Toddler Teacher

There are striking similarities between life and a lecturer. Both teach us lot of stuff and make us sleep too. Both are partial to some, cruel to some and mundane to some. However, a lecturer fails to give us practical knowledge. On the other hand, life throws across lot of people at you who end up giving you basic values of life. They give you the crucial characteristics needed to win the rat race. However, the people who give you these vital aspects need not be the ones that are elder to you. They need not have Grey heads and wrinkled faces. They can also be small delicate creatures who don’t even know to control their excretory system.

Few days back, I was looking at my nephew who was yawning with full exasperation after a long day of hectic sleep. He was probably warming up for the day’s work which was about to start for him. Astonishingly, for his age (1 month old) he suddenly started trying a funny game (for him) for the first time in his life. He was trying to topple .We were wary of the fact that he was too young to do that. Anatomy of the human body does not work in my nephew’s favor. We can’t expect babies to do butterfly strokes at the age of 6 months. However, my nephew threw caution to the wind. He had only one thought in his mind for the next 15 minutes. It was focus and determination personified. With relentless grit and perseverance, he tried toppling giving his best to it. He was unaware of science, ignorant about logic, unafraid of defeat.

All that mattered to him was toppling and tasting his rubber sheet with his tongue. This is where life comes out teaching you things via people who you would have hardly imagined.
Tiny little human weighing 4 kg was teaching stuff from a bed which even best B – schools forget. The tonic of success lies in the basic fact of giving your best shot come what may. You might fail miserably, you might fall. But there is always a way out (you can crawl).

Channelizing positive energy with great determination and perseverance oblivious to the hurdles is something that the toddler had taught me that day.
I looked at him only to find him exhausted after a tough day’s work out and was sucking its finger mistaking it for something else.
The naive baby was not aware of the postulates it had taught the elders. His efforts were in vain but he would be up for the challenge the next day.
“Live today, topple tomorrow”. The toddler seemed to be telling me in baby language not understood by educated elders. I hope one day they will.

The Money that never reached my pocket

It is said that every morsel of rice has the name of the person who is going to consume it engraved on it. Similarly, I found out few days back that money not only has Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi‘s picture, but it also has the name of the person who is going to get it. It is clear that I was not destined to get the money that I deserved. The money that was earned with sincerity and commitment was denied to me.
About a month ago, I received a mail from a bloke called Orlando who was looking for committed writers .He was looking for writers who could write articles on any genre, and deliver it in the right time.

He also wanted to have a long lasting relationship with the writers (by relationship, I mean the professional one).to start off, he looked to be a very proactive person who hustled with his work. I got in contact with him through chat and I must say, we had a good conversation. He claimed that he received lot of applications for the post and he had a tough time scrutinizing it. His selection process was as simple as it can get, he gave 2 sample articles on any genre for checking the expertise of the writers. The criteria he was looking for was presentation and deliver time .the fee for each article was fixed for 5 $. An amount which would bring a grimace in the face of an American and delight on the face of the Indian. We Indians are very adept in multiplication and currency calculations are something we do instinctively. As expected, being in my Jurassic age of writing, I didn’t see it as a source of earning money. Deep down, I know that no one can become a J K Rowling overnight (maybe in her book, I can!).

I saw the opportunity of selling my work to a bigger audience. Hitherto, my work was read and reviewed my friends and loved ones. Whatever said, people that are close to you will not be able to give the exact feedback that they feel. At some point of time, relationship pressures will encapsulate their criticism of the work.
It is a universal truth that you get questions on a topic that you don’t know jack about. I opened the mailbox to find out that I had to write the 2 sample articles on Mortgages. I clearly had given up hope on writing. It was like asking laloo to solve a problem on Computational Fluid Dynamics. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, the light coming in the form of my friends. I must thank them for inspiring me and encouraging me (ordering as well) to give it a shot. I did write and I must say, I was satisfied with the article that I reproduced. The writer’s womb is not always original. He has to take ingredients from different sources to make the product a better one. I had to Google stuff and compile it in a way which would even be comprehensible to novices.

As promised, I did send the articles in time and also received the money as promised by Orlando. He told me that he would finalize the writers ASAP (which has no time limit) and let me know. Few days passed, I was anxious to know what happened. As I have mentioned in earlier writings of mine, the most difficult thing to do is sit and wait with bated breath. I mailed Orlando several times and also pinged him on chat. It was evident that he was avoiding me. This trait of certain people annoys me to the core. People should have the courage and courtesy to intimate even bad news to others. Talking to people only about recruitment or appreciating them is not communication skills. It is important to stand up and take the bull by its horns. It is surprising that he spoke about having a proper relationship with the writer. It was least expected from an American who are known to be courteous and professional.

I moved on, I am not the one who would be bogged down by specimens like Orlando. I had 9 $ 31 cents in my account and I decided to buy something for my new born nephew.

Online shopping is the most precarious thing possible on earth. The only rule of online shopping is that rules are subjected to change. I purchased a baby product that cost 8 $ and it clearly said that it included shipment charges as well.
Overjoyed, I paid it through PayPal only to find a mail in my mailbox saying that shipment charges were not included in it earlier. Taking into account that I have no money in my account (1$ 31 cents is close to nothing on this earth) I decided to call it quits. I will close the PayPal account today which would put my writing career to exile (for the time being). I hope one day I will get things that I deserve, that I desire.

As far as the 9 $ 31 cents are concerned, they did not have my name engraved on them. It would remain as the money which never reached my pocket.

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Dedicated to "soft"ware people going through "hard" times



God has his bizarre ways of keeping things on an even keel. Most students simply cruised during the recruitment process while some students had to toil hard and fight their guts out to get a job. The tough times and the bitter experiences have paid rich dividends and a large majority of students who got recruited in the latter part of the season have kick-started their careers much to the frustration of the other guys who are yet to get a glimpse of the call letter. The break which seemed like a welcome respite for the students after graduation slowly turned into an uncomfortable pain in the back side(this is a family blog and i condemn use of bad language in it). The departure of friends pursuing their higher education abroad havn’t done any good to the morale of the dejected lot of guys. By far, these are the most irritating and annoying holidays anyone can get. It can be really depressing every morning when u wake up clearly aware of the fact that there is nothing useful to do and look forward to. Even the mere sight of a software firm’s bus gives me a burst of blood pressure and intolerable hatred. The hesitancy of my mom in giving me money did not impress me either even though I realize that it is not fair on my part by asking her everyday.
My social life has obviously taken a beating largely due to the absence of my close friends. The poorer souls are those of my friends in trichy, karaikudi etc who don’t even have decent hang-outs and are trapped in primitive and conservative societies( other metropolitans consider chennai to be highly conservative). However, I must say that lately, I have kept myself pretty occupied with this entire "blogging episode" as it gives me great pleasure especially when I receive accolades from my friends(I am human after all!!). the last month was a real fantastic experience for me as I started my part time career in a low-key fashion. Teaching a bunch of primary grade students on road safety wasn’t actually my cup of tea but I acclimatized swiftly to the environment. It was a wonderful learning curve and I must consider myself fortunate for having this opportunity which not all can dream of having. (pay is also handsome)
The indefinite deferment of the "joining date" has made students all over the country deeply anxious and the least we can do is "pray for the best". National disasters like inflation,recession have accentuated our troubles and one gets a feeling that someone has performed "voodoo" magic on software firms. however, I have been extremely optimistic and I keep waiting for a message from one of my friends about the call everyday. There are interim arrangements in the form of jobs in call-centres but one wonders whether speaking in pseudo-american accent to mundane foreigners would do any help. The sad part is that these are the jobs which are abundant in our job-market.
I feel that these times are not for repenting on past and it has to be used judiciously by us. We must understand that this is the only period of our lives where we can pursue almost anything we desire. The "abominable lull" in our lives might be a touch unpleasant but the solution lies in our hands. What we can hope that this calm in our life is not the "calm before the storm".

TEENS AND TEAMS

My life in sports has not been prolific by any stretch of imagination. I was passionate towards cricket and basketball but was never able to deliver the goods when most needed. Some friends in school thought I was an excellent player in basketball and I had all the ingredients to make it big on the grand stage. However, I hardly did justice to my talent.
My college life wasn’t any different as far as sport was concerned. I loathed being a part of the bench of my college basketball team and as a result, started skipping practice(which itself happens rarely). Eventually, I was thrown out of the team which virtually ended my career in basketball(as if I had a glittering one).
The game of cricket in my college was more than just a game. Students took the game damn seriously(even more than exams) and the aura that the sport created among us was something remarkable. Teams were manufactured with the available resources early on in our college lives.
Tournaments went flying past and the same results replicated regardless of our team composition. Friends became foes and fresh faces emerged from the shadows. Still, the same old story was scripted.
I was part of some great teams but it was a pity that I hardly contributed to the success of it. The “11 strikers” had a cohesive unit but we were reduced to “paper tigers” time and again. The constellation of stars present in the “sonnets” made sure that I hardly got a chance to show my prowess. Even when the opportunity was presented in a platter, I failed miserably.
Then came a team named “detonators”. There were certain misunderstandings as a consequence of my migration but I must admit that I immediately fit into the team dynamics and shared a great rapport with my teammates
Be it rajiv’s bohemian style of play, sami’s aeolian shots of elan, manickam’s panache and extremely gifted selvam, the team had all components of a fine one. It obviously wasn’t the best, but it certainly could become one.
To append to that, we had the services of the flamboyant “varun”, highly committed “arun” , the perfect team man “shankar” and sarvo’s fiery pace. The hefty aravind was a touch rusty but it was his keen acumen of the game that made him an integral part of the game.
The fact that the entire team stayed under the same roof meant that we were extremely united. Most people thought that the team was divided and we had a lot of differences between us. But I strongly felt these pre-concieved notions were a mere myth. We were a different team altogether on the field. We also had great moral support in the form of simbu,ajit,kalyan and simmesh.
Unfortunately, after all the tom-tom, our first campaign was a disastrous one as we succumbed meekly in a match, which we should have prevailed with ease. However, we were determined to show our mettle in the next season. No one had tasted success and that really motivated us for the challenge ahead.
Success is indeed counted sweetest for those who havn’t tasted any. Will we atleast have a sniff of it?
Only time would have the answer………….

THE LEAGUE OF ECCENTRIC GENTLEMEN

Exam days of my life have been ironically adventurous and more thrilling than the normal so called "working" days where boredom was personified and even the word "lethargy" would not be sufficient to describe those dull and drab days. The atmosphere in and around the hostel were contrasting and strikingly similar to a coin, it had two diverse sides to it. The one side is the stereotyped and often seen one which had diligent and highly industrious "bookworms" who glued their eyes to the books and did’nt have time for even ablutions and meals at the right time. These nocturnal creatures studied for a ridiculous amount of time and defied "logic" by staying focussed for huge periods of time. I sometimes wondered how these "extra terrestrials" managed to keep their eyelids light during exams. This herculian effort comes in spite of them having studied the entire portions weeks before exams. A person clueless about a subject and wrestling for a "pass" should have to put this effort but those species are the coolest ones and write examinations with utmost blithe. Universities are is some ways like our nation, as in "rich become richer and poor become poorer". The elite students continue to do tough work and improve with each hurdle they come across while "underprivileged" find the hurdles as "stopping" stones and seldom stepping.
The other side is the happening one with a lot of interesting characters and it is this side which I will focus in this blog. As a matter of fact, I am perplexed and in a sort of dilemma as I am not sure to be ecstatic or remorseful for being a part of this eccentric bunch of gentleman.
My room in 3rd year hostel was like a "theme park" during semester exams and it was a host of absolute chaos. The room had full attendance in those fine days and each and every one indulged in some futile activites which had nothing to do with studying but apparently, it was these things which were are our main priorities. These days were generally an another day at the office for chechi as his ears were stuck with his mobile and as usual, he was in his "silent mode". His "romantic" conversations consisted of the smallest mono-syllables on earth and no wonder he spent a large chunk of the semester on the phone. Mukund was in his "inspection rounds" as he went around the entire hostel(other hostels if time permits) and made sure he disturbed other guys in their study. Simbu remained busy with his training sessions in cricket( EA sports) and I havn’t seen anyone so committed to a "comp game". I remember him skipping dinner for the fact that gilchrist (him on the PC) had scored a hundred and was a proud man that day. Vinay’s studying postures or "yoga" were fantastically funny and it was this erratic mindset of his which made him unique.
Vathu wasn’t exactly a prodigy but was astute enough to survive and even managed to sky-rocket his internals despite having a gala time during the exams. I guess the fact that he hailed from "it" background meant that he could afford to be complacent. You could hardly see him studying simply because his department comprised of staff who were "gods of generosity" in comparison to their counterparts in my department who were past masters of "parsimony". To add salt to our wounds, there are departments where even written recipes could fetch marks or to make matters worse, some departments had their marks decided way before the exam itself.
Even as my fellow department mates slogged it out day and night, we the "league of extraordinary gentlemen" had a seemingly outlandish way of preparing for the exams.
Mornings pass in a sober fashion and pathetic concentration levels lead to minimal progress in the syllabus.
An afternoon siesta was always a temptation after a rather sumptuos lunch. Evenings played host to forum meetings where studies were discussed between important talks.
Being in a group of movie buffs, we simply couldn’t resist watching movies during exams. Watching old classics like "ethir neechal" was to our penchant and obviously, these activities ate into our time.
It is only after dinner that a sense of seriousness strikes our "numb and dumb" mind. The urgency leads to some study but that positive energy is dispersed in various areas.
An EA sports tournament was a good relaxation but I advise this method for students who study for majority of time and who want to get rid of their fatigue rather than students whose study time is equivalent to breaks.
Few crank calls to the girls hostel( I wasn’t a part of this) would pep us up at times when our eyelids were getting damn heavy.
Even as most doze off, some spend their entire nights gazing at the book as if it was a "bikini babe".
Hitherto in my life, exams have been nothing but nightmares. To start with I was always a victim of "hate-haunt" effect. Questions seemed like greek and latin and pen looked to have dry ink. The ink just wouldn’t come out even as my frantic search for an answer goes in vain. Any good looking girl in the exam hall was a boon or a bane depending on the scenario.(always a boon ).
Finally, I was always secretive about my exam performance and made it a point not to discuss the question paper with others.
All that I think of when I get back to my room is "will I cross the road"
After some crying over spilt milk, I usually decide to redeem myself and regain my lost pride(did I have any in the first place).
I then plan to make drastic measures in my exam preparation.
All that happens next is…..
( read blog again)
(note- "hate-haunt effect is the effect where the part or question which u hate and choose not to study continues to haunt you time and again)

THE WEEK THAT WAS’NT

No other week in my college life could have been as breathtakingly boisterous and exhilaratingly eventful as the 3rd week of the 3rd month in my 3rd year. Students went through such an emotional rollercoaster ride that even disneyland would have failed to give it’s visitors. Euphoria to exasperation, fulfilled dreams to ones shattered, hearty celebrations to heartbreaking dejections, it had it all. Any aspiring "soap" maker would have made 200 episodes and bagged an award for it. It was one of those weeks which will be etched in the memories of all the students regardless of consequences. It was the week of campus recruitments and the "software giants" were in town for sapping the "available talent" in university.
Surely , it was one of the most crucial phase of my life considering the fact that I was’nt planning for my masters in the near future and was aware of colossal competence in the outside world. I also didn’t have any influential backup which some students have the privilege of. The whole thought of the "campus placement" gave me a chill through the spine as I was a bit skeptical about my performance in the big stage.
The much awaited day arrived and to be frank, it was like any other day where we had to be ready early( wait a minute! Did I say early? It clearly was the second time in our college life we got up early….). Students were all geared up and ready for the challenge ahead. The recruitment process of the first giant was triggered with the pre-placement talk which is the traditional kick-off to the interviews.
The whole PPT stuff is all about "blowing your own trumpet" and the companies just can’t stop giving pats on their own back.Having said that, i know the importance of brand building and it is true that the entire program gives you good feel and a sense of belonging with the firm. I am damn sure that each and every student present in the audi would have already imagined themselves as sofware professionals. The entire process was of 3 days(3 seems to be a significant number in this blog) duration and was a touch long taking into account the physical and mental demands of it.
I won’t go into the entire details of the interview but there were certain highlights and moments which I can never forget in my life. Aravind’s alleged catastrophe in the aptitude test was really hilarious and holds testimony for the fact that he is the most carefree and happy-go-lucky guy I have ever seen(some friends say it is me….) the epic interview of simbu(chidambaram) where the interviewer would have heaved a sigh a relief at the end is still fresh in my memories.
As always, it was a walk in the park for vinay and I have never seen this guy break a sweat in anything he does.(touch wood!!) . shiva played with fire by asking some awkward questions to the interviewer and I thought it was unnecessary taking in the fact his technical prowess in the field of IT. The chechi interview was a laugh riot where he was made "afghanistan" by the interviewer’s bombardment of questions.My interview was’nt the best by any means and I had the feeling that I was so near yet so far, But still a shadow of doubt crept in me. But for me, the guy who stole the show was mukund. The person who was written off by most, performed exceedingly well and his presence of mind and quick wit attracted many persons even before the results. The toughest part of the entire interview day is the "waiting for results" part. It is like watching a tortoise strolling in a marathon in slow motion. I was waiting with bated breath and I bet most of them were……

MightyKeyboard

It is great to know that a few guys had the patience and time to read my blog.I was elated with the response I got to my first venture in the world of blogs. I guess this is what "happiness" is all about. I was also flattered and surprised by the comments I received as I clearly know that my friends are not a bunch of sychophants. I think the entire strength of my friends lies in the fact that they are straightforward and fearless, Having said that they can also be blunt at times. Diplomacy is a word which probably won’t feature in any of my friend’s dictionary. I was glad that shiva had some tips for me which he put it across in a very subtle manner. It clearly showed that he was’nt jus praising me for the sake of it. I also realise that I am a writer in my jurrasic age and I have to take constructive criticism in the right spirit..
The entire blogging process was an aftermath of my loneliness and an idle mind. The pain and frustration got to me, and at some point of time I had to give vent to my feelings. It is deeply heartening to find that aditya is planning to blog and I am sure that almost everyone will be a part of this wonderful invention soon. I guess we have to reconcile ourselves to the bitter fact that there won't be instances in our life where we all gather at the same place. No doubt,there will be times where we will meet some of our mates but it makes a world of difference when we meet all of them.
I think the blogging will rejuvenate our memories and the least we can do is create an atmosphere similar to AV 351. I won’t be foolishly romantic and say " how I wish I had a time machine", it is a cliched statement and I am not a person who lives in a "harry potter" world . I really wish that we had same interests which would have eventually placed us at same locations. However, I realise that it is this diversity which makes our group special. My first stint in blogging was a real good experience and I wish to share lot more nostalgic memories with my friends !!! I also hope that I can get a few "girl" fans through this(I know I hoping against hope). They say that "the pen is mightier than the sword", but in today’s world of all techie revolution, it would be appropriate for me to say " the keyboard is…….