I did'nt know google is now available in punjabi...what next !
Next, they need to provide a Punjabi interface option on Google India (in Gurmukhi script) and write the Punjabi page on Google Pakistan in a script that people there can actually read (i.e. in Shahmukhi script), besides tendering an unqualified apology to the Punjabis of India and Pakistan!
How nice to find an Indian weblog that didn't mention Shilpa Shetty once. You should write the "Letter from India" for Private Eye.
A GOod One SIdhu, Keep it up, this one is pretty informative as well as opinion based.
Very incisive observations. I have read a post lately and I quote: "There are only a few people around us who can communicate clearly; in writing or speaking. I can (well I think I can: I was a national level debater and am a published writer). These two things help me every day in what ever I happen to be doing in life or career."
Now what specific skills are needed depend on what you happen to be doing in life and or work.
Now knowing you as I do, I am certian that your skills are much better than many around. This post itself is the testimony.
@Daphne: That's a non-issue really and thanks for the compliment! 
@MP: Thanks!
@Shirazi Sa'ab: That's what I am trying to say...They just want to employ liars and cheats, who are incompetent, but can fool others into believing that no one can do the job better. So, obviously, when such people get down to work, there are going to be goof-ups as apalling as the one made by Google that I have described here.
Interesting post Sidhu, is someone at Google listening?
Doesn't seem like it...both pages remain the same as before.
Well , this one was really interesting post. " good comm skills" ...hell it is the buzzowrd everywhere...I hear it everyday..being in engineering college myself..
Liked the post man!
keep it up!
Now that you know what 'good communication skills' mean in the context of the Indian corporate world (never mind what the books say), I suppose you are all set for it!
Good post... i wonder wen the indian industry sees wisdom... um.. wen it's time for me to get employed? :p
Let's hope so!
Incisive post, Sidhusaheb. You are so right about that Punjabi bit being ridiculous. Any way one could contact Google and lodge a complaint?
And the communication skills et al bit really made me laugh. I think its the case everywhere in the world. Its what my mother calls 'Gallaan di khatee khaana'. I guess you will be able to understand the meaning of this idiom.
I've been able to find offline means only, to contact Google. The details are:
Google Inc.
1600, Amphitheatre Parkway,
Mountain View, CA 94043,
USA
phone: +1-650-253-0000
fax: +1-650-253-0001
Otherwise, Google seem to be confident that they could never possibly require feedback of this sort and I have not been able to find any relevant email address or online form.
Meanwhile, they have removed the link to the Gurmukhi interface from Google Pakistan i.e. http://www.google.com.pk (though it can still be accessed at http://www.google.com.pk/pa ) and are yet to provide a Shahmukhi one there. Also, a Gurmukhi interface has not yet been provided on Google India and the apology is nowhere in sight on either Google India or Google Pakistan.
It feels blessed to have been able to make you laugh! Your Mom's absolutely right!!
There could be a whole new folk song, in fact, that goes like:
"Baari barsi khattan gya si, ki khat lyaanda?
Khat lyaande 'communication skill', jehRe merey stomach nu karde ne fill!"
What an informative, well-written post! I have learned something new today. By the way, thanks for stopping by my site and articulating some valid issues.
Nice post! Even here in Pakistan...people r being increasingly judged by their communication skills.
Btw...b4 China builds its english speaking workforce, the westerners are going to learn Chinese..in fact they r already learning it keeping in view that opportunities and power are shifting to east
@Naomi: Thanks! I hope those who can make a difference will read my comments there.
@Fariha: Thanks! I hope the day will come soon when prospective employees will be judged solely on the basis of competence.
I still suspect China is going to storm into the 'outsourcing' services market that it has lost out only for the lack of English-speaking workers, some time very soon.
Hey!!
WOW
great to see a great blogger from Punjab.. or shoudl I say your are from my hometown chandigarh!!
great going!
What makes me wonder is that 'good communication skills' are not being considered an important quality to compete by majority of the folks who posted their comments and the author himself.Yes, a Rocket Scientist can get away by remaining on mute mode but majority of other professions require the ability to communicate smoothly and effectively. Let us not forget that the most important element at work is the human element and in my humble opinion that is the one they wish to address when they say 'good communication skills'(at least here in the U.S where I reside). I may not sound like an idealist but that's how it works in most parts of the world.
Good communication skills are definitely important, in combination with competence in the field of work that a person specialises in.
The point I have been trying to make here is that when good communication skills are made use of for hiding incompetence, there is a serious problem and this is exactly what has been happening in so many instances.
Commenting by HaloScan
