Friday 21 May 2010

How a cyclone named

I always had this question in my mind and my friend have sent me this article...very interesting

It might not be known when the next cyclone will hit the northern Indian Ocean, but what is already known is its name - Bandu, an official said Thursday. Cyclones derive their names through a systematic procedure laid down by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Cyclone Laila, which developed in the Indian Ocean off the Andhra Pradesh coast creating much havoc in the state, was named by Pakistan. The next to hit countries in the north Indian Ocean region will be called Bandu - a name given by Sri Lanka, and the one after that will be Phet, named by Thailand. Eight north Indian Ocean countries - Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand - have prepared a list of 64 names. "We give identity to the cyclones as per the list finalised by the WMO," M. Mahopatra, director of the cyclone division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), told IANS. "The practice of naming storms (tropical cyclones) began years ago to help in their quick identification while issuing warnings because names are presumed to be far easier to remember than numbers or technical terms," Mahopatra explained. "When a hurricane hits these countries, the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), housed in the IMD office in New Delhi, picks up the name next on the list. The RSMC has been set up by the WMO for forecasting tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal," he said. The countries take turns in naming the cyclones. The last six were: Nisha (Bangladesh), Bijli (India), Aila (Maldives), Phyan (Myanmar), Ward (Oman) and the most recent being Laila (Pakistan). Local names are used for cyclones to make it convenient for use. In the 1970s, the WMO in Geneva asked some countries around the Pacific Ocean to prepare a list of names. The decision to name the cyclones in the Indian Ocean was taken at a meeting of WMO/ESCAP in 2000.

Friday 7 May 2010

The other side of the mirror

So much is written and discussed about old age people. Their problems - financial, social and physical - but very rarely the other side of the story.

In Bangalore, so many young couples are working in IT industry in different shifts and coping with various time zones. They also have children (one or two maximum). In previous times most of the parents had worked in govt. authorities or nine - to - six schedule. We have always seen our father at home latest by 6:30pm to spend time with us or reading newspaper alongwith tea and pakodas. Children were studying in govt. schools ( without any shame) or public schools fee structure was also not very heavy. Mothers used to work at home and there was rarely any pressure of being a working mother. Parents also had pension schemes in their organisation for their old age and therefore very less worry about saving too much.
But today things are changed and money plays a big role. This generation works in multinational companies in odd shifts. These companies does not provide any security after leaving the company. On top of it, immense pressure of children's upbringing and their education. Cut throat competition and job hopping have made the things even worst. It is a continuous race. Most of the young parents are working in different locations away from their birthplace and relatives.
With all this, so much hype is created for old age parents and their mental insecurities. Although parents have saved for themselves and often they does not want to stay with their children as their son and daughter-in-law is working and they have to take care of grand children. Even if a full time maid is appointed at home but keeping an eye on the maid is a responsibility. Odd shifts and kids with various class schedules and gizmos are another tension to grand parents.
I feel that it should be the personal choice of the parents and children if they want to be together or away from each other. But there should not be any pressure or blame game. Most of the times children listen from their relatives that they have left their parents alone but it is not always true. Sometimes parents does not want to be a solution for their children's hectic schedule and odd working hours. They don't want to be disturbed with the noise of kitchen when their son or DIL (daughter-in-law) has come home mid-night after work. They don't want to be disturbed when DIL is getting up wee hours to prepare food for the family because she has to start for work early morning. They don't want to be the helping hand but just want to enjoy their old age nicely with bhajans and friend's gathering. They judge their kids love with the money they have spent on them.
I don't have any issues if they choose to be away from their son, as they have all the right to enjoy their last days of life after so many responsibilities but they should make this clear to all the friends and relatives that it is their own choice and their son has not left them alone. We should rather try to be together emotionally if not physically.
Everyone will reach to this old age and kids observes how we treat our parents. They learn values from the behaviour of their parents. Being money wise is good but sometimes we should trust our children.

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Different opinions

Being an insurance advisor from LIC, I tend to meet new people everyday and actually this is quite fulfilling. May be this is a gemini trait. I am sharing some of my experiences here

Few days back I met a young lady aged 33 - They have to reveal the actual age due to my business requirement :) She is sister of my ex-colleague so we knew a little about each other. She got married approx 5 years before and both husband and wife are working with multinational companies. During conversation I asked if she was pregnant (again my business requirement). To my surprise ...she questioned me - What have I got being a mother - I had to leave my career and spent almost 5 years completely at home...most of the time doing household cores like cleaning, cooking or washing for kids or teaching them values of life..and on top of it saving for their future and education from the single income we have and even after all this, not sure if they are on the right track or not...I was speechless for a while and did not argue with her, but could not stop wondering about views this generation is having for the family. I personally feel it is a selfish way of living as you earn and spend on yourself and never think about sharing it with others. What if our previous generations have also thought the same way and our existence was doubtful.

The very next day I met another man (aged 40 years) who is head of the company and doing well not only for his wife and two sons aged 15 and 10 years but also helped his two younger brothers in their careers and while talking he was so content and calm. He was also very concerned about the future of his sons and their education. Being at the top in his company, he travels a lot and spend most of his time away from family. But he tries to be back home on weekends to spend time with his kids and wife.

It all made me think and realise how the generation is changing and becoming 'practical' But does it really help ? What will they have to cherish when they will retire. I grow with my sons....I am doing my business and studying in 10th and 6th too...as my sons are my part....I feel happy with their success and always encouraged. We play and read together. We dance and roam around. I love being with them specially while in the car as we scream at the top of voice (singing) Because I know that even when I will not do anything I have my kids success and growth to live and cherish....but what would be there at our old age to look for if we don't have children?

I would have asked for the same family even if god would have given me choices .....