Zindagi tham si gayi hai...

Ek aise mukaam par aa gaye hai,
ki sanse pyaar ke liye tadap si gayi hai,
na jaane kyu lagta hai Zindagi tham si gayi hai

Chahtain to bahut hai dil me,
par sab ki sab kahin ab dab si gayi hai,
na jaane kyu lagta hai Zindagi tham si gayi hai

Kabhi socha tha k ek din apna bana lenge unko,
jaan se bhi zyada chahenge unko,
par aisi har khawahish ki jaa nikal si gayi hai,
na jaane kyu lagta hai Zindagi tham si gayi hai

Kabhi has kar toot jaate the wo hamari baaho me,
ab wo har ek yaad sata si rahi hai,
na jaane kyu lagta hai Zindagi tham si gayi hai

Aaunga....is daur se me bhi baahar aaunga,
par pehle jaisa na reh paunga,
kyunki is daur me meri muskaan mar si gayi hai,
na jaane kyu.....na jaane kyu lagta hai Zindagi tham si gayi hai

The Gomteshwara...amazing experience.

April 24 2010
Welingkar is completed.
Hello Mom, How are you? Interview went fine.
Good. Our religious place Gomteshwara(Shrawanbelgola) is 150 kms away from Bangalore. You are going there tomorrow.
But mom...
You will get buses from Bangalore.
Mom, listen...mom...mom...

Okay Robin...Ready for another journey by BUS...???(Keep pills for removing vomiting tendency)

April 25 2010
Bag is pack. Everything set and done to leave. Bid Goodbye to friend. Oh nooooo....where is my cell? Hey Rajiv Bhaiya I forgot my cell in bedroom. Will you please pass it?
Bus Stand-
Enquired about the bus to Gomteshwara and found that THERE ARE NOT ANY BUSES TO GOMTESHWARA. Great. Now what?
Somehow managed to find out that there is a place called ChandraPatna, from there Gomteshwara is just 12 Kms away.
Okay it is already 06:00.
Bhaiya ChandraPatna pahuchne me kitna time legi bus? Aur wahan se kab tak milti hai buses to Gomteshwara?
ఇట్ విల్ తాకే ౩ హౌర్స్ తో రీచ్ తేరే. అండ్ టిల్ ౯ యు విల్ గెట్ బుసెస్ ఫ్రొం చంద్రపత్న
Hindi ya english me bol sakte hai aap?
Legi 3 ghanta, bus milegi chandrapatna 9:30 tak.
Ok I understood, Thanks.
Took risk and thought of reaching there at 9 and even half an hour late then also will get bus.

1 ticket to ChandraPatna...

Purchased some stuff to eat and most importantly those pills and pudina hara. Finally in bus, waited for it to get jampacked.
1 thing for sure, In south you will get so much greenery and umpteen coconut trees that a nature lover like me can forget the crying kids next to my ear, smell of some cheap hair oil and bus's diesel.

Bus was going in good speed so I was happy. BUT damn to Bangalore's traffic, it took whopping 45 minutes just to come out from Bangalore city.
Then a 15 minute halt in a Dhaba near a lot of coconut trees. In the meanwhile took some pics of greenery and the beautiful looking evening sky.
Its 9:15 now...
Bhaiya kab aayega ye ChandraPatna?
Bus babu 1-1:30 ghanta aur....
Whhhhaaaaaaaaaattttttttttt............so according to this guy with heavy typical South Indian Moustache and white lungi, I will reach CP at about 10:30????
Darn!!!Mere hi saath aisa kyu hota hai?????

ChandraPatna...

Finally there at 10:45. No electricity there. Some autos near bus stand, coconut trees, 2 stall of some eating material with small bulbs running from a battery, some guys in lungis and some more coconut trees.

Now auto is my only hope.
Bhaiya Gomteshwar ka kitna loge?
ಭಿಯ ಕನ್ನಡ ಮೇ ಬೋಲಿಯೇ
Abe...thodi bahut hindi ya english aati hai aapko?
Gomteshwara 130
12 kms k 130??? Are you crazy?

Second auto-
Gomteshwara (This time I just told the name of the place because they will not understand the other things in hindi or english)
150
Ye lo...wo 130 ye 150...very nice.
Tried to bargain by some hand actions. Fortunately he understood and said
ಮಿನಿಮುಂ ಇಸ್ 120. ನಾಟ್ ಲೆಸ್ ತಂ ಥಟ್
120 for 12 kms? I am not gonna pay this much.

Went to bus stand again and asked the canteen owner that they are asking this much. He sent a guy with me to bargain with those kannada speaking autowalas.

Guy from canteen-ವೈ ಅರೆ ಯೌ ಅಸ್ಕಿಂಗ್ ದಿಸ್ ಮುಚ್ ?
Autowala-ದಿಸ್ ಇಸ್ ನೈಟ್ ಅಂಡ್ ದಿಸ್ ಇಸ್ ಸುಇತಬ್ಲೆ
Guy from canteen-ನೋ ದಿಸ್ ಇಸ್ ನಾಟ್ ಫೈರ್ ಫಾರ್ ಗೊಮ್ತೆಶ್ವರ ದಿಸ್ ಇಸ್ ನಾಟ್ ಇದೆಅಲ್
Autowala-ಇ'ಲ್ ತಕೆ ದಿಸ್ ಮುಚ್ ಓನ್ಲಿ
ME- What the fuck... Its already 11:15 and I don't even know kannada.
This is not gonna end. It is wise to settle on a neutral amount. Took out a 50 rupees and showed to autowala. After more debate he agreed.

At 11:35 was finally at Gomteshwara. Booked room. Was this much tired that even ignored the IPL final between MI and CSK which everyone was watching in booking office.
Attendent- Take a chair and enjoy match.
Just show me my room.
Attendent-Ok...this way.

Finally on bed at about 11:55. Messaged bhaiya that I reached here. (Couldn't call coz of 5 paise balance in cell...hehe)
It was almost forest area and room was between that trees n all. Different kinda sounds of insects n all started coming. I thought so ja Robin, you have to get up at 6 for climbing mountain.
By the way there was 2 beds in that room. They said they don't have single bed room. Pheewww...the second bed remained vacant all the night.

April 26 2010
06:00 AM
Cell's alarm rang. Turned it off. Again rang at 06:15 AM. Again the same treatment.
Fianlly at 06:30 left the bed.
It was very nice morning. Sun rays were looking very nice, room between trees, birds were chirping. I said to myself If you are done with enjoying nature's beauty then Should we start the next part of out journey i.e. climbing mountain? The answer was Yes... Purchased a Coconut(Shriphal) to put on the feet of god.

Lots of ladies, children, few men were on their way to climb and go see god (or should I say the statue of god) who was at the top of the mountain.
Very steep stairs, I must say. Ladies were like OH MY GOD....and started taking rest by sitting on the stairs. I am not superman so was not exception and took rest after climbing almost half of the mountain.

Temples were coming on my way. Almost all were about 1000 years old. Some of were looking very beautiful and looking like temples of Egypt.
Finally after some time at the top where I saw the big and great statue of Bahubali Bhagwan. It was amazing to see and worship there.
The tall statue of Bahubali Bhagwan was so amazing that it was difficult to put your eyes off from it. Sun rays were touching the feet of Bahubali Bhagwan and was looking like they were also worshipping the god.
I was feeling fortunate that mom sent me here. It was so relaxing, so soothing, so amazing there that all the tiredness of yesterday went away. I think that's why people come here not just from India but from all over the world irrespective of hurdles of journey and all.
And why just here you will get this kinda soothing and relaxing experience everywhere where you find god. It may be Vaishno Devi, It may be Makka Madina, It may be Gurudwara, It may be Church OR if God is in your heart then feel it. You will get the experience that is unable to express in words.

After sitting there for about half an hour and donating some money I moved on coz I wanted to catch bus to that ChandraPatna and from there to Bangalore asap, coz I had my train from Bangalore at 06:20 PM.
After coming down ate Sambhar Vada on Banana Leaf, that was one time experience and was awesome. Wanted to make some calls, but as I told earlier 5 paise balance and that too became 4 paisa after messaging bhaiya. Searched for Reliance vouchers there but all shops were like the relatives of Sunil Mittal and were carrying only vouchers of Airtel. So with my last few paisas in balance messaged my friend in Jabalpur to recharge my cell. Got balance in next 10 mins.
It is 1:00 PM already and have to catch bus so that I reach Bangalore atleast by 5:00.

All in all it was great experience coming here at ChandraPatna where I think I was the only Hindi speaker, bargaining at 11:30 at night with kannada speaking fellows, staying in a room between forest, and most importantly get to see and worship Bahubali Bhagwan.

Welingkar GDPI Ex.

Hyderabad to Bangalore...

April 22
Train at 23:55 from Kacheguda, and last local to Kacheguda is at 21:10. What to do?
No option other than taking the same local. Reached Kacheguda at 22:15. All Restaurants are closed in the station (what all, there was only one).
Saw a guard there...
Me- Bhaiya yahan khane ke liye kuch milega station me?
Guard- తేరే అరె నాట్ ఎనీ రేస్తురంత్స్ హియర్
Me- Nako telugu raadu....Hindi ya English me bol sakte hai?
Guard- Yahan khane ko nahi milega, baahar jaana padega.
Me- Thank You.

Went outside, took dinner.
Now Train is half an hour late. (Indian Railways)
At about 00:30 on my berth...

Bangalore...
April 23
Train reached 1:30 hours late so in Bangalore at 14:30. Went to see Institute from there only. Traffic was like oo laa laa...fuc*ing
Finally at my friend's place at 19:30.....(fucked up in this time...totally)
(want to write that night's ex but leave it....phir kabhi, zyada nahi pakaunga tum logon ko)


April 24
WE School...
Great campus, glasses, glasses and more glasses...also colourful.
Security guard checked my Admit Card then I was asked to wait in waiting area (a classroom kinda room). There were two projectors in those some motivational clip was playing then a video of Welingkar's campus including toilet and commode...I couldn't control my smile at that time.
We were given a packet containing 1 Bun with Jam in middle, 1 veg puff, 2 cookies, 1 frooty, 1 half litre water bottle, 1 diary and 1 pencil...hmm good, Mogembo khush hua.
There were three rows 2 for EDR group, 1 for E group.
EDR means who have applied for all courses and E means just for PGDM. EDR guys gonna face 2 Interviews.
After some time a senior called for Registration.
Then we went to another glassy room where there were 2-3 Alumni es, 2 seniors to give presentation and 2-3 faculty members present. They started presentation totally mugged up, the female senior was not looking well prepared and was doing aaaa,,,ummmmm... I was so tired after that Journey and due to last night (which I didn't mention) so I yawned once and that female senior saw and started giggling and in return I also giggled. Placement committee secretary said that this year average placement was 6.6 Lakhs, and highest was 16 Lakhs and International highest was 49 Lakhs. Then QA session.
Then straight to GD room. 12 participants and 3 panel members.
Topic was "India is loosing its cultural values".
They gave us 1 minute to think and then we started. 1 guy tried to be the leader of the group by saying that we have 20 minuted so we all should listen to each other carefully and not cut short each other.(I thought if not cut short then what the fu*k is GD?). Ignoring our SELF MADE LEADER all started discussing. But at the end we didn't reached at the conclusion. Then panel members said to summerize one by one in 30-45 secs.
One guy when crossed 1 minute then panel said that ok stop, he said no sir 1 minute I wanna add one more example, they again said you crossed your time limit, he again said no sir I wanna add one more point. Then panel said Ok. Add.

Then we went to another room(seemed like conference room)
One by one seniors called us for Interview.
My panel was I think super cool. 1 Gentleman and 1 Mam.
They didn't even checked the later part of my form, just the front page where my
pretty pic was looking more pretty...lol.
G-Hmm...So you are from Business family..hah?
Me-Yes Sir.
G-Where are you from?
Me-JBP
M-Why you selected Bangalore as center?
Me-Big story.
G-Future plans?
Me-Financial Consultancy
M-What if not WE School?
Me-Told
G-Why only Welingkar?
Me-Told
G-Aren't you interested in other courses?
Me-No
G-Family?
Me-Told
G-Do you advice your Brother while he invests in shares, bonds?
Me-Quite often, but not now.
M-What kinda business your father and brother have?
Me-Told
Some more general questions i don't remember. No questions from Academics, current affairs, essays which I have written in form. Nothing.
Good Interview atleast acc to me. Though they didn't offered me chocolates...hehe

Then a senior took me to a computer lab where I have given Psychometric Test. 63 Questions in 20 minutes.

All in all organized process in a pretty campus. Enjoyed.

All the Best to all of you.

Keep Smiling. :)

TAPMI GDPI Ex.

Date-April 13th
Time-About 01:45 AM...(yes AM)
Venue-My Room.

At night saw next day local is on 7:45 and 9:00 AM. Being cautious decided to go by 7:45 one. Set the alarm on cell of 6:00 AM. Started brushing up the basic concepts learnt in B.Com and in Finance with a lil current affairs. Finally ended up sending mails to various persons to promote PeTA.

Date-April 14th
Time-About 7:50 AM...(yes 7:50, though alarm was of 6:00)
Venue-My Bed.

WTF I missed my first local, its 7:50. Other side of brain said its OK buddy u have 9:00 AM local also, go to sleep again. But on the other part of brain there was a fairy who said wake up duffer. I let won the good part. Left bed at 8:00 AM.

Tooth Brush- DONE
Bath- If just taking shower is bath then DONE.
Deo- Just a hint of that. DONE
Transcripts- All checked. Oh shit...where is call letter? Ya got it.- DONE
All set and done in 45 mins.
Now its 8:45 and local is at 9:00 AM. Come on Robin you can do it.
Auuuuutttttttttttoooooooooo.......rukk jaaaaa saale.... Finally reached Station at 9:00 but on Platform No.6. Local was on 1. While on stairs on the bridge it went away before my eyes. Very Good start Robin. Oh thank you thank you. I patted my back myself.
OK mam when is the next local to Secundrabad? Its at 9:25. OK gimmi a ticket of that.
Finally reached Secundrabad at 10:23 (if I correctly remember). Then auto to DBS Bhawan.

DATE- April 14th
TIME- About 11:00 AM
VENUE- DBS Bhawan, Secundrabad (Good Place and arrangement)

Waited in TAPMI Waiting hall. 15-20 human beings were already there waiting for being grilled. I was the new lamb in the herd. Found some familiar faces there though dunno who were they and where I met them but treated like oh you are the only my best friend here. Passed the formal smile first then started talking. Candidates from 8:30 batch were still waiting for there Dean's Interview. At about 11:45 Mr.Natarajan came (Faculty in TAPMI for last 11 long years.) and gave the extra little intro of the selection process. Then divided the whole group of students into 2. Other group went to another floor for Case Study.

Hurdle 1- Case Study(In brief)

Mr.Smith is a very good banker and doing good. His manager gave him promotion and shifted him to another branch as a branch manager. He warned Smith that there you will meet a person named some Mr.D who is working with bank since last 31 years and he is still asst.Manager and he want that position only. He is very important fot bank as he created many customers for bank, and knows that area very good also he is from the same ethnic community which is in majority there so he has support of that also. BUT he is dogmatic in his approach, bit angry, don't like anybody interfering in his work. So be careful. Smith found him the same after joining that branch. Once he even said to Smith that don't interfere in my work. Smith was wondering that whether he should remain silent and take work ex of 2-3 years and move or interfere?

There were 3 questions-
1. What is the role of age, seniority, experience, community and all in this particular case?
2. If you were at Smith's position what would be your next step?
3. Don't remember exactly but about some organisational behaviour.

Just 10 mins to read and answer. Answered first 2.

Waited for almost 1 hour for panel interview. Was hungry because came without breakfast so took out my krackjack and kurkure hatke jhatke (lol). They saved me from starving.

Hurdle 2- Panel Interview and Extempore. (Panel 3)

There were 2 panel members. One was busy looking at my form. Other at me.
May I come in Sir. Oh yes Robin (In a very high pitched voice)
The one looking at my form is P1 and the one looking at my transcripts and me is P2.
P2- Tell me about yourself.
Me- Blah blah blah...
P2- Why ur percentages are fluctuating?
Me- In my first year I was concentrating more on business than study. So I screwed first year. Second year was fine. In final year just before examinations was doing job and saving money. So it was not that great.
P2-What are your future plans?
Me-Sir I want to open my own financial consultation company 10 years down the row. For that 2 of my friends already started doing CFA and I am about to do MBA in finance.
P2-Good. You said you helped your brother in setting up his business. What is that business? What is its turnover? When did you both started it? Why not your father helped him and only you?
Me-Blah, blah, blah...
P1-What is money market?
Me-Told
P1-What is RBI?
Me-Told
P1-Who decides the interest rates?
Me-Told
P1-On what basis they decide interest rates?
Me-Told
P1-What do you mean by Govt.Bonds?
Me-Here I commit mistake and mixed treasury bonds with govt.bonds. Treasury bonds are just for 91 days and govt bonds may be upto 30 years. I said 91 days thing in govt.bonds.

Hurdle 3- Extempore
Topic-Men grows old by loosing interest in life and not by age.
Thought for about 25 secs and started gave the example of Vijay Mallaya who cherish every moment of his life irrespective of his age. Spoke for about 1.30 minute.

P1- For what you got this Young Jaina Award?
Me-For doing so many things at the same time-scoring good marks in 12th, winning awards in racing, winning in science, commerce exhibitions, winning in painting n all sum up to Young Jaina Award.
P2- Ok wait outside for Dean's Interview.

Me- Thank you sirs. Have a great day ahead.

Waited for some time outside then a guy came and said that you can wait in waiting room because Dean is went out to take his lunch.
Waited for 1:30 hours for being called for Interview.

Hurdle 4- Dean's Interview.
A guy with french cut beard.
D-Tell me about yourself.
Me-Told
D-Which was your favourite subject in your Graduation?
Me-Financial Market Operations and Financial Management.
D-What is Quick Ratio?
Me-Told
D-What is Current Ratio?
Me-Told
D-What is Price Elasticity of Demand?
Me-Told (I thought I said my fav subject is Finance and FMO and not Economics so that you are asking this question, but ok they can ask anything from paper pin to satellite)
D-What is Law of Demand?
Me-(Yaar again economics???) Told in my words.
D-No, tell me the exact wordings of that Law.
Me- Sorry Sir I don't remember the exact wordings. I can only tell in my words right now.
D-Do you have any questions for me?
Me- Yes. I am unable to find the responsibilities the students of previous batch of TAPMI got in companies they got placed. Will you please give me a little info regarding this?
D- Do any other B-School provide this info?
Me-No
D-We also don't provide.
Me-Thank You Sir.

Overall Good ex. Expecting something positive.
All the best to all.

Keep Smiling.... :)

Kyu Itne Bade Hum Ho Gaye?

A NOTE- THIS POEM IS NOT WRITTEN BY ME.

Kya wo din the...
Maa ki god aur papa ke kandhe,

Aaj yaad aa raha hai sab kuch choota jo peeche,

Rote rote so jaana,
Khud se baatain karna,
Kho jana...

Wo maa ka awaaz lagana,
Khana haatho se khilana..

Wo din bhar papa ka rasta takna,
Zid poori hone ka Intzaar karna...

Kya wo din the bachpan ke suhane,
Kyun itne door sab kuch ho gaye...

Ab zid bhi apni,
Sapne bhi apne,
Kis se kahe ke kya chahiye?

Manzilo ko dhoondhte hue hum kho gaye,
Kyun itne bade hum ho gaye...???