Rethinking economics, Culture, and work: One observation at a time - Shashi Bellamkonda

Growing up in India, books were a premium commodity. Public libraries were scarce, and institutional collections in schools or colleges were often restrictive, making borrowing a complex hurdle rather than a simple habit. Commercial libraries eventually emerged, but they operated on a pay-per-use model that maintained a financial barrier to entry. For most of us, the primary way to access new stories was through a local network of neighborhood kids, informally exchanging well-worn paperbacks. The Intimidation of the Elite Institution The "premium" libraries of my youth were the British Council and the American Center. To a middle-class student catching the bus, these spaces felt designed for the elite—the "sahebs" who arrived in private cars. I remember the American Center being clinical, very neat, and perfectly air-conditioned—a stark contrast to the dust and heat outside. I was intimidated by the uniformed security guards, though I eventually realiz...

Indian cinema is a global powerhouse, yet a concerning trend has become an industry standard: the normalization of aggression as a primary communication tool. From dramatic workplace showdowns to high-decibel family squabbles, movies often depict yelling and threats as the only way to establish authority. This suggests a false reality where "heroism" is tied to being the loudest person in the room. In truth, Indian culture is historically rooted in patience, community cohesion, and nuanced hierarchy. On-screen aggression creates a distorted feedback loop, leading audiences to believe that professional or familial respect is only valid if it is backed by a threat. The Distortion of the Professional and Personal The Workplace: Films often glorify the "aggressive boss" archetype. This undermines modern organizational shifts toward emotional intelligence and psychological safety, which research shows are critical for long-term productivity and i...

Sometimes you just want to sit back and be truly entertained. No overthinking—just pure, high-energy cinema. I recently watched Anaganaga Oka Raju and Mana Shankara Varaprasad , and they reminded me why Telugu movies are dominating the screen right now. They both strike that perfect balance of "silliness" and "soul." 1. Anaganaga Oka Raju (2026) This rural comedy-drama is a total laugh riot that pivots into a genuinely unexpected satire. Naveen Polishetty is a one-man army here, carrying the film with incredible comic timing. Director: Maari Cast: Naveen Polishetty (Raju), Meenakshi Chaudhary (Charulatha), Rao Ramesh, Tarak Ponnappa. Where to Watch: Now streaming on Netflix . "Naveen Polishetty is the clear show-stealer... his timing and meter are game for any joke. A decent one-time watch that hits over 100 crore for a reason." — Reddit / r/tollywood 2. Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu (2026) Seeing Chi...

The Library, The Colonel, and The Data When I first moved to the United States, the marketplace felt like a chaotic, noisy expanse. I was navigating a new culture and a new economy simultaneously. It was during this transition that Col. Louie Waldhour, a close friend of our family, gave me a piece of advice that would anchor my consumer habits for decades. He didn’t tell me which car to buy. He didn’t recommend a specific brand based on a television commercial or a neighbor’s opinion. Instead, he gave me a directive that prioritized data over hype: "Before you buy a car, go to the library and look at the Consumer Reports guides to see the ratings." That trip to the library was my introduction to an organization that treats the consumer marketplace not as a bazaar of claims, but as a laboratory of facts. For decades since, I have remained a member, filling out surveys on my own experiences while their labs test the products th...

Watching Mistress Dispeller through the Montgomery County Public Library’s Kanopy service was a reminder of why looking for stories outside the mainstream is so rewarding. Directed by the visionary Elizabeth Lo and released in the U.S. in October 2025, this documentary is far from the high-stakes thriller the title suggests. Instead of private detectives and dramatic threats, it offers a slow, thoughtful look at how people try to fix what is broken. The film follows a real-life case in mainland China, where a professional "mistress dispeller" named Wang Zhenxi is hired to end an affair and save a marriage. The story centers on Teacher Wang, the wife (Mrs. Li), the husband (Mr. Li), and the mistress (Fei Fei). It captures a patient, careful process of untangling emotions rather than a sudden explosion of anger. It is an elegant movie that sets an example for how conflict can be resolved. Filmed in the bustling urban centers of China, the cityscapes a...

Thank you. There is a distinct sense of confidence that radiates from a company when an employee introduces themselves and mentions they have been there for eight years, like the folks I meet from Zoho. It is even more impressive when colleagues, like those at Info Tech, share that they have been with the firm for over twenty years. This is not just a statistic. It is a neon sign flashing that the company has a rock-solid business model, happy customers, and is built on a "good to great" principle. Investor Perspective: The Loyalty vs. Layoff Paradox. As an investor, it is devastating when Wall Street rewards companies for layoffs. While headcount reduction might provide a short-term boost, it often erodes the institutional knowledge that creates long-term value. Firms that prioritize retention are often the ones built for sustainable success. Global Retention Benchmarks: US vs. Asia 1. The US and Asian Divide The US median ten...