I finished up reading this amazing book by Richard Bach. As much I am awed by the story, I am ever further impressed by his unique writing style and insights. Some of the things I noted are:
1. The observer funda – Richard explains something and then prints what an observer, sitting on his shoulder and taking notes would have said at that time – Rates himself and notes the reactions of the situation. An insightful way to write the conflicting parts of yours.
2. He frequently talks of things that could have happened as Alternate Future.
3. Richard writes a letter to himself – when he was 20 years younger. Wow !!
4. Touches the gate and speaks to her love lady – someday you will be touching this gate along with me.
5. Says close your eyes and think that when I open my eyes, the world that I see, the moment I live is the world that I have created. How did it happen and what led me here? Then write about it. Beautiful.
6. The only thing that shatters dreams is compromise.
7. Keep notes that capture thoughts. Turn them into stories n anecdotes. Remember n re-quote.
8. Can be a listener as well as a talker
9. Losing, in a curious way, is winning.
10. Dream lady – should complement in every manner, should have stories that you can listen forever, should listen to your stories as if it excites her to hell, you can talk to her long after the food is gone, you can listen her the whole night, may be next day. It should be mystic, mutual, and very natural. Nothing fabricated.
11. Have u ever been so happy that you could not stand it and want it to end?
12. You have money, fine. But never try to use it to buy women.
Showing posts with label Experience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Experience. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
B'day Dunking@ISB !!!
11th May - Midnight and it was officially my turn to get dunked. After dunking around 50 people within my first month at ISB and facing arbit dunking several times, it was a nice little change when I was getting dunked purposefully.
For my friends outside ISB, dunking is the coolest and most popular tradition at ISB. It’s unique to ISB too, totally ours. If you know a little bit about life at ISB, you must have heard about this tradition. It all started back in first class of ISB – 2001, when few students caught hold of the B’day boy, waved him three times at the pool, and threw him in. Since then, dunking has become a common thread, an element that creates lot more bonding within the batch than what case studies and lectures can just hope to. I don’t know where those Alums are but they definitely deserve to be felicitated with their names engraved by the pool side.
As for my B’day, few of my class mates - Premjit, Sushant, Apu, and Vikram - had decided to up the ante by those chain mails around bumps, taking the B’day celebrations beyond normal traditions. I tried to kill the enthusiasm by roping in Saikat to pitch in on the group but that didn’t work either. I went to RC with a fair idea that escape route from bumps does not exist but was hoping for more professional treatment. After all, we are doing MBA and will soon be minted into managers, true professional, et all. As I reached, Premjit and Apu were talking of getting warmed up for the bumps. WTF!!! My hopes faded little bit as I sensed the enthusiasm brimming around and definitely got wiped off with the first kick from Sushant. Next was Apu’s turn and from there on, Doom Ddaddakkkk DHAMMM…I stopped counting, just existed, and left my arse’s sanctity on God’s will. Just in time, Surajit and Rahul came to my respite “No more Bumps” – Thanks to diversity at ISB that not all people think alike.
Next it was the turn for the famous swing on pool’s side – ONEEE, TWOOO, THREEEE and….and…I was air borne. Mid-air,I programmed myself to move in slow motion.I have special powers to be able to move in slow motion and bring a small tiny observer who piggybacks on my shoulder to note things around...…In those few millisecond, the observer recorded zillions of thoughts that crossed my mind. The world around me, it said, is what I have created for myself. Weren’t these pics of airborne people what I used to see and dream as an applicant.The dream has just turned true and the observer reacted pretty puzzled that why am I am dreaming about my dream while facing the same beautiful reality. As this point, the slow motion was over and there was a SPLASHhhhhhh…..Alright, Alright! With the shape I am in, it must have been little more that that perhaps….sssSPPPPPPLAAAAAASHHHHHHHHH!!! Click Click....That was “My Kodak Moment”
I stood in the pool witnessing dunking for my study group, quady, arbit dunking for 10’s of other people. We had lot more fun, people jumping over each other, doing all sort of things. What wonderful people I thought. Soon, we were all set for Section E’s patented self dunking – Holding our hands and falling back wards in the pool. That move generally signals the end of dunking ceremony towards the cake cutting where another surprise was waiting. As if bumps were not enough, I had cake polished all over. I completely gave up as Mayank massaged a huge chunk and Rohit made some funny strawberry on my nose poses. Rest people had to satiate themselves with whatever little Cake was leftover and a round of handshakes, flurry of B’day wishes followed before everyone headed back to heaps of books, assignments, and other cruel stuff.
That’s all about my B’day experience@ ISB. As Prayank put it up, it was such a fun at pool today that I feel 10 years younger on my B’day. If I were to think of my 10 best moments at ISB, I am sure this moment will be right at the top and will continue to stay. Thank you once again to all those who made it possible. I shall be equally and perhaps even more a sport for rest of dunking around the year!!!
For my friends outside ISB, dunking is the coolest and most popular tradition at ISB. It’s unique to ISB too, totally ours. If you know a little bit about life at ISB, you must have heard about this tradition. It all started back in first class of ISB – 2001, when few students caught hold of the B’day boy, waved him three times at the pool, and threw him in. Since then, dunking has become a common thread, an element that creates lot more bonding within the batch than what case studies and lectures can just hope to. I don’t know where those Alums are but they definitely deserve to be felicitated with their names engraved by the pool side.
As for my B’day, few of my class mates - Premjit, Sushant, Apu, and Vikram - had decided to up the ante by those chain mails around bumps, taking the B’day celebrations beyond normal traditions. I tried to kill the enthusiasm by roping in Saikat to pitch in on the group but that didn’t work either. I went to RC with a fair idea that escape route from bumps does not exist but was hoping for more professional treatment. After all, we are doing MBA and will soon be minted into managers, true professional, et all. As I reached, Premjit and Apu were talking of getting warmed up for the bumps. WTF!!! My hopes faded little bit as I sensed the enthusiasm brimming around and definitely got wiped off with the first kick from Sushant. Next was Apu’s turn and from there on, Doom Ddaddakkkk DHAMMM…I stopped counting, just existed, and left my arse’s sanctity on God’s will. Just in time, Surajit and Rahul came to my respite “No more Bumps” – Thanks to diversity at ISB that not all people think alike.
Next it was the turn for the famous swing on pool’s side – ONEEE, TWOOO, THREEEE and….and…I was air borne. Mid-air,I programmed myself to move in slow motion.I have special powers to be able to move in slow motion and bring a small tiny observer who piggybacks on my shoulder to note things around...…In those few millisecond, the observer recorded zillions of thoughts that crossed my mind. The world around me, it said, is what I have created for myself. Weren’t these pics of airborne people what I used to see and dream as an applicant.The dream has just turned true and the observer reacted pretty puzzled that why am I am dreaming about my dream while facing the same beautiful reality. As this point, the slow motion was over and there was a SPLASHhhhhhh…..Alright, Alright! With the shape I am in, it must have been little more that that perhaps….sssSPPPPPPLAAAAAASHHHHHHHHH!!! Click Click....That was “My Kodak Moment”
I stood in the pool witnessing dunking for my study group, quady, arbit dunking for 10’s of other people. We had lot more fun, people jumping over each other, doing all sort of things. What wonderful people I thought. Soon, we were all set for Section E’s patented self dunking – Holding our hands and falling back wards in the pool. That move generally signals the end of dunking ceremony towards the cake cutting where another surprise was waiting. As if bumps were not enough, I had cake polished all over. I completely gave up as Mayank massaged a huge chunk and Rohit made some funny strawberry on my nose poses. Rest people had to satiate themselves with whatever little Cake was leftover and a round of handshakes, flurry of B’day wishes followed before everyone headed back to heaps of books, assignments, and other cruel stuff.
That’s all about my B’day experience@ ISB. As Prayank put it up, it was such a fun at pool today that I feel 10 years younger on my B’day. If I were to think of my 10 best moments at ISB, I am sure this moment will be right at the top and will continue to stay. Thank you once again to all those who made it possible. I shall be equally and perhaps even more a sport for rest of dunking around the year!!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
My Journey to ISB !!!
Thanks to ISB Class of 2010 to kick off an interesting contest, Blog War. The first topic couldn’t have been better - “My Journey to ISB”. I believe this topic is going to serve two purposes. First, it will make all participants re-live the passionate, nervous, and joyful moments of their ISB pursuit. Second, these posts will serve as a data points for future ISB aspirants. We are going to create database of personal stories of ~10 ISB admitted students –their aspirations, fears, thoughts, and interests. ISB Class of 2010 is already on a song. So, with intentions to live my ISB journey again and to help ISB aspirants, I proceed to my first autobiographical post.
Sachin Tendulkar during his interview after breaking Brian Lara’s world record to become highest Test run scorer said something that touched my heart “It’s the journey of success where stones are thrown at you and you turn them into milestones”. Not to compare my accomplishment with my God’s, yet I can absolutely relate my ISB story with this phrase. I have had a fair share of disappointments before eventually reaching the acme of my journey.
Pre-ISB Mania – How I fell in love
I first heard about ISB in March 2006 when a colleague made it to ISB. She and I took CAT in 2005 but scored way below what was expected of us. She, however, was way more informed that I was. She applied to ISB based on her CAT score, cracked the interviews, and secured an admission after clearing GMAT cut-off set by ISB. I then realized the difference it makes to have educated and well-versed individuals to guide you. I belonged to a small town, with quite ignorant parents and didn’t have the luxury to be guided and coached. I decided then to develop such assets (Buzz work Networking) to gain wider perspective and guidance. As I will explain later, this habit to question, learn, and just talk with even a complete stranger has been my strongest ally during my ISB journey. In mid 2006, I got an opportunity to come to Orlando, US on a project from TCS and that’s when my ISB pursuit formally started.
A Raw and Passionate Attempt – First propose
Since I was all alone during initial stay in US, GMAT books became my ally. I started GMAT prep, unclear of where I am heading. MBA was a black box during those days. It seemed like a magic pill that will heal all my wounds, make me successful forever, and end all my worries. It was a magnet to me – I didn’t know why then, nor had the maturity to explore. I simply had raw passion to crack GMAT and go to ISB. I prepared for around 10 weeks for GMAT and scored an average 690. That was the first stone throw in my journey. Wise from my CAT experience, I choose to just apply to gain exposure. I was always appreciated by my friends for my writing skills. However, ISB essays seemed different ball-game. It wasn’t that simple. I did my best and choose to review essays with an acquaintance in Orlando (Networking was already working here). He completely blasted my essays that shocked and surprised me. All my friends praised but a stranger found them rubbish. What’s wrong? I realized I was comparing myself with wrong peer group. I decided that my college, school, and town friends will continue to be extremely important for me but will no longer be my comparison group. That was an extremely important realization since it helped me shift focus and get out of my comfort zone. Coming back to application, my efforts were not sufficient and ISB send me a rejection without inviting me for interview in Jan 2007. That was an abrupt end to a raw and passionate journey. I didn’t address “What” and “Why” questions then, nor did knew I should address those. However, my response to rejection was quite mature. I accepted that I haven’t done enough to feel disappointed. For the first time, I appreciated the learning irrespective of the results. That realization and reaction in itself is my first milestone.
An Informed Attempt – Second Propose
Before this attempt, I improved my profile by taking additional responsibilities in work and outside. Further, since I found so many gaps in my first attempt that I ruled out all other B-school and thought that if I can address the identified gaps, I can make to ISB itself. I paved my way for an extremely risky path. But that’s how you behave when you are mad in love. By the time ISB applications commenced, I improved my GMAT to a confident 730. I dived deep into essay writing and earned an interview call. It was the second happiest moment of my ISB journey. I knew that there is another mountain to climb- ISB Interview. During preparation, I realized my weakness to answer deep “Why” questions but somehow made up for the gaps. I did well during interview. One of the craziest questions that I cracked was “How many schools should be opened in India so that every child who is not able to go to school today can go to school”. I was confident of a “YES” from ISB. I was in flight to Hyderabad in my dreams. One fine morning, an abrupt “Rejection” email de-boarded me forever. That was the biggest and hardest stone throw I ever faced in my life that later turned into the most significant milestones of my journey.
My ISB rejection was followed by the toughest period of my life. My confidence took a hit, my professional career derailed, and I began to doubt myself. I returned to India without any gifts and chocolates for friends and family. SRK’s dialogue in OSO “Apni filmoin ki tarah, apni zindagi mein bhi end mein sab theek ho hi jata hai” seemed superficial. I became unusually quite that concerned my friends and family. I was at verge of giving it up but some thing kept the hope alive – something kept on telling me “Ek bar aur too banta hai”. The brief dull period followed with a period of intense introspection where I grew and learned most – about MBA, about life, and about myself. I evaluated almost all phases of my personal and professional aspirations, associated “Why”, “When”, “What if not” to everything. Looking outwards, I networked with people from virtually every B-school in the globe. I would simply talk to someone I find on Orkut, Facebook, Blog, B-school websites and learn something. In retrospect, I am thankful to ISB to reject me since I may have never learned so much and become the person I am now, If I were not humbled by ISB rejection despite my best possible attempt.
A Mature Attempt – Third Propose and she said "YES"
By this time, I developed number of unique stories to compliment my profile, excelled professionally, gained deep understanding of MBA applications through my networking, and improved my written and verbal skills significantly. I put my heart, blood, and sweat in my essays and was satisfied with the representation of my professional, personal, background, aspirations, and achievements. Since I had already opened up for International B-schools, I also applied to Duke in Early Action round. A list of back-ups for R-2 was also prepared.
ISB Interview call was more or less expected. The actual interview was, however, not as smooth as I expected. Huge pressure and high expectations brought an element of nervousness. The short 15 minutes interview also concerned me. There is no fun in disclosing it now that I got in this time, since you already know. But let me share that along with ISB I also got admitted to Duke in EA round. Duke news broke earlier and like your first kiss, you enjoy your the first admit more. However, my ISB admit was greeted with amazing responses from my friends – some actually shouted, jumped, and what not!! Maannnnnn for a moment I thought that they made it to ISB. A close friend who didn’t booze, self organized a party and took 6 vodka shots, that too when I was in US and he in India. Can you beat that?
That day, my Gtalk status message read “It was never a question of “if” it was always a question of “when”. That day SRK’s OSO complete dialogue made sense “Apni filmoin ki tarah, apni zindagi mein bhi end mein sab theek ho hi jata hai. Aur agar sab theek na ho, to who the end nahin, picture abhi baki hai mere dost”. That day, the confident Vinit I knew was back.
What it means for what lies ahead
ISB Admission will continue to be important to me because this is a testimony to my persistence and actuation of a dream. I will continue to be motivated by my own efforts (Looking back, I am also surprised by my efforts, by what made me come this far). I will continue to look at positive side of any failures I may face in my life – the learning from experiences, the next opportunities. I completely understand that the journey ahead will perhaps be tougher, harder, and stakes would be higher. MBA and ISB are just bridges, a connection that will complement what I have and supplement what I want. However, I approach what lies ahead after actually living the golden words from my hero: “It’s the journey of success where stones are thrown at you and you turn them into milestones”. This realization is my biggest takeaway from my ISB journey thus far.
P:S: For my ISB Class of 2010, I have already rejected Duke and decided to join ISB since it creates a lot of balance in all aspects of my life(more to come on that). Look forward to meet you all.
Sachin Tendulkar during his interview after breaking Brian Lara’s world record to become highest Test run scorer said something that touched my heart “It’s the journey of success where stones are thrown at you and you turn them into milestones”. Not to compare my accomplishment with my God’s, yet I can absolutely relate my ISB story with this phrase. I have had a fair share of disappointments before eventually reaching the acme of my journey.
Pre-ISB Mania – How I fell in love
I first heard about ISB in March 2006 when a colleague made it to ISB. She and I took CAT in 2005 but scored way below what was expected of us. She, however, was way more informed that I was. She applied to ISB based on her CAT score, cracked the interviews, and secured an admission after clearing GMAT cut-off set by ISB. I then realized the difference it makes to have educated and well-versed individuals to guide you. I belonged to a small town, with quite ignorant parents and didn’t have the luxury to be guided and coached. I decided then to develop such assets (Buzz work Networking) to gain wider perspective and guidance. As I will explain later, this habit to question, learn, and just talk with even a complete stranger has been my strongest ally during my ISB journey. In mid 2006, I got an opportunity to come to Orlando, US on a project from TCS and that’s when my ISB pursuit formally started.
A Raw and Passionate Attempt – First propose
Since I was all alone during initial stay in US, GMAT books became my ally. I started GMAT prep, unclear of where I am heading. MBA was a black box during those days. It seemed like a magic pill that will heal all my wounds, make me successful forever, and end all my worries. It was a magnet to me – I didn’t know why then, nor had the maturity to explore. I simply had raw passion to crack GMAT and go to ISB. I prepared for around 10 weeks for GMAT and scored an average 690. That was the first stone throw in my journey. Wise from my CAT experience, I choose to just apply to gain exposure. I was always appreciated by my friends for my writing skills. However, ISB essays seemed different ball-game. It wasn’t that simple. I did my best and choose to review essays with an acquaintance in Orlando (Networking was already working here). He completely blasted my essays that shocked and surprised me. All my friends praised but a stranger found them rubbish. What’s wrong? I realized I was comparing myself with wrong peer group. I decided that my college, school, and town friends will continue to be extremely important for me but will no longer be my comparison group. That was an extremely important realization since it helped me shift focus and get out of my comfort zone. Coming back to application, my efforts were not sufficient and ISB send me a rejection without inviting me for interview in Jan 2007. That was an abrupt end to a raw and passionate journey. I didn’t address “What” and “Why” questions then, nor did knew I should address those. However, my response to rejection was quite mature. I accepted that I haven’t done enough to feel disappointed. For the first time, I appreciated the learning irrespective of the results. That realization and reaction in itself is my first milestone.
An Informed Attempt – Second Propose
Before this attempt, I improved my profile by taking additional responsibilities in work and outside. Further, since I found so many gaps in my first attempt that I ruled out all other B-school and thought that if I can address the identified gaps, I can make to ISB itself. I paved my way for an extremely risky path. But that’s how you behave when you are mad in love. By the time ISB applications commenced, I improved my GMAT to a confident 730. I dived deep into essay writing and earned an interview call. It was the second happiest moment of my ISB journey. I knew that there is another mountain to climb- ISB Interview. During preparation, I realized my weakness to answer deep “Why” questions but somehow made up for the gaps. I did well during interview. One of the craziest questions that I cracked was “How many schools should be opened in India so that every child who is not able to go to school today can go to school”. I was confident of a “YES” from ISB. I was in flight to Hyderabad in my dreams. One fine morning, an abrupt “Rejection” email de-boarded me forever. That was the biggest and hardest stone throw I ever faced in my life that later turned into the most significant milestones of my journey.
My ISB rejection was followed by the toughest period of my life. My confidence took a hit, my professional career derailed, and I began to doubt myself. I returned to India without any gifts and chocolates for friends and family. SRK’s dialogue in OSO “Apni filmoin ki tarah, apni zindagi mein bhi end mein sab theek ho hi jata hai” seemed superficial. I became unusually quite that concerned my friends and family. I was at verge of giving it up but some thing kept the hope alive – something kept on telling me “Ek bar aur too banta hai”. The brief dull period followed with a period of intense introspection where I grew and learned most – about MBA, about life, and about myself. I evaluated almost all phases of my personal and professional aspirations, associated “Why”, “When”, “What if not” to everything. Looking outwards, I networked with people from virtually every B-school in the globe. I would simply talk to someone I find on Orkut, Facebook, Blog, B-school websites and learn something. In retrospect, I am thankful to ISB to reject me since I may have never learned so much and become the person I am now, If I were not humbled by ISB rejection despite my best possible attempt.
A Mature Attempt – Third Propose and she said "YES"
By this time, I developed number of unique stories to compliment my profile, excelled professionally, gained deep understanding of MBA applications through my networking, and improved my written and verbal skills significantly. I put my heart, blood, and sweat in my essays and was satisfied with the representation of my professional, personal, background, aspirations, and achievements. Since I had already opened up for International B-schools, I also applied to Duke in Early Action round. A list of back-ups for R-2 was also prepared.
ISB Interview call was more or less expected. The actual interview was, however, not as smooth as I expected. Huge pressure and high expectations brought an element of nervousness. The short 15 minutes interview also concerned me. There is no fun in disclosing it now that I got in this time, since you already know. But let me share that along with ISB I also got admitted to Duke in EA round. Duke news broke earlier and like your first kiss, you enjoy your the first admit more. However, my ISB admit was greeted with amazing responses from my friends – some actually shouted, jumped, and what not!! Maannnnnn for a moment I thought that they made it to ISB. A close friend who didn’t booze, self organized a party and took 6 vodka shots, that too when I was in US and he in India. Can you beat that?
That day, my Gtalk status message read “It was never a question of “if” it was always a question of “when”. That day SRK’s OSO complete dialogue made sense “Apni filmoin ki tarah, apni zindagi mein bhi end mein sab theek ho hi jata hai. Aur agar sab theek na ho, to who the end nahin, picture abhi baki hai mere dost”. That day, the confident Vinit I knew was back.
What it means for what lies ahead
ISB Admission will continue to be important to me because this is a testimony to my persistence and actuation of a dream. I will continue to be motivated by my own efforts (Looking back, I am also surprised by my efforts, by what made me come this far). I will continue to look at positive side of any failures I may face in my life – the learning from experiences, the next opportunities. I completely understand that the journey ahead will perhaps be tougher, harder, and stakes would be higher. MBA and ISB are just bridges, a connection that will complement what I have and supplement what I want. However, I approach what lies ahead after actually living the golden words from my hero: “It’s the journey of success where stones are thrown at you and you turn them into milestones”. This realization is my biggest takeaway from my ISB journey thus far.
P:S: For my ISB Class of 2010, I have already rejected Duke and decided to join ISB since it creates a lot of balance in all aspects of my life(more to come on that). Look forward to meet you all.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Not much on web these days !!
I haven't been able to take out time to write something on my blog for many days now. When you are short of time to breathe, perhaps blogging takes a lower priority. Over the last month, life has been hectic - much more than I have ever experienced. The divergent priorities - Professional and Personal - each at peak in its own terms have taught me numerous things in one month.
First, I have learnt and applied more time-management techniques these days. I attempt to visualize my day and plan for the same during shower / during travel to work. This has helped me to recollect my priorities of the day often.
Second, I have also learnt to stay composed under pressure situation. I have learnt it hard way when I reacted impulsively to a situation at work that had rippling effect on my work. I escalated about an person whereas I could have handled the situation more calmly and talked personally first to the person. However, I learnt the importance of carrying everyone along in tough situation. You never know in delicate situations how things sway in various directions quickly.
Third, I have also realized the importance to disconnet yourself from work / personal things. It is important to stay in present. When at work, focus on work. When at home, focus on your stuff. Trust me, this ain't easy. Yet I feel I have succeeded in many ways to achieve this and till now, I am satisafied with my performance.
To conclude, I value this intense period of time in my life and I have the courage to think that this will pay rich dividends in time to come. At the same time, not everything is exactly on track and I have much more to accomplish in coming month. I am on !!!
First, I have learnt and applied more time-management techniques these days. I attempt to visualize my day and plan for the same during shower / during travel to work. This has helped me to recollect my priorities of the day often.
Second, I have also learnt to stay composed under pressure situation. I have learnt it hard way when I reacted impulsively to a situation at work that had rippling effect on my work. I escalated about an person whereas I could have handled the situation more calmly and talked personally first to the person. However, I learnt the importance of carrying everyone along in tough situation. You never know in delicate situations how things sway in various directions quickly.
Third, I have also realized the importance to disconnet yourself from work / personal things. It is important to stay in present. When at work, focus on work. When at home, focus on your stuff. Trust me, this ain't easy. Yet I feel I have succeeded in many ways to achieve this and till now, I am satisafied with my performance.
To conclude, I value this intense period of time in my life and I have the courage to think that this will pay rich dividends in time to come. At the same time, not everything is exactly on track and I have much more to accomplish in coming month. I am on !!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
The First in your life !!
In a recent experience, I realized that there is a usual charm associated with doing things for the first time. The first time, you begin to speak – Of course you may not reflect how you felt then but your family does, the first time you begin to ride a bi-cycle, first time you say ‘I love you’ to someone, and numerous other first. Some we remember till date such as first time I saw a Beach, some we forget in race of our lives. But to my regret, many times we simply keep on doing new things without realizing we are doing it for the first time. In such instances, we generally miss a chance to enjoy the thrill of the first.I experience another first in my life yesterday. Nothing significant if look retrospectively, yet I felt charged up to the journey. Without over-dramatizing, I reveal that the recent first was a travel in Swarn Shatabadi from Ludhiana to New Delhi. Did I disappoint you with this fact? I would love if your answer is ‘Yes – What’s so significant about it’ because that would help me make my point more assertively.
The opportunities to celebrate the first in life are numerous. It’s we who have to associate that importance to things and look at the whole routine life from an entirely new dimension. Sitting inside the Shatabadi, I didn’t find much difference other than some trivial ones such as you could feel that the train is really guzzling fuel fast, the courteous food services, and lot of foreigners in Indian trains. However, it is the connection that I made to my past that rendered me excitement to write this post. I remembered those days of traveling in Passenger trains and watching Shatabadi zooming past. Then came the time when I used to travel in Express / Super Fast trains n the speed and AC coached of the train fantasized me. Then, I began to travel in AC yet never did it in Shatabadi.
I wish to emphasis here that although the train experience sounds trivial yet the connection I could establish with this FIRST helped me make this memorable experience. I am convinced that if one continues to note and consciously add the ‘Firsts’ in his/her experiences, life would become way better and colorful. So much so that it am prompted to write this post. So much so that I am going to add new tag to my blog – The Firsts in my life and conclude that if I don’t find a post to write in this category for more 2 consecutive weeks, I am going to die without trying a lot of things even once. Steve jobs said ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’. Be so – Always !!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
De-Stress the Rain Way !!!
Last few weeks have been taxing with number of threads in my life going on. On Saturday evening as I was contemplating my course of action through tides that have disrupting my boat, I suddenly heard thunders of rain outside.
It was the first rain of the monsoon season. Delhi has been receiving significant and unusual rains this year. However, Saturdays rain was very different – First because it was heavy & perhaps first actual monsoon rain. Second because the rain sprung me in action.
I decided to get wet in rain. Not sure whether I decided so because of the frustrating events but I did. I went outside in the community where I noticed most people getting out their cars were rushing to get back to the apartments and I was doing exactly the opposite. I believe I am quite good a judging people from there gestures and comments. I could make out that while some were thinking 'Who the hell is this guy' but a majority simply wanted to join me.
Initially, I just walked in the rain. I recollected that as a kid we used to jump in the water. I thought I should do that now. At the onset, deep down my heart I felt little reserved to do this action because number of people standing in their balcony would have a clear view of me doing these childlike activities. At second thought, exactly for the same reason I decided to jump. I had just started when bunch of kids came running from a direction. We became a group of 5 and I was sure that if I add ages of rest 4 members of my group, I will still win !! We jumped in water and it reminded me of Dia Mirza’s entry in the movie ‘Rehna hai Tere Dil Mein’. Not sure if some girl noticed me this time :P..Will find out soon !!
Later, the kids proposed me to play ‘Pakan Pakdai’ (A game in which one person runs and other chase him to catch him). What a fun it was. And trust me, these kids have some stamina. They tired the hell out of me. I loved those kids for everything but one. They called me ‘Uncle’ and I educated them that you should call Uncle to only those who are married. I am still happy and therefore call me ‘Bhaiya’. They obeyed and most importantly, agreed.
To conclude, it was a huge stress buster. I made some wonderful decisions lying in the rain. I completed many pending activities with enthusiasm and rejuvenated passion. Most importantly, I feel happy since I can’t recollect when last time I pursued such activities and let free the child that resides deep down inside of each one of us. Try it out sometime !!! Rains aren’t scare in Delhi anymore, just the attitude and approach to life needs to be !!
It was the first rain of the monsoon season. Delhi has been receiving significant and unusual rains this year. However, Saturdays rain was very different – First because it was heavy & perhaps first actual monsoon rain. Second because the rain sprung me in action.
I decided to get wet in rain. Not sure whether I decided so because of the frustrating events but I did. I went outside in the community where I noticed most people getting out their cars were rushing to get back to the apartments and I was doing exactly the opposite. I believe I am quite good a judging people from there gestures and comments. I could make out that while some were thinking 'Who the hell is this guy' but a majority simply wanted to join me.
Initially, I just walked in the rain. I recollected that as a kid we used to jump in the water. I thought I should do that now. At the onset, deep down my heart I felt little reserved to do this action because number of people standing in their balcony would have a clear view of me doing these childlike activities. At second thought, exactly for the same reason I decided to jump. I had just started when bunch of kids came running from a direction. We became a group of 5 and I was sure that if I add ages of rest 4 members of my group, I will still win !! We jumped in water and it reminded me of Dia Mirza’s entry in the movie ‘Rehna hai Tere Dil Mein’. Not sure if some girl noticed me this time :P..Will find out soon !!
Later, the kids proposed me to play ‘Pakan Pakdai’ (A game in which one person runs and other chase him to catch him). What a fun it was. And trust me, these kids have some stamina. They tired the hell out of me. I loved those kids for everything but one. They called me ‘Uncle’ and I educated them that you should call Uncle to only those who are married. I am still happy and therefore call me ‘Bhaiya’. They obeyed and most importantly, agreed.
To conclude, it was a huge stress buster. I made some wonderful decisions lying in the rain. I completed many pending activities with enthusiasm and rejuvenated passion. Most importantly, I feel happy since I can’t recollect when last time I pursued such activities and let free the child that resides deep down inside of each one of us. Try it out sometime !!! Rains aren’t scare in Delhi anymore, just the attitude and approach to life needs to be !!
Monday, June 30, 2008
A much needed Refreshment !!
This post should have been made on 28th June - Pardon my crankling bones that I can hear the grunts and oomphs even today!!
I went to a Outbound Camp organized by TCS with motive to foster team spirit, collaboration, and leadership among the associates. I have attended many such outings before. However, the timing of this event couldn't be better. I needed such a dose to refresh and rejuvenate myself from the cliche of work and personal pursuits that have turned into obsessions now. And what a dose it was !!!! I still carry the after effects of the dose with a sweet pain across my arms n legs :).
On Saturday, the weather was perfect - With clouds in a natural setting. A light breeze could have been an icing on the cake. Anyways. The event started with a bus journey to a resort near
There were number of activities such as Rappelling (Not so exciting for me but loved to see nervous first timers),
To conclude, I really enjoyed the whole day out. I just to wish get normal now and I am longing now to go back to my obsessions as soon as possible. Only if my bones stop making noises :). Will post some of the pics of the event here soon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A rocking meeting for an Environmentalist
I had won the Just A Minute (JAM) competition, an extempore competition, for generating ideas to make TCS Gurgaon center better cater to environment perseverance. Thereafter I got an opportunity to spend time with chief auditors who came to test TCS GGN center for ISO 14001 certification. I must admit I heard some rocking examples from the auditors and I hereby attempt to recollect some of those examples. Essentially these examples establish the huge environmental degradation caused due to the day to day activities we conducted.
First, we discussed around the Kyoto Protocol. I asked him how much concerned business leaders and CEO are towards environment protection. How much does environmental implication effect the business decisions they make? He explained how European Nations are quite strict on this. Further he said there are positive developments since 22 US states have signed for the Protocol and US is now showing positive signs. Then he began to provide examples from day to day life. Some of them are as follows:
1. Where have all the house sparrows gone? Did you ever notice? Did you ever miss the chirping of this small bird that was so usual 8-10 years ago? Well, this development has gone largely unnoticed but the cause of this development has not. The success story of Indian Telecom Industry, increase in tele-density, and rise of Bharti Airtel are quite celebrated subjects in media. However, it is the same usage of the cell phones and their radiations that have led to elimination of House Sparrows from the vicinity.
2. Oil Import from Australia to India caused a rare coastal bird to disappear from Australian Beaches: - How is that possible? We are importing oil from Aus. to India. How can it lead to extinction of a bird from Aussie beaches? Well the story goes on that when ships unloaded the oil at Indian ports, they used to put some water from Indian coasts in the tanks so the ship has some weight on it while traveling the back. The same water, collected from Indian ports, was offloaded at on reaching the coast at Australian side. This water was not suitable for development of Algae on the beach. When Algae became a rare, an particular insect that used to live on algae got eradicated. This lead to reduction in number of a particular fish that was quite abundant in the area. The fish was eventually preferred food for the rare bird that got extinct. Did you notice the chain there? Further, did you notice that man can to know of the situation only when the impact reaches 3 levels higher - Algae, Insect, and Fish went unnoticed.
3. Drink Milk causes Impotency. Period!!! Surprised. I was amazed. For a moment I though the Auditor has got this one wrong. But he got it right. The story goes behind this is that these days cows are given injections to deliver more milk. These injections basically have female hormones. When these hormones are increased in cow's body, they naturally flow in the milk as well. So when female hormones reach male bodies in form of milk, it causes certain damage to male hormones. Next time your mom pushes you to drink milk, don't listen to them :) !!
There were several more examples. So much of information flew around; I wasn't able to gather all. For once it felt as if everything we are doing is wrong. Understanding our situation, the auditor explained his stand using one more example.
TCS is coming up with a new center in Chennai that will host around 23000 people. An average of 500 - 800 buses will be needed for transportation of the associates. The same buses will heat up the environment and causes excessive damages. Now the question is who is responsible?
Are the employees who work there responsible? But they simply work there, they didn't make this center. IS TCS responsible or is the Industry - a bank, a financial service, Retail Company who created the demand for the software with TCS responsible? Or is the end user who created such demand with the industry that they need software responsible? Can you answer?
He concluded that ultimately all of us are responsible for everything going on. It is collective responsibility of each of us, to spread the awareness, to stay conscious and contribute in whatever manners we can!!
I am going to contribute my bit and through this post, if I have inspired you also then I have already started !!!
First, we discussed around the Kyoto Protocol. I asked him how much concerned business leaders and CEO are towards environment protection. How much does environmental implication effect the business decisions they make? He explained how European Nations are quite strict on this. Further he said there are positive developments since 22 US states have signed for the Protocol and US is now showing positive signs. Then he began to provide examples from day to day life. Some of them are as follows:
1. Where have all the house sparrows gone? Did you ever notice? Did you ever miss the chirping of this small bird that was so usual 8-10 years ago? Well, this development has gone largely unnoticed but the cause of this development has not. The success story of Indian Telecom Industry, increase in tele-density, and rise of Bharti Airtel are quite celebrated subjects in media. However, it is the same usage of the cell phones and their radiations that have led to elimination of House Sparrows from the vicinity.
2. Oil Import from Australia to India caused a rare coastal bird to disappear from Australian Beaches: - How is that possible? We are importing oil from Aus. to India. How can it lead to extinction of a bird from Aussie beaches? Well the story goes on that when ships unloaded the oil at Indian ports, they used to put some water from Indian coasts in the tanks so the ship has some weight on it while traveling the back. The same water, collected from Indian ports, was offloaded at on reaching the coast at Australian side. This water was not suitable for development of Algae on the beach. When Algae became a rare, an particular insect that used to live on algae got eradicated. This lead to reduction in number of a particular fish that was quite abundant in the area. The fish was eventually preferred food for the rare bird that got extinct. Did you notice the chain there? Further, did you notice that man can to know of the situation only when the impact reaches 3 levels higher - Algae, Insect, and Fish went unnoticed.
3. Drink Milk causes Impotency. Period!!! Surprised. I was amazed. For a moment I though the Auditor has got this one wrong. But he got it right. The story goes behind this is that these days cows are given injections to deliver more milk. These injections basically have female hormones. When these hormones are increased in cow's body, they naturally flow in the milk as well. So when female hormones reach male bodies in form of milk, it causes certain damage to male hormones. Next time your mom pushes you to drink milk, don't listen to them :) !!
There were several more examples. So much of information flew around; I wasn't able to gather all. For once it felt as if everything we are doing is wrong. Understanding our situation, the auditor explained his stand using one more example.
TCS is coming up with a new center in Chennai that will host around 23000 people. An average of 500 - 800 buses will be needed for transportation of the associates. The same buses will heat up the environment and causes excessive damages. Now the question is who is responsible?
Are the employees who work there responsible? But they simply work there, they didn't make this center. IS TCS responsible or is the Industry - a bank, a financial service, Retail Company who created the demand for the software with TCS responsible? Or is the end user who created such demand with the industry that they need software responsible? Can you answer?
He concluded that ultimately all of us are responsible for everything going on. It is collective responsibility of each of us, to spread the awareness, to stay conscious and contribute in whatever manners we can!!
I am going to contribute my bit and through this post, if I have inspired you also then I have already started !!!
An enthusiastic build up for eventually a failed attempt - TAS !!
As I progressed in professional career, I kept on searching for my ultimate destination. I started my search with the cliché comment "I can't do coding whole my life" to today's well thought career development plan that will render immense professional and personal satisfaction. In additional, I have developed porous boundaries of principles and values I have come to appreciate and will always follow for my life.
Either it was my family's influence or my association with Tata Group's jewel TCS, I have become well defined in my principles. During my career, I have 'missed' several excellent professional opportunities just because I knew it may not be in best interest of the organization. I had decided that I will transparent about my plans and aspirations with my seniors, as I would expect from my sub-ordinates. A case in point is my recent denial to join World Bank project in Washington because I communicated to Senior Managers that since I have applied for TAS, I will be available only after TAS selection process is over. My deliberations have been met with mild criticism and often, subject of leg-pulling by my acquaintance. However, one person who has always congratulated my act and provided inspiration to stay integral is my grandfather.
An old person with weary eyes and shaky voice, he is a man of principles. Since childhood, I have heard about his heroics during his young days from my relatives. I recall the day when I jubilantly jumped at home to announce my campus selection in TCS. The fact that TCS was first company to show at my college and only two people, including me, were selected in 2 rounds of interview had furthered my elation. My grandfather, however, knew little about TCS and showed signs of worry of the kind of company I will work for. I told him "Grand Paa, It's a TATA company". Almost instantly, he stood with his trembling legs and pulled out a 100 rupee note that I should donate in the temple. He further advised me that Tata's are good people and I should work for best of my abilities. Little did I understand his point during those days After all, I will be working with TCS - an software company. What is to do with Tata Group?
Today, as I retrospect, I understand my Grandfather's point. Tata Group is deeply rooted with core values of integrity and social responsibility. I have inculcated these traits in me today, reinforced by the professional setup in TCS and my family's persistent social involvement. In addition, the clouds over my Ultimate Destination have cleared.
As a professional, I have always enjoyed strong equity within my sphere of influence. In addition, I have valued professional excellence and always seeked opportunities to extend my contributions beyond the assigned roles. With just 7 months of experience, I associated myself with two development projects. In less than 2 years, I was with a new strategic client "Siemens" with responsibility to make first good impression of TCS and initiate the project. In past, I have also worked in capacity of Team Lead and in Pre-sales activities. I have mentored around 20 people and interviewed numerous candidates. I have always valued rotation and seeked such opportunities in my career. Now, my focus has shifted beyond IT and professional rise in uni-directional manner. I am after my ultimate destination now.
Tata Administrative Services, TAS, provides the perfect breeding ground to my experiences and aspirations. I deeply value and imbibe the core principles of TATA group. I feel connected with Tata and the day Corus, JLR deals were announced it was not less than festival for me. The professional journey that TAS provides is a perfect setting to achieve Generic Management skills where after dedicated training, I will be able to respond to organization's dynamic requirements such as "We have a company in Singapore that is shaping itself to take on new directions and challenges. We want you to lead the same" and I shall be off. TAS is the destination where I can build sustained equity, rotate in various roles and industries have freedom to express, shape socio-economic policies, and contribute to nation-building - A.K.A my Ultimate Destination. TAS selection process is about to commence. Now it's time for execution. After all, things are done first in my mind and then in action.
Either it was my family's influence or my association with Tata Group's jewel TCS, I have become well defined in my principles. During my career, I have 'missed' several excellent professional opportunities just because I knew it may not be in best interest of the organization. I had decided that I will transparent about my plans and aspirations with my seniors, as I would expect from my sub-ordinates. A case in point is my recent denial to join World Bank project in Washington because I communicated to Senior Managers that since I have applied for TAS, I will be available only after TAS selection process is over. My deliberations have been met with mild criticism and often, subject of leg-pulling by my acquaintance. However, one person who has always congratulated my act and provided inspiration to stay integral is my grandfather.
An old person with weary eyes and shaky voice, he is a man of principles. Since childhood, I have heard about his heroics during his young days from my relatives. I recall the day when I jubilantly jumped at home to announce my campus selection in TCS. The fact that TCS was first company to show at my college and only two people, including me, were selected in 2 rounds of interview had furthered my elation. My grandfather, however, knew little about TCS and showed signs of worry of the kind of company I will work for. I told him "Grand Paa, It's a TATA company". Almost instantly, he stood with his trembling legs and pulled out a 100 rupee note that I should donate in the temple. He further advised me that Tata's are good people and I should work for best of my abilities. Little did I understand his point during those days After all, I will be working with TCS - an software company. What is to do with Tata Group?
Today, as I retrospect, I understand my Grandfather's point. Tata Group is deeply rooted with core values of integrity and social responsibility. I have inculcated these traits in me today, reinforced by the professional setup in TCS and my family's persistent social involvement. In addition, the clouds over my Ultimate Destination have cleared.
As a professional, I have always enjoyed strong equity within my sphere of influence. In addition, I have valued professional excellence and always seeked opportunities to extend my contributions beyond the assigned roles. With just 7 months of experience, I associated myself with two development projects. In less than 2 years, I was with a new strategic client "Siemens" with responsibility to make first good impression of TCS and initiate the project. In past, I have also worked in capacity of Team Lead and in Pre-sales activities. I have mentored around 20 people and interviewed numerous candidates. I have always valued rotation and seeked such opportunities in my career. Now, my focus has shifted beyond IT and professional rise in uni-directional manner. I am after my ultimate destination now.
Tata Administrative Services, TAS, provides the perfect breeding ground to my experiences and aspirations. I deeply value and imbibe the core principles of TATA group. I feel connected with Tata and the day Corus, JLR deals were announced it was not less than festival for me. The professional journey that TAS provides is a perfect setting to achieve Generic Management skills where after dedicated training, I will be able to respond to organization's dynamic requirements such as "We have a company in Singapore that is shaping itself to take on new directions and challenges. We want you to lead the same" and I shall be off. TAS is the destination where I can build sustained equity, rotate in various roles and industries have freedom to express, shape socio-economic policies, and contribute to nation-building - A.K.A my Ultimate Destination. TAS selection process is about to commence. Now it's time for execution. After all, things are done first in my mind and then in action.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Redefining Lives!!
It has been a unusally large break from blogging world. Number of factors have been the culprit.. I hope to revive this year's blog with this post....ciao
I had an experience this weekend while traveling back home from a person who embodies Mr. Ratan Tata’s thought process. Ironical it may sound; the comment came from an Auto driver.
As I boarded the auto, that my US client was so found of that he bought a toy Auto and kept on his desk, I could not resist my inquisitive self to engage the driver in conversation and seek insights of his thought process and aspiration. I began my conversation by asking him about his experiences as Auto Driver. He shed first experience details on the red tap auto drivers have to accommodate to get a contract to drive auto. Finally, the conversation drew towards Mr. Ratan Tata’s brainchild, Nano. I questioned him whether he intends to buy Nano and how he plan to use the car?
Promptly, he replied that “Sahab, hamare zaise log roz auto chalate hain, signal pe baddi baddi AC wali gadi dekh ke hamara bhi maan karta hai ki hum apne bachoon ko kabhi gaddi mein ghumyane. Tata Nano hamare sare sapne pure kar degi. Hum yeh gaddi zaroor lenge” [Sir, people like us drive auto the whole day. We see people in big AC cars everyday and we strive to provide such facilities to our children. Tata Nano is a dream car and I will certainly buy it]. I was amazed by his sensitivity and desire to have good resources. Additionally, I also could not help amaze at Mr. Ratan Tata’s vision and thought that connected so dearly with people at bottom of the pyramid.
The driver went ahead to question whether I, being Tata employee, could help him get car this year itself. He feared the production would be too low this year for ordinary people like him to get the car. Surprised at his such strong intent on the car, I expressed my helplessness in this matter but promised him that Mr. Tata has vision big enough to help him achieve his dreams.
I have always rated Cell phones as one gadget that during my lifetime have redefined India. Tata Nano definitely ranks in same the grade and perhaps even bigger, given the international impact the car has made. Perhaps, I will take a toy Nano for my US client next I go there. As I left the Auto that day, I could foresee the driver happily driving Tata Nano with his children playing at back seat, shielded of the scorching heat outside.
I had an experience this weekend while traveling back home from a person who embodies Mr. Ratan Tata’s thought process. Ironical it may sound; the comment came from an Auto driver.
As I boarded the auto, that my US client was so found of that he bought a toy Auto and kept on his desk, I could not resist my inquisitive self to engage the driver in conversation and seek insights of his thought process and aspiration. I began my conversation by asking him about his experiences as Auto Driver. He shed first experience details on the red tap auto drivers have to accommodate to get a contract to drive auto. Finally, the conversation drew towards Mr. Ratan Tata’s brainchild, Nano. I questioned him whether he intends to buy Nano and how he plan to use the car?
Promptly, he replied that “Sahab, hamare zaise log roz auto chalate hain, signal pe baddi baddi AC wali gadi dekh ke hamara bhi maan karta hai ki hum apne bachoon ko kabhi gaddi mein ghumyane. Tata Nano hamare sare sapne pure kar degi. Hum yeh gaddi zaroor lenge” [Sir, people like us drive auto the whole day. We see people in big AC cars everyday and we strive to provide such facilities to our children. Tata Nano is a dream car and I will certainly buy it]. I was amazed by his sensitivity and desire to have good resources. Additionally, I also could not help amaze at Mr. Ratan Tata’s vision and thought that connected so dearly with people at bottom of the pyramid.
The driver went ahead to question whether I, being Tata employee, could help him get car this year itself. He feared the production would be too low this year for ordinary people like him to get the car. Surprised at his such strong intent on the car, I expressed my helplessness in this matter but promised him that Mr. Tata has vision big enough to help him achieve his dreams.
I have always rated Cell phones as one gadget that during my lifetime have redefined India. Tata Nano definitely ranks in same the grade and perhaps even bigger, given the international impact the car has made. Perhaps, I will take a toy Nano for my US client next I go there. As I left the Auto that day, I could foresee the driver happily driving Tata Nano with his children playing at back seat, shielded of the scorching heat outside.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A New Color and A New Dimension
I have seen myself changing gears in last week. Of numerous nostalgic activities that I have done in past week, the stand outs in my memory, as enunciated by the subject, are adding a new Color and a new Dimension to me. Ironically, both the things happened on the same day.
On the Thanks Giving holiday, as I woke up I found something unusual. My conscience kept on telling me that I have satiated my sleep and I am awake yet I continued to feel as if I am dreaming. The tree that I see every morning out of my window was looking rejuvenated, the background was extra bright, and the ambience in the room was something unique. What's going on? Overcoming my irresistible procrastination to get out of bed, I glanced out of the window. Awesome it was. Looked as if heavens have descended to earth or I have been given a free ride till there. The grasses and the ground outside were covered with soft snow, as if blessings have been showered on them. Everything looked so bright and fascinating. The houses, with tops complemented by this heavenly blessing, looked glorified. I was ecstatic. I went out to savor my long cherished dream, to play and touch snow. It was softer than anything else I have ever touched. I added another color, Snow White, to my life.
On the same day, the adventurous and inquisitive me woke up. While it was chilling outside, I planned a movie "Beowulf" with my roommate. The adventurous part was a mile long walk in the snow to the theater. I was convinced that I want to watch the movie in 3D theatre, to add another dimension to my movie experiences. Of Course the movie in 3D costs more, around 5 bucks extra. My friend was dichotomous on whether to spend extra 5 bucks on 3D movie, what if it's not worth it. I, however, had a simple logic. I asked him whether he knew exact amount of dollars in his account. He, knew a round figure and not exact, as many of us do not. I then said "If you do not know the exact money, how will you know if you take out 5 bucks extra".A fountain laughter followed and he joined me. We were on our way, in the new color, Snow White, to add a new dimension to ourselves, 3D.
I read it somewhere that one should retrospect once a week to ink learnings and new experiences in that time. In due course, I hope I bring them all here.
On the Thanks Giving holiday, as I woke up I found something unusual. My conscience kept on telling me that I have satiated my sleep and I am awake yet I continued to feel as if I am dreaming. The tree that I see every morning out of my window was looking rejuvenated, the background was extra bright, and the ambience in the room was something unique. What's going on? Overcoming my irresistible procrastination to get out of bed, I glanced out of the window. Awesome it was. Looked as if heavens have descended to earth or I have been given a free ride till there. The grasses and the ground outside were covered with soft snow, as if blessings have been showered on them. Everything looked so bright and fascinating. The houses, with tops complemented by this heavenly blessing, looked glorified. I was ecstatic. I went out to savor my long cherished dream, to play and touch snow. It was softer than anything else I have ever touched. I added another color, Snow White, to my life.
On the same day, the adventurous and inquisitive me woke up. While it was chilling outside, I planned a movie "Beowulf" with my roommate. The adventurous part was a mile long walk in the snow to the theater. I was convinced that I want to watch the movie in 3D theatre, to add another dimension to my movie experiences. Of Course the movie in 3D costs more, around 5 bucks extra. My friend was dichotomous on whether to spend extra 5 bucks on 3D movie, what if it's not worth it. I, however, had a simple logic. I asked him whether he knew exact amount of dollars in his account. He, knew a round figure and not exact, as many of us do not. I then said "If you do not know the exact money, how will you know if you take out 5 bucks extra".A fountain laughter followed and he joined me. We were on our way, in the new color, Snow White, to add a new dimension to ourselves, 3D.
I read it somewhere that one should retrospect once a week to ink learnings and new experiences in that time. In due course, I hope I bring them all here.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Multi-Sourcing in Out-Sourcing
I find my current engagement quite unique. My past experiences have been centric on my employer being the sole solution provider with no dependencies other than the client. But here, TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, IBM..... U name it..its there...., work for various functions. All sit on the same floors, attend the same meetings with similar agenda, participate in similar town halls. Often, I hear a Indian name from the other side of the phone and wonder which company is he from. Furthermore, I find Type 1 Outsourcing a fun. To act as decision makers for the client rather than just doing what they want is encouraging. I recollect, the client often asking us “From your previous experiences in other accounts, how can we handle this”, “In other peoplesoft accounts that TCS handles, what implementation process is used”. The window of opportunity is wide yet narrow. As pro-client, we are expected to provide best recommendations. As pro-TCS, we are expected to keep ourselves better than the competition and provide revenue generating recommendations. The line in between is thin and difficult to adopt.
What this process has resulted in is a two fold sword. We have to keep on engaging with the cross functional teams. This has propelled increased efficiency and communication on one hand and blame game on the other. There have been instances where each party plays pass the buck game. Now is it healthy for the clients and for the vendors?
Evaluating the client side, I would take a personal example. As a customer, the more choices I have the better decision and better deals I will get. For instance, if there are 4-5 different telecom operators, I can expect each one offering a wide range of services and I can conveniently find more than one operator offering a genuine deal. Furthermore, it is quite likely that I can negotiate with one operator since he runs a risk of losing me to his competitor. Extending the same philosophy to clients, they have employed the similar strategy at Corporate Level. If we have multiple vendors serving various part of our applications and infrastructure, we stand a better chance of getting improved services at lesser costs.
On the vendor side, If I have more competitors, I stand a better chance of re-inventing myself. In short term, I might run at a risk of losing a part of my clientele or business but in longer term I will have better processes and efficiency from the constrained margins. As a TCSer, I observe an extra sense of commitment and effort from the senior leadership for a particular project that involves cross functional teams of different vendors than when the other team is from TCS. Even at team member level, there is an hint increased efficiency conforming to preserve the image of the company. Certainly there is an extra effort to synergies the best practices to achieve greater efficiency. In all, the impact is positive though sometimes it feels like dealing with unnecessary roadblocks , multiple status reports, and multiple entries in vendor applications at operational level.
In retrospect, I guess this is going to be the way large corporate house will engage the vendors let alone the software services. Hmm, I thought I should have used the title as -- Competition at the cube level -- :) !!
What this process has resulted in is a two fold sword. We have to keep on engaging with the cross functional teams. This has propelled increased efficiency and communication on one hand and blame game on the other. There have been instances where each party plays pass the buck game. Now is it healthy for the clients and for the vendors?
Evaluating the client side, I would take a personal example. As a customer, the more choices I have the better decision and better deals I will get. For instance, if there are 4-5 different telecom operators, I can expect each one offering a wide range of services and I can conveniently find more than one operator offering a genuine deal. Furthermore, it is quite likely that I can negotiate with one operator since he runs a risk of losing me to his competitor. Extending the same philosophy to clients, they have employed the similar strategy at Corporate Level. If we have multiple vendors serving various part of our applications and infrastructure, we stand a better chance of getting improved services at lesser costs.
On the vendor side, If I have more competitors, I stand a better chance of re-inventing myself. In short term, I might run at a risk of losing a part of my clientele or business but in longer term I will have better processes and efficiency from the constrained margins. As a TCSer, I observe an extra sense of commitment and effort from the senior leadership for a particular project that involves cross functional teams of different vendors than when the other team is from TCS. Even at team member level, there is an hint increased efficiency conforming to preserve the image of the company. Certainly there is an extra effort to synergies the best practices to achieve greater efficiency. In all, the impact is positive though sometimes it feels like dealing with unnecessary roadblocks , multiple status reports, and multiple entries in vendor applications at operational level.
In retrospect, I guess this is going to be the way large corporate house will engage the vendors let alone the software services. Hmm, I thought I should have used the title as -- Competition at the cube level -- :) !!
Friday, October 05, 2007
When is the last time you just did something?
I had an interesting realization this morning. How often do we stop for a moment and think what we are crossing by, what moments we are living? How often is it that we realize the importance of present, an anonymous to Gift? Today, traveling to my workplace in a misty and rainy weather, I heard my friends complain about the weather. “It is so difficult to drive in such weather”. “Arey, this is nothing. Come in December and see, it will get worse”. Somehow my ears were passing these comments perfectly through the hollow channel in my mind. [ I know you just wondered whether I have any non-hollow channel !! Please concentrate]. I was feeling heavenly, divine for something was happening to me, giving me sheer bliss. I was living that moment. I was letting my thoughts wander, farther than the realms of logic and analytics, nursed by emotions and imagination proprietary of a 3 year old kid.
Observing the tiny droplets silently force the mighty cars and buses labor to put the wind-shield wipers on, I thought how the tiny droplets would be feeling: proud or miserable? They were operating in tandem, one after the other, persistently and passionately. But I wondered whether there objective is to hit the cars, the buildings, and numerous other structures or to touch life, a unique prospect, on this unique planet. Furthermore, I wondered whether all the blessed living creatures ever realize this. I know Peacocks for one do. But does the most intelligent creatures do? I wanted to go out and help at least droplets touch me, touch life. I wanted to feel the tiny drops, to get wet in rain, by getting out of the car. Just as I was about to design a strategy to do so in such a way that no one sitting in car notices me, the car took a sharp turn and I returned to mortality.
Suddenly, hundreds of ropes tied me. How can I go out and get wet, I have to attend a meeting within next 20 minutes? What will happen to the cell phone in my pocket? The laptop bag is also not water-proof and TCS will owe 3000$ in an event the laptop breaks down. And dude, you cannot just stop and step out on a highway. I was tied, left, right and center. I was tied from top to bottom. I struggled to return to my fantasy world, to my world. I wanted to defy all the logical crap and live my dreams. But, I had a meeting in next 20 minutes.
Observing the tiny droplets silently force the mighty cars and buses labor to put the wind-shield wipers on, I thought how the tiny droplets would be feeling: proud or miserable? They were operating in tandem, one after the other, persistently and passionately. But I wondered whether there objective is to hit the cars, the buildings, and numerous other structures or to touch life, a unique prospect, on this unique planet. Furthermore, I wondered whether all the blessed living creatures ever realize this. I know Peacocks for one do. But does the most intelligent creatures do? I wanted to go out and help at least droplets touch me, touch life. I wanted to feel the tiny drops, to get wet in rain, by getting out of the car. Just as I was about to design a strategy to do so in such a way that no one sitting in car notices me, the car took a sharp turn and I returned to mortality.
Suddenly, hundreds of ropes tied me. How can I go out and get wet, I have to attend a meeting within next 20 minutes? What will happen to the cell phone in my pocket? The laptop bag is also not water-proof and TCS will owe 3000$ in an event the laptop breaks down. And dude, you cannot just stop and step out on a highway. I was tied, left, right and center. I was tied from top to bottom. I struggled to return to my fantasy world, to my world. I wanted to defy all the logical crap and live my dreams. But, I had a meeting in next 20 minutes.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
An Event Full 15th September !!!
It was a day that started rattling the heck out of my nerves, scaring me like hell ,a goof up that I had done leaving me blind, deaf, and speechless all at the same time. Yet the recovery was handsome. An activity that has taken center stage in my life since last 2 months was on verge of getting screwed. As always though, I managed to get things done and on time :).Thanks to my colleagues invitation for Ganesha Puja.
A South India, he invited 6 other south Indian families. It was natural for all of them to communicate in Telugu or Tamil [ What’s the difference anyway ] ? I realize how at times I and other Delhi guys naturally communicate in Punjabi / Hindi in our office lunch breaks and we over look that a southi is sitting with us and then ask him “Right Jaggi”. He always says “Ya”. I also said “Ya” today, though taking cues from the persons gestures to make out the conversations. After the Pooja, came time to eat. I thought I will not need to communicate and listen now. I am hungry and I need food. Period.
Serving started with around 15 people sitting on the floor and 2 people serving one dish after other. I saw many food items for the first time but I was hungry. I was second to Vivek to keep the dishes finished for the half of the time. Gradually I realized that the number of dishes are numerous. As I was nearing my fill, I heard someone say [ This time in English ] that the main course of rice dishes is coming. OMG, I had landed in trouble. The mandate was anyone saying no will get twice the food. As rice starting pouring, I swear I ate today more than I would normally do in 6 months !!! A riceey day, I must admit !!
As if, the drama wasn’t enough, I found I have overused my minutes last month and T-Mobile sent me a due amount of 105$ :((, thanks to a 3 hour conference call with 5 friends on a weekday evening. In retrospect, I ,however, felt the conference was worth having !!!
One of the most happening days in my life after a period of hibernation !!!
A South India, he invited 6 other south Indian families. It was natural for all of them to communicate in Telugu or Tamil [ What’s the difference anyway ] ? I realize how at times I and other Delhi guys naturally communicate in Punjabi / Hindi in our office lunch breaks and we over look that a southi is sitting with us and then ask him “Right Jaggi”. He always says “Ya”. I also said “Ya” today, though taking cues from the persons gestures to make out the conversations. After the Pooja, came time to eat. I thought I will not need to communicate and listen now. I am hungry and I need food. Period.
Serving started with around 15 people sitting on the floor and 2 people serving one dish after other. I saw many food items for the first time but I was hungry. I was second to Vivek to keep the dishes finished for the half of the time. Gradually I realized that the number of dishes are numerous. As I was nearing my fill, I heard someone say [ This time in English ] that the main course of rice dishes is coming. OMG, I had landed in trouble. The mandate was anyone saying no will get twice the food. As rice starting pouring, I swear I ate today more than I would normally do in 6 months !!! A riceey day, I must admit !!
As if, the drama wasn’t enough, I found I have overused my minutes last month and T-Mobile sent me a due amount of 105$ :((, thanks to a 3 hour conference call with 5 friends on a weekday evening. In retrospect, I ,however, felt the conference was worth having !!!
One of the most happening days in my life after a period of hibernation !!!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Decent Services - Improved Business.
This piece comes after experiencing wonderful services at an Indian Restaurant - Bombay Bistro at Minneapolis.
Disclaimer : Please treat the content more to understand the thought rather than day dreaming about the food I list :P. I know its easy to drift.
Three friends went out to rejuvenate the Indian touch in their menu, people almost dreaming of Papri Chat, Allo Tikki, Pani Purrii errrr Gol Gappeee [I like that name. It reminds me how as I kid, I would play gallii cricket matches to best of potential to win 2RS to savour delicious Gal Gappe at "leeloo's raeeriii " with spicy, mouth watering chuntney, crispy gol gappaa's and .....errr I think this blog is not about my childhood...OMG it is so easy to drift to those wonderful days] So where was I.. ah Yes...So we all went to Bombay Bistro, an Indian Restaurant in Downtown Minneapolis. As we sat, Gurpreet was overwhelmed by the ambiance as she hoped to dine at a similar place. Even before I or Amar could look at menu, she proposed or rather unilaterally ordered Pani Purriii.. [Darnnn.. not again the same name..where has the Dhuri, India's fifth metro, touch gone] ...However, to our disappointment, Gol Gappa's were not available. We settled for Papdi Chat and Aloo Tikki as appetizers. As we did chit-chat, we had Papdi Chat.However soon we realized that we have been talking, mostly about Amritsar Food , for about 30 min with no traces of Allo Tikki and a lady almost got us ready for Main Course. Realizing her mistake, she quickly apologized and so did the owner, along with offering us a free Pasta Kulfi at the end of food. His genuine gesture reflected his concern and devotion to serve. I liked that !!!
Though Amar was sceptical that the dish offered would be something BB is not able to generally sell, I had a feeling that Pasta Kulfi should ideally be a dish that is extremely well prepared and that people generally skip, a strategy to generate future Business along with covering today's mistakes. After a very good Main course, finally the "Free Item" came. As we had the Kulfi, my speculation turned true. The ice-cream was really delicious and owner met his objective. Not only will I order the same dish most of times I revisit BB, but also I will suggest the same to my friends. Now that is Strategy. It is perfect example of running a business, whose success relies on customer experience of "WOW" , Vijay Mallaya's term for Kingfisher. The restaurant owner even denied the TIP I offered, though I still feel the waiter did well.Bombay Bistro will now continue on mine as well as on my sphere of influence's top priority for Indian Restaurant in MPLS. Now that is Customer retention.
When we left, we not only forgot that due to BB's goof up we missed out bus, but also we felt like thanking BB for the whole experience.No wonder, earnest services can generate customer satisfaction and significant business.
Indian counterparts listening ?????
Disclaimer : Please treat the content more to understand the thought rather than day dreaming about the food I list :P. I know its easy to drift.
Three friends went out to rejuvenate the Indian touch in their menu, people almost dreaming of Papri Chat, Allo Tikki, Pani Purrii errrr Gol Gappeee [I like that name. It reminds me how as I kid, I would play gallii cricket matches to best of potential to win 2RS to savour delicious Gal Gappe at "leeloo's raeeriii " with spicy, mouth watering chuntney, crispy gol gappaa's and .....errr I think this blog is not about my childhood...OMG it is so easy to drift to those wonderful days] So where was I.. ah Yes...So we all went to Bombay Bistro, an Indian Restaurant in Downtown Minneapolis. As we sat, Gurpreet was overwhelmed by the ambiance as she hoped to dine at a similar place. Even before I or Amar could look at menu, she proposed or rather unilaterally ordered Pani Purriii.. [Darnnn.. not again the same name..where has the Dhuri, India's fifth metro, touch gone] ...However, to our disappointment, Gol Gappa's were not available. We settled for Papdi Chat and Aloo Tikki as appetizers. As we did chit-chat, we had Papdi Chat.However soon we realized that we have been talking, mostly about Amritsar Food , for about 30 min with no traces of Allo Tikki and a lady almost got us ready for Main Course. Realizing her mistake, she quickly apologized and so did the owner, along with offering us a free Pasta Kulfi at the end of food. His genuine gesture reflected his concern and devotion to serve. I liked that !!!
Though Amar was sceptical that the dish offered would be something BB is not able to generally sell, I had a feeling that Pasta Kulfi should ideally be a dish that is extremely well prepared and that people generally skip, a strategy to generate future Business along with covering today's mistakes. After a very good Main course, finally the "Free Item" came. As we had the Kulfi, my speculation turned true. The ice-cream was really delicious and owner met his objective. Not only will I order the same dish most of times I revisit BB, but also I will suggest the same to my friends. Now that is Strategy. It is perfect example of running a business, whose success relies on customer experience of "WOW" , Vijay Mallaya's term for Kingfisher. The restaurant owner even denied the TIP I offered, though I still feel the waiter did well.Bombay Bistro will now continue on mine as well as on my sphere of influence's top priority for Indian Restaurant in MPLS. Now that is Customer retention.
When we left, we not only forgot that due to BB's goof up we missed out bus, but also we felt like thanking BB for the whole experience.No wonder, earnest services can generate customer satisfaction and significant business.
Indian counterparts listening ?????
Sunday, June 24, 2007
95% Pure Oxygen and $6.40 !!!!
How many of us breathe Oxygen ?
All, unless you are one of Hollywood movie type Tree Man !!!!
How many of us breathe 95% pure oxygen with eucalyptus flavor ?
Only one whom I know -- Your very own Vinit Garg !!!
This piece comes right after visiting a fabulous place in SouthDale Mall, Edina. Just freaking out to do something new, in an experimental mode as usual, I happen to visit Ocean Wave Massage and O2 boutique. Warm and cheerful greetings by the young lady at the counter and I was all her's ....errrrrr I mean a customer for the boutique !!! Checking various options for massage and O2 available, I realized the cost was little high to experiment a massage right away. Earned value analysis ( attending some Project Manager training these days :P ) of the situation prompted me to go for an foot massage. However, the time constraint of 10 min left for boutique to close and busy massager lady left me with just O2 as an option. For the lesser mortals, O2 meant I would lie on a super hunky dunky chair for a virtual massage and would be inhaling 95% eucalyptus flavored ( Y eucalyptus ??? Coz the young Lady liked it ;) ) oxygen for 10 min ,costing 6$ ..ummm with tax 6.40$ !!! Not a big amount for the experience. The experience was fantabulous. Those 10 minutes passed much faster than few seconds used to, when I used to board a DTC bus from PNB, Bikaji ( New Delhi) to Noida in 2004 :)) !!
The whole experience took my thoughts about 15 years back. I used to accompany my father, along with our little doggy, as a kid for morning walk among the woods, yes among eucalyptus trees !!!! Though my participation was not voluntary during those days, yet I remember the distinctive fresh smell of wind blowing through wet eucalyptus wood. Sometime little Jacky, our doggy, would just start running and jumping ,and my father would co-relate the dogs actions to its enjoyment of the morning walk, a correlation I often used to refute. My father would preach that a morning walk gives fresh air to breathe and I would rather dream about being back into bed or about playing cricket. The sheer bliss and freshness I felt today make me realize what I missed then and what I miss now. During those days, I lacked to prospective and now my father’s command to get my up in the morning !!!!! Ahem Peace !!! Hmmmmm, I think spending $6.40 for 10 minutes for enjoying fresh eucalyptus flavored 95% pure Oxygen provides a solution for the both worlds, mine and my father's for me, to co-exist :P !!!!
All, unless you are one of Hollywood movie type Tree Man !!!!
How many of us breathe 95% pure oxygen with eucalyptus flavor ?
Only one whom I know -- Your very own Vinit Garg !!!
This piece comes right after visiting a fabulous place in SouthDale Mall, Edina. Just freaking out to do something new, in an experimental mode as usual, I happen to visit Ocean Wave Massage and O2 boutique. Warm and cheerful greetings by the young lady at the counter and I was all her's ....errrrrr I mean a customer for the boutique !!! Checking various options for massage and O2 available, I realized the cost was little high to experiment a massage right away. Earned value analysis ( attending some Project Manager training these days :P ) of the situation prompted me to go for an foot massage. However, the time constraint of 10 min left for boutique to close and busy massager lady left me with just O2 as an option. For the lesser mortals, O2 meant I would lie on a super hunky dunky chair for a virtual massage and would be inhaling 95% eucalyptus flavored ( Y eucalyptus ??? Coz the young Lady liked it ;) ) oxygen for 10 min ,costing 6$ ..ummm with tax 6.40$ !!! Not a big amount for the experience. The experience was fantabulous. Those 10 minutes passed much faster than few seconds used to, when I used to board a DTC bus from PNB, Bikaji ( New Delhi) to Noida in 2004 :)) !!
The whole experience took my thoughts about 15 years back. I used to accompany my father, along with our little doggy, as a kid for morning walk among the woods, yes among eucalyptus trees !!!! Though my participation was not voluntary during those days, yet I remember the distinctive fresh smell of wind blowing through wet eucalyptus wood. Sometime little Jacky, our doggy, would just start running and jumping ,and my father would co-relate the dogs actions to its enjoyment of the morning walk, a correlation I often used to refute. My father would preach that a morning walk gives fresh air to breathe and I would rather dream about being back into bed or about playing cricket. The sheer bliss and freshness I felt today make me realize what I missed then and what I miss now. During those days, I lacked to prospective and now my father’s command to get my up in the morning !!!!! Ahem Peace !!! Hmmmmm, I think spending $6.40 for 10 minutes for enjoying fresh eucalyptus flavored 95% pure Oxygen provides a solution for the both worlds, mine and my father's for me, to co-exist :P !!!!
Monday, May 28, 2007
And I am a Billionaire !!
Yes, my dear friends. I am a billionaire now.How did I become one ? Well, it was a Monday morning, Memorial Day holiday and I was just surfing across some news website when I see a email popup in my Gtalk. Something in me said that this is something special.I rushed to my Gmail Inbox. And friends, here goes the turning point in my life.
"Attention: Winner,
Congratulations to you as we bring to your notice the result of Euromillion Loteria Espa ol 2007 promotions.We are happy to inform you that your email address have emerged a winner of Five hundred and fifty thousand euro(550, 000.00)Euros.
NOTE: to file for your claim, please contact the claim department below on email or phone
REDBOATH FINANCE AND SECURITIES,S.L
Contact person: Mr Javier Lopez Tell: +34 696 756 270Email: euromillionlots@aim.com
below your promotion date, Reference and Batch numbers. Remember to quote these numbers in your correspondence with your claims agent (MrJ avier Lopez )
PROMOTION DATE: 24th of May 2007.REFERENCE NUMBER: LSLUK/2031/8161/07BATCH NUMBER: 15/051/IPD
Note that you will be required to pay for the legalization of your winning prize.
Congratulations once again from all our staff and thank you for being part of our promotions program.
Sincerely Yours,
Mrs Jennifer Lucia.
(promotion secretary) "
Yes. Yes~~~~~~ Yahoooooooo ~~~~~ !!!!! I got it. Thank you Mrs Jennifer Lucia. Words cannot express how humbled I am with your gratitude. Five hundred and fifty thousand euro(550, 000.00)Euros !!!!!!
You are the one. Neo, in Matrix, was fake. You are the one and the only one.Very soon, sooner than you can imagine, I would send you all my bank account details with passwords, my Social Security Number, my contact number, my address , my everything and anything u need. But Please, please do not withdraw you offer.
Thank you very much for ending all my worries, my plight and my sufferings !!!!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Quit Mumbai Movement !!!!
Finally, finally the day arrived and I left Mumbai. Not that Mumbai is so bad, but tenure of my stay in Mumbai coincided with a lean patch of mine. My return from Mumbai back to Delhi is supposed to trigger a series of interesting negotiations with quite a number of stakeholder and is supposed to put me back to work, which I have longed for.
However there have been some positive out of Mumbai. First and foremost, exposure and taste of the city itself. I have felt a hidden desire somewhere in me to visit Mumbai once and actually feel the way people deliberate about it. A venture on Sunday in Mumbai Local to visit Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Gateway of India, Taj Hotel and Marine drive proved to be an enriching experience. And I can never forget the "massage" I had at Chaupati Beach. Few "massager" can be more cruel :)
Second thing to carry from Mumbai was meeting lot of new people, a whole new Offshore Team and lot of people from TQ. I fairly believe, TCS TQ happens to be "THE" place for networking across TCS. TCS even employ consultants from Manufacturing Domain to provide consulting in Supply Chain, Assembly line etc, this I learnt from one guy. And a funny anecdote from an Andhara guy during a booze party that just struck me goes as " All these Managers have criminal minds" :) Precise, Concise and Perfect. When will I be a Criminal ??
Finally left Mumbai on a "wonderful" Air Sahara flight, which with 2 hours delay managed to screw all my travel plan from Delhi to Dhuri. Sticking to my original plan to reach home the same night, I managed to catch a wonderful bus, by far the best bus I have ever boarded, from Delhi to Ambala. However the grill started at Ambala at 5:00 A:M when I, traveling since 8:00 P:M, discovered that flight delay was not the only tragedy to strike. Even the Express Train I hoped to catch is cancelled. And here I sit in a passenger Train from Ambala to Dhuri (my lovely home town) , estranged by all the people around me staring at me and pouring in my laptop to have a look at this out of place thing. It is irritating and funny as well. The situation in which I sit and write this blog, remind me of Sharukh Khan’s rare good movie, Swades. But seriously these wooden seats of train hurt :(( , yet worth an experience once if you have not .. Someday my experimentation will kill me :P
However there have been some positive out of Mumbai. First and foremost, exposure and taste of the city itself. I have felt a hidden desire somewhere in me to visit Mumbai once and actually feel the way people deliberate about it. A venture on Sunday in Mumbai Local to visit Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Gateway of India, Taj Hotel and Marine drive proved to be an enriching experience. And I can never forget the "massage" I had at Chaupati Beach. Few "massager" can be more cruel :)
Second thing to carry from Mumbai was meeting lot of new people, a whole new Offshore Team and lot of people from TQ. I fairly believe, TCS TQ happens to be "THE" place for networking across TCS. TCS even employ consultants from Manufacturing Domain to provide consulting in Supply Chain, Assembly line etc, this I learnt from one guy. And a funny anecdote from an Andhara guy during a booze party that just struck me goes as " All these Managers have criminal minds" :) Precise, Concise and Perfect. When will I be a Criminal ??
Finally left Mumbai on a "wonderful" Air Sahara flight, which with 2 hours delay managed to screw all my travel plan from Delhi to Dhuri. Sticking to my original plan to reach home the same night, I managed to catch a wonderful bus, by far the best bus I have ever boarded, from Delhi to Ambala. However the grill started at Ambala at 5:00 A:M when I, traveling since 8:00 P:M, discovered that flight delay was not the only tragedy to strike. Even the Express Train I hoped to catch is cancelled. And here I sit in a passenger Train from Ambala to Dhuri (my lovely home town) , estranged by all the people around me staring at me and pouring in my laptop to have a look at this out of place thing. It is irritating and funny as well. The situation in which I sit and write this blog, remind me of Sharukh Khan’s rare good movie, Swades. But seriously these wooden seats of train hurt :(( , yet worth an experience once if you have not .. Someday my experimentation will kill me :P
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Apun Mumbaiya ho gayela
Bhai log..apun aa gayela hai !!! Mumbaiya ho gayela re mammu .... Landed in Mumbai on 7th Feb. And guess what ... Guess what ....WAS CHEATED BY A MUMBAI TAXI DRIVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a professionalism and commitment these mumbai taxi drivers have to maintain there age old reputation of cheating new comers to amchii mumbai !!.
I tried my best to be safe only to find this guy has over-smarted me !!!Getting in this taxi I told my friend " Do not let this person know you are here for the first time"
Easy said. Difficult to do.
The moment I tell this person to go to Thane, prompt he asks " Where in Thane"
I say "TCS Yanta Park "
"Ohhh is that the one close to that hotel " he asks. Smelling trouble here I say a confident "Yes".
"But sahib yeh east mein hai ya west mein " .... Doomed here...cursing none other myself of not reading the address in advance I say "dekh lenge abhi thane to chalo "
N here he is. He got it !!! I am new and I do not know about mumbai. A fresh bakra for this guy. N he had a feast.
While traveling my sense of direction could not stop making intelligent guesses and though I got convinced that I am getting going round n round somewhere in the same area, I had no ways to prove it !!!! Just sat like an innocent cute little child at helm of a driver dracula !!!
For a normal charge of 400-450 this guy shows me a meter reading of 947 Rs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow ... n the reason :)) :)) while justifying his high meter reading the driver tells me "Sahib AC car hai yeh..pure raste AC ON raha to meter reading to badhega na " ...Thanks Dude ....I wish I knew it earlier !!!! BTW have u ever ..Have u Ever traveled in a Taxi that have mosquitos inside it ... Yes my dear friend Mosquitos .. I think they must have come there for Taxi was an AC one !!
I salute you Mr Driver !!!! I love your consistency !!!!
Somebody suggested to get a prepaid taxi in Mumbai. However this time my experimental nature got better of me. But it is an experience worth having !!
So the moral of the story is, IF you are traveling on your company expense (:P) experiment with Mumbai Taxi wala or else you better of take a prepaid one !!!!
2007 Flying .......
Year 2007 brought one thing quite unique to me with itself. Flying experience. For a person having boarded a flight only once in 23 years, already 4 flights within first 40 days of the year seems like a big change.First one from Orlando to NewYork , then Newyork to Orlando, then Orlando to Delhi and now Delhi to Mumbai !!! Wow I am everywhere in air this year !!!
Just hope this run continues as I figure I love traveling as long as it is in air... traveling within Indian cities is a pain ..more on that in later blogs
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