Calibrating Cognition : SENSORS'08

--- One of the most looked-forwarded to events in NITT college life is the respective department’s symposium every year.There are many plausible reasons for this:

• You get to see your class girls in saree
• You get to see junior girls in saree
• You get to eat some unlimited nice snacks
• You get to present yourself in formal full hands and ties
• You get to take pictures with anyone you feel like
• You get to have one Friday off generally, citing the organization of the event
• You get to have some fun overall

This year’s SENSORS was not short on any of these points. The inauguration saw an unprecedented full capacity A2 hall, a first for any symposium in college. And it set the tone for the next two days. Day One was short as the events started around 6pm. All the preliminary events took place by the end of the day. That SENSORS’08 was not allowed to have informal guest lectures was indeed a dampener. The organization team had to arrange for only technical events and guest lectures. Given this, that the symposium managed to get many participants from outside the college was an indication of the innovation applied to the new events and also the good publicity that must have been given to all the colleges.

Day Two was the most eventful day. The girls had come in their best dress (sarees) and makeup and they did make a few heads turn (at least the junior girls). The guys including the author had come in formals and A2 hall was buzzing with smart guys and girls. The events were all technical but the social relevance that it expected to serve was conspicuous. Be it project presentation or solutions to practical problems or recent trends in the instrumentation field, it had everything. One pleasing thing was to see some introvert classmates participate and speak out in front of all and win some prizes. Absence of big names in the guest’s list lessened the popularity levels that the event deserved to attain.

The Chairman of the event was smart enough in making sure that snacks got a big share of the budget and that surely attracted all the department's students. The event was organized on Thursday and Friday rather than the usual weekends which meant that the students had two extra days off and all were delighted. Cameras were flashing all around as no one wanted to miss the occasion when everyone felt smart and confident. The closing ceremony was held without much fuss. The event was over. Only officially though. For the REAL fun started after this.

It was that time of the day after an event when the organizers wish they hadn’t organized the event. A mob of people, who generally consist of juniors, tired and irritated with the amount of work given to them during the event, starts looking out for the organizers. To give what we famously call BUMPS. The organizers run like they are mad but always in vain. And the next 2-3 minutes will be a living hell. If you are a curious onlooker and an extreme blabbermouth, better beware. For any attention you get now will instigate the mob towards you and bang!

The students headed to A2 hall after the bumps showdown, apparently tired. But the real energy was released in the minutes that followed. Music all around, people dancing to tunes and cameras catching every second of the activity onstage, the fun element reached its high. The girls joined in and that’s always the best motivation any guy can get. Everyone shed any inhibitions they might have had and were open to all cranky stuff. The minutes that the students shared in the evening are something which will remain for long in all their minds. Those of you(ICE dept.) who missed out, try finding a bigger loser than yourself!! The sponsored dinner was the icing on the cake. Overall SENSORS’08 was a cultural event walking with the facade of a technical one. Congratulations to all the organizers for doing an excellent job. Kudos guys!!

How it all happened!!

The time was 14:49. He had to do it. But he didn’t know how to. His heart started beating fast. He could sense his hand shaking when took his mobile. He couldn’t wait. This was the time……

His mind was racing. It all started on one eventful day when the seemingly innocuous girl required his help. It was a new contact and he was more than happy to help. She was sweet and nice and he liked her innocence instantly. He never did anything to build the relationship but she opted to be in constant touch and slowly they became friends.

The message was typed in a hurry. He edited and re-edited it to make it sound perfect. It had to. With a lot of apprehension and fear, he pressed the ‘send’ button......

The friendship blossomed over the next three months. Messaging and chatting online weren’t uncommon. He always had a soft corner for her for she fondly called him ‘Godfather’ and he also liked her outgoing, loquacious nature. Then things changed somewhere around two months back.

The mobile display showed that the message was sent. He became restless. He anxiously waited for the delivery report to come. It didn’t. It took two minutes, which according to him was eternity, for the message to get delivered. She took her mobile and read……

Things changed. She was facing problems in her personal life. And she was ready to confide all those in him. He was pleased to help her out fully and they became close. They started meeting often. Message count everyday increased exponentially for him. Not a day passed without contacting her. And finally it happened. They mutually agreed to become life partners.

She saw the picture message. A rose, with the message below ‘I think I love you.. Do you?’ Before she could react, he held out his hand holding a gem-studded ring and asked her ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’A big smile spread across her face and a spontaneous YES came out of her lips. He felt he was dreaming. She showed her hand and he slid the ring across her soft finger and it was all over……

Wow!! It was one tense period let me tell you, even though I knew the answer before. Finally I got some courage to propose to a girl didn’t I? March 13^th, 2008 is a date to remember indeed. Our relationship seems straight out a Tamil movie. She was one of the firsts to read my ‘Advice to all young men’ blog post and she had said ‘you have written it well but I don’t think it will work’. She always used to call me ‘Sir’. She was one girl who was willing to be spotted in public with me and didn’t mind the speculations that were flying around. I loved her company and I guess she liked mine too. Time flew off whenever we met and the compatibility levels were so supreme. I admired the consummate else with which she made friends and maintained them. There were so many similarities we shared, nature wise. But only when we started sharing our ‘dark’ secrets did I realize the potential life partner in her. I liked the ‘flaws’ she had and that she was ever ready to listen to my words was encouraging.

Telling her my intentions were relatively easy for I knew our relationship was strong enough. But we decided to consult many of our friends before we decided on anything. The age factor was always there and also that my career is pretty much settled when hers is not. And I having a notorious reputation with girls was something she had to ponder over. But even after all the negative reactions she got from many, she was ready to accept me. And that was all I needed. We decided to wait till my interview got over.

On March 10^th, in between my two interviews (read previous post) I told my Dad about her. And I eventually told my Mom and Ranju too and showed them her photo. Being always given the freedom to do anything, they were quite fine about it and wished me ‘all the best’. They were indeed worried about her career and I promised them that this won’t interfere. So the stage was set.

I took her to the Meridian and the story followed (she did not have any idea that I would propose that day! Actually there was a fight on who should propose and I being a gentleman finally gave up). It rained slightly when we came out (it had to! I had at last proposed!). And Dad was the first one to hear the news when he made his everyday routine call. Everyone got to know and we got back mixed reactions. But both of us are happy and contended with everything that has happened. So here ends this colourful post to signify a colourful life ahead! Gosh! Life is very cruel. Even ARS has been made a romantic!!!

March 10th, 2008

As described in the previous post, the dreaded day arrived, finally. All the preparation, all the mock interviews, all the information hogged in to my brain was about to bear fruit. Couldn’t sleep much the night before. The anxious night was spent hugging Ranju while she was sleeping peacefully. The only face which refreshes my mind and gives hope. The sun rose to a lovely morning…

Started with some bad news. India couldn’t qualify for the Olympics in hockey for the first time ever. Being a hockey player it was indeed disappointing but I somehow got the feeling that it was a perfect base for my interviews. My intuition was correct, true to every word. Got ready in the hurry and was there in Loyola College, Chennai at 8.45am. The first interview (for the Business Management course) was at 9.20am. Must comment here that I looked too smart in tie, full sleeves and shoes, which was confirmed by many.

I was called in. Where are you from? Why Oracle when you are an Instrumentation engineer? Why such a less GPA? Which company on earth will prefer a lazy guy like you? Why do you always follow what others say? Why aren’t you mature enough? Gosh! It was surely leading into a good stress interview. After some convincing answers, topics like hockey, instrumentation etc, I felt it went well. But it lasted for only 10-12 minutes!! When all others had interview time of 20 minutes, I felt this was short and though it shouldn’t matter, it still disturbs me.

Then I had my PMIR (Personnel Mgmt and Industrial relations) Group Discussion (GD) and interview scheduled at 2pm. During the break, some important thing happened on which there is a post coming up. Keep waiting.

So PMIR GD was at 2pm. If you didn’t know, I hate GDs!! Never am I able to do well in them, as I found out from the mock GDs. So with some apprehension, went into the hall. AIM: HIV/AIDS and ten points to be prioritized for their prevention/control. 3 girls in our group and gosh, damn the girls these days!! First they were very much loquacious and dominating and next they spoke very freely on the topic. Your highness was unable to barge in much. 3-4 sentences in between. That’s all. Then the wait in the waiting room for some two hours till my interview. Agonizing. Pity my dad who had to wait with me too. Meanwhile I must acknowledge the QUALITY of girls coming for interview. The sample space is quite encouraging indeed!!

The interview went fine. Basic HR stuff. 15 minutes. But somehow I felt the first interview went better. I prefer only the BM course anyways and wont take the PMIR thing even if it was the only option. So at last!! Everything over!! I was a free bird, again!!

Got some time off with dad and Ranju. Went and attended two receptions in the evening. One was Sita’s(college junior) sis’ and the other, dad’s friend. And then was in cousin’s place, clearing some of her doubts in math. Tenth board exam today. Finally, I came back home, with nothing to do but sleep. Wow! Some heaven it felt…

By the way, 365 messages were sent from my mobile during the day!!!!!!! Hmmm…

Past 30 days...

Hello people. Its been a long time since I blogged. Must say I was quite busy; you will yourself get convinced of that by the end of this post. This February was indeed interesting. Here is the recollection of the main events that happened during this time (with due thanks to my diary):

February 14^th: the month of February means only this day for many. But as usual it was just another day in my life. Some roses from opal and a few sent. All in good stead. This special day wasn’t so special after all! (Line quoted from my diary).

Ruby cup: the cricket tournament was back. So was the usual hype surrounding it. Teams were formed. Our DAV team christened “The Mighty Crusaders” was ready and was full of enthu. The captain resigned (me!) to concentrate on his own performances. The new Captain-Manager combo brought in fresh energy. A good new bat was bought and a new opening combination was to be tested (me as opener). The openers never failed in the tournament and were the top two run getters of the team. But our bowling and fielding let us down and we were knocked out in the first round. But not before we upset a good team, which eventually went on till the semifinals. We lost yes, but we had an amazing time in the field, while formulating strategies, everything. Hats off to all the players!! A second year team eventually went on to win the cup by one wicket margin in a heart breaking finals against a final year team. Second years won the volleyball and football tournaments too.

Cycle tests: prefer not to comment! But still… bits weren’t all that helpful. Managed a 2/20 in one subject (other marks pending!)

Pragyan'08: it was the GETUP time. One of the last chances I had to portray myself in various styles and beard shapes. Day 0: long hair brought down to hide my face, scared many girls I believe. Day 1: some style with the beard, earrings, wanted to show myself as a hardcore rowdy. Wasn’t too convincing I guess. But it sure did make girls stay away. Day 2: old styled hair with a Charlie Chaplin moushy. Unrecognizable from the previous day totally. Many found it innovative. Girls stayed away. Day 3: the last day. Stunning haircut, coolers and smart look. Girls wanted to come and hug (over optimism!!). But I made a big statement indeed. Again was not easily recognizable. Easily this Pragyan was the best four days when it came to my getups. I was satisfied myself. Only disappointment was that i had to trim my hair. Interview was ahead.

Hockey: final year team totally out of touch and to make matters worse, we lost the first two matches in the league of the inter-year tournament. And I found myself badly injured. But the girt and determination we had was amazing and we came back to win the next three matches to win the silver medal! Though it was below last year’s gold, this was the most satisfying medal of all!

Ooty trip: fourteen of us (mostly wing mates) went to Ooty during one of the weekends. It was one of the best trips I had ever been to. 2 days of tiring travel and 5 different buses to reach Trichy from Ooty, it was all worth it!!

The GIRL!!: what the hell was happening to ARS?? Was he planning to commit? Or has he already settled? Or was he playing with the life of yet another girl? Hmmm…Questions and speculations all around as I was spotted too often in all places with a girl during the past month. All I can say now is “keep guessing!!”

Ranju: doing great. Just managed to pass in Hindi this time I guess. Have missed her lots.

Dad: the usual advises continued and this month, he showed me how technology has really changed people. Everyday some 4-5 smses from him on management concepts, how to tackle the interview and everything. Hi-fi English, tough to decipher, man it was fun!

Mom: ever busy with her life. Ranju to be taken care of. Praveshika Hindi exam ahead. Always advising me on health, food etc. Loved every part of it. And as we saw the results now, she has successfully completed her Praveshika exam!! I am so proud of you mom!! (in spite of knowing that all answers were dictated in the exam hall)

XLRI interview preparation: days flew past me. The fear of the dreaded March 10^th was plaguing my mind throughout. I suddenly became an avid reader of the newspapers and also was highly inquisitive when it came to stock market related stuff. Got hold of a management novel called “The Goal” and also was regularly attending classes taken by PathFinder’s Murali sir. This was an opportunity I wanted to grab fully. And I made use of every possible alternative to gain some valuable information. Was it enough??

Poochu: the dog that was omnipresent in our college, the dog I used to call my girlfriend, the dog which saved me once from another dog, the dog all my year guys were fond of from our first year, got run over just outside the campus on February 15^th. May she rest in peace… LOVE YOU POOCHU!!