An SP Experience

So here goes my SPJIMR experience..

I had my interview on 29th at 10 am, reached Bombay on 28th Evening, chilled out and saw a few malls around.. Every nook and corner had one !! So Early next morning yours truely woke up and set off to reach the campus at 9.. Bombay traffic didnt trouble me too much.. Maybe Mumbaikers go late to office As soon as I reached, I found my way into the registeration room. All the candidates were made to sit in this room. We had to get our certificates verified - I had carried close to 60 certificates, unfortunately, they just verified my marks and nothing else ! After the verification we were alloted groups, and then we were called for the group interview. Let me mention that I got into SPJIMR campus at 9 , and I was done by 2 o clock, and I was in my interviews or written tests all the while with time to just grab a cup of water in between. Kudos to the adcom or the efficient Time management !! Very very impressive...

So there came my chance to go in. We were seven candidates, and three panelists, one was a student. Initially it was chilled out - they asked us how we found Bombay, and what impressed us about Bombay. This was an ice breaker. Then they gave each of us 1 minute, and we were asked to tell something about our families, ourselves, work ex (if any), adn achievements and hobbies. I was the last one in the row.. I see that people have warned in the previous posts not to give long introductions. I would say that the intro shoudnt be short either. Cos one of the girls gave a very short intro, and they didnt look too impressed.

After this they started picking up people randomly and started questioning them. The student was asking the questions, and he said that his role would be just to ask us questions, and we would be evaluated by the other 2 professors.. One of the girl was asked about her family background . She had a lot to say, as her family had started an NGO... She sure made a good impression. The another girl was asked about her reading habits. She had to describe some book she had read. There was a guy who was grilled on subprime crisis. Lots of questions on Mutual funds, stock markets - Make sure you think of every word you talk, cos they can pick anything and grill you... I had mentioned in my profile that I have learnt bhajans from my gandmom. So they asked me what kind of bhajans, and then they made me sing one I sang, and they all went clap clap... hehe.. Later one of the girls was asked to market a bottle of water - in 30 seconds. A small GD was thrown in, topic - RED is IN - Wasn't a fish market. I was cut once while talking, but I made sure I gave way - Went decently.

After this we were made to sit for 15 mins in the registeration room.. 4 of us made it - 3 girls and one guy.. And I was one of them

Now, we wrote a seven minute test. After this we had a second round of Interview. The panel consisted of two people - one lady and a professor. This was more of a "value" based interview. And they were very clearly looking for clarity of thought, as well as the body language, and our vision for doing an MBA. Though I was the last one seated (cos my name begins with a V - hehe), they always started a topic with me We started with the usual "about me s" - This time they gave us two minutes One of the guy started talking about incidents in his life where he had to make tough decisions - They grilled him a lot on that, and in the end he hardly could finish introducing himself.. One of the guys had a diverse profile - he had travelled to many countries, one of them was a mechanical engineer in an IT firm, and she'd chosen Operations - So they grilled her about why Operations, and why the shift of profile after Engg... One of the guys was working in Jamshedpur , and they were particularly intersted in his profile, as her was the only guy with some different back ground. He had taken tutuions to meet his family needs during a crisis, so they asked him a lot about all ifs and buts of the situation.
They asked all of us to describe any management book we have read, pertaning to our stream of choice. Fortunately I had read an intersting book, and I could talk on that.. Some guys had chosen Info Mgt. and they'd read Marketing books, others vice-versa , so they were asking them why is it that you guys are not "researching" on the field of ur interest - They felt they were confused, and asked for a justification..
Then there was a discussion on Nano.. Later they asked us what we would do if we were given a chance to express one concern that we have about Nano to Ratan Tata.. Went decently..

Few more things here and there - and they asked us if we had any questions for them.. One guy asked about exchange programmes, and gave a few suggestions.. Another guy asked about the selection process.. I told them that I hve no question, but that I would like to appreciate the DOCC programme initiative taken at SPJIMR. One of the profs was like, now that you have said this, let me take 10 more minutes, and we started discussing the social projects undertaken by us, and how relevant it is.. They asked each one of us if we would take up a job at an NGO.. They asked each one of us , if writing a pay cheque and donating is considered a social service.. They also asked each of us where else we ha ve applied, one of the guys was asked what he would choose if given a choice between NItte and SPJIMR .. The second interview according to me went on for at least 50 minutes, and was a really good experience. They expected crisp and up to the point answers..

After this we wrote the 55 minute test... One suggestion to everyone - Write this test fast, and write down whatever comes to your mind - Cos you may run out of time if u think too much

On the whole a very nice experience... Looking forward to make it - I am too fond of the Vada Paavs ....

The Nation's future....

Last Friday, I had the privilege of visiting a small Government high school in the outskirts of Bangalore. It was a project started, thanks to Sharmila, a peer at IBM. She had listed the school as one of the "needs attention" schools in the outskirts of Bangalore. The Goverenment provides free Education, books and uniforms at these schools. However, kids get just one pair of uniform, and very often we see them wearing the same uniform at home too, simply because that is the only pair of dress they have! ROTI, KAPADA, aur MAKAN - these are the three basic necessities of life. Its sad that majority of the Indian kids are struggling to find justice in the basic amenities of life.

We managed collecting a decent fund to provide a pair of shoes and socks to the kids of the school. Thanks to BATA, which agreed to give us the shoes and socks at its Cost Price, and thanks to all the Rational-ites, who contributed whole-heartedly to the cause. Its really touching to see how a small Pat on the Back can make the kids feel special. A simple "What is your name?" brought a wide smile on their faces. I had goosebumps when I entered the small school compound. I saw around 200+ kids eagerly awaiting us - cos they knew we've got them goodies. The whole compound went roaring with claps and excitement when we entered. Such simple things bring them so much joy. There was a small cultural programme, where the kids danced to a few Kannada folk songs. My eyes caught the attention of one of the girls dancing in the group. She was exceptionally good, and stood out among the rest. I took a moment and asked her about herself. All her friends came to speak about her .. "Akka... she always stands first.. She went to the film studio to perform for a scene in Aapitamitra akka".. For those who don't know, Aapitamitra is one of the recent hit movies of the Kannada Film industry. I am glad that her talent was recognised, but a thought that crept into my mind was - Was the girl given a chance in the movie because she would quote a cheaper rate than the others (Or, maybe, fascinated by the opportunity, she would not even have realised that she had to be paid!) ? MAYBE.....

We began distributing the shoes and socks to the kids. They came neatly in a line and collected their shoes and socks. Everyone would shake hands and say Thanks you - Their teacher was instructing them to be well-mannered before us. I was taking a few pics of the kids, and they were so enthusiastic about posing - Everyone wanted their pic :)


I had a feeling of satisfaction when I slept that night. I have complained to my mom about not liking the food she cooked - And here, I see kids who struggle to eat food to even survive. I have complained about not having a new pair of shoes - And here, I see kids walking bear foot. Now, I realise the importance of being satisfied and content with what we have.

Bharat Ratna - Really a RATNA ?

The reason I chose to write about Bharat Ratna, is simply so that I could express my own opinions on it - I know a lot of people are vouching for the award - There are many who are fighting for their comrades and nominating them for the same. But the question remains - Is it a fool-proof process that is followed in awarding someone the Bharat Ratna ? Is it right to let the Govt alone decide who gets the most prestigious award of the country ?

What is the significance of the Bharat Ratna ? Ratna - stands for a precious stone. A Bharat Ratna, according to me is for someone who has changed the entire Outlook of the Country. A Bharat Ratna recipient, should be someone who has revolutionized the country in ways that will be remembered. It should be for the one who has contributed to the social, economic, and overall advancement of the nation - Think of AryaBhatta - His contributions have made India the leading initiator in the concept of Number systems. Think of Mahatma Gandhi - He's created an identity for India by his simple ideologies on non-violence.

Is Bharat Ratna going into the wrong hands ? Is it being murdered by political chaos? There are increasing concerns that it might land up in wrong hands, as every party would want to launch its candidate for the award. There are people around the country, who believe, the Bharat Ratna should not be for politicians. But why ? If someone like JRD Tata could be awarded a Bharat Ratna for having revolutionized the Production Industry in India, why can't a politician, who has done justice to the country be nominated for the award?

One more concern is about Sachin Tendulkar. Someone who has done a wonderful job in his career and made the nation proud. But can someone like him, who has done nothing other than cricket, be eligible for the award? Isn't it time for him to show us that he owes a lot more to the country. I believe he has a long way to go before he grabs the Ratna. The Bharat Ratna, isn't for someone who has excelled in his field alone. I would prefer if its in the hands of someone who has helped us change the face of the nation for the good.

What about Narayan Murthy? Tata - These are industrialists who have given a boost to India's economy. Its high time we revise the process of conferring the award. I think we must have a diverse group judging every nominee and coming to a consensus on the recipient of the award. The Padmashree awards are not debated, because they are field specific, and given after a thorough consultation. The same kind of process should be followed for the Bharat Ratna. Its high time we solve this issue of how to reach a consensus on the award candidate, than thinking of abolishing the award altogether.

I wanna...

"I decided to go on a mountain trek to get some time off to think of my career and when I reached its zenith, I had a sudden realization striking me - MBA" ...."Ever since I was a child I dreamt of being an MBA".... .... MBA means money , hence I wanna do one M.B.A. because I wanna enjoy the student life MBA because..... MBA because..... MBA - blah blah blah blah..... Yes, I'm thinking of "Why an MBA ???" ... Cos I have chosen a path that a million others have ! And now I need to justify myself in ways, million others havent !!


I am on seventh heaven... I went on to accomplish an IIM - and did a pathetic job at it :) But woooooo came another offer from SP Jain, and I'm up n running again !! But I need to sustain myself !! Yepp the tough job starts now ! I gotta beat the big bullies at the interview and rush in for one of the twenty golden seats in contention - And for this, I need to beat 400 odd aspirants.. pheww..

Right now, sitting in my room, and, analysing myself, I realise that I wanna do many things in life !!!
-> I wanna be that news reader on TV who gets everyone's attention
-> I wanna be a Barkha Dutta to host debates
-> I wanna be one of those on TV who analyse markets
-> I wanna start an exotic cafe shop in my city !!
-> I wanna help those kids on the street make their careers
-> I wanna bring a civic sense into the Indian minds
-> I wanna improve the roads in bangalore....
-> I wanna....
-> I wanna...
-> I wanna...

A huuugeeeeee "I wanna" list !!! I am hardly quarter years old u see :) But one small realization that makes me belive I'll go yardsss n yaaards in the journey of life - Everything beings with an "I wanna..." kinda attitude..

Keeping my fingers crossed for the time being :) - If I make through my interview - I'm happy :) - If I dont - Its the biggest boon in life - Maybe I ll get the IIMS :) :) :) :)

God bless me :) (U're right - I am self-centered :D)