Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Had an ossum Xmas here at A. Apart from the normal celebrations (without wine and champagne and rum - atleast officially) we had the re union of our 1981 batch - the 25th reunion. So the xmas eve was spent with people like Hema Ravichander (Discussing how she helped grow Infy from 250 to 40000+) and heads of Bank Am and Feedback. And boy was it an interesting experience! The thing that strikes one quick enough is that they dont blow their trumpets even the slightest. Ofcourse when they speak about Vindy and other industry bigwigs they use first names and it might be initially a bit jarring but then one realises that, that is the kind of relations that they enjoy !! So when Hema speaks about Nandan and Murthy and how they used to play pranks its kinda "amusing" !!:)
Also watched "Making of Mahatma" (Shyam Benegal's) under the LVMR Course. Did not like it as much as "Gandhi". One particular dialogue between Gandhi and Kastur remain etched in memory.
Gandhi," If I have to really help these people (suffering from wars etc), I need to empathise with them. I need to give up my own family, luxuries and desires."
Kastur," That is going to be difficult"
Gandhi," Can't you control your desires (for supporting this act of mine)?"
Kastur,"I can. But I don't think you can control your's.It will be like holding a storm in a teacup!"

The learnings from this years Xmas eve has been that :

Leaders are humans. Very much so.They like to speak to you. Share their life.As one of them pointed out,"Life is lonely up there and it's great talking to minds like you". Also leaders have their own weaknesses, desires and failings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Have a rocking year ahead.