Aug 02, 2004 – The day I joined SCG family. One of the days I would remember in my life throughout. My first job, secured with much ease when compared to the battle faced by my friends to secure their first job.
The memories of my first day in SCG still remain fresh. I entered office @ 0920 Hrs. One Mr. Lal Mohammed - one more new comer to the SCG group was waiting. It was his first day too. After formal introductions between us, we settled in the room which I later came to know as the Support / Training room. One Mr. Kumanan came in @ 0925 Hrs. He used to be punctual ….always, something which I witnessed in the later years. He appeared to be a man of 25 years. He is one of the persons who had a strong & stiff moustache I’ve ever seen. He was around 5 & ½ feet tall with a decent physique. He introduced himself & assured support to us whenever we need. His sounded very warm.
Within minutes we were going through the first session…..ANTIVIRUS. Trend Micro, Symantec, and MacAfee – these were the products explained to us. I was turning pale, as I was not able to register even a single bit of the training passed on. As far as IT industry was concerned, all I knew then was to open IE & check mail in my yahoo inbox. I can handle a bit of MS Office. The session was over in 45 minutes. The proceedings were totally in contrast to what I thought! I imagined the proceedings to happen in a much slower pace. Thought I would be given training for a period of one month at least and then I would be put on bench where I can nurture my skills and then I would be gradually pulled in for the real projects. An alarm went out in my mind – Dear Guru, first day, first ball, clean bowled for a DUCK. Kumanan gave us some materials we can use and was gone for a call. It was later I found that a CALL – is a response we give to our clients either by a visit preplanned or out of emergency to sort out an issue / installation / configuration. Lal started working in Windows XP. He simply asked for an Installation CD and started installing Windows XP. I was very impressed with his abilities. I watched him install the OS and then started to install mine on my own. I would have never completed without Lal’s help. In fact, it was Lal who did the installation on my behalf. Another alarm went out….Time for lunch !
We both went down and had a nice meal. Once done with my / our lunch, we came back. I requested Lal, whether he can help me out in learning things. He nodded. He was very warm. I thought, I can pick up things in a week’s time, at least the Windows XP installation. W(h)e installed the OS one more time. Around 1500 hours, Prasad came with tea. We took time to enjoy the tea. Once done, we started again with the installation of OS. By this time Lal was installing Windows server 2003. I was stunned. I asked myself, how many OS does he know? Lal asked me to install Windows XP one more time. For the 4th time, w(h)e installed the OS. Once done, I asked him to tell me how to install the Windows server 2003 OS. He starred at me and then proceeded to explain me that the installation of all the MS OS remains the same more or less. I was relieved. I still remember the number of times I asked him the same question to confirm that the installation procedure remains the same for all MS OS more or less.
It was 1700 Hrs and Lal started to revise the concepts explained by Kumanan. Without much option, I followed suit. It was then I realized that work is something which does not come to you as easily as education. No more spoon feeding. I went through the procedures on installing the Antivirus applications. I found them somewhat easy than the OS installation. Time was 1830 Hrs. I started to think as to what is the closing time? I would take at least 45 minutes to reach home. So I thought it would be better if I can use the restrooms before starting. I need to locate the Lavatory. I asked Lal as to where can I find one. He didn’t know. It was the first question for which Lal didn’t have any answers that day. I thought, I must find it myself. I came out of the support room for the third time that day. Ravi was occupied with some attendance reports. I asked him where the rest rooms are. He responded with directions. He also asked me to relax and have a look around. He also told me where I can find coffee, in case I needed one. For the first time that day, I went into what was called the Sales territory.
Most of the faces were unknown to me. I gazed on my way to the restrooms for Prem / Kumanan. They were the only persons I knew at that time. Prem being the person who interviewed me & Kumanan being my trainer. No luck. On my way back I once again gazed around & Prem was there with his laptop. He was wearing a white shirt and black pant. He was speaking with someone in his mobile. On seeing me he nodded his head. I smiled and came back to the support room. The time was 1915 and not even a single person had risen from his seat to call it a day. I wondered whether I would be able to start at least by 2000 Hrs. Within 5 minutes Prem made his way out. Ravi came into the support room and asked us to meet one Mr. Veera. It was later that I learnt that he was the branch manager. We went to his cabin. He greeted us with a smile and asked us from where we are coming. I told him that I come from Villivakkam. He responded by saying that he also comes from Villivakkam. Out of curiosity, I asked him the exact location of his home. As he told me, I was taken by surprise that he was residing in the street parallel to where I reside. We exchanged pleasant smiles and he asked whether we feel comfortable. He asked us to contact him in case of any help. He looked at his watch and asked us to leave as it was around 1930 Hrs & started to concentrate on what he was doing. I looked at Lal and he smiled his approval to take leave. I happy to finish one of the longest days of my life.
Friday, 31 August 2007
Persons I Adore !
Having delivered some thoughts about me & my feelings, I have come up with what I feel about the persons I adore this time. Read on…….
Dad
Before I start to scribble anything about him, let me thank Almighty for giving me such a nice dad. True! He is one of the best things I have in my life. From what I remember as my childhood days, he was a man of simplicity and remains simple till date. A very nice human by thoughts & deeds. With his monthly income of RS 1500, he enrolled me and my brother in a decent school. Even at times of financial crisis, where the situation demanded him to enroll us in a government school, he stood by us and managed to provide a decent schooling. We were a family of 6. Myself, my brother, mom, dad grandpa & grandma. I still remember the days when my mom used to tell me my dad’s past. Having completed his PUC and first year of graduation @ Vaishnava College, he was forced to discontinue his studies & find a job for the daily bread & butter. He did. Started his first job in a glass manufacturing unit. Every day he came back home not only with his daily wages, but also with a lot of cuts & bruises. When my grandpa came to know about this, he asked my dad to stop. From what I remember, I can tell you that he even got a defense clerical job, but turned it down for his father’s interest. The reason being asked to report for duty in Kadaloor, way away from home.
My mom & dad got married sometime after he secured a job in a company called Easans. After a few years @ Easans, he moved to Wavin India Ltd as PA to the director. It is where he is for past 2 decades I hope. When it came to studies, he remained strict. Until 6th grade in school, I remained a front runner. It was after 6th grade that my studies started to be unstable. From what I remember, I have failed twice in geography & biology. Those were the only days I wanted to avoid looking into my dad’s eyes. I even got a full hot coffee poured into me on one such occasion. Though it was the only time, my father never beat me for scoring low marks. All he would do is to make me stand out of the house, till 9 or 10 on the night of the results. I now understand the reason. The shame that was felt by us made us come back strong. Even now I can remember his words “When people ask you why you are standing out? Tell them that you have failed in the exams.” It is now I realize that how hard it would have been for him to support a family of six without compromising on our studies with a meager salary of RS 1500.
Though he found it difficult to run the family, he never let that cover our enjoyment. Whenever we had a tour in school, whenever we had a holiday, whenever we came across a decent hit film, he nodded. When it came to studies, he even afforded to the special maths & science tuitions I thought would be required for excelling in my 12th grade. All he wanted me to do was to reciprocate with good grades. I never did. Still he continued supporting me with a firm belief that I would do so.
I finished the 12th grade with around 75 -80 percent grades. I was not even near the competition for the Engg seats. This time I decided not to bother him. I was not offered a seat even in the Arts & science colleges. Again he came to my rescue. My dad never used to be rich in wealth, but he was wealthy in his behaviors & friends. He commanded respect & deserved it. It was then I realized what I heard, “When wealth is lost nothing is lost, When health is lost something is lost, When character is lost everything is lost” My dad never lost. He had a firm belief that good habits are the most hard things to follow. When my mom came to know that I smoke, she was very disappointed. She did not talk to me for a couple of days. She even cried that I have chosen a wrong habit as a pleasure. All my dad did was to pass on his experience, which I still remember. When he used to be in his teen age, his friends used to compel him to take a small puff. But he did not comply. Instead he told them something like this; “Dai mama, yenakku yeppo dum adikkanumnu thonutho appo naan adikkaren. Nee solli naan ippo smoke pannenna, nee yenna solluva theriyuma? Sridhara naan dum adikka vachittennu solluva. Unakku yenda antha credit naan kudukkanum? When Sridhar smokes, it will be out of his own intentions and pleasures, not because of some compulsion”. It is with such stubborn habits that he gained & good souls. It was one such good soul that gave me an opportunity to join in the college where he was the correspondent. A month passed by and the Engg counseling started. I always dreamt of becoming an Engineer. Again dad came to my rescue. He applied for a loan in Bank & enrolled me in an Engg institute in Madurai. It was a nice experience for me away from home. I started to take care of my needs myself. Never once did he make me feel that money is short. Tours, costumes, books, instruments, travel etc. I never missed any of them. On completing the Engg degree, I felt that doing a CCNA certification would boost my chances of securing a job. Again he nodded. I came back to Chennai with spirits running high. Attended interviews but never found them convincing.
Again it was my dad who offered me a helping hand. One of his friends helped me find a job. From then on I never looked back.
He enrolled me in an English Medium school, the one which he missed.
He gave me everything he desired in his past. He was not able to complete his studies, but he made me complete mine, that too the one which I desired and not deserved.
He made me experience the feeling of home away from home, the one he did not enjoy.
He made me enjoy my tours & vacations, the one which he never ever enjoyed.
Having done all these, he remains simple and enjoys the moment when I achieve something. Though it is a global truth that dads remain that way, my dad remains special for me.
He cares for me more than anybody else. I don’t know whether I would be such a good dad to my child, but I will try at least.
To be continued…….
Dad
Before I start to scribble anything about him, let me thank Almighty for giving me such a nice dad. True! He is one of the best things I have in my life. From what I remember as my childhood days, he was a man of simplicity and remains simple till date. A very nice human by thoughts & deeds. With his monthly income of RS 1500, he enrolled me and my brother in a decent school. Even at times of financial crisis, where the situation demanded him to enroll us in a government school, he stood by us and managed to provide a decent schooling. We were a family of 6. Myself, my brother, mom, dad grandpa & grandma. I still remember the days when my mom used to tell me my dad’s past. Having completed his PUC and first year of graduation @ Vaishnava College, he was forced to discontinue his studies & find a job for the daily bread & butter. He did. Started his first job in a glass manufacturing unit. Every day he came back home not only with his daily wages, but also with a lot of cuts & bruises. When my grandpa came to know about this, he asked my dad to stop. From what I remember, I can tell you that he even got a defense clerical job, but turned it down for his father’s interest. The reason being asked to report for duty in Kadaloor, way away from home.
My mom & dad got married sometime after he secured a job in a company called Easans. After a few years @ Easans, he moved to Wavin India Ltd as PA to the director. It is where he is for past 2 decades I hope. When it came to studies, he remained strict. Until 6th grade in school, I remained a front runner. It was after 6th grade that my studies started to be unstable. From what I remember, I have failed twice in geography & biology. Those were the only days I wanted to avoid looking into my dad’s eyes. I even got a full hot coffee poured into me on one such occasion. Though it was the only time, my father never beat me for scoring low marks. All he would do is to make me stand out of the house, till 9 or 10 on the night of the results. I now understand the reason. The shame that was felt by us made us come back strong. Even now I can remember his words “When people ask you why you are standing out? Tell them that you have failed in the exams.” It is now I realize that how hard it would have been for him to support a family of six without compromising on our studies with a meager salary of RS 1500.
Though he found it difficult to run the family, he never let that cover our enjoyment. Whenever we had a tour in school, whenever we had a holiday, whenever we came across a decent hit film, he nodded. When it came to studies, he even afforded to the special maths & science tuitions I thought would be required for excelling in my 12th grade. All he wanted me to do was to reciprocate with good grades. I never did. Still he continued supporting me with a firm belief that I would do so.
I finished the 12th grade with around 75 -80 percent grades. I was not even near the competition for the Engg seats. This time I decided not to bother him. I was not offered a seat even in the Arts & science colleges. Again he came to my rescue. My dad never used to be rich in wealth, but he was wealthy in his behaviors & friends. He commanded respect & deserved it. It was then I realized what I heard, “When wealth is lost nothing is lost, When health is lost something is lost, When character is lost everything is lost” My dad never lost. He had a firm belief that good habits are the most hard things to follow. When my mom came to know that I smoke, she was very disappointed. She did not talk to me for a couple of days. She even cried that I have chosen a wrong habit as a pleasure. All my dad did was to pass on his experience, which I still remember. When he used to be in his teen age, his friends used to compel him to take a small puff. But he did not comply. Instead he told them something like this; “Dai mama, yenakku yeppo dum adikkanumnu thonutho appo naan adikkaren. Nee solli naan ippo smoke pannenna, nee yenna solluva theriyuma? Sridhara naan dum adikka vachittennu solluva. Unakku yenda antha credit naan kudukkanum? When Sridhar smokes, it will be out of his own intentions and pleasures, not because of some compulsion”. It is with such stubborn habits that he gained & good souls. It was one such good soul that gave me an opportunity to join in the college where he was the correspondent. A month passed by and the Engg counseling started. I always dreamt of becoming an Engineer. Again dad came to my rescue. He applied for a loan in Bank & enrolled me in an Engg institute in Madurai. It was a nice experience for me away from home. I started to take care of my needs myself. Never once did he make me feel that money is short. Tours, costumes, books, instruments, travel etc. I never missed any of them. On completing the Engg degree, I felt that doing a CCNA certification would boost my chances of securing a job. Again he nodded. I came back to Chennai with spirits running high. Attended interviews but never found them convincing.
Again it was my dad who offered me a helping hand. One of his friends helped me find a job. From then on I never looked back.
He enrolled me in an English Medium school, the one which he missed.
He gave me everything he desired in his past. He was not able to complete his studies, but he made me complete mine, that too the one which I desired and not deserved.
He made me experience the feeling of home away from home, the one he did not enjoy.
He made me enjoy my tours & vacations, the one which he never ever enjoyed.
Having done all these, he remains simple and enjoys the moment when I achieve something. Though it is a global truth that dads remain that way, my dad remains special for me.
He cares for me more than anybody else. I don’t know whether I would be such a good dad to my child, but I will try at least.
To be continued…….
I ... Me .... Myself .......
Now that I have given the title "I ... Me .... Myself.......", I wonder where to start? But, before I start let me tell you one quick quote.
“Life is like an Elevator. Sometimes it goes Up & Sometimes it goes down. It doesn’t matter whether you go up or Down, What does matter is whether you are idle or moving. Keep Moving”
SPMHS School - this is where I started my schooling & completed Matric cum Higher secondary. Started my schooling with A+ grade and ended up with a comment "Average Guy". I always had this feeling that I am one of the best. I never knew whether it did any good to me. Every time the results came, I remained the best only in my feeling and varied a lot on reality. Passed out Matric with 80 % and still continued with my so called "One of the Best" feelings. Hated Maths completely, yet loved to become an engineer. Computer Science Engg - My goal remained clear, but the way to achieve it never appeared, not even in my best visibility. Finally I passed out Higher Secondary with 76 %. On getting the results, I started filling out the application forms for pursuing BCA/BSc, never having the guts to ask my dad to try for Engg. That timeframe turned out to be the best one of my life. My Dad decided that I must pursue Engg no matter what ever happens. The Elevator started going up.
We spent nights in the terrace discussing on the financial arrangements to be made. Dad's friends arranged for an Educational Loan and his brothers helped us to overcome the financial crisis. Having sorted out the first problem, we got ready to face the next. Money is ready, but will there be colleges for the 211.25 /300 Cut off I have scored? Damn. The elevator started going down.
I got my counseling call exactly 43 days after the first Bookworm of Tamil Nadu got his / her call. Loaded with confidence I walked into the counseling room @ Anna University. My Dad had already made his decisions on what course should I pursue, that too in which college & whether to stay in Hostel or remain a Day Scholar. When I was offered the remains of what the book worms had eaten up, I realized what watching TV and playing cricket without studies would cost you? Dad was clear. Packing started for me to pursue Engg @ Sethu Institute of Technology, Madurai. Madurai ? ? ? Damn…! ! ! The elevator started going down.
First day @ SIT, that is how we used to call our college. The first look at the college premises gave me a picture that my life is doomed. I started missing Madras – Now Chennai, Home & Friends. Luckily I got myself into a close friends circle. Guys in college started to visualize me as though I am an alien. Later I found the reason for that. It was not my appearance, but the place where I hailed from. As far as my college in Madurai was concerned, to be precise, as far as my batch guys were concerned, there are 2 qualities which will make you an alien.
Quality 1: Speak in English.
Quality 2: Speak to girls.
I managed to be refrained from both these activities for the full 4 years. At least the second one.
I joined college as a second batch – Payment Seat. The first batch was full of book worms. First time in my life, I was along with equals, Payment seat guys. I was relieved. The elevator started going up.
Madurai turned out to be more fascinating than Chennai. Meenakshi temple, Theppakulam, Manja Virattu, Azhagar kovil etc were the places I visited often. Movies were always one more stuff which would fascinate me at any given point of time. I made some records for seeing the film Kaadhal Konden & Minnale for the umpteenth time. I visited almost every theater in Madurai. Days were moving without much fuss and with utmost fun. All of a sudden, I was taken by surprise by the announcement made by my HOD – ECE. Yes….. I was denied a CS seat in counseling. Campus interviews will start from next Monday. It was now I realized that I was no more with equals. Almost everyone had an extra cource completed. What to do? CCNA. That was the answer I got from one of my friends. 45 days and I turned out to be a CCNA. The elevator started going up.
3 – Total campus interviews attended by me.
3 – Total failures in campus interviews.
There were more interviews, but I simply neglected them. When my dad asked the reason, I responded that I am not interested in Call Center kind of a job.
My status remained the same in my feelings & reality. One of the best in the former & Average guy in the later. Came back to Chennai on May 29th 2004 with hopes to acquire a job and dreams to acquire a flat & car.
3 – Number of interviews I attended before getting acquainted with my current employer.
The first one turned out to be a Marketing specialist. This opportunity was advertised in the daily newspaper and not in the supplementary dedicated for opportunities. I expected a small crowd to turn up for the interview. I reached the company by 1115 Hrs 45 minutes before the scheduled time. This time got it right. I was the only person for the position. My job was to sell Books. I attended the so called Interview. I was offered the job and requested to join the very next day.
I declined. My first interview was a disaster.
Now comes the second one. It was a training organization. It required Professionals. I applied for the same and was given a chance. I cleared the written test. When I attended the personal interview, I was told that I have performed the written test very well. I was also told that the decision has been made to recruit me. Now came the jolt out of nowhere. They demanded me a ransom 25,000 rupees to complete the cource and get selected to one of the firms like IBM, Infosys, TCS etc. For the first time in my life I gave a little thought about the environment. It was a 20 x 30 foot building with no proper finishing. One more jolt struck me, “This is fake”. I declined. The elevator started going down… this time into deep shit.
By this time I had been @ home without a job for more than one and half months. Yes that is right! This “one of the best FEELING” made me think as though I was jobless for decades. Again it was my Dad who came to my rescue. One of his friends was working as a HOD in a reputed Organizations dealing with Software Development. I was called for a screening test. Two guys screened my networking skills which went on for about 20 minutes. The interview was over and I was promised the best from my dad’s friend.
Another 10 days passed by. All of a sudden, on a sleepy afternoon, I got a call from the company Tombshell Technologies. They gave me the address and asked me to appear for an interview the same day by 1730 Hrs. The elevator was going up.
I refreshed my networking skills and walked into the address given by the company. I was told that the company operated in the 8th floor of Century Plaza, Teynampet. I scanned the whole building searching for Tombshell Technologies, but in vain. I was the first person to fail in an interview without even attending it. The elevator was going down.
I received a call from the company one more time the next day. They enquired me as to why I did not appear for the interview. I told them my scanning process and bang came the truth. It was not Tombshell technologies, but Softcell Technologies. I begged for their pardon as though my entire life depended on that. As a matter of fact, it did. I was given one more chance. This time I spotted the company. I was asked to wait in the reception for 20 minutes. At 1807 Hrs, I was asked to meet Mr. Prem in the discussion room of the company. I was shivering in cold. It was a 6 x 3 room with AC tuned around 16 'c. Mr. Prem turned out to be a man in his 20s. I tried to guess his attitude from his expressions and appearance, but in vain. I was asked exactly 7 questions, 2 of which I managed. The interview lasted 17 minutes. But it appeared to me as 17 weeks. I was bowled out without scoring. My confidence level was shattered from 100 % to 10 %. First time in my life I asked myself, "Am I one of the best?" Mr. Prem after finishing the interview, made me feel comfortable by enquiring about my family, my interests & my expectations. I got the message that they would get back to me. First time in life, the elevator was idle.
After a week I got a call from Softcell Technologies, requesting me to join within a week. The elevator started going up. It has never gone down since then.
I owe everything I am today to just 2 persons. One is my dad. Another one is my company. I never expected whatever I have today so fast. I was not the best student, I never was a best son, but still I am with the best persons . May be this is what they call as L U C K .
“Life is like an Elevator. Sometimes it goes Up & Sometimes it goes down. It doesn’t matter whether you go up or Down, What does matter is whether you are idle or moving. Keep Moving”
SPMHS School - this is where I started my schooling & completed Matric cum Higher secondary. Started my schooling with A+ grade and ended up with a comment "Average Guy". I always had this feeling that I am one of the best. I never knew whether it did any good to me. Every time the results came, I remained the best only in my feeling and varied a lot on reality. Passed out Matric with 80 % and still continued with my so called "One of the Best" feelings. Hated Maths completely, yet loved to become an engineer. Computer Science Engg - My goal remained clear, but the way to achieve it never appeared, not even in my best visibility. Finally I passed out Higher Secondary with 76 %. On getting the results, I started filling out the application forms for pursuing BCA/BSc, never having the guts to ask my dad to try for Engg. That timeframe turned out to be the best one of my life. My Dad decided that I must pursue Engg no matter what ever happens. The Elevator started going up.
We spent nights in the terrace discussing on the financial arrangements to be made. Dad's friends arranged for an Educational Loan and his brothers helped us to overcome the financial crisis. Having sorted out the first problem, we got ready to face the next. Money is ready, but will there be colleges for the 211.25 /300 Cut off I have scored? Damn. The elevator started going down.
I got my counseling call exactly 43 days after the first Bookworm of Tamil Nadu got his / her call. Loaded with confidence I walked into the counseling room @ Anna University. My Dad had already made his decisions on what course should I pursue, that too in which college & whether to stay in Hostel or remain a Day Scholar. When I was offered the remains of what the book worms had eaten up, I realized what watching TV and playing cricket without studies would cost you? Dad was clear. Packing started for me to pursue Engg @ Sethu Institute of Technology, Madurai. Madurai ? ? ? Damn…! ! ! The elevator started going down.
First day @ SIT, that is how we used to call our college. The first look at the college premises gave me a picture that my life is doomed. I started missing Madras – Now Chennai, Home & Friends. Luckily I got myself into a close friends circle. Guys in college started to visualize me as though I am an alien. Later I found the reason for that. It was not my appearance, but the place where I hailed from. As far as my college in Madurai was concerned, to be precise, as far as my batch guys were concerned, there are 2 qualities which will make you an alien.
Quality 1: Speak in English.
Quality 2: Speak to girls.
I managed to be refrained from both these activities for the full 4 years. At least the second one.
I joined college as a second batch – Payment Seat. The first batch was full of book worms. First time in my life, I was along with equals, Payment seat guys. I was relieved. The elevator started going up.
Madurai turned out to be more fascinating than Chennai. Meenakshi temple, Theppakulam, Manja Virattu, Azhagar kovil etc were the places I visited often. Movies were always one more stuff which would fascinate me at any given point of time. I made some records for seeing the film Kaadhal Konden & Minnale for the umpteenth time. I visited almost every theater in Madurai. Days were moving without much fuss and with utmost fun. All of a sudden, I was taken by surprise by the announcement made by my HOD – ECE. Yes….. I was denied a CS seat in counseling. Campus interviews will start from next Monday. It was now I realized that I was no more with equals. Almost everyone had an extra cource completed. What to do? CCNA. That was the answer I got from one of my friends. 45 days and I turned out to be a CCNA. The elevator started going up.
3 – Total campus interviews attended by me.
3 – Total failures in campus interviews.
There were more interviews, but I simply neglected them. When my dad asked the reason, I responded that I am not interested in Call Center kind of a job.
My status remained the same in my feelings & reality. One of the best in the former & Average guy in the later. Came back to Chennai on May 29th 2004 with hopes to acquire a job and dreams to acquire a flat & car.
3 – Number of interviews I attended before getting acquainted with my current employer.
The first one turned out to be a Marketing specialist. This opportunity was advertised in the daily newspaper and not in the supplementary dedicated for opportunities. I expected a small crowd to turn up for the interview. I reached the company by 1115 Hrs 45 minutes before the scheduled time. This time got it right. I was the only person for the position. My job was to sell Books. I attended the so called Interview. I was offered the job and requested to join the very next day.
I declined. My first interview was a disaster.
Now comes the second one. It was a training organization. It required Professionals. I applied for the same and was given a chance. I cleared the written test. When I attended the personal interview, I was told that I have performed the written test very well. I was also told that the decision has been made to recruit me. Now came the jolt out of nowhere. They demanded me a ransom 25,000 rupees to complete the cource and get selected to one of the firms like IBM, Infosys, TCS etc. For the first time in my life I gave a little thought about the environment. It was a 20 x 30 foot building with no proper finishing. One more jolt struck me, “This is fake”. I declined. The elevator started going down… this time into deep shit.
By this time I had been @ home without a job for more than one and half months. Yes that is right! This “one of the best FEELING” made me think as though I was jobless for decades. Again it was my Dad who came to my rescue. One of his friends was working as a HOD in a reputed Organizations dealing with Software Development. I was called for a screening test. Two guys screened my networking skills which went on for about 20 minutes. The interview was over and I was promised the best from my dad’s friend.
Another 10 days passed by. All of a sudden, on a sleepy afternoon, I got a call from the company Tombshell Technologies. They gave me the address and asked me to appear for an interview the same day by 1730 Hrs. The elevator was going up.
I refreshed my networking skills and walked into the address given by the company. I was told that the company operated in the 8th floor of Century Plaza, Teynampet. I scanned the whole building searching for Tombshell Technologies, but in vain. I was the first person to fail in an interview without even attending it. The elevator was going down.
I received a call from the company one more time the next day. They enquired me as to why I did not appear for the interview. I told them my scanning process and bang came the truth. It was not Tombshell technologies, but Softcell Technologies. I begged for their pardon as though my entire life depended on that. As a matter of fact, it did. I was given one more chance. This time I spotted the company. I was asked to wait in the reception for 20 minutes. At 1807 Hrs, I was asked to meet Mr. Prem in the discussion room of the company. I was shivering in cold. It was a 6 x 3 room with AC tuned around 16 'c. Mr. Prem turned out to be a man in his 20s. I tried to guess his attitude from his expressions and appearance, but in vain. I was asked exactly 7 questions, 2 of which I managed. The interview lasted 17 minutes. But it appeared to me as 17 weeks. I was bowled out without scoring. My confidence level was shattered from 100 % to 10 %. First time in my life I asked myself, "Am I one of the best?" Mr. Prem after finishing the interview, made me feel comfortable by enquiring about my family, my interests & my expectations. I got the message that they would get back to me. First time in life, the elevator was idle.
After a week I got a call from Softcell Technologies, requesting me to join within a week. The elevator started going up. It has never gone down since then.
I owe everything I am today to just 2 persons. One is my dad. Another one is my company. I never expected whatever I have today so fast. I was not the best student, I never was a best son, but still I am with the best persons . May be this is what they call as L U C K .
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