On May 15th after I had converted IIM B, I had to withdraw my admission from IIM C. Sounds so easy, but it isn’t.
It was downright awkward to inform an institute that I am not going to join your institute. An institute as legendary and iconic as IIM Calcutta with a history of almost half-a-century. I took about 10 minutes as to decide what to say. The moment I told the admissions-in-charge that I am not going to join. He told me okay. Huhhhh. Much ado about nothing. Probably they were expecting it. Or maybe they accepted my withdrawal rather gleefully as they can offer admission to one who is on-hold, thereby decreasing the erosion of their brand-value.
I asked I wanted my initial deposit of Rs 1 lakh refunded. He told me very casually “you will get it in end of June”. End of June…..Did I hear it right? Asked him to repeat. He said the same thing, this time rather rudely. Before I could ask him anything else, call went blank.
I had to send Rs 1.55 lakh to IIM B within June 1st. From where the hell, I am going to manage such a huge amount. Therein I realized the value of money. Money needs to be saved to meet such eventualities. Unfortunately, I was very ill-prepared to meet the situation.
One major concern was treats. Some I had already given and a couple were still due. It’s a caught-between-the-devil-and-the-sea situation. At one hand, you cannot refrain from giving the treats and at the other hand, you don’t have the money to give the treat. Pretty dicey, you know. Well, I decided treats will have to wait.
I requested IIM B to extend the deadline. IIM B asked me to fill up the fee-waiver form and then they will consider the request. But, the form had more to fill up than even my Tenth’s history exam and probably more confusing than map reading in the geography exam. I decided against it.
So, I had to sent them the money. In these moments of helplessness, I fell back upon the people closest to my heart. They helped me a lot financially. It really feels good to have such people around you, who can see you through all rough moments.
P.S – I will take a break from IIMs. You have got bored of it and so have I. So, my next blog will not be about IIM. It will be about something very close to my heart.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost
Just when you know where you are heading, life throws a beamer at you. The beamer may give you some free runs or it may hurt you real bad.
While I had almost made up my mind to join IIM C, there was this something that I missed. I knew studying in IIM C is itself a dream to die for. The fact was that I had always dreamt of joining IIM A or IIM B.
But this yearning was a minute element of my thought at that time. I was so happy that I would study in IIM C. I was attending the TIME felicitation ceremony. While I was thinking I would say this and that in my speech, I didn’t get the opportunity to speak. Not that I was dying to speak, I nevertheless expected that I would be asked to speak. As it happened, the students who had got thru IIM A or IIM B were given more opportunities to speak. Felt sad at not getting the acclaim I had thought I deserved.
Cut-back to 2008, I was so frustrated that I could even kill someone to join MDI if I would have converted. And now in 2009, though I had got a GD/PI call from MDI, I didn’t even attend the GD/PI. Circumstances can change so dramatically. You can so easily change from a pauper to a king and vice-versa.
In the TIME meet, after the speeches, we went for a lunch. The food was good, so were the junta. I didn’t allow any disappointment or inferiority complex to creep in. I decided to be satisfied with what I had. Life’s bliss only if you believe it to be. Depends upon what you find bliss in. One of my friends who had got thru IIM A told us that IIM B is coming out with a 2nd Waitlist. Though he had already converted 5 IIMs, he wanted to convert IIM B so that “it would complete the picture”.
I remember a famous dialogue from the word “picture”, “Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost” .
Strangely, the aforesaid dialogue applied for me. As if life had not taken enough ups and downs. I found my name in the waitlist on May 2nd.
When the results had been declared, a first waitlist of 50 people had been declared. I wasn’t there. In the second waitlist of 50, I was way down at 37.
I asked myself now what. Chances didn’t appear rosy. My admission into IIM B depended upon how many people from the waitlist didn’t accept the offer of admission. On May 2nd, 15 people of the 50 waitlisted guys were offered admission. Some hopes arose.
Subsequently, on May 9th, 15 more offered admission. My new waitlisted number was 7. So near yet so far. I used to check the pagalguy threads time and again waiting for updates. Felt like two strong forces were attracting me towards each other. I didn’t know whether to love IIM C or IIM B at this crucial juncture. At one end, I assure myself that IIM C is a great institute. But at the other end, unknowingly, I would start dreaming of IIM B. So, typically confused. I used to pick up the mobile to call IIM B and know about my chances and then used to keep it down, thinking they will call on their own.
I was really afraid of disappointment. Here I was dreaming of IIM B, what if I don’t get thru. I called up IIM B and asked them about the status on May 13th. The lady told me that the status can be only known on May 16th Saturday. I told ok. Back to square one. Had had enough.
It was on May 15th, that the unexpected happened. Got a call from IIM B. I had been offered admission. Took some moments to recollect and then accepted the admission.
But my admission let loose another tide of problems which I will capture in the next blog.
P.S – This blog was not as funny as the earlier one, "Why MBA". My apologies.
P.P.S – People are not leaving comments. I mean it’s nice to receive comments. Atleast, I can know someone is reading the shit I have written. I will be inspired to write more shit…..hehehe.
While I had almost made up my mind to join IIM C, there was this something that I missed. I knew studying in IIM C is itself a dream to die for. The fact was that I had always dreamt of joining IIM A or IIM B.
But this yearning was a minute element of my thought at that time. I was so happy that I would study in IIM C. I was attending the TIME felicitation ceremony. While I was thinking I would say this and that in my speech, I didn’t get the opportunity to speak. Not that I was dying to speak, I nevertheless expected that I would be asked to speak. As it happened, the students who had got thru IIM A or IIM B were given more opportunities to speak. Felt sad at not getting the acclaim I had thought I deserved.
Cut-back to 2008, I was so frustrated that I could even kill someone to join MDI if I would have converted. And now in 2009, though I had got a GD/PI call from MDI, I didn’t even attend the GD/PI. Circumstances can change so dramatically. You can so easily change from a pauper to a king and vice-versa.
In the TIME meet, after the speeches, we went for a lunch. The food was good, so were the junta. I didn’t allow any disappointment or inferiority complex to creep in. I decided to be satisfied with what I had. Life’s bliss only if you believe it to be. Depends upon what you find bliss in. One of my friends who had got thru IIM A told us that IIM B is coming out with a 2nd Waitlist. Though he had already converted 5 IIMs, he wanted to convert IIM B so that “it would complete the picture”.
I remember a famous dialogue from the word “picture”, “Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost” .
Strangely, the aforesaid dialogue applied for me. As if life had not taken enough ups and downs. I found my name in the waitlist on May 2nd.
When the results had been declared, a first waitlist of 50 people had been declared. I wasn’t there. In the second waitlist of 50, I was way down at 37.
I asked myself now what. Chances didn’t appear rosy. My admission into IIM B depended upon how many people from the waitlist didn’t accept the offer of admission. On May 2nd, 15 people of the 50 waitlisted guys were offered admission. Some hopes arose.
Subsequently, on May 9th, 15 more offered admission. My new waitlisted number was 7. So near yet so far. I used to check the pagalguy threads time and again waiting for updates. Felt like two strong forces were attracting me towards each other. I didn’t know whether to love IIM C or IIM B at this crucial juncture. At one end, I assure myself that IIM C is a great institute. But at the other end, unknowingly, I would start dreaming of IIM B. So, typically confused. I used to pick up the mobile to call IIM B and know about my chances and then used to keep it down, thinking they will call on their own.
I was really afraid of disappointment. Here I was dreaming of IIM B, what if I don’t get thru. I called up IIM B and asked them about the status on May 13th. The lady told me that the status can be only known on May 16th Saturday. I told ok. Back to square one. Had had enough.
It was on May 15th, that the unexpected happened. Got a call from IIM B. I had been offered admission. Took some moments to recollect and then accepted the admission.
But my admission let loose another tide of problems which I will capture in the next blog.
P.S – This blog was not as funny as the earlier one, "Why MBA". My apologies.
P.P.S – People are not leaving comments. I mean it’s nice to receive comments. Atleast, I can know someone is reading the shit I have written. I will be inspired to write more shit…..hehehe.
"Why MBA"
I, for one, really don’t know why exactly I want to do an MBA. The “Why MBA” question used to give me nightmares during my preparation for the PI process of IIMs. I used to get virtually raped during the mock PIs. From an all-knowing Harry, I used to become a bloody Mary.
During my prep, if there was any question that made me nervous, it was this question. “Why MBA”.
This question is a torture for all aspirants. People cook up all sorts of stories to convince the interviewers. The interviewers are shrewd enough to understand that. Anyways, they get some inkling of the logical thought procedure I guess. It’s purely suicidal to get emotional and think by the heart, while answering the question. The best answer any aspirant has given to the question, “Why MBA” is “Why Not MBA!!!!!!!!!”. Pretty tongue-in-cheek. Not wise to try it out during an actual PI. Remember the warning on TV, "These actions are performed by professionals, please don't try it out at home". Replace professionals by fools and "home" by "PI".
Somehow, I had prepared an essay as to why I wanted to do an MBA. I had connected one of my tech projects and my social service initiatives and came up with a decent answer to the killer question, ”Why MBA”. Although, I was not entirely convinced, I had decided to project as if it’s my raison d'être, my sole goal of life. How inspiring!!!!!!!!!!
You have the best profile, you have the best percentile and you are the best orator, but the “Why MBA” can stump you by a long margin.
During the IIM PIs, whenever I was asked the “Why MBA”, I used to repeat the same answer again and again. Yes, like a parrot. LOL. I used to say it with such passion, that it looked very authentic.
However, All’s Well That Ends Well. Now, that I have cracked IIMs, I can make a mockery of the question, “Why MBA”. Else, it would have been the IIM’s way of asking “Why MBA, dude????? Don’t care to apply again”.
During my prep, if there was any question that made me nervous, it was this question. “Why MBA”.
This question is a torture for all aspirants. People cook up all sorts of stories to convince the interviewers. The interviewers are shrewd enough to understand that. Anyways, they get some inkling of the logical thought procedure I guess. It’s purely suicidal to get emotional and think by the heart, while answering the question. The best answer any aspirant has given to the question, “Why MBA” is “Why Not MBA!!!!!!!!!”. Pretty tongue-in-cheek. Not wise to try it out during an actual PI. Remember the warning on TV, "These actions are performed by professionals, please don't try it out at home". Replace professionals by fools and "home" by "PI".
Somehow, I had prepared an essay as to why I wanted to do an MBA. I had connected one of my tech projects and my social service initiatives and came up with a decent answer to the killer question, ”Why MBA”. Although, I was not entirely convinced, I had decided to project as if it’s my raison d'être, my sole goal of life. How inspiring!!!!!!!!!!
You have the best profile, you have the best percentile and you are the best orator, but the “Why MBA” can stump you by a long margin.
During the IIM PIs, whenever I was asked the “Why MBA”, I used to repeat the same answer again and again. Yes, like a parrot. LOL. I used to say it with such passion, that it looked very authentic.
However, All’s Well That Ends Well. Now, that I have cracked IIMs, I can make a mockery of the question, “Why MBA”. Else, it would have been the IIM’s way of asking “Why MBA, dude????? Don’t care to apply again”.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CAT - Capricious Admission Test
Life changes so drastically.
Just when you settle down in you cocoon and think that life will go on as it is. It takes a sudden turn and throws you into the maelstrom of uncertainties. If only life could be predicted.
I had prepared well for CAT exam for two long years 2007 and 2008. But, I was able to muster a very average performance. Such is the cruelty of CAT, that not only do you have to manage a certain percentile in total but also in the individual subjects(For those who dont know Maths,English and Logical Ability).
People can have all the ability in the world and all the determination in the world, but when it comes to CAT, it all boils down to the 2.5 hours of the exam. It took me two long years to realise this. I used to belong to an older school of thought that believed in the benefits of hard work. But hard work is hardly a pre-requisite in CAT. Its only a minor factor.
In mid 2008, I got a call to join IIM Shillong, the newest IIM. I had almost decided to join it out of my frustration(that I might never ever crack CAT). But, some good sense prevailed and I didnt join it. Yet, I had left all hopes of cracking CAT. My preparation came down to a only a week of brushing up, just to convince myself that I had put in some effort. Infact, my efforts were in some other direction.
I realised the absurdity of CAT. How can we gauge a person's ability on the basis of a 2.5 hrs exam. The entire concept appeared misleading.The people who were too smart will put it across any exam they give. They comprise maybe 10% of the ppl who cract CAT and 0.0000000000000001 % of those who appear for CAT. For the rest 99.999999999999% it's luck(Atleast, that's what I think, I maybe wrong.).
The day results came. I was sure I will not make it. It was because that I was out of hope that I decided to check late.Finally, I did check my results after some days and I had made it - BLACKI . The interviews came and went in a hurry with no time to introspect.
Now that I have got thru IIM Calcutta. I can feel how my time has changed, how luck has favoured me.........Touchwood.............
From a loser who appeared to squander the minimal triumphs he deserved, I changed onto a lucky dawg who has over-achieved (By over-achieving, I don't mean IIM C is heaven. I know I have a long fight to fight. I simply mean over-achieving from my own perspective).
When I had accepted my bad luck before, now I have to accept my good luck and move ahead.
A new battle......A new life..........
Just when you settle down in you cocoon and think that life will go on as it is. It takes a sudden turn and throws you into the maelstrom of uncertainties. If only life could be predicted.
I had prepared well for CAT exam for two long years 2007 and 2008. But, I was able to muster a very average performance. Such is the cruelty of CAT, that not only do you have to manage a certain percentile in total but also in the individual subjects(For those who dont know Maths,English and Logical Ability).
People can have all the ability in the world and all the determination in the world, but when it comes to CAT, it all boils down to the 2.5 hours of the exam. It took me two long years to realise this. I used to belong to an older school of thought that believed in the benefits of hard work. But hard work is hardly a pre-requisite in CAT. Its only a minor factor.
In mid 2008, I got a call to join IIM Shillong, the newest IIM. I had almost decided to join it out of my frustration(that I might never ever crack CAT). But, some good sense prevailed and I didnt join it. Yet, I had left all hopes of cracking CAT. My preparation came down to a only a week of brushing up, just to convince myself that I had put in some effort. Infact, my efforts were in some other direction.
I realised the absurdity of CAT. How can we gauge a person's ability on the basis of a 2.5 hrs exam. The entire concept appeared misleading.The people who were too smart will put it across any exam they give. They comprise maybe 10% of the ppl who cract CAT and 0.0000000000000001 % of those who appear for CAT. For the rest 99.999999999999% it's luck(Atleast, that's what I think, I maybe wrong.).
The day results came. I was sure I will not make it. It was because that I was out of hope that I decided to check late.Finally, I did check my results after some days and I had made it - BLACKI . The interviews came and went in a hurry with no time to introspect.
Now that I have got thru IIM Calcutta. I can feel how my time has changed, how luck has favoured me.........Touchwood.............
From a loser who appeared to squander the minimal triumphs he deserved, I changed onto a lucky dawg who has over-achieved (By over-achieving, I don't mean IIM C is heaven. I know I have a long fight to fight. I simply mean over-achieving from my own perspective).
When I had accepted my bad luck before, now I have to accept my good luck and move ahead.
A new battle......A new life..........
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
IIM C - Fiasco
It was Saturday evening.A perfect chill-out time. The next day will be a holiday as well.
Saturday's are typically more fun than Sundays.
Cut back to the moment...
Swamy calls me and gives me a heart-attack. "IIMC ne results update kar diya.Pagalguy main bhag dad mach gayi hai....".
WTF.My best call and a disaster in reckoning...
A and B ne ditch mara, joka ka hi tha sahara, ab tera kya hoga Amartya ( Stop cursing me...I know it's not rhyming...)
Swamy,"Kitne logon ka kaal selected tha, aaj on-hold aa raha hai. Maine apne chk kar diya,mera selected aa raha hai.".
Me,"Mera bhi chk kar liya,My reg no is XXXXXXXXXX"
I could feel my heartbeat in my mind.
Swamy,"Tera selected dikha raha hai...."
I take a big sigh of relief.
After I reach home, I recheck my status atleast 10 times.
I have been rechecking my status each day since. Pata nahi in IIM C waalon ka,de mite push me onto on-hold status nyday.
Meanwhile, waiting for my call-letter.....
Saturday's are typically more fun than Sundays.
Cut back to the moment...
Swamy calls me and gives me a heart-attack. "IIMC ne results update kar diya.Pagalguy main bhag dad mach gayi hai....".
WTF.My best call and a disaster in reckoning...
A and B ne ditch mara, joka ka hi tha sahara, ab tera kya hoga Amartya ( Stop cursing me...I know it's not rhyming...)
Swamy,"Kitne logon ka kaal selected tha, aaj on-hold aa raha hai. Maine apne chk kar diya,mera selected aa raha hai.".
Me,"Mera bhi chk kar liya,My reg no is XXXXXXXXXX"
I could feel my heartbeat in my mind.
Swamy,"Tera selected dikha raha hai...."
I take a big sigh of relief.
After I reach home, I recheck my status atleast 10 times.
I have been rechecking my status each day since. Pata nahi in IIM C waalon ka,de mite push me onto on-hold status nyday.
Meanwhile, waiting for my call-letter.....
April 10th - Judgement Day
Started checking the results from 9 am onwards. I was not aware that IIM L and IIM C results had already been out.
I started surfing the different sites for the results. I didnt have much hope though. Was already thinking of joining NITIE, which I had converted.
First up was IIM Calcutta. My father has had a special attraction towards Bengalis and Calcutta.
I like Bengali men(meek and chain-smokers), but not women(very shrewd). I know....very tongue-in-cheek :D
Results were out.
Closed my eyes with a silent prayer on my lips... I was through.
I went berserk....Started dancing...For 2-3 mins,checked again and again my name....
I didn't worry anymore. IIM A ka dekh lenge baad main. I was so relieved.... Called up mom and told her the good news. And was she not happy. I felt really happy that finally I have made my dad and mom proud.
Later, checked IIM L,I,K results. All were converted.
I was in another room, when I got a call that IIM A results are out. I haven't got thru. I felt a bit dejected. Had always dreamt of studying in IIM A.
Took solace from getting a seat in IIM Calcutta.....
I guess life has a taken different and unexpected turn. Life at Joka will be fun...
I started surfing the different sites for the results. I didnt have much hope though. Was already thinking of joining NITIE, which I had converted.
First up was IIM Calcutta. My father has had a special attraction towards Bengalis and Calcutta.
I like Bengali men(meek and chain-smokers), but not women(very shrewd). I know....very tongue-in-cheek :D
Results were out.
Closed my eyes with a silent prayer on my lips... I was through.
I went berserk....Started dancing...For 2-3 mins,checked again and again my name....
I didn't worry anymore. IIM A ka dekh lenge baad main. I was so relieved.... Called up mom and told her the good news. And was she not happy. I felt really happy that finally I have made my dad and mom proud.
Later, checked IIM L,I,K results. All were converted.
I was in another room, when I got a call that IIM A results are out. I haven't got thru. I felt a bit dejected. Had always dreamt of studying in IIM A.
Took solace from getting a seat in IIM Calcutta.....
I guess life has a taken different and unexpected turn. Life at Joka will be fun...
My Horrid Nite before the IIM results - 9th April
The results of IIMs were du on 10th....
On 9th nite, was otherwise quite cool. Had thot the results will come out the next day, so I can just relax....
I was surfing through the Pagalguy threads. Some one had copied the list of selected candidates of IIM Bangalore. So early...................
Had a lot of expectations from B....Was my best GD/PI actually.......
I Surfed through the list in real panic. I couldnt find my registration no....Felt there must be some mistake. I went on the IIM B site,no results had come out there.
Felt it must be a hoax, as I read more across the thread, I found someone had attached the shortlisted pdf. Downloaded the pdf. I opened the pdf with prayers. Was shocked not to find my reg number in the list. The dream appeared over.....
Lets have a summary of my other IIM experiences
IIM A had gone very bad(I was asked about radiowave,microwave,speed of a delivery in cricket,microwave oven and more bullshit....).IIM C was quite uneventful and short....
IIM L,I,K had gone well, but had always dreamt of getting into ABC. IIM B was my best.
Lets get back to 9th nite....
Didnt break the news to my parents.Wanted them to have a good nite's sleep.
Had told them that results were due.Went off to sleep, with a bruised heart and battered soul, a la, Dev D.
Having been eliminated in SP Jain interview and the IIM B rejection, I felt somehow I didn't have the potential in me to convert. Was dreaded to think that I might not convert any of them.
Kya socha tha aur kya ho gaya....
I actually didn't want to sleep. Yet just slept off.
Dad called me up at 2:30 nite to know the status. I lied to him, said I didnt know the results. I felt will break all the bad news together....
On 9th nite, was otherwise quite cool. Had thot the results will come out the next day, so I can just relax....
I was surfing through the Pagalguy threads. Some one had copied the list of selected candidates of IIM Bangalore. So early...................
Had a lot of expectations from B....Was my best GD/PI actually.......
I Surfed through the list in real panic. I couldnt find my registration no....Felt there must be some mistake. I went on the IIM B site,no results had come out there.
Felt it must be a hoax, as I read more across the thread, I found someone had attached the shortlisted pdf. Downloaded the pdf. I opened the pdf with prayers. Was shocked not to find my reg number in the list. The dream appeared over.....
Lets have a summary of my other IIM experiences
IIM A had gone very bad(I was asked about radiowave,microwave,speed of a delivery in cricket,microwave oven and more bullshit....).IIM C was quite uneventful and short....
IIM L,I,K had gone well, but had always dreamt of getting into ABC. IIM B was my best.
Lets get back to 9th nite....
Didnt break the news to my parents.Wanted them to have a good nite's sleep.
Had told them that results were due.Went off to sleep, with a bruised heart and battered soul, a la, Dev D.
Having been eliminated in SP Jain interview and the IIM B rejection, I felt somehow I didn't have the potential in me to convert. Was dreaded to think that I might not convert any of them.
Kya socha tha aur kya ho gaya....
I actually didn't want to sleep. Yet just slept off.
Dad called me up at 2:30 nite to know the status. I lied to him, said I didnt know the results. I felt will break all the bad news together....
Monday, April 13, 2009
My IIM C GD/PI Experience
IIM – C
Venue – IMI, New Delhi
Reached the venue about 1.5 hr before the start. Had heard there would be a lot of verifications. So, had to go early. My interview slot was first again.
Was searching the entire campus for the room. Finally, found the room in the ladies hostel. Wat a place to have the GD n PI????
The locale of GD didn’t look like a premier B-school’s GD. It was the residential room a guest house.
GD process –
Time to think – 2mins
Time for discussion – 10 mins
So, our 3 panelists began the proceedings.
The topic – Artists must know mathematics. (…….WTF…….)
The GD – The start was uncharacteristically tepid. No one was starting. Atlast one guy (The Smartie) started it. Gave a good enough start, then all hell broke loose. Everybody wanted to make his point.
I usually used to have a laid-back attitude for the initial 2 minutes. Used to compose myself and then used to chip in.
Tab yaad aaya, kya kar raha hai yaar. GD bas 10 min ka hai. Gave the example of the greatest artist, God as to how he must have used his maths.
There was this guy who used to give a big smile while asking “Please lemme complete”, whenever he was interrupted. He did it 2-3 times.
Several more examples came in. Someone mentioned Chabria. The smartie mentioned Leonardo Da Vinci. Someone mentioned Einstein.
I chipped in with the xample of AR Rahman(pata nahi ye kaha se aa gaya)
Also made the point of poetry. How maths calculation comes in handy in writing poetry(meters) and how there are romantic poets who write directly from the heart.
There were good examples like the angles used in architecture.
I made the point that maths isn’t a must for artistry, though it definitely is an add-on for an artist. Reached a consensus on this. The point was repeated 2-3 times more in round-about ways. J
Summary – Everyone was asked to summarise. Everyone gave decent enough summaries.
Some chap asked whether he has to give his own point or what the group discussed. The senior prof(panelist) told it’s his wish. I decided to stick to the group view. Out of 10, I was the 8th one to be asked. Was feeling nervous, don’t know why. Somehow, gave my summary. To be honest, I could have done better. The chap after me, was very anxious and in his nervousness grunted 2-3 times. One other chap, mentioned the Leonardo Di Caprio instead of Leonardo Da Vinci( lol ….)
Luckily, some other guy also had a PGDCM PI. So he went in first, I went in 2nd.
The PI
Scene:
Panelist – Three gentlemen.
Left(L) – A moustached guy.
Middle(M) – A senior Prof
Right(R) – Looked like an alumni.
Me – The innocent and meek kid J
M – So, ur name is Amartya.
Me – Yes Sir.
M - Have you heard of Amartya Sen(Have been asked this question a lot of times).
Who is he?
Me – Sir, He is the Nobel-prize winning economist
M – Do u know any of his books
Me – An Argumentative Indian
M – What was it about
Me – Told the summary I ahd written
M – I was initially of the same idea. But, its different. Its like this……
Me – I was also saying the same thing. I mean arguing is a good way of logical reasoning….
M – I think argument is taken negatively....
Me- Yes Sir(…….Aur kya bolun main. Apne bol diya to sahi hoga….)
R – So, u r from Rourkela. U must b knowing abt rourkela steel plant.
Me – (Interrupted him) Actually, I have done my engg from Rourkela…..(Uncharted territories….)
R – Anyways, u must b knowing about it… Tell me with whose contribution was Rourkela Steel Plant started
Me – Germany
R – Wat abt Bhilai Steel Plant?
Me – Don’t know
L – So, u have written over here in the career goal that you want to work in the social sector… The Sir over here(M) is a professor in ethics. He can see through you if mean what you have written over here..
Me(All smiles) – I believe in what I have written. Infact, I have a background for it.
L – what is it?
Me- I had worked on a project “A decision support system for disease surveillance for rural India”. Should I elaborate it?
L – of course
M – don’t worry, we are not going to steal it. All 3 start laughing
Me- I smiling. No Sir, I have nor problems. Went on for 1-2 mins about the idea.
Was cut in by R(alumni). Is very impatient.
R – What algorithm u used for clustering
Me – k –means
R – Do u know what is P-means
Me- The cluster centres are found out by fuzzy logic.
R- Do u know how exactly it’s found out.
Me- Don’t know much about fuzzy logic.
R – What is the diff.between supervised and unsupervised analysis
ME – Gave him a general difference
R – Actually, what gave u was a very general difference….is a more specific answer is the rules classification
Me - Ok, Sir( All smiles)
M – So, u r from Orissa. If I come to Bhubaneswar, where all will you take me.
Me – As u know, Bhubaneswar is the temple city. I would take you to Lingaraja temple, Dhaulagiri, Udaygiri, RajaRani temple. Then there is Konark temple. Puri, Konark and BBsr form a triangle
M – Tell me something about Jagannath temple. Have u been there.
ME – Yes, Sir
M – So, there is bhog served out. When is it served out
Me – Between 1-2 pm
M – I have heard they cook food throughout the day
Me – That’s because a lot of people come there. The food is given in earthern pots. We have rice, sweet dal and….(Interrupted)
M – U have written dancing as ur hobby. Wat dance do u do, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi???
Me- No Sir..I dance on Hindi movei tracks
M – Give me the names of some classical dancers
Me – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra(Cudnt recollect more)
M – Give me the name of 1 classical singer
Me – MS Subbulakshmi
M – What singer is she
Me- Carnatic
M – Good, good…From where is she
Me – She is from South. Im not sure where exactly she is from
M – She’s from Tamil Nadu....
Me – Ok Sir
M- we are done with you. Thank you
Me- Thank you Sirs.
PI lasted for just 12 minutes. A very short one.
Cant judge anything as such. There were some “ I don’t knows”.
Fingers crossed for the results. Lets hope for the best.
As such , they don’t get enough weightage for the work-ex or acads(both are seemingly good for me)
Anyways, its over….
Status - Converted
Venue – IMI, New Delhi
Reached the venue about 1.5 hr before the start. Had heard there would be a lot of verifications. So, had to go early. My interview slot was first again.
Was searching the entire campus for the room. Finally, found the room in the ladies hostel. Wat a place to have the GD n PI????
The locale of GD didn’t look like a premier B-school’s GD. It was the residential room a guest house.
GD process –
Time to think – 2mins
Time for discussion – 10 mins
So, our 3 panelists began the proceedings.
The topic – Artists must know mathematics. (…….WTF…….)
The GD – The start was uncharacteristically tepid. No one was starting. Atlast one guy (The Smartie) started it. Gave a good enough start, then all hell broke loose. Everybody wanted to make his point.
I usually used to have a laid-back attitude for the initial 2 minutes. Used to compose myself and then used to chip in.
Tab yaad aaya, kya kar raha hai yaar. GD bas 10 min ka hai. Gave the example of the greatest artist, God as to how he must have used his maths.
There was this guy who used to give a big smile while asking “Please lemme complete”, whenever he was interrupted. He did it 2-3 times.
Several more examples came in. Someone mentioned Chabria. The smartie mentioned Leonardo Da Vinci. Someone mentioned Einstein.
I chipped in with the xample of AR Rahman(pata nahi ye kaha se aa gaya)
Also made the point of poetry. How maths calculation comes in handy in writing poetry(meters) and how there are romantic poets who write directly from the heart.
There were good examples like the angles used in architecture.
I made the point that maths isn’t a must for artistry, though it definitely is an add-on for an artist. Reached a consensus on this. The point was repeated 2-3 times more in round-about ways. J
Summary – Everyone was asked to summarise. Everyone gave decent enough summaries.
Some chap asked whether he has to give his own point or what the group discussed. The senior prof(panelist) told it’s his wish. I decided to stick to the group view. Out of 10, I was the 8th one to be asked. Was feeling nervous, don’t know why. Somehow, gave my summary. To be honest, I could have done better. The chap after me, was very anxious and in his nervousness grunted 2-3 times. One other chap, mentioned the Leonardo Di Caprio instead of Leonardo Da Vinci( lol ….)
Luckily, some other guy also had a PGDCM PI. So he went in first, I went in 2nd.
The PI
Scene:
Panelist – Three gentlemen.
Left(L) – A moustached guy.
Middle(M) – A senior Prof
Right(R) – Looked like an alumni.
Me – The innocent and meek kid J
M – So, ur name is Amartya.
Me – Yes Sir.
M - Have you heard of Amartya Sen(Have been asked this question a lot of times).
Who is he?
Me – Sir, He is the Nobel-prize winning economist
M – Do u know any of his books
Me – An Argumentative Indian
M – What was it about
Me – Told the summary I ahd written
M – I was initially of the same idea. But, its different. Its like this……
Me – I was also saying the same thing. I mean arguing is a good way of logical reasoning….
M – I think argument is taken negatively....
Me- Yes Sir(…….Aur kya bolun main. Apne bol diya to sahi hoga….)
R – So, u r from Rourkela. U must b knowing abt rourkela steel plant.
Me – (Interrupted him) Actually, I have done my engg from Rourkela…..(Uncharted territories….)
R – Anyways, u must b knowing about it… Tell me with whose contribution was Rourkela Steel Plant started
Me – Germany
R – Wat abt Bhilai Steel Plant?
Me – Don’t know
L – So, u have written over here in the career goal that you want to work in the social sector… The Sir over here(M) is a professor in ethics. He can see through you if mean what you have written over here..
Me(All smiles) – I believe in what I have written. Infact, I have a background for it.
L – what is it?
Me- I had worked on a project “A decision support system for disease surveillance for rural India”. Should I elaborate it?
L – of course
M – don’t worry, we are not going to steal it. All 3 start laughing
Me- I smiling. No Sir, I have nor problems. Went on for 1-2 mins about the idea.
Was cut in by R(alumni). Is very impatient.
R – What algorithm u used for clustering
Me – k –means
R – Do u know what is P-means
Me- The cluster centres are found out by fuzzy logic.
R- Do u know how exactly it’s found out.
Me- Don’t know much about fuzzy logic.
R – What is the diff.between supervised and unsupervised analysis
ME – Gave him a general difference
R – Actually, what gave u was a very general difference….is a more specific answer is the rules classification
Me - Ok, Sir( All smiles)
M – So, u r from Orissa. If I come to Bhubaneswar, where all will you take me.
Me – As u know, Bhubaneswar is the temple city. I would take you to Lingaraja temple, Dhaulagiri, Udaygiri, RajaRani temple. Then there is Konark temple. Puri, Konark and BBsr form a triangle
M – Tell me something about Jagannath temple. Have u been there.
ME – Yes, Sir
M – So, there is bhog served out. When is it served out
Me – Between 1-2 pm
M – I have heard they cook food throughout the day
Me – That’s because a lot of people come there. The food is given in earthern pots. We have rice, sweet dal and….(Interrupted)
M – U have written dancing as ur hobby. Wat dance do u do, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi???
Me- No Sir..I dance on Hindi movei tracks
M – Give me the names of some classical dancers
Me – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra(Cudnt recollect more)
M – Give me the name of 1 classical singer
Me – MS Subbulakshmi
M – What singer is she
Me- Carnatic
M – Good, good…From where is she
Me – She is from South. Im not sure where exactly she is from
M – She’s from Tamil Nadu....
Me – Ok Sir
M- we are done with you. Thank you
Me- Thank you Sirs.
PI lasted for just 12 minutes. A very short one.
Cant judge anything as such. There were some “ I don’t knows”.
Fingers crossed for the results. Lets hope for the best.
As such , they don’t get enough weightage for the work-ex or acads(both are seemingly good for me)
Anyways, its over….
Status - Converted
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