Lead India.. | Spandan’10 experience

There was a contest which was designed on the lines of Lead India campaign of Times Of India in my college fest.
It was a good experience to be a part of it. Infact, even before the fest started, I saw its posters & was delighted that students organizing the fest came up with such an intellectual Idea.

Round-1
It was basically an elimination round based on General Awareness about the country in form of Quiz.

Round-2
It was an essay writing round, wherein I was given the topic ‘Regionalism & Naxalism in India, Its consequences, causes & solutions.’ Also I was asked to write about my vision for future India & my model for the same.
(I could have discussed about it here, but I guess It may get so long that many of you might loose your interest in it.)

This consisted of 30 marks & I was fortunate enough to score 30/30 in it.

Round-3
It was a GD round, where the selected candidates had to discuss about ‘The Women Reservation Bill- is it the right solution to women empowerment or not..?’
My views were in non favour of this bill.
I made a point to my counterparts & the jury that..
We on one hand talk about the equality & on the other hand we talk about the reservations.
The individual who has the caliber, who has the leadership capability will surely be able to be in the zenith position & lead from the front no matter the person is male or female. You don’t need reservations for that.
Even before reservations women like Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, Indira Nooi etc. have made their mark in various fields & had set a benchmark for others to follow.
I do agree that we live in a conservative & little orthodox society, where in some areas women are not given equal opportunities.
But we can see there have been many policies by Govt. to educate women, to stop dowry, to educate the girl child. The crux of the discussion is that we need to check that all the initiatives are deployed in a correct manner so that women empowerment can be done right from the grass root level.

Round-4
It was a PI round, where I was given a political situation & I had to answer queries of the jury & audience on basis of that.
My situation- If I’m the PM of the country & I get to know that the citizen have withdrawn their support from me & I won’t hold this position for long.
On the contrary, I have my party in majority in the parliament, So I can still gain the majority & hold the position for long.

Question:- What will you do in this case?

My Ans:- I said that India is the biggest democracy of the world.
Here Govt. is ‘By the people & for the people.’
If I choose to hold the position then it will be injustice to the democracy of the country.
Also, I will be cheating my countrymen in that case & If I was that capable then I wouldn’t have faced this situation.
So I’ll choose to step down.

Question:- You may give diplomatic answers to win this contest. Tell me would you actually like to join politics someday?

My Ans:- Well I’m doing my engineering & in 2 yrs down the line I’ll acquire an MBA degree too. There are very few ppl. In the country who are actually fortunate enough to gain this level of professional education in their life.
So, it’s my fundamental duty & responsibility to share my good fortune with others as well.
By being a committed citizen to work for the country, to work for the welfare of my society, because it’s useless if you earn & keep everything for yourself.
You must earn & give it back to the society as well.
Let it be money, knowledge, wisdom or anything for that matter.
So I’ll surely work for upliftment of my country whenever I get a chance.

Question:- What steps will you take to make India a developed nation. Also UN says that all the measures of India look good just on paper. What’s your take on it.

My Ans:- I think the biggest problem of the country is corruption rather than anything else. There have been numerous of measures & policies launched by the Govt. for so many causes, but hardly any is effectively deployed.
I would send all the corrupt officials & politicians off their desks & would bring intellectual youth like Rahul Gandhi in power, who have that adrenaline rush in their veins, that passion, that endurance coupled with intellect & experience to power so that they can change the face of India with a rapid pace & make India soon a part of developed nation league. And as far as UN verdict is concerned I guess if you believe in yourself than no matter what others say, nothing else matters.

Question:- You said that you will step down, but don’t you think that rather than stepping down, if you be in the power by majority pole of your party then you get a chance to improve upon your mistake & gain citizen’s support?

My Ans:- I think every mistake deserves a punishment, so does mine whether it’s a politician or a common man.
I would step down to have a realization of my mistakes & again work from the lower stage to build my image & reputation with my work, so that one day again public of my country elect me as a PM of the nation.

Thanks | And I ended up winning a prize for this contest :)

7th February 2010 | Lessons from Life.

Dedicated to my Mom & Dad on their 25th Marriage Anniversary. 

6th February 2010 :
Morning 10:00 am
I was sitting idle on my chair next to my window, observing open blue sky & filtered sunlight seeping through the leaves of the tree near to the volleyball court of my hostel.
Next day 7th feb was my last exam for MBA entrance i.e DSE management entrance exam.
I was lost in my fantasy about what the future has in store for me ..? with all my cousins & friends placed.. this had become a regular feature for me.. that where will I land up after next 4 months that follow..?

Night 1:00am (7th feb)
Ended up watching 4 movies.. :P
Even pressure has certain threshold beyond which you tend to get relaxed & leave things to God like I did..!!

Morning 10:00am (7th feb)
Woke up so late :P | you must have got an idea about how casual I’m. :D
Left hostel at 11:00am sharp | Exam Center: Faculty Of Law Delhi University; Reporting time: 1:30 pm.

Learning 1: I was in the bus & there was an old lady who boarded the bus in the way.
Though I wasn’t the one on the side seat, but I was a little late to react & offer my seat to her. Till the time I stood up, she moved to the back of this tightly packed bus. (Gosh this population explosion) I felt bad that I din’t react instantly & realized that these things in life don't require any thought process. If we expect someone to leave seat for any elder family member of our family then we should also comply to the same. We should offer the seat to someone who needs it more then us. These small efforts from our side can be a reason for someone to smile.

In the meanwhile I just glimpsed through some age old quants notes of mine :P (Just the formulas ;-) ) in the bus.
Reached Anand Vihar Metro station at 12:30pm.
But due to the mad rush there, I ran out of time..!! that even those sexy beauties in the train were not able to catch my attention.. :P
Landed up at Delhi University North Campus at 1:45pm already 15 mins late..
DU North campus needs no introduction I guess, the most Hap & Happening University campus in India for that matter.

In a very hurry & worry (though I wasn’t that worried ;-) ) I caught a rikshaw for damn 20/= bugs for a distance which I would have preferred walking down..
Within seconds I took that Royal seat on the rikshaw, a sweet girl came & sat next to me.
She too had same center & due to mad rush & chaos there was shortage of rikshaws even.
We had a little chat along the way.
8th feb : we got connected on facebook..!!
People come to your life just as a coincidence; you don’t actually find them with efforts. And at times later you realize how they evolve to be a part of your life.. May be as a friend, mentor etc..
Back to 7th Feb: We were the last one to enter the exam center at 1:50pm, 20 minutes late already.
In a mess I entered the wrong room & was sent back to my allotted room.
I entered the room everyone was busy filling the OMR sheet.
My seat was at the last (wonder hw did they know I’m a back bencher :P )

4:15pm :
I was waiting for my cousin outside my center, who too had the same center.
We had a cup of coffee & I left back to my hostel in a while.
This time I preferred walking down to the metro station. As seldom I get a chance to walk such vibrant streets which resemble my fantasy of college life as in bollywood flicks. Also, you get to see some real good ‘Eye Candy’ stuff… ;-)
While walking down the lane, I saw a lot of pairs discussing paper, enjoying ice cream, teasing each other & so on… again physically though I was present there but mentally went into my imagination of my dream girl.. :D

Learning 2: Reached the metro station, there I saw a handicapped girl who
was very well dressed in jeans, boots & all the trendy accessories. I just smiled to myself & thought that “Its not where you are or how you are..” The “Feel Good” factor is not dependent on anything/ anyone else but just you.
Confidence, sense of happiness comes from within. It’s you who has the right to decide your own ways, your way of life.
You are given two options in life :

1.Live life according to the circumstances, society, with what your life should be according to other people near you & stuff. These other people refers to those who won’t be effected at all in what so ever decision you take.
All they know is, to pull your legs, make sarcastic comments etc.. You know its actually their way of venting out the frustrations of their failures & to satisfy their ego.

2.Live life according to your rules, do what makes you happy !!
Be Off the beat..versatile, dynamic, creative breaking all the frontiers of orthodox & monotonous beliefs & ways of living.
Be a trend setter.

Learning 3: Again I was back in jam packed metro (God this population explosion )
I noticed a father teasing his son, a mid aged lady insisting her ill husband to sit & choosing to stand herself.. & they both smiling thereafter, a newly married couple looking into each other’s eyes & whispering into one another’s ears…
I realized that “Its not the comfort or luxury that brings happiness in life rather its emotions, relationships, respect & the gravity of love.. you have for your near & dear one’s that matters the most at the end of the day.”
You might not be very happy traveling in a Honda City or say Mercedes alone than in a Jam Packed Crowded metro with your loved ones.

Anand Vihar Metro Station 6:30pm:
I reached back to anand vihar & then headed towards the bus stand to cacth my bus back to hostel.
I purchased a packet of chips. I was hungry since morning, as I had only had breakfast since morning.
I sat on a window seat, the left side (2 seats combined).
I was feeling sleepy & closed my eyes.. until I heard a sweet voice “Excuse me Mr. is there anyone besides you..?”
And to my utter surprise I saw a gorgeous girl standing next to me..!! B)
I suddenly took my bag on my lap & offered her the seat.
I started running my mind about how to start the conversation & break the ice.

Me: Hey if I’m not wrong you appeared for DSE today right?
Gal: NO..

Ooops .. I thought “Ab kya Karen :P “
In between I offered her Chips (Which I usually don’t :P ) but she refused straightaway..
That wasn’t a surprise because I expected that. Gals have that “Stranger is Danger” philosophy.. u know.

After 5 mins..
Me: Are you an Engineering student..?
Gal: No (Again Uff..)
Me: Okes.. nevamind.. ssooo what rrr u into..? (in a cracking voice)
Gal: well I’m into Fashion Technology..

Bas fir kya tha… I just need to have the string, then it’s an easier task to fly a kite ;-)

Me: I too gave NIFT Fashion Tech Exam.. & Blah-3

The girl too replied with an interest then & we had a long conversation discussing about one’s dreams, ambitions, life & last but not the least Indian education system.
It was indeed a wonderful time with her.
I didn’t even know when she said : Okes.. it’s time for me to leave, it was really nice meeting you .. Byee.. (with a cute smile on her face)
What I could only say in the end was : The Pleasure was entirely mine.. Best Of Luck..!!

The only thing that bothered me a bit was that I was not able to take care of any string for future contact as in e-mail or phone number.
But lately realized that though these sort of coincidence don’t happen often, but if someone is destined to meet again.. they will…!!

Reached hostel at 8:30pm..
At night thanked God with a smile for blessing me with such a beautiful day.. which added up to some memories I can cherish for life.. & of course some instances that made me understand life & it’s invaluable treasures which are beyond any materialistic attractions of life.. 

Highlights..

1.Beauty is a joy forever.. | Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder- Life have a lot to teach us, to discover more about it. There is no fixed session or a classroom timing if we want to learn from life.
Life is a teacher who can teach us 24X7, we just need to be observant & appreciate the beauty of life. 

2.Happiness is synonymous to Butterfly- You don’t have to wait for circumstances & people around you to be happiness. You don’t have to put efforts to find happiness.
What is needed is an optimistic attitude & self contention by which you can realize the flower.. the fragrance within you.. which makes happiness lookout for you rather than you looking & making efforts to search it out. 

3.Emotions.. Relationships.. Respect.. Commitments Score over materialistic & hypocrisy side of life- Often in today’s world we have become so money minded.. jealous of others.. envious to those who are better/rich than us that our priorities have changed.
We are busy to outshine others.. hurt others.. showing who is the boss & consequently neglecting our family.. loved ones.. becoming insensitive & ignorant to emotions & sentiments. We must learn to strike the balance because one day when you achieve everything & reach the top but have no one close to actually celebrate your success with, that day you realize what all you have left behind in this blind race.

Please don’t just read & quit.. please spare a few seconds to leave a comment whether good or bad. Whatsoever you feel about it… Your small initiative can make a big difference in my life...
Your comments encourage the writer within me. Thank You…!!

3 Idiots | Review

Cast: Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, Madhavan, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor
Genre: Comedy
I went to watch this film pretty late when compared to some other avid film watchers because of our great exam schedules. But I went with absolutely no idea about the film apart from the fact that its loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone‘. I was expecting 3 Idiots also to convey some kind of social message, and it wasnt a surprise that it did.
The film is eventhough a lot different from the novel but its got to be said that the atleast five characters of the film are etched out from the novel and a few scenes as well.
Eventhough, the movie had elements of comical brilliance, I felt there were several instances wherein I was able to see what was going to happen. The initial pencil scene could’ve been replaced by something innovative. The scene with Joy Lobo committing suicide was another instance where I felt it was expected. May be it was from Five Point Someone but I read it long time back, and I can’t recall whether something like this was into picture. Chatur Ramalingam keeps on talking about Phunsukh Wangdu for quite some time but later he shows the picture of Wangdu’s assistant to the other 2 idiots (which has Aamir in the background). Now, it was a cakewalk to identify who Phunsukh Wangdu really was….eventhough it is revealed only during the last 10 min of the movie.
The film runs close to 165 minutes and I felt it could have been cut short by atleast 10-15 min. Chatur Ramalingam getting an electric shock in Ladakh was one scene which could have definitely been avoided. May be it was done to isolate him from the 2 idiots in the plot but again it could have been in some other way, instead of repeating the idea all over again. A similar scene was there in the first 10 minutes of the movie and again having it near the end makes no sense to me. The Vacuum Cleaner scene was again unnecessary and it stretched out the movie a bit.
The cast was awesome with heart warming performances from everyone.Aamir looked so fresh even at age of nearly 50, his looks were no less than any college going student.Madhav as always ever green performer I must say, Sharaman was also no less.The chemistry between all 3 of them was praiseworthy, Kareena as always a versatile actress portrayed her role to the best.
One thing which could have made this film better would have a better music score & cutting on the overdose of “ALL IZ WELL” quote, specially that baby kicking on this.
The film already is the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all times, a historic success.
Film had a lot of learnings for the students: as how to deal with high pressures of life, as well as the teachers: who themselves have been a part of the system, that they should not have undue expectations from students, which in turn lead to mental torture of the students.
Also, if Indian education ministers could learn something !! I know they won’t..
As to change education system & make it student friendly rather than making it a burden for student, ruining his childhood & the days that follow.

Personally I could match my real life character to Madhavan’s character in the movie.
Someone who is not actually meant for technical stuff like engineering rather who is meant for some creative pursuits but is somehow dealing with all the logics & mind screwing technical subjects... Pheww..
But for me B.Tech is Bachelor of “TECH (technical) –NO-(no) LOGY(logic)” :P :P

The Philosophy Of Life..

My friends in fact most of the ppl who know me closely regard me as Mr.Philosopher..!!
Well I don’t actually try & be philosophical Rather it’s the way God has shaped up my thinking prospects.. it’s the way I’am..
I think one’s philosophy of life reflects a great deal about one’s character, one’s ambitions, one’s emotional quotient etc n etc.. list is long..

So without wasting much of your precious time, here is an extract from one of my write-ups …

My philosophy of life says that whatever you believe in, have firm faith in that but just be very sure before placing your belief on anyone .. any way of thinking.. as it must justify what you actually call it authenticity & good ethics principles.
For Example:- a new born baby has firm faith on his mother that she will support him & he’ll be safe in her lap..

In same way, we need to place our trust on someone we can rely upon, may be a close friend , our parents or the Almighty God

As for me I’m a firm believer in God & I know he is there to support me in every step.
I too had a rough journey & am still having ups & downs… but I never loose my hope inspite of whatever had come my way..
I may criticize..crib or nag about the situations.. but somewhere inside of me there is a never dying spirit of hope that keeps me going.. that things will get your way some fine day.. when u’ll be on top of the world.. u’ll be admired by people who laugh at you today.. u’ll achieve your goal.. u’ll make your parents proud.. u’ll fly high…

I believe in beauty of my dreams & I live for them…

I’m not a very religious person who keeps on fasting or visiting temples as any schedule or something, all I know is that there is God in everyone of us. I am more of a spiritual person..
It’s like.. (A learning from Ramayana)
“Sun is the God then we are the vessels of water which have reflection of him in them..”
We all have got the power to do something.. achieve something in life..
Everyone is unique, all we need to do is to identify our hidden capabilities & our purpose of life…
And as far as critics are concerned I have always believed “actions speak louder than words” rather I have seen it atleast in my clg life.. after topping my branch for 3 semesters in a row…

“Karma” (A learning from Mahabharata)
All in all what we humans have in hand are our actions or so called “Karma”…
Karma is something if we do karmas then even God cannot deny us it’s fruits.
Though Lord Shri Krishna said in Bhagvadgita that “karma karo fal ki iksha na karo..”
As fruits are not guaranteed instantly, as “what goes around comes around” if we do bad we get bad sooner or later.
If we do good, we will surely get good, but again its not constrained by time.
So we must watch our karmas & apply our energies in a positive direction, be optimistic so that we may have positive vibes around us, which certainly will change our way of thinking & thinking of ppl. around us.
It will also lead us to zenith of success.

SPARK:- I define it as enthusiasm, satisfaction, a healthy mental state of mind, optimistic attitude & a fighter’s spirit.

Now as far as Spark is concerned, I will quote example of ‘JAB WE MET’ remember kareena in first & second part of the movie & analyze the difference..!!

To retain spark we have 2 sides of coin:-
1.Protect Spark:- There are things like disappointment, frustration, unfairness & isolation which one may come through at different stages of life.
You certainly cannot avoid them, take life as it comes..!!
Just treat these aspects as monsoon, they will come into your life at regular intervals.
You just need to keep the rain coat handy, so that the spark may not die..

2.Keep the spark alive:- Money is not the only thing in life..
If it would have been the same, actors like Hrithik Roshan cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar would have given up their careers.. as they have already earned so much that even their future generations can feed upon it.
They derive happiness from whatever field they have chosen for themselves.
So be happy & satisfied in whatever you do or do whatever that keeps you happy & satisfied.
This would help you to nurture your spark..!!

Final Word…
I would like to add an extract from my favorite author Mr.Chetan Bhagat’s writeup …
“Life is one of those races in nursery school where we have to run with a marble in a spoon in our mouth..”
If marble falls, there is no point of coming first..!!
Its same with life, where health & relationships are like marble..
Your striving is only worth if there is harmony in your life..
Else, you may achieve success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited.. alive will start to die.

“Don’t take life so seriously..!!” we all are temporary in this world..
Remember “We are ppl. not programmed devices.. don’t be serious just be sincere..!!”

Back to Cycling & 21st B’Day Gift… | A Bike for Surprise

About a month ago.. when I came back to college for my last yr. of engineering..
I felt a need of vehicle to commute b/w hostel & college..
Our 3rd & 4th Yr. hostel is a bit far off from college campus.
Last year.. I shared a 2nd hand Passion bike with my roomie..
But unfortunately.. this partnership cudn’t last for more than a year.. due to some issues.
Now again.. I was w/o any vehicle .. the only option were autos & rikshaw..
Although I don’t have any problems with them.. but one has to wait for them, walk a lot to get them.. The campuses are designed such.. & again one have to have change money every day in one’s pocket…
So finally with a bit of discussion with my parents.. I made up my mind for a new cycle..
And guess what when I told my colleagues my idea.. they gave me weird looks.. some laughed at the idea.. some said what girls will think.. some said. It was so stupid to get cycle in final yr…
But it that hardly did matter to me..
Coz I haven’t ever bothered for any gal of my college..
Secondly.. I do what I wish to do.. I don’t need ppl to. Interfere in that..
So finally within 2-3 days.. I bought a new cycle.. Avon “Scott” a bit stylish one.. which cost me around Rs.3000/= far more than I thought.. I kept my budget thinking of the cycle I bought in my school.. :P
So I started going to clg by cycle.. & am still in the same practice…
My school days memories got fresh…!!
There are many guys.. juniors my batchmates..who overtake me by their.. flashy bikes.. but that doesn’t bothers me.. till the time I’m enjoying my cycling… although it gets a bit frustrating on sunny days… but still its fine..
One fine day.. one of my lecturer asked me.. Oh boy.. u come to clg by cycle.. haan.. 4th yr. guys have a ‘EgO’ problem..n rarely students use cycle now.. howcome.. you are at ease with it..?
I replied humbly.. sir.. I believe.. all what I have today.. all what I’m today.. is because of my parents… so the word you just mentioned ‘Ego’ has no place to stay in…
And talking of the comparisons if anyone wants to draw.. i just want to say.. I don’t compete with others.. & still if anyone wants to.. let the time come.. when I start earning.. & I’m on my own.. & same does apply to them too at that time…
My lecturer was impressed by my reply.. & backed me up saying good practice boy.. even at IIT’s ppl. do the same..& its eco-friendly.. I added yes sir.. & it gets your body a good exercise too.!!

And today is the day.. when I have just received a Discover –dtsi bike from my family as a gift on my 21st B’Day… B-)
It was indeed a surprise.. Bike had been my dream since long.. whenever I cribbed about it.. I got a good scolding..
This time when I was asked .. what would you like to have on your B’day..?? I kept quiet..
& see what I got..!!

Who kehte hain naa.. “Bin Maange Moti Mile… Maange Mile Na Beekh “ ;)