Brainy Quote

Sunday 16 November 2008

Obsessed on doing good

I am recently obsessed with 'doing good' for the world. Now this has surprised me as well as I am not exactly kind and sensitive person. I have tendency to offend my most friends by being myself (sparing one who just doesn't care). So where does this idea of doing good comes from?

Let me clarify few things first:
I believe in comfortable life and enjoy finer things in life. That doesn't equate to branded bags and clothes but includes a $150 LOTR exclusive collection. Simply said I value money for what it brings. A
Secondly, I believe donation is not about feel good factor. I need to see direct beneficiary of my money. I have been working hard for it so better be a deserving person.
Also, I don't believe in quitting my job to starting 'saving the world'. I love my finance field and plan to stay in it. So I have 2 options: contribute part-time or converge my passion. The 2nd option is more viable and that forms the foundation of my MBA plans. (more on it later)

So back to my obsession:
It started with a thought - I can't change the whole world but I can change the world of one person. Think about it - sponsoring a kids education only takes fraction of my salary. I don't expect him/her to become the next CEO but if he can be simple clerk/technician atleast better than begging. Their kids will have some future. The revolution can start with one person.
Hence my belief in education.

As for environment - I am just being pure selfish. I need to breathe fresh air, clean oceans to dive in and great food to eat (I live to eat). I don't believe in animal causes because I don't particular love for them. But I do believe in food chain and after reading Wolf Totem I am convinced that they are here not here for diversity on the planet but for sustainability of our earth.

Conclusion, I don't believe in doing good for others but for myself. I don't believe anyone does anything without any expectation. I work for money that buys me comfort, my mum does household chore because she loves her family and expects our love in return - nothing wrong with it but point being 'expectation'. If nothing much - its about 'feel good factor' that all of us need all the time.

Ghulam Ali's concert

On 15th November I had once in a lifetime opportunity to hear to king of Ghazal - Ghulam Ali. It was really fantastic experience although not upto the par. I still admire his selection and now listing the ghazals and nzam he offered.
Started with: Har Ek Baat Pe Kehte Ho.. (http://www.mirzaghalib.in/mirza-ghalib-poetry/5)
Phir Issi Rehguzar Se.... shayad
The famous - Chupke chupke
Ye Baatein Jhooti Baatein
Dil Mein Ek leher Uthi (the various forms of Leher he presented was fascinating)
Punjabi Song -
Hungama Hai Kyun
2 more I can't recall - will add later.