A Sunday to Look Forward To:

 I feel obligated to share my Sunday plans with Mr. Subramanyan, Chairman, L&T who said, “What do you even do at home on Sundays? How long can you just stare at your wife?”

Well, Mr. Subramanyan, let me tell you exactly what I have planned for this Sunday. But before I do, here’s a little about me.

I’m 59 years old, happily married to my lovely wife of 25 years, and the proud father of two wonderful daughters. All four of us lead busy lives with our jobs and my daughters are also studying in addition to their full-time jobs. My wife and I have full-time jobs and work hard, so Sundays are our sacred time to unwind and reconnect as a family.

Here’s how my Sunday typically unfolds:

Early Morning: Tea, Coffee, and Devotions

At 6 AM sharp, I plan to jump out of bed before my wife does and head to the kitchen. My mission? To brew her a cup of tea and make coffee for myself. After all these years of staring—oops, I mean living—together, I know exactly how she likes her tea: just the right balance of strength and sweetness.

Once the beverages are ready, we’ll share our daily devotions and get ready for church. By 8 AM, our daughters will join us in the living room, where we’ll decide as a family whether breakfast will be homemade or enjoyed outside.

This Sunday, I can confidently predict breakfast at home because my wife prepped dosa batter on Friday, and I helped clean the kitchen. Teamwork, right?

Breakfast and Church

Breakfast is always an adventure. We debate who makes the best dosa, who wants egg dosas, which chutneys to prepare, and whether we need sambar at all. Once the decisions are made, we sit down to enjoy our meal together.

By 10 AM, we’re dressed and ready for church. We worship, give thanks for our blessings, and return home around 11:30 AM.

Afternoon: Football and Family

Guess what? It’s January, and we’re in the middle of the NFL playoffs! Our family is passionate about the LA Rams (GO RAMS!), and this weekend, we have six games to follow.

As soon as we get home, someone races to turn on the TV. The games play on mute as we prep lunch together. Yes, we “stare”—err, help—each other out in the kitchen. By 1:30 PM, we’re seated at the table, enjoying lunch and lively discussions about football.

Evening: Giving Back and More Football

This Sunday, we plan to visit some friends affected by the fires ravaging Los Angeles. We’ll take them to dinner and spend some time offering comfort. 

Navigating LA traffic is an adventure in itself, but we make it fun by taking turns playing our favorite songs in the car. We’ve spent so much time together that we can all name each other’s favorite tracks without hesitation.

Why? Because we don’t just stare—we truly know each other.

After visiting our friends, we’ll head home to catch the evening football game. Our living room transforms into a cozy hub where we discuss music, boys (its about time, right?!), current events, plans for the week, and updates on family and friends.

One thing we never talk about on Sundays? Work. Work stays firmly in its Monday-to-Saturday box. Sundays are for us.

Wrapping Up the Day

By 8 PM, the football games end. We usually run to our fridge and try to make a meal out of all the leftovers of the past few days. Some of the leftovers, like fish curry and rasam, taste even better with time. We eat our dinner, gather for family prayers, make any overdue phone calls, and head to bed at our own pace, ready to tackle the week ahead.

You might wonder what happens to our Sundays when there is no football? We get out to play a round of golf. 

A Sunday Worth Living For

Sundays are the highlight of our week. We live Monday to Saturday eagerly anticipating this day of togetherness, joy, and relaxation.

So, Mr. Subramanyan, if you’re ever curious about how to make Sundays special, try it our way. It’s fun, and fulfilling, and you won’t regret it!

PS:

This Sunday we are also planning to hit bed a little early, and let me take the liberty to tell you why!

LA RAMS were supposed to play a wild card game in Los Angeles and that game got relocated to Glendale, AZ due to the fire disaster in LA.  Girls and I have already applied for a day off and we are off to Glendale to make it a memorable trip. 

So sorry Mr. Subramantan. Forget about your 90 hours. We are only working 32 hours next week.  :)

“How long you could be staring at your wife”

 Home is a Home is a Home is a Home is a Home!

“I regret not make you work on Sundays”, 

“What do you do staying at home?”

“How long you could be staring at your wife”

- S.N. Subramanyan , CEO, L&T

How low can this man go!

I really feel sad for the employees of L&T.  If this man can say this in front of the camera, what could he be saying behind the closed doors?

It must be a toxic culture in L&T when you have a man of this caliber at the helm.

I remember my President telling me many years ago, when he saw me at my office after 5 PM, “What are you doing after 5 PM staring at your monitor, get out of here and spend time with your family”!

This happened 20 years ago, and I still work for this gentleman. And that's one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

Let's decode this man's statement.

“I regret not making you work on Sundays”!

What is there to regret? This man might not want to go home, but people do! I still remember the saying, “Children walk to school and run back home”. Home is where one's heart should be! I feel sad for his life and for his wife and children! 

“What do you do staying at home?”

What do I do?

We live our lives!

I make my family home! I am a father of two daughters and have been married to my lovely wife for 25 years. These are my people, and they are very loving, pleasant people. You know when they get angry? When they see me coming home late after work or staring at my monitor on weekends. 

Home is where you make the moments; you need to cherish them and build your life on them.

When you pass away, it takes one job posting to replace your employment and your co-workers and bosses go about their life as if you never existed. But does this man knows what happens at home?

Someone lost their spouse, someone lost their Mom or Dad, someone lost their son. YOU CANNOT BE REPLACED AT HOME!

I am so sorry for L&T Employees.

“How long you could be staring at your wife”

As long as you want! I really feel sad for his wife. She probably has all the riches she's ever wanted but not the love she longed for. How could you even live with a man who'd go public and say, “How long you could be staring at your wife”? 

Shame on this guy! His wife should leave him immediately if she's not left him already!

I hope someone puts some commonsense on this bonehead and gets him to realize, Home is a Home is a Home!

And in the meantime, my humble request to all the L&T employees: Please get out of this toxic place. This is not where you want to spend most of your time!

Its the most wonderful time of the year!

 

The most wonderful time of the year!

Absolutely!

This time of the year holds a special place for countless reasons, the foremost being the profound love of God: He sent His only Son so that we might embrace eternal life. December 25th marks the day we commemorate the birth of Christ, and I can't express how delighted I am that Christmas is upon us!

It's a moment to ponder what might have been and what truly is.

It's a time to reconcile. If we struggle to love the people we see, how can we claim to love the God we cannot?

It's a time to rejoice. And rejoice we shall!

Rejoice for our Faith. Rejoice for our Families. Rejoice for our Friends. Rejoice for the Fellowship. Rejoice for the Food. Rejoice for everything.

Let's not take any of these for granted, as many among us yearn for just one of these blessings.

Spread the love!

Let's engage in random acts of kindness towards strangers.

Spread the spirit.

Let's cultivate positivity in our surroundings.

Spread the Gospel.

Share the incredible news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, remembering that actions often speak louder than words.

And lastly,

Let's be Merry!

I recently had the extraordinary chance to be Santa Claus at our office Christmas party, and the laughter of my colleagues sent shivers down my spine.

Merry Christmas, everyone. It is, indeed, the most wonderful time of the year!

"Second Chances" A short Story!

 

"Second Chances" A short Story!

"Dad!!!!?" screamed the high school junior. "What's up?"

"Don't forget."

"Don't forget what!?"

"You volunteered to bring pizza to our classroom at noon."

"Oh, OK."

"And remember to drop off the donation check for the golf team, as you pledged."

"Oh, OK."

"One more thing, my teacher also asked me if you could chaperone us to our concert on Wednesday evening, and I told her you would be happy to."

"Wednesday evening, oh, OK. Please remind me on Wednesday morning."

The conversation didn't end there, and Mumma had to intervene.

"We have prior commitments for Wednesday evening. Why would you agree to drive them around that day!?"

"I didn't. Your daughter agreed."

"Why would you agree to something without asking him?"

"But, Mumma, I don't have to ask him for anything when it comes to volunteering or helping the school. He literally waits for the opportunity. My friends and I even make fun of how excited he is to be volunteering."

"He needs to grow up. He thinks he's still a high schooler and gets overly excited about little school things. Next time, you don't have to check with him; check with me to see if he's available to volunteer for anything," Mumma said, frustrated.

And she left for school, but the phone rang within minutes.

"Dad."

"What's up?"

"Are you still at home?"

"Yep."

"I left my piano bag on the piano. Can you bring it at 11 AM?"

"OK."

Also, my friend says she has a severe headache. Can you get something for her from Starbucks and pick up my usual too?"

"OK!"

"This can't get worse. You need to learn to say no to her. She keeps forgetting things because she knows you're there to help her.” Mom was furious.

"Hmmm!"

"She takes advantage of you, and you don't even realize it."

"Hmmm!"

"Be a strong dad and be firm with her. Learn to say 'No,' and you don't have to volunteer for everything at her school."

"OK."

Mumma left for work. He picked up the piano bag, ordered the pizza, and was on his way to Starbucks. Mumma's words were still echoing in his ears.

"Why can't you say no to her? You don't have to volunteer for everything at school!"

As he merged onto the freeway, memories of his school days flooded his mind.

"Students, I need help from parents for next week's school picnic. We need four parents to join us. Some parents need to cook, while others can donate money for the bus. If any parent can cover the gas cost, we'd appreciate it. Here's the volunteer list; please take one home if interested. Anyone?"

Everyone jumped in, saying "Me, me, me!" Except him.

Another day, the teacher said, "We're building a model of the Taj Mahal for an inter-school competition. Parents are welcome to assist. Can any parent help us with this?"

"Miss, my mom is an architect; she can design it!"

"Teacher, my dad is an engineer."

"Miss, my dad is a skilled potter."

"My parents are out of town, but they can help with buying materials."

Everyone competed to volunteer, except him. 

He took an exit to Starbucks, tears streaming down his face. "Why can't I say no to schools? Why can't I?"

The teacher remarked, "You or your parents never volunteer for school activities, and I wonder why?"

One of his classmates chimed in, "Oh, Miss, his father passed away when he was a baby, and his mom works in another town. He stays in the hostel and can't help anyone with anything!" Laughter erupted.

At day's end, the teacher approached him. "I'm sorry. Being your new teacher, I should have learned about your parents. I apologize for hurting your feelings."

"It's OK, Miss. It's not your fault, and I'm used to the laughs."

"Let me share something, son. Life presents challenges. Convert them into opportunities and use them wisely."

"I don't get it, Miss."

"Put simply, life will challenge us. Face it with a smile. A 'Second Chance' will come someday. Spot it and use it wisely."

The phone rang again.

"Dad!"

"Yep."

"The golf team has their last match today, and the coach wonders if a parent could bring cupcakes."

"Me." That's all he could say.

Prof. Abraham Jayakumar - The Future

“Mr. Cornelius, welcome! Please wait here our President and a couple of officers would start the interview soon” It was 1991 and I am getting ready to be grilled by Copenhagen-based Danish Company for the position of Senior Accountant. I was in fact surprised to get an interview call as this was a well-reputed company and a very desirable position. There were a few other candidates on the other side of the offices who looked more experienced than me, and I had convinced myself that this is going to be a good interview experience for me and there was no way I stand a chance with all these chaps.

President walked in with few others and after exchanging artificial complements he asked, “Do you know why you are the shortlisted candidate even though you don't have any experience?”!! “Well, I was surprised myself, and want to hear from you” Someone else barged in,” We were going through your certificates and noticed that you have studied “Management Information Systems” as part of your Masters's Program”!!

Prof Balasundaram - The Tax Man

Prof. Balasundaram - The Tax Man

“Dear Students, this is your final year in college, and 'Income Tax Practicals' is one of the toughest subjects. If you fail this subject, not only will you not obtain your degree, but you also won't be able to file any income taxes for the rest of your lives, as you wouldn't be making any income.”

It was meant to be a joke, but Prof. Balasundaram meant it.

Income Tax Practical's was a tough nut to crack, and thanks to Prof. Balasundaram, I conquered it! What's amusing is that right before the exam, Prof. gave us a model exam, and I performed so poorly. He wouldn't return my answer sheet but told me that “it was really bad” and I had to work harder.

The results came in, and I scored 62%, which was unheard of in those days. Even the so-called “Genius Grads from Auxiliam College” had to settle for second place.

Yes, I am bragging, and why not! For God's sake, it's “Income Tax Practicals”!

Prof. Balasundaram always knew his priorities correctly, and one of them was “Seivana thiruntha sei.” He not only followed that principle but also expected all of his students to follow it. He never liked me, and I wouldn't blame him for that, as I knew I wasn't a likable guy.

He took the time to teach us the toughest subjects in a way that we could understand and pass our exams. He was also an early starter, as he had some tuition centers set up and would begin teaching in the early morning.

He was dreaded during the exam days when he became the invigilator, as he would walk throughout the three hours of exams, making sure no one cheated.

I still believe in his one-on-one tax lesson, “Don't break the tax laws, but stretch it if you can.”

Thank you, Prof. Balasundaram. You not only helped me pass my Tax exam, but you are also helping me save money, as I know what "Stretching" means! :)

PS:

After receiving the 62% result in the University exams, I went back to him to thank him, and he gave me the "Model exam" answer sheet, which had 68%. I asked him, "Sir, 68% isn't bad. Why did you say that I performed poorly?" and he replied, "Well, if I gave the paper back, you would have relaxed and taken it easy, and couldn't have scored well in this exam." I am sure I secured the first position in that subject that year and am still waiting for my award.

Well played, Prof. The point is well taken.

About me: My name is Visuvasam Titus Cornelius and I did BCom and Mcom in Voorhees (1983-1987 Batch). I now reside in California, USA, and work as a CPA.

vishcornelius@gmail.com

Prof Anbazagan - Named Aptly!

“உங்களுக்கு  பேர் வைச்ச உங்க அப்பா அம்மா வாயில சக்கரை தான் போடனும்!“

Some of us are named well. Carrying the name “Visuvasam,” many times people have made fun of me, saying, “Who and why would someone give you that name? You don't have Visuvasam; you are full of Avisuvasam.”

Our Professor Anbazagan didn't belong to the wrongly named category! He was aptly named. He was a real Anbu + Alagan. He was a very good-looking man with an even better-looking heart.

He taught me only a couple of subjects, one of them being “Management Accounting” in our first year of Masters Classes. He taught us the subject so well that even after 30+ years, I could still use the tricks he showed us.

The CPA exams (In the USA, CA exams are called CPA) consist of four parts. Each of these exams has around 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to write two essay-type questions. These essays are not required to be more than 150 words.

In other words, the CPA exams provide the answer, and you need to identify the correct one. For example, an audit-related question would be:

Which of the following characteristics would most likely heighten an auditor’s concern about the risk of material misstatements arising from fraudulent financial reporting?

1. The entity’s industry is experiencing declining customer demand.
2. Employees who handle cash receipts are not bonded.
3. Bank reconciliations usually include in-transit deposits.
4. Equipment is often sold at a loss before being fully depreciated.

One of these four is the correct answer, and we need to answer quickly and move on, requiring critical thinking. Prof. Anbazagan taught us critical thinking.

During our first days at the college, I thought he didn't care about any of us students' personal lives and mistakenly considered him to be self-centered. However, he was completely otherwise. Years after graduating, I had a chance to meet him and was surprised to know that he knew me more than I thought.

He always sported a pleasant smile, and if I'm not mistaken, he paid the fees for some deserving poor students. He also taught us “Financial Accounting” from the pillow-sized book written by Shukla. I missed out on his classes when he was teaching us “Corporate (Shares) Accounting,” and I could never master that process even after being in the accounting industry for many years.

Thank you, Prof. Anbazagan. Thank you for making our days much better!

About me: My name is Visuvasam Titus Cornelius and I did BCom and Mcom in Voorhees (1983-1987 Batch). I now reside in California, USA, and work as a CPA.

vishcornelius@gmail.com

S Kumars’ the Fabric of Undivided Attention"

S Kumars’ the Fabric of India!

One couldn't escape these words if they had a TV in the early 80s in India. S Kumars was renowned for making fine suits, and its commercials were impeccably done with good models, catchphrases, and undeniably caught one's attention, and I was no exception.

Professor S. Kumar

When you think of Professor S. Kumar, the first thing that comes to mind is his meticulous punctuality and disciplined lifestyle. Professor Kumar was a man of few words, and the few words he spoke would unquestionably enhance one's wisdom.

I crossed paths with Professor Kumar during my third semester when he was our Professor for Business Statistics. I never had any regard, respect, or fondness for Statistics, strongly believing in the saying: "There are three types of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics." My thought process in those days was, why would anyone want to learn Statistics?

Professor Kumar, after introductions, said, “Well, if any of you are interested in pursuing CA after your BCom, you better do well in statistics." He continued, “You see, the other theory subjects wouldn't give you high marks, whereas in statistics, you can score high marks, which would positively impact your overall percentages, necessary for your eligibility for CA.”

Well, that caught some of our attention, and Professor Kumar taught well. He was amazed when he found out that I passed the statistics exam, but he couldn't believe it when he saw me in Master's classes. Unable to contain his curiosity, he said, "Siva poojaiyil karadikku enna velai?" and I replied, "Neenga yaen sir karadi pora idathula poojai panreenga?"

We exchanged pleasantries, and he once again insisted on me paying undivided attention.

He was our Professor for Business Statistics during our Master's, and I was fortunate. One valuable lesson I learned from Professor Kumar’s classes is that one doesn't have to keep studying for hours and hours. Just give your undivided attention in the classroom, and you don't have to worry about anything else.

During my college days, I don't think I ever skipped a class with Professor Kumar, as I knew that skipping his class once meant needing to work four times harder to learn and understand the same thing.

Professor Kumar was right. Business Statistics is one subject where one can score high marks, and I ended up getting more than expected.

He had a serious demeanor but concealed uncanny humor within him. When he was teaching Probabilities, his first quote was, “Does anyone know what probability is?” and he continued, “Well, probability is something like, what are the chances that something might or might not occur!”

When someone asked him to provide an example, he said, “The probability of Visu passing this subject is 0% if he doesn't change his attitude,” but if he changes his attitude and focuses, the probability would be close to 80%!

You could always walk into the Department office, meet Professor Kumar, and ask him any doubt, and he would be more than happy to oblige with a smiling face. He was as charming as the men in S Kumar's commercials.

Professor Kumar! You might not remember me, but trust me, you helped me a lot. When I cleared my CPA exams in the USA, someone asked me, “Dude, these are pretty tough exams, how did you do that?” My answer was, “Thanks to one of my Professors. He taught me the value of paying undivided attention”!

Thank you, Sir!

PS:

About me: My name is Visuvasam Titus Cornelius and I did BCom and Mcom in Voorhees (1983-1987 Batch). I now reside in California, USA, and work as a CPA.

vishcornelius@gmail.com