the amrita school of business blog

Keep Going Sachin.....

2009-11-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

About half an hour ago, all of us came back from the tv room above our mess hall, with a feeling of immense disappointment. India lost to Australia by 4 runs, just 4 runs. It was a thriller, went down to the last tense over. India had to chase down 351 to win & we came so close. Sachin had unleashed his masterclass at Hyderabad today, playing one of his best innings ever. He made 175 in 139 balls, a sublime effort, almost guiding our beloved team to victory. It was a great contest, one of the best ODIs in recent history.

Deepak was down in the dumps, holding his head in his hands as we walked back, forlorn & distraught. As we went to our rooms he said " Yaar Sai, Sachin aaj kya khela..."

Those words transported me to the past, to 1998 to be precise, to the Coca Cola trophy at Sharjah. I was about 10, living at Air Force station Jamnagar, where Dad had been stationed. I watched Sachin play the innings that later came to be known as the Desert Storm. He battered the mighty Aussies into submission then, with an onslaught that won us the trophy. I remember the shouting & the celebration that night. That night I witnessed the ability of a single man to make a nation rejoice. I became a fan.

I have watched him play for the last 12-13 years of my life. He has been on my room's walls, as my mobile's wallpaper, as part of my journey of life. More than that, he has been a rising nation's icon, a legend. Today he passed 17000 runs in ODI cricket, a landmark probably none will ever cross. Tomorrow morning, the papers will be awash with it.
My heart burns with pride.

I dread the day when my champion will lay his bat down. It will be the end of an era.
But for now, I want the little guy to keep going, as do millions of his fans. I want more runs from that bat, more centuries, more records & more joy to our cricket crazy nation.

I was smiling as I turned around, looked at Deepak & said "Haan yaar.... Sachin aaj kya khela...."

My Tryst with the Legend - ARR Live in Concert

2009-10-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

As I wrote the last word in my economics paper at Planet E on the 10th, my heart was already off on the journey home to my quaint little French colonial town of Pondicherry.

This was going to be special, a dream come true. 2 days before when my friends called me & told me they had the passes in hand, I just couldn’t contain my excitement. It was true, I was going to watch A R Rahman, live in concert at Marg Swarnabhoomi on the East Coast Road between Chennai & Pondicherry. I said bye to Planet E in a hurry, caught the bus & headed home, happy & full of anticipation, looking forward to a childhood dream being fulfilled.

Me & my friends were there at the concert grounds & in our seats at least an hour before scheduled start. (Ahem... I’ve skipped the part where I reach home to a fine reception from Mom for not getting satisfactory grades in the mid sems, & more importantly, not getting a haircut. She doesn’t understand our predicament with the campus barber & thinks I’m lying as usual to grow my hair long...!) Anyway, there we were, all ready for a memorable night. And boy, was I right about that!

The stage was a beautiful sight & all eyes were on it as suddenly, at about 7, all lights went out & the small, humble voice that we know so well broke the night.

“When music makes you think, when music makes you cry, when music melts your heart, it means that the music works, it means the music wins.”

70000 people roared as the lights came on & there he was, the legend himself, resplendent in a black sherwani. “Good evening”, he wished us & launched into the tune of Khalbali , as we went crazy along with the crowd. Then came Dil se and Taal.

There were several big screens around the grounds in which we could see the stage up close. He sang with the passion & fire which is almost a trademark now. The crowd responded with so much noise & energy it was deafening. I was crying myself hoarse and & watched amazed as 50-60 year old people launched into back breaking dance steps with the music.

By this time, the audience was in their element & that included me & my friends, all of them my classmates from engineering at Pondicherry University. We grooved & moved to the beats as our bodies gyrated involuntarily to Sivamani’s drums. Hariharan walked out next with Chitra. Roja jaanemann, Nenjinile and Kehna hi kya followed as the crowd swayed with the melody. The popular Taxi number came next with Jiya se Jiya.

It seems the Maestro sensed the need for some romantic songs now as he went into a heart wrenching rendition of Kahin to hogi woh, backed up by Kabhi Kabhi Aditi.

But the most enjoyable part of the concert was the final segment in which the performances touched an unbelievable crescendo. ARR came back on with Mustufa Mustufa & Hamma. Blaaze kept the crowd alive with his inimitable rap. The crowd response to these 2 songs was the best as people let the music take over them as they cried & hugged each other. It is so endearing to me that even though there are so many technically & musically superior songs of his, the songs still loved most are his simplest & oldest.

At last came the song we were all waiting for- Jai Ho exploded on stage with fireworks in the night sky. The evening ended with 70000 people waving the tricolour as ARR sang Vande Mataram as the culmination of a beautiful evening of music underneath the stars.

The ride back was a blur as the guys talked incessantly about the experience, sharing thoughts & debating as to which part was the best. I was mostly silent, not because I didn’t wanna talk or I didn’t have anything to share, but in the sheer wild happiness of a dream realised, a tick on the list of things to do before I die.

Mera Bharat Mahaan

2009-08-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

India celebrated her 62^nd birthday this year. As an Indian it was a moment of pride for me. And although away from my homeland I still felt an innate sense of patriotism and joy. But sadly it was also a day of introspection and skepticism. As I went through the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on I- day that skepticism deepened.

“We are proud of our freedom. We are proud of our democracy”- said the PM. Yes we are proud but is just pride enough? It has been more than six decades since we gained this freedom and we will always be proud of our struggle. We’ll always remember those millions of brave men and women who fought till their last breath to make their dream of a free India come true. But the question remains… Will they be proud of the India that lives now? Will they feel that their sacrifice has been worth it? I doubt it.

Sixty two years after independence India is still developing. Why? Smaller nations have accomplished so much in shorter time frames. Forgive me for comparing but it is hard not to do so. Singapore is one of the smallest nations of the world. She recently celebrated her 44^th birthday. With a population a fraction of that of India, very little natural resources and manpower she has achieved so much. Just 20 years after securing her independence Singapore was a fully developed nation. Then why is India with so much more resources, so much more manpower and talent still developing? It bothers me as a citizen. Will our dream of complete development remain just that- a dream?

India demands change- for the good. And by this I don’t just mean a political change or an economic change. I mean a change in ideology. A change in leadership. A change in attitude. We require a stronger, younger and less corrupt leadership. Someone who can lead India to her goals. Around every election we declare we need younger leaders but nothing happens. The same old bunch of people come to power. The only difference is in the portfolios they handle. Old is gold but not always. All around the world we can see younger faces in politics but not in our nation.

We need a corruption free nation. This is one of the biggest problems that our nation needs to tackle. But when the people who should help curb corruption themselves are corrupt you know there is very little hope. The amount of red tape one has to get through to get even the smallest of things accomplished like getting a birth or a death certificate is frustrating. We say companies don’t invest in our country much. We say Indian entrepreneurs are investing abroad. We criticize them for not being patriotic. But when such problems exist who would want to?

India is a land of paradoxes. Where else can you find the disgustingly rich and the frighteningly poor existing side by side. We have been trying for the past six decades to bridge this gap. We are still unsuccessful. Our dream to provide quality education and food to all children still remains unfulfilled. Millions in our nation go hungry every day. Amartya Sen was right when he said that famine is man made. We produce the necessary food grains but we don’t have the mechanism to ensure that they reach the hungry millions around the country. We have made advancements in so many areas but we are still dependent on the monsoons for a good agricultural output. We speak of good health and promoting health tourism but millions die every year due to lack of basic medical facilities. We talk about hygiene but cannot ensure good drainage or sanitation facilities and this is true even for the metros. We talk about developing physical infrastructure but we cannot maintain what exists now. We talk about conservation and saving nature but poaching and deforestation abound. We talk about being secular but discrimination exists in every form. We talk about making our cities safe but no one is safe even in broad daylight and even in the presence of the so- called law enforcers.

Sorry for the tirade but all this is true. In spite of many many people like me who feel this way and who do want to do everything they can for the country nothing ever happens. The so called policy makers blame the government. The government blames the policy makers or just point fingers at each other. And in the midst of all this mud- slinging the country suffers. It is up to us citizens to take corrective and collective action now. Instead of blaming the government or buying the ideas politicians feed us before every election if we change our approach and our ideology I’m sure something good can be done.

Like the Father of our nation said- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. Jai Hind!!!

I wish.. For the Wisdom

2009-04-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

I wish to have the wisdom to know that what matters today, will not, tomorrow.
I want the wisdom to know that superiority and inferiority are manifestations of the human mind, and in reality are non-existent. How can one be superior or inferior when performance itself is defined by a state of being?
I want the wisdom to know that the ones you hurt are usually the ones that’s closest to you: And that is the law of nature because they are the only ones to whom you matter. And vice-versa.

I wish to have the wisdom to know that more than what you believe in, it is in how you act on that belief that defines the person you turn into.
I wish to realize that the only thing that is fixed each day is our effort, and that the rest of it is transient. We too, are transient. Our desire manifests in ways we cannot tell. It is better to have more beliefs than desires.
I wish to always know that the only meaningful barometer to live by is yourself, and to use external measures is like using a measuring tape to judge your health.
I wish to know that shackles are in the mind, and only in the mind.
I wish to realize that the only strength is Faith, and that God alone is the strength of the strong. All other strength emanates from this, and the weakest of them all is physical strength.
I wish to always know that to deny kindness to a loved one, is like starving the soul for a week; for each kindness carries a message with it- of love, and forgiveness.
I wish to know that what I prophesy for tomorrow, is as simple what I believe in today. :) Each thought is powerful. Each thought is a creation. Each thought will manifest itself. Slowly. But surely.
So watch your thoughts! They are the true index of your Person. :)
I wish to always know that Life itself is..so fragile... And love and kindness, are perhaps the only things that do justice to it.

Almost there... not just yet!

2009-04-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

This is that feeling of being almost there… You know… when you think that you are just a second away from where you want to be and then something terribly horrible happens… and then you aren’t quite where you ought to have been.

You have been planning and strategizing and making your moves carefully all for just being there. You gave up things on the way, made sacrifices... big and small, had sleepless nights, you did everything that you didn’t have to… all for this one future moment which you want to hold in memory forever… the moment when you will be the happiest…

Take a simple example… you plan a special birthday gift for a close friend. You go around for a whole month, getting the perfect gift, pre-booking the perfect dinner joint, getting all close friends together, planning the whole day, maybe a trip to one of the close by resorts… or a long drive… and when you reach the restaurant, you realize they haven’t made your reservation and you’ll have to wait a long time… that is just one factor… the other factors could go for a toss as well.

Another home example: You’ve been dying to watch a movie for the last one year... a friend tells you in passing that the movie is on the TV this weekend. You are very excited, work more hours on Friday, cancel your lunch appointment with friends, have a brunch on Saturday morning so you wouldn’t have to get up in between the movie for lunch, make you kids take an afternoon nap or pretend that you are letting them stay over at a friend’s place so you can see the movie in peace, make sure your generator is working ok, why take a chance with the power supply? Finally, everything is perfect... you can now see that movie in peace on Saturday afternoon. As you turn the TV on and sit with the remote control in your hands, the advertisements are on and you can barely wait… and then as the titles of the movie begin to scroll, the cable connection’s gone. Simply gone. If you are in Kerala, you’d understand what I’m saying. Frantically, you call the operator and he tells you... please hold on madam… and you know exactly what that means… you hold till you are sure the movie must have reached interval and you finally give up. Then when you switch it off, you realize the kids are sleeping, your friends aren’t there for lunch, there’s no office work left to do… so just kind of sit around…!

Life has it’s funny ways… there are so many instances… some as unimportant (or important, as the case may be) as this and some of very grave consequences… and all this effort suddenly gets flushed down the drain… and you feel so pained and there is nothing you can do about it. No, it definitely wasn’t because you didn’t take precaution… you did. And it wasn’t because of others... what vendetta would the cable operator, for example, have against you?

So I guess that is why they say… what has to happen, will happen. You can go only so far to ensure all might be well. If it is meant to be, it will. What is our take home then? Do your bit. That is all! :) Leave no room for regret. There is probably something better waiting for you just around the corner!

The Anti-Indian At the Oscars!

2009-02-23T11:35:00.001-08:00

On International television, at the premier Oscar Awards Ceremony:

Interviewer: “I will give you thirty seconds… What message do you have for the Indians? What do you have to say to the audience back home?”

Anil Kapoor: “We love you all, we love Mumbai, we love Maharashtra!”

My response: What the heck?!

Amidst the pride that Rahman and Pookutty have brought upon India, there we have Our Hero, from Amchi Mumbai- proclaiming his undying love for Mumbai residents and those in Maharashtra!!

America brought to the tables a brand new term… ROW- Rest Of the World. Anil Kapoor has clearly indicated his contribution to this new phenomena- ROI - Rest of India! As a representative of 1.3 Billion strong population, Our Hero goes on to say He loves Maharashtra! What does India mean to him?

Next question for a Million Dollars: Amongst all the categories of people who divide the Nation, who is the most dangerous?

Politicians
Ram Sena/Shiv Sena
Forefathers, when they divided the States, in 1947
Terrorists

Answer: None of the above! The most dangerous are the insensitive idiots vested with the power of changing minds of others, like Our Hero, Anil Kapoor, and the other is the Common Man err.. Not to antagonise any group.. Common Man/Woman.

Are we one hundred percent sure of the answer? Oh yes!

Here is why: I was standing there, watching television, all goose-bumpy having heard Rahman bagged two Oscars and Pookutty bagged one, when Our Hero, Anil Kapoor came up with that brilliant message for “Indians”!! Er… I wonder if that message was incomplete… It talked about Indians in Mumbai first, then mentioned Indians in Maharashtra. What happened to ROI?!

That was Our Hero. Now I will address the Common Man/Woman.

When the awards were announced, I was overwhelmed and immensely proud… Two Indians finally bagged the much coveted and perennially evasive Oscar Statuettes. It took a couple of minutes to register… Indians at the Oscar… not as audience, not just as Nominees, as the Winners! Wow, that is making History. India witnessed History being made. And just when I was beaming with joy and pride seeing Rahman and Pookutty being aired on every channel, my Mera Bharat Mahan dream comes crashing with a comment one of my colleagues makes.

“Pookutty is a Mallu. He’s from Kerala! In fact, he is from Kollam!” Er… what?! So, he’s a Keralite, now what? Has Rahman ever been looked at as a Tamilian? He is the face of brilliant music. He is the Guru of Bollywood, Tollywood, you name it. He took India to the the World. He took India to the Oscars. To many, he simply stands for India! Pookutty has done us equally proud. He brought glory to India. A glory of the kind that has never been seen. India’s first Oscar this season. First Oscar for background mixing. Pookutty has made as much history as Rahman has, atleast in terms of Oscar, for honestly, I don’t know him that well. But what shattered my dream is not that he is little known (Not many knew him till Slumdog Millionaire happened). What broke my dream was the regionalism that came with that comment. Ok, he’s from some place. So what?! It has come to a low ebb now. What I imagined were two Indians winning 3 Oscars has turned out to be A Malayali winning one Oscar and a Half Tamil-Half Malayali winning two Oscars! How sad can it get?!

And here we are thinking that it is our politicians and the Government and miscreants and Shiv Sena and God knows who else who are creating the unseen divide in the Nation. It is disheartening to see that it is the highly respected, reputed and popular figures like Our Hero Anil Kapoor, and the well read, experienced, soon-to-be-Global Managers who create the dividing lines.

I really think it is time we stop cribbing. It is time we changed. Not as far as how India should grow and change; let us begin at home- let us begin with us.

Jai Hind!

First post

2009-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have been visiting this blog on and off, but never finding anything to write on. I kept watch over anything that' was added, very much like an eagle hovers over a prey from above. Even now I have nothing on my mind as I type. Maybe its the music, Tommy Emmanuel- he should be heard, or its the sleeplessness that drove me into it at this hour. I really have no clue about companies and shares and markets and whatnot, so anyone who intends to read my posts, please do not look for anything monetary. Its for people who like to keep it simple, though I'll have to warn you, sometimes you will find absolutely no connection between the things I write. But then that's the fun, you should try it. Write what you want, without pausing to give it the literary comprehensiveness.

That was some sort of an introduction I would say.

And I think that's all for now.

I will leave you with a thought that i have.

War is the true nature of man.

Life AA (After ASB)

2009-01-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

It’s been a little more than six months since we ventured out to the wild in search of wealth and happiness, and if I were to comment on the status of our quest, I would have to say that the beasts are really trying us. For most of us, it turned out to be a bit different of an experience than what we had imagined it to be like sitting in the classrooms and canteens at Ettimadai. I have been on a self-initiated project since last month to gather and put together information about the experiences of my batch after having worked for six months. From the responses that I have got so far, I can say that most of us are doing well and learning a lot though the world seems to be a tougher place, and there is a lot in these responses for the School and my juniors.

I would like to, in this post talk about my journey so far, outside the Planet, particularly in my career. I will try restraining from bringing out greener memories from inside the planet as that had been the regular plot of my posts here. Before I start off, I start with an empathetic note. A year before as the member of the Student Council handling the Placements, I was in constant interaction with those in my batch who were yet to be placed. It was not that they were less smart than others; the companies that had visited us until then had failed to offer them what they wanted, or had just failed to see the worth in them. I empathized with their feelings. And today that feeling is six or seven times higher. Companies are still more blind and poor today. It will take time for them to stand back on their feet and see clearly. I say turn inward and hone yourself until then. And when they start to see, let them see an ocean of jewels ready to be taken away at Amrita.

I went on AA to a shipping company’s back office. The profile was completely managerial. I was put, after an initial training, to a role where I had a team of seven doing shipping export documentation for VIP customers in the US. The team makes a document called the Bill of Lading, which becomes a critical part of the shipping cycle. It requires knowledge of customs requirements, customer requirements and adherence to the time that Hapag Lloyd commits to the customers. The process was newly transitioned to our center in Chennai. The role began as a challenge, and went on to become a bigger challenge. Regular systemic issues and people issues kept us from accuracy and TAT requirements most of the time. On the bright side, I had the help and support of an able and understanding manager. And in the process, what I gained was an on-the-floor experience and understanding of how to manage a team, their feelings, and their potential. The VIP team was and still is the best team in the US documentation team. But somewhere, I started to realize that what I was doing was not quiet what I wanted, the common symptom of dissatisfaction and what I would like to call the first symptom of self awareness. It started as a feeling of emptiness. Its then that I came to know from a good friend, about a research vacancy at UBS, Hyderabad. Everything followed the other after that and in a month, I was in Hyderabad in the Strategic Research and Intelligence team catering to the HR research needs of the Senior HR leadership in the Wealth Management division of the bank. The work here is much different that the one in Hapag. I am part of a specialist team that acts in a consulting capacity and therefore is flat and flexible. Most of the time in a typical day, I keep reading books and articles by thought leaders, and reports and survey analysis by large consulting organizations to be able to help the top HR management with HR trends and best practices. To have attended your first exit interview in the first six months of your career can have two different meanings; One that you have no idea of where you are headed or what you want, and two that you somehow took a while to realize what you want. In my case, I like to believe that it’s the latter. But we never know until we know when my next exit interview is… do we. ;)

To my Juniors (batchmates and seniors) in ASB who are passionate about HR, I would like to extend an interest of mine to have a network among us in which we can take HR research seriously. This network , in my imagination will help the alumni research contribution at ASB stronger and this can help us, future students, faculty and ASB. If you share this interest, do write to me sometime. (karunakarantk@gmail.com)

The Year 2008

2009-01-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

I guess am a wee bit late in coming out with this blog about the year gone by but, as they say better late than never. So here are some reflections on the past year that has been quite remarkable in more ways than one. Well to be utterly honest, what triggered this blog was a visit to good old Planet Etti and a chat with the inimitable Deepak sir who insisted on seeing a post from me very soon. But I should say that work on this post had begun a few days before the visit to ASB, after a reading of The Hindu’s Sunday Magazine. So here I go without further ado…
I have seen people use quite a few terms to describe the past year but I guess every word falls flat when you take into account the plethora of events that have taken place. It was truly a year which had its share of happiness and grief in equal measure. It was a year that saw the stock markets tumble and crash, a year that found global financial giants like Washington Mutual and Lehman Brothers in murky waters. It was a year when the US had to pour billions of dollars into its sinking economy to save a number of big names like General Motors, AIG & Citigroup. It was also a year when an Illinois Senator with a Muslim middle name and a multi- racial background took the world by storm by becoming the first black president of the USA.
2008 also saw the word terrorism take on a much more dangerous and sinister meaning. A year that saw a bunch of guys with a few AK-47’s and hand grenades bring the great city of Mumbai to its knees. It proved yet again how unsafe our cities are and how ill- prepared our nation is to tackle such situations. Indian’s have been known to be a very resilient lot but this time around Mumbai was truly enraged with the way the entire incident was handled by the politicians and the media. The year saw a blatant disregard for something that the Indian media seems to have almost forgotten - media ethics. While the entire hostage drama was played out, the only thing the media seemed to be interested in was getting the juiciest stories with an almost inhuman disregard for the people held hostage. The year also saw a series of bomb blasts rock the nation starting with Rajasthan moving onto Bangalore and the Gujarat. Religious violence reared its ugly head yet again this year in the nation that prides itself on its secular nature. The Kandhamal violence was a silent testimony to this.
On a positive side the year saw India’s moon mission turning a spectacular success. A quite chap with a trigger happy finger bagged the billion strong nation’s first ever individual Olympic gold and took the focus off the gentleman’s game for a little while. Yet another man made history in black and white in Bonn by being crowned the king of chess. Yet another Indian bagged a Man Booker with a rambling but thoroughly distorted (according to critics) account of India. CERN, the European research organization made famous by Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons” unveiled the biggest experiment in the history of physics- the Large Hadron Collider.
Quite a year isn’t it? And before I sign off on a personal note this year saw batch 2006-08 of ASB “officially” becoming MBA graduates although I must say the times are not rosy for a management grad. Anyways, all the very best to everyone, especially to my juniors. Don’t be bogged down by the bleak sentiment in my post or the depressing market conditions. Trust me landing a job is not a measure of your true worth. And like someone once said “You are not what you are in times of hardship, you are better than that”. Good luck and a happy new year.

Making a commitment

2008-12-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

In case you always wondered what it was like to make a life-long commitment… I think its worth reading my post now. :)
I always wondered how I would do making a commitment to be there for someone else… all the time… anytime…?

Actually we guys and girls in India grew lucky.. for there is so much culture and tradition to draw from, that even without our knowledge… The concepts of unconditional…. Unconditional giving… stepping aside to make space… and prioratising another persons’ happiness above other things comes almost naturally to us. Think about it. We’ve done it for friends.. we’ve done it for Parents. I hope you realize how precious and rare this is. In so many countries… SO many people… live a whole Lifetime without ever knowing the peace that comes with giving.
I never thought I would write these words! :) But there is something divine… Love is truly the gift of God, for it can allow one (if you allow yourself) to discover oneself in ways they never knew before… and one can choose how they want to… they can experience most beautiful things by simply making another person happy.
Sometimes…. Cultures that grow without a strong family culture show the weakness… they begin to get confused… and unless one is willing to accept that giving to someone might actually be a responsibility, they wander around denying it until they find they have no one to come home to.
Receiving love is certainly one aspect of marriage… But then.. that is just one aspect…. Marriage is about giving of yourself to another person. The vows of marriage mean that you have sworn to make anothers’ Life your own… and share yours with them. Maangalyam tham thuraanena mama jeevana ek thuna…thanthe bhathnaami subhake thwam jeeva shathaa amshatham… Is the powerful mantra in my religion which proclaims that I now wed thee for ever more to share our separate lives as one.
Sometimes… for some people… they don’t even need the ritual of an elaborate wedding to join their hearts in union. After all… a ritual does not by itself, seal anything. Marriage is a meeting of minds. Everything else follows. Period.
Everyone keeps asking me… ‘How does it feel, to be married??’ I feel like replying… ‘Why don’t you try the vows yourself and find out?!!’ :D The point Im trying to make is: there is no one definition of a marriage… Its different for each individual. And yes, this blog partially in answer to that question. If at all this is an answer. :)
I should write another blog about how marriage can make one ‘grow up!’ :) Having said that, let me also say that… One becomes an individual in one’s own right… giving you the right.. the option… to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as one pleases…. This freedom is in fact, a responsibility. For one’s decisions could actually have impacts. And you are no longer the only person who will feel it. Scary huh?
Marriage is something that can make you grow into the individual one chooses to be. At many points, there is a choice… How do you want to handle it? At those pivotal junctures, knowing one’s mind well enough… to foresee what will matter not only today, but tomorrow also… more than just foresight, to understand the person you want to be… Is the end objective.
So, my final take would be: Soak in experiences before you decide to marry… discover yourself… and then decide how you want your Self to be expressed in this World. If you find the other suiting your expression: then please marry him/her. If not: you can still choose to love them. :) Finally, loving someone means giving them the freedom to be who they are. And many times: that is when a communion of this kind will work!. :)
Finally… What I would like to sign off by saying is…Whatever happens…. Don’t let yourself be defined by roles that are set for you by ‘society’ or ‘tradition’… You are your own person and can afford to be intelligent enough to live Life the way that brings you maximum satisfaction/happiness. One can choose to follow tradition… But always bear in mind all tradition is a means to an end… an objective … an experience, but are not an end in themselves. Eg: Prayer is not the point. But peace and faith is the objective. Does that make sense?
The ones who conform do just that: conform. They rarely live a full life. Perhaps that is closer to what I am trying to say…
I sound too profound! Im scaring myself. I think I miss good old socializing… too much contemplation. :D ehehhe
Take Care all. A special mention of good Luck to my juniors with their placements. :) Remember: the interviewer is not the real measure of your worth. What you do after this ‘first job’ will determine how your careers will shape up. Don’t let this first step blow itself out of proportion. Everyone has a first break. A first job. People’s careers were rarely shaped by their first job. Many millionaire’s career began when they quit their first job. Does this help put it in perspective? :) Take Heart and keep that chin up.
Until later then
Raje

Blogging- A Therapy

2008-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

On a Sunday morning, I wake up to the sound of pouring rain and the familiar hammering of a headache. I realise my outing stands cancelled, its pouring cats and dogs. I resign myself to a boring day all by myself stuck at home. I forgot to mention there was no power supply. Oh sheesh! For the first time in life, I am looking forward to a Monday Morning!!

I brew myself a hot cup of coffee, carrying my laptop to the balcony, find a dry corner and settle myself on a cane chair. I log into my blog and am pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed at the responses and comments I’ve been getting for my last post. I take my time reading all of them, smiling to myself, mentally making a note to mail all those who commented.

Absent minded-ly (if there is a word like that!), I click on ‘new post’ and there I start writing… about the idiosyncrasies of life and incidents that make life worth living. About friends and laughter, joy and pain and rainy days like today.

I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting there… My legs have gone numb, my wrists have begun to ache and I think I’ve probably been drinking ice cold coffee. I post my entry and when I get up; my step seems to have gotten a spring in it. Life doesn’t seem all that gloomy and cloudy like the skies above me. Writing seems to have chased my headache away and with it my down trodden spirit.

As I head toward my kitchen, the power supply returns, the rain mellows down and the phone rings (It’s my best friend calling). Déjà vu? I smile to myself. I guess its true after all- Blogging is a wholesome therapy- and sometimes a miracle too!

Life Post ASB!!!

2008-09-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hey all..

Its been 3 months and a lil more outside ASB, and thanks to the blogs of Raje and KK i am more nostalgic than ever before...

But before I get into my life post ASB and what I am doing right now, let me introduce myself to the new joinees at ASB... Hey all i am Megha and welcome u all new joiners to the ASB family... Let me guarantee u one thing ASB is undoubtedly the place to be... a fact which will get confirmed once u read the blog. So this is for those who are still not sure whether they wanna live a life with some restrictions amongst hills with lil or no partying :)

The first few days after joining Cavinkare I felt that I owned the world, new work, new position, salary... but ya it was exciting and new for the first few days... What i believed as independence was not so much independence but in fact I realise that now I am caught up in a chain of responsibilities and accountability not just to my seniors as one might believe but also to my subordinates who carry on their work based on the decisions I take for them! In college work was there pressures where there - but there were friends who shared it with u, faculty like dg and Kulkarni sir who made sure that the pressures din make us go crazy... In college I had a family, I had friends - in work u never know... But this is my new life and I am trying real hard to get used to it. Like raje said lil sleep but for me untimely meals! I miss the Elephant mountains, the LOC, the fight for gate pass (and the sheer joy of succeeding to get one) and all my friends and dear teachers.

Life at work, many of my pals are wondering what I am doing... some even be live I am into some form of rural training (courtesy KK..). Well I am in Delhi, so the rural thing is out of the question. I am handling a portion of Delhi as a Territory Sales Officer I will be doing this till Dec as part of training and then will be promoted as the Area Manager... So life is not bad, after a yr of training (since June 2008) I will be given a choice to continue in sales as the AM or move to Chennai as Brand Manager (my fellow pals would know which one I want)

As for ASB I am too far away from it, only memories (and surprising all good ones, I cant remember bad times!!!) of that place where I spent 2 of my most beautiful and wonderful years, where I made friends (116 of them!!!) and family (teachers and staff) for a lifetime... Its very difficult to express in words how much I miss the place - the morning dew, the smell of flowers, the lovely trees, the massive mountains, and most importantly the peace and the silence...

Miss u ASB...

Love
Meghs

A Return to Campus....Memories and musings

2008-09-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

You know what, you’re right. Experience is one of the hardest things to write about. Especially intense ones: not that they is not pleasurable to think about, but simply that humans as we are made, have complex and multi-faceted thoughts and feelings.

Can you describe the feeling when you see a flower blooming? Or the sensation of watching a sunrise against the mountains?

The more I live Life, the more I realize that victory is in the smaller every day things; and happiness is definitely in those infinitely small, intangible things that you cannot see or touch, but only experience.
I am an alumni of this school. Feels funny to be saying that, I assure you! I visited campus about a week ago to collect transcripts/documents meant to show that I am, in fact, one. :) Sounds like a trying and tedious job. I cant explain to you how different it was…Let me try!

For a person who has, at most, seen Chennai and a few beaches since I finished school this May, returning to the cool climes of Ettimadai with its breathtaking hills and carefully tended gardens, is like a walk into paradise.

Have you ever felt that the most sought-after feeling is that of familiarity? Think about it. Life moves fast. Way too fast for anyone’s comfort. Certainly mine! I certainly didn’t expect much familiarity when I returned to campus. It was so different to walk down that road to the building…even though I would have walked that road atleast a 1000 times over 2 years of school, this time the sensation would not be ‘oh no! Im late to class!’ or ‘I cant believe I am late again! Or ‘Do you think they will notice Im wearing these jeans the fourth time this week?’ or ‘oh my gawd! Im not going to be able to stay awake… my eyes hurt…’

It was more a sense of wonder… a sense of having left this Life behind…screaming of all the things experienced so vividly that fades once you leave the place… But they all changed once I entered the building! Familiar faces from the junior batch greet you with a joy that is most humbling, in the simplest sense. I never knew what it meant to be welcomes back to a place so warmly! I knew how nice it was to catch my seniors back in campus…they always brought back a rush of memories… a memory of comfort of being under their ‘tutelage’. I can only guess it was the same effect. Though it made me feel quite antiquated, there’s nothing like being remembered for something, even if it is something you would rather forget! :P

However, the best was yet to come. Whoever said ‘Teachers don’t always remain teachers’ were right! They then become mentors; someone to look up to for having lived a rich life; someone whose vintage wisdom can throw light onto dilemmas you face yourself. You know the funny thing about the category of people titled under ‘Parents/Teachers’? They always see right through to your last thought at the back of your mind, see your fears and your spots, but they they will simply let you be (as long as its not immediately damaging or decidedly unproductive). :)

To me, that is the greatest wisdom to learn from Life. :) Great wisdom is in knowing what can be changed and what cannot. The greatest ability of all is also, in knowing that the only thing that can change is oneself, never the outside world. Therefrom springs the art of ‘letting be’… for there comes a point of realization…that most things…do not matter in the larger context of Life and its understanding.

Let me tell you about the best thing about being with warm and welcoming faculty: It helped me forget the biting tension in the stomach that I had so much to achieve in campus within a day and half! Its quite amazing how that can happen! It was most unique and wondrous…elevating to walk with the same Faculty outside whose room, I would stew over my request for 5 minutes before stepping in. We would discuss matters just as any other individual would. I guess what I never registered during my stint in ASB, that the faculty always treated us as individuals. Today, we remain simply the person we are, taking off the restricting brand of ‘student’ and experience them as people, not only Professors.
You never know Life has changed until you see that you are allowed to joke about the rules in the school without being given a questioning glance. You can have lunch in the staff canteen and not feel weird. :) You can have dinner and discuss philosophy and they discuss your interesting traits during your stint in ASB. It was warm, welcome, funny, inspiring and surprising!

I guess one can never guess that teachers become such an integral part of campus Life. To be honest, I felt truly a part of campus when I would meet each Professor, and pick up precisely from where I left off 5 months ago. :) Some parts of us students have remained in them, and some of them, in us. It is intangible and indelible.

Its amazing. Its another matter that some of them thought I was already a ‘Mrs.’ And hence were bewildered with the Invitation card I had in hand. Hehe…

Like I said in a farewell speech… ‘One can forget names or numbers… But never people or experiences!’ Man! Im glad that I was brave enough to make that statement: for the recent ASB visit proved me right. :)

Remembering the elephant hill...

2008-08-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

I should thank Rajeshwari for that wonderful post, and Cauvery for keeping the blog alive. Its been 3 months after Amrita, and with the risk of being frowned upon, I have to say that I miss planet ettimadai. I feel like talking about lost childhood when I talk of missing ASB. Well, for those frowning, you will soon find out.

It came down upon me as a sudden realization when I had a chance to visit campus last month. I was fortunate to come very close to the campus for an official visit. What I felt when I stood facing the cloud clad elephant hill, save the millions of memories, was a strange longing to do it once again. I asked myself, "what if it was two years ago and I was just starting my life in ettimadai?" Believe me you... the answer was that I would want to enjoy it more, to the fullest, because I realize that what we have there is what most of us keep looking for in our lives - Peace

As raje said, its a different world here. Three months and I am already a machine. Well yeah I was a different kind of a machine when I was there but that machine I now realize was much relaxed and stress free compared to what it is now. Yes there are things which you would rather have in ASB. But cmon... that would have been a perfect world then and we all know that a perfect world is forbidden to us. Thats the way its designed, right?

I am still aware that I may sound silly and ignorant to those who have not started missing the place yet. But when someday you realize the worth of what we have there, I hope you'll agree. Only thing that I can say now is... just BE there when you are there.

My pranams to all the great people in campus whose words continue to teach me...

-KK

M.B.A and After

2008-08-04T02:19:00.000-07:00

Life changes so much once you finish School. That goes for B-School also. I never realized that there was a comfort in having a routine, in having set deadlines and a very tangible objective to work toward.

To any new readers to this section, let me introduce myself as an almost-alumni of ASB…Student of Batch of 2006-08 and awaiting a kind gesture from the Institution in the form of a Convocation.

To continue, the scary thing about Life afterward is that nothing really is certain. Everything is really, your choice. What’s that? Did I hear a sigh if relief? Phew! Sounds like heaven away from these killer schedules? :)

Can’t deny that it is a relief to have timely meals and minimum sleep everyday. :) But the responsibility that comes from having that kind of freedom is something, unless you have learnt how to deal with it, you may find it… very challenging. What you thought were daily decisions in M.B.A… can turn out to have serious consequences unless taken carefully. The stakes are higher. Period. :)

For all you new guys and girls stepped into the portals of Amrita School of Business, Welcome! You’re in a place and in a program that can change your Life in many ways. You can choose what you want to make of it. Torture… :) Learning… :) (the two are synonyms, by the way) Fun… :)Discovery… :)

Just remember to take what you want out of it and give back something… Without either, your experience is incomplete. It will be a roller-coaster ride that I felt would never end… Don’t worry, it will go faster than you can imagine.

When it did, I found myself distinctly thinking that what felt challenging then, was definitely more of a comfort zone than looking Life in the eye. :)

Oh Im not a crocodile-catcher or in any dangerous profession. Im at home and getting married in October. :) Hehe…

Make of that Statement what you will; but I stand by what I said. Real Life is more challenging than any combination of mean deadlines clashing at 11 P.M of the same night. Period.

That’s one take of how Life is M.B.A and After. Until a different one, signing off and looking forward to new bloggers gracing this Space from the new set. Cheers all! :)

Rajeswari

Toast: Here’s to the health, wealth and success of batch 2008 at ASB

2008-04-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

It’s finally that time of the year when we bid farewell… This past year has been very eventful. You gave us a very warm (?! :)) welcome and I remember trying to match faces with the names I found on Orkut… successful in some attempts, fumbling with others… Telling us how to bend around rules, warning us against strict faculty, encouraging us to brave everyday chores, lending us your experienced hands and grey cells in managing the two most important events- UTSAV and Pragati 08, those little important things about hostel wardens and their rules, the good ( :P ) hang outs in the City, the pending placement treats, the jokes, the leg-pulling, the selection of members for the different committees, the stress interviews for the forum selection...

True, life at Amrita has not always been rosy. There were times when there was panic, worry, grief and sorrow. It was all bearable because we could come to you at anytime. You were there for us when we screwed up in our many tasks. We have enjoyed being here and a major part is because of that extra mile you went to make us feel at home.

I would like to mention a few names here…

KK, the first in your batch I met on Orkut. We chatted often. He was then interning at Hyderabad. Then there were Anu, Anju, IMX (I remember, Ivan Michael Xavier, commonly referred to as topi wale.. well, havent heard anybody call him that except me! :P), Anson, Sujith… they were my first seniors frens at ASB.

The memories are still afresh. Deepak, Anson, Sajith, Sujith Anand and Sujith were just outside library… they called me to have a talk… ( no ragging, remember? ;)) They asked me questions after questions… it was a tougher panel than my interview panel to join ASB! Amardeep walked by and said- “Arre bechari ko chod do yaar.. poor thing…” I felt so grateful then :) But the session was fun in a way and I felt happy! :P

My professional advertisers Jake and Bitu… the pains they took to get my shampoo campaign going… wow, thanks guys… the number of takes and retakes… the publicity… Jake’s coffee days out always ended up in half a glass of coffee for me!

Darshan and Prashant… the duo love pulling my legs… they counsel, joke, play pranks, tease and help… I have learnt a few tricks from them too. Thank you, teachers! :) Btw, I was in their BAC project as well… :)

Anu(who used to call me her favourite junior early in teh year... wonder if i still got that title!;)), Anju, Jyothi, Raji chechi… thanks for the movies… and for always being there in rough times. I remember my early visits to Anu’s room... I remember the first bet I won was with Anu… she still owes me a treat for it. :)

The counsellors- Navneet, Bikash, Prejith… I personally want to thank you guys for standing by me through rough patches during UTSAV and later. Those were times I desperately needed a sense of direction. Thanks for being there. It’s a small word… but is meant is all sincerity… Thanks.

I know I talk 19 to the dozen… but I didn’t think I’d find competition… Jeevitha broke my belief…! I have the right “vaayaadi” match now! :) thanks. I remember the infinite times she has asked me to visit a doctor. I assure her now that I shall visit him sometime… er.. soon..! :)

Prejith is almost the mobile mind-reader! He’s always found out when I’m down. He’ll just walk up and say, “what happened? It’s ok,, come, let’s have something in the canteen”. He calls me a cry baby… which we still argue upon!!

Rajamadhuri, Amardeep, Rachna, Jeevitha, Raji chechi… my lunch mates… :) They are usually there at the mess when I’m there for lunch or dinner. They filled in my MR pretest questionnaire… thanks a bunch for being there… personally and officially... :)

Harish, Kalyan and Dinesh (my mentor.. he came to know that a few days ago.. :))… the trio at different times asked me the same question- “You know Telugu? How come? ” (déjà vu?!) Thanks for talking to me in Telugu now and then… you have helped me er… improve my proficiency in the language…! :)

Nishi and Sharath, the CV experts helped me better mine… and here I thought I hadn’t done much with life… and they made my CV look like I’m the most creditable person around.. :) thanks.

Shruthi and I are similar in some ways… the way we look at life, for example… I believe she’s some kind of a good omen. If I see her early in the day, my day goes good… :) And I got her to believe that about me as well…! (manipulative, eh?! hehe) :) Thanks for giving me extra time to submit my testimonial…

Sonya, the soft spoken, always smiling, friendly and cute senior… :) yeah, she is one of the cutest ever. She’s rare. She always tries saving some coffee for me in the canteen.. from the evil clutches of the Villains who just wait for me to place my order… Thanks! :)

Binny, Bishwesh, Nilesh, Hardhik… they have been my hindi gurus… er.. hindi, proper and mumbaiya, the mamu language, punjaban hindi… you name it! The daily dosages of one funny msg… :) Gandiva’s star voice, the diamond merchant’s promise… the good morning mamu’s… thanks guys for all the things you do! Hum aapke aabhaari rahenge… bole toh, apun ko tumse thank you bolna mangta hai :)

Poornima and Rajeshwari- the two most inspirational writers to me at ASB… the media avoiding, camera hating duo…! :) The celebs avoid the paparazzi… (I am the paparazzi with the hated camera.. for those of you who didn’t figure it out! :) ) Awesome writing… do continue to write on the ASB blog… :)

I think I’ve written too much already… I’ll try to conclude now… I have had an amazing year with you guys. I have learnt how to enjoy life and work… You are one of the finest batches… (I don’t have any other to compare with! :P hehe ) No, on a serious note, Your batch has always stood by us… taught us many things, reprimanded us when there was need, lent us movies, videos, assignments and shoulders when the pressure got to us… I want to thank everybody in your batch for the wonderful time you gave us. I will remember the times we spent for a long time to come. I wish each and every one of you a very happy, prosperous and successful future. May everything you wish for come true :) One special mention- Rajeshwari- Wish you a very happy and blissful married life. :) Wishing others a blissful married life too.. whenever you marry! :)

Stay in touch everybody and join our Alumni on the 10th of May, 2008. :) Good luck for everything you do… Until later, take care and don’t miss us too much…! :)

(PS: Sincere apologies to those whose names I’ve missed… and to those who I might have hurt unintentionally in the last year… )

Immortality

2008-04-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

There’s a song by Celine Dion, a ‘feat’ with the Beegees, that goes by the Title ‘Immortality’… :)

Everytime I hear people discuss about how ‘College life’ is ending … I think of how this chapter of my Life is coming to an end, that’s the song that begins along with it… In my Head…

Some things are immortal… You see, there is nothing as binding as experiences together… As joy and pain shared…

That is the uniqueness of such a Programme… That revolves so much around the people… Batchmates… Teachers… Staff.

Experience is indelible. You can forget names. Dates. But never people.

In these 2 years, we’ve seen ourselves change… Evolve to the place… to the Work… to the schedules… to the people… and to this new way of Life. We’ve praised it, cursed it, enjoyed and suffered it. :)

That sort of experience stays with one for a Lifetime. Take it from a person who’s Life is.. has.. will change a lot. Some things are indelible.

An M.B.A with a 100 other people… each of whom will start to seem like family. In fact, you can tell who is talking even if your back is to them. :) You can tell them by their laugh. By their joke. You can tell which Professor is around the corner by the Silence they generate. :)

More than just familiarity, we have all been moulded… And we carry with us so many impressions… Of people, Life… from our time here. All the people one meets, and usually the smallest incidents, will shape us… The guy who sniggers from the corner when you drop your bag and the one who picks it up for you… And the next one who tells you you’re having the tag of your dress outside. :) Or the one who guesses you haven’t slept in 3 days. :)

I have learnt so much here. And I can tell that Im going to spend lifetime re-meeting all of my Batchmates/Professors… And Im going to remember in a flash all the memories associated with them… have this huge smile on my face and perhaps they will still involuntarily call me ‘Ms.Mani!’.

Hehe. Gosh! Its been quite a road.

And Thank God for technology and social networking sites. :) See you all as a picture on Orkut after May 10th!!

Until then, Hope God is with all if us. May our shadows never grow less. And may we never lose that irrepressible tagline of ours : (God knows how I thought if it, now!)

M.B.A: ‘Mind-blowing Asbians!’

Hehe :D

Good Luck all. Bye for now.

‘Immortality… I’ll take this journey to eternity… I’ll take the Memory of you and me… Inside :)… We don’t say Goodbye… We don’t say Goodbye’

Back From ESOMAR Asia-Pacific Conference 2008 @ Singapore!!!!

2008-04-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

hey all dear Asbians...

I was so skeptical initially when i came to know about this MR conference being organised by ESOMAR to be held in Singapore. between assignments I was not sure if I wanted to go through the selection procedure, but well thanks to some special friends i decided to go through it...and guess what ended up being the only person being selected from India for the conference!!!!

Well I landed in Singapore on the 7th of April 2008. it was an exciting yet unnerving experience to be all alone at the huge Changi International Airport of Singapore!!! But I guess the excitement and the thrill of being in a new place all alone killed the fear. I stayed at my aunty's place throughout my visit... On 7th first thing i did was meet up with similar representatives as me from other countries for lunch as we were supposed to report at Ritz Carlton - the venue of the conference only at 2:00 p.m.

It was so nice to meet 5 other kids like me from 5 different cultures...we all became great friends within no time enjoying the similarities that we shared and laughing off the dissimilarities. Our liking each other was important as we were to be together throughout the conference. From left in the picture its me, Ronaldo (China), Amy (Taiwan), Iin (Indonesia), Neil (Phillippines), and Jason (Vietnam)

Well myself and my fellow friends from other countries had a simple role to play at the conference - help out in a small way the ESOMAR representatives and most importantly LEARN from the eminent speakers who had come for the conference from across the Asia-Pacific region. The actual conference started only on the 8th and went on till 9th evening after which we were left free to enjoy Singapore...My flight was for 10th evening so I had plenty of time to enjoy!!!

Well before i talk about the enjoyment part let me share a few learnings i had from the conference... Firstly I felt very proud and lucky to be an Indian as more than 50% of the papers discussed were on India, how India was growing faster than most economies around the world and how to successfully attract the changing Indian consumer. China was next highly discussed topic, in fact there was even a debate as to which country is going to lead the future!!!!

Most discussed topics were the different ways to segment the Indian consumer and looking beyond the traditional demographic or income segmentations. it was discussed that segmentation has been so overused that it has led to hyper-segmentation and death of mass market concept!!! One form of segmentation discussed was

Partition Generation (The consumer who witnessed the partition and freedom from British rule)
Transition Generation (The consumer who witnessed the liberalisation reforms of the 90's)
No Strings Generation (The consumer born with the silver spoon in his/her mouth. The consumer of the growing India)

This segmentation for instance categorises consumers in a different way and helps the marketer sell goods with the right message. For e.g. the no string consumer would expect from the marketing communications about the product not just info but imageries as to how the product will add to his style and lifestyle... this was just one of the segmemtations discussed.

Further there was a growing emphasis on the huge youth market in countries across the Asia pacific region, particularly India and China, how their needs are different from traditional youth in these countries, how internet has become an important part of their lives and how they are moving more towards the western culture!!! All this implying adoption of totally new strategies for marketers to reach these new gen consumers.

Also discussed were new form of techniques to gather info on consumer behaviour like video ethnography where a video camera is used to capture a consumers lifestyle to gain insights about his behaviour and attitude to products.

there was a lot more discussed which i shall share with all of u once I reach planet e. It was a great learning experience and has only further increased my passion for marketing. i would like to thank Mr. Pravin Shekhar of dexterity who sent the invite to our college among others and Deepak Sir who actually made things happen!!!!

Finally about my fun in Singapore...Its a great place...very clean and just about every place is air conditioned even the cabs (generally Mercs or BMW's). I guess there is no concept of stairs as there are escalators everywhere. its a small city, well managed and very very safe:) there are some great places to see and I managed to see most of it in the little time I had...

For the record there are places like China Town which resemble a mini China, Little India which closely resembles india, and the best one Santosa a little island a total fun place...in santosa u have a huge Merlion structure, an underground waterworld, cable car, a clean beach and a lot more...with some great friends Singapore is a place worth visiting!!!

Finally Singapore was:
A time I will never forget
Moments i will forever cherish
Learning I will always treasure
and Friends who will remain very dear....

The worlds we miss.. and those we take for granted

2008-04-12T01:43:00.000-07:00

Others have written, more beautifully than I ever can about how this place and its people will be remembered. 116 hearts will soon fill with feelings dense as the time comes close for us to part. But its not the same feeling that makes my heart dense this moment. How many times before have I said I'll miss? But how many times have I known what I would miss while fully in it?

I am not sure if this is a popular feeling. but it should not be rare. Two years ago when I stepped, the mind was filled, though not full, with things I will miss from back home. I have wished that I knew what mother's food or an evening at the beach with friends meant, if it were to disappear. Well I never did while I was in it. Now that it dawns on me the things I will miss at ASB, I wish I had enjoyed it to the fullest, rather than taking them for granted. It was always who said what yesterday, or what submission is due tomorrow. It never was me beneath the elephant hills, now. I guess unless we are aware, the cycle will go on. When will we learn to be in the NOW?

Next 30 days I have to take in, the moments this place wants to offer us. I have ignored it enough. Have you?

Life....

2008-03-31T03:40:00.000-07:00

Another 40 days to go and then its time for goodbyes. A few unshed tears, some nervous laughter, promises to always keep in touch and the age old saying of the world is round, we’ll meet again. But like someone said- we cannot choose all our journeys, some journeys choose us. This journey into life- in all its harsh reality, in all its naked truth- is one. The world out there is sure to be hard, ruthless, and cruel- but let’s hope that the two years we spent here have prepared us sufficiently for that. Leaving aside the uncertainty of the future let me dwell on the beauty of the past. Forgive me if I sound like a poet, but I guess the past makes poets out of all of us.
The two years I spent here have been great and I’m sure all my batchmates would agree with me. The initial trepidation of coming to a new place and meeting new people over, it was has been a kaleidoscope of images and emotions- good and bad, sweet and bitter. The rigors of the orientation period, trying to familiarize oneself with subjects one did not know the head or tail of, getting used to classes till 11 at night and on Sundays too to boot, learning not to panic at the number of assignments and tests for the next day, the innumerable excuses you try to give teachers as to why you haven’t read the case assigned or submitted your assignments on time and the frustration when they refuse to buy any of it, the sleeping in class and getting hauled up for it and the polite requests from teachers to go and wash your face, the search for one proxy site after another in the lab for accessing Orkut and the joys of discovering Facebook, the endless group assignments and projects, the umpteen number of letters and requests(both genuine and false) for gate passes, the preparations for Utsav and Pragati, the late night gossip, gaming and movie sessions, the birthday bumps and cake cuttings, the “mess ka khana” and “canteen ki chai”, learning to sleep in peace the day before the exam even when you haven’t studied a thing, that great feeling that precedes an open book exam that vanishes when you get the question paper and you realize in the end that the result would be the same as a closed book, the bleary eyes and half chewed nails on the morning of an exam, the rush to go home the day after the exams, the summer project fun and the drudgery of the presentation, the getting screwed on stage ‘cos you really weren’t sure whether the analysis you had done was factor or multivariate, the silently cursing your friend ‘cos he had done it for you, the confusion regarding whether to opt for marketing or finance or ops and in the end ending up with papers in all, the sleepless nights, tension and tears of the placement season and the relief when you finally land a job, the small celebrations for Onam, Christmas, Holi etc., the fights with friends over silly things and the patching up later, the being broke all the time and asking your friend for money (who was just thinking about asking you the same)- the memories are way too many.
Walking through the portals of this institution 2 years back, I never imagined that my life would be painted in such beautiful, vibrant shades. Two years of my life here has given mea lot to cherish- great friends, wonderful mentors, amazing teachers and so much more. And when I think about the day I’ll step out of this place, a weird feeling touches the heart. I can’t define it- its neither happiness nor sorrow. Maybe a combination of both or maybe something more than that. It isn’t just nostalgia. It’s something in my heart that says that these were the golden moments of my life and I shall never be able to reclaim them again.
When I step into the rigors of life on my own and try to make something out of myself, all these memories will always remain in a cherished corner of my heart. As I set out to follow life’s call, to discover new avenues, to meet new people, to fulfill my dreams, these memories are all that I have to fall back on, the things that I have learnt here are all that I have to guide me through my dark days, these people are the only ones whom I can keep coming back for counsel in times of distress.
Thank you for the memories. Thank you for teaching me all I know. Thank you for making me what I am. But as of now….. Life beckons… get up n get going…

Children IS going to school

2008-03-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Let me begin this piece of writing with the original piece that inspired me into writing it!

A student who scored 100 in CBSE Class 12 English exam in an email to Outlook:
“It all depends on how one pen down the ideas… The flow in the language helped me fetched marks.”

An English teacher to Class 12 students:
“Keep the language simple and yet so crispy… Do not get deviate from topic.”

I am more than just astonished. Such spectacular usage of words has reached me a zillion times before. But not really from a student who is considered THE BEST at the English language by the Central Board of Secondary Education in India!! And an English teacher!

Well, I have been lucky to have been taught by excellent English faculty throughout my School and College. And let me not leave out the most important contributor to my English speaking and writing er… (skills?!) My mother. Mrs. Mythili Kesavasamy. She won the President’s Gold Medal in her M.A and has been a brilliant faculty all her life. She got me the reading habit, she made me listen to the news, and it was she who made me read my lessons! :)

I don’t speak great English myself. But I would like to understand others who speak the language! The least I can expect is teachers to speak decently well. But am shocked that the faculty standards could be so low! It feels like I’m waking up from a pleasant dream to nightmarish reality! I have mostly interacted with people who spoke decently well English but to think that more than half our nation has to struggle with the language is almost unfathomable! I have always believed that it is the teachers who make students fall in love or well… hate subjects.

Now, here is something to test you… where are u likely to find a board that reads:
--- “Butter Scoch Shek” and what would you think it meant?
Answer: India, Butter Scotch Shake.
--- “Child Bear” and what would you think it meant?
Answer: India, (hold your breath…) Chilled Beer!

I recently read in a magazine which reported that a 2nd year degree student committed suicide for not being able to cope with English (He left behind a suicide note to that effect). He had had all his education in Hindi medium. And the fact that he studied English as the 3rd language till 10th standard did him no real good for his career prospects. It truly is alarming to see how a language might affect the lives of youngsters and old alike. When I think of this case, a thought hits me in the face- what a waste of life! He would have been a great engineer, a designer an architect… We lost him because he didn’t know English!

Well, one thing is certain. There is a way of life. English today doesn’t remain just a means of communication any more. It has become an essential part of survival and the medium that ensures earning bread.

Proficiency in the English language is considered the passport to better lives, at least, in India. But Indians are taught rubbish in schools and colleges. I can’t blame the students! Every street has a small outlet which “sells” dosages of easy English speaking courses for the thousands of wannabe Angrezi-ispeaking Indians. And what do the outlets sell? Simple:
“Childern is going to school”
“I am also English speak”
“My hobbies means, I used to go to cinema”
“They is coming soon”

I am appalled and sad and I don’t know what else. I remember the days I used to teach my “mohalla” street kids in Bellary district in Karnataka, how to read words and construct sentences in English. And how well they were thrilled! Now, I’m not saying I am a great teacher… not at all. I was barely in 4th standard then! But the kids- they were so full of life and curiosity to learn new things, new languages. Incapable teachers ruin it all. If only we had the right teachers, I think the Indian youth will be a much awaited upon lot. And right teachers are not just born. Well, some of them maybe. But others are made… they become.

China has realized how important a role English is going to play in the coming years. It has started pooling in English speaking taltents across southern Asia to get its youth the best available. The world is changing and with it, we must too. There really isn’t any choice.

The only way I see now, is to find really good English teachers from schools and colleges… (Am sure there are quite a few of them. Atleast everybody who taught me are simply great! ) and get them to train at least 5 others. And then each of those 5 can take up 5 others. I know 5 is a small number. But it’s high time we made a difference. And like that starfish story we all know, every move of ours makes a difference. And the time to start could not be better than NOW.

PS: The Starfish Story (For the benefit of those who haven’t heard the story and those of us who’ve heard it and don’t mind reading it over and over again!)

A little boy was walking on the beach early one morning when the speaker of the story finds him. He wonders what the boy is doing. He sees the boy picking up the starfish that got washed ashore by the waves and throwing them, one by one, back into the sea. His curiosity aroused, he walks to the boy and asks, “My dear fellow, may I know what you are doing?” The boy replies “Am saving lives of the starfish, Sir” “But don’t you know there are thousands and thousands of starfish washed up along the beach and it would take you years to throw them all back into the ocean? How do you think you’ll save them?” To which the boy simply picked up another starfish and said politely, “I don’t know about others yet Sir, but I saved that one.” The speaker is suddenly ashamed and stunned. He soon joins the little boy in his mission and starts picking up starfish and throwing them back into the sea.

Manzil

2008-03-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

There are very few lectures that leaves the students wishing it would not end. :) I don’t mean to be funny; today we (students of the MBP Course in the 2nd year) were addressed by a Mr. Ravi Gulati who runs an NGO named… Manzil.

Mr. Gulati (PGP: IIMA) is founder of Manzil, an NGO registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Beginning its actual operations even earlier in May 1996, Manzil is committed to providing need based welfare services to the under privileged children and women of Delhi slums. Since 1996, over 1,200 children and youth have benefited from Manzil.

Now this is a writeup on him that could be found online. People who have paragraphs on them that can be googled = Big Stuff, right? :) To be honest, I expected a Personality who was the pecking-order type who’d launch into a long-winding (possibly boring) talk about stuff that would fall against us like pebbles against a rock-wall.

Now Mr. Gulati was quite an exception. Understatement. He began with making an impactful exercise that went on to show that most of the things that you need to survive in this age, not more than perhaps two things- knowledge and such instruction is actually included in our formal instruction from school/College. Therefore, there is a greater solution, and skill sets that are greater in scope than what is taught in school.
Hence, he went on to explain how and why, the insipiration behind Manzil was to provide an education, and in a wholesome atmosphere that encourages the winds of creativity and sharing to break the barriers that normal schooling is bound by- that of an overly structured learning, ignoring intellectual capacity as the important basis for categorization of students, and the in-built gap between the student and teacher.

At Manzil, the process is that of sharing the knowledge that one has; hence I could teach you how to dance, and you could teach me the ‘Uses and relevance of the t-statistic’. (I never did get that!) :) Jokes apart, the effect of this process is that it shows that every student is a teacher at some point; leading on to the need to respect every individual one meets and to appreciate them for the valuable contributions they could make to your Life with the skills that they posses, but you do not.

Wow! I did’t realize I had absorbed that much from that talk. :)

The best part of the talk by Mr.Gulati was the great clarity (reflected in the higher recollection rate) with which he spoke out the ideas in mind and how he translated that into a reality by beginning Manzil.

Education is not to be instructive, nor overly-dependent on memory; but it is to teach the student a way of thinking. It is meant to unlock the potential latent within them, and this need not be academic; Manzil recognizes that.
‘They have a multitude of classes that are being carried on at present ranging from English to Mathematics to Computers to Music and Painting. All these classes are essentially based on the idea of a beyond-syllabus learning that is aimed at strengthening the basics of any given subject through understanding its foundational logic, and thenbuilding upon it gradually and creatively.’
This is the sort of atmosphere and education that encourages students to set their spirits free. That is the best thing about Manzil.

Perhaps that is the best message that he brings with him. Pursuing an idea or conviction that one has, and having the courage to translate that into a reality; could be one journey worth taking. It could hold the key to setting ourselves free. Mr. Gulati sure is. :)

The Power of Passion…

2008-02-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes contemplating can become one of the most precious time you can get during the day… Maybe Im in a minority… Hmm.. actually, the more I go along… the more I find that people are basically the same… and looking for the same thing… to find some happiness, to find a purpose… to be heard and to find some love somewhere…

All of us seem to reach for these basic things in our own way… And how we react to other people is often about how much we are willing to understand this about the other and be kind in return…

Rit-o. Philosophy aside…! No, I think in this blog I might continue a little more in this vein, because I want to talk about the power of an individual who has the passion within to translate the energy inside into action that can help realize the vision in the mind.

For some people it is in the form of random acts of kindness that can be of unforeseen assistance to surprising quarters. I witnessed that myself today. (I was at the receiving end.) It was quite inspiring! (And its too long-winding and a little personal to spell out even on this Forum!)

For some it can be a focused and continued effort, this can be in the form of charity for some, by way of service to humanity for some, by way of Prayer for some others still…

There is this third category of people whose whole lives seem to translate into a continuous and apparent expression of the belief within, and it is so strong it brings out an external manifestation of the same. (Though I have not named the people I had in mind for the previous two categories, Sir and Ma’am: you know who you are. :) ) I think for this category, Ms.Hema Hattangady of Conzerv, who addressed us for a colloquium would be a prime example. The energy in that single persona, has clearly been focused and directed in such a way that the difference can be seen as she now leads an organization that lives and swears by a philosophy that very few corporates of that size can boast of: A work ethic that is corruption-free…

I think that Work Ethic is more than just about refusing bribery or fighting bureaucracy… I think its about hiring and nurturing individuals who have the conviction, energy and will to stick by a certain set of principles and have the passion to see it translate into something very real on a daily basis… Even at the opportunity cost of something bigger, better.. or atleast something seemingly so… :)

So finally: before I sign off, let me link it to how I started… I think its after being taken down some lanes that encourage you to think about the underprivileged and exploited, I seem to be more aware that all humans are the same in very fundamental ways. Further, I find that everyone is looking to express their belief and their idea of the World in their own unique fashion. (Both of these I have already expressed.)

So my point is (also) that… Next time, if you can stop to listen, you may actually hear something. And that something or someone may actually sound a little familiar… A bit like… ‘you’… :)

Right… I sound like someone in those ET ‘Spiritual Link’ columns… hehe :D

I think people gain perspective when something in Life changes. Perhaps mine is. :)

Further updates as events mandate. :) :) Hehe.

Have a good day all! :)

Rajeswari

The First Move

2008-01-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

It was 7 months and 5 days ago. They had been done with their last conversation. Shilpa sat by her kitchen table and gazed into the night sky. The breeze sent chills down her spine and the truth that now stared in her face.

It seemed like only yesterday that Anjali and she were shopping at the new Pluto Mall in the city. They'd shopped for a whooping 18,000 bucks in all, celebrating their first paychecks. Exhausted, they dragged themselves to the food court and helped themselves to a sumptuous lunch. Just out of impulse, the giggling duo dumped thier bags in the car, pulled up inox and went to "Dhoom". How they came out with the oohs and aahs about John Abraham! That was almost 2 years ago.

A tear dropped onto Shilpa's hand now.She got up from the table and went to drain the coffee- it had grown too cold, with the window open. As she turned on the tap, the smilie on the wall reminded of her of a sunndy sunday afternoon, not more than a year and a half ago.

Anjali had knocked on Shilpa's door on a sunday afternoon and when there was no response, she'd begun to bang and the neighbour came and yelled at her to be quiet. After a minute Shilpa had come hair all ruffled and kajal spread under her eyes, "Oh, its you! I thought it was Lata aunty.." Anjali could not believe Shilpa was sleeping in the afternoon.. "Moron, what the hell are u doing in your bedroom?! Dont tell me you have some guy in there!" "Oh shut up yaar! I'll get you a lime or something" By the time shipa had got the lime ready, Anjali was in her bedroom, spread newspapers on the floor, arranged for water and colours from Shilpa's drawers and turned the AC on.. all set! Shilpa was horror stricken and asked as quietly as she could, "Just what in the world do you think you are doin?" "Come on, monkey.. that's your bit.. just over there.. We are making smilies for Anu, Parth and other children in your layout.." (She was referring to the street children in that locality) 1 hour from then, the floor of the room was filled with little perfect smilies smiling at them in bright yellow. The next day, after giving all of them a smilie each to pin on their clothes, the girls decided to keep one each for themselves.. The one smiling at Shilpa from above the kitchen sink was the one from that sunday afternoon.

The memory hit Shilpa like a cold knife through her chest. She wiped away that drop of tear that was about to drop form the tip of her nose. She shut the window and switched off the lights in the kitchen. She walked to her room and sat on the edge of her bed, facing the open window. As a light breeze blew, she could hear a tinkling as the wind chime Anjali had given her for her last birthday danced to the breeze.

When they had shopped one evening for a friend's birthday present, Shilpa had found the chime in a store and said she liked it a lot and will buy it the next they visit the store. Many visits later also, the chime lay forgotten. Then on her birthday, Anjali gave Shilpa a gift wrapped in yellow-gold paper. And as Shilpa unwrapped it, she found to her amazement and wonder the same wind chime that she'd liked in the store but forgot about it for months. How she was moved! She gave Anjali a tight hug and unspoken words were understood in that minute.Just as she came out of the reverie, the chime clinked again.

Exactly 7 months and 5 days ago, that ugly scene came up in the canteen. A little misunderstanding grew into a feud. Shilpa and Anjali, known across campus as the bestest of friends got up from their seats, and glared at each other. In not mroe than 10 minutes from then, the whole canteen stood and watched as the friends grew miles apart- right before their eyes. They stopped short of laying hands on each other's collars. And since then, they had not spoken a word to each other. Each waited for the other to make the first move. And the move was never made...

And there, on her table, by candlelight, now sat a lone bit of paper, fluttering under the weight of a cell phone. The bit of paper that tore away a part of Shilpa's life, the bit that took away what Shilpa held closest to her heart. The cell phone beeped to life with a new message and the backgorund shone bright- two laughing girls sitting on a seashore.. Anjali and Shilpa. The message was from Riya. Shilpa opened the message and read what she already knew from the telegram: "Hi, I thought you should know.. Anjali is no more" Shilpa slid to the floor, weak and trembling. She clutched the cell close to her heart and tonight she didnt hold back, she didnt fight anymore. She hugged her knees and cried. And this time, she knew that the most comforting shoulders in the world are gone. Gone without saying goodbye.

A gust of wind blows out the candle just as it blows the telegram outside the window...

Children of a ‘Lesser God’…?

2008-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Feeling feverish… Guess the class on ‘Management beyond Profit’ can be injurious to health… ! :D Oh Gosh… I can’t believe Im starting this blog with a joke… :)
For the record, I was feeling ill starting morning… :)

Today we watched a documentary on the initiative of Inderjit Khurana- the social entrepreneur. She took the school to the children of the railway platform… For they would not….Go to a school elsewhere from where they live (The Railway Station).

She is saving these children from the dangers they are faced with… Death, disease, prostitution or suicide…

Im sorry Im being so hard-hitting in choice of words… However, reality is best stated as it is to make an impression…

A whole multitude of thoughts ran into my mind at that point…. A terrifying feeling of my heart falling into my shoes… :) The usual desperation that comes when faced with such harsh realities, which gives rise to questions like ‘Why is this… How is this… Why is it still existing if there are initiatives like this and.. Banyan running…?’

I have always seen the destitute and homeless, and as the Professor rightly pointed out, we try not to see… (probably because we are afraid of what feeling it will spawn) And shut it up in a closet so we don’t think about it… :) I was no exception. I used to feel a pang then… at the dichotomy in life… :) I still do. Its sharpened, after that class.
The most terrifying feeling has to be… That everything else we do… all the things bother us… Seems to fall away in the face of this terrible reality these children face… of Gangsters, drugs and prostitution…

For the first two questions… I still have no answer… It is like another wise Professor said… ‘It simply is. Accept it. Without getting emotional’. :) Then lets think about what to do about it.

Perhaps this is only the beginning of an awakening. For there are still, some (what I feel) are pretty basic structural issues, and perhaps, moral issues (though they will seem utopian, from my point of view as a fresh management graduate… But then, Im thankful Im not cynical enough to fail to pose these questions/ suggestions)

Here are some points I can’t seem to get out of my head:

What on earth is the government doing? I do not accept comments like ‘magnitude’ or ‘complexity’ or ‘resources’.

If there can be trade of non-existent securites for a later date (called a ‘Future’ in those mad stock markets), which is regularly monitored by SEBI and the Fin Min, then the HRD Ministry can very well do with a hitching up of pants and perhaps a resounding reality check. I feel destitute children are more important than FII Regulations. Period.

Yes, Im naive… Being like the young Alejandro in the movie the ‘Mask of Zorro’ when he rushes at his Master in a fit of anger only to be disabled of his sword within seconds.

Im talking of a huge system… And a huge complex web when I say… ‘Lets do a mass campaign… Hands-on… And rescue these children… Or lets dig into the treasury of cash-rich Institutions and use it for the midday meal scheme of these children…Or Lets not admit any company to earn more than a certain monetary amount of profit without parting with a percentage toward Charity… (Read: Not as taxes)

:) Im guessing emotion… Is only the first step in this realm of social activism.

My point here is… All that progress seems awasted to me for if our basics are not right… Its almost like saying ‘So what if you’re hungry, you’re living in a golden palace..!’

And that’s where Im headed. :) That is almost like a death sentence. Death of feeling, and sensitivity. :)
Perhaps I can make a difference with this awakening. :) Maybe that’s what this course will teach me… First, help me gain an understanding of the problem. The ‘root cause’… And then…What to do, and how to do..

Now I can understand why a Mr. Nachiket of ICICI or Mohd. Yunus… This is the sort of thing that can make you not sleep at night, if you don’t appreciate and resolve to do something about it. :)

I think I also understand the phrase ‘Children of a lesser God’… Only too well.

There’s this other interesting thought… I have noticed that many of the people who take up these causes are people who ‘have’… and realise the implications of ‘not having’ …. Its called ‘having the heart’ …So perhaps instead of treating as a cruel joke that we have much, while others do not… I shall take it as an opportunity, to live… knowing of the other side… And to be aware at all times, that the power is in my hands to do something for them… The children,.. not only children, but men and women of a lesser God… :)