Career Counseling

Sad news first — the much awaited parole 2 Bangalooru 4 a month plus is off temporarily. May b it will wk out 4 a shorter duration as both my boss n blessed colleague (interruption fame) decided 2 vanish from the scene 4 a while! Hope n lookin 4 a silver lining in it.

The more important one — in my quest 4 work found myself roped in an assignment 2 address the young lads of local schools n collages, all in teens on a subject of “Career counseling” — 4 which one’s not trained, but yes have been used 2 handle a bit more grown ups and ensure they don’t mess up their guidance system turning in to misguided missiles. Have been doin it 4 some time out of sheer self interest of giving back 2 society. Have been addressing the fresh grads n MCAs in clearing their thoughts n preparing 4 the opportunities that lie ahead, but, this time it appears 2 b more challenging cause the minds of the audience will b more impressionable! So I look forward 2 more tips n vetting of aspects that I wish 2 cover:

Things I wish 2 make them realize:

• Potential they have.
• Opportunities available.
• Resources they need.
• Ideals — they must have or establish 4 them selves.
• Dreams that they have.
• Effort needed from them 2 achieve the set goal.
  

Aspects that I will cover:

Setting and Achieving Higher Goals in Life

Reality Check!!!

• This is the MOST important year of your life.
• Distinguishing between Hobby and Career – There is (and will be) time for everything.
• You don’t get what you want but you get what you Deserve (if you are lucky).
• YOU are responsible for YOUR Actions.
• YOU can DO IT – Anybody can do it if you set your goal and work towards achieving it.

Challenges in real life:

· You are very lucky – I would say VERY VERY – Extremely Lucky. Think of people living in or coming out of 2nd world war, Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan.
· Don't whine. Don't cry for new shoes – lots of people don’t even have legs!
· Not everyone who has achieved success comes from a rich family or a big public or convent school or goes to a big reputed, expensive tuition.

Secret of Success:

Well, there is NO secret of success.
Work Hard. There is NO shortcut for Success. It needs
Good Character,
Good Planning – Organize.
Passion,
Discipline,
Very Hard work and Smart Work
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES – Three types of people.
Choosing your Battles. Be practical – Don’t Daydream.
It’s ALL in your MIND. Pulling by Rope v/s Using your own feet.
Leaders and successful people are NOT Born but are made by their parents, teachers, friends and themselves by hard work.

Bottom Line:

Read Read and Read!!! In English ALSO!!!
Study Hard – do ExtaOrdinary Work.
Keep fighting, keep struggling, and keep on making progress everyday.
Stay Focused.
Sweet Success:
Efforts never go waste.

Satisfaction Redefined:

"Santoshi Sada Sukhi" v/s
Start where you are, with what you have, create something out of it and NEVER be satisfied.
Try to Do what you like BUT ALWAYS Like what you Do. Be practical!!!

Life is a Journey not a Destination:

No one is perfect, there’s always a LOT to learn and achieve....
Life is not a 100 mtr dash but a 42 mile marathon.
Power of Knowledge is infinite.

Last but not Least: Respecting Environment, Fighting Corruption and Giving back to Society.

My advance sincere thanx 4 all those who contribute suggestions 2 improve n wish get enough of them.

JAAN PANDEY: A DEADLY VIRUS

A term coined in by a friend way back in collage days, where in we used 2 call a parson Mr Know all variety — a dreaded disease spread by a deadly virus “Jaan Pandey” had gripped the mankind especially of the Indian sub continent of the Asia Pacific. All through in the struggle of a career 1 forgot of n thought that have been eradicated! Alas!, of late noticed the virus is back with renewed vigor across the various strata of the society. U find persons suffering from in n around us every now n then.

Victims:

• Man — my apologies an Individual, my personal observation (may b wrong 2) is that the virus grips the fairer counterpart more passionately! Like a female anopheles’ mosquito that’s responsible 4 Malaria, the male strains of this virus “Jaan Pandey” must be more potent n cause 4 the disease.

Symptoms:

• Once gripped the individual assumes 2 be possessed of all the knowledge “Mr Know all” kind.
• Is not open 2 n shuts down all inroads to new knowledge or even inputs. Things like book n any reading material 2 is detested.
• In terminal cases victims r reported 2 have developed phobia 4 any material that contains pearls of wisdom. So grave that at times one is blinded n the virus puts such an impregnable cordon to inroads that forces the person to neglect n negate even bits of information’s or wisdom which may b 4 his own benefit.

Cure:

• Yet 2 b developed! Anyone aware of or working in this direction please notify the breakthrough immediately may not b 4 personal gains but 4 the benefit of society at large.
  

Bottom-line: A personal reward for a person who can tame this virus for a directed use, may b our Govt may consider it’s deployment along our porous border with B’dash that continue 2 remain a point of concern. May b our counterparts in Khaki posted there b put to better use elsewhere.

IMPERSONATION

In continuation of the previous post n thoughts that got triggered from the same “Breaking News” (well I still ventured near them despite my agreement with n warning of J in her post BROKEN, BATTERED NEWS 13/Oct/2006) clip, much trivial than the earlier one, but may be having penned it down will help me sleep better.

The IPS officer appearing in the clip was surrounded by a security cordon of lesser mortals in Khakis — reminds of a setting of the movie shot where the underworld Don eternally scared for his life is always surrounded by his faithful. Think the prime concern of the complete police force at that particular moment was to protect him than, to take hold of the situation and controlling the mob of the political workers/ supporters creating chaos at the police station. What bothered most the IPS officer was donning a dress of the Army when on combat duties or while training for the combat — a jungle print that we now so often get 2 see not alone on the battle field extended 2 our homes courtesy real time reporting by most channels but, also have got used to see it routinely and shamelessly being used as covers of the suitcases, tractors especially in North India during winters, laborer’s and daily wage-earners! The latest 2 join the bandwagon of misuse — the IPS cadre!

Don’t we have a regulation 2 control the use of colour, pattern n design which is distinctive 2 an organization? Anyway who cares 4 the regulations? They r only 4 the sake of existence n when the regulators r violating why shouldn’t the common man do so? Still …

• What kind of combat this man was expecting at that point of time?
• Is our police force that competent that it unilaterally decide that it can take place of the Army?
• Has he still not grown out of his teens, who taking lead from models, love that print in all glam forms with necklines n waistlines heading South words — after all it’s the “G Force” is the one that’s keeping our universe together!
• Has khaki become so tainted that the custodians of it’s pride n reverence the IPS cadre who has the responsibility 2 maintain it’s decorum 2 have started looking 4 the ways n means of getting out n maintain distance with it?

JUSTICE

Y’day mor NDTV 24 X 7 News Clip on Bada Malehra bye elections, the political personality usually fond of raking up some or other controversy or shall we say, whom the controversy follows like a shadow, was forcing her dictate on the Police authorities by staging a “dharana” — a blockade in full strength of her supporters 4 some allegedly happened incident with her convoy. A new dimension of “Gandhigiri” — LRMB style.

Come eve the Breaking News — “Case filed against ….. .” an incident the driver got seriously injured so many vehicles smashed n not a scratch on any other occupant!? Hypothetically — say it is proved that the person is blamed (?). Will the judiciary ensure that the justice is meted out in a reasonable time frame? The issues that keep wondering:

• Has any of our political fraternity of the modern age ever staged or put-up even 10% of the concern 4get a similar one 4 so many n grave wrongs and sufferings a common man undergoes routinely?
• What have we done so far on reported cases, to name a few:
  o Graft allegation of 100, 000K on none the less than ex PM of the country.
  o Sushil Sharma — a monster who not only killed his wife but burnt her mortal remains in a Tandoor.
  o Sukh Ram — Lucky man under whose bed IT deptt discovered more than 300 crore of rupees in cash n he did not know who kept it. Since then mind u I religiously turn my pillow in a hope to be blessed by fortune ferry some day n yet to find anything. May b my prayers n Tapasya r not sincere enough.
• Will we continue to b content with n keep patting our backs on delayed justice on cases like Jassica Lal n Priyadarshini Matto. Keep diverting attention of masses 2wards inconsequential issues blown out of proportion at well timed intervals. Delhi sealing case one 4 example n use them as cover-up for inaction on serious cases of those who matter. All said and done time is gr8 healer.

Epitome of apathy of the system — we don’t even have a provision 2 bar people from contesting elections, 4get about shaded history, having cases pending n lodged in jail nothing stops these juggernauts. We do not even mind electing them time and again! Entry in the politics is a sure way to wash u r sins of past n come to lime light. Day bye day the political arena is becoming prohibited abode 4 clean n respectable persons. Greater the fame u earn in u r unlawful activities higher the position u get in the hierarchy. Hope we don’t find our neighbor’s friend “D” joining a struggle 4 seat amongst them. A typical case of “Chor chor mausere Bhai” or theory of relativity being proved in our own way.

ABSENCE

Well! have been back home 4 > a month n returned 2 my desk after a long holiday with a good Tan 2 put lots of celebs 2 envy n shame. Unfortunate 4 me that wantingly 2 I did not get that on serene n splendid beaches along the West Coast. But earned on long day n night outings, at ancestral village getting crop harvested. The new responsibility one had 2 forcibly get hold of!

After a forced few days of inactivity due 2 continuing monsoons n Rahul’s exams the schedule got so busy that a whirlwind 2 appeared an understatement. Friends, neighbors n relatives all kept complaining of no shows. One kept wondering why can’t day have a few more hrs than 24? Old buddy Jojan put up rather an unexpected appearance n gave n opportunity 2 fire up the 1st “Bar – be – cue” of the season! We all 5 relished the chicken n left me wondering that was I a miser that I picked up only 2 broilers 4 5 of us? Or we all ate more? Despite the will the hectic schedule didn’t permit the repeat which, till last yr had been a routine n twice a week event.

The festivals of Dusshera (Vijaya dashmi) n Diwali 2 passed bye with pangs of harvest lying in open uder the umbrella of threatening clouds to pour down. Luckily did not cause much damage.
The holiday soon came 2 an end with tooo many things still on 2 do wish list. I found myself again my way back 2 present location with not much 2 do but b present. Lack of work/ activities is killing. It was only 2 days back that went thru a Sunday inventing ways 2 pass time n y’day at break up time the staff n my blessed companion announced “we have a holiday tomorrow”. Only solace is that can catch up with lot of thoughts yet 2 b penned.

Wish u all 2 had a splendid festival season! An sms from a friend wished me 4 9 S’s on Navratri, hope u 2 have a close encounter with:

• Shanti.
• Shakti.
• Saiyam.
• Sanman.
• Saralta.
• Safalta.
• Samridhi.
• Sanskaar.
• Swasth.
  

BELLARY

Bellary? the new place of assignment for a stint of three yrs threw up many questions n left me wondering. Tried all that one could do to get that cancelled. It did not suite from any angle. Think it always happens that way u ask 4 North n active place u land up down South to keep u r heels cooled n vice versa. The only thing that I knew about Bellary was, two prominent political personalities had their waterloo here some time back. Another event it routinely figures on national News is I think, annual “Mahamatak abhishek” at a Jain shrine near by. To locate the place it actually needed an auto pilot of Google Earth. All the efforts to loc it in “Trains at a Glance” — a favorite companion of those who r on constant move and have to trot across the country low cost failed. Even the Govt of India’s official web site listed it as a district but no map or any other details. The reasons I learnt later on reaching.

Having failed in securing reservation on only train available from Khandwa, the closest on main rail route KK Exp had no option but to rely on my credit card to get on board Jet flt from Indore to Mumbai. Was lucky to get ticket at Mumbai for 1330h Indian flt at discounted rates at Mumbai. Wait gave me ample time to scan thru all the complimentary News Papers kept there. Indian announced at last moment, the 1330 pm flight Mumbai – Bangalore has been cancelled and merged with 1930 pm flight. All my dreams to travel exec class on a spot fare ticket of Rs 2855/- were shattered. The worry of missing the Hampi Exp from Bangalore to Bellary was engulfing me. Someone has rightfully coined a phrase “You can’t have a Cake and Eat it too”. Attendant at the Indian counter was more than willing to transfer me on a Jet flight scheduled from Mumbai at 1430hrs.

Having moved from IA terminal to other found a sea change in décor n dos. Having checked in, still had ample time at hand, n long since had my last cigarette, the hunt was successful in locating a smoker’s corner in a restaurant on 2nd floor. Mr Wagh of Bridgestone was kind enough to lend me a light, I having been stripped, of my lighter on a previous airport courtesy stepped-up security post 7/11 proved to be good companion 4 discussions over a wide canvas of issues, both current and pre Independence. In flight chose to chicken over ½ Dosa n Vada and did not repent on the choice made.

On landing found Wini’s (my li’l sis) mobile shut, luckily on intuition had called up Shanu (my SIL) from Mumbai n had correct add or else would have resulted in wastage of time, money n effort, what add I was carrying was the old one they moved out long back. At prepaid taxi counter the computer was down and was handed a manuscript receipt 4 Rs 400/- only to learn later that actual charges r Rs300/-. Think it was a trick to organised fleecing. Have retained the receipt in my travel pouch, sure enough shall get a chance to settle the score sometime soon. Few hrs of chit chat n nice helpings of Biryaani brought me closer to final stage of the journey. A quick maneuvering by rick driver with a few detours may be to help meter run more ensured we were well ahead of time n few more time with Manoj.

The Humpi exp ride was nothing much to talk about but 4 peaceful sleep it offered onboard. The butterflies in the stomach 4 arr in a new place woke me up much before scheduled arr and impatience brought me to door of the compartment to enjoy the breeze of dawn. All along on either side was a vast expanses of barren fields with a very few having standing crops with water being pumped out of wells a rare sight up North still facing the wrath of rainy season n floods all over, either the cropping pattern is different or this was the area which suffered lack of rains, the later proved to be true when I was educated that this area is often referred to as — “Deserts of Karnataka”. The houses in the villages and outskirts of the towns carried typical South Indian look — a courtyard with a few coconut trees. The striking difference was the boundary walls which unlike usual fencing of barbed wires or a masonry walls were mostly made of “Black Kaddappa Stones”, the ones normally used on kitchen platforms until more in thing the “Granite” replaced in modern apartments’, slabs of 5 ft n something lined up made the boundary of most courtyards’.

A car was waiting 4 me at the station so no difficulties faced in reaching n finding place early in the morning. The town still appeared at sleep unlike the NE states where, day generally starts with whistles of pressure cookers in the neighborhoods n one did not need an alarm clock 2 wake u up.
The place turned out to be a small town in N Karnataka bordering Andhra. Roughly eight hrs journey (over ni) from three well known towns in South India — Bangalore, Secunderabad n Belgaum. Mid of no where no major rail route passes by. The town I found dusty n sleepy not much vigor in the mkt place as well. Most of sign boards only reminded me the hot Jalebis in the central India. Not only the stationary buildings alone even the plants I found had a red tint on them even most daily workers I found carried same tint.

Reason — the select few of the area r 2 busy digging up mountains n flattening the hills, in an effort to fill their own coffers. The difference between the have-nots (the majority) n haves (not less in numbers either) appears to be toooo wide. The Haves don’t live in houses but mansions n villas, that 2 can b an under statement n each one more spectacular n magnificent than other both in looks n sizes. Each with a high double boundry wall n a fleet of cars parked may even put some old-time Royals to shame. The haves r busy selling it’s Iron n manganese ore rich soil on an average I vouch at least 35 – 40 train loads of it is going out from here. My office n residence is on two sides of the railway track n reason 4 earlier post “Interruptions”. One more thing I found in abundance here is — the Curry Leaves. Ask 4 anything b it rajhama, Bhindi or any of Chicken delicacy I am yet 2 find a dish that does not have not a few but plenty of them. So b sure 2 select u r palate while eating out. Today only sighted a US Pizza Delivery boy on a scooter shall try n locate the outlet soon n hope no curry leaves in it! One good thing, though bordering Andhra the use of chilies though on higher side but, still palatable.

True to it’s description earlier there’s not much happening n activities at work n town so gives a lot of time to oneself to indulge in to personnel interests. Thanx 2 this I could start the blog!! The final regret due to commitments n obligations had 2 leave Rachana n rahul behind hope get opportunities time n again 2 get back.

# a long pending draft on the pad finally got over 2day.