Verghese Kurien - End of an era in milk revolution

Swiss considered to be best in the world when it comes to milk products. But, Dr. Kurien demonstrated power of co-operative societies, and created world class milk products under the brand name "Amul".

Born in Kerala, excelled in Gujarath for his expertise in agricultural and veterinary science.

Unfortunately, he passed away on 9-9-11. Read his biography in the book, "I too had a Dream".

Wockhardt - A raising star

It was in 2009, Wockhardt, a generic drug maker was almost declared NPA after defaulting $110 million. Fortunately the lenders obeyed for corporate debt restructuring (CDR), and now it turned a success story. I still remembered Wockhardt scared to bid IPO due to then market conditions.

Now it is a turn around story, paid all it's debts, and making huge profits. I have seen their pride ad in ET Wealth. The share was as low as Rs.67/- during March 2009 (down trend), and today it hit all time highest of Rs.1240/-, an 18 fold raise, and I don't see it has hit it's saturation.

News feference: http://goo.gl/Q2iyo

See charts here.

Bus Accident

16 - June - 2012

It was frightening and disgusting news that over 30 people were killed in a private bus accident in Maharastra. The bus appearetly heading to Shiridi, a devotional place. Even more heart breaking news was that seven of these are from same family, 14 are from TCS Secunderabad campus, a kid left alone and her parents could not able to escape the misfortune.

Why people don’t realize when it is not safe to opt private travelers. Horrifying, these buses catch more than 160 to 200 km/hr on highways (I have seen many times that APSRTC Garuda service itself was travelled at 160 km/hr). May be this speed is nothing for western countries. In India, it is far above the limit.

More over, does a person need to travel such long distance for so called “moksham”? It will be even more encouraging to go for a trip with family, build more intimacy among family members and explore the world. Above all, life is set of great memories and contentment. I don’t see why people head for such long distance historical places, and feel that they have achieved something. Not even sure, what king of satisfaction do they get when they look at the God just for couple of minutes and struggling for water, food, accommodation, many more to experience. I mean, it is more reasonable to go for family trip in your near town than visiting these devotional places.

My Name First Time on a News Magazine

Thrilling to see my name on a financial news magazine !!!

It is Economic Times Wealth magazine, in which I have suggested a solution to weekly wizard. A person of 40 year old was in dilemma whether to buy a property or not. Seeking reader's suggestions, I too sent my opinion via mail.

Surprisingly, mine was best suggestion. For details, read ET Wealth magazine of the week March 19-25, 2012. My suggestion appears as VR SANAKA, the winner. Bingo !!!

Wealth Management Talk at Nokia

Recently (24^th, Feb 2012), our HR organized one hour session on wealth management by Ferdinand Wealth Management Pvt. Ltd. The session was useful for beginners. I expected to know available investment channels. The session ended more-or-less question hour.

The presenter Sharath having bundle of knowledge. However, he was not successful in meeting the objective. We were not able to walk though all of the slides, nor it is organised. I learnt lesson on how to be away from deviations due to some question. The problem with audience was every one aware of investment options, and bought different investment products. Most of the session time went to into argument of “who is correct”. Constructive discussion really helps than arguments.

Surprisingly, he mentioned there are only four financial planners in Bangalore who dedicated their career to personal finance (an opportunity for would be CFP??). Manish Chouhan is one the name mentioned by him. Few of employees in my cab are getting guidance by Sharath. Their feedback was good.

Thanks to Sharath for the session. Hope the criticism helps him in next session.

http://goo.gl/hDwIH

New book - Jago Investor

I read a new book titled "Jago Investor" (Jago - Hindi equivalent to 'weak up'). It is nice book capturing personal finance in precise articles. Even though I am following few of the principles in the book, it is an eye opener in many aspects. Especially, it makes you to question yourself "What is the target of every rupee that you are spending" prior to actually spending.

After reading the book, don't fall into the jargon of just saving, contented life and personal commitments are also equally important. Defining targets will balance personal life and savings.

Good book, and recommended for the people who started their career recently. It is available on Flipkart.