2021 - a disaster ? (atleast still alive!)

 Did I do anything well in 2021? 

Things which were a disaster in 2021

> I lost money in the stock markets.   Big money by doing dumb stuff

> Got a dumb injury which has caused problems to my ACL and meniscus 

> Career plans got stuck with major regret for passing an opportunity in 2020

> While I improved the outcome for the business I manage, it did not do well.

Things I did well

> My son continued to do well in school and football.  His percentiles improved and I could teach him more

> Worked on my Permanent residency

> I did a dental implant for 2 of my teeth (4 more to go)  

> Networked within the company - created  a fresh/brand new career path

> Managed to keep family safe through Covid

> Perhaps saved 2000+ jobs

Finally seems I am leaving 2021 with  lesser money than I had at the start of the year , a job that will certainly end in 2022 

Reconnecting with myself and a blog

 I am blogging after 10+ years.  

Happy that I am alive.  Life has taken me to various countries, I got promoted a few times.  Make a multiple of what I did then.  and fortunately, health has been decently okay.  I also became a father - a source of much pride during the past decade.

My move last year was tough.  A new country pre-covid. 

2021 has been tough.  I started the year on a happy note.    

I screwed up a few interviews and opportunities.  Not happy with myself for not doing well.  Options are ending quickly and clearly, if I accept to retire in the next year, I will have to drop my lifestyle substantially 

I reconnected with my ex-fiancee / girlfriend after breaking up 20 years back.    Life hasn't been easy for her either as she works through a divorce. Naturally I think of "what could have been"

Anti Corruption rally

I am sometimes amused that hundred of thousands of Indians got together for the anti corruption rally.

People like Kiran Bedi, Baba Ramdev got together and then what? Kiran bedi has been trying to get a post retirement role with the government and now that she cannot - she wants to do a anti corruption rally!!

While the cause is good, how will it be achieved?

Governance in India

I wonder what are the solutions.

1) My thinking is that extending retirement age for Govt Officers may be one solution to corruption.

Today officers try to "save up" for post retirement days, with life expectancy going up - and the need to settle children this could reduce motivation. Also linking prestigious post retirement roles to an honest record is another need.

2) The other important issue is electoral funding. Today there is no concept of this kind. A simple MLA election costs atleast 1 crore of election expenses and MP elections can take 10 times as much. We have to get this tax payer funded - atleast to the extent possible. Even if there is 4000-5000 crore expense every 5 years, thats really not much for the country to improve transparency and honesty.

3) Its also important to 'recognize' honest officers and political individuals - serving and retired so that there is some respect for this.

4) There has to be larger participation from Private sector individuals in the government. The UID project and individuals associated with them are a great start.

5) Continuing to strengthen RTI will be another step in the direction

Doctors

I wonder why doctors have significantly different opinions about similar issues. How do we build trust around the medical system.

• How do we get basic integrity into the medical system
• How do we prevent doctors from doing things which may not be needed whether medication, diagnostics or surgical intervention
• Necessary regulations needing the private sector hospitals to put health care ahead of profitability.
• How do we ensure universal access whether in the Indian context and the universal context

Just some questions..... no easy answers

My first blog

Starting this blog to share various thoughts, views , opinions about various topics of interest.

Random issues including health, governance, careers, education, love , politics , values, faith