Lockdown Musings

Dear L&Tite,

As the lockdown continues this week, would like to share my thoughts on reading – one of the finest hobbies which you should consider in your spare time. It is an effective approach to utilize time as it evokes a whole new set of chromatic thoughts in us.

Reading requires focus, time and, most importantly, a lot of discipline. It is a great habit to imbibe and has personally provided me with several fresh perspectives. One should develop a scorching reading speed along with a simultaneous comprehension of thoughts which will be immensely helpful in the long run. I would like to share with you some books that have left a lasting impression on me.

Being a passionate L&Tite, one may want to consider a memoire on sports and that’s where Shoe Dog (By Phil Knight) can be a leading read in which Phil Knight, one of Nike’s co-​founders, traces the journey of Nike from its early struggles to its evolution into one of the world’s most recognized and profitable companies. Also, Rafa: My Story (by Rafael Nadal & John Carlin) is a very good read providing a wonderful insight into the life and rise of Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of the modern era and arguably the greatest ever player on clay.

On Information Technology, one may want to consider the biography of Apple’s founder “Steve Jobs” (by Walter Isaacson), a story of the rollercoaster life and intense personality of the creative entrepreneur Steve Jobs, whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. Yet another great read is Bill Gates: A Biography (by Michael Becraft), that examines the life and achievements of a standout American inventor, philanthropist & the cofounder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, who also helped transform society by ushering in an era of ubiquitous personal computing.

My Years with General Motors (by Alfred Sloan) can be a picky read for a motor head in which the book details the time Sloan led General Motors Corporation to international business success by virtue of his brilliant managerial practices and provides insights into the new consumer economy that he and General Motors helped to produce. One may also want to consider the lessons from America’s best run yesteryear companies amalgamated in a book called Search of Excellence (by Thomas Peters & Robert H. Waterman).

If war fiction interests you, then am sure you would love to read The Best & The Brightest (by David Halberstam) in which the author holds forth on the Vietnam war, the foreign policies crafted by the academics and intellectuals in the US administration and the disastrous consequences of those policies in Vietnam. Shogun (by James Clavell), yet another war classic, shares the voyage of Japan’s Toranaga Empire from rise to shogunate as seen through the eyes of an English sailor. Papillon (meaning black butterfly in French, by Henri Charrière) is yet another interesting read about Papillon’s incarceration and subsequent escape from the French penal colony of French Guyana. The sequel to Papillon, Banco (by Henri Charrière) is a compelling read too about the author’s life in Venezuela, where he escaped from the penal colony on Devil’s Island.

A distinctly interesting reading could be The Da Vinci Code (by Dan Brown), a mystery thriller about the hero, Robert Langdon’s attempts to unravel a 2000-​year-​old conspiracy by deciphering the ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Mario Puzo’s The Godfather is truly a riveting read about the fictional New York-​based Mafia family of ‘Don’ Vito Corleone and arguably one of the best Mafia stories every written.

Reading these books not only gave me a lot of food for thought but also a good understanding from the honest takes across industries, sports, war veterans renowned globally on how the path to success really looks like.

While I do hope you enjoy reading the above books, please do bear in mind that your first priority should be to maintain utmost discipline in terms of meeting your business commitments and resort to such recreational activities only during your spare time.

Best Regards,

SNS

Dear L&Tites,

Multiple researches have pointed out that music helps to revitalize energy levels apart from other benefits such as rejuvenating productivity. Hence, yet another relaxation activity one turns to, during spare time for recharging oneself, is music.

Tuning into some of the classics I have shared below always revives me while some have even left me with some profound thoughts.

If you have the taste please listen to some of these classics.

Some songs truly revolutionized Indian music industry, and Mera Joota Hai Japani (by Mukesh) from the movie Shree 420 (1955) is one such ever-​lasting example. Songs of the legendary Kishore Kumar always fascinate a listener’s soul. One such compelling tune is Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si from the movie Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Also, songs like Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein from the movie Padosan (1968) can linger with you for long.

Retro Bollywood songs of the bygone era are musical treats that can still tug at your heartstrings. The song Mere Sapno Ki Rani from the movie Aradhana (1969) is heart-​warming to listen to. More songs like, Roop Tera Mastana from the same movie will strap your good old memories. Songs like Pyaar Deewana Hota Hain from the film Kati Patang (1970) is fascinating to listen to. One may also consider lending one’s ears to the song, Ye Shaam Mastani again from Kati Patang.

The melody of Chal Chal Mere Haathi from the movie Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) can be recalled to its magnificent lyrics. Dum Maro Dum (by Asha Bhosle) from the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) can also dazzle your day. O Mere Dil Ke Chain from the movie Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) can leave anyone magnetized by its lyrics. Another song Chura Liya Hai (by Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi) from the movie Yaadon Ki Barat (1973) prove the singers’ great control over high notes. Also, Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se from the movie Ajnabee (1974) is a classic by Kishore Kumar.

There have been several iconic duets the leading ladies of Bollywood music, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, have sung along with Kishore Kumar. One such song is Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein (Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Ajanabee (1974). Hum Dono Do Premi (by Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Ajnabee (1974) is yet another timeless classic. Ek Main Aur Ek Tu (by Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle) from the movie Khel Khel Mein (1975) is also wonderful to listen to. Kya Khoob Lagti Ho (by Mukesh and Kanchan) from the movie Dharmatma (1975) is a beautiful melody one might consider listening to.

Songs like Pardesia (by Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Mr. Natwarlal (1979) are amongst many that left their remarkable imprints on the world of music. Dekha Ek Khwaab To Yeh Silsile (by Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Silsila (1981) is good. Spellbinding songs like Jane Kaise Kab Kahan Iqrar Ho Gaya (by Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Shakti (1982) is not only heart-​warming to listen to but can leave you humming their tunes long after.

One may want to have a distinguished playlist comprising of songs like Jawani Janeman Haseen Dilruba (by Asha Bhosle) from the movie Namak Halaal (1982). Neele Neele Ambar Par (by Kishore Kumar) from the movie Kalaakaar (1983) is yet another song one might want to consider adding to one’s playlist. Pyar Mein Dil Pe Maar De Goli (by Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle) from the movie Mahaan (1983) is a song reminiscent of Bollywood in the 1980s. Song like Shayad Meri Shaadi Ka Khayal (by Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar) from the movie Souten (1983) is a song which can keep your thoughts caravan moving.

Music is a complete package that can provide one with exceptional experiences capable of revitalizing both the mind and soul.

I do hope listening to these songs during your spare time charges you up during these times while maintaining unwavering focus on your work commitments.

Best Regards,

SNS

Dear L&Tites,

While sharing several of my favourite Hindi songs in my last message, would also like to add some memorable English songs that have remained with me for long. One may want to consider recharging themselves during their spare time by lending ears to these.

One may want to try listening to some of these western tunes.

During this lockdown, the only sounds one can normally hear from one’s windows are those of birds chirping and dogs barking. More like The Sounds of Silence, the iconic song that made the Simon & Garfunkel duo so famous and a favourite across generations.

The ‘60s is widely held as the decade of rock bands setting the world alight with their music. Perhaps the most famous among them were The Beatles, who came together in Liverpool, England in 1960. The group comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr gave rock music a new dimension. Though personally a fan of many of their songs, I saw her standing there truly captures their collective genius best. Another song from The Beatles, Ob-​La-​Di, Ob-​La-​Da, is famous for anchoring a popular tag line of life. Yet another rock song that rocked the ‘60s was Pink Floyd’s Another brick in the Wall.

The mid-60’s saw the birth of a band led by Carlos Santana, a Mexican-​American guitarist and songwriter, and their song Black Magic Woman still resonates with us. Johnny & Hurricanes was yet another famous rock band of the early ‘60s still known for their evergreen Red Rock River. One may also want to add a song Yellow River in their playlist from the popular British band Christie.

The ‘70s saw another hugely successful band with a huge fan following, The Eagles, who will always be known for the superb song, Hotel California. The Swedish band of ABBA caught the world’s imagination for their feet-​stomping beats of Gimme gimme gimme’. Another famous song is Jambalaya, by the Carpenters.

When one talks about singles, one cannot forget the energy of a singer like Bruce Springsteen and his famous Dancing in the Dark. Una Paloma Blanca by George Baker is another song along similar lines. One might also want to consider listening to Elton John’s Candle in the Wind or high octane songs like Cocaine by Eric Clapton that will boost your energy levels to make you spend your day well.

Towards the end of the last millennium, songs like Deep Purple by Ventures in 1999 imprinted their lasting impression on rock music. Also, the pop rock song Beautiful Sunday by Daniel Boone gave a distinguished taste to its listeners. The root rock bands playing Have You Ever Seen the Rain? by Creedence Clearwater Revival became a prominent choice in the country rock genre in 70’s era.

A motion picture track that is an all-​time favourite is the fast, foot tapping number Stayin’ Alive from the film Saturday Night Fever. Another song that is a blast from the past is Stephen Foster’s Oh! Susanna. Country songs are also popular for their beautiful lyrics. One such song is Oh, my darling Clementine rendered by the Austrian singer, Freddy Quinn in the 1930s. Yet another old-​time classic is Rivers of Babylon, made famous by the rendition of Boney M. One of the all-​time great country songs is The Gambler sung by the legendary Kenny Rogers.

Music can do strange things to us. It can lift us when we feel down; it can calm us when agitated. Hope that listening to these songs during your spare time charges you up during these times while maintaining unwavering focus on your work commitments.

Regards,

SNS

Dear L&Tite,

Today, we are already past the half-​way mark into our Work-​FromHome regime, I thought it opportune to speak to the youngsters of our Larsen & Toubro family.

Really appreciate the way you have handled these challenging circumstances by sticking to your regular work commitments. If there is one sentiment that emerges from your various tweets, posts & messages more than any other, it’s that we are all in this together.

Each of us have had to make several adjustments and changes to our life to adapt to this new mode of working. We need to Work For Home in addition to Work From Home. I am sure that being passionate L&T‑ites, all of you would have also evolved similar efficient methods of functioning during this period.

If utilized effectively, one can avail off this opportunity to discover new hobbies like learning a new language, exercising, reading, watching intellectual TV series, etc. Personally, I’ve managed to catch up on a lot of reading and watching some interesting TV shows which I had kept on the back burner for a long time. I also manage to find time to tune into some classics of my all-​time favorite musicians.

Our HR team has been proactively providing online training courses on ATL and other learning platforms and am sure, you would have found both the time and inclination to hone your skills that will come ever so handy when normalcy returns and hold you all in excellent stead to help the organization bounce back strongly.

You can even refresh your old acquaintances like your school /​ college mates with whom you may have lost touch to relive some of your old, childhood memories. Reconnecting with them would also be beneficial as some would have by now established themselves in various practices in their respective industries and it would be a good idea to compare notes and self-educate.

In the midst of all these recreational activities, it is imperative to ensure that you maintain discipline to keep up with all our business commitments during these extraordinary times.

I hope and pray that each one of you and your loved ones take care and safeguard your health. Am sure at the end of all this we will emerge safer, stronger and more successful.

Best Regards,

SNS

Dear L&T‑ites,

After sharing several of my favourites in music, food and games through my previous messages, here are some memorable movies & TV series that I have found both entertaining and enjoyable. One may want to consider watching these to recharge themselves during their spare time.

There are so many genres of films these days, that there is something for everyone in the family. Here are a few of my personal favourites that you may enjoy.

Spy flicks never cease to thrill and the pulse quickening Zero Dark Thirty (2012) is one such thriller about the greatest manhunt in history — the international search for Osama bin Laden.

Another exciting movie is Shooter (2007), a story about a marksman living in exile, who is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the US President.

Yet another thriller is The Spy & The Traitor (2018) which is a real-​life story of a KGB insider working for M16, his Soviet secrets & daring escapes.

The Bourne series of movies (2002 – 2016) based on a CIA assassin suffering from dissociative amnesia are packed with adrenaline pumping action.

Another exciting movie is Shooter (2007), a story about a marksman living in exile, who is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the US President.

Another British-​American war film, The Guns of Navarone (1961), shows the efforts of an Allied commando unit to destroy an impregnable German fortress threatening Allied naval ships

War films are not only historical but inspirational too. One such epic war film is Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) that dramatizes the Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbour in 1941.

Entebbe (2018) is one fascinating film recounting the story of an Israeli force’s mission to counter terrorists and rescue the hostages bound on an aircraft.

Everyone at home will enjoy watching The Incredibles (2004 – 2018), an animation film about a family of superheroes who lead quiet suburban lives, only to resurface to fight the good fight.

Also, Where Eagles Dare (1968) is a mesmerising World War II action movie which one may consider watching.

A recent academy award winning film based on World War II is Dunkirk (2017), which portrays the evacuation of forces from three perspectives: land, sea, and air.

The famous British war film, 1917 (released in 2019), will virtually take you to the First World War era where two young British soldiers are ordered to deliver a message calling off an attack which is doomed to fail soon after the German retreat to Hindenburg.

It has mostly been observed that novels are the basis of some great movies. One such example is The Godfather series (1972 – 1990), a trilogy that will keep you riveted with the machinations of the world’s best-​known mafia family.

Also, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) is a wonderful movie famous for its fascinating long shots and close-​up cinematography.

One might also want to consider watching The Sound of Music (1965) about a young Austrian girl bringing love & music into the lives of a family just to stay happy, set against the backdrop of the World War II.

In addition to movies, TV series are also increasingly becoming very popular in recent times with the availability of several streaming platforms. TV shows not only give entertainment in small packets but also have an apt run time to generate curiosity amongst their viewers.

TV series like Narcos (2015) focuses on the rise of the cocaine trade in Columbia and the gripping real-​life stories of drug kingpins of the late ‘80s.

The Umbrella Academy (2019), a plot that revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted sibling superheroes, is also worth a watch.

Yet another exciting TV show is Yankee (2019) which chronicles the adventures of a young American who crosses the border into Mexico while on the run from the cops.

Yet another dramatic Israeli espionage series is The Spy (2019) which is based on the life of Israel’s top Mossad spy.

Adding to the list of some famous Israeli TV series, Fauda (2015) is a story of an Israeli Defense Forces commander and his team as they pursue a notorious terrorist.

Shooter (2016) is also a phenomenal TV series based on the same plot as from the movie with the same name.

Movies & TV shows are great sources of entertainment as they unfold multiple dimensions of human existence. Hope watching these movies & TV series during your spare time will fire your imagination, inspire and empower you during these times while maintaining unwavering focus on your work commitments.

Regards,
SNS

Dear L&Tite

We are now a third of the way through the 21-​day lockdown, and are entering a critical phase. With the initial disruptions having been sorted, and adjustments made, we are gradually settling into a new routine of Working From Home. This is the time when we need to run a check on ourselves. Are we as fit as we ought to be?

At the workplace, our routine automatically meant frequent movement – commuting, climbing stairs, attending meetings, etc. Many of us would also go out in the evenings to shop or socialize. All of this has now stopped. I also suspect many of us now are now having more leisurely meals at home compared to the hurried lunches we would grab at the canteen. The outcome of this new behavior pattern can impact our health – and the most visible result will be seen on our waistlines.

I recommend that each of us integrate light physical exercise as part of our daily routine. Let us energize our days by doing brisk exercises either in the morning or evening. If you don’t know what to do, just go on to YouTube for possible regimens. Else, there are the tried and tested – spot-​walking, skipping, deep breathing.

There are many who swear by Yoga. The great thing about this ancient Indian discipline is that you can determine your own pace, and there is no age bar. If anyone in your family has done a bit of Yoga, you may want to begin under his or her supervision. This brings me to another point – exercising along with your family can do wonders for family bonding!

Another option is meditation. As they say, if you can’t go out, go in – deep into yourself. Meditation asks for little more than patience and perseverance. In return it offers profound mental and physical benefits including many say, a perceptible improvement in your ability to concentrate. So, problems that took you hours to crack, can be solved in minutes!

A word of caution – whatever form of exercise you choose to do, be careful not to injure yourself. If you have an existing health condition, I suggest you consult a doctor before you embark on any fitness regimen.

Staying fit involves some collateral activities too. We need to eat nutritious food (on time), drink adequate water to hydrate ourselves, maintain hygiene and ensure that we get adequate sleep. While social media is certainly an interesting way of keeping in touch, we can’t allow it to eat up all our spare time. Reading, on-​line quizzes and taking on-​line courses are other ways of making the after 5 pm period enriching.

Whatever you decide to do, turn it into action asap. Procrastination will rob us of whatever time we have, and before we know it, we will be back at the office.

Stay healthy! Stay safe!

SNS

Sports is about people and teams who are filled with passion and a desire to get things done. It also brings out the value systems and character as you can be a great achiever but if you don’t have character you can never stay there as a great sportsperson. As a person who is interested in sports and who has been following events across various sports, I would like to share with you some sporting moments that I thought you would enjoy during your spare time.

From the world of cricket, one can never forget Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson against the West Indies during the test series in 1975 which altered West Indian captain Clive Lloyd’s mind, that the way to win is through aggression. He brought in the famous five bowlers (Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding and Colin Croft) who battered Australia back during the 1981 series and this was fast bowling at its best.

India’s World Cup win in 1983 under the leadership of Kapil Dev is probably the most significant cricket event ever for India. During this tournament, Kapil Dev scored 175 against Zimbabwe and that match wasn’t telecasted due to an ongoing strike by official broadcasters, BBC. Without Kapil Dev’s 175, India would not have gone on to reach the finals. The gritty show of the Indian team against the mighty West Indians of those years and the superb catch that Kapil Dev took running back to dismiss Viv Richards was the turning point of India winning the finals of that World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar’s memorable fighting knock and his classy batting against the Pakistani spinners in his farewell test match at Bengaluru in 1987 is also worth seeing. Also worth watching is Anil Kumble’s record 10-​wicket haul in the 2nd Test in New Delhi in 1999 against Pakistan. One of the best batting displays were that of the stylish VVS Laxman and the ever-​solid Rahul Dravid who put on a record breaking partnership against the mighty Australians to win the second test in Kolkata in 2001 after being asked to follow on.

India vs Pakistan matches are always encounters to watch out for and one of the special moments was when Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag battered the likes of Shoaib Akthar and Wasim Akram in a nerve-​wrecking World Cup match at the Centurion in 2003. A match to also remember is the nail-​biting finish at the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 when one of Pakistan’s best batsmen, Misbah Ul Haq, gave a catch to Sreesanth who took it at short fine leg.

Another match which is worth seeing again is when India under Dhoni’s leadership won the World Cup against Sri Lanka in 2011 at the Wankhede Stadium, a project which L&T completed in record time. It was significant as finally Sachin Tendulkar, India’s iconic bastman, would lift the world cup in his hand. And who could ever forget Yuvraj’s exemplary all-​round performance during the tournament.

The football World Cups have always thrown up several wonderful moments including Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the quarterfinal of the 1986 edition and Mario Gotze’s last-​minute winner that led Germany to lift their 4th World Cup trophy against Argentina in 2014.

The Olympics are a hot bed of great sporting moments. Mark Spitz’s record 7 golds in swimming during the 1972 Olympics (Berlin) is definitely worth a watch. His record which was broken by Michael Phelps with 8 golds , also in swimming, in 2008 (Beijing) was also a sporting masterclass. Also worth watching are Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s Heptathlon gold medal performances in 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) and Nadia Comaneci’s perfect 10 feat in gymnastics, at the age of 14, in the 1976 (Montreal) Olympics. Sergei Bubka’s dream run in pole vaulting as he kept bettering his own ‘bests’ including a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics and Carl Lewis’s record of 9 track and field golds across various Olympics are also moments that defined the true spirit of competition.

Tennis is yet another sport that has offered some very interesting rivalries and intense matches. The epic 1980 Wimbledon finals between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg and the 1992 Wimbledon quarterfinals between Andre Agassi and Boris Becker were classic contests from the pre-​2000 era. Roger Federer’s encounter with Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final and the longest Grand Slam final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal during the 2012 Australian Open are also a treat to all tennis fans. I’m sure many of us have savored the Steffi Graf — Martina Navratilova rivalry in matches such as the US open finals in 1986 and 1991, and Steffi Graf’s matches with Monica Seles, especially their not-​to-​be-​missed Wimbledon finals of 1992.

7‑time F1 champion, Michael Schumacher’s lap of honor to thank his fans after his last race in the 2012 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was a great way to call curtains on an illustrious career that saw him rise to become one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen.

The world of sports has also had its share of some eminently interesting incidents. Some of them include Greg Chappell asking his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl underarm to prevent New Zealand a win in a 1981 ODI and Dennis Amiss’s English side pulverized by Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson’s bowling spells that were peppered with several nasty bouncers during the 1974 Ashes series. Sanath Jayasuriya hammering the Indian bowlers all over the park during the 1996 world cup match in Delhi is yet another interesting innings to watch out for.

Even as a spectator, watching sports teaches us life-​lessons such as the importance of concerted efforts, working as a team, goal setting, integrity, and above all, the passion to succeed. To be successful in sports, one needs to learn several techniques, skills and also go through regular practice sessions. One of the things we learn from champions is the growth mindset and ways to keep on learning and improving oneself to be near perfect. After every practice or game, a great sportsman always knows that he has walked away from it giving it his all. And knowing that one has given everything one had to succeed, he has done his best and he’ll always be a winner. We have a break now, in the sense that physically we are less active as we are working from home. You can’t think that one can come back and be normal. One has to be mentally and physically prepared for coming back and doing the work one normally used to do to get back to where one was. Only if you have a sports mindset would you be able to do that.

I hope reliving some of these sporting moments in your spare time will give you a lot of food for thought both from personal and professional standpoints.

Best Regards,

SNS

Dear Colleagues,

We are well over a month into the lockdown and at this point we have largely settled into new routines and ways of balancing responsibilities, even if they are not ideal. Considering the limitations of not venturing outdoors unless essential, one would imagine some of us have started to live the ‘new normal’ indoors. As the lines of our personal lives and workspaces blur, please take extra care to give yourselves some well-​deserved time out. Unplug over the weekend and focus on activities that will restore your balance.

Some of the ways one can find balance in the few quiet hours we get on a Sunday are by going for a run on the treadmill, reading books, listening to one’s favourite soundtracks, watching movies (some of the old classics) and also indulging in indoor games with your family.

Indoor games will help not just to keep yourselves balanced, but will also keep your family members engaged, occupied, and entertained. Like my selection of books, songs, films and TV serials, here are a few indoor games that you could consider playing during your spare time. Some of them can be played over Microsoft teams as well (turns out to be very useful to connect with family/​friends living in other parts/​outside our country):

1. CHESS
Mentally challenging and stimulating, Chess is amongst my personal favourites. Vladimir Kramnik (amongst the best grandmasters), describes the game beautifully: Chess is like body building. If you train every day, you stay in top shape. It is the same with your brain — chess is a matter of daily training.

A lot of our work is much like playing chess; strategies, moves and counters, watching your opponent closely for the slightest flaw in his/​her defence and hoping for a ‘checkmate’. Would suggest you play this game on the classic blackand-​white board, but considering the digital world we live in, there are many apps and websites that offer two-​player options.

2. MONOPOLY
This is another game that engages my family and me, as it very closely resembles running a business — buying, selling, retaining and long-​term planning. This is a fun game to spend a few hours on. Like chess, there are online/​app options for Monopoly too.

3. TABLE TENNIS
A game that can help you keep fit both mentally and physically. Wouldn’t suggest the digital version for this game. Most of our homes will not have the space for the classic table, but you can always convert your dining table for a game of serves, tosses, and smashes. Provided your family approves!

4. CARD GAMES
Playing cards is possibly one of the most accessible games. Card games like Bluff, Rummy, Poker and Flush can create a lot of fun to keep us and our family members engaged for hours. Solitaire and Blackjack are options in case you are alone and have access to the Internet.

5. CARROM
Many cherished family moments are spent around a carrom board. Certainly, a game of skill, carrom brings out our competitive spirit and improves our ‘pocketing’ skills. For those of you who may not have a carrom board, do consider the many online options available (this is one game one might find difficult to relate with completely online, but is still a lot of fun).

6. LUDO AND SNAKES AND LADDERS
Games like Ludo and Snakes-​and-​Ladders are classics that are now available on apps as well. Would suggest downloading the ‘Ludo king’ app to play both games with all your family members, irrespective of their location.

7. BINGO AND TAMBOLA
Recommend these two games for larger groups and families. There are several websites that offer virtual tellers and sometimes even virtual cards. Both are great ways to pass time and easy to implement considering that the cards can be made on paper.

A word of caution — please regulate the amount of time spent in front of a screen and give yourselves and your eyes a break from time to time.

Stay fit and sharp, L&T‑ites!
Best Regards,
SNS

Dear L&Tites,

Staying and working from home and having shared my taste on various types of sports and such with all of you. Now would like to add, FOOD!

My beloved wife Meena, makes some of my favourite and delicious dishes that we call it ‘From Meena’s Kitchen.’ She has written an article with some wonderful recipes from her kitchen which surely many of you would like to try out in your spare time and share it with your family.

Regards
SNS
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Dear L&Tites

Meals are the fuel which drives one the entire day. It is the one thing which can satiate all our five senses.

The sizzle of its warmth and rich texture can satisfy one’s senses of touch and taste. The beautiful colours and aroma of spices will induce your senses of smell and sight.

When we intake healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients, we reduce the chances of diseases. For instance, green vegetables help us to maintain our strength and vigour. In addition, certain healthy food items keep away long-​term illnesses like diabetes and blood pressure.

The first meal of the day is the most important one to give one a boost to one’s energy levels. My mornings start with a cup of filter coffee and a wholesome breakfast (usually Dosa, Idli, Upma, Pongal, Poha) which is hurriedly finished because of the excitement to kick-​off my daily scheduled routine.

Nothing compares to homemade food which is both hygienic and healthy. One may try their hands in cooking some of these mouthwatering dishes straight from my kitchen.

From Meena’s Kitchen 

Intake of healthy food is of utmost importance as it contains a plethora of nutrients. It not only keeps your body healthy but also your mind and soul. It increases our brain’s functionality. Plus, it enhances our immunity system which is much required during this time of the pandemic. Intake of whole foods with minimum or no processing along with regular exercise is the finest for one’s health.

During the lockdown, family members will be busy working from home but meals and snack time are when all gather together enjoying food, sharing thoughts and experiences, nurturing family bonds. Hope you enjoy cooking and tasting these dishes with your families. Bon Appetit!

Regards,
Meena

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