Latest news with #Tabla
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
What is wrong with that MBA?
'If you want to feed a person for a day give him a fish, if you wish to feed him for a lifetime, teach him how to fish.' Dr Ajit Varwandkar is a Career Psychologist and a Thought process Transformation Expert by profession. He is working on enhancing employability through career guidance and training. Just capacity development is not his motto; enabling youth is the intent. He started his career as a mechanical engineer and eventually went into clinical psychology, management and doctoral research. He is an avid trainer of Thought Engineering for corporate and educational institutes. He is a music lover and plays the Indian classical percussion instrument – Tabla. He is the author of the book Think Success and Be Successful. He loves to write inspirational blogs on self-improvement and career development issues. He believes in living life at zero complaint level and is always keen to focus on solutions than on excuses. LESS ... MORE Laddu Pintu was known as a classic academic achiever during school and university education. He had topped every exam, nailed every group discussion, and even wore his B-school blazer like a badge of honour. His MBA batchmates knew him as 'Placement King' – the first one to get hired by a global MNC straight out of campus. But six months into the job, Laddu was miserable. The corporate world, which once looked like the promised land, now felt like a strange, chaotic classroom but with no teachers, no report cards, and certainly no one to tell him what the 'right answer' was. 'I don't get it,' he sighed one day to his mentor from B-school. 'I follow instructions, work late hours, and even meet deadlines. Still, no appreciation. My ideas are ignored. There's no feedback. What am I doing wrong?' The mentor smiled knowingly and said, 'Laddu, the problem isn't your effort. It's your expectation. You're still playing by school rules, but the corporate world is a very different game.' You cannot carry your school mindset into the workplace, dear. Grow up. Laddu's story is more common than we admit. Many young professionals enter the workforce with the exact expectations and behaviors that helped them excel in school. They wait to be taught, rather than taking initiative. They expect recognition for obedience, not innovation. Such students, especially those in Gen Z, prefer clear instructions over ambiguity, and they assume someone else will notice their work automatically and reward their effort as if it were a school event. Unfortunately, the corporate world doesn't operate on those principles. A Harvard Business Review article highlights that early-career employees often struggle because they lack 'adaptive performance' – the ability to cope with unpredictability, take ownership, and acquire unstructured skills. These are hybrid real-life skills that are not typically taught in classrooms. In short, academic pursuits condition youth to comply, but the workplace demands creativity, initiative, and vision. Taking his mentor's words seriously, Laddu did a quick audit of his own behavior. He realised he was waiting for instructions instead of identifying problems to solve. He was playing it safe instead of taking bold steps. And worst of all, he expected someone to 'grade' his performance like a teacher, when in reality, he was supposed to own his own growth. 'You cannot expect an appreciation every now and then when you are in the corporate world,' said the mentor. So, Laddu decided to change. He stopped treating his manager like a professor and started looking at him like a collaborator. He stopped asking 'What should I do?' and began saying, 'Here's what I'm thinking, what's your input?' Gradually, he became more proactive, more visible, and more confident. Within a few months, his team lead noticed the spark in him. Laddu was now not just a performer; he was seen as a go-getter. Today, Laddu Pintu isn't just surviving, he's thriving. Once he changed his mindset, he found joy in ownership, pride in problem-solving, and excitement in the face of uncertainty. His career graph may still be in its early stages, but his learning curve and his happiness are on the rise. These are three vital Lessons from Laddu's Journey: Unlearn to grow The habits that got you success in school, obedience, memorisation, safe answers, etc., may hold you back in real life. Unlearning those is the first step to evolving as a professional. Initiative beats instructions In school, doing what you're told gets you full marks. In the workplace, being able to identify tasks that need to be done even without being told sets you apart. Don't wait to be discovered At your workplace, there's no teacher walking around with a red pen. If you want to grow, seek feedback, build relationships, and make your work visible. Take bold initiative and show up. Remember: Life after school isn't about proving how smart you are. It's about showing how you think, adapt, lead, and grow in the domain of unknown and uncertain situations. When you stop waiting for permission and start designing your own journey, life becomes a lot more joyful. If you're a young professional feeling unseen or stuck, pause and ask yourself: Are you still acting like a student in a space that wants you to be a self-driven adult? If you answered yes, it's time to evolve. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Hindustani music programme to be organised on July 20
Sangeet Bharati Foundation, Mangaluru, in association with Pancham Nishad, Mumbai, will organise 'Bolava Vittala,' a Hindustani music programme in Mangaluru on July 20. The programme will be held from 5 p.m. at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall, entry for which is free. Entry passes have to be collected from Expert College, Kodialbail, said Sangeet Bharati vice-president Narendra L. Nayak in a release. Sanjay Abhyankar and Sharayoo Dathe would initially present vocal music in Abhang form, followed by seperate vocal recitals. They would be accompanies by Prasad Padye on the Tabla, Sukhad Munde on the Pakwaz, Sooryakanth Surve on the rhythm pad, Abhishek Shinkar on the harmonium and Shadj Godkindi on the flute. Bolava Vittala, a Santavaani programme conceived by Pancham Nishad Institute of Mumbai that has organised programmes by many renowned musicians in important cities. Sangeet Bharati has hosted these programmes in Mangaluru every year from 2018, except in 2020.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The hidden orchestra behind every victory
'If you want to feed a person for a day give him a fish, if you wish to feed him for a lifetime, teach him how to fish.' Dr Ajit Varwandkar is a Career Psychologist and a Thought process Transformation Expert by profession. He is working on enhancing employability through career guidance and training. Just capacity development is not his motto; enabling youth is the intent. He started his career as a mechanical engineer and eventually went into clinical psychology, management and doctoral research. He is an avid trainer of Thought Engineering for corporate and educational institutes. He is a music lover and plays the Indian classical percussion instrument – Tabla. He is the author of the book Think Success and Be Successful. He loves to write inspirational blogs on self-improvement and career development issues. He believes in living life at zero complaint level and is always keen to focus on solutions than on excuses. LESS ... MORE What does success mean to you? Is it the applause that follows a well-delivered speech? The standing ovation after a stage performance? Or perhaps the satisfaction of achieving a milestone you've long worked for? Now, imagine watching a grand symphony orchestra live. The mesmerising harmony, the precise timing, the emotional rise and fall, it's all magical. But while you sit there applauding the conductor or the lead violinist, do you ever wonder what made that performance so perfect? Beyond the spotlight, what really contributed to that grand success? We often have ready-made answers to this: hard work, commitment, talent, confidence, and practice. These are indeed essential. But there's another, less glamorous but more powerful dynamic that quietly weaves itself into every success story: teamwork. Take the case of celebrated stage artist Laddu Pinto, who was recently honoured with a state award for his contribution to music. When invited on stage to accept the recognition, Laddu brought along 35 of his backstage and support crew, lighting technicians, sound engineers, costume designers, even drivers and stage managers. In his acceptance speech, he surprised the audience by dedicating the award not to himself, but to his team. 'This applause is not just for me,' he said, 'but for every hand that made this show what it is.' That moment was not just inspiring—it was revealing. Think about it, success, in any field, is never a solo pursuit. A dentist cannot operate without trained assistants and a sterile environment. A chef's culinary masterpiece is backed by kitchen staff, cleaners, procurement agents, and managers. A pilot doesn't fly a plane alone, there's air traffic control, ground staff, engineers, cabin crew, and countless others. Even a boxer, seemingly a lone warrior in the ring, owes much of his performance to trainers, sparring partners, nutritionists, and mental health coaches. Zoom out to something as simple as a road trip from Mumbai to Pune. You drive with your seatbelt on, music playing, confident behind the wheel. But have you ever thought of how many unseen contributors make that drive possible? The engineers who designed the highway, the construction workers who laid down the tarmac, the team that maintains the road, the factory worker who produced the tyres, the electricity board that powers the streetlights, the petrol pump attendant who filled your tank, the shoe salesperson whose product made driving comfortable – all invisible, yet invaluable. We often celebrate personal wins with the phrase 'I did it!' and while confidence in oneself is crucial, the idea that 'I did it all by myself' is simply untrue. There's a beautiful African proverb: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' But here's an equally important perspective: if something doesn't go as planned, don't fall into the trap of self-blame either. Just as success is a product of collective contribution, so is failure. You may not have received the support, guidance, or circumstances needed to succeed at that moment, and that's okay. This is not to excuse mediocrity, but to encourage you to be kind to yourself and to seek collaboration rather than isolation. A Harvard Business Review study once revealed that 87% of high-performing professionals attribute their career growth to strong networks, mentors, and team dynamics, rather than just individual brilliance. That's a telling statistic and a reminder that greatness is not born in solitude. So, what should we learn from this? First, never carry the illusion that you are a superhero who can conquer it all alone. You're not supposed to. The best athletes, scientists, and artists never work in isolation. They build a tribe around them, the family, the mentors, colleagues, support staff, and all those who bring a piece of the puzzle. Second, if you stumble, don't carry the entire blame on your shoulders. Sometimes, all that was missing was the right environment or the right collaborators. There's no shame in needing support, and there's courage in asking for it. Let's redefine success, not as a solitary summit, but as a journey powered by a caravan of contributors. Every time you succeed, pause to thank the silent players behind your win. And every time you falter, reflect not only on what you could have done better but also on how your ecosystem could evolve. In the end, success isn't a selfie, it's a group photograph. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kathak exponent Kumkum Adarsh passes away
Kathak exponent Kumkum Adarsh, a disciple of Pandit Lacchu Maharaj, passed away after a prolonged illness on Saturday. She was 65. She is survived by her husband Adarsh and daughter Purvi. Kumkum Adarsh (Sourced) Her mortal remains will be consigned to flames at Baikunth Dham at 10.30am on Sunday, shared Purvi. Kumkumar Adarsh was a recipient of the Yash Bharti, Devi, the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi awards and several other honours. Besides, she was an 'A' grade Akashvani artiste. Renowned Kathak exponent Kumkum Dhar, another well-known disciple of Pandit Lacchu Maharaj, said that she was shocked. 'I lament that I lost one of my dear friends. We have performed in several programmes across the country and abroad together and it is still hard to believe that she has gone forever,' Dhar said. Former director of UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Tarun Raj said that she was a known figure when it came to traditional choreography. 'She was a very soft spoken person who always maintained good relations with whoever she met. Her passing away has left a void,' Raj added. Tabla exponent Ilmas Hussain said, 'With her passing away, the industry lost a friendly, soft-natured exponent who was always dedicated to her gurus.'
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Heartbreak and hope
'If you want to feed a person for a day give him a fish, if you wish to feed him for a lifetime, teach him how to fish.' Dr Ajit Varwandkar is a Career Psychologist and a Thought process Transformation Expert by profession. He is working on enhancing employability through career guidance and training. Just capacity development is not his motto; enabling youth is the intent. He started his career as a mechanical engineer and eventually went into clinical psychology, management and doctoral research. He is an avid trainer of Thought Engineering for corporate and educational institutes. He is a music lover and plays the Indian classical percussion instrument – Tabla. He is the author of the book Think Success and Be Successful. He loves to write inspirational blogs on self-improvement and career development issues. He believes in living life at zero complaint level and is always keen to focus on solutions than on excuses. LESS ... MORE The heart sinks. The mind freezes. And a deep, unshakable pain fills the soul. The recent Ahmedabad air crash has left the entire nation numb. Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones so unfairly. No words can truly capture the sorrow they must be enduring. To lose someone in such an unexpected manner, it's a grief too deep for language. Among the many stories that surfaced, one account struck a raw nerve. A young family, finally on the threshold of reunion, was coming to a new beginning. The husband had been working abroad for years. Now, after crossing countless hurdles, his wife and two small children were on their way to join him. Their future was packed in bags, their smiles captured in a selfie just before takeoff. That flight never landed, rather it never took off! No one survived. The pain lies not just in what happened, but in everything that never got the chance to happen. A dream erased. A life story abruptly stopped mid-sentence. And the cruellest truth? It could have been any of us. Think about this. We wake up each day thinking we have time. We plan our weekends, postpone conversations, delay affection, and push joy into the future—assuming we'll always get there. But what if we don't? This tragedy wasn't just a loss of lives, it was a loud, aching lesson. A stark reminder that we are not in control. Tomorrow is never promised. And yet, we often live as if we have forever. We hold on to grudges. We let petty arguments simmer. We say things we don't mean in anger and leave certain things unsaid – that genuinely matter. We wait for the 'right time' to apologise, forgive, reach out, and express love. But time doesn't come with guarantees. Sometimes, we hurt those closest to us—not because we intend to, but because we assume there'll be time to fix it later. We think we'll get another chance. But tragic stories like these jolt us back to reality. They make us ask: Is our anger really worth it? When life can change or end in a heartbeat, what value do our ego battles, silent treatments, or unresolved fights really hold? Anger is futile in the grand scheme of life. The accident in Ahmedabad has left behind a powerful, painful message: stop waiting. Don't postpone peace. Don't delay love. Don't let another moment slip by, thinking there will be a better time to be kind, grateful, and happy. Living joyfully doesn't mean ignoring our struggles. It means choosing to find meaning despite them. It means laughing freely, hugging tightly, forgiving quickly, and savouring the simple, quiet blessings—like a shared cup of tea, a safe journey, or a child's laughter. There's a saying: 'Life is what happens while we're busy making other plans.' But sometimes, life ends before those plans can even begin. So, if you are breathing, if you have time, if there is someone you love, you are blessed. Do not let your blessings go unnoticed. Here's a gentle reminder: Call the friend you have meant to call, call now, and share joy. Say the 'I'm sorry' that is overdue. Do not delay that expression. Whisper 'I love you,' even if it feels awkward. Forgive. Let go. Let the ego go, permanently. Celebrate small wins, laugh out loud. Relish your meal like it's the finest feast. Take that break. Hold hands longer and tell your loved ones that you care. We do not get to decide how many days we have. But we do get to choose how fully we live each one. In a world where nothing is certain, don't let happiness be something you keep rescheduling. Today is yours. Live it well. Live it kindly. Live it fully. Because that's the only moment we're truly promised. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
