MJ: "Why is summers such a fuss? Why do people keep talking of it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience - the best and worst moments of life?"
Arbit Senior: "You will know it in a few days. You just have to live through it to realise."
And so it happened. The summer internship process at IIMB truly turned out to be an experience which I can't forget for years to come. And more so because I lived through the rougher bit of it.
For the uninformed, the summer placement process is a recruitment process for obtaining a summer internship opportunity of 8 weeks, summer internship being a necessary part of the curriculum. Top-notch consulting firms, Investment and corporate banks, leading business houses, Marketing, IT and financial services firms visit the campus in a short but hectic period of 5 days to pick up 270-odd students of the institute after evaluating them through various processes. The first day is called day-zero, where the companies with seemingly best profiles, career opportunities, locations and compensations are present (between 20-25 firms are invited on day-zero). These are followed by Day-1, Day-2 and so on. The slotting of companies follows a decreasing order on the parameters mentioned in day-zero firms.
I personally do not approve of this method of slotting, because: a) It creates the oft-mentioned hype around the IIM-salaries, b) It "differentiates" one career over other, and IMO, all careers are equally rewarding, c) some day-1 day2 offers may be more satisfying as careers than day-zero offers, d) it makes students judgemental on those getting day-zero offers as being "better" than day-1, and hence, e) It puts enormous peer pressure on students to grab a day-z offer, making it a rat race. Anyone who comes to IIMB (and I'm sure it holds for other IIMs as well) wants to do either consulting or I-banking (they incidentally, make the day-z firms)
Come 11th Nov, Day-z for IIM Bangalore Summer Placements 2008, and the whole batch dressed in business suits reported at the MDC. I was one of the lucky ones to have a long list of day-z shortlist - the three big consults, the three best banks, a PE firm - and more - totalling to 14. With such a listing, expectations increase - both by self and by others. (I was told by one of the seniors that I would be out of the process in one hour - as he thought I was really well prepared) My focus had been consulting, and I decided to interview with consulting firms first. Consulting firm interviews usually consist of 2-3 rounds of case interviews, each lasting for about 30 mins.
My first interview was with one of the Big 3 consults. The first round went well - nice discussion, and a good case. The 2nd round had a case which I knew I didn't do well. I was told by the HR, "We'll let you know, you can move for your next process". These are shaky words - an indication that we're not taking more rounds with you as of now - we're not interested in you right now. Two interviews had passed by, and when I moved to the next company, another of the big-3, I realised that they had already made 2 offers! I knew the markets, I knew that companies won't make too many offers. I realised that companies were calling in their preference order, and if you don't hit it right in the first company, chances are that the other companies would have made its offers by then. Anyways, with a screwed up interview and these things running in my head, I couldn't really put in the best shot with the next company. Again screwed up the 2nd interview of that firm. "The PR (placement representative) has asked you to move to the next company". I realised I'm not on this as well. The next one was another consulting firm which had by then (2 1/2 hours through the process) already made its offers. By then, I realised that I can't be screwing up these interviews based on past performance, it is just going to weaken my chances. So I washed my face, got a smile back, and went to them. 6 rounds of interviews happened, four of them case based, and anyone who's taken a case interview knows that you virtually go blank after taking four cases in a row, and I had already taken four in the two companies before this! Anyways, the cases went well, the "Tell me about yourself" repeated for the nth time, also went well. And after 6 rounds, they came and told me, "Mayank, we're very sorry, you are an awesome candidate, but we're really limited by numbers. If we recruit you we'd not have any numbers to recruit from IIMA, and we need to maintain relations with them". I was mightily pissed, as if they didn't know about the number limitations before screwing up my 2 1/2 more hours! Anyways, I realised that making a scene would just make the day tougher for me, and I smiled and said, "It's okay, I understand". And I moved.
I moved out to find that in the last 2 1/2 hours where I was busy with the 6 rounds with the previous firm, one of the big consults and two big banks had already packed their bags - they were done with their hiring. I still feel very sad about not being able to interview with them. A PR comes and tells, "Mayank, the 3rd bank is also leaving. They're done with the hiring,but they still want to see you. Do you want to go to them or see the next consulting firm?". With 10 consulting interviews till then, I needed a break, I said, I'd interview with them. I enter the room to find two gentlemen with packed bags - this interview went awesome! Great discussion, and my fear that no prior background in finance would make me a weak candidate was alleviated. But then again, "We'll let you know". I was disappointed, that was one discussion where I wanted to be a part of a bank, just because I enjoyed talking to them! (Later I got to know why I wasn't made an offer - their opinion was: awesome candidate, but a consultant to heart! we didn't see him as a banker)
Another consult - two rounds, no success. A bank - one round - no answer, we'll get back to you later (BTW, this bank made me an offer later, but I was out of the process by then). My interview count for the day was 14 by then. Then came Arthur D Little. First interview: "So how's the day been?". MJ: "Tiring, but enjoying the process. Had heard a lot about day-z, now living thru it". He says: "Good, I like the spirit :P". Case, went well. 2nd round - and I was asked finance fundaes in consult interviews. I started, I got confused, told them I don't know. They asked me one reason why should they hire me. I told them two. They asked me three reasons why they shouldn't hire me. I told them four. And they said "Okay, welcome to ADL" :)
Phew! Finally the day ended. Probably the longest and the toughest day of my life. I learnt a lot of lessons through experience that day. Learnt that it is very important to smile even when you're entering the 16th interview of the day. Realised the efforts one needs to maintain his composure when there is so much of peer pressure around - it keeps getting tougher when friends around you are getting placed, and you're moving from one panel to other for 9 hours. Found that not every test is a test of your capability, sometimes you just have a bad day - and then it becomes a test of your patience and perserverance. Discovered that using some game theory may have gotten me an offer much before, but it may not have been what I wanted to do. Felt that I can keep on wondering what went wrong, and that I can keep finding faults in everything that happened, but it will be a futile exercise as none of them may have mattered as much. Learnt that those who had an easy day-z can never know what I went through, and I can never know what those went through who slept the night without an offer.
And, the nicest of things as well - seniors asking if I've eaten anything thru the day, friends getting food and water every now and then, those best wishes and flying kisses, this senior telling me when self-doubt started to arise: "Mayank, you've written cases! Who else does that! When you go in, remember that you're the best and that they'd be lucky to have you", my friend waiting outside the rooms till I got out of the last interview, and the tracker proudly announcing "Mayank Jha is out of the placement process" :)
To all the people mentioned above - I owe my day to you!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
A tribute to Streetlamp
Just watched Rock On last evening. Being a guitarist and a band-member myself, I was completely immersed in the movie, and the hangover still exists. All through the movie I couldn't help but miss my band - Streetlamp it was called - and look back on how much fun we had as band and as friends, practicing at IIT Bombay Music room, or playing on the lawns of H-9 during acoustic dusks, at the Open Air Theatre and the likes.
Streetlamp: Sumitken, Reddy, me, Vibhu, Sridhar
Background: While watching a senior band play at their first Acoustic Dusk at IIT Bombay in the middle of 2003, two wingmates, Sridhar (A rock buff) and Mayank (a newbie) were talking to each other:
ES: "We should be doing something like that!"
MJ: "I know, but dude we can't play like that! I just know some chords and some rhythm".
ES: "Never mind, we'll keep learning"
MJ: "And drummer?"
ES: "I know someone who's learning, his name is Vikas Reddy"
MJ: "And I know one guitarist, Sumit, we come from the same city. He wanted to play as well. He's here only, lets talk! Will you do bass?"
ES: "Yes, I will learn the bass. Dude, we'll kickass!" (that's Sridhar's fav word)
SK: "I was just waiting for this! I'm in! Lets play!"
ES: "We need a singer man!"
MJ: "Arre vo freshie aaya hai na, Vibhu, jisko Freshie GC mein gawaaya tha, usko pakadte hain ;-) Saale ne wonderwall aur jhankaar beats achcha gaaya tha."
.... and thats how a group of enthusiasts, not knowing 'M' of music theory, no formal training, but having the passion to play and getting the kick out of playing music (or even the thought of it), came together to practice.
The name: A night before the acoustic dusk, the IITB music room is usually heavily booked for practice. Since we didn't get a slot last day, were sitting on the road outside SAC, with an acoustic guitar, and practicing for our first stage performance: About a girl (Nirvana), I am mine (Pearl Jam) and Like a stone (Audioslave). "We don't have a name yet. How are we going to announce us as?" Hundreds of options came up, the closest match being from the deadly combo of Vibhu-Sridhar, "Diamond Custard" (as against Pearl Jam). Finally, we chose Streetlamp, dedicating it to the lamp of the street under which we practiced the last night. And then to add a meaning to it, the cliched-philosophical me said "Like this streetlamp which shows the light to this dark street, we shine out, showing light to the people in this world." :D :D :D
The music we played: We existed as a band for over 2 years, played mainly Contemporary, classic, grunge and punk. Bands that we covered include Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Audioslave, RATM, Parikrama, SOAD, Creed and Foo fighters. Probably the only IITB band to cover (or tried to cover) as many bands and songs. Following this, life took turns... few went on to play different forms of music, others got busy with life and job and reached different parts of the world.
High Hopes: I hope that we, like Rob, Adi, Joe and KD, get to see each other once more, and play once again. And, hope that a day comes when we are able to have a composed album as well! :-)
About us:
Streetlamp TM
(c) 2003, All rights reserved
Members
Sumit (Rhythm/Backing vocals): Known as Ken, Sumitken, pauna etc. Apart from dressing himself trying to be "cool", "trendy", "fashionable", he plays some amazing music. In spite of all frustrations created by fellow band members, he always managed to keep smiling - and he would only go to "Saala reddy b****c***, hamesha phone bajta hai iska", "Vibhu, m****c****, ek line to dhang se gaa de". Presently minting money with Lehman Brothers at London.
Reddy (Drummer/Backing vocals): The heavy metal drummer, always felt that we were a misfit for him as he was only made for heavy metal :P Every jam session had to end with one death metal being sung by Reddy with his opening roar "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAA". And yeah, always interruped by phone calls during practice sessions! :D So much that we had to make some ground rules regarding usage of mobile in music room! Presently travelling around the world with Schlumberger.
Vibhu (Lead Singer): Blessed with voice, misplaced with timing! Thats how we remember Vibhu :-) Any crazy thing being done by us would be ideated by Vibhu. B it the Hindi version of In Bloom (Khaane ke liye, bachche bech do) or taking Reddy's case, Vibhu would take the lead. Lyrics, Vibhu and Sumit never got along :D Half of our practice time would be spent sumit abusing vibhu on forgetting lyrics and vibhu telling "Arre ho jayega". Currently enjoying his holidays and packing for his world tour with Schlumberger.
Sridhar (Bass): Amongst us, I feel that the learning curve has been steepest for Sridhar. He picked up the bass guitar for the 1st time in our first practice session, and by his fourth year, he was playing RHCP bass-lines! A partner-in-crime with Vibhu, he would have his set of crazy suggestions - like "let's kill someone during our performance". I can't forget the "ChEA symposium" heavy metal song and riff composed by him! :-) Presently enjoying home food while working with Pramati in Hyderabad.
me (Leads/Rhythm/Backing vocals): Ok, well, nothing really interesting here... ;-) Presently screwing his ass off (don't know why!) at IIM Bangalore.
Background: While watching a senior band play at their first Acoustic Dusk at IIT Bombay in the middle of 2003, two wingmates, Sridhar (A rock buff) and Mayank (a newbie) were talking to each other:
ES: "We should be doing something like that!"
MJ: "I know, but dude we can't play like that! I just know some chords and some rhythm".
ES: "Never mind, we'll keep learning"
MJ: "And drummer?"
ES: "I know someone who's learning, his name is Vikas Reddy"
MJ: "And I know one guitarist, Sumit, we come from the same city. He wanted to play as well. He's here only, lets talk! Will you do bass?"
ES: "Yes, I will learn the bass. Dude, we'll kickass!" (that's Sridhar's fav word)
SK
ES: "We need a singer man!"
MJ: "Arre vo freshie aaya hai na, Vibhu, jisko Freshie GC mein gawaaya tha, usko pakadte hain ;-) Saale ne wonderwall aur jhankaar beats achcha gaaya tha."
.... and thats how a group of enthusiasts, not knowing 'M' of music theory, no formal training, but having the passion to play and getting the kick out of playing music (or even the thought of it), came together to practice.
The name: A night before the acoustic dusk, the IITB music room is usually heavily booked for practice. Since we didn't get a slot last day, were sitting on the road outside SAC, with an acoustic guitar, and practicing for our first stage performance: About a girl (Nirvana), I am mine (Pearl Jam) and Like a stone (Audioslave). "We don't have a name yet. How are we going to announce us as?" Hundreds of options came up, the closest match being from the deadly combo of Vibhu-Sridhar, "Diamond Custard" (as against Pearl Jam). Finally, we chose Streetlamp, dedicating it to the lamp of the street under which we practiced the last night. And then to add a meaning to it, the cliched-philosophical me said "Like this streetlamp which shows the light to this dark street, we shine out, showing light to the people in this world." :D :D :D
The music we played: We existed as a band for over 2 years, played mainly Contemporary, classic, grunge and punk. Bands that we covered include Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Audioslave, RATM, Parikrama, SOAD, Creed and Foo fighters. Probably the only IITB band to cover (or tried to cover) as many bands and songs. Following this, life took turns... few went on to play different forms of music, others got busy with life and job and reached different parts of the world.
High Hopes: I hope that we, like Rob, Adi, Joe and KD, get to see each other once more, and play once again. And, hope that a day comes when we are able to have a composed album as well! :-)
"The grass was greener
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The nights of wonder"
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The nights of wonder"
About us:
Members
Sumit (Rhythm/Backing vocals): Known as Ken, Sumitken, pauna etc. Apart from dressing himself trying to be "cool", "trendy", "fashionable", he plays some amazing music. In spite of all frustrations created by fellow band members, he always managed to keep smiling - and he would only go to "Saala reddy b****c***, hamesha phone bajta hai iska", "Vibhu, m****c****, ek line to dhang se gaa de". Presently minting money with Lehman Brothers at London.
Reddy (Drummer/Backing vocals): The heavy metal drummer, always felt that we were a misfit for him as he was only made for heavy metal :P Every jam session had to end with one death metal being sung by Reddy with his opening roar "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAA". And yeah, always interruped by phone calls during practice sessions! :D So much that we had to make some ground rules regarding usage of mobile in music room! Presently travelling around the world with Schlumberger.
Vibhu (Lead Singer): Blessed with voice, misplaced with timing! Thats how we remember Vibhu :-) Any crazy thing being done by us would be ideated by Vibhu. B it the Hindi version of In Bloom (Khaane ke liye, bachche bech do) or taking Reddy's case, Vibhu would take the lead. Lyrics, Vibhu and Sumit never got along :D Half of our practice time would be spent sumit abusing vibhu on forgetting lyrics and vibhu telling "Arre ho jayega". Currently enjoying his holidays and packing for his world tour with Schlumberger.
Sridhar (Bass): Amongst us, I feel that the learning curve has been steepest for Sridhar. He picked up the bass guitar for the 1st time in our first practice session, and by his fourth year, he was playing RHCP bass-lines! A partner-in-crime with Vibhu, he would have his set of crazy suggestions - like "let's kill someone during our performance". I can't forget the "ChEA symposium" heavy metal song and riff composed by him! :-) Presently enjoying home food while working with Pramati in Hyderabad.
me (Leads/Rhythm/Backing vocals): Ok, well, nothing really interesting here... ;-) Presently screwing his ass off (don't know why!) at IIM Bangalore.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Stop, Think. Act???
Browsing through one of my friend's blog, I got reminded of an incident which happened a couple of days back, about which I wanted to write but was really caught up. So here it goes. This post is dedicated to the little boy who made me stop and think about the people of the country.
The day was the end of midterm exam. Finishing the paper a couple of minutes in advance and to "break-free" from all the chains, I planned to spend the evening at Brigade road with a friend who had dropped down. At Brigade Road, we stopped to have some chaat from a shop over there (I really miss the North Indian chaat). We were having chaat when I find this little boy staring at me. He is shabbily dressed, dark, little torn clothes, which gave me the impression that he belonged to a very poor family. He could probably be a beggar. I give him a look and ignore him, I do not like beggars and I don't encourage beggary either. "Can't these people do something, and protect their ego? Why do they have to ask for money? They are not disabled, they can work. And I can't encourage more of this in the country by handing over some money to them." But this little kid did not beg for anything.
When I finish my chaat and move forward to throw the plate into the dustbin, this boy advances. He looks at me and asks me to stop. He takes the plate from my hand, and starts eating the little remains of dahi (curd), chutney and a piece or two of chhole (gram) from the plate. Complete oblivion and bliss for him, and a state of shock for me. On one hand, I felt good that this boy didn't beg, on the other hand I felt miserable for his condition. Walking off, wondering about the state of destitution in the country, thinking that we despise beggary but people might actually need money, I turn back. I reach the boy, who is still licking my plate and trying to extract the last drops of dahi from the plate. I take out a ten-rupee note from my pocket, take his hand and put it there, telling him, "Beta, kuch khaa lena".
The day was the end of midterm exam. Finishing the paper a couple of minutes in advance and to "break-free" from all the chains, I planned to spend the evening at Brigade road with a friend who had dropped down. At Brigade Road, we stopped to have some chaat from a shop over there (I really miss the North Indian chaat). We were having chaat when I find this little boy staring at me. He is shabbily dressed, dark, little torn clothes, which gave me the impression that he belonged to a very poor family. He could probably be a beggar. I give him a look and ignore him, I do not like beggars and I don't encourage beggary either. "Can't these people do something, and protect their ego? Why do they have to ask for money? They are not disabled, they can work. And I can't encourage more of this in the country by handing over some money to them." But this little kid did not beg for anything.
When I finish my chaat and move forward to throw the plate into the dustbin, this boy advances. He looks at me and asks me to stop. He takes the plate from my hand, and starts eating the little remains of dahi (curd), chutney and a piece or two of chhole (gram) from the plate. Complete oblivion and bliss for him, and a state of shock for me. On one hand, I felt good that this boy didn't beg, on the other hand I felt miserable for his condition. Walking off, wondering about the state of destitution in the country, thinking that we despise beggary but people might actually need money, I turn back. I reach the boy, who is still licking my plate and trying to extract the last drops of dahi from the plate. I take out a ten-rupee note from my pocket, take his hand and put it there, telling him, "Beta, kuch khaa lena".
Sunday, August 03, 2008
The Examonov-Divertski Effect!
Coming back to college after a span of 2 years of working has made me realize that certain characteristics, good or bad, don't change, even though you might come with a hard determination on it! During the so-called break before joining IIMB, I had thought that I'd been an ass at IIT Bombay and I should have done better and made the most of the academic intellect there, but nevermind, I have an opportunity again at IIMB, and I would crack it this time! Yessss, I would be a muggoo!
Well, come IIMB, and I see all diversions... the swanky music room... the good city... people to hang out with... hazaar clubs to be a part of... ok, some involvement doesn't do you harm, afterall, life's more than just being a muggoo. So, lets see, Aarambh (the fresher cultural event)... Cultural committee.... Gurukul.... and I keep getting sucked! Only to realise that my priorities still follow the order of sleep>extra-currics>lukkha>acads. And, 2 days before midsems (just like IIT), I decide to go to my books. Two minutes, and two paras down, I feel like playing NFS. This very moment reminded me of my cravings to do the diversions as I approach exams: the phenomena which I hereby name The Examonov-Divertski Effect.
(Yes, I draw inspiration from one of the innumerable Russian pairs contributing to sciences, economics, law, etc. and making lives miserable for us as students)
The first signs of the ED Effect seemed to appear in 7th Standard, when during my final exams, I desperately wanted to go to a picnic where my parents were going in one of Dad's social circles. Yeah, I did go, and got a 97 on 100 in the Science exam next day. I told myself: "So all this time, parents and relatives asking me to study during the exam else I'd fail were just finding ways of inflicting torture! See, I don't fail!". And this happens in 10th Boards again, when the painter in me woke up before English exam, and decided to paint a Mumbai skyline on a full-size drawing sheet. For the records, I suck with painting, and never in my life before that had I painted even outside the margins of the drawing sheet that was given to us in school.
Come JEE, in 12th, and a day before JEE mains, I decide to go for the show of Aankhein, the night show. Wow, loved the movie! And JEE next morning wasn't bad either! I reach IIT Bombay, and this becomes a habit before and during a midsem/endsem: watch a movie, fix my computer, go on a date, play NFS, learn a new guitar solo, collect movies to take-home - all during those last few hours when the batch is slogging their asses off to keep adding deltas to their wisdom and prospective scores.
The moment I write this, I am less than 29 hours away from my 1st midterm exam. I had a great week beginning with L^2 on sunday, three days of cultural events which I was responsible for, other club activities on the next two days, music room visits and Batman on Friday... and I still don't get it... why doesn't the tension build up? Why do I wash clothes, clean the room, go for a stroll, still sleep over 8 hours, and why do I feel like writing this blog at 4 in the morning when I should be either studying or sleeping!!!!
The Examonov-Diverstki effect: Do you feel it too?
Disclaimer: The blog is not to prove some sort of excellence :P, or an attention-seeking tactic as Giddu would like to believe :P, or to undermine the hardwork or sincerity that some people have towards studies (I truly worship them!). This is a frustration penned down :D
Well, come IIMB, and I see all diversions... the swanky music room... the good city... people to hang out with... hazaar clubs to be a part of... ok, some involvement doesn't do you harm, afterall, life's more than just being a muggoo. So, lets see, Aarambh (the fresher cultural event)... Cultural committee.... Gurukul.... and I keep getting sucked! Only to realise that my priorities still follow the order of sleep>extra-currics>lukkha>acads. And, 2 days before midsems (just like IIT), I decide to go to my books. Two minutes, and two paras down, I feel like playing NFS. This very moment reminded me of my cravings to do the diversions as I approach exams: the phenomena which I hereby name The Examonov-Divertski Effect.
(Yes, I draw inspiration from one of the innumerable Russian pairs contributing to sciences, economics, law, etc. and making lives miserable for us as students)
The first signs of the ED Effect seemed to appear in 7th Standard, when during my final exams, I desperately wanted to go to a picnic where my parents were going in one of Dad's social circles. Yeah, I did go, and got a 97 on 100 in the Science exam next day. I told myself: "So all this time, parents and relatives asking me to study during the exam else I'd fail were just finding ways of inflicting torture! See, I don't fail!". And this happens in 10th Boards again, when the painter in me woke up before English exam, and decided to paint a Mumbai skyline on a full-size drawing sheet. For the records, I suck with painting, and never in my life before that had I painted even outside the margins of the drawing sheet that was given to us in school.
Come JEE, in 12th, and a day before JEE mains, I decide to go for the show of Aankhein, the night show. Wow, loved the movie! And JEE next morning wasn't bad either! I reach IIT Bombay, and this becomes a habit before and during a midsem/endsem: watch a movie, fix my computer, go on a date, play NFS, learn a new guitar solo, collect movies to take-home - all during those last few hours when the batch is slogging their asses off to keep adding deltas to their wisdom and prospective scores.
The moment I write this, I am less than 29 hours away from my 1st midterm exam. I had a great week beginning with L^2 on sunday, three days of cultural events which I was responsible for, other club activities on the next two days, music room visits and Batman on Friday... and I still don't get it... why doesn't the tension build up? Why do I wash clothes, clean the room, go for a stroll, still sleep over 8 hours, and why do I feel like writing this blog at 4 in the morning when I should be either studying or sleeping!!!!
The Examonov-Diverstki effect: Do you feel it too?
Disclaimer: The blog is not to prove some sort of excellence :P, or an attention-seeking tactic as Giddu would like to believe :P, or to undermine the hardwork or sincerity that some people have towards studies (I truly worship them!). This is a frustration penned down :D
Saturday, May 03, 2008
The "B"-School
Finally, the results are out... I managed to make it thru IIMB & C, and got waitlisted with IIMA. So, looks like B it is!
Yet another change in life, and I have something to write about and update :) New place again, new set of people, going away from home, all within less than a year's span. And three changes in two years! Sometimes life seems moving too fast. Seems yesterday we were graduating from IITB. Well, this also reminds me my tryst with "B" - Bhopal -> Bombay -> Bhadrachalam -> Bhopal -> Bangalore! Even God didn't want this affair to end! ;)
As far as results go, I'm a little surprised with not getting an acceptance from A. People had asked me why had I not put my B & C interview experiences on the blog. I hadn't done it simply coz it wasn't as interesting. They were short interviews with more black-n-white answers. A was the only one which was exciting. But, unrevealing as IIMA's admission process is, I guess there were certain qualities they looked for, where we weren't compatible. Anyways, my loss, and IIMA's too! :P
Bangalore - here I come! Lots of things to look forward to... back to "student" life from a corporate world... "2-yr holiday" (as my colleage from ITC had once defined MBA)... GOD fundaes from some GOD profs... new networking channels... E-cell, which I missed out at IITB... Bangalore babes... sexy weather... my old-time friends Kris and Richa... but something that excites me more than anything else is "Bangalore-the Rock Capital of India"! I am already looking forward to the numerous rock concert opportunities that I'm gonna get, and the amazing live music at those pubs! I plan to buy a new guitar soon, and get back to some serious music! Ya, and do some studies in the process too :P
I'm gonna miss P&G though, it has been a great company to work for (after discounting the fact that I stayed home). It was a poles-apart experience compared to ITC... there was way too much to learn and deliver from Day1 (well, there can be a blog on it!). And my colleagues made it even more worthwhile. I found a whole bunch of new friends who are gonna stay all thru! Will miss u guys!
Back to school! :)
PS: Giddu, you didn't get the privilege to be my senior! I win 3-0! ;)
Yet another change in life, and I have something to write about and update :) New place again, new set of people, going away from home, all within less than a year's span. And three changes in two years! Sometimes life seems moving too fast. Seems yesterday we were graduating from IITB. Well, this also reminds me my tryst with "B" - Bhopal -> Bombay -> Bhadrachalam -> Bhopal -> Bangalore! Even God didn't want this affair to end! ;)
As far as results go, I'm a little surprised with not getting an acceptance from A. People had asked me why had I not put my B & C interview experiences on the blog. I hadn't done it simply coz it wasn't as interesting. They were short interviews with more black-n-white answers. A was the only one which was exciting. But, unrevealing as IIMA's admission process is, I guess there were certain qualities they looked for, where we weren't compatible. Anyways, my loss, and IIMA's too! :P
Bangalore - here I come! Lots of things to look forward to... back to "student" life from a corporate world... "2-yr holiday" (as my colleage from ITC had once defined MBA)... GOD fundaes from some GOD profs... new networking channels... E-cell, which I missed out at IITB... Bangalore babes... sexy weather... my old-time friends Kris and Richa... but something that excites me more than anything else is "Bangalore-the Rock Capital of India"! I am already looking forward to the numerous rock concert opportunities that I'm gonna get, and the amazing live music at those pubs! I plan to buy a new guitar soon, and get back to some serious music! Ya, and do some studies in the process too :P
I'm gonna miss P&G though, it has been a great company to work for (after discounting the fact that I stayed home). It was a poles-apart experience compared to ITC... there was way too much to learn and deliver from Day1 (well, there can be a blog on it!). And my colleagues made it even more worthwhile. I found a whole bunch of new friends who are gonna stay all thru! Will miss u guys!
Back to school! :)
PS: Giddu, you didn't get the privilege to be my senior! I win 3-0! ;)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Big A
I hadn't felt this way for quite sometime now... not during the summer or recruitment interviews with ITC and P&G atleast, they were chill to the core... maybe the morning of JEE mains was perhaps the last time I felt the same. With all the butterflies in stomach, a light breakfast and my set of formals, I reach the IIFT arena where the battle with the Big A is to be held.
But somehow, all the nervousness takes a backseat when you see that everyone around is in a similar situation of uncertainity. Thats when one realises: "Sab moh maya hai" :P Anyways, straight to the point.
Groups of 8 go in for an essay writing stuff for 10 mins. The topic: "Undercover Journalism: Ethics and needs".. and I was thinking for a minute: Shit man, certainly not as easy as "Make cricket as India's national game" or "Dwindling sex ratio". But things got in control and I think I did a decent bit to it in the time given.
And then came the interviews! I was slotted number 3 in my panel. And when I saw the first two coming out, one asking for a glass of water when he came out, and the other, with his hand on his head, I knew that things are not gonna be very easy. Still, managed to enter with a calm smile. I found three Interviewers: I1, the one with the acads, I2, the one with Ops gyaan and I3, the GK guy (All IIMA interviews seemed to follow this pattern of the interview panel). So here it goes:
I1: So you've worked with ITC for an year...
M: Yes sir, 13 months
I1: And then you joined P&G... what was your profile like at P&G?
M: I am responsible for Engineering Support for a new business startup. I was...
I2 (interrupting): What is spare parts management?
M: We have a new imported line and the subject involves making sure that line has all the recommended spares and doesn't stop because of a lack of them.
I2:
So what factors do you incorporate in "managing" spare parts?
M: Basically it is the leadtime and consumption rate.
I2: Ok, then the problem is very simple. Buy 1000s of spares. Your job is not required!
M (slightly taken aback by the last line): No sir, I can't do that. If I buy 1000s of spares I'm unnecessarily blocking company's money!
I1: But P&G is a rich company, you see! Why would you bother about that?M: I have certain inventory targets to maintain. I can't cross them. There is a cost of blocking money!
I1: So what is the cost of blocking this money?
M: It.... is the prevailing bank rate.
I2: So suppose I give u a negative bank rate, would you buy more spares?
M (Puzzled): You mean, you would pay me for taking a loan?
I1: Yeah, happens you see, Oil prices go up and down, there is too much of money...
M: (What the hell? Who pays for taking a loan? How would all the maths work out?)
I2: So would you buy it?
M: (after 10 seconds) I will not buy it, coz I will have a space constraint.
I1 (to I2): See, now he's adding one more factor. He keeps on adding factors!!
I2: Ok I give you infinite space, will you buy spares?
I1: So now u have negative bank rate AND a lot of space!
M: I will still not buy it.
I1: Why?
M: Because if there are lots of spares, the tendency of the operator will be to just replace a spare if it goes wrong, without understanding why is it damaged. The team will never go into a root cause elimination mode, and we will suffer on excellence, and also on spares consumption!
I1: But why are you so worried about consumption! P&G is a rich company! (Smiles exchanged)
I2: Anyways, what did u do at ITC?
M: I was posted at Bhadrachalam in Paperboards division. I was involved...
I2 (interrupting, again!) What is this e-choupal ITC keeps talking about?
M: It is a business model where, by means of providing information access to farmers in villages, ITC brings to the farmer the prevailing mandi rate and ITC's rate, and the farmer can decide where to sell his goods to.
I2: So ITC is doing social service?
M: No, by eliminating the middlemen from the process, ITC is able to offer a better price to the farmer. ITC also gains in the process as it gets the produce cheaper than the mandi rate.
I2: But shouldn't ITC source from a central location like Kolkata and get a cheaper bulk rate?
M: It won't really help, as volumes are high and the business is fragmented. Moreover ITC would get individual better rates at each location, which when consolidated would be a better rate than any bulk vendor.
I2: But ITC is eliminating middlemen! So many people are losing their jobs! Is ITC doing good to the country??
M (Puzzled again... took some time to consolidate): No sir, middlemen are just exchanging hands, not adding any value per-say to the product. So ITC buys directly and the farmer community, which is much bigger than the middlemen, is benefited.
I2: So ITC is doing social service?
M: Its a business proposition, which is doubling up as a social image upliftment.
I2: But what business benefit, why does ITC need the produce?
M: For 2 reasons, 1. They are into exports business... and..."
I2 (interrupting, AGAIN): But thats not their core business
M: Yeah, but they need it for the 2nd reason, that is their biscuits.. they need a lot of wheat for that. And echoupal has been successful as far as wheat is concerned.
I2: So you are convinced that ITC is not doing a social service?
(I was thinking, I don't know why they keep going in circles!)
M: Its both, a business reason and a social benefit
I1: Ok, now I am gonna ask some chemical engineering (wicked smile) Whats your favourite topic in ChemEngg?
M (CHEM ENGG? DIdn't they have anything better to ask? I am so screwed!): Sir I was never great in any subject in chemengg.
I1: Still, one or two tht you like?
M: (I think I know a bit of heat transfer and stuff, thanks to the HVAC system at P&G): I've found Thermodynamics interesting, though again, poor with grades.
I1: Ok, what is adiabatic compression?
M: (Gases, he's asking me GASES? Why not AC? I don't remember one bit! Ok let me try, adiabatic=no heat exchange, compression=work done) Sir, it is a process in which the compression on Gas doesn't result in a heat exchange with the surroundings.
I1: Ok, so what happens when you compress it?
M: (THINK Mayank, THINK!) It... would.... mean that work will be done.... and... the energy would.. be .... given out.. as heat.
I1: So that happens in a normal compression...
M: (Oh, did I say ulta, yes I did! Royale!) Oh... yeah, that is the normal case :-)
I1: so what happens in adiabatic compression?
M: (THINK! What was the bloody law? Ya!! dQ=dU+PdV) So in an adiabatic compression, dQ=0, so the work done will increase the internal energy of the system (Feeling confident) :-)
I1: What is the limit where flow changes from Laminar to Turbulent?
M: It happens at a Reynold's number of 2000-3000.
I1: The movement on Mumbai-Pune expressway, would it be a Laminar flow or a turbulent flow?
M: Well, Re=d.v.p/mu, so we will have to model it as a fluid flow and assume some values... Like we can take d=50 m, v = 100 kmph, p=1 g/cm3, assuming water, and mu value of water.
I1: So what will it be?
M: (thinking...) Sir, I'd need a pen and paper to work this out
I1: You don't need to see it as a mathematical problem. Think of it as a concept.What would it be?
M: Sir, it would be turbulent, it is a fast flow, v is high, and d is also high.
I1: You are again applying the formula blindly. Think of it as a concept. Compare it with the traffic signal at Delhi roads.What is it?
M: It is slow and haphazard....
I1: So which of the two is more haphazard?
M:
Its the turbulent flow.
I1: So, what about the Highway?
M (why is he rubbing it in??): It would be laminar.
I1: Why?
M: Coz it will move in layers, smoothly, like a laminar flow.
I1 (finally looking with disdain): That was what I was looking for. You were blindly applying formulae before.
M: (Empty smile)
I3: Ok, so you have mentioned in your essay that Undercover journalism has become a fashion. Can you name something which people will recognise as a "fashion house"?
M: (Thinking) "Fashion" per say, the fashion houses can be Calvin Klein.... and... Ralph Lauren.
I3: Ok where do they belong to?
M: (Thinking smart) I think they are located in Paris... Paris is considered the fashion capital.
(BLUNDER! Both are American! Never realised I screwed up till I googled for them)
I3: Ok, have u heard of NAFTA?
(Fun begins here, I heard Naphtha)
M (Oh God! Chem Engg again): Sir, Naphtha... is... a.. Chemical Compound.
(Silence for a second, then a laughter, all three in unison)
I1: OK, thats not what he meant to ask, but now you've got yourself in REAL trouble!
I1: So, what is Naphtha's chemical composition?
M: mmmm.. Can't recall. It has a ring tht is wht I remember
I1: Does it have oxygen molecule?
M: (Blank) Can't recall (Who remembers after so many years!)
I2: What is Naphtha used for?
M: It... is used in the petrochemical industry.
I2: So it is used to make petrol?
M: No, it is used in PETROCHEMICAL industry.. chemicals made from petroleum products.
I2: What is made from Naphtha?
M: (Pause) Naphtha... is used... to make Benzene.... ya Benzene.
(Simple things like Naphthalene balls never cross the mind in the interview!)
I1, I2 and I3 look at each other... and then smile, and thank me. I come out, not being sure wether the smile was assuring or contemptful. But it surely wasn't one where you can feel confident about yourself. I guess that is what an A interview is about.
But somehow, all the nervousness takes a backseat when you see that everyone around is in a similar situation of uncertainity. Thats when one realises: "Sab moh maya hai" :P Anyways, straight to the point.
Groups of 8 go in for an essay writing stuff for 10 mins. The topic: "Undercover Journalism: Ethics and needs".. and I was thinking for a minute: Shit man, certainly not as easy as "Make cricket as India's national game" or "Dwindling sex ratio". But things got in control and I think I did a decent bit to it in the time given.
And then came the interviews! I was slotted number 3 in my panel. And when I saw the first two coming out, one asking for a glass of water when he came out, and the other, with his hand on his head, I knew that things are not gonna be very easy. Still, managed to enter with a calm smile. I found three Interviewers: I1, the one with the acads, I2, the one with Ops gyaan and I3, the GK guy (All IIMA interviews seemed to follow this pattern of the interview panel). So here it goes:
I1: So you've worked with ITC for an year...
M: Yes sir, 13 months
I1: And then you joined P&G... what was your profile like at P&G?
M: I am responsible for Engineering Support for a new business startup. I was...
I2 (interrupting): What is spare parts management?
M: We have a new imported line and the subject involves making sure that line has all the recommended spares and doesn't stop because of a lack of them.
I2:
So what factors do you incorporate in "managing" spare parts?
M: Basically it is the leadtime and consumption rate.
I2: Ok, then the problem is very simple. Buy 1000s of spares. Your job is not required!
M (slightly taken aback by the last line): No sir, I can't do that. If I buy 1000s of spares I'm unnecessarily blocking company's money!
I1: But P&G is a rich company, you see! Why would you bother about that?M: I have certain inventory targets to maintain. I can't cross them. There is a cost of blocking money!
I1: So what is the cost of blocking this money?
M: It.... is the prevailing bank rate.
I2: So suppose I give u a negative bank rate, would you buy more spares?
M (Puzzled): You mean, you would pay me for taking a loan?
I1: Yeah, happens you see, Oil prices go up and down, there is too much of money...
M: (What the hell? Who pays for taking a loan? How would all the maths work out?)
I2: So would you buy it?
M: (after 10 seconds) I will not buy it, coz I will have a space constraint.
I1 (to I2): See, now he's adding one more factor. He keeps on adding factors!!
I2: Ok I give you infinite space, will you buy spares?
I1: So now u have negative bank rate AND a lot of space!
M: I will still not buy it.
I1: Why?
M: Because if there are lots of spares, the tendency of the operator will be to just replace a spare if it goes wrong, without understanding why is it damaged. The team will never go into a root cause elimination mode, and we will suffer on excellence, and also on spares consumption!
I1: But why are you so worried about consumption! P&G is a rich company! (Smiles exchanged)
I2: Anyways, what did u do at ITC?
M: I was posted at Bhadrachalam in Paperboards division. I was involved...
I2 (interrupting, again!) What is this e-choupal ITC keeps talking about?
M: It is a business model where, by means of providing information access to farmers in villages, ITC brings to the farmer the prevailing mandi rate and ITC's rate, and the farmer can decide where to sell his goods to.
I2: So ITC is doing social service?
M: No, by eliminating the middlemen from the process, ITC is able to offer a better price to the farmer. ITC also gains in the process as it gets the produce cheaper than the mandi rate.
I2: But shouldn't ITC source from a central location like Kolkata and get a cheaper bulk rate?
M: It won't really help, as volumes are high and the business is fragmented. Moreover ITC would get individual better rates at each location, which when consolidated would be a better rate than any bulk vendor.
I2: But ITC is eliminating middlemen! So many people are losing their jobs! Is ITC doing good to the country??
M (Puzzled again... took some time to consolidate): No sir, middlemen are just exchanging hands, not adding any value per-say to the product. So ITC buys directly and the farmer community, which is much bigger than the middlemen, is benefited.
I2: So ITC is doing social service?
M: Its a business proposition, which is doubling up as a social image upliftment.
I2: But what business benefit, why does ITC need the produce?
M: For 2 reasons, 1. They are into exports business... and..."
I2 (interrupting, AGAIN): But thats not their core business
M: Yeah, but they need it for the 2nd reason, that is their biscuits.. they need a lot of wheat for that. And echoupal has been successful as far as wheat is concerned.
I2: So you are convinced that ITC is not doing a social service?
(I was thinking, I don't know why they keep going in circles!)
M: Its both, a business reason and a social benefit
I1: Ok, now I am gonna ask some chemical engineering (wicked smile) Whats your favourite topic in ChemEngg?
M (CHEM ENGG? DIdn't they have anything better to ask? I am so screwed!): Sir I was never great in any subject in chemengg.
I1: Still, one or two tht you like?
M: (I think I know a bit of heat transfer and stuff, thanks to the HVAC system at P&G): I've found Thermodynamics interesting, though again, poor with grades.
I1: Ok, what is adiabatic compression?
M: (Gases, he's asking me GASES? Why not AC? I don't remember one bit! Ok let me try, adiabatic=no heat exchange, compression=work done) Sir, it is a process in which the compression on Gas doesn't result in a heat exchange with the surroundings.
I1: Ok, so what happens when you compress it?
M: (THINK Mayank, THINK!) It... would.... mean that work will be done.... and... the energy would.. be .... given out.. as heat.
I1: So that happens in a normal compression...
M: (Oh, did I say ulta, yes I did! Royale!) Oh... yeah, that is the normal case :-)
I1: so what happens in adiabatic compression?
M: (THINK! What was the bloody law? Ya!! dQ=dU+PdV) So in an adiabatic compression, dQ=0, so the work done will increase the internal energy of the system (Feeling confident) :-)
I1: What is the limit where flow changes from Laminar to Turbulent?
M: It happens at a Reynold's number of 2000-3000.
I1: The movement on Mumbai-Pune expressway, would it be a Laminar flow or a turbulent flow?
M: Well, Re=d.v.p/mu, so we will have to model it as a fluid flow and assume some values... Like we can take d=50 m, v = 100 kmph, p=1 g/cm3, assuming water, and mu value of water.
I1: So what will it be?
M: (thinking...) Sir, I'd need a pen and paper to work this out
I1: You don't need to see it as a mathematical problem. Think of it as a concept.What would it be?
M: Sir, it would be turbulent, it is a fast flow, v is high, and d is also high.
I1: You are again applying the formula blindly. Think of it as a concept. Compare it with the traffic signal at Delhi roads.What is it?
M: It is slow and haphazard....
I1: So which of the two is more haphazard?
M:
Its the turbulent flow.
I1: So, what about the Highway?
M (why is he rubbing it in??): It would be laminar.
I1: Why?
M: Coz it will move in layers, smoothly, like a laminar flow.
I1 (finally looking with disdain): That was what I was looking for. You were blindly applying formulae before.
M: (Empty smile)
I3: Ok, so you have mentioned in your essay that Undercover journalism has become a fashion. Can you name something which people will recognise as a "fashion house"?
M: (Thinking) "Fashion" per say, the fashion houses can be Calvin Klein.... and... Ralph Lauren.
I3: Ok where do they belong to?
M: (Thinking smart) I think they are located in Paris... Paris is considered the fashion capital.
(BLUNDER! Both are American! Never realised I screwed up till I googled for them)
I3: Ok, have u heard of NAFTA?
(Fun begins here, I heard Naphtha)
M (Oh God! Chem Engg again): Sir, Naphtha... is... a.. Chemical Compound.
(Silence for a second, then a laughter, all three in unison)
I1: OK, thats not what he meant to ask, but now you've got yourself in REAL trouble!
I1: So, what is Naphtha's chemical composition?
M: mmmm.. Can't recall. It has a ring tht is wht I remember
I1: Does it have oxygen molecule?
M: (Blank) Can't recall (Who remembers after so many years!)
I2: What is Naphtha used for?
M: It... is used in the petrochemical industry.
I2: So it is used to make petrol?
M: No, it is used in PETROCHEMICAL industry.. chemicals made from petroleum products.
I2: What is made from Naphtha?
M: (Pause) Naphtha... is used... to make Benzene.... ya Benzene.
(Simple things like Naphthalene balls never cross the mind in the interview!)
I1, I2 and I3 look at each other... and then smile, and thank me. I come out, not being sure wether the smile was assuring or contemptful. But it surely wasn't one where you can feel confident about yourself. I guess that is what an A interview is about.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Bad_Day.avi
The title for this post has been taken from a video that I saw on a CD, some 9 years back. The video shows a fat guy working on a desktop in a cubicle, the shot is taken from behind the desktop, so that the guy's face is visible and the screen isn't. After a few keystrokes he glazes at the screen for sometime, and then bangs at the enter key with his fingers. Frustration buiding up. After a few more seconds, he slams on the keyboard with his fist about 4-5 times, then gets up, picks up the keyboard and smashes the monitor with it and the monitor topples over the desk!
Well, I'm on a similar frustration level today, and I wish I could take it out this way. Murphy rocks! Such a simple concept, and is applicable everywhere!
Things have just been going wrong because they can. It all started with the IIMA interview where they don't ask anything I am strong at, and pick up chemical engineering to test my "expertise"! Things got worse when they came to NAFTA, which I heard naphtha, and I say "Its a chemical compound". I wasn't wrong, coz that is what I heard, but I know the trouble I got into after that! OK that apart, I think of leaving the same day as my friends are busy and there's no point staying back in Delhi. I get a ticket done for the same day and get my next day's ticket cancelled. And within two hours of it, I get a call: "Mayank, I'm free from work now". I said: "I've already booked for today evening". And then there was a silence which seemed to say: "You only asked me to keep myself free... and now that I did all I can to get free, you can't go back like that!". And I had to do all I can to get the ticket postponed to next day morning so that I could spend the evening with her (read: some scolding from parents, some frowns from the agent, etc etc). OK, so after the evening, I come back to where I stayed, only to realise that I have lost the keys of my bag! My stuff is lying outside in the room, my lappy is inside, and it wasn't a lock which could be cut open. Somehow, me and my uncle managed to force open the zip, and simultaneously, I realised that the keys must have fallen in the cab. Fortunately I had the driver's number, and thanks to the tip I had given earlier(money works!), he was sweet enough to drive back 10 kms to deliver me the key!
And as soon as I think of sleeping, after a big happening day (giving interviews, cancelling tickets in succession and breaking open my own bag), and I happen to have a glass of water, it gets stuck somewhere, and I start coughing. It persists enough to screw up 2 sleeping hours!
Anyway, I somehow manage to pull myself out of the bed, and reach the station, I thought that was the end of it, and plan to sleep in the train. And after 90 minutes, the train stops at a small station called Kosi Kalan. Few minutes down the line, the power is switched off. And makes sure that it becomes so hot in AC3 that you can't sleep.
Now with power switched off, and mobile discharged due to innumerable calls that came from home, I have nothing to do! I didn't get any books this time while travelling, probably coz of the interview being on the head. I didnt find a newspaper in the morning on my way to pick up. Nor did I have any movies loaded on the comp that I could watch. I walked in and out of the train, but no avail, the station doesn't have anything conspicuous!
And it is not 1 or 2 hours, to this moment, it is complete 5 hours and 30 minutes that the train has moved even and inch from here!!!! Thankfully they got power 10 mins back that I can charge my cell and type down the affair. And the moment I open the lappy, I realise that the touchpad has stopped working! And those of you who have experienced, know how tough it is to deal without a touchpad!
And I look back at the moment where I decided to shift to this morning train! :-) And I can see Murphy laughing up there, saying "Boy, don't forget me when you take your calls!"
Well, I'm on a similar frustration level today, and I wish I could take it out this way. Murphy rocks! Such a simple concept, and is applicable everywhere!
Things have just been going wrong because they can. It all started with the IIMA interview where they don't ask anything I am strong at, and pick up chemical engineering to test my "expertise"! Things got worse when they came to NAFTA, which I heard naphtha, and I say "Its a chemical compound". I wasn't wrong, coz that is what I heard, but I know the trouble I got into after that! OK that apart, I think of leaving the same day as my friends are busy and there's no point staying back in Delhi. I get a ticket done for the same day and get my next day's ticket cancelled. And within two hours of it, I get a call: "Mayank, I'm free from work now". I said: "I've already booked for today evening". And then there was a silence which seemed to say: "You only asked me to keep myself free... and now that I did all I can to get free, you can't go back like that!". And I had to do all I can to get the ticket postponed to next day morning so that I could spend the evening with her (read: some scolding from parents, some frowns from the agent, etc etc). OK, so after the evening, I come back to where I stayed, only to realise that I have lost the keys of my bag! My stuff is lying outside in the room, my lappy is inside, and it wasn't a lock which could be cut open. Somehow, me and my uncle managed to force open the zip, and simultaneously, I realised that the keys must have fallen in the cab. Fortunately I had the driver's number, and thanks to the tip I had given earlier(money works!), he was sweet enough to drive back 10 kms to deliver me the key!
And as soon as I think of sleeping, after a big happening day (giving interviews, cancelling tickets in succession and breaking open my own bag), and I happen to have a glass of water, it gets stuck somewhere, and I start coughing. It persists enough to screw up 2 sleeping hours!
Anyway, I somehow manage to pull myself out of the bed, and reach the station, I thought that was the end of it, and plan to sleep in the train. And after 90 minutes, the train stops at a small station called Kosi Kalan. Few minutes down the line, the power is switched off. And makes sure that it becomes so hot in AC3 that you can't sleep.
Now with power switched off, and mobile discharged due to innumerable calls that came from home, I have nothing to do! I didn't get any books this time while travelling, probably coz of the interview being on the head. I didnt find a newspaper in the morning on my way to pick up. Nor did I have any movies loaded on the comp that I could watch. I walked in and out of the train, but no avail, the station doesn't have anything conspicuous!
And it is not 1 or 2 hours, to this moment, it is complete 5 hours and 30 minutes that the train has moved even and inch from here!!!! Thankfully they got power 10 mins back that I can charge my cell and type down the affair. And the moment I open the lappy, I realise that the touchpad has stopped working! And those of you who have experienced, know how tough it is to deal without a touchpad!
And I look back at the moment where I decided to shift to this morning train! :-) And I can see Murphy laughing up there, saying "Boy, don't forget me when you take your calls!"
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Rediscovering Winters
After spending four years in Mumbai and one year in Bhadrachalam (Andhra Pradesh), I had lost the sense of what winters feel like. No shivers, no blankets, no sweaters.... bathing in the sun was no "pleasure", it was synonymous to mumbai local train travel (with all the sweat!). And shivers were something which occurred to few lucky fellows before exams or results. I used to realise its cold when I felt the need of switching my hostel room fan off! This was closest I got to winters.
Now that I'm staying at home (Bhopal, Central India) in the months of December-January, after 5 years, I am rediscovering winters. Winters are without doubt my favourite season if I'm in North India (my absolute favourite is monsoons in Mumbai... many of those who suffered the 26/7 deluge would call me crazy, but I simply love Mumbai rains!). So, here's just a quick capture of a few "bliss" winter moments that I experienced in the last few days:
1. Getting up at 11 am on a weekend morning.. and still not wanting to get out of bed :P
2. A cup of hot tea on a chilly morning (coffee would be more bliss but i'm off coffee :( )
3. The "20-mintute" hot water bath... or better... bath till hot water runs out!
4. Aalo paratha, sarson-ka-saag with makka-ki-roti, and all winter delicacies (I feel food tastes better in winters :P)
5. A bike-ride late evening which chills you to the bones!
6. Sun-bathing... running out of the office when your cell rings and enjoy the warmth of the sun :)
7. An breezy evening on the CCD by the lake, company of a cute-girl, your favourite music and melting chocolate fantasy! :-)
8. Camp-fire... gazing at the flame and feeling the warmth by your palms
9. Biting off your favourite Top-n-town Icecream on a chilly and breezy winter night! :D
... but nothing beats the bliss of just being wrapped the whole day in a cozy razaai in winters! :)
Now that I'm staying at home (Bhopal, Central India) in the months of December-January, after 5 years, I am rediscovering winters. Winters are without doubt my favourite season if I'm in North India (my absolute favourite is monsoons in Mumbai... many of those who suffered the 26/7 deluge would call me crazy, but I simply love Mumbai rains!). So, here's just a quick capture of a few "bliss" winter moments that I experienced in the last few days:
1. Getting up at 11 am on a weekend morning.. and still not wanting to get out of bed :P
2. A cup of hot tea on a chilly morning (coffee would be more bliss but i'm off coffee :( )
3. The "20-mintute" hot water bath... or better... bath till hot water runs out!
4. Aalo paratha, sarson-ka-saag with makka-ki-roti, and all winter delicacies (I feel food tastes better in winters :P)
5. A bike-ride late evening which chills you to the bones!
6. Sun-bathing... running out of the office when your cell rings and enjoy the warmth of the sun :)
7. An breezy evening on the CCD by the lake, company of a cute-girl, your favourite music and melting chocolate fantasy! :-)
8. Camp-fire... gazing at the flame and feeling the warmth by your palms
9. Biting off your favourite Top-n-town Icecream on a chilly and breezy winter night! :D
... but nothing beats the bliss of just being wrapped the whole day in a cozy razaai in winters! :)