2012

It might sound common to some people if I say exceptional, as Hollywood action movies are always full of Special Effects and nothing extraordinary in it. It might give you a feeling that 2012 is just another Hollywood flick with same action scenes, special effects and fight against the problems which we might experience in the future but believe it or not one of the most amazing movies in recent times I have seen.

It all starts with an Indian scientist rather a Geologist identifying that there is something very serious occurring beneath the earth and the world is about to experience the worst time which might even end up destroying the entire world and nothing would exist and from then on it is the fight against the nature and how this massive destruction would affect the lives of people across the globe and would anyone survive the transformation planet earth is about to undergo.

Amazing special effects and picturization. A definite watch and that too at a theatre near you. Thumbs up and a full 5/5 points from my side for this latest flick. Just ignore the people who are saying nothing really to watch for in the movie.

Chapter Chennai Closed !!

It all started on 29th May, 2009 when I got a call from my manager in Bangalore telling me that there was a requirement in Hyderabad although it was not for a US client and whether I would be interested in taking it up? How could I miss a chance to come back to Hyderabad (my hometown, my family, my friends). I instantly accepted the offer and asked him to do the needful. Haah... but since it was a Friday no discussion, nothing would be on until Monday (1st June, 2009). Well it always happens with me that I get a call informing me that I am being referred to some project and it is always on a Friday and I have to always wait until Monday. I know how I spend my weekends thinking and preparing for the discussion and this time it was the most important interview/discussion I was about to face because if I cleared through I would land up in my hometown and that too with a project.

Somehow the weekend passed by and as I was eagerly waiting for the call for discussion at the same moment I was a bit tensed also. Well as awaited and expected I did get a call on Monday but was from the consultant of the project and she ended up asking me about my work experience and telling me that I will get a call from the concerned Project Manager for a technical discussion. I did get a call from the Project Manager but I had to wait for 24 hours since he had called up only on the next day and that too after reminding the consultant that I haven't received any calls yet. I must say it was a call (that too an interview call within the organization) I have been looking forward to, afterall as said if everything went fine it would land me in Hyderabad. The Project Manager interviewd me in ETL tool Informatica and BO and the inerview lasted for an hour. Post the technical discussion the Project Manager told me that the Delivery Manager would have a discussion with me very soon and there would also be a Client interview scheduled but not in the same week and in the next week. Now this is again called luck. I already had waited for a long time I felt and 1 more week? It seemed as if the road to Hyderabad was not so easy as I was expecting. The next day (2nd June, 2009) I got a call from the Delivery Manager in the evening and he discussed about the role I would be playing in the project and what were the expectations from me. As per the discussion with the Delivery Manager it seemed as if 1 more week and I shall be in Hyderabad.

Days passed by and it was getting tougher and tougher to survive in Chennai with the thought that made me feel really happy (I will be going to Hyderabad very soon). After a long wait and repeated trouble (actually not trouble) to my manager the date for the Client interview was fixed and it was after a complete 20 days of the interview that the Projet Manager had taken and 25 days after I was actually referred for the project. Finally the D Day arrived and I was really tensed and as well excited as this discussion/interview with the client would bring change into my life. The Client interview went on fine as per me although I was bowled over completely by his very first question itself but then I regained and picked it from there and ended up quite satisfactorily.

25th June, 2009: The day when I can say the most happiest moment of life occured until now, at 12:05 PM I got an email from the Consultant who had called me on the very first day for the requirement stating that the Client had given a go ahead for my on-boarding into the project and that I was supposed to report in Hyderabad starting the next week. I could hardly believe what I read in that email and kept reading the email for no. of times over the next few days. I was all geared up to come back to Hyderabad and did not want to waste any time and that is what I did, I took the next day (Friday - 26-June-2009) bus and reached Hyderabad on Saturday (27-June-2009) morning. As I reached Hyderabad the only words I had was "Chapter Chennai Closed"

Learn to accept what you can't change

As intellectually evolved beings, we constantly analyse all events and endeavour to identify the underlying likely cause. This obsession for a

cause extends even to actions or events of a past birth.

It compels us to look into outer space and implicate the movement of celestial bodies like stars and planets to serve as plausible causes.

Science has, to a large extent, been able to explain physical phenomena. But finding a cause for every mundane facile event might be taking things a bit too far. When the cause of suffering is diagnosed to be a person, it leaves one with a sense of victimhood. And along with it come anguish, resentment and a deep desire for retribution. This process continues unabated and over time becomes a stockpile of hate.

The feeling of hate, initially restricted to the individual, tends to be highly contagious and one day it could acquire epidemic proportions. All violence, racial discord and inter-personal strife are just manifestations of this perceived 'victimisation' that is derived from our obsession to somehow fix the blame.

Can our intellect be diverted towards fixing the problem? Can we, at the apex of the evolutionary pyramid, be redeemed from the curse of this blame game? Can't we accept events as just a pattern emerging in the kaleidoscope of life, the pattern which has no bias or machinations towards any individual being? In reacting lies a sense of insecurity, a sense of threat perception and inevitably a sense of being a victim of conspiracy. This approach only leads to further suffering. Constant threat perception is the genesis of insecurity. Over a period this induces metabolic changes in the body leading to a host of ailments.

We have the choice of continuously resenting whatever comes our way or equanimously accepting the same. Liberation is when we intelligently accept people and circumstances as they come. A state of zero resentment. Rather than asking 'why' it would be more prudent to question ourselves 'how'. How do i fix the problem?

The conspiracy theorists are also egotists because they believe that they are the obsession of the conspirators. Every person is leading his own life and solving his own problems. No one really has the time to target another individual to the exclusion of other activities.

Harbouring bitterness makes the person an eternal sceptic. Regret and unconditional apologies from the perceived perpetrator are celluloid events far from reality. What can be set right is neither the circumstances nor the other person but our (mis)understanding.

Memory is recorded in the dominant temporal lobe, which also houses the limbic system. The limbic system is one of the oldest neurological constructs and is responsible for all interactive behaviour by the organism. It is intricately interwoven with survival and procreation.

The limbic system is responsible for emotional templates as well. So it is possible that every byte of data stored is coupled with an emotional pixel as well. It may have its origins in survival mechanisms. Every person or object is recorded with an element of pleasure or pain to help the organism in future interactions. But then evolution of the frontal lobes in humans makes for finer data processing. It provides for intelligent acceptance of the vagaries of persons and events beyond the binary code of either pleasure or pain.

Courtesy: Deepak Ranade

A heart touching story

Launched on 1st December 2008 "I too had a Love Story" by Ravinder Singh is not just a book but a feeling. A simple writing by this young software professional who has actually not written a book but put down his life, love and feelings on paper and makes you realize that still there are things which are incomplete and will remain the same in this world but will always be very close to our hearts. I am sure most of you might not believe but the story that this book has is a true story of Mr. Ravinder Singh and not fictious. When you start reading the book you get the feeling that somehow you know what you would get to read keeping in mind the other fiction books.

Filled with soft, tender, sweet and emotional moments as you start off to read the book you feel good about the happenings and at moments it brings a smile on your face and makes you wonder is life really so beautiful? Well in my perception I would say yes it is. As you proceed to read you just get carried away with the book and that's when you are not just reading the book but feeling it. All the while when I was reading I could really feel the characters in the book with me and that I am a part of the happenings and incidents in the book. As you progress further although you know what's going to come next you and knowing the fact nothing can change now you still have your fingers crossed and are left with nothing but tears in your eyes.

It's been a while since I read this book but the very thought of the happenings of Mr. Ravinder Singh's life those mentioned in the book brings me down to tears and breaks me down totally and I cry for hours. Even today as I write this short note about the book (perhaps more about my feelings) I am again down with tears and really wish that I could somehow change the things but as mentioned on the cover page of the book itself "Not all love stories are meant to have a perfect ending. Some stay incomplete. Yet they are beautiful in their own way." I would like to thank Mr. Ravinder Singh for taking this as a respect to his love and life and sharing his personal life with the world.

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you have to think before you speak to me!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

my presence ever makes you feel uncomfortable!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you have to thank me for everything i do for you!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you have to say sorry for everything

that you don't do!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you have to ask me for favors!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you think i would not be curious to

know your new philosophy of life!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you go by what i say and do not understand

what i don't say!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you think that listening to your dreams

would put me to sleep!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you think that seeing you in pain, would

not bring a tear to me!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you think I do not remember the first time

we met!

I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND IF.....

you don't see the thousand ways I try to

make you happy!

The story of Brooklyn Bridge

An engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea of building a magnificent suspension bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. He had put forward his idea to the bridge building experts throughout the world but no one was interested even to think about it further and asked John to forget about it. According to them, it was a very difficult task, something, which had never been attempted before and is not practical.

Roebling however was determined and would not think of ignoring his dream. He thought about it day and night and wanted to share it with someone who would believe in his idea. John’s son Washington was a naïve engineer then. He trusted his father’s vision and believed that the bridge could be built.

John and Washington, working together for the first time, developed concepts of how the bridge could be built. A big challenge lay before them, but they were ready to face it as they had excitement and inspiration deep in their heart. They hired their crew and the construction of their dream bridge began on January 3, 1870.

The project started well, but after a year, a tragic accident at the site took John Roebling’s life. Hence, Washington took over and was in charge of the bridge. However, after few months Washington too suffered a paralyzing injury, which left him with certain amount of brain damage. He was not able to walk or talk. With no one to supervise, the construction stopped.

Everyone around the world was negative about the future of the project and felt that it should be taken off as only the Roeblings knew about the plans of construction of the bridge. These remarks hurt and shocked Washington, who lay still on the bed of his hospital. His desire and enthusiasm was still alive. He wanted to get up and continue his work, but his physical condition did not allow him to.

Washington could move only one finger and this gave him an idea. He called his wife Emily and tapped on her arm indicating her to call back the crew and the engineers. This worked well as Emily started understanding Washington’s indications by just the tapping of his finger. She conveyed his instructions to the engineers and soon the construction of the bridge was back at full swing.

For next 11 years, Washington gave instructions by tapping on Emily’s arm and she patiently decoded his messages and relayed them to the crew. The bridge was finally completed and opened with a big celebration in May 1883.

Today, the 5,989 feet Brooklyn Bridge stands over the East River as a tribute to the victory of John and Washington’s strong spirit, will power and determination. It is also a tribute to the engineers who had faith and trust in a man who was half paralyzed and was considered silly by half of the world. The bridge also reflects the love and affection of Emily towards her husband.

The story of Brooklyn Bridge portrays a very good example of having a vision, believing in it and then pursuing it with a never-say-die attitude. No matter what obstacles you face, if you have a dream then go ahead and fulfill it. Have strength of mind and be determined in life.

The names of John Roebling, Washington Roebling and Emily Warren Roebling are inscribed on the bridge as its builders.

Writing a CV that stands out

When you apply to a job opening there would be dozen other candidates applying for the same post. So, how do you ensure your resume stands out from the pile? What is it that companies look for while short-listing candidates? Here is a lowdown.

An entry- level resume

Highlight your non-academic achievements too: At entry-level when you have no industry experience, underscore your other achievements. "Highlight projects that you have done, awards you have bagged and companies you have interned with," says Rajesh AR, VP, temp staffing unit, TeamLease Services.

Companies also give high rating if they see you are a team person and enjoy good inter-personal relationships. So, if you are part of student's associations or an NGO, stress on these points. Of course, academics is the first thing that recruiters see, but extra curricular excellence does count.

Talk only about business interest: Trash the habit of mentioning interests like singing, dancing, music, swimming, painting or astrology. That's a complete passe. "Talk only about your business interest," says Sunil Kalra, consultant to a leading HR firm. And be well prepared. If you say your interest lies in reading, "Then know the book inside, out, upside, down," emphasises Kalra.

Gain proficiency in a professional area: While studying, gain competency in an area that will hold you in good stead in your professional career. Learn basic computer skills. Having done that, move on to adding other skills like Coral Draw if you want to get into computer graphics or learn accounting software Tally if you see your future in accounting.

A mid-level executive's resume

Flexibility and responsibility: When you have gained 3-4 years of experience, review your CV. For a person with 2-4 year's of experience and more, the thrust shifts on industry knowledge and his adaptability in the organisation, among other qualities. "At this stage, cultural fit is given more importance, flexible approach matters and the learning starts playing an important role", says Rajesh AR. The organisation sees if you have been flexible in previous roles and whether you are prepared for a new responsibility.

Personal initiatives: The companies also see the personal initiatives that you have taken to add on to your skill and knowledge base. While it hints your progressive mindset, "It also subtly, positively speaks of your career consciousness", says Kalra. Candidates should highlight those events where their ideas have been implemented; their analytical skills have been applauded.

Other must-dos

Be specific: If you are applying for a position in sales and marketing vertical, a requirement which is across industries, should you tailor your CV every time? Not really. Just be specific and highlight the best fit experiences.

Remain updated: Be aware of the news and current affairs. "Read newspapers", advises Rajesh AR. Read business writers. Focus more on your field

Communication skills: Work on your verbal communication skills and writing skills. Prior to the interview, prepare a list of questions that a recruiter might ask, write down the answers and read it aloud to yourself. Keep your answers to the point. Use these pointers and rest assured you will get an interview call no sooner your CV reaches the recruiter.

Courtesy: Urmila Rao

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