Boredom on Day 3 and 4

Dear Citizen Facilitators,

It has been a general complaint that boredom creeps in on day 3 and 4 as the participants feel that the process is becoming repetitive.

To avoid facing the same 'raaga' in the evening, we started the 3rd day of contribution lab at our sblc this morning somewhat like this:

Suppose you go for a visit to Kashmir.. and you plan to visit to Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonemarg, Yushmarg, Gulmarg, Dachigam etc... you have the same taxi, same camera, same haldiram, same guide, same wife and same children everyday.. do you get bored when you go from one place to another because certain things seem to be familiar.. or do you find each place different and enjoy the beauty...

Here, a part of the process may seem familiar but you have a new CEC, come with new ideas, be creative, leave your conditioning behind, think from the customer perspective, try new thinking, blend your experience with new solutions.. and you will enjoy this day of new learning, new ideas and new dawn...

Hopefully, the day will go well.. 

Regards,

C o o l B i s h t

(Live from SBLC, Indore)

I would like to serve society more

सिटीजन orientation प्रोग्राम मुझे बहुत अच्छा लगा. इसमे मुझे स्वयम की खोज करने की प्रेरना मिली साथ ही मै स्वयमका मूल्यान्कन करने की विधियो से अवगत हुआ.
मै यह जान पाया वर्तमान मे मे किस मानसिक एवम बोधीक स्तर से अपने कर्तव्यो का निर्वाह कर रहा हू. जिनसे मुझे किस प्रकार प्रतिफल प्राप्त हो रहा है तथा मै अपनी सोच, कर्तव्यो तथा परिस्थियो मे क्या क्या परिवर्तन कर अपने कर्तव्यो एवम सोच को और अधिक बेहतर बन सकता हू. जिससे मै अपने प्रतिफलो बाहय एवम आन्तरिक सोच को और अधिक बेहतर बन सकता हू.
साथ ही किस प्रकार मै अपने समत्च आने वाली चुनौतियो को अधिक आत्मविश्वास एवम जिम्मेदारी से सामना करते हुए दूसरो तथा समाज के प्रति अपने योगदान को और अधिक सार्थक बना कर योगदानकर्ता एवम सामाजिक कार्यो के द्वारा और अधिक सार्थक जीवन जी सकता हू. मै किस प्रकार से अपनी सोच को और अधिक व्यापक बनाकर न केवल दूसरो के अच्छे कार्यानुभव को आत्मसात कर सकता हू ताकि अन्य व्यकियो को भी मार्गदर्शन देकर एक बेहतर समाज के निर्मान मै अपना सक्रिय योगदान दे सकू.
उपरोक्त मार्गदर्शन सोच भरे प्रोग्राम के बाद मैने निश्चय किया कि मै आगे से अपनी सोच को और अधिक व्यापक एवम सन्वेदनशील बनाउन्गा जिससे न केवल मुझे तीनो प्रकार के प्रतिफल मिले वरन अपने समाज के प्रति और अधिक जिम्मैदार एवम सन्वेदनशील भूमिका निभा सकू. मै दूसरो के प्रति अधिक सन्वेदनशील बनुन्गा तथा अपनी भूमिका को बैन्क, परिवार एवम समाज के प्रति और अधिक जिम्मेदारी एवम सन्वेदनशीलता से निभा सकू. मै प्रयत्न् करुन्गा कि दूसरो एवम समाज को अपने प्रयत्नओ से एसे उदाहरन प्रदान करु जिससे बेहतर समाज का निर्मान करने मे मै भी सहयोगी हो जाउ. मै अपने प्रयत्न्ओ को अधिक सार्थक एवम सभी के लिये उपयोगी बनाने तथा दूसरो को भी इस कार्य हेतु प्रैरित करुन्गा. जिससे मै अधिक जिम्मैदारी, वृहद  सोच एवम सन्वेदनशील नागरिक बनकर समाज  की और अधिक सेवा कर सकू.

VIMAL DUGGAL
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (GENERAL BANKING)
State Bank of Indore
REGIONAL OFFICE,
JABALPUR

Wonderful Feedback

Thanks for the wonderful feedbacks of the participants (They dived deep to discover the pearls, February 7) which enlighten the discovery process of one's self.

I also appreciate the efforts put in by Mr.Bisht(Cool Bisht of course) and Harina madam for bearing with us whole week.

Ajay Puranik
Citizen Facilitator
State Bank of Indore
apuranik@indiatimes.com

THEY DIVED DEEP TO DISCOVER THE PEARLS

Indore Bank Staff Academy Se

The facilitators’ workshop for Citizen SBI facilitators has just concluded at the Indore Bank Staff Academy, Indore and the Citizenship Orientation Programme for the employees of State Bank of Indore will be flagged off tomorrow by Ms. Soundara Kumar, Managing Director.
The zeal and commitment of the newly baptized facilitators is simply amazing and leaves no doubt whatsoever about the tremendous success of the intervention in offing. They have not just mastered the finer nuances of the facilitation process to conduct the programmes but have individually delved deep into the ocean of citizenship and rediscovered their innermost spiritual being.
CitizenSBI blog is pleased to bring to you the inner voice of the citizen facilitators as they come out of the Academy and leave for the venues to help their colleagues embark on a citizen journey.


AN EYE-OPENER

When the programme started, I had in mind that, “I possess all the good qualities in me like honesty, dedication, etc., hence I may be rated as a perfect citizen.” But as the programme advanced, I rediscovered myself and started thinking that there are still many areas where I need to improve and I have to widen my attitude. At the concluding part of the programme I am finding myself an entirely different personality. This way the programme has been an eye opener to me and has helped to change my attitude, personality and state of mind to a great extent.


All these days of the programme, it was like attending a meditation camp for entire transformation. My changes are so vivid that my wife has also observed it and she has shared with me.


The contents are not only thought provoking, these have also made us to think over certain matters/aspects which we would not have thought in our otherwise routine life.


The best one to me is the ‘My Contribution Vision Book’, which I have not only started practicing regularly; I have also taken another book for my wife.


Henceforth, I shall take it as a mission of my life not only to adapt the ideas in my own life but also to propagate the same to all my near and dears firstly then to a broader group. I have also decided for value addition of this programme by adding Hindi subtitle to all the video clips in English so that these are more useful for people in Hindi speaking areas.


Further, this programme has sown a seed in me to prepare similar programmes for other groups like housewives and teenagers, etc.


I am feeling myself privileged to be associated with such a noble programme.




Contributed by: Shri Amal Chakrabarty, AGM, State Bank of Indore,CSF, Fin. Center, Indore

 

EMBARKING VOYAGE TO DESTINY OF FULFILLMENT


The programme on citizenship orientation commenced in silence, giving an opportunity to listen to inner voice on external questions.


I received the contents of this programme as lightening pathways to practical spirituality. An attempt to make discovery within, realise perennial power capable to bring in universal change. The programme widens vision from individual concern to mass concern, with well defined steps to move on.


The contents of programme were delivered in structured way without much external inputs, consciously attempting for desired assimilation of root message of living up to the ideals. The values delivering process was done in natural way. The facilitators are also in process of gaining internal strength, which I witnessed from emerging energy in delivery process.


As facilitators, I shall undergo the central idea and values concept on regular basis, shall go through the study material, tools provided, which are not different from ideology of universal love, I am following. I shall put in best in course keeping adequate energy level through the process explained. I feel participants shall come out as harbingers of hope as true citizen, to serve masses.


Contributed by: Shri Umesh Saxena, CM GB State Bank of Indore, ZO Bhopal.








A NEW ART OF LIVING


As a participant, it was a unique learning experience, different from the normal training programme. The concept of citizenship was thought provoking. The process and exercises were quite effective for ensuring proper assimilation of the ideas. I feel that the twin objectives of the programme, i.e. paving the way for migration to citizenship for a participant and also preparing a facilitator of the programme have been well achieved.


As an individual the 6 days’ programme has been able to make me reorient my mindset/angle of looking at things confidently, say that it has taught me a new ‘ART OF LIVING’.




Contributed by: Shri D.K. Tripathy, CM (Adv) State Bank OF Indore, R.O. Raipur.






FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY


The journey of the citizenship programme began with a sense of familiarity. The thoughts matched but the formatting became clearer and focussed as the path is strewn with clear ways to discuss the journey with yourself and give you introspection and clarity of thought and process of turning into a full-fledged Citizen SBI.


The blending of the, the material and the divine is made easy and convinces you about the progress towards the goal of semblance of the material and human, becomes definitive.


The programme puts you in touch with yourself and helps you evolve as a human with some thoughts of progressing even further, given time and effort.


The goal is yet to be reached but the journey has begun. A journey which pleases you and hopefully others around you, as it progresses.


Contributed by: Ms. Divya Bahel AGM (P&B) State Bank of Indore, H.O. Indore




MUCH MORE THAN A ROLE PLAYER


When I was identified for the programme as facilitator, I had in my mind that this also is a training programme like all others which I have to deliver to participants. But, after attending the programme it came to me as shaking my soul. It’s true, I saw the world, Bank (work place) in last 30 years of my service as a role player and felt happy or sad in performing in good manner or sometimes not giving desired results and that upset me lot many times.


When I relooked my life I had in past from my heart angle I was surprised to discover many things.


I am yet to begin journey of facilitator in which I don’t know what others will be taking, but I am sure I will be deriving immense pleasure from it.


Contributed by: Shri Arvind Paranjape, CM, Faculty, IBSA, Indore.






EXPLORING MYSELF


It was a wonderful programme which is designed to help individuals in exploring themselves. I am very grateful that I have been chosen as facilitator to help my colleagues in exploring themselves. I am sure that we can utilize this programme not only in Bank but also in other places like home, community, circle, etc.


In the process of exploring myself, I understand that knowingly or unknowingly so far my acts were directed for earning more outer fruits. I was thinking that I am a citizen and the others are non citizens. Now I understand that everybody is a citizen. We can practice citizenship at every time, everywhere.


During the course of exploring myself, I have identified areas of deficits. I will now find out the means by which the deficiencies can be removed and I become more of a citizen then what I am now.


As a facilitator I would like to open the mind locks of my colleagues and would try to help them in practicing citizenship.




Contributed by: Shri Sushil Sanghvi CM, Inspection Dept, State Bank of Indore, H.O. Indore






IT’S DIFFERENT


I had never thought that an institution can conduct such a programme for its employees. It’s altogether different. I have gone through first programme to develop inner strength and discovered that it is not too late. I can identify and develop my inner strength and can increase ‘inner fruits’ to achieve/ increase the inner fulfillment.


The journey of citizenship was already started long ago and I have tasted the fruits of ‘inner fulfillment’ during my rural assignment at Porwah, Guna branch, which continues till date. But this can and should be practiced in family also. Due to over engagement in the work place the family was neglected. I am feeling bad about the injustice done to the family. I will practice the ‘fruit of joy’ and ‘joy of inner fulfillment’ in family and society also.


I learnt that there are no constraints. We have sufficient space which can be utilized. We should have a balance between the ‘external and internal fruit’ to achieve total fulfillment which can make our life happy and fulfilled.


As a role of facilitator, I feel it is great opportunity to help myself and the people to discover themselves to achieve ‘total fulfillment’ and understand the importance of ‘internal fruits’ along with ‘external fruits’ in this material world.


I have decided I will be a facilitator forever, all the time, at all places.


Once again I am thankful to the Bank for giving me such a valuable opportunity.


Contributed by: Shri M.P.S.Anand CM (RASMECC) State Bank of Indore, Bhopal.



MY CITIZENSHIP JOURNEY


It is a great and lifetime achievement for me to participate in such a wonderful programme which gave me the opportunity to travel inside: self introspection and self discovery. Thoughts and experiences shared in the programme are having great ancient spiritual values of our great saints.


I as a being started to think differently towards myself, my family, my organization and my society. In the past, I always thought of inner satisfaction through positive contribution towards my family, organization. But the programme has given it a very new dimension.


Speech of Respected V.Srinivas are holistic and having great importance in our lives.


Literature provided expressing change of a biological man to a true human being through divinity is really a most valuable aspect.


Achievement of total compensation by getting outer fruits/inner fruits ( that are capacity fruits, contentment fruits and character fruits) along with positive contribution will create a perfect human being and will give his best to family/society and organization that is my firm belief.


Journey of joy- your outward journey from inside is a great thing which I have heard first time in my life.


Definition of success- to get stronger to be capable to serve others is also most valuable teaching of the Citizen SBI journey


Importance of metaphors/ control over ego and learning from superiors and also from juniors is a great teaching for me. I respect such ideas too much.


Swami Vivekananda’s experience at Chicago was also expressed by Respected Shri V. Srinivas with great zeal and expressions.


I was always turning to spare time for meditation in my life, but with this programme I participated, I feel has influenced the meditation within my work which is a great feeling.
Inside journey is always troublesome and it never ends, but I am thankful to God that He chose me to participate, share my life great moments in this programme.


I thank a lot for this to Almighty God.


Contributed by: Shri Akesh Joshi CM (Adv) State Bank of Indore, RO, Khargone.


 

REALISING MY BEING PART


Citizen orientation programme is way of life and definitely it has given me a wonderful opportunity to know about me, who I am (the most difficult question in life). People can speak and tell about others but cannot think two lines about himself in number of days. The thought process in me has started. The programme has also made me know the strength of being part over functional part of life and meaning of real fruits, which are permanent and are of my own. It has made me to think about Citizenship journey, practicing it and finally realizing this infectious (vital) concept of life


As a impact I have tried /started practicing it though I have not reached perfection or near it, a disciplined, dedicated and continuous practice is required and it will take long way. Still charity begins from self on similar line. I have started without waiting for others at workplace, home and locality. It will definitely lead me on broader platform of the society at large, a continuous practicing effort and relishing the moment till further, make me stronger and stronger for the journey of citizenship in my life.


Contributed by : Shri Ashok Kapoor, CM IBSA, Indore.





THE WHOLE SKY IS AVAILABLE TO GROW AND FLY


Programme objective is noble. The goal of self discovery is laudable and a great help to ordinary staff members who might not have earlier paid attention to this very important fact of their life. The design of the programme is very sleek and attractive. It is not an end in itself but is the beginning of the journey.


The journey began with doubts about the programme and its comparison with
‘Parivartan’. The misconception got clarified in no time and distinction between Parivartan and Citizen SBI has now been resolved. The aim of the programme is now clear. The resolutions made by me on them to practice and not to write for appreciation only. Outer fruits and inner fruits, the joy of fulfillment has been properly understood and now my journey has just begun. I am confident and positive about goals, set by me for myself.


I have decided to adopt citizenship as a way of life. I can contribute as a citizen in multiple ways. Being open to new ways, it is difficult to restrict to any particular activity.


Entire sky is available to grow/fly.


Contributed by Shri Pravin Jaltare CM, Inspection, State Bank of Indore, HO, Indore.





MAKES ITS WAY TO THE HEART


It was a unique opportunity to attend to this programme. The programme very slowly and calmly entered into the heart. It leaves lot to ponder over, after the programme ends on both days. It has made to feel initially, uncomfortable, where when really counts his contribution and the fruits that he has earned till date. The programme has given opportunity to count the coins that are earned (gold, silver or copper). In the end the programme provides, very effectively, the ways which can help a person to become and practice citizenship.


I have been greatly benefited with the contents of the programme from the stage of I-know, which probably was hindering my self to more actively be engaged in domestic affairs and will now enable to look at the situations I am confronting. At a particular time, I considered that it will go like that only and I withdrew from the reality of the problem. I hope the programme gives me the courage to overcome it. My looking to the situation with new perception, I hope, will ease my discomfort and I will be able to meet the challenges of life easily.


Contributed by Shri N.K. Upadhyay, CM Con. Auditor, State Bank of Indore, Mandsaur.




A COMPLETE PERSON TO LEAD A COMPLETE LIFE


I feel this programme will carry forward the batch from the ‘Parivartan’ programme. Parivartan gave the necessary boost to the SBI group to come out of the crisis. But it was not enough to carry forward the organization on a sustainable basis. The sustaining capacity has to come from within of the employees of the bank. The capacity was always there inside every employee. But the citizen programme has driven home the points in a more structured manner. This programme has compelled me to think more and more about myself and re-explore my inner qualities which will in turn carry forward the organization simultaneously fulfilling me and make me a complete person to lead a complete life.


I think I have been a citizen through out. I had all the qualities of a citizen. But in the past two years some incidents had shaken me and brought in some negativity. Now after undergoing the programme, I think the positivity are clearly coming in and I am sure it will reorient me.


As a practicing citizen I can cite an example here. One of my friends was getting drowned in a deep river. All his relatives and the Bank just kept on shouting but no one dared to jump in and save him, although some of them were good swimmers. Because there was a risk of my friend holding them tight, they feared being drowned themselves. I decided to take the risk and saved him. His parents still tell me that I gave him a rebirth.


As a facilitator, I think I will be deriving utmost satisfaction if I will be able to drive out the citizen within from most of the participants..


I hope our Bank with the help of the citizens can come out of any crisis in future.


Contributed by Shri S.R.T.Khan, AGM (PRO) State Bank of Indore, H.O.
Indore






FROM EMPLOYEE TO A CITIZEN


Till this excellent programme I have undergone between 1st Feb- 6th Feb, I was an employee of my Bank, but the very programme has transferred me into a citizen of my Bank. This has brought into me a total change of my looking at the things, satisfaction I desired out of my work I had done or I will be doing for my organization irrespective of material gains- a rare type of fruit, inner one, I felt was escaping all my career has been brought out during this programme.


My journey to citizenship lying suppressed or unnoticed so far has begun and I am sure, the same is not going to halt even after 2 and half years when I retire. In fact, I feel this has come at the appropriate moment in my life. I am elated. Bank has picked me up as facilitator for this programme. So, every time I run the programme, many more dimensions I am going to discover. As a facilitator, I am going to coordinate the whole process of discovering citizen in participants of the programme. I am not going to force any idea in any of the participant, but I am sure I could be instrumental in making them discover their own. If I could accomplish this even to a little extent, I feel, I have attained fulfillment.


Contributed by Shri Ajay Puranik, AGM State Bank of Indore, P.Y.Rd. Indore




THE SELF UNFOLDMENT


The programme gave me an opportunity to introspect my life. With each experience, every relation and my lifestyle quietly unfolded before me. I tried to think, ‘have I been really a good human being’. Do I need corrections? At each level I found myself wanting. I could see the follies I made in the past during the course of my life where I could have been better.


I always wanted to be better, but somehow there was confusion as to how to proceed and slowly in the busy life? I lost track. The programme has opened new doors. It has given me ways to improve myself and in my relations. This fine tuning of my life would help me not only to improve me but also gives me an opportunity to guide my children/wife to search within themselves the truth about themselves.


The tools given to me assist me to go a step further in my thought process and therefore the conclusions I drew thereafter or the actions I propose to take in a given situation may just be that much better.


I will henceforth strive to proceed positively, in every situation with a smile.


Contributed by Shri Ajay Kumar Joel, CM IRMD, State Bank of Indore, HO, Indore.


( We will be soon putting up the contributions of the remaining facilitators in Hindi. CitizenSBI Blog thanks Ms. Harina Sharma for compiling this article.) 

THE CHALLENGE AND THE CHOICE

Amar Ghar Chal, Chal Ghar Amar

 Live from Facilitators' Workshop at Indore Bank Staff Academy

The brilliant group of 27 facilitators, bubbling with energy and zeal, making the right choices to surpass the challenges ahead, while giving their demo sessions in the last couple of days, at the Indore Bank Staff Academy at Indore, was a pleasure to behold.


Citizenship being a choice was evident to all and was also beautifully and naturally, demonstrated in action, as moments in the training hall, witnessed the precious contributions of citizens, sensitive to the needs of all.


Mr. I.S.Sisodia, AGM (Inspection) was aware that the creaking door of the training hall was an irritant to all participants. He promptly, got it repaired and also brought it to the knowledge of all, as to how to handle the door so that it does not create any noise again. He did what his heart told him to do without waiting or wanting others to do it. It seemed that the great truth of having the freedom to make a choice in all circumstances, had already made home in the heart of Mr. Sisodia.

Mr. Amal Chakraborty, AGM, CSF, Indore, was impressed by the video clipping in English, of the old woman in the branch whose words to a depressed staff member, brought about a change in the attitude of the BM. Mr. Amal was proactive and translated the story into Hindi, as participants back home understand more of Hindi and he wanted all of them to understand the message conveyed by the story. His involvement in this programme can best be compared to that exhibited in the signature tune. The clip has been subtitled by him in Hindi. 


Mr. Satish Jain, Manager, Faculty, IBSA, on his own initiative, got the entire power point presentation of the programme printed and photocopied, overnight, for the use of all fellow participants. He made demo sessions easier for all of them. He has strengthened the roots of his tree of fulfillment by being considerate and helpful.

                              
               Amar Ghar Chal

The creativity in Mr. Umesh Saxena came to the fore, frequently, as he sketched Amar, frowning at the clock at 5.25 p.m. on getting ‘late’ and ‘Amar ghar chal’ a poem adding to Amar's uneasiness, teasing him to go home. The look of delight on Mr. Saxena’s face was the joy of creation, the capacity hidden in all of us but used very rarely.


They excelled their own performance in the Role Plays during the demo sessions as compared to their maiden effort, earlier. It spoke highly of their level of participation, depth of understanding and desire to contribute.


They made a choice to rediscover their own self, immersed themselves in the knowledge of the self, and ignited themselves with the spirit to contribute selflessly for the common good, where each challenge transformed itself into a constructive creation. Conscious choice always emerges victorious, over the challenges that life throws up, time and again. It is up to us to carve our future by choice. This group of facilitators has made their choice and the challenge seems nowhere in sight, to conduct the programme on their own. They have overcome and are already on their path to success.


Training the Trainers group is any Trainer's nightmare. But it has turned out to be a sweet dream with this group that has senior and seasoned officers with a strong spirit to serve and excel. "It is sheer joy to be associated with such a committed group of practising citizens," says Mr. Jagat Bisht, Intervention Leader - 1, who is confident that this great programme will be successfully launched in the State Bank of Indore and will greatly add to its glory.

Inputs: CoolBisht, WordSmith: Harina

Humanity is infectious

Today, the 28th January, presented me some beautiful moments in my life.

I called two young boys outside the hall and gave some instructions. During tea break in the morning both of them escorted Mr. Upendra J. Trivedi, one of the participants and brought him at the forefront. I called the junior most and senior most participants and requested them to present flowers to Mr. Trivedi with their Birthday wishes for him. Everyone wished jubilantly by his heart, as it was his last birthday in the bank since he will be retiring on the 31.01.2010. I offered Mr. Trivedi a Chocolate. The participants were shared toffies. Mr. Trivedi became very emotional and hugged me and said with sobbing eyes ,” In the bank till all these long years, my birthday was never celebrated in such a beautiful way,” and thanked all the participants in the class.

Just after distribution of the gift hampers in the evening when I said that the programme would be concluded shortly after the chairman’s speech. Two participants immediately stepped forward with two bouquets bought from the market during lunch time even within the tight time schedule and offered one to me and another to prasad giving a standing ovation to both of us commenting, “We took so many trainings in our lives but the experience we underwent during these two days was unique and was never forgettable in our lives. Thanks for giving so many beautiful things.”


Tapan Kumar Das, Bhavnagar.

Contribute, Contribute and Contribute

I wish to share an incident in our class at Nasik .

One of the participant after explaining the new vision of contribution and compensation aspect in our life, shared the following . I found it worth sharing with you all :

In terms of accountancy account is debited or credited as per the rule "Debit what comes in" and credited " Credit what goes out ".

If you treat your life as account , then your Life Account is credited when you do a contribution ( whether responsive or otherwise ) and

the account is debited when you get compensation for that . If your account is Over drawn means received more compensation hence

contribute more and more to ensure that your Life Account is not over drawn any time (like our O.D. A/C ) .

That is the citizenship in simple words Contribute, Contribute n' Contribute !

J.A.Kulkarni
Nasik

Good memories are everlasting gifts

Message received by CitizenSBI blog from Ms Harina Sharma, SBLC, Indore:
I thank Madam Vasudha and Mr. Natarajan for their appreciation. The fact that some one takes time off from their busy schedule to go through the articles and respond to it is simply great.

Appreciating the contributor is giving - giving of joy and acknowledgement of efforts.

The writer derives joy from the very act of writing and therefore may not seek external fruits. But, by this we create a memorable bond between us. And yes, good memories are everlasting gifts.

Thanks once again.

-Harina Sharma

HOMILY ON 'SURRENDER'

From The Heart Of A Newly Ordained Priestess

And the homily continued, ".......Victory comes through surrender. Surrender does not weaken you; it strengthens you. The greatness of a man's power is in the measure of his surrender. Everybody surrenders to something or someone. You surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear or to your own pride, lusts or ego. Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to frustration and disappointment. It is not a foolish emotional impulse but a rational, intelligent act, the most responsible and sensible thing you can do......"

I wasn't listening anymore....my thoughts raced back to 'Citizenship'....I thought... 'we are free to choose what we surrender to, but we are not free from the consequences of that choice. Yet, we can surrender all.. our past regrets, our present problems, our future ambitions, our fears, dreams, weaknesses, habits, hurts and hang-ups? Can we dwell on another's fears, dreams, weaknesses, etc. rather than our own? Can we ease another's hurts and hang-ups? I know it may mean doing inconvenient, unpopular or seemingly impossible tasks. But that, indeed would be termed "positive contribution"! And the consequences visualised!

I am sure then, Bisht, even in times of crisis, we would never feel a void. We would definitely be richer enjoying bountiful inner fruits for creating genuine happiness for others. Your article has indeed, touched me! All the very best to you....and to us all who have chosen to be CITIZENS!
Let me share what I feel now.... I feel like a newly ordained priestess!

Jeanne Pereira

Emptying The Tea Cup

CITIZEN’ EXPERIENCE FROM SBLC, NUNGAMBAKKAM. CHENNAI
DISCUSSION ON ‘EMPTY TEA CUP’ - 07.01.2010
Normally in the ‘Citizen SBI Orientation Programmes’ it would take at least half an hour to one hour or so before participants defreeze and come on their own. Their general tendency is to sit with known friends – ladies initially sitting together, etc - at the beginning until the facilitators breaks this pattern and forms new groups as per the design of the programme. The members of the new groups take a few minutes to settle and familiarize with the members, mostly during the first group work in ‘Module 1’.

But in the ‘Citizen SBI’ Orientation programme which commenced on 7th Jan, 2010 at SBLC, Nungambakkam, no lead time was taken by the participants. At the beginning in the ‘Introduction to the Programme’ portion when the Japanese Zen story on ‘empty tea cup’ ended with the statement “Let us empty our cups…” one participant Shri. Kulkarni from ZIO, Chennai took the mike and remarked “I am now around 57 years old and my mind is full of past experiences accumulated from childhood days. How can I remove them and make it empty?….It is just not possible”. The moment other participants listened to this view point of Shri. Kulkarni, three to four people from different directions started responding to him. A couple of them nodded their head and said “Yes…we are also of the same view as Shri. Kulkarni… We can’t empty our brain….”

Another participant Shri. Arvindalochanan from SMECC, Chennai immediately refuted the claim by saying “….I do agree that our accumulated past experiences can’t be removed just like that. But what we mean by ‘emptying the tea cup…’ is not to have a closed mind while learning something new. The moment we think that we know everything and there is nothing new to learn the ‘door’ to our mind gets closed. It is said that human beings use not more than 10 % of their brain capacity. Even the great scientist, Mr. Albert Einstein, used only around 15% of his brain as that was found out in research subsequent to his death by analyzing his brain. It can be seen that around 90% the portion of the brains of normal human beings goes unutilized. So there is a lot of empty space in our brains to receive and learn new things…..”

These statistical remarks of Arvindlochanan drew wide cheers from the class and Shri. Kulkarni appeared to be convinced after this and the class got off to a flying start with every one smiling and energetic after the hand clapping. This energy flow continued till the end of the programme on 8th Jan, 2010 evening as all the participants began clapping for the first recipient of the ‘gift hamper’ and continued the clappings till the 28th and the last participant received the same. A lively experience indeed for all including the facilitators.


S R Raghunath Facilitator ( Chennai Circle)10.01.2010

THEY HAD EMPTIED THEIR CUPS……..

...AND WERE VERY RECEPTIVE

Just as we were to begin the programme of Citizen SBI for messengers at our SBLC, we were given to believe that it may prove tough explaining the concepts to them.

During my career, since I had come across a number of messengers whom I felt could have easily gone in for higher education and jobs of a higher order, but for their weak financial background, I already had a soft corner for them. In fact, I had learnt a lot from the messenger class, practically and gained much from their knowledge of local environment, as I climbed the ladder of success but, unfortunately, most of them continued where they were due to family and financial constraints.

I was, therefore, hardly surprised to watch them interpret the new concepts so exceedingly well and absorbing the ideas so easily, adding their experiences and finally appreciating the programme that this has been the best they had attended in their career.

Such active involvement of the messenger participants, with a sincere desire to learn and change and high regards for the facilitators was simply, overwhelming for us.

It moved my heart when, one of the participant, stood up and took a vow to give up drinking after understanding the need for inner fruits and positive contribution. One more followed to give up eating of tobacco. Some of them admitted that they were whiling away their time in office before, but now vowed to work honestly and do their best for customers and the bank. A few agreed that they had never paid attention to their family members and henceforth would take greater care of them. Some more decided to educate their children to the best of their capability and make them good citizens, thus achieving greater fulfillment.

All said and done, the experience of being a facilitator for Citizen SBI for messengers has not only been very fulfilling but has given me an additional insight about life.

Contributed by HARINA SHARMA, FACILITATOR, SBLC, INDORE
reena.sharma@sbi.co.in

Our CHOICE of 'CITIZENSHIP' will sure have WINNING CONSEQUENCES !!!

Here's wishing each one of you a very joyful, happy and prosperous New Year!

Life is like a game of chess and you play this game with HIM. After every move of yours, HE makes the next move. Your moves are called "CHOICES" and HIS moves are called "CONSEQUENCES". You will be tested....you will be challenged...you will be pushed to the brink. However, when you are found to play the game well, HE wins by allowing YOU to win the game!

Our CHOICE of 'CITIZENSHIP' will sure have WINNING CONSEQUENCES !!!
Jeanne

Speaking Moments

It is our practice that we tell the partcipants on the first day that those partcipants who do not speak on the first day (either at the time of sharing of moments of Inner fullness or during role play etc.),they will have to speak on the second day on behalf of their group in the first session regarding the citizenship choice.(Our intention is not to harass anybody or to make them uncomfortable but to make them speak in front of 25/30 people which would help raise their confidence level in expressing their views in public).And to our pleasant surprise we have found on many occasions that even promotee Assistants have come out with excellent citizenship moments and their contributions towards development of business at their branches, recovery of NPAs etc. Some of them have even expressed their happiness that they were made to speak in the class room as they could not imagine earlier that they can speak in front of such an audience!!

SHAM VADALKER, FACILITATOR, SBLC, BARODA

VIRTUOUS CYCLE OF POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION

I wish to share my experience

VIRTUOUS CYCLE OF POSITIVE CONTRIBUTUION

One day during my initial days of facilitation , one of the participants present in the programme was the one with whom I had worked in two branches for brief period of 2 months and 4 months , who had seen me working in my work atmosphere , who had seen my attitude towards work , who had seen my approach to the work , who was aware how I speak to my colleagues , my customers , and the positive energy that I bring along with my operations in the work atmosphere , who would have silently appreciated my so called approach . I would be always making so much of noise in the work life , motivating my colleagues , building in the team spirit , keep on nagging them , do this work , we should be doing this , running around , being friendly with all the colleagues and always invariably operating from the being aspect day in and day out.

When this participant was told to think of some citizen story ( initial programme ) , she shared with me during tea time , madam when I had to think of some one and discuss with the group I felt like discussing , narrating about you , your approach in the work life , I could not think of anything better than this . Listening to what she said I felt so happy , it brought in me the inner strength that what I was doing was really appreciated even silently which an individual can relate even after 2 years or 5 years , the experience the individual had working with me . It brought in the faith in my own capacities to make a difference in the world around and resulted in strengthening me further to carry on the good work . Appreciation of your work really motivates you and what we say the virtuous cycle of positive contribution brings in more of outer fruits and inner fruits along with the joy of doing good work is a live example in my life scenario which I think will always remind me to continue it further.

Rajni Bala
Facilitator
SBLC, Guwahati.

Something very interesting happened...

Dear All,

I wish to share a very interesting thing that happened on the first day of our two day program on 3-4 Dec ----As the class was discussing the being and function aspect of one's personality,I could read from the expressions on the face of Rahul Dange, a young participant from our Junnar Br that he wanted to say something but was holding back for some reason.After a little bit of coaxing he started shyly that recently he had observed some change for better in the behavior of his branch manager (By the way,his BM had attended this program last month) and he felt that this particular part in the program i.e.keeping alive function and being aspect of our personality, must be responsible for the change!!! .It was a great feeling for all of us in the class because here was a person who had a first hand experience of what this program could do for those who are willing to keep their minds open!

-Meenal Onkar

Facilitator,SBLC,Pune

• BHOPAL CIRCLE, FACILITATORS GYM
  23.11.09 TO 24.11.09, SBLC, BHOPAL
  FACILITATION
  In the facilitators gym the following vital points on 'Facilitation' emerged from the group of facilitators:
  OBJECTIVE-
  i) To know the deeper and richer aspects of facilitation.
  ii) To empower the facilitators to do better facilitation.
  POINTS EMERGED:
  ü The facilitator must not acquire and transmit ‘concepts’(like in training) but share an ‘ideal’ and see that the participants assimilate the ideal (like the one done in the old Guru Kula system).
  ü The goal of facilitator is to enable each individual to choose to practice ‘Citizenship’.
  ü Even if the participants do not accept the ideas, a proper facilitation will cut through and open up the minds of participants to think upon the ‘Citizenship’ idea.
  ü Thoughtful Silence in the class is Welcome sign in facilitation.
  ü A facilitator enables the ‘discovery’ (i.e. participants generating their ideas) by helping the participants and making ‘discovery’ happen in them in the spaces provided in this ‘structured discovery programme’.
  ü Facilitator must not add his/her own theory or idea during the programme. Any of his/her opinion must be discussed by him with other trainers/facilitators outside the class in private.
  ü Facilitator can use creativity by helping more number of group members to share, highlighting the important points of the programme, being respectful and listening to the group members’ opinion and counter opinions.
  ü A facilitator must make the group realise through his practicing the ideal that he/she is authentic.
  ü A facilitator must be thorough in the ‘Programme Know-How’ (being aware of the questions, difficulties, errors in conduct of the programme) as well as ‘Facilitation Know-How’ (knowing the subtleties of facilitation and his/her own doubts).
  ü ‘Facilitation Know-How’ is a 'potent tool' and is of great value for class and for the facilitator. The more the facilitator matures in this tool; the relationship in family and with others will get transformed.
  ü Through the process of sharing and inviting participation, the facilitator in turn will discover for self.
  ü No day a facilitator can dare to say ‘I Know’.
  ü A facilitator must not give place to any kind of ‘Negativity’.
  ü A facilitator must identify and use the ‘Natural Citizens’ from the class (those who readily understand the key idea of the programme, what they intuitively know, the programme will make it explicit –‘Tacit to explicit’). Due regards must be given to them. The facilitator can use such Natural Citizens as ‘Role Models’ in the class as they will strengthen the foundation of the programme.
• A facilitator must not invite ‘any analysis of the past’. It is to be emphasized that ‘Creating a Future’ is our interest.
  ü A facilitator must clarify the objections of ‘Early Citizens’ (they want to become citizens, but require some clarifications). Their objections can be better clarified by relating the situations to their experiences and using experiences of others in the class.
  ü Facilitators must have 'conceptual clarity' on the important terms/ aspects used in the programme. They can enrich their clarity through repeated readings of the concepts, foundation notes and going deeper into them.
  ü Facilitators must emphasise upon ‘Change starts with individual’ and ‘Change starts from within’.
  ü Any person who is deeply non receptive to any idea despite best facilitation efforts must not be given much mental importance. Facilitators must not conflict or get hooked to such person.
  ü A facilitator must help participants in self managing and ensure that the thinking process is in a self organizing manner.
  ü A facilitator cannot eliminate prejudices but just recognize them.
  ü Facilitation is the ability and readiness to listen to participants’ actual words, accept silence with understanding, maintain accepting eye contact with the speaker and note down individual’s insights verbatim.
  ü Facilitation requires the willingness to focus on what the individual is saying rather than what the facilitator is going to say next. With a view to reveal participant’s real insight, facilitator must push occasional answers for clarity.
  ü A facilitator must not limit his/her self-identity to present realities, but expand it to include his/her highest potentials. Facilitation is a path to realise ones own potential.
  ü A facilitator is a fellow journeyman on the path to self discovery.
  ü To succeed we must 'connect'. A facilitator must try for a cohesive team to comfortably and quickly acknowledge, without provocation, their mistakes, weaknesses, failures and needs for help. They must also recognise the strengths of others, even when those strengths exceed their own.
  ü Facilitators must invite participants to assimilate fully the meaning and consequences of every activity as ‘No assimilation, no Facilitation’.
  ü To be credible facilitators own behaviour should reflect these values.
  ü The facilitator is the servant of the group, not its leader.
  ü A facilitator works to ensure that the group accomplishes goals through offering process suggestions, enforcing ground rules agreed to by the group, keeping discussions on track, protecting group members from attack and ensuring participation by all members.
  ü A facilitator is the battery cell of the group. It does not matter if in the process of facilitation for evolving the group energy, facilitator forgets and surrenders everything known.
  ü A facilitator at its best or as therapist finds himself/herself closest to inner intuitive self, in touch with the unknown in him/her. In this slightly unaltered state of consciousness full of healing, the facilitator feels that he has reached his/her inner spirit and touched the inner spirit of other.
  ü A facilitator is successful when each participant becomes an energy source.
  ü A facilitator manipulates (to manage or utilize skillfully) deliberately so as to maximize full participation, to minimize individuals dominating or interrupting the group and to optimize the group’s performance and satisfaction.
  ü A facilitator must see things as they are. Rather than how he/she wants them to be.
  ü A facilitator must accept others as they are. Only then will he/she be able to accept himself/herself as he/she is.
  ü The facilitator is an ‘igniter of minds’.
  ü A facilitator must have extraordinary respect for the other. He must affirm the wisdom of each person, honour the collective data, celebrate the completed work of the group, and at the same time affirm each person in the group individually.
  The groups also shared some of the experiences from facilitation through examples.
  
• Contributor- Bharat Keswani, Facilitator, SBLC, Jabalpur
  Group members: Mrs. Madhu Arora,
  S/Shri S.N.Thakur, Vikram Vishram, C.L.Dase, P.S.Bedekar
  
  
  ******************************************************************

clapping

We can say that spontaneous, unprompted clapping is a way of expression of appreciation just like 'wah-wah' while listening to soothing music. This becomes quite clear on seeing

tthe applause from the other participants after listening to the touching citizen moments shared with the entire room.

citizen sbi experience

Every two day programme as a facilitator enriches me in many ways as each participant brings in his or her own perspective to the various concepts discovered during the sessions. The energy levels the programme generates is simply amazing. I also gain new insights into human responses to different situations and my own understanding of the concepts keeps evolving.