Lesson learnt

Getting up when half of the day is already over > getting ready leisurely > having lunch > spending a bit of time in the library > working out at gym > TT > dinner > sleeping very very late after chit chat with roomies. This has been my schedule for the past one month.

A dramatic incident calls for its mention which I would rather prefer forgetting. I felt it was fate taking its course. It's not always that you walk out with you original documents for three days in a row for xerox, get the work done on the third day, carry them to the office and suddenly realise that you have lost the originals  !!

There was a power cut in the Xerox shop on the first day and it was closed on the second day. I know it may sound stupid that I carried them 3 days instead of getting the work done elsewhere. But I had only this shop on my way to office and was lazy enough to walk to other shops which would mean an additional 15 minute walk. Moreover, if I had not missed them everything would seem fine

So, I wanted these documents to apply for a credit card. I had carried them in a folder which had an open ended slot for putting in the documents. While getting the copies done, I got a phone call which lasted until I reached office. It was only in the lift that I realized that I had missed the originals of Passport, Driving license and Pan card.

After the initial shock, I was assured that I had left them back at the Xerox shop itself. For a moment, I even considered having lunch and then collecting them. But then there was much drama awaiting. Back at the shop, the lady didn't respond on seeing me - my first instance of doubt accompanied with fear. I enquired after she dealt with a few customer if she had seen my docs. She flatly refused and said she hadn't seen anything.I then re-traced my path carefully back to the office.

I was tensed by now. I checked with guards and the Admin department which dealt with the 'Lost and Found' objects. Then I took help from  the agents at the main gate to help me in explaining the lady at the Xerox shop in Tamil.

I spent the next two hours searching frantically on the path leading to office and enquiring the shop keepers. There was a Satyam office standing opposite to the venue of all this drama. I talked to the guards and gave them my contact number; perhaps somebody may find my docs and deposit with them. Towards the evening, I had to digest the hard fact that I had infact lost my original documents.

With the suggestion of my friends, I even went to the police station to inform them about the loss of my docs before somebody could misuse them. But I was asked to go the crime report branch the next day. That night passed by with lots of tension and animated descriptions of how the day passed so eventfully

The next morning I had a surprise call for me from Vikky. I realized that somebody had found my docs and had telegramed to the address mentioned in the passport - a sigh of relief !! I hurriedly made a call to the number mentioned and set off to meet the good Samaritan.

I reached Perungudi. For the next half an hour I tried calling but my call was not being attended. I entered this office called Sanmar and further waited for around 20 minutes. I was finally called for. Mr. Srinivasan was an elderly person aged 55-60 and was a manager at Sanmar. It started with how did you come to know, why did you miss them and went on for the next 30 minutes on how I should be careful with things.

Then he called for the driver who had actually spotted my documents. Mr Srinivasan focussed on the importance of the man's good nature and his effort to send a telegram. He then spoke of religion and wanted to make a point that the way I have a God, everyone does and so does this man (the driver). He (the driver)  was due to visit Sabrimala and since he was very poor Mr Srinivasan offered me to bear half his expenses. I couldn't react for a moment -  I was a naive, two salary old employee.

Mr Srinivasan then tried to make me realise that I should be grateful to the person and also stressed on how blessed I would be. I kept on listening to what I was being told and nodded to his elderliness. The next day I went back with the amount (having a 1% thought if I could bargain to half the amount citing cash crunch). Mr Srinivasan made me sit, offered coffee and talked politely explaining how destiny has its way. He then cited an eg. of how a man who inspite of chaining his luggage while travelling lost a bag worth 50000. He further said that this incident occured in my life so that I could help a man on his visit to a religious place and it was his God that made him act that way.

Veterans have a way getting their points accross. I presented Mr Srinivasan a Parker pen and he was quite happy for his little gift. I felt content for being able to help somebody (though parting with 1500 was not that comfortable) I could see it as lesson to be conscious of my items in future.

Well then, I am leaving for Vizag to join Mom, Dad and Vikky for Christmas. See You !!

Chennai - Base Branch

It's been around two weeks since I came to Chennai. Had travelled from Vizag along with Mom and Bro - They were to spend their winter vacation with Dad at Kalpakkam and I had to join at my base branch. On the day of reporting, we(dad and me) started early and drove down to Shollinganallur. The roads at OMR were quite dusty. I was allocated to RTSC (block for Retail domain) at Karapakkam.I wouldn't have minded working at Shollinganallur too; the campus was quite beautiful.

I took temporary shelter at Vijay Pratap's room. It was very kind of him to accommodate me apart from two other of his friends - Pavan and Ashok. The hunt for a room continued for three days and we looked for rooms in Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur and Thoraipakkam. I personally loved a duplex at thoraipakkam and had almost confirmed it but we couldn't finalise it. Karapakkam was where we finally got our place of stay. We rented out 4 one BHK (read 1 bedroom hall kitchen) flats at a rent of 4000 per month/flat. With four of us staying per flat it was quite affordable and the bargaining skills of Mukesh had brought down the broker's commission from 16000 to 3000. The poor chap wanted a months rent as advance :)

60k is the advance we paid altogether. The room is a 10 min walk to office and with 14 of us staying together, I hope the days ahead should be fun.

The office at RTSC is an 8 storeyed building with well maintained corridors and cubicles. There is a gym which we plan to make the most use of. Our daily routine at office presently is to sign in the register and stay confined to the library and canteen as we are on BENCH. Some of us have already made reservations to pay a visit back home.

I am going home tomorrow to Kalpakkam where I would be joining Dad and Mom for their trip to Ooty and Mysore.

Adieu !!

Two months of ILP in Bhubaneswar rolled past as though it were just two days. I feel as if it were only yesterday that I walked into this room with Praveen along with our luggage !!

These were one of the best days of my life. Friends, studies, responsibilities, enjoyment ; there was a proper blend of everything. In two months I made so many friends !!

I am gonna miss this place. The memories will last long and strong.  I got my appointment orders today. We had our release process and all the other formalities were done. We also had our valediction function. Mementos were gives to best performers in exams and to CSR volunteers. I had to spend a lot of time on stage which was in fact a bit uncomfortable :)

I had a sense of satisfaction when our work at CSR was acknowledged. A power point presentation ran through summarizing all the activities. Back in class after the function we took many snaps and a class video which had each one's introduction. The moments slowly ticked away and finally it was time to depart. This was difficult to digest especially when you had grown so close with friends.

So, gotta leave Bhubaneswar in another couple of hours. Had a very memorable time here.

Good bye Bhubabeswar !!

ILP - Bhubaneswar

Recieved my first pay check today - xx,xxx credited to my ICICI account !! Very excited !! Hope it were credited twice a month...;)

ILP has been great so far. Done with the mid term. Am Elected Principal Co ordinator for CSR (Corporate Social Responcibility) - a challenging and responsible job.

In CSR, we as a team carry out various social projects like visiting the orphanage, organizing a blood donation camp, visiting the home for destitute women etc. CSR has made my schedule very hectic, but then I have taken it out of choice and am doing my best to do justice to it. The satisfaction at the end of each project is immense. Most of the breaks, I am busy chalking out plans (weekends being the execution time).  We also have fund raising events such as DJ night, screening of movies.

I have managed a couple of outings too in the week ends, when I was not out for a CSR activity. There were two batches from Vizag when it came to outings. One was the Uday's Protection force (UPF) - I still wonder how could someone come up with this creative name :) and the other was the batch comprising Manju, Deepak, Anukhya, Muni, Dhan to name a few. Visited the historic Konark temple and the Jagannath temple with the UPF batch and went for the famous Chilka lake with the other batch.

Made many good friends here. Wonder if it was the maturity (helps you not to be choosy) which we have now or the ice breakers held at the campus, a short span was good enough for a good number of friends. I cannot fail but mention my neighbours Amey and Faizan with whom I have had such good time having fun.

With a couple of weeks to wrap up our training of two months, I wish I fare well in my end term exam and the project !!

When the classes seemed far from interesting...

   U wake up when the sun has already strolled past a quater of itz journey!! Recalling which hour might probably b the first, and whether it deserved ur presence, u reluctantly get dressed up and set out for college.....

   If it were the lecturers' luck, u step in wid at least 15 minutes to spare. U check in for the seat with the bunch of ur friends around.

   U take ur notes out and turn to ur neighbour asking "em chepthunadu ra mama"!!!! After scribbling a few points, u feel saturated and ur mind starts exploring the heights of ur imagination.

   U r suddenly asked a question for which u r not mentally prepared. The generosity of ur friends makes them prompt the answer which u blurt out.

   U repeatedly check ur watch and the minutes hand moves as though it had all the time in the world. U try out messaging if there's someone to chat and utilize the precious time.

   On finding none, ur mind goes numb and u start napping. U realize u r being watched, feel abashed, pinch urself and try and stay awake by talking to ur pal or playing BINGO.

   Time finds pace and u decide its time for the lecture to wind up. U raise slogans of "Saaaaaaar" to which the lecturer refuses to oblige initially. But then ur pressure over weighs his grit and he finally gives up taking the attendance (which is the only span with positive response and attentiveness from the class...) !!!!

(Excerpt from Reminiscences - Our Slam book in final year of Engg)

A.I.T.A - Tennis Tournament

Duty beckoned our efforts for the first time in our second year when Kamaluddin Sir announced the GITAM A.I.T.A which was to be held on 11, 12 & 13th July 2004.

It was an event of special importance as GITAM was hosting an All-India Tennis tourney (under 14). In spite of being the second years, we enjoyed the confidence of the faculty.

We were given the responsibility of dealing with the financial transactions and were assigned various jobs after being into various committees.

A committee was placed at the Railway Station which had the responsibility of welcoming the players with placards in hands and directing them to the bus.

The committee concerned with hospitality looked after the lodging and well being of the participants. Accommodation was provided in the hostel itself, with the hostlers adjusting four in a room.

The tournament went on well and closed in a happy note, with we giving it our best.

(Excerpt from Reminiscences - Our Slam book in final year of Engg) 

I.C.A.S.D.A - International Conference

     It was only a month after the tour that our department had organized an international Conference – ICASDA on 7, 8 and 9th of December, 2005. There was sense of unity in us and zeal to perform. Being the third years, we were supposed to frame the backbone of the organizing committee.

     We were divided into groups and made responsible to a lecturer, each group being assigned a task. Eminent international personalities participated in the event, of whom we were specially impressed by Mr. J.N. Reddy and Mr. C.M. Wang. They possessed immense knowledge, yet were humble at heart. We felt privileged extending our hospitality to them.

     Some of the seminars were thought provoking as we found them practical. We made it sure that the participants felt at home and even accompanied them on their visits to various tourist places in the city. The event was a success and the department and especially we received accolades from the college and the participants.

(Excerpt from Reminiscences - Our Slam book in final year of Engg) 

Dare Devils

There were quite a few testing times in our brief sojourn in the campus - Situations where we felt subdued and wronged. We always had two paths to choose from. One was to bend our heads and let destiny take its course; perhaps the easier one. The other was to stand undaunted and condemn the atrocity unanimously; which we did.

Two such prominent instances which deserve being recorded are the T-shirts issue and the Boycott of the Mid term exam.

• With whose permission?? No character!! Call your parents….

These chidings were showered on one of us for the crime of wearing a T-shirt when no rule of GITAM forbade us from doing so. The person concerned was not permitted to write mid exam even. This incident made us reflect upon and we decided that we were not going to keep mum.

For the very next mid, all of us (boys) turned up in T-shirts with an intension to proclaim that we were not to stay quiet when our rights were curbed. The unity with which we raised our voice against this injustice made the department think over the lecturers’ stand and he eventually had to take a back step.

• Machine design was the second mid exam of our 3rd year first semester. We, as a class had decided to boycott this exam for a common cause of the entire engineering students.

It was a non-cooperative movement against the management, for the weird notice which was sent stating

that we had to pay Rs 50 for each day that we were absent.

Not bothering about the internal marks we stood ready to sacrifice the remaining mid exams unless the notice

was annulled. There were 60 of us standing for the cause of 1600. Once again our unity forced the management to yield and all the fines were cancelled.

Cheers to our unity!!!

(Excerpt from Reminiscences - Our Slam book in final year of Engg) 

Punyagiri - Our first outing in Engg

After a bit of friction and opposition from our BELOVED sir we set out our first picnic - to Punyagiri. We were to go out together for the first time with our classmates; buddies with whom we would cherish memories of a life time.

We assembled at RTC complex in the wee hours of the day. We had a bus booked along with three sumos. All the girls were into the bus along with a few ambitious boys who had clinched the opportunity to interact with them for the first time. The rest of the troop followed in sumos. Lot of energy was exuded in the journey with songs being played and we booing each other at the stroke of every overtake.

As we drove along, the country side seemed wrapped in a sense of ineffable peace. On reaching our destination, we chose a place to sit around and play. We had all the fun that we could. After having our lunch, we set out on our adventurous expedition, holding each others hands and taking calculated paces, careful not to miss our steps. We went past tall shrubs and sloping valleys in small groups making weird noises and communicating. Having spent a few anxious moments, we finally reached the water falls. Each one of us got under the chilled water enjoying its freshness and splashing at each other.

All in all, a perfect ten for the first outing with class in our Engg. Life. This was the stepping stone for various such outings thus far.

(Excerpt from Reminiscences - Our Slam book in final year of Engg) 

World Cup blues

SHATTERED HOPES: India's loss in World Cup has disappointed many fans.

GITAM: In the wake of the recent cricket matches of the ICC World Cup, India had realised its worst ever dreams come true - a thrashing from the so-called grade-B team, Bangladesh, and losing an all important do-or-die qualifier with the Lankans.

The hopes of a million people were shattered and in a matter of a few hours fans turned into fanatics. Violent protests were carried out at various parts of the country by people who surely had a special taste for the game. Effigies were burnt and houses were vandalised. Dhoni, who had been an icon and so influential even in revolutionising the hairstyles of many youngsters bore the brunt. An appeal was made by the people to seize back the land gifted to him.

The recent revelation of the fact that Bob Woolmer was in fact murdered seems to be only the tip of the iceberg. But, is this irate response from the people justified and what should have roused their emotions to this extent? The reasons can be attributed to the cult - status which cricket has acquired. There is so much hype for the game and we have been so very obsessed with it that a loss in a crunch match cannot be assimilated, which instigates the people to treat their demi-gods as demons.

Yet, at the end of the day, it would be wrong to find the entire fault with the players. The people have the right to question and demand an explanation for the poor performance. But more importantly, they need to sit back and analyse as to what makes our team so very laid back when compared to other world-class teams - the invincible Aussies, for instance. It isn't that we lack the ability. There is bounteous raw force waiting to be groomed.

In a land where playing cricket as a kid is indispensable, why have we not been able to produce enough legends? It is the difference in what could be called as the "Cricketing culture" (I fear if I could use that term). An abstract noun for which the Indian cricket's Thesaurus fails to have got the right sense.

Australian great, Michael Bevan - one of the best ever finishers of the game was dropped and I wonder why he could never make it back to the team and eventually had to retire.

A newcomer doesn't require much time to prove his worth and to proclaim the world of his arrival since they are seasoned players who have come through the rigours of the selection.

On the other hand, India is stung by corruption. There is venality in every aspect of the game. Politics and recommendations have a heavy hand on the proceedings. The result being, the country doesn't get the best 11 and the team fails to perform. Ultimately, it is the people who are fooled to have laid their hopes on presumably their best team and to vent their anger, on losing, while the actual reason waits to be pondered. This has been the situation and would forever be, unless there's a miracle. Perhaps if a Lenin or a Martin Luther is born in Indian soil could fight for crickets' cause - a renaissance for the men in blue to overcome their world cup blues.

*****Please find below the link to the e-version of this article published in THE HINDU*****

http://www.hindu.com/edu/2007/04/09/stories/2007040907330600.htm