Its 02.34AM in the morning, it's dark outside, and cold. I just had a paneer sandwich and a coffee, purportedly because I need to eat if I'm staying up late, but mainly because I am plain bored.
I have never studied (somewhat sincerely) till so late an hour, and I don't like it!!! When is this examination going to END???
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A candle for Manjunath Shanmugam
Manjunath Shanmugam was the IIM Lucknow graduate of the 2002 batch, who was murdered by a petrol pump owner and 7 of his accomplices in connection with Manjunath's shutting of the pump for adulteration and malpractices. Manjunath paid the price for his honesty and integrity.
The Manjunath Shanmugam Trust, in an international corporate collaboration committee that was formed initially to get speedy justice to Manjunath, and then went on to work towards a larger goal of attacking corruption and unethical business malpractices in the country. It works extensively in organizing RTI workshops across the country and also constitutes an award for positive social action aimed at reducing corruption by individuals.
In college too, we observed a small commemoration ceremony for Manjunath Shanmugam on his death anniversary, by lighting candles and taking the following pledge -
"I acknowledge that integrity matters today more than ever - to me, to those in my life and to the wellbeing of all of the collectives of which I am a part.
I commit myself to set an example through ethical conduct for the furtherance of integrity and to work against all forms of corruption that I come across, in whatever ways possible.
I will not acceptor offer any advantage, gifts or benefits that would compromise my integrity.
I am prepared to explain honestly and be accountable for my actions when dealing with all spheres of society. Therefore, my actions will be transparent/
I will strive for high standards of service and ethical behavior and promote these values in those around me.
Through the above actions I hope to promote the welfare of all our people."
I only wish there were more people to take this pledge...
The Manjunath Shanmugam Trust, in an international corporate collaboration committee that was formed initially to get speedy justice to Manjunath, and then went on to work towards a larger goal of attacking corruption and unethical business malpractices in the country. It works extensively in organizing RTI workshops across the country and also constitutes an award for positive social action aimed at reducing corruption by individuals.
In college too, we observed a small commemoration ceremony for Manjunath Shanmugam on his death anniversary, by lighting candles and taking the following pledge -
"I acknowledge that integrity matters today more than ever - to me, to those in my life and to the wellbeing of all of the collectives of which I am a part.
I commit myself to set an example through ethical conduct for the furtherance of integrity and to work against all forms of corruption that I come across, in whatever ways possible.
I will not acceptor offer any advantage, gifts or benefits that would compromise my integrity.
I am prepared to explain honestly and be accountable for my actions when dealing with all spheres of society. Therefore, my actions will be transparent/
I will strive for high standards of service and ethical behavior and promote these values in those around me.
Through the above actions I hope to promote the welfare of all our people."
I only wish there were more people to take this pledge...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
This ones for Aditya
Aditya Save (Born: July 27, 1984, Died: Nov 14, 2008). Fondly known as 'Professor Save'.
This is what he says about himself on Orkut: "Hi,I am very simple guy having positive way of looking towards life...!"
And that is exactly what Aditya Save was. It is hard to say 'was', the past tense. It's hard to believe he is past tense now.
I knew him since my days at TCS training together in Trivandrum. Save was an extremely hard working, even workaholic to an extent, plain, simple and down to earth guy. He had a quirky sense of humor and a very typical 'professor' like style of talking and walking. Thats him - leftmost in this picture taken on the last day of training at Trivandrum.
Save breathed his last yesterday when he succumbed to a long undetected brain infection. May his soul rest in peace.
This is what he says about himself on Orkut: "Hi,I am very simple guy having positive way of looking towards life...!"
And that is exactly what Aditya Save was. It is hard to say 'was', the past tense. It's hard to believe he is past tense now.I knew him since my days at TCS training together in Trivandrum. Save was an extremely hard working, even workaholic to an extent, plain, simple and down to earth guy. He had a quirky sense of humor and a very typical 'professor' like style of talking and walking. Thats him - leftmost in this picture taken on the last day of training at Trivandrum.
Save breathed his last yesterday when he succumbed to a long undetected brain infection. May his soul rest in peace.
Monday, November 10, 2008
IRIS is over :-(
IRIS, the annual management fest of IIM Indore... just got over. And boo hoo!
IRIS is a 4 day extravaganza held on the vast 193 acre campus of IIM Indore. It has a gamut of events covering a wide range of academic and non-academic interests for students from the top 30 B-schools in the country. From B-plan contests to gaming competitions, from Stock Market simulations to gaming competitions, we have it all. The culmination of the event is marked by a live concert in the institute main lawns.
But the crowning glory of this event, the flagship event (2 among 3) is Ashwamedha. Ashwamedha is our search for India's best upcoming manager. A continuous string of events, held over 2 days, are used to test the contestants on various aspects of an ideal manager's skill-set. From team skills, to intelligence, analytical ability, operations, finance, marketing; all are tested by innovative games and contests. We start with over 1500 participants from across the country. 2 online elimination rounds bring them down to the top 30, who are invited to the campus during IRIS.
This year, I was a part of the Ashwamedha Core team. That is how I realized the Ashwamedha philosophy. It's not just an event, not just a competition. It's an institution. Sounds like a lecture in OB? Well it did initially. But it makes a lot more sense after hearing the participants talk once the event is over.
Every year, it is out endeavor to make the event unique. Every year, the entire event is overhauled and new games are developed to be part of Ashwamedha. It was the same this year too. The first day put the 30 participants through a variety of innovative and interesting games testing various skills a manager should possess. After a grueling 15 hours on the trot, the participants were truly exhausted. But that was just half the journey.
At the end of Day 1, 6 top participants qualify for the next day. There would be no sleep that night for the chosen 6!
The 6 are then put through even more rigorous events and competitions. Out of the 6, the final is chosen after an open interview in front of a panel of 4 judges and an intimidating audience of 400 people!
But what was most interesting and educating was the entire experience. For me, Ashwamedha has transcended from an event, into an experience. The uniqueness of Ashwamedha lies not just in the fact that it is rigorous and trying, but that fact that it attempts to rise above the mundane and commonplace skills, and really tests tour mettle, your attitude, your very constitution. And not just for the participants, but also for the organizers. I can attest to that after sleeping about 6 hours in 3 days, and still appearing fresh and happy at the end!
So I hail Ashwamedha - 'Ekameva Jayate'!!!
IRIS is a 4 day extravaganza held on the vast 193 acre campus of IIM Indore. It has a gamut of events covering a wide range of academic and non-academic interests for students from the top 30 B-schools in the country. From B-plan contests to gaming competitions, from Stock Market simulations to gaming competitions, we have it all. The culmination of the event is marked by a live concert in the institute main lawns.
But the crowning glory of this event, the flagship event (2 among 3) is Ashwamedha. Ashwamedha is our search for India's best upcoming manager. A continuous string of events, held over 2 days, are used to test the contestants on various aspects of an ideal manager's skill-set. From team skills, to intelligence, analytical ability, operations, finance, marketing; all are tested by innovative games and contests. We start with over 1500 participants from across the country. 2 online elimination rounds bring them down to the top 30, who are invited to the campus during IRIS.
This year, I was a part of the Ashwamedha Core team. That is how I realized the Ashwamedha philosophy. It's not just an event, not just a competition. It's an institution. Sounds like a lecture in OB? Well it did initially. But it makes a lot more sense after hearing the participants talk once the event is over.
Every year, it is out endeavor to make the event unique. Every year, the entire event is overhauled and new games are developed to be part of Ashwamedha. It was the same this year too. The first day put the 30 participants through a variety of innovative and interesting games testing various skills a manager should possess. After a grueling 15 hours on the trot, the participants were truly exhausted. But that was just half the journey.
At the end of Day 1, 6 top participants qualify for the next day. There would be no sleep that night for the chosen 6!
The 6 are then put through even more rigorous events and competitions. Out of the 6, the final is chosen after an open interview in front of a panel of 4 judges and an intimidating audience of 400 people!
But what was most interesting and educating was the entire experience. For me, Ashwamedha has transcended from an event, into an experience. The uniqueness of Ashwamedha lies not just in the fact that it is rigorous and trying, but that fact that it attempts to rise above the mundane and commonplace skills, and really tests tour mettle, your attitude, your very constitution. And not just for the participants, but also for the organizers. I can attest to that after sleeping about 6 hours in 3 days, and still appearing fresh and happy at the end!
So I hail Ashwamedha - 'Ekameva Jayate'!!!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Back after another prolonged break
Back to writing after a rather long break.... again!
This habit is actually bad, really bad. Not sticking to something, getting back after a while, all apologetic, and swearing that I'll never do it again... and end up doing that again. Again and again!
Anyway, thats just another one of my flaws discovered. Whatever...
Events have been thick and fast since I last posted. The student alumni committee (of which I am a member) held it's annual alumni meet. It's called Footprints. Unbelievable amount of work went into that, and thankfully, all that hard work culminated in a successful event. Gosh, that weekend I was up for days. Personal record set: 45 mins of sleep in 65 hours!
Classes started in full swing, and this semester is hectic! Gosh, 10 courses and so many events this time. And I thought I was ready for anything!
Divali was spent at the insti... Couldn't get a break to go home :-(
My birthday was celebrated in style here. I was first dragged to the Melting Pot (thats the hang-out spot outside the mess). There, a bunch of 30 odd folks had gathered to give me my birthday wishes. This is how they did it:-
1) Shoved 2 packs of ice-cream down my pants
2) Then proceeded to give me birthday bumps
3) Doused me with Mirinda, and other smelly aerated drinks
4) Some more bumps
5) Then came the cake! Cut a nice pineapple (I think) cake.
6) And just when I thought it was over, someone shoved my head into the cake.
7) So I barely got to eat any of that cake, and then spent half an hour bathing that crap off my body!
So, quite memorable, I must say...
@EI, that job is called "Commercial Co-Pilot" :-)
This habit is actually bad, really bad. Not sticking to something, getting back after a while, all apologetic, and swearing that I'll never do it again... and end up doing that again. Again and again!
Anyway, thats just another one of my flaws discovered. Whatever...
Events have been thick and fast since I last posted. The student alumni committee (of which I am a member) held it's annual alumni meet. It's called Footprints. Unbelievable amount of work went into that, and thankfully, all that hard work culminated in a successful event. Gosh, that weekend I was up for days. Personal record set: 45 mins of sleep in 65 hours!
Classes started in full swing, and this semester is hectic! Gosh, 10 courses and so many events this time. And I thought I was ready for anything!
Divali was spent at the insti... Couldn't get a break to go home :-(
My birthday was celebrated in style here. I was first dragged to the Melting Pot (thats the hang-out spot outside the mess). There, a bunch of 30 odd folks had gathered to give me my birthday wishes. This is how they did it:-
1) Shoved 2 packs of ice-cream down my pants
2) Then proceeded to give me birthday bumps
3) Doused me with Mirinda, and other smelly aerated drinks
4) Some more bumps
5) Then came the cake! Cut a nice pineapple (I think) cake.
6) And just when I thought it was over, someone shoved my head into the cake.
7) So I barely got to eat any of that cake, and then spent half an hour bathing that crap off my body!
So, quite memorable, I must say...
@EI, that job is called "Commercial Co-Pilot" :-)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Lehman ke naam pe bill faado
Ever since Lehman Brothers' obituary was carved on their tombstone in Wall Street, it has become fodder for all B-school discussions and ammunition for B-school lecturers to spice up their usually boring lectures.
Unbelievably, lecturers from 5 different subjects (and that means 5 REALLY different subjects) openly ascribed Lehman's demise to some concept in their subject. And even I could make out that that was totally arbitrary!
Unbelievably, lecturers from 5 different subjects (and that means 5 REALLY different subjects) openly ascribed Lehman's demise to some concept in their subject. And even I could make out that that was totally arbitrary!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Learnings
What I learnt after 1 semester in India’s premier B school
1. Clearly, I am not the most intelligent, capable and awesome person in the world.
2. Hard work must pay, cause I am nowhere near my dream job.
3. Unable to figure out what my dream job is, still...
4. I am not afraid of any situation. After going through the rigorous schedule and crazy examination, I feel I am prepared for any eventuality. Bring it on!Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A new walk to take
This guy in my section floated the idea of taking up some social initiative. He proposed that it be limited only to our section (which is a diverse group 60 people). We could all take up some social initiative, and act on it. There would be no publicity, no association with any existing Interest Clubs (or I-Clubs as we know them) and no tie-ups with NGOs. Just 60 people trying to do something good, and for once, without expecting returns. Just for our own internal satisfaction.
It's still in a very embryonic stage, but at least I am liking treading this new road, this new walk...
It's still in a very embryonic stage, but at least I am liking treading this new road, this new walk...
When the lights go out...
I have observed this phenomenon at many places; home, building, school... even Planet - i. But it is all-the-more striking here, at Planet - i.
Power cuts happen often, around once in 2 days, for about 15-20 mins each time. The generator takes about 5 - 10 secs to kick in. During this short timespan, the entire institute is blacked-out.
Everytime this momentary black-out takes place, and I mean everytime, people start hooting!
I just don't get it! I really didn't expect such juvenile reactions from a place where the average age f student is 24 years.
Power cuts happen often, around once in 2 days, for about 15-20 mins each time. The generator takes about 5 - 10 secs to kick in. During this short timespan, the entire institute is blacked-out.
Everytime this momentary black-out takes place, and I mean everytime, people start hooting!
I just don't get it! I really didn't expect such juvenile reactions from a place where the average age f student is 24 years.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The 'Leveler' explained...
@Kunjan - It's hard to explain man... All along, you have this feeling, that you are GOOD. Call it your 'residual self image' (a la The Matrix). But the moment it gets shattered from the most unexpected of ways, it does shake you up. Brings you right down to earth.
Basically, I thought that I would make a good manager. Probably a great manager. And I formed that impression by looking at the people around me. Sure I know smart people, good people. Some of my friends, some family. Sure they are smart and intelligent. But it's only after coming here that I realized that I had not seen that many great people after all. And that somehow altered my Residual Self Image.
Well, thats the leveler I was talking about. No perticular example thought. Just that, some people in my class are so good, that I have started respecting them. I have actually started looking up to some of them!
Basically, I thought that I would make a good manager. Probably a great manager. And I formed that impression by looking at the people around me. Sure I know smart people, good people. Some of my friends, some family. Sure they are smart and intelligent. But it's only after coming here that I realized that I had not seen that many great people after all. And that somehow altered my Residual Self Image.
Well, thats the leveler I was talking about. No perticular example thought. Just that, some people in my class are so good, that I have started respecting them. I have actually started looking up to some of them!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What a leveler
Another thing I have realised at IIM I is that I am not the best in the world.
I am not conceited, proud, or even self centered; people who know me will whole heartedly attest that. But I did have an image of myself where I thought I was quite capable. In fact, very capable.
It's only when one lands in such elite company that one realizes ones real worth. Though I know for a fact that I am better than most of the people here, but I also have to realize that I am not as good as a sizable number too! They don't have relative grading for nothing; it really puts your self-perception into perspective.
And better or worse isn't just about marks. It's about personality, knowledge, application, intelligence, wit, charm, and any of the many qualities one wishes for.
Frankly, if nothing else, this past one month has been the greatest leveler in my life. It is to be seen whether I learn from it and grow, or give it up as a bad joke. Hoping (and trying) for the best. Later...
I am not conceited, proud, or even self centered; people who know me will whole heartedly attest that. But I did have an image of myself where I thought I was quite capable. In fact, very capable.
It's only when one lands in such elite company that one realizes ones real worth. Though I know for a fact that I am better than most of the people here, but I also have to realize that I am not as good as a sizable number too! They don't have relative grading for nothing; it really puts your self-perception into perspective.
And better or worse isn't just about marks. It's about personality, knowledge, application, intelligence, wit, charm, and any of the many qualities one wishes for.
Frankly, if nothing else, this past one month has been the greatest leveler in my life. It is to be seen whether I learn from it and grow, or give it up as a bad joke. Hoping (and trying) for the best. Later...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Whats the big deal about an IIM
These are some of my thoughts in the first month at IIM Indore. So, they may not be concrete, and are subject to change.
Earlier when I got rejects from all the US universities I had applied for an MS (despite a GRE score of 1540), most of the people comforted me saying that they aren't the end of the road. US universities aren't the fountainhead of knowledge that one must die or kill to get in. And what do they have that Indian colleges don't?? Pertinent question...
But now I do have the answer. Having spent just 1 month at IIM Indore has made me realize the difference, between an average college, and the best college in the country.
Firstly, they DO have some good faculty. It is a common myth that there is nothing special about the faculty at IIM's, and that it is just the brand name that they are riding on. Trust me, the faculty is good. There always are the rotten ones, but they don't really spoil the rest of the basket.
Secondly, the kind of industry exposure you get here in the form of guest lectures, alumni interaction and seminars, is simply unparalleled. In a matter of 30 days, I have heard top executives from Tata Finance, one of the Big Five consulting companies and one of the worlds leading financial organizations. C'mon, somethings gotta rub of on you, even if you just sit there.
Thirdly, and probably, most importantly, the peer group one works with is exceptional. That is the greatest advantage of being in one of the countries top B-schools. The sheer weight of the peer group drives you to excel in all your activities.
Though I do not justify the insane desire to do an MBA or a BTech from these colleges among students, I can totally understand the reasons.
Earlier when I got rejects from all the US universities I had applied for an MS (despite a GRE score of 1540), most of the people comforted me saying that they aren't the end of the road. US universities aren't the fountainhead of knowledge that one must die or kill to get in. And what do they have that Indian colleges don't?? Pertinent question...
But now I do have the answer. Having spent just 1 month at IIM Indore has made me realize the difference, between an average college, and the best college in the country.
Firstly, they DO have some good faculty. It is a common myth that there is nothing special about the faculty at IIM's, and that it is just the brand name that they are riding on. Trust me, the faculty is good. There always are the rotten ones, but they don't really spoil the rest of the basket.
Secondly, the kind of industry exposure you get here in the form of guest lectures, alumni interaction and seminars, is simply unparalleled. In a matter of 30 days, I have heard top executives from Tata Finance, one of the Big Five consulting companies and one of the worlds leading financial organizations. C'mon, somethings gotta rub of on you, even if you just sit there.
Thirdly, and probably, most importantly, the peer group one works with is exceptional. That is the greatest advantage of being in one of the countries top B-schools. The sheer weight of the peer group drives you to excel in all your activities.
Though I do not justify the insane desire to do an MBA or a BTech from these colleges among students, I can totally understand the reasons.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Some new terminology - CP, Class Participation
This isn't a new phenomenon. I have seen it before, in varied forms, and in worse degrees too. I have done it at times (mostly to save my ass; look good after being caught goofing off!), but never have I performed or seen acts of arbitrary vocal expression as abundant as in my daily lectures.
Well, it's called CP. Class Participation. Turns out that 5% of the subjects marks are allotted for Class Participation. That actually includes marks for regular attendance (which is of paramount importance at Planet - i), and for mental presence in the lectures, which, supposedly, manifests itself in the form of questions and answers one gives in class.
Now, I am an outgoing person, and I have a view on anyone and everything. And I am not afraid to voice it! Naturally, I question a lot of what is taught in class. Consequently, even answer some. And mind you, never with CP in mind. Never!
But there are a few characters in class, and 2 weeks is time enough to identify such goofs, that continue to indulge in, what we call, 'arbit talk', just to pass on the impression that they are listening and actively involved in the class. Random questions, paraphrasing answers, repeating points already written by the professor, general sentences trailing into silence (!!!!), digressions from topics just to show your general awareness... phew!!! You cannot imagine how irritating it gets.
Just yesterday, the Organizational Behavior lecture was on and the professor was discussing the changing aspects of business that will impact OB in current times. CSR was one of them. Within a matter of exactly 3 minutes, we were discussing legislations on Carbon Credits!!! WTF!!! How the hell are carbon credits related to CSR??? I fail to realise.
Some of us have now decided to take the matters into our own hands. Every time someone tries to digress (for reasons of 'arbit-CP'), we shall strike him/her down! Lets see how this new idea turns out... later for the result...
Well, it's called CP. Class Participation. Turns out that 5% of the subjects marks are allotted for Class Participation. That actually includes marks for regular attendance (which is of paramount importance at Planet - i), and for mental presence in the lectures, which, supposedly, manifests itself in the form of questions and answers one gives in class.
Now, I am an outgoing person, and I have a view on anyone and everything. And I am not afraid to voice it! Naturally, I question a lot of what is taught in class. Consequently, even answer some. And mind you, never with CP in mind. Never!
But there are a few characters in class, and 2 weeks is time enough to identify such goofs, that continue to indulge in, what we call, 'arbit talk', just to pass on the impression that they are listening and actively involved in the class. Random questions, paraphrasing answers, repeating points already written by the professor, general sentences trailing into silence (!!!!), digressions from topics just to show your general awareness... phew!!! You cannot imagine how irritating it gets.
Just yesterday, the Organizational Behavior lecture was on and the professor was discussing the changing aspects of business that will impact OB in current times. CSR was one of them. Within a matter of exactly 3 minutes, we were discussing legislations on Carbon Credits!!! WTF!!! How the hell are carbon credits related to CSR??? I fail to realise.
Some of us have now decided to take the matters into our own hands. Every time someone tries to digress (for reasons of 'arbit-CP'), we shall strike him/her down! Lets see how this new idea turns out... later for the result...
Friday, July 4, 2008
End of ragging season
I had never heard of a book called "Joker among the pack", a Chetan Bhagat-ish take on life at the IIMs. If I had, and if I had read it, I would have realised long back that all that happened for the first 4 days, was all big a farce. Just a way to rag the juniors, since ragging is legally banned.
It's called "HellWeek". All the 5.15 morning jogs, SAD classes, Yoga sessions, post-midnight assignments, threats of an 'F' in audit courses was all a load of crap. Ragging season ended last night, and quite predictable. So much so, that the joke was on the seniors. They announced that a PGP1 guy was caught with dope in his room, and he was to be expelled. The insti director was to address us all at 9PM, so the entire college assembled in the auditorium. There they gave us a lot of gyaan... But we were too smart for that; some wise-cracks actually questioned all their theories and claims!!! (I kept my mouth shut though).
It all ended with them coming out with it all. A big party ensued, after this 'welcome' for us. They predictable dunked many of us with water from the terrace, aseembling us purportedly to take photographs. After that, was a dance party, music, non-alchoholic drinks, the works...
The best part about this whole deal is, I CAN SLEEP PEACEFULLY TILL 9!!!!
It's called "HellWeek". All the 5.15 morning jogs, SAD classes, Yoga sessions, post-midnight assignments, threats of an 'F' in audit courses was all a load of crap. Ragging season ended last night, and quite predictable. So much so, that the joke was on the seniors. They announced that a PGP1 guy was caught with dope in his room, and he was to be expelled. The insti director was to address us all at 9PM, so the entire college assembled in the auditorium. There they gave us a lot of gyaan... But we were too smart for that; some wise-cracks actually questioned all their theories and claims!!! (I kept my mouth shut though).
It all ended with them coming out with it all. A big party ensued, after this 'welcome' for us. They predictable dunked many of us with water from the terrace, aseembling us purportedly to take photographs. After that, was a dance party, music, non-alchoholic drinks, the works...
The best part about this whole deal is, I CAN SLEEP PEACEFULLY TILL 9!!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Longest Night...
Continues from the previous post.
I didn't actually come back that night. There were 2 assignments put up that very night, at 1AM in the morning! Had to miss the match. Shacked up in a friends room and was up till 5.10AM finishing the 2 damn things. 5.10 because at 5.15AM we have to report for 'Physical Exercise' sessions. That is followed by an hour of 'Self Awareness & Discovery' (long for SAD, and very aptly so!), and then uptil 8.30AM we have Yoga! Classes start at 9, but won't until day after tomorrow. And just to keep us busy, we have a continuos inexhaustable flow of assignments every day! And they range from serious case presentations to daily write-ups on what we did at Yoga today!
I say, ridiculous man! I can see anvay and nishant laughing their butts off when they find out about this.
It's just that I expected something else. From all the talk and hoopla, I just thought that the first few days would be full of fun, late night welcome parties, games of badminton, chilling with some music at 2AM in the morning. But it is nowhere near that. I guess I had just lost the groove to study after being away from it for 2 years. And this isn't just some study program, its the mother of all study programs.
It tirns our that the first 2 semesters are always the toughest. Adjusting is one, the course load is anyway quite high. So, can't complain.
We had a formal inauguration ceremony today. The faculty was introduced, and later we were addressed by Mr. Harsh Vardhan, Director with Boston Consultancy Group! Gosh, just blew me away! BCG was always like a halcion dream, unrealised, and to meet a director with them was way too cool!
So, guess i'll get back to the dreary routine. Gotta check the notice board for some more dreadful assignments. Later...
I didn't actually come back that night. There were 2 assignments put up that very night, at 1AM in the morning! Had to miss the match. Shacked up in a friends room and was up till 5.10AM finishing the 2 damn things. 5.10 because at 5.15AM we have to report for 'Physical Exercise' sessions. That is followed by an hour of 'Self Awareness & Discovery' (long for SAD, and very aptly so!), and then uptil 8.30AM we have Yoga! Classes start at 9, but won't until day after tomorrow. And just to keep us busy, we have a continuos inexhaustable flow of assignments every day! And they range from serious case presentations to daily write-ups on what we did at Yoga today!
I say, ridiculous man! I can see anvay and nishant laughing their butts off when they find out about this.
It's just that I expected something else. From all the talk and hoopla, I just thought that the first few days would be full of fun, late night welcome parties, games of badminton, chilling with some music at 2AM in the morning. But it is nowhere near that. I guess I had just lost the groove to study after being away from it for 2 years. And this isn't just some study program, its the mother of all study programs.
It tirns our that the first 2 semesters are always the toughest. Adjusting is one, the course load is anyway quite high. So, can't complain.
We had a formal inauguration ceremony today. The faculty was introduced, and later we were addressed by Mr. Harsh Vardhan, Director with Boston Consultancy Group! Gosh, just blew me away! BCG was always like a halcion dream, unrealised, and to meet a director with them was way too cool!
So, guess i'll get back to the dreary routine. Gotta check the notice board for some more dreadful assignments. Later...
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Destination: Planet-i
A lot has happened since I last wrote. It feels rather odd to be typing out my thoughts again.
A LOT of things were happening in life, which is what prevented me from writing. In reality, all the things that happened were more or less so weird, painful, exhilarating, that it is hard to put them into words. Some of these emotions are so private, meant for solitary ruminations, that it really becomes difficult to express them, even aloud, even if it is just me in front of the mirror.
So, it all started when I got admission to IIM Indore!!! The enormity, as I once told Mihir, is yet to sink in. Unbelievable, but true. So the last 2 months have revolved around planning the minutest details of my travel and stay for 2 years at the Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India. That, and eating, sleeping, watching TV, eating, sleeping.
And now I am finally here. It is a tantalising feeling, I must say. Since noon, I had these weird feeling in my stomach. I wasn’t concentrating at things I usually do. The moment we left, there was a lump in my stomach, a burning down my intestines. The moment we turned the corner off AB Road, and glimpsed the IIM logo painted atop the water tank, I could feel myself bubbling with excitement like a 5 year old.
The location and the place is spectacular to say the least. Situated atop a hill (rather unoriginally named “Prabandh Shikhar”, which directly translates into “Management Mountain”????), it gives a breathtaking view of the entire habitation sprawled around it. In the distance are lots of mountains, in varying shades of blue, azure and grey. I first moved into the Hostel Blocks to get my room. I have been allotted B-218. Rather sad block to be in; it’s the oldest, hence the most unclean and un-cool .
I did meet a lot of the other denizens of Planet-i, as we call it. Most of them had arrived today, and had spent the larger part of the day unpacking, hanging about, finishing formalities. Now we all plan to meet for dinner, from there head to the Auditorium for the SWAC address (which probably is an excuse for ragging), and lastly the Euro Final at 12.15 AM. SO I really don’t know when I’ll be back to my room on my first day at IIM Indore.
Way to start! Cheers! Later.
A LOT of things were happening in life, which is what prevented me from writing. In reality, all the things that happened were more or less so weird, painful, exhilarating, that it is hard to put them into words. Some of these emotions are so private, meant for solitary ruminations, that it really becomes difficult to express them, even aloud, even if it is just me in front of the mirror.
So, it all started when I got admission to IIM Indore!!! The enormity, as I once told Mihir, is yet to sink in. Unbelievable, but true. So the last 2 months have revolved around planning the minutest details of my travel and stay for 2 years at the Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India. That, and eating, sleeping, watching TV, eating, sleeping.
And now I am finally here. It is a tantalising feeling, I must say. Since noon, I had these weird feeling in my stomach. I wasn’t concentrating at things I usually do. The moment we left, there was a lump in my stomach, a burning down my intestines. The moment we turned the corner off AB Road, and glimpsed the IIM logo painted atop the water tank, I could feel myself bubbling with excitement like a 5 year old.
The location and the place is spectacular to say the least. Situated atop a hill (rather unoriginally named “Prabandh Shikhar”, which directly translates into “Management Mountain”????), it gives a breathtaking view of the entire habitation sprawled around it. In the distance are lots of mountains, in varying shades of blue, azure and grey. I first moved into the Hostel Blocks to get my room. I have been allotted B-218. Rather sad block to be in; it’s the oldest, hence the most unclean and un-cool .
I did meet a lot of the other denizens of Planet-i, as we call it. Most of them had arrived today, and had spent the larger part of the day unpacking, hanging about, finishing formalities. Now we all plan to meet for dinner, from there head to the Auditorium for the SWAC address (which probably is an excuse for ragging), and lastly the Euro Final at 12.15 AM. SO I really don’t know when I’ll be back to my room on my first day at IIM Indore.
Way to start! Cheers! Later.
Monday, May 12, 2008
'Swades' style
Something eerie happened the other day.
I was travelling back home from Hadapsar, and caught a shared 6-seater on the way. These are diesel auto-rickshaws, larger in size than the regular ones, and supposed to seat 6 people (including the driver). They actually fit 11 including the driver!
But what the heck, it's fun riding one if you get to sit at the back, with one leg and your ehad outside the rickshaw. So, anyway, this time I didn;t get my favourite seat. i was squashed on the inside of the rear section, with the shabby man smelling of country liqour. As usual, I had my MP3 in my ears, and quite oddly enough, it started playing 'Swades'. The setting was perfect, the situation was almost the same, and so was the transportation! Phew, eerie!!!
I was travelling back home from Hadapsar, and caught a shared 6-seater on the way. These are diesel auto-rickshaws, larger in size than the regular ones, and supposed to seat 6 people (including the driver). They actually fit 11 including the driver!
But what the heck, it's fun riding one if you get to sit at the back, with one leg and your ehad outside the rickshaw. So, anyway, this time I didn;t get my favourite seat. i was squashed on the inside of the rear section, with the shabby man smelling of country liqour. As usual, I had my MP3 in my ears, and quite oddly enough, it started playing 'Swades'. The setting was perfect, the situation was almost the same, and so was the transportation! Phew, eerie!!!
Recapitulation
A lot has happened since I last wrote. And that is partially the reason why I did not write anything for a long time.
1. Still trying to gather the ruins.
2. Got admission to one of the premier institutes in the country, and obviously, I am joining college soon. Had to quit my current job for that.
3. Totally immersed in thinking about the new college. All day all I think of is alumni-fresher meets, things to buy, climate at the new place, the course pedagogy, preparatory studies etc.
1. Still trying to gather the ruins.
2. Got admission to one of the premier institutes in the country, and obviously, I am joining college soon. Had to quit my current job for that.
3. Totally immersed in thinking about the new college. All day all I think of is alumni-fresher meets, things to buy, climate at the new place, the course pedagogy, preparatory studies etc.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A most tumultous time...
This past 2 weeks, have been one of the most tumultous times I've been through...
1) I've had my life ripped apart, rent and torn to shreds. I've tried picking up the pieces, but it's tough.
2) Professional life is hard strung, what with delayed results and close-to-impossible assignments at work.
3) One of my best friends broke-up, and for that, I've kept my problems on the back-burner to try and be there for my friend.
4) And my nephew was born yesterday!!! Trust me, it really is one of the most beautiful sights I've seen till now. No kidding, you don't need a photo, you don't need a picture postcard, that image of that little kid in the cradle, all wrapped up, eyes scrunged tight shut, two soft feet wrapped in socks, and those tiny hands with the tiny soft fingers... the joyous father, the grandparents, the aunt... and most of all the mother... that tired, yet absolutely contented look on her face... I'll never forget those images for the rest of my life...
1) I've had my life ripped apart, rent and torn to shreds. I've tried picking up the pieces, but it's tough.
2) Professional life is hard strung, what with delayed results and close-to-impossible assignments at work.
3) One of my best friends broke-up, and for that, I've kept my problems on the back-burner to try and be there for my friend.
4) And my nephew was born yesterday!!! Trust me, it really is one of the most beautiful sights I've seen till now. No kidding, you don't need a photo, you don't need a picture postcard, that image of that little kid in the cradle, all wrapped up, eyes scrunged tight shut, two soft feet wrapped in socks, and those tiny hands with the tiny soft fingers... the joyous father, the grandparents, the aunt... and most of all the mother... that tired, yet absolutely contented look on her face... I'll never forget those images for the rest of my life...
Love, actually...
This something blew my head off when I heard it the first time... and since then, I've not seen this part of the movie again... Never had to... the dialogue is still buzzing in my head...
Movie: "Good Will Hunting". Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) is breaking apart Will Hunting's (Matt Damon) smugness of the previous meeting with a calculated, well thought over analysis of his behavior. This is part of what he says...
"... And if I asked you about women I'm sure you could give me a syllabus of your personal favorites, and maybe you've been laid a few times too. But you couldn't tell me how it feels to wake up next to a woman and be truly happy. If I asked you about war you could refer me to a bevy of fictional and non-fictional material, but you've never been in one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap and watched him draw his last breath, looking to you for help. And if I asked you about love I'd get a sonnet, but you've never looked at a woman and been truly vulnerable. Known that someone could kill you with a look. That someone could rescue you from grief. That God had put an angel on Earth just for you. And you wouldn't know how it felt to be her angel. To have the love to be there for her forever. Through anything, through cancer. You wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in a hospital room for two months holding her hand and not leaving because the doctors could see in your eyes that the term "visiting hours" didn't apply to you. And you wouldn't know about real loss, because that only occurs when you lose something you love more than yourself, and you've never dared to love anything that much."
Movie: "Good Will Hunting". Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) is breaking apart Will Hunting's (Matt Damon) smugness of the previous meeting with a calculated, well thought over analysis of his behavior. This is part of what he says...
"... And if I asked you about women I'm sure you could give me a syllabus of your personal favorites, and maybe you've been laid a few times too. But you couldn't tell me how it feels to wake up next to a woman and be truly happy. If I asked you about war you could refer me to a bevy of fictional and non-fictional material, but you've never been in one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap and watched him draw his last breath, looking to you for help. And if I asked you about love I'd get a sonnet, but you've never looked at a woman and been truly vulnerable. Known that someone could kill you with a look. That someone could rescue you from grief. That God had put an angel on Earth just for you. And you wouldn't know how it felt to be her angel. To have the love to be there for her forever. Through anything, through cancer. You wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in a hospital room for two months holding her hand and not leaving because the doctors could see in your eyes that the term "visiting hours" didn't apply to you. And you wouldn't know about real loss, because that only occurs when you lose something you love more than yourself, and you've never dared to love anything that much."
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
How embarassing is this???!!!
Happened to notice this rather embarassing incident (fortunately, I wasn't the subject).
I was waiting at a road divider to cross. The trafffic on the road in front of me was yet to stop, while the ones behind me had already halted. There was this cute girl riding pillion with most probably a boyfriend. Now we all know that most Indian signal/street junctions have urchins selling anything from cleaning mops to Harry Potter novels. So here there were these two girls selling roses.
Often, they are ready to pounce onn lovey-dovey couples and almost compel them to buy roses. And we try to shoo them off. Now, I observed, this girl saw the urchins and was longingly looking at the roses. As the urchin girl advanced in their direction, I could see a smile come across her face, hoping she would be asked, and maybe she would buy them too.
But to my utter surprize (and her utter discomfiture), the rose seller simply overlooked her, walked passed, and got busy with something else!! Now how embarassing is that!!!
I was waiting at a road divider to cross. The trafffic on the road in front of me was yet to stop, while the ones behind me had already halted. There was this cute girl riding pillion with most probably a boyfriend. Now we all know that most Indian signal/street junctions have urchins selling anything from cleaning mops to Harry Potter novels. So here there were these two girls selling roses.
Often, they are ready to pounce onn lovey-dovey couples and almost compel them to buy roses. And we try to shoo them off. Now, I observed, this girl saw the urchins and was longingly looking at the roses. As the urchin girl advanced in their direction, I could see a smile come across her face, hoping she would be asked, and maybe she would buy them too.
But to my utter surprize (and her utter discomfiture), the rose seller simply overlooked her, walked passed, and got busy with something else!! Now how embarassing is that!!!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Somedays... things just don't work out
Friday past was one such day. Had to come to Mumbai, so went to office early, by the 9AM bus. It's only later I realised that I did not have access to many applications, which means no spreadsheets, no 'Help', no mails and no manuals! Of course, the first 2.5 hours of the day would go waste.
So i accompanied some collegues for breakfast. During and animated conversation about a movie called (strangely enough) 'Mr. Azad', I was my usual playacting self, and in one animated motion, managed to spill a jug fulll of water onto the other side, in the process drenching Pritika and Snehal. I don't know if my most imploring and serious apologies (look, really, I was sorry) did any good. Both were really sweet and put me at ease, but boy! was that an embarassing situation. I'm sure I've been barred fromm the canteen then on.
The rest of the day went as usual. Some ups, more downs. Bad systems, worse food. Towards the end of the day, I managed to laeve a little early, and headed to catch the bus home. Luckily for me, the window closed as soon as I reached the counter, because the 'Mahabus' was full. It lucky, cause the 'Mahabus' takes and absolutely convoluted route. Next up was the 'Shivneri', faster nad more comfortable. And as luck would have it, I got the first and the best seat!! And as some more luck would have it, it still took me a good round 4 hours to reach Mumbai, well over the usual 3-3.5 hours.
SO you see, some days, it just doesn't go your way. Just doesn't.
So i accompanied some collegues for breakfast. During and animated conversation about a movie called (strangely enough) 'Mr. Azad', I was my usual playacting self, and in one animated motion, managed to spill a jug fulll of water onto the other side, in the process drenching Pritika and Snehal. I don't know if my most imploring and serious apologies (look, really, I was sorry) did any good. Both were really sweet and put me at ease, but boy! was that an embarassing situation. I'm sure I've been barred fromm the canteen then on.
The rest of the day went as usual. Some ups, more downs. Bad systems, worse food. Towards the end of the day, I managed to laeve a little early, and headed to catch the bus home. Luckily for me, the window closed as soon as I reached the counter, because the 'Mahabus' was full. It lucky, cause the 'Mahabus' takes and absolutely convoluted route. Next up was the 'Shivneri', faster nad more comfortable. And as luck would have it, I got the first and the best seat!! And as some more luck would have it, it still took me a good round 4 hours to reach Mumbai, well over the usual 3-3.5 hours.
SO you see, some days, it just doesn't go your way. Just doesn't.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Lizards spook me off
I confess. Thats is one thing that scares the SHIT out of me. Lizards.
Undoubtedly, they are the dirtiest, most ugly, hideous and disgusting things god wasted some precious time on creating. The serve absolutely no purpose on this planet, and thus, have no reason to exist. But they do, which is one among the many serious incongruities of life.
They are sick, and spook the shit out of me. Today, I came back from Tekdi with Rahul and Pranav, and decided on making some nice egg poach and toast. Add some cheese and lemon juice, and I have a treat for dinner. But as soon as I enter the house and lay down the food items, I see a large grown up lizard on the wall close to the door. Tha fact that it was close to the door gave me some heart, hoping that I might drive it out. But nay, as I keep trying, out emerges another lizard from behind the sofa. In the meanwhile, I had armed myself with a broom. And then to cap it all, the two start mating right there on the wall, and make me look like a fool screaming obsenities, waving a broom and trying to 'shooo' them off the wall. Damn them lizards!
I tehn proceeded to give them a liberal spray of 'HIT'. That broke up the vulgar orgy and 1 lizard took flight, to my utter horror, into the bedroom. It's still in there somewhere, I dare not find out. The other damn thing went and hid inside the main switchboard in the hall, where the buttons and the fan regulator is. I said to hell with this shit. I went into the kitchen and prepared my dinner, but it had lost all taste. As i kept looking at the regulator, the damn thing would pop out, raise my heartbeat about 10 notches up, and again disappear into the regulator.
As I was about to decide to ignore it, I hear a strange 'plop'. The f%$#@$# thing has fallen to the floor!!! Eeeeeeooowwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!
But no, I decide to confront my fears.. a la batman. Broom in hand and Hit in the other, I stalk the damn thing and roast it in Hit spray. Luckily I managed to get the door open in time as the lizard came out of hiding from under the sofa. Again I burst the Hit directing it towards the door. The lizard, flustered by the poison, made a dash through the open door.
Ahh!!! What a relief. Though i cannot forget that there is another f%$#ing one inside, and the pervasive smell of 'Hit' won't let me forget, I feel a sense of relief. Yet, I still keep turning fearfully at the wall... Hoping there are no more lizards. Damn them again!!!
Undoubtedly, they are the dirtiest, most ugly, hideous and disgusting things god wasted some precious time on creating. The serve absolutely no purpose on this planet, and thus, have no reason to exist. But they do, which is one among the many serious incongruities of life.
They are sick, and spook the shit out of me. Today, I came back from Tekdi with Rahul and Pranav, and decided on making some nice egg poach and toast. Add some cheese and lemon juice, and I have a treat for dinner. But as soon as I enter the house and lay down the food items, I see a large grown up lizard on the wall close to the door. Tha fact that it was close to the door gave me some heart, hoping that I might drive it out. But nay, as I keep trying, out emerges another lizard from behind the sofa. In the meanwhile, I had armed myself with a broom. And then to cap it all, the two start mating right there on the wall, and make me look like a fool screaming obsenities, waving a broom and trying to 'shooo' them off the wall. Damn them lizards!
I tehn proceeded to give them a liberal spray of 'HIT'. That broke up the vulgar orgy and 1 lizard took flight, to my utter horror, into the bedroom. It's still in there somewhere, I dare not find out. The other damn thing went and hid inside the main switchboard in the hall, where the buttons and the fan regulator is. I said to hell with this shit. I went into the kitchen and prepared my dinner, but it had lost all taste. As i kept looking at the regulator, the damn thing would pop out, raise my heartbeat about 10 notches up, and again disappear into the regulator.
As I was about to decide to ignore it, I hear a strange 'plop'. The f%$#@$# thing has fallen to the floor!!! Eeeeeeooowwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!
But no, I decide to confront my fears.. a la batman. Broom in hand and Hit in the other, I stalk the damn thing and roast it in Hit spray. Luckily I managed to get the door open in time as the lizard came out of hiding from under the sofa. Again I burst the Hit directing it towards the door. The lizard, flustered by the poison, made a dash through the open door.
Ahh!!! What a relief. Though i cannot forget that there is another f%$#ing one inside, and the pervasive smell of 'Hit' won't let me forget, I feel a sense of relief. Yet, I still keep turning fearfully at the wall... Hoping there are no more lizards. Damn them again!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Soft Option
Soft Option
Definition: noun, used to describe the simplest and easiest among choices. To take the beaten and treaded easy road.
Usage:
1. "I took the soft option when I decided to join junior college in the science stream." - another kid I knew, when he finished schooling sometime back.
2. "It's better to concentrate on 1 things, than mess up both. So I guess I'll concentrate on my HSC and not spend time attempting the IIT-JEE exam" - a boy I know who just passed 11th std.
3. "Man, breaking up was the Soft Option! You gotta fight back" - advice I gave a friend when he broke up cause his parents wouldn't approve.
4. The whole world wants to do engineering, MBA, without even knowing what they really are and what the people really want to do. They do it just because it's the well treaded path, the Soft Option" - a collegue at work.
5. "Not knowing what I want to do, is the easiest justification for taking the Soft Option." - Me, now.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Shivaji Mahraj ki Jay!!!
So today is Shiv jayanti. Atleast the state declared one. Doesn't matter very much because I still did not have a holiday.
So today is the great Shivaji's birthday. In fact, all the time I was in Mumbai, this was just another festival (if you can call it that). That's probably due to the more cosmopolitan nature of Mumbai, given that Shiv Jayanti is predominantly important to the Marathi folk. But naturally, it is more important in Pune, the centre of Marathi asmita. And boy is it celebrated with gusto!!!
Every major road, and every nook and cranny in that road has a group of folk celebrating it. This includes a bust of Shivaji placed ceremoniously in the middle of a small clearing and a bit of decoration behind it. In typical Puneri fashion there are loud speakers blasting away songs, abhangas, and other patriotic oriented music (but one place was playing songs about the Indian freedom struggle, which sounded rather anachronistic). It's almost like 50 big and small birthday parties being hosted in the honour of the great Maratha.
I came across this one cranny, where a typical celebration was in progress. There were about 20 odd children in the 10-15 age group dancing wildly to "Get Busy" by Sean Paul!!!?????!!!!????!!!! That was exactly my reaction. What struck me most, is that they neither understood the meaning of those lyrics, nor the importance of the birthday party they were celebrating. What a pity... tch tch...
So today is the great Shivaji's birthday. In fact, all the time I was in Mumbai, this was just another festival (if you can call it that). That's probably due to the more cosmopolitan nature of Mumbai, given that Shiv Jayanti is predominantly important to the Marathi folk. But naturally, it is more important in Pune, the centre of Marathi asmita. And boy is it celebrated with gusto!!!
Every major road, and every nook and cranny in that road has a group of folk celebrating it. This includes a bust of Shivaji placed ceremoniously in the middle of a small clearing and a bit of decoration behind it. In typical Puneri fashion there are loud speakers blasting away songs, abhangas, and other patriotic oriented music (but one place was playing songs about the Indian freedom struggle, which sounded rather anachronistic). It's almost like 50 big and small birthday parties being hosted in the honour of the great Maratha.
I came across this one cranny, where a typical celebration was in progress. There were about 20 odd children in the 10-15 age group dancing wildly to "Get Busy" by Sean Paul!!!?????!!!!????!!!! That was exactly my reaction. What struck me most, is that they neither understood the meaning of those lyrics, nor the importance of the birthday party they were celebrating. What a pity... tch tch...
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Godmen, Godwomen and their works
I'm not an athiest, but my utter contempt for godmen and godwomen alike is legendary. I mean I bore my audience to death if such a topic comes up. I don't have anything personal against them, it's just that I'm cynical.
Recently, a Mata came a'visiting. They occupied the Exhibition Ground near my home in Mumbai, and filled it with busloads of people and speakers that blared music and Amma's praises till 2Am the next morning.
The same evening, Mihir was trying to convince me over coffee, that some of these godfolks do have good intentions at heart, and not all deserve the wrath of my cynicism. So it seems that this Amma gives individual attention (yeah, sounds like 12th standard tuitions) to all her 'Bhakts'. Mihir found out today the exact ruotine behind this individual blessing charade. It seems that people queue up at the stage to meet her. A lady holds a tissue to your cheek, wipes it clean and asks you for a language you understand. Then the 'Bhakt' proceeds to Amma and she hugs him, and whispers in his/her ear in your language of choice - "You are my son/daughter".
And, well, thats about it. Then you are supposed to feel happy about yourself and go back.
Recently, a Mata came a'visiting. They occupied the Exhibition Ground near my home in Mumbai, and filled it with busloads of people and speakers that blared music and Amma's praises till 2Am the next morning.
The same evening, Mihir was trying to convince me over coffee, that some of these godfolks do have good intentions at heart, and not all deserve the wrath of my cynicism. So it seems that this Amma gives individual attention (yeah, sounds like 12th standard tuitions) to all her 'Bhakts'. Mihir found out today the exact ruotine behind this individual blessing charade. It seems that people queue up at the stage to meet her. A lady holds a tissue to your cheek, wipes it clean and asks you for a language you understand. Then the 'Bhakt' proceeds to Amma and she hugs him, and whispers in his/her ear in your language of choice - "You are my son/daughter".
And, well, thats about it. Then you are supposed to feel happy about yourself and go back.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lowest, trenchiest, most dickiest state of mind
I was back.... back to a new low. Life turns and hits me, and I get back, for some more...
Today was one of those days, (as EI would say, "happens to the best of us"), when I was at a lowest, trenchiest, most dickiest state of mind. Just one of those says when everything seems out of place, right from the toothbrush, to the route the bus is taking, to the way your closest is behaving. I could feel being boxed in by that feeling, like a car on a packed street. I was feeling shackled, gagged and tied. I could not express that anguish, but very well feel it, that icy, incisive, cold feeling like ice-cold water when it hits your face. Everything that was happening around me, seemed oddly at ease with itself, even the chaos seemed to settle into an odd rhythm, calmly mocking the tumult in me. It's as if your entire life, nay, your entire existence seems to close in around you. I'm somewhat sure everyone has felt that sometime or the other, the feeling of your whole existence walling you in and closing in around you. It's probably somewhat like a near-death experience. Flashes of the past, glimpses of the present whizz past you with annoying frequency.
And it is at such times, that I can see myself. Frankly, the naked starkness of that image startles me. There are no coverings, no shells, no protections. The entire clothing of impressions, images, viewpoints and beliefs, that you have based on what others say, is all gone. That is when I see myself in a different light. It is in the nakedness of this image that I see all my shortcomings, my failures. For all the things that seemed out of place before, right from the toothpaste, to the route the bus took, to the way my closest behaved, there seems to be an explanation. It is then that I realised, that here lies the source of most of what is going wrong in my life.
I don't know how correct is this image of myself I see, whether it is true, or blackened and blotted by the sadness, I don't profess to know. But I do know that it is here that I see my real failures, my shortcomings, my nadirs all at the same time. And that moment of realisation hits you like a 20 ton truck ramming into your head when you've got a 10 beer hangover. How one chooses to see it is a matter of personality... whether you brood over it and give up on yourself, or use this to overcome those shortcomings. I know how I am to use this realisation, whether I do it that way remains to be seen.
More on this later...
Today was one of those days, (as EI would say, "happens to the best of us"), when I was at a lowest, trenchiest, most dickiest state of mind. Just one of those says when everything seems out of place, right from the toothbrush, to the route the bus is taking, to the way your closest is behaving. I could feel being boxed in by that feeling, like a car on a packed street. I was feeling shackled, gagged and tied. I could not express that anguish, but very well feel it, that icy, incisive, cold feeling like ice-cold water when it hits your face. Everything that was happening around me, seemed oddly at ease with itself, even the chaos seemed to settle into an odd rhythm, calmly mocking the tumult in me. It's as if your entire life, nay, your entire existence seems to close in around you. I'm somewhat sure everyone has felt that sometime or the other, the feeling of your whole existence walling you in and closing in around you. It's probably somewhat like a near-death experience. Flashes of the past, glimpses of the present whizz past you with annoying frequency.
And it is at such times, that I can see myself. Frankly, the naked starkness of that image startles me. There are no coverings, no shells, no protections. The entire clothing of impressions, images, viewpoints and beliefs, that you have based on what others say, is all gone. That is when I see myself in a different light. It is in the nakedness of this image that I see all my shortcomings, my failures. For all the things that seemed out of place before, right from the toothpaste, to the route the bus took, to the way my closest behaved, there seems to be an explanation. It is then that I realised, that here lies the source of most of what is going wrong in my life.
I don't know how correct is this image of myself I see, whether it is true, or blackened and blotted by the sadness, I don't profess to know. But I do know that it is here that I see my real failures, my shortcomings, my nadirs all at the same time. And that moment of realisation hits you like a 20 ton truck ramming into your head when you've got a 10 beer hangover. How one chooses to see it is a matter of personality... whether you brood over it and give up on yourself, or use this to overcome those shortcomings. I know how I am to use this realisation, whether I do it that way remains to be seen.
More on this later...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Strange case of the Missing Florists
This is strange. Rather strange.
I have lived where I live for more than 18 months now. And I have realised that there are NO florists, or atleast flower shops of some repute or credit in the entire of Karve Nagar, Pune!!!
I mean, it is a such a dilemma when I need to go to visit someone on a special occasion, and I can't even carry flowers. Sheesh!
But, think of this. It tells you something about the people here. If there are no florists in KarveNagar, it clearly means there is little or no demand for special bouquets and flowers to be gifted to others. Knowing that Karve Nagar is inhabited by a large number of decently well off people, it reflects rather poorly on their attitude. I mean, it shows that people here don't gift flowers to others, probably hardly visit others on occasions, and even if they do, they don't have the courtesy, love or common sense to carry an innocous bouquet of flowers!!! BAD...
I have lived where I live for more than 18 months now. And I have realised that there are NO florists, or atleast flower shops of some repute or credit in the entire of Karve Nagar, Pune!!!
I mean, it is a such a dilemma when I need to go to visit someone on a special occasion, and I can't even carry flowers. Sheesh!
But, think of this. It tells you something about the people here. If there are no florists in KarveNagar, it clearly means there is little or no demand for special bouquets and flowers to be gifted to others. Knowing that Karve Nagar is inhabited by a large number of decently well off people, it reflects rather poorly on their attitude. I mean, it shows that people here don't gift flowers to others, probably hardly visit others on occasions, and even if they do, they don't have the courtesy, love or common sense to carry an innocous bouquet of flowers!!! BAD...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Another day at work
Completed the execution of my project at work... It is now into production!!! Yippeeeee!!!!
It's been a long 9 months we've been slogging our butts (and minds) off on this project, and finally last Saturday it went into implementation. And I hope it was a zero defect successful launch.
Actually, I should be feeling exactly what a woman feels after she delivers her child... 9 months of gestation and then the moment of sheer joy when the delivery is complete. The same apprehension and vague fear is in our minds too, on D-Day.
But oddly, I don't feel it. Probably, I am not as closely attached to this project as a mother would be to her baby. I mean, heck, the kid has an umbilical cord yaar. The only way this project was attached to me was by a contract in soft copy form that my company signed with another company. I just don't feel that attachment or soft corner for it.
So, the entire workout of spending 13 straight hours in office in front of the green-red-black Mainframes screen, trying to catch a wink on the 2 bean bags in the cafeteria, eventually heading to the resting room only to find it filled with a musty odour and an occupant who snored like the roar or 2 Pratt-Whitney engines, felt like just another day at work. Nothing special gained, nothing special done... nothing at all.
It's been a long 9 months we've been slogging our butts (and minds) off on this project, and finally last Saturday it went into implementation. And I hope it was a zero defect successful launch.
Actually, I should be feeling exactly what a woman feels after she delivers her child... 9 months of gestation and then the moment of sheer joy when the delivery is complete. The same apprehension and vague fear is in our minds too, on D-Day.
But oddly, I don't feel it. Probably, I am not as closely attached to this project as a mother would be to her baby. I mean, heck, the kid has an umbilical cord yaar. The only way this project was attached to me was by a contract in soft copy form that my company signed with another company. I just don't feel that attachment or soft corner for it.
So, the entire workout of spending 13 straight hours in office in front of the green-red-black Mainframes screen, trying to catch a wink on the 2 bean bags in the cafeteria, eventually heading to the resting room only to find it filled with a musty odour and an occupant who snored like the roar or 2 Pratt-Whitney engines, felt like just another day at work. Nothing special gained, nothing special done... nothing at all.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ramayana and Mahabharata
Another random perambulations of and idle mind. (Atlest it's not a devil's workshop).
I have over the years read/heard/been told various tales from the 2 great Hindu epics. I have also endeavoured to read condensed version of the two epics, giving me a fair idea of the story as well as the teachings. And, I can condense whatever I've learnt from them, into basically 1 sentence.
Read both, it's important. Because the Ramayana tells you exactly how to behave and what to do, while the Mahabharata tells you exactly what NOT to do and how NOT to behave.
So one gives you the ideal way of life through a hardly human avataar (Ram) and the other relates a saga of follies by extremely human individuals to tell you what mistakes to avoid. Amazing, isn't it?
Just my thoughts though.
I have over the years read/heard/been told various tales from the 2 great Hindu epics. I have also endeavoured to read condensed version of the two epics, giving me a fair idea of the story as well as the teachings. And, I can condense whatever I've learnt from them, into basically 1 sentence.
Read both, it's important. Because the Ramayana tells you exactly how to behave and what to do, while the Mahabharata tells you exactly what NOT to do and how NOT to behave.
So one gives you the ideal way of life through a hardly human avataar (Ram) and the other relates a saga of follies by extremely human individuals to tell you what mistakes to avoid. Amazing, isn't it?
Just my thoughts though.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Hedging emotions
Just a thought, and some might say, a rather weird one.
Just as we 'hedge' our investments and money to mitigate or reduce market risk, how about 'hedging' your emotions too?
Instead of concentrating and focusing all your attention and emotional attachment towards 1 person or object, why not diversify it. Have atleast 2-3 people who you are really, or atleast equally close to. Indulge in 2-3 hobbies or interests. Feel strongly about atleast 2 or 3 different issues. That way, we can ruduce the risk of getting hurt when any one of these is unavailable, and hurts our feelings or emotions.
Say your best friend is being aloof, or your child moves away, or your partner is busy with friends, you always have the other to look to. Say you feel strongly about quota reservations, and some day (god forbid), they actually come into effect, you atleast have some other convictions to fall back on, rather than being driven to suicidal tendencies after losing faith in the countries justice system. Say, you can't find to go to the gym due to work, have 2 other hobbies, maybe like music or blogging which you can do otherwise too.
It's just a thought, because I havn't really tried this. All I know is that when one of the above fails, it hurts. Really makes you miserable right inside. So just thought of this as a back-up, to our usual support systems. Sounds rather cynical though. Ummm... gotta think about this.
Just as we 'hedge' our investments and money to mitigate or reduce market risk, how about 'hedging' your emotions too?
Instead of concentrating and focusing all your attention and emotional attachment towards 1 person or object, why not diversify it. Have atleast 2-3 people who you are really, or atleast equally close to. Indulge in 2-3 hobbies or interests. Feel strongly about atleast 2 or 3 different issues. That way, we can ruduce the risk of getting hurt when any one of these is unavailable, and hurts our feelings or emotions.
Say your best friend is being aloof, or your child moves away, or your partner is busy with friends, you always have the other to look to. Say you feel strongly about quota reservations, and some day (god forbid), they actually come into effect, you atleast have some other convictions to fall back on, rather than being driven to suicidal tendencies after losing faith in the countries justice system. Say, you can't find to go to the gym due to work, have 2 other hobbies, maybe like music or blogging which you can do otherwise too.
It's just a thought, because I havn't really tried this. All I know is that when one of the above fails, it hurts. Really makes you miserable right inside. So just thought of this as a back-up, to our usual support systems. Sounds rather cynical though. Ummm... gotta think about this.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Of Leadership, and other inexplicable management 'funda's
I want to study management, and evidently, I need to learn some 'funda's. Fundas are basically jargon, simple concepts in complex terms. Like 'coming up to speed' (reaching a level of understaning) or 'touching base' (making a courtesy phone call to apprise someone about something) or getting a 'ballpark figure' (an approximate number). But this is one 'funda' that wasn't all jargon with no substance.
Credit goes to the speaker, his enthusiasm was so over the board, that I then realised what they mean by 'drilling it into your head'. He was speaking/screaming/yelling so loudly, that my own throat started hurting in sheer pity and empathy. But, he got his point across.
And so he went on... and on... and goaded us to think, ask what is the purpose of our existence. Try and find it out. And that has given me sleepless nights. I'm losing sleep over this very question, which to many might seem trivial and stupid even. But I now want to find it out, not for the sake of answering this in an Interview, but because I need to know. I, myself, need to know.
It was about leadership. What he said is, that all management institutes try to teach you Leadership. At least that's what they claim. Harvard says so, and so does IIM Ahmedabad. But thats untrue. Simply because none of these institutes of repute, have a tiny rat's ass of a clue as to what leadership is.
The man went on to explain what his own little understanding of leadership was. I won't ramble around as he did, because I can put down what he said in 3 distinct points.
1. Leaders KNOW what they want to do.
Obviously, a Leader is supposed to 'lead'. So s/he must know exactly what s/he wants to do. And mind you, that isn't childs play. Your destiny isn't a 35mm screen that plays out in front of your eyes one night, and you just know what you want to do. So, a sure sign of a 'Leader' is someone who knows the purpose of their existence. It could be absolutely anything; what is important is that a 'leader' is identified by that purpose, and a burning desire to achieve it.
2. A 'Leader's purpose of existence is not linked to monetary gain.
This clears any doubts that might arise from the previous issue. Heck, most people know what they want. Its the 'hari patti', be it "rupaiya, dollar ya pound". It's all about money, honey. No, it's not. A true 'Leader's goals are not governed by the monetary profit that comes out of it. They do not think in terms of fiscal defisit or year-end profits. Those are targets for managers. The Leader looks concrete, practical and tangible achievements, whose value does not fluctutate with time, unlike money.
3. A 'Leader' is born.
What that means is this: You cannot create a leader. They are just born. So whatever claims these management institutes make of creating, moulding and transforming leaders is quite plainly, hogwash. A Leader is born that way, different from peers. You cannot find create one, nor teach someone to be one. That works for managers. Managers are appointed, Leader's emerge.
Credit goes to the speaker, his enthusiasm was so over the board, that I then realised what they mean by 'drilling it into your head'. He was speaking/screaming/yelling so loudly, that my own throat started hurting in sheer pity and empathy. But, he got his point across.
And so he went on... and on... and goaded us to think, ask what is the purpose of our existence. Try and find it out. And that has given me sleepless nights. I'm losing sleep over this very question, which to many might seem trivial and stupid even. But I now want to find it out, not for the sake of answering this in an Interview, but because I need to know. I, myself, need to know.
It was about leadership. What he said is, that all management institutes try to teach you Leadership. At least that's what they claim. Harvard says so, and so does IIM Ahmedabad. But thats untrue. Simply because none of these institutes of repute, have a tiny rat's ass of a clue as to what leadership is.
The man went on to explain what his own little understanding of leadership was. I won't ramble around as he did, because I can put down what he said in 3 distinct points.
1. Leaders KNOW what they want to do.
Obviously, a Leader is supposed to 'lead'. So s/he must know exactly what s/he wants to do. And mind you, that isn't childs play. Your destiny isn't a 35mm screen that plays out in front of your eyes one night, and you just know what you want to do. So, a sure sign of a 'Leader' is someone who knows the purpose of their existence. It could be absolutely anything; what is important is that a 'leader' is identified by that purpose, and a burning desire to achieve it.
2. A 'Leader's purpose of existence is not linked to monetary gain.
This clears any doubts that might arise from the previous issue. Heck, most people know what they want. Its the 'hari patti', be it "rupaiya, dollar ya pound". It's all about money, honey. No, it's not. A true 'Leader's goals are not governed by the monetary profit that comes out of it. They do not think in terms of fiscal defisit or year-end profits. Those are targets for managers. The Leader looks concrete, practical and tangible achievements, whose value does not fluctutate with time, unlike money.
3. A 'Leader' is born.
What that means is this: You cannot create a leader. They are just born. So whatever claims these management institutes make of creating, moulding and transforming leaders is quite plainly, hogwash. A Leader is born that way, different from peers. You cannot find create one, nor teach someone to be one. That works for managers. Managers are appointed, Leader's emerge.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Being a watchman
I've got to flush this out of my head, once and for all. Otherwise I might not get any sleep.
Today, was a new low.
I was never so bored in life. I went to work today, stayed 8 hours, and did absolutely NOTHING. And this has been the trend for the past month or so. A few days of heightened activity, and then large swathes of absolute inactivity. And it is most irritating to spend 8 hours in office, just because there might be a chance of some work coming our way here . I now understand what a watchman feels like. And boy, it is one helluva boring job. This whole stupid routine is getting on my nerves. To add to that, I catch a cold due to the inexplicable cold in Pune (the fever too must make an appearance). Anyone heard of 'Climate Change' here?
This whole 1-2-3-4 type routine does not challenge me anymore. More importantly, does not stimulate me. Beat this, I was looking up movie titles and general WWII facts on Wikipedia, just to kill time. The prospect of having to fix my neighbours rather obvious code errors seemed sooo inviting then! If I have to think, I'm sure my team mate can hear the gears grinding due to all the rust!
Point being, this whole mental and physical stagnation is killing me. I realised today, that I am mortally bored. So, point two, what do I do about it? In my present situation, I am quite paranoid, morbid, and rather angry. So I will get some sleep, and think of this tomorrow.
Good Luck! Later...
Today, was a new low.
I was never so bored in life. I went to work today, stayed 8 hours, and did absolutely NOTHING. And this has been the trend for the past month or so. A few days of heightened activity, and then large swathes of absolute inactivity. And it is most irritating to spend 8 hours in office, just because there might be a chance of some work coming our way here . I now understand what a watchman feels like. And boy, it is one helluva boring job. This whole stupid routine is getting on my nerves. To add to that, I catch a cold due to the inexplicable cold in Pune (the fever too must make an appearance). Anyone heard of 'Climate Change' here?
This whole 1-2-3-4 type routine does not challenge me anymore. More importantly, does not stimulate me. Beat this, I was looking up movie titles and general WWII facts on Wikipedia, just to kill time. The prospect of having to fix my neighbours rather obvious code errors seemed sooo inviting then! If I have to think, I'm sure my team mate can hear the gears grinding due to all the rust!
Point being, this whole mental and physical stagnation is killing me. I realised today, that I am mortally bored. So, point two, what do I do about it? In my present situation, I am quite paranoid, morbid, and rather angry. So I will get some sleep, and think of this tomorrow.
Good Luck! Later...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The ACTUAL Underpriviliged
‘Taare Zameen Par’ has had a profound influence on me, I won’t deny it. But what I’m going to say, has taken root not from this movie, but actually from somewhere else.
TMZ threw focus on dyslexia, and more generally on the trials under-performing students have to go through. It is common knowledge that children, who don’t score an A+ in school, face a lot of discrimination from peers, and often from parents too. But, a quick search on dyslexia on the Internet reveals a rather stunning and less known fact about the ‘disability’.
It seems that dyslexics, who suffer from reading-writing problems, often have a rare and unnatural ability to think out of the box. That being a primary reason why such unnaturally gifted children are not recognized by our exam oriented society.
When I read this, my mind took a flashback to a seminar I had attended in office on ‘innovation’. That being the buzzword in the industry today, we are goaded by managers to think ‘out of the box’. One of the guest speakers was trying to explain a theoretical framework for innovation. He ended his lecture, with a rather interesting model.
He says that the human race has seen several transformations over our history. It started with the Stone Age. That’s when man learnt to mould stones and flints into weapons and instruments. To use it for hunting. From there, we progressed to the age of Metal. That’s when Man was able to transform and mould steel, and use it as implements, obviously more effectively than stone. Then came the industrial revolution, which brought about factories and assembly lines, the age of Automation. Today, we are in the age of the Machines. We have designed machines, robots and computers to do all our work. We have reached a point where these Machines even ‘think’ (Read AI, distributed intelligence etc.). Thought and logic, the 2 qualities that set us apart from the animals, were also emulated by our machines. So, the obvious question is, where are we headed? What age is next? His theory was this.
To date, we are able to make machines think, perform logical operations, and even act like us. Basically, all our ‘right brain’ activities can be done by these machines. So, up next would be the Age of the ‘left brain’. The age where machines think for us, but the aesthetics, art, creativity takes precedence. These are typically functions of the left half of the brain, and hence the name.
And hence the emphasis on creativity, innovation and OFTB thinking. Now, think of this. The very dyslexics we look down upon are already gifted with this exceptional ‘left brain’ activity. So, it is they who inherit the earth! And people like me have only our right brain to fall back on. So it is our burden to cram books, study hard and pass exam after exam, basically because that is all we are good at!
So, now I think, who is actually underprivileged? And in the coming world order, who will be labouring away and who inherits the earth?
TMZ threw focus on dyslexia, and more generally on the trials under-performing students have to go through. It is common knowledge that children, who don’t score an A+ in school, face a lot of discrimination from peers, and often from parents too. But, a quick search on dyslexia on the Internet reveals a rather stunning and less known fact about the ‘disability’.
It seems that dyslexics, who suffer from reading-writing problems, often have a rare and unnatural ability to think out of the box. That being a primary reason why such unnaturally gifted children are not recognized by our exam oriented society.
When I read this, my mind took a flashback to a seminar I had attended in office on ‘innovation’. That being the buzzword in the industry today, we are goaded by managers to think ‘out of the box’. One of the guest speakers was trying to explain a theoretical framework for innovation. He ended his lecture, with a rather interesting model.
He says that the human race has seen several transformations over our history. It started with the Stone Age. That’s when man learnt to mould stones and flints into weapons and instruments. To use it for hunting. From there, we progressed to the age of Metal. That’s when Man was able to transform and mould steel, and use it as implements, obviously more effectively than stone. Then came the industrial revolution, which brought about factories and assembly lines, the age of Automation. Today, we are in the age of the Machines. We have designed machines, robots and computers to do all our work. We have reached a point where these Machines even ‘think’ (Read AI, distributed intelligence etc.). Thought and logic, the 2 qualities that set us apart from the animals, were also emulated by our machines. So, the obvious question is, where are we headed? What age is next? His theory was this.
To date, we are able to make machines think, perform logical operations, and even act like us. Basically, all our ‘right brain’ activities can be done by these machines. So, up next would be the Age of the ‘left brain’. The age where machines think for us, but the aesthetics, art, creativity takes precedence. These are typically functions of the left half of the brain, and hence the name.
And hence the emphasis on creativity, innovation and OFTB thinking. Now, think of this. The very dyslexics we look down upon are already gifted with this exceptional ‘left brain’ activity. So, it is they who inherit the earth! And people like me have only our right brain to fall back on. So it is our burden to cram books, study hard and pass exam after exam, basically because that is all we are good at!
So, now I think, who is actually underprivileged? And in the coming world order, who will be labouring away and who inherits the earth?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Death... almost!
Saw a lady almost getting run over by a train. In fact, she would have been split in half if that had really happened.
I was returning home from this test, and was waiting at the slow train platform. Thats when this lady decided to cross the tracks to the fast train platform. She looked mostly like a ragpicker, with a soiled bundle on her shoulders. Somehow, either she missed the announcement (which is quite easy to miss, by the way) or simply didn't see/hear the train coming. At least not until it was quite late.
I was on the other platform and could see this quite clearly. The people on that platform yelled for her to back off - simply step back a few strides and clear the track. But the woman just would'nt budge. you know, thats when i realised what they mean when they say one gets 'transfixed by fear'. You cant think, cant even make a damn movement, which, however, wouldn't take much if you were in your senses. God, that was one scary moment. All I could utter was some gibberish like "Oh Shit, oh.. o... oh Shit, oh Shit, Oh Shit...".
Luckily for her, the people on the fast platform lunged ahead and grabbed her and pulled her to safety. I could see her arch her legs away as the train smoothly glided past where she was standing. Phew!!!
I was returning home from this test, and was waiting at the slow train platform. Thats when this lady decided to cross the tracks to the fast train platform. She looked mostly like a ragpicker, with a soiled bundle on her shoulders. Somehow, either she missed the announcement (which is quite easy to miss, by the way) or simply didn't see/hear the train coming. At least not until it was quite late.
I was on the other platform and could see this quite clearly. The people on that platform yelled for her to back off - simply step back a few strides and clear the track. But the woman just would'nt budge. you know, thats when i realised what they mean when they say one gets 'transfixed by fear'. You cant think, cant even make a damn movement, which, however, wouldn't take much if you were in your senses. God, that was one scary moment. All I could utter was some gibberish like "Oh Shit, oh.. o... oh Shit, oh Shit, Oh Shit...".
Luckily for her, the people on the fast platform lunged ahead and grabbed her and pulled her to safety. I could see her arch her legs away as the train smoothly glided past where she was standing. Phew!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A Quick recap...
So, what did I do in the past few months...
Here is a quick overview:
1. Studied for and gave the CAT examination (and my decent show is all due to the continual help and support from Mihir, thanx a lot buddy).
2. Made my new bestest friend.
3. Lazed around a bit.
4. Worked hard at office to achieve a lot of the goals set to me.
5. Lazed around a bit more at home.
6. Saw a lot of movies, all mostly bad, barring 'Taare Zameen Par'.
7. Slept some more, and didn't exercise at all.
Ummm... well... thats about it. Pretty boring life, eh???
Here is a quick overview:
1. Studied for and gave the CAT examination (and my decent show is all due to the continual help and support from Mihir, thanx a lot buddy).
2. Made my new bestest friend.
3. Lazed around a bit.
4. Worked hard at office to achieve a lot of the goals set to me.
5. Lazed around a bit more at home.
6. Saw a lot of movies, all mostly bad, barring 'Taare Zameen Par'.
7. Slept some more, and didn't exercise at all.
Ummm... well... thats about it. Pretty boring life, eh???
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Another New Year
Posting after a long time, so I;m a bit rusty.
Heralded another New Year in the wee hours of today morning. Washed away the sad moments of the year past, and hope for a better and most importantly a fulfilling new year. Not just for me alone, for everyone in fact.
p.s. @EI... You're right... its was more than a moment... No wonder Sloth is one of the 7 sins... But, i'll make up for it... soon.
Heralded another New Year in the wee hours of today morning. Washed away the sad moments of the year past, and hope for a better and most importantly a fulfilling new year. Not just for me alone, for everyone in fact.
p.s. @EI... You're right... its was more than a moment... No wonder Sloth is one of the 7 sins... But, i'll make up for it... soon.
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