There was a buzz in my class.I knew the reason,i stayed away.I had my reasons.....My rational mind was coercing me,but my devotion for 'them' prevented me.I didn't want to hurt 'them' in the course of an argument.I decided to take the plunge.Expect the unexpected..
Six months back my classmates were arranging for an 'Industrial Visit' as they put it.There was excitement in the air.Everybody was talking about it, being the last tour of college life.There were the usual arguments and debates on who should organize,where to go and the like.At times sparks flew(out of context).A consensus was reached.It was a 10 day trip to Hyderabad,Coorg...(rest of the places i don't recollect).The head count began,and there wasn't much takers for the proposal at first.The count was increasing slowly much to the anguish of the organizers.
My friends kept asking me whether i will be going for the tour. A times Silence is far more eloquent than a lecture.A convincing reason,they demanded.I needed time.I thought of some genuine lie,but i realized i needed to tell another set of lies to validate my initial lie.They argued, my insistence on not asking for permission from my parents was the major glitch.
I was feeling a whole lot uncomfortable to ask my parents for permission.I was forced into it..My parents never allowed my brother to go on tour,but he had the gift of the gab to convince them,and so he never missed them.I had witnessed the heated arguments,and at times i too chipped with suggestions.I had vehemently opposed, my brother going for tour. Was i genuinely interested in the tour,i wondered.I put some thought into it,but i couldn't convince myself.I was in a fix.Wouldn't it amount to double crossing if i ask for permission.I had no answer. 'I decided to take the plunge',despite all my inhibitions.
I approached my mother.Told her about it.Her reaction was the most unexpected one.She didn't raise any objection,and asked me to approach dad for final opinion.I presented the issue before my father,who gave a patient hearing.An abrupt 'no' was something i expected,but he took time to give his reasons as to why i will not be allowed.The reasons were not convincing,but still i didn't dare to argue.I was a bit upset at not being granted permission, still i don't know whether i wanted to go).A day later, i raised the issue again,to dad,the answer was the same.This time he gave me a new proposal.He suggested,i utilize the days of the tour to visit my aunt and cousin who lives in Delhi.The icing on the cake was that he offered me a flight ticket to Delhi.It was an offer i couldn't resist.Flying on a plane was a dream i had harnessed since childhood.I forgot all about tour,and agreed to this sumptuous proposal.My joy had no bounds.I cant put it in words.
I got my flight ticket that day afternoon..
My flight was scheduled for 26th September,at 12.30pm.Air Sahara,flight no..s2 147....
In life nothing goes as per plan,always expect the unexpected....
I boarded the flight
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Destiny Rulzzzzzz
While at school, i had heard of campus recruitments for engineering students.After joining college i had seen the numerous placement campaigns that took place ,and had also donned the role of a volunteer for some.My stint as a volunteer was very heart breaking.I had seen people who were on cloud nine & some who were totally depressed.I had seen the two extremes.I was never upset though; thinking of what was in stock for me,when placement commences for our batch..A testimony to that fact was that i did not attend any classes meant for Campus placements;when almost all of my classmates were doing so.I could never find a reason why i was not nervous about my future.The only logical explanation i can find is, i always believe in destiny.I had made up my mind to should attend maximum number of off campus placements to get a feel of how things are like,so that i can be prepared while attending placements in campus.
I came to know of shreds,an HR agency in Kerala who arranges for off campus placements. I registered & my friends to followed suit.So the first company on list for the 2008 batch was SIEMENS.The tests were to conducted on 10th march,2007,at UC college Aluva,Ernakulam District.So we decided to give it a shot.So there we were, 3 of us, boarding a Bus from TVM at 9.30pm(9th march) to EKM.The journey was comfortable,thanks to the help offered by the man at the Ticket counter who offered us the front seat in the bus.
March 10,2007...
We reached Ernakulam in the early hours of the morning.My brother who works at Ernakulam came to the bus stop and took us home.We had a small nap,and then we were getting ready for the journey ahead.We boarded a bus to Aluva and took an autorickshaw from Aluva,to the venue of the test.
We found a huge crowd of students coming from different parts of the state.I lost all my hopes on seeing such a big crowd there( though i did not have any great hopes).Anyway having ventured, i decided to give it a try.At the test venue we met some more of my classmates too.Now i felt at ease and we all stayed together for the rest of the day.
The first test got over and i did not attempt all the questions despite no negative marking being there.I realized how foolish i was,and felt a bit disturbed thinking i would not make it.We had to wait for the results for about an hour.We were fooling around waiting for the results.The results came and there was a huge rush to check it.I stayed away from the crowd ,and soon i found my friend coming to me and saying "u made it".I felt numb,it was something i never expected to happen.There were still two more tests before we were allowed to sit for the actual test conducted by SIEMENS.Six of my classmates had qualified,and we eventually made it to the Final Frontier.
The company officials did a pre placement talk and i was a bit nervous then,sitting in the front row.I was feeling sleepy,owing to the long journey.I got a new lease of life when i got the question paper in hand.I wrote the test,and i felt i had done it well,but i always believed there were better people than me there.So i did not keep any hopes.The officials let us know that results of that test would only be published by 8pm.
So after a long tiring day,both physically and mentally,i went back with my friends to their hotel room.After getting fresh, we vacated the room & took a bus to Ernakulam city,and we were wandering around the marine drive.We had planned we shall leave for TVM,if none of us make it for the interview.We were wandering on the road,and were having such a nice time,that the thoughts of the upcoming result never bothered us.It was 11pm.We were still on the road,and would have got free accommodation at the Police Station,had my father not called and arranged for an accommodation.We shifted to the room we got and still there was no sign of the result.I was half asleep,when the phone rang,it was my brother..He told i had made it for the interview.I was elated,and suddenly i realized i was in a fix.I had no apparel i could wear for the interview.My brother realized this and he journeyed back to Ernakulam from home(he had gone home,after sending me for the test).
March 11,2007..
My brother reached there by 6am in the morning and took me to his home.I was thrilled at the prospect of attending an interview of such a prestigious company.I was not at all nervous.I was and my brother dropped me at the Taj Hotel,the venue of the interview.I met numerous anxious candidates.I waited amongst them.I found many of them going through books.I felt a bit awkward sitting there with no books or so.I waited for my turn.My name was called and i walked into the room,with prayers in my mind.I made myself at ease and the interviewer eventually started quizzing me.I gave reasonably satisfying answers and he seemed pleased and asked me to wait outside for the HR interview.My mind chanted,just a stage to go.I felt as if i was living a dream.My HR interview went smoothly and now i was really having some hopes of making it..I started for Trivandrum by noon with my brother and reached here at night..
March 14,2007
I was getting worried as the result had not come out,and was eagerly waiting for it.I went to college as usual and then i got a call from a friend who told me the news i was waiting for those two days...I had made it...I cant perhaps describe how i felt then,using words..It was one of the happiest days of my life...What followed, was a series of treats for my friends...and then gradually life came back to normalcy,and i became more confident to attend the on campus placements...
NB:It was one of the most enjoyable experience i had,and the success i had, made it even more sweeter.No wonder do i remember every part of something that happened about a year back..I really believe destiny plays a major role in our life,and my experience is a testimony to the very fact..
I came to know of shreds,an HR agency in Kerala who arranges for off campus placements. I registered & my friends to followed suit.So the first company on list for the 2008 batch was SIEMENS.The tests were to conducted on 10th march,2007,at UC college Aluva,Ernakulam District.So we decided to give it a shot.So there we were, 3 of us, boarding a Bus from TVM at 9.30pm(9th march) to EKM.The journey was comfortable,thanks to the help offered by the man at the Ticket counter who offered us the front seat in the bus.
March 10,2007...
We reached Ernakulam in the early hours of the morning.My brother who works at Ernakulam came to the bus stop and took us home.We had a small nap,and then we were getting ready for the journey ahead.We boarded a bus to Aluva and took an autorickshaw from Aluva,to the venue of the test.
We found a huge crowd of students coming from different parts of the state.I lost all my hopes on seeing such a big crowd there( though i did not have any great hopes).Anyway having ventured, i decided to give it a try.At the test venue we met some more of my classmates too.Now i felt at ease and we all stayed together for the rest of the day.
The first test got over and i did not attempt all the questions despite no negative marking being there.I realized how foolish i was,and felt a bit disturbed thinking i would not make it.We had to wait for the results for about an hour.We were fooling around waiting for the results.The results came and there was a huge rush to check it.I stayed away from the crowd ,and soon i found my friend coming to me and saying "u made it".I felt numb,it was something i never expected to happen.There were still two more tests before we were allowed to sit for the actual test conducted by SIEMENS.Six of my classmates had qualified,and we eventually made it to the Final Frontier.
The company officials did a pre placement talk and i was a bit nervous then,sitting in the front row.I was feeling sleepy,owing to the long journey.I got a new lease of life when i got the question paper in hand.I wrote the test,and i felt i had done it well,but i always believed there were better people than me there.So i did not keep any hopes.The officials let us know that results of that test would only be published by 8pm.
So after a long tiring day,both physically and mentally,i went back with my friends to their hotel room.After getting fresh, we vacated the room & took a bus to Ernakulam city,and we were wandering around the marine drive.We had planned we shall leave for TVM,if none of us make it for the interview.We were wandering on the road,and were having such a nice time,that the thoughts of the upcoming result never bothered us.It was 11pm.We were still on the road,and would have got free accommodation at the Police Station,had my father not called and arranged for an accommodation.We shifted to the room we got and still there was no sign of the result.I was half asleep,when the phone rang,it was my brother..He told i had made it for the interview.I was elated,and suddenly i realized i was in a fix.I had no apparel i could wear for the interview.My brother realized this and he journeyed back to Ernakulam from home(he had gone home,after sending me for the test).
March 11,2007..
My brother reached there by 6am in the morning and took me to his home.I was thrilled at the prospect of attending an interview of such a prestigious company.I was not at all nervous.I was and my brother dropped me at the Taj Hotel,the venue of the interview.I met numerous anxious candidates.I waited amongst them.I found many of them going through books.I felt a bit awkward sitting there with no books or so.I waited for my turn.My name was called and i walked into the room,with prayers in my mind.I made myself at ease and the interviewer eventually started quizzing me.I gave reasonably satisfying answers and he seemed pleased and asked me to wait outside for the HR interview.My mind chanted,just a stage to go.I felt as if i was living a dream.My HR interview went smoothly and now i was really having some hopes of making it..I started for Trivandrum by noon with my brother and reached here at night..
March 14,2007
I was getting worried as the result had not come out,and was eagerly waiting for it.I went to college as usual and then i got a call from a friend who told me the news i was waiting for those two days...I had made it...I cant perhaps describe how i felt then,using words..It was one of the happiest days of my life...What followed, was a series of treats for my friends...and then gradually life came back to normalcy,and i became more confident to attend the on campus placements...
NB:It was one of the most enjoyable experience i had,and the success i had, made it even more sweeter.No wonder do i remember every part of something that happened about a year back..I really believe destiny plays a major role in our life,and my experience is a testimony to the very fact..
Monday, December 10, 2007
Need to be positive in life...
Life can be very tricky and mine has been one.Life at times take you to glorious heights and then can take you down to ground zero in the next instant.My recent conversations with my friends have often ended up on a pessimistic note.Many are either very pessimistic by nature or sometimes situation makes them one.So i thought i should address this issue in my personal space.Not sure though how many will read it..
Life takes its course.We go through different challenges in life and it is not a certainty that we overcome all of them.It is even foolish to think so.I had many a troubled times in my life,there were even times when i felt really bad about myself,felt like i am good for nothing.The belief in god did make me realize that life is not always entertaining,there are bad times and good times would soon follow.There will be a purple patch in everybody's life.You have to wait for it and it would come for you.
There are occasions when one will have to face numerous failures.Instead of getting depressed one should try his best to find the positive that came out of it.If you keep thinking about the failures,you can't move forward in life.You will be engrossed by depression and this can lead to severe complications which most of you would know..
The key area that needs to be addressed is how you can stand tall at times of distress.Always realize that life is a mixture of good and bad times.A diffident guy would always feel that life is so gloomy and so distressing.Think about the good times yet to come and then you would realize that life is indeed colorful.Being a believer i would suggest that if u turn to God at times of distress and seek his guidance we would be able to overcome our trauma,and start thinking positively.Keeping in view of the atheist's around,i would suggest if not god they can turn to someone who they trust and tell him to offer help.There need be a guiding force in life and one needs to have someone there(Be it God,Ideologies,or some person,or your mind) .I have used the word mind,and it is with a purpose.Our mind can be our best companion provided we think positive else it can be really misleading.
So i would suggest that the best thing to do, is that you should not except too much from what you are doing,so that you are not overly disappointed when u cant make it and hence you would not start thinking negatively.You start feeling like you didn't have much hopes so no cause for concern and then you would naturally believe that you can make it next time with some improvements on it.
Since i am not a psychologist or philosopher,i cant really guarantee what i have written is applicable to all.At least it is true with regard to some of friends and myself.
Life takes its course.We go through different challenges in life and it is not a certainty that we overcome all of them.It is even foolish to think so.I had many a troubled times in my life,there were even times when i felt really bad about myself,felt like i am good for nothing.The belief in god did make me realize that life is not always entertaining,there are bad times and good times would soon follow.There will be a purple patch in everybody's life.You have to wait for it and it would come for you.
There are occasions when one will have to face numerous failures.Instead of getting depressed one should try his best to find the positive that came out of it.If you keep thinking about the failures,you can't move forward in life.You will be engrossed by depression and this can lead to severe complications which most of you would know..
The key area that needs to be addressed is how you can stand tall at times of distress.Always realize that life is a mixture of good and bad times.A diffident guy would always feel that life is so gloomy and so distressing.Think about the good times yet to come and then you would realize that life is indeed colorful.Being a believer i would suggest that if u turn to God at times of distress and seek his guidance we would be able to overcome our trauma,and start thinking positively.Keeping in view of the atheist's around,i would suggest if not god they can turn to someone who they trust and tell him to offer help.There need be a guiding force in life and one needs to have someone there(Be it God,Ideologies,or some person,or your mind) .I have used the word mind,and it is with a purpose.Our mind can be our best companion provided we think positive else it can be really misleading.
So i would suggest that the best thing to do, is that you should not except too much from what you are doing,so that you are not overly disappointed when u cant make it and hence you would not start thinking negatively.You start feeling like you didn't have much hopes so no cause for concern and then you would naturally believe that you can make it next time with some improvements on it.
Since i am not a psychologist or philosopher,i cant really guarantee what i have written is applicable to all.At least it is true with regard to some of friends and myself.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
My tryst with 'ubuntu'
On a fine Saturday morning in October,i decide i should give a break to "Windows XP".My decision was not something out of the air.It had strong reasons.The formation of The "Free Software Cell(FSF)" in college opened my eyes to the promising world of free softwares.Free softwares were the talk of the town(college...).Being extremely choosy when it comes to doing anything with the computer,i had turned a deaf ear to LINUX all these years.There was one guy in class,who for the past year was canvassing us on the power of "Ubuntu".I had turned a deaf ear to his words,for the reason cited above.
The new found excitement about 'linux' ,in college instilled a strong desire to try out Ubuntu.Still wonder why i took that decision...:)
I woke up early that dreaded day,downloaded Ubuntu from some source i dont remember,burned it into a CD.Everything went smoothly up to that point.I had some personal issues to deal with and finishing all those,i returned back to the computer by about afternoon.
I put the CD in and i was thrilled on seeing the starting page.I started installing it.There were many hurdles to face with.I went on until, i had to allocate memory to install "ubuntu".There started my problems.
I called my friend('a pro in linux'),who asked me to be careful about it,and advised me not to allocate the space where "Windows was already installed".Fate had it, i allocated that very "dreaded space".Without knowing what i had done.I continued with the installation.To my absolute despair,the installation stopped at 82%..'dreaded CD'....I got nuts,so restarted the computer,and to my utter dismay,my screen read"Bootloader missing".It was then i realised my big mistake.I tried installing Linux again but the failed.
So i thought of formatting my hard disk,and reinstall Windows.I took my hard disk to my friend's house,with the hope of recovering the data from the hard disk and then Format it..
Think i was having the best time in my life.
My friend connected the Hard Disk, to his system...
I smelled something burning,and in no time i saw smoke coming from my hard disk.My friend was in a state of shock.I was totally shattered.Cursing myself i took the hard disk to the service center.They accepted the Hard disk woth much reluctance,and finally after some lecture on Guarantee and stuff,they agreed and promised to repair it in 20 days time..
20 days seemed too much of a pain.Finally i got my Hard Disk back.And here i am telling the tale to u..
Now if at all i feel like using ubuntu,i use the live cd,and it is a sheer delight using 'ubuntu' .
So beware,never get careless while doing things that are important...:)
PS:-I am in no way making derogatory remarks against ubuntu or Windows.
The new found excitement about 'linux' ,in college instilled a strong desire to try out Ubuntu.Still wonder why i took that decision...:)
I woke up early that dreaded day,downloaded Ubuntu from some source i dont remember,burned it into a CD.Everything went smoothly up to that point.I had some personal issues to deal with and finishing all those,i returned back to the computer by about afternoon.
I put the CD in and i was thrilled on seeing the starting page.I started installing it.There were many hurdles to face with.I went on until, i had to allocate memory to install "ubuntu".There started my problems.
I called my friend('a pro in linux'),who asked me to be careful about it,and advised me not to allocate the space where "Windows was already installed".Fate had it, i allocated that very "dreaded space".Without knowing what i had done.I continued with the installation.To my absolute despair,the installation stopped at 82%..'dreaded CD'....I got nuts,so restarted the computer,and to my utter dismay,my screen read"Bootloader missing".It was then i realised my big mistake.I tried installing Linux again but the failed.
So i thought of formatting my hard disk,and reinstall Windows.I took my hard disk to my friend's house,with the hope of recovering the data from the hard disk and then Format it..
Think i was having the best time in my life.
My friend connected the Hard Disk, to his system...
I smelled something burning,and in no time i saw smoke coming from my hard disk.My friend was in a state of shock.I was totally shattered.Cursing myself i took the hard disk to the service center.They accepted the Hard disk woth much reluctance,and finally after some lecture on Guarantee and stuff,they agreed and promised to repair it in 20 days time..
20 days seemed too much of a pain.Finally i got my Hard Disk back.And here i am telling the tale to u..
Now if at all i feel like using ubuntu,i use the live cd,and it is a sheer delight using 'ubuntu' .
So beware,never get careless while doing things that are important...:)
PS:-I am in no way making derogatory remarks against ubuntu or Windows.
Walk Down Memory Lane
Those words……Those words…..kept ringing in my ears, as if it was some kind of an alarm bell…..An informal talk in class by our HOD on the responsibilities of senior students, eventually ended up sending waves of panic across us.He had summarized the discussion with those carefully construed words….”Your Days as a privileged senior student is numbered” …..
No wonder it sent shockwaves in our minds. Truth always has a hint of harshness with it. No matter how hard we try to run away from it, will follow us with ease. The fact of the matter had really evoked my thoughts. I started wondering three years had passed and in one year’s time I will have to bid adieu to my dear friends.
During those initial phases I could hear many of my fellow mates complaining on the disdainful bit of infrastructure in our college. There were still many who repented on the decision to join this college. Some used to talk about the college being not so popular despite being well inside the city. The lunch breaks during those first year days were a bit of a nightmare owing to the fair bit of ragging, but the seniors never crossed the limits. So months went by, we all got used to the college and surroundings. The complaining voices had subdued, and a strong bondage was gradually growing among us. Then it was the time for exams, and I could see everyone going about studying. So I too followed suit took to my books, and did a reasonable job in the exams.
Finally we had “graduated” to second year and then things were going smoothly, for me until the union elections. I was coerced into contesting the elections by someone who was a close friend of my brother (who had apparently studied here), and I could not convince him to leave me alone. Elections were fought in nice spirit, and as expected I lost the elections. I need to mete out a special word of praise for the leaders of both parties for maintaining a peaceful environment in college. Ever since I joined this college there were no clashes on the basis of politics, or any matter to that extent.
Time flew by and exams were taking their due course and somehow I kept managing them. There were many moments like the Onam celebrations, the fresher’s day, arts festival, where we got together as class and did our part. There were the odd fights in class, which never snowballed into a ‘Big fight’(I am extremely happy to have not been part of any fight, but had often dawned the role of a mediator). The tour is that one thing I had always missed and I had some very personal reasons for doing so, and my classmates were never convinced by those reasons and I was always “tortured” for it.
Then came the big moment, our placement season had begun. Many were caught off guard (including myself), and some were upto it by going for CRT classes. A dozen of us (me too) from our classes had ventured to Ernakulam to attend the ‘Siemens’ placement campaign, and I still remember the time we had at ‘Marine drive’, awaiting the results of the test. That was perhaps my last visit to ‘Shreds’ because placements had already commenced in our college. Many including myself were recruited by wipro, there were faces of delight. It was disheartening to see the depressed faces of those who did not make it. Many companies are yet to come. I hope all my classmates would be placed by the time we “pass out” of college.
All good things must come to an end. To summarize my entire college days till date in one or two pages is an Herculean task, and so I have left out many memorable moments. Recalling all the ‘good things’ that has happened to me after I joined the college, I have every right to say that “College life is indeed an exciting phase in life”. The numerous friends I made, the time I spent with them are all moments that I will cherish a long time. Missing my dear friends would be an ordeal I need to cope with. It is inevitable though……………. To quote Winston Churchill
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing has happened”.
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