Nazia Tanwir cooks Pasta on Sunday evening...

Had heard so much about Pasta, that finally decided to try my hands at it. These days, my latest craze is cooking in microwave...who said, its not as much fun as cooking in the traditional way, infact its more fun! Believe me.

Just check out the pic, and let me know :)

Eat little, sleep sound. ~Iranian Proverb

Nazia Tanwir cooks Chilly Gobi on a sunday afternoon.

Cauliflower happens to be my fav veg since childhood.

I simply relish it in any form, be it curry, or dry subzi. Cooking is actually an art, even if you are not aware of the proportions of the ingredients, or dont know the exact recipe, the dish will turn out delicious with just one special ingredient... a very generous garnishing of LOVE...:)

And I happen to be the world's second best cook. The first is ofcourse my dear MOM. In my family, we all turned out to be big foodies, thanks to my mom's exceptionally good culinary skills. Her speciality is Chicken Biryani, eat one spoon, and you have achieved NIRVANA, not kidding :)

Nazia Tanwir's Sunday Glory

Morning has broken like the first morning,blackbird has spoken like the first bird....

My Sunday Breakfast:

Idli, Juice, Boiled egg, and lemonade. After a long time, I prepared breakfast on a Sunday morning :) Sometimes I wonder, what makes sunday mornings so special...Thick edition of TOI (TimesLife with a hot steaming cup of coffee)...or the promise of a challenging Monday! Whatever it is, it sure makes my world go round n round.

While browsing TOI, came to know about the song, "Ye hausla kaise jhuke" from the movie Dor, and how it changed someone's life. That sure prompted me to download it. Listening to it right now...hmm...sounds good...sufi types. Will tell you later, if it changed my life too ;)

Did I tell you, these days, my fav song happens to be, "Lakhon hain nigaaho mein". Its an old one. It sure perks me up :)

Diwali holidays are just around the corner...Havent made any plans so far :)

Nazia Tanwir presents a book review on FISH

"Fish", written by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen is one of best inspirational books that I have read in a long long time.

While I was browsing through my brother's book shelf, I stumbled upon this particular book.

The book gives you the talisman on how to create an innovative and accountable work environment where a playful, attentive, and engaging attitude leads to more energy, enthusiasm productivity, and creativity.

The books narrates the story of a lady name Mary Jane, who being a single mother, struggles with her daily life, yet brings about a remarkable change in her organization and converts it from a boring, dull workplace to a throbbing, pleasant, action-oriented and responsive organization.

How a chanced visit to a fish market gave her the valuable inputs to bring about this change in her organization.

During her first visit to the fish market, she was astounded to observe that the fish mongers were carrying about their business in a very strange yet engrossing manner. They went about throwing fishes in the air and attempting to catch it much to the amusement of the customers and passersby. This resulted in huge rounds of applause and hooting whenever someone succeeded in a great catch or a miss! Mary Jane was also very astonished to notice that, the fish mongers were avidly involved in animatic conversations with each customers, thereby giving personalized touch to every interaction.

She became chatty with one of the fish mongers who in turn gave her the solution as to how to enthuse life into her dull and dead organization.

PFB the secret shared:

1. Choose your attitude everyday.

We cannot choose people's attitude towards us, but we definitely can choose our response to it.

We can choose to be happy and excited or morose, its entirely our call.

There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself. You can enjoy even the dullest job in the whole world, if you do it with all your energy and passion.

2. Play

Bring some fun and liveliness in your transactions. Treat your work just like play. Take control, and learn when to let go. If we follow the play routine, Work becomes a reward, not just a way to rewards.

3. Make their day

Go out of your way, to make someone's day, EVERYDAY. Make every interaction with customers a memorable experience, that will in turn create an atmosphere of positivity.

4. Be present

Give your 200% to every conversation, ppt, phone call or email. In our obsession to multitask, we often end up cheating our customers, by not giving them our full attention. That is the only way to create highly engaged employees and customers.

BTW, I have always endeavored to follow the above 4 rules, even before I came across this book :)

But its high time, you all start implementing it too :)

Please take a printout of the below lines and laminate it.

Our Workplace:

As you enter this place of work please CHOOSE to make today a great day. Your colleagues, customers, team members, and you yourself will be thankful. Find ways to PLAY. We can be serious about our work without being serious about ourselves. Stay focused in order to BE PRESENT when your customers and team members most need you. And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this surefire rememdy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear - and MAKE THEIR DAY!

Nazia Tanwir is holidaying at Pune.

Reached Pune on 13th evening amid heavy downpour, which is a rare event out here. By the end of the day, was so tired, all the 206 bones of mine were screaming for some rest. Had reached office quite early at 7:30 AM to finish up the day's work as I had to scoot by 12 noon. I am not too fond of rushing around, while travelling though. Like to travel in a leisurely fashion, enjoying the sights and sounds, internalising the entire process of travelling rather than being too keen to reach the destination.

Had Upma for breakfast and coffee to wash it down. Then chhole for lunch and dahivada as evening snacks. When you are travelling, its very important to stay hydrated, so try and drink as much water as possible.

I spent the whole of yesterday lazying around for a change. Wrote an important article about "Implications of Change Management in an organization", which took me about 6 hours. Writing really refreshes me. Writing for work and for pleasure are two separate things, and I am really very fortunate that my job gives me plenty of opportunity to do writing. Both HR related stuff and general writing for some Infy newsletter or the other. I also did some in-depth reading of all the major newspapers. After MBA, I hardly got the chance to do detailed reading, planning to do the same today. Have finished TOI, need to chew up ET now.

The city of Pune is very dear to my heart, not just 'coz my bhaijan and bhabi stay here, but 'coz this was my abode when I got to know that I have been selected for Infy. And since then, there has been no looking back.

My lil angelic niece Sara is suffering from Measles, so we took her to the docs last night. Now she is feeling better and back to her energized self. It such a pleasure to be around Sara, people tell me she resembles me, when I was this age....

PFB

Follow Nazia Tanwir's fitness regime to become slim in 3 months.

Losing fat is not rocket science, believe me!

Its just a matter of determination. Leading a disciplined life, in terms of exercising regularly and eating a well balanced diet, if possible every 2 hours.

Cardio exercises are the best to lose fat. Anything that makes you sweat, running, walking, dancing etc. Remove junk food (Fried chips, aerated drinks etc) from your diet. And lead a healthy life. As simple as that.

One important thing, I forgot to mention, you can savour your favourite food (Biryani, in my case) once every 100 days.

:)

My usual breakfast is Idli and coffee at around 9:30 AM

At around 12:30, I have muesli and milk.

Lunch is at around 1:30 PM, Roti and dal or subzi.

At around 4 PM, I have another cup of coffee with biscuits.

Then evening snacks, at 6 PM (Oil free Plain dosa, or some other snacks but nothing deep fried.

I run on treadmill for half an hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And on Sat and Sun, I do aerobics.

Quenching my wanderlust...

I have led a pretty sheltered existence so far in my life, thanks to my adorable parents, who were always there for me, protecting and supporting me at every point. During my growing years, we used to go on family holidays every two years or so. That’s how, my love for traveling blossomed.That didn’t prevent me from wondering how will it be if I go on a holiday all by myself, without my caring parents around me. Got the opportunity pretty soon!

After I completed my MBA last year, I got through Infosys (My childhood dream), and was posted in Mysore. Though I was transferred back to BBSR in one and half months, that short stint in an alien city down south, changed me as a person and was definitely a significant milestone of my life. Let me take you through some delightful and adventurous Mysore memories. So folks! Please fasten your seat belts and get ready for a ride of your lifetime!

Mysore is a city extremely rich in culture and heritage. Many a times I had watched the “Durga Puja celebrations” telecast on DD-1, in which I was spellbound to see the Maharaja of Mysore riding on the royal elephant adorned with gold and brocade. Every evening, after playing a game of Squash with my colleagues (they used to make mincemeat out of me, coz my game sucked!) I returned home all tired and sweaty. Then after getting freshened up, I used to do googling and a whole new world opened up in front of my eyes. I used to browse for hours and hours at end, about Mysore. Famous places to see, famous places to eat, to shop etc. Finally made a list of everything. And every weekend I used to pack my bag and start site-seeing. With my red backpack (which has become quite infamous btw!), notes, goggs, and mineral water! In true tourist style!

Due to paucity of space, let me describe one memorable Saturday of my Mysore stay.(To get the ring side view of the rest of my trip, please read my blog J )One fine morning, armed with my “tourist places to see” list, I went to see a very famous church in Mysore, called St. Elphinestine Church. It was some centuries old. The day happened to be Independence Day and also Good Friday I guess, hence it was decorated and all lit up like a Christmas Tree. The inside of the church was a sight to behold. Majestic and elegant, like a palace, I felt hesitant to even breathe aloud. I sat there for about an hour, prayed for every one’s well being and came out of it feeling peaceful and glad. Photography was not allowed inside, so had to satisfy the “Kuntal Paul” inside me by taking few pics of the church tower.Hearing my stomach rumblings, I went to check out the Chicken Biryani (CB) at the famous eating joint “RRR”.

Before you start wondering about the weird name, let me enlighten you regarding its genesis. The restaurent is named after a person from Andhra, whose name initials are RRR! Though there was a serpentine queue to get a table, I didn’t give up hope, courtesy the foodie in me! Let me tell you one vital detail, I am absolutely crazy about CB and I love tasting it in every city or town I visit. Its kind of a sacred ritual for me, which I never violate fearing some bad omen to befall me, if I ever leave a place without tasting its CB J Finally I succeeded in getting a table and tasted the heavenly CB. Shared the table with a family of three, daughter and her parents. I befriended them and their constant chatter kept me amused throughout. Thanks to them, I came to know the entire story behind the famous RRR! A strange greenish concoction accompanied the CB, called rasam, which made it even more spicier. A sucker for spicy food, I simply loved it. Had to wash it all down with a coke afterwards, though! JThen I went to see the famous Mysore place. My my! Was it an experience of a lifetime? You bet! As soon as I entered into the palace premises, my eyes turned into saucers. I was transported into the era of the “Great Tipu Siltan” BTW, it used to be my favourite serial when I was in school. I used to fall asleep early and my parents never forgot to record it in VCR so that I could watch it the next day! Such was the craze of Tipu Sultan in my home! Although the Mysore palace was not exactly where Tipu lived, I always feel that it must have a deep link with him somehow…J Oh forgive me for digressing from the topic, but can’t help it.

So here I was, in person, actually visiting the abode of the Mysore King. I was so overwhelmed to see the inside of the palace, I gobbled down 3 banana chips packets in 25 mins flat! Also fell prey to the cunning “Sandal wood sellers” and bought an overpriced bottle of sandal wood paste. See, I am starting to meander again…Uff…but the fact remains, that the beauty of the palace is incomparable. Its humanly impossible to describe the glory of the magnificent palace. After the Agra fort, it’s the only palace that has left me speechless.By the time I got out of the palace, it was already dusk and I suddenly remembered the ladies back home had threatened me with dire consequences if I returned without the “Famous Mysore Silk Sarees”.

Picked up a few from a nearby handloom shop, the price burned a deep hole in my pocket though! And I am yet to see them wearing it, that’s what blows my lid! Grrrrrr!Anyways, all good things have to come to an end. I called it a day after getting a masala dosa parceled for dinner. And guess what I did after reaching home? Yup, uploaded the pics of the day, on Orkut!!! J

Queen of hills...Ooty

If there is heaven somewhere on earth, its here, its here….its here. Some wizened old shayer had once remarked about Kashmir.I haven’t been fortunate enough to visit this “heaven on earth” so far. But recently I got an opportunity to visit a poorer cousin of Kashmir, i.e., Ootacamunda alias Ooty!

Popularly known as “Queen of hills” this dainty little hillstation nestles between a bunch of hills which are covered by a labyrinth of tea gardens and age-old eucalyptus trees.
On a fine sunny Saturday morning, I just got up from bed and impulsively decided that I need to visit Ooty. Packed my bag and caught a bus to Ooty. Incidentally, Ooty is just 6 hours bus drive from Mysore. The ride is the most picturesque one that I have had so far in my life.

The journey is just like, flipping through a picture book, full of colorful pictures of hills, valleys, floating clouds, wild animals, streams, lakes. I was lucky enough to get a front seat in the bus, so sitting on my vantage point, I had the best of views. Armed with my N72 (with 2 megapixel camera, nothing to boast about, I know, lolz), I didn’t miss even a single leaf falling or a wild animal crossing the road, even if it was a monkey! My shutterbug caught everything.During the journey I came across quite a few animal sanctuaries. Mudumalai Tiger reserve was one such point.Was quite amazed to see a herd of wild elephants crossing the road, but by the time I got ready to click, they had disappeared into the thick forest.As the driver expertly maneuvered the bus along the 38 hairpin bends on the way, the altitude went on increasing and it became chillier. Valleys and forests got replaced with tea gardens and stretch of well lined eucalyptus trees.

I was so excited with my first visit to a hill station that I behaved like a typical tourist and waved at all the demure and shy ladies plucking tea leaves on the way! The bus stopped at one bend, and the travelers got down to have “garma-garam alu bondaas and vadas” with hot tea. Since it was drizzling slightly, the hot snacks got sold like hot cakes. And as usual, I was the first one to reach the stall and hog down bondas J, much to the amusement of the Bonda seller! He could not help grinning when I took a pic of his Bondaas. BTW, forgot to tell you, I am a die hard fan of all oily deep friend snacks, Alu chop and samosa top my list. But I am trying to keep away from all such temptations since last two weeks, as I have turned over a new leaf.(On a strict dietery and exercise regime, right now!)After having our fill, we got into the bus and I changed sides. I moved to sit on the right for a better view as per my driver’s advice. (Seeing my enthusiasm, as I was clicking pics left, right and centre, he took me for some kind of a journalist or adventure seeker turned reporter!lolz)Clouds and mist were floating alongside our bus and it was a sight to behold! At that moment, I actually felt, “Agar kahin jannat hai duniya mein, to wo sirf yahin hai, yahin hai…yahin hai”.

I made all my future plans regarding my career and personal life at that instant. Will retire at the age of forty, and settle down up here in the hills in a tiny cottage with my parents. The tiny cottage will have only two rooms. One state-of-the-art kitchen with all modern facilities and another cozy living-cum-bedroom with a big fire place infront of which would be the most comfortable arm chair with lot many cushions. Not to mention, the walls would be lined with racks and racks of books! All kinds of books, fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies etc. And this is how I would desire to grow old. The only thing that bothered me was the chilly weather L. Since I am not a person who loves to remain wrapped up in sweaters and shawls…Anyways, long time for that, I am sure, tomorrow will take care of itself, like the famous Scarlett O’Hara used to say in the epic novel, “Gone with the wind”. BTW, it happens to be one of my all time favorites.It was still drizzling when I reached the city Ooty. But the weather could not dampen my fiery spirit! :) To be Contd.... :)

Following the nature trail...at Bhitarkanika

This was one of those travel plans which take shape in a matter of minutes. One fine Friday afternoon, 3 spirited minds got together to conspire a weekend worth cherishing forever. Me and two of my adventurous colleagues decided to explore the famous wildlife of Bhitar-Kanika, which is a very famous crocodile sanctuary, about 140 kms from Bhubaneswar.

The unique characteristic of this sanctuary is the rich mangrove forest, inside which the serpentine swampy river flows…and which is the abode of the famous “Khoon bhari maang” animal…ahem! I mean…Crocodile

Personally speaking, I am not a big animal lover, but definitely an adventure seeker, in any form! Camping, trekking, backpacking…you name it, and I am game for it! Any day, any time! Luckily, in this trip, two of my long standing desires got fulfilled, that of camping and trekking.Friday night, we started our journey at around 3 in the morning. We had roped in another friend of ours, so the awesome foursome, began the journey, all armed with digicams and ofcourse, the will to conquer the unknown! J

Piercing the misty night, our Indica raced ahead, through myriad towns villages, and farmlands. Just when the dawn was breaking, we reached a picturesque bridge, where we stopped the car, and got out to capture the beauty of the landscape and the golden horizon. That was the second most memorable moment of my journey. I peeped over the railing of the bridge to get a bird’s eye view of the vast expanse of the river, and believe me, that was a sight to behold!

The mist was hovering above the body of the river and the first golden rays of the rising sun were trying their best to break in through the mist and kiss the river, but to their dismay, were unable to do so! But the whole process ended up creating a strange golden halo kind of a thing. We clicked couple of pics, but the effect was not the same as seen through naked eyes. May be, it was God’s way of telling us, that certain things should better be captured my mind’s eye rather than camera’s eye!...To be contd

Nazia Tanwir attends an HR Conclave.

Recent I got the opportunity to attend an HR Conclave held at BBSR.

PFB the list of speakers:

1. Mr. Dharmarajan, Head HR – L & T ECC

2. Mr. Ramesh Shankar, Director HR – ABB

3 Mr. R. Sridhar, Executive VP – HR, ITC

4. Mr. Aquil Busrai, Chief Advisor – HR, JSPL

5. Mr. Emmanuel David, Group HR Head – Ramky Group

6. Mr. D. K. Mohapatra, VP – Global Learning & Develepment, Suzlon Group

7. Mr. Raj Narain, Director – HR, Metro Cash & Carry

Some of the learnings from the session:

Session by Mr. Dharmarajan, Head HR – L & T ECC:

Topic- Crafting HR Practices capturing people, performance, information and work Salient Points:

1. L&T believes in a culture of innovation to improve productivity

2. Action Plan : To create HR processes for the institutionalization of ROTE (Return on talent employed)

3. Focus : Engaged Employees (One who says good things about the org, wants to stay long term, goes an extra mile)

4. People Orientation by founders of L&T: Real assets are people.

5. The following are the building blocks for HR actions items-People-Work/Motivation-Opportunities-Quality of Life-Procedures-Rewards

6. Under “People” bucket, several intergration programs are in place like the following-GET TOP-Dedicated HR Resource-6 day orientation program for GETs (Gradudate Engineer Trainee)-Communication Skills-Techno managerial skills

7. An exhaustive HR Portal

8. Quality policy for HR

9. A Lean HR team 1:200

10. The Pay & Benefits program is sensitive to market changes (ESOPs)

11. Performance Management System is known as FAIR (Framework linked to Appraisals & Rewards). It is a 3-tier system with a top management committee approach.

12. They have tie-ups for educational programs with institutues like IIT-BIS, XLRI, SPJ, IIMA

13. There is well structured career advancement program for high fliers

14. Gallup Q12 Engagement Hierarchy

15. WHEEL : Working towards higher employee engagement levels

Session by Ramesh Shankar, Director HR - ABB:

The presentation basically covered the below points. ·

ABB people strategy·

Business Principles·

Performance Management·

Information processes·

HR processes

1. HR is divided into the below segments -Business Excellence-Talent Management -Rewards & Benefits

2. Business Principles are based on Responsibility, Respect and Determination

3. Performance Management : It is based on preparation of yearly PDA. Results VS Behavioral Matrix. They firmly believe that behavior of an individual is as important as results.

4. HR information and communication processes:-Sampark (SMS based communication services)- HR helpdesk-HR Cockpit (Policies)-Support Service Points in HR Portal-Health Space

5. Key HR Processes-Strategic HR-Business HR (40 Business Units –BP HR)-Administrative HR (Recruit, T&D, Leave, Payroll)(Source & Select, Develop & Counsel, Reward & Retain, Redeploy & Retire)

6. Business Excellence :-E-Recruitment-E-Campus-Graduate Assessment Center-HR Helpdesk-BU HR Workbench-Café HR-Travel management-System-HR cockpit-HR Kiosk (For blue collared employees just like an ATM counter, to facilitate leave application)-Sampark-PDA-Recognition Program (Empower)-Online Compensation Management System.-E exit tool (Apply Online)

7. Administration- Relocation of offices and infrastructure requirements- Review of rentals – offices and company leased premises- Process re-engineering for re-imbursement of mobile and travel expenses- Food coupons- Energy savings- Safety audits- Disposal of un-utilised assets

Summary :

1. Focus on innovation in HR

2. Focus on improving our processes and systems

3. Engaging employees

4. Authentic communication

5. Creating a better and enjoyable work place.

Session by R. Sridhar, EVP – HR, ITC:

1. A process must create value for customers and organization.Processes can be categorized as follows:-Customer-Developent-Staff & Services-Integration-Planning & Control

2. Contextuality within Processes:-The importance of fit and consistency among a firm’s processes-Processes are found to provide sustainable competitive advantage only when they are designed and implemented as to exhibit dense interactions and different interactions

3. People in Processes-Multidisciplinary, cross functional Process Teams is one of the crucial success factors to the evolution of process excellence-Achievement of Process excellence necessitates change of managerial roles like front line entrepreneurs and mid level: capability developers and “Linkers”

Session by Emmanuel David, Group Head HR, Ramky Group :

He spoke on building HR capabilities to build value. The main areas of his focus were, HR strategic road map, business results, key performance drivers (Improve Workforce Productivity, quality of people management, leveraging innovation, stakeholders value creation, engaged employees), human capital capabilities (Leadership capability, workforce performance, ability to change, employee satisfaction, workforce adaptability, resource management), human capital processes (Competency management, career development, PMS, Succession planning, recruiting, workforce planning, workplace design.

Session by Aquil Busrai, founder, Aquil Busrai Consulting (Ex- IBM HR Head)

The session primarily focused on changing business trends. Competitive advantage has shifted from capital, technology, access to market to PEOPLE. Managing people has become part of business imperative. The profession of HR has undergone major evolution. 70s-Employee Relations80s-Change Agent90s-Business Partner HR should become a business influencer, help grow the business not maintain it. The need of the hour is to get of our own vortex of transactional attitude and add value to our processes. We must develop a mindset of touching business.

At IBM, the concept of People’s Managers (Line managers) was prevalent. They were entirely responsible for around 25 folks under them. HRs acted as their advisors. Session by Dilip Mohapatra, VP, Global L&D, Suzlon Dilip talked about HR professionalism: The key to survival. How the rate of technological innovation is increasing and cost of mobilizing capital, information and people is going down.

CEO’s expectations of HR: -

Knowledge Management-

M & A initiatives-

Workforce Scenario Planning.

Employee’s expectations:

1. Compensation

2. Learning opportunities

3. Career growth

4. R&R

5. Autonomy and freedom

HR needs to behave like a credible activist.

-Delivering results with integrity

-Strive to be error free

- Ask important questions

-Figure out key information to share

-Build a communication plan

-Build relationships of trust

-Doing HR with attitude (Positive, upfront)

Operational executor:

-Implementing workplace policies: Labour legislation

-Manage the arrangement of physical space and workplace environment

-Design flexible work schedules Business Ally:

-Serving the value chain-Interpreting social context

-Articulating the value proposition-Leveraging business technology.

Overall, it was a very enriching experience. It was more special for me personally, 'coz it was held in my college, from where I did my MBA, meeting up my professors after one year, catching up with them really made me nostalgic. All of them looked so glad to see me after such a long time. he he....

College days VS working days...

People often say, college days are the best time that you can have in your life. But for me, my working days are proving to be far more fun. I utilised college days for only one thing, studies, studies and more studies.

After landing up at Infy, after my MBA, I can safely say, this is the best time of life! The last one year has been a roller coaster ride, full of challenges, moments of joys interspersed with fun and frolic with colleague cum friends. Someone had once said very wisely, if you enjoy your work, your life will be a vacation. And believe me, thats exactly how I am feeling right now. I could not any happier. :)