A li'll mourning and a li'll gloating...

As I write this, Steve Jobs has died and there is a general lull or what I want to call a sense of disbelief. And no, this is in no way a tribute or any such thing to the creative genius. Theres plenty out there already. It’s just a reflection on a country that’s about 235 years old (yes?) and has front-lined great innovations and established a first-world defined by its achievements. Yes, I know its not Utopia. So hold your horses and there’s no need to get hot and bothered with all its current problems, the state of the economy, healthcare and what have you!  I was told that the news of Jobs’ demise was carefully announced after the stock market closed- I’m not sure to what extent this is true, but if it were true, that just struck me as unique and interesting. It got me thinking of how much one is tied down by a series of numbers and percentages largely driven by fear factor, that it dictates how and when one mourns the loss of someone great. Someone just died and the first and most instinctive thing most people would have done or at least thought about is to check the stock market.

These are just observations, and its interesting when you come from a country such as mine (India), and who’s history dates back to some 3000 years (I’m not too much into fact checking and love to round up, but feel free to knock yourself out!). It’s like having two TV screens in front of me watching how the young gets old and the old is now getting young – more precisely put…the US is now getting on in years and grappling with imminent issues, when my country is pushing the envelope each day and breaking barriers built by tradition, culture and paving the way for something great to break through each day.

And now a li'll gloating...

I recently landed a great job and finally got that elusive work permit that has haunted me forever! For all you international students out there, you know the elated feeling and the sense of relief when you hear the news! For those of you who are still struggling, don’t for a moment let those naysayers who feed on your insecurities get anywhere close to you! I recently learned loud and clear that if people are mocking you (and then there are those who don’t have the kahunas to tell you to your face), have issues with who you are and what you do, it certainly means you’re on the right track! As long as you are willing to put yourself out there and pick yourself up and go back out there again, I guarantee you’ll be able to stick it to them someday...and SOON! And while I can't say it myself, I'll let the picture say it.