ways to be more efficient must be made accountable too. Need to implement the same thinking in management as we do in our products and services. I. E, faster better cheaper.

 

Fairness: Performance reviews should be solely based on performance criteria, qualifications and not on satisfying quotas for special programs. Also need to be flexible: if more people qualify for higher performance at times then increase the allocation for high performance to accommodate them. Otherwise Meritocracy becomes a Hypocrisy. Results in good people walking away from company quietly or demotivated people staying and not putting heart into work. 

 

And lastly ( for now )

 

Globalization Obsession and unintended consequences: Missing the important part: In Gujarati language there is a saying “Ghar na chokra Ghanti Chaate ane Upadhay ne aato ape.” ( while your own kids are fighting to leak leftover on plates or going hungry, you are busy feeding the world) Globalization initiatives though right and well intended missed a very important part of good leadership. What good is the  program where your own people who served you well through the years are left without jobs while others have prospered handsomely? 

 

How can you motivate yourself to continue to follow a leader when he appears to be going around in circles? -Andrew S. Grove, 

 

Reflection: When I said goodbye to the industry 10 years ago, I detached myself from any work related thoughts or items except maintaining strong personal friendships developed with many people I had worked with. 

 

But last month, reading about the dire state of the company I have admired, learnt a great deal from and prospered with lifelong friendships, I felt compelled to share my views. 

 

I wish new CEO and all employees great recovery to the status of their Golden Era, ( one of World’s Most Admired, Top Brands and Leader in Technology) 

 

and end with the profound words from the man whose company and microchips changed the world and it’s economy. 

 

“Bad companies are destroyed by crisis, Good companies survive them, Great companies are improved by them.”  Andy Grove

 

Due to length of this Reflection, “ Elephants Move Slow” story that was planned to be in this article will be published in future reflection.  

Be the reason someone believes in goodness of people.

Point to Ponder: Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” ― Roy T. Bennett, “The Light in the Heart”

 

Story Line:  Two random acts of kindness- Singapore Immigration Officer and Penang Grab Driver on last weekend. ( November 23-24) 

 

Last Saturday, we were returning from Singapore to Penang. Just about the time we cleared immigration at Changi International Airport, I was having hard time pushing the wheelchair in which my wife was sitting.* Two immigration officers noticing that I was struggling, approached us with an offer to help.  Despite my polite decline, one of them sensed that it would be difficult for me to push wheelchair for quite a long distance. So he offered again and helped by pushing it all the way to the boarding gate. Many passers by noticed his noble gesture. The shortage of wheelchair assistance personnel and passenger transport trollies on that day turned out to be a memorable experience with a great human being. 

 

“Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams

 

Just the very next day in Penang, as our fortune would have it, one of us dropped iPhone in Grab backseat while unloading our grocery bags. A little panic set in when we entered our apartment and discovered that the phone was missing. We called the Grab driver. The passenger in backseat had found the phone on the floor and given to him. He was looking for a way to return it. In a very heavy traffic hour, he travelled half an hour to return the phone to us.

 

“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

 

Reflection: 

This random acts of kindness and integrity remind us that there is still so much good in this world despite constant downloading of negative news on us. 97% of what happens in this world is good, but unfortunately 3% of bad things dominate the landscape of media. In the past six months, in this region, we have so many positive experiences. It makes us realize that this world is still a wonderful place filled with very good human beings. 

 

In following weeks we will publish few stories of people experiences such as 1. In Penang, Every Grab Driver has a story 2. When you look forward to going to the hospital. 3. Let’s talk about what unites us. 

 

*my wife had a lower spine injury few months ago. Getting regular treatment but still needs assistance for long walks. On Saturday airline didn’t have enough personnel for wheelchair assistance. 

 

Portion of below quote is used in the picture at the top of the article. 

 

“Every small, unselfish action nudges the world into a better path. An accumulation of small acts can change the world.” ― Robin Hobb, “Fool’s Fate”

Intel Inside (Always)

Point to Ponder: What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller

Story Line: Intel Inside ( Always) 

I left Intel over 9 years ago (with wonderful memories) but Intel has never left me. And the fondest  of those memories are the people I met, places I visited and experiences I had which enriched my career and life in many ways.

 

It was something about that environment that so many work relationships during my two job assignments there, 1983-85 and 1997-2015, have become lifelong friendships, and in some cases it’s expanded to our second and third generations ( Kids and Grandkids). There is not a single day without some form of communication with some of those friends (100+)  and/or not a single month without meeting few of those friends.And since coming to Penang, no week goes by without meeting few of those former work associates ( Now Friends).

 

For me, a lot of credit goes to that culture and environment. I understand the company and current employees are going through some very challenging times. Yes I too have some stories; some funny, may be a few bitter, and some about inefficient things about the place ( save for another day).

 

Reflection: But forever I am thankful to Intel for enormous opportunities it provided for learning and growth, make significant contributions that had positive impact on mankind, and make life long friendships.

 

I am no longer inside Intel but forever Intel will be inside of me. 

 

The Life after Silicon Valley (“working years”)

 

Emerald Cove. Click on YouTube icon on lower right for full screen view. 
Point to Ponder: Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

Story Line:  

Lasting friendships developed during school and business years. 

Fifteen years ago, I was looking for a good shop to service our car, a trusty and reliable Toyota RAV4. I was recommended to a place where I met Kevin, a service advisor with a very soft demeanor, who was quiet and yet, explained things with much detail and clarity. Kevin took the time with each customer, and one could say he was overly generous with his time. It ran counter to the intense pace of the Silicon Valley. We liked the service, and more than that, we liked Kevin. That seemingly incidental business relationship turned into a friendship over the years. 

 

During routine maintenance service appointments we learned that Kevin had lived in Philippines, that he had a Filipino wife and owned a home in the Philippines. 

 

Kevin retired in 2020 and moved to Philippines to join his family. Over the years, we kept in touch. 

 

After I retired, I would spend my time traveling with my wife. During our current visit to Philippines, Kevin learned that we were in northern Philippines and would pass by his town. He and his wife invited us to stay with them. 

 

We knew Kevin mainly through a casual business relationship and as we were also traveling with other friends, we politely declined. However, as the trip progressed, I had to consult Kevin for guidance navigating some of the terrain. He offered the option for us to stay with he and his wife instead of driving the long distance to Manila on that last day. Night was fast approaching and we were tired.

We finally accepted his invitation. 

 

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

We discovered the property was their own slice of heaven consisting of a huge bougainvillea garden, well designed eco house (with every detail worked out), thirteen dogs and cats, and nice private beach in a cove with shades of emerald. It was no surprise when they revealed that they like to call their residence “Emerald Cove.” 

 

We talked a lot about part of our lives that were unknown to each other. 

 

Kevin’s father was a missionary in Philippines and Kevin had spent his younger years up to high school graduation there. They had Filipino friends who were also involved in the same church; the parents of the lady being missionaries in Hawaii, sent from Philippines in 1920. This Filipino couple had a daughter named Noemi who stayed in a house next door to Kevin’s parents home.

 

Noemi and Kevin met in the first year of high-school and developed liking for each other. By the third year things got intense and one day Kevin told her “ I have a problem.” When she asked what was the problem- Kevin replied “ I am in love with you.” They enjoyed going to school together, being on the beach outside their homes talking about life. 

 

After graduating from high school Kevin went to Missouri for college and Noemi went to California. The relationship cooled for a while. During that time, Noemi met another fine man in California and got married. 

 

Life has its ways. For people who are meant to be together in life, the universe conspires to make it happen. After 7 years,  Noemi got divorced. Around the  same time Kevin was stationed in Alameda, US Navy base nearby.  Kevin ran into her at a party and …. She was waiting for this moment since thier younger years in Philippines.

 

“ Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage” Anis Nin. Making the most/best of you have. 

A few years after marriage, Noemi developed a health issue that required two major surgeries on back and one on neck. 

Even though she had limitations in her body, she didn’t let that constrain her imagination. She created a plan for the beautiful home on the west Philippines sea, the place they had grown up and dreamed to retire. Her love for Bougainvillea is visible in her garden with 1000s of plants with over 100 varieties, many cross breeds of her creations. A nice secluded beach in a cove with emerald colors in front of the home inspired her to name their residence Emerald Cove. ( see the video). 

 

Despite some major physical limitations, she and Kevin go swimming and snorkeling far into ocean almost every morning. She told us that she forgets all her pain while floating in the water, watching corals and colorful fish, and collecting seaweed for their salads.

Reflection: We met Noemi for the first time but instantly connected with so many common interests and believes. There are so many stories we shared from our lives and career; their’s more interesting, for future articles. It was a Memorable stay. 

 

I’m grateful that what started as business relationship eighteen years ago has turned into a beautiful friendship.

 

As my father told me in childhood “ Most important business relations are personal ones”

 

 

Mumbai The City of Dreams

 

Magnificent Mumbai By Mohan the Mouse from Dharavi, the slum featured in the movie The Slumdog Millionaire. 
click on the bottom right hand icon to get full screen view  

Point to Ponder: 

Where do I begin

To tell the story of how magnificent a city can be…the city that consists of seven islands on an Arabian Sea..it’s majestic architecture of colonial era (Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, Indo Saracenic) and modern high rises are as stunning as they can be..Huge diversity of culture and religions is something you will be happy to  see…..

And watching Trash turning into Treasure (Billion $$ Industries) in the slum called Dharavi will convince you how many more Slumdog Millionaires will be……

 

Story Line: Welcome to Mumbai, called The City of Dreams that is rated 12th amongst The 50 best cities in the world for 2024 by TimeOut magazine and it is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant, tourists attractions in the world.  

 

We start our tour at The Gateway of India, the monument built to commemorate the landing of George V for his coronation as the Emperor of India in 1911. It is located on the waterfront overlooking the Arabian Sea. The majestic Taj Mahal hotel, built in 1901 by Tata is to the left of this monument. 

The drive around the neighboring areas of Colaba, Fort and Churchgate will make you wonder If you are in Europe instead of India. Those marvelous colonial era buildings are still shining.  

 

The stop at fabulous CSMT railway station (oka Victoria Terminus) followed by view of Churchgate Station in night lights brings up one interesting fact. Did you know that the construction of Mumbai-Pune railway line (Second in India and the longest at the time) in 1863 was managed by Alice Tredwell, the first woman to do be involved in railway construction in India?

 

After strolling through Mumbai at night, the next morning opens in Malbar Hill, the birth place of Rudyard Kipling, the author of world famous The Jungle Book and the poem If. 

 

After nice view of Marine Drive waterfront and home cooked meal, we resume our tour to visit various places of worship in Mumbai starting with exquisite Jain Derasar with beautiful marble structures and paintings, followed by a famous Masjid/Durgah-Haji Ali. It contains the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari a Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan and a love story behind it. 

 

Next we move to Pali Hills on another island of Mumbai and visit Mount Saint Mary Church, the original statue of Virgin Mary was brought during Portuguese occupation in 16th century. Portuguese in Mumbai? Yes, they owned the territory from the years 1534 to 1611 and named the place ‘Bom Bhaia’ which means  ‘good bay’ in Portuguese. It’s British who changed it to Bombay when they received it as dowry for Portuguese princess marriage to British Royal. 

 

After passing by a temple, few churches and masjid, we stop over in Khotachiwadi, a Portuguese colony. Nice small chapel and colorful homes and then a short stop over in Dhobi Ghat, the huge open-air laundry. A place constructed in 1890 that has received Guinness Book of World Records entry under ‘most people hand-washing clothes at a single location. 

 

Next we visit an 18th century Hindu temple dedicated to 'Goddess Mumbadevi'. The original inhabitants of the region, the ‘Koli’ fisherman, greatly respected Goddess (Devi) Mumba and named the temple Mumbadevi. Got a clue where name Mumbai came from? 😊

 

After another nostalgic (for me) tour around Fort, Churchgate and Colaba enjoying once again some marvelous colonial era buildings including my school, we pay a visit to Knesset Eliyahoo an orthodox Jewish Synagogue. 

 

You must be wondering “ So many things to see and do?” Well we are not done yet, some more exciting places coming up. 

 

What follows is shoppers and eaters paradise; Bustling markets of all kinds of goods ; clothes, jewelry, fruits, spices, household items… and Khaua Gali ( Eaters Lane), one of the many delicious street food places in Mumbai.  

 

Mumbai is only second to Miami in the number of Art Deco architecture buildings in the world. View of Eros theater and few along Marine drive was nostalgic. What followed was an evening show and fine dining at superb Chinese Restaurant. Chinese food is the most popular foreign food in India and throughout our trip to various parts of India, we saw Chinese items section in many roadside or city Indian restaurants menus as well. However we preferred the Chinese version of Chinese food. 😊

 

Finally! Clue to Why Mumbai is called City of Dreams. People from all over India come to Mumbai in search of a better life, to make their impact on the world and many are rewarded  for hardwork, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From nowhere in the list 20 years ago, Mumbai has risen to become Asia's city with the most billionaires at 92 and It also ranks third in the entire world behind New York and London for number of billionaires. It’s 21st on the list of wealthiest cities in the world. In spite of its many slums and huge income gaps, it is seen as a city that will reward anyone who has ambition and is willing to work hard.  People living below poverty line has dropped significantly and a lot more will happen with the resourcefulness, optimism and momentum that is in the air.  

 

For example Dharavi, the slum featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire is the largest slum in India and third largest and most dense in the world, with the population of 1 million people in a small area with population density of 869,000 people per square miles. But it has 69 percent literacy and there are 4 different main industries ( Recycling, Clothing, Leather, Pottery), 15,000 single-room factories producing $1 billion in revenue by converting Trash into Treasure. You may notice that it is self sufficient in most of daily needs and also appreciate that nothing goes to waste is their motto. 

 

You will be surprised to see that The Last Stop in our tour is the first place we had visited, The Gateway of India, the place George V had entered India as its Emperor in 1911. The Gateway is also the monument from where the last British troops left (got away) India in 1948 when India declared its independence. 

 

Two years ago India surpassed Britain as 5th largest economy in the world and a year ago India took leadership of G20 and hosted the annual summit of world leaders. 

 

Special Note: Thanks for your patience and interest in taking this tour that was conducted over 20 days during three visits in two year period. There was never a dull moment in our stays in Mumbai. 

 

Not Covered in this tour: Mesmerizing Beaches, awesome High-rises, Dabbawala ( Tiffin Guys) and Elephanta Caves. ( saved for future trip) 

 

 

Fascinating facts, history of places featured in this video are in this article. 

Guarantee that for some it will bring back sweet memories, for others it will be entertaining and educational and many wanting to purchase tickets to Mumbai. And for All,  the great appreciation for what India has become and how it continues to progress.

PERMANENT ADDRESS

Point to Ponder:  Every time I fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ I smile….

Storyline: The real folly of human desire.....PERMANENT ADDRESS  Written by Javed Akhtar......a good read..... Very thought provoking!

 

Our joint family home housed 14 of us from age 5 to 95 years.

 

Today, I watch both the houses abandoned and nature taking over the garden my mother used to tend for hours every day. The Jamun, the Drumstick, a few Ashok, Neem and Peepal have survived, but all beauty is both transient and fragile, and the law of entropy is powerful. The lovely flowers of myriad colors are all gone. I wonder what happened to the peacock family that came every day and ate from my moms hand. The Bulbul, the sparrows, the parrots, spotted flycatchers, Cuckoos, a huge troop of monkeys that once in a month would upset the order of the place

 

*Once people leave, a home becomes a house*. Initially, I didn’t feel like selling, and now I don’t feel like going. Time has taken away ten of its fourteen occupants.

 

I walk around our neighborhood and see the similar fate of so many homes once full of life now replaced or lying still.

 

Why do we stretch and stress to build houses? In most cases, our kids won’t need it or worse, fight over it. 

*What is this human folly of attempting permanent ownership in a leased life with an uncertain tenure given by a landlord whose terms are non-negotiable and there is no court of appeal*

 

One day, all we have built with love and EMIs will either be demolished, fought over, sold, or lie in ruins. 

 

Every time I fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ I smile at human folly. 

 

There is a Zen story that an old monk walked into a Kings palace demanding he wanted to spend the night in this Inn and the guards told him, “What Inn, can’t you see its a palace?”. The monk said “I came here a few decades back. Someone was staying there. A few years later, someone else took the throne from him, then someone else. Any place where the occupant keeps changing is an Inn.”

 

George Carlin says “The House is just a place where you keep your stuff as you go out and get more stuff”

 

As houses get bigger, families get smaller. *When the house has occupants, we desire privacy, and when the nest empties, we crave for company.* 

 

Birds and Animals must be laughing at us humans who give up living in order to build their dream home and, in the end, depart the Inn they mistook as a permanent residence.

 

Article Courtesy of Mr. Basant Rajput

 

Reflection: We received this article from a former neighbor and a friend. Having started on this journey (nomad life) three years ago we could relate with the key message, loved it and decided to share with You, our loyal friends around the world. 

Nowadays, Every time we fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ we  smile and ask: Is there one? 

 

50 Years in The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave

January 22, 1974

50 years ago, I first set foot on American soil. America is a country that welcomed me and provided me with immense opportunities. I have lived an incredible life here and I am eternally grateful to this country. 

 

Below reflection was Originally Published on 40th anniversary. Being republished with updates. ( comments from previous publications included)

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

“No matter what your background, no matter how low your station in life, there must be no limit on your ability to reach for the stars, to go as far as your God-given talents will take you. Trust the people; believe every human being is capable of greatness, capable of self-government . . . only when people are free to worship, create, and build, only when they are given a personal stake in deciding their destiny and benefiting from their own risks, only then do societies become dynamic, prosperous, progressive, and free.”  ― Ronald Reagan, An American Life

 

STORY LINE: 50 Years since arriving in the Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave (and also what I had known as the land of Gregory Peck, Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Sidney Poitier and Raquel Welch)

 

On January 22nd 1974, my colleague PG and I set foot on the shores of America in Los Angeles International Airport. Our Japan Airlines (JAL) flight was delayed due to mechanical troubles and arrived late in the evening. We went to the only open food place at the airport (in those days there were not many) and inquired “We are very hungry, what food do you have?” The guy said “Only thing I got left is a hot dog.” Coming from strict vegetarian families we were in total shock. “Hot Dog?” We had heard that in America, they ate cows. But Dogs? Yuck! We turned around and left.

 

The next thing I did was to call the phone number of the USC foreign students office. Since it was late the phone was directed to the university security guard. I informed him that we had just arrived in USA and wanted to find out if there was a pick-up service. The guy said “Take the number 8 to downtown.” We thought we were already in town and were thoroughly confused by his instructions. So I used the SOS instructions that were given to us before we left India. I called my uncle in Anaheim who picked us up after a few hours.

 

The following day, we went to the USC foreign students’ office. The head of the foreign students office was Mr. Khetrapal, an immigrant from the northern part of India. While roaming around in the office, we met Saeed, also a new foreign student from Iran. We hit it off well and decided to be roommates. That afternoon, we found an apartment just across the campus. From his accent, the owner Mr. Kinarthi did not seem to be Amercian and on further inquiry told us that he was from Russia. I was wondering where Gregory and Sidney and of course, Audrey and Raquel could be hiding.

 

On our third day, we were moving to our new apartment. My Anaheim uncle who worked in the city of Compton, dropped us at the bus stop near his office. Early in the morning we were still drowsy and waiting at the bus stop with all our bags and backpacks. Suddenly a van came zooming in near the bus stop. Most of the people who were waiting with us started running shouting in some strange language. Two guys in suits and ties jumped out of the van. One of them approached PG and the other one came towards me showing me a badge with his picture and some strange emblem on it that said, “Immigration.” I extended my hand to him and said “Anand Shah” and told him, “you do not need to show me your picture, I trust you.” I was wondering why Americans have such strange way of introducing themselves until PG who had paid more attention told me “Show him your passport and USC ID card before he throws you in to that cage in the back of his van.”

 

That semester, USC had launched a new degree program in the area of Semiconductor Physics and Processing. It seemed to me that it was “A Road Not Taken (by many)” which meant learning new things and also chances of discovering (getting) new degree faster, I signed up. I had two other classmates in that inaugural semester, Pradyuman Patel- the guy from my home town I had never met before and Way-Seen Wang, a student from Taiwan. Coincidence or what but very first class, an elective, that I attended, the teacher was Professor Hwan Sha Ho.

 

That was my first week in the Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave. I had yet to meet Gregory Peck, Sean Connery, Sydney Poitier and of course My Fair Lady Audrey Hepburn and 100 Rifles leading lady Raquel Welch.

 

 REFLECTION

During the second week I met Professors Steir and Andrews and Whelan and Crowell which reconfirmed why I had come to America. Over the next several months, I met people from many different cultures and countries and started realizing the true power of this land. The people from all over the world come here and bring with them their rich cultural heritage, ideas, opinions, and cuisines, and not to forget to the original inhabitants of this country who have a very rich cultural heritage of their own.

 

The past 50 years have been so fulfilling and enriching with the experiences I had in meeting some of the most creative, brilliant people from all over the world and witnessing the power of unlimited creativity and resulting innovations.

 

I realized that: Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common and to Celebrate it every day.

 

 

 

Goodbye 2023

 

Point to Ponder: The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things- Henry Ward Breecher  ( Thanks to Evelyn Tan from Philippines for sharing this)

Story Line: Wishing You and Family a Very Happy New Year  

Reflection: During 2023, with the help of our daughter in law and son, we launched a website and YouTube channel to share our experiences in the Twilight Years. Due to some health mishaps ( wear and tear and some body part replacement for me), the progress had slowed down since August. However we are back into action and we plan to share many exciting stories with you in the coming year. 

As The Year Winds Down

Point to Ponder: “The older we get, the more clear it becomes that loving and being loved are the only really important things in life.” 

Wish You and Family a Very Happy Holiday Season. ❤️🌅🌲🙏🏼

 

Story Line: Yesterday Once More. 2023 turned out to be the special year - Rewinding the life tape: reconnecting with friends from childhood years in India; many after 5 decades. Also spending time with people (Philippines and India) who introduced me to my penfriend and now life partner; In Singapore spending time with friends we met at Stanford in the early 80s; in Manila, staying with a person we developed close friendships during my expatriate assignment with Raytheon in Philippines (1980-1983) and many celebrations and ovepouring of love in Malaysia by former work colleagues at Intel during my two work periods ( 1984-1986 and 1997-2015). Returning home was great joy seeing our children’s family: especially grandsons; and reconnecting work colleagues and bosses from LSI Logic, Fairchild and Intel. 

 

Reflection:  2023 has been nostalgic from the point of view of reconnecting with associations developed in this life’s Journey. 

 

There is one common theme from all these interactions: Work relationships were over a long time ago when I left those institutions but the friendships and relationships of heart that developed during those years has stayed on forever. Details of the projects we worked on are forgotten but the memories and a strong emotional bond we developed has stayed on. So here I end with a Point to Ponder:

 

“The older we get, the more clear it becomes that loving and being loved are the only really important things in life.”

 

Photo: Jaisalmer, India by Luisa Go Shah.