Gyms are one of the most vibrant and active environments to conduct a shoot. At times gyms are also the most underestimated locations in the industry. As times changes so are the norms. Gyms make amazing environments for shoots. Each gym is unique in many ways. They carve an identity with the ambiance, equipment, color layout and philosophy. While Gold's is not as Metroflex, Temple Birmingham is not as Powerhouse. Each has an identity and a story to convey. The trick of using a gym as a background is to convey the mood of the gym as well. So as to select a venue , one need to identify the gym that goes along with the theme of the shoot and athlete. Make sure that the gym is given due importance as the athlete so as to bring the best in composition. Images of equipment and people always convey the desired atmosphere and concept. For instance if your theme is to bring the best out of a powerlifter, an uptown gym with rows of threadmills may be a disaster (*the word may is used). Always pick the gym wisely and brief your team and model an outline of the shoot. It will be wiser to obtain a written permission from the management at the gym and sign a model release with the athlete. Gyms are dynamic working environments and a permission can come handy in case of accidents or if questioned.

In most cases the equipment you may require will be 

Before the shoot is commenced it will be a great idea to take test pictures of the equipment and the environment. Explore various angles to cover the athlete and the play with the emotion and feel of the image. Notice the gaze, composition and shadows of the test images so that you have a better understanding about the light and composition. It is always a better option to make the model commit an action and click through the action rather than making the model pose for an image. The results will be natural and focused.

One of the aesthetic principles of Zen philosophy – Kanso, is one of the most effective principles in leadership communication. The principle emphasizes on expression in a simplified and clear manner that can articulate effectively. The underlying principle of this concept is to eliminate what doesn't matter to make more room for what does. The same applies in leadership communication as well. Let us evaluate this concept in four easy steps.

Last week a wave hit the largest social networking websites of the world. A simple and unprepared underdog went toe to toe with the best in industry. Ello scaled the walls of the social networking media causing a major concern in the stock market. Within hours, thousands were trying out ello with a vengeance rather than curiosity. 

Yes, ello is a fascinating alternative to take social interactions forward. It was just a few years ago when Google came up with its own version of Facebook. The reaction was not as welcoming as ello received. Facebook came up as a user friendly, efficient solution to maintain social interaction on an online platform. The core values or credos of Facebook were that it was free and democratic. World welcomed a novel idea. Facebook became the face of democracy beyond barriers. Empowered by the user generated content and the user experience quality the networking media thrived and flourished into social and human interactions. It flourished into social interactions in a way that it became the online alter ego of individuals as well as business. Then Facebook had an agenda in their roadmap - maximize their revenue. Facebook did one of the most controversial steps at this juncture. They controlled their viral reach and made it a harvesting mechanism. This was a direct assault upon those opinion leaders, business, people who used Facebook for social interactions and most importantly upon social cognition that was a belief that Facebook is free. 

The success of ello was that they could articulate and address the concern that was in the back of the minds of each individual. We knew the truth but we ignored it until ello articulated it. We are well aware of the fact that our social networks are infested by advertisers but we liked to believe that it is free. However now we are given a choice while we are reminded about the ordeal we are going through each day. The ordeal that every post we share, and every friend we make and every link we follow is tracked, recorded and converted into data and sold to the highest bidder. Then our cognition is reminded of values that Facebook and Google preach each moment but that never remain in their actions anymore - Audacity. The initial idea behind social networks was as a tool for empowerment and never a tool to deceive, coerce and manipulate — but a place to connect, create and celebrate life. In all the years of their public relation stunts, corporate entities were seldom able to coin such a message that directly targeted the social psyche. Yes, it is the truth, it is a wakeup call and it is a call for action with a definite solution. The reaction was imminent. Yes, that is the end of the first phase. 

If ello wants to be the next social networking phenomenon, it needs to plan and focus upon the next phases of social assimilation, user experience and community empowerment. Or else it will be a dormant community of rebels just like many other social innovations turned out to be. Round one is over and ello did dominate. But if ello wants to live another round through, it needs to muster its marketing strategies and credos to rival some of the best minds money can buy. In the world of business possibilities are endless. And the world is watching out for Round 2.

Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye. 

~ Miyamoto Musashi

We live in a world of ideas, passions and dreams. Taught at an early age that we could be whoever we want to be – astronauts, musicians, scientists, pilots, actors and the list goes on, we live in a world designed by visions and illusions. But what does it take to mold a thought into an idea and then to convert it into a story of success. Especially if photography is your passion and working as a photographer is your dream. I had a passion, a passion to capture moments that I felt special. It was my hobby but the fact is you never know until you know your limits. In my case the first goal I had was get my works published. I published my first article accompanied by a photograph that I had clicked. Yes, double whammy. What I believe is that it matters how we communicate our vision and then translate it into obtainable goals.

Photography is the art of discovering meanings from light and shadows. And among the genres of photography, fitness photography stands apart as one of the most artistically charged categories ever. Though photography is considered as a solo profession with occasional bouts with loneliness, fitness photography consists of working with a team. It is one of those genres of photography that requires expertized knowledge, management skills and rigorous attention to detail to achieve results. Fitness photography involves detailed juxtaposition of human anatomy through posing routines, effective use of light, aesthetic representation of human body and choreographing the theme to focus on physique through various perspectives. 

My initiation to fitness photography came after my fourth year as a photographer, including two years of specific training and learning posing routines. Knowledge of posing routines and anatomy is beneficial, if one has to choreograph a successful project. In most cases it is not the achievements on the stage but the presentation, media relations and public relations that will fetch the athletes with the best contracts and sponsorships. And the photographs play an important role in this aspect. To any fitness photographer, gym is the studio or an extension of a studio. A deep understanding of how the machines or weights will highlight each muscle group is pivotal. I had been working out for over 12 years and had the opportunity to work out with some of the best athletes in the world. Apart from knowledge about the muscle groups and anatomy, it helped me to imbibe the work ethics from the world of fitness into my craft. And the prime reason why every other photographer cannot step into the shoes of a fitness photographer is because fitness photography would not work by reference shots alone. Each individual’s physique is aesthetically different. No two individuals have the exact same pectorals or calves. So while coming up with a plan of action for a shoot, it should be tailored to fit the requirements of the athlete or the plan of action for a specific publicity program. 

In most shoots the set tasks of the photographer is limited to that of action behind the lens, lighting and post production. This is where skilled fitness photographers are worth their fee. They can be instrumental in planning a diet plan for the set specific results or guide the athlete with those shortcomings in their physique that requires improvements. In most cases a model release or a contract clause will be used to safeguard the commercial interests of the model and the photographer specifying the intellectual rights for the images and final ownership rights for the images. A good fitness photographer can be looked up to as a mentor in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. The role of photographs in the bodybuilding industry is penultimate, indeed it was through photographs and documentaries that bodybuilding received the big opening into the popular culture. Fitness photographers are popular with athletes and clients because of one more reason - Work ethics. The ethics and principles followed by successful fitness photographers are as disciplined as the fitness routines of the athletes or bodybuilders they work with, underlining the fact that the backbone of any business is the respect towards the business.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, 

hard work, and learning from failure. 

~ Colin Powell

Toughest and most enjoyable part of being a photographer or promoter or a manager is the part where you travel. However a step gone wrong can make it all turn into a nightmare. Indeed travelling smart is like a chess game. Once you get the hang of it there is no experience as pleasant as travelling and seeing the world around. I had been travelling for quite a few years and covered different cities. Long queues in airports, waiting around luggage belts, chasing trains and tickets have taught me enough to share a tip or two. Yes, growing old has its benefits. You end up sharing a lot of tales and experiences as you keep travelling. Here it goes.

The Right Bag and baggage

If you have a destination then chances are high that you will have a bag too. The first step to travel smart is nothing but finding the right bag. The bag must not only be spacious but must also suit your purpose. I tend to stay away from flamboyant bags and distracting colours. In most cases it is a great option to blend with the crowd than to stand apart. When you choose a bag, I suggest you to choose on a utilitarian basis. Usually I stick with a single bag policy unless it is extremely necessary to carry a second one. More bags you have, slower and dependent you become. I do a security and safety check on my bags before I load it up. 

Ground Report

World is such a small place and it won't be hard enough to find a friend in most cities. Have a casual conversation and make sure that you learn about the climate, political situation and festivals if any. Landing in midst of a riot during a rainy day would be the last thing anyone ever want. Knowing the weather also lets you choose your wardrobe and gadgets. What to wear and how to organize your schedule is extremely important if you are on a business trip. A point of contact in an unknown city is essential if you can afford one. Travelling alone is indeed risky and a wise traveler always seeks to minimize the risks. One of them if the fact that there is nothing that is free in a journey. Everything has its price. So always steer clear of shortcuts and baits. Apart from the point of contact, I carry details of embassies, police and specific landmarks. This benefits on a safety front in case of a crisis or an emergency.

Shoes

Utility and comfort - That's all you need to confirm when you pack the shoes to fit in to your journey. An ideal pair of shoes will never slow you down, lets you travel with ease and offers ample protection for your legs. Make sure you pick the right shoes for the weather and terrain. Most of us are not lucky enough to book a car or rent a car upon arrival. And till you find one, your shoes and wallet are your best friends. 

Space Management

What you carry will carry you. Seasoned travelers organize and classify their luggage based on priorities. Those stuff that requires to be taken out often remains on the top and organized. Money will be distributed at various spots so that, the risk from being pick pocketed is minimized. Make sure to get enough padding for any thing that is fragile. Packing smart, saves time and effort. Yes, taxi drivers, guides and a few criminal elements can understand a lot about you just by the way you handle your luggage. At times it would be wise to carry a second bag so as to distribute the weight and it prevents you from buying a second bag in middle of a holiday. 

Security & Precautions

Make sure research is done on the culture, security, economy and political situations. Avoid a fight at all times at all costs unless it threatens your existence. Your aim is to travel safe and stick to it. Have contacts and important documents stored in a USB drive. It never hurts to spare a few space for first aid and a few essential gadgets. Map your travel and check twice about your plan of action, stay, food and water. It is a great idea to stick to basic food that your body is accustomed to. A thumb rule is to know the ingredients before you order your meal and to order your meals from recognized restaurants.  

Master plan and backup plan

Life can never be planned but it is still a great idea to have a general understanding of what to expect. Plan your journey, anticipate schedules and add buffer time so as to save yourself from unnecessary tangles. Always have a back up plan or two and points of contacts if you need a helping hand. Learn a few phrases from the language used regionally. Use your cell phone wisely. Most people do give out a lot of information to the bystanders while they make calls. Technology surround us, make the best use of google maps. Avoid blindly following travel websites since most of the searchable ones are promoted through SEO and information could be biased.  

Finally let me come to the most important part of any journey. No journey is a waste of time. Some may be a success and others may be a disaster. No matter what the outcome is, they teach you something new. Each journey will make you more younger and wiser. Travel is necessary to add new dimensions and perspectives into life. Happy journey!

Life is a summary of our experiences. No matter what happens in our life, the experience makes life worthwhile. I would like to take a break from the routine stuff I used to write and want to share something that is close to my life. What I am going to share worked for me, that doesn't mean it will work for you. Exercise your free will at all time. One of the questions that I am frequently asked, is about time management and fitness. I work in a corporate enterprise, am a visiting faculty and a photographer. When I put this across, many people sense that either I am not focused or apart from one activity the rest may be just hobbies. On the contrary, I devote equal amount of focus towards every project I pursue and enjoy each moment of my life. The second question will be about how do I find time for all this mess that is collectively called - Me. If you are still interested, that is all I am going to share in the next few paragraphs. 

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.
~ Abraham Lincoln

At the age of 16, I was asthmatic and weak. I missed classes when I was in high school. I hardly competed in athletics. My focus was only on studies and an hour for music classes. I could not think anything more, because I believed that I was weak. The day that changed all the equations was the day I walked into the gym. One philosophical reason may be that the prime focus in a gym is to exceed what was supposed to be the limit the previous day. I did learn what to eat and how to eat so as to derive specific results from the hours spend in the gym. I seldom took supplements but I was particular about what I must feed into my system. Gradually it yielded results that changed my life. Your body is the machine gifted to your soul to chase your dreams. How will you treat if it was a Ferrari instead of your body. Yes, to chase your goals you need to identify what you really need to achieve the goals. At times a case of protein powder or 6 pack abs may not be what you need. You need to put money and time where it matters the most. If your budget is tight my advice would be to avoid the supplements and put that money and effort on quality food. Now I stay away from the #BEASTMODE culture and waves of supplements. I am healthy and fit enough to pursue my goals.

About halfway through the film - Fight Club, just after the unnamed narrator and Tyler Durden board a bus. The two notice a Calvin Klein underwear advertisement; “Is that what a real man looks like?” asks Norton’s character. Sponsored athletes and fitness gurus may not be certified medical practitioners. They are professionals who are designated to promote sales of supplements. Instead of chasing a figure similar to that of a bodybuilder or a physique model, stick on to your vision for YOUR life. Being like someone else is an insult for your existence. Focus must be on need than greed. Health spreads happiness. And my aim was to be happy. As your fitness levels increases, so does a routine evolve that reflects in your daily life. In my case, sick leaves did came down, medical expenses came down and it had a positive influence on my endeavors. However I still consume Nutella, bacon, fried chicken and a can of Pepsi or a bottle of beer once a month. Ripped muscles may not be always a sign of health. Steroids and HGH will take a toll on your well being. So does pizzas and fast food outlets. I download a few podcasts and play them while I cook. Kitchen is an indispensable part of the gym. Your options are not limited just to gyms, try gardening or a dance studio or trekking or cycling or martial arts. Just make sure that you undertake physical activity and make use of the gift that your body is by respecting it. The hour or two I spend in the gym or at Yoga is the time I introspect and focus on my game plans for life. When your body and mind is at its peak, the possibilities are endless. 

Long back we had diaries and organizers to keep a tab on our lifestyles. Yes, those things still work. Now we have organizers with alarms in every cellphone. I take pain to note down meetings and deadlines in an organizer. Time to work on assignments, stuff related to office, friends, family and travel can be scheduled so that you never miss out on anything. And if I could miss out, then I would inform that to others on time. The way I overcame crazy schedules was by adding buffer time to my schedules. If I have to teach for an hour I would set aside three hours for the plan. Though it may be a pain, gradually you end up finding more time to spare as you improvise. I had to undergo many repetitive and boring activities that eventually made sense in a later stage of life. If you have to do something you really do not enjoy much, then you must find a reason to love it. I never liked Yoga, but I enjoyed company of a friend who loved yoga. I had to do yoga because it helped a lot to rejuvenate muscles and my system that had gone through two major accidents and four surgeries. In many cases there exists no excuse such as - lack of time.

Organize and be accountable and that will distinguish you from the crowd. When you are accountable to a person or a cause the performance increase significantly. I share my goals with people I love. And visualize that your failure as a way by which you fail those people who love you, that power itself makes you invincible. Always value relations, may it be with human beings, plants, objects or animals. I am still happy using my cellphone that was gifted by my mom 4 years ago. My regard for the product was its emotional value and that did save me money though I am not against latest technology. I have been friends with over 10 people for almost 23 years. Yes my kindergarten friends are still around. Those are achievements money can't buy but makes your life absolutely meaningful. I make sure to reach out if I had hurt anyone deliberately and though it may appear humiliating at first, it always allowed me to sleep peacefully and wake up with a genuine smile. My happiness never came from fitness or photography or academics or my profession. It evolved out of the decisions I took in my life that brought happiness to me and into lives of people who I care. Yes, I made mistakes and had to pay a lot to correct most of them. I was never perfect or was a role model. But I never avoided an opportunity to gain more knowledge or a new experience. Let me add the finishing touch by telling you this - One thing that I learned much lately in my life was the power of a genuine smile and honest deed. I wish I had learned it much earlier in my life. 

I often took pride of being a photographer. Life as a photographer was rather the alter ego of my life as a Manager. The rules were mine and the resulting outcome was a result of my actions. When you get the tag of a writer or a photographer, it may not always be because you understand what you create. At times it is just because that you create and leave messages behind, for someone to decode what you really wanted to communicate. I had signed contracts and took assignments for brands, events, magazines and institutions. Seldom did I spend time to look beyond the composition, colours and the subject of the photographs that I had composed. Always it was about meeting industry standards or following the rules of photography. It took me years to understand what my photography professor, Hellmuth Conz once said - "There is nothing like a good picture or a bad picture. All are photographs and it is just perspectives that matter."

Once upon a time, there was a nation. A place where in the number of rapes that happened each year outnumbered the overall sale of video games. A few years ago a shocking incident happened in the heart of the nation when a 23 year old girl boarded a bus with her boyfriend. The boy was knocked out and thrown out of the bus. The girl was raped by six men and thrown out like a ragged doll with an iron rod rammed inside her vagina, penetrating into her intestines. A human being was left to die on the road naked, wounded and deprived of any human rights. The nation proudly begs for taxes it never deserved from honest citizens towards whom it was never accountable for. Where was the protection she deserved? Still the justice has not been served. The culprits smile from behind the safety of the bars at the helplessness of her brother's fury.

Years passed and rapes became a part of our daily lives. In a nation where kids were supplied on a daily basis to its numerous red streets, was it really a question worth asking? Law and order situation in India is like cancer. It is spreading and we are becoming complacent to the pain. And in the near future Indian society will learn to accept crimes without questioning and keep focusing on the next day. But what amuse us the most, is when some individuals boast about the glory of Indian culture and heritage. To make it clear, a nation where a 6 year old girl is not safe at school doesn't have a culture. Savages and animals do have a better culture than that. When rapists and murderers were safeguarded by police and human rights activists, there exists no culture to be proud at all. If this goes any forward, the day will soon come when our children are back home late and their excuse will be that they were raped and missed the bus.

A few weeks ago a legitimate international tennis star was attacked by Indians because she wasn't aware of an entertainer who lived off the glory that belonged to Indian athletes. But when two girls were hanging from a tree instead of a swing hanging from a tree with smiling girls on it, the same folks were debating about the morality of those two girls. That is exactly the curse this nation is seeking salvation from. Indians doesn't have the same intensity of rage against rapists and murderers that they have against Maria Sharapova. What pisses me off is that the criminal who committed the crime walks free, after just three years of sentence once it was proved that he was a teenager. So concerned our legal mechanism is about the rights of teenagers, isn't it? This makes me respect those criminals in US prison system who repeatedly rape convicts incarcerated for molesting children. If they were old enough to rape then they must be old enough to face the consequences. I am sure this uproar against rapes and violence will drain when Aishwariya Rai Bacchan gets pregnant for the second or third time. All because we are puppets raped each day by our media houses, political parties or our own conscience. The irony is that during the birth of India and Pakistan, thousands were raped and murdered. We should have responded then if we had guts and culture. But never the less, the day is celebrated year after year. The day when thousands of innocent civilians were raped and murdered is now dubbed the Independence day. It is time for Indians to introspect the meaning of the word - freedom.

We feel raped when we seek justice, when we are wronged and we trust a higher authority to ensure order to our lives and that of our fellow beings. We feel raped when we are forced to pay bribes for even a passport identification or to register our house which we built brick by brick from our own sweat. We feel raped when our sister is taunted by the same masses who feel strongly against the rapes in the society and call her a "chick". The same righteous folk who have an opinion about every issue that they don't have the guts to stand up and react to. We feel bloody raped when a terrorist walks into our city and guns down every soul in his sight, just to live a life of luxury in a high security cell supplied with a gym, best food in the nation and all the protection we are deprived for generations. We feel raped twice when he dies of dengue fever!

Our soul is murdered politicians break into the funeral of patriots like Maj. Sandeep Unnikrishnan and create a scene than shut up and pay respect that the man deserves. Our conscience is mutilated when politically motivated groups force us to speak some stupid language which we do not speak, to stay in a city even after paying all the rents and taxes. We are tortured when the price of petrol is raised each day just because "the oil companies" need to be rescued. It is us who are raped when we wait in lines to give our sweet little children the best education possible even though after paying fee, donation and whatever, but still their security is not guaranteed at a time when this nation promises free and quality education. Then we are further cornered when we expect fair medical treatment and gets the surprise of my life waiting in hospital corridors without hope. We are a generation of slaves who accepted every torture upon us and kept going forward with our lives. Our dreams were murdered each time when we think about the future this world holds for our children. We are raped throughout our lives either physically or psychologically or financially. Rapes will not end by holding protests. It is time for people of this nation to take a stand against such heinous crimes that threat the foundations of our existence. Let our nation rise to the moment, than let a deep fear run wild so that one day it is anarchy.

I was honoured and privileged to accompany a wonderful group of artists during the past few days. The project was close to my heart because it was a warm invitation from a group of artists that I have known since my childhood. Located in the heart of Irinjalakuda, Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam is the cradle that nourished Koodiyattam to its present day glory. The epic rise to glory of this ancient art form could be attributed to selfless dedication and struggle undertook by the artists mentored by Dr. Ammannur Madhava Chakyar. In 2001, Koodiyattam was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The recognition had elevated the status of the art form and helped the artists to gain a global platform. As I followed the ensemble it was clear to me that I have noticed a treasure of cultural heritage through the view finder. 

Koodiyattam is one of the earliest living theatre traditions in the world. The initial form of the art is estimated to be 2000 years old. The performance takes place in Sanskrit language or an early form of Prakrit, which predates Sanskrit. This itself is an indicator that this could be a predecessor of most forms of theatre existing in the modern world. The art form have significantly influenced other forms of theatre from different parts of the world. For instance Kathakali, that emphasized symbolism, dance and music which predominantly uses Malayalam rather than Sanskrit has its origins from Koodiyattam. The characters, narration and representation in Kathakali have strong resemblance to that of Koodiyattam. While I was discussing about my latest project to a group of friends, one of them who was a professional wrestler was eager to point of some aspects which were really interesting. He pointed out the striking resemblance of this art form with modern day professional wrestling in terms of character development, improvising the story line by the performer, use of stage, narratives and the interaction of 'Vidooshaka' with the audience (fourth wall). Koodiyattam have contributed more than just aesthetics and theatrics to the modern world.

The venue of the performance or the 'koothambalam' is an elaborately decorated zone with plantain trees, bunches of tender coconut and coconut leaves. This is one of the first models of a stage designed to engage the audience. The basis of construction of a Koothambalam is according to Natyasastra, which is renowned as the fifth Veda. Many aspects of the performance is meticulously followed for centuries with a little or no alteration. The salient aspect of the theatre halls are that they effectively highlight the illumination and acoustics to enhance the performance. The theatrics include use of props and fire to increase the artistic value and signify the thematic representation.

However there exists neither the required number of academic research nor proper funding for this Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This art form requires immense dedication and practice for years to master and to perform. It was only in the recent past, the Government of India took measures to ensure scholarships to deserving students. Though the art form have received international acclaim, in a regional front the art form is still suffering from negligence by the regional bodies and the state government. Most artists who I came across during this project nurtured their passion for this art after spending years of dedicated training. Since there is less scope of earning a livelihood from this art form, most artists work on various professions to fund their passion for this art. Like a Samurai who is lost in modern day Tokyo, they exist among us, disciplined and unwavered by the changes that passed by. According to many of the artists, the times are changing after their revered art form won the recognition from UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Dr. Ammannur Madhava Chakyar (May 13, 1917 – July 2, 2008) became one of the first Koodiyattam performers to present to an international audience. He had visited France, England, Switzerland, Netherlands and Japan to promote and to perform the art. In 2001, he was awarded - Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. Along with more international attention, there is a widened scope of audience and higher scope for research.

As a rule of nature, art cannot be negated or erased. As long as passion remains, world will keep the spark within their hearts and let it glow to become a flame that shines through the darkness. Fortunately Koodiyattam is safe from the tentacles of marketing and business oriented consumerism at the moment. All I hope is that the art will remain immaculate in the safe hands of a group of dedicated artists who had repeatedly proved that they could overcome the tides of time. Let them set sail into a bright future with the intangible heritage of humanity safe in their hearts.

Buildings always fascinated me. Each building throw a taste and emotion into the minds of the viewer. Some buildings evoke an emotion even if they are falling apart or primitive. A charm that could never be explained. These buildings and monuments have something that soothe us and inspire us. It happened that one day I was walking about in a small town and ended up among some newly built structures. It felt like a quick transition of time. Among the newly built houses, just a few had made me comfortable and astonished. The remaining buildings had always been a copy of a copy of a copy. Huge structures were made to impress, but one thing in common with these structures were, they were just buildings. May it be Kerala or Goa or Delhi, most of them were built to sell than built to live.

Olympians, the major deities who ruled the world and soul of all existence had indeed left an everlasting mark in the face of the planet. Age of Olympians are gone, but they have not vanished completely. They exist among us, inspiring us and challenging us to excel and exceed. World is your canvas and each person no matter who he is, paints an everlasting portrait with his life for generations to cherish. A few portraits stand apart, emerging themselves as standards for generations yet to come. They spread the power of colours beyond the canvas and into the hearts of other portraits to make a definitive change. A change that transforms the world around them and continue to inspire generations. What separates a champion from a celebrity is how they reflect upon the society. While most focus upon their reflection upon the world and maintain the focus to themselves, a champion shatters the wall that separates them from the crowd. He shares his success and his tale of sweat with the crowd that cheered him and shared his tears. Only a person with conviction and conscience can implement such change, while keeping the focus still on what they do the best. 

BodyPower India was a venue that brought the Olympians among the demigods waiting for a spark of inspiration to light a revolution. A photograph or an autograph with someone from fitness industry is not as hard to get, compared to that from film industry. I felt like writing this because I was often asked by surprised fans about the peaceful and calm nature of bodybuilders who were patient to meet every fan with the same enthusiasm of greeting the first person they shook hands with. The mantra boils down to a single word - "Character". Fitness is more than business or entertainment. It is a lifestyle that intends to add more value to life. A strong character cannot be built without the foundation of respect. Despite being successful actors or businessmen these athletes spend hours, just to make the individuals who appreciate them leave with a smile. More than publicity it is the outcome of their dedication. Hours of work at the gym, at the kitchen and during deep sleep is not worthwhile unless appreciated by the ones who respect and look up to the Olympians. This tradition is way older than the internet age. Back in the 80's it was bodybuilders who happily acknowledged their fans to pose with them and walked away with a smile. It is respect that shaped this industry and respect is the ultimate standard by which an individual is measured in the fitness industry. Indeed these small actions make a huge difference. Inspiration is a spark and once ignited, could be a powerful driving force that can shape revolutions. Though many of the athletes remain to be multimillionaires and famous who had transcended into film industry, politics, business or fitness itself, most of them are approachable and soak upon the warmth of the crowd who loves them. 

In my opinion no one had explained this better than Arnold Schwarzenegger. During USC Commencement Address of 2009 he stated the 6th Rule of Success - "it's about giving back" "Whatever path that you take in your lives, you must always find time to give something back, something back to your community, give something back to your state or to your country." 

The highlight was not just about being physically superior or stealing the highlight of the event. But also about how much one could give back to the world that appreciated the sweat and guts during the journey to the top. This comes from the inherent understanding that your life is your statement to the world. A statement that proves your intensity and integrity that transformed not just your existence but how it influenced the world around you. Not just in fitness industry but throughout life it’s not about where you are in life, but who you have by your side that makes a difference.

Beyond Madness

James Gregory (November 1638 – October 1675) was a Scottish mathematician and astronomer. He was regarded for his contributions to mathematics and trigonometry. However it took years for the world to realize that what Gregory tried to claim was actually discovered by Madhava of Sangamagrama (c. 1340 – c. 1425). Madhava hailed from the town of Sangamagrama (present day Irinjalakuda) near Thrissur, Kerala, India. Madhava was the first to use infinite series approximations for a range of trigonometric functions. His discoveries opened the doors to what has today come to be known as Mathematical Analysis. Madhava made pioneering contributions to the study of infinite series, calculus, trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. However Irinjalakuda failed to remember Madhava. 

Irinjalakuda is renowned all over the world for the relevance of its role in creating musical geniuses such as Paliyath Jayachandran and Korambu Subhramaniyan Namboodiri. Mridanga, known as deva vadya (drum of Gods) is one among the most ancient drums of India. In any Carnatic music concert, it is the main percussion instrument. Famous Malayalam playback singer, Jayachandran initiated his journey into music through Mridangam. He was a disciple of the legendary Korambu Subrahmanian Namboodiri. 

The famous ‘Korambu Mridanga Kalari’ of Irinjalakuda, has the credit of introducing mridangamela to the world of music. A performance comprising of artists as young as 5 years old creating symphony in unison using mridanga had stunned audience around the world. Mridanga artists from Irinjalakuda honoured venues across Japan, Malaysia, Europe and Middle East during the past decade. According to Vikraman Namboodiri, the bond with mridanga is more of an eternal bond sanctified by the divinity of music. A bond that is a lifelong commitment. Vikraman Namboodiri has disciples spread over 11 nations and has taught over two thousand students during the past two decades. All Irinjalakuda can hope is that may this unsung genius escape from the fate Madhava had suffered from the minds of under-educated authorities and self obsessed people of Irinjalakuda.

Aladdin had a magic lamp. When he summoned, the genie would appear and grant his will. When technology had reached the threshold, everyone had access to the magic lamp. But the complexity was staggering. Everyone became an enslaved genie to each other. Summoned upon dialing a number, and limited to the amount of 'currency' in the account each resided with the split identity of Aladdin as well as the Genie. Yes, mobile phones are the magic lamps of this generation. When technology superseded emotions, words lost its meaning. In the flow of words human beings learnt to shut their emotions. Upon summoning a person, we failed to communicate what must be communicated. Every act of our lives turned into an act of a mere tweet or a post or text; if utmost important then a call.

I received a few calls to remember, the one I remember the most was when I left my house for the first time for my higher studies. I was a world apart from my home and my phone rang. The ringtone was so clear that it shut the world around me. At the other end was my Father, slowly I heard the faint voice of my Mother. I do not remember what we talked but I felt them closer than ever before. It kept my heart at peace for a few moments. Some moments are powerful enough to make you realize how beautiful your life indeed is. I was at home for that moment no matter how far I was. Was it the brand of phone I used? Never. Was it the OS of the phone? Well it was a Nokia 1100.

Then came a day to remember, few years down the lane of my life when I met with an accident and I was crumbling in pain. I was trying to make sense after I realized that the injuries could be a full stop to my dreams. I was falling apart and darkness was spreading around me. The phone rang, I was slipping down to the end of a tunnel. And voice from the other side asked me, "Are you okay?" The person who called was someone who never pick my calls or used to be in her own world most of the time. The gravity in the voice and the concern had the power to keep me going when I though it was almost over. I was not alone in that moment of darkness. Well, least I made my mind that it was not time to give up. Just like a boxer crawling back to the corner to fight one more round, I made my mind. Hell I was not okay, but I found the light I was searching for. The irony was that I have never even seen the person ever before and still we are strangers. How much I wish I could smile to the person and thank for the miracle of words that flowed that night. Still I remember the simple sentence that put me back on track.

Finally an event that etched profound thoughts, it was rather an experience that haunted me for a long time. I was in Guruvayoor Temple in Kerala, along with my parents. I took my cellphone along for it had the games to get rid of my boredom. My parents were inside the temple, while I was seeking God outside the temple. While the rich begged inside, the poor begged outside the temple walls. While these thoughts played in my brain, a woman came to me. I digged my pocket, but she said she don't want money. She said she was lost in the crowd and want to make just one call. Her silver hair and calm face announced that she wasn't the one to be suspected. Her eyes were tired, and the lips were drooping and trembling, to reflect the situation of being lost in that crowded place. Reluctantly I handed over my phone, slowly she uttered the number and dialed it. The phone rang on the other side. I waited, she waited. The call was picked. She said "Hello". Suddenly the call was disconnected from the other end. Her eyes reflected helplessness. She handed over the cellphone to me. Not a word was uttered but one could see how she struggled against the weight of pain that was tormenting her. As she walked away from me the shopkeeper who was noticing this smiled. He said to me the words that tore my heart. "She was abandoned at the same spot three months ago. Nobody responds to calls. May be she is too much of a burden to bear." I didn't knew what to do. By that time she faded in the crowd. If that call was answered my cellphone could have made a difference. I owned one of the best phones money could buy, still it is incapable of connecting an abandoned mother to her child. In a world where hearts have lost their reason, what value is for words uttered from the depth of one's soul? I tried that number to no vain for a few days till it was deemed disconnected.

If we re-learn to bring emotions and care back to our life, world is still a beautiful place. Smiles will dwell forever in our lips and in our eyes will blossom a thousand roses.

“There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled.

There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled.

You feel it, don't you?” 

~ Rumi