An honor indeed

The Institute of Practical Accountancy [IPA]  is a registered educational society which trains the commerce students to acquire employable skills to work on computer based Accountancy packages. IPA Awards are presented in Hyderabad, India every year to the Entrepreneurs, Lecturers and Commerce Practicing Professionals [CA, CMA & CS] during its Annual Day celebrations. I was nominated for the IPA Proficiency Award 2009 - Practicing Company Secretary. The function supposed to take place in 2009 was postponed due to disturbances in Hyderabad city.
However, the IPA Proficiency Award was presented to me during the 17th Anniversary Celebrations of the Institute of Practical Accountancy [IPA] on 8th October, 2010.
What impressed me and my wife Lakshmi who accompanied me was that the receiving the guests and reception on arrival of Awardees. This well attended function was started well within the scheduled time, the presentation of Awards as the masters of ceremony  narrate the citation of the Awardee. I felt it highly honored of receiving from the dignitaries, the Award + Certificate + Shawl + Garland + An Eco friendly bag to keep the things received. All most all  Awardees  were given an opportunity to make acceptance speeches. In my brief acknowledgment, I have informed the audience about my impressions on nominating me for this award which reminds me and reiterates from time to time my obligation to keep-up and upkeep professional ethics and proficiency in rendering my professional services as Practicing Company Secretary. 
The entire proceeding were well planned and conducted with a professional touch. While the festive flavor prevailed in the Auditorium, the Chief Guest Justice Dr Y Bhaskar Rao, Former Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka in his very effective speech appreciated the concept of recognizing the commerce professionals who have been demonstrating professional excellence with service bent of mind.
I congratulate and compliment Shri Prakash, Director IPA who has been brain behind initiation this sort of Awards and the Committee for organizing a function in a grand scale.
I thank you and all my well wishers, friends and relatives for  eMessages or SMS greetings or Tele-wishes or graced the function with physical presense. 

Please view the photos at: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/surya342/IPA2009Award?feat=directlink

New(s) On My Social Networks

I have been using the web-based social-networking services for developing professional and business networking opportunities for (re)connecting. Here are my recent updates on my LinkedIn and Twitter accounts:

LinkedIn  http://www.suryanarayana.in  
Latest Profile:

The user-friendly web-profile on LinkedIn is an effective extension to my virtual Business Card. To view or download or print my latest profile Click : http://www.linkedin.com/in/suryanarayana

I'm using LinkedIn to continue my existing personal or business contacts and look for new introductions. The list is growing further with  professional and business community friends from all over the world. You too can join to get connected and include your recommendation about me. See how it works at  http://www.linkedin.com/in/suryanarayana

Contacts 530+
 
Presentation Tips Group :

This is a Group created by me  to share thoughts and ideas for better Presentation. To start participating in the new tips or discussions, click Group PresentationTips at  

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=96459&trk=hb_side_g

Members:  130+

Active Poll: 

Poll Question: What is your preferred Attention-Getter before a Speech or Presentation?
 Take poll: http://polls.linkedin.com/p/87646/ttbnn  View results at http://polls.linkedin.com/poll-results/87646/ttbnn 
 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/suryanarayanasv

Twitter is a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. Twitter  always asks the question, "What are you doing?"  Each answer to that question is considered a Twitter status update which is displayed on Twitter badge embedded to my website and blog .
Look at my Tweets from time to time on my blog and website to find what I am doing. 

You can also  follow me to keep in touch with me by signing in Twitter at https://twitter.com
 Followers:  188+

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suryanarayanasv
 I have just  joined this social utility that connects me with friends and others who work, study and live around them. I  use Facebook to keep up with my well-wishers. I would be glad if you could join me as my friend on Facebook.
Friends: 90+

Earth Day April 22 Checklist

World Earth Day is A Day to Celebrate Earth on April 22. It is very important to observe Earth Day as it encourages us to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! On the eve of this 40th anniversary of the Earth Day, I have set the following agenda to be a little more eco-conscious than usual:

To Do List

• Plant few trees 
• Try to pay bills on-line 
• Take a re-usable carry bag 
• Gift plants instead of flowers 
• Use energy saving equipment  
• Work on laptop instead of desktop 
• Take print-outs only when necessary 
• Not to work on computers all the day 
• Keep car engine idle at traffic junctions 
• Switch off appliances & lights when leaving rooms 
• Not to buy “snack packs” wrapped in cardboard & plastic 
• Conserve water –Turn-off taps & attend to leaking water taps

Events: 

1. Conducting  "Let Us Take Online Pledge" an interactive live web session  at 5-00 pm on April 22: http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/302785-earth-day-let-us-take-online-pledge  [ I invite you to join this FREE session by clicking the above link ] 
2. Attending a meeting at Hyderabad, India on "Green Earth & Sustainable Development" an address by my friend Dr. PVS Jagan Mohan Rao, Past President of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. The meeting will be followed by Green Snacks !!

eGreetings:

 
Send eCards to friends and well wishers through: 

http://www.123greetings.com/aff-bin/subcategory/1551/eapr_earthday

(Re)sources To Browse & Bookmark:
http://www.earthday.org
http://teachpaperless.blogspot.com

Key To Experience Success

We have heard people liberally using "Failure is the steppingstone to success". In my opinion success comes as a result of applying essential key factors.  Here are TEN principles generally practiced by successful people.

1. Vision: Successful people will have a clear picture of what exactly they want to achieve or become. They Keep this picture at the top of their mind at all the times.
2. Belief: They believe that they will succeed.  Success oriented persons stay away from negative influences (people, books/articles, anything negative), which make them doubt their ability to succeed.
3. Responsibility: Successful people realize that they alone are responsible for the outcome of their efforts and their future. 
4. Affirm: They make it as a habit of saying out loud what they hope to achieve. Success tip for them is to speak of it in the present tense, e.g., 'I am fit and trim', as opposed to 'I will be fit and trim'. Another tip they apply is to write down the affirmation and then look at it (or better still, rewrite it) several times each day. This helps their mind stay focused on the goal.
5. Commitment: They make a firm commitment to action, decide to take steps to achievegoals then honour the commitments.
6. SMART goal:   Successful persons keep their  goal to be Specific, Measurable and Motivational, Attainable and Attractive, Realistic   and Timed.
7. Plan & Take Action: They Work out a plan of action. Break down the plan into baby steps. Take a step or two each day, reminding yourself that each step is bringing you closer to your goal. 
8. Persistence: Successful persons do not give up until they have achieved what they desire. 
9. Gratitude: They maintain an attitude of gratitude, knowing that their dream is about to become a reality.  
10. Become a giver. In their relationships, they always think in terms of what they can do for the others.They tend to be kind and generous to all .

I keep trying to follow these principles consistently. Are you also applying to your life situations?  This key WILL guarantee you to experience success in any endeavor.

Heading For Patient-Friendly Hospital(ity)

Today's health care environment makes the hospitals recognize the importance of interactions with patient's family members for speedy recovery and improve patient well-being. Hospital stays are shorter, medical care is more technologically complex, resources are constrained, and there is a growing need for patients and families to have more information about, and involvement in, care decisions. A trusting relationship with patients and their families can be built on open but  honest communication by the Hospital staff.
This is what I exactly experienced recently.
Due to a severe pain in abdomen, I was to be shifted to Hospital on Sunday, the 21st March early hours.  Thanks to the quick arrival of 1-0-8  Ambulance which rushed me to Apollo Hospital, Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad. What I admired most is the free services of 1-0-8 with fair handling by its staff that too graciously denying the tips offered by my family members.
The treatment at Apollo was par excellent with patient-friendly focused philosophy. The 12 hour treatment including arrangements and care taken by the Hospital to move me over to Apollo Jubilee Hills Hospital to get myself undergo Ultra Sonography [Scanning abdomen]  were well handled with professional touch. I wish this tribe of Family Friendly Hospitals to adopt the following aspects also:

1. Recognize the vital role of family members in ensuring health and well-being of the patient.
2. Guide the attendants of patients in respect of claiming insurance or taking Health Insurance policy to bring important strengths to meet their health care experiences.
3. Respect patient and family choices, their values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
4. Promote sharing of information among patients, families and health care staff.
5. Encourage families to educate themselves about diagnostic tests, treatments and  vital  aspects of post hospitalization health care.
6. Educate about billing system, terminology used in bills. [ The bills given at the time of discharge at Apollo were not printed properly and the stationery belonging to the clinic of a different location. Discharge report was not provided in spite of my appeal to prefer insurance claim].
7. Solicit feedback from patients and families on all services at Hospital.
8. Incorporate family-centered care principles in every aspect of the hospital from having easy-to-read signs to training receptionists on how best to interact with patients and families.
9. Avoid Chit chatting and usage of Mobile phones near patients.

The patient-friendly measures adopted by hospitals and clinics should become popular with patients as it helps them conquer their fear.
Doctors are the life saviors who work relentlessly to cure the ailments of the patients. On the occasion of Doctor's Day 30 March, as a patient, consultant for corporate hospitals and as a well-wisher, I express my  gratitude and appreciation for  all those Doctors  who help keep me in robust good health. My eGreetings web page: 

http://www.123greetings.com/aff-bin/subcategory/1551/emar_doctorsday

The Power Of Communication

12 Essentials To Improve Communication Skills  was the subject during an all day training session I was taking  as part of the newly introduced Management Skills Orientation Programme -a Training Programme conducted by the Hyderabad Chapter of Company Secretaries for the final passed students of Company Secretaryship course. This was my 48th batch of training on same on the same topic since 1991, the only change was the duration of  the session extended to full day from the erstwhile half-day session. To make it more effective, I have restructured the modules with a refinement and enhanced add ons like exercises and games.  After completion of the session, few participants approached me to get their performance evaluated and doubts clarified. Though I have guided them with some techniques, the following inputs help these 50+ participants to hone their communication skills:

1. Good communication skills have a significant impact on your career. Your ability to speak well will make you popular. You will be able to impress your higher ups with your confidence, initiative and creative ideas. Isn’t it a great way to propel your career to dizzy heights with better communication skills?
2. Though some people have an innate ability to speak well, it is always possible to develop communication skills with a bit of hard work. Preparation and practice are best ways to overcome nervousness.
3. To succeed in your career you must present yourself with confidence. Your messages should have both content and style that makes a good impression on the listeners. Only practice and more practice can help you develop these qualities. So make it a point to devote enough time to master communication skills.
4. Be prepared to go that extra mile - Attend seminars, interactive sessions and discussions to improve your communication skills. You can also take advantage of training programms organized by professional bodies.
5. Good communication skills have to go hand-in-hand with talent, ability and knowledge. Let others know your talent with your better communication.

In all, this session was well received as indicated in the written feedback given by the attendees.Here are the thoughts and impressions by few participants in their written feedback:

• What I have liked best in this session was the opportunity given to everyone to speak. "Flight In Bhopal" was my topic when I was invited to speak. - Ms.Tulsi Agrawal, Hyderabad.
• My memorable experience was when I received feedback from the Faculty on my trail speech about my happiest day when my sistercleared her MA (Sanskrit) Exam. - Mr. Anandteerth.V Hippasayi, Hyderabad.
• I rate this session as Excellent. I didn't feel tired -Mr. Avinash Kumar Singh, Hyderabad.
• Oh! He is Awesome! My memorable experience was when I was called on to the stage to speak. - Ms. Padma Agarwal, Secunderabad.
• Super session !!!. I would like to have the previlage of attending such session again in future. -Mr.Rahul Jain, Hyderabad.
• Illustrating and clarifying the points was excellent. I learnt the way to deliver the speech. -Mr. Bimal Prasad Patnaik, Puri, Orissa State.
• Interaction with participants was the best I lkied. -Mr. Rabindra Kumar, Visakhapatnam.
• More time must be allotted to the participants' speech. My memorable moment in the session was the Faculty sample speech. -Mr. Satyabrata Padhi, Cuttack.
• I suggest the Faculty to extend this session to two days. I liked the maintenance of friendly and helpful approach by the Faculty. - Mr Rammohan D, Hyderabad.
• Making every participant to speak from the dias and waiting for my turn to come so that I can speak were my memorable experiences. More practical examples were required. Ms. Yogita, Hyderabad.
• The session was very much beneficial. I felt that one more sesion is necessary for improvement of skills, Mr. Nagabhushanam, Lecturer in Law, Bhimavaram
• I learnt techniques of communication. The Faculty was really excellent. - Mr. Lucky A Popli, Nagpur

Welcome The Telugu New Year - 16 March

Every Indian festival has its own purpose with a significance and known for celebrating in style and grand manner. They could symbolise seasonal change, a new year, signify a value or stand for a great occasion.
Ugadi - the Telugu New Year Day, is observed on Chaitra Shuddha Padyami of the Hindu calendar.  There is a great significance and cultural importance behind celebrating Telugu New Year on March 16, Tuesday. The word Ugadi is derived from Sanskrit, which means beginning of a new year. (Yuga – era, aadi – beginning) and this day marks the beginning of the new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit. The 60-year cycle brings us the new year by name  ‘Vikruti’ samvatsara this year.
It also heralds the onset of the spring – synonymous with ushering in of new life on earth. Spring is considered as the first season of the year indicating a new beginning. The trees shed old leaves paving way for the new one. The occasion signifies commencement of a new phase in life with renewed vigour and energy, past the defeats and unpleasant moments of the bygone year.
Various rituals mark the ushering in of the new era.Temples and homes are decorated on this day. The entrances are decorated with fresh mango leaves.[like the image embeded on top of this blog.] The “Ugadi Pachadi”  - a special item to be consumed during early hours, is prepared with neem leaves, jaggery, raw mango, tamarind juice, green chilli and a pinch of salt. The ingredients symbolise six tastes – bitterness, sweet, tang, sourness, heat and saltiness corresponding to six experiences of anger, happiness, disgust, sadness, fear and surprise. 
Ugadi, a celebration of life, thus announces the beginning of all that is new under the sun.
On this occassion I am launching "Statrtup 1 Blog" - Live classes and online eCourse to create and maintain personal Blog by any body.
Subscribe FREE to Startup1Blog  to keep you updated with Forthcoming Classes Schedule, proposed Online course & Testimonials: 

http://startup1blog.blogspot.com

A Tribute To Women

Commemoration of women's rights and achievements was initiated in The United States in 1909. In this year, during some great demonstrations that were being held in the name of the struggle for civil, economic and political rights of women, celebrations were held. A year later two advocates for women's rights, Clara Zetkin and Alexandra Kollontai, proposed an official International Day for Women. It was organized on March 19th, 1911 with celebrations held across Europe and America.

In 1913 International Women's Day was moved to March 8 and over the years it has come to represent many other issues, including justice, peace and development. Today it is a national holiday in many countries, and is also celebrated in India.
Wishing & Greetings to all the Women Achievers world over.
Here is a link to send eGreetings to your friends and well wishers on this eve:
http://www.123greetings.com/aff-bin/home/1551

Apply Six Thinking Hats

I have taken a Training Session for the semi-qualified Company Secretaries during the 1st Executive Development Programme organized  by the Hyderabad Chapter of Company Secretaries. It was also a challenge to me to design this new subject for a Training session of this nature. The session went off with the best involvement of 53 boys and girls. I admire their patience to follow and understand the new concept of Thinking. I have a satisfaction, though flaws occurred in the flow, the youngsters effectively involved in solving the exercise given on the cricketer Sachin Tendulkar [recently broke the world record with 200 runs in  One Day International Cricket]. 

I have also compiled a leaflet to distribute to the participants. Download link: http://suryanarayana.com/resources/training/ApplySixThinkingHatsLeaflet.pdf

I am looking forward for all the 9 teams Blue Hat Leaders to submit their report in the comments box of this Blog on following assignment for my evaluation:

PROPOSAL: Your Company proposes YOU to participate in Corporate Social Responsibility project to renovate a School costing Rupees 25,000 with in one day in a Village 50 Km from Hyderabad.What Is Your Team Decision To Implement This Project.

Startup1Blog - Online Classes & Courses

I have designed and created a new Blog "Startup1Blog to post FREE online and live Classes & courses conducted by me on WiZiQ educational web platform. The main features of this Blog include forthcoming Classes Schedule, info about proposed Online course & Testimonials. Please Visit, subscribe and follow this Blog at http://startup1blog.blogspot.com