Wishing You a Mindful and Purposeful New Year

As we welcome the New Year, let us take a moment to reflect on the true nature of time. As the calendar turns and we step into another year, it’s a time for both reflection and renewal. Indian scriptures teach us that time is infinite and constant. It does not move; it simply exists. We humans measure time in years, months, and days to understand our journey, but in reality, time remains still.

“In this grand universe, our existence is tiny, like a drop in the ocean. Think about this: How many of us know the name of our great-grandparents? For most, the answer is no. This shows how quickly time erases memories. In two or three generations, we too may be forgotten. Yet, what will remain is the impact we leave through our actions and kindness. 

This is not a reason to despair but a call to action. Life is too short to waste on complaints, grudges, or regret. Mistakes are inevitable — they are part of the human experience. What matters is how we respond:

• Do we learn from our errors or remain trapped in them?
• Do we extend gratitude for the blessings we have, or do we focus on what’s missing?
• Do we forgive others and ourselves, or do we carry the weight of resentment?

By living mindfully and embracing each moment with intention, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that outlives us.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, many are caught in a race — a race for power, money, and more. Their greed becomes endless. In the corporate world, we often see people sacrificing their personal lives, relationships, and health for success. They work tirelessly, ignoring their families and their own well-being, only to realize, as time flies, that they have lost what truly matters. In the end, they too perish, leaving behind nothing but regrets.

Life is too short for complaints, grudges, or chasing temporary achievements. Mistakes happen, but they are part of life’s lessons. What truly matters is how we live mindfully, learn from our errors, and show gratitude. Forgive others and yourself, and focus on making a positive impact on your life and others’.

In the infinite stillness of time, it is our actions that give meaning to our existence. Let this year be a reminder to live with purpose, humility, and mindfulness. Make an impact, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. And as we do, let us remember that life is not just about what we achieve but about how we touch the lives of those around us.

May this New Year bring you peace, growth, and the joy of meaningful connections. Let us walk this path together, grounded in gratitude and guided by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors.

Happy New Year! May it be a year of mindful living and purposeful action.

This New Year, let us also resolve to live meaningfully. Success is important, but balance is essential. Appreciate life, be present, and stay grounded. Time may be still, but our actions can create ripples that make life fulfilling and beautiful.

Happy New Year!

Watch my interview

Click here to Buy and rood my books

Please join my YouTube channel here >> Vinod Bidwaik

Forgiveness- Forgive thy idiots

It's natural to feel hurt and angry when others cause us pain or harm. It's a normal and healthy response to protect ourselves and defend our boundaries. However, holding onto that hurt and anger can be toxic and damaging to ourselves and our relationships.

When we refuse to forgive others for causing us hurt, we allow that hurt to fester and grow, causing ongoing emotional pain and suffering. It can also lead to resentment and bitterness, which can poison our relationships and prevent us from moving forward.

On the other hand, when we choose to forgive others, we allow ourselves to let go of the hurt and move on. It doesn't mean that we forget what happened or that we accept harmful behavior, but it means that we choose not to allow the hurt to control us and our relationships.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that allows us to let go of anger, resentment, and hurt feelings towards someone who has wronged us. It is a way of releasing ourselves from the pain and suffering caused by the actions of others, and allows us to move forward with our lives in a positive and healthy manner. 

"Forgiveness is like a weight lifted off your shoulders. When you hold onto grudges and resentment, it can feel like you are carrying a heavy burden that drains your energy and joy. But when you choose to forgive, it's like a burden has been lifted and you are free to move forward with a sense of peace and lightness."

Forgiveness is also like a fresh start. It's like a new page in a book, an opportunity to leave the past behind and begin anew. When you extend forgiveness to others, you open the door to healing and reconciliation, and the possibility of a brighter future. So the next time you are faced with the opportunity to forgive, remember that it's like a weight lifted off your shoulders and a fresh start. Choose to let go of your anger and embrace the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean that we have to forget what happened, or that we have to let the person who hurt us off the hook for their actions. It does not mean that we have to continue to have a relationship with them, if that is not healthy for us. But it does mean that we let go of the negative feelings towards them, and that we choose to respond to the situation in a positive and healthy way. 

One way to begin the process of forgiveness is to practice self-compassion. This means treating ourselves with the same kindness, care, and understanding that we would offer to a good friend. It means acknowledging our own pain and suffering, and giving ourselves permission to feel our emotions. It also means reminding ourselves that we are not alone, and that many others have gone through similar experiences.

Another way to practice forgiveness is to use visualization techniques. This can involve imagining ourselves in a peaceful and calming setting, such as a beautiful garden or a serene beach. We can then visualize the person who hurt us, and imagine them in a positive light. For example, we can imagine them apologizing for their actions, or expressing regret. This can help us to release some of the negative emotions that we are feeling.

Ultimately, forgiveness is a choice that we make for ourselves. It is a way of taking control of our own lives, and of moving forward in a positive and healthy manner. It is a way of letting go of the pain and suffering caused by the actions of others, and of finding peace and healing within ourselves.

Please respond the survey, I am conducting, as a part of my research by clicking on >> Leadership Competencies required for managers while handling crisis situations. 

(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

Author's books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi and BookGanga. You can buy the print copy of Vitality in Human Resources on amazon. Click >> Vitality in Human Resource: Adding human dimensions in HR processes    

Royalty from books is used for social cause. 

With new year… start your new life…

It doesn't matter what your intentions are or how high you set your goals; what you'll be remembered for is what you accomplish...  

After few hours, we will be in 2019, in a new year.. and this is my first blog in a new year. however what is the different in new year?… for nature it is same, for universe it is same… universe has completed just one lap…but everything will be same, except your thinking. Mentally we have accepted that with the change of year on the calendar,  something new is ahead…and we should think actually for something new. Celebration of new year is the ritual, but it should not be only the celebration or ritual… it should be the celebration of adopting something new; Changing something and being more matured and stronger. The way forward in  fulfilling your dreams.

Of course this is also the opportunity to change our outdated belief and habits. Do you welcome the change?

I know it is very difficult, but if you have a right attitude and faith on the power…power of this universe which has the ability to convert odd into opportunities…then accepting the change is very easy. For this flexibility is the key.

Another is to maintain a strong belief that no matter what happens, you will get through it. Know, deep in your heart of hearts,  that you are bigger and stronger than any outside force and circumstances.

If you look back and introspect, you will realized that everything what you did or achieved gave you a different experience and you came out from the odd situation. You achieve something because you can do it. You have already proved that you have lot of potential and you are ready to take new challenges in life.

Remember that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade…

Only one think you should do and that is, Promise… Promise to yourself…

Promise yourself, your family and the supreme power which believe that you will peruse the change you wish and the dream you have to the best of your ability.

You deserve to get what you dream and what you think…. But take actions… 

Wish you all a Happy New Year!

Information Please

When he was quite young, his father had one of the first telephones in his neighborhood. He remember well the polished old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. He was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when his mother used to talk to it. 

Then he discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person - her name was "Information Please" and there was nothing she did not know. "Information Please" could supply anybody's number and the correct time. His first personal experience with this genie-in the-bottle came one day while his mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing  at the tool bench in the basement, he whacked his finger with a hammer. The pain was terrible, but there didn't seem to be any reason in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy. He walked around the house sucking throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway.

The telephone! Quickly, he ran for the foot stool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, he unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to his ear. "Information Please," he said into the mouthpiece just above his head. 

A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into his ear.

"Information"

"I hurt my finger..." I wailed into the phone. The tears came readily enough now that he had an audience.

"Isn't your mother home?" came the question.

"Nobody's home but me." he blubbered.

"Are you bleeding?" the voice asked.

"No," he replied. "I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts."

"Can you open your icebox from your freeze?" she asked. He said he could. 

"Then chip off a little piece of ice and hold it to your finger," said the voice.

After that, he called "Information Please" for everything. He asked her for help with his geography and she told him where Nagpur was. She helped him with his math. 

Then, there was the time, his pet duffy died, he called "Information Please" and told her the sad story. She listened, then said the usual things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But he was unconsoled. he asked her, "Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?"

She must have sensed his deep concern, for she said quietly, "Shonu, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in." Somehow he felt better.

Another day he was on the telephone. "Information Please."

"Information," said the now familiar voice.

"How do you spell fix?" he asked.

All this took place in a small town in Maharashtra. When he was 9 years old, he, along with his parents moved another city. He missed his friend very much.

"Information Please" belonged in that old wooden box back home, and he somehow never thought of trying the tall, shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall.

As he grew into his teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left him. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity he would recall the serene sense of security he had then. He appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.

A few years later, he realized that he should call Information Please" just to say thanks for what she did for him. He dialed his hometown operator and said, "Information, Please." Miraculously, he heard the small, clear voice he knew so well, "Information."

He hadn't planned this but he heard saying, "Could you please tell me how to spell fix?"

There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, "I guess your finger must have healed by now."

He laughed. "So it's really still you," he said. "I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time."

"I wonder", she said, "if you know how much your calls meant to me. I never had any children, and I used to look forward to your calls." He told her how often he had thought of her over the years and he asked if he could call her again.

"Please do," she said. "Just ask for Sarita."

Three months later he again called. A different voice answered "Information."

He asked for Sarita.

"Are you a friend?" She said.

"Yes, a very old friend," he answered.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, she said. Sarita had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago."

Before he could hang up she said, "Wait a minute. Did you say your name was Shonu?"

"Yes."

"Well, Sarita left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called.

Let me read it to you." The note said, "Tell him I still say there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean."

He thanked her and hung up. He knew what Sarita meant.

* Adapted & Anonymous

Do you know the name of the person who keeps your workstation and dustbin clean?

It was last day of the year, 31^st Dec. All employees were wishing each other before calling off the day. There were lot of plans for the evening. Most of them were planning to go in pubs and have a party, however few of them were planning to spend time with families at home. Everybody was exited and were ready to welcome the new year.

I also decided to call off the day after busy day. Employees and I exchanged greetings and new year wishes. I noticed that all employees were exchanging the wishes among themselves where the supporting staff working in housekeeping, office boys and security were ignored by everybody. Normally this staff is on contract and perhaps nobody knows even their names. In fact they also wanted to wish people, but showing themselves busy in their work.

When I stepped out and moving in the office to wish other employees, I saw one housekeeping guy looking toward me. I ensured that I greet him and give wishes for new year. He seems to be excited. All other staff came forward and we shook hands and exchanged wishes. I could see the happiness on their faces.  

There are so many people around us to whom we just ignore. Housekeeping staff keep our environment clean, office boys ensures that you get your morning tea on time, security wishes you when you enter in the office and secure our workplace. We can perform better because somebody is working for us.  Still we don’t respect what they perform. They get money for what they do, but they also have the impact on our job.   

There are people around us whose contribution can’t be ignored. You throw your papers in dustbin, you make your washroom messy, and expect somebody else cleans it for you. No problem, you hire them for you and pay them. However, you expect that you should be recognized for your performance, people should respect you, people should not ignore you. Others are also expecting the same. It makes their day and perhaps will do their job better next time.

I recollect the story which emphasize the importance of being humble, love & respect to others.

John worked at a meat distribution factory. One day, when he finished with his work schedule, he went into the meat cold room (Freezer) to inspect something but in a moment of bad luck, the door closed and he was locked inside with no help in sight. Although he screamed and knocked with all his might, his cries went unheard as no one could hear him. Most of the workers had already gone and outside the cold room (freezer), it's impossible to hear what was going on inside. Five hours later, whilst John was on the verge of death, the security guard of the factory eventually opened the door and saved him. John then asked the security guard what he came to do there as it wasn't part of his work routine.

His replies: "I've been working in this factory for 35 years. Hundreds of workers come in and out every day but you're one of the few who greets me in the morning and says goodbye to me every night when leaving after working hours. Many treat me as if I am invisible. So today like every other day, you greeted me in your simple manner "Hello" at the entrance when resuming for work, But curiously after working hours today, I observed I've not heard your "Good bye see you tomorrow". Hence I decided to check around the factory.

I look forward to your greetings every day because to you, I am someone. By not hearing your farewell, I knew something had happened. Then I Sought and found you!

Moral Lesson:

Be humble, love and respect those around you because life is too short. Try to have an impact on people in ways we can't even imagine especially the people that cross our path daily. Stay blessed!

What is the source of your energy?

Lots of people ask me the common question, “how do you get the time to write blog, column in newspaper & magazines, going to colleges for interaction. How you do all this stuff?”. My simple answer is “I received the tremendous energy by doing so. This energy is necessary to do my job effectively at office. So by doing this, if I am gaining something, I have to take out some time. Perhaps, I manage my time effectively to accommodate such activities.”

People need energy to live the life fulfilling. Energy doesn't mean only physical energy, it is also related to mental energy. The status of mind created to do the tasks effectively. How many times, we think on our energy source?     

Sources of energy are different for different people. These energy sources may be as under:

1. Goal achievement: Some people are very happy when they achieve their targets /goals in their life or at job. For them this sense of achievement itself is a source of energy. 
2. Hobbies: Some people focus on their hobbies. I know few friends who are pursuing their hobbies further like music, dancing, acting, gardening, tracking, mountaineering  etc. One of my colleagues, teaches Persian Language in Universities. People get the energy by doing this and they are happy to do so. When they come at the office, they equally focus on their tasks.
3. Interacting with people: Some people are very extrovert. They like meeting new people, networking, associating with people. Meeting and interacting people is the solid source of network for them. 
4. Touring, vacations: Some people like to go on vacations regularly. This may be one or two time activity for them, but this lasts for next 6 months for them. 
5. Social Work: One of my friends is associated with NGO. He spends his time with social activities. He usually tells that he gets satisfaction by doing so and whole week he is energized. 

There are people whose energy sources is partying, gossiping etc. This helps them to be energetic during the whole week or month. 

Sometimes, we are not much aware about our energy sources, in that case, it is the time to just relax  and think… “What are that few things… by doing that, I get the sense of satisfaction, rewarding feel and by doing so I get energized?” I am sure you will definitely get some source of your energy… then?…Just do it… 

Organizational Context: In organizations, you will find different people whose energy sources are also different. If they get some energy from something and if it is aligned with your organizational values, you can also design the talent management plan & employee engagement plan as per the energy sources of people. As a line manager, identify energy sources of your team and encourage them to follow the sources… you will definitely get more productivity from your employees.  

Bus Conductor who makes people happy….

“देणाऱ्याने देत जावे.........  

I used to travel daily to the college by state transport bus. It was Ojhar (where the factory of Mig fighter planes is located) to Nashik.  Bus was always crowded, and most of the time the travel was by standing. It was starting March and we were preparing for the examinations. One day, I took the bus and fortunately I got the seat to relax while travelling. After few minutes when bus started on Highway,  there was a huge crowd of vehicles on the road stuck up in the traffic jam.  Whole route was jam.  There was no guarantee that we would reach at college on time, however there was no point to go back. I decided to face what is there as the whole situation was not in our control. Vehicles were moving with slow pace. 

Power of Smile..

About Sixteen years ago I was struggling to build my career.  After the college hours, I was working as an consulting editor for the local newspaper to earn some money.  I used to work till midnight and then get the bus to go home. One day before going to the newspaper office, I went to the next restaurant to have a tea. The restaurant was small and crowded. I saw an elderly couple come in with a little girl in a wheelchair. As I looked closer at this girl, I saw that she was kind of perched on her chair. I then realized she had no arms or legs, just a head, neck and torso. She was wearing a little white dress with red polka dots. They took the girl outside the wheel chair and came inside. Couple was looking for the place to seat and they found one near to me. I turned my head toward the girl while having the sip of tea and gave her a wink. I looked back at the girl, who was giving me the cutest, largest smile I have ever seen. All of a sudden her handicap was gone and all I saw was this beautiful girl, whose smile just melted me and almost instantly gave me a completely new sense of what life is all about. She took me from a poor, unhappy college student and brought me into her world; a world of smiles, love and warmth. That was Sixteen years ago. I'm a successful professional now and whenever I get down and think about the troubles of the world, I think about that little girl and the remarkable lesson about life that she taught me. 

The last ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift, I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.

'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

I have a dream…

I have a dream... but I need a action...

Mahatma Gandhi saw the dream of Independent country with peaceful and powerful society. And off course he was the firm believer of dreams and power of dreaming. He had written “A man, whilst he is dreaming, believes in his dream; he is undeceived only when he is awakened from his slumber.”

You all know the dream seen by Martin Luther King in 1963. Martin Luther King had a dream of country which is free from race and region. He says in his famous speech “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

India is independent country and one of the economic power and Martin Luther Kings’ dream was manifested a year later, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which (also) guaranteed blacks the right to vote.

And you know Tata group and dream of Jamsethji Tata. His dream about building the nation with Industrial revolution with human development and also building the largest power utility company and so on…

There are people who dreamt and also fulfilled their dream with passion, innovation and out of the box thinking.  

We all have a dream. Or more accurately, we all had a dream. Dream of becoming committed doctor, successful industrialist innovative scientist and great engineer. We all dreamt of making a difference.  

But the difference is we left our dreams in between and curse the luck… and say… “Oh bad luck...”

Think for a moment, how the world would be if all people had chosen not to strive for their dreams and make a difference. People like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and even Sachin Tendulkar (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.in/search/label/Dream).

However these all are great people. You may feel somewhat daunted and would ask “Can I really make a difference? But what sacrifice I can do to achieve the dream?”

It is easier to live a compromised, mediocre life, hoping that someone else makes a difference, but the fact is we all want to be successful and want our dreams. The imperative things are to believe on our dream and take certain actions.

First action is challenge the status quo. We like status quo because we are comfortable with that. I mean psychological status quo. Same like elephant story. Elephant even could not think to break the chain tied to his legs.   

Yes. It is time to confront our upbringing, conditioning and circumstances.

You can fulfill your dream by with following simple tips.

1. Challenge the status quo,
2. Dream big,
3. Believe on your dream and believe on yourself that you are capable to fulfill your dream,
4. Visualize that you are close to the dream,
5. Convert your dream into SMART objectives,
6. Take actions…
7. Keep a log of your actions,
8. Work Hard and also work smart…
9. Learn from mistakes done in actions and move on…

That day is not long when you will actually see what you dreamt… Best luck…J

Seven Wonders of the World…

We (DSM and employees) are associated with the girls’ blind school (http://vinodtbidwaik.blogspot.in/2011/04/inspiration-underprivileged-children.html) near Pune. We not only sponsor the education, food but also ensure to spend quality time with these girls. Recently on Saturday we visited the school on the occasion of Ganapati Festival. After lunch we had some fun activities with the girls. Somebody asked students to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Girls started to mumble among themselves. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes with the help of our volunteer.  

1. Chichen Itza in Mexico

2. Taj Mahal

3. Petra in Jordan

4. Colosseum at Italy

5. Christ Reedemer in Brasil

6. Machu Pichhu in Peru

7. China's Great Wall

After finishing the consolidation of the list one girl raised her hand hesitantly.  

“Yes? You have something different?” asked one of the teachers available there...

The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I have confusion and I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then started, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:"

1. To see

2. To touch

3. To taste

4. To hear

She hesitated a little, and then added

5. To feel

6. To laugh

7. And to love

The place was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as wonders while we overlook what God has done for us. Those things we overlook as simple and "ordinary" are truly wondrous.

And most amazing was, it come through the girl who knows the value of these senses and wonders...

Joy of giving

Two years ago, I use to take my son to bus stop for his KG school in the morning. There was lot of fun on bus stop with his friends.

One day, we saw a mid aged man sleeping at the corner of the street, just back of the bus stop. Nobody notices the poor man. After few days, the man made a little shelter with the help of some plastics material.

After few days, we saw the man cleaning the area outside his little shelter. The man was settled there.

One fine morning, my son asked me, “Pappa, why this man is staying here?”

“Beta, he must be alone in this world and he is poor, he can not afford to buy a house in the city.” I replied. “Ok, it must be very hard for him to survive during such winter” he spoke looking towards that man. “Yes” I replied.

“Then papa, why don’t we give him one rug which we are not using at all?” he innocently asked me.

I replied,”Yes, we will do?”

Next day, Dhanashri, my wife handed over the rug to poor man. The man was very happy and gave his blessings to my son.

After few days, I saw one old lady beggar who pulled the same rug. I asked the poor man, “It seems that you have given that rug to that old lady.”

“Saab, I saw that lady last month and she needed it more than me in such cold winter this year. I can manage myself.” He smiled.

I was surprised by the attitude of that person. He has easily given the thing which probably he also needed.

That day I realized the richness of the poor and the importance of “Joy of giving”.
I am sharing what 'I Saw and I Learnt' at BlogAdda.com in association with DoRight.in.

Want To

"Want to!",

I remember the night in Igatpuri, near Nashik when our son, Atharva, was just two & Half years old. We were staying in Mahindra Colony and it was his bedtime. When I looked at the living room floor, I knew we had a problem. Toys, mainly cars were all over the place. "Sonu," as we call him, I said, "you need to pick up all those toys before you go to bed." "Pappa," he said, "I'm too tired to pick up my toys." My immediate inclination was to force him to clean up the room. Instead, I went into the bedroom, laid down, and said, "Sonu, come here. Let?s play Gugusha, Magusha." He climbed up on my knees and I said, "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall." And he fell. He laughed and said, "Let's do it again." Well, after the third "fall," I said, "Okay, but first go pick up those toys." Without thinking, he ran into the living room and in ninety seconds he finished a job that could have taken half an hour. Then he jumped back on my knees and repeated, "Pappa, lets do it again." "'sonu, I thought you were too tired to pick up those toys." He answered, "I was, pappa, but I just wanted to do this!"

We can finish any job when we have the "Want to!"

I am sharing what 'I Saw and I Learnt' at BlogAdda.com in association with DoRight.in.