Just Like That

If I were you I would have asked you about me.

Don't you think so?

If you think in this way, I would have told you that I like you. I like, the way you were. I like, the way you are, and also, I would like, the way you would be.

My Convocation My Way

Rumors around our convocation date was already spreaded over the Networking tools, many number of times. Many speculated few dates or even months, which they claimed to be true to the best of their knowledge or at-least of their sources!

Needless to say that though we all understood their fallacy, but still, everytime something related to this came up, we all wanted to know more about the actual date. Ever since we left our college after the completion of our 4-year B.E. course, many of us were eagerly waiting for this day. I was particularly waiting for my convocation day, as it would give me a great chance to go back to my college, experience the BIT Mesra's charm, its awesome environment, weather, meet many of my friends, get my official B.E. degree (nonetheless) and to feel nostalgic, again.

All this was happening, when one evening, suddenly on Facebook, some of my friends started sharing few information regarding our Convocation Date and related links. Looking at those posts, I had a feeling that
possibly this time, they are not rumors. Then I visited the BIT Mesra's official website, and felt very happy to see our convocation notice on the top of the Institute's e-Notice board. Then only I came to know that this year's convocation will be the XXI Convocation for BIT Mesra. I surfed sincerely through the notice link, read the guidelines, saw that I have to pay Rs.1000 for the convocation and another refundable Rs.1000, for the Gown. Also, interestingly, there were two Last Date for submitting the application form. Strange ! Although later this mistake (possibly) was rectified.

Now, there was a problem. My office hours and that of any bank starts almost at the same time. Also, to get a Demand Draft I had to go only in the first half of the bank's working hours. So, one morning, I went straight to a nearby ATM. My attempt to withdraw the money failed in that ATM, due to Transaction Timeout error. I went inside the bank concerned to lodge a complaint regarding this incident, and after doing so, I came out of the bank empty handed. A lot of time and energy got wasted, I thought. Then I decided to go to another ATM and again faced the same fate with a different kind of error - ATM temporarily cannot process your transaction. Then I went to, yes, another ATM and by God's grace, I successfully withdrew the money. Huff...finally.
Then I entered the bank's office and wandered here and there to finally locate the counter from where the demand drafts were issued. I borrowed a pen from someone, filled up a form and stood in the queue. Then suddenly something struck in my mind. In the D.D. application form, the bank only seeked details for Cheque payment for issuing the D.D. of requested amount, and at that moment I was not carrying my Cheque Book or the details of my Bank Account of any sort. I only had cash, and it seemed to me that this bank doesn't accept cash !!! I broke out of the queue and went straight to the person on the other side of the counter. I queried him and he told me that they won't accept cash for issuing Demand Drafts. Wow. Another issue. So, I decided to go back to my rented flat, get my Cheque book and again come back. On my way, I thought of doing something else rather. I went to the bank which was nearer to our flat and asked a Bank's staff, whether they accept cash for issuing D.D. or not.To my relief, he said yes! So, quickly, again borrowing a pen from another guy, I filled up their Demand Drafts' application form, paid the amount in cash, took the receipt and headed straight for my office, for which I was already so late. The next morning I again went to that bank, got the Demand Draft, and went to my office a bit late again. It was raining that morning, and I had to get wet for that, on my way. Still I was happy that at-least this part of my job was over.

But, I again committed a mistake and forgot to bring a copy of my Provisional Certificate, which was required to be posted along-with the convocation's application form. So, that day I couldn't post my application. This was also another problem as the last date for submitting the application was nearing by. The next day, for us, there was an Infusion program by our company at a location which was different from our office building ( The TL Infusion program was at airtel Network Laboratory). To get the application posted, I tried to buy me some time before we needed to go for the program, and came to the office somewhat earlier, than usual. Here, in the office we have a guy who takes care of all these mail posting issues. He has contacts with few Courier Services and also the IndiaPost service. But, this mail-posting thing was not going to be so easy for me. And it happened. That day, the guy came late, and by the time he came and I talked to him regarding the post I had to make, it was already time for us to go for the Program as our cab was waiting for us outside the office premises. Still he managed to tell me that I have to face yet another problem, and it was that Bluedart won't be able to send my post to the mentioned address as they have closed their office there. So, nothing can be done from here, atleast for now. I decided not to worry about it right then, and went on for our Infusion Program, which was really important. During the lunch break, I again thought of giving it a try (posting my convocation application), and asked one of my very helpful friends, to give me a bike ride to the only post office nearer to this place, about whose whereabouts, I found on GoogleMaps. The bike ride was also a hell of a ride. And, even the local people were unaware about the post office (Khandsa Post Office), about which GoogleMaps gave an exact lat-long though ! After taking a huge toil on our clothes, our mood and our body, we two finally got to the post office. But, hah, here also, I faced defeat as one the the very few guys working there told me, that the office hours for posting anything for that day was over. I laughed at myself, my friend laughed back at me, and we two again came back to the program centre. Again late. Though noone asked us anything for this. Maybe they understood that I had already had enough. So, that day also passed by. The next morning I went to a different Post Office (Galleria), well befor their 12 PM time. Successfully the mail got posted there without any hitch, and though a bit late for my office, I didn't mind.

But but but, there was a problem. The next day, was the last date for submitting our convocation application, and by no chance it was possible for my SpeedPost to reach the college in just one day. So, again I had to do something. I wrote an email to the Registrar, BIT Mesra, quoting him the situation, and requested him to accept my application, even if it reaches late. Next day, to my temporary relief, he consented. I thanked him for this and again he obliged me.So finally I thought that this application posting job and its toil was finally over. But, no. I had to face some other hitches for being late in registering myself for the Convocation Program.

My Convocation My Way (Continued from the above post)

On the convocation day, I reached my college. I was happy to physically see my college campus again, after a long time. Its buildings, trees, roads,everything. There as a first thing to do, we were required to deposit Rs.1000 cash for the issuance of the Convocation Gown. I deposited that money in the Institute's Accounts office, received the slip and went on to Room No.211/Booth-E to collect my gown. But, this too wasn't going to be so easy. Was it? No.:) The person sitting on the other side of the booth-E informed me to the much of my surprise, that my name was not there in the list of the students to be given the gown and to settle this problem he guided me to go and talk to another person who was the In-Charge for this gown distribution work. I talked to him, he guided me to go and talk to the Registrar, prove my genuineness to him and then do whatever he says. I went to the Registrar's Office, talked to our Registrar sir, mentioned our conversation over the emails (regarding my peculiar situation), and asked him for his help. He then asked me to go to BIT's Magic Window (dont't go by its name, but I must say, that it really solves students' queries, though not to forget that sometimes they create temporary problems too for the students). I talked to the guys behind the Window and asked them to check whether BIT Mesra's Registrar office had received my D.D. and the other stuffs in the apllication mail that I had posted after facing so many obstacles, or not. They told me that they had received the same on that morning only, which I doubted, but didn't say anything. They also told me that they will send the updated list of the Convocation Gown Distribution to the Gown Distribution In-Charge, only after consolidating all the similar cases(if any). I had no other option but to wait. Meanwhile I met many of my friends wo were crossing by that corridor. During this time I also registered myself for the Convocation Photography, which would be taken when I will be receiving my degree from the distinguished person. After waiting for some more time, I again went to the Gown Distribution room. They didn't get the updated list by that time. After wandering for some more time, I thought of going back to the place where I was to stay for the night, to freshen up a little bit and to get ready in Formals for the Convocation evening. And after that I would come again to collect my gown and then would go to the OAT (the institute auditorium, where our convocation function was slated to happen). But, I missed a very fundamental thing while thinking all this - Time. By the time I got ready and came back for collecting my gown, the gown distribution was already over, and the Room No.211 was already closed and locked. Nice.Nice. Now what, I thoght. In the convocation guidelines, it was clearly mentioned that without the gown no students (Degree-holders) will be permitted to go inside the OAT building. I re-collected myself, and went on to the Magic Window, and told them my situation. But this time they can't help me. Being worried I approached one of our Department's faculty, and he tried to be really helpful. He asked me to go to the OAT and try my luck there to get a gown (if any spare was left, which according to normal logic should have been there). I went straight to a person who seemed to me to be In-Charge of the volunteers responsible for letting anybody inside the OAT. He heard me with full sincerity, and then asked me to meet the Students-Welfare Dean. I did the same. There a person, who was holding some lists, asked me my name and roll number, checked it against the late registered students' names and informed me that atleast my name has been updated for the Convocation. But when I told him that I don't have a gown to put on and go to the stage, he told me to go and meet our Ex-VC and now Chief of the Convocation Program, and see what he had to say. Haha. I was having such a time :) I went to him and told him my case telling him as many details as possible. He happened to be a really nice person. He told me that I can surely attend this convocation (as my name was there in the list of the Degree-Holders), and counselled me that I should take somebody else's gown after he gets his Degree and comes down off the stage. This was a good idea, as being a late registered case, my name will be called surely at a later time, and by that time, some of my other friends will surely get their degrees and hence, I will get a gown to wear. Hearing this, I went on to find my designated location in the auditorium (OAT), found it (also with some more toil (as my roll number was wrongly written and I had to contact the local sitting arrangement guy to get it corrected)) and then got to sit there. Soon the XXI Convocation Program - my convocation began. Ex-President of India and great scientist (only to state a few of his many adjectives), Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was our Chief- Guest for the evening. The function went on smoothly. One thing which I really liked was when Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was getting introduced by someone on the stage, and it took him quite a lot of time to finally complete his words of introduction only ! The other thing that I liked was my Degree getting moment ofcourse.:):) Then, after reciving my Degree, we boarded the bus to get back to our college. There I queued up to get my refund for the gown which I didn't receive, then again queued for our Post-Convocation Dinner, and then shivering in the cold of the night, went happily back to the place where, I was to stay for the night. Next day, I boarded my return train, being flooded with different memories, which I will surely remember for a long time. Atleast, the good thing is - I had an unusual and happening Convocation. Not many would experience this. :):)

Poetry ka muzaira...

1)

Nazron se kehdo tum,

meri chahat mein rang bhar do.

Bann jao parchhai meri,

mera prem kubool kar lo.

Naa lafzon ki seema ho,

na koi ho tadpan.

jab pyar kare koi,

toh dekhe kewal mann.

2)

Tum se hi hai saari khushi

Tum se hi ab hai zindagi.

Tum bin kuch bhi nahi

Aisi hai chahat meri...

3)

Sabnam ki boondon ko aaj apnein haathon se tham lo,

Oons ki boondon ko aaj apnein pairon se choo lo,

Mere aansuon ko aaj apnein apne hoton se ponch do,

Mere dhadkan ki dastak ko aaj please ehsas karo...

I had always wanted to tell her...

I had always wanted to tell her

But couldn't say that far.

I had always wanted to kiss her

And say how much I miss her.

I had always wanted to show her

that I care for her.

I had always wanted to hold her

and make my soul feel her.

I came near my dream...

The day I came near my dream,

my heart, started beating fast.

For it knew the true pain,

that my body took with heart!

Days have passed away from the day I had wished

to achieve this dream, to be a winner.

But still I can remember that day,

like a vivid dream from the last night.

I have really worked very hard,

pushed the limits, drew new figures,

fought bravely to relish my passion,

and then I conquered the war like a warrior.

That was the day when I again saw the dream.

This time I was not wishing.

This time my brain was not dreaming.

But with all my senses, I was holding my dream with my hands.

Today, I stand here,

with my head over my shoulders,

for being so brave, for being so persistent,

for having dear God's grace throughout my way,

without whom, I ain't anything.

Ever since I had that dream...

Ever since I had that dream

I wished it to be mine.

I wished to enjoy its glory

it would be a gift divine.

After that, I never had a dream

I never wanted anything more.

My urge to have that thing

pushed me like never before.

Being restless my soul screamed

still my heart kept pumping.

But my stomach in its fury

demanded something for its story.

I worked hard, and worked a lot

day in and day out, I cherished that dream.

The journey helped me to excel

and motivation was my fuel.

Then the road came to an end.

My run came to a halt.

I saw my prize waiting for me.

And with great honour, I got it all !

It was not a dream anymore

but the journey seemed like one.

I thanked Almighty for everything

and then I slept again...to dream again !

The tale of my Second placement offer !

Hi there!

This post is about my second job placement offer.

After my first job offer, my life has changed a lot. Now, I am happy and quite hopeful about my future. Although, the first offer by TCS was good, but I was looking forward to get a job in a core company of my branch (Electronics & Communication Engineering). In the month of January’10, the visit of Airtel – numero uno in the Telecommunication field in India (also in some other countries) – got finalized. The interested candidates were asked to fill up an application form for the job. I downloaded the file from our Training and Placement portal on 25^th December’09 and submitted the filled up one, on the same day. On 11^th January, 2010, the company- my dream company - visited our campus.

As usual, I prepared myself for the placement process, dressed up nicely, offered my prayers to my parents & the Almighty and headed on to test my hard-work and luck. The Pre-Placement Talk was very good by Mr. Sachin and Mr. Prashant of Airtel. They were representing Bharti Airtel Ltd. After the PPT was over, 22 lucky guys and gals were shortlisted for the written aptitude test. The short listing was on the basis of the CGPA. I was very happy to get shortlisted for the further process.

The aptitude test was basically for testing our skills in Advanced English, Advanced Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. The level of the examination was really a competitive one. The time allotted to the different sections was very less. The time was not enough for even pondering over all the questions, leave aside solving each and every question. The test was for 70 – 80 minutes. Now, after this round of the process, the result of the written test was declared. I got selected for the further process among 10 other aspirants.

After this it was the time for the Technical and the HR interviews. My interview started off nicely. They asked me various questions related to my domain of knowledge. I answered the questions to the best of my knowledge and tried to give the answers nicely. This went on for 35 – 40 minutes.

After this it was the time to wait for the final results. I was really hopeful about my prospect. Finally, the final result of the selection process came out. On 12^th January, 2010, I was selected for the job. I cannot forget this day. I felt very happy to get this marvelous job. The job profile is very good and the salary is awesome!

I am anxiously looking forward to work for Airtel now.

Regarding the last post

Hello everyone !

My last post created a lot of clamor.I must mention here that it was really unexpected.

Some of my batchmates pointed out some of the following points :-

• animal - It should not be understood figuratively or in any wrong way.
• studying their butts off - okay... I should have also mentioned here that some of us (as they say) didn't give a damn to it !

Apart from these two things, I believe that all of us are observant and intelligent enough to understand the incidents in the most appropiate way. I hope you all may like it...

The tale of my first job offer !

Hello everyone !

This post is about the days which are really very important to me – especially the day when I got my first job offer. My first job – even these words sound like…umm….yeah, great….no….no…awesome!

By this time, as we all know, the stupid recession has really changed the recruitment scenario all over the world. Our esteemed institute also felt the heat. The campus placements started on its due date, but many companies didn’t have the balls to hire at that time. Some big names visited and took a few of us. Others preferred to visit by the fall of sweet ’09. But all this made us restless. Each day, nearly every moment we got the habit of discussing something, somehow (even absurdly, at times) related with this burning issue. The things got worse with the cut throat competition that increased by many folds due to many reasons, best known to us. After every company visit, names started to get attached with it. As our branch is ECE, so we felt a lot more competitive heat than others. From being decent, well-educated, well-cultured, high achieving, blah blah graduates, we started becoming animals!

We started studying really hard even on days we couldn’t have imagined before (non-study break time :P). Frustration, panic, anger, ego-problems and many other crap – they all came along.

Then, cutting the crap, notices came about the companies which would visit our campus and their visiting dates in this sweet month of Dec’09. As expected, we all got excited. Everybody fastened their belts and started studying their butts off. Resume writing was also a very big task. We now had to sell ourselves, and in simple terms, this resume thing was our advertisement. We had to write many hilarious things about ourselves (achievements, marks, projects and oh yeah, many other crap also, like hardworking, smart, am-goooood, blah blah). The day I finally wrote it and read it back, I must say, I was nothing less than being amazed !

Then the day arrived. It was our D-Day – atleast for many of us. We have waited so long (right from our childhood days) for this day. It was the day when Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – Asia’s numero uno in IT services - visited our campus. 15^th December 2009. On that fine morning I woke up and took my time to get prepared. The Pre-Placement talk was scheduled at 0930 hrs. Some pro-looking guys turned up and addressed the crowd. Dr.B.B.Pant sir welcomed them and we all clapped happily. The presentation was really something. We were given our slots for the written online exams followed by the technical and HR interview. After waiting for the whole day, my turn for the online exam came at nearly 1900 hrs.

The war for me was on. Now, it was the time when we all wanted to hit the road running. After carefully listening to the instructions for the exam, we all started for this 90 minutes marathon. The milestones were verbal ability (GRE level), quantitative aptitude (normal level) and Critical reasoning (again, GRE level). Right after this marathon (which got over by 2115 hrs I guess), we were asked by the coordinators to assemble at G-3 (the result distribution point). With horrified faces, we all waited for the results. Some time again passed by, and then some people from TCS came with the printed list of the selected candidates for the interviews. With each calling-out of names, my heartbeat increased monotonically. Finally, after few minutes my name was called out and then for only some fractions of a second, I responded to my called-out name. It was a moment of sheer joy. After this they asked us to hand them over our resumes and company CV. It was already past 2230 hrs. From our canteen, I could only manage to get some biscuits and a packet of mixture as it was too late. So, after getting selected for the next day interview, living a day only on bhel-puri, biscuits and water, studying like hell, I returned back to my den. Again after studying for some more time I finally fell asleep.

Next morning, a very sweet morning, on 16^th December’09, I woke up. Again took my time to be prepared, dressed up like a real gentleman, offered my prayers to the Almighty and my dear parents, I headed for the interview. After waiting for some time, my turn came. I entered the air-conditioned, glass-fitted, modern looking room – MR-1. I was appointed with the panel number 3 among twelve other panels. The interviewers were two in number – both of them really pro-looking gentlemen. They offered me a seat and I humbly greeted them. My HR started first, then technical, then again back to HR.

I had to talk about myself, my family background, my intentions for joining the company among many other things. The technical part also went smoothly and then they asked me to write a C code on a problem statement, which after some thinking, I wrote successfully. The whole interview ran for about 30-40 minutes. Then, after being satisfied with my interview, I walked back to my den. The whole day passed away. My worries kept increasing. I again started thinking about all sort of stuffs. After having an early dinner, I fell asleep.

Then the best thing happened. My fellow batch mates started screaming in the hostel corridors. The final list of the selected students for the hiring was out. It was official and I came to know about it at around 0207 hrs in the night/morning ! I completely woke up and headed for the institute main building.

The guards had already locked the doors and they asked us to come only in the morning. After some failed persuasions by some of us, we again headed for our hostel. On my way back to our hostel, one of my classmates informed me that I had been selected by TCS. When I heard this information, I really felt a fountain of happiness inside me. They all started congratulating me and I also offered mine to the chosen ones. This all happened in a flash and I came back to my room by around 0300 hrs.

I thought of sleeping but it was all in vain. I was so happy that I cannot even express it in words.

I thanked God and my parents for everything and waited for the sun of this great day to rise again.

In the morning I conveyed this news to my family, who like me, were literally elated and happy. Then I went back to the institute main building and saw my name in the list on the placement notice board. I really felt satisfied.

After all these when my relatives and shubh-chintaks came to know about this and I heard their responses , I really understood the real meaning of this beautiful feat of mine!