Premjeet

Sculling it is!

2011-09-28T18:04:00.005+05:30

For a guy with my kinda background, buying a car was an experience. Thoroughly enjoyed it. But I did not know what really was in store for me. More or less learnt to drive in 3 days and was in heavy traffic on the 4th. However, it was the Pune - Mumbai expressway which really swept me off my feet. Really really really loved the experience. And am totally hooked on to driving. Have burnt gallons of gas driving around aimlessly. But for the high that it gives, it is totally worth it.

However, I was in for some more surprises. Happened to find time for an outing before I left Pune for work. And it was mind-blowing! There have not been too many things in the very recent past that have given that feeling. Somehow I even fail to find that focus which I used to while cooking. And all by chance, that day I found peace when the fiber cut through water with each steady stroke.

By the time I found momentum and a good balance, my joy knew no bounds. Felt just like the old days again. Nothing else existed at that particular time; only the diamond scull and I.

And while I drove back home, I blissfully realized. Driving - yes it IS awesome. But its nowhere close to the high that sculling gives me.

Helplessness!!!

2011-07-26T15:58:00.003+05:30

"Give me a chance", I said. She smirked! "What would it take?” I added. Silence! And then, don’t know if I heard it correct, she replied,

"I bestow and I seize;

I do both, as I please!

Riot, Cry or Beseech;

Your life is merely on a lease!"

What do you do? How do you react?

Everything can be reasoned out. Each task can be scheduled. You can be in contol. Or can you? Life, as it is, has more googlies in its arsenal than I could have imagined. She is the most unbelievable leveler.

It has always been about plans. Plan A, Plan B and so many more! Short Term, Mid Term and Long Range! Then comes the trick and I am astounded. It is strange how some things make you feel so dumb. It is like being a mere nobody in the vast expanse of the universe. You associate so many actions and feelings with small things around you. And then destiny plays her bugle and all you can do is just listen.

Ask, no, DEMAND for explanations. Run around for reasons. But come back to the same corner from where you started, all by yourself!

Defeated? No! Humbled? Totally!

What do you do then? Derive your strength from wherever you think you can and go on. What else!

Noone's Reading

2011-06-09T20:14:00.002+05:30

I usually reacted spontaneously while at ITC. And I learnt over time that it might help to “think before you act”. So, when I was told during a recent appraisal that I am diplomatic, it was not a surprise. However, it was also said that maybe I should jump the fence at time. That was the surprise! With this somewhere in the back of my mind; I sit down today to write about something I discussed with a friend. And beware, this one is uncensored.

Traveling quite a bit across India, I learnt early on that there is this significant difference between North and South Indians. Beyond any caste or class classifications, there sure are these primary differences in the 2 breeds. South Indians are a lot more God Fearing; they are sincere, hardworking and not to forget a lot more cleanliness-loving (just go and compare railway stations across India, you would agree). North Indians on the contrary are more confident about themselves, brash; they show off and are loud mouths in general. With these biases I went to a premier B-school. Mind you, futures CEOs go to such places. And I thought, “Hey, there would be SO much to learn here”.

I guess the deterioration of images of the “to be CEOs” started off with the Orientation week itself. Initially, I was taken aback by the sheer achievements of people around me. For my section’s performance we had these amazing musicians, dancers and what not (on paper only) who came in to take a lead. If you ask me, our performance was mediocre to say the least and I know people who gave much better performances in relatively more private setting over the next one year. Then came the sports; it was so damn hilarious to see self-declared state and national level players (on paper again) bite dust (literally AND figuratively) on actual playgrounds.

The story continued when people started organizing worldwide events, being part of study groups, ELPs and the like. “ALL talk and no steam” became - like - a norm. Most people around you seemed like that. Club committee members were never present for club meetings. “I don’t know why it has not happened, I had sent an email” was amongst the classics that I encountered. And one of THE best would be one gentleman going up to a one of the leading banks which was interviewing for operations roles and saying “hey, take this resume to the interviewer and tell him I want an interview with him for an I-banking role only”. Give them a break loser!

And your guess if correct, the dude was a North Indian. However, what I now think is that North or South Indian does not really matter. A significant chuck of the societies that I am exposed to (I should have adhered to some caution here, but whatever!) lives in a pseudo world with inflated self-perceptions. I keep seeing and hearing about dudes and dudettes opening their mouths without any concern for correct or incorrect. So many credits are taken for work never done. A lady sleeping with a man married to someone else speaks about how people do not know how to behave. And I am like, “huh???” They talk about ethics, morals and values without having any.

So, now you’d ask me what’s MY problem! Why don’t I just live and let live? You know what, there no problem; but “live and let live", met too!!!

Big Fish in a Small Pond

2011-04-11T21:06:00.005+05:30

I read an article about small fish/big fish and was wondering what exactly is the better thing! This is the perspective of a fish in a small pond.

Agreed that the learning in a small pond could be much higher. People are open to ideas and opinions are respected, if not always considered. You can create systems for yourself and others. Propose and take up new activities, responsibilities. One important advantage could be the opportunity of exposure to multiple functions of the organisation. The growth no doubt is much higher in the smaller pond. I have experienced this in both a new business of a big organisation and a relatively small organisation.

However, there are other aspects of the small pond that might not be all that pleasant. For one, it is a lot more hard work. A lot of times, work is not at all defined. You might actually reinvent the wheel a lot of times. I feel that there is no way that you can read about/assimilate best practices all the time. Resources could be meager and you might end up spending time just making ends meet. You might feel direction-less at times. It does require a good amount of self motivation.

Having said that, I would still go with the 'big fish in a small pond' approach any day. One, because being in such scenarios for more or less all my professional life, I think I am more comfortable with the ambiguity. And two, because I personally feel that in the long run, a small pond does make one "battle-ready".

These Small Triumphs I tell you...!!!

2011-03-10T00:09:00.003+05:30

We poke our hands and newspapers into the neighbour's space in flights. We rush to those preferred places in the local train. We have to overtake the other vehicles on the road. And arguments? Well, we just have to win them, no matter who is right! Most times it is only about that small elated feeling that you have when you "defeat" someone else.

Premjeet Gaikwad is no shrink! But at times I wonder what this is all about. I am sure people from Section E shall always remembers those "I am a national football player" type claims. Every other person's resume says s/he can play the guitar. I think food inflation should not be such a major concern; we are all used to seeing profile "inflations" for ages.

What is it that makes us behave like this? Is it the perfect act that we otherwise play at our work places? Are we just looking to let our guards down and get back at someone? Anyone who is dominate-able in such a case! Does the frustration of having to work with a jerk as a boss get let off on a unsuspecting maid/vendor?

If only majority of us imbibe that rare quality called patience within us. If only we could keep emotions from one aspect of our lives away from the other aspects. Could we then stop looking for those small little triumphs in extremely irrelevant situations? Would the correct argument then prevail rather than the louder one? Or is it that as humans, we need those vices to keep our faith in the occasional virtues that come across in our paths!

Random thoughts, I wont justify...I merely Rest my case...!!!

Up in the Air

2010-07-13T23:18:00.004+05:30

Its been 3 hectic weeks now. And I am already doing some good work. I think I am doing too much too early. However, Hari thinks I shall be able to cope up. Lets see how things shape up.

A significant thing however is the traveling. I did not expect to travel so much. The nice and cozy house in Mumbai is only waiting for me to live in it. Haven't been able to really experience it. Even right now am at the Hyderabad airport waiting for a flight which is delayed like crazy.

Don't know why but the movie "Up in the Air" keeps coming to my head right now. Cant remember how many miles George Clooney talked about, but I think I should have a target for myself as well. I think I shall soon regain my previous Jet Privilege status and surpass that too. Am thinking of activating my dormant Kings Club account as well.

Well that all from me right now. Liking the traveling as of now. More for the vast variety of people I am meeting. Awesome learning. Like Hari says, no one can teach you better than your customer.

Cheese Onion Uttappa

2010-04-26T16:59:00.004+05:30

The transition has been slow. However, it has been a great leap from the time when I used to love the “cheese onion uttappa” that they serve in Vaishali. I still remember thinking innumerable times before actually treating myself to that dish while I was studying engineering. This particular uttappa used to cost me Rs. 30 then and hence the expense (huge for me then) used to be reserved for some special times. There were times when I actually calculated the number of times I would walk half way home to save some money for that small little delight.

I am sure there are souls who just might not be able to relate to what I am trying to say out here. But, life as it is, is not a bed of roses for each one of us. I have had my share of good moments, yes I have! But, the bad times significantly outweighed the good ones. My engineering memories mostly include hour long waits at 2 different bus stops because I took 4 buses a day to commute to college. Then there were the walks from an “x” place to “y” place. Those always left me with the little extra cash that I needed for various reasons. And then there were those “you carry on, I have work I need to finish” statements made when friends went out to eat or something like that.

These and such thoughts crossed and re-crossed my mind when I went to Vaishali a couple of days back. For one, I am in my home town at leisure after ages. And getting to sit alone in Vaishali devouring my “cheese onion uttappa” is almost impossible in normal circumstances. Sitting there all by myself I thought of where I come from and where life has taken me. I mean, it is still a beginning. There is still so much more to do. But the difference between that guy who desperately wanted his engineering course to get over so he could start earning and the one right now between ISB and a new beginning is huge.

Life has been generous…!!!

Not just a Study Group

2009-11-30T02:01:00.006+05:30

Well, its been ages since I wanted to organize a lot of stuff (online and offline). The last 3 term breaks were not really "breaks" in the correct sense of the term. All sorts of commitments kept me away from the menial tasks that make me feel comfortable with myself. Finally today I felt relieved when the last of my things went to their right places.

However, like it sometimes happens, I went over certain things which reminded me of the last few terms. And, the thoughts left a certain hollow within. The “enthu-cutlets” are no more. Just 4 terms, a rush towards nothing, a little impatience here and a little enthu there! Apu, Chacha, Nikhil, I and Kangaroo Rajat became more of friends who hung out than study group mates.

With the kind of backgrounds we come from, there was no way we could have met anywhere else but in ISB. Ours must be the only group who took sadistic pleasure in public embarrassment of the others in the group. Oh! How Apu (the lawyer) and I kept hurling unpleasantries at each other! Rajat was forever the “soft” target and Gautam “Chacha” must never have faced obscenity at such a level from people almost a generation younger to him. And, what should I say about Nikhil. He was targeted from day 1 for being a “smooth operator”. We were seldom on the same plain while studying. But when it was party time, we were ALWAYS in rhythm. Never to miss a party, our camaraderie was always at its peak during such events.

And, now when I look back (though is hardly been about 2 months), I feel the pinch of not being a full time “cutlet”. I know we all will be in various parts of the country within less than 5 months. God knows what organizations we would be taking to the gutters. But, I hope we get the time to come back and relive some of these moments. I miss you guys.

Sleepless Nights and the Peacocks

2009-08-19T04:33:00.005+05:30

Once again, the same old story! I kept fighting with my sleep and trying to complete the Corp Fin assignment and the Entrepreneurship survey. And why?

I had a long day today. After classes, Apu and I met Anand Agarwal (in Ankit biscuits) as we are about to finish the entrepreneurship report that we are writing on him and his business. It took us a long time and by the time I came back, my ELP (Experiential Learning Project) Group was ready to take some more time out of my already miserable life. We booked the tickets for going to Delhi in this term break to meet the Indian Railway Officials.

So, one thing led to the other and yet again, here I am. Up and awake at 04:38 am. And every time I stay up post 3, there is this commotion I hear behind my quad. The peacocks start screaming for some unknown reasons. I used to like it a lot initially. Now, I could do without it.

The Football League

2009-08-17T23:31:00.009+05:30

The Football league finally came to an end yesterday. And we did not do too well! The first of its kind, the Football League in ISB was formed in Term 3. We have 5 teams named the Blazing Reds, the Icy Blues, the Lightning Blacks, the Wild Greens and the Golden Rays (the best team, MY team! :-) ).

It was a term full of some exiting football where each team played all the other teams to secure a place in the semi-finals. We played the final do-or-die qualifier with the Wild Greens to beat them 1-0 and entered the semis. However, by this time, we had found our momentum (since we are made of players who have never played together before, it did take us some time to play as one unit).

The final and the match for the 3rd place were held on Sunday, the 16th of August. The match for the title, between the Blacks and the Blues was a thriller. Blacks were leading 2-0 when Viegas, the magician, kicked a beauty to reduce the lead. The match ended 2-2 and there was no decision in the extra time too. Even the penalty shoot outs were 4-4. By that time, all of us were dying with anticipation. Finally the Blues scored over the Blacks in the sudden death to win the title in a match that could have gone either way.

Then WE had our match for the 3rd place. Like I mentioned earlier, we were finally playing as a team. We went in to take a 2-0 lead. Ajay Paul, our captain, scored with a curving kick from the half line. The Reds were no less though. They evened with us to make the score 2-2. However, Ajay once again got through them to make it 3-2. And then, with 8 minutes left in the match, the last of our balls joined its counterparts on the terrace of the recreation centre. We must have kicked almost 5 balls onto that inaccessible terrace and we had to call off our match for that silly a reason!

Though we were leading, we were declared a joint 3rd. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!! And that’s how the football league's season 1 ended for me. I am eagerly waiting for Term 5, when the teams shall lock their horns for the next battle!

Faculty - Term 1

2009-06-07T01:31:00.005+05:30

Which school is better ISB or IIM (A/B)? There can not be a straight answer to this question. These schools are different in so many ways that there can never be a like to like comparison between them. However, within one term in ISB and I know at least one area where ISB should be way ahead. The faculty! ISB has already exposed me to some of the best professors that I have seen in my whole life. Bruce Allen is the one that I personally adore. He is the Professor of Business and Public Policy, Regional Science, and Transportation at Wharton and also the Director of the Wharton Transportation Program. He is one of the visiting faculties that we have here at ISB.

Prof. Allen taught us Microeconomics. The first interaction that we had as a class with him was one email that he sent to all of us. Usually all class related communication is already in the course details and additional information is sent by TAs. I especially liked the gesture that the Prof. himself sent out an email to the class. However, as we were to learn soon, Prof. Allen himself sent all his communication to us. The following lines in the first email kind of gave me jitters and I was curious to see this guy. “…..Otherwise, there’s nothing else to do except come with a healthy appetite for learning (this has a double meaning as you’ll soon see!) and discussion.”

The first time I saw him, he came across as a giant. He must be taller than 6 feet and has a very domination presence in class. Because of his stature and the beard, for a moment I could not help but think that he must be a biker by passion and must own a Harley Davidson or something like that. :-) But, the best thing about him is his energy. He must be close to 60 yrs of age and yet he still reeks of energy and enthusiasm. His syllabus was vast. But, it was the most interesting part I learnt in ISB till date. Game theories were so much fun because of the unique style he explained them in. And I have never understood an alien concept like I understood insurance and warranty. The man was just too good in class.

Then there were Mark Finn and John Zhang from Kellogg and Wharton respectively. Both were amazing in their own ways. Mark Finn made Financial Accounting extremely easy to understand and implement because of his systematic teaching. He understands accounting practices in just about any place on the face of the planet. And he gave some very interesting examples from around the globe. Whereas as John Zhang has this amazing sense of humor. He uses that to quote some crazy stuff which eventually helps imprint the concepts on the subject in your minds. His last class on marketing communication is etched on my mind and I think it shall stay there for a long long time.

Would I be able to learn from such people anywhere else? I don’t think it is possible. And this is what I guess makes ISB unique. This opportunity to learn from the best of different schools around the world adds so much to our learning experience.

Mid Terms – Term 1

2009-05-17T02:22:00.008+05:30

“When senior managers in a corporate commit blunders they like to term these mistakes as Learnings”. (Leeeeaaaarrrrrnnings – as Mr. Ramesh Samudrala would like to put it!). I had some instances in my professional life when I could relate to the above comment. I don’t know what others would feel about it nor am I going to ask. It better is left for everyone to read and smile to himself.

Let me come to the issue at hand. We got our course packs for the first term in ISB and that was the first time I kind of heard the words “mid-terms”. Anything that read “exams” was too far off as we had just begun our course. I was more exited about the fact that I would be learning new subjects like Marketing Management, Financial Accounting and Managerial Economics. I had statistic in my blood. So that was not a worry at all.

New people, new subjects, new ways of learning and birthday dunkings were the major attractions for me. Then there were also lectures to attend, presentations of clubs and such activities that were equally important. I was under the impression that I had a whole year to get accustomed to this new life that I am in.

The pre-reads for classes kept getting postponed in the other activities that I tried to be a part of. I sat at the LRC for studies and made some new friends there too. Everything was going fine. Except the fact that the so called distant mid-terms were not so distant anymore! One fine day I (most of us in the class of 2010 actually) realized that the mid-terms were like just around the corner. And thus started the desperate attempt to catch up!

Believe me, nothing changed much. I still had the same number of classes per week. The amount of pre-reads was no different. Activities other than classes were also more or less similar. What really changed was that I had to also cope up with everything I had missed in the earlier 2 weeks. And boy! It was not possible. Not for me at least.

This resulted in the same old desperate attempt behind studies. Sleepless nights, selective studies and a feeling that I was better off with my job (this struck me more often that the others). I mean we all are used to the grind, but is that what I am doing an MBA for? Whatever happened to value addition! I had a real bad week. And a mid-term which could surely have been much better! Hence, I am scribbling on this online space.

If I want to be a manager, let me like some managers that I have met in the past call my behavior in before the mid-terms a leaaaaaarrrrrrning. I know that if I repeat this, if will be unforgivable. But, just for the sake of the first time, allow me to call it a ‘learning’. So here is the summary of my learning. ‘There are loads and loads of things that can be done at ISB. But, you can not do them all. You got to prioritize. (I know everybody knows that, but there is a saying in Marathi. “Kalatay Pan Walat naahi” – though you understand that you should not do something, you can’t help and do it nevertheless). So prioritize. And if grades is among your priorities, dude study! Grades won’t come easy here. If you leave something for tomorrow, leave it assuming that the tomorrow is never coming. Whatever you leave, is gone.

There is another saying that I would like to bring your attention to. Preaching is easier than practicing. I have tried giving myself some gyaan here. But, I hope I do not sit after the term – 1 exams and type similar things all over again. If I do, then there is no difference between me and the managers that I do not want to follow. And if that is truly the case, then I do not deserve to be in ISB.

To end: the ISB experience is too prodigious. God, just give us the strength to focus our energies on what is the best for us.

Of Birthdays and Dunkings.

2009-05-12T01:44:00.015+05:30

You come to ISB and realize that there is this awesome ritual of dunking people into the school's swimming pool on the eve of their birthdays. Great practice, and a very good way of bonding. Supposedly in a corporate way! But I, in particular, never really liked this "oh so formal" way of celebrating birthdays. What happened to wishing like men? What happened to raising people in mid-air and bashing them till their chairs are out of shape? I was dejected!!!

And, then comes 12/05/2009. Vinit's Birthday! Vinit (Garg; Section E) is that one guys who is always at the forefront when it comes to having a gala time. Be it the dunking sessions or the gate-crashing of parties, our man is always a sport. And when it is the birthday of such a guy, it is only obvious that the celebrations have to be unique. Hence, a plan was chalked out.

I found if very difficult to finalize a gift for him. After pondering over it for hours, I thought of the best gift I could give to a friend in ISB. How many people in the Class of 2010 will actually end up with swollen as*es on their birthdays? Hardly anyone, right? So, then is this not a unique gift for a unique person? The best part is that, it would also be very hard to forget such a special gift. :-) Believe me, not every one is open to taking multiple kicks that are being hammered on his behind. You have to have loads and loads of _____ to undergo such plight. And, who else would be the idle guy but Vinit?

And so, as usual, we reached the pool at around 11:45 pm. Me and Apu have not been playing football for some time now. So we started warming up for the kicking session. I wanted to score the maximum today and hence was extremely keen about stretching before the onslaught (kaun mar raha hain, aur kaun onslaught face karne ki baat kar raha hain...). I even wore my shoes for the occasion. :-)

Nevertheless, by the time people arrived, we were more than ready for the bumps session that happens the "good old" way. Sushant happened to provide a detailed explaination for the same earlier. Here it is…

"Another version in India practiced usually among boys is to hold the arms and legs of the birthday boy, and kick him in the buttocks with or without shoes. This can be done gently, or in a manner which causes pain depending on the level of frustration the kicker has on the kicked. The belief is that all anger and bitter feelings which the kickers have on the kicked are vented and forgotten on the birthday of the kicked - wikipedia".

Satiety!!! Have you known it? Can it be better than a group of "men" deriving sadistic pleasure out of birthday bashing a friend? Not at all...With each kick, Vineets face changed expression. From a wide grin while being lifted up, to a "Please! I have had enough" expression after numerous kicks, it was great fun to watch the various forms his face took. Thanks Vinit for being such a sport and giving us a chance to celebrate in the fashion in which we did. And I hope we have many more celebrations like today. What a Birthday...!!!

Life at ISB Begins...!!!

2009-04-16T22:32:00.008+05:30

The last few days of my job were really hectic. However, I did pull out some time to go through some emails written by fellow admits to ISB. And for a lot of reasons, I was disappointed. I was wondering whether the class would actually have people such as I kept reading on the yahoo group.

Then I went home and did not have any time whatsoever for apprehensions. Finally the day arrived. I came to ISB in the morning on 11th April 2009. I was extremely happy with my quad. My room is in a cosy corner of SV-3 and I ended up having good quad-mates. The quad itself is amazing. I think I shall have a very comfortable year agead on that front. The first day was registration day and it was quite smooth. The usual buzz around was, "Hey, whats your name, where are you from and whats your work experience???". When you see so many new people it gets really difficult to remember who was who. Met lots of people through out the day. (Also got a shock when Anish told me he would not be joining.)

From 12th onwards my life has been on the run. Studies haven't started yet. However, the previous batch has organised a great orientation week for us. The lectures do get quite boring. However, instead of the arbit introductions, we got to meet a limited groups of people through various activities such as the team building and treasure hunt. I must say that the last week did help me know some people in a significant way, exposed me to lot more things about ISB and kinda helped me get a feel of what my year ahead is going to be. The 2009 batch did do a good job of getting us to ISB.

And as far as my apprehensions are concerned, they all died after coming here. A significant number of students are still from the IT background. However, the sheer variety of the work experiences is amazing. I came across some people who really made me say, "Wow, this guy is good." There are people from SO many walks of life. And its not the end yet. I have hardly met people here. There are 576 of them and I am hoping to make some ever lasting friendships with some real achievers. I had an idea that ISB would add significant value to me. But, now I think ISB is going to surpass all my expectations.

A reason to smile...ISB

2009-02-12T18:59:00.006+05:30

10/02/2009:

I was to take a treat from my sister on 10th February for the much anticipated admission from Kenan-Flagler. Though I had told her to wait till the results were out, she had already made the plans. After being rejected, I tried cancelling the plan. She was adamant saying that I at least had one admit in hand. I did not want to hurt her feelings. So, we decided to stick to the plan of the treat. And, did I get a reason to celebrate?

ISB results were to come today. Anish had got his result at 09:30 PM in the first round. Hence, I was expecting that I would also get mine at some similar time. Because of the turn of events with Kenan, I was expecting a reject from ISB too.

It was 6PM in the evening. And, I got another shocker. However, this time it was the other way round. ISB had accepted me to their Class of 2010. AND the more important fact was that no one else from ITC Foods got through in this round. What an ego booster! Yes, a lot is about good luck. But, I could derive a lot of pleasure from things such as the looks of appreciation from Mr. Kanchan and the reaction of disbelief from Mr. Dutta. Felt really nice! Thank you ISB for that.

I still haven’t decided if ISB is a better option or not. Should I go to the US? Or should I stay back. The decision is tough. I actually started off preparing for the GMAT considering ISB alone. My research drew me closer and closer to the US MBA. ISB became only a back up. And now, I am back at square one with ISB again coming across as probably the best option for me.

I think I shall end up is ISB. It is just a question of another few days before I take the final call.

The ISB Interview.....One memorable experience!!!

2009-01-28T15:38:00.013+05:30

A complete stress interview! That is what the ISB experience was for me. I travelled to Hyderabad and reached there on 22nd itself as I had the interview on 23rd morning at 09:40 AM. I had read a some online forums and had spoken to few people about what exactly I should do. However, like someone just mentioned to me some time back, you can never be totally prepared. And that is what happened when I spoke to Gaurav in the night. I thought I was really ill-prepared for the interview. But, there was nothing I could do about it on 22nd night and hence decided to take some rest instead of worrying too much.

By the morning of the interview I was at ease with the fact that I would not really be as prepared as I would want to be. The check-in at the gate was much better than my last visit in March 2008. They were expecting me this time. Went to the waiting lounge and there were already 3 guys there. None of them looked very comfortable. Just like the guy that I am, I introduced myself and tried striking a conversation with them. There were 2 panels and the other 2 had their interviews at 10:20 AM. I dont remember the names of all, but there was a guy from Infosys, an ex-Infiite who is now working in Oracle and another one from HPCL. Till about 09:35 AM no one came to call us to the admissions department. Hence, finally me and Srikant (the guy from HPCL) went down to be just in time for the interviewers to come searching for us.

The word for the day was 'Tedious'. I could not even think before a young guy came asking for me. He must have been an Alumni or something like that. I shall call him INTWR 01. He first said that I could complete my essay on the given word and then he would call me. And within a fraction of a second, he said maybe I could actually give the interview and then write the 100 word essay.

As I entered the small room, I saw a familiar face. I had met Llewellyn Desouza last year when I had visited ISB all by myself. I shall call him INTWR 02. I told him about meeting him earlier and he wanted to know about it. Seemed like a good start.

INTWR 02: So Premjeet,what biscuits are you making these days?
I mentioned that Glucose is the major part of our production and told him about Golden Bakery and its imitation that Britannia did. However, added that the focus of the business right now is on how we are making what we are making.

INTWR 02: You recommendations say that you have achieved targets under stringent timelines. How do you manage to do that?
Answer: I gave him the example of the 'pregnant woman' and then elaborated on the work I had done in Disha Foods. How I accomplished a very difficult task in just about 5 days. I also told him about my usual approach towards the erection crews that come to site. Maybe my personal rapport with them makes them go out of their way when I need them.

INTWR 02: How many people do you lead in a project?
Answer: Told him about the way we function at site and also about the contract manufacturer’s team.

While I was answering this, another gentleman joined us. I shall call him INTWR 03. Like the others, he just gave me his first name. When he was seated, the room was more or less like 3 interviewers in 3 corners and me in the centre. This arrangement was to put me in a lot of trouble a little later in the interview.

INTWR 02: Take an example. Britannia has come up with a product that is working really well in the market. What would be your strategy for ITC?
Answer: Just like my usual self, I started answering immediately. INTWR 02 asked me to take my time and think. I took a moment but stayed firm on my decision to replicate the product. I told him that it is the visibility of that product that I would work on.

I think this was the answer which kind of changed the nature of the interview. I think they were not satisfied and I gave them a reason to take my case. Till now they were just asking me questions. From the next question onwards they really started grilling me.

INTWR 02: What makes you different?
Answer: I always thought that this question is the one which really gives me an edge. However this time around I was wrong. I started by giving them the example of the “jack of all and master of all” version. INTWR 02 seemed to be laughing sarcastically. I was a little uncomfortable because of that. However, I tried to tell him that you have a guitarist, then a class topper and a sportsman in a class. Usually all of them are separate. I am that one guy who is doing all this together and also beating everybody at it. There was a lot of cross questioning, but they did not seem to be satisfied.

The next thing that I remember is INTWR 01 finally changing the subject by asking the following.
INTWR 01: Where do you derive the motivation for your energy?
Answer: This was another googly for me. I had never thought about such a question. I mean I know what my motivation is. I know that my energy levels are my professional advantage. But, how could someone ask me the motivation for my energy. However, I tried to blend the answer with my achievements in school. Told him maybe it was the fact that I could do just about every thing is school and be the best at it which has left me with a feeling of never being satisfied. I keep doing/learning new things constantly because of this feeling. And the energy then comes naturally.

INTWR 02: What are your plans after ISB?
Answer: This is when I finally felt that I am giving an interview for admission to a B-school. Told him about my career aspirations.
INTWR 02: What are the firms that you would like to work for?
Answer: While giving an answer, somewhere I mentioned about reading the ISB website thoroughly and then mentioned McKinsey, BCG, Bain an Booz.
Even before I finished this, INTWR 03, who had been more or less an observer by then jumped in very aggressively and asked me if I had read the name BAIN on ISB’s website.
I didn’t know what to say. But, collected myself and told him that Bain was among the top 5 consulting firms and hence I am eyeing them. However, as far as reading the ISB website is concerned, I mentioned it because ISB will help me understand the skills sets required for each of these firms and whether I have those inherent qualities to make it in one of these firms.

INTWR 03: Only about 5% of the class gets into top consulting firms. What if you don’t? What is your plan B?
Answer: It was time to talk about ITC. I told him that I have been only in ITC and hence don’t know too much in details about other companies. However, if not consulting, I would like to get into general management roles in an organization like ITC. Told him why.

INTWR 01: You meet the McKinsey Head in an elevator and he gives you 1 minute to speak about why he should recruit you. What would you say? Assume that you have passed out from ISB then.
Answer: Boy! This was bad. I was just not prepared for this. (Later Krishnan told me that he was told in his training about such a question). However I had never come across anything even remotely similar in anything that I have read till date.I thought awhile and starting thinking loudly about how I would develop the speech.
INTWR 03: Don’t justify. Speak as if INTWR 01 is the McKinsey head and talk to him for a minute.
I then looked directly at INTWR 01 and addressing him talked about my interest in learning new things and my problem solving skills and the fact that I am from ISB.
INTWR 02: Why do you need to talk to Rajat Gupta about ISB? He is the one who has started ISB.
INTWR 01 to INTWR 02 – Maybe he does not know that Rajat Gupta started ISB.
ME: I do know that Rajat Gupta founded ISB. However I only know that he is a partner in the firm. I did not know that he is heading McKinsey.

INTWR 02: Every other guy who comes here talks about having an interest in learning new things. What is it about you then that’s unique?
Answer: Told him that I don’t just have an interest in learning new things, but I have also proved that interest. Gave him the example of managing to learn the guitar all by myself and the example of learning the diamond scull in COEP.

INTWR 02: How would you rate yourself in problem solving skills on a scale of 10?
Answer: Did not want to undergo any more cross questioning and hence maintained a low profile. Told him maybe 7 or 8. Then corrected my answer and told him I would be more precise by saying 8 out of 10.

INTWR 01: What exams did you give in your 12th standard?
I told them that for engineering colleges in Pune you do not have to give any competitive exams. You get admission based on your 12th standard marks. But I had given the NDA exams. I started explaining but stopped in between and asked them if I could go on and tell them why I did not join. After INTWR 02 nodded his agreement I explained the situation.

INTWR 01: Even my mother did not allow me to go in the Armed Forces. Are Indians more afraid?
Answer: I asked him if he meant it with a reference to Israel’s reaction in the Gaza Strip.
INTWR 01: Yes precisely.
Answer: I mentioned the book ‘Exodus’. None of them had read it. I gave them a background about how Israel came to be and mentioned that people there have seen difference situations since generations. And the second thing is that India has a nuclear power as its enemy unlike Israel. Hence, Indians can not react the way the Israelis do. I would not say we are more afraid. It is just that Indians are more careful.

INTWR 02: Is there anything that you would like to ask us? Talked about the Wharton Consulting Practicum. Told them I had talked to existing students. And then also tried to understand how ISB would accommodate the increase in the number of students this year.

This was more or less how it went. I have tried to mention the question in a very structured manner. However, this is not exactly how the questions came. I was interuppted a lot of times while giving the aswers. One question would be asked my INTWR 02 and while answering that INTWR 03 would catch a word I said and cross examine me with that. The way they were sitting in the room had me moving all around in my chair. All in all, it was a very stressful 35 minutes. I am not sure about the outcome. From the way it actually went, I think the interview could have been better. All my preparation went down the drain. They asked me unexpected questions and kept me on my feet. However, I think my respect for ISB has only increased post the interview.

Tirupati Balaji - My trip to Tirumala

2008-12-23T15:04:00.009+05:30

It all began with the GMAT score. I don’t know what it was, but for the whole of the week before my GMAT, 720 was the figure in my head. And guess what! 720 is what I got. I was elated. Not so much because of the score. But, because I felt I could actually gauge where I stood with the hectic schedule of my work.

That’s when I thought of visiting Tirupati Balaji. I had a tough time finding the means to visit Tirumala. If anyone comes across this blog from Tirumala visit point of view, please check the date of this blog. Even I had come across a blog which was written in 2006. It gave some genuine information about the options available. But, when I went to book my tickets, none of the mentioned options existed.

FYI…KSRTC and APSRTC have BOTH stopped their package tours for Tirupati Balaji Darshanam. However, they still have buses going to Tirumala. The darshan is your responsibility. There are a lot of private operators in Kalasipalyam, Anandrao circle and CMH road. But, what I heard from people about them was not very pleasant. Finally there are only two options that I think make sense for working individuals like me.

If you don’t have a limitation of weekend visits only, ITDC still has a package tour. They have one day packages from Monday to Thursday. The cost is Rs. 1400/- per person (Only travel and darshan along with 2 laddoos and a water bottle; the food is your own expense). They do not operate these one day packages on week ends. But, they do have a 3 day package tour for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I went to their office on CMH Road to book.
If you are looking for a one day trip and that too on a week end, The Tirupati Devasthanam counter is a better option. Tirumala Devasthnam has an office in Malleshwaram. Each person who wants to visit will have to go to this office, give a finger impression and book a time for the darshanam. Then you can travel to Tirumala by the KSRTC buses. Though this is also a good option, you need to look for options to get fresh before going into the temple. (This should not really be an issue there). The Tirupati devasthanam can be contacted at 080-2331-5361 from 9 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 4 pm only. The address and other details are at http://www.tirumala.org/ttd_board_informationcentres.htm

As far as I am concerned, since I was working on Sundays, I was fine with the option of ITDC. I booked a ticket to travel on 21/09/2008 night. This way I would be taking the Darshan on 22/09/2008 (Monday) morning and would reach Bangalore the same day in the evening.

The ITDC office from where the bus starts off is the first problem that people may face. When I was told that it is close to Anand Rao Circle, I too made the mistake of getting down at Anand Rao circle itself. Most of the tours and travel office are located around this circle. But, the ITDC office is not here. It is about 1 kilometer away from Anand Rao Circle on the way to the race course. Keep looking to the left hand side and you will find the Swiss Complex as the only decent building in the midst of small intermittent constructions. The address of the office is G-10, No.33, Swiss Complex, Race Course Road, Bangalore 560 001. The telephone numbers are 2238-3361 / 62 / 2226-8748 / 2235-0529. For booking ITDC has offices all around Bangalore.

The journey began more or less in time around 9:45 PM. The bus was an okay type of an AC Volvo. My comments about it would be neutral as I have seen much better. But, most people would call it good. They don’t stop for dinner. Hence, it is advisable to eat something beforehand. At around 2:30 AM we reached a hotel some ½ hrs away from Tirumala. This place was not great. But, manageable considering the fact that you would be sleeping just over a couple of hours and then would get fresh and travel early in the morning at 5:30 AM towards Tirumala.

The first stop is the Padmavati temple at the foot of the sacred hills. Because of the time at which we entered the temple, we got the early morning “aarti” here. I felt really great in that atmosphere. Early morning, still dark, the ringing of the bells, beating of the drums and the essence in the air; extremely soothing! Then we moved to have our breakfast. Post this we abandoned the Volvo bus (kept our heavy bags inside though. I even left my cell phone here) and moved into a smaller local bus to climb up the hills. Once at the top, the tour operators took some people who wanted to offer their hair to the relevant place and the rest went to a spot near the Balaji Temple. We waited there till the interested members had offered their hair and joined us.

Then we all started the small walk towards the peak of the journey. The arrangement of the ITDC guys was flawless. We had absolutely no problem as far as the entrance was concerned. They took us to the appropriate doors, accounted for each member’s entry there and we got into the right lanes to ensure a quick movement till the main temple. The temple, the volume of the renovation activities and the quality of the work left me in awe of the surroundings.

Within about an hour we entered the main door of the temple. This gives another great feeling. The amount of yellow that you see if breathtaking! I wonder how much gold must have gone into making the temple what it is. However, it gives a certain divinity to the place. Going around in a queue along vague circles we finally came to the place which is called a “gaabhaara” in Marathi. This is where I felt that even these guys are concerned about the experience people get after coming here. Recently a ramp has been made in such a way that from the farthest point away from the lord in a straight line, you gradually climb down towards him so that the person behind you is also able to view the face of the Lord from a distance. This surely avoids the feeling that you could not be there for a longer time.

As you approach this ramp, the devotees are in fervor. The pinnacle is near. As I entered the gaabhaara there was uproar of “Govinda!!!! GGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVINDA!!!” The chants kept increasing in length and volume and it surely left me with unexplainable warmth. This I guess is what they call submitting yourself to the divine. The high I felt while taking those few steps closer and closer to Balaji cannot be expressed in words. I am not a very religious person. I do it for my mother. But, even I was overtaken by a sense of content. It took some time for my thoughts to come back to me. I was slowly completing my “pradakshinaa” when I thought that I just had to sit at this place for some time. Believe me, there was a certain fluency in all my body movements for some time. I felt no sense of effort. It was really very satisfying.

Reluctant as I was, I walked back to our meeting spot to travel back. When all of us had gathered, they distributed the “prasaad” and we were on our way. By about 12:30 PM we started towards Bangalore. Had some lunch on the way, stopped in Kolar for tea and still reached Indiranagar at 6:30 PM.

The trip was just great. A decent travel, an adjustable accommodation, a very quick Darshanam and a great feeling after that! Some things in life are just priceless.

World Aids Day

2008-12-01T23:42:00.001+05:30

Love - Yet Again!!!

2008-11-10T14:39:00.005+05:30

Life usually comes back in a full circle. I started this blog with a post titled Love (don’t search for it; I removed that post over time). And then here I am. Venturing into the same topic yet again!

3 years is not such a long time. But, I have changed drastically as a person. Professionally I kept growing and my social life kept diminishing. But, those few people who came into my life left all kinds of impacts. It is difficult to describe what I have become, but today I actually thought about what I have graduated into at a personal front.

What set me thinking was my trip to the airport. I wanted to accompany Malay to the airport where he was going to see his wife and son (Tubba) off to Calcutta. After a hearty meal (they usually feed me till I blast), we were on our way. The atmosphere inside the car was not the usual one. Today somehow all of us were silent. Tubba alone seems to be excited about getting to fly in a craft. Right from the time we reached the airport I started feeling the difference. My trips usually are extremely mechanical. I get into the 5 minute parking lane, sign off the vehicle and walk briskly to the departure terminals. This time, we gave Tubba a ride on the luggage trolley and waited talking for quite some time outside the departure gate.

Things were still not very unusual. It was when Malay’s wife and Tubba went inside to get their boarding pass that my thought process started. (People who are married and those who are normal may not think that the following description is exceptional or anything like that. But, what transfixed there was a catalyst for my brain and being the weird guy that I am, I want to write about it). I think that Malay is a very mature guy. And mature to me also means a person who controls his emotions. I think I saw him lose control. Even when his family was at the counter getting their boarding passes, he was concerned about what Tubba was up to and if things were all right with his wife. The glass structure of the new Bangalore airport enables complete viewing till the passengers go to the floor where security checks happen and we took complete advantage of that fact.

With my usual experiences, I was expecting his wife to take the boarding pass, turn and wave to him, then take the escalators and then waive once more before proceeding for security check. But, boy was I wrong! She came back all the way to the place where we stood across the glass and exchanged sweet nothings with her husband. This was the time I thought they needed to be left alone and I moved away. Fortunately, there is a provision for talking across the glass (I was impressed that this was considered while designing the airport) and they chatted for while. With the departure time nearing, the usual activities followed and Malay kept confirming on his cell till they were through with the boarding. We waited outside the airport for the flight to take off. I found this exceptionally sweet. Just what my dad does whenever he drops me off.

There is an open area besides the airport building from where you can see the aircrafts parked. Fortunately for us the Indigo aircraft was positioned in such a way that they could see us (as 2 orange specs waiving their hands frantically) from their seats when we went towards that area. Again a call to confirm that! Finally the plane moved for take off. The take off was a disappointment though. The plane left the ground such that we could not catch it on camera. During the drive back I was certain that things were normal. But, all of a sudden between the music Malay mentioned that the take off was very disappointing. He was still thinking about it!

Am I capable of that kind of love? Being more precise, will I be able to actually express it to such an extent even if I feel it? Don’t get me wrong. I have done that in the past. I have expressed my feeling in the weirdest and the most unexpected manners. But, I think I have grown over it now. With the kind of people I have met recently, it difficult to let my feelings free. I am always in control and I avoid mushy gestures. I hate not being able to be composed at all times. I think I am able to go out of my way for my parents alone. But, it would be difficult for me to actually wait for an hour for my wife’s flight to take off. I mean I shall always be there for her and all, but to me as a person, gestures like that are a waste of time.

But, then are people like me not mere machines? Being able to portray a composed personality and all that is fine. It is okay to make statements like “I am more mature than that”. However, is love not one of the most beautiful things around? Does it not mean forgetting yourself and letting go. Is it not about being selflessly passionate about some one’s well being? Does looking foolish to the world matter then? Why do I think so much about expressing my feelings? Why do I feel vulnerable in emotion? Am I trapped in a make-believe personality. Is being effective professionally the only aspiration in life? Is this only my problem or are most of the people with my type of lifestyle feeling the same? Are we youngsters today straying away from the real significant aspects of life? (Is that a question too many?)

I know the answers to most of the questions above. The problem is that I am not able to accept them. I am not able to decide my priority right now. I want to stabilize my career first. Love can happen whenever that is done. But, will it not be too late by then? Or will it?

Grrrrr!!! Love! I was never so confused about it before!!!

Change...The Verb and The Noun!!!

2008-07-24T15:08:00.000+05:30

Ethics!!! Whats exactly are they??? In a corporate environment atleast, (strictly speaking about my personal experience only) I think, they do not exist. There is a business plan. In my company it is driven by people. And people make mistakes. So, all that we are doing as of now is fire-fighting. In such situations, you can’t really be fair to everybody. You basically meet the requirement of the business day-in and day-out (for you “business” implies your boss). How is it then that you identify with the individual that you are? What would differentiate you from that colleague of yours? At the end of the day are you both not doing just what is required by someone above you?

Yesterday, I had this discussion with a very senior guy in my organization. The focus of the discussion was survival & growth in an organization. The two things that came across as the basic essentials for growth were 1) A godfather & 2) Change.

Godfather: This one was an amazing book my Mario Puzo and the concept of the Don, Corleone, was very convincing. When I saw the movie, I was amazed at the way the film was made. Not many movies have such minute details from a book so clearly portrayed. All in all, a very alluring topic! But, how does this translate to a corporate work place? What are the reasons for the creation of such work place godfathers and the implications of their existence? In my case, Dominic played something of a Godfather to me. He once saved me from some very grave consequences. And, I shall be always grateful for that. But, coming back to the topic, is having a godfather so necessary for your well being in your company?

There are some clichés that we all talk about at times. “A person with a hand above him has nothing to fear. No matter what he does, up is the only direction that he goes. Etc”. But, why would someone be partial? Is it really all about negativity? If a team licks up to a boss, does he not realize who is genuine and who is not? As a human being, each one of us likes to be pampered. I would obviously be very comfortable if I have some one who constantly agrees to everything that I say and jumps in any direction that I show. But, there is a lot more to it. Beyond the feel-good factor, there is work to be done. If someone is only licking up to the boss and not performing, will he still be a favorite? I mean, I won’t have my brother or sister or a friend to work beside me. There is always a limit to which I can favor someone. And if I do, there has to be a valid reason. Does the same thing not apply to all our bosses? Hence, I think that work should not stop. There is an advantage if your boss if your friend, but I think in the long run, the output is more important. With unhindered dedication to work and a little diplomacy, it shouldn’t really be difficult to befriend any boss. (There are exceptions to everything in life though). Automatically, the edge that butt lickers have, vanishes.

Change: This one is a little complicated. As per the discussion that I have initially mentioned, if you don’t have a so called Godfather, then you need to change (the verb!). Change the person that you are. Blend with surroundings and bend according to the requirements. This is where ethics play a very important role. (Am I trying to convey too much. I think I have lost the link here). I have a set of values. They are a unique set developed over time and my background has a heavy bearing on them. However, after the way I have travelled, I don’t think there are too many things that would shock me. I have learnt to accept that the definitions of right and wrong vary from person to person. In such a condition, do ethics, values, etc. really matter? I may not be able to relate to certain things as an individual, but I have to do them as it is a “business requirement”. Do I stick to my principles then or I do what is necessary? And, if I am not willing to change, is that the end of the road for me?

The classic example here would be our operations. There is no point in going into the details. However, I have seen people change. And I have seen them change drastically. But, I never understood the need of doing so. It is in our natures to take the easier road. But, how long can I take something which I am not comfortable with? Why then, should I not be the change? (the noun in this case). Is there something that we can do to change the environments that we work in? There should surely be a way out. Okay! It could be difficult. Almost like impossible. But, there is always a way.

So, I think that it is essential to maintain your individuality, no matter what you are surrounded by. So, no matter what organization you are working in, what is important at the end of the day is work. Behind all the “calls” that need to be taken and acted upon there has to be a streak of the person that you are. And, if things really don’t seem comfortable, they could be changed in the long term. Though things like values, ethics, virtues etc. seems non-existent, they could be adhered to. Whether you want it or not is the question.

Some feelings and thoughts associated with the incident mentioned in the previous blog

2008-06-26T12:01:00.000+05:30

One of the first things that struck me was the reaction of the villagers to the accident. On the highway from Nagpur to Buti Bori, we have seen so many accidents in all the months that we were there. I can’t even recall the actual number of accidents which involved casualties. Once we even carried a nearly-dead man in our vehicle to the police station. But, in all those months, I have personally not seen any violent reaction to accidents by any of the villagers on that route. What then was so different about this accident in “Sunanda Mod”. (I forgot to mention in the previous blog that this place happens to be very close to Singur.) What did the people there achieve by holding the traffic like they did? Even police were not allowed to interfere. And, did the breaking of all that glass bring back the precious life that was unfortunately taken in that accident? What were the villagers angry about? And what did they expect to achieve by holding the traffic on the highway?

The second thing relates to me as a person. Do I seriously don’t know where to draw the line? I am sure that my endurance level is a little above that of the average individuals around me. When my colleague could not go-on that night, I wondered if I was pressing him too much to carry on. I could have actually walked another 10 kilometers to Dhara fuel station. Even when we did not find our vehicle there, I did not feel depressed or irritated. I was ready to face everything now that we had decided to go to Calcutta. But, I didn’t foresee that the others would not be able to do what I intended to do. Do I have to stop and think about people around me more often? Is my pace in things (generally all things) an inconvenience to others? Should I slow down? Or should I carry on and let my pace & energy brush on to the others? I seriously need to introspect on this aspect of my personality.

Next in line is our driver, Ravi. The way he drove away to safety is really commendable. I can not imagine what would have happened if that angry mob had got possession of our vehicle. But, why would he want to go some 25 kms away and park the vehicle at that petrol pump? The unavailability of a telephone in between could have been a factor, but we did see a lot of telephone booths when we were walking. The fact that the road was blocked is another thing. But, again, the road was not blocked till Dhara. And the most confusing part is the fact that he actually left the spot where he was supposed to wait. When he knew that we were on our way to the vehicle, I fail to see a reason why he should go away. There was no other way for us to contact him.

There is so much more to write. But, since almost two days I have not been able to sit and focus on writing. Being in Bangalore is not exactly a leisure time!!! Too bad I have to let this topic rest here now.

West Bengal will always haunt me!!! - The Incident.....

2008-06-25T12:51:00.000+05:30

Is it a mental block? Or is it destiny? I came to West Bengal with pre-formed opinion. And that opinion was not good. My experiences in Burdwan only fueled my disappointment with West Bengal in general. The cities are dirty, the food is barely manageable, the standard of living is pathetic and the mental frame of people is not right (on the whole).

As if this was not sufficient, I had to have one of the worst experiences in life on my way from Burdwan to Calcutta. 21/06/2008! Among the few days that I may remember for a long long time! Kavinder Singh called upon a certain unit of his army for 2nd appraisal and all hell broke loose. All of us were asked to report to the HO on 23rd. Hence, I left Burdwan to go to Calcutta from where I could fly to Bangalore.

I left Burdwan somewhere around 7:30 pm. As we touched the NH6, rain started pouring. This was among those few times when I don’t like the rains. It would take us longer to reach Calcutta in the rain. The intensity of the showers kept of changing as we moved ahead. The highway from Durgapur to Calcutta is an awesome drive. It is among the newer, well made roads. In all the times that I have travelled on this road, I hadn’t come across a road block. Hence, I was surprised when we faced a jam. Our driver tried a few acrobats to clear the jam. Finally we cleared all the trucks to see two trucks which looked like they had been in an accident. And just beyond these two trucks was a huge mob of about 200 people. The moment they saw our vehicle trying to move ahead, a group of about 20-30 people charged at us. Some of them were carrying stones. By the time we realized what was happening, our vehicle was surrounded by an angry mob chanting something in Bengali. Some told us in Hindi to get down. They said they wanted to take someone to the hospital. When I tried to tell them that we would not mind taking the injured guy to the hospital ourselves, they held my clothes and tried pulling me out. I had no choice, but to submit to their wants. Me, Rohit & the driver got down. Then they realized that they didn’t know how to drive. So our driver was asked to get inside the vehicle and take the vehicle a little further. The moment he sat in the vehicle, our driver hit the accelerator and rushed away to safety in Calcutta’s direction. All that remained was an angry mob and the helpless duo of me & Rohit.

We thought we were dead then. By the time the mob stopped running behind the vehicle and turned to us, we had reached the jam in Burdwan’s direction. All that we thought at that moment is “RUN”. Thankfully we had the jam to hide us. We rushed towards the protection of the clustered trucks. After we lost the crowd, we stopped to collect our thoughts. What could we do? Rohit wanted to go back. I thought that the issue would die down in some hours. But, the worst part was that this particular driver, Ravi, did not carry a cell phone with him. We called his boss, the owner of the vehicle, Mr. Sandeep Banerjee, to inform him. Ravi hadn’t even called him. It was a weird situation. Finally, it was decided that Sandeep would come to pick us up. We would go back to Burdwan for the night.

But, we had about an hour and a little more to kill before Sandeep reached the place. The rain which had kind of vanished in that part of the countryside decided to pour down once again. In the meantime some more vehicles tried to overtake from different sides and clear the affected ‘chowrasta’. Each one was stopped with a huge uproar. Some glasses were broken, some people were manhandled and not even one vehicle was allowed to move ahead. I was thinking that we could enter the area beside the road, walk through the swampy paddy fields, clear the mob at the crossing & go towards Calcutta where our vehicle was. But, things didn’t look conductive enough for that. The rowdies in that mob were stopping all men & machines, even those who tried different routes and modes of going towards Calcutta.

Relieved of our tension by this time, we started talking to people, mainly truck drivers. That is when we got to know the story. Some truck had run over a person from a village near by and killed him. The villagers were so angry that they wanted to hold all the traffic on the highway. (Though it is not clear what they wanted to achieve by doing so!) Two ambulances came and went. The police arrived and drove around. But, the traffic remained at the stand-still. The lines of trucks on the road only kept getting longer.

After some more time, we saw a group of villagers come towards where we were standing. They has seen us well and we thought they might recognize us. We didn’t know what to do. Would we be safe if they saw us? We decided to flee further behind. As we were doing so, we met a driver who looked decent enough. We told him our story and he offered to help. So, we ended up in his truck. The time that we had in the cramped cab of that truck was surprisingly soothing. Both I and Rohit were a bit relaxed inside the truck. And the best part was the protection from the rain. This was the time when we called up people to tell them what happened and got to know from Sandeep that the driver was waiting at a petrol pump 5 kms beyond the crossing. We were close to Sunanda Mod. This is the crossing which goes to village Chichura (Chord-line railway station) to the left and village Belmuri (Main-line railway station) to the right. When the truck driver, Afzal, asked the time it was 10:09 PM.

We talked about our work, Afzal’s business of “walu” and a lot of other things. Then Afzal decided to go ahead and check the situation. We were okay with this and I was thinking that this could be the time when we could actually clear the crowd and go to our vehicle. Afzal didn’t come back for quite some time. It was then that I started worrying about our safety. When we were fleeing the angry mob, I was confident that I could run hard if needed and loose myself in the jam. But, if Afzal were to bring the villagers to the truck, we would have no escape. First time in the evening, I felt a chill run down my spine. I immediately got down, noted the registration of the truck (WB 03 / B 1449) and sms-ed it to Deepak Pillai saying that if we were not traced the next day, he should use this number.

Then we collected our hand bags and decided to try crossing the place where the villagers were standing. Our only worry was that our clothes and the bags would expose us and it could lead to unpleasantries. Still we took a risk and walked about a kilometer to the crossing. Yet again we heard an uproar and saw a group of people hollering in the dark. We turned and fled again. (“Bhaiya, Jaan hain to Jahaan hain”!) As we were walking back, Sandeep called. He had arrived at the rear of the jam. We asked him to come forwards from the right side of the highway to fetch us. We made up our minds to go to Burdwan.

Just as we were getting into the car, I asked Sandeep if we could take just one last chance. (I was desperate to get to Calcutta and catch my flight the next morning). I told him that all that he should do was request the villagers to allow us to cross towards Calcutta on foot. I was sure they had forgotten about the vehicle which escaped. So, again we walked into the hearth. The closer we got, the more my heartbeat rose. This was going to be exiting. But, thankfully, it was not as bad as we had thought. Earlier we did not realize it becasue of the darkness, but some paramilitary forces had arrived at the spot. They were at guard and preventing misbehavior. Its just that the villagers would not allow any vehicle movement. They were saying that the highway would be clear only the next morning.

My joy knew no bounds as we crossed that cursed “Sunanda mod”. All that I was thinking was my flight which I didn’t wanna miss. The vehicle was waiting to take us to Calcutta. But were we mistaken or what! Our car was waiting at Dhara petrol pump. As we walked, we crossed pump after pump and none had any vehicle waiting for us. We kept walking and hoping that the next fuel station would be the one. Thus, we walked about 10 kilometers. (Could have been little more.) All of us were exhausted. Rohit couldn’t go any further. Sandeep and his colleague must have been cursing us. But, the vehicle was not at all traceable. Finally some one told us that Dhara petrol pump was about 10 to 12 kms further from where we were. Everyone, believe me, each one of us gave up at that point.

Fortunately for us, by that time, the villagers allowed the vehicles moving towards Calcutta to go ahead. We tried in vain to hitch a ride with the trucks passing by. Finally, a tempo (small pick-up) stopped and we jumped behind. The guy dropped us at the doomed Dhara petrol pump. And low and behold! Ravi had vanished from there and the car was nowhere to be seen. We were faced with a big question. How do we reach Calcutta now? We offered the guy in the tempo some money and asked him to drop us in Howrah. The guy agreed after some weird negotiation and off we were. That ride is one of the bumpiest rides of my life till date. He left the highway to avoid the toll and took us around the countryside. I could not count the total number, but I am sure I felt every bone in my body rattling. The first time in my life, I even realized what running must be dong to a woman without supports. Man, it was nightmare!

After that body rattling and mind shattering ride, we reached Howrah. It was 2:15 am. I felt very awkward standing with Rohit at his door. If given a choice, I wouldn’t have liked to trouble his family at this hour in the night. But, choice is what we didn’t have. Like all contradictions; in THAT weird hour & with a feeling that I am troubling his family, I had one of the most satisfying meals in the recent past. The dal made by Rohit’s mom tasted like some divine nectar. Even at some 2:30-2:45 AM I hogged before we moved to the solace of a comfortable bed.

It seemed like the end of all suffering and the advent of a comfortable sleep. But, destiny was not on my team that day. Over the Jet IVR, I got to know that cancelling my morning flight was almost next to impossible. So, after a series of calls and after surfing the internet meaninglessly, I decided that I should move right then. By, I couldnt care anything about the fact that I would be leaving my luggage behind. Since I had a 6:15 AM flight and it was already 3:30 AM, I climbed into the only dress I had and left for the airport. I felt really embarrassed about facing Rohit’s family like that. God only knows how they must have taken all the discomfort I caused them.

I reached the airport well ahead of time, at about 4:30 AM. The Jet Airways counter was closed and since I didn’t have a hard copy of my ticket, I could not enter the airport. That’s when I finally slept. I sat on a chair near the entrance of the departure gate and lost my consciousness only to wake up for the usual routine of checking in. Believe me, once inside the Boeing-737, I slept like a log. Only when I reached Bangalore did I realize that I am still alive.

Phew! What a day!

Bangalore Airport

2008-06-18T11:16:00.001+05:30

Huge glasses, Beautiful contours, Spacious walkways, Elegant seating arrangements; just a few things that strike you when you visit the new Bangalore airport. All in all, a state-of-the-art facility. But, when I saw this airport, it reminded me of the Nagpur factory that we built. I think the fate of this airport could be very similar to what happened there.

As I was awaiting my flight to Hyderabad, my eyes kept wandering from one thing to another and my mind went on a journey to my recent observations with regards to what I saw. Here is a jist of what really went on in that idle brain of mine.

The "international airports" at Hyderabad and Bangalore, the not-so-old structures of many software companies, so many new building in the many metros that I have seen; they all speak of the new mantra around. Glass it is! And yes, complex architecchtural designs too! But, are we Indians ready for this change? Technically speaking, I dont think there is any magic in creating such structures. You ask for it, and you will get any structure that you want at its right price.

However, the actual work starts after the structure is built. Who maintains these mammoths? How do you actually keep these building as beautiful as they were built say 3 years from now? Are we equiped for this challenge?

I feel there are two problems which need tp be adressed. Not only by the Bangalore airport officials alone, but even by the new projects that coming up all across India. One is the stringent time-lines. People who know me will say, "there goes Prem again". However, I firmly believe that there is some price that you have to pay for sqeezing on time. Whether you are fine with that price or not is a call that every person has to take. But, pay, you must! The one thing that hit me in the face in this context was the Floor and the Granite. It was extremely evident that the work was done in a jiffy. If I were to certify the job, I would have created a hue & cry over the finishing of the joints between two stones. The granite work is soon going to fall apart and I dont think it would be very convenient to rework in an operational airport. Then comes the ceiling. The POP contours look so appealing. But, a closer look tells you that they needed a little more attention. The surface could have been much smoother. These and many maore are all small things, which not many people would notice. But, they do matter as far as perfection is concerned. And without perfection, how can we compare ourselves to the west, which we try to imitate so much?

Then comes the second problem. The next level after a structure is made. The maintenance! One of the first things that I noticed at the airport was the size of most of the glasses used. Huge!!! And, the immediate follower was the dirt on the glasses. It seemed that no one had bothered to clean those glasses for a week at least. The dirt at most of the joints in the granite was another attraction. Are any of those big profile designer/architects thinking about the sustainability of the products of their designs? Does no one think about how these things would look if they were not 'kept' properly? Lifts made of toughened glass, glasses at 50 feet above the ground; god, the list was never ending! Do we have the resources for the up keep of things which we are creating? Or do we even have the mentality to use such properties as they should?

What I fail to understand is the basic need to imitate all that is present in the west. (That is what, I assume, is happening.) And is complexity another name of beauty or elegance? Can we not have simple and effective structures? What happened to the phrase "charm lies in simplicity"? Would we not like designs that stay comfortable and effective for years on end rather than extremely appealing places which don't come through the test of time?

And, when I see such things, what do they tell me as an engineer? I think they tell me to stick to my basics. They tell me to meet the funtion of something and ensure that the requirement is met over a period of time. I dont want to waste my money or my countries money over things which would only give momentary pleasure to my eyes.

Guys, lets do this. Let us make sturdy buildings, monuments, roads, machines & whatever. Let these things serve the real purpose at hand. Let us always take into consideration how long these things will keep serving their purpose. And if we can make them alluring after these basic requirements are met, why not?

The Football match will be posted on 04.05.2008 ... :)

2008-04-28T22:50:00.000+05:30

The Hockey Match

2008-04-28T22:39:00.000+05:30

When I was writing the earlier blog, my mind took a prolonged trip to the good old days. I used to jump from one sport to another throughout the year. The year began with the inter-school football season, then the University hockey tournament, followed by the university football matches and so on. After Diwali we came back for the inter-house athletics which finally led to the inter-shool athlectics. And then, there used to be some hockey tournament either in Khadki or AFMC (I remember just one there). I took up horse riding quite late but did it throughout the year in 9th & 10th. Inter house swimming, volleyball and basket ball happened by default. (Though I was not good in them, at the inter house level you had to get into it for the overall championship of the house).

When I look back, there are innumerable memories. But, with regards to the previous blog, there are two matches that deserve to be on this blog. One was the Hockey match against St Josephs, Khadki and the other was the under 16 Football final against J N Petit. My team lost both the matches. But as a player, these are the ones that I value the most.

It was the gramin Police ground on Pashan Road. After trying to catch a glimpse of the St Joseph’s girls, you go further and to the right is this area. I remember I had fever. The match was just before our Ganesh festival leave. After the match I went on leave and didn’t turn up in school at the stipulated time as I was taken over by a bout of typhoid. We were playing against St Josephs and they were always a very strong hockey team. We seldom won against them. During Srenik’s and Mahesh’s time, we could at least put up a decent battle. But this time around, I was among the sole pillars of the team. I remember, our only goal was to reduce the margin of loss. Hence, I was the centre defense, as against my usual position of the right wing. They were rough. I think I had made Babbar play ahead. (These names are coming back to me after ages. I hadn’t even thought of them for ages.) I don’t remember the score. But, that doesn’t really matter. What I wanted to mention is this. It was the first time in my life I saw red. I mean you read about such stuff a lot many times. I was so over taken by the fever, my vision had a shade of yellow (or was it dull orange) background. I was thinking that there is blood on my eyeballs. But, I don’t know why, I had to go on. In the half time, I was literally sleeping with a sweater on. Honrao Sir didn’t want me to continue. But, I thought I could go on and entered the field.

I remember, after the half time, I was all over the field. I even heard spectators asking their players to mark me. I tried to play a solo game as no one else was scoring. I was tripped by their left defense. That incident is so fresh in my mind. Then I ran back every time the ball was in our danger zone. I was irritated by that left defense, that finally when he sat down to block my sprint to the goal post, I jumped and deliberately kicked him in the face. That was the last time in that match that he came in front of me.

And then came the incident that is the freshest in my mind. The most memorable save. I had to run back as the ball came near our goal post. The goal keeper was beaten and the player had the post all to himself. He raised his stick to hit, and all of a sudden I stood in front of him and took the ball away. Just behind the goal post, the Loyola’s team was warming up. I heard loud claps from their team and the face of their mustached coach just came to my mind. He praised me for that save. At that time, it was not at all a big deal for me. But, really what I did then was something very dangerous. I could have got seriously injured. After I came to Fergusson, I realized that Kartik Mandrekar had been a part of that team. He mentioned that incident to me once when we were in Fergusson together.

We lost. But it was the fight that I put on that makes this match precious. It was a team game, but I was all alone. I think this is one reason why I didnt make it BIG in hockey. Our team was never really as good. But, whatever, hockey gave me some of the most memorable times of my life.

Why Football?

2008-04-27T20:01:00.000+05:30

The topic came up when me and Girish were on our way to Rajat’s house. That very moment I thought I would write this into my blog. But, as I pondered over the write-up, I thought it would seem like bragging about myself. However, whatever it feels like, I thought of writing about it and so here I am.

Ask me what do I play better. Football or Hockey? And the answer is hockey. I was always a skillful player of hockey. I could so anything with the stick & the ball. I used to even juggle the ball on ALL faces of my hockey stick. I still remember practising my scoops on the basketball court. I played for the school’s under-17 hockey team when I was in the 6th standard (Maybe some 12 or 13 years of age). I think (& people also felt) that I was awesome. However, I was pretty mediocre when it came to football. I always had problem trapping the ball well. I cant juggle the ball for much time. And, you can’t really call me a wizard with the ball (the FOOTball).

Then comes the next question. What game was I more successful in? And the answers quite strange. It was football. The under-14 zonals in Ahmednagar from SSPMS. The state-level in Akola from Fergusson. And not forgetting the MORE number of school & university matches as compared to hockey.

Football was the more popular game in school. I was one of the best players of hockey. But, only football players were adored. They made all the news. The reason I started playing football too was more for the fame than for the love of the game. I still remember the 5 S’s required by a sportsman. This speech was given to us by our coach, Vinay Murgud, when we were practicing for the under-19 zonals.

1. Strength: There was never a doubt about this.
2. Stamina: I was never really a 1500m runner. But, you don’t need marathon runners for football & hockey.
3. Speed: I think this still is my strength. I was among the fastest 100m runners then.
4. Skill: As a football player, skill was my weekness. That’s why, maybe, I became a defender in the football team as against a striker in hockey.
5. Spirit: This is, by far, the best of my features.

I remember, Ruturaj was the center defence in the under-14 team. This was the time when I thought of being a part of the school football team. Since, I was an ‘outsiders’ at the stage, I didn’t have a choice of the position at which I would play. The defence was a weak link of the team and they didn’t have too many options. I opted to be the right defence. And that’s how I was stuck behind and I made a career out of it.

As a defender, I was never an expert when taking shots. To add to it, I injured my right toe in the ninth standard. After that I don’t think I could cover the half line from the goal post. But, still I was considered a strong defence. Why? Well, I had a lesson well etched on my mind. If at all you do, you let only ONE past you. The player or the ball. The player cannot dribble the ball past you. And that’s what I stuck to. 9 years of football. One zone level tournament and one state level. Though not among the best, I managed to climb higher as a football player.

Another outing in Hyderabad and my tryst with Religion

2007-12-10T20:50:00.000+05:30

Today was a Sunday. But, we had planned a shut down for connections to the new transformer. Hence, I was in the factory since morning. However, I still feel that I should see at least one place (historical /scenic) in Hyderabad on each holiday that I might get. Post lunch, there was nothing that I could mobilize or activate at the work front.

I left for my sight-seeing spree. We went to Charminar. I still remember that when I was young. I used to watch the Charminar on television. It was not exactly a big attraction, but I vaguely remember wanting to be there. Hyderabad used to feel ages apart from Pune at that time. The actual Charminar was nothing very appealing. I don’t think it is much of a tourist attraction. And if it is, I failed to see why. If I were to describe it, it is a mediocre monument with less than even mediocre surroundings. The traffic in Hyderabad is the one thing that really irritates you. And it is the worst around the Charminar. I didn’t feel like going close to the place because of the filth that seemed to exist all around. I should have actually climbed up the minar. Maybe, then I would have appreciated the place. But, I just couldn’t make myself do it. The reasons being one, I was alone. And second, I didn’t really find the Charminar all that appealing.

The next stop was the Birla science museum. This was a place I liked. There are so many things in college that we read. It is so good to see them in front of you. I thought a place like this could have helped me more when I was in college. Pune lacks a place of this sort. However, even the Birla museum has a problem with its up-keeping. I skipped the planetarium.

And then came the significant part of the day. The Birla temple! I couldn’t find it initially. But, it was very close to the museum. I had not at all imagined what I saw. Earlier I had felt that it is a movie type of a temple. After seeing the museum, I was thinking that it must be another place overly hyped and not worth visiting. But, the place ended up being a delight. The first thing that came into view was the milky white marble tower with the clock. The rocky hill on which the temple has been erected gives the temple a very appealing look. The view of the Hussain Sagar lake form the top is mind boggling. I couldn’t help smiling on seeing the Buddha Statue in the distance. It was one beautiful sight. And, I was not at all aware that the Birla temple was a Balaji temple.
When I was standing in line to take a glimpse of the deity an idea stuck me. I have had this discussion with more than a couple of people in my life. The kind of worship that we indulge in is very strange. There have been so many times that I have wondered what the benefits of idol worship are. There is nothing right or wrong about it. It is more of a personal choice. But, do we need to go to a temple to think of god? Do we need to wait in long lines to get one glimpse of the idol we worship? Why then is there a breach of the line by the more “blessed” ones. Why do the rich get to bypass the queues then? Is everyone not supposed to be equal in the eyes of the lord?

I feel that a temple is a good place to go to. God can be felt in any place that you want. Praying doesn’t really need a special place. But, with the day to day chores that we have, a temple could provide that much needed relief from our running around. A temple, I feel, is a place where people with pure feelings in their hearts are more likely to be found. Is this not an idle place then to indulge in religion?

But, the other side of the story is not very sweet. While I was in the queue, I saw some people being specially let in. Yes, I was too engrossed in the view of the Hussain Sagar to care about such things. But, it sure must have crossed the minds of most of the other people standing there. Is this a major problem with Hinduism? I am not really aware of what really happens at a mosque or a church. But, I am sure people don’t have to face anything if this sort. Discrimination in the house if god himself is something that cannot be easily digested. And, this happens in almost all sorts of Hindu temples. Why can’t we break free of all wrong traditions? And why can’t we imbibe all that which is good?

I think we need to realize that rules made by our saints, or the Brahmins or the Rushi-munis ages back cannot be applicable forever. The things that were written or said by the sages have been misinterpreted in the first place. These then have been passed on for generations. The real meanings must have got lost somewhere in between. I don’t say that I understand my own religion. I am actually not very religious. But religious practices must have been made for the good of people. Should they not change for the good of people then?

I don’t know where this is taking me. I want to write more. But, I have to go now. More is to come.

Cell Phones, Etituettes and YOU

2007-11-27T20:46:00.002+05:30

It is really complicated to quote whether a cell phone is a boon or a curse. I would not like to comment in this regard. However, having a cell phone has surely changed some aspects of my life. And, believe me, they are not for any good.

First things first. I get most of my calls when I dont want them. There are times when I am engrossed in something important and off goes the cell, disturbing me and bringing me out of whatever I am doing. At times, it gets VERY difficult to get back to what I was doing before getting calls at such times. And, I end up with some incomplete tasks. This may not be applicable to every individual who carries a cell. But, if I lose my focus, its not easy for me to get it back.

Then come the hours at which I get calls. There have been times when truck drivers have called me at 2 or 3 am in the mornings, to ask me the address of our factory. You can only imagine the irritation I must have felt at such times. I have left the factory to go home at maybe 9 or 10 pm. And, there I get a call from someone back in the factory to come back. I have really felt like throwing my phone at such times.

I have to be reachable at all times. There could be an issue in the factory at any time. I never know which of my friends would need me at what time. What if I miss out on some really good oppurtunity if I am not reachable. All these and many more reasons dont let me shut my phone and have a peaceful time once in a while. And, it is also my weakness that I want to follow the normal etiquettes when it comes to just about anything. I feel its an insult to hang up on someone. I feel that no matter how busy I am, I can always sms someone if he is trying to reach me and tell him that I shall call him back. I believe that I must return every missed call. And many more small but significant things.

And, when I do that, I expect people to do the same to me. Am I wrong to expect that even others should follow SOME basic etiquettes? I may be wrong. I could be expecting too much. But, I dont understand why I lose my cool when something of this sort happens. I hate it when some someone does not return my calls. I feel there is something like a "call back" if one cant attend to a call immediately. There are exceptions, but in general, irresponsible behavior with regards to a cell phone does piss me off.

Now, what I fail to understand is that is it my problem or is it the others? Am I justified in expecting that my calls are answered, or atleast replyed to via sms? Or its just that I dont have patience. I mean, if you cant even take calls, why not just throw your phones into the bin?

And now coming to the real reason behind this blog. Can you really run away from relationships by NOT taking calls? Is it so simple to neglect someone just by neglecting him or her on phone? What happens then when you actually come across such a person? Do you run away? Or do you put your head into the ground like an ostrich? Why cant people face issues in life? How far can you run away from yourself? Have we all lost our conscience?

There is actually no answer to any of these questions. There cannot be any justification. There are always two sides to a cion. However, being the kind of a person that I am, I feel that problems MUST be faced. One unpleasant truth hurts. But, it surely hurts much LESS than a hundred pleasant lies.

So, guys, go ahead in life. Grow up! Stand up to your mistakes, accept them and dont repeate them. Dont hide them. And I think that would give you the strength to face people. AND then you may not have to neglect calls. You may then not feel like hanging up in between a conversation. And, unknowingly you might even follow some basic values in life.

An evening in Hyderabad

2007-11-25T22:20:00.000+05:30

After ages of complaining that I dont get time for myself, I finally felt that same thing that infinite number of humans must have felt till date. We can never be content. We can never stop giving ourselves (and others) excuses for not doing something that we should. Today when I had ALL the time in the world for myself, I still did not go sight seeing in Hyderabad. And my excuse today was that I dont have any company to roam around the town.

However, as evening advanced I started feeling like I had wasted a whole day just watcing television. Hence, I took the troubles of taking a bath and went out. The necklace road was the best option for the lazy bugger that I have become. (Whenever I have a bike I can travel from one end of the town to another, but I cant manage even a kilometer in a rick. Typical Puneri asalya sarakha watatay mala!). Ten minutes from my place and I was there.

Once there, the normal non ITC guy in me woke up. This is one place anyone would like to walk beside. The necklace road is something like the queens necklace on Marine drive. The road goes around the HusainSagar lake. The water of the lake was an enticing shade of grey. (Come on! It was dark by the time I reached there, hence the grey). Pleasant wakes were emerging because of the activities of the wind. And, it was with such a soothing sight that I started my walk.

I felt like shutting myself off from the rest of the world by plugging my headphones into ears and listening to some music. But then, that somehows dilutes you experience of a new place. I feel that everytime you visit a new place, you should take it in with your eyes, ears, nose and every sense possible. Only then can you get the complete essense of that place.

The walk was good. And during the same, somewhere, I felt that I have grown old. I saw a group of college guys horsing around. The way they were oogling at "anything remotely female", looked grose to me. While, I had been doing the same through out my own college life. I know being more polished and decent is not an implication of old age. (Now dont think that I am calling myself polished and decent). But, I really felt like telling those guys to do something better with their time. I dont know why for a minute atleast I was thinking of all the possible constructive work they could do instead of just aimlessly roaming around oogling at things. Dont you think it is old men who think like I did? What the heck has happened to me?

Finally, I reached Eat Street. Even though it was new place, I didnt have to search too much for what I was looking for. Anand Agarwal had already told me you get 'wadapav' here. And, I soon found the counter that sold the "love of my life". I dont think I shall ever come over this particular version of the Indian junk food. I still go crazy everytime I see a 'wadapav'. Being away from Pune has only fueled my craving. Believe me, my mind was void of any external thought when I was devoring those wadapavs. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

It was after I finished my snack that my thoughts came back to me. Here the critic in me arose. I was generally watching the activities around me and making notes. I thought of how a a particular girl looked like she had no dressing sense. Then there was a guy who didnt know how to hold his GFs hand. Another aunty was enjoying the music. She was lightly moving to the beats. I couldnt help but wonder how much fun uncle must be having with her. AGAIN a group of "lukhas". This time they were smoking away to glory. So, I just sat there watching people and thinking what they could or could have done better. (As if I am the most perfect individual on the face of this earth!).

Soon it was time to leave. It was actually not late. Like I said, it seems like I have grown old. I have started feeling that just sitting all alone is a waste of time. I keep telling myself to go home. Here I can watch some news. I can learn some new songs. I can sort my stuff a bit so that it is s little more organized. However, I usually do nothing of the sort. It is strange what I have become.

I still am the same guy. I still love to go out and hang around in beautiful places. I still like to be organized. I still want to keep learning something new. My mind is constantly ticking. But some how, since almost two months now, my thought are not getting converted into actions. Is it the disappointment that I felt with GMAT? I better take control of myself.

Look at the dynamics that my mind is going through these days. I cannot focus on one thing. I wanted to write something. I started with something else. And now I have reached something totally different. Before I drive you crazy, lemme stop this. I promise that the nest time I shall sit with a cool head, jot things down, and write something that makes sense.

(IN)Efficiencies???

2007-02-15T20:41:00.000+05:30

Hmmmmm.....

Where the H*** do I start???

Project Management.....BULL SHIT!!!!!

Well, thats what I am supposedly doing. Project MANAGEMENT. The other day some one tried telling me the difference between a 'good' manager and a 'not so good' manager. There are those times when the best thing to do is shut your mouth and listen. And, shut my mouth, I did!

But, is management not about learning from mistakes? Is it only about delegation? Should you not trust anyone AT ALL? When I ponder on the last one and a half year the following is what I realized.

Timelines are not made logically. They are the whims and fancies of certain people who believe that the moment you think of something, it gets fabricated, erected and commissioned too. Some one (KOI TO YAAR!) needs to take a stand on what is possible and what is not. Tyranny cannot drive people. It can only frustrate them. They get burned out and will eventually give up.

Doing engineer projects, I realized that you and your capabilities as an engineer dont take you or the project anywhere. You need to be accountable to the behavior of various vendors, truck drivers, site engineers, labor and various systems at all these levels. And, in my particular case, I just cannot leave out the pigs that the people of the contract manufacturer are. (I wanted to use harsher words, but decency does not allow me to do so).

You cannot deviate from your funny targets no matter what. (Believe me, the timelines that they set here at times make me feel sorry for my higher ups. I wonder how they come up with such weird ideas?). However, the completion of work is NEVER in your hands. You can pressurize people, motivate them, lure them, scold them, at times even threaten. But, how much can you pull down the timeline by all this? Can a job of 2 months be complete in 15 days? That when all activities are preceded by some other?

I feel that any cutting down in completion time will be at the cost of money if it is realistic. And it will surely cost quality too if the demand is irrational. After 12 projects, should a emerging division of a 3.5 billion corporate not understand this???

Dont grown-ups learn from their mistakes? How much money can a company pour down the drain because of the incompetancy of donkeys sitting at undeserving posts?

And, at the end of the day, the ones who work hands-on at the war front are said to be INEFFICIENT ( HA HA HA HA HA) to meet the so called project timelines???????????????????????????????????????????????????

They are given hour long lectures on the difeerence between 'good' managers and 'not so good' managers.....he he he he he he he hehe he he...

I really dont know whether I should laugh or cry.....

The so-called female liberation movement

2006-12-09T19:41:00.000+05:30

At about the same time that I was writing my earlier post, I happened to talk to one of my friends about her husband. The more I talked to her the more irritated I got with her. I shall spare you the details of that discussion. But, this is what my inner voice was screaming after that conversation.

After generations of pain and suffering, the fairer sex of the human species has finally decided that they need to put and end to the domination by males that existed in all (or most of the) cultures across the world.

The newer generation of women is much more concerned about her own career, much more competitive, much more dynamic in all types of environments and the last but not the least, much more aware of their sexuality. Men have always been hungry wolves, unfaithful pigs and what not. Women, on the other hand, have been modest, virtuous and very forgiving towards their male counterparts. Should all men not be grateful to womankind for such generosity?

But, times have changed now. Women want equality in education, careers, home and in their beds too. They want you to be honest, faithful, earning millions and also have a sense of humor (this has become a must have quality for guys) along with all this. As their partners, it your duty to keep them satisfied at all fronts. And, this you will do without expecting anything in return. Now! Now! Don’t ask me why. Have you forgotten all the suffering that they have gone through at the hands of your fathers and forefathers?

As far as I am concerned, babes, female liberation is welcome. But, surely not at the cost of male subjugation. If equality is what you want, ask for bloody “equality” and not female supremacy. Men since generations have practiced infidelity. This surely does not mean that women are to make up for all their earlier generations who couldn’t do what they want.

So, ladies, we guys are ready to give you equal oppurtinities at our work fronts. We will wash utensils BESIDE you or ALTERNATELY at our homes. We will even put in equal efforts with cooking and children (Though the labor part of it is not in our hands).

But, if slaves is what you want, we are better off by ourselves.

My reaction to “Of knee jerk reactions and responses”…

2006-12-09T19:36:00.000+05:30

To understand this very impulsive reaction you will first have to know what Vipin wrote in his blog “Of knee jerk reactions and responses” at http://opaqueopinions.blogspot.com/.

Vipin surely has a very valid point. After every break up (most of them atleast), shit is surely thrown by each side. People do get back at each other in the weirdest possible manner.

But, the whole argument that I was making was what happens when you totally lose yourself in love. I was talking more about forgetting that there are two plus one (or two or three) people who have loved us for something like 20 years. The innumerable friends that surround us all of a sudden become less desirable. And why? Because one fine day a very striking individual comes by, sweeps you off your feet and boy! You lose your sanity.

All this is fine boss. But, I firmly believe that no relationship is made to last forever. We just need to understand that people can come close, spend beautiful moments together and then suddenly realize that somehow it can’t go on forever. Is this one individual then really worth all the sacrifices? What happens when all of a sudden you decide to call it quits?

I do agree with you Vipin, that the best thing to do in case of a break up is surely to let go. In such cases, do the beautiful moments created together just die an unknown death? Is it really possible to separate from a person on a bad note and run away from him/her at every next corner that you come across?

I think that issues can always be sorted out. Two people are never made alike. The best thing is to understand that you can’t go on forever and separate. But, a separation never really means that all that you’ve done to nurture that relationship earlier has no meaning. I think people tend to neglect the lengths that their partners go for their well-being. And, this is what I have a grudge against.

As humans, we are a very selfish breed. Most of what we do is for a cause, which ultimately boils down to our personal gains. But, we do go out of our ways for our partners. We can at the least be a little fair when things end. The unfair ending that my last relationship had is a thing, which I regret. It is also very true that nothing is achieved by cribbing when it’s over. All that I can say is that, men need to be calculative in their relationships. (Call me a MCP if you want. Read the next blog for my views on this one).

I only say that we need to be a lot more careful with our relationships. I had totally put myself into the last relationship. I was so engrossed in my job and taking care of my partner that I was hardly in touch with my friends. It is this drifting away from old bonds that I was talking about. A beautiful new relationship should not be a reason to go away from your earlier ones.

At the end of the day, you cannot generalize. We do need to put in our bests into each relationship. We can never say right in the beginning how far things would go. The key is to let go of yourself but at the same time be mentally prepared for the worst. Right Vipin?

That's the way it is.....

2006-08-31T19:56:00.000+05:30

I have been having some very significant conversation with Veerendra, one of the closest friends I have.....

The reason for this blog is precisely one of the messages I got from Veeru (As I call him).....

Once upon a time, I was in a beautiful relationship. The world was extremely beautiful. I had every reason to be at the top of the world. It was at one such arrogant movement (moment, I misspelt it again) that Veeru had advised me against the ways of the world. He had reminded me that what I had been prior to that relationship was the right approach towards life & that I was making a mistake in falling head over heals in love (SO CALLED)...

Man!!! Did I listen ti him??? NOT at all. I think even he realized that I had become a hopeless case by then & didnt intervene much in that part of my life apart from a genuine word at times.

AND it happened. What Veeru had feared happend. The beautifully romantic movie ended. And the couple had to part. There was no 'happily ever after'. And the hero broke down. First time in his life, his heart broke. Remember that time Veeru???

Well, now that I look at it, it sounds really funny. How we change for some bullshit called love! How we go away from the people that we are just because some one interesting comes into our lives! How we forget that love is also about what exists between us & our parents, siblings, our friends.

At such a weird stage in my life, I had my friends beside me. They guided me & asked me to be cautious during my highs & were there for me with every thing I needed during the lows.

And that message from Veeru just reiterates the extent to which a friend can go for a friend. Who needs women. However, THAT still does not mean that I am turning gay.....

Have I been running away from "Life"?

2006-08-20T20:30:00.000+05:30

14/08/2006

Written on the Jet Airways flight 9W 812 from Bangalore to New Delhi.

(Some of the sentences & phrases are extracts from the letter I wrote to Shoumi on the flight.)

I am on my way to Tahliwal for the dough feeder. For one year I’ve been roaming all over India, especially the northern parts. Every journey has been at a break neck speed. No time to plan, no time to pack, no time for anything at all. (I even forgot my undies & had to buy new ones last time).

However, today is one of the best times that I’ve had. As usual I left office so late that I thought I would miss the plane yet again. But, once in the vehicle, I has a relaxed feeling. The 1st thing that struck me was the revamped face of the Bangalore airport. The security check was unusually tight (maybe because of the SO called Independence Day). The actual flight is also the best feeling that I’ve had on a winged machine. I think that the time was just right. Never before have I felt so good about flying. Numerous flights over a period of one year, but THIS is a journey I shall remember.

The plane took off with a powerful thrust over a distance that was much shorter than what it usually takes. That initial burst was itself of indication of something different. Never before had Bangalore felt THIS good while climbing into the air. It was at this time that I felt like telling HER what I was feeling (OK!!! NO diverting after this). The ‘nimbostratus/stratocumulus’ were fluffy goblets of cotton. I was extremely delighted watching them. The metallic bird further went into the altostratus (es?).These gave an impression of a smooth carpet laid out for me. It was also darkening at this stage. From my seat I couldn’t really see the sun, but the orange tinge along the horizon was exhilarating. It was also unique to see the city below in a shade of grey and the lights (fluorescent ones) coming up while it was complete daylight above the clouds. The carpet of clouds graduated into a dense forest as a little more time elapsed. This actually felt as if I was a bird flying over a thick forest the only difference is that the forest was white & I am not a bird.

It was at this time that I asked the attendant for some piece of paper to scribble on. (This time it was a genuine request. Not an act to prove that I am different (as Cleo had put is when I was coming to Bangalore from Tahliwal). I really wanted to jot down my elated feelings.

Slowly the forest gave way to indescribable undulations. These were extremely complex but a treat to the eyes nevertheless. Simultaneously I also saw a bright red glow in one corner of the horizon. Was this where the sun was “going down”? (Oppps!!! I mean going down. A pervert to the core, I shall never improve. But, Am I getting OVER her? These thoughts never touched my head when she was around. OK!!! BACK to the topic). The orange was still there, but the red was increasing.

At this time, the ground below was dark, the sky was grey & the horizon was TWO bands. ONE: an exiting mix of orange & red and the OTHER: a very pale but ‘pure’ blue. Or should I say, White with a tinge of blue! Dinner arrived but scribbling on these papers was more important to me. I also wanted to watch the end of this beautiful ballet of nature. As I had my food, the bands grew thinner. The orange gave way to a ring of red all around. This diminished slowly along with the white/pale blue into complete darkness. And now as I am writing, All I can see is the bright yellow light on the back side of the wing-tip & the flicker of a revolving/flickering orange lamp somewhere above.

Isn’t it amazing how small things in life can give you SOOOO much of joy! Are we all not running away from such silly but beautiful moments of our lives?

Its Beautiful

2006-07-09T19:36:00.000+05:30

Nope!!! there have not been many instances when I have enjoyed nature SOOO much...and the most unbelievable thing is that I didnt have to go anywhere for mothere nature to shower her goodies on me...

It was a short drive to the factory...It so happened that I was travelling by a bike (after ages) & this had to be my lucky day...The weather was awesome...A slight drizzle was making its presence felt in the most beautiful manner telling every one around about the oncoming rain...And rains are my weakness...

The sky was cloudy & had a hue that cannot be explained in words...The mountains looked like those in LOTR...Believe me they did...And the road where I was driving was a road to heaven...Boy!!! mind blowing...What an experience!!!

And Veeru, though I was all alone, I dont think your Lohagad trek can come any close to this...Himachal is a heaven dude...

Am I confused or what!!!

2005-12-20T20:14:00.000+05:30

I just cant figure out my Indecisiveness...And I am feeling it more these days...

The job that I am to do here is getting really complicated...There have been sooooo many instances that I have known how to react in case of emergencies...I have actually known what could be the best (not the technical aspects of the job...I think I need a lot more experience in the industry for that)...But especially when it comes to implementation of actions and the reacting to people...

However, I have not been confident enough to follow what I feel. And a couple of times I have got a barging from my boss for not doing the things that I had been wanting to do but did not because of the lack of taking decisions at the 'right' time.

I need to collect myself and start being a little assertive.