"Life is a puzzle"

Second trimester is into the climax mode with exams all over my mind....But never ever did I think that I would be writing this blog with exams so near. But I have changed and so has the way I look at life. But this change makes me think of many things and look each issue from so many different angles. This “CHANGE”, pondering over it with my Economics book in hand, I realized the importance of the course I am pursuing.

I started my MBA entrance preparations with lots of expectations. Expectations of joining a residential program, excitement of being in a hostel with freedom written all around, enthusiasm of working on several activities, starting my venture someday or atleast hefty pay packages were some of the things kept me motivated as I was preparing for CAT. But little did I know then that I will land up at NM and my expectations will plummet like a person diving from a 150 storey tower.

As people keep saying 'Jiske Joh Naseeb mein hota hain wohi milta hai', I also pacified myself with same belief and entered my new home. My movie started rolling with the "Amazing"(from the TTK fame) inauguration and induction program .Induction program had ‘fun’ written all over it. Meeting new people, making new friends with lots of 'mental models'(hey see I am applying my HR learnings ), working in teams, working on assignments, boys trying to get the first mover advantage and many such things which were all packed into a two week program. Feeling of assignments and festivals made me part of the MBA culture. But this was just ‘The trailor,Picture toh abhi baki thi mere dost”

My first trimester at NM was full of surprises, a trimester full of highs and lows. I made friends with an amazing bunch of guys and girls. Hanging around with them redefined ‘FUN’ for me. I cherish every moment spent with them. The kind of changes they have brought about in my personality has been far more worthy than what I have learnt from my MBA so far. Keep them aside and I don’t find the trimester worth remembering. I had always felt that competition or competitiveness is an inert feeling. I was proved wrong. Each marketing lecture made me realise that this was not what I had joined an MBA for. On one front my communication’s classes taught me presentation skills and on other side I did exactly opposite by shouting and screaming for those 5 marks of class participation. But with time I have realised that as a future manager, I should first learn to take right decisions for such small petty issues and not fall into the trap of herd mentality. “It is not about what you do but how you do is what matters”

Second trimester was an eventful period where I really felt that I am actually part of an MBA program. First trimester was a mix of fun, social loafing, understanding group dynamics and little bit of studying. Result: Got the experience of being a 2 pointer. This was again that made me change look at things differently. I became more committed to my work. Gave more than 100% for each of my tasks and the kind of satisfaction I got at the completion of my tasks was truly amazing. I have to compliment my group as well. They gave me the environment that I always wanted to work in, an environment that fosters team spirit, far different from my previous experiences. Academic learnings from these projects have been tremendous for me personally and have realised that the real learning is outside the books. I was feeling great all through the trimester. Then suddenly my economics professor decided to be the preacher for a day. He gave a lecture on a value that everyone wants to espouse but not enact(Hey see again i applied my HR knowledge) i.e ’Honesty’. The lecture left a strong impression on my mind. Pondering over it that evening I realised that I was compromising on several things for benefits not worthy of such sacrifices. It made me feel so small. But man learns from his mistakes and so do I.

NM and in particular the second trimester has been a terrific experience for me It has transformed me tremendously and will always be indebted to my friends and the institution for this.

Just hoping that exams go well and all that started well ends well......

A quote that would sum up the entire blog" The road of my life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same.Yet our lessons come from the journey and not the destination" -Don Williams,Jr,American Novelist and a poet.

"Yes We Can"

Remember this slogan "Yes We Can", "Change we believe in"....Who am I talking about??

Yes I am talking about the change we hoped would change world's fortunes...Mr Barack Obama.

Carrying the expectations of billions of people across this globe he has been arguably the most followed person on this planet.Into the second year of his presidential term, he arrives in India on Diwali day with hope of strengthening ties with the emerging power house...Our mighty India.

India might be buzzing with several important stories like Corruption,Poverty,Unemployment and list never ends but I have no doubts that all will be thrown under the carpet once Red carpet is rolled out for our beloved Mr.Obama.Mr.Obama will attend the Business and Entrepreneurship summit.He will then meet the captains of Indian Businesses in a meet which will see participation of more than 200 US companies and cream of Indian Industry interacting to strengthen economic ties between two nations.

The focus of the above agenda will be on role of India's consumption driven economy in increasing employment levels for US.This is very easy to understand.Obama,an astute leader that he is knows that ,Indian economy growing at 9% ,is a huge customer of US.With Indian economy blossoming ,US sees a role for India in reducing its unemployment levels which is hovering around 10%.He expects to use his visit to increase the Indian investment in US market.

Battery of Indian Politicians who will be seen running after the reigning Lord during this visit is going to be a Circus to watch.From our beloved Gandhi's to Mr.Chavan who has been busy allotting houses to his relatives these days,all will try to pamper Mr.Obama as if he is the last hope for India.India which calls for inclusive growth is not going to come by looking westward.India has to look inwards.Every Indian has to introspect....Introspection and timely corrective action is going to be the key to India's Growth.

CWG was termed as a huge success story where India showcased its growing strength.But we should not forget that what preceded games was something that brought shame to every Indian.We were able to salvage our faces just in Time and with God's grace everything went smoothly during the games.Corruption has been the word of the year.Scams after Scams keep cropping up but here every one knows give some time and everything goes under the carpet.

Mr.Obama is going to be the catalyst for the same.He will attract all the limelight and our frenzy media will forget about Aadarsh Scam ,CWG mess and IPL saga to allow our politicians to rest in peace.

One Hindi line that Obama will definitely take back from our political class is:

"Jaan Bachi Toh Lakho Paye"