tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37274020957534392282024-03-14T14:05:15.296+05:30Reflections"The glory lies not in never falling but in rising everytime you fall"Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-79767661294217242382016-12-11T15:56:00.002+05:302016-12-13T21:17:32.150+05:309 days. 6 cities. A memorable solo trip in Rajasthan <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Solo Trip, why? Well, I am an avid traveler by
choice. My parents don’t like to travel and hence I don’t have much travel
stories from childhood. Neither is my sister fond of travelling and exploring
as much as I do. Making travel plans with friends does happen but does not
necessarily fructify at the right time. Few ditch. Few friends do come along
but that is becoming a rarity these days. Or maybe I am not fortunate enough.
And being bitten by the travel bug, I just can’t restrict my instincts to
travel, explore and enjoy experiences even if it means solo. For me, life is
all about living it up come what may. Being a solo Indian female
backpacker/traveler is a bit uncommon, though it is gradually picking up. And
yes, somebody did inspire me to go ahead and go solo. That’s my friend,
Anumeha. Now, why did I choose Rajasthan for a solo trip? Well, my probation
period of 6 months was about to complete. And I would be finally eligible to
take leaves. So, I decided to do a trip. But then, at the same time, my friend
and ex-colleague, Mohit was getting married in Jodhpur. And so I decided to
explore Rajasthan, it being the month of November and winter would have
comfortably set in the desert. As usual, I asked few friends who would be
interested in tripping along but there were no hits. So, I went ahead and
booked my return tickets. And, thus, it became a solo sojourn :). </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Well, I am a planner by nature. But this time, the
enthusiasm had drooped to extremely low levels, don’t know why. And perhaps, I
wanted to just go with the flow and explore the city around. So, I had just
booked my onward and return tickets for the trip without even having asked boss
about leaves</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">:P </span><em style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">(I did ask for it though when it was about time!).</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">So, this was a brief background of my
travel plan. Well, I have a habit of talking about actual things by first
describing the context that led to the situation. So, you’ll have to bear with
it. However, there was a little bit of planning involved too. I had managed to
do few hotel bookings and inter-city bus travel</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><em style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">(Not that lazy also :P).</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">And when the dates came closer, the
demonetization happened. Oh, what an unexpected event! What a mess it could
create for travelers and tourists specifically. I had to queue up at ATM’s to
collect as much cash as possible. I had not disclosed to my family folks that I
am travelling alone. But yeah, you must inform your folks. I did too but with a
bit of manipulation.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 1:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It
was a Saturday. I boarded the 5.40 am flight to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Jaipur</span></strong>. I landed at Jaipur at around 7.30 am
and then Uber’ed to Kumbha Marg. Jaipur is Anumeha’s home. So she had offered
me to stay at her house in Jaipur where her family lived. That was so sweet of
her. She messaged me her address and told me that her house is close to
airport. I happily chose to stay at her home. I had never met her parents. I
was so sleepy that I entered the wrong plot number in the Uber destination
address and then there was fun :). We went around searching the house. Then, I
called up Anumeha’s father and finally reached her house after lot of goofing
up. I was welcomed warmly by uncle offering me chai, poha, bread butter toast,
pyaaz kachori and dalia :)..And there, I had my encounter with the first pet in
the trip, a big Labrador named ”Toffee”. She came up all over me and I gladly
allowed so. But she didn’t get wary of me and continued to drool around me.
After an hour or so of chit-chat with uncle, I headed off to the city which was
quite far. I took the city bus and got down at the Ajmeri Gate. All the while,
I kept asking co-passengers to let me know when Ajmeri stop comes by. Everybody
was quite helpful. The bus was not that great, decent enough. I alighted at the
Ajmeri Gate and took a rickshaw to the City Palace. The city palace was quite
splendid.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0xq1OkO1DoU-zyPnksDy9NVgMeHqqR5k2eUhFdnRKVW1rOY6_w3V29V4fpUyJKwMkI9Y4DtF6ZfHYFLDeh-gGsPVLi1qkjz2KjNz4l_DW7wppDlBLEYi7L3OoS0zGiCEQV_RksIk5aoN/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0xq1OkO1DoU-zyPnksDy9NVgMeHqqR5k2eUhFdnRKVW1rOY6_w3V29V4fpUyJKwMkI9Y4DtF6ZfHYFLDeh-gGsPVLi1qkjz2KjNz4l_DW7wppDlBLEYi7L3OoS0zGiCEQV_RksIk5aoN/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was around 2.30 pm. Then, I walked towards the
place where I could find a bus to Amer Fort. On the way, an auto-rickshaw guy
came upto me and convinced me to make a tour of the three forts. I then went
ahead with this rickshaw and started chatting with this fellow who rode upto
Nahargarh Fort. It was an exquisite view of the Pink City from the top of the
Fort and probably the highest point of Jaipur. Public transport buses don’t ply
upto this fort however, the tourist ones and private vehicles do. This is one
of the best places in Jaipur to enjoy sunset. You can have a spectacular view
of the city from the restaurant. I then moved to the step well on the way back.
The step wells are famous because of the “falling in the water” stunt scene of
Aamir from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Rang De Basanti</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>movie. This was highlighted by my
rickshaw turned guide :). And then as we drove down towards the Amer Fort, the
aerial view of Jal Mahal was amazing. Due to lack of time, I asked the guy to
head towards Amer instead of Jaigarh Fort. As I reached Amer, I was surrounded
by guides and I did take up one and he did a good job explaining the
intricacies and history and clicking my photos :). He also showed me around
Mirabai’s temple and then led me to a handicraft shop. Yes, I tried best to
avoid buying but then ended up buying a necklace in Minakari art. Then, I
headed towards the city stopping by at the Jal Mahal and catching a view of the
lighted up water palace. The Jal Mahal is 5 storeyed palace in the lake
with waters upto the 3<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">rd</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>level. There was no way to get into
the palace. The guide then took me around few other places by the road and I
enjoyed the night view of all decked-up and multi-color tinted Hawa Mahal and
Alber Hall museum. The rickshaw then dropped me at Ajmeri bus stop and assured
me that I will get a bus to Kumbha Marg. It was around 6.30 pm. I got the right
bus after some time and then boarded the bus to Anumeha’s place. It took around
one and a half hours to get back home. It was a bit marooned area at that hour.
So, I decided to get back early the next day. As I reached home, I met
Anumeha’s mom. She was busy making dinner. I was completely exhausted. I had a sumptuous
dinner and then went to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt9NV_KPbqbfmyH7vQDeQEsE1l-5ofemRPxirk00b50JRZNReG7ptLBwEMmm1haPPHWXfMikwdxYIOMS4coOafbghQNdYfFa95MRrxyJduJbtioha_mdc8i_IddcU8fi3uXHf5bLenDxe/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt9NV_KPbqbfmyH7vQDeQEsE1l-5ofemRPxirk00b50JRZNReG7ptLBwEMmm1haPPHWXfMikwdxYIOMS4coOafbghQNdYfFa95MRrxyJduJbtioha_mdc8i_IddcU8fi3uXHf5bLenDxe/s320/IMG_1896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
had booked a cycle tour for exploring the city next morning. It was to commence
at 6.45 am from Badi Chaupad, almost the other end of the city. Now, I had
double thoughts on whether to go for this or not. That meant getting up at 5.30
am, calling a cab and leaving at 6.00 am.<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">(At one point, I thought I should not go, but then, I thought it’s
okay, let me go for it).</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span>Now, this is a cycling tour named Pink
Inside Cycle Tour with Cylin Jaipur, a company started up by two French ladies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 2: Jaipur</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I Uber’ed to the starting point and then met with my
fellow cyclers. One was a British lady from London, 44 years old. And the other
one was a French lady around 50 years old. The trip organizer was Eleanor and
there was a local guide too who was a native of Rajasthan. We got warming up
and started with our bikes wearing the helmet. Eleanor informed us about the 12
km circuit and major halt points.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><now a="" about="" and="" because="" best="" book="" booked="" city="" cycling="" did="" feel="" for="" go="" google="" how="" i="" is="" it="" learn="" like="" slot="" so="" stumbled="" the="" this="" to="" tour="" tours="" up="" upon="" walking.="" walking="" way="" whenever="">.</now></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span>We
moved through lanes and bylanes of the city crossing the fruit and vegetable
market, bazaars and halted at many points, devouring the history of the place.
Infact, Eleanor guided us up to a café infront of Hawa Mahal to get a closer
view and a far better picture against the palace. We had mouth watering lassi,
hot chai and kachoris on our way. Then, a reporter from DNA, Niharika, was
covering us for her newspaper. Eleanor pointed out herein that Indians
generally like to move around in SUV’s and don’t come out for bicycle or
walking tours. She exclaimed that I was her second guest from Mumbai in the last
2 years<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><even i="" surprised="" was="">.</even></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span>Niharika
also wanted to understand what made me come for a solo trip being an Indian
female. After the gyaan session, we cycled through other major points and then
went ahead to have an authentic Rajathani cuisine called “Dal Baati Churma” at
a haveli of a lower middle class family. We were welcomed there by Srishti, a
Dachshund dog. All of us really enjoyed having it served hot and with a lot of
chit-chat over various cities and spicy Indian food. Post this, we also stopped
at an ancient Shiva temple for worship after which we went to the marble
carver’s district and checked out the craftsmanship.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><the 2000="" bucks="" cycle="" tour="" was="" worth="">.</the></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Our cycle trip soon ended at the
starting point and we relaxed with a cup of coffee. And then I got some tips on
the food joints, bars and shopping areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJAaB6lb1mSYxqhxuM2p3gVXtKaEWgy_5k4Io-XyVWbupWE1VtvixkkGN4VKmPtBTz2r2eNQoNch5LC2EajMFjTFI2IaQ7jhlBrGy5UQi8A4UGCmx_WHJ5MEdGOYBRJoZJz6iGOImLDeo/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJAaB6lb1mSYxqhxuM2p3gVXtKaEWgy_5k4Io-XyVWbupWE1VtvixkkGN4VKmPtBTz2r2eNQoNch5LC2EajMFjTFI2IaQ7jhlBrGy5UQi8A4UGCmx_WHJ5MEdGOYBRJoZJz6iGOImLDeo/s320/IMG_1969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Later,
I went to the Jantar Mantar and tried to understand the scientific way of
measuring time. And then, I moved to places of shopping, taking tips from
Anumeha on what and where to buy. I strolled to Badi Chaupad again where I
bought some stuff at National Handloom <one and="" buy="" cheapest="" handicrafts="" of="" places="" stuff="" the="" to="" traditional="">. After that, I went to LMB and had pyaaz
ki kachori and rabdi ghewar. <lmb a="" and="" famous="" for="" is="" must="" place="" snacks="" try="">. After a bit of street shopping there for skirts and shoes and
bargaining around, I left for Niro’s. Just before I reached Niro’s, I came
across Raj Mandir Cinema, a famous landmark. Niro’s is a must for
non-vegetarians. So I relished chicken there. But before that, I noticed the
famous Lassiwala just in front of Niro’s. And I had the Lassi of my life :). It
closes by 4 pm. And then, after satisfying my foodie instincts, I took a manual
rickshaw towards Birla Mandir. This was around 5 pm. I came across the Statue
Circle and the posh parts of the city. Birla Mandir is worth a visit. I watched
the sunset from there and then walked towards the Bar Palladio which the
foreigners boasted to be one of the world’s most beautiful bars. So, I thought
I must not miss it but at the same time I had to reach home early today. Bar
Palladio is indeed a very romantic and beautiful blue haveli bar. I had an old
monk there and then just Uber’ed back home.<o:p></o:p></lmb></one></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
reached home and had tasty food prepared by Aunty. Anumeha’s brother had been
to Brazil recently and so he offered me chocolates from Brazil. They were
indeed awesome. Toffee, as usual, came up all over me. After resting a bit, I
packed my stuff as I had to catch a train early morning to Ajmer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Forgot
to mention above: Please do have Rawat ki Pyaaz Kachori<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lessons
learnt: Do stay close to the city. Helps spend more time outside and you don’t
have to think much. And it cuts down on your travel time to station and major
landmarks. Take a bus from Jaipur to Ajmer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 3: Ajmer and Pushkar</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had pre-booked a hotel through GoIbibo. I reached
Ajmer at around 10.30 am and headed to the Hotel Vega. The view from the hotel
was quite scenic giving a view of the hills surrounding this small city. The
hotel room was quite good. I dumped my stuff and slept off. I got up around 1
pm and then quickly washed up. I decided to walk to Ajmeri Sheriff. It was a
bit far but still thought of just walking to the place. I had read somewhere
that you might try biryani at Dargah bazaar but I would recommend against it. I
tried at a place and it was pathetic. There, I was in the lane leading to the
famous Shrine. Quickly, I left my stuff at a shop where I bought Chaadar and
prayer stuff. I didn’t have much idea on to-do’s here. And thus, the
commercialization affair started. Every other person was trying to bait me,
forcing to give money. I sat down peacefully for some time and then the Darbar
opened. I just prayed and left. Then, I hired an auto to Pushkar.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5J2GRAZWerBGHELhIFOm5z1VwiKwfSUEZktZrKQjkEZSttIx1GR4WqXv9DBAigZZ8ePg4oirAXQxGUmVI5RTSV4OX8UMVg1bmAmqlrBNA3DiQ1ZbeGEH_COoBYf6YEIJN-HJ2ghPo3xA/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5J2GRAZWerBGHELhIFOm5z1VwiKwfSUEZktZrKQjkEZSttIx1GR4WqXv9DBAigZZ8ePg4oirAXQxGUmVI5RTSV4OX8UMVg1bmAmqlrBNA3DiQ1ZbeGEH_COoBYf6YEIJN-HJ2ghPo3xA/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
way to Pushkar gave me a glimpse of the city. I could enjoy the view of Ann
Sagar lake. I was happy and quite amazed to see cycles available on rent and
open gym around. Pushkar is much more peaceful and cooler city. On reaching
Pushkar, I first went to the Brahma Mandir, the only temple of Brahma in the
world. In Hindu mythology, there are three Gods namely Brahma <the creator="">, Vishnu <the preserver=""> and Shiva <the destroyer="">.
After the worship, I walked towards the ghats. This place was bubbling with
foreigner tourists. I was hungry and as recommended by my friend, Kanuka, I
savoured the tasty malpuas and I must say they were the best till date. I also
had sumptuous Dal Kachori in Kadi and a hot masala chai. Contended to the core,
I walked towards the ghats. It’s a long walk but you won’t be bored because of
the shopping stuff around. Finally, I was there. The Pushkar lake was extremely
serene with peaceful atmosphere. </the></the></the></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08TrNUVdrfQNpSdlaKAR0o30Pd876FIY4XCBtviQ-W0OnCCYT4oPzCv9PZ-ydbbFxNHIlVuAGEqN-VgR6vxNq7JIBr-udb866Wdzmkl_T5BzWcbZR7CdqUU0jKwehCqVou7S1GcFIaClI/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08TrNUVdrfQNpSdlaKAR0o30Pd876FIY4XCBtviQ-W0OnCCYT4oPzCv9PZ-ydbbFxNHIlVuAGEqN-VgR6vxNq7JIBr-udb866Wdzmkl_T5BzWcbZR7CdqUU0jKwehCqVou7S1GcFIaClI/s320/IMG_2014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><the creator=""><the preserver=""><the destroyer=""><br /></the></the></the></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Soon, it was dusk time. I did shop for some
stuff and then kept asking the way back to the bus stop for Ajmer. I went on
and on but there were no signs of the bus stop. Finally, I reached but there
was no bus passing by. There were only tourist buses plying. It was around 7.30
pm. Luckily, I found a share van which I boarded. The way back gave us an
amazing view of the city at night. Infact, there is some special lighting done
at the exit which really looked beautiful. I got dropped at a point closer to
the hotel. I had to take a share auto again. This time I had to sit at the rear
side of the auto facing the road behind :D. Then, I relaxed a bit at the hotel
and headed to the Havmor restaurant next to the hotel. I ordered a hot and sour
soup. I was very elated at my solo tripping idea. It was fun. I then headed
back to sleep.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 4 and 5: Jodhpur</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
checked out and left for Ajmer Bus depot. I took a Volvo bus to Jodhpur by
getting rid of my sole Rs 500 note. The bus was quite okay. My neighbour was
quite chirpy and she was from Ajmer actually. We chit chatted a lot and she
talked about the Mayo college as we crossed it. She was a fashion designer
based out of Delhi. A freebie like me, she too loved travelling. She was
heading to Umaid Bhawan Palace for her cousin’s wedding. I was heading for my
friend, Mohit’s wedding at Indana Palace. The RSRTC bus took around 4.5 hours
to reach Jodhpur. On the way, it stopped at a RSRTC resort which was quite
clean. The bus took the route via Beawar. I reached Jodhpur at around 1 pm. I
then uber’ed my way to Hotel Niky International, my stop for the next two days
at Jodhpur. The event manager welcomed me and guided me to my room. I learnt
that the functions would be held at Hotel Shree International and Indana Palace.
I relaxed a bit and then headed for lunch to the other hotel and met my friend,
Mohit. The functions had begun. In the evening, I enjoyed at the Sangeet, it
being a big fat Marwari wedding. I didn’t know anybody there nor did I get
introduced to any of Mohit’s friends. So, it got a bit boring all alone.
However, there were two sweet sister-in-law’s of Mohit whom he had introduced
to me. While I was sitting with them, one of them, who would be around 9 years
old, asked me a very smart question, “Agar aap Mohit jiju ke best friend ho,
toh woh aapse kyun shaadi nahin kar rahe”. I was taken aback by this question.
That was smart. Little did I know that Mohit had told them that I was his best
friend. I corrected her that I was the best friend in office :).The Sangeet was
splendid with dance performances by the kith and kin and the lovely couple.
They had shot a short movie which was showcased and was quite well played.
Later on, I just left for the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszSOu1tTZ77uUOe5REQjx8jkCQ72qvb3gn-swPHTn6z_D5W9Ugjq4oScsQqh2J47wihmT28KQs-HYl28QpRxr_QPSrmwKwid27_wv5rEuK03PFz-_n5rKZFl_Lr2PYCYdBKIodiBBTx5h/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszSOu1tTZ77uUOe5REQjx8jkCQ72qvb3gn-swPHTn6z_D5W9Ugjq4oScsQqh2J47wihmT28KQs-HYl28QpRxr_QPSrmwKwid27_wv5rEuK03PFz-_n5rKZFl_Lr2PYCYdBKIodiBBTx5h/s320/IMG_2090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Next
morning, I got up and had a heavy breakfast at the hotel. And then, I left for
the Mehrangarh Fort by Uber. The view of the blue city from the top of the fort
was mesmerizing. There is zip lining activity also over there. But I didn’t go
for it. Quite a lot of foreigners frequented there. Then, I left for Umaid
Bhawan Palace. Uber is quite handy in this city. Here, there is the vintage car
collection and museum exhibiting heritage collections. Later on, I left for
Janta Sweet Home, near station. I had Mirchi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori,
one gulab jamun and one lassi. These were the recommended ones. But since I am
not a sweet-tooth person, I did not like the Mawa kachori. Others were really
tasty. Then, I headed to buy Lehria sarees and Rajai and headed back to the
hotel.</span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSzBbetWRDZ9vo_hvpJHwL1EgHAgvoCYuW0oa7zHMVyHokpIqSIxJl7IP3s487oBglMEG25rN0zYU1w5TGljs6-Luren8_R7MhdZ3hbKLuC_Jfl6PY-N4u2MoQXd0qX0aEumAVpLYYavm/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSzBbetWRDZ9vo_hvpJHwL1EgHAgvoCYuW0oa7zHMVyHokpIqSIxJl7IP3s487oBglMEG25rN0zYU1w5TGljs6-Luren8_R7MhdZ3hbKLuC_Jfl6PY-N4u2MoQXd0qX0aEumAVpLYYavm/s320/IMG_2121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">It
was the Baraat time. I wore the saree by myself and reached the Baraat location
on time. Got clicked :). And then enjoyed the Baraat and Jaimaal. I didn’t
enjoy the food much at Indana Palace. I managed to while away the time somehow
and then left for the hotel.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 6 and 7: Jaisalmer</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had pre-booked the Laxmi Travel bus for Jaisalmer.
I checked out at 6.30 am for the bus stop. I could see just 5 other tourists
travelling to Jaisalmer and the rest were locals. Out of 5, two were female
foreigners. The bus was a passenger one and kept stopping here and there. The
bus had stopped for midway break at Pokharan at a very lame place. There were
no toilets around. I managed to spot a toilet in the corners and it was locked.
I managed to get it unlocked and heaved a sigh of relief. The journey was for 5
hours. The roads were deserted as we were heading towards the western part of
Rajasthan which is actually a desert. I alighted at the bus stop and called up
the Zostel guy to pick me up. A Zostelier turned up on a Royal Enfield<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><a blue="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" peacock="" thunderbird=""></a></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span>to my
utmost surprise given that I had a trolley and a backpack. But I love Enfield
ride :). I managed to sit at the back with such luggage. It was just 1.5 kms to
the Zostel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
was my first stay at Zostel. It was an experience in itself. All hotels in
Jaisalmer are in Haveli format and this one was too. I loved the décor. I got
an upper bed in a mixed dorm. As I entered, I found a French guy in the room at
the verge of leaving. I kept my stuff on my bed and went for a bath. Putting my
things in another small travel bag, I got all pepped up. I had to leave for the
desert “Sam”. I had pre-booked a hotel recommended by Anumeha, the Oasis Camp
Sam. On enquiring at the Zostel reception as to how can I reach the Sam, they
bullied me. They were charging me around 2400 bucks for the vehicle and since I
was solo, it was not making sense to me. I did not get into the trap and called
the Camp guy and asked how to reach via public transport. He advised me to take
bus which goes to the Sam village. So, I walked to the main road and then took
an auto and the auto guy guided me to the right bus and made me sit and also
told the driver the stop where I need to drop off. I just managed to squeeze
myself into some space in the bus near oil barrels. The bus was cramped with
villagers. It took around 1.5 hours to finally reach the camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The desert is around 40 kms away from the city. I
checked in to my Swiss tent which was again a first time experience. It was
huge. I relaxed for some time and then headed for the camel ride. It was the
time of the sunset. Again for the first time, I was doing camel ride. It was a
nice experience. Here again, the camp people and the camel guy were surprised
that I have come alone to the desert. The camel guy would be around 13 years
old. He asked me as to how marriages happen at your place. I quite plainly told
him that if I come across somebody I like and would be interested in spending
my life together, then I inform my parents and the marriage would happen. He
innocently replied to it asking,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">“Kahan pe dhoondoge? ..Aise hi
koi kaise milega. Maa baap hi dhoondhte hain gaon main and yahan shaadi hojaati
hai. Warna aap kab tak dhoondoge? Yeh toh galat baat hai”.</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span>Again,
I had no answer. Later on, I enjoyed the sun setting down amidst the sand
dunes. I got off the camel and spent some time on the sand clicking photos and
sitting. While I was enjoying alone, few guys started teasing me calling out
different names to me and started passing comments. I ignored them. After some
time, they were gone. I just hoped they did not belong to the camp I was
staying in. First time during the trip, I felt bad. Later on, I drove back and
was welcomed by the camp with tilak. The stage was set for the cultural
performances. Everybody was out and about. There were families and couples.
Slowly and gradually, people took their seats and the evening begun. We were
welcomed by the Kesariya song. And then folk dances followed. There was a
drinks counter as well. Chai and pakodas were offered. After that, the dinner
was laid out. It was quite a good Rajasthani Thali. The owner of the place,
Maule Khan, was conversing with everyone. He came upto me and assured me that
the camp is quite a safe place and feel free to stay. Most of the staff was
aware that I was up alone here. Maule Khan comforted me or rather encouraged me
exclaiming that only people with a big heart travel alone. I just nodded to it.
Yes, it is not easy. He then offered me a lift to the city the next morning.
And I agreed to it. Later, I went back to my room and closed the gate by tying
up the knots but still I kept the lights on while sleeping. And to my
amazement, a dog kept coming inside my room around 3 times during the night by
pushing through the tent gate. So, it was wise of me to keep the lights on and
I shooed the dog away when it kept coming. It was highly irritating. But, I
didn’t mind.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFD8RKdx-k1gvDa8xjvQ5dVgd2Ao2aQDbtsg4cw28SyxMo1kNqm3qC3pzXiNGa7r8ePkFQoAufNr4A11iPxvOhiUE8lQF3NK-0yvD7AsFPm7rw3jdAhoURjiJJZfzqNuK6CdP4v-9oyMO/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFD8RKdx-k1gvDa8xjvQ5dVgd2Ao2aQDbtsg4cw28SyxMo1kNqm3qC3pzXiNGa7r8ePkFQoAufNr4A11iPxvOhiUE8lQF3NK-0yvD7AsFPm7rw3jdAhoURjiJJZfzqNuK6CdP4v-9oyMO/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Next
morning, I got up at around 6 am and took a bath. It was cold :P. After some
time, I went ahead to see the sun rise and had a cup of chai. In an hour or so,
the breakfast was ready. Hot water supply started. I packed my stuff and had a
good breakfast. My bag was kept in the car and then we left. Maule Khan asked
me to give a review on GoIbibio which I instantly did. I was dropped off at
Hanuman Chowk. From there, I walked to Zostel, around a km away. And then, I
packed my stuff and checked out. The luggage was kept in the common room. I
then headed to the Fort on foot. It was again around 1 km away or more. I took
a guide there and headed up. Jaisalmer fort is a living fort. Even the
Chittorgarh one is. The view of the Golden city was amazing from the top. There
are lot of hotels and guest houses in the Fort itself. You must have the
Kanchan Icecream’s Makhaniya lassi there. I had googled up on the must-eats in
Jaislamer based on which I headed to the Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia sweets place. It
is near the Fort only in the lanes. The guide walked me through it. I tasted
the recommended Ghotua and Panchdhari ladoos there. Also, I ate a Pyaaz
Kachori. Each was equally tasty. Then, the guide took me through the lanes upto
Patwon ki Haveli and another Haveli nearby explaining things along. Also, he
cited about the various film shootings here and there, specifically, Sarfarosh.
Then, we also went to the Heritage hotel and the victory tower. I had a cursory
look.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eo8t2Ub1LW8s9bRVcRgtNGywjxNuzwxgSDgAqLDLawldp2cjz5kniuC4zb1cXKnL8DyeIje7sdUpz1PeZARxV-0hTHdBVtHh1m3BOzezh_aaP1-qRAtyvjMh2RWS-lPk5h4yEKyWGm9t/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eo8t2Ub1LW8s9bRVcRgtNGywjxNuzwxgSDgAqLDLawldp2cjz5kniuC4zb1cXKnL8DyeIje7sdUpz1PeZARxV-0hTHdBVtHh1m3BOzezh_aaP1-qRAtyvjMh2RWS-lPk5h4yEKyWGm9t/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It
was around 2 pm. I took a share auto and left for the Gadisar lake where I saw
lots of catfish being feeded. After some time, I walked back to Zostel and
spent time on the roof top restaurant which gave a good view of the Fort as
well. I relaxed there stretching my legs. There were Indian families put up
there as well as foreigners. I had to while time till 5.30 to catch a bus at
Air Force circle at around 6 pm. I ate a sandwich and packed parathas for the
night journey. This was the Hanuman Travels and I had booked a sleeper seat.
The bus was not great but then there are not many options. Quite
coincidentally, just opposite to me were the same foreigners, who were seated parallel
to me in the bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. We smiled at each other at the
coincidence :). Again, the bus stopped at Pokharan after almost two hours for
the break and again, the stop was pathetic because of the washroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 8: Udaipur</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
bus reached the last stop at around 5 am i.e one hour before time :O. It was
quite cold. Nevertheless, I booked an Uber to Zostel. The Zostel was up on a
hill this time. I don’t know how I managed to drag my trolley up the hill in
the dark. It was 5.30 am. The Zostelier at the reception was sleeping. I was
lucky that I had taken the mobile number of the Zostelier the other day. I
called him up and then somebody opened the door. There was no space anywhere
around not even in the common room. Everybody was sleeping. I managed to sit on
a chair. As it dawned, I went outside to see the sun rise. It was chilling
outside, almost 11 degrees. Here, a friend of mine was joining me. The friend
reached Udaipur and reported at Zostel at around 7 am. Neither of us got a dorm
by then. We would get it by 10 am. Here, I came across a pet pug named
“Baadshah” who was cosily sleeping on one of the cots. I like pugs. So, I went
upto her and picked her up. And she was damn light. We then went upstairs to
the roof top restaurant and had breakfast. A friend of mine, Mohit Gupta, had
suggested me the itinerary for Udaipur. After breakfast, I got a bed in a
female dorm where I dumped my luggage and went ahead to bath. We then walked
for a few while and took an auto to the Jagdish temple. It was quite an
exquisite carving. After worship, we walked to the City palace nearby. We took
a guide over there. The guide told us that the Ruia’s grand wedding worth Rs.
300 crores was coming up in the next few weeks. And so, the Sky productions
team was all about the palace busy moving stuff around for the setup.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91QtOIwbIkeRaGKckAXLNvz2qwI8lSXar6TnJuiLHlDbByjgB-mr8p9c_leuDOduuU88AIIylzBQXdvMfvtRsPEioxABy9NTzRqHhMli-FjhhJ0g0KLuUSa0f0coVTwJpc3MTMQU6fTKn/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91QtOIwbIkeRaGKckAXLNvz2qwI8lSXar6TnJuiLHlDbByjgB-mr8p9c_leuDOduuU88AIIylzBQXdvMfvtRsPEioxABy9NTzRqHhMli-FjhhJ0g0KLuUSa0f0coVTwJpc3MTMQU6fTKn/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">The
view of the lake city was great. But there are much better views from different
places. I ended up buying different types of sarees in the shop at the entry of
the palace. Mohit had suggested Rajasthani thali at the Garden Hotel as a
must-try. So we walked upto the place and it was around 1.5 kms away. It was
all worth walking because I felt quite hungry by then. Finally, we had a
sumptuous thali. It is also a heritage hotel. There is the vintage car
collection. After having a heavy lunch, we planned to walk across to the Sunset
point. We rested a while at the garden opposite the hotel and then walked
towards the boating area. This was around 1.5 kms away. The boat ride on the
Lake Pichola is a must as you get a view of the palaces around. Then we went to
the Ropeway sunset point. The ropeway takes you to the Karni Mata mandir.
There, after some time, I realized I had forgotten my sarees bag. We rushed to
the boating point and I was finally relieved when I got it back. We again went
back to the sunset point and enjoyed the view. Later on, we headed to the
Bagore ki Haveli where the folk dance and puppet show takes place for an hour
from 7 pm. It was a long queue but it was totally worth it. The ticket was for
90 bucks. What a show !. The night view of the lake city is amazing and gives
you a feeling of Venice. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVZjiHGarjsoI7rjIeh732whIz6z1bNKa3PILNq6rZShltI-zE_UT3BRy4iFwrNc3Bas15EuJ6dRO0pAS34zYbPW255KjVQVzUPC11gFt6t8naO8dtvvQET_YRkZA3ts6SHwEYRJcVh2-/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVZjiHGarjsoI7rjIeh732whIz6z1bNKa3PILNq6rZShltI-zE_UT3BRy4iFwrNc3Bas15EuJ6dRO0pAS34zYbPW255KjVQVzUPC11gFt6t8naO8dtvvQET_YRkZA3ts6SHwEYRJcVh2-/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">It was recommended to go to Hotel Amrai now to enjoy
dinner by the lake but my friend was too tired to travel. It is just 1.5 kms
away but if you walk across the bridge, it is hardly 600m away. So, we just
searched for a place to eat along the way to Zostel. Many hotels were shut by
then. It was around 8.30 pm. So finally, we ended up eating at the Chirag Roof
Top restaurant. It was a good place with good décor and good music. The view of
the bridge was also great. Afterwards, we walked upto the Zostel. And then
there, another drama was awaiting. The day was not over yet. The Zostelier
allotted me a bed which was already occupied by a lady who assumed her stay is
being continued little realizing that the Zostel guy had already sold it out to
me assuming the lady had checked out. So, there was a miscommunication drama
unfolding now. Zostel was 100% sold out but luckily a guy had checked out earlier
than scheduled. So, I was being requested to shift to a bed in mixed dorm.
After some pester, I was even on the verge of moving out. But then, I started
telling that it was my first Zostel experience and it is not going good. So,
the co-owner, Tushar, understood that I will give a negative review online and
hence, asked me to hold on to this bed and he would ask the other girl to
shift. The altercation continued for a long time. I was not able to sleep till
1.00 am but it was Zostel fun :).</span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DdQX8ooQEUorOc_gzqBIHY3edlrzvatR_E1dhHWDXBppPLYUbz79BW65yVHlGVGOmIs7HTeE6iN3snvzlaLlqKJuSekletkrrrXgfTP28CwTkeh1kojtvDBk3YNUZ1R_zyRG-HDBslRb/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DdQX8ooQEUorOc_gzqBIHY3edlrzvatR_E1dhHWDXBppPLYUbz79BW65yVHlGVGOmIs7HTeE6iN3snvzlaLlqKJuSekletkrrrXgfTP28CwTkeh1kojtvDBk3YNUZ1R_zyRG-HDBslRb/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Day 9: Last day </span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">We
started early the next day for Monsoon palace. We had a quick breakfast at a
street side place. The samosa, poha and chai was good. We booked an Uber till
Monsoon palace. The Monsoon palace looks like a castle amidst the Aravalli
ranges. The view of the lake city from this palace is breathtaking. Pre-wedding
photography shoots were going on. We then headed towards Moti Magri. Had a
glimpse of the Chetak Smarak, the museum which showcased models of Chittorgarh
and Kumbhalgarh forts and Battle of Haldighati. History, read in the childhood,
came alive. We had an awesome masala chaas at the restaurant there. The guy
sold me the masala too :). I asked the uncle about the best place for sweets
and snacks and he recommended JMB (Jagdish Misthan Bhandar). We then Uber’ed to
JMB near Suryapole. We packed quite some stuff there and also tasted pyaaz ki
kachori and ghota. Both were really tasty. So, I packed Pyaaz Kachori for home
and further travel. From there, we moved to Hotel Amrai for lunch by the lake
side and I must tell you, you cannot ignore it while in Udaipur. I enjoyed a
pint of beer along with chicken. It is again a heritage hotel where you can
even book suites/room with lake view. Post that, we walked to Zostel and left
to catch bus for Ahmedabad. You could very well take a flight to Mumbai from
Udaipur. But, there was significant savings in taking a bus to Ahmedabad and
taking an overnight Duronto to Mumbai. So, I did it :).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjfdbZlScEX3Ub9tJbgZrzEvlQakX6EpY1F7fWLV93DhWbfffR_GBG3xqssBJQ2fMKuQmUcNI01CSUjFc2hElSbqcnKffB89_W_0BzKDgkZSP8GEAhUepIqzvuAYA5_Gqtc9ihVhtU7SI/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjfdbZlScEX3Ub9tJbgZrzEvlQakX6EpY1F7fWLV93DhWbfffR_GBG3xqssBJQ2fMKuQmUcNI01CSUjFc2hElSbqcnKffB89_W_0BzKDgkZSP8GEAhUepIqzvuAYA5_Gqtc9ihVhtU7SI/s320/IMG_2510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">And
I crashed on my bed at Monday morning 7 am. And then, reached office by 9.30 am
as there is a bio-metric sign-in :(.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thanks
to all my guides, be it real or virtual, all were equally important :).
And I have missed many more anecdotes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; padding: 0in;">Writer: Sangeeta Patel</span></strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-14965990075862797272016-03-25T23:48:00.000+05:302016-03-25T23:48:06.409+05:30On Heritage Walks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, today, I felt like writing about the heritage walks that I have done lately. Two so far. The first one was in Mumbai itself. A walk in Bhuleswar with RaahGeer (https://raahgeer2015.wordpress.com/), an initiative by Deepa Nandi and her colleague. Well, it began on a fine Sunday morning. Enthusiastic individuals from different parts of the city gathered at Charni Circle at around 7 am. And, then we started the walk. Deepa started off introducing herself and Raahgeer and we had a short introduction among ourselves. Most of the junta was architecture college students. Few from media, some history lovers and me :). We had a local guide too to take us through the place and give us anecdotes here and there. So, it began with the Goshala where the guide, Manish told us about the diary industry and how it can be harsh for the animals. Along with that, he explained us a few tenets of architecture in the buildings around particularly, the Jain and Gujarati influence. And then, we had the famous Chocolate Tea at a nearby place. And, then we headed through the busy and narrow lanes hopping on from one Jain temple to another. Then, we also visited the first temple of Mumbai, dating 1000 years old.Swami narayan mandir, Hanuman temple..I remember seeing a collapsible staircase in the Hanuman Temple. Never seen one :). Well, that's called creativity in a space crunched city :). And then, we came across mouth watering veg treats; places which host the best vegetarian food in Mumbai. Infact, one place sells almost 40 different varieties of khichdi. Can you beat that ? :P Moving on, we explored different forms of architectural motifs, signs, designs in dilapidated buildings, corners. Well, a Banaras in Mumbai, I must confess !!.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The walk further ended at the Mumbadevi temple and Crawford Market. We dispersed with good memories and then hogged on yummy food :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Pvr6qJHtyQr1SaTQ7mu9W7YvJ06UeeaIH-8gZnD8Ty2BtKq3FN_oH9slQMLPRX5tuFr7wi0snGKXeQiy4CLIIDjMKefV-8lLRy8G1a4k1Y4m9cFWIGUBnux9WfnHqWqMGwUOOm9BlgC/s1600/11236430_10203102344478791_6849236283177721319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Pvr6qJHtyQr1SaTQ7mu9W7YvJ06UeeaIH-8gZnD8Ty2BtKq3FN_oH9slQMLPRX5tuFr7wi0snGKXeQiy4CLIIDjMKefV-8lLRy8G1a4k1Y4m9cFWIGUBnux9WfnHqWqMGwUOOm9BlgC/s320/11236430_10203102344478791_6849236283177721319_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next heritage walk happened in the city of Ahmedabad. I feel the best way to understand the culture, city pattern, lifestyle, architecture of a city, you must do a heritage walk. So remember to look up for city walks when you are venturing a new city next time :). This was organized by an NGO in association with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. It is conducted on all days of the year, commences from the holy Swami Narayan Mandir in the city. They start off with a video projector of images of ancient city and the various landmarks. And the walk started off with blessings and aarti. We walked through the various pols of the ancient city, understood the concept of a pol and the various forms of architecture, the significance of the forms, the bird feeders, the earthquake resistant structures, the old stock exchange, the confluence of different styles of architecture, the Jain temples, rain water harvesting forms. The guide explained us the significance and reason of an M.G. Road in every city near the station, the Gandhi Bridge, the difference between pir, dargah, maqbara, etc. It finally ended at Jami Masjid, which is why they call this walk, "From Mandir to Masjid". It was a really informative walk. </div>
</div>
Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-51506959288062801752016-03-06T14:24:00.001+05:302016-03-06T14:28:27.296+05:30Leap Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>February 29, 2016.</i> An extra day. Well, I don't remember what I did on the 29th February of 2012. But, yeah, this year, this day, I will always remember in my life. I got closure in both my professional and personal life. I have been aimless on both the sides since quite a long time. Professionally, I had been looking for a change since a long time. I was not finding sense in what I was doing since four long years. It was becoming a drag. Just a doer. This was not what I did an MBA for. I believe in creating and delivering value. This job was sounding like a nagging wife. Something you can't get rid of and still keep doing it. I had been looking out and making efforts for a change. But nothing was clicking anywhere. Finally, it happened on this day. I got a breakthrough in the role I wanted to try. New frontiers. New charters. New people. New culture. New challenges. New boss. New place. But yes, I am game for it. Thus, I heaved a sigh of relief.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, on this day, I didn't have any guy in my life with whom I could share my happiness. I was so much reminded of Chetan Bhagat's famous lines "There's no point in getting a promotion on the day of your breakup." This day, I also got closure on personal front. The guy I loved got married to someone else. And so, it led to an official closure towards him. Difficult to breathe in. But yes, shit happens. I don't know where my personal life is heading. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What I am today, it's all because of my never-give-up attitude towards life. And,I refuse to give up in life. I refuse to give up. I refuse to give up. </div>
</div>
Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-16157378630704208582015-12-14T23:34:00.001+05:302015-12-14T23:34:10.120+05:30The Blogger returns !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, it's been a long time since I have written here. Infact, I had almost forgotten that I used to pen down my thoughts here. Guess, that's because I have been focussing my energies on something more important. In pursuit of important things or rather priorities in life, we often tend to forget what we really like to do. In my childhood days, I was fond of drawing, sketching and painting but this talent had also faded away somewhere. And I have realised our pursuits are so endless!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I believe everybody is in pursuit of something or the other in different phases of life. Pursuit of happiness, love, money, passion, dreams, good health, fitness, music, work, play and the list just goes on. Life is a play, a Tamasha. As Shakespeare puts it right, Life's a stage and we are merely the players. We need to play our roles sometimes according to others and sometimes according to our choices. The thing called "guts" is so rare. And common sense even rarer. Just incoherent ramblings of mine. Yes, I will keep coming back to this space. For me, for you, for others !</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-14256931459200317362012-04-12T08:18:00.000+05:302012-04-12T08:18:24.158+05:30Exemplary Willpower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is tough to fight a deadly disease like Cancer but then a few like Ananda Shankar Jayant face the music with their passions. I am jotting down the speech given by her as a TED Talk. I am highly inspired by her words which is why I am posting it in my blog. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Music) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
[Sanskrit] This is an ode to the mother goddess, that most of us in India learn when we are children. I learned it when I was four at my mother's knee. That year she introduced me to dance. And thus began my tryst with classical dance. Since then - it's been four decades now - I've trained with the best in the field, performed across the globe, taught young and old alike, created, collaborated, choreographed, and wove a rich tapestry of artistry, achievement and awards. The crowning glory was in 2007, when I received this country's fourth highest civilian award, the Padmashri, for my contribution to art. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Applause) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But nothing, nothing prepared me for what I was to hear on the first of July, 2008. I heard the word "carcinoma." Yes, breast cancer. As I sat dumbstruck in my doctor's office, I heard other words, "cancer," "stage," "grade." Until then, cancer was the zodiac sign of my friend, stage was what I performed on, and grades were what I got in school. That day, I realized I had an unwelcome, uninvited, new life partner. As a dancer, I know the nine rasas or the navarasas: anger, valor, disgust, humor and fear. I thought I knew what fear was. That day, I learned what fear was.
Overcome with the enormity of it all and the complete feeling of loss of control, I shed copious tears and asked my dear husband, Jayant. I said, "Is this it? Is this the end of the road? Is this the end of my dance?" And he, the positive soul that he is, said, "No, this is just a hiatus, a hiatus during the treatment, and you'll get back to doing what you do best."
I realized then that I who thought I had complete control of my life, had control of only three things: My thought, my mind - the images that these thoughts created - and the action that derived from it. So here I was wallowing in a vortex of emotions and depression and what have you, with the enormity of the situation, wanting to go to a place of healing, health and happiness. I wanted to go from where I was to where I wanted to be, for which I needed something. I needed something that would pull me out of all this. So I dried my tears, and I declared to the world at large ... I said, "Cancer's only one page in my life, and I will not allow this page to impact the rest of my life."
I also declared to the world at large that I would ride it out, and I would not allow cancer to ride me. But to go from where I was to where I wanted to be, I needed something. I needed an anchor, an image, a peg to peg this process on, so that I could go from there. And I found that in my dance, my dance, my strength, my energy, my passion, my very life breath. But it wasn't easy. Believe me, it definitely wasn't easy. How do you keep cheer when you go from beautiful to bald in three days? How do you not despair when, with the body ravaged by chemotherapy, climbing a mere flight of stairs was sheer torture, that to someone like me who could dance for three hours? How do you not get overwhelmed by the despair and misery of it all? All I wanted to do was curl up and weep. But I kept telling myself fear and tears are options I did not have.
So I would drag myself into my dance studio, body, mind and spirit, every day into my dance studio, and learn everything I learned when I was four, all over again, reworked, relearned, regrouped. It was excruciatingly painful, but I did it. Difficult. I focused on my mudras, on the imagery of my dance, on the poetry and the metaphor and the philosophy of the dance itself. And slowly, I moved out of that miserable state of mind.
But I needed something else. I needed something to go that extra mile. And I found it in that metaphor which I had learned from my mother when I was four. The metaphor Mahishasura Mardhini, of Durga. Durga, the mother goddess, the fearless one, created by the pantheon of Hindu gods. Durga, resplendent, bedecked, beautiful, her 18 arms ready for warfare, as she rode astride her lion into the battlefield to destroy Mahishasur. Durga, the epitome of creative feminine energy, or shakti. Durga, the fearless one. I made that image of Durga and her every attribute, every nuance, my very own.
Powered by the symbology of a myth and the passion of my training, I brought laser-sharp focus into my dance. Laser-sharp focus to such an extent that I danced a few weeks after surgery. I danced through chemo and radiation cycles, much to the dismay of my oncologist. I danced between chemo and radiation cycles and badgered him to fit it to my performing dance schedule. What I had done is I had tuned out of cancer and tuned into my dance. Yes, cancer has been just one page in my life.
My story is a story of overcoming setbacks, obstacles and challenges that life throws at you. My story is the power of thought. My story is the power of choice. It's the power of focus. It's the power of bringing ourselves to the attention of something so animates you, so moves you, that something even like cancer becomes insignificant. My story is the power of a metaphor. It's the power of an image. Mine was that of Durga, Durga the fearless one. She was also called Simhanandini, the one who rode the lion.
As I ride out, as I ride my own inner strength, my own inner resilience, armed as I am with what medication can provide and continue treatment, as I ride out into the battlefield of cancer, asking my rogue cells to behave, I want to be known, not as a cancer survivor, but as a cancer conqueror.
I present to you an excerpt of that work "Simhanandini." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Applause)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Music)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Applause)</div>
</div>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-63363324372321241552012-01-26T02:03:00.001+05:302012-04-12T08:19:50.773+05:30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People say some things happen for a reason...But I would say there is a reason behind every thing that happens and whatever happens, it happens for good. This makes me think that whatever you want or like to do sincerely, you should go for it without caring about the endless list of risks and social stigmas. At least then you would not blame someone else for what you are or what you land up in, be it success or failure. You will be responsible for your own actions and learn to create your own destiny if destiny forsakes you. Keep fighting and you will able to create a miracle and I am not joking, miracles do happen. And I will make a miracle happen !</div>
</div>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-32761882768892837652011-10-21T00:58:00.001+05:302011-10-21T01:00:51.110+05:30"Love your hair and it loves you back"<span style="font-style:italic;">How I wish I were<br /><br />Without my hair<br /><br />I can't even dream of it<br /><br />But Dove gives me a look petite<br /><br />And as I lay in my couch<br /><br />Cutting open the shampoo pouch<br /><br />Yes, Dove adds a special touch<br /><br />With its nourishment<br /><br />And the vitamin's enrichment<br /><br />I love to flaunt my hair<br /><br />Showing its flair<br /><br />Now no more whines<br /><br />Because it makes my hair smooth and shine<br /><br />No hair falls, no dryness<br /><br />I really thank you your highness :)<br /></span>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-56011069602237248042011-04-27T16:18:00.002+05:302011-04-27T16:23:21.299+05:30Just love this Song !!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkXMpsx8X668DGuzcwDvV9WdHphTpUhBCNZ8d-dvn1P4tcn09NTsyxaONttweKMPeWhZ23RQEZaUmpQSay5lfmLeDS-IBBgvi6wCJAcrP0C2edEb5eSOjwD9Ghy8VPVEjQOAkXSDC9yMD/s1600/TEAMO.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkXMpsx8X668DGuzcwDvV9WdHphTpUhBCNZ8d-dvn1P4tcn09NTsyxaONttweKMPeWhZ23RQEZaUmpQSay5lfmLeDS-IBBgvi6wCJAcrP0C2edEb5eSOjwD9Ghy8VPVEjQOAkXSDC9yMD/s320/TEAMO.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600214698423360514" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Kisi ko sapna lagey tu, kisi ko behti hawa<br />Kisi ko bas baaton mein, kare pal mein yahan wahan<br />Kisi ke sau jhoot sun le, kisi ka sacch bhi ghunah<br />Kisi ka bas yaadon mein, kare hulchul saara jahaan<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Tu chaon hai, tu dhoop hai<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Tere hazaaron roop hai<br />Koi samja nahin, jo bhi hai bas khoob hai<br />Falling so crazy in love<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Tu chaon hai, tu dhoop hai<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Tere hazaaron roop hai<br /><br />Kabhi lagey raaton mein main khwaabon se baatien karoon subha hogi<br />Khwaabon ko main kaabu karoon<br />Kabhi lagey taaron se bhi, unche udaane baroon<br />Kabhi lagey baadalon se jaibein baroon<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Taare ginnu tere liye<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Saare chunu tere liye<br />Khwaab saare bunu tere hi tere liye<br />Falling so crazy in love<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Taare ginnu tere liye<br />Te amo me te amo<br /><br />Kabhi lagey mili nahin, tumse main khwaabon mein bhi<br />Kabhi lagey kahin toh hai ristha koi<br />Kabhi lagey choo tumhe, yunhi khayalon mein hi<br />Kabhi lagey nahin nahin chhori nahin<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Tu paas hai par door hai<br />Te amo me te amo<br />Jaata nahin yeh noor hai<br />Teri chhori bhi yeh manzoor manzoor hai<br />Falling so crazy in love<br />Te amo me te amo<br /><br />Te amo me te amo<br />Jaata nahin yeh noor hai<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-90672519693251356732011-03-04T00:48:00.000+05:302011-03-04T00:49:07.654+05:30A really good site to follow and learn <br /><br />http://www.rightattitudes.com/category/great-personalities/Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-13865982322552289422011-01-01T10:19:00.002+05:302011-01-01T10:22:18.196+05:30Just a random thought !"Being at the right place at the right time and doing the exactly right thing is very important in life !"Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-79993010659000632182010-10-10T17:50:00.000+05:302012-04-12T08:20:13.946+05:30Impact of Cloud Computing on Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Centuries ago, people in one part of the world used magnetic tapes, recordings and letters to communicate with their near and dear ones in the other part of the world. But today Internet has brought each one closer through live video chats or instant mails at the click of the mouse. It is an era of the internet, e-books, social software, micro-blogging sites and the list is just endless. Frankly speaking internet is nothing but a cloud and the term "cloud computing" arises from that analogy. McKinsey says that clouds are hardware-based services offering compute, network and storage capacity, where hardware management is highly abstracted from the buyer and the buyers incur infrastructure costs as variable OPEX (operating expenditures) and infrastructure capacity is highly elastic(up or down).Let us take the example of large companies like Accenture which can afford to build and expand their own data centres but small to medium-sized companies often choose to house their IT infrastructure in someone else's facility. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Basically there are 3 types of cloud computing namely IaaS(Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS(Platform as a Service) and SaaS(Software as a Service).In IaaS, cpu, grids, clusters, virtualized servers, memory, networks, storage and systems software are delivered as a service. The best know example is Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and Simple Storage Service (S3).In PaaS, virtualized servers are provided on which users can run applications or develop new ones without having to worry about maintaining the operating systems, server hardware, load balancing or computing capacity. Well know examples include Microsoft's Azure, Salesforce's Force.com.Whereas SaaS is a software that is developed and hosted by SaaS vendor and which the end user accesses over the Internet. SaaS software is owned by the vendor and runs on the computers in the vendor's data center. Well know examples are Salesforce.com, Google's Gmail and Apps, instant messaging from AOL,Yahoo and Google,VOIP from Vonage and Skype. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The great advantage of Cloud Computing is elasticity which is the ability to add capacity or applications almost at a moment's notice. SaaS deployments usually take less time than in-house ones, upgrades are easier and users are always using the most recent version of the application. There will be fewer bugs because having one version of the software reduces complexity. This may all sound very appealing but there are many downsides too. In the cloud you may not have the kind of control you want over your data or the performance of your applications that you need, or the ability to audit or change the processes or policies under which the users must work. Cloud customers may risk losing data by having them locked into proprietary formats and may lose control of data because tools to see who is using them or who can view them are inadequate. In Oct 2009 1 million US users of the T-Mobile Sidekick mobile phone and emailing device lost data as a result of server failure at Danger, a company recently acquired by Microsoft. But Cloud Computing is not risky for every system. Potential users need to evaluate security measures such as firewalls and encryption techniques and make sure that they will have access to data and the software or source code if the service provider goes out of business. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus, I feel that clouds really make sense for many small and medium-sized businesses but technical, operational and financial hurdles will need to be overcome before clouds will be used extensively by large public and private enterprises. So rather than creating unrealizable expectations for "internal clouds", the CIOs should focus on the immediate benefits of virtualizing server storage, network operations and other critical building blocks. In the near future, we will soon witness whether Cloud Computing will reach to great heights or will it head for the trough of disillusionment.</div>
</div>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-88270587927779344562010-10-10T17:43:00.004+05:302010-10-10T17:49:48.357+05:30Crossword - I love solving them but this time I made one !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksMunnwKvg7W8RVKvGPdlH_MwznWC7nbOmhDdhDSTo75l7_bLSfQjfUZb0XUQAUyiIxHb9d8nXY9tW0QTHkXMUcDjlKKGFQ7MFlQGkmqVKCY0jZlWoXklVwTqNUJCGuGXafCXZb2U-Zbs/s1600/cross.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksMunnwKvg7W8RVKvGPdlH_MwznWC7nbOmhDdhDSTo75l7_bLSfQjfUZb0XUQAUyiIxHb9d8nXY9tW0QTHkXMUcDjlKKGFQ7MFlQGkmqVKCY0jZlWoXklVwTqNUJCGuGXafCXZb2U-Zbs/s320/cross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526390356397749842" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-IN</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Franklin Gothic Medium"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 1 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:99954883; mso-list-template-ids:-339304784;} @list l0:level1 lfo2 {mso-level-start-at:3;} @list l0:level1 lfo3 {mso-level-start-at:6;} @list l0:level1 lfo4 {mso-level-start-at:7;} @list l0:level1 lfo5 {mso-level-start-at:9;} @list l0:level1 lfo6 {mso-level-start-at:11;} @list l0:level1 lfo7 {mso-level-start-at:12;} @list l0:level1 lfo8 {mso-level-start-at:13;} @list l0:level1 lfo9 {mso-level-start-at:15;} @list l0:level1 lfo10 {mso-level-start-at:16;} @list l0:level1 lfo11 {mso-level-start-at:18;} @list l0:level1 lfo12 {mso-level-start-at:19;} @list l0:level1 lfo13 {mso-level-start-at:20;} ol {margin-bottom:0cm;} ul {margin-bottom:0cm;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="width: 45%; padding: 0cm;" valign="top" width="45%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Medium","sans-serif"; color: rgb(95, 120, 162);">Across<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Protect the image <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Be Super. Think IBM. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A computer network <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What is blog short for? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Are you game? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">On Time <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">12.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Name of an online community that has something in common with NASA <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">13.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">First Come First Serve <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">15.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Are you phone smart? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">16.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You can be easily tracked now <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">18.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now Newspapers can even TALK <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">19.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">'You press the button, we do the rest' <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">20.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Microsoft's software product for building web sites and applications
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csangeeta%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-IN</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Franklin Gothic Medium"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 1 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:605116854; mso-list-template-ids:-1129931522;} @list l0:level1 lfo1 {mso-level-start-at:2;} @list l0:level1 lfo2 {mso-level-start-at:4;} @list l0:level1 lfo3 {mso-level-start-at:5;} @list l0:level1 lfo4 {mso-level-start-at:8;} @list l0:level1 lfo5 {mso-level-start-at:10;} @list l0:level1 lfo6 {mso-level-start-at:14;} ol {margin-bottom:0cm;} ul {margin-bottom:0cm;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Medium","sans-serif"; color: rgb(95, 120, 162);">Down<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your wireless reading device <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Manufacturing Technology <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It’s all related to IC's <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Thick and Thin..Read between me! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Bangalored!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">14.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mobile Operating System <o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">17. The Japanese Way! </span>
<br /><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p> </td> <td style="width: 10%; padding: 0cm;" width="10%"></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<br />Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-30575338659943655872010-05-22T14:42:00.002+05:302010-05-22T16:06:36.148+05:30IIM Indore Interview ExperienceIIMI Interview was the last one to go on 5th April 9 am (First Day First Show).I had infact preponed my interview date as my leaves were getting exhausted.Indore interview process was the strictest amongst all iims in the sense if you didnt have candidate identification affidavit with you there,you were not allowed to participate in the process at all .<br /><br />Anyways,the process began with essay writing and the topic was 'Democracy comes in way of India's economic growth as compared to China'.<br />Time : 20 mins Page : 1 side only Rough Paper given to jot down points<br /><br />After that,a sheet was given where you needed to rate yourself on personality based questions,some 50 questions were there I guess.<br /><br />At the end of this,we were all asked to wait in a room for the phone to ring through which they would call the candidates ..This was the funniest part :)..We used to keep checking whether the phone receiver has been placed correctly or not if it didnt ring for a long time ..lol.<br /><br />Also,people were grilled on everything about oneself- form writeup,acads,extra-currics,work-ex,hobbies,essay,five most important certificates,etc.<br /><br />Panelist: 3 male Profs P1,P2,P3 but when I entered,there were only 2.<br />Q.Tell me about yourself.<br />Told<br />Q.What does Amdocs mean?<br />A.Told<br />Q.What did you learn in your team?<br />A.Told<br />Q.What is that you didnt expect in the corporate workplace?<br />A.Told about casual dress code,very informal and lively team,no training.<br />Q.Are you a foodie? What do you cook?(As I had mentioned cooking in the form).<br />A.Told<br />Q.Where do you invest your savings?<br />A.Told(LIC,PPf)<br />Q.Dont you trade in stock market?<br />A.Yeah Sir,that is also a good option but you always need to track the market and I didnt find much time to spare for that.<br />Q.What is your opinion about Gold as an investment?<br />A.Yes Sir,even that is good since its value is appreciating a lot nowadays .Told about ETF also<br />Q.Then,P2 interrupted and came to acads and told he will ask on Semiconductors(voila !! ...this is the only subject for which we had no class in college and I was surprised Prof picked up that subject only :( ).<br />A.Told them the truth.<br />Q.But P1 interrupted you have got good grades.<br />A.Yes,Sir that is because I had read the content just before the exam day .<br />Q.Ok,So you have one internship at IISc.What are the different kinds of network?<br />A.LAN,WAN,MAN<br />Q.Asked some questions on that ...not able to recollect now but I answered them.<br />Q.What does a router do?<br />A.Told<br />Q.How will you connect a desktop and a laptop in a room?<br />A.Told<br />Q.What all facilities can you avail by connecting the devices above?<br />A.File Sharing,Internet Sharing,Printer Sharing.<br />Q.What is noise measured in?<br />A.Decibels<br />Q.Did you see supercomputers in SERC?<br />A.I told about Param,IBM BlueGene and that I was lucky to have access to the server room.<br />Dont remember what else he asked.Jotted down whatever I remembered.<br />At the end,both seemed satisfied and then I left the room.<br /><br />I was quite happy as the PI went well and the string of interviews finally came to an end and I was free now :)Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-66142872550399662492010-05-22T14:05:00.002+05:302010-05-22T14:39:29.656+05:30IIM Lucknow Interview ExperienceI was so fed up of giving interviews that I just wanted things to end as fast as possible.IIM Lucknow interview was one of my best interviews among all the IIMs. It was scheduled on the 2nd of April at Dadar,Mumbai,2:00 pm slot.(All my iim interviews were slotted 2 pm :( ).<br /><br />Here the group size was again 9 and I was the last but one to go for the PI.<br /><br />Essay Topic for our group: If we suffer from great pains,then we should have the right to end our lives. (Time : 20 mins, 1 page (both sides)).<br />Then the papers were collected and we were asked to speak on the same topic as part of our group discussion.<br />Spoke about euthanasia and different types of pains (mental,social,physical) but some people in the group were deviating from the topic.Overall,it was not a good GD even if it wasnt a fish market.<br /><br />Panelist: Two male Profs P1(Seemed to be a Professor on Organizational Behavior)<br />P2(Seemed to be a Professor on Marketing ..a jolly Prof..kept smiling all the time)<br /><br />Q.Tell me about yourself.<br />A.Told<br />Q.Have you looked at IIM Lucknow website?<br />A.Yes Sir.<br />Q.What do you like about the site?<br />A.Told<br />Q.U told IIML has lots of clubs and u have done social service work,do you know the name of the social service club of Lucknow?<br />A.No,Sir<br />Q.Ok,do you know what activities they do generally?<br />A.No,Sir .I just went through the clubs at a glance on the site.<br />Q.Can you name some journals/research papers on the lucknow site?<br />A.No,Sir.Didnt see the site in such details.<br />Q.You are good at both scholastic aptitude and extra-currics.What do you think,should scholastic aptitude be given more weightage?<br />A.Sir,I feel both are equally important .Also told that one who is not academically excellent in his school days should not be barred from getting iim calls even if he has perfomed well in CAT but his grades arent so high.Both should be balanced I feel.<br />Q.What are the things you think you require while working in a team?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Your mother is a B.Ed Lecturer.What do you learn from her?<br />A.Told<br />Q.P2 interrupted now and asked to name some latest telecom service providers.<br />A.Told<br />Q.Asked to name TSP 's in last two years.<br />A.Told but didnt mention Virgin Mobile which he wanted me to say,so he popped in the name and asked do you know the marketing model of Virgin Mobile regarding their strategy of 'Getting paid for receiving calls'.<br />A.I told I can guess so and so but he interrupted and told if you dont know then we will not discuss.It's ok.<br />Q.What does TRAI stand for and what is it?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Tell the controversies it is involved in ?<br />A.Told.(Then he told odnt you think the Telecom ministry is more involved in 3G auction than TRAI and started laughing looking at other prof joking about A.Raja)<br />Q.What is spectrum?<br />A.Told<br />Q.How does the ministry of Defence come into the picture?<br />A.Told about Spread Spectrum Technology,CDMA<br />Q.Which is the party in power in your state Orissa?<br />A.BJD<br />Q.Which alliance is it Cong or NDA?<br />A.Third Front(Answered it very confdently :) ).<br />Ok,Sangeeta Thanks<br />As I was leaving,he asked me how many calls you have?<br />Told and left.<br /><br />I really felt happy at the end having answered most of the questions apart from the beginning ones but was very hopeful of converting it.<br /><br />Verdict: ConvertedSangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-57682222012464684762010-05-22T13:09:00.002+05:302010-05-22T14:04:17.233+05:30IIM Kozikhode Interview Experience26th March,HMATC,Dadar,2 pm<br />It began with an essay writing and the topic was 'All fools and fanatics are so certain about themselves but wise people always think so much'.(Time given : 20 mins,2-3 pages)<br />After this got over,we were grouped into slots of 9 and moved to the respective panels.<br /><br />GD Topic: A case study on Water and its Price.(5 lines were written on Water).<br />Discussed a lot of topics on water use and misuse ,mumbai water shortage,pipe's bursting,water harvesting,world water day celebrated on 22nd march,water conservation,water management courses,awareness programmes both in rural and urban areas,water tax and many more points pitched in which I am not able to recollect now).GD went pretty good as everyone was speaking except two.<br /><br />Panelist: 3 male Profs(one of them was an electronics engineer i guess as he asked electronics questions to everyone).<br /><br />My interview began again with the eternal question of tell me about your origin and they tried to link me in every way with Gujarat.<br />Q.Tell me about yourself.<br />Answered<br />Q.Then asked about short term and long term goals.<br />Q.What is your aim in life?<br />A.Gave some gyan on it.<br />Q.As I told I have learnt German,I was asked what is my fluency level and rate yourself on ability to speak,write,read German.<br />Q.Why would you like to go for Ph.D in the long run?<br />Q.What have you learnt from your mother ,she being a B.Ed lecturer?<br />Q.What is the difference between IIR and FIR filter?<br />Q.Why is doping done?<br />Q.What is Fourier Transform?<br />Q.Can you desing an analog circuit using K-map?<br />Q.Do you want to ask us anything?<br /><br />And then the interview ended .It was a pretty short interview for me as it lasted for about 15 mins.But in general,other people in my group had 30 mins interview with factual questions on GK,finance and based on your hobbies.<br /><br />Verdict: Converted :)Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-46133035683558319602010-05-22T00:14:00.003+05:302010-05-22T13:05:49.981+05:30The college of my dreams :)After having to wait for one long year toiling hard balancing work pressure and CAT prep,finally I got through IIMB .<br /><br />3rd April,Hotel Sea Princess,2 pm: I was ready to face yet another set of people and yet another interview in the line.Most of the faces were already familiar and I started conversing with them whom I had already met at other interviews.As usual,I started chit-chatting listening to other people's interview experiences.<br /><br />We were a group of 9 people.We were first called for the Essay writing which was of duration 35 minutes.<br /><br />Topic: Private participation will help solve India's infrastructure problems.<br /><br />When I saw this topic,I realised all my chances of getting through IIMB is over.I didnt have much knowledge about infrastructure sector of our country ,forget about the problems,companies,private players.Still I tried my level best to put some facts and figures and some points I knew about infrastructure and how privatisation would help.I wrote precisely in good handwriting and was able to complete in one page.You will be given only one side of the paper to write.<br /><br />After this,we were sent back to waiting room and our rolls were called.I was the last but one to go.<br /><br />In the meantime,I enjoyed tea,cookies,discovery channel with some show of Bruce Lee and talking with guys there.<br /><br />Panelist: 2 Profs(Srinivasan Mam (P1)and a male prof(P2)),1 Alumnus(P3)<br /><br />My interview duration was the shortest one of all ,around 10 mins whereas others had it around 20-30 minutes.<br /><br />As I entered the room, P2 started talking to me in Gujarati and then I had to again convince him that I am not.He went through my form thoroughly and then P3 popped in.He started asking me about my work-experience.What is my role and what exactly is the process involved in the product I work in?(in short,he grilled on that for a while).<br /><br />After a while,P1 came in with snacks and asked me what are your hobbies?<br />I answered reading novels and drawing.<br />Then both P2 and P3 said "All people good at drawing come towards the end of the interview process".<br />As i said sketching,mam then asked me to sketch her face and asked me how much time i would take .I said around 5-10 mins and then she gave me a yellow paper.<br />The panelists were talking among themselves that one of mam's students had sketched mam's face and it looked like manisha koirala and so they were teasing Mam :)<br />I kept drawing looking at mam's face and finally she took the paper from me after some time and said the sketch is not looking like her :( :( But she told she will keep it as a souvenir with her. :)<br /><br />After this,P2 asked me 'Why MBA?'<br />I answered in brief 2 lines.<br />P2 looked satisfied and looked towards P1 and asked her "Do you want to ask her anything ?"<br />She nodded 'No'<br />And then my interview ended !<br /><br />I felt satisfied with my interview but since it was quite short one as compared to others,I was a bit apprehensive but then all's well that ends well.Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-24031399144141880162010-04-23T23:46:00.000+05:302010-04-23T23:47:48.279+05:30Go the unconventional way !!First break all the rulezzz!!!<br /><br />John Henry Fabre, the great French naturalist, conducted a most unusual experiment with some "processionary" caterpillars. These caterpillars blindly follow the one in front of them. Hence, the name. Fabre carefully arranged them in a circle around the rim of a flowerpot, so that the lead caterpillar actually touched the last one, making a complete circle. In the center of the flowerpot he put pine needles, which is the food of the processionary caterpillar. The caterpillars started around this circular flowerpot. Around and around they went, hour after hour, day after day, night after night. For seven full days and seven full nights, they went around the flowerpot. Finally, they dropped dead of starvation and exhaustion. With an abundance of food less than six inches away, they literally starved to death, because they confused activity with accomplishment.<br /><br />Many people make the same mistake and, as a result, reap only a small fraction of the harvest life has to offer. Despite the fact that untold wealth lies within reach, they acquire very little of it because they blindly, without question, follow the crowd in a circle to nowhere. They follow methods and procedures for no other reason than "It's always been done that way."<br /><br />--Zig ZiglerSangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-23458136528622368082010-04-23T23:23:00.002+05:302010-04-23T23:27:51.215+05:30Inspiring Speech of Azim Premji@IITMAzim Premji's Speech at IIT Madras convocation<br />Its long but really good. I really liked it specially the miracle story and about Stanford.<br /><br />I am privileged to be with you here today and to share this significant moment of your life. The convocation marks the culmination of all the endless nights you worked through, all the anxieties you have gone through facing one examination after another and all the preparation you have put in, not only to enter this prestigious institution but also to graduate from it successfully. It is no small achievement. Only a handful of the most talented people in the world have shared this success with you. Let me say<br />that I am very proud of each and everyone of you.<br /><br />I am little wary about giving you advice - because advice is one thing young people all over the world do not like receiving. I cannot fault you for that. The world does look very different when it is seen with your eyes. You are filled with enthusiasm and are straining at the least to get on with life.<br /><br />And the world is very different from what it was when I was your age. Never before has the role of technology been so pervasive and so central. The Internet has breached all physical borders and connected the world together like no other force has done before. For the first time, opportunities for creating wealth in India are at par with the best in the world. There is no need for you to sacrifice the joy of remaining in your own country any more.<br /><br />All opportunities are accompanied by their own challenges. I thought I would share with you a few of the lessons I have learnt in my own life, while leading the transformation at Wipro, from a small company three and a half decades back into a global corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange. I hope you find them useful.<br /><br />Lesson #1: Dare to Dream<br />When I entered Wipro at the age of 21, it was sudden and unexpected event. I had no warning of what lay ahead of me and I was caught completely unprepared. All I had with me was a dream. A dream of building a great organization. It compensated for my inexperience and I guess, also prevented me from being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before me. What I am happy is that we never stopped dreaming. Even when we achieved a position of leadership in every business we operated in India. We now have a dream of becoming one of the top 10 global IT service companies.<br /><br />Many people wonder whether having unrealistic dreams is foolish. My reply to that is dreams by themselves can never be realistic or safe. If they were, they would not be dreams. I do agree that one must have strategies to execute dreams. And, of course, one must slog to transform dreams into reality. But dreams come first.<br /><br />What saddens me most is to see young, bright people getting completely disillusioned by a few initial setbacks and slowly turning cynical and some of them want to migrate to America in the hope this is the solution. It requires courage to keep dreaming. And that is when dreams are most needed - not when everything is going right, but when just about everything is going wrong.<br /><br />Lesson #2: Define what you stand for<br />While success is important, it can become enduring only if its built on a strong foundation of Values. Define what you stand for as early as possible and do not compromise with it for any reason. Nobody can enjoy the fruits of success if you have to argue with your own conscience.<br /><br />In Wipro, we defined our beliefs long before it became a fashion to do so. It not only helped us in becoming more resilient to stand up to crises we faced along the way, but also helped us in attracting the right kind of people. Eventually, we realized that our values made eminent business sense. Values help in clarifying what everyone should do or not do in a business situation. It saves enormous time and effort because each issue does not have to be individually debated at length.<br /><br />But remember that values are meaningful only if you practice them. People may listen to what you say but they will believe what you do. Values are a matter of trust. They must be reflected in each one of your actions. Trust takes a long time to build but can be lost quickly by just one inconsistent act.<br /><br />Lesson #3: Never lose your zest and curiosity<br />All the available knowledge in the world is accelerating a phenomenal rate. The whole world's codified knowledge base (all documented information in library books and electronic files) doubled every 30 years in the early 20th century. By the 1970s, the world's knowledge base doubled every seven years. Information researchers predict that by the year 2010, the world's codified knowledge will double every 11 hours. Remaining on top of what you need to know will become one of the greatest challenges for you.<br /><br />The natural zest and curiosity for learning is one of the greatest drivers for keeping updated on knowledge. A child's curiosity is insatiable because every new subject is a thing of wonder and mystery. The same zest is needed to keep learning new things. I personally spend at least 10 hours every week on reading. If I do not do that, I find myself quickly outdated.<br /><br />Lesson #4: Always strive for excellence<br />There is a tremendous difference between being good and being excellent in whatever you do. In the world of tomorrow, just being good is not good enough. One of the greatest advantages of globalization is that it has brought in completely different standards. Being the best in the country is not enough; one has to be the best in the world. Excellence is a moving target. One has to constantly raise the bar.<br /><br />In the knowledge-based industries, India has the unique advantage of being a quality leader. Just like Japan was able to win in the overseas market with its quality leadership in automobile manufacturing, India has been able to do the same in information technology. At Wipro, we treat quality as the No.1 priority. This enabled us<br />not only to become the world's first SEI CMM Level 5 software services company but also a leader in Six Sigma approach to quality in India.<br /><br />However, even today I am dissatisfied with several things which we are not doing right in the area of customer satisfaction. Doing something excellently has its own intrinsic joy, which I think is the greatest benefit of quality.<br /><br />Lesson #5: Build self-confidence<br />Self-confidence comes from a positive attitude even in adverse situations. Self-confident people assume responsibility for their mistakes and share credit with their team members. They are able to distinguish between what is in their control and what is not. They do not waste their energies on events that are outside their control and hence they can take setbacks in their stride. Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.<br /><br />Lesson #6: Learn to work in teams<br />The challenges ahead are so complex that no individual will be able to face them alone. While most of our education is focused in individual strength, teaming with members is equally important. You cannot fire a missile from a canoe. Unless you build a strong network of people with complimentary skills, you will be restricted by your own limitations.<br /><br />Globalization has brought in people of different origins, different upbringings and different cultures together. Ability to become an integral part of a cross-cultural team will be a must for your success.<br /><br />Lesson #7: Take care of yourself<br />The stress that a young person faces today while beginning his or her career is the same as the last generation faced at the time of retirement. I have myself found that my job has become enormously more complex over the last two or three years. Along with mutual alertness, physical fitness will also assume a great importance in your life.<br /><br />You must develop your own mechanism for dealing with stress. I have found that a daily job for me, goes a long way in releasing the pressure and building up energy. You will need lots of energy to deal with the challenges.<br /><br />Unless you take care of yourself there is no way you can take care of others.<br /><br />Lesson #8: Persevere<br />Finally, no matter what you decide to do in your life, you must persevere, persevere, persevere. Keep at it and you will succeed, no matter how hopeless it seems at times. In the last three and half decades, we have gone through many difficult times. But we have found that if we remain true to what we believe in, we can surmount every difficulty that comes in the way.<br /><br />I remember reading this very touching story on perseverance.<br /><br />An eight-year old child heard her parents talking about her little brother. All she knew was that he was very sick and they had no money left. They were moving to a smaller house because they could not afford to stay in the present house after paying the doctor's bills. Only a very costly surgery could save him now and there was no one to loan them the money.<br /><br />When she heard daddy say to her tearful mother with whispered desperation, ``Only a miracle can save him now,'' the child went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change on the floor and counted it carefully.<br /><br />Clutching the precious jar tightly, she slipped out the back door and made her way six blocks to the local drug store. She took a quarter from jar and placed it on the glass counter.<br /><br />``And what do you want?'' asked the pharmacist. ``Its for my little brother,'' the girl answered back. ``He is really, really sick and I want to buy miracle.'' ``I beg your pardon?'' said the pharmacist. ``His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him. So how much does a miracle cost?'' ``We don't sell miracles here, child. I am sorry,'' the pharmacist said, smiling sadly at the little girl.<br /><br />``Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I can try and get some more. Just tell me how much it costs.'' In the shop was a well-dress customer. He stepped down and asked the little girl, ``What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'' ``I don't know,'' she replied with her eyes welling up. ``He's really sick and mommy says he needs an operation. But my daddy can't pay for it, so I have brought my savings.'' ``How much do you have?'' asked the man. ``One dollar and eleven cents, but I can try and get some more,'' she answered barely audibly. ``Well, what a coincidence,'' smiled the man. ``A dollar and eleven cents - the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.'' He took her money in one hand and held her with the other. He said, ``Take me to where you live. I want to see your little brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need.''<br /><br />That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long before Andrew was home again and doing well. ``That surgery,'' her mom whispered, ``was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'' The little girl smiled. She knew exactly how much the miracle cost.one dollar and eleven cents.plus the faith of a little child.<br /><br />Lesson #9: Have broader social vision<br />For decades we have been waiting for someone who will help us in ``priming the pump'' of the economy. The government was the logical choice for doing it, but it was strapped for resources. Other countries were willing to give us loans and aids but there was a limit to this. In the millennium of the mind, knowledge-based industries like information technology are in a unique position to earn wealth from outside. While earning is important, we must have mechanisms by which we use it for the larger good of our society.<br /><br />Through the Azim Premji Foundation, we have targeted over the next 12 months to enroll over a million children, who are out of school due to economic or social reasons. I personally believe that the greatest gift one can give to others is the gift of education. We who have been so fortunate to receive this gift know how valuable it is.<br /><br />Lesson #10: Never let success go to your head<br />No matter what we achieve, it is important to remember that we owe this success to many factors and people outside us. This will not only help us in keeping our sense of modesty and humility intact but also help us retain our sense of proportion and balance. The moment we allow success to build a feeling of arrogance, we become vulnerable to making bad judgments.<br /><br />Let me illustrate this with another story:<br /><br />A lady in faded dress and her husband, dressed in a threadbare suit, walked in without an appointment into the office of the President of the most prestigious educational institution in America. The secretary frowned at them and said, ``He will be busy all day.'' ``We will wait,'' said the couple quietly.<br /><br />The secretary ignored them for hours hoping they will go away. But they did not. Finally, the secretary decided to disturb the President, hoping they will go away quickly once they meet him.<br /><br />The President took one look at the faded dress and glared sternly at them. The lady said, ``Our son studied here and he was very happy. A year ago, he was killed in an accident. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial for him on the campus.''<br /><br />The President was not touched. He was shocked. ``Madam, we cannot put up a statue for every student of ours who died. This place will look like a cemetery.''<br /><br />``Oh, no,'' the lady explained quickly, ``we don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would give a building to you.''<br /><br />``A building?'' exclaimed the President, looking at their worn out clothes. ``Do you have any idea how much a building costs? Our buildings cost close to ten million dollars!'' The lady was silent. The President was pleased and thought this would get rid of them.<br /><br />The lady looked at her husband. ``If that is what it costs to start a university, why don't we start our own?'' Her husband nodded. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California, where they established the University as a memorial to their son, bearing their name -the Stanford University.<br /><br />The story goes that this is how Stanford University began.<br /><br />I wish you every success in your career and your future life.<br /><br />Thank you.Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-59840977960810202862010-04-23T00:01:00.005+05:302010-04-23T00:41:44.578+05:30Karthik calling KarthikI just finished watching the movie :).I watched the movie even after hearing almost from everyone that it was not worth to watch.Still,I watched it.Its because I had heard it's based on schizophrenia,a mental disorder.I find it interesting because I like studying different personalities and analysing them.And moreover,what everyone dislikes,I tend to like that a lot.I watch a movie and have an opinion of myself on it.And I liked KCK.I dont care much what others say and like to explore things myself.People would say the story is just rubbish but they actually fail to see through the story.The phone call was just a medium of portrayal here but this disorder might actually happen with some of us we never know.Its rare but not impossible.I liked the first part of the movie much more than the latter.Specifically,the first lesson to learn to 'Say No' .Sometimes its absolutely necessary.Even I have this weakness of not being able to say 'No' to people which is why most of the times I suffer.The first half teaches a lot about self confidence,self esteem, independence and simply being yourself.Life is an inverse function.You can live it forwards but can only understand it backwards.<br /><br /> Psychology always fascinates me right from childhood.Each one is unique and our minds are different in ways of thinking .Some people are biased by their environment and some by stereotypes and tend to project that in their mind.In B.Tech 1st Year,we were taught a subject Industrial Psychology which talked about various aspects of mind,personality,intelligence.I used to love studying it.Moreover,my mother teaches Psychology so I had a natural instinct towards that subject.Our brain is too powerful and can imagine anything.Everything is stored in the subconscious mind.Mood swings is quite a common phenomenon.I have come across two persons at home too whose personality I keep trying to understand till date and keep reasoning out their behaviours.Again,telepathy and coincidences - why do they ever happen and how does that happen are all inter-related.I introspect a lot :) .I like analysing personalities a lot as to why one did something or why one did not do something. Well,till date I havent read any book on Psychology though my mom keeps telling me to go through some of the books in her rack but I was lazy to bother.After watching this movie,I am again reminded that I should start reading some such stuff or some research papers on personality disorders and also telepathy because it happens with me a lot:P In the later years of my life,I wish to be a free lance psychiatrist or counsellor.Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-77685121131093905682010-04-14T23:09:00.002+05:302010-04-14T23:18:22.348+05:30Delhi Again ..I will be travelling to Delhi again tomorrow.Its going to be hectic as I will be returning to Pune in the evening.I will have to pay the fees of FMS as the deadline is on 16th April and IIM results are not yet out.I was so happy I will be meeting one of my best friends but she had to go for her project work to Ambala.As it was a week day,no friends would be free to attend to.I have planned to do my work at FMS and then go to airport straight after having lunch.I have planned to finish a novel I am reading these days- iCon(The Biography of Steve Jobs) by Jeffrey Young and William Simon.I am also excited about my only sister's wedding coming up :) ..Going to sleep now.Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-84937403899178291112010-04-14T22:09:00.004+05:302010-04-14T22:59:55.265+05:30IIM Calcutta PGDM InterviewIIM Calcutta :) I wish I had converted IIMC .But I believe whatever happens,it happens for our good.<br />IIMC was my first MBA GD/PI.It was scheduled on 22nd March,2010 (World Water Day) at 2:00 pm in Mumbai.<br />I reached the centre around 1:00 pm and as I entered the waiting room for IIMC, I started feeling jittery :)<br />Soon,we were called for verification of documents and then taken for Group Discussion.It was a group of 11(9 M +2 F).<br />GD Topic: Every problem has the seeds of solution in itself.<br />(Quite generic topic,discussion tended to be a fish market,points on terrorism,naxalism,finance,cloud computing,women's bill,education cropped up..at last each one was asked to summarise).<br />Time: 13 minutes<br />Personal Interview: I was second in the roll to be called in.<br />Didnt have to wait for much time (Thats the best part).<br />Panelists:Three Profs(1 Lady)<br />Q.Have you submitted your payslips?<br />A.Yes<br />Q.Relax . What did the guy who went first tell you about us?<br />A.Just that he was asked about me and education stuff.<br />Q.How many students have scored above you?<br />A.4.36 percent ..<br />Q.Say 2 lakh students have appeared for CAT ,then?<br />A.4.36/100 * 200000<br />Q.Tell us something which is not there in the form.<br />A.Told<br />Q.What do your enemies think about you?<br />A.Told<br />Q.You are good at drawing and you like to read novels,why didnt you go for Arts Stream?<br />A.I am good at artistic subjects as well as technical side too .I have won in many olympiads and member of technical clubs in my Institute.<br />Q.What are your career goals?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Dont you think you should have scored much higher in CAT when we compare your excellent academic scores?<br />A.Yes Mam,I expected to score above 99 ptile but I am happy that I have got so many calls .I had given my best.Rest I wasnt able to evaluate myself where I went wrong because I didnt have the question paper because of online CAT system.<br />(Prof): Yeah,you raised a good point there.<br />Q.What is it in teaching that excites you?<br />A.Innovation,out-of-the-box thinking,can think beyond the books..blah blah<br />Q.From where all do you have calls?<br />A.Told<br />(Prof) You are a good student,a good daughter but you talk a lot.Think more and then speak ,that will create a great change.You will do good wherever you go.<br />A.Thanks Sir.<br />Results out on 10th April,2010 : Rejected :(<br />I forgot to mention that I was allotted mentor from IIMC after my interview got over :)<br />Anyways,it was just the start of the chain of interviews of the hectic month.<br /><p> </p><p> </p>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-68016758206994475952010-04-14T18:20:00.003+05:302010-04-14T18:25:29.561+05:30this too shall pass.....I read this article on the eve of women's day and wished i had read it quite earlier :).<br /><br />An Article on Times Life,7th March,2010 by Rajashree Birla<br /><br />AS a teenager, I recall a tale that has had a telling impact on me all through these years. It has a philosophical resonance that is akin to the Geeta, which is the scripture I lay great store by.<br /> Once upon a time there lived this Jewish king named Solomon. In a grumpy mood, he thought of teaching Benamiah Ben Yehoyada, his minister, a lesson. So he assigned to him a seemingly impossible task. He ordered Benamiah to find him a magic ring with extraordinary features. And that was — if you were happy and wore the ring, you would feel unhappy. And vice-versa. If you were joyous and wore it, you would feel absolutely sad!<br /> Solomon gave him a six-month timeline for the search. Deep down in their hearts, both Solomon and Benamiah knew that such a ring did not exist in this universe. Benamiah prayed hard for a miracle. A little before the deadline was over, and having walked all over for such a ring, he decided to go to one of the poorest places in Jerusalem.<br /> There he saw an old merchant who was spreading out his goods on a carpet. Benamiah was quite intrigued. He thought, “Let me take a chance with him.” Therefore, he asked the merchant whether he had a magic ring that could make a happy person forget his happiness and a sad person forget his sorrow. The merchant smiled. He took a gold ring from his wares and etched four words on it. Benamiah took the gold ring. When he read the inscription he was extremely happy. He felt that his mission was accomplished. He went back to Solomon. Solomon and all his ministers began making a mockery of Benamiah, teasing him as he would have returned empty-handed. Benamiah smiled and offered the gold ring to His Majesty. As soon as Solomon read what was written, he stopped being a tease. The words were “this too shall pass”. Suddenly, Solomon felt that everything in life was ephemeral, and nothing lasts forever.<br /> These four words -<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ‘this too shall pass’</span> — have always given me tremendous strength, resilience and a lot of hope. Subsequently, I learnt that the phrase gained global fame when Abraham Lincoln, the former US President, used it in one of his speeches.<br /> A little aside, I believe that if you view life through the lens of a positive prism, you will only be greeted with positivity. I have found that reading books like Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff… & It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, Joy 24 x 7 by the spiritual Master Sadhguru, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, also help enormously in stoking positive thoughts, which enable us to go with the flow.<br /> (Rajashree Birla is the chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development)Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-68769519270378830842010-04-14T12:55:00.001+05:302010-04-14T13:03:11.896+05:30Go Kiss the World<p>This speech was delivered to the Class of 2006 at the IIM, Bangalore on defining success by Subroto Bagchi CEO MindTree.I really admire this speech of his.<br /><img class="alignright" style="float: right;" src="http://media.thejeshgn.com/img/personality/subroto.jpg" alt="" height="136" width="190" /><br />I was the last child of a small-time government servant, in a family of five brothers. My earliest memory of my father is as that of a District Employment Officer in Koraput, Orissa. It was, and remains as back of beyond as you can imagine. There was no electricity; no primary school nearby and water did not flow out of a tap. As a result, I did not go to school until the age of eight; I was home-schooled. My father used to get transferred every year. The family belongings fit into the back of a jeep – so the family moved from place to place and without any trouble, my Mother would set up an establishment and get us going. Raised by a widow who had come as a refugee from the then East Bengal, she was a matriculate when she married my Father.</p> <p>My parents set the foundation of my life and the value system, which makes me what I am today and largely, defines what success means to me today.</p> <p>As District Employment Officer, my father was given a jeep by the government. There was no garage in the Office, so the jeep was parked in our house. My father refused to use it to commute to the office. He told us that the jeep is an expensive resource given by the government- he reiterated to us that it was not ”his jeep” but the government’s jeep. Insisting that he would use it only to tour the interiors, he would walk to his office on normal days. He also made sure that we never sat in the government jeep – we could sit in it only when it was stationary.</p> <p>That was our early childhood lesson in governance – a lesson that corporate managers learn the hard way, some never do.</p> <p>The driver of the jeep was treated with respect due to any other member of my Father’s office. As small children, we were taught not to call him by his name. We had to use the suffix ‘dada’ whenever we were to refer to him in public or private. When I grew up to own a car and a driver by the name of Raju was appointed – I repeated the lesson to my two small daughters. They have, as a result, grown up to call Raju, ‘Raju Uncle’ – very different from many of their friends who refer to their family driver, as ‘my driver’. When I hear that term from a school- or college-going person, I cringe.</p> <p>To me, the lesson was significant – you treat small people with more respect than how you treat big people. It is more important to respect your subordinates than your superiors.</p> <p>Our day used to start with the family huddling around my Mother’s chulha – an earthen fire place she would build at each place of posting where she would cook for the family. There was neither gas, nor electrical stoves.The morning routine started with tea. As the brew was served, Father would ask us to read aloud the editorial page of The Statesman’s ‘muffosil’ edition – delivered one day late. We did not understand much of what we were reading. But the ritual was meant for us to know that the world was larger than Koraput district and the English I speak today, despite having studied in an Oriya medium school, has to do with that routine. After reading the newspaper aloud, we were told to fold it neatly. Father taught us a simple lesson.</p> <p>He used to say, “You should leave your newspaper and your toilet, the way you expect to find it”. That lesson was about showing consideration to others. Business begins and ends with that simple precept.</p> <p>Being small children, we were always enamored with advertisements in the newspaper for transistor radios – we did not have one. We saw other people having radios in their homes and each time there was an advertisement of Philips, Murphy or Bush radios, we would ask Father when we could get one. Each time, my Father would reply that we did not need one because he already had five radios – alluding to his five sons.</p> <p>We also did not have a house of our own and would occasionally ask Father as to when, like others, we would live in our own house. He would give a similar reply,” We do not need a house of our own. I already own five houses”. His replies did not gladden our hearts in that instant.</p> <p>Nonetheless, we learnt that it is important not to measure personal success and sense of well being through material possessions.</p> <p>Government houses seldom came with fences. Mother and I collected twigs and built a small fence. After lunch, my Mother would never sleep. She would take her kitchen utensils and with those she and I would dig the rocky, white ant infested surrounding. We planted flowering bushes. The white ants destroyed them. My mother brought ash from her chulha and mixed it in the earth and we planted the seedlings all over again. This time, they bloomed. At that time, my father’s transfer order came. A few neighbors told my mother why she was taking so much pain to beautify a government house, why she was planting seeds that would only benefit the next occupant. My mother replied that it did not matter to her that she would not see the flowers in full bloom. She said, “I have to create a bloom in a desert and whenever I am given a new place, I must leave it more beautiful than what I had inherited”.</p> <p>That was my first lesson in success. It is not about what you create for yourself, it is what you leave behind that defines success.</p> <p>My mother began developing a cataract in her eyes when I was very small. At that time, the eldest among my brothers got a teaching job at the University in Bhubaneswar and had to prepare for the civil services examination. So, it was decided that my Mother would move to cook for him and, as her appendage, I had to move too. For the first time in my life I saw electricity in homes and water coming out of a tap. It was around 1965 and the country was going to war with Pakistan. My mother was having problems reading and in any case, being Bengali, she did not know the Oriya script. So, in addition to my daily chores, my job was to read her the local newspaper – end to end. That created in me a sense of connectedness with a larger world. I began taking interest in many different things. While reading out news about the war, I felt that I was fighting the war myself. She and I discussed the daily news and built a bond with the larger universe. In it, we became part of a larger reality. Till date, I measure my success in terms of that sense of larger connectedness. Meanwhile, the war raged and India was fighting on both fronts. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minster, coined the term “Jai Jawan, Jai Kishan” and galvanized the nation in to patriotic fervor. Other than reading out the newspaper to my mother, I had no clue about how I could be part of the action. So, after reading her the newspaper, every day I would land up near the University’s water tank, which served the community. I would spend hours under it, imagining that there could be spies who would come to poison the water and I had to watch for them. I would daydream about catching one and how the next day, I would be featured in the newspaper. Unfortunately for me, the spies at war ignored the sleepy town of Bhubaneswar and I never got a chance to catch one in action. Yet, that act unlocked my imagination.</p> <p>Imagination is everything. If we can imagine a future, we can create it, if we can create that future, others will live in it. That is the essence of success.</p> <p>Over the next few years, my mother’s eyesight dimmed but in me she created a larger vision, a vision with which I continue to see the world and, I sense, through my eyes, she was seeing too. As the next few years unfolded, her vision deteriorated and she was operated for cataract. I remember, when she returned after her operation and she saw my face clearly for the first time, she was astonished. She said, “Oh my God, I did not know you were so fair”. I remain mighty pleased with that adulation even till date. Within weeks of getting her sight back, she developed a corneal ulcer and, overnight, became blind in both eyes. That was 1969. She died in 2002. In all those 32 years of living with blindness, she never complained about her fate even once. Curious to know what she saw with blind eyes, I asked her once if she sees darkness. She replied, “No, I do not see darkness. I only see light even with my eyes closed”. Until she was eighty years of age, she did her morning yoga everyday, swept her own room and washed her own clothes.</p> <p>To me, success is about the sense of independence; it is about not seeing the world but seeing the light.</p> <p>Over the many intervening years, I grew up, studied, joined the industry and began to carve my life’s own journey. I began my life as a clerk in a government office, went on to become a Management Trainee with the DCM group and eventually found my life’s calling with the IT industry when fourth generation computers came to India in 1981. Life took me places – I worked with outstanding people, challenging assignments and traveled all over the world.</p> <p>In 1992, while I was posted in the US, I learnt that my father, living a retired life with my eldest brother, had suffered a third degree burn injury and was admitted in the Safderjung Hospital in Delhi. I flew back to attend to him – he remained for a few days in critical stage, bandaged from neck to toe. The Safderjung Hospital is a cockroach infested, dirty, inhuman place. The overworked, under-resourced sisters in the burn ward are both victims and perpetrators of dehumanized life at its worst. One morning, while attending to my Father, I realized that the blood bottle was empty and fearing that air would go into his vein, I asked the attending nurse to change it. She bluntly told me to do it myself. In that horrible theater of death, I was in pain and frustration and anger. Finally when she relented and came, my Father opened his eyes and murmured to her, “Why have you not gone home yet?” Here was a man on his deathbed but more concerned about the overworked nurse than his own state. I was stunned at his stoic self.</p> <p>There I learnt that there is no limit to how concerned you can be for another human being and what the limit of inclusion is you can create.</p> <p>My father died the next day. He was a man whose success was defined by his principles, his frugality, his universalism and his sense of inclusion.</p> <p>Above all, he taught me that success is your ability to rise above your discomfort, whatever may be your current state. You can, if you want, raise your consciousness above your immediate surroundings. Success is not about building material comforts – the transistor that he never could buy or the house that he never owned. His success was about the legacy he left, the memetic continuity of his ideals that grew beyond the smallness of a ill-paid, unrecognized government servant’s world.</p> <p>My father was a fervent believer in the British Raj. He sincerely doubted the capability of the post-independence Indian political parties to govern the country. To him, the lowering of the Union Jack was a sad event. My Mother was the exact opposite. When Subhash Bose quit the Indian National Congress and came to Dacca, my mother, then a schoolgirl, garlanded him. She learnt to spin khadi and joined an underground movement that trained her in using daggers and swords. Consequently, our household saw diversity in the political outlook of the two. On major issues concerning the world, the Old Man and the Old Lady had differing opinions.</p> <p>In them, we learnt the power of disagreements, of dialogue and the essence of living with diversity in thinking.</p> <p>Success is not about the ability to create a definitive dogmatic end state; it is about the unfolding of thought processes, of dialogue and continuum.</p> <p>Two years back, at the age of eighty-two, Mother had a paralytic stroke and was lying in a government hospital in Bhubaneswar. I flew down from the US where I was serving my second stint, to see her. I spent two weeks with her in the hospital as she remained in a paralytic state. She was neither getting better nor moving on. Eventually I had to return to work. While leaving her behind, I kissed her face. In that paralytic state and a garbled voice, she said,</p> <p>“Why are you kissing me, go kiss the world.” Her river was nearing its journey, at the confluence of life and death, this woman who came to India as a refugee, raised by a widowed Mother, no more educated than high school, married to an anonymous government servant whose last salary was Rupees Three Hundred, robbed of her eyesight by fate and crowned by adversity was telling me to go and kiss the world!</p> <p>Success to me is about Vision. It is the ability to rise above the immediacy of pain. It is about imagination. It is about sensitivity to small people. It is about building inclusion. It is about connectedness to a larger world existence. It is about personal tenacity. It is about giving back more to life than you take out of it. It is about creating extra-ordinary success with ordinary lives.</p> <p>Thank you very much; I wish you good luck and God’s speed. Go! kiss the world.</p>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-55544551533704658892010-04-08T23:10:00.002+05:302010-04-08T23:56:41.654+05:30FMS 2010 Interview ExperienceFMS holds a special significance for me as it was my first MBA GD/PI call as well as the first Convert :)<br />I had got calls for both the progs MBA(FT) and MBA(MS) and my interview was scheduled on 28th March.<br />Venue:Delhi<br />MBA(FT) was in the 9:30 am slot and MS in the 1:30 pm slot.I was allotted the Board-III panel and my serial no in the group of 11 was one. :)<br />The GD Topic : Unlimited religious freedom and secularism do not go together.(13 mins as there were 11 people).<br />The GD was a fish market but still ok ,I contributed some points.<br />After that I was called in first .Had to rush in with my file asap.<br />Panel: Dean and two Lady Profs alongwith a guy(for psychoanalysis i guess)<br />As you enter,you are given the extempore topic preferably related to your name .<br />For me,it was 'Raaga' but I told I am not into the technical side of music so the topic was changed to Sound.Felt I didnt get much time to speak.I had lot more to speak on sound<br />*A sound mind in a sound body is essential<br />*The Sound of Music (Movie)<br />*Various audio frequency ranges<br />*Sound Instruments,Devices,Missiles<br />*Sony derives its name from the Latin word for sound,Onkyo derives its name from the Japanese word for sound<br />Time to speak: Roughly 1 min ..Spoke about different kinds of sound..how sound becomes noise..<br />Stopped by the Dean.<br /><br />Q: When does sound become noise in terms of physics?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Audio Frequency Range human beings can hear?<br />A.20 hz to 20 Khz<br />Q.Who can hear sounds below 20 Hz?<br />A.didnt remember told some insects or birds .(bats i guess)<br />Q.What is the sound above 20 khz called?<br />A.Ultrasonic<br />Q.What is Concorde?<br />A.Dont know(turbo jet powered supersonic passenger vehicle)<br />Q.Where are sound devices used in ECE?<br />A.Told about SONAR and its principle.<br />Q.What is the name of the project by Motorola which had failed and resulted in loss of billions of dollars?<br />A.Dont know(Big Pond ..music content provider)<br />Q.Mam interrupted ..Name 5 universities according to priority where you would like to go for an MBa abroad?<br />A.Harvard,Wharton,Kellog,TepperSchool of Busines,INSEAD<br />Q.Name 5 PSU's<br />A.SAIL,NTPC,NMDC,IOCL,ONGC<br />Q.Full Form of NMDC<br />A.National Mineral Development Corporation<br />Q.Dean interrupted and asked name PSU's within 100 km radius of Rourkela<br />A.Blurted out NALCO confidently<br />Q.Is NALCO a PSU?(tried to confuse me and I got confused :()<br />A.No,it is not a PSU(It is a PSU infact a Navratna now)<br />Q.What are your career goals?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Another mam interrupted .Which specialisation would take?<br />A.Finance or HR<br />The interview got over then.<br />I had thought my interview went ok.But alas,got waitlisted at 52.<br /><br />MBA(MS) Experience:<br /><br />GD Topic: Indiscriminate tourism will lead to environmental damage.(Same group ..2 were absent).But a typical fish market.I couldnt pitch in much infact couldnt make my point at all.Also,I was lacking points :( Totally dejected after the GD.<br /><br />PI : Again the first one to enter.Had screwed the GD.Was already sad.<br />On top of that ,I had not read the third page of TOI(Please read newspapers in full) so had missed out what is earth hour.<br /><br />Extempore: Topic - Earth Hour.<br />Managed to speak a minute..told bout saving of 6000 MW in Delhi and Euro-IV coming in also.(Overall dissatisfied because didnt read the thirsd page :()<br />Q.Why did you not speak in the GD?<br />A.Gave fundae about listening skills,leadership qualities,compassion for others.(They tried to stress me but countered them,seemed convinced with me)<br />Q.Who started the concept of Earth Hour?<br />A.Dont know(WWF - World WildLife Fund)<br />Q.Who celebrated Earth Hour- India or the World?<br />A.World( Thank God guessed it correctly)<br />Q.What is Euro-IV?<br />A.Told(aGain asked tell technically..Told dont know)<br />Q.Tell how do you think we can protect Earth?<br />A.Told eco-friendly ways..blah blah<br />Q.Do you see TV?Name one co-friendly ad?<br />A.NDTV Greenathon<br />Q.No,name one eco-friendly product?<br />A.Dont know.(Hint about IDea..then remembered.shit..Use Mobile.SavePaper)<br />Q.What are your hobbies?<br />A.Reading novels and drawing.<br />Q.Which novels?<br />A.John Grisham's as well as non-fiction.<br />Q.Which ones in non-fiction?<br />A.Go Kiss the World,The monk who sold his ferrari,who moved my cheese,etc<br />Q.Summarise the monk who sold his ferrari<br />A.Told ..i told i like the quote 'Luck is the maariage of the preparation with opportunity' .(Suddenly a prof became interested and asked me to repeat)<br />Q.What do your parents do?<br />A.Told<br />Q.Who publishes TOI?<br />A.Bennet Coleman and Co Ltd.<br />Q.Have you got IIM Calls?<br />A.Yes,all except IIMA.<br />Thank You,Sangeeta.(Thus ended my MS interview after which I was totally depressed with my performance :( and had hopes of converting only MBA(FT)).<br /><br />But I guess,thing dont work the way you think and I converted MBA(MS) to my utter surprise.<br /><br />Results were out on FMS site at around 4:00 am on 1st April..fools Day :)Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727402095753439228.post-51248031851152211612009-03-15T20:53:00.002+05:302009-03-15T21:14:34.056+05:30The 14th of MarchSignificance of this special date:<br /><br />1)<b>Pi Day</b> and <b>Pi Approximation Day</b> are two <a set="yes" linkindex="17" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday" title="Holiday">holidays</a> held to celebrate the <a set="yes" linkindex="18" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_constant" title="Mathematical constant">mathematical constant</a> <a linkindex="19" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi" title="Pi"><span class="texhtml">π</span></a> (pi). Pi Day is observed on <a linkindex="20" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_14" title="March 14">March 14</a>, 3.14 being the first three digits of pi. It is also <a set="yes" linkindex="21" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein" title="Albert Einstein">Albert Einstein</a>'s birthday. It can also be celebrated on <a linkindex="22" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_4" title="March 4">March 4</a> (when 14% of the month of March has elapsed). Pi Approximation Day is observed on <a linkindex="23" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_22" title="July 22">July 22</a>, due to <span class="texhtml">π</span> being roughly equal to 22/7.<br /> .....Pi Minute is also sometimes celebrated on March 14 at 1:59 p.m. If <span class="texhtml">π</span> is truncated to seven decimal places, it becomes 3.1415926, making March 14 at 1:59:26 p.m., Pi Second (or sometimes March 14, 1592 at 6:53:58 a.m.).<br /><br />The <a set="yes" linkindex="29" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Institute_of_Technology" title="Massachusetts Institute of Technology">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> often mails out its acceptance letters to be delivered to prospective students on Pi Day.<br /><br />2)<span class="body"> Mikhail S Gorbachev becomes president of the Soviet Congress on 14th March,1990<br /><br />3)Aamir Khan was born on this day.<br /><br />4)Japan and Korea celebrate White Day similar to Valentine Day.<br /><br />5)Besides many more significant events have happened on this date.<br /></span>Sangeeta Patelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853607635460340693noreply@blogger.com0