Invasion of technology

Technology has brought people closer. Communication between people situated in different corners of the world can happen in a jiffy. I can very safely say that "This world is a very small place!". May be 15 or 20 years ago this was not the scenario. I remember my uncles and aunts talking about their son or daughter studying abroad and the only means of communication with them was through post. Do we still remember the postman today? Of course telephone existed. But it was more of a luxury rather than a necessity. Calls to international destinations were very expensive. Years passed by and with the advent of Internet, e-mail was born. People thought that this was an amazing discovery. You could connect to the world with Internet. Gradually, technology revolutionized and brought in more and more goodies. Satellite communication, mobile telephony, Internet telephony, voice chat, video conferencing, VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) and the list is endless. Indeed it has brought people closer and if you need someone they are just a phone call away. With the advent of many private service providers, there is stiff competition in the market to provide best service at low rates. Now international dialling is no more expensive. Rates have been slashed making life of a common man a lot easier.

While all these things seem wonderful, there are a few things to ponder about. While I was watching "Lagey Raho Munna Bhai", one of the dialogue delivered by the lead actress of the movie caught my attention. In this universe where everything is moving so fast and the world has come closer, we have forgotten to pay attention to finer points. "Do we know who stays next door?". Of course we do not know who our neighbours are (atleast in metropolitan cities). All are locked indoors and nobody is bothered about what is happening in the society. I am more concerned about the younger generation which is glued to the computers. Gone are the days when kids used to go out and play. All the physical activities among the kids seem to be deteriorating. They are more interested in chatting with a stranger in Brazil rather than playing with folks next door. I had not even imagined about a cell phone during my school days while MMS is child's play among the adolescents these days. Its a pity to know that technology is being used to remember Birth Dates of the dear ones.

I am not complaining about the usage of technology. Technology is definitely a boon for the mankind. Every effort needs to be put in to avoid abuse of it. Let alone people who have been hit by this invasion, I need to come out of this addiction as well and begin to socialize.

The year that was...

11th Jan 2007
Amstelveen, The Netherlands


Looking back at the year 2006, I noticed that it was a mixed bag for me with joy and sorrow. Started off the year with a bright note going out of my home country on job assignment. Came to The Netherlands to see new world, new culture and new faces. Faced some challenges of getting accustomed to extreme weather conditions. One of my dreams to see the Eiffel tower came true when I visited Paris in February. I must tell you this is an awesome place to visit once in a lifetime. I went back to India in March. There was another surprise popping up this time when I was asked to pack my bags again for another assignment. This time it was on a longer term. I was right under pressure to deliver goods. I lived up to the expectations with a couple of successful projects. Received appreciation for projects well done. Truly happy moments for me.

I also happened to chase my second dream of visiting Switzerland. No wonder people call this place "Paradise on Earth". By the time I could realise, I had reached half way through the year. On the personal front I had to go through a rough phase. Now, life started getting monotonous and there was no more motivation to keep me going. I needed to re-fuel. I went back to India to spend some time with my family. Met a friend who came all the way from Mumbai. Lived some nostalgic moments with him. Also, met a friend whom I know for 6 long years. I am blessed to have such friends. It was time for me to bid adieu to Bangalore and come back to Amstelveen.

The last 3 months of the year have shown me that "Life is beautiful". Sweet memories and smooth sailing has taken me to a new level. Overall, the year that was has given me an ideal mix of sweet and bitter moments. I miss my family and friends out there. I look forward to this year to bring success, prosperity and challenges in my Life.

PS: This topic is an inspiration for me from a blog maintained by my cute friend.

Signing off....