After a break...

Huh! That was rather a long break. So many things happened and still I didn’t blog it? This one deserves an RCA – Root Cause Analysis. A good manager in the making! But this one should not require a meeting of five people, fighting and wasting each other’s time like it happens in any CMM Level 5 company. (Once I typed the word CMM Level 5, I thought, why the hell did I pull that out? Logically speaking there is no relationship of CMM Level 5 and this blog. Anyways, My Blog is the index of my mind…of course whenever I blog, so thought not to delete it).
Coming back to the RCA, I thought I should keep this short and sweet. So just sat and thought why I didn’t blog for such a long time, 42 days to be precise. The only conclusion to which I came to was that because I didn’t have any reason not to blog. It was just like that, that I didn’t blog. Oops..I can see a few hands being raised on this; so let me cut this down. (Often this is how an RCA ends in all CMM Level 5 companies… Oops again there I go!)

Anyways, the one of the reason was that I was in a confused state of mind. A few options opening up, a few changes in career line, etc., which never gave me an opportunity to think and blog. So, this one is to break the jinx. Hopefully I wouldn’t get into this sort of a break again.

Time, Mood and Happiness...

Time is directly proportional to happiness. This is a nature’s law in context with human beings. I realized this recently and thought I should let this world know about this.

Some Proof:

Date: 3 Nov 2005; Place: Mumbai

Morning I reached office. Didn’t have the mood to work. My bus to Bangalore was by 3.00 PM from Andheri. But somehow I felt that it was never going to come.

Mood = Boring; Unhappy
Time = Dragging                              ( 1     

Date: 4 Nov 2005; Place: Bangalore

Finally after a long wait, the 3.00 PM did arrive and I took the bus to Bangalore. Chetan Bhagat’s ON @ CC and Three movies in the most comfortable 6 wheeler on road (A/c Volvo) and I was in Bangalore. I didn’t realize that the same ‘time’ which refused to move on just hours ago could move so fast now.

Mood = Energetic; Happy
Time = Flying                                   ( 2

Date: 9 Nov 2005; Place: Bangalore

I felt as if closing my eyes and opening again, and here I am in the Bangalore City Station waiting for the Coimbatore Kurla Express to return to Mumbai. Obviously I could not dare to imagine how fast the past five days had gone.

Date: 10 Nov 2005; Place: 3A 61, TCS Gateway Park, Mumbai

I was back in my office cubicle checking all the hundreds of mails that had piled up in my mailbox. Again, the mood was bad, and again I felt like dragging time along with me.

Mood = Boring; Unhappy
Time = Dragging, like never before                    ( 3

From 1, 2 and 3, it is very clear that Time is directly Proportional to the mood, or rather happiness. The proportionality constant should be equal to the Happiness Index.

Isn’t it??

Home Sweet Home

Wow… I am excited. Yes. After a gap of two months, I am going home again. Yes.
After two months:
I will get to eat mom’s tasty tasty food,
I will watch TV, TV and TV only,
I will drive our car,
I will watch movies in our DVD,
And I will visit my relatives….

The list goes on and on. Really, Home Sweet Home. Whatever one says, nothing can beat going home on a vacation.

But this time, there’s one difference though. I am traveling by bus for the first time, from Mumbai to Bangalore. Hope the journey is good.

And more exciting is that I bought ON@CC by Chetan Bhagat. I started it, but thought it would be my best companion in the bus, hence stopped myself. Still somehow I couldn’t really, and already thru to Ch #9.  For the return journey I have already booked Sons of Fortune.

Hope to have a short sweet trip to home. Yeah, its too short, next week, this time I should be sitting in this same seat in my office. Holidays to me means, Holiday for my blogs too. Will come back with all what I did during my short trip. Until then… cheers!!

Diwali - Festival of Lights

My Second Diwali in Mumbai. Last year it coincided with my birthday, so had a nice bash. This year, we already have perfect plans in place. We shall be going to Worli Sea Face, one of the shorelines in Mumbai. People come here and fire crackers like crazy. One can surely witness all kinds of crackers, firepots, rockets etc. (I am very poor in this, I don’t know anything about varieties of crackers – accordingly to me, firing crackers is to burn out money).  

Apart from that, what else? Of Course, missing home, mom and her sweets & savories, a lot.

Hope this Festival of Lights brightens all our lives…Wish you all a Very Happy and Safe Diwali.

Two years in TCS....

Exactly two years back, I joined TCS. I reported to the Trivandrum training center on this same day. I had a very mixed reaction then. I was very much excited to go to work, very happy and proud that I had achieved what I had dreamt when I was in my Third year of college, but at the same time bit sad that I was alone. Yes, all of my classmates had already joined and were posted at Coimbatore for training. But still it was short-lived as I had a few friends from college and as usual was able to make more new friends fairly quickly. I also took charge as the Representative of my class. Those two months in Trivandrum were awesome. We enjoyed like anything. The classes were good, but the best part was the way we enjoyed during the weekends. We went around Trivandrum, almost to all places. I realized why Kerala is termed as God’s Own Country. I still cannot forget that day on which we saw 4 movies in 2 days, that too in theatres. (We relaxed ourselves by going to alternate shows.)

But at the same time, I thought to myself, that I will perform very well, and dreamt of achieving the ILP Top Performer Award at the end of our semester. But I later realized, to convert your dreams to reality, you need to put some effort, which I lacked at that time. Then the D-day arrived and we had our mid semester exams, and against the results of which we got our posting. I was happy that I got posting in Mumbai, like many of my other batch mates. Days passed by quickly and we had to part away to our own destinations, yes the place of posting. We reached Mumbai, were able to settle down quickly in the city, and adjust ourselves to the pace and lifestyle of the city that never sleeps. I could write thousands of blogs on my Mumbai experiences. The project I was allotted to was interesting initially, but as days went by, we began to realize the potential scope of work in this technology of NonStop computing was very limited. That’s when the frustration started creeping in. I started comparing myself with others, my classmates, my ILP batch mates, friends working in other companies, etc. A few were at onsite; a few have already switched jobs, sitting pretty with a good pay pack. But nothing was to change here at my workplace, so decided to learn something extra. Did some self-study, achieved a certification, and started to try outside. But everybody expects experience, now what do I do? Who is to be blamed? Me? TCS? No one really. This industry works this way. It all depends on luck. If you are lucky enough to get a good technology, good work, then probably you will not be lucky enough to get the location of your choice, and vice versa. As such the company is not bad at all.

Two years have passed by now. My achievements still are not very bad. Have a very good reputation with everyone in the office, considered as one of the most dependable person at work. Seniors are satisfied with my performance; juniors have good respect for me, as a person and as a leader. But I am not satisfied. When I talked to many others whom I thought are very happy with their work life, I realized that they were also sailing in the same boat. As it’s said, “Grass is always greener on the other side”.

Leaving these thoughts apart, as I silently celebrate this day, in the completely secluded office cabin of mine, I hope and believe, that things can still change in my favor, as I persevere hard. In short, the past two years of work were not bad at all, but still could have been much better.

Congratulations to me, on completing two years and All the Best to succeed in life.

    

Star (Janma Nakshatram) Birthday !

Yesterday was my Star Birthday. Means, according to the Tamil calendar, yesterday was my birthday. According to the Tamil Calendar years, birthdays are celebrated according to the Maasam and Nakshatram. So yesterday was Aippasi Maasam – Rohini Nakshatram. I intended to wake up early and visit a temple, but as it always happens, I was late. I woke by 7.30 AM, took bath, took out the new dress that I had bought few months back, did whatever prayers I could do myself in the cute little Pooja place that I have for myself at my house and worn it. Wow…it fitted me well, or rather should I say, I was looking good on it. Took a Rick to the temple nearby, the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust’s Jagadeeshwar Temple. The place is always very quiet and peaceful and I like it very much always. With all reverence, I prayed to Lord Shiva, for the wellness of all and attached to the prayer a request to move me out of Mumbai soon. Hopefully that will happen by January.

I had told about my star birthday to a very few people and they wished me. And I was elated. I don’t know about others, but I personally feel really happy when people wish on Birthdays. A small phone call or a short e-mail and a word of Happy Birthday, makes me so happy.

Interestingly, going back three years according to the Tamil calendar, was then the most Happiest day in my life, if not the Happiest of all, was surely one of the most Happiest day. Yeah, that was the day I got placed in TCS. It was Oct 24, 2002, according to the Julian calendar, and it was my Star Birthday.

Now in TCS, Mumbai, I felt, if at all I was not placed in TCS, would my fortunes in life have been any different?

Blogger for Word...Cool

I downloaded and installed the Blogger for Word plug-in. This is cool man. Now no body can stop me blogging during office hours. Haha…Cool. Now this will improve my blog frequency obviously.

Unforgettable events in Life - 2

It so happened when I was about 3 years old. I remember very well it was my LKG summer holidays (?!) Our whole family as a big group of nearly15 members went on a trip to south India. It included Velankanni, Nagoor etc.

To make the story more exciting, I should add more on the people in the group. Of course there were my parents, my brother. And my grandparents and cousins, uncle and aunt. Of these my thatha (Grandfather) was very strict and never liked mischievous kids. He was short tempered too. We had hired a Mahindra mini bus( my memory isn't bad) and had packed some food for the first day travel. We were listening to songs, particularly I remember, we were listening to a song..." Kal ellam manicka kal aagumaaa....", because my uncle's name was manickam.

Thus traveling we reached Velankanni Temple. We all went inside, did our prayers and were going around the temple. I was the youngest of all, ( of all the 6 children in the family, I am the youngest), was running around. Thatha got very angry, but didn't seem to put it out to me as we were in a temple, a public place. I was going in the front and didn't bother to look behind if all others were coming. Suddenly, after coming the whole circle back, as I was standing in entrance of the temple, I saw, to my surprise, no one was to be seen. Smart boy, I am, went neatly to the maingate and was sitting next to it, eagerly waiting for the arrival of my parents and others. Sometime passed by, but no one turned up. I was starting to panic...afterall I was some 3 years old at that time. After a ling time, my parents came running and were searching me. I saw them and went towards them, calling for them, announcing that I am here.

They had gone to some other adjacent temple, which goes thro a diversion. I hadn't taken the diversion and proceeded straight to the main gate. Then they had realized late that I was missing and started searching me. Poor mother, she was almost crying.
My thatha, was probably tolerating his anger till that point, but couldn't resist further. So he came running to me, and asked, "Kanna moodindu yenga da odi ponai nee? " (Where did you run away closing your eyes? ) I replied back, as coolly as possible, innocently, "Illai thatha, naan kanna thorandhundudhan thatha odinen !" (No Grandpa, I ran having my eyes opened.) Oops, I just cant imagine how everyone's reaction was. Everybody started laughing like anything. And my thatha's anger had vanished away. But I started crying, of fear, that I had just got lost. How cute were (am) I?

This is one of the most unforgettable event that took place in my life. Even today when all 6 of we cousins meet, this topic will surely be one among that is discussed.    

A Few Good Men

Yesterday, I was traveling back home in a BEST (Mumbai) bus. As usual, the bus was very much crowded. I crawled my way through the gangway to reach the front seats. ( A trade secret here....Always you can stand comfortably if you walk along the way to the front. Near backseats, its always crowded) A few minutes later, a very old gentleman (should be over 75 years old) got inside from the front exit. (BEST allows senior citizens to get in to the bus thro the front exit). There was a young boy sitting right on the first seat. As soon as he saw the old man, he stood and offered his seat to him. I was very much surprised. In this fast and mechanical life in Mumbai, there is still someone who has some humanitarian thoughts. He also got the money from the old man and helped him get a ticket to Mulund Sarvodaya (the last stop). The old man also reciprocated by offering to hold the young mans bag, as he was standing in the crowded gangway of the bus. The old man kindly said, "Thank you and God bless you!! Utharthe vakth bag lene math bhoolna...". The young man replied, " main bhi aap hi ke stop mein utharoonga.." and smiled. The young man had to stand through the remaining one and half hour journey.

Of late there are many instances where, Mumbaikars are criticized for being so inhumane. Lots of incidences where people are more worried about their own business rather than someone's life. This is one strong reason why I dislike Mumbai.

But I was amazed by the kind heartedness of both gentlemen. Really, still there are a few good men, I thought.

Work...

Why and How do we work?

Recently, I had to solve a customer major. The issue was quite complicated and it took sometime to boil down to the problem. The same had happened some time back too. I compared the way in which I took up either cases and solved them. There was a drastic difference. So what were the factors that determine this.

Pondering over these thoughts, I remembered one discussion I once had with my PL.

People work for two reasons.

1. Fear of failure
2. Hope of Success

When one stumbles upon some problem, one might be afraid about the failure that he would have to face if he is not able to overcome the problem. This is the prime motivation to work upon the problem, think, analyze and solve it.
Else, one might feel that he/ she can win over the problem, and the resultant joy of success, i.e appreciation, rewards etc. This would also act as motivation towards solving the problem.

These personal feelings depends upon the confidence, knowledge, attitude of the individual. If one is very confident and has a positive attitude, then one will approach any problem with a "Hope of Success" mentality. Not to forget that these attributes depend a lot on the circumstances, stress levels and the environment one is exposed to.

I, myself felt the difference in the confidence levels and my attitude when I worked in two different circumstances. But in both cases, somehow the work is done and the desired result will be achieved. But, we should all try and get into the positive side of it, i.e. to work with a "Hope of Success" frame of mind.

Saraswathi Namsthubyam...

saraswathi namasthubyam varadhe kamaroobini
vidyarambam karishyami siddhir bavadhume sadaa

Today is Vijayasadami, which is the last day of navratri, celebrating Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. So thought of posting a blog on this auspicious day!!

Happy Vijayadasami !

Let this Vijayadasami brings success to all our future endeavors.

With a New Look...

Somehow, I was not liking the initial template that I was using for my blog. Hence this change. I have also made some changes to the template to suit my colour tastes etc.
Please do pass on your comments on this new look so that I can further improve upon this.

Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

Yesterday I had been to my aunts (my periyamma) house in Andheri, and somehow we started discussing philosophy. After my uncle (my periyappa) had passed away 6 months back, my aunt has involved herself in lots of philosophical study. She was reading a book titled The Power of NOW by Eckhart Tolle. I was very much impressed by the basic ideology of the book.

Here is an excerpt of what I learnt from my conversation with my aunt. Very true, I thought.
"
Our mind is always tuned to either travel to the past or run towards the future. Our mind never settles to the present, the NOW. Whenever one tries to concentrates on something, our mind tends to think about something else which might be cribbing about the past or worry about what is going to happen in the future. So, in order to look beyond, one needs to practice, practice and practice hard to train the mind to stick to the NOW.
"
Philosophically this sounds easy, but in reality is this really possible? I thought.

More details about the book, and the author is available in: www.eckharttolle.com

Unforgettable events in Life - 1

Wow...Now I have started going forward...That too on the first day itself.. (I can hear ppl saying..Lets see how long does this go? )

Fine coming to the title, as I told in my earlier post that Blogs are for the future, to read, and enjoy. So I thought to document (am a so called software engineer) some of the most interesting happenings in my life....Cute and interesting, and funny, so that these memories are not faded away by time, and are stored permanently (are they ?) in the digital media ( I mean the webserver storage of blogspot!!)

So here comes the first:

I was three and half years old at that time. We were living in Cuddalore (some 24 kms from Pondicherry). My brother studying in St. Marys Matriculation, one of the most famous convents in Cuddalore. I used to always say that I also will have to study in the same school. Small genius was I. And my parents took me for the admission. Being a convent, they asked me some questions, my memory is not strong to remember them. Then the principal (a sister, her name was Christopher something) started hesitating to take me in. I always wanted to be in the same school as my dear brother, which made me desperate to get an admission there. So without any doubts in mind, I said, "Sister, enakku inga admission kedakalainaa, naan sethu poiduven!" (translate to: I would die, if you dont admit me in). Ooops, everyone was shocked to here a small kid say something like this. The principal immediately came around to me, took me to her arms and said, "I never would want such a nice kid die, you are admitted. "
don't ever ask, how my parents felt. Poor mom and dad, there faces went in all directions. But still they were happy that I got into my brothers school.

And that's how I got into my first school, and from there I have come so far.

Blogging my way thro

Long since I have thought to myself that I should start a blog for myself. But i thought, what could I write in here??? I had a personal diary of my own, where I used to jot down things that happened everyday. I started it on Oct 29, 2003 and I think stopped at around sametime one year later. But some days back, I felt very bored, took my good old diary and started reading it. Wow...I read, I laughed, I cried, I sighed.....I did all sorts of things....That's when I decided, the same thing will be true in a blog too. Now Inspired by this and all of my friends bloggings, particularly Nilavans, here I am with my own blog. Hope this will continue all along my life, and in my last days I shall read, laugh, cry and sigh with all that happened in my life....I, me, myself...