What does a man leave behind? A pertinent question that creeps up, esp. around milestone birthdays.
As echoed in one of Amit’s favorite songs, “Ek din bik jayenge mati ke mol, jag me rah jayenge pyaar tere bol” , I believe his legacy are his thoughts and words, translated into ideas and advices.
The man needs no inspiration His ability to create viable business ideas out of any little conversation, piece of information, observation, is unparalleled. There have been many recipients of his ideas over the years. But most of what I reflect here are an outcome of our daily bathroom ritual. i.e. Me standing outside his bathroom door, listening, while he is showering away his ideas.
His days in the Silcon Valley, esp. during the advent of the internet boom spurred many ideas. Some of the early ones I recollect are:
Global Buying, Local Delivery: Every year we used to be challenged when it came to sending gifts to our parents in India around their birthdays. So he thought why not use the internet to allow folks like us to purchase gifts globally but have them delivered locally to their home cities. There were lot of variants of this idea, over cups of tea with our friends, Kaushal and Krishna. But sure enough, while we talked, there were others who started successful sites with the same concept.
Local Buying, Global Delivery: So he came up with a reverse idea. He told me, that there are lot of folks living outside of India, who miss those bhakarwadis from Pune, sandesh from Kolkutta or Kurtis from FabIndia. How about sourcing these items from local markets and figuring out a global delivery mechanism? A survey followed around the most popular regional items people miss. But of course, the logistics marred this one.
Way before the shaadi.com and the “Band Baja Baraat ” era, Amit had come up with the idea of a complete wedding portal (from online match-making to planning to execution). He wanted his mom to run it, given her expertise and knack in that area.
The mobile and the social networking era, along with the move to India, brought its own share of ideas. The furore in his voice, the twinkle in his eyes and you know there’s another one coming at you soon. A born problem-solver. Though I think most of his ideas are due to his ability to co-relate trends, technology, and human behavior.
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| A Daydreaming Amit |
- A search engine optimized for SMS searching.
- A mobile-app discovery tool to search for applications based on relevance and popularity.
- A methodology to gauge effectiveness of ad campaigns using social networking tactics.
- A career guidance program for Indian schools aided by online assessments/aptitude testing.
- A college discovery portal to help Indian students select the right college based on specific criteria.
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A blog/service to curate experiences (basically allow folks to share their unique experiences about a city, its public transport, things to do, etc.).With some whacky ones, like:
- A service that delivers your own self-written letters to you after 5 or 10 years. Would be cool to see how your thinking has changed over a period of time.
- GPS tagged car keys/mobile phones(to eliminate the daily ritual of looking for these items).
- A fluid-filled, yet wearable bodysuit which can control body temperature via hydrodynamics principles. Image the energy cost-savings across the globe!
- A women run men’s shaving salon (just to get that daily dose of feel-good factor 🙂)
Btw, being a foodie, his creative juices presented themselves on our plates from time to time. Some of his successful culinary innovations include:
- Basmati Burrito – burrito with basmati pulav, grilled paneer/veggies, and salsa.
- Masala Margerita – margarita with mint, ginger and masala.
- Mango rasmalai – Rosgulla (sweet cheese-balls) in mango and saffron puree.
- Uttapam-pav- thick rice crepe sprinkled with chilis and veggies and stuffed in a sandwich.
- Oats Side up: Spicy pan-fried sandwich spread of oats, besan and yogurt.
Well, needless to say, lots of “What an idea, Sirji! 🙂” moments in our household.
But his idea-crunching abilities are only paralleled by his uncanny ability to give gyan. (Could be a side-effect of having many mentors as well as mentees in his life, coupled with the weekend rendezvous with the TED talkers and those self-help books.)
Laying down some of his pearls of wisdom:
So, What’s your goal in life?
Though this was passed on to him by a bade bhaiya , this can be called Amit’s signature question. This question has irkingly served as a wake-up call to a lot of the younger somani clan. (His younger brother, Abhishek, can swear to that. Well, at least the irking bit.:)). But it’s his way of imbibing focus and alignment of energies towards one’s priorities in life.
Good enough is better than perfect.
Amit doesn’t believe in perfect. Like a true baniya, he thinks instead of maximizing returns. Back in his college days, when everyone used to spend days studying for exams, he said he’d still excel with half that effort by focusing on just the right topics.
You don’t have to be the first, you just have to be better.
But in life, he says coming first is not key. You have to be a better person, a better businessman, a better employee, a better son and father. You have to constantly improve yourself to be better.
Visualize success.
Most of folks who know Amit will say he’s a visionary. But on a trip to Pune and a car-ride with a friend, he figured out that that’s not enough. You have to visualize, even daydream about how success would feel like. That is the most powerful way to get over your own inhibitions and go for what you want.
Learn from others mistakes.
The old-school theory that men should learn from their own mistakes is too time-consuming, he says. Smart men learn from others mistakes.
Don’t tell me 10 things why it wont work, tell me 10 things how you’d make it work.
A self-proclaimed optimist, he always uses this line on me. (And I’m sure, his team also hears this occasionally.)
Connect with people when you don’t need them, not when you need them.
Relationships are your most important assets, so make your sincerest efforts to cultivate them and keep them buzzing.
Surround yourself with smart people.
He says the biggest opportunity he’s got in his life is to be able to hang out with so many smart people. Most of his life learning has come by watching them or listening to them.
Golf is a mind-game. Its actually like life. The calmer you are, the better your chances of winning.
His favorite game for years, golf has taught a lot to him. And he’s taught golf to a lot many.
And finally, Life is too short.
Very true, esp. for the kind of vision he has and the kind of things he wants to do. But I just want to remind him that “Life begins at 40”. 🙂
So here’s a Heartfelt Happy Birthday to the greatest problem-solver and advisor in my life.
ps. I had once told Amit that I could write a book if I could get my head around all the ideas and advices he’s shared. So, how about gifting him back one of the ideas or advices (or even moments) you’ve received/shared with him?
The Fitter Bytes 
what a lovely lovely post Priti!!! and a very very happy birthday to dear Amit! Hope his ankle is recovering fine so he can be up and running at the beginning of his new life 🙂 Cheers and Many Happy Returns!
Preeti, you are at your best as always 🙂
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amazing!!! Inspiring article , Inspiring person. Wishing Phuphaji the best of all birthdays. Made my day 🙂
So wonderful an introduction to Jijaji.. to get to know him through you.. even better and as charming as you! If he insists on communication,u complete it with such an apt expression!! Beautiful..m sure to read this every time I wana be encouraged..
Glad u wrote,got a chance to wish him an even inspiring and rewarding life ahead..warm wishes from all of us to dear Jijaji and remembrance to the threesome you:)
– Sneha jhamvar
Preeti, Brilliant post! specially coming from a wife.
We all know Amit as a friend, philosopher and guide.
Happy Birthday, Amit!! Here's to you and your creative spirit! The world needs more people like you!!
Celebrate your 40 and many more multiples!
Preeti this calls for a round of applause totally…outstanding blog and straight from the heart….keep it up dear
Charu
A very good Birthday gift.
Belated Happy Birthday Amit.
Mohan.
Lovely post – Preeti! Amit – happy birthday! We have thoroughly enjoyed all the conversations / idea exchanges over the years with both of you. Look forward to more of those in coming 40 years!
Hey …What else can Amit ask for .This is the best gift …A life partnerwho respects him,adore him,Understands what he thinks what he feels..wow great combination.Icing on the cake “Beautiful ,gorgeous,lively wife”
Have a great year Amit..
keep going preeti..
Vijaya
Thanks Guys for appreciating and reading this long piece. The post is inspiring because of the topic, not the writing. 🙂 Lot of you have been a big part of our lives and a big thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there for Amit and me.
Preeti, this is a superb post and very flattering. Thanks for the lovely writeup. Also, thanks to all the wishes, the comments, and most importantly being an important part of our lives.
My mom had a good quote in response to the post – “transcribed” in hindi – “Achhe Karyon ki Sochte hi mat rahiye, unhe saare din bhar kariye; taki, jeevan ek bhavya, madhur geet ban jaye!.
Happy B Day Amit! Awesome article Preeti! You guys are a lovely family.
-Gautam (Sawita's husband)
Hey Preeti, amazing blog. very well written. I think it's time to concentrate on that book of Urs.
aanchal
very nicely written Preeti, wonderful words. Happy Birthday to Amit from us!
Belated Happy Birthday Amit !
Preeti ! what a cute write up ! Totally loved it ! Could visualize every expression and twinkle in Amit's eyes while saying each of the things that you ascribe to him 🙂
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