India and its colors

Hii folks,

With its rich cultural heritage and diversity in terms of people, language, flora and fauna; India ought to have been one of the biggest superpowers by now. But toxins like corruption, greed and an unending desire to quench the thirst for power have rendered it and its people handicapped, not physically but with the "Chalta Hai" attitude. But all is not bad with my country. The fact that it is the largest democracy in the world amply proves that we still have the time and the wherewithal to burnish our country and make it the next political and economic superpower in the world. It is with this optimism that I present to you - INDIA, and its various shades through my eyes.

Past Present and the Future

Hell: One of the most heart-wrenching moments I have ever faced in my life

Is the Himalayan fresh water actually pure? We found it to be otherwise

Serene Ganges: I now know what 'Serenity' is

Majestic Himalayas: Go on a trip to the Himalayas and get your ego busted for free!! You will feel so small in front of the mountains that it will do you more good than otherwise

Illuminated Helix: Louis Kahn couldn't have been more symmetrical!!

Diwali 2010 @ Dorm 13 - IIM AHMEDABAD: Though we were the joint runner-ups, but as usual there was no dearth of creativity and innovation in our presentation. Some couldn't understand, but that's ok!!

Misty Paapi Kondalu: We were cruising on the Godavari and it was very difficult holding the camera still for that perfect shot especially with the misty and chilly weather conditions around

Bhadrachalam Temple Complex: Specially decorated for the festival popularly known as "Vaikuntha Ekadashi"; a day when the gate to Lord Vishnu's inner sanctum is opened

Golden Jubilee @ IIM AHMEDABAD: Doesn't IIMA deserve those stars?

Four kinds of people

Hii folks,

He questioned me," Aap mera interview le rahe hain tab se. Ab mein aapse yeh sawaal karta hoon. Kitne type ke log hote hain duniya mein?". I wasn't expecting this bouncer from a roadside vendor. I said," Shayad teen type ke hain. Pehle jo paise ke peeche bhagte hain. Doosra jinke liye paise important nahi hai. Teesra....hmmmm...Pata nahi". At that moment he was no more a roadside vendor for me. He was speaking like someone who indeed has a keen business acumen and someone who has learnt a lot just by observations and listening to various people. He replied back," Bhai, yahaan char type ke log hote hain. Pehle jo paise ke peeche bhagte hain, doosre jo paise ko bhaav nahi dete, jinke liye shaurat zaroori hai, teesre woh hain jinke liye ethics hi maine rakhti hai aur chaute woh log hain jo paisa aur shaurat dono chahte hain." I was stunned with his response. Needless to say, he was already someone whom I will be admiring for years to come.

For those who couldn't guess the person I am talking about, he is RAMBHAI. Rambhai is not just a name, it is a brand whose equity can't be valuated. Rambhai is synonymous with IIMA; might be exaggerating a little but I can't think of any better adjectives to describe this man. He is "Khuddari" personified, one who has immense self-belief in his abilities. He mightn't be a big entrepreneur like Dhirubhai, but whatever he has achieved is purely on his merit and nothing else. Unlike other entrepreneurs who wouldn't mind resorting to slightly devious means to get things done, Rambhai is a "shield" who has endured the bullets of corruption and ridicule for many many years.

He could have been the next Abdul Kalam, had it not been for the costly fees that he couldn't afford to pursue engineering. He would have been working now as a senior technical officer in the Physical Research Laboratory, had it not been for the "Recommendation Letter" which one of his peers was carrying while waiting at the interview lounge. Did destiny had other plans for him? No, I am sorry but he made his own choices and changed his destiny. That is what I would like to believe. I should recall one particular incident that Rambhai described about how he fought with people who undermined his capabilities and ridiculed him. His plans were to setup a small "kitli" within the campus. This would have helped him expand his customer base. But for that to happen, he was asked to give a "Bottle" of booze as a "token" or bribe by one of the assistants who he reckons is still working in the campus. But Rambhai knew that the goodwill he had earned would sail him through and now look how IIMA has acknowledged his services. Provision for a small window on a huge 10 feet high wall exclusively for Rambhai so that he can do business with the residents of the campus - What more could he have asked for?

Rambhai is confidence personified. His strong will and determination is something whose vibes you can easily feel when you hear him talking about IIMA, his erstwhile competitors and his family. You will rarely come across a person who would smile fully knowing that tough times are back for him to reckon with. Recession and inflation have been the two bombs that his shield couldn't protect him from. Dents on the shield are starkly visible when he says that he is now ready to compromise on his values and accept any sort of financial help offered by the Alumni and the students of IIMA with noble intentions. You feel sorry for him when such words come from a man who has endured all the cruelty and corruption present in the society for about close to 30 years now. He used to sell cigarettes and other such stuff on credit, but people have clearly contributed in inflating the Accounts receivable section on his balance sheet. He is pinning his hopes now on the huge footfall that the Campus is going to attract for its Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Before I wound up the session with him, he mentioned that there is nothing left to achieve now in his life. He just wants to finish up completing three tasks before he retires from life:

• Marry off his daughter to a "Good" guy. He satirically stressed on the word "Good" and that very moment I felt sorry for guys like us!!
• Buy property so that those of his family who are dependent on him have a home to live in, especially after the way in which he recently had to sell off his property to sustain his family expenditures
• Ensure that his grandson who is now in the Sainik School join the Indian Army

I was clearly in awe of this man who had such a crystal clear clarity of thought; one who had set definite goals for himself and is clearly working hard to achieve those. His response to an erstwhile vendor who once competed with him was - "Yaa to mein tik jaunga ya khud hi dhandha chod doonga" best epitomizes his "Never say Never" spirit which I believe each one of us inherently has, but is something we need to be constantly reminded of.

Regards,

taureansandy

My encounter with The Mountain God

Hii folks,

Well after a long while, its good to be back to what I like doing when I am free - Blogging. At this juncture I would like to mention about one of my classmates here in WIMWI who is one of the very few following my posts here. I have felt good whenever he has appreciated my posts; well who doesn't like an encouraging pat on the back!! A few days back he had asked me to write about my experiences about Shodhyatra - the tour to Uttarakhand we undertook a few days back this month. Well here I am with my thoughts and ramblings.

To begin with, I have always been an avid traveler and so was very excited about this trip, especially so because I was about to trek in the Himalayas. As someone who has always loved nature for its diversity, this was one opportunity which I was never going to miss. For once, it was a great relief to be away from the hullabaloo of the city and spend some time amidst the huge majestic mountains. As dramatic as it may sound but the roads, rivers and the mountains there always seem to have a message for you. Each moment you spend there is uncertain. In one of the review sessions we had with our professor there, one of my colleagues said that dangers can be avoided by embracing certainty. I disagree for there is no such thing as certainty. For me dangerous events can only be made less uncertain. The Himalayas is an epitome of modesty and humbleness but that doesn't make it less powerful. It does remind us constantly that we need to respect its strength and power. Why do you think landslides and earthquakes are a common phenomenon there? And why do you think even the scientists can't predict when and where exactly the landslides/earthquakes would occur?

I was looking forward to have a glimpse of some of the rare and endangered species like the Musk Deer and Snow Leopard. But given our itinerary, that didn't happen. On our way to Ghangria and then further to the Valley of Flowers, we were told to watch out for the majestic Tiger. Though the Tigers here are not man eaters, but nevertheless there was a mix of both fear and excitement which made me extra careful while trekking. Though we couldn't spot them amidst the thick woods, I am sure at least a tiger or two was keeping track of our proceedings (might sound very lame!!). Well my camera was finally very happy, especially after the ghastly trip to the manhole worker settlements a few days before Shodhyatra. The scenic beauty there is absolutely a photographer's delight and for the photographer me, the trip couldn't have been more satisfying.

Uttarakhand is one of the few states where access to basic primary education is available to the masses with the literacy rate being well above the national average. And with about two-thirds of the landscape there under the forest cover, you needn't think twice before going there for a well deserved holiday. The people there are extremely proud of their heritage and rightfully should be. 'Poverty' simply doesn't have an existence though people do struggle to sustain their livelihood. But people out there, especially the womenfolk seem to endure physical pain effortlessly. Science reasons that these people have a greater RBC count than us, but the fact is only the fittest can survive and so these people struggled to survive and in the process physically adapted themselves to the surroundings.

But amidst all this excitement and happiness, there were quite a few things which bothered me. I was lying by the rivulet in the Valley of Flowers surrounded by the mystical mountains covered with clouds and then.....

My conversation with The Mountain God (TMG)

TMG: So what brings you to this place, human?

Me: Who are you?

TMG: I am the mountain god, the caretaker of the Himalayas and all that is part of it.

Me: Do you exist?

TMG: Well, you humans certainly have this habit of overlooking the obvious. No wonder, I am constantly being reprimanded by Mother Nature for not being strict enough.

Me: Strict enough with whom?

TMG: You big time dumbo, who else would I be strict with? Strict with mankind, who is hell bent on inflicting damages on us.

Me: Oh, now I got you. But we are doing our best to be good with you guys. Aren't you seeing how we have set up national parks and biosphere reserves?

TMG: Whats the use of addressing the symptoms when you are not addressing the core problem?

Me: And may I know what is the core problem?

TMG: The core problem is the way educated fellas like you are spending money on buying fur overcoats and leather jackets and belts when you can very well spend the same money on buying a few plants or raising a small garden!! You guys just don't respect Mother Nature

Me: But we work very hard to earn money. Don't we have the right to enjoy and splurge some on ourselves?

TMG: Look human, you are not a small kid anymore. You very well realise the fallacy of your argument and so stop making a fool out of yourself. You have come to enjoy the beauty and so do that.

Me: Sorry, but why are you talking to me? Why am I able to see you?

TMG: Well, don't think you are special just because I am talking with you. I was only looking out for a human and its just a coincidence that I found you sitting here besides the rivulet.

Me: Hmmm, is there something special you want to convey to me?

TMG: Yeah, there is a message which I want you to convey to your friends and everyone else you know.

Me: Yeah sure, so what is the message?

TMG: Well, the message is "Mother Nature - Best before 2050".

Me: Which means...?

TMG: This means that at the current rate at which you humans are adding Carbon to the atmosphere, you will kill Mother Nature in the year 2050.

Me: Oh my god!! What should we do then to prevent this?

TMG: Don't you know what you guys should do to prevent this?

Me: I am sorry. Yeah we do know, but as you said we humans have this bad habit of overlooking the obvious.

TMG: Thank Mother Nature, you realise this. Ok, then I have got to go and soothe my crying (melting) sister 'Gangotri'.

Me: ???? (Confused)

TMG: You indeed are a big dumbo!! Bye and do convey my message.

Me(Thinking to himself): No, we humans are indeed a big dumbo species!!

Just now, I received the latest issue of Forbes India magazine whose title reads "Greed is Back". When was Greed gone anyways??

Regards,

Taureansandy

Nikon Speaks out..

DISCLAIMER: This post is a crude and an actual description of the Valmiki community's lifestyle. Nikon doesn't intend to hurt any reader sentiments and emotions.

Hii readers,

People call me Nikon D3000. I was lying inside a sealed box for about 20 days in a well known electronics retail store in Ahmedabad and was sleeping happily. One fine evening, I was dreaming about being in the hands of Atul Kasbekar in his brightly lit studio with .... and the grumpy salesman rudely woke me up from my glitzy and flashy dream . And the first thing I saw after I woke up were two guys who were staring at me as if ...Whatever!!..They were comparing me with my fierce competitor and checking which one of us was better in terms of the grip and weight. I was seething with anger. How dare these guys compare me with "***on"?? Don't they know that I am the best!!

Thankfully my owner ultimately chose me, for he had already made up his mind. In short, it was a planned purchase. My first day on the field went about helping him click some fantastic and some not so good clicks of the T-nite proceedings in his campus. It was quite a boring proposition compared to the dream I was having before I was woken up. Anyways, I never imagined that my owner would introduce me to an altogether different world on the day this country called India got its independence. From now on the use of the word "we" shall refer to both me and my Lord together!!

We reached a filthy and pungent settlement located on the outskirts of this city, apparently to study the lifestyle of manhole workers belonging to a community called "Valmiki". I could observe that my lord was visibly upset and wanted to desperately cover his nose and ensure his olfactory senses don't malfunction in the future. The scene there was acrid and nauseating to say the least. Thankfully I only have eyes to see, so I was least bothered about the smell. My lord had a firm grip on me, even as he was carefully watching his steps to avoid dung and the dirty drain water while carefully crossing the muddy and slippery paths totally disoriented by the rains that had lashed this city previously.

Even while we were crossing another huge "dungy" obstacle, I overheard a woman mumbling something in their local language. Apparently she had mistook my lord to be a media reporter and was begging him to do something to uplift their present situation. My lord had already understood what she was saying, but could only nod his head to ensure she at least deserves some attention. Pangs of guilt and the realisation that he could do nothing tangible and effective for their welfare at that point of time, were the thoughts playing out loud in my lord's mind. But I was totally disoriented. The journey, in my dreams from the glitzy and flashy world of hot and pretty models posing for the fashion photographer to this isolated hell, totally cut off from the outside world was something that made me realise that I would be more useful clicking the anguish and the pain in their eyes and thus help my lord spread the awareness that India is still not independent. Ironically, no one within the settlement was aware that their country was celebrating its independence that day.

After a brief discussion with the community elders and knowing about the squalid conditions in which they were living since 40+ years, we bid goodbye to them. I was wondering why people out there were particularly enthusiastic about getting their pictures clicked. Malnourished children were following us and my lord was kind enough to oblige them by taking their pics. He was led into a lane that was extraordinarily squalid and where he took around 5 minutes to traverse about 50 feet inside that lane. Finally he reached a spot where he tried hard not to vomit. I was shocked to see a family of 6 people living out there, besides a hut which belonged to a manhole worker. "Saheb, hamari photo bhi keencho naa saheb", and that is where I clicked this photograph displayed above of a girl child who surprisingly wasn't scared of me. I am a simple DSLR camera and I only know how to click good photographs, but there at that moment I was disliking the very idea of capturing those gory inhumane living conditions. My lord was kind enough not to put me further through that horrible experience. I could see my lord walking very fast while returning back and that was understood. But on the way back, even the baby calf out there and the big huge fat goats seem to block our way, as if shouting at us and saying "Kai log aap jaise aaye aur chale bhi gaye, par hamaari kisko padi hai!!"

India's GDP is now worth more than $1trillion and is accelerating rapidly in terms of industrial and economic development. But, is internal development happening? I was manufactured in Tokyo, where I have never seen or experienced things like the caste system, exploitation and no access to primary education. So, when I describe this visit and the overall experience as heart wrenching don't say that this is nothing new in this country for because I am simply not used to all this goriness!! The huts in this settlement don't have toilets, no water supply and no power supply. People didn't dare sleep during the floods for the fear of getting washed out. Doesn't all this make this settlement a living hell??

On our journey back, I was sitting comfortably in the darkness of the camera case that protects me. I knew my lord had become totally silent after that experience; evidently he was deeply anguished. But I never expected him to scare off the auto driver when he suddenly shouted out "How can those people live in such disgusting conditions!!" even while his friend was calming him down. I then thought that even a lifeless thing like me enjoys the protection of a camera case, whereas people out there in that settlement are living a hopeless life without any protection of sorts. What an Irony!!

Regards,
taureansandy's Nikon D3000

The year that was.....

Hii folks,

With only a few days to go before the first year ends at IIMA, I don't know how it is going to end for me. This period has been full of many downs and very few ups for me. A rare experience for a guy who has been used to achievements all his academic life. But this year has been a great learning experience for me. Though grades have been low, but learning has been good.
This was also the year where I revisited the actor in me when I did about 4 skits, and learnt how difficult it is to merely reproduce your lines in front of the CAMERA, leave alone showing your expressions.
I never imagined, that a transition to this great institute would affect my existing relationships, the bad way. When you become busy, then no matter what, misunderstandings are bound to crop up. This is what hurts you the most especially when you know that you always wanted to be yourself with others, but then comes the HALO effect into picture. You are now considered to be a great man because you are a student at IIMA and people start seeing a HALO around you instead of looking at you as who you were and who you are; a good friend and well wisher which I always aspire to be. And in the process, people fail to understand the physical and emotional stress that a student here can face. And that is what precisely has happened with me.
But as they say, every coin has two sides to it. There were also moments of pure fun, madness and joy at the campus. It all began with the T-nite when I bonded with the entire class and made new friends. Then came Diwali, when my dorm won the best decorated dorm contest. Enjoyed some wonderful moments with my tuchchas, hitting fours on their difficult balls and in the process hitting it off with them. The camaraderie for once certainly acted as a stress buster, amidst innumerable surprise quizzes and assignments. Then came Sonu Nigam who unarguably had one of his best concerts @ IIMA. I can still vividly remember the entire night full of ecstasy and sheer joy, especially when you see a less than a year old infant baby dance to his songs.
Stress was something which I experienced in full force at two distinct occasions. One during the various term examinations and then during my summers. But my mental strength sure could have become robust. There were internal debates within the campus about the workload we were facing, that it never decreased as was promised by the authorities.
Nevertheless, amidst the stress, there were those little moments of laughter when we cracked jokes on each other. Doing group assignments can be very boring, but it wasn't for me when you have a guy in your group who doesn't know how to be angry. This guy has an awesome sense of humour and its pure fun and a privilege to be with him.
And then there is your family, which is a constant pillar of support no matter where you are. Even as my group is still working on WAC, one of the most famously infamous courses here, am I writing this blog, fully knowing that my mind is past its processing period with the time now being 03.10 am!!

PS: The blogger is going to face the toughest ever fortnight in his life beginning today!!

regards,
taureansandy

Is a TERRORIST = HUMAN??

hii folks,

I was in my room studying when my neighbour switched on the Television and raised the volume pitch high. I was annoyed, waited for him to realise that Fachchas are mugging up for the exams but in vain. I rushed outside with an intention to request him to lower the volume, but to my utter shock I saw the word "Bomb" on the screen and immediately realised that yet another terror strike has happened in a city where I spent the most important years of my childhood. Anyways, the dreaded feeling sunk in immediately, not because I was safe but because we are now habituated to hearing such "Breaking news"!!

Three days later, after the exams were over I went to the Himalaya Mall, a popular hangout place for "WIMWIANS" with my friends. I saw the watchman recklessly signalling me to enter through the Metal Detector. As expected it signalled me to stop as I was carrying some metal with me. But, the watchman was busy chatting with his pal and didn't bother to check me out. Now this is the state of affairs at a mall which is a highly vulnerable spot for a terror strike. It is our attitude that allows the perpetrators to strike at will. I was laughing at myself because I was about to watch MNIK which talks at great length about terrorism, and here I was in a mall where there's no security, waiting to be blown to smithereens.

Inside the hall, I vowed not to allow Karan Johar activate my Lachrymal glands. But soon couldn't help but shed a drop of tear. That's KJo for you. MNIK might appear to be a movie that glorifies the protagonist, but I see it as a creative expression of how Terrorism influences relationships and religion, captured in a subtle yet powerful manner on screen. As the movie came to an end, I saw a section of an audience clapping and wondered whether we Indians have forgotten how to appreciate, more so because none of us were. I agree some might have not liked the movie, but at least efforts made to highlight the theme can definitely be appreciated.

As I came out of the hall, my mind was clustered with various thoughts. Will we able to walk safely on the streets for a mile or two, five years from now? Would there be a place for "Trust" in the dictionary? Will India be as peaceful as Norway is? Will my city be filled with "Bad People" with a "no right to exist" for "Good People"? As simple as it may sound, but it takes a movie like MNIK to remind us that only two kinds of people exist in this world; "GOOD people" and "GOOD people who become BAD".

"We are born GOOD, we create circumstances that make us BAD"

regards,

taureansandy

Wildlife at IIMA...

hi folks,

It's been days since I have written something on Wildlife. Some events that have happened in my campus that I thought triggered my thoughts and here I am as usual putting those thoughts to words.

IIMA campus is a lush green campus and is in fact officially recognised as a Urban-forestry area in Ahmedabad. Home to about 25 species of birds including White Myna, Rock Pigeon, Common Indian Kite and most of all ' The White Rumped Vultures' which are on the verge of extinction, it spans about 55 acres. Evenings at the LKP lawns is usually a sight to watch especially with huge swathes of Swifts chirping and swiftly flying over the heritage structure. Their chirpings actually makes the place come out alive.

Oh!! I forgot to mention about the animal which is presently giving us a scare. The Langurs here measure about 7 to 10 feet from tail to head. And especially a huge adult Langur is enough to scare the hell out of you. All in all my campus is a Mini-forest with its own distinct ecosystem. You could see Kites chasing pigeons if you are observant and lucky!! Even the dogs chase you especially if you are savouring your Ice creams in front of them!! IIMA is specially looked after by The Gujarat state forestry department as its home to the highly endangered 'The White Rumped Vulture'. 'Prakriti', the nature club is also actively involved in spreading awareness about Bio-Conservation. Awareness and constant reminders are necessary even for intellectually briliiant minds like us because the hectic academic workload here gives us little time to explore the Campus. And I am pretty happy to be spending 20 months of my life here away from Pollution and honking Vehicles :)

regards,

taureansandy

"Jeetey Raho"

hi folks,

I am back. Enjoyed my stay at home a few days back and also realised how my family has played a BIG role in the success I have achieved so far, though stiil there's lot more to do. November 3 and 4 are the days which will remain etched forever in my memory. Because I experienced both agony and ecstasy. I am talking about the helluva experience of summer placements!!

And the story begins.....november 3, 2009: I was to report at 6.15 am to the IMDC auditorium and wait for my call to the various Company GD panels I was shortlisted in. But to my utter disappointment I was shortlisted in just two companies HUL and Coca Cola. Both were my preferred choices and I badly wanted the HUL job. But still the fact that others got 4-5 shortlists disappointed me. The next day i woke up at around 5.00 and by 6.00 I was ready looking great in the blazer suit. The suit gives you a lot of confidence and reminds you why you are among the elite ones from among 3 lakh competitors to pursue MBA from the best B-school in Asia. I was cool and reported on time. My first GD call was from HUL. I was in the first panel. But I was sent back and asked to come in the second panel as I was the tenth member and they wanted only nine in the first panel. And when my GD started, I don't know whether my points were not good or whether group dynamics did me in, I couldn't make it to the second round. That came as a rude shock!! While I was sulking, I was called for the Coke GD after 3 hours which seemed eternity to me. The GD was actually a group task. I thought I did good, but the recruiters thought otherwise. Coke gone too. But still I waited for another two hours hoping I would be in the extended shortlists, but to no avail. I gave up. I had almost forgotten how to face failure, and so I was expressionless, emotionless. I went to my room and slept off, deciding not to study anymore for the interviews. That night Dad spoke to me and I felt better. And then I decided that let the summers go to hell!! I was probably stressing too much for the jobs that give Pre-placement offers. I decided to let go and that night I got 6 shortlists.

november 4, 2009: I reported in the morning and started giving GD's one by one. 5 hours later, I finished giving the last GD. I had finished the last fourth GD as the other two were direct two round interviews. And to my utter despair, I couldn't manage to make even a single second round. Now my only chances were ICICI Prudential and AIRTEL. Half an hour later, I heard somebody announcing "Kothapalli Sandeep-ICICI Prudential". I composed myself, went to the toilet and readied myself. At the interview room, two girls were there. I realised both of them were my batchmates who were placed the day before. They both wished me good luck and I suddenly felt good. [ Probably because both were pretty and hot!! ]. Fifteen minutes later I came out with mixed feelings. I had done well, but couldn't answer a technical question. I was praying that I get this one because ICICI was a respected company and offered me PPO. Half an hour later, the placecommer announced "Kothapalli Sandeep-ICICI Prudential". I laughed and declared that I have already given the interview. He laughed back at me and said that this is the second round!! I was shocked and .......shocked. I said to myself " C'mon Sandy". The second round was over in ten minutes sharp. I felt I flunked it cos I couldn't believe that he could judge me in ten minutes though he spoke positively. One hour later I was standing and waiting for my AIRTEL call when the placecommer announced "Kothapalli Sandeep [ He pronounced my surname in a weird manner and I felt like flattening his nose out!! ]- Central Tracking" I punched my fists. Yes, I got the job and that too in the marketing role which was what I had desired. I am proud I am the only Marketing guy among my dormmates placed in the summers. All others are the finance and consulting guys.

That moment was pure ECSTASY. It was Deja Vu. The true Sandy was back to his wits.

And Suddenly I thought the Divine Power blessed me saying "JEETEY RAHO"-The tagline of ICICI Prudential.

regards,

taureansandy

The memoirs of an underdog....

Hi folks,

First of all I wish all the readers many many bright wishes of DIPAVALI. May this Dipavali bring lots of prosperity and wealth to all.

Today has been yet one of those days, when you want to cry but tears won't come out. During the course of the 121 days I have spent in WIMWI so far, lots of such days like today have come and gone by. Days when nothing goes right for you, however hard you may try. The journey from a Victor to an Underdog has been nothing short of a bumpy ride with an initial free fall. Once a Victor I was before stepping into this campus, and the transformation to an Underdog has been painful yet insightful. An experience you would never enjoy, however happy go lucky type you are.

This is my first Dipavali outside home and I don't know why I am missing home much more dearly than ever before. Probably because its very difficult to find a shoulder to cry on in WIMWI. Not that you won't get anybody who can comfort you, but your ego comes in the way when you want to shed tears. Unfortunately I have that. I have tried hard to shed tears, but somehow you are supposed to be strong and mature to handle such difficult situations. So am i trying hard to stay calm and composed.

That's why people often say that you have to be careful when you are at the peak of success. The feeling when you are up there is exhilarating, but the moment you lose control and gravity will control you. I have had a similar experience here. The first fall smashed my confidence. But that experience made me humbler than ever before. And from there on I fell many times, but I guess I have got used to this process. I am no longer in the limelight as I was before coming here. The intoxicating potion of limelight and success is very dangerous. But the one thing I don't like is that when you become an underdog, people don't take you or your views seriously as has happened with me. Making friends here in WIMWI is easy, especially when you are a super performer. Making friends is also easy for someone like me. But making genuine friends for someone like me becomes all that much more difficult because I am competing with time and that's what is now not with me to socialise with friends.

I guess I have never been so serious in my posts ever before. But I thought of sharing my views here with a hope that there are people like me inside WIMWI, with a hope that I am not alone. Otherwise the proposition that everyone is excelling here just seems frightening to me now!! I am trying to excel here, and the learning process is constantly happening. But the GRADES act as brakes in this academic journey. I don't know who invented these GRADES, but would certainly like to meet him/ her and say "A GRADE is neither the true measure of learning nor success".

But one thing is for sure. I can now understand how it feels to be an UNDERDOG. It's great because I have nothing to LOSE now and everything to GAIN!! :)

regards,

taureansandy

Placecomm NB se Juice NB tak.....

Hi folks,

Taureansandy is back with yet another JUICY post this time. Why JUICY? Read on.

When I first Installed Dbab in my laptop, I was wondering if this so called mini messenger was really required. I was in the wrong impression that the institute mail would be sufficient for communication. And after a month or so, I realised that Dbab is a world in itself. A world where the intellectuals [ muggus ] share their INSIGHTS and CONFLUENCE of ideas takes place. A world where the barrage of 'annadata' related queries result in total CHAOS. Hmmmm, this is also the world where when Cupid strikes [ which rarely happens, given the workload!! ] or when sweet MADNESS strikes [ which usually happens ], flow of 'Meri pyari blah blah blah' takes place. There was a time when I used to laugh at all this and wonder whether Dbab really serves the purpose or quoting somebody ' Dbab is nothing but a useless energy sapping software '. But with the hectic activity going on in the 'annadata' NB and with so many queries getting answered, I realise that Dbab is a Vintage Lambi Race ka Ghoda. 'Bahut Upyogi aur kifayati bhi!!'

And today something happened which I never ever in my dreams had imagined of. A long Juice as IIM ki Junta calls it posted to my classmate!!, that too from my Dbab account. I wonder whats going to happen now, but hope that the workload which we have saves me. And if you are wondering how does WORKLOAD fit into this puzzle. Hehehe :) ......, simple. More the workload, less will be the time available for the junta to even have a look at that long emotional creative but mischievious work of hindi prose. I wish my hindi was as strong as that is displayed in it. Otherwise ' mein musaafir, pyaar ki talaash mein ' wouldn't have landed up in WIMWI!! Hahaha, at least I hope the hindi I used above does justice to my ever continuing efforts to master it. :-)

regards,

taureansandy

Saralda ke class ki Saral kahaani!!

Hi folks,

The digital clock in our class was displaying 11:55 and there cometh the professor. The one who literally scared the hell out of me in the first class itself. The fear was consolidated when in one fine class he was standing besides me to see what calculations I was doing as per his instructions. His mere presence was enough to blank out my mind. He chided me and I felt like crap, though eventually I completed the task and spelt out the answers. Then my quiz went horrible. Things were looking pretty bad in this subject and then a single lecture by him one fine day changed my as well as everyone's perspective. The professor suddenly had unleashed his new avatar. Nobody dared slept in his classes because nobody wanted to miss the action. It was like watching an action packed thriller right inside the AC classroom. Nobody knew when he would crack a joke amidst a serious discussion going on. His ability to involve the whole class is simply incredible. And today's lecture was unarguably one of the most memorable lectures I would remember till eternity. I am sure readers here would unanimously agree to this. And if you are wondering who this wonderful amazing truly brilliant [ add all the adjectives you want and still those won't be enough ] scholar [ not a professor mind you!! ] is......

He's Saral Mukherjee who has this incredible ability to make his lectures very 'SARAL'. Hats off to you sir. Junta from now on would eagerly await your lecture for days to come. Yehi hai Saralda ke class ki Saral Kahaani !! :) And if you are thinking why I called him a scholar instead of a professor, then introspect and you will 'SEE THE LIGHT'.

regards,

taureansandy

Silence is golden, Sleep is Platinum!!

Hi folks,

Over the past few days, I have steadily gained a reputation of falling into deep slumber during lectures. People were wondering How I could manage to catch some z's in the marketing lecture which everybody is supposed to sit up and listen ATTENTIVELY!!. People were counting me alongside some well known Sleepcatchers in our class.

There was a time when I was the lone warrior warding myself from sleep whereas others used to happily doze off in my engg lectures at college. Now life has come a full circle with me getting involved in the so called enviable act in the class. Today I did something which I am proud off. I managed to listen all the lectures without falling into the TRAP!! HahaHa!! Yup, and I would like to thank TEA from the bottom of my heart for helping me ward off SLEEP. I decided to try out TEA during breakfast, and EUREKA!, it worked wonders. On the contrary guys who used to chide me for falling asleep fell into the trap themselves today. What a sight it was for now it was my turn to avenge the humiliation I suffered all these days. Just kidding folks :). But on a more serious note I realised what lack of sleep can do to your body, both physically and mentally!!

" The one who can manage to sleep 8 hours daily in IIMA will be the ONE".

regards,

taureansandy

The week that was......

Hi folks,

Kya kahoon. The last week was one of those rare weeks which would remain etched forever in my mind for years to come. Should I be sad or ecstatic about the events which happened with me last week?? My dormmate and batchmate at IIM-A, "GaaGu" as we fondly called him in our dorm suddenly expired last week. The turn of the events was so unexpected that everyone was in a state of shock. We, his dormmates knew he was ill and had been admitted to a hospital. But everyone was thinking that it was a normal illness and he would recover and come back soon. It was sunday and I was in the CyberLab when I received a DBab unicast from my friend saying that GaaGu has been put on a ventilator. I was shocked and we first decided to visit the hospital to check him out. Then the plan was cancelled as the visiting hours were over. We decided to visit him the next day. Little did we realise what was in store for all of us.

GaaGu was a shy and reserved guy. Typically the one who takes his time to open upto people. A 9 pointer at IIT Madras, Inter-IIT TT champion, winner of many prestigious quiz competitions and many more. He was born to excel in Acads. But yeh Zindagi bhi ajeeb hai na. Jisko mauka chahiye usko deti nahi hai!! He was special. So special that God wanted him dearly, and so he took him away. The after effects of his demise were starkly visible in the dorm. For about two days, the dorm was in such a silence mode that the ambience was frightening. Nobody talked. The silence was truly frightening. But we realised we had to move on. I for a moment realised that the hectic and the rigorous schedule we are subjected to here can make us forget the importance and the value of life. And GaaGu's demise was one such event which inadvertently made not only me but everyone else realise that its important to just feel alive, Just breathe in a whiff of fresh air and remind yourself that you are alive. We have been so busy that we have forgotten to remind ourselves that we are ALIVE. Life is not to be taken for granted but alas, we are doing just that.

I mentioned the word ecstatic because after a gap of full 8 years, I again got in touch with my dear childhood friend. The medium was ORKUT. It felt great when I received a call from --- and we together relived those old golden memories. I can't describe how happy I was talking with my long lost dear friend. Truly Ek na ek din tho milna hi tha, kyonki yeh zindagi bahut choti hai aur hamein kai baar milna hai. Sounds familiar right. Yaah!! An easy one. This is the dialogue from HUM TUM. By the way You guys/gals wanna hear what happened to HUM TUM after their visit to WIMWI. Then follow my posts to hear the news soon. Hum had come just yesterday in my dreamland and narrated his -----iful experiences with TUM in WIMWI, while we were busy mugging during our Slot 2 exams!!

regards,

taureansandy

On a more serious note.......

Hi folks,

Well it seems my very informal style of writing with lots of full stops didn't go down well with some readers or that is what I inferred from the feedbacks which I received. But I was appreciated for the content and generous doses of humour I try to put in my posts. Thank god I got some conditional positive strokes at least. So here I am writing again but this time taking care of every punctuation mark that I can !!

It was during last week, when it was raining a lot here at campus that I realised I haven't fully explored nature inside the campus. I was walking in the corridor at LKP and suddenly I noticed a Lapwing running on the lush green meadows looking for food. It was a visual treat to say the least !! Its been years since I have watched such exotic birds anywhere. I am quite sure there are many such birds out here. I have heard there are also Vultures inside the campus. Would love to watch one soon, if TIME permits. Perhaps I am making an excuse, I have to make time if I am really interested right !! With exams approaching, and the placement season starting soon I wonder if its of use nurturing such ambitions of bird watching etc etc. But who cares anyway, the CT guys use plastics as if they are gifted to them by GOD himself. One whole plastic cover for a small cup of Cold coffee. Does that make sense? But who cares ! I have seen people locking their rooms with the lights and fans still operating inside. But who cares anyway? The institute pays the bill right, or we have paid the bills right (read fees) !! I don't have the moral authority to preach because there have been instances where I was also guilty of not turning off lights when attending nature calls !! But folks, lets act like WIMWIANS yaar. I heard somebody commenting " What is this bullshit Vulture awareness week?" after he saw the poster near the mess notice board. Guys if you can't appreciate nature, then at least don't make such irresponsible comments. That's the least you can do for Mother Nature.

One fine day we all shall end up there from where we came from-"MOTHER NATURE".

regards,

taureansandy

HUM-TUM @ WIMWI

And here comes Varun devta inside WIMWI!!....it's been pouring here since the last two days nd suddenly you find more umbrellas than dogs here!!....dats wat I felt especially with the canine population increasing exponentially in the last three months.....Yesterday I was walking in front of the main gate when I saw two Pigeons fighting with each other...I was wondering if this acads workload has had a deteriorating effect on them....you may ask how does acads got to do with fighting pigeons....these pigeons got their due share of attention when v fachhas were free, but now with quizzes, assignments nd rain hardly anybody is seen out these days..so probably these pigeons were fighting to seek some attention cos anyway v won't feed them food right!!...so let them fight at least for some attention......remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs.....hmmm....all this reasoning sounds weird right....yah I know cos dats wat this workload has done to my small brain....

Remember HUM-TUM!!....according to my very reliable source of information, ( this news was reported by my alter ego ven I was in the dreamland of Financial markets!! ) they are coming to WIMWI next year to actually preach dat ek Ladka aur Ladki kabhi bhi ache dost nahi ban sakte!!...sorry gals, I know you all vehemently oppose this proposition.....I would like to restate this fact " Ek ladka aur ladki ache dost tab nahi ban sakte jab dil mein kuch aur ho aur bahar se kuch aur ".......I just pray dat HUM-TUM ki " Dosti-LOVE" udaan sankhya "143" gets delayed indefinitely 'cos they won't get the time to even fight properly with each other @ WIMWI!!.......I know I am exaggerating the pressure vr facing here but still its our moral responsibility to forewarn HUM-TUM dat life here is not hunky-dory....right!!

regards,

taureansandy

life@WIMWI

hmmmm....first of all forgive me for the innumerable punctuation errors that I am gonna make while writing this.....Kaun Kambakht punctuation ki parvaah karta hai especially when ur a 'PARTICIPANT' @ IIM-A.... yet another day ven I screwed up my quiz.....yet another weekend....life seems to be mechanical here, but yet its interesting....everyday u get either a shocker or a nice surprise( though dats rare with surprise quizzes hiding inside the Microsoft Word package designed by Mr BILL GATES' servants whom I am beginning to despise of late!!). Everybody seems to b in a hurry nd yet seem relaxed while discussing acads. Talking abt gals, they are no longer the MINORITY here....they r beauty with brains nd dats a deadly combo....the other day I got two calls from the Ladies' dorm nd supposedly both of them were not for me but for some other guy.....I had to explain to them dat the other guy is not me nd his number is ****.......watever, I found myself feeling jealous of dat other guy who no doubt is a charmer!! I will be unfair if I focus on the gals here.....talking abt boys.....ok ok 'ourselves'....v r a bunch of crazy maniacs working our ***** off in making a rich ( say money ) career.......more than half of us would end up in finance....rest of them would bcum shubhchintaks for their clients( read consultants )......arey marketing waale kahaan gaye yaar koi bhi nahi dikh raha hai!! does 'Operations management' exist here??......Sorry folks I forgot abt ENTREPRENEURS( hope i spelt it right ). they r the ones who r the future 'mai-baaps' for thousands of berozgaar people. Seriously guys, we require a lot more of them than we have now.( No punctuation errors in the last sentence, cos I was serious :)...)......lets pray for our ourselves dat we wear the ' PGP1 Survivor' tags with pride next year.....nd let me reaffirm dat I meant no offence to anybody....this was my precious chance of displaying my 'sms'ing skills in english which I acquired while chatting with friends......All the best junta for ur summer prepns....Arey yaar woh toh bahut door hai na......I should say the coming end term right!! take care nd sweep out the SWINE 4m the campus!!

regards,

taureansandy

life @ iima

Its been days, since I have blogged. Anyways very few have seen my blog!! So doesn't matter!!. haha:-). Life here is a mixed bag. Follow my next blog for deeper details.