Paradox of Our Time

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to> you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Rising Rupee and Indian Export

Till some time back, I was of the impression that the Exporting community was a preferred lot in the Indian business scenario. But today when the USD has gone below Rs.41 mark and many small and medium exporters like me have burnt their fingers, I feel, this is the most neglected business class of the country. In the past, when India didn't have enough USD reserve even to pay the oil bill of one day, the Indian government had come up with lots of incentives for the exporters urging them to increase export volume. Now when the Govt is sitting on a whopping 200 billion plus US Dollars and more is coming by way of FDI etc, nobody seems to be caring for the exporters, particularly the small and medium ones who even do not know or are not allowed hedging and other protective measures. Does it mean our Government is very much opportunistic? The answer may be yes seeing a mute RBI just watching the Rupee to appreciate recklessly, which has come up to 41 level to one USD from more than 44 level in the very recent times. I don't have much data about the volume of commodity export taking place. At the 44 level also, we were not competitive enough to China (dominating the world business) and now at this level of USD, one can not even dream of becoming competitive. It seems, the Indian government, the RBI all should take some serious lesson from the Chinese authorities as to how they device ways to protect their exporters and maintain a steady Yuan. Already, the exporters here have to face a lot of hurdles from all the departments like Customs, Excise etc which add to the shipping cost. Then the Govt has come up levying service tax to almost everything, right from banking charges to shipping, clearing expenses and now this exchange rate. The various incentives provided earlier are being done away with. If this continues, the time may come again when the Govt will start begging again to the exporting community and at that time, these FII on whose Dollar inflows, the Government has become so bullish, may not be seen as they will be the first to take their money out of India.

It is high time, the exporters come together and convey their grievances to our Government and the Government itself pays proper heed to the problems.