Simple, direct and continuous
An information overload creates clutter and adds to confusion. Prioritize the call for actions and direct only the ones that makes sense from a user’s perspective. Flood of information distracts the user and misdirect them towards an abrupt conclusion. When the users are allowed to make simplified and direct choices, it stimulates enhanced levels of interactions there by creating a better experience.

Lack of continuity in the process of communication creates confusion and forces the user to look for a simplified solution. It is ideal to establish the steps if the procedure is lengthy and to provide understandable way points.

Realization is resurrection. 

Faith is resurrection. 

Love is resurrection. 

Truth is resurrection.

Healing in such a short span of time was a race uphill. But the "Machine Fist" from The Garage Gym, Nasik was not the one who will ever slow down. His fight had just began. Slowly and steadily with the aid and assistance of the Coach of Indian MMA Team - Alan Fenandes, his team at The Garage Gym and his colleagues - Mohd Farhad and Dhruv Chaudhary, the unimaginable happened. Not only did Govind recover but he also caught up roughly 4 days of his training once he got the go ahead from the doctors. According to him it was his grit and determination, to make his mentor proud that had driven him to fight the biggest fight of his life.

"It is a pleasure and an honor to work with someone with such high determination and focus. It make everyone who believe in Team India proud because it wasn't about winning and losing, it was about making your mentor proud, fighting for the dreams of everyone who put their faith in an athlete... it is a rare quality these days.", while completing these words Coach of Team India - Alan Fenandes was running out of words. Now what lays ahead of Govind was the ultimate challenge of facing "The Gujjar Tank" Anup Kumar. Anup is a veteran fighter who came from an overwhelming TKO victory representing Team India against Pakistan at Super Fight League 38, Dubai. 

The bell rang and the match went back and forth. For many, the fact that Govind did not back down and faced the ultimate test, itself was a victory. Anup dominated the fight. There were moments that convinced everyone that Govind was at the losing end. But Govind was not convinced nor he was ready to accept defeat. It was one of the finest MMA bouts of the year when Govind came back as an unstoppable force. Raining punches and take downs, he surprised Anup. Govind was so fierce and focused that he took the battle to Anup all the way. The words of Rabindranath Tagore found its soul at the heat of the battle. Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.The bout was over and the decision was unanimous and the winner was none other than Govind Singh. It was not his victory alone, Govind led his team, mentor and colleagues towards victory and ushered a new chapter in the history of Indian Mixed Martial Arts. 

Special thanks to - Pushkar Shinde, Owner The Garage Fitness Center

Jew Street in Mattancherry is the legendary enclave that is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. It took a while from Fort Kochi to reach the stone paved street. It was quite a walk among the old buildings that thrived on spice trade for decades. The time was 06:30 AM and the roads were empty. After meandering the narrow roads sidelined by the body of water that divided the city from the old town, we slipped into narrow streets one after the other. Some buildings are like wine, they enchant as they turn older and older. Finally we reached the street we were looking for - Jew Street in Mattancherry. It turned out to be well preserved and distinct from those one may come across in Kerala. The buildings in that street were at least a couple of centuries old. And they were inhabited. 

Jew street, as it is called is a 200 meter long walk down the memory lane. Lined with pastel colored houses and shops that sell antiques, jewelry, art, furniture and sculptures. It was great to find out that a few of the inhabitants of the street were indeed the descendants of a fast dwindling population of Jews who settled down in Cochin in AD 52. The street has got a thousand stories to share for the ones who are keen enough to listen. We met many tourists from Israel who visited the synagogue. Our host was Yaheh Hallegua, who was in charge of the Paradesi Synagogue, handling entrance fees and monitoring attire. The synagogue was built in 1568. The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Paradesi Synagogue has its treasure of memories to share with every passerby. From the Scrolls of the Law to several gold crowns the rich tradition is preserved intact. As we walked by the Belgian glass chandeliers we slipped into a different time and perspective. The floor of the synagogue is composed of hundreds of beautiful Chinese porcelain tiles. A hand-knotted oriental rug which was a gift from Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian emperor, still greets the visitors. The synagogue has an 18th century clock tower, which is still functional. The clock tower was restored in 1998 under the direction of the World Monuments Fund.

Cochin Jews, also called Malabar Jews and Yuda Mappila, are the oldest group of Jews in India, with roots claimed to date to the time of King Solomon 950 BC, though historically attested migration dates from the fall of Jerusalem. From then Cochin became a safe heaven for Jews who were subjected to religious persecution around the world. They shared a favorable relationship with the ruling class and indulged to enrich trade and commerce of that region. Moreover Jewish Community became the only community of foreigners who had not waged a war against any of the Indian monarchies and princely states. Once one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, but now many of the inhabitants have moved to Israel and the once bustling Jewish community has now immigrated or have merged with the general population. The nearby Market Road still bustles with spice trade that tells the legacy of an era gone by. Though the official timings are from 10 AM, I felt that it is best to visit this place by sunrise to avoid the crowd and to strike friendly conversations with its inhabitants.

At Mattancherry Jew Street

Every person evolves. When I embarked on a journey chasing a passion there were so many people who helped me and guided me. May be at times when I turned back, there was someone who gave me the choice and responsibility to pursue further even when I could not believe that I could take yet another step. There were people who supported me and nurtured me with knowledge. There were friends whom I discussed about my plans and who listened to my wildest dreams. Today is not a special day, but may be we do not require a day to be thankful. Our life is not just our saga alone. It is the collective gift and bliss from a lot of people we forgot or not. Those who loved us or made us feel the pain, those who pushed us to the limits or gave us a helping hand. Today is just another day in my life. However when I try to find out if there is anything special about this day, I realize that when you are lucky enough to live a dream gifted by the ones around you, each day is special in your life.

From time unknown, it is in our blood to chase our dreams. Some dreams redefine our life and some are mere illusions projected by our psyche. An illusion of perfection or to attain the impossible was inculcated as the pinnacle of success and immortality. This notion is injected into the very DNA of our social framework. While a cat finds a comfortable night's sleep in midst of a cozy rag, human beings keep pondering about an even better solution for the next night's sleep. A thin line separates ambition from greed. And the seeds of greed are scattered in every act performed. 

May it be a simple act of capturing an image. I tried various angles to click the image so that I get the subject with a perfect rectangular backdrop. I clicked over and over again. I did not realize until I inspected the subject, that the problem was not with the angle but the window that was not a perfect frame. The shape was distorted by age and weather. I kept my camera aside and stared at the window savoring freshly poured wine that slowed my thoughts. I realized that my obsession was about the frame than the entirety of the image. I could not see the world beyond the window and tiny flakes of snow that hit the glass. The carelessly placed vase facing the vastness of wildness overlooking the great Himalayas did not catch my attention. I chased perfection and then I missed out on those imperfections that perfectly blend to the existence of each other element that we call - life.

The world around us is never perfect or ever the same. Every moment is a scenario. If your perspective is shallow as to see the imperfections and threats. There will never be a moment to embark on an adventure or to capture the right moment. The only choice is to see the view that lies beyond the imperfections and chase for the ultimate stage that exists beyond the scenarios that distract your thoughts. Because once you can sit back and view the bigger picture, the one you got will always be far better than one you failed to capture. Imperfection and risks break the monotony of a copy of a copy of success. Let there be not perfection, but empty spaces for our souls to reinvent and readjust. Hard fought battles are sweeter to savor. Let there be emptiness to dream beyond the horizons in our viewfinder. Let there be tears and solitude so that one day we will learn to value the power of a smile.

I had been a professional wrestling fan for over two decades of my life. For any wrestling fan, Macho Man represents the pinnacle of showmanship and excellence. Flamboyant, outspoken and high flying, Macho Man could never be replicated. Finally Macho Man pinned WWE and corporate politics on his way to legitimize the concept of Hall of Fame in professional wrestling. We had witness many irrelevant figures inducted into professional wrestling hall of fame such as Mike Tyson and Drew Carey. Finally it is time for the King.

The life of Randy Mario Poffo, was as flamboyant as in in-ring persona. Controversial and beyond the fourth wall, such an era could never be recreated without the genius and dedication of such an artist. Despite shabby promotion the character Macho Man outlived the politics behind the backstage to become one of the icons of pop culture. It is an irony that Hulk Hogan, the man himself who tried to bury the legacy of Macho Man numerous times is forced to induct the King to save his face from the fury of Randy Poffo.

Macho Man in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Your reign may come. Elbow drops will be done. On Earth as in heaven. Give us to day the cream of the crop. forgive us our sins, as we elbow drop those who sin against us. Do not bring us to the test. But deliver us from Hogan. 

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.