Pick up the newspapers, one of the news items that invariably appears on the the front page will be on climate change. From RK Pachauri to George Bush to G20 Ministers to Lalu Prasad Yadav, all have voiced their opinions on this topic. It is also very much favoured for Group Discussions. But any discussion follows a very similar trail. Climate change - icecaps disappearing - sea level rising - Kyoto protocol and CO2 - Actions needed. Period.
I would like to present a slightly different case on climate change. I am born and brought up in coastal Kerala where the climate throughout the year is constant and decent. Mercury is always between 20 and 35. Job took me to Hyderabad where the temperature varies from 10 to 40 degrees. MBA brings me to Ghaziabad where it varies from 0 to 45. Foreign exchange program has taken me to Paris (Yes, the capital of France.. not the one in Chennai :D ) where the temperature varies from -10 to 25.
Probably because of the fact that I am brought up in Moderate climate but have to survive in Extreme Climate places there are multiple issues that ensue. The troubles include running nose, fever, allergy, cough etc etc. There is no world body to discuss and provide relief for these issues.
The worst of problems that I have been facing has been throat ulcers when winter starts. As Diwali and Dusshera generally coincide with the onset of winter I generally end up in bed during these festivals. The difficulties during throat attack are multiple. The first is that one has to survive on juices and salines as one cant swallow. Expressing ideas is not possible through sounds, one has to use actions to communicate. No wonder my body language has improved over the last few years. This essentially means that I dont make or pick up calls during the attack time.
This time round I had to face another hurdle. Till last time when I used to tell that I had throat ache I used to get sympathy and a lot of attention. This time the scene was different. As throat ache is a symptom of swine flu the moment I told that I had throat ache, people started isolating me. I was looked upon like a small pox vector. Barring a few well informed friends who did not know the symptoms of swine flu, I was deserted in the entire college. Shit happens in life.
Generally the ulcers stay for 3 to 4 days. This time round it troubled for longer. The doc tried a round of B-complex and then lactic acid capsules. For the bacteria they were like RP Singh deliveries - naive and innocuous. The doc finally had to resort to painkillers and stroooooong antibiotics to get me back to normal.
All because of climate change. Happy that the next change will be only in Feb/March!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sir, gaadi gaayab!!
Sleep is most treasured during the exam season and there is nothing more satisfying than the sleep after a "night out" exam. During the latest season, after giving one of the toughest papers - Strategic Corporate Finance, I decided to take a nap even though it meant missing lunch. But I was soon to be disturbed with a call from Amitabho and all that he told was "Maninder kaa gaadi missing, come to the car parking". Realizing the urgency from his tone I ran to the parking. On the way I met Sony who was going to meet Mr M Singh, the college warden, to lodge a complaint. I went along and the first statement that Sony made was "Sir, gaadi gaayab". We asked the warden whether we can go ahead and file an FIR for which the reply was "Wait for an hour, I ll finish my lunch and come. We ll then decide". Me and Sony went back to the car parking where the preliminary search operations had been completed by - The Detectives-Pachan and Kajal, the local Bharat, the loser Maninder, her friend Hims and a very tensed Amithabho. While collecting the facts of the case I realized that Mani still had the car's key and the token needed to take the car out. There was also this revelation that the car was last spotted a week before and that it was last used by myself and Amitabho. I understood the imports of Amithabhos tension.
Sony meanwhile was using all his contacts to know the procedures to be followed in lodging the complaint. He was trying to get in touch with Mr R Singh, baap of Mr M Singh, to apprise him of the situation.
Probably we have been cramming a lot the last week or we have been watching a lot of movies in the last year there were some innovative and hilarious ideas that came up. The first was from Amitabho. He found out that there was another car in the campus that could be opened and started with Mani's keys which was clear indication that the owner of that car is behind the missing Mani's vehicle. Even the great Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of Amitabho.
Mani's best friend Hims was trying hard to console Mani. "Mani, last trimester I went to Case Cafe on Shruti's scooty and while returning I unknowingly tried to start an Activa instead of the scooty , and u know what the key actually went in". Losing the car would have felt lighter in front of this torture. Hims did not stop there. "Let's go and have lunch. The car would be here before snacks" was her next statement. I could not take it any more. I left the scene.
After half an hour we all assembled at the same place. This time Mani was ready with all the docs needed to file FIR. Not that she had many - the car neither had insurance nor any tax token. Luckily she had the Registration Certificate and the original keys with which it is meant to be opened and started. By this time Mani's boy friend had come and the gathering was bigger than what it was half an hour back. Vishal was still talking with the college security, Mr R Singh and the dean to get a go ahead.
"Y dont mani and boyfriend go to ccd or barista, chill in the ac and chitchat till such time tht the plan of action is clear" was another suggestion for Mani from the group. Wow, someone has seen "Love In the Time Of Cholera.
Mani, the frail girl she is, by that time was looking pathetic. I was thinking either we will get the car or will have to get an ambulance.
We were advised to wait for an hour before going to the police. I came back to my room and rested. An hour later I was going out of the lobby wen I found a smiling Mani standing in front. She said the car was back. Someone else had plans of going out with his friends car, for which he had the keys but did not know the number. He tried the keys on cars of similar make and Mani's car was the first to respond.
It was a very happy ending. Beaming most was Hims for her accurate prediction tht the car will be back before snacks.
Sony meanwhile was using all his contacts to know the procedures to be followed in lodging the complaint. He was trying to get in touch with Mr R Singh, baap of Mr M Singh, to apprise him of the situation.
Probably we have been cramming a lot the last week or we have been watching a lot of movies in the last year there were some innovative and hilarious ideas that came up. The first was from Amitabho. He found out that there was another car in the campus that could be opened and started with Mani's keys which was clear indication that the owner of that car is behind the missing Mani's vehicle. Even the great Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of Amitabho.
Mani's best friend Hims was trying hard to console Mani. "Mani, last trimester I went to Case Cafe on Shruti's scooty and while returning I unknowingly tried to start an Activa instead of the scooty , and u know what the key actually went in". Losing the car would have felt lighter in front of this torture. Hims did not stop there. "Let's go and have lunch. The car would be here before snacks" was her next statement. I could not take it any more. I left the scene.
After half an hour we all assembled at the same place. This time Mani was ready with all the docs needed to file FIR. Not that she had many - the car neither had insurance nor any tax token. Luckily she had the Registration Certificate and the original keys with which it is meant to be opened and started. By this time Mani's boy friend had come and the gathering was bigger than what it was half an hour back. Vishal was still talking with the college security, Mr R Singh and the dean to get a go ahead.
"Y dont mani and boyfriend go to ccd or barista, chill in the ac and chitchat till such time tht the plan of action is clear" was another suggestion for Mani from the group. Wow, someone has seen "Love In the Time Of Cholera.
Mani, the frail girl she is, by that time was looking pathetic. I was thinking either we will get the car or will have to get an ambulance.
We were advised to wait for an hour before going to the police. I came back to my room and rested. An hour later I was going out of the lobby wen I found a smiling Mani standing in front. She said the car was back. Someone else had plans of going out with his friends car, for which he had the keys but did not know the number. He tried the keys on cars of similar make and Mani's car was the first to respond.
It was a very happy ending. Beaming most was Hims for her accurate prediction tht the car will be back before snacks.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Match Day
5:00 am, 19th July 2009: The start of the day was with a start, hearing the bang on the door. Was not surprised to see Pachan at the door as I had asked him to wake me up. He had dressed up by the time he had come to my room. I told him that I will join him in the field. I contemplated sleeping for another 10mins, but the importance of the occasion did not permit me to do that. I got ready and reached the ground at 5.50 am.
I was expecting both the teams to be there on the field. But only the A1 team had arrived - wearing white jerseys. The warm up exercises were going on. Amitabha was the first one to acknowledge my presence saying "Thanks for coming". Felt very good. They were all there - Herfi, Biswa, DP, Pachan, Somani, Anand, Jamit, Powa, Mehul.. I wanted them to do well.
The opposition did not turn up for the next 15 minutes. The match finally started by 6.20. We were up against the best team in the college - B1. They had not conceded even a single goal in the tournament. But we had momentum with us and were brimming with self belief.
We won the toss and started facing the sun. Soon our defence was under pressure with B1 striketrs - Dada, Ganesh and Patel - flaunting their skill and playing with co-ordination. Our team was slightly rusty in the opening minutes, they took advantage of this and shook the net off a corner kick. Our defence had to be blamed.
The game carried on. The opposition was trying to put us under pressure. Dada was attacking through the right. DP has played with Dada for years and on the eve of the match DP was very pessimistic of our chances and had said no one can match Dada. On this move DP was tackling Dada. Dada tried dribbling and crossing over, but this time he failed, DP had won the ball and ran to the opposite side. I felt there is a turn in the tide. We did not have to wait much for the next B1 wave. This time it was Ganesh through the center. The southpaw shot one towards the goal but the big Jamit who made full use of his height to ward off the charge. Soon there were attacks from either side, but the defenders - Herfi, Powa and Jamit along with the floating DP held fort.
Counter attacks were not effective as Pachan's injury worsened.Over and above that Mehul tipped over in one of the moves and hurt himself. This left the entire responsibility of attacks was with our best player - Amithabho.
In between the relentless attack of B1, somehow Amithabho managed the control of the ball. What followed was a fantastic run, beating Ganesh the best opposition player, a shot at the goal and a fall as he collided with a defender. He got up with a despair in his eyes as he thot he had missed the target, but he heard the referee's whistle which confirmed the goal. The entire team, reserves, and the supporters - Myself, PG and Ameya - erupted.
B1 had conceded the first goal of the tournament. A1 from nowhere seemed rejuvenated. Dada was marked by Herfi, Jamit was steadfast while DP and Powa showed excellent athleticism to cover every B1 move. Mehul and Amithabho kept taking the attack forward and B1 were given some tense moments. The whistle blew.
2nd half - A1 was able to hold on to the score 1-1 for the first 10 mins of the second half. True of any champions, B1 kept their cool even when they were not able to go up in the score. A move through the right wing masterminded by Dada, and the following passsing between Ganesh and Patel in front of the box finally scattered the defence. Patel was unmarked and he just had to get past Anand which he did with a good shot. Score 2-1.
As B1 was in followed they were more intent on wasting time. They took time to take their kicks and kept hitting the ball out to buy time. There were minor scuffles at this point of time as A1 were getting irritated with the B1 tactics of wasting time.
But there was too little time for the attack to score the levelling goal. Then came the final whistle. Final Score 2-1.
B1 might have gone through to the finals but A1 fought with all heart and might. The A1 team appreciative of the efforts of the A1 team cheered for the A1 team as it exited. Well played mates. I got fantastic entertainment for the couple of hours of sleep I missed. Congratulations A1 footballers.
I was expecting both the teams to be there on the field. But only the A1 team had arrived - wearing white jerseys. The warm up exercises were going on. Amitabha was the first one to acknowledge my presence saying "Thanks for coming". Felt very good. They were all there - Herfi, Biswa, DP, Pachan, Somani, Anand, Jamit, Powa, Mehul.. I wanted them to do well.
The opposition did not turn up for the next 15 minutes. The match finally started by 6.20. We were up against the best team in the college - B1. They had not conceded even a single goal in the tournament. But we had momentum with us and were brimming with self belief.
We won the toss and started facing the sun. Soon our defence was under pressure with B1 striketrs - Dada, Ganesh and Patel - flaunting their skill and playing with co-ordination. Our team was slightly rusty in the opening minutes, they took advantage of this and shook the net off a corner kick. Our defence had to be blamed.
The game carried on. The opposition was trying to put us under pressure. Dada was attacking through the right. DP has played with Dada for years and on the eve of the match DP was very pessimistic of our chances and had said no one can match Dada. On this move DP was tackling Dada. Dada tried dribbling and crossing over, but this time he failed, DP had won the ball and ran to the opposite side. I felt there is a turn in the tide. We did not have to wait much for the next B1 wave. This time it was Ganesh through the center. The southpaw shot one towards the goal but the big Jamit who made full use of his height to ward off the charge. Soon there were attacks from either side, but the defenders - Herfi, Powa and Jamit along with the floating DP held fort.
Counter attacks were not effective as Pachan's injury worsened.Over and above that Mehul tipped over in one of the moves and hurt himself. This left the entire responsibility of attacks was with our best player - Amithabho.
In between the relentless attack of B1, somehow Amithabho managed the control of the ball. What followed was a fantastic run, beating Ganesh the best opposition player, a shot at the goal and a fall as he collided with a defender. He got up with a despair in his eyes as he thot he had missed the target, but he heard the referee's whistle which confirmed the goal. The entire team, reserves, and the supporters - Myself, PG and Ameya - erupted.
B1 had conceded the first goal of the tournament. A1 from nowhere seemed rejuvenated. Dada was marked by Herfi, Jamit was steadfast while DP and Powa showed excellent athleticism to cover every B1 move. Mehul and Amithabho kept taking the attack forward and B1 were given some tense moments. The whistle blew.
2nd half - A1 was able to hold on to the score 1-1 for the first 10 mins of the second half. True of any champions, B1 kept their cool even when they were not able to go up in the score. A move through the right wing masterminded by Dada, and the following passsing between Ganesh and Patel in front of the box finally scattered the defence. Patel was unmarked and he just had to get past Anand which he did with a good shot. Score 2-1.
As B1 was in followed they were more intent on wasting time. They took time to take their kicks and kept hitting the ball out to buy time. There were minor scuffles at this point of time as A1 were getting irritated with the B1 tactics of wasting time.
But there was too little time for the attack to score the levelling goal. Then came the final whistle. Final Score 2-1.
B1 might have gone through to the finals but A1 fought with all heart and might. The A1 team appreciative of the efforts of the A1 team cheered for the A1 team as it exited. Well played mates. I got fantastic entertainment for the couple of hours of sleep I missed. Congratulations A1 footballers.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Mafia - Slot Number 111
Everyday 3.15 in the afternoon, there is this unwritten rule among the mafia that they should assemble 2nd underground level of the building and wait in that dark empty hall, beneath the sign board 111, for the White Innova Ship. 111 - Nelson's number, the reminder of the great British admiral who some way along his epic battles lost his one eye, one ear and one life. The illuck around the number was never a concern as the Mafia always made their own luck. This Mafia was different. Unlike the age old mafias where Dons used to travel in different vehicles, lest all of them should be blown off together, the Dons of this mafia travelled together in the ship - everyday - twice. And my luck, I was included in the Mafia.
Blogs are meant for laymen and let me speak in simple words. The Dons in our case instead of killing and smuggling, engaged themselves in Accounts and Reconciliations.. The morning sojourn was called Pickup and the evening one as Drop. Yes, this blog is for my cabmates, all those who made my internship a bliss.
Let me just give a brief backdrop for my association with them. As I have told already I was posted in Gurgaon for my internship. My office was in Sec 52 and I stayed in the controversial Sec 14(Refer "Photography Unplugged" for details).It is a 15 minute drive from my stay to work. All the Dons stayed close and was the raison-d'etre for the travel together. The Mafia had its own means of communication. Coz of the fear of mobile phones being tapped, the dons never talked on phone. They used the same satelites, same towers and same handsets - the way they used it was different. They send deftly encoded messages through state of the art technology "Notification Discard Telephony Technology". The service is also referred to as "Missed Calls" in common parlance.For me,an NDTT from Don K early in the morning means that I should acknowledge the NDTT and get ready for the rough day ahead. An NDTT from Don J will soon follow which signals that I should wait outside my stay, surreptitiously and without inviting much attention. Without much Delay the ship would come and pick me up. On entering the ship, I will invariably find Don J within, giving signals to the other Dons to wait at specific locations to get into the ship. Dont be mistaken, it all works through NDTT.
Talking about Don J, her looks deceive. Yes, the mafia has female dons. She has the history of having tamed a mad elephant with her marquee cry "Oye.. chup". The don is multitalented and innovative in life to come up with the combination Sprouts + Eggs = Salad. Don J is a good singer, and is referred to as Mayawati by Don G. Don J is only Don with the powers to board the ship from outside of Slot Number 111.
Don G, My guru and best friend in the mafia.Kudos to him for what he is. He is the only Don in the mafia who carries a laptop around. The grapevine has it that the engagement pics and the abhiman songs make the laptop too valuable to be left alone. My friendship with Don was decisive in me becoming an integral part of the mafia. Don G doubts the veracity of the email that gives Don J the authority to board the ship not from 111, but the gentleman he is, he doesnt question Don J.
Don K, the silent and the sisterly Don. Don K is the most serious Don in the mafia. But of late she mingles a lot. Adding more, she has been even caught blushing of late. The Don got engaged recently and she is busy using those substandard messaging and calling services offered by the telecom companies. Let me take this chance to wish all the very best to Don in her personal life.
Don P. Mess with anyone, but not Don P - u will be belted left, right and center. I was very scared of Don P initially and I knew that I will become a true member of the mafia once I am in her good books. A very amiable person, one whom I have a lot of respect for.
Don S. Don S is special because of the difference in the protocol for communication with her. The mafia uses DNDTT - Double NDTT(Dubara missed call), in communicating with the Don. The Don is the best communicator in the group - thanks to her rather slow and clear way of speaking the national language. This Don is the chirpiest and the most lively of all Dons.
More to be followed...................
Blogs are meant for laymen and let me speak in simple words. The Dons in our case instead of killing and smuggling, engaged themselves in Accounts and Reconciliations.. The morning sojourn was called Pickup and the evening one as Drop. Yes, this blog is for my cabmates, all those who made my internship a bliss.
Let me just give a brief backdrop for my association with them. As I have told already I was posted in Gurgaon for my internship. My office was in Sec 52 and I stayed in the controversial Sec 14(Refer "Photography Unplugged" for details).It is a 15 minute drive from my stay to work. All the Dons stayed close and was the raison-d'etre for the travel together. The Mafia had its own means of communication. Coz of the fear of mobile phones being tapped, the dons never talked on phone. They used the same satelites, same towers and same handsets - the way they used it was different. They send deftly encoded messages through state of the art technology "Notification Discard Telephony Technology". The service is also referred to as "Missed Calls" in common parlance.For me,an NDTT from Don K early in the morning means that I should acknowledge the NDTT and get ready for the rough day ahead. An NDTT from Don J will soon follow which signals that I should wait outside my stay, surreptitiously and without inviting much attention. Without much Delay the ship would come and pick me up. On entering the ship, I will invariably find Don J within, giving signals to the other Dons to wait at specific locations to get into the ship. Dont be mistaken, it all works through NDTT.
Talking about Don J, her looks deceive. Yes, the mafia has female dons. She has the history of having tamed a mad elephant with her marquee cry "Oye.. chup". The don is multitalented and innovative in life to come up with the combination Sprouts + Eggs = Salad. Don J is a good singer, and is referred to as Mayawati by Don G. Don J is only Don with the powers to board the ship from outside of Slot Number 111.
Don G, My guru and best friend in the mafia.Kudos to him for what he is. He is the only Don in the mafia who carries a laptop around. The grapevine has it that the engagement pics and the abhiman songs make the laptop too valuable to be left alone. My friendship with Don was decisive in me becoming an integral part of the mafia. Don G doubts the veracity of the email that gives Don J the authority to board the ship not from 111, but the gentleman he is, he doesnt question Don J.
Don K, the silent and the sisterly Don. Don K is the most serious Don in the mafia. But of late she mingles a lot. Adding more, she has been even caught blushing of late. The Don got engaged recently and she is busy using those substandard messaging and calling services offered by the telecom companies. Let me take this chance to wish all the very best to Don in her personal life.
Don P. Mess with anyone, but not Don P - u will be belted left, right and center. I was very scared of Don P initially and I knew that I will become a true member of the mafia once I am in her good books. A very amiable person, one whom I have a lot of respect for.
Don S. Don S is special because of the difference in the protocol for communication with her. The mafia uses DNDTT - Double NDTT(Dubara missed call), in communicating with the Don. The Don is the best communicator in the group - thanks to her rather slow and clear way of speaking the national language. This Don is the chirpiest and the most lively of all Dons.
More to be followed...................
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