*My Understanding of Chronic Diseases and Their Implications on Our Lifestyle:*
– Ramu – 02/03/2025

*Disclaimer 1:*

The following is my understanding after reading 100 pages of the book *Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means*.

*Disclaimer 2:*

As this is my personal understanding and not an excerpt from the book, and since I am just an engineer by qualification, *there is every possibility that I may have made mistakes or over simplified.

(1) *Chronic Diseases & Their Characteristics:*

Chronic diseases are conditions that, even if not addressed immediately through *proper dieting, exercising, and monitoring various health parameters*, may still allow a person to live a seemingly normal life by simply managing them with a few pills.

*One might feel that their life is just as smooth and normal as that of a healthy person.*

(2) *Examples of chronic diseases that we may not even recognize as diseases:*

Obesity, PCOD, Insulin resistance, Fatty liver, Erectile dysfunction, Migraine, Depression, Fatigue, Laziness and sedentary lifestyle, High glucose, High blood pressure, Metabolic dysfunction, etc…

Chronic diseases progress slowly and may not cause immediate disability or disruption to daily life.

Many people manage them with medications and continue living a “normal” life, but this does not mean these conditions are harmless.

*If left unchecked, chronic diseases can worsen over time and lead to severe, irreversible complications.*

(3) *Chronic Diseases That Are Often Overlooked:*

Some conditions, like obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure, are early warning signs of metabolic dysfunction and can eventually lead to life-threatening diseases.

Others, like migraine or depression, may not always escalate into life-threatening conditions but can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

(4) *Chronic Diseases → Critical Illnesses (If Neglected):*

Many chronic diseases serve as precursors to severe, life-threatening conditions.

*Examples:*

*Insulin resistance* → Type 2 diabetes → Kidney failure, heart disease, neuropathy

*Fatty liver* → Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) → Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer

*Hypertension* → Stroke, heart attack, kidney failure

*Obesity + sedentary lifestyle* → Metabolic syndrome → Multiple organ damage

*Chronic stress, depression* → Cognitive decline → Alzheimer’s, dementia

However, not all critical illnesses are caused solely by lifestyle neglect.

Genetic factors, infections, environmental toxins, and autoimmune disorders also play a role, though it’s role is very minimal.

(5) *The Core Takeaway:*

Yes, chronic diseases often feel manageable at first, but ignoring them can lead to severe consequences.

*A proactive approach—proper diet, exercise, regular checkups—is the best way to prevent these conditions from escalating into irreversible diseases.*

Wishing all of you, including myself, leading a healthy energetic life.

Sincerely,
Ramu

*WB’s Genius Piece of writing that made me “Blown Away” how sharp he’s even at his 94:*
– Ramu – 25/02/2025

I am completely blown away after reading just a small excerpt from Warren Buffett’s 2024 Annual Report.

It appears that Berkshire Hathaway paid $26.8 billion in income taxes for the year 2024.

To help ordinary readers grasp the enormity of this amount and evoke a sense of “awe,” Warren Buffett masterfully used the “visualization” technique—showcasing his genius even at the age of 94.👇

*”Huge numbers can be hard to visualize. Let me recast the $26.8 Bn that we paid last year.”*

*”If Berkshire had sent the Treasury a $1 million every 20 minutes throughout all of the 2024 – visualize 366 days and nights because 2024 was a leap year – we still would have owed the federal government a significant sum at year end. Indeed it would be well into January before the Treasury would tell us that we could take a short breather, get some sleep, and prepare for our 2025 tax payments.”*

Ramu

*From Arrogance to Innovation: A Lesson in Emotional Intelligence:*
– Ramu – 25/02/2025

Back in early 1998, I was under the illusion that a red-carpet welcome awaited me wherever I went. Having graduated from IIT Madras, secured a job at Tata Steel through campus placement, and held another Chennai offer that was 20% higher, I thought I was invincible.

*My arrogance reflected in my interactions with my boss at Tata Steel. I kept the Chennai offer as leverage and spoke with a haughty attitude, believing I was indispensable.*

One day, during a weekly meeting, I responded to my boss with the same arrogance.

*A retired senior consultant—who was also a mentor to our group, including my boss—noticed this and later invited me to his residence for dinner.*

That evening, he pointed out my emotional outbursts and warned me: *”Since this is Tata Steel, you’ve been tolerated. Had this been another company, you would have been dismissed with a permanent black mark on your record. Even now, your boss has the power to do so.”*

His words struck me hard. Seeing tears in my eyes, he realized I had begun to grasp my mistake.

*That night, he introduced me to a new fresh concept I had never encountered before: Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Quotient (EQ).*

He advised me to read *How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie*—the first English self-help book I ever read and, perhaps, the most transformative.

*I became obsessed with Carnegie’s principles, reading most of his books and actively practicing his ideas.*

*A Forgotten Innovation:*

Around the same time, my daughter was in 4th grade at DBMS School. She and her friend were assigned a science exhibition project.

The other parent, a Tata Steel employee at a lower grade, knew I was an IITian and trusted me to help them.

*That night, we brainstormed a simple yet futuristic concept:*

Sensors placed on the body—near the heart, skull, etc.—that could detect emotional changes and trigger alerts like, *”You’re getting angry. Control your emotions. Be mindful of your words.”*

*We modeled the idea using thermocol, and the project won second prize in an inter-school competition in 1999.*

Yesterday, my daughter reminisced about it, saying, *”Back then, we playfully worked on a concept that now drives an entire industry. But our academic system failed to take it forward.”*

*Indeed, what we imagined as a child’s science project has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar healthcare industry.*

*Today, people wear Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices, Apple Watches, and other smart wearables to track their heart rate, glucose levels, and emotional responses.*

*Of course, we can’t claim our idea was the seed of this revolution—it would be absurd.*

*But the real tragedy is that our academic ecosystem did not nurture such ideas.*

*The very purpose of school science exhibitions is to encourage creativity, yet children’s ideas are rarely given serious consideration.*

*India Must Become a Creator, Not Just a Borrower:*

This is why India still lags behind in innovation. We remain technology borrowers rather than creators. *Even China has launched its own AI-driven search engine, DeepSeek, while we struggle to take the lead.*

*Our policymakers must create a system to identify, nurture, and capitalize on ideas generated by young minds—no matter how absurd they may seem.*

*After all, one breakthrough in a million is enough to change the game, just like DeepSeek is doing for China today.*

Sincerely yours,
Ramu

*”கெட்டாலும் மேன்மக்கள் மேன்மக்களே!”*

*”Noble men remain noble even in penury.”*
— Ramu, 12/02/2025

One of the people who has consistently inspired me is Bill Gates. I remember writing an article long ago, around the time when Trump was running for President in 2016.

In that piece, I wondered aloud why Bill Gates hadn’t run for office himself. To me, he seemed like the ideal candidate—not just for the United States but for the betterment of the entire world.

Many people know Bill Gates as a tech genius and philanthropist who has made significant strides in eradicating poverty in developing countries.

But there is another side to him that has deeply inspired me: *he is a voracious reader who unfailingly recommends five books every summer and winter.*

I have not been able to read all his recommendations, as 95 percent of them are quite advanced for me.

*However, each year, I make it a point to purchase at least two out of the ten books he suggests, and I ensure that I read at least one of them.*

These books have greatly expanded my understanding of the world.

*A few of those impactful reads include Sapiens and Guns, Germs, and Steel.*

I must admit, I was quite disheartened when he announced his divorce a few years ago.

*It reminded me that no one, not even someone as remarkable as Bill Gates, is immune to human vulnerabilities.*

Every year, I receive his emails about his book recommendations for summer and winter.

In one of those letters, he mentioned that he would soon be releasing his autobiography and invited his readers to subscribe for a free copy.

I eagerly signed up, expecting to receive a Kindle or PDF version by January.

*To my surprise, I received a Speed Post from the postal department. The parcel had come all the way from the USA.*

Initially, I hesitated to open it, suspecting it might be some unsolicited package from fraudsters. However, when I finally gathered the courage to open it, *I was stunned to find a beautifully bound 350-page book titled:*

*”>BILL GATES SOURCE CODE/> MY BEGINNINGS.”*

The book bore a postage stamp of $40. At that moment, I was reminded of the timeless words of Tamil poet Avvaiyar:

*”Noble men remain noble even in penury.”*

— Ramu

February 7, 2025

Dear Rajanikila,

I am always proud of you and have learned the value of resilience from you. Raising both of your sons so well, all on your own, is truly admirable.

I am also very happy about your second son’s marriage. You have fulfilled your family responsibilities perfectly before your retirement.

It is wonderful to hear that your second son has earned a Doctorate in Physics and is now a Lecturer at SRM University. Getting a doctorate in physics is not easy—it takes a lot of hard work. My appreciation goes to your son as well for his dedication and effort.

I congratulate Vaibhav and Pavitra on their marriage and wish them a happy and successful life together. May they become an inspiring couple for others.

I am sorry that I could not be there to bless them in person.

Best wishes always,
Ramu

Good morning, everyone! I’m truly humbled to be here today, and I’d like to thank the college management, the organizers, Mr. Tejasvi, and Prof. Kasilingam for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts on such an important topic.
While preparing for this speech, I stumbled upon a great business idea—one that I’ll share with you at the end of these 12 minutes. When I first read the theme of today’s panel, I paused for a moment to fully grasp its meaning.
• After some contemplation, I simplified it into four words: THINK LOCAL; ACT GLOBAL.
A Personal Story – Why Local Matters :
How many of you love eating homemade food when traveling? I certainly do! Every time I travel—whether across cities or abroad—I make sure to carry homemade idlis, curd rice, and nuts. Not because I’m frugal, but because I’ve realized something important:
Our bodies are biologically designed for local food. For generations, our digestive systems have adapted to absorb local grains, fruits, and vegetables. The food grown in our region suits our climate and health best.
Think about this:
• Why do people in Rajasthan eat bajra (pearl millet) and buttermilk? Because it keeps them hydrated in extreme heat.
• Why do people in Kerala eat fish and coconut? Because it provides the right nutrients for a humid coastal climate.
But today, we blindly follow trends. We eat Chinese noodles, Italian pizzas, or Arabian shawarma without realizing they might not suit our bodies.
And just like our bodies thrive on local food, our economy thrives when businesses optimize local resources. India has proven this time and again.
1. Mumbai Dabbawalas – The World’s Most Efficient Supply Chain
Imagine a simple lunchbox—your homemade dabba—reaching your office right on time, every day, without fail. That’s how the Mumbai Dabbawalas were born.
Every day, they deliver over 2,00,000 lunchboxes with near-zero errors—without any fancy technology.

Their secret? A locally optimized, community-driven system.
• No foreign logistics software.
• No GPS tracking.
• Yet, Six Sigma efficiency.
Harvard has studied them. Global companies admire them. But their success boils down to one simple principle: THINK LOCAL, NO MIDDLEMEN.
2. The Secret of Every Legend – Passion Meets Pain
Now, let me ask you something: What do Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, and Verghese Kurien have in common? They combined their passion with solving a real societal pain point. That’s the secret behind every transformative movement.
Let me give you a few examples to show how this intersection creates history-changing ideas.
3. Grameen Bank – Empowering Women by Removing Middlemen
Let’s start with Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus. He had a passion for economics, earning his doctorate from Oxford. But his true legacy began when he noticed a woman in Bangladesh making bamboo baskets.
She had two children running around her, and at the end of each day, she had to repay a moneylender with 8–10% interest per day—almost 3,000% annually!
• After paying the moneylender, she was left with almost nothing.
Yunus realized that this wasn’t just her struggle—it was a systemic issue. His passion for economics met the pain of these women, and that’s how the idea of Grameen Bank was born.
• By removing middlemen, he empowered thousands of women to break free from this vicious cycle.
Lesson: Local problems, when solved smartly, can create global revolutions.
4. Lijjat Papad – Small Hands, Big Impact
Now, let’s talk about an inspiring Indian story. In 1959, seven women in Mumbai started making papads with just Rs. 80. Instead of seeking factory jobs, they used what they had:

• Their hands ; Their kitchens ; Their skills
But they didn’t just build a business— they built a cooperative model. Today, Lijjat Papad is a Rs. 1,600+ crore empire, employing over 45,000 women.
They didn’t need fancy technology or huge investments—they just used what was locally available.
• Lesson: If a simple papad can create such a massive impact, imagine the potential of our other local industries.
5. Amul – The White Revolution Through Cooperatives
Next, let’s talk about milk. In the 1940s, India was importing milk powder because farmers weren’t getting fair prices. But in Gujarat, Verghese Kurien and a small group of farmers decided to change that.
• Instead of selling to middlemen, they formed a cooperative—owned and run by the farmers themselves.
That small step led to Amul, a Rs. 60,000 crore enterprise that benefits 3.6 million farmers today. Amul didn’t just transform India’s dairy industry—it turned India into the world’s largest milk producer.
• Lesson: By thinking local and removing middlemen, Amul created a global success story.
6. The Ola-Uber Dilemma – When Middlemen Win
Now, let’s talk about ride-sharing. Ola and Uber revolutionized transportation—but who’s really winning today?
• Customers pay higher fares.
• Drivers lose 30–40% of their earnings to platform commissions.
• The real profits go to corporate headquarters—middlemen win again.
So here’s my business idea for you:
What if we create a cooperative ride-sharing platform—like Amul, but for drivers?
Imagine an India-first ride-sharing cooperative—let’s call it ‘Swaari’ (meaning ‘Ride’ in Hindi).

✔ Owned and run by drivers
✔ Profits shared fairly
✔ No corporate middlemen
This could be the next big revolution in India’s transportation sector. And who knows? Maybe the next Verghese Kurien or Mohammad Yunus is sitting in this room right now.
Conclusion – The Future is in Your Hands
To sum it up, the key to India’s future lies in fostering local consciousness. When we optimize local supply chains, remove middlemen, and enhance efficiency, we create sustainable, impactful solutions.
As I wrap up, I want to leave you with one thought: Think Local, Act Global.
Whether it’s a papad, a glass of milk, or a ride-sharing app, the power to create change lies in your hands.
Thank you, and I hope some of you will take this forward to create legends of your own.

My Amateur Analysis on Budget 2025

– Ramu, 4/2/2025

Disclaimer:

1. Treat this analysis as if I am a *student @ Economics 101,* submitting the following as *my course assignment*—purely an amateur take.

2. I might be *biased towards optimism* since negativity is already flooding social media.

*The Big Budget Move: Raising the Income Tax Exemption to ₹12 Lakh*

In the 2025 Indian Budget, the Finance Minister (FM) raised the personal income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh. This decision has sparked *two major criticisms.*

*Criticism 1:* “Only 2–3% of Indians Pay Direct Taxes, So This Helps Only the Middle Class”

Some argue that *reducing GST or indirect taxes* instead would have benefited the entire population, not just salaried taxpayers.

*Criticism 2:* “Cutting Taxes Reduces Govt Revenue, Hurts Infra Spending”

The tax exemption could lead to a *₹1 lakh crore shortfall* in government revenue. Since the FM has committed to maintaining the *fiscal deficit at 4.5%,* this loss may be offset by *reducing infrastructure spending*—a sector that provides long-term economic benefits.

*Why I Disagree with These Criticisms:*

1. *Formalization of the Economy & Curbing Black Money*

With a zero-tax limit extended up to ₹12L, even those earning ₹12–20L will file tax returns, bringing them into the formal economy.

More tax filings (even with zero tax liability) *reduce black money circulation* and *strengthen the white economy,* leading to a *long-term multiplier effect.*

2. *Boosting Consumption & Private Investment:*

Of the *₹1 lakh crore tax relief,* let’s assume *20% goes into savings and 80% is spent.*

This will *drive demand in consumer goods, automobiles, and services,* encouraging businesses to expand and invest *results in private investments from those sectors.*

3. *The Consumption Multiplier Effect:*

The *consumption multiplier* is roughly the *inverse of the savings rate*. Assuming a 20% savings rate, the multiplier is:

*Multiplier = 1/20% = 5*

– *This means the ₹1 lakh crore tax relief could generate ₹5 lakh crore in economic activity.*

Even with a more conservative estimate (75% impact instead of 100%), *GDP growth could increase from 6.25% to nearly 8%.*

*Final Thoughts:*

*Yes, infrastructure spending is important*, but a strong private sector and higher consumer demand also play a key role in economic growth.

– *The success of this move depends on how people spend their extra income and whether businesses respond with job creation and investments.*

Would love to hear your views on this!

Sincerely,
Ramu

*Lessons in Decision-Making: My simple rules:*

By Ramu, 3/2/2025

Over the years, through countless interactions and experiences—some uplifting, some painful — *I’ve developed a never-fail decision-making strategy.*

I can confidently say that if you follow these principles, you’ll never regret the choices you make.

In today’s fast-paced world, where Gen Z is growing up with instant gratification, where information is abundant, and knowledge is widespread, the key to *staying ahead isn’t just intelligence—it’s patience and the courage to take the less-traveled path.*

*My Simple Rules for Better Decision-Making:*

1. *Read Books with 400+ Pages:*

Pick a book with at least 400–500 pages, and you won’t be disappointed.

Why? Shorter books (100+ pages) are often written with a marketing mindset, designed to appeal to the masses with flashy ideas. But *longer books are usually written out of pure passion, deep research, and an author’s love for the subject*—they offer real depth and wisdom.

2. *Choose Mutual Funds with an NAV of ₹100+:*

When selecting a mutual fund, go for one with a *Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹100+.*

Why? Funds with ₹10 or ₹20 NAV are often new, launched to capitalize on market trends and backed by aggressive marketing. But a *₹100+ NAV fund has been through multiple market cycles, tested by time, and proven its stability.*

3. *Don’t Skip Long WhatsApp Messages!*

If you see a long WhatsApp post, read it—you’ll always find something valuable.

Why? Well, that’s the only way to make sure you read my messages! (😜)

4. *Watch 1+ Hour Long YouTube Interviews (Non-Political, Non-Religious):*

If you come across a *non-political, non-religious YouTube interview that lasts over an hour, watch it*—you won’t regret it.

*Why?* Deep, insightful conversations take time. *If someone is willing to speak for an hour, it means they have something valuable to share.*

To test my above hypothesis, I urge you to watch Sasikanth Senthil’s interview at NIIT, Trichy.

After watching Senthil’s interview last night, I couldn’t sleep—I kept wondering where I had missed opportunities to make my life even brighter.

In fact, when I compared my own academic struggles with his, I realized that I had even more failures than him!

But what I astonished was his honest, transparent, and forthright storytelling about his IAS journey—something I’ve never seen from any other IAS officer.

https://youtu.be/oUufdDzJBdM?si=gR1uaTrESkvCMKg3

Sincerely yours,
Ramu

*Common Myths Spread by Fintech Influencers on Social Media:*

By Ramu – 31/01/2025

A close friend of mine recently started investing in the stock market and is learning about investments through some well-known fintech influencers on social media. However, after analyzing their advice logically, I feel that some of the “investment tips” they promote are myths or baseless claims.

*Myth: “Smaller AUM Leads to Better Returns”:*

For this analysis, I am considering only broad-based *diversified equity mutual funds*. I am not including *small-cap, thematic, or sectoral mutual funds* since they follow different dynamics such as liquidity.

Many investors believe that stock prices or mutual fund NAVs are driven purely by *past performance, future growth potential, management quality, and whether they buy near the 52-week high or low.*

*However, they often overlook a crucial factor:*

*The availability of cash to invest in the market at any given time.*

Simply put, it’s a matter of *supply and demand.*

*The Reality: Market Liquidity and Stock Concentration:*

In India, there are *7,000+ stocks* available for trading, but *80% of the investment money flows into the top 500 to 750 stocks.*

This means that at any given time, 80% of the investable cash is divided among just these 500–750 stocks, which directly influences stock and mutual fund prices.

*Does a Smaller AUM Actually Perform Better?*

Whether a mutual fund has an *AUM of ₹50,000 Cr or ₹5,000 Cr*, if it invests in large and mid-cap stocks, all that money is still going into the *same top 250 companies.*

Given this, *how does a smaller AUM have a performance edge over a larger one?*

*AUM Size vs. Expense Ratio:*

Large AUMs may have a *slight disadvantage in flexibility* when deploying capital, which might cause minor performance differences (a few basis points).

However, *this is often balanced out by lower expense ratios,* since larger funds benefit from economies of scale.

*What Actually Matters?*

Instead of focusing on AUM size, investors should pay more attention to the *skill and experience of the fund manager*, as that has a greater impact on returns than AUM size alone.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,
Ramu

*Mechanism of Inflammation – Nature’s Defense Mechanism:*

By Ramu, 26/1/2025

Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating insight about a process we all experience but rarely appreciate—inflammation.

*What Happens When We Get Injured?*

Whenever we get a cut, bruise, or any injury, we might notice swelling, redness, or even pus at the affected spot.

While these symptoms can feel irritating, they’re actually nature’s way of protecting us.

Inflammation is an evolutionary gift—a defense mechanism that helps our body heal. Instead of being annoyed by it, we should understand and embrace its purpose.

*Why Does Inflammation Happen?*

Inflammation has two key roles:

1. Healing the Injury: Inflammation  or injury is just the signal or alam to invite immune cells, and other healing components to the injury / infectious site.

2. Protecting Our Body: It works to remove harmful substances like germs or damaged cells and begins the repair process.

For example, swelling happens because blood vessels in the area temporarily become “leaky,” allowing immune cells to pass through and reach the site of damage.

*The Bigger Picture:*

Inflammation is like our body’s alarm system.

When cells are injured, they send out distress signals to alert our immune system.

Immune cells then rush to the site and amplify the process to fight infections, clean up debris, and repair the tissue.

*In Summary:*

Inflammation may feel uncomfortable, but it’s a crucial part of our survival.

*It’s our body’s way of saying, “Help is on the way!”*

Understanding this natural process reminds us of how wonderfully evolved our bodies are to protect and heal us.

So next time you notice swelling or redness after an injury, think of it as a sign that your body is hard at work, taking care of you.

(My above Understanding is from a book “Good Energy”)

Sincerely yours,
Ramu