exploits

Gave 'Dil' to Hockey: Part 2 of 2

2010-03-13T11:14:00.007+05:30

To Read Part 1, click here

To put things in perspective, this was the ‘Do or Die’ match for India. Having won comfortably against Pakistan and lost meekly to Australia, India had to win this one to stay in contention. The goal immediately in front of us was of India’s in the first half and we got to see a lot of action. The Spaniards were breathing down our necks all the while. It never felt that India were in the game. The ball was all over the place and our striking abilities seemed like a big Achilles’s heel. The game which looks zapping on the television comes in waves and Indian defense was always caught napping. The boisterous crowd became adept at clinging to the silence as and when the Indian D was raided. It was only a matter of time before Spain was up 1-0.

The hunt for equalizer resulted in India’s first penalty corner, deep into the first half. Had it been just the noise made by the crowd on the penalty corner, Referee would have given a goal to India, but…alas. Sandeep Singh experienced the fall from the pedestal after being hero-worshipped since the India Pakistan match. He (or the Team) would fail 5 out of possible 6 times during the match. The gradual transitioning of the crowd’s mood from being supporter to an outsider was visible. What kept us sitting was the belief in the next 35 minutes as Spain led 2-0.

The game was played with utmost punctuality, measured to the seconds. The first touch on the ball was precisely ten minutes zero seconds after the break. The first ten minutes of the second half were an eye candy to an Indian Hockey Fan. The precise passes, the mid-field magic, the play for possession and frequent dashes to the other half made the experience exhilarating. Within minutes, India earned their second penalty corner and converted it with a sense of purpose and utmost ease. The audience got their few moments to cherish as the placards which were biting shoes during the half time were dusted off and held high. ‘Come, Fall in Love’ stated a placard while the tunes of ‘Chak De India’ reverberated through the stands. With this goal, we fell in love with Hockey. We started planning to watch India’s next match with England that too in the stadium; perhaps with a 500 Rs, ticket. By the way, this was the only time when the ‘Cheer Girls’ were really smiling. The score line read 2-1 in favor of Spain with more than half an hour of play remaining. We sensed a chance.

‘If your flag is flying high, bullets will hit everyone but you,’ used to say our MBA professor. Ours was not flying high that day. Back to back goals within minutes of play made the collective ‘heart’ of the ‘ecstatic crowd’ come out. The goal and the goal to the semis now seemed a distant dream, only to be fulfilled by some supernatural activity. The giant screen declared the score line as 4-1 and I felt like bombarding the screen with imaginary cannon balls. Hockey balls however were repeatedly finding the nets. India went a goal better the next minute but the crowd’s conviction level was all evaporated by then. The fight in the mid-field ensued and each passing minute brought us closer to a loss. When India lost 4-2, I could hear one of the many disappointed fans saying in Shahrukh Khan’s style – ‘Those 70 minutes, those 70 minutes of ours were wasted by the Hockey team.’

The whole ambience was so dazzling that we never felt the pain of India losing. It was a new experience and we enjoyed thoroughly as our pre-set notions about stadium viewing were dismantled by the impeccable conduct of the match. It’s only when we were out of the stadium that it began to sink in. We gave our ‘Dil’ to India; winning would help!

P.S. I enjoyed our way back to the car park in CP on an overloaded auto (6 people). It was so nice of the traffic policemen to allow it that way.
By the way, India lost 5-2 which I got to know while I watched the midnight news bulletin in an effort to figure out if ‘I was Live on TV when I gave my Dil to Indian Hockey’

Gave 'Dil' to Hockey: Part 1 of 2

2010-03-11T22:24:00.003+05:30

When I trumpeted on Facebook that I am going to watch India Pakistan World Cup Hockey Match Live at the stadium, I got many eager responses. Though I did not get the ticket of that match, I resolutely promised to give my ‘Dil’ to hockey by watching upcoming matches. It was any how important to have an in stadia hockey experience in order to find a nice spot between embarrassment and boasting; among my colleagues.

The ticketgenie (online ticketing website) is lazy, stubborn and useless. India versus Australia tickets were not available through internet. India versus Spain match, bang in the middle of the week; in the middle of the evening made little sense and required huge planning and luck.

I raced my work like a swift center forward throughout the day to ensure timely departure from office. My last pit stop at office, before driving off to the stadium was the washroom. Asking directions over the phone, I bumped into the company’s COO. Animated he was…and guided me to the National Stadium – ‘behind the canopy which is behind India Gate’. I had permission.

We parked our cars at Connaught Place and took an auto to the stadium. As we approached the venue, I felt more and more apprehensive. I thought that pushing and shoving, hunger (with no food stalls or hawkers) and exhaustion would reign supreme. The entry into the stadium was in fact pretty smooth. At the entry gate, the security officers took away all the coins that we had. I don’t know if it was an innovative way to collect money or to prevent rework by metal detectors. Women folks with heavy bags found themselves looted as even their pepper sprays were knocked out at the check point.

You don’t expect much from a 100 Rs. ticket. However, bright magnificence left us spellbound as the renovated stadium circle with nicely done interiors ushered us in. It seemed four suns shone heavy on a green patch of earth; the white magical light was sufficient to spot the tip of the needle on the hockey turf. Sitting behind one of the goal posts, we had a straight view of the giant screen, cameramen, cheer leaders and Spain’s boys. My fellow friends were dressed in Saffron and Green ‘Kurtas’ while I tried to complete the National Flag with an off white shirt.

As soon as the players came into the stadium in a serpentine row, the spectators went berserk. We and ALL stood upright and uptight as the national anthem played on. When the last two lines of the anthem were chanted, I thought we had already won the match. The uproar was deafening and the air of jingoism made me feel that I have been transported back to the days of Roman Empire; inside the Colosseum to witness epic gladiatorial combat. Jaye Jaye Jaye Jaye He!

To be continued...Watch this space coming Saturday Morning

Motorcycle Pilot

2010-02-28T11:59:00.003+05:30

After years of prodding by my friends, I decided to give Goa a visit last year. My expectations were huge just like tall swaying palms along the coastline. The small airport followed by long narrow stretch to North Goa made my excitement run meekly into the ocean. After all, there seemed nothing fascinating about the place. Crowded beaches devoid of basic amenities, irregular patches of sanitation and expensive inter-city travel made for an undesired concoction. Add a little bit of commercialization and a garnish of ‘noise’ and your sensory system turns adverse and revolts.

However, by the time I left the place, I felt in love with the place. Goa has a nagging tendency to grow upon you. So it’s not surprising that when I revisited the place a few days back, I again came back with a longing to spend more time in Goa.
Why does Goa grow upon oneself? For obvious reasons…

Goa is a FUN destination, for people who want to observe the heavens sitting lonely at the shores and for people who turn breathless in absence of Indian chaos. Imagine - Bright yet caring sun illuminating squares and squares of green and yellow topped cultivation; bisected artfully by tapered roads stretching endlessly into the horizon and your gearless Activa swerving through the coastal breeze scented with an air of playfulness. Imagine – A non-swimmer taken swiftly on a banana shaped raft only to be plunged deep into the salty water; some 200 meters away from the beach. The life jacket brings in fun and frolic amidst the ocean waters and the water sports turns addictive. Imagine – the cruise across the Mondovi river when the flock of birds obliterate the view of the sinking orange ball called Sun and the Goan music spices up the chemistry among honeymooners. But is that the only reason which makes Goa so popular and frequented. NO…

Goa is a FREEDOM destination. Goa makes you shed your inhibitions else it would have been like any other place. Uninhibited like a tipsy teetotaler, Unobtrusive like a quiet shack on an unknown beach, Wild like the flames of seaside bonfire resonating the acts of boisterous waves and above all a different India which knows well to mix its Fun with the Freedom granted.

After returning the rented Gypsy, I requested the owner to drop me back to the hotel. He persuaded me to talk to ‘Motorcycle Pilots’ at the busy intersection. These people drive motorcycle with yellow colored mudguards and drop off individuals to nearby locations at a much nominal fee. No wonder they call themselves ‘Pilots’ for your experiences go airborne in Goa even if you are a pillion on a rickety bike.

Financial Indecision

2010-01-31T16:45:00.002+05:30

Over the entire spine chilling January, I happened to meet 4 different sets of ‘chilled-out’ people. Since these meetings were confined indoors, there was more of talking and less of meaningless chatter.

These people were chilled out because they cared so little about their finances.

I met a 26 year old, single male earning a good sum of money. He did not have any debt apart from his monthly motorcycle EMI. He did not eke out any sum to his parents; living in a different city. I asked his savings rate. His savings rate is zero. He lives to earn and earns to live…live life king size. He plans to marry soon and is expecting a big sum.

I then met a couple who are in their early thirties and have a new born baby. Both of them are working. Do they save? Yes, they do. Do they save enough? Yes, they do. So, what’s the problem? They gloat at the ever increasing balance in their savings account. Over the years, their bank has darted off priority membership gold cards which always reminds them of the ‘gold’ they are holding. The problem is that they are saving but are not investing prudently.

Then, the other weekend, over a conversation with tea and steaming momos, I tried to interpret the financial mess of a 40 something having an adolescent daughter and a college pass-out. His financial state was in a similar state as the evening snacks; getting tasteless with time. Over the years, the person has tried to invest all across instruments – tax saver mutual funds, pension schemes, fixed deposit, gold jewelry, childhood plans, ULIPs etc. He was not certain if his financial state can be termed good, bad or passing. Simply put, his investing has been unplanned; just like my snacks – the success dependant on the guest’s appreciation or assets' appreciation.

I also met a 50 year old who has already retired in his mind. His erstwhile appetite for risk free and tax saving investing has now given way to exposure into risky and leveraged investing; after he has managed to develop a decent corpus all these years. He wants to multiply his corpus many times over before he retires in the eyes of the world. This man has saved, has invested; although conservatively, but is falling prey to imprudent investing, late in his earning life.

Then there are a few oversmart people like me, who overdo their planning just to generate a little ‘alpha’ out of their investments. These people speculate their hard earned money over illiquid real estate, penny stocks or day trading.

I am amazed that these set of people exist all across the urban landscape in this age of counseling business channels and duping wealth advisors. Here are my two cents to all my readers:
• Start saving early and invest 40-50% of your disposable income (includes home EMIs)
• Get adequate life insurance and medical insurance for the family as it takes ages to build wealth and an incident to take it away. Also, no complex life insurance. Just the basic term insurance; separating investing from insurance cover.
• Invest your savings regularly in mutual funds (based on your risk profile and goals). No need for specific plans and then
• Retire soon just as I want to.
Till then, Happy Investing

Cracking the password

2009-10-05T23:53:00.001+05:30

I had a disturbing nightmare yesterday. No, it was not that I was torched to death by mobsters nor did I happen to fall on the toothed granite rock after the bungee rope gave way. It was far worse. I had forgotten all my logins and passwords in this global village of Earth. I was a castaway.
My day …and night ends with logins and passwords. The moment I enter the office, my computer commands my credentials. Our company password policy demands complex passwords so I have a different password apart from the ‘usual’ ones which I use for web e-mail IDs. Thankfully, my personal folders are not password protected now. I have already lost two such folders encompassing 2 years of hard work and a few leisurely photographs. Then there are a host of websites which require knowing me. McKenzie does not give me access if the ‘caps lock’ is ON on an alphabet, stock market websites do not allow me to witness the ‘expected’ daily increase in portfolio return and even the good old Indian Railways plays fickle if I happen to transact online. Over the months, despite my earnest attempt to have a simple individual password policy for myself, I have been rushed into this quagmire more and more. If I have three user IDs and three unique passwords, there will be 9 possible combinations. My Online Banking allows only 5 attempts. Every two months I happen to make 5 attempts in a row and get my password reset. Alas! Had I had only one banking account? There are three; adding on to the complication. Then there are accounts on facebook, linkedin, orkut, twitter, blogger and other important websites (newspapers, travel etc.); not to forget my wife’s laptop and my everlasting desktop. Also, there are host of ATM PINs, Mutual Funds’ PINs and Online Investment PINs. My life is a worldwide web and I am the inefficient spider.
What does one do in such a case? Google as usual. There are online password managers like clipperz and Lastpass. Do I trust them? No. Do I use innovative methods of remembering passwords? Surely, but are they secure and time-tested? Perhaps…but they do not allow changing username of existing IDs.
‘You are an idiot?’ was my sister’s response when I narrated my plight to her. She showcased the Notes in her Outlook where she had beautifully crafted all the user IDs and password details. Such a Big Risk. My heart tanked when I saw that information. I cannot fathom preparing a document and listing all these sensitive and not too sensitive details. The idea of storing them on mobile seems a lost idea as there is a good probability that I will lose my mobile one day. So what do I do? Any ideas? I would have to killed myself before Alzheimer kills me.

10 Things I should have known before writing the previous blog

2009-04-07T21:03:00.004+05:30

Deep Pockets: Although Dubai with its extensive economic activity is seen as the face of the Middle East, it is Abu Dhabi which has the big bucks (owing to huge oil reserves). It is said that Abu Dhabi’s pockets goes deep down to the socks whereas Dubai is getting its pockets sewed. Abu Dhabi has in fact purchased Dubai’s assets and provided liquidity in order to bail it out from the economic crises. Also, Abu Dhabi is the only government in the world which announced in January to the entire world that the deposits of the customers in Abu Dhabi’s banks are entirely safe. No government in the world has provided that kind of guarantee.
No Prisoners in Apartments: Dubai’s Skyline is Abu Dhabi’s Onida Television – Neighbour’s Envy, Owner’s Pride. Dubai has swankiest of the malls and best of the places to visit. However, Dubai people term themselves as prisoners in their own apartments. With so much traffic on the roads, it usually took an hour to cover a small distance of 5 kms. The traffic condition is though better these days. A good expanse of Abu Dhabi resembles a parking lot but moving around the city is considered far easier.
Real Enabler: Real Estate can not be a sector that drives economic growth; it should just be an enabler. That’s why; one would not see hyped-up construction in Abu Dhabi. Apart from Oil and Gas, Abu Dhabi is promoting sectors such as Education, Healthcare and Entertainment that would result in steady yet sustainable growth. More the high rises, steepest and widest is the fall. That’s Dubai for you.
Sangeetha L.L.P: The food junkie in me is moving around like a zombie in these pious times. The goal is to find a vegetarian, cost effective and preferably Indian joint. Guess what! I have found one, a Tamil restaurant. Authentic Onion Rava Masala Dosa and Special Chennai Coffee (served in a steel glass within a steel cup) will go as the second highlight food of the trip (First of course is Ricotto – Please read my previous blog)
Sugar Daddy: Last year, 25% of the total cranes in the world were in UAE; majority being in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Considering that they are mere ‘dots’ on the world map, one can imagine the intensity of construction activities. The projects in Abu Dhabi are still underway at the same pace. Compared to Dubai, there have not been any lay-offs. The sovereign institutions such as ADIC and ADIA are flush with funds and have stakes in formidable companies of these times. There is a little twinkle in the eyes of Abu Dhabi people, a little confidence (and pride) suggesting that even if the situation turns worse, Abu Dhabi will be able to maneuver and in fact play ‘ Sugar Daddy’.
DD News and Sony: Hey, I now have these two channels as well and believe me it has helped a lot. I at last had a date with Sony Serials and felt at home. Although I am a strict detracter of Varun Gandhi type histrionics, I kept running DD news. After all, we Indians love chaos!
Rulebook Drivers: The more I commute in the city, the more the initial ‘Screw’ Driver image perishes. Most of the times, drivers run by the meter, provide you the receipt and do not resist tenancy in general.
Accessible Greens: Imagine Dubai? A concrete jungle, an expansive desert land, Sea-shores across Burj Dubai, the Malls – Most possibly, these pictures will flash across your mind (even if you haven’t visited the place). Where are the greens for the locals? - Except the Palm Trees on the sidewalks or on road dividers? The Corniche Road to the Port runs parallel to the creek and has manicured plantation all across the stretch. Parks and Gardens are lungs of the city and Abu Dhabi planners seemed to have ensured ‘access to greenery’ to every inhabitant.
Raining Time to Timing Rain: If one fine day, your girl friend/boy friend informs you that you are not required in her/his life, because climate has changed, what would you do? Hardly anything…, you were not prepared. The ghastly thunderstorms and continuous rainfall, which lashed out the city for the past 5 days, were never expected. The region has never witnessed anything like this before and was not prepared. Going by the spirit of Abu Dhabi, I am sure, next time, they will time the rain as per their convenience.
Where will you be on November 1?: These signboards cloud the city now as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the last of the Formula 1 race on 1st November. The tickets went on sale yesterday and were sold out in 2 hours. The City is understandably and successfully hosting a string of events to stamp itself as the ‘Culture’ capital of the region. The Other Day, Bertolucci, the world famous and signature ‘tenor’ artist, held in awe an audience of 20,000 people in the magnificent Empire Palace.

Notwithstanding these comparisons, Dubai would still glad a tourist’s attention. The Female Species is more prominent and amazingly supreme. As I wrongly considered, ‘Burqua’ is not a symbol for the old, oppressed and illiterate. It, in fact, adds to the mystique and to the desire. The ‘highlights’ of the travel remain the front desk at Zawya and Al Reem. My fellow traveler, Rahul, breathlessly and aptly put it – ‘They were dolls’

Air, Water, Food and Internet

2009-04-05T09:27:00.002+05:30

Dubai smells like a pot of gold; shining with radiance, secretly-kept and stubbornly indefatigable. Despite being the richest emirate, Abu Dhabi is Dubai’s distant cousin. When Dubai is bracing itself to unveil the world’s tallest building, it seems Abu Dhabi is doing fitments on the 20th Floor.
The moment I ended up at Abu Dhabi Bus Station, I had to first struggle my way to the taxi stand and then quibble with the drivers. Dubai was so methodical; the drivers never deny you the taxi and always go by the meter. The Moslem Driver, with a deliberate attempt to convert his Toyata Corolla to a Mumbai taxi, somehow agreed to drop me to the hotel. The moment I shut down the luggage cabin at the back, he shouted shockingly – ‘Allah, Tumko Dheere Se Band Karna Nahi Aata.’ I hurriedly sat on the front seat, quickly apologizing to him and shutting the door – again a BANG. My heart missed a beat. The ferocity on his face desired my silence and … it helped. He charged me 10 Dirhams, refusing to give away change despite the meter reading being 6.5. I dutifully agreed to his demand, considering that the excess charge would be because of additional depreciation, I have caused to his fighting fit vehicle. By the way, Abu Dhabi is just 10 minutes by taxi or 10 Dirhams in circumference.

The Hotel, although exorbitantly priced, was again a ‘mood destroyer’. Okay, I can do without the poolside view or the gymnasium or the sauna but internet…Isn’t it mandatory these days? They don’t serve water in the room (or charge for it) and tap water is better avoided. Thirsty in the room without internet…

The peculiar stench made the air-conditioning (I regard AC as man’s greatest invention) look (I mean, smell) trivial. Thirsty, Breathless in the room without internet…

I kept the luggage in the room (no bellboys here) and went down on the street; to have lunch. Navratras have made matters worse; after all one can not expect a vegetarian course in these ‘Al Kabab’ restaurants. Hungry, Thirsty, Breathless and Without Internet on the streets of Abu Dhabi.

By the time I returned to my room, depression ran amok on my mind. The silent room with 3 ‘selected’ channels (Asianet, NatGeo and BBC) and no connection with the world, took me back 20 years, the pre-Nokia and Doordarshan era. I feel like a ‘castaway’

I have managed to find ‘Havana Café’ – the internet and dining café (5 Dirhams for an hour of internet access and one minimum order) which will be my ‘oxygen mask’ for the next 5 days. As we exited after the dinner, climate change felt real. It was raining cats and dogs in this desert land and exposed the city’s drainage system. Dubai is also experiencing a similar weather but the city is much better prepared.

I am less depressed now, not because of extended blogging sessions (postings will be delayed due to rarely available internet) that I will get but because of two things –

1) Carallione cac Spinac E Ricotto – Rolled Pasta breads with seasoned spinach and lots of Rocotto Cheese: It was yummyliscious and a purely vegetarian dinner. I am going to have one for tomorrow as well.
2) Dubai Abu Dhabi Express Bus: The Dubai Abu Dhabi bus journey was like Thai Airways’ – Smooth as Silk. Hassle less, air-conditioned and swift travel. Importantly, I can expect a similar journey back to Dubai, when I board my flight back to India on 3rd April.

My room still has a view, view of a large skyscraper, whose entire façade has two stagnant horses on their rear feet; ready to gallop. That’s what Abu Dhabi is for me. Dubai is far ahead conducting the ‘world famous’ Horse Racing World Cup this week.

This was a few days back. My views about Abu Dhabi are still evolving. Don't forget to catch the next blog ' Ten Things I should have known before writing the previous blog' in some time from now.

Sand Tunes to Sand Dunes in Dubai: Building to Brick to Pebble to Gravel to Sand to Speck

2009-03-26T21:34:00.004+05:30

The Managing Director of a large investment bank in Dubai reached office today in 22 minutes for a distance of 35 kilometres. He usually takes 45 minutes these days and used to take quarter and an hour an year back. He is depressed. The continual flight of ‘black gold’ guzzlers off the roads of the city bears testimony to the difficult times we are in. There is minimal traffic on the roads and that is alarming. After all, if one is reaching home early these days, there is something really wrong with the person, his Company or the ‘alien’ economy.
Dubai’s Airport is massive. I must have wandered half a kilometer to collect the luggage. However, the gigantic pillars, metal draped ceilings, shining floors or expansive pathways do not make an airport. Where are the passengers? From the ‘magical’ to the ‘abandoned’ has been the story of the Dubai airport or the places elsewhere.The parking lot seemed to be decently occupied. How come? The thick veil of dust all over the body of the ‘guzzlers’ suggests that the owners have fled the country, in hope of returning when these chaotic ‘economic’ sand dunes give way to pleasing ‘sand tunes’ in this desert country.
Free flowing roads, interrupted construction, vacant malls and closed offices are enough to suggest that ‘oil’ is not ‘well’. A person aptly put it – ‘Dubai is like the world’s revolving door, there are people coming in but more so there are people leaving the place and that too swiftly’
More on Dubai exploits soon

My First Job Interview: Part 5 of 5

2008-10-26T10:49:00.004+05:30

As soon as my name was called out, I went dizzy with joy. The moment had come and I was there making sure that it was for real. My moments, my thirty seconds of fame.
I would definitely have that burning desire deep down inside to relive those moments once again.
Hordes of people, my friends and well-wishers, gathered around me, congratulated me and hugged me all over. The joy was eternal and happiness everlasting.
Vishal Khare and Dheeraj Chaudhary were the other guys who were selected. All three of us were called into the room to fill-up the form. Prof. V.K.Singh, The Bald and The Lady were chatting in the room. The Bald congratulated us one by one and said " We welcome you at POLARIS to be our associates." The Lady also congratulated us. We filled-up the form and handed it over to the Lady. Professor said " Go and Enjoy yourselves"
It was going to be all praises for me and it was. The story that was cooked all through the day was simply unbelieveable. While walking down from the faculty gates to the hostel room, I had to pinch myself again and again to make sure that everything happening was for real.

The Celebrations:
Pink Panther, the choicest of bar in Lucknow was host to a group of 20 people who enjoyed till the wee hours of the night. The expense - Rs. 5,000 only to be paid by Utsav Verma who realized it only the next day afternnon. Although Ankur managed the cheque at that point, the following days were tough, trying to arrange for money; to be returned to Ankur. Many people pitched in and I have still not paid the sum to a few of them.

More News:
The news of All India Rank of 164 in JMET and interview calls from IITs and IISc. for the management program made my b'day on 19th, a truly memorable one. A software job and 4 MBA interview calls - life looked like a cruise. From an unemployed, unwanted Chemical engineer, I became a 'gyaan' giver. Life surely has a way to surprise when you are least expecting.

A month later...
Polaris sent us the appointment letter within a month's time. Of the 200 people recruited through-out India, the joining was supposed to happen in batches. Mine was the last batch; to be joining in October.

Next few months:
During the next few months, I appeared for management interviews and failed miserably. For such a decent rank, it was believed that something would have been seriously wrong to have missed out on 4 interviews. I did not convert any of of the interviews to admission call. Perhaps, I was ill-prepared; bent on joining Polaris rather than be engaged for two further years of studies.

September 17, 2001:
I was informed (indirectly) via a formal letter from Polaris that Mr. Osama Bin Laden has destroyed the twin World Trade Center towers. Polaris deferred the joining by six months. However, they promised to get back to us in six months time. It was a shocker of an experience. Failed interviews, no jobs and lots of uncertainty - I would again say - Life surely has a way to surprise when you are least expecting. I hesitantly started preparing for MBA exams- two months away.

March 2002:
My fascination to the US was much lesser than my collegues but it still was; otherwise how could one fathom that I just had one e-mail ID at usa.net which winded-up its services in the past few months. Rather unluckily, Polaris also had this sole e-mail ID of mine where they informed of conducting a test of programming skills before taking-in their selected candidates. I never received the mail, neither did Polaris inform through a formal post. Vishal and Dheeraj gave the test and joined Polaris. My World Dream Towers stood shatterred. I was again jobless, more so hopeless, a forced MBA aspirant and open to the 'gyaan' of the gurus around me.
POLARIS was never my first job. I would wait for another couple of years before getting a job, that too a hard fought one. But more on it later...

My First Job Interview: Part 4 of 5

2008-10-25T18:55:00.003+05:30

The Interview Continues...

The Smart: Here is a question for you?

It was a quant question which went something like - If A+B can do the work in 6 days, B+C in 8 days and C+A in 10 days, then in how many days will A+B+C be able to do the same work?

The Smart: Do you have a pen?

Me: Yes Sir (I took out Ankur’s pen)

While calculating, I had enough confidence to solve the problem but soon nervousness crept in. First, I calculated the answer to be 15 days but soon realized that it can’t be so. Though I was not able to solve that simple problem, I told the panel the right approach and at the same time gave them ample impression that its because of nervousness that I am unable to solve the problem otherwise this would have been solved in a jiffy. Perhaps, the gamble paid off well.

The Smart: Do you have any questions to ask?

Me: Yes Sir – A question just came to my mind during the interview session. Sir, you told me that I am a bit unstable. From a Chemical Engineering background, I am going into the software field. Sir, you being my senior, am I doing the right thing?

The Smart: See, Chemical is Chemical and Software is Software. I don’t know much about Chemical so I can’t tell you exactly. But, software field has lots of opportunities.

Me: Sir, perhaps I am doing the right thing.

The Lady: Utsav, you may go now.

I stood up, thanked them all and moved out.

I would have been inside for 15-20 minutes but never felt it. The interview was a cool one and a nice experience indeed.

Outside, the atmosphere was restless. I was wearing a white shirt without any pullover on this cold 17th January; which turned out to be a hot-hot day. People just gathered around me, in fact gherao-ed me and were asking repeatedly about interview and the interview questions.

There was never going to be waiting for the interview result as I was the last person to be interviewed. Soon, Prof. V.K.Singh, our TPO (Training and Placement Officer) came out with a list of selected candidates.

I did not see the TPO coming out but the name ‘Utsav Verma’ from him, at the first hearing was heavenly music to me. I could not believe it. I never thought to be so. But, it was all before me.

My First Job would be at POLARIS. At that moment, I was unsure, unsure of everything that had happened; however one thing was for sure – “Life was never going to be same again” or it will be worse…

Don’t forget to catch-up the concluding piece tomorrow. Its not over yet.

My First Job Interview: Part 3 of 5

2008-10-12T19:17:00.001+05:30

Hey Friends – As promised I am back with the third part of the interview. Keep Reading… and Thanks

Me: Mam, I did my schooling from ASN Sr. Sec. School, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. My Dad is posted in Yerraguntla which is around 8 hours by train from Hyderabad. He is posted in a cement firm there. I have a younger sister who is doing graduation from Hyderabad. (Retrospectively, now I think what a bad introduction it was…)

The Smart: So Utsav, what’s your dream company?

Me: (somewhat indirectly) Sir, I did not get opportunity to appear for HCL.

The Lady: Why?

Me: Mam, I was out there at my LG’s place and no one contacted me. Somehow, I missed the opportunity. In case of Infosys, I was not able to crack one puzzle in the written exam and that spoiled my chance. Since then, I have not got any chance.

The Lady was smiling at my answer and I thought half the battle is won. The interview continued…

There were a few questions on arrays, pointers and data structures. When I said to them that data structure is a collection of different user defined datatypes, they tried to confuse me but I stood by my definition.
They discussed among themselves that may be he is not able to express himself and the Smart person gave a definition of his own on structures to which I blindly agreed.

The Smart: Why do you want to be in the software field?

Me: Sir, software field throws upon a challenging job that suits my temper. On the other hand, in case of Chemical Engineering, people are reading the same stuff over and over again and I feel that there is a bit of stagnation. But frankly speaking, what made me change my mind to the software field is a book which I read during my third year. Its ‘The Road Ahead’ by Bill Gates. I was just so impressed by that book that I thought then and there itself that this field is going to be mine.

The Smart: Don’t you think, you are bit unstable? You chose for a chemical field and suddenly you are opting for software.

Me: Of course not. Its changing with time. I had an urge to become an engineer but at this stage of my career what I feel is that software field offers the right job for the person like me.

There was a glass on the table with some water. There was also a coin in it at the bottom of it to which I later became aware.

The Smart: So Utsav, what would you call it?

Me: (Almost instantly) Sir, its half –filled with water.

The Bald: (in a relaxing posture) According to me, its half empty.

Me: Sir, I have been an eternal optimist all through. Though it may be a matter of perception but according to me this glass is half-full.

The Smart: How would you take that coin out without spilling a single drop on the floor?

Me: (again almost instantly) Sir, we will drink up the water and then take out the coin.

The Smart: Suppose, I don’t want to drink water or waste a single drop.

I thought for around half-a-minute and then apologized for my inability

Perhaps the Smart never expected such an instant answer and cooked-up the last bit.

Lets put to rest this part of the series. Do let me know if you find a way to take out the coin with all those constraints.

Don’t forget to catch-up the last two parts of the series next week. Till then…have a wonderful week.

My First Job: My Interview - Part 2 of 5

2008-10-11T11:05:00.002+05:30

The Inside Scenario

The bright light from the tube reached every nook and corner of the room. As I walked into, there was a deserted office table along with the chair on my left. There was a vacant chair kept almost to the left of the table and facing the pathway through which I have walked down. The flame orange colour spread out through the room-heater; a lone Lady warming her hands off. As I moved onto the empty seat which I thought was for the interviewee and truly so, the Lady took her seat.

There were three people in the room who can be referred to as The Bald, The Smart and of course The Lady.

There was a large sofa on my left and the Bald was on my immediate left and the Smart to the immediate left of him. The Lady was almost in front of me; sitting on the smaller sofa seat and holding my CV.

I wished them ‘Good Evening Mam’ and ‘Good Evening Sirs’ and was told to take my seat.

The Interview Begins (verbatim) :

The Bald: So Utsav, are you nervous or confident?

Me: Sir, confident of course. Sir, this is my first interview.

The Bald: Good

The Lady: What is this ASN?

Me: Mam, it’s the name of my school i.e. Adarsh Shiksha Niketan.

The Smart: How come you are in this institute? Was it your choice or you had no options left?

Me: Sir, my rank was such that I had the option to choose a good institute or a tempting branch. I chose the former because I felt that Chemical engineering is an equally challenging branch. Above all, my Chemistry numbers have been good through out. I was getting Computer and other jazzy branches in Gorakhpur, Sultanpur etc. but I went for Chemical Engineering in Lucknow.

The Lady: You belong to Noida?

Me: Yes Mam

The Bald: Noida? – he said in a quizzical manner.

The Bald: Where in Noida?

Me: Sir, Sector-20, Near Atta Market

The Bald: Which block in Sector-20?

Me: Sir, D-Block

The Bald: The House No.?

Me: Sir, One naught One

The Bald: Gasping, do you know Mr. Tripathi in D-37?

Me: Sorry sir

The Bald: I stay there.

The Lady: Ok Utsav, tell me about yourself

It's all shaping-up nicely. Don't forget to catch the next part tomorrow.

My First Job: The Interview - Part 1 of 5

2008-10-05T22:56:00.003+05:30

Within no time, I was there in my room getting ready for the interview. It was all a hotchpotch scene. The guys were running all around for shirts, trousers, ties, shoes etc. Anyhow my final interview makeup constituted:
· Ankur’s shirt, belt, pen and of course his all too lucky wrist watch
· Warya’s tie (I still hold Nishant Anchal’s tie if he reads this blog some day)
· Umesh’s shoes
I had brought a black gab from home which I wore that day. The hand kerchief and the socks were my only contribution to my interview attire.
Harshit and Pramil were busy preparing the interview folder for me. Manoj was always there from then onwards. I came, along with Ankur, to the Applied Science department where interviews had to take place. In between, he put around Rs. 5,000/- in his purse and gave it to me as I had forgotten mine. A good luck sign perhaps…

At one corner, Ankur was busy telling me the computer/IT stuff. Shailesh’s interview was first and mine was last (as has always been the case all along). A long wait…
I was anxiously walking, having cigarette at the terrace, joking and being joked about and congratulated a number of times before the interview. Rajan Nagina joked “ Your selection is on the cards as there is a lady on the interview board” Flattering indeed!

Few minutes before the interview, Tyagi was all there with me, cooling me down and giving useful tips. As the time came, I went into the interview room with lots of best wishes and of course with the necessary bit of confidence.
“Will it be another day of disappointment?” The question never really loomed over my mind.

COMING-UP NEXT WEEK - PART 2 and 3 of 'The Interview'

Coming this weekend

2008-10-02T10:55:00.001+05:30

Get ready to read the last of the "My First Job" series titled The Interview

BIG APPLE in decline

2008-10-02T10:46:00.002+05:30

The moment I landed in the US, one thing I knew for sure that it’s BIG for the worse. Newark Airport is the landmark and it shows why. What flabbergasted me were the JUMBO men and women. I realized sooner that obesity is the national problem for the country. Although my impression would change (marginally) by the end of the tour (that the situation is not that worse), large Macs and fries have not done any good to the country. Many of the things appeared oversized be it the skyscrapers, the room-sized elevators, the large food servings, the office premises or the long hours away from office.

What enthused me was the people’s behavior. I had a notion that the Americans are un co-operative and to themselves. My experience was different although this perception is because of the Hispanics, Blacks (pardon) or the people from countries who are in asylum in the US.

Charlotte – the city where I spent most of the days is in fact one of the most ‘Green’ city in the US. I must though say that the US seems to be in decline of the little experience I had with the country and its people. The ‘Oil’ crises has made the gas prices go-up by 400% in 4 years. Not that the US is the only country that is experiencing this crises, but it seems that the situation has gone beyond its control. I came to know that Dick Cheney, who is the Vice President has business interests and family contacts with the Middle-East. With the intention to benefit Middle-east nations (Big Oil was instrumental in Bush coming to power), the prices were made to go up. Iraq was invaded to make sure that oil supply remains robust and there are no spiraling gas prices. With the Iraq war going wrong, the people are experiencing the worst economic times. On the eve of Fed’s decision on interest, one of the trader asked that Mr. Bernanke should give him a reason for oil to stay below $130. He has made tones of money with buying contracts at little over $ 130 and selling over $142. The 4th July weekend remained suppressed as per the media reports. The highways that remained choc-a-bloc on working days have become less congested. Instead of buying $12 a Chardonnay (wine) glass, people prefer to have a bottle for $ 17 (which makes three good glasses). Housing is on decline (people prefer renting out rather than mortgaging), interest rate have been made to stabilize without much success and inflation is climbing up. The general talk with people shows up their frustration and the troubled times ahead. The credit crises is not over yet. Talks of Lehmann acquisition and Fannie and Fredie collapse adds more to the woes. Natural calamity has stuck the west coast. The flooding that the west coast has seen will make sure that food prices continue to rise. The California fires have been burning since the last 4 weeks and I am amazed that the government has not been able to gain control over it.
Crime rate remains high with number of instances of burglary, rape and murder. In one of the New York bars, I overheard people’s complaint regarding the poor management of the city with unplanned construction and bad public governance.

I hoped to visit a perfect country with world-class infrastructure and hard-working healthy people with each of its citizens living an esteemed life. I am sorry US, you disappointed me.

Only got time today (Gandhi Jayanti) to post this July 03 blog. I feel vindicated and prophetic.

My First Job - The Group Discussion

2008-05-20T13:38:00.000+05:30

I had a bit tougher group (as people said) with Priyank Katiyar and Rohit Mishra in my group and ever noisome Manoj Shaw coming as a bonus.

I was there sitting at the faculty gates with people congratulating me and sure enough that I would be there in the interview. Tyagi was there making me prepare for the interview. He told a lot many things about pointers, call by value, call by reference etc. As I sit back and think, thankfully, I will never use these stuff. Tyagi, however, was a great source of strength to me.

I was ranked 35th (last) in the written test and thus was in the last group in ‘Group Discussion’ and that too at Number 8 (again last). It was definitely not because of my name starting with ‘U’.

The period before GD was really anxious one and to be very candid, I was a bit nervous. When I went inside the GD room, I was a bit sure that the topic before us would be ‘Hrithik vs. Shahrukh’ as this was the only leaked topic that had not been discussed by the previous three batches. By the way, it’s still amazing that Hrithik and Shahrukh still make the topic relevant 8 years down the line.

The GD Session

Priyank and I had decided to support each other all through the GD round. The topic got unveiled. It was …

“Who do you think is a better actress: Aishwarya Rai or Karishma Kapoor”

The IT boom had made sure that Engineering studies take the back seat and the students more informed than knowledge-driven come to the party. Training and Aptitude were the key words.

The time of discussion was for 10 minutes and for better part of it i.e. for around 6 minutes, I was in no contention. I had not formed any opinion of mine. I had been doing the group basic right though, i.e. telling others not to form sub-groups within group and just try to give others a chance. But unless you opine, there is seldom a chance.

Then came the real part, the conclusion…The Lady told us: “Two minutes remaining, you can conclude”.

Priyank wanted me to conclude first i.e. from the other side but I gave him the first chance. Everybody’s conclusion was single worded i.e. either Aishwarya or Karishma.

I gave the best shot of the day. I said “ In my opinion, both AR and KK have a reason of their own to be on the acting scene; AR has the Miss World title which has done the job for her whereas KK’s family background has helped her to be there. But given the wider array of roles, that KK has done, my vote will be for KK. At the same time, we can not ignore AR. With her little stint at the Hindi filmdom, she has shown enough talent and is the actress to look out for in the coming days."

That’s it and it did the job for me.

My First Job - The Written Test

2008-05-20T13:04:00.000+05:30

We met Tom (another character in his own right) at the ‘Chouraha’. He got irritated with our manufactured premise of ‘Polaris’ being not open to the Cham acal engineers. This has happened to our batch almost through out the year.

After an anxious waiting period, Polaris did arrive at the campus. The PPT (Pre-Placement Talk) was short and formal.

The written test started off and I attempted 41 questions in 40 minutes. There were definitely some questions leaked from one of the other colleges that Polaris had already visited. From the discussions that prevailed after the written test, I was a bit upset. I supposed myself of crossing the upper cut-off. Pramil and I then went to the RamRam Bank Chaouraha to have a shave. Any guesses - what Pramil said
He said “This is the first time I am having a shave before clearing the written” (lol)

I felt confident again. As we conversed with other fellows, I become confident enough to clear the written test. People had done well and crossing upper cut-off now seemed distant.

We had the usual Wednesday mess lunch (Tahri, curd and chutney) and in no time I was in the balcony (my hostel room was near the balcony that faced the main faculty building) going through the C Language basics. I was there, reading and trying to comprehend all the stuff in 20-25 minutes (the computer language skills that students hone in years). The anxiousness grew…

Suddenly, I could hear the noise that signified the declaration of results of the written test. As I stood in the balcony, the person appearing from the bushes (with main building at the background) and moving with his face down, towards the C-Block, turned out to be Tyagi. Tyagi can be compared to an ant who assiduously works towards its tasks at its own good pace. He happened to be the first casualty of our coterie. Manoj, another brilliant brain at social networking and a magpie to the core, faltered. Animesh also did not feature in the declared list.

Anyhow we were still going strong – Shailesh, Mall, Pravesh, Vinod, Pramil and I … made it to the ‘Group Discussion’ round.

My First Job - The Build-up

2008-05-20T11:10:00.000+05:30

In the year 2000, when I was in third year engineering, Saturday night exploits were slowly making way to anxiousness and then to midnight oil hunting (searching for reasons to burn midnight oil:)). One of my friends, Shailesh has commented upon us being able to land-up in a suitable job that can still make us live the way we have been doing (careless and bindaas). The thought kind of struck.

With only a few months left while the college gets over, getting a job seemed a distant dream. Not many companies were coming over to the campus (many have already paid the visit and barring few in the coterie we were still jobless...still hopeful)

17th Jan 2001- The day began early. Pramil woke me up at around 6.30AM. Pramil, by the way, is now in the US, raking in big moolah. He, at that point in time, was like us - desperate, conspiring and sanguine. Both of us revised our resume entries in great detail for about 3-4 hours. The company supposed to visit the campus was 'POLARIS' and we knew that our poor computer knowledge compares to a labourer without a shovel. Some of our Computer Science juniors (Ankur, Sumit, Warya) gave us a crash course. In between, Pramil and Animesh kept on encouraging me. Animesh, by the way, is altogether a different species on planet earth and you can expect my future posts to focus on this species solely. Janardan Pandey gave the unfading comment - 'its your day' as I went through morning ablutions.

The News Came - 'Polaris has arrived'

When we reached the faculty gate, it turned out to be a preemptive rumour. Polaris's arrival was due anytime. First, we (Pramil, Animesh and I) went to have fags in front of the administrative block and then Pramil and I went to the Engineering College 'Chaouraha' to have tea. Our main purpose though was to call Batin to see if he could help us through our interview (if it happens). Batin's reply was an indirect 'NO' as he had no direct contact with his friend out there at Polaris's Delhi branch.

We were left to ourselves now.