50 days at Jamshedpur now, and not a day yet when I have felt that I made the right decision in leaving my job and life back in bangalore.
I hope it doesn't take many more days to find out. Am I in here just for the placements?
Everyone's looking out for number 1. I guess this is expected, what with the competition for anything in India as such.
But one thing's for sure, this is not what I expected out of my MBA.
There's this story. It's not complete, I don't remember exactly how it goes, but here's the gist of it.
" Going in the morning to work you don't like, so that you can afford the car you really can't enjoy driving and buy a house you don't live in anymore"
So True.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
XLRI - Adventure Trip
Just back from an Adventure Trip. One of the hard sells of XLRI.
And boy, what a trip it was. Was everything that I expected out of such a trip, and more.
It was a 2 night 3 day trip, to a place around 25 kms from XLRI. Early friday morning, we were picked up by 2 TSAF vehicles (Tata Sports Adventure Foundation) and taken to some desolate place, 5 kms from the nearest main road. It wasn't what I expected it to be at first. What I saw was rocks and dust, and what I expected was Jungles. But my perceptions soon began to change.
We were greeted by the Course Instructor, who was a task master of sorts. He probably couldn't use the whip even if he had wanted to, but he sure knew how to make you feel guilty of being tardy.
We were immediately divided into groups of around 7, and were given tents to pitch up. And as all such things happen with me, our tent didn't pitch up. Not our mistake though. However, the poor instructors were forced to help us out. So, we began our Adventure Trip by being the last to set our tent up. As we would see later, this was not the only thing we were last in. :D
The first day was pretty hectic. We had a few games that were supposed to break the ice between us. But this was all just an eyewash. The test was yet to come. Apparently, we were supposed to be competing with the other teams by running an obstacle course in the shortest possible time. And to top it, the times would be an average of 2 attempts !!!
Anyway, it began well, we did start of good. The course had stick walking, rope walks (with support), rope ladder climbs, barbed wire crawls, going through tyres, and the toughest of all, the Monkey Crawl. This was followed by a quick dive through a gap between two boulders, and then a race to the finish with a Tarzan Jump over water.
We did well, all of us, however, our group (Group 7) stood last.
We didn't give up though. We had our lunch, and then had another round of the obstacle course in the evening. This time we did much much better, even topped the stick walk, but the timing in the first round was just too much to overcome, and we came last overall in this.
We finished the day with an awesome footage of the Himalayas and Bachendri Pal's climb to the top.
Day 2
-----
This day turned out to be even worse than the last. There were no hard core competitions as such, and everything we did was lots of fun, however, I do wish the 'Tiring' part of it were not fixed with the fun part. :)
It began with some basic mountain climbing steps, and we soon scaled a relatively modest hill. It wasn't good for the ego that as we began crawling up the hill, the instructor was holding all the bottles and just scooting up, however, none of us got that on camera, so that'll pass...
We did a bit more of this, and then we were taught to do the Chimney Climb( climbing up between 2 vertical surfaces), and the wriggling (climbing up and out through a small crack between rocks. Pretty scary as I thought I had got stuck for a moment there).
We were then taken through Caves, and were inside some pretty dark caves for nearly about 40 minutes. This part I did not like one bit. I hate crawling on my hands and knees, and the cave bit demanded that I do this for most of it. However good the experience is, I do not think I would do this again, unless of course I had all day to explore a cave.
We came out all dirty and dog tired, and had lunch. And then we were told to get ready again. This was something cool though. All of us would be abseiling. This was one heck of an experience I don't mind doing again. It was fantastic when you took the first few steps and got over your fear. The whole world was at your feet then, and you feel your pulse racing. Now this was adventure, would have been more fun it we were abseiling down waterfalls. :)
After the abseiling was done with, we had another competition. A Treasure hunt. And as luck would have it, we came in last in this too. Well, at least we were consistent. :)
We had our dinner in the night, and were told to pack up in the morning. We would be going to Dimna Lake, a distance of around 2 hours from our location. For rafting. Now this was exciting too, and I couldn't get started. I did feel bad however when we left the camp.
Some of the best moments of a persons life happens in college, and I knew this experience of mine, would be tough to beat.
Day 3
-------
We reached Lake Dimna by around 10 am, and were taken out in a raft almost as soon as the instructors were set. And then, right in the middle of the lake, we were asked to get off the boat. Oh, what liberation, to be in water after all those hot spells in the mountains. And the feeling of vulnerability, when you couldn't touch the lake bed with your feet. Somethings just need to be experienced, and cannot be explained. This was certainly one of life's great experiences. For me at least.
Soaked up the water and the sun for nearly an hour. I just wished I had taken my swimming classes more seriously !!! We were taken back to shore for lunch, and then prepared for out last group competition.
We were required to build rafts out of 8 bamboo sticks, and 4 rubber tubes, and 30 pieces of rope. And guess what, we did that and won our round as well. Team work was of the essence over here, and I am glad, our team delivered. And we had fun too, while at it. Guess, everyone in our team knew how to have a good time while being serious at their work. This worked out totally fine for me.
Easy as I made it sound, it wasn't for all teams. One of the teams actually broke down mid lake. Unfortunately for them, there was no shortcut. They were towed to the other end of the lake, and made to re-do their raft all over again, and paddle back in. We nearly lapped them actually.
With that, our Adventure trip came to an end. And I was feeling real sad.
Like somebody had once said, you'll be really happy only if you have someone to share that with, and with the adventure trip organized the way it was, I had lots of people to share that with.
I made quite a few good friends, pretty good for the introvert that I am. I do just hope that we keep getting such chances.
For now, I am extremely thankful to XLRI for making this happen.
And boy, what a trip it was. Was everything that I expected out of such a trip, and more.
It was a 2 night 3 day trip, to a place around 25 kms from XLRI. Early friday morning, we were picked up by 2 TSAF vehicles (Tata Sports Adventure Foundation) and taken to some desolate place, 5 kms from the nearest main road. It wasn't what I expected it to be at first. What I saw was rocks and dust, and what I expected was Jungles. But my perceptions soon began to change.
We were greeted by the Course Instructor, who was a task master of sorts. He probably couldn't use the whip even if he had wanted to, but he sure knew how to make you feel guilty of being tardy.
We were immediately divided into groups of around 7, and were given tents to pitch up. And as all such things happen with me, our tent didn't pitch up. Not our mistake though. However, the poor instructors were forced to help us out. So, we began our Adventure Trip by being the last to set our tent up. As we would see later, this was not the only thing we were last in. :D
The first day was pretty hectic. We had a few games that were supposed to break the ice between us. But this was all just an eyewash. The test was yet to come. Apparently, we were supposed to be competing with the other teams by running an obstacle course in the shortest possible time. And to top it, the times would be an average of 2 attempts !!!
Anyway, it began well, we did start of good. The course had stick walking, rope walks (with support), rope ladder climbs, barbed wire crawls, going through tyres, and the toughest of all, the Monkey Crawl. This was followed by a quick dive through a gap between two boulders, and then a race to the finish with a Tarzan Jump over water.
We did well, all of us, however, our group (Group 7) stood last.
We didn't give up though. We had our lunch, and then had another round of the obstacle course in the evening. This time we did much much better, even topped the stick walk, but the timing in the first round was just too much to overcome, and we came last overall in this.
We finished the day with an awesome footage of the Himalayas and Bachendri Pal's climb to the top.
Day 2
-----
This day turned out to be even worse than the last. There were no hard core competitions as such, and everything we did was lots of fun, however, I do wish the 'Tiring' part of it were not fixed with the fun part. :)
It began with some basic mountain climbing steps, and we soon scaled a relatively modest hill. It wasn't good for the ego that as we began crawling up the hill, the instructor was holding all the bottles and just scooting up, however, none of us got that on camera, so that'll pass...
We did a bit more of this, and then we were taught to do the Chimney Climb( climbing up between 2 vertical surfaces), and the wriggling (climbing up and out through a small crack between rocks. Pretty scary as I thought I had got stuck for a moment there).
We were then taken through Caves, and were inside some pretty dark caves for nearly about 40 minutes. This part I did not like one bit. I hate crawling on my hands and knees, and the cave bit demanded that I do this for most of it. However good the experience is, I do not think I would do this again, unless of course I had all day to explore a cave.
We came out all dirty and dog tired, and had lunch. And then we were told to get ready again. This was something cool though. All of us would be abseiling. This was one heck of an experience I don't mind doing again. It was fantastic when you took the first few steps and got over your fear. The whole world was at your feet then, and you feel your pulse racing. Now this was adventure, would have been more fun it we were abseiling down waterfalls. :)
After the abseiling was done with, we had another competition. A Treasure hunt. And as luck would have it, we came in last in this too. Well, at least we were consistent. :)
We had our dinner in the night, and were told to pack up in the morning. We would be going to Dimna Lake, a distance of around 2 hours from our location. For rafting. Now this was exciting too, and I couldn't get started. I did feel bad however when we left the camp.
Some of the best moments of a persons life happens in college, and I knew this experience of mine, would be tough to beat.
Day 3
-------
We reached Lake Dimna by around 10 am, and were taken out in a raft almost as soon as the instructors were set. And then, right in the middle of the lake, we were asked to get off the boat. Oh, what liberation, to be in water after all those hot spells in the mountains. And the feeling of vulnerability, when you couldn't touch the lake bed with your feet. Somethings just need to be experienced, and cannot be explained. This was certainly one of life's great experiences. For me at least.
Soaked up the water and the sun for nearly an hour. I just wished I had taken my swimming classes more seriously !!! We were taken back to shore for lunch, and then prepared for out last group competition.
We were required to build rafts out of 8 bamboo sticks, and 4 rubber tubes, and 30 pieces of rope. And guess what, we did that and won our round as well. Team work was of the essence over here, and I am glad, our team delivered. And we had fun too, while at it. Guess, everyone in our team knew how to have a good time while being serious at their work. This worked out totally fine for me.
Easy as I made it sound, it wasn't for all teams. One of the teams actually broke down mid lake. Unfortunately for them, there was no shortcut. They were towed to the other end of the lake, and made to re-do their raft all over again, and paddle back in. We nearly lapped them actually.
With that, our Adventure trip came to an end. And I was feeling real sad.
Like somebody had once said, you'll be really happy only if you have someone to share that with, and with the adventure trip organized the way it was, I had lots of people to share that with.
I made quite a few good friends, pretty good for the introvert that I am. I do just hope that we keep getting such chances.
For now, I am extremely thankful to XLRI for making this happen.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
XLRI
I finally got to reach XLRI on the 10th. The best route to XLRI, at the moment, is through the Howrah Station, where one could get direct trains to Jamshedpur.
I wish I never ever have to make that Journey again. Howrah station is the most crowded station that I have ever seen in my life, and Kolkotta looked more or less the same as I had seen it in the movie 'City of Joy'.
Jamshedpur is whole different thing altogether though. The city's beautiful. Unlike any other city that I have ever seen. Large parks, amazingly maintained roads. Bangalore should have been like this. Bangalore's got Jamshedpur beat in one respect however. The temperature. And for that reason alone, I shall continue to count Bangalore as one of my favourite cities in India.
XLRI was all that I expected of a premium institute in India. The staff are very courteous, and helpful as well. The rooms are pretty comfortable, and in short, everything that's required to make my life comfortable, has been provided by XLRI.
The good ends over there though. Coming from Infosys, and its sprawling campuses, XLRI fails to impress me one bit. The campus and greenery are all there, however, there is a distinct feeling of 'Babudom' over here. And in some cases, signs of neglect. The sports facilities for a premium college are inadequate, and the canteen's not as good as I expected it to be. I guess we can't have our cake, and eat it too.
Coming back to XLRI, the institution. The feeling's yet to sink in that I am a student of XLRI. It's all so amazing at the moment. The lecturers have a control on their subject, that I have not seen anyplace else in my educational career so far. (Apart from 2 lecturers from Loyola in Hyd). Their patience knows no bounds either. If it were me teaching Us, I am not too sure how long I would have gone without cracking up.
The first 3 days were to be preparatory courses, but we ended up being in class till 10. This has set the tone for the rest of the year. It's unnerving, however, we do realize the benefits that are bound to come our way at the end of it all.
The registration was not exactly 'Happening' in the true sense of the word. It was at Tata Auditorium, and the dean introduced us to most of the professors in the class. And we sang an XL anthem. It did end well however, with the snacks at the end. :)
It's just been a day since classes started, and there still's not much to read at the moment. However, it definitely's a fun place to be in.
I wish I never ever have to make that Journey again. Howrah station is the most crowded station that I have ever seen in my life, and Kolkotta looked more or less the same as I had seen it in the movie 'City of Joy'.
Jamshedpur is whole different thing altogether though. The city's beautiful. Unlike any other city that I have ever seen. Large parks, amazingly maintained roads. Bangalore should have been like this. Bangalore's got Jamshedpur beat in one respect however. The temperature. And for that reason alone, I shall continue to count Bangalore as one of my favourite cities in India.
XLRI was all that I expected of a premium institute in India. The staff are very courteous, and helpful as well. The rooms are pretty comfortable, and in short, everything that's required to make my life comfortable, has been provided by XLRI.
The good ends over there though. Coming from Infosys, and its sprawling campuses, XLRI fails to impress me one bit. The campus and greenery are all there, however, there is a distinct feeling of 'Babudom' over here. And in some cases, signs of neglect. The sports facilities for a premium college are inadequate, and the canteen's not as good as I expected it to be. I guess we can't have our cake, and eat it too.
Coming back to XLRI, the institution. The feeling's yet to sink in that I am a student of XLRI. It's all so amazing at the moment. The lecturers have a control on their subject, that I have not seen anyplace else in my educational career so far. (Apart from 2 lecturers from Loyola in Hyd). Their patience knows no bounds either. If it were me teaching Us, I am not too sure how long I would have gone without cracking up.
The first 3 days were to be preparatory courses, but we ended up being in class till 10. This has set the tone for the rest of the year. It's unnerving, however, we do realize the benefits that are bound to come our way at the end of it all.
The registration was not exactly 'Happening' in the true sense of the word. It was at Tata Auditorium, and the dean introduced us to most of the professors in the class. And we sang an XL anthem. It did end well however, with the snacks at the end. :)
It's just been a day since classes started, and there still's not much to read at the moment. However, it definitely's a fun place to be in.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Day After I quit...
The Feeling's still to sink in. Am i sad that the only life I knew for the last 4.5 years is well past me? Or am i supposed to be happy that I am doing something better?
There definitely is uncertainty.
I just hope that my unexpected surge of confidence is not misplaced.
There definitely is uncertainty.
I just hope that my unexpected surge of confidence is not misplaced.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day before I say GoodBye to Infosys
Few years back, I never thought this day would ever come. And if did, I would be sorry to go.
But right now, I don't feel anything.
Maybe because I have just got numb to everything, or maybe because I am excited at what's in store for me.
I am not sure, but I definitely never thought it would be the way it is now.
But right now, I don't feel anything.
Maybe because I have just got numb to everything, or maybe because I am excited at what's in store for me.
I am not sure, but I definitely never thought it would be the way it is now.
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