Book review – Richard Branson – Losing My Virginity : An Autobiography

Its always fascinating to read the autobiographies of successful personalities’ and celebrities, in the sense that it gives you more than a peek into their lives and a chance to look at the world from their perspective.The Virgin business tycoon’s story is no different and in fact it is extremely honest and candid story telling, filled with strokes of mild humour and talks vividly of his life experiences and the challenges he faced en route setting up the Virgin empire as the world sees now, a book that any budding entrepreneur should read.
Branson describes in detail his many business ventures right from the Student magazine he setup during his college days to the latest space travel business (Did a search myself and it seems that he owns more than 350 companies !! ) Not astonishing really, as Branson talks in the book about how dividing your many companies at the right time is the key to sustain a successful business plan.It was not plain sailing all the time as he explains about the run-ins with the many banks that had lend him money and how many times they were close to pulling the plug on Virgin.
Also described in detail are the much publicized battle he had with British airways, one which he eventually won and which proved to be a game changer for Branson. He also talks about the bonds he share with his tight knit family and close relatives as well as the friendships he has with so many partners without which the dream would not have been possible.
Towards the end of the book he mainly deals his charity programs, especially in Africa and the efforts at conserving the environment with many other global leaders like Al Gore.Indeed being a global personality , he feels it is his duty to give back now,
Richard is quite an adventure freak, a maverick who never likes to stand still.As you read along, you will be intrigued about all the hot air balloon expeditions he ventured upon, some quite personal adventures and much much more.

Nurture the nature

Its the 5th of June, which is celebrated as world Environment Day, every annum since its inception in 1973.Its one of the most important days with regards to the future of planet Earth and the survival of the human race.The day serves as a reminder but the effort needed is not confined to a single day, but all year round and each and every one of us needs to put in their effort for the sake of our future generations.

The problems are widespread – food wastage,deforestation,the impact of plastics,fuel shortage, pollution and what not.Steps re being taken by some countries and corporates, but the strive for remaining at the top amidst stiff competition more often than not leaves the effort in a diluted way.Not many are willing to give up the status they enjoy for the benefit of nature.We can only hope, in the bigger scheme of things, that people in important positions do their bit and contribute in preserving nature.

We may not have the influence in the decision making scheme of things, but we certainly have our role to play in any tiny way we can.Getting rid of plastics is the best way we can help.Reduce the usage as much as you can.Take a cloth bag with you the next time you go shopping.I know there arent many waste baskets around in our country but that doesnt give us the right to throw garbage on the streets.Carry it along with you till you find a apt place to dispose of it.

Use public transport as much as you possibly can without interfering with your daily routine.Buying your own car is seen as the achievement of your monetary success and we feel obliged to go for it.Fine with it, but make it a point to use it purposefully and relying on the mass transport once in a while at least.Sound and air pollution is so high plus the wastage of fuel.The future will clearly see a dependence on public transport as the way forward.

Food shortage and more cruelly food wastage is another of the major problems and of particular significance this year with the theme being “Think.Eat.Save”.Only take what is required and prevent wastage.The statistics tell a horrible tale of the number of children dying daily due to hunger.This needs to stop and the governments have to play the key role in ensuring proper distribution of food to all parts.

Renewable sources of energy needs to be looked at more fruitfully and economically the administration needs to put in their help to make it more accessible to the common man.Use energy efficient lighting and switch off appliances not in use.

Long ago we have heard about how the next world war will be fought over water.How true the words are and not far away the time.Global temperatures are rising, the rains are dwindling and the availability of good drinking water is decreasing day by day.Well the rainy season is upon us, so might as well take the opportunity to set things right.

Just went through some of the issues affecting environment here.There are so many more i know, but the important thing is that we realise how much we can do in curbing the menace.Little by little, we can help in protecting our planet.