Live Free. Live Happy.

My ex-schoolmate Kishore is part of a club called "Toastmasters" in Infosys, where members give short speeches on various topics. Below is a speech given by him related to voting. And this has definitely come from the heart.

Yes, We can - By Kishore Kaluri.

So, What am I going to talk about ? I am not trying to be a Mr. Obama here. So, I am not going to take up “Yes, we can”. So, remove the YES. What is left ? “We can”. No no no, juggle the words a bit. “Can we ?”

Here is a letter by Richard Dawkins to his daughter, when she turned ten, about evidence, belief, tradition, rationalism, authority and revelation. It is slightly long but is definitely worth reading.

Dear Juliet,

Below is a speech given by CA M.R.Venkatesh titled "Global Imbalance - An imminent Dollar Crisis" . The interesting part is that this speech was given by the economist long back before the current financial crisis in the USA. This is a must watch for everyone as it gives insight into some of the reasons for the current state USA is in.

http://www.chetanbhagat.com/blog/general/sparks

Inaugural Speech for the new batch at the Symbiosis BBA program 2008 by Chetan Bhagat

Below is a very interesting story of the life of Sudha Murthy. If you don't know who Sudha Murthy is, then read till the end to find out.

It was probably the April of 1974. Bangalore was getting warm and gulmohars were blooming at the IISc campus. I was the only girl in my postgraduate department and was staying at the ladies' hostel. Other girls were pursuing research in different departments of Science.

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan is a physician by training, a public servant by choice, and a democrat by conviction. He joined the IAS in 1980. During his 16 years of public service in various capacities, he had many accomplishments to his credit. He is still remembered fondly by the people of the districts he once worked for. In spite of an impressive personal achievement, Dr. JP’s experience in government convinced him that faulty governance process is the biggest hurdle in India’s path of progress.

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch, who is dying from pancreatic cancer, gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving talk, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

My Stupid Suicide Plan

Following is the (truly inspiring) convocation address delivered by Dr. R.A.
Mashelkar, Director General, CSIR, at the 4th Convocation of our institute on
20th August 2005.

"India's Future: "IT" as in "Indian Talent"

1. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Hon.ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh,
Prof. Rajeev Sangal, Director, International Institute of Information
Technology, Hyderabad, proud graduates, their equally proud parents and
friends, all members of the family of IIIT, distinguished guests, ladies
and gentlemen.

-------------------------
Stanford Report, June 14, 2005

'You've got to find what you love,' Jobs says
This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple
Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the
finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth
be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation.
Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big
deal. Just three stories.