A t a time when investment books were not easily available in India, Hiren Gada recalls photocopying a borrowed copy of One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch (Rs 750) for himself. “Later on, I bought my own copy. This became my foundation in investments and equities,” he shares while adding that The Magic of Thinking BIG by David Schwartz (Rs 300) is another one of his favourite possessions. “I have a strong emotional connect with both these books,” says Gada.
Swinging too
An ornate jhula on the terrace of his home is special for Gada. “It’s an area of my house where I love to just sit around and while away time, reading the newspaper in the mornings or playing with my children or merely enjoying the fresh air,” says Gada. Price: Rs 25,000.
So alarming!
Gada’s cellphone, a Nokia E 71 at Rs 21,000, is “addictive and a very integral part of my life”. From being his morning alarm to a tool for easy communication, Gada uses his phone to listen to music, check email and take photographs. “It’s never out of his sight,” he says.
Abstract note
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And as it turns out, Gada is an amateur art collector. An abstract picture in his bedroom by artist Shailesh Veera is “one of the first things I see every morning and the last thing I see when I go to bed, which makes me feel blissful and content”. It is an artist’s interpretation of the “soul”, graphically created on a computer, which he purchased for Rs 20,000.
Board matters
An intelligent board game called Circles of Life keeps Gada busy on weekends — “I like to play the game with my two children regularly. This time spent together is priceless, teaching my daughters about money and finance. It’s something that a school curriculum will not cover,” he says. Price: Rs 500.
It’s a secret
I watch the DVD of The Secret at least once a month,” he lets on, “and each time I learn something new and feel energised and inspired,” he says. The DVD costs Rs 699.
Theatre at home
Gada’s assembled home theatre system, a Rs 3,00,000 setup — with projector, screen, amplifier and speakers — is another favourite. “It’s the perfect entertainment system to watch movies, videos and cricket, and check out our photographs.” It has been strategically placed to allow great viewing and surround sound.