Quick update on…. My Book

Well, thought of coming back to my blog with a quick update- My 'Book' is done... finally (finished writing/reviewing).
So, as many of you might know, my book is basically…well…my story. It’s a semi-fiction and the name of my character is Siddhant. It starts right from my NDA days with all the experiences, ups and downs, the accident, thru to IIM A. The core theme is inspirational and has elements of adventure, lot of humor and ahem…romance too. Tried to keep it funny, interesting and not preachy at all :), since it’s a real story. Many of my blog posts, which actually went up and down the sine curve as things happened, are part of the book as well.

There were those times of… I’ve taken out 1 hr, let me write the book right now…oh this dialogue was said by Chandler in Friends…which season was it… let me google…that was a good one…let me see the episode… No! No! let me focus… oh! office mail on BB… let me quickly respond… oh! this is also due today… what happened to that office mail, let me follow up… shucks! My 1 hr for book is over… okies some other day maybe… :) .. Well, finally I'm done...

Otherwise life is good, Rishika is growing up fast and becoming naughtier than ever. It was so difficult to take out time…really :). But finally did it, thanks to the support from my better half, Richa.

I’ll be sending it out of my inbox probably in the next 1-2 weeks, and then would be a long waiting period before it gets published. I would like to thank all of you- all of the anonymous and known well-wishers, who kept me motivated to finish the book :).

Ciao ppl!!

Ciao life!!

Two cents on Life- Never giving up: 'The Attitude'

Dear Life,

You took me up, you brought me down,
When the ship broke up, you said- “Don’t drown”;

I carried on, I swam along,
Evinced tenacity, made up an imbuing song;

I won’t give up ‘Life’, I won’t let go,
You taught me so, and for that, I do bow;

You may again raze my ship ‘Life’, or becloud every dawn,
All I would say is- “Sh*t happens and Life goes on”.

I penned down these lines some time back during my MBA days at IIM A (one of the blogs below), when my ‘ship’ was on the upper wave of the sine curve. From the days of training during the dark hours at the National Defence Academy, to leading men in operations in the Army, to lying on the hospital bed badly mutilated after coming back from the dead, to joining a premier league B-school; this ship has ‘been there-done that’. The one thing that has fuelled this ship all along is the attitude towards life. We have heard this phrase so many times in our daily lives- ‘Never give up’, or going up a further level- ‘Never Never Never - Ever Give Up’. It so happens that many of us don’t get a chance to say this often, and these lines mean nothing more than a very powerful phrase. Some people test the waters flowing in their system by going through strenuous experiences like mountain climbing, and the likes. It does not matter when and how you get to test this attitude, what matters is- having the attitude of not letting go. Experiences might vary in terms of degree of intensity, duration or importance vis-à-vis the big picture. The big test comes when one encounters the unexpected and needs to live out the word- ‘perseverance’. All said and done, ‘Life’ is iffy. It starts by welcoming you onboard the ship with other passengers and your journey of life begins. At times, all of you go through a tempestuous weather, wherein you think that this is it and things cannot get worse than this. Next day things are back to normal and you sail along the journey, happy as (you) can be. Life then takes you up a level further and throws you overboard. You may know how to swim or you may not, whatever be the case you keep struggling. At this juncture there are some of us, who think that- I don’t know how to swim; I’m far away from the ship; I’m totally fatigued and there’s no use of trying any further. This is where people who have the attitude of ‘Never say die’, keep trying. They might have similar thoughts- I don’t know how to swim; I’m far away from the ship and I’m totally fatigued. However, their next thought is- I am still alive and as long as I have the last drop of energy in me, I’ll keep trying. These are the people who live the never give up attitude for as long as, and as much as they can. Life then throws a lifeboat for both categories of people, but both the lifeboats lead you to different ships that are on different routes of life. The journey begins again, and some time down the line, ‘life’ rocks the boat again, and the cycle goes on until you get to the end of the journey. One’s attitude defines the actions and the thought process defines the attitude – It's ALL in the mind. What matters is the way you handle the situation when everything seems to be going wrong, and it looks as though the universe has turned against you. This is where one needs to keep holding on to that log of wood (if you find one), say to yourself- “This too shall pass...”, and carry on. There is no limit to human endurance; it’s all in the mind.....

Ciao ppl..
Ciao Life..

An Alum again... IIM A

So I’m an alum now (Pics)...the student life is technically over. When I’d joined the NDA, had thought- ‘Goodbye to studies’…and I just passed out of the most studies-oriented institute I know of, in the country. It has been quite an experience, for the lack of words. I had seen myself stretch to the limit of physical endurance in the NDA days and knew that there is actually no such limit. It’s all in the mind, as they say. The same rigor happened in a different way in the first year at IIM A and a different set of skills were required to swim through the same. In both the places, when things became really impossible (1^st&2^nd term at NDA, 1^st semester at IIM A), seniors built up the morale by just saying that so many people have got through…you will also survive…just keep your head above the water, keep swimming and don’t give up. A few countable numbers did give up both the times, but rest of the batch sailed through and went on to become smart officers and good managers respectively.

I made a great number of life-long friends in both the schools of learning. In NDA there were endless nights and days that we spent together…helping each other in tough times, enjoying punishments and living through them by giving mutual support, having parties, socials and great fun in spite of all circumstances. Even at IIM A we spent endless nights having group meets, presentations, great fun, endless movies on the LAN…The bondage that was developed in these two institutes is so strong that one would go out of his way to help another coursemate.

I would really cherish the moments spent in this institute…those 0100hrs group meets that actually began at 0200hrs after yapping around and finishing off the work in the last 1 hour…ordering maggi in the midnight and rambhai’s midnight chai…those 23:59:59 deadlines and WAC run…the rem sessions of MANAC& the lunch time MANAC quiz notice….the experience of T-nite and d section bonding….the God-level professors and the die-hard sleepers of section B…helping out each other in times of stress…watching movies in parts every day in spite of the routine…the list goes on and on and on to the day we stood in the LKP with the degree in hand watching each of our batchmate walking past us…Those were the fleet of ships that fleeted right through the storm and came out in flying colours…

This is the beginning of an end…another beginning to another end…whereupon I step into a new pair of shoes, dawning on another role…

Ciao ppl

Ciao life

2nd year in full flow......

Five days into the second year and things are back to the way they were….had heard that second year would be 'chill' comparatively....so much for that comment !!... had two ‘deliverables’ (assignments for submission) on Monday. Enjoyed the Sunday thoroughly…..started work in the evening….went for a surprise treat at night…..broke sweat as the realisation drew upon ;-) , lot of work to do….worked through the night….slept 0510hrs….put an alarm to wake up well in time for the 0845hrs class….actually woke up at 0842hrs…in class by 0847hrs…..n life is back to normal !!

Welcome to 2^nd year @WIMWI… ;-)

ciao ppl !
ciao life !

Chaos Nasha @ IIM A

The “iffy” life struck again….on a positive note….witnessed my first cultural festival, “Chaos-Nasha”.....finished tonight….awesome experience, what with having KK sing his numbers 2 metres away from me…..in the NDA times, we weren’t exposed to this stuff….but then that was the best experience in its own way...First experience of what college life is like….Finally!!....I guess life outside Army ain’t that bad at all….may not have all the pride n respect that comes with uniform, but it sure rocks !!

Rest and recup

Well, survived d first term...back home for 4days, for 'rest and recup' as we say in Army b4 the next OP....
I wuz wondering the other day, these one liners mean a lot different to different people....different perspective....eyes of the beholder (as they say).
Our Shirt @ IIM A says : "Don't you wish you were here?"
There were times when d pressure made us say:"Oops !! What have I landed myself into..."

At NDA the one liner was: "Do you have it in you?"
And, yes there were times when d mind said: "Well...I thought I had...."

.....a lighter take on things..... just a food for thought !!
Newayz, must say the Profs here are one of d best of the best in d country....different ways of teaching......some take a humorous n practical route:
"Marriage is good because it internalizes the costs of some of our basic needs." Complete argument in Tanuj's blog
"For a poor man, buying a CAT application gives same utility as buying a Lottery ticket !!"

And yet others tk a stringent one:
"No, you are not late...You're early for the next class...Please go back"
Lolzzz !!
Of course, it was great being there n looking forward to break sweat yet again....

ciao ppl
ciao life

P.S. DearLife, I'm prepared for the next upheaval....veneva...

Where do I-where do I go....from here

Saw “Crimson Tide” & “A few good men” back 2 back...This was what I was supposed to do in life…This was what I was trained in the academies for….All the rules and protocols which you have to necessarily follow- right or wrong…chain of command…code of conduct.…medals hanging on your chest…salutes& respect….d life in Army was the love of my life and now I’m sitting in IIM Ahmedabad mugging Economics, Accounting and HR.

Fate !!

Wonky Fate !!

I’m in the wrong place I know that, but now that the first option is impossible maybe the second best option is the only choice…I analyzed the situation using criteria learnt here…

-Problem statement: Develop interest in civil sector as a whole
-Options: Don’t have any other
-Criteria for evaluation: Effect on Immediate future-Decision: Go ahead dude, Ain’t got no choice !!

Get back to mugging up…..

Ciao ppl….

Ciao life…

Time paucity @ IIM A

Life is in flow at IIM A...We are actually experiencing multi tasking…prioritizing, there’s so much to do-today’s class, 2moroz class, Dormitory meeting by senior batch, arbitrary forms to be filled…and only so much time…Lolzzz

Classes are case based, tht entails analysis of d same beforehand. The day begins at 0730hrs and ends at 0400hrs, sans fail!!
Catchin on some precious moments in the land of nod in d aftn…
No wonder, the senior batch is used to sleeping less…And of course this is the beginning of the beginning…By the time it is 0100hrs, you actually quote that line to yourself…
“And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep…”

Still not been introduced to the world of “Assignments galore”…
Am actually enjoying this experience…work better under pressure…

Lolzzz…

NDTV/CNN: Fame Galore!!

Had my first TV interview today…After the tryst with quietus comes the tryst with media!!

In the afternoon, at around 1230hrs, collected few of the preppies for the shot in the class. NDTV, CNN IBN, Zee and a few other correspondents had come to cover the story…tht was followed by my intvw,n a statement from Amol, my batchmate.

Felt great to be d part of a TV shoot, actually the cynosure!! Though CNN twisted the accident part of the story a bit,it came off well…All in all, past two days were ripping…firstly seeing self on the front page of TOI, followed by seeing self on the News at the Prime time slot...

Took the chance to acknowledge the fact that I had to uphold the image of NDA wherever I go, so it had to be either IIM A or ISB. Must say, the channels did a good job and except for minor flaws here and there, the show came off just fine!!

NDTV video:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLrWI9vlJps

 Herez d commentary of CNN IBN:(No link for the video) http://www.ibnlive.com/news/armyman-fights-against-all-odds/43286-3.html

Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Disabled_soldier_makes_it_to_IIM-A/articleshow/2128665.cms

Life is iffy!! Very much Iffy.
Ciao ppl
Ciao Life

Humor of the day...

We are having these corporate presentation classes these days, wherein a group presents on a corporate house for 12mins, followed by feedback on the performance by the class and the instructor…
This Group had a presentation today: Good, well covered, but too much emphasis on history, wherein the slide and info was repeated quite a few times…
The feedback session was going on with full sincerity n seriousness where in came a one-liner from Sirpy@Chimp…great timing dude...

Instructor:Guys, You overshot your time and had a number of repetitions…couple of points in the History of the company were repeated and were redundant…
Chimp(with d typical South-Indian accent): Ma'am, “History repeats itself!!”

Lolzzz…

Operation Cake Attack @ IIM'A

Prep course is going on juz fine…trying to enjoy in anticipation of what is about to come…the senior batch has joined, as of yesterday…Good lot!! Yet to interact with most of 'em
Ystrday we celebrated the 2^nd b’day of d batch…there was a tiny incident which deserves this entry….

1200hrs: The normal tradition of putting cake over d B’day boy was followed, followed by the B’day bumps and kicks…One of my batchmates, aka Teja was a tad too interested in the ‘putting cake’ part n the kicking part…lolzzz…soon there were cake pieces coming on to the faces of almost all and sundry…big mess!!

1230hrs: Finally someone realized tht he was all clean n dry, so there began a chase with d (now) victim running at top speed in d dorm garden…finally he escaped...didn't go to his room though, anticipating the next move of ppl...

0130hrs: The remaining guys n gals had formulated a plan to do the needful n the plan was initiated…

0200hrs: One of the supposed trustable fellow in d class (Sirpy aka Chimp) called him up n asked him 2 come to his room for d movie they had planned 2 see previously (telgu)…the gals also seconded, n he was convinced tht everything was over….

0215hrs: He started walking to Sirpy’s room, all washed,clean n dried up,new clothes,et al... oblivious to what lied ahead…n in army terms, Lo n behold!!…it was a perfect Ambush!! An attack with cake in hand from all directions…All in good spirit of course, Great fun though!!…at least for the Ambush
party...Lolzzz

For the WIMWIans, the details 've been posted by Akanksha at the IIMA09-blog here.

Witnessing the fun part of being at IIM'A, coz soon there ain't be no time for ne!! Lolzzz

Joined IIM'A finally.....

Went for one day to Baroda, EME School (where tht accident took place)…d officers were more than happy to see d way things have turned up…proudly introduced me to d newly posted senior officers…rise of the phoenix...lolzz

Finally, landed at the IIM’A ystrday… feeling G R E A T right now…number of courses going on at the same time….the place is Stupendous (with a capital ‘S’) with the famous architectural work and ginormous campus….However, at the first sight of the room…did miss the 5-star culture of ISB for a sec…But again as I said earlier, both the schools run differently n are in different places...there can't b any comparisons…. Maybe this is how d rooms of all B-schools r generally…The place is rockin though...waiting for the seniors 2 come bck 4m their internship....BTW I know, the faculty n the kind of rigour I’ll undergo here will more than make up for this cultural shock…Met a few Profs here today...excellent lot!! Apparently first year guys are called "Fachchas/Fachchis" and 2nd yr guys..."Tuchchas/Tuchchis" :) lolzzz...

Have been invited by Pagalguy.com for the All India PagalGuy meet (AIPGM) in Mumbai this Sat-Sun….almost fully financed…quite an honour….will b flying 2 mumbai n spend d weekend with the "great pagals"

Disclaimer: Again, tht comment is my personal opinion as per my lifestyle n my liking and in no way concludes any argument in particular...this place rocks!!

NDA...IMA...Army...ISB...IIM'A

Made the most momentous decision of my life today...A very brittle one!!
Going to spend the next two years at IIM'Ahmedabad...

After coming to ISB, I was in love with it...the campus...infra...the Faculty....my batchmates...Loved 'em all...
But thanks to the guidance of the same batchmates, few army officers--alumni of both ISB as well as IIM'A, the faculty here who was honest with their viewpoint.....took a holistic view and zeroed on to a decision after 4 sleepless nights with the head going topsy-turvy with thoughts galore!!

Lot many guys want to know why I made the choice...I must say, my decision was case-specific...Had I been in someone elses shoes, I might've stuck to ISB....here goes::::

1. I might have had a spiffing experience with the seven odd years with NDA, IMA, service in the army, etc. But I still don't have the 'buy-sell' attitude (Getting me, right??)...need some time...
2. The faculty at ISB was too good...stupendous!!, but they obviously taught with the presumption tht guyz knew wht they were talking abt, which they did...thtz where I'd missed out with no indstry exposure whatsoeva....
3. Two years at IIM'A vis-a-vis one year of squeezed-in-course here will help me in building a strong foundation for the (supposedly) long life ahead...
4. Since the Asso Dean himself agreed with my decision and the school was returning 50% of the unspent fees, it made sense. As it is, as per economics..."Sunk cost should not be considered while making a rational decision" {Learnt in the first class :) }.
5. It was something like spending three years at NDA vis-a-vis spending one n a half at IMA (Army offrs would understand the diff). Though in this case, ISB was at par with IIM'A.

Will always remember the time spent at ISB and the friends made here...for life!!

Class of 2008 rocks!!
ISB rocks!!

IIM'A Class of 2009 here I come.....
.