India lacks these in development of ventures...

On my recent trip to India, I was particularly interested in the amount of infrastructure, real estate development, and the level of quality in these completed ventures in terms of fine finish and refinement. This sparked a deeper interest, leading to some realizations about craftsmanship and the expectations of end users and clients. 

While it is encouraging that development is moving forward quickly, one aspect is consistently lacking.  

There is a lack of refinement and sophistication in the craftsmanship and final finish of the delivered project. 

Everywhere, the necessary degree of sophistication is constantly absent. Little to no effort is taken by contractors, builders, and their teams to ensure that the final delivery is devoid of imperfections by appropriate touch-up, cleanup, polishing, and a nearly flawless finish. Basic items such as

• Touchup color match-up, Consistent coloring
• Clean edging around electric switch boards
• Unfilled, un smoothened partially filled nail holes
• Caulking of tiles, gaps between tiles
• Plastered wall leveling and finishing
• Putty and coloring around Window and Door frames
• Uneven Floor tiles
• Landscaping, landscape management like mowing and hedging of scrubs
• Lack of Carbon / Organic material in Potting soil

Other unrelated observations include the absence of refinements such as tissues on head rests, room fresheners in centralized air conditioning rooms, the use of electrical lawn mowers to mow large areas in public parks (rather than wireless ones), mowers that overcut so low down to stalk when they mow, and the fact that they appear to cut less frequently.

As India and its people evolve in their knowledge and understanding, they will gradually strive for that level of refinement. One major reason this does not happen overnight is a lack of knowledge among these professionals about appropriate specialty tools and products. Even if they were available, general contractors would not necessarily purchase such products and tools in order to maximize profits by reducing overhead and using high-quality materials. Second, there is a lack of equal understanding and knowledge of tools and techniques. Third, there is a lack of demand for such finesse, taste, eye for quality, and standard among professional service consumers. Fourth, the lack of quality codes or standards enforced by appropriate authorities establishes no minimum standard. Even if there is a regulatory or governance body, 

I'd like to see a shift in people's aspirations translate into much-needed changes in attitude, expectations, and, ultimately, delivery in all aspects of life. This methodology and mentality will ultimately result in the creation and production of highly advanced and precise machinery, a market that the West has monopolized. However, I believe that such refinement is still more than ten years away, as society as a whole places more emphasis on value and functionality than on sophistication and refinement. I hope that this is adopted and accomplished by people and society as a whole sooner rather than later than expected.

Trips to the US through my eyes

Well a lot of Indians and especially from AP make it to the US to pursue their higher studies or start career. My trip to USA turned out to be a professional obligation backed by good amount of push from home as well. Well I have always stayed away from the US shores for the first thing on my trip to USA for the fear of unknown.

I started rather shaky trip in the midnight. I returned back from Pune having packed everything, the return trip to Hyderabad we had no train tickets, so in the last moment we had to travel by bus with all of the luggage, the bike was sent by train though. After arriving in Hyderabad a few hours went into retrieving the bike from the luggage and then so quick bank work back home which was anything from being called quick. Reached home in the evening to quickly put together the stuff and buy anything perceived missing, then mom chucked in a lot of home made food, which made me train for the next steps. All packed left for the airport with some tummy upsets. The first learning's starts here - having used to Indian way of getting to potty this was a fast undoing of the same. So within hours its all learning and customising to US way of life. The toilets where step one, using of toilet paper was step two :)

On the Emirates flight, which I was travelling are amazing, the hostess attire and veil was awesome and classy. I believe the service and flight itself was pretty good standard and overall a pretty nice experience given that I was flying for 26 hours including the stop overs. In India our mother tongue especially Telugu is most abused and under seen language, which in most likely a dying language as the current generation, patronised by the parents and supported by the local state government is loosing its support all across, but surprise surprise, where the nationalists left the language, the language found supporters else where. Aboard the Emirates flight the bathroom fittings and call signs had been represented in Telugu in addition to few other language. I was really proud of this, but felt sad when our own guys ignore the language so so much.

Once in the USA i was in the JFK airport, I found a few sparrows flying and chirping in the air terminals where the passengers where waiting for their flights. Found it funny and surprised as back home they almost have gone extinct.

I first food item I ate was the Muffins and yummy I fell in love it, Dunkin Donuts is the place where I had and they say America lives on Dunkin. The first person I spoke when I got off the flight in the USA was an NRI who was working at the airport, in assiting people at the trolleys. Awkward for me as I thought Indians work in salaried jobs and software. Well most of the Dunkin donuts, Subways, Walmarts had Indians in it. So I was wrong, it seems like quite a few people settled and became residents far before the IT generation moved in.

In USA everyone was saying Hi, and greeting and say How are you doing and move on. Extremely friendly and expressive. They also open and hold the doors for you, back home everyone is watching their own back, not others. I find it embarrassing when an American holds the door open for me and even more startled when an Indian guy whom I know does the same.

Then there are few things which I can't communicate to good on the phone, the way we pronounce letters is entirely different to what we are used to doing. They almost on most of the occasion cant catch the pronunciation of individual words.

When I was at shopping it occurred that a typical American refuses to go beyond or think beyond what he thinks is obvious. For example when I was talking about a Full sleeve shirt and was asking for the same, but they were so unwilling to think that a Full sleeve is nothing but a long sleeve. That I felt was height of lameness, and in my view inability to think.

American food is all high calorie junk food personified, back in India everyone cribs about junk food and calories even for 40gm of Lays, here everyone is hogging 250gm and family size packs of the same with tons of smoothies and cream. America seems to be more obese than what I had in mind of Indians. The wastage of food is more unlike ever seen.

Americans are not very Green conscious unlike what they claim with n number of fundraising events and global warming gyan they to world. On an average an amount of white paper that gets wasted at office is immense, most of them print and every bit of mail or reports just to discs while coming to meetings, while every has laptops they still pile up paper. Now add the toiletries and similar expenses, immense. The mailers I get which is all promotional content is too high, every week the mail man delivers a bunch of coupons and promotional material, trust me 99% of it goes directly to the thrash. Apart from this every office use so much of plastic and disposable thermocol cups, plates and spoons. I wonder where all this is getting processed. Yeah agreed India's waste management is not the best, but we don't produce this must waste either. I feel there is lots of open spaces around that the landfill just take in all of this with some amount of processing, but still it junk. Another aspect is the pollution, I love the cruiser bikes and big cars, but the impact on environment is pretty nasty. Noise levels of Harley's is too high in decibels. The Cars are big and powerful no one really cares about Fuel, its so cheap that they burn more than necessary. Its a cheap commodity. Americans hardly care if there is famine around the world or food prices soar, they don't mind if the UV rays hit them hard when the Ozone hole increases in size, they are not bothered if the world runs out of fossil fuels. I found that a bit strange.
American consumerism is also a unique one. The Government and the people alike are high consumer driven. Increase spending means boost economy. When the economy was down the government infuses money to increase spending, while ideally I would prefer saving ahead for tough times. From my perspective there is considerable amount of import oriented products to US that having increased spending would somehow convert to increase in outflow of dollar, which could impact the country. Well it might not if they want to do it, by just printing and increase circulation through paper current which might end up devaluing the currency at a later part of the time. Tricky situation.

America is a amazing place, different culture, different experience, its as multi-cultural and multipolar as India is and probably more diverse atleast in places I have been to.

Experiments with driving

Well today is practically day 4 for me when it comes to driving on the US roads, yes after a little over 2 months of staying on driving on the American roads.
My first car to drive was a Nissan Altima a 3.5lt engine automatic, black beast.
The current car is the new sporty 2009 Hyundai Elantra automatic, carbon black car. Its sportier and compact than the Altima, but its such a smooth operator.
Interiors are great, i can directly get to play an ipod on the music system without much hassles. Over the labor day weekend I drove over 120 miles in all. Cruising at over 65 miles (110kmph) is such a passe and one doesn't even realise that they have travelled that much. An enriching experience.
Yaa there was scary lining too..today on Day 4, I got my new 2009 maps GPS, its a sleek and new GPS navigation system with 5" LCD display and features like USB charge and Bluetooth support capabilities. Well I was so mad and excited at getting it, that I couldn't wait to test it out. Went out driving and found the navigation and maps awesome, the voice was a bit too much to my comfort, loved it so much that instead of concentrating on the road I started driving through the GPS. Then it so happens that I make a blind turn, not seeing further up of the incoming traffic. Had a real close shave, with the other driver whom I cut across coming to an abrupt sudden halt in the middle of the intersection and honking, yelling at me big time. Yaa such lapses of concentration are not a pretty thing and could prove a costly mistake.
So much for my state of art gizmo I put it aside at home promptly and came back without it :)
Now who says technology doesn't kill

The way to the USA

So finally the day of reckoning where the call to set sail to the shores of USA has been answered.

Set the ball rolling

My trip was kinda short tight squeezed setup up trip with a long term intent. I wanted to capture my to did list for others who are first time travellers like me.



1. Luggage 23kgs x 2 bags + 8 kgs check in luggage.

- Typically the baggage restriction is relaxable between +2 kgs. The carry baggage was not really weighed and typically allowed 2 pieces of carry luggage - I had carried a laptop and a back bag

- Suggest to pack the clothes and non-clothes in 2 different bags.

Basics to pack - Clothes, including a dozen pairs of inner wear (frenchie cut are not available in US), One skip a cooker as one could buy one here for 30-40$ here. Include essential leather items like belt, purse and may be a leather coat. Also include sufficient amount of Masala (Chole, Sambhar, Garam, Rajma, Kitchen King) if there is a specific brands one prefers. Carry a few 6 packs of Noodles like Maagi or Top Ramen, and may be instant Pasta. They will be handy for initial days.

Have passport and tickets and few foreign currency while one travels. Carry luggage can have 2 pairs of clothes, travel tooth brush and paste and soap as minimal.

http://happyschoolblog.com/list-of-things-to-carry-to-us-students

2. Airport Formalities

Rajiv Gandhi Airport, Hyderabad International Airport - Well lit and spacious and nicely maintained. One can get away with checking in 2 hrs before the departure time

- Pack the bag

- Visitors are not allowed beyond the entry gates of departures., but the glass panes allow enough in terms of communicating till you get pass the security

- After getting the boarding pass, one could proceed to immigration area for getting the passport stamped at the Airport immigration

- Security Check requires removing watches/ belts/ check in baggage and sometimes footwear as well. If enough care is taken care in packing the checking baggage it should be easy.

- Post the immigration clearance and security check-in. Its to the waiting lobby to board the flight.

3. Change Over Flights

- One needs to disembark and find the connecting flights by themselves. One could seek help of local airport authorities on the same

- One has to go through the same process of boarding check-in & security check-in at the connecting airport

- The luggage transfers of checked-in luggage is handled by the authorities

4. Final Flight / Port of Entry Forms -

- While still in flight one will be handed over the Homeland security forms I-94 immigration form and I-20 customs declaration form. Both of which will be handed over at immigration and Customs respectively on arrival.

5. On arrival - Retrieve the baggage, one might need to pay around 5$ for using a Trolley, the service is not free unlike India. Then quickly proceed to Immigration else there would be long queues. Wait for turn to be called then submit the I-94 form.

Proceed towards Customs and handover I-20 form and adhere to checks (if any) Exit for your domestic flight / airport exit.

At the domestic terminal get the boarding pass, and wait for the flight. Once at destination one could either book a cab, get into a shuttle, use a public transport system or get someone to pick you up. Wallah !!

United stated of America

Yes finally the magical word rather the commonest common noun has come alive in my life.
The place of dreams the place of destination for many, which strangely enough for majority I had made a mundane image of "American Destination hater" and "Desi Supporter has fallen apart.

Today I return to blogging after long long really massively long time. One primary thing for such a prolonged absenteeism from this arena is purely due changed tastes and new found addiction to the online game I mentioned in the previous posts, Travian. May be too addictive and too involving than primal instincts.

Anyways the news I have relocated to the New Land of America. I moved in the last week of June, and its almost a month of stay of what seemingly looks like a long term assignment and hopefully leading to longer than expected stay here. I now join my brother who is now here for now more than 5 years.
I have a whole new set of challenges and a whole new world in front of me to experience and move on with. A completely new perspective and way of life thrown across to live, I would like to add and share the new experiences, and hopefully capture the new environment with you all.
I hope my Travian addiction wanes out sooner as this should help me further in harnessing my blogging skills.

Weekend Trip to Home

The last time after I was in Hyderabad was for my Sankranti vacations. It was till date the longest vacation I have ever taken in my professional life; a good 9 days there with 4 days off. Considering that I have taken just 2 days off for my marriage and 1 day for my honeymoon; this was a long trip.
Post such a long trip; my next trip to Hyderabad was on 1st of March that's a good 42 days after my last visit. I find this it amazing for the fact that its the longest gap between two consecutive visits of mine. Yes during my stay at Kozhikode the gap was much longer, but those days were much different. I found a few things changed during this gap. Earlier my gaps were as short as 5 days; with almost 3 trips a month, that meant I hardly used to spend a weekend in Pune. Offlate after marriage I got to spend time money, and effort going in and around Pune. One as gets to accustomed to the localities I feel one gets connected, that connection temporarily overshadows the core identity. This is what seemed to have happened when I tried to reconnect back to my family and the city.
I was hardly getting the slang and salutations which I was so much used to earlier. Every now and then there was a slip of tongue; though I was very much aware; with my flow the occurrences where irreversible and in correctable. Got to thank my lucky stars that no one took note of those changes. I vividly remember when I first returned home after my 4 months stay in Kozhikode, Kerala that my mom had serious complains on my language. And she said that my Telugu started to sound very non-Teluguish and I was starting to speak Telugu as a language I recently learned. Yes may-be I never realised it nor I intentionally did it; but while one tries to put an attempt to adopt a certain slang of another language for greater acceptance once native slang also gets impacted to little extent. So in addition to expanding adaptive technique of mutual acceptability one more propounding thing was the influence of my gal. Now after six months of marriage, things change; and believe me they change a lot. I don't think any one would be in a position to guess how I call my gal (no am not giving any prizes/ nor am letting it out); that very way of addressing her got pushed when I got to meet my children (cousin's). No matter how hard I tried it kept slipping out of my mind. It was only after 36 hours that things were stable; but that was only after a long and dedicated monitoring of my tongue.
Anyways it was a great weekend to unwind and have fun. Cousin's Kids Annaprasana ceremony was time to catchup with all of my cousins too. And yeah I forgot felt good to see my parents and high my regular fights with my mom too.

Andaman's Trip

Video from our recent Andaman's Visit. The clip is a trailer of the full version of the Video. The full compilation has been included in my personal DVD.

Pune to Mumbai

On 30th of May I set on journey to Mumbai from Pune. We started from my place in Aundh in Pune at around 10pm in the Maruti Baleno. 10km off we hit the Mumbai high way and few more kilometers we reached the Mumbai Expressway Talegaon tollgate to start our fastlane heading to Mumbai. First stop on the way was the HP Filling station. While the tanks got filled we emptied ours and catch up a bit a refreshments to keep ourselves awake for the journey ahead. The Mumbai Pune Expressway is India's first six-lane concrete, high-speed, access controlled tolled expressway which pressed into service in April 2002 after four years of planning and four more years of construction. The expressway spans a distance of 93 km connected by five tunnels, with the longest one almost 1km long and is called the Batan tunnel. The ventilators in the tunnel resemble the 30000 HP GE Jet turbine engine.
The most amazing part of the expressway in addition to this being among the most ambitious of its kinds in India is the scenic ambiance of the western ghats that can be seen on the way. As we drive past Khamshet, Lonowale, Khandala, Khopoli a series of curves and bends of the ghat roads gradualy unfold. Yes these ghat roads are more tamed than the usual ghat roads I am used to, but never the less its still thrills to drive down the roads. The speed limits specified is 30km on these Ghat section but 70kmph is easily doable. The regular freeway speed limit is around 80kmph though 140kmph is easy.
Towards mid-night we started heading towards Panvel - Kalamboli section to drive towards Navi Mumbai. As we started entering Vashi, felt very uncomfortable and I sort of withdraw into the confines of the car as the excitement of the Ghat roads and the long drive instantly waned out. A few more minutes on the Thane road, Mulund then entered Powaii. Driving past the Hiranandani Gardens reached our place in Fiorello, Nahar Amrit Shakti, Powai. The city of hopes and aspirations keeps calling me at the most unusal of circumstances and situation. Looking for good time in Mumbai..

Mumbai - After 10 weeks

The last time I was in Mumbai I came with a lot of tenderness in my heart, floating in the air, air of romance and a dream. I was in Mumbai on Sep 13, 2007, when I wanted to make a surprise trip and also have my first hand experience of Mumbai life. I was planning to shift to Mumbai for better opportunities and also in better interest of my would-be. That time I stayed at Vara's JPM-IIMK mates apartment in Andheri (E), Chakala. A fruitful.

10 Weeks before - "Flash-back"

On Sep 15th Ganesh Chaturthi I had my Puja done at Vatsi-Manish's house at Nahar Amrit Shakti, Powai. After pooja started for Vashi via Andheri-Malad- Vashi. The Vashi station,cum IT park was unlike anything I ever saw in a railway station. As I was travelling over the bridge in the train to Vashi, I could recall the climax scene of True Lies where the Limo with Jamie lee Curtis speeds on the bridge over the sea. Vashi was unlike any place in Mumbai and is the first townships of Navi Mumbai, planned well and executed well too. Its more of an island town. The large and spacious Vashi Railway Station was built into and under the International Infotech Park, to ISO 9002 quality standards.It is one of the top 10 Info Parks in India. Constructed over Vashi railway station, seven broad white towers form the International Infotech Park(IIP),

At Vashi, reached City Centre apartments where I had my lunch then headed towards Palm beach, a mall few metres off from the apartment to spend the rest of the evening.

The Palm Beach Galleria is the newly opened 2.5 lakh sq. ft. shopping mall in Vashi, conveniently located right off the highway.The first ever Espirit ( the leading brand for fashion timewear) corner for watches and accessories in Mumbai, which is also the first in Asia has been opened here.The mall boasts of McDonalds fast food, Odyssey (a store for books, toys, CDs, DVD's), MAX Retail of the $1-billion Landmark Group(Dubai), Adlabs movie theatre and many other brands. Had good time going up and down round and round the mall. At Max we shopped for a few gifts, and followed the same at the Archies.

The next day went to Hiranandani, spent a lot of time at this beautiful, classy, colonial place which had a good mix of Residential and Commercial skyscrapers. Spent lot of time playing bowling at Galleria's, Hakone Entertainment Centre which provided facilities like LAN Gaming, Arcade Games, Pool Tables, Billiards, Bowling, Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Go Karting and Rock Climbing. Then proceeded towards Srusti a ethnic shop, D-Mart shopping mall and Crossword the book stall. Bought something or other at each of the stores. Met Mr.Vikas Kochar at Galeria's footwear shop, who after moving out of Genpact joined as CFO AIG Financial Services in Mumbai. Then proceeded to retire in Vashi itself for the night, Next day headed to Hiranandani and then to Hyderabad by the 9pm train.

30th of Nov, 10 weeks later
Close to 10 weeks after the last visit, I again set foot in Mumbai, this time with a changed perspective. The last time around I was I came to expereince the Joy and spirit of Mumbai, this time its to understand and know the underlyings of the city. I flew in and went straight to Hiranandani, where I was at Delphi and then went to Galleria ate and shopped at D-Mart. Then bought a new cell at Mobile Store there.
as my mobile died out the moment it landed in Mumbai. So my 2 cells have gone useless in a months time. Then went by Hakone and the gokarting tracks and also recollected the previous visits and felt happy about it. And felt if God could give me one more chance to undo and relive the past.

Anyways spent the rest of the time watching people and how they moved and dressed. Then as night fell moved to Mulund after meeting a couple of friends and eating out again at KFC. For the night went to Nirmal Lifestyle mall in Mulund, went shopping at Shoppers Stop, Dollar Shop after my dinner at Urban Tadka. Then retired for the night at Friends place at Mulund.

Next day went camping in the locals, went to Kurla, nostalgic thougts of my previous visits bloomed here, then went to Chembur and had a look around, and also managed to buy some DVDs. Next stop was Dadar and then to Andheri (W) from where I went to Infinity mall in Lookhanwaala, Andheri, had my lunch at Malgudi then proceeded to shop further, before catching a bus to head towards Villa Parle towards airport. Wanted to do more, shop more but lack of company and my shoulder baggage kindaa pulled me down. I managed to buy a dozen of Pirated CD's I couldn't believe my eyes when I got Telugu DVDs at Andheri Station, well one more reason to be comfortable if I were to stay in Mumbai.

Anyways the trip was short a very nostalgic, learned and expereinced the fast paced life of Mumbaikar, the slums and choules of Mumbai, the hard life of a common man, the opportunism of the politicians, and greed of the place making people work that extra mile. People hardly have time, and probably the only time they spend with the families to enjoy is on a Sunday, rest of the time work and journey. All people work, infact the cost of living is high and to offset the living costs the large female population is also in engaged in earning bread for the family. Thats the reason for coming accross a women more often than in any other Indian city. But Mumbai life is a stuggle, lots of diversities in culture and social stature makes this place unique. People tend to be very opportunisitc and live in a struggle for survival scenario and people keep running accross for modes of earning money.

Genpact, Jaipur

Finally on Friday morning we hit the road headed towards Jaipur, we had an AC bus specially arranged for us, and an rest of the people who didn't feel like fitting in went in a Qualis. Sruthi dropped this leg of the trip as she was due for her marriage. The rest of the troop made it to the pink city. The travel was fun, for me though I was tired after the Leadership party, I did manage to get my share of fun. We by this time formed our own group of Saurabh's Karan, Surya, Viral, Prasad, Tarak, Kaushik and Manish. Yummy Yamini and Sai. Travelling always has been fun for me, we reached Jaipur amd we were put up at Country inn there. We got our rooms after an hour of wait, people were so tired that they all jumped into the available rooms even before their rooms were made ready. Quickly freshen up and left for office at around 2pm. Had our lunch Pizzaa's then some gyan and quick match of Volleyball. We beat the seniors convinicingly. Then for the night we went to the city palace for the party. Traditional palace with some Rajputaana heritage. We partied till 11. Lots of fun for me, danced like crazy, the group too came out very actively for the party. Ramnath and Rachna had a clash as he was overly drunk and lost control. Shobit was puking all the time yucks. Came back after a wonderful evening just sank into the bed and fell asleep for a rather long funfilled day.

Next day I thought of hitting the pool in afternoon, but no costumes so was not allowed. Breakfast was really fantastic at the hotel, really large menu and a muli-cuisine actually. I never knew that breakfast could have these many varieties. Rest of the day I slept as the rest of the people we shopping in Jaipur. Towards the afternoon we went to Ajmer fort near the outskirts of the city. Forts and palaces and history culture and heritage had always been my interests. Was really overwhelmed by the structures which were carefully camouflaged with the sands hills. Awesome sight. Once inside the palace we visited various rooms and halls in the fort. This palace had been a centre of great rule, and for now many movies have also been shot here.

Towards the evening we broke the day towards a Rajasthani theme village resort called Chowkidhani, as similar to our Dola-ri-dhani in Hyderabad. Big big facility, lots of traditionally styled houses and stalls. Crowds were huge in number too owing to the fact it was saturday. We shopped, played games, rode horses, elephants, camels , shook are legs to Rajasthani folklore, went on rides. So much of fun it was. The food houses there were a treat, food was rich in ghee and we have been served soo much of Makhan that I've never had in my entire life. Over half a dozen varieties of rotis were served in all, similar amount of sweets and curries that I ever tasted or smelled off. And servers were also a fun to watch, they kept adding more ghee and sugar icing to it and kept insisting on having it. Else they would keep saying "Is umar mein nahin tho kab" It was neatly choreographed way of serving and enacting. They did their job quite winderfully. A must visit place if one is in Jaipur. After all the cracking time we all came back to hotel with lots of smiles and heavy stomach. It hardly took a few minutes for me sleep deep.

Next day morning we were off packing our bags, to go to Gurgaon and then to Airport to catch our flight back home to Hyderabad for the final leg of Orientation. Never in life would forget these experiences. Awesome experience...

Genpact, Gurgaon

Finally the D-day has come, I caught up with the early morning Spice Jet flight to New Delhi. Early morning !!!! yes early morning, what the hell you must be thinking, I wrongly booked the ticket for 300 hrs thinking its 3pm, a costly mistake. Gosh what a way to start off, Dad drops me off at airport at a vague hour, 1am. I wait along with a bunch of sleepy faces around, to finally board the plane. The smell of freshness in the plane as it was newly furbished/prepared for the next days haul and I was among the first few to board it for the day. Long sleeplessly sleepy journey to Delhi, touched down at 5.30.

Picked up byDiggy anna, gosh I kept my eldest of all cousin waiting early in the morning. There we started are long journey to their house in Gurgaon. He made me sure that I was belted and buckled up in like a kid and went on explaining all the important landmarks as we whizzed by them at 90+ something speed. He was telling about his company and work and family as he politely enquired about mine and cautioned against the call centre culture and extremes people get into. Finally reached their place, it was a sunday morning. He had 2 kids, well I hardly knew my cousins from my father's side, rarely get to interact them, so meeting his kids who were as tall as me was good. One I believe was into his 10+2 and the other 8th Std. They had a Kasmiri hunter dog. Don't know its name, but as all dogs this was also fun to play. Though like scooby, an Labrador of another cousins this was more friendlier rather more than required. All my pants and legs were ensured to be kept moist.

As it was still early morning I went out to adventure on the Gurgaon roads, Diggy anna showed me various corporate offices that day.

Then quickly had my breakfast, tried to imitate that I wanted to sleep, before being waked up for the weekly mass of theirs. Gosh am not into it at all, but kya kare had to budge in they will not like my arrogance. We went to Unitech's country club, small gathering. My nephews were performing on the keyboard and drums and they were good.

Later we came home for lunch, good Veggie meals, they understood am not much of a NVian. Loved the Vankaayi which vadina made. This was the first time I was eating in their house.

Later slept for the day and evening we went around gurgaon for the 3rd time. This time to anna's office premises. There's is a European company who are into making of stone crushing equipment, whose head office was in Sweden. Then he showed me the malls and class apartments before dropping me off at my guest house.

My roomy, my batchmate from K were supposed to share the room, but looks like he left for the night. Chak, was getting married to Jyothi in a month, so went to meet his inlaws. I slept for the night, knock knock came chak at 11.30 in the night. Had a quick catchup then slept off.

Next day went to our basement hall for breakfast, were we met with a few other joines. Later freshened up and left for the office in our cabs which came to pick us up, rather a little late.

We came in to the corporate office located at Phase V, we were close to 40 something people from various campuses. There is another batch too but they will join a month later. We were greeted by our Campus coordinators Divisha, Sruthi, Manasi Baaga, who are going to be our facilitators for the rest of the time.

We had various leadership sessions day-in day-out, with likes of Pramod bhasin, Anju Talwar, Steve Rudderman coming in, quite an eyeopener on an industry quite unknown to me. Next day we had our on-boarding where our log-in Genpact OHR_IDS were created. All this happened in 22a, another site of Genpacts in Gurgaon. The names of the rooms here are pacific breeze, hawaiin beach etc.. strange.
Day 3 was floor walks at phase 5, Day four was again in 22a were we got our tags and ids done finally. I really loved my blue id card. Its a two tone card, two shades of blue (robin blue and a navy blue. All this time the HR held us in suspense on our postings and roles, some of them knew right at recruitment, others like me had no clue. I had my inhibitance on location itself.
I was told that I was to head towards Hyd, FCOE. Breather for me.
All this while in Gurgaon, Chak kept his evenings busy talking with his fiance, and one day on Wednesday (day 3) we went to a few malls there. Sahara mall to be precise, was walkable from our guest house, 1/2 hr walk :) , Gurgaon is a strange place, we hardly have or see public transport, even the streets are modestly populated. There we window shopped for a while, then had BigMac burger, then went to PVR for a movie. This was the scary part, the ticket costed 100 a piece, man I've could have watched 3 at that price in Hyd and 4 in towns. Ok, whats so frightening, once we were in the hall, we had lots and lots voids in the theatre, Voids.. no people at all, we were the only two, then as the title started we had our watchman join and accompany us. After 15min we had another couple drop in. That sunday in the same Sahara mall a teenager was killed, was pushed off from the top floor where she had come to party for the night. Owing to this all the malls had strict vigilance, and we were thoroughly mocked by the cinema security staff. Nothing was been allowed even lighters, matches were been stripped off. Anyways thats for the movie, when were done its well past 1am, and we had to walk back the 1/2 hour walk, with bad light and poor memory we lost our way. Middle of no where, no living being along except for ourselves, winds gushing quietly by the side, quite chilling. After some effort and trials we finally made it back, relieved we were after such an endeavour. On the whole a very good, and interesting start of my career. Started with a bang and promising,
On Friday morning we started off for Jaipur to visit the Genpact office there, the trip promises to be good. Would be my first trip to the Rajputannas. Eager to make my fascination for forts and palaces come to life.

Chennai Summer project

My summer project started off on April 4th. I reached Chennai, which happens to be one of the more liked cities by me on 3rd April. I came via Tirupathi and by the time I reached there it was 8:10pm. Unfortunately I had no telephone numbers of my cousins which I forgot at my dressing table back home. I got hold of my old list where my Aunt's number was there. I tried to contact her but in vain. The number was over 6 years old and had changed by now. I tried to contact home but my dad's gone out for a wedding, mom isn't aware. After some anxious moments I got the number, and landed at my cousins place at around 10pm in an auto who charged me 90/-. My cousins had too kids Tyeni (Akheel) and Mini ( ??). Cousin is working at port trust so he stayed in port trust quarters at place called Toll gate, which is the northen most part of Chennai and is the place where the Chennai corporation limit ends. For the first leg I've stayed in Chennai for 6 nights and 5 days. I happen to get my tickets for Hyd only 5 hrs before leaving that too WL tickets. I spend some 6 weeks in Hyderabad for my field work. Had a good experience here meeting and talking to different kinds of people. Had my first chance to dominate the recruiting agency/ person.
I started back for Chennai on 17th. This trip happened to be my maiden 2AC trip. Boring and dull life in AC boogies. I almost slept for major part of the journey as I was ill the earlier few days. Came back to Caucasians home at around 7:30am. They had some guests by then who were cleared by evening :-)) . Then the usual journey started, Tollgate-Tondiarpet-Royapeta-Old Washermanpet-Parrys-Highcourt-Central-Hindu-Peters-TLM-TVS-Teynampet(SIET)-Cenotaph Road. Everyday up and down the same route. The journey lasted for nearly 1 to 2hrs depending on availability of transport. Beyond our tollgate came Thiruvuyuthoor. I for the 1st time went to Spencers Plaza, spend some time venturing through those countless number of shops. I m almost confused at the magnamiy of the complex. I bought lots of DVDs this time round, unfortunately some aren't working.

On 28th , the day of journey and incident's the only day I was free from my project work I had my first Andhra meals, I completely filled my belly. Now on that day I actually understood what an Andhra meals was and what my liking was. Andhra meals - Rice, Lots of pickles, 2 or 3 fries of vegetables, tomato Dal in tamarind in ghee, Appalam and fried curd chilies.
What a south Indian meal was rice in lots of Sambhar and Rasam and Kavoulum (kuura in Telugu) in aplam and lemon pickle. We use lots of tamarind and dal unlike the south Indian meals which is dominated by sambhar rasam, which fortunately is used only as a side dish. 1st time in life I also hit the swimming pool. Visited the community pool by the side of Marina. That was one bit of experience to cherish. I never swam so I was always 90 degrees to the ground. Teyni taught me some steps to follow which made me a little comfortable for a while. Was there in the pool for 1/2 hr, and came out totally exhausted, my lungs were too tired and seemed to be under high pressure. When I wanted to walk my feet were too heavy to carry my body, strange feeling but a good one.
Then started off to home by Charminar express, my good old train traveled too fast unlike its reputation. Reached Sec'bad at around 8. I forgot my fav short on train and my belt at my cousins house. Overall a good expresses to cherish.

Finally Sri Vekatesharudoo darshana bhagyam

The wait is over, the call has come, time to seek blessings for future venturex and thanks givings for the past blessing and well being and luck he bestowed me with.
1st of April I finally started off from Hyderabad. Initially we planned to start off after my 1st year exams around 23rd from Hyd, we then even booked the tickets for the same dates too, but fate wouldn't allow, I had MIS case submission, which I inevitably delayed the process till the last hour. So the trip was delayed for a week. Finally I decided to take the trip on my way to Chennai for my summers. Aboard Venkatadri express I started off my journey at 8pm with my dearest friend to Tirupathi the pilgrimage town. It's been over two years that I last visited and over 4 years that I offered my hair at Tirupati. I reached there at around 8:45am had bath and started off our ascend by APSRTC bus. We had our darshanam slated for 11am.Due to regular delay we got a chance to visit the holy shrine only at around 2:30pm. We took our blessings and ventured out for some shopping for that day. Later in day I went to KalyanaKatta for tonsure. Here had my cool and refreshing bath which refreshed me off already deprived energy levels.

Above is the snap of tonsuring at one of the Kalyanakatta. Later that day retired a bit early as I was feeling too tired. The next day Sunday we started off on a two hour journey to one of the most famous Vinakaykudi temples in AP. The Lord Ganesh, or Varasiddhi Vinayaka as they call here is the deity of the temple at this place, Kanipakam.One peculiarity of the Vinayaka Idol is that it eternally grows in size. To testify the fact that the Lord is growing, the Silver "Kawacham" that was manufactured 50 years ago is now too small for the idol. The temple was built in around 1333 I guess by Chola dynasty. It was till a few years a small one. But over the years with growing importance of Tirupati this temple has been expanded and new complex has come about. This was the first time I was visiting the place, and I felt that it was almost as busy as the Tirumala Balaji temple but on a smaller note. Everytime I go visit such divine places I feel strengthen and spiritually risen and blessed. Hope and pray everyone's dreams and ambitions come true.

Hope next time around I go systematically for my trip. In sense 1st Varahaswamy darshanam, next tonsure, next pushkarini dip, next the darshanam. I really hope all this can be done. And I want to see little greenary on hills which has been missing in this particular trip

Can't wait to go to Tirupati

It's been some 2 yrs that I have been to Tirumala Tirupati, Last time was I believe in July 2003. I always believed that I am indebted to the almighty for all I have received. I always got more than I can imagine, more than what a normal boy can get. I have had my share of good things and bad things in life and I believe that one has to pay for his deeds more in his present life than in his next birth. I far try to maintain displine in life, hope its balances everything. My ultimate goal might be to be a satisfied person who has no desires but only to serve people and give back to the community and mother earth. Nobel yes , how's it possible I don't know..but I'll try to one day ...
Back to Tirupati I first went to Tirumala ( Tirumala is the place where Lord Balaji's abbot is. Lord Balaji is manifestation Lord Vekateshwara or Lord Vishnu who is presumed to be the most powerful God of Kaliyug,(Kaliyuga prathyaksha daivam).Lord balaji is promised other devata's that this avathara is meant for people in kaliyuga ,as kaliyuga is said to be the time when human lives with too much of adharma and commit sins . HIS temple in tirumala is the Richest temple in the world .
http://www.tirumala.org
For first time i've set foot on the seven hills I was mesmerised but the sanctity of the place and divinity of nature. Me being a proper city goer never have ever seen such a beautiful place ever in my life, full of hills and valleys, greenary and water spots..Thats the closest to nature I thought I could ever get . Then in 2001 I had my 1st toncture to Lord Balaji, 2nd time went I hadn't had it.
My 2003 visit...
This is a snap from Aler which is the last stop before embarking the seven sacred hills..

This time in 2005 I am planning to have one, I am thankful to Almighty in my senses. I truly dedicate anything in me to him wholy, and sincerly hope I'll die by his name.
I truly want to be there again and again be at his service always ....

Flash Back - IIMK trip from Hyderabad

It is 1st of July 2004 where I set off my journey to IIM K . Earlier day i've had calls from Sandeep Reddy asking me to meet him, I wasn't that interested and had very little time to make it to him. The packing was greatly helped by uncle. I and my mom at that moment were having a fight so we were rarely talking to each other. On 1st the d-day my parents stayed back from there office which they usually never do. I dropped some stuff for Poornima at her class then had to take my bike to register and get it packed. Having completed the formalities I came back around 11:30 am by bus ( I m a miser ). The train was supposed to depart at 12:30 (7028 Sabari Express) and Shailendra Chak and Sandeep Reddy gave enough calls to confirm that I m on time, but pity tat I wasn't there at home to take calls. In some 10min I freshened up and again started packing some stuff and added one more petty luggage. Already I had a suitcase, 2 duffle bags, a large cover, a computer box. Mom spoke something while i was leaving in our car. Dad accompanied me along and at the station we waited eagerly for the train. As the train came came in Chak made it to station just 5 min before with his friend from IDRBT. Sandeep Reddy was accompanied by his father.

I train started nd we introduced ourselves then later had lunch. Chak surprisingly like the Pulihora(yellow tamarind rice) a lot, which I later realised from the fact that Chak had considerable Hyderbaddi influence in form of Four Soft , Oracle and GE. Chak and Sandeep Reddy became involved in close conversation right away and spend major part of journey time in conversation. I generally take time to get accustomed. We played cards for some 3 hours during the night. An elderly man at that time happened to scold us for keeping the switch on, Chak shouted back at him "SHOUT U R MOUTH"and he quietly went back to his snoring. I was quiet taken by this incident I cldn't do this to stranger and definitely not an old man.
Fine by next morning we were traveling in Tamil Nadu and we were wondering and visualising the coconut country by that time . Then came coimbatore and we entered Kerla in a while . The 1st glimpses of this was awesome.

Me Sandeep Reddy & Shailedra Chak

In Kerala it always drizzled and for the first few months I've seen so much of rainfall which I haven't seen in one single Decade in Hyderabad. Overall such a good and beautiful place to be in is Kerala. Being lover of hills and valleys, greenary and wilderness I fell in instant love with the place and the campus. My memories of visits to Vizag and Tirupati's Ghat roads and valleys and trees which made a dream for me deep within has finally been fulfilled. Dream to stay close to nature in a valley surrounded by trees, hills and water bodies. IIMK fortunately has all these things. Just great to be in this beautiful place.....