It has happened with me many times and it is happening once again. I had been at crossroads many times when I had to chose between a path that is well-known, comfortable and in which I am confident about not failing while the other path is a completely new one challenging me.
I come from a peasant family and prayer was never a regular to us. I used to visit the Ram Temple that was near our place at my village but after I moved to Hyderabad I must have visited a temple only once in a year or so. But since last 10 years I had been visiting Annavaram temple once every year. When i stand in front of the God and when it comes to making my wish, it was always the same - guide me to take the right path. It is time for me to make that wish once again.
It is time of transition at ISB as you have to start making choices but the situation that I described above is not about academic choices,it's something else. Coming to the choices we need to make at ISB there are too any of them - Exchange programs, active club contributions, indicative elective bidding, ELP, PAEV and so on.
I need to make a move now, I'll be back with more details shortly
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Aikhya - A unique event at ISB
Aikhya - the host family network has been launched today at ISB. Our group is hosted by Mr and Mrs. Vervetwala. Mrs. Dinaz is the famous lady who runs multiple fitness centres in Hyderabad. She and her husband, Mr. Jamshed Vervetwala have come to ISB today.
Key highlight of the program was the performance by Anand, Co 08. I and Anand were in the same group during preterms. I never imagined that he can sing so well. Both the devotional songs were fantastic and the most popular one was the Kishoreda's song. The last song was to illustrate the frustrations of the students after they get to see their term final exams. Most of us, incuding me, think that we will do well in one of the subjects and will be highly confident about our grade but when the results always beat our expectation. You will do well in a subject that you may have not done well (according to you) and you will not do so well in which you are supposed to top the class (according to you).
The interaction with Vervetwalas was very interesting. They were very happy to meet and so did we.
One interesting observation about this event is that it is very unique as a sociological event. In a normal situation it is very difficult to establish any relationship. It generally takes a lot of time and effort to establish credibility and trust. But in this case the host family and the student group can gain mutual trust very quickly and the relationship will move in positive direction right from the beginning. The credibility of the school as a platform plays a very important role. In normal course it would take a lot of time for me or any one else in my group to meet someone like Dinaz, interact with her and establish trust. But in the Aikhya scenario, it is instant. Our group has been invited for Dinner to Vervetwala's place the coming Friday. All my group members thoroughy enjoyed the interaction and are looking forward for the visit.
I'm sure it is also highly beneficial for the host family to interact with a group of students. Students can bring in different perspectives based on their education, experience and exposure.
Looks like admission fever for Co 09 is catching up. People keep searching ISB essays, IIM-PGPX essays. For all those who are googling on web, my advise is: Read some stories about successful admits that are available at GMAC.com and think on your own. You can find standard structure of an essay on web quite easily, just follow it. But the more important thing is the idea that you want to convey to the reader. Just focus on that. Prepare multiple drafts and show it to close friends and seek feedback. I think three to four rounds of vetting should do. Best of luck to you all.
Key highlight of the program was the performance by Anand, Co 08. I and Anand were in the same group during preterms. I never imagined that he can sing so well. Both the devotional songs were fantastic and the most popular one was the Kishoreda's song. The last song was to illustrate the frustrations of the students after they get to see their term final exams. Most of us, incuding me, think that we will do well in one of the subjects and will be highly confident about our grade but when the results always beat our expectation. You will do well in a subject that you may have not done well (according to you) and you will not do so well in which you are supposed to top the class (according to you).
The interaction with Vervetwalas was very interesting. They were very happy to meet and so did we.
One interesting observation about this event is that it is very unique as a sociological event. In a normal situation it is very difficult to establish any relationship. It generally takes a lot of time and effort to establish credibility and trust. But in this case the host family and the student group can gain mutual trust very quickly and the relationship will move in positive direction right from the beginning. The credibility of the school as a platform plays a very important role. In normal course it would take a lot of time for me or any one else in my group to meet someone like Dinaz, interact with her and establish trust. But in the Aikhya scenario, it is instant. Our group has been invited for Dinner to Vervetwala's place the coming Friday. All my group members thoroughy enjoyed the interaction and are looking forward for the visit.
I'm sure it is also highly beneficial for the host family to interact with a group of students. Students can bring in different perspectives based on their education, experience and exposure.
Looks like admission fever for Co 09 is catching up. People keep searching ISB essays, IIM-PGPX essays. For all those who are googling on web, my advise is: Read some stories about successful admits that are available at GMAC.com and think on your own. You can find standard structure of an essay on web quite easily, just follow it. But the more important thing is the idea that you want to convey to the reader. Just focus on that. Prepare multiple drafts and show it to close friends and seek feedback. I think three to four rounds of vetting should do. Best of luck to you all.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Marathon reading
This is my first post in Term 3. As expected we had lots of pre-reads and pre-assignments (something new) but I had a difficult time choosing which book to read. I didn't have many choices though, the fight was between the thick volumes of Corporate Finance and Managerial Accounting and the last book of Harry Potter. I didn't have much trouble as it was just the beginning of the term, I choose Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
I finished reading the 600 odd pages book in about 10 hours. Originally I planned to read about 50 pages everyday but from the moment I opened the book I couldn't really stop. Luckily one of the classes got postponed, for the first-time at ISB, and I had time to finish the book. J.K.Rowling was at her best. The book is brilliant.
Back at ISB everyone is silently praying for their Term 2 results and yesterday marks for one of the courses was out. I did well and with this result I think I am back to my normal study level. I never attempted to top the class right from my school days. Till a certain there was no competition and I used to be first in class and then later on when I moved to Hyderabad there were others who were smarter than me. I was happy to see more smarter ones than me. It helped me to learn new things from them. Same thing happened in college and at work too. Whenever I was the smartest around I had trouble. It was always good to have better people around. I did well at all the places where my boss and my team was very good. I enjoyed working with them, challened by them and I challenging and learning from them.
One of the reasons I came to ISB is precisely the above factor. There are so many brilliant people around that you are challenged and you can learn from almost everyone.
All this reminds me of the old Maaza (fruit drink ad) ad - Because you are young only once, do what you want to do, Doing what comes naturally - Maaza, Maaza. By the way mazaa means enjoyment in Hyderabadi.
I finished reading the 600 odd pages book in about 10 hours. Originally I planned to read about 50 pages everyday but from the moment I opened the book I couldn't really stop. Luckily one of the classes got postponed, for the first-time at ISB, and I had time to finish the book. J.K.Rowling was at her best. The book is brilliant.
Back at ISB everyone is silently praying for their Term 2 results and yesterday marks for one of the courses was out. I did well and with this result I think I am back to my normal study level. I never attempted to top the class right from my school days. Till a certain there was no competition and I used to be first in class and then later on when I moved to Hyderabad there were others who were smarter than me. I was happy to see more smarter ones than me. It helped me to learn new things from them. Same thing happened in college and at work too. Whenever I was the smartest around I had trouble. It was always good to have better people around. I did well at all the places where my boss and my team was very good. I enjoyed working with them, challened by them and I challenging and learning from them.
One of the reasons I came to ISB is precisely the above factor. There are so many brilliant people around that you are challenged and you can learn from almost everyone.
All this reminds me of the old Maaza (fruit drink ad) ad - Because you are young only once, do what you want to do, Doing what comes naturally - Maaza, Maaza. By the way mazaa means enjoyment in Hyderabadi.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
100th Post
It's saturday evening and there is one full day before we enter Term 3. But mails from Term 3 profs are already pouring in troubling all those who are in vacation.
Lots of interesting things are happening around the world. Right now, I feel that Economy as an area is the most interesting to all the people. Managers, Business Owners, Politicians, Academicians alike, everyone is thinking economy. China seems to be grabbing not only a lion's share of US trade but it also is grabbing media space and people's mind space.
Though China's success is drawing lot of flak almost everyone is appreciating the quick decision making and the urgency in action shown by the Chinese officials. I'm sure US is watching but more than US it is important for India to learn this aspect.
One important development on personal front is that I have developed long sight and started wearing spectacles. Certainly ISB tests you and brings out all you weaknesses pretty quickly.
Lots of interesting things are happening around the world. Right now, I feel that Economy as an area is the most interesting to all the people. Managers, Business Owners, Politicians, Academicians alike, everyone is thinking economy. China seems to be grabbing not only a lion's share of US trade but it also is grabbing media space and people's mind space.
Though China's success is drawing lot of flak almost everyone is appreciating the quick decision making and the urgency in action shown by the Chinese officials. I'm sure US is watching but more than US it is important for India to learn this aspect.
One important development on personal front is that I have developed long sight and started wearing spectacles. Certainly ISB tests you and brings out all you weaknesses pretty quickly.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Term break at ISB
Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Water hand ball, CSTR project and Hyderabad visits - these are the activities on everyone's calendar who stayed behind in the term break.
We are climbing a steep mountain; that's exactly what I felt when I had a look at the course packs for Term 3.
There was a proposal to change the study groups from this term. But more than 70% voted against and therefore we will have the same studygroup for the next two terms. For me both the arguments made sense. To develop a team you need atleast two-three months and if you change the group once again, the process has to start again. On the other hand if you stick with the same set of people how would you know others.
In fact I've always worked in dynamically changing teams. Right from the manufacturing days I preferred to expand the team that I work in. I've always poked my nose into other departments trying to understand what they are doing and trying to see if I can do something about it. This has been my strength and weakness. It used to be difficukt for me to let go of things that easily. But after I started with Middle Earth, I've realized the importance of letting things go. Only thing I continue to do is out a checklist for myself to track how things are going and interfere only in extreme cases.
ISB has started another new initiative this year. All those who opted for this program is assigned to an alum with similar bakground. My mentor is Kashyap Kompella. The mail from the Alum Relations office said that I have a 100% match with my mentor. I look forward to interact with him this weekend. That should kind give me more clarity.
Yesterday I stopped a brown hare(in telugu it's called a chevula pilli - cat with long ears)in the campus. May be I will do an adventure trip into the SV1 jungle tomorrow and see if I can spot some reptiles too.
Cheers
We are climbing a steep mountain; that's exactly what I felt when I had a look at the course packs for Term 3.
There was a proposal to change the study groups from this term. But more than 70% voted against and therefore we will have the same studygroup for the next two terms. For me both the arguments made sense. To develop a team you need atleast two-three months and if you change the group once again, the process has to start again. On the other hand if you stick with the same set of people how would you know others.
In fact I've always worked in dynamically changing teams. Right from the manufacturing days I preferred to expand the team that I work in. I've always poked my nose into other departments trying to understand what they are doing and trying to see if I can do something about it. This has been my strength and weakness. It used to be difficukt for me to let go of things that easily. But after I started with Middle Earth, I've realized the importance of letting things go. Only thing I continue to do is out a checklist for myself to track how things are going and interfere only in extreme cases.
ISB has started another new initiative this year. All those who opted for this program is assigned to an alum with similar bakground. My mentor is Kashyap Kompella. The mail from the Alum Relations office said that I have a 100% match with my mentor. I look forward to interact with him this weekend. That should kind give me more clarity.
Yesterday I stopped a brown hare(in telugu it's called a chevula pilli - cat with long ears)in the campus. May be I will do an adventure trip into the SV1 jungle tomorrow and see if I can spot some reptiles too.
Cheers
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Rare events
It's very rare to see Sun God (Surya) and Rain God (Varuna)together that too in full strength. Yesterday as we finished our term 2 final exams I got to see not just one rare event that I mentioned above but I saw another one.
I saw people who were highly disappointed and upset but at the same time cheerful, laughing and in elated mood.
That's exactly what happened after the Global Economics exam. I can't really explain why they were upset but there is a linkage to the paper. I can surely say why people were happy; most of them are going home after 3 months and some of them for sure are bored of food at Goel, stuff at Trinethra, hectic schedules. Even the Hyderabad weather must have bored them, it was too nice for a long time now.
It's good to be back to normal, lazy schedules, doing insignificant things without any deadlines.
There were atleast 50 cabs that transported 200+ students from ISB to airport and most of the outbound flights to the Delhi and Mumbai had more than one ISB student on it.
Another striking point is that how technology, market and globalization are making things happen that were almost impossible till recent times. Low cost air travel is making a two/three day trip to Delhi from Hyderabad possible. Otherwise people used to spend two days only in train. Low cost Airlines like Deccan, IndiGo have made commuting within India so affordable that even a middle class guy is thinking flight when he plans a long trip. This is really amazing. Globalization has definitely made low cost flying a reality in India. Atleast we could copy the best practices and someone dared to venture into it opening a whole range of possibilities.
Not only low fares, convenience is playing a bigger part too. People are booking their flight tickets over internet using credit cards and taking a print out for a ticket. Remember the olden days where flight tickets were a great thing to flash around, showing to people that you are going on a flight on "official work". Now flight tickets are like train tickets, may be even less valuable, you can always get a print out.
Even getting a cab used to be a pain in Hyderabad. Taxi guys used spent lot of time waiting for a passenger and had to charge high rates because of low business volume. But now, you can get a cab anywhere in the city with a single local call at exact time that you want. Cell phones have enabled small businesses and increased the market size and opportunities.
Open markets and Technology are impacting business and life in many areas that no one might have foreseen by removing may small bottlenecks.
Finally the pictures that I have captured of the rare event (Sun and the Rain together)
I saw people who were highly disappointed and upset but at the same time cheerful, laughing and in elated mood.
That's exactly what happened after the Global Economics exam. I can't really explain why they were upset but there is a linkage to the paper. I can surely say why people were happy; most of them are going home after 3 months and some of them for sure are bored of food at Goel, stuff at Trinethra, hectic schedules. Even the Hyderabad weather must have bored them, it was too nice for a long time now.
It's good to be back to normal, lazy schedules, doing insignificant things without any deadlines.
There were atleast 50 cabs that transported 200+ students from ISB to airport and most of the outbound flights to the Delhi and Mumbai had more than one ISB student on it.
Another striking point is that how technology, market and globalization are making things happen that were almost impossible till recent times. Low cost air travel is making a two/three day trip to Delhi from Hyderabad possible. Otherwise people used to spend two days only in train. Low cost Airlines like Deccan, IndiGo have made commuting within India so affordable that even a middle class guy is thinking flight when he plans a long trip. This is really amazing. Globalization has definitely made low cost flying a reality in India. Atleast we could copy the best practices and someone dared to venture into it opening a whole range of possibilities.
Not only low fares, convenience is playing a bigger part too. People are booking their flight tickets over internet using credit cards and taking a print out for a ticket. Remember the olden days where flight tickets were a great thing to flash around, showing to people that you are going on a flight on "official work". Now flight tickets are like train tickets, may be even less valuable, you can always get a print out.
Even getting a cab used to be a pain in Hyderabad. Taxi guys used spent lot of time waiting for a passenger and had to charge high rates because of low business volume. But now, you can get a cab anywhere in the city with a single local call at exact time that you want. Cell phones have enabled small businesses and increased the market size and opportunities.
Open markets and Technology are impacting business and life in many areas that no one might have foreseen by removing may small bottlenecks.
Finally the pictures that I have captured of the rare event (Sun and the Rain together)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Last lap
One more to go and that's it for another three weeks. Exam related stress induces in to a lot of binge activities the moment exams get over. I am planning to play a lot of Tennis, Badminton and Squash, watch a lot of movies, do some shopping and get set for CEIBS.
Term 3 appears to be more numerical than Term 1 and 2 and will definitely be more demanding. Another learning for me is that exams not only are useful to assess learning but are also highly beneficial in increasing penetration, retention and application. At the beginning, during preterms, I never understood mathematical notations and always preferred to write thing in normal and expanded ways. But after the amount of practice for DMOP and Marketing Decision Making, I am now able to understand and write complex mathematical notations.
One of the key takeaway is that exams should be used more extensively to maximize learner involvement. If there is enough motivation for the learner, exams can improve learning value of the course too. That brings me to another important aspect, which is learner motivation. Internal motivation and strong drivers have the biggest impact and cannot be achieved by any other method in the class. Even if the faculty/prof is the best in the world, without learner motivation, learning will be low.
Another 4 hours and our term break starts. But there is no remorse for me. I still have one more assignment to finish.
Next post would be about "What's so inspiring about inspiration" and then on term break adventures
Good luck and cheers to all the readers
Term 3 appears to be more numerical than Term 1 and 2 and will definitely be more demanding. Another learning for me is that exams not only are useful to assess learning but are also highly beneficial in increasing penetration, retention and application. At the beginning, during preterms, I never understood mathematical notations and always preferred to write thing in normal and expanded ways. But after the amount of practice for DMOP and Marketing Decision Making, I am now able to understand and write complex mathematical notations.
One of the key takeaway is that exams should be used more extensively to maximize learner involvement. If there is enough motivation for the learner, exams can improve learning value of the course too. That brings me to another important aspect, which is learner motivation. Internal motivation and strong drivers have the biggest impact and cannot be achieved by any other method in the class. Even if the faculty/prof is the best in the world, without learner motivation, learning will be low.
Another 4 hours and our term break starts. But there is no remorse for me. I still have one more assignment to finish.
Next post would be about "What's so inspiring about inspiration" and then on term break adventures
Good luck and cheers to all the readers
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