3 in 1

Scene 1




First Street



He walked through the streets of road , but no one cared him.He was wearing a piece of cloth, which might not have even seen water for last two years.He requested everyone to help, “Sir, I am hungry. please give me one rupee.”. But no one cared him. He is known as ‘beggar’.



(Same time, another corner of the same street. A centralized ac building)



A person who is wearing executive clothes was requesting a person sitting infront of him, “sir, we are in a very difficult situation, we are way short of target. Can you please help us by giving an F D of ten lakh? Please sir.” But he is not a beggar. He is popularly known as bank employee.





Scene 2



Second Street .



‘Sir, We have a vast variety of various gold ornaments. You can select the best from it sir’ – he is known as salesman in jewellery.



(Same time, another corner of the same street. A centralized ac building)



“Sir, we have 24 carat gold coins. It would be great if you take one piece of gold weighing 50 grams. It would be a great investment option for you.” – But this person is not a salesman. He is known as bank employee.



Scene 3



Third Street



“”Sir, we have various schemes that are well suited for your needs. We assure you high returns along with the policy benefits that you are going to receive. Please check this brochure sir, I will explain each plan in detail….”

And the person sitting infront replied “ I am bored of hearing these policy plans. Will you please get lost!!!” Policy agent walked out with a sad face.



Same time,another place.

“Sir, there are a few good investment options for you,which ensures higher returns and at the same time provide you insurance for your life.”



As you expected,this person is also a bank employee.  :)

The journey of an Infoscion Part 2 - preparations for joining Infosys

click here to know about my interview for Infosys placement

Once we got a campus placement situations started to change.  I felt like I was getting some confidence about my future, after all I would be an Infoscion soon after my college life. But that confidence lasted only for three to four months. A word ,which I had never heard in my life before, hit the whole world at that time. No, it was not about Tsunami, which happened on 2004. This new phenomenon was called ‘Recession’. Situations started to change. Rumors were like Infosys would cancel appointments of everyone, No one would be able to join till 2011/12 etc. So I put my dreams about Infosys in a small chamber inside my heart and locked from outside. It came out only when I got the official mail regarding the joining date on Infosys. I would be joining there on 11^th January 2010!!!


 It was followed by another mail, which explained  about the heaven which was waiting for me at Mysore. The Gymnasium, Multiplex, Swimming Pool, AC accomodation, GEC 1,2 etc etc... After reading the mail, I felt like " If there is a heaven in this world, It is at Mysore, it is at Mysore, it is at Mysore" . It is the only fact which I still agree about my Infy life.Mysore Campus is a heaven. But there is a hell inside that heaven!!!! (will be explained on following parts)

 

The mail also included the list of things which I needed to do before joining there. It included many things but now I remember only a few. It included 

1.       Passport

2.       Medical test – chest X Ray, Sugar and Pressure checking, Elisa test.hepatitis vaccination, chicken pox vaccination etc

 

Till now I don’t know what was the need for both things.

 When they told to take passport, I thought like it would be to send me to some places outside India, which I have seen only on world map and in some channels like National Geographic Channel. But they had never asked about my passport after my joining date. It is now taking rest inside my table for last 2 years. May its soul rest in peace!!!

Regarding the medical test, I really don’t know what to say. Infosys had given a list of hospitals and we were supposed to do test only in any of those hospitals. I did those tests on Cochin Hospital. After spending almost Rs .1500 for the tests,  they said that I was not fit for the job!!! They invented that my pressure is 130/ 90 and so they could not give a fitness certificate. I would have killed the doctor at that moment if I had a gun or knife in my hand. However, I realized that in case my health had problem, I needed to make it correct. I took ECG and all other things from other hospital , only  to realize that everything is normal for me. But the doctor in Cochin hospital was not convinced!! Finally I met another doctor in same hospital, who took my pressure and said everything is normal. By that time, I had spent almost Rs.3000. 

In between, my classes had got over and results came. I became an engineer!! (But, till now I never got a chance to use anything that I had learned from my college. I really don’t know why there is a branch called electronics and communication in colleges in India. Lot of Engineers, but no job!! ) Date of joining was becoming closer; I really started to feel the pressure- A pressure of excitement. 

Shopping: that was the most important thing that I had to do before joining. And to be honest that the only thing that I hate the most!! I bought seven sets of dress and two ties. Then 2 pairs of shoes and a trolley to carry all those things mentioned above to Mysore. I had bought 2 ties. But the most funny thing was I didn’t know how to wear it. I would explain ‘how to wear a tie’  or ‘ how I had wore it during my Infy days ‘ on next part.

We had a community in Orkut in which everyone who were joining Infosys on January 11,2010 were members. (I really don’t know whether that community is alive now. I haven’t checked orkut for last 1.5 years). Thus GauriKarthik BalaSundaram, Sandeep Devdas, Sivakumar Kailasam, Sridhar Kandasamy Ramasamy, Anuja Lakayil, Deepika Srivasthava ( she passed away in a bus accident at pune on 2011. We miss you Deepika(Gunjan) ) and Raksha Srivasthava.    (If I have missed any names and incase those people happen to read this,  please pardon me.)

Finally , on January 9,2010 Kanyakumari – Mumbai Island Express left Ernakulam Railway station with a set of people, who were so excited to be Infoscions. Arabind Ajayghosh, Arun Bose, Sandeep Devdas and I were a few in that. (I think at least thirty people in the train were actually going to Bangalore and then to Mysore to join Infosys, as I saw a few of them at Mysore campus on next day).

The next morning , we reached Bangalore and caught a bus to  Mysore. Around 11 am we reached Mysore Bus stand. Kiran,Sherin,Ajin,Anish joined us from Mysore bus stand, and by 1 p.m we reached Infront of GATE 1, where we had to report. We all would become Infoscions in another 5 minutes!!!

to be continued...

The journey of an Infoscion - Part 1 : The Interview

2008 ,JAN 29

 I woke up from my bed, checking the clock. It showed 6 am. I think it was first time in last 2.5 years of college life that I woke up before 7 a.m. That too without alarm!!!  What might be the reason? No, it was not because Infosys was coming to college for recruitment, but was because I had a nightmare. (Please note that Infosys is not a synonym for nightmare and vice versa.)Fortunately or unfortunately I had that dream on the same day that Infosys Technologies Limited came to my college for campus recruitment.

 I woke up from the bed, got ready , read a few common questions that interviewer might ask in case it I clear aptitude test, and read answers also for the same. Of course, the interviewer knows that these would be the answers when they ask the questions. Thousands of candidates might have given the same answers for those questions.  They why shouldn’t I try some different answers? But then another question came to my mind. Why are they asking the same questions to all, even though they knew everyone had an answer with them for those questions. Interview is an act of asking some expected questions and expecting same answers which may suit to the situation. How you present the answer would make the difference. The better, you are (in acting), the higher the chance of clearing the interview.

           I went to college to attend the presentation made by Infosys recruiters. All my friends, who usually woke up at 7.30 or 8 when they were at hostel had already reported there by 8 am!! I guess they too had the same dream last night.  Presentation started. They played a video , which I had seen a hundred times after that day and before joining Infosys, as that video had always inspired thousands of Engineers who wanted to get into some job in IT. The video is – THIS IS MY INFYYYYYYYYYY…  (Those who has never seen the video can watch it in YouTube) . It was followed by a speech, which made us feel like we were really lucky to at least sit for Infosys recruitment. Presentation lasted for 30 minutes.

     At exact 10.30 a.m, first round for recruitment, commonly known as aptitude test, started. I forgot the number of questions in it, but I do remember one thing. There was no negative marking! So I just decided to do my ‘best’ in the test. I attempted all the questions well before time (except verbal section, which always looks like  vampire for me. So I attempted very few questions only.).   After the test, we were given break and were told to report at the hall by 1.30 p.m. We all went to our rooms, had lunch from our hostel mess and came back.

Some of us went to library to read a book called ‘Electronics For You’. I had never read it before.But I just wanted to read it , as I didn’t want to tell any lies. In case if I clear the test, and if the interviewer ask me whether I keep updating my electronics knowledge, I could reply as “I do update by reading Electronics for you.”  And I was not telling a lie!! (Please note that it was my first interview in life  I wanted to be honest at that time)  We all read a paragraph each and closed it as everyone started to feel sleepy after reading it. We reported at 1.30 but those recruiters came by 2 only. They had a list of names who were selected for interview.

They started to read the names. I was patiently waiting to hear my name, though I was not sure whether I would clear the test.  Suddenly they called a name, which made me laugh. It was not my name, but the name of one of my friends, who said he learned Electronics to work in Electronics field and not to work in IT. Last day we had a fight, in which I said like I don’t mind working in IT field if the company is a great one like TCS, Infosys or CTS. And he replied he would never compromise on job. He would go only to Electronics field. (Today , I got bored of hectic work schedules and quit Infosys, and sitting at home and he is working as Senior Systems Engineer at Infosys. What an Irony!! Or rather destiny!! )

They called almost 30 names. The list would get over soon. The pessimist in me started to laugh and he said to me like I would not get the job. It was then the recruiter announced a name ‘SHUMANTH’.. Everyone looked eachother , but no one stood up. There was no Shumanth in my batch. He looked to list and read it again. This time he read it correctly. ‘Sumodh’. Finally I heard my name!!! I kicked out the pessimist in me and walked to the other room from where people would be called for interview.

They shortlisted 52 candidates for the interview and the process started by 2.30. My slot was between 3 and 3.30.Around 3, they called my name and took me to the front door of the interview room and interview started in 5 minutes. They asked all the questions which I expected , including Electronics Update!! I told about some topics which I saw in the book two hours back and explained them in one or two sentences as if I am a master in Electronics. Fortunately the lady, who interviewed me had no idea about any of them and so I escaped. Readymade questions!! Readymade answers!! Interview Over!!! Infact it was the easiest interview that I had attempted in my life so far.

After interview, I went back to room where everyone was patiently waiting for the final list. We had to sit till 8 p.m to get the final list. To our surprise, all the 52 candidates were selected!!! We all were going to become INFOSCIONS!!! I really don’t know how to express that moment in my life. It was one of the happiest moments in my life. Everyone started to call their parents , normal friends and ‘special’ friends to tell the happy news that they would become Infoscions soon.  That night was a special one for us in hostel. We were treated like warriors who had won a battle against enemies. Juniors looked at us in envy!!! Yes , that was the beginning of Sumodh, the Infoscion….

FDI IN RETAIL

  After three years of so called economic ‘policy paralysis’, United Progressive Alliance(UPA) has finally started to take some ‘bold’ decisions, which began with FDI in retail and aviation sector, followed by increasing FDI in insurance and pension funds. As usual, opposition and  Bengal Chief minister Mamta Banarjee have opposed the move and congress and other parties which supports the government applauded. Our honourable Prime minister, who usually open his mouth only to bat for petrol price hike, also explained on media the ‘need for FDI’. 

Let us take a few points mentioned by the government and analyse them.As per the government explanation, the advantages of FDI in retail are 

1 : Farmers will get a higher  price for their products,as FDI will squeeze out middlemen between the retailers and farmers.It will also help to reduce the cost of items.

2: It will help to make investments in cold storage, which will help to reduce wastage of products.

3: Employment to more than forty million people. 

4: 30% of products from small and medium enterprises mandatory, which helps Indian industry and farmers.

NO MIDDLEMEN AFTER FDI and BETTER PRICE FOR FARMERS

  It is one of the most beautiful concepts as far as common people are considered. Farmers will get more profit and customers will get products at lower price. But is this really going to happen? Consider the countries where the retail chains are developed. We can see that middlemen are existing and they are the group of people who get a large portion of profits. Names have changed. But they still exist. In US some studies have shown that the net income of farmers has come down from 70% in early 20^th century to less than  four percent in 2005.

Another important point to be noted is that United States is spending 20 billion dollars per year to farmers in direct subsidies as "farm income stabilization”. Isn’t it strange that  in a country where the FDI is developed to its best still need the help of government to do farming? Also, European Union spent 57 billion Euros for supporting farmers. This simply means, the argument that farmers will get better price once FDI comes is nothing but a fallacy. But our government is saying that when the companies like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco come to India, it will help our farmers. How can we expect, companies which doesn’t even serve farmers in their country well, that they will help our farmers?

FDI IN RETAIL HELPS FOR INVESTMENT IN COLD STORAGE 

Another argument put forward by the government is that, FDI in retail will help for investments in cold storage which will help to reduce wastage. This is just another myth put forward by government. How many of us know that 100% FDI is already allowed in cold storage , but till now no large investment is happened  in India!!! 100% FDI is already allowed in cold storage from 2011 itself. But till now, not much farmers got any help because of that. And now it is really childish to say that FDI in retail will bring huge changes.

 FORTY MILLION JOBS!!!

When government announced FDI policy, one major advantage they explained was the creation of job opportunities in India. Indian retail market is estimated to be around four hundred billion dollars  investment, which will create job to forty million people, with at least ten million getting job in less than five years. At first, it might sound good. But the truth is that forty million job opportunities is nothing but just a gossip or hype created by government to make people support FDI. 

Consider world’s biggest retail chain, Wal-Mart. The annual turnover of Wal-Mart is around 100 billion US dollars ,but they have only 2.1 million people. So how did the government make a statistics that FDI in retail can create more than forty million jobs for 400 billion investment.

30% FROM SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES

 Another tricky point which was put forward by government was that retail chains will have to buy 30% of products from small and medium scale enterprises , which is being put forward as an advantage for Indian enterprises. But what government hid tactically was that , there is no rule that retail chains  should buy it from India. Is there any guarantee that they will buy from farmers in India and not from Vietnam or Indonesia? The answer is NO. All that we can do is that we can pray to god to make them buy from Indian market.

   Now let us consider the case of Argentina, where FDI in retail was implemented in the last decade of 20^th century. A study was conducted by Daniel Chudnovsky and Andres Lopez regarding the impact of FDI in Argentina. In the report they mention some important points –

 

·         FDI impacts depend to a large extent on the capabilities of domestic firms in host countries. Hence, it is a priority to improve the competitiveness of local firms (especially SMEs) in Argentina.

·         policy efforts in the FDI area must focus not only on the quantity of FDI received but also on its quality.

·         There are very few cases of successful TNC-led development strategies (e.g., Singapore, Ireland), and those examples took place under very unusual conditions. Argentina’s large conglomerates shrank as a group in the last ten years.

    We have a live experience already in India.Consider the case of Television Industry and Telecom Industry in India. Today there is no Indian company in television industry which has atleast 10% market share. Japanese companies like Sony, Samsung, L.G etc dominate the section. Now consider telecom Industry. Indian companies are competing well against foreign companies like vodafone.This is because of the technological strength of Indian companies. But in the case of television, they were not able to compete with technology of foreign companies and hence they died out(though a few are still surviving).  When we open retail sector without making our domestic section ready to compete, the result will be same as that of the television Industry.

There was a time, we had FDI in India. But at that time it was not known as FDI, but as colony. Britain had direct Investment in India for more than 200 years. They cultivated tea, coffee, cotton, ginger, pepper, cardamom etc in India and took it at the price that they like. And we had to pay much higher amount to purchase the same back from them. (Isn’t that the same thing that is going to happen in India again in the name of FDI? )Finally a person named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was practicing as a lawyer in South Africa, had to come to India to tell “QUIT INDIA” to them. Now we roll out red carpet again to them. Of course time has changed and today kings are not ruling our country. But is situation really changed? At that time king supported them, common men opposed. And we know what happened in the end. Today it is happening in a new way. Is this a right move by the Indian Government?

References :
Wikipedia
Editorials in Hindu(Devinder Sharma and Rajiv Kumar)

Will history repeat?

What is the best case scenario for a person who takes up a challenge and fails in it? ‘Inventing ‘ a reason or an excuse which can be told to others and make others convince that problem happened only because of it, not because of person’s inability. 

India embraced Globalization in 1991, which seemed to be the best choice at that time. But now, 20 years down the line, we need to analyze the situation.  Five hundred years back, when a king used you rule the a province, destiny of entire region was decided by the King. If he was good, place got prospered and reached great heights and vice versa. We know some great kings who did well for their people and some devils who never cared their people. Later, in 1947 , we became a democratic country, which have 543 MPs. So, the situation was like , for the country to develop atleast 543 people needed to be good. And if they were bad, country would never develop. And now, look at the present scenario. 

Our country has Industries. We have employees. We have machines. But , are we getting any development? IIP data showed just 0.7 % growth, which had never happened even during the recession time of 2008. For this , finance ministry has a ‘very good’ excuse. Situation in Greece is getting worse. So , today, the situation is like , not only Indians need to be good, but entire world need to be good for our economy to develop. Two years back, Indian stock exchange was just depending on Shanghai market . If Shanghai perform well, NSE also perform well for the day. Today, we are looking to what is happening in Europe. If Greece worked well, India too would. Tomorrow, Greece may become fine, but then another country may be under recession. And that too will be going to affect India. Is this what globalization is all about? 

None of our government which came after 1991, took any measures for making ourselves prepare for the tough challenges of Globalization. Today ,we proudly say that we are going to be strong nation by 2020 or 2025. But how? Our’s is a country which has more than 5 percent fiscal deficit. Huge amount of money need to be given as subsidy. And still many farmers are committing suicide as they can’t find a market for their product.And government is saying that all these issues are because of Greece!!! How easy it is to put blame on other countries without monitoring our own finance policy well!!    If it is because of Greece, who is responsible our dependency to Greece? If Greece continue to remain like this for next 20 years,do we Indians also need to live like this for 20 years? 20 years down the line what we have presently is 5.5 percent GDP growth and almost a two digit inflation. But still we are boasting that we will be a big power by 2025.

Globalization, in   a perfect market where there is enough infrastructure and other facilities can bring huge development. But , for a financially immature country like India, it just created more dependency to west , than creating a self sufficiency. We accepted it, at a time when we had no potential to compete against other countries. And as a result, our country is just acting like a factory for other countries.

Today , how many of us have a TV which is made by an Indian company? But when we look at the manufacturing unit , most of them might be manufactured in India or China, which simply means we are just doing work for companies of other nations’ , without getting any technology. Most of Indian companies were thrown out in the competition and we just became a market for other countries(except in IT field, where there are a few good companies. ) . Ofcourse , we have some exceptions like Tata group, which started to acquire companies in other nations, but still if we take Indian market as a whole , it has just turned to be market for foreign countries. Automobile and electronics market are totally dominated by external companies and at the same time, Indian companies are really struggling to find market outside our country.  

This is the right time to analyze our nation’s financial policies. I really didn’t mean that we need to move to move back from current financial policies, but we need to analyze and reorganize our strategies and make sure that we will stand front in development, instead of depending on other nations for everything.Otherwise, we will just remain as a colony of other countries, just like pre Independent period. We will be independent by name, but will be dependent on others - infact a colony for other countries.

55 word post

“Hey, how did you manage to take this video?” Satish asked Rahul.

“I hid a camera before she came. I am going to upload this on Youtube”, Rahul answered.

“Rahul, look at this video. This is my ex-girlfriend. I am also planning to upload”, Satish said.

Rahul saw the video. The girl was his sister!!!

Destinations and Destiny - Part 2

click here to read part 1 

On November 10  evening 5 p.m. 

“Ah, we finally reached . ” Sanjay said while taking his bags from taxi. We had reached near our office guest house in Banglore. We were staying outside Kerala for the first time in our life. There was some tension, but everyone got excited as we will not be unemployed children, but will be professional software engineers from next day. We shown our id card and entered the guest house. This will be our guest house for next six months, during our training period.

November 11 morning :

Everyone woke up around 7 am morning, which is quite an early time for us . Even during our university exams, we never woke up that much early.  But still, it took time to get ready.  The biggest issue was with wearing the tie.
" I want to kill the person who inverted tie.I still don't know why a piece of cloth is need to be tied in front side of shirt,  like the chain of a Dog." Sanjay got angry as his fifth attempt for double knot also got failed.
 
" Don't you know one thing? We are forced to wear tie, just because we are like monkeys. You know the story of monkey and capseller , right? When Cap seller thrown a cap, monkeys just imitated him without thinking what they were doing. Just like that, when British people wore tie, we Indians just followed them, without thinking whether we need it. For Europeans, climate is 10-15 degrees and so tie will help to prevent cold air entering inside through the space on top of shirt. But here , we people are simply copying them and are wearing ties, even if the temperature is 45 degrees. This idiotic companies want to copy western culture blindly without thinking.  " I shared my view on wearing a tie.

" Let us discuss this matter later, just get ready . We need to report around 9 a.m."  Rajeev, who already got ready came to our room and said in a little loud voice, hinting that he is a bit angry are we were getting late.

"You can say it, as you know how to wear a tie. We are poor Indians. please give us time." Akhil replied, winking his eyes to us. We started to laugh and Rajeev left room with an irritated face.

Around 8.45, we reached our training centre. There were 120 trainees in the class and seat was arranged in alphabetical order. So akhil had to sit on the friend row itself, which is quite unusual. I had never seen him sitting in front bench in my entire life. But we were lucky that Rajesh and Rajeev got neighbouring seats and Vishnu and I got neighbouring seats. And seating was in a mixed order and so a girl was sitting on right side of Vishu and another girl was sitting on left side of me. As we were sitting near girls for first time in the life, there was a small tension for us.

First class was just an induction class, which helped us to know the rules and regulations that we should follow there. They informed us that we will be trained in Java . After 6 months, there would be an exam, which will be an elimination test. There will be some monthly exams also which will be informed later . If we lose in final exam, we will be exited from company. Every one got scared on hearing it. But we said " All is Well" , which is something that we were saying when our Principal scold us in college.

 It was a good day for us, as they didn't teach anything. We just sat their and counted number of girls in class. Divided them into two categories - Beautiful and non beautiful.

In evening, when the class finished, the girl sitting introduced her. Her name was Vaishnavi. She was from Delhi. It was really a difficult conversation for me, which just helped me to realize that what is pure English and what is my English standard. Vishnu, who came to give me company, left me alone in 2 minutes, after hearing her English. "Oh God, please help me.Please help me from this English Indian Girl.  " I started to pray.

I got bored as she was not stopping. For me, it was like watching a BBC channel. I used to watch it , but till now, I had never understood what they were speaking. My eyes started to search my friends. I saw them standing near the door, waiting for me. When they saw I was looking at them, they winked their eyes indicating that I am gonna be their prey for tonight. I looked around and realized that it was only Vaishnavi and me left in classroom. Some how I managed to escape and reached my friends.

Thus our first day got over.

Everyone was happy, except Akhil. He was sad not because we were not near him, but because  the north Indian girl Aditi,who sits near him  always  speak Hindi. He wanted to talk to her, but how can he, without knowing Hindi. He was quite sad on that day. Thus on day one, both Akhil and me got girlfriends, though both girls didn't know it.

From day two, it was quite hectic schedule for us.Training  time was from 9 am to 6 pm and then practical session till 1 a.m. After a few days, we all got busy with the schedules. Everyone stay together , eat together ,walk together. But no one talked much. Infact our talks were only about training and Java practical  exam preparations. We were really struggling to work according to schedules. There was monthly test on last working day of every month. And last exam on April 30th would decide our future.
First exam was quite fine for us , except Akhil who failed to clear it.We just consoled him and continued our preparations. Second exam was a little more difficult one for us, both Vishnu and Akhil lost the exam. Now things had started to become a little serious.

One morning, we were having tea.
" I am quitting this Job"  Everyone looked each other to know who said it.


To be continued... 

Destinations and Destiny

Disclaimer : All the characters in this story are imaginary and any resemblance with anyone dead or alive is purely coincidential

 “Who let these dogs out.. bow bow …” My phone started ringing. I attended a call, expecting a call from client which was scheduled by my P.M .

“Hello, Are you Mr. Vijay? ”

“Yes. Are you from Sears Office? “I asked, expecting a ‘ yes’ as reply from the other side.

“ No. Actually I am Rajesh’s roommate. He told that he want to see you. Can you come here to see him?”

Rajesh!!! It’s been 2 years since I met him. I was really excited to hear his name.

“O.K. I will come in the evening. But can you tell me why he didn’t call me? Still his ego is not allowing him to call?“

“….. “ (replying)

For a moment, I got frozen by his words. I had no idea what to do. Finally I replied

“ I will come as soon as possible.  “

I disconnected the call, sat on chair. I had no idea what should I do. Those beautiful days , when I was with Rajeev and other friends came to my mind.

*****************************************************************

 (Six years back)

“Cheers” .. Five  bottles of beer  kissed each other, when we  met after a few days. Parties were quite common when we were in college hostel.But , after the exams , things were quite different. Finally, we got a reason to meet and party tonight.

“Dear friends, I need to make an announcement.” Rajesh stood up from his seat.

“ Today is an important day for us. We got our result. Surprisingly, we all cleared it and became engineers.. One more cheers for all Engineers infront of me”  He raised his bottle again ..

“Usually you start speech after fifth peg right? Why so early this time? Already got kick? “ I asked him with a smile.

“You shut up , Idiot. I am not on the rock . I know what I am saying. “

He got a little angry, instead of getting sentimental, indicating that he still conscious.

“Let me continue friends. We were together for last four years. As our classmates say, we are five bodies and one soul. Today I want you guys to take an oath with me that we will be together for our entire life time. We got campus placement in Myinfosys. Next month,we will be joining there together. We will work together and stay together. If anyone want to change company, then we will switch together. Ok?”

Everyone clapped for those words which is present in everyone’s heart. We had never enjoyed a day like that before.  "

But how can friendship beat one’s personal passion. I had that question in my mind when he told that. I know that he wanted to be a journalist. He joined Engineering, just because of his parent’s compulsion. Last week, he told me that he prefer to die than to join an IT company, after all, we are Electrical Engineers. But, on this day, we- Rajesh, Sanjay, Akhil ,Vishu and me decided to forget our personal dreams and to join Myinfosys on November 11. 

***************************************************************

“Who let these dogs out, bow bow bow bow…  “ I  woke up from my  dream world, when my phone started ringing again. It was my P.M, who called to inform that client call got cancelled. I was quite happy to hear that it got cancelled. I managed to find some excuse to escape from today’s tasks.

I started my car, I want to meet him as early as possible.My mind still disturbed,  thinking those old days.

*****************************************************************

On November 10  evening 5 p.m.

“Ah, we finally reached . ” Sanjay said while taking his bags from taxi. We had reached near our office guest house in Banglore. We were staying outside Kerala for the first time in our life. There was some tension, but everyone got excited as we will not be unemployed children, but will be professional software engineers from next day. We shown our id card and entered the guest house. This will be our guest house for next six months, during our training period.

To be continued…

Time passed, but I didn't forget

This post is regarding a few  facts, that I read in newspaper or those which I had seen in front of my eyes.Year mentioned may not be accurate, but news are true. Time passed. Everybody forgot it , or had burried those inside mind. But I didn't forget these till now.

1.       During 2005/2006 , I joined for Engineering. It was at that time, the rumour about smart city started( for non keralites – it is like an IT park, many IT companies will come and start industries) . It was then, Ex- C.M. V.S Achuthanandhan, promised people that smart city will come true in 2009. I, just like most of the other foolish citizens, believed those words.I was very happy that I too would get a job in Kochi, as smart city would come true on  2009. Once I passout from college, straight away I can start a job hunt near my home. My dad told me like, I was  lucky as  IT companies will be in front of our home by the time I pass out. No job vacancies like that was available for him in his college days. I passed engineering in 2009, joined Infosys Trivandrum, worked there for 2.3 years and then quitted.But,even today not even a single building for smart city is constructed. I believe it will come true atleast by the time , my children will pass out their studies.

         

   2.    I remember U.S.A saying that there were dangerous weapons in Iraq. The battle against Iraq was because of that. Atleast in records they said like that. They won battle. Saddam Hussain hung to death. But where are those weapons??
  
     

     3.       During 2004/05, I really don’t know which year exactly , but I heard a speech from  CPI(M) leader saying they will make trade unions in IT industry also. UPA 1, will have no other choice, but to accept it, as they can’t continue without CPI(M). I thought about a CITU flag in front all IT company and 24*7 strikes at that time. Even now, it didn’t happen. Fortunately even that leader forgot that he had told like that.

     4.       I remember the words of Barrack Obama, in 2008, saying that he will outsourcing of IT industries. At that time, one of my friend told me it is better not to join Infosys ,  as Obama will stop outsourcing and all Indian IT companies will be closed by 2012. You know what the situation now is.

5    .   During 2004/2005 there was a rule passed by District collector of Ernakulam , there should  not be any race between the transport  buses and no overtaking is allowed inside cities. There was also another rule that, all buses need to have doors. These  rule were passed because of a few incidents happened at that time. Many had fallen from bus and died as bus started from stop when people were at footboard and had not entered inside bus. Also buses were hitting pedestrians, taking their lives. The very next day, I saw a picture in Mathrubhumi news paper ( a Malayalam newspaper) in which buses were in queue, at traffic signals. It was one of the rarest scenes that we can ever see in a state like kerala, where private buses are more and they are always in competition to beat other buses.All buses fitted doors in a period of three months.For one week police checked traffic rules.  But later, say after six months (or even before that) situations changed. Everything came back to normal state. Buses started to race. They started to hit common people who walks through road side again. With a painful heart I realized , this will never change. Poor people will fall again from buses. Pedestrians will be Killed by buses. No one in power is interested in their lives.

     6.       I remember high court order , wearing Helmet compulsory. How many are obeying that? What actions did police take? Still people are dieing because of head injuries.

     7.       I  remember Court order banning smoking at public places. Still I can see people in public road and bus with cigarettes on their lips.

     8.       I remember Cris Gopalakrishnan’s mail saying Infosys  would  give uniform salary for everyone in 2009 batch.( for those who doesn’t know the process – Everyone who got campus placement, joins Infosys as various batches for entire one year- july 2009 to March 2010. Date is fixed by Infosys , not by us. But those who join before September 30 have one salary and others  have another salary. A mail was send to him by someone saying it is not our fault that we join company late(after September 30) . And in reply, Cris promised same salary for all.) I worked in infy for 2 years and quitted. Till now, his words are remaining only as words.

     9.       In 2006/07, I remember honourable chief minister V.S Achuthanandan announcing all state government employees (men) should wear dothi on Saturdays.  Till now , no one, including his party supporters,  obeyed the order.

 

     10.   I remember government announcing construction of N.H 49 , Kochi – Madhura National Highway. Land acquisition happened when I was in nineth standard. I got happy that a four way lane will come at a distance of 1 km from my home. But till now nothing happened. A small plant which was on the land, which I noticed at that time , has grown into big tree. But still, NH construction is only in papers.

God must be Crazy (Last part)

 click here to read part 1

 click here to read part 2

“Yeah, it is clear, but I have another doubt. If god is inside us, then why are we going to temple?” This time it was Dheeraj who asked the question.

“That is really an interesting question. Now I am asking the same question back to you. Why do you go to temple?” 

“ This is not fair. You can’t ask that back to me. “ Dheeraj replied with a smile in his face.

“Just relax and please answer to my question.” Stranger asked again, as if he is expecting a genuine reply from them. 

“I don't know actually. I just went there for some peace of mind.” this time it was Rajeev who replied for the question.

“Really? Did you get that? Anyway let me tell the point clear. You know that our culture is thousands of years old. You have heard about Sanyasi. Right? How were they prayed?”

“Well, they used to go to forest and sat is some place under the tree and prayed.” Dheeraj replied with a happy face ,as it was the first question for which he knew the answer.

 But stranger , who was not satisfied by the answer , asked another question.

“Yeah, right. But why did they do that? Weren’t there any temples at that time? “

“Well, you need to ask them” replied Rajeev, indicating that he already got irritated by his questions.

Stranger replied : “Well... Leave it. Even I don’t know whether there were temples at that time. But the point is that, for prayer, you don’t  even need temples. But temples are for creating atmosphere for prayer. If you may be sitting at home, probably your mind may be in television, while you are praying. Temples helped to avoid that.But today, situations are becoming more worse. I have seen people saying that they need to go to temple fast and then to go for a party or to office or some other place. The moment they reach temple, their mind might have  started journey to next place. Else people may be thinking whether mobile in their pocket is vibrating or not.So, instead of complete focus on prayer, they split their minds for multitasking. As a result, they never get any satisfaction. Then they curse god, saying he didn’t listen to prayer. But they are not thinking whether they had really prayed. These prays are actually for self realization.”

“Self realization? ” Both Rajeev and Dheeraj said at the same time.

“Have you ever went to Sabarimala or Amarnath? Do you think gods are crazy and so that they went to top of mountains and sat there, instead of sitting near a main road?  If you have gone to Sabarimala, you might have noticed that the moment to reach 18^th step, you can see a word there infront of temple ‘ Thathvamasi’ which means ‘it is you’. The god sitting there is actually you or your power. The tough journey to the top, symbolically represent the tough journey for you to realize who really you are. The moment you realize it, you will take responsibilities on you. Instead what we do today is consider god as someone who is outside you . Then you are giving all responsibilities to him. If he does good, then you are happy. Else you will curse them without even trying to analysing the situation.”

"What you actually mean by that?" First time, Rajeev showed some interest in stranger's words.

“When you pray to Ganapathy, what you actually expect? Do you expect him to come on his rat near you and remove all the barriers infront of you? Actually he is the power inside you , who gives you enough confidence and courage to beat barriers. The moment you thing both are different, you will lose your confidence.But still, he will try to help you through other persons also. Just like now he is helping you to come back to your life.“ Stranger explained.

“Now, God is helping me? How?” Rajeev got confused.

“In the morning, you had decided to commit suicide. But , when you came here, someone whom you had never seen came to you first and later , I came . Neither him nor me, has nothing to lose even if you commit suicide. Still we were here accidentally and talked to you. Doesn’t that mean someone is really interested to bring you back to life? Please take responsibility for whatever happened  and continue your journey.When you born in Earth, you ever thought that you would become an engineer, and then get a job here and then you might cry later ? But still , whatever happened is just because of you. Who took decision to join the company? You or God? But the moment you lost enthusiasm in job, you said God is cruel. “

“You are really cool. We should have been met early.” Dheeraj got excited after hearing those words.

Stranger smiled but didn’t say any word.

Rajeev also remained silent as if he was lost in his thoughts. After sometime he told “You are right sir. I am taking the responsibility. I will take responsibilities from here on. It is god who brought you here now.”

“See Rajeev, God is the power who is inside both of us and is same. There is no need for that sentence.Anyway I am leaving now. We will meet again.” Stranger replied with a happy face, which said that he is happy as Rajeev realized his mistake.

“But sir, please tell your name.”

“ I think it is irrelevant. We will meet again. Bye now “ 

The stranger walked away from them.

After some time , Dheeraj also said good bye, as he had to go for a DJ night.

Rajeev remained silent for some more time. Finally he took his mobile and updated new status.

“ Plan cancelled. Not going to commit suicide.”

His status didn’t get any like, as usual.

The end

God must be crazy - part 2

click hear to read part 1

“How can he take revenge on you, when he is inside you? Only you can take revenge on you.”

They both looked in the direction of sound.

A young  man, wearing a saffron kurtha  came and sat near him. 

“Who the hell are you ? Why did  you  overhear  our talk?I am already suffering from a facebook friend.“   Rajeev wanted to say those words, but instead he asked  

”May I know who are you? “ 

“ I am a stranger for you, a tourist which came here to see the beauty of nature.I accidently overhear the question ‘Hey dude, you didn’t commit suicide?’ I just got interested in your talk and was listening to you till now “ the man replied.

“You know this is not a good habit. It will cause many problems for you in future.” Dheeraj replied.

“May be. But sometimes it might help to save someone’s life.”

Both Rajeev and  Dheeraj didn’t say anything for sometime.

Finally Dheeraj broke the silence by  asking  Rajeev’s initial question again, but this time in a very  polite manner.

“ Sir, can you please tell your name? What do you want? “

 

“There is no point in knowing my name, and I think let us come to the point which forced me  to break your conversation.Why did you think that god is cruel to you?You think that god is a bhooth in the  lamp, who comes out when you  pray and give everything that you want? ”

“No. I didn't mean that. I pray  to god everyday. I tried to visit temple whenever it was possible for me. I never did anything against his wish. But still he didn’t do anything for me. He had never tried to understand my situation and helped me. “Rajeev replied.

“Oh really? Then  tell me where is god? he / she is staying at which temple? “

“Well, according to the belief, it is said like god is omnipresent. “ Dheeraj replied for his question.

“Then tell me why you go to temple for praying  to god?” 

“So, what are you planning to say? God is not present in temple?”Rajeev , who as a little irritated by his words asked the question. 

“No, but I want to ask a question. The answer for this will give you some idea about it. Now you are speaking to me and you are looking at my face when speaking. Right? “

“Yes" Both Rajeev and Dheeraj replied together.

“Now, tell me when you go to temple, how do you pray? “

“I will stand near the idol, keep my fingers crossed ,close my eyes and pray.”

“Ok. What about you Dheeraj?” stranger asked Dheeraj.

“Same. Why? Is it a wrong way? Is it because of it god is not hearing our prayer?”

 “Ok.  That means the moment you speak with others, you speak, looking at his/her face. And the moment you talk to god, you close your eyes. Why? Are you mad to travel to temple and then, on the moment you see god infront of you, you close your eyes? ” Both Rajeev and  Dheeraj looked each other. The stranger continued

“When you talk to god, you are actually talking to yourself and that is the reason why you are closing your eyes.”

“Dude, this conversation is becoming quite interesting, you can commit suicide later, let’s talk to him for some more time.” Dheeraj got excited and he told to Rajeev.

“So what you are saying is that we are all gods? But on the other hand , religious book says god is single. Lord Krishna had said it in Gita.” Rajeev, who was not so convinced with the answer, asked the question.

"This is the problem with all of us. We will understand it partially and say that books are wrong. I will clear it with an example. Consider a glass cube or say the structure like aquarium. You place a CFL lamp inside it. Now you can see white light from all glass sides. Now you paste a transparent, blue cover  on one side, yellow on other, green on third and red on fourth side. You can see that colours from each side will be different. But when we check the source of colour, it is the same CFL lamp. Here light from cfl is like the god who is the source of light and the transparent glass sides are we all. We all shows different colours outside. But basically we all have the same light  inside . Is your doubt solved now? That is why we say God is present everywhere. But still God is single.”

“Yeah, it is clear, but I have another doubt. If god is inside us, then why are we going to temple/church/mosque?” This time it was Dheeraj who asked the question.

To be continued