I’m lovin’ it !

Aaah..had heard a lot about the “hectic” life of MBA..and now experiencing it myself ! Boy, its not easy, to say the least. Surprise quizzes, assignments, case analyses, presentations..you name it, and we do it ! But yeah, lets be honest..I’m loving it !

MBA definitely changes the way you look towards everything- the markets, people and of course, yourself. It depends a lot on you to spot the practicality in the theory being taught. In this context, I especially love Managerial Economics as a subject, but unfortunately am not able to give it as much time as I want because of some or the other assignments/submissions. Have yet to plan out a proper schedule for myself; otherwise it feels as if the whole day just whiz pasts in a jiffy !

Today, at 12:00 midnight, I would be having my first birthday at this college. Hope to have a blast ! Although tomorrow I have classes till 1:30 P.M., but I’m planning to go for an outing in the evening.

Cheers !

A new beginning..

Well, here goes the account of my first week at my dear insti: IMI

The first day (21/06/2009) was kept for registration of the course I was selected for i.e., PGDM. The time given to us for this activity was 11 am to 1 pm. However, after registering, we were given a handout of the day’s schedule which said that it was a whoel day affair: we had to stay till 6 pm, since the orientation lectures were divided in two days-21^st and 22^nd June.

Anyways, we started attending those orintation lectures. There were sessions from our program director (Prof.V Chandra), Hon’ble director Mr. C S Venkatratnam and Prof Srivastava. We also had a sort of ice-breaking session in the class in which all of us had to keep changing our places and introduce ourselves to each other. It was fun, still have to catch up with many guys though. Then we also had a session on Case studies by Prof Mehra, and we were also given a couple of case studies to read before coming to the college next day. Seemed like a pretty hectic day to me, even though didn’t have anything much to work on !

After the day, went to the hostel and had a bath. Delhi heat is literally roasting us ! (Oh..and I forgot to mention about the 2.5 hr power cut the previos night, which made me realize for the first time in my life that I cannot sleep if my shirt is drenched with sweat L ) Then settled my stuff in the room, and cleaned the place a little.

The next day again had orientation lectures- by Dr. Richa Awasthi, the librarian and a session for computer lab as well. And now an interesting part: There was a session by Prof. Singhvi as well. The session lasted only for a few minutes, as we were allowed to leave after taking the course outline handouts. But it was then that I realized that I was interviewd by him and Prof. Balasubramaniam for my IMI-PI, since I didn’t know him by face at that time (had read quite a lot about him though, courtesy PaGalGuy). Was kinda thrilled and surprised after knowing this J

The classed began in full swing from Tuesday (23^rd June). Am quite satisfied with the quality of faculty here. Each sentence uttered by them reflects loads of experience, knowledge and a no-nonsence attitude- all the qualities imperative for a manager. Initially found marketing a bit boring- the book seemed to have the same funda repeated again and again. Anyways, read those fundas somehow for the marketing class. Now I do found it a bit interesting, although once I read a concept, it seems more of common sense than a strict management funda. Finance and accounting has been a complete bouncer to me after those 2 classes of 3 hrs each. And it gets better- there is a quiz in the next finance class! (whenever it is) Have to work a lot in this area, or the consequences could be fatal L

Have yet to take the library membership. The wi-fi campus gives a good connectivity, although it’s almost impossible to sit in the college amphi and browse, because of the extreme heat in Delhi.

Oh yeah..how can I miss this part..had 3-4 “interaction” sessions with the seniors in the amphi. Though they are all in a lighter note, but I really didn’t find them very interesting. The “tasks”, are also not very innovative.  But I admit I did have a couple of good laughs during my visits there.

Met the two seniors who had conducted our GD/PI in IIM Bangalore..they were really nice to meet, and are both in PGDM-HR. Also met another senior whom I knew through PaGalGuy and Orkut..he is also a nice person. Feel good to be in a fantastic batch and warm seniors..have to yet meet many seniors though J

Submitted my first group assignment today (27^th June). It was from MM-1, and was supposed to present an example of the application of the concept of 7 O’s in marketing and also examples of several factors which affect consumer behaviour. Have to start on another assignment of MM-1, where we have to do a little research on an industry of our choice and identify the current trends and try to project the future trends as well. Happy to do these kinda assignments..this was something I was waiting for. This gives a feel of actually being into an MBA program of a good institute and gives a subtle kick J

Anyways..signing off as of now. Will again come back with a detailed experience and try to do the same more regularly.

Ciao !

Soliloquy of a placid soul

Hola !

This piece was scribbled by me after we had one of the last “mehfils” in our engineering college. Couldn’t post this earlier for some or the other reasons. Finally, here it is

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The insouciance was expected. Or maybe, ‘twas not, as is the general culmination of high profile bacchanalian orgies. But here the ‘proceedings’ were a little different. The ‘orgiastic’ enthusiasts were a set of five fresh engineers who tried to mellow down their newly acquired-week long fatigue the ‘candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker’ way.

The celebration started rather stealthily at almost exact midnight. After a fairly long stint with the dandy trafficker, the dram was amateurishly checked, sniffed, admired and bought with money. On the way to our hostel, cigarettes, chips, chilled soda bottles and ice-cubes were also bought in as the essential ancillaries. And then it began…

We, as already told, are amateur in these matters and thus were having the fun in our own measure of ‘small’ and ‘large’ versions. The four years of engineering, which before the deed and after, looked like bloody four seconds of vacations, suddenly started actually looking like four man-years, or maybe even more than that. All of us started analyzing ourselves-a process which I hate to the core, ‘cause it’s generally hard for me to find some good deeds that I’ve did in the recent past. Not that I’ve not did any, but realization of which makes me feel a bit high-headed. So more often than not, it brings in me, an unwanted compunction.

Nevertheless, we started with our childish acts, hovered over our academic and non-academic achievements, and concluded with college politics. The first and last topics remain the most nostalgic ones for us, for they are responsible for most of the separations and misunderstandings between us. Aaaahh…chuck it off…

The last potion of the priced libation was decided upon, to be enjoyed on the hostel terrace. The hostel terrace floor was newly tiled and as-if made perfect for the occasion itself !!  And to spice up the occasion were the cool zephyrs that filled the place that night.

So, we fuzzily poured the final measure, and leglessly went to the terrace. Here, after finishing the peg, we laid down side by side and started watching thy sky dance in front of our eyes-in ways that we individually desired. Then came the best part-the combined singing session ! The songs were so naturally coming to us that it really gave all of us an out-of-the-world feeling. Specially for me, when I sang ‘choo lene do nazuk hoton ko.. (By late Mhd. Rafi)’ it was a world that I was experiencing for the first time- ‘twas like the personification of the word ‘trance !’

Then after satisfying and ‘relieving’ ourselves, we went downstairs and I and a friend (of that group) went for a li’l stroll to expand the effect, and he garbed all sorts of nonsense during this time. Finally, we went to our rooms and died on our beds. And then resurrected on 11.00 am the next day, still aware of each act, whether intentional or sheepish, did the night before, and resumed to our usual sobriety ! This is an added advantage of consuming something which is blended proudly

Cheerios !

Horn (Not)OK Please!

Ok.. I’ve got a little confession here..I hate the noise created by honking. That’s right- by horns of any vehicle on earth. It really drives me crazy. And this is the reason why I’ve started observing the honking patterns of us Indians.

 

Off late, I’ve realized that people on the roads of India have developed their own language- the language of Honking. Depending upon the different beats/spurts in their honks, one may be trying to convey different messages, or displaying different levels of anger/frustration in self. This is to say that this Honking is one close pal of the old street legend- swearing. In fact, they both kinda complement each other.

 

A very short honk is usually given when there’s someone close, or to stun someone. And if you’ve been a victim of the “pressure horns” of the bloody sarkaari ambassadors, you’ll know exactly what I mean. They do just that- give a rather short honk, to make the people nearby be aware of its presence, and mantriji’s feasting family alike. Enough to deafen you for a couple of seconds !

 

Then there’s the long honk- usually given when about to turn, or stuck in a traffic jam, as if the long honk would blow away the traffic in front ! Also used sometimes when speeding through a long stretch of road sans traffic, cows and garbage et al. This is done so as to alert all the vehicles who might dare to enter the road while the car is speeding. Very annoying, and can easily upset an upbeat mood.

 

Another kind is the intermittent short one- this is almost always used when speeding through a long stretch of a road. Again, to alert all the vehicles who might dare to enter the road while the car is speeding. This style was invented by the ‘Vikram’ tempowallahs, who had mastered the art of rash driving seasoned with the peppy local swearing.

 

Moreover, I have observed it many times now that we are in the habit of honking even if the road is completely empty. It has become a deep rooted habit. Its in our blood ! We don’t get a feeling of satisfaction and confidence in driving down the lane without giving a honk or two. And it’s having a really bad effect on our ears. Noise pollution causes a lot if disturbance, disrupts concentration and blows up your chain of thoughts. This blog is also the result of a pent up frustration, built over last several weeks before I had to throw up. I know I cannot reach every Indian and tell them about this problem, but at least you guys- the amazing lot that has been kind enough to read this blog, it’s a humble request from my side- please think before you Honk. You might really be ruining someone’s day.

 

Help reduce noise pollution- lets be a sensible citizen.

Jai Hind !

The divine feline story..

I wanted to post this since quite some time now..its about my journey through one of the most sought after and well, dreaded exams of IndiaI- the CAT. Yes, yours truly has also been a mouse in the menacing rat race to bell the CAT. And three times so. Third time lucky ? Well, read on..

It was the third year of my engineering when my friends and family started encouraging me to take up CAT. I had always been a technical guy, and this was the reason that I took up engineering. So I could never really convince myself, why I should take up this exam. My parents’ reason was simple- they wanted a better career for me. Now, this is where many people lose their direction. And believe me, if this is the sole reason with which one prepares for CAT or any management entrance test for that matter, chances are really slim that he/she would be able to make it to the B-School of his/her choice.

 

So my first attempt on CAT was just to make my parents and peers feel happy of the fact that I gave this exam on their recommendation. Any guesses on my percentile that year ? Even I don’t remember correctly- it was 78.xx overall.

Although I didn’t prepare even a bit, I felt really bad somewhere inside me. I had never fared this bad in any of my exams in my life. This event sort of- planted a sampling of revenge in me. I wanted to show the world that even I can score well in this much-hyped aptitude test. But then, I thought, should I prepare for CAT just for the heck of it ? Will this really be worth the effort ? Naaah !

 

Well, time went and I joined a software firm of my choice. And that is when my real motivation started. On the very first day of my induction, I saw hundred guys and gals sitting in a large room, being briefed about the rules and regulations of the company. I felt a severe loss of identity here. Just then, we were asked to sign a bond of fifteen months. I wanted to stand up and run away- but I couldn’t, since I didn’t have any other option. I tried to calm myself. I told myself that if this is the way I have to prove myself, then so be it. Six hundred/seven/eight or a thousand- bring them on. If I have it in me, I’ll do well in any situation. I am not going to be afraid of this crowd. Period.

 

Guys, this was one turning point of my career. Let me tell you, even at this point, I was not thinking of CAT. I just wanted to do well in my organisation, and believed in myself. Then the training started, and I did well in most of the tests. Our training was scheduled to get over by November- the CAT month. The training had a really gruelling schedule- I had to wake up at 6:30 to catch the company bus, and returned home by 10. Boy ! That was really one hectic period. Around the same time, I realized that the “revenge” sampling had grown to a tree. I was doing well in my training tests. I decided to give CAT another shot, with at least some preparation this time, so I joined a “test series”. My scores were nothing short of a sine wave. I couldn’t make out anything of my mock scores. I had no idea of strategizing, question selection, speed and time management et al.

Result: 82.xx in CAT-07, and similar pathetic results for some other exams that I wrote.

 

Meanwhile, I got into a project, and work started in full swing. Just when I had joined the team, a senior guy left to pursue his MS. I was given a hell lot of work to do, with little time to think for my career. Nevertheless, I got a decent amount of appreciation from my managers and the client for my single handed and efficient handling of work related issues. Two months went by like this in a jiffy. It was then that I realized that I am capable of doing much more. The work that I was doing seemed very mundane and process-oriented. There was little room to voice your own ideas/opinions even if it could greatly improve the whole process. Soon, I started feeling that the office hierarchies, egos and “policies” always tried to pull me down whenever I tried to rise up. I needed to equip myself with some more skills to bring myself to the front end of an organisation, and give me some authority to make decisions, or at least suggestions. And for me, an MBA fitted in perfectly for this purpose. I saw MBA as an investment, which would make me a much better equipped individual, from the industry perspective, and also complement my existing skill-set.

 

I started working hard for CAT’08. I joined the test series of a four-lettered coaching institute, this time. I had only one study strategy- be regular. I used to spend a fixed amount of time everyday for my preparation, and work on my weak areas. Mock tests are very very important for one’s preparation. Each mock would tell you your weak areas/sections. Working diligently towards improvement would most definitely give positive results. An occasional dip in the scores does happen; but one should never get disheartened by such events. In the end it’s how well you perform on the D-day, which in turn depends how much time you have spent on analysing your mock tests and worked on strategising.

 

Finally, the results came. Though I didn’t do brilliantly, but it was enough to get calls from a few decent institutes. My overall CAT score was 96.25, with decent sectional break-ups. I also managed to do well in some other exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and had a total of ten GD-PI calls by the end of the results season.

 

Now came the GD-PI season. I didn’t have the time to join any coaching for this, since they mostly had their classes on weekends, and I felt that spending 6-7 hours of this precious time would be more of a waste. Instead, I decided to invest this time in improving my GK, something where I was really bad at. I concentrated more on current affairs, and started questioning each and every thing happening around me. I also started reading Economic Times and a few business magazines regularly. This proved to be of immense help. I started attending my GDs with full confidence. By the end of the GD/PI season, I had skipped two calls, got three rejects, and five converts. Finally going to join IMI, Delhi.

 

So, my biggest advice to the aspirants- dig in, and find whether you actually want it. Ask questions to yourself- are you ready for it ? will this make your career better ? and most importantly, what impact would this course have on your overall personality ?

 

The day you are able to find the answers to these questions, you are absolutely ready to choose your path. And trust me, once this exercise is done, more than half the battle is won. That’s right. If you know thyself well, no interview can stop you from realizing your dreams.

Go on guys ! If you believe in yourself, there’s no one- I repeat, No One who can stop you from achieving what you deserve. Clichéd as it may sound, but still works nonetheless.

All the best, and God Bless !

The last supper…

Aaah…so finally its gonna happen. The wait is over. I’ve been seeing this day in my dream since the last..er..589 days. Yeah, exactly these many days ago, I had joined the organisation I was working for, and started dreaming of making it to a good B-School of the country.

And tomorrow is the day when I’ll be leaving the “silly-cone” valley of India, and head towards my hometown. And in about a month’s time, shall start my “Journey towards excellence”. I’ll be joining IMI, Delhi.

Just as a trivia, it was too hot in Bangalore this year- people who have been born and brought up here have swore by the fact that it has never been this hot ! And I don’t know whether they are right or wrong, but it certainly was quite hot this year. In fact I had a very pleasant image of Bangalore in my mind- that of the thin rains like Pune has, and the weather never being too harsh on the residents. And I thought that I would miss the rains after I leave this city. But as if by magic, it rained yesterday. And boy, that was one heavy downpour. I was out of my house, to buy something. I took shelter in the shop itself. After around ten minutes, the rains subsided a bit, and I started walking quickly towards my house. No prizes for guessing what Murphy had in his mind It started raining so heavily, that I didn’t even have the time to think what to do next ! And then, I said to myself..this is just what I wanted ! Go..drench yourself !

By the time I reached home, I was literally dripping water ! But I really loved it…that was a very nice experience before leaving Bangalore.

Also, I really loved my last day @ the office ! Mixed feelings were getting triggered when I was going through the separation formalities—the joy of starting the journey that I yearned for, the sadness of leaving some friends, and the fact the I won’t be getting a fixed amount of moolah every month end, to spend This was a kind of déjà vu of the time when I was typing out my resignation letter.

All in all, my stay in Bangalore has been a very different and enriching experience. Learnt, unlearnt and re-learnt a lot of things. Hope to carry on these lessons wherever I go !

Cheerios !

Another journey begins..

Well, well. Its party time.  Have converted a few calls of mine, and one good one at that. Elated at the moment

Finally going to resign from my company the next week. Good riddance !

Mostly in life, once you get what you wanted for too long, you start reliving the memories of the whole journey which led you here.

Those..

Early risings from the bed, cursing the company bus timings;

Moments of feeling low when I couldn’t score well in the coaching “test series”;

Feelings of loneliness and that I’m missing out big time on life;

Times of self-doubt..

I’ve been through all this. And much more. And I’m much more confident and happy than I was before experiencing and coping up with these. This is what I toiled for a whole year. Finally, the hard work has paid off, and re-instated in me the notion that “Success is never final, and failure never fatal. Its the courage of moving on that matters the most.” 

I would like this moment to shower my appreciation for:

My Organisation-Most of the IT junta hates the company it’s working for. The grass invariably seems greener on the other side. There’s my simple advice-you HAVE to work here for some time to come. Accept this fact instead of cribbing, and start looking for opportunities. In a movie called “Evan Almighty”, there’s a very thoughtful dialogue-”God does not give you what you ask HIM for. He gives you the opportunities where you can prove yourself.”

I was fortunate/sensible enough to get one thing straight, early in my career. All the successful IT companies have been built out of sheer hard work, strong value system and professionalism. Its like- there’s an ocean of knowledge flowing at your place. Some people stand with a fork, some with a spoon and a few with a bucket. YOU have to decide what you’re going to stand with. There’s a lot to learn, wherever you’re working. My senior manager is the person who taught me some of the best lessons of my life. I’ll always be indebted to her for the same. The team meetings/discussions taught me something that no GD/PI coaching can ever teach you. The hectic schedules of my project and the gruelling deadlines taught me all the time management needed for an exam like CAT. Of course, extra reading and taking regular tests is very important.

I’ve had some fantastic colleagues-very co-operative, always willing to help and share knowledge. They taught me the importance of team playing and thinking in terms of getting the best output of the whole team, rather than always trying to prove your point.

Have found a couple of really good friends here. Someone whom I discovered a little late, but have shared a lot with , nevertheless  

Support of my friends- Though I didn’t have many friends in the same city who were preparing for MBA entrance exams (except a few in my organisation), but I did have them in NOIDA and Hyderabad.  And talking to them kinda pepped me up, and didn’t let me feel alone.  

My family-I purposely mentioned this point at last, because this is what would stay in the reader’s mind for the longest time My folks showed an unmoved confidence in me, and in many ways, this was my sole strength in my moments of self doubt. I would like to thank especially my brother. He has been a friend, philosopher, guide, my worst critic, coach and guardian. Just couldn’t write it here what he means to me.

All the time since I gained some maturity, I wondered what would be the time when I would change myself. I feel it was the year 2008. It at least marked the beginning of this phase, if this is supposed to continue longer. And I couldn’t be happier

Hope to learn many new things in the coming future, and understand more of life than I do now.

On a high note..

 

This video is so cool ! Just do as it says, and you’re in for a wonderful experience !

Happy halucinating

Early metamorphosis..

Well, due to a pretty hectic schedule, I couldn’t post this earlier. Though a little late, but here it is. It is about the experiences that I had when I was attending the GD/PIs in Pune and Mumbai and Bangalore, all in a period of fifteen days approx..

Phew personified- that’s me, nowadays! Though I did have an idea that it was going to be really hectic, but the reality turned out to be a lot tougher. In the last few days, I’ve had an acute shortage of sleep, nourishing food, a proper bath, prayer and fun et al.

No, I wasn’t on an army crash course. I was busy giving the GDs/PIs for various institutes which deemed me fit for doing so. Most of them were lined up within a gap of a day or two, and scheduled in different cities more often than not. So much so, that I actually started feeling like a “high-flying-executive”, although I burnt a large hole in my own pocket for doing so

I felt like I was using my salary like pocket money- absolutely no thoughts on saving a bit of it.

Anyways, that was it, and the experience wasn’t totally bad. Maybe this was a taste of the hectic life of an executive, in store for me in the future (Amen ). I also got an opportunity to see some new places like Pune and Mumbai.

Pune seemingly has straight roads running from one end of the city to the other. And yes, the infra is much better than Bangalore-at least for now it seemed to handle the traffic that it has, and the city is not bursting at the seams. The place didn’t have many places (not that I or my friend [slash] guide knew of) to see, at least within the city. Went to the Kakde mall and E Square-the favourite hangout of the college going crowd. The crowd was toooo good, if you know what I mean

The autowallahs are anything but honest, and its better to have an idea of the approximate fares to the place you are travelling, or you can be robbed big-time.

Mumbai-you rock ! This city has an air of openness, which makes you come out of your shell, if any. Though I had a really short stint here, but tried to grab every second of it, nevertheless. Nothing seems impossible here. Maybe I am saying this because this is what all of us have already heard about Mumbai. Anyways, the city does have a no-nonsense “go-getter” attitude. And yeah, I did get “thugged” by an autowallah in the morning itself, who charged an exorbitant sum for a 15 min ride. I had already started playing “Yeh hai Mumbai nagaria…” in my head soon after I realised my naivety.

I also made sure that I have the “Mumbai local” experience. I took one from the Vile-Parle station to Church gate, to see the famous Marine Drive. The place (MD) is simply awesome. Sat there for around an hour and a half-and was completely recharged. My mind completely got de-linked from the happenings of the day. Somehow started introspecting; and a few memories made me feel a bit lonely.

All in all, the Mumbai experience was really nice.

Well, done with the efforts from my side as of now..lets see what destiny has in store for me

Watched, by chance !

After Slumdog, this was a good movie to watch. It’s called “Luck By Chance”. Although a directorial debut of Zoya Akhtar, the daughter of celebrated lyricist Javed Saab, but pretty well done nevertheless. Anyways, I don’t wanna get into the criticality of each actor/actresses’ performance. What I loved is the concept of this movie.

Bollywood, or the “Hindi Cinema Industry” as termed in this movie, is quite visibly harping on newer ideas and becoming bolder in it’s approach. And with the brilliant people that the Indian film industry has, I wonder why it took (or is taking..) so long to come out of that melodramatic shell. True, it was a sure money-spinner formula till the 90’s, and maybe even today, if cleverly wrapped up in a “celluloid maven” cast and shooting at exotic locations. But as the Indian audience gets more prudent and contemporary, this formula can only be expected to bite the dust going forward. The zeitgeist demands something new, bold and real. In short, “Hat Ke“, yet credible.

And this is precisely how this movie is structured. 

The movie revolves around struggling actors. Countless people reach Mumbai everyday to try their luck in India’s tinsel town. All of them have something unique, which makes them the superstar of tomorrow. At least they believe so. The struggle is not an ordinary one; it’s more than just plain vanilla dog-eat-dog competition. It is a mysterious mix of hard work, charisma, fire and generous dollops of luck. And everyone just can’t have the right mix. Those who get in, either inherit from their “celluloid” parents or create it for themselves.

This movie largely portrays the latter category. The protagonist doesn’t believe in destiny; he keeps on working towards his goal, not always in perfectly ethical ways, but does nevertheless. His girlfriend (Konkona Sen Sharma) though, starts believing in luck and in a way, gives up on “talent” would take her anywhere. Ultimately the protagonist (Farhan) makes it big. (How ? Please watch the movie..it would really be a sin and too difficult to reveal it here)

The hysteria that usually surrounds these ’stars’ has been shown beautifully. Konkona learns a big lesson, and moves on. Frahan has already made a place for himself, and is all in the race for the top league. The irony in the movie is, that Farhan never comes to know the substantial role that luck played in shaping his destiny. All in all, a wonderful movie, and worth a watch. The song “Naina..” is a treat for the ears.

My rating: 3.5/5 (Could’ve done better in music and maybe screenplay)