Top Ten Idyas For An Interview

1. Attitude is everything. If you're smiling, excited and optimistic, you've already won half the battle. If you're cold,
distant and uninterested, you've already lost 99% of the battle.

2. Be yourself. If you act like someone else and they like you, they don't actually like YOU. They like the person you're pretending to be.
If you end up getting a job there, you won't be able to keep up the facade for very long anyway. Honesty and authenticity are very appealing
characteristics. If both parties stay true to themselves, they'll know if they're right for each other. And in the end, that's usually what matters most.

3. Relax. Interviews are not really interviews at all. They're conversations. Treat them like conversations, and the tension will slowly
dissolve. Remember: when you walk into that office, you don't have the job to begin with. In theory, you have nothing to lose. You either
come out way ahead or back where you started. If you approach the situation with a "win-draw" mentality, most of the pressure will fall by
the wayside.

4. Appearance counts. Before you meet people, virtually the only judgment you can make is based on aesthetics. What you're wearing matters.
What they're wearing matters. How you sit, stand, shake hands, hold your pen and walk up the stairs counts. Not enormously, but enough.
First impressions are huge. Also, how does the building look? Is the lobby clean and organized? Are the cubicles bunched together? Is the
ceiling high or low? Does it look like a fun place to work? Does it invite you to come back?

5. Fit is crucial. All the smarts, skills and experience in the world mean nothing without the right fit. If your values aren't aligned
with those of the company, you're doomed. If you like to have fun and they're always serious, don't even bother. Seriously. The more you
fit in, the more you'll want to come back every day and bust your butt. If you're always at odds with your coworkers, you're going to hate
your job. Simple as that.

6. Liking means more than talent. The days of standing in line and putting decals on widgets is over. People don't hire you because you're
capable. They hire you because they want to work with you. If you don't get along, and get along well, the interview will probably be
fruitless. Unless, of course, you applied for the "Assistant Placer of Decals on Widgets" position...

7. Be persistent. It's incredibly easy to get lazy, give up and feel sorry for yourself. People will turn you down, never call you back,
and forget your name over and over again. None of that matters. What matters is perseverance. If you can't handle losing a few battles
along the way, you're in for a tough road ahead. Getting a job is like winning a war. It takes patience, planning, time, effort, dedication
and a little bit of luck. The chips will fall your way sooner or later. If you stay persistent, you'll at least give yourself a chance to
catch them.

8. Bring an insane amount of (intelligent) questions. Nothing feels worse that not being prepared. If you don't bring loads of questions,
you're not prepared. At some point, the interviewer will ask you what you want to know. For the record, you want to know everything. Be
curious. Be interested. Be engrossed. Ask your question, and then get ready to listen. Don't think of what you're going to say next.
Just soak up every word like a giant sponge. The more questions you ask, the more you'll get out of the experience. And as a bonus, they'll
know you care deeply about their business. When you care about what they care about, you both start to align, and that's when the magic
happens.

9. Focus on their needs, not yours. It's tempting to sell ourselves, to talk about how great we are, and to show off our past experiences.
But guess what. No one cares. What they really care about is how your "amazingness" will translate into success for their company. Don't
focus on your talents, focus on what your talents will do for them.

10. Blogging will give you a HUGE leg up. Blogging forces you to analyze, collaborate and create solutions. It also gives you plenty of
ideas for improving customer experiences, businesses and relationships. These skills (among countless others) will give you confidence,
poise, energy and know-how when it comes time to explain yourself. Your insights will be sharper, your thinking will be deeper, and
your ability to express your opinions clearly and concisely will be much stronger. Blogging will prepare you better than any "How-To" book in the world. Trust me.

These 10 things are just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more we can learn from each other about this process as a whole, so please feel free to share.

What are your best interviewing tips? What do you wish you would've known? For those of you who've been on both sides of the table, what have you learned from each situation?

The underdogs becoming the World Champions

Shower of relief

It’s been quite a long period now since I posted a write up here in my blog. That’s just because of my heavy work load in office. Chennai has come across some of God’s blessings... That’s because of some good people like me who are still staying here. God’s blessing, I mean is the recent rains which hit our place, has really cooled the temperature down. I was waiting for these rains to get a sigh of relief from the scorching heat which was tormenting my beautiful little world. Well, now I sense the cold waves coming in and the hot dog days vanishing off. Hope this continues till me meet the next year’s dare devil in May. Enjoy life and share your experiences you had during this summer.

Coffee Day Galata

After work I went to my grand parent’s house on Saturday. I stayed there for some time and then went home. I receive a call at about 8.15 from Dinesh

Me: sollu machi

Din: w r u. r u free now

Me: s da. Whats up. Shall v meet now

Din: ok ill come to Itch’s house in another 18min

Me: ok da. I will also come there. Bye da

But Itch was not in his house, as he and Mia were outside some where and they said that they would take about an hour to come home. But still I went there and waited for Dinesh to come. I was listening to Lathavadhi song on the radio when he came at about 9.5 in his new Honda Shine. It was such a nice feeling to meet friends after a long time especially with whom you were so close for 2long years. As Itch was not in his house, we decided to go to Coffee Day and wait there for Itch and Mia to come. When we were having a long chat enters Itch along with Mia. Then started all the fun. Fen had pulled Dinesh’s legs earlier so he wanted to have his revenge on him. Dinesh started the topic, that Fenn had a crush on Mia. She did not believe it in the beginning but later on as Itch and I started to tell her more seriously and related some instances which happened in college she started to believe that. The reactions in her face started to change slowly. Small doubts raised in her mind if Fenn had really fallen for her. Pavam girl, she did not know that he had a better taste (just kidding guys). That topic started at about 9.30 and it was so late when we realized only when the server asked us if we had any order. By that time it was well passed 11. For nearly 2hours this topic went on. In the process we could see tears rolling down her cheeks when Dinesh had to pull up a chair and sit next to her to console her. Dinesh is just the same, not changed a bit. He tells things in such a way that any one will believe his lie. His serious looks are very deceiving and we cannot judge as to what he is up too.

Apart from all this, the time we spent together was awesome. Nice fun pulling each one’s legs. These talks we last had when we were in college. This was yet another memorable day which I can take with me for a long time. At last after we came out (before they could send us out) the ice was broken. There we saw a relief in Mia’s eyes. Well Pati , Naya were the words out of her mouth. It was fun fooling a person. Lets do this every week guys.

Death Cant Get Closer Than This

I received these photographs by mail from my friend. Some breath taking moments captured at the right time by some excellent photography skills coupled with bravery and courage. Just think for a second , what would be in the minds of those people who took these photographs and those who were involved in those situations...

The summer fruit has arrived

Its season time for the yellow fellow to take his stake on the people. Yes, mango's, mango's and mango's every where. The market is being dumped in with a variety of mango's. Vender's have all started selling mango's now. The season has started for mango's and we will all have some refreshment this summer. This is my favorite fruit, which I love the most. I keep waiting for this season to arrive. I eat a lots of mango's, not just I love them, nor just because they are naturally tasty, but they are also very healthy. It’s a very healthy fruit with a lot of vitamins in it. In a recent study made by researchers , they say that if you eat a mango everyday for a month it will give you the needed vitamins for the whole year. So enjoy folks this summer with this rich and delicious fellow fruit.

Rising up the head

Summer has started; the higher grounds (hill stations) are becoming crowded. Chennai is experiencing the worst heat waves in recent years now. Two months back it was winter time but now suddenly we can all feel the heat catching on us. The heat was so great that I was not able to go to a shop near by at 12 this noon. The temperature is slowly rising up towards the 50 degree mark. Our roads can even melt at this heat and this is sure to rise a few more degrees in the next couple of weeks. Water scarcity in the city is the next major forecast that everyone in looking up too. How are we going to fight this life threatening issue this time? Chennai has seen many such situations before. But how many times has it recovered form the losses dumped in by nature? If the people and the government do not wake up to this alarming situation, there is going to be dreadful time ahead.

Who are the sufferers?

In fact all of us. But the roofless, the destitute are the people who get effected by this. They have no place to hide themselves from these demonic heat waves. The scenario is worst in villages, where there is no proper water supply when all their sources of water had already gone dry. Most of us work in air conditioned offices. We never experience this heat once we enter our work place. Times have changed now, where people work when others sleep. We never bother about this, as we don’t see the world once we are in office. If we don’t take care to wake up to this situation. This will eat us and our surroundings. Everyday there is millions of tones of water being wasted by all of us. If we could only save half of that we could make a difference. At least the poor can live on it and the farmers could survive from that. The government introduced the water saving schemes but how far is it effective in serving the needs of the needy. People like us can buy water. But the poor are left even without that choice. Every single drop of water is worth a penny. And every single penny is worth a million for a poor. They can’t afford to buy water. So let us save water. Use it scarcely.

Promoting to become high

Our government is taking steps to promote liquor in a very attractive manner. After taking over all the wine shops into its control, the liquor shops are being modified into some well high class show rooms where it can feed its customers to utmost satisfaction. This is one example of one such shop where I found it in the main road. This liquor shop situated on the Poonamallee high road has a beautiful hooding which is illuminated at night for a clear view for the people. What should be banned is now advertised and attracts people to go for it. Is our government planning to ruin the lives of our youth whom we call as the future pillars of our nation? If the same situation prevails, our state will soon become like Tibet where the Chinese Government is spoiling the youth there by promoting liquor. These things lead to a slide in the law and order and the moral of our land is questioned.

+one Grace Added

It was in 1984 in this same day when the sun was shining bright, everyone expecting, the world rejoicing, and this land waiting for the arrival of the finest creations of God. Yes today was yet another day of Partying and a special occasion for me to have fun with my friends. I knew that I would be getting calls from Jeba, Itch and Dinesh. As I thought , Jeba was the first to call me sharp at 12 followed by itch . Then at about 12.30 Dinesh spoke to me . I had a surprise call from the person I never expected. It was Man . Thanks a lot guys for remembering me . Love you all. These small things brings in so much of a meaning into my ordinary life. In the morning I got a surprise call from Athi whom I never even imagined will call me up. Thanks a lot Dude. 

This is yet another day of hard work at office where I had my usual work load. I had no time to spend with my parents and my family members. Work has changed the very course of my life. But I have to take this part of life as it is a part and parcel of a human beings path in this world.

Life has taken its own coure

At work, quite busy now a days. . . . .

Things have changed a lot from my college days, and now I hardly find time. I had all the time in
the world to eat, sleep, room, and enjoy life to its fullest. But now , work and office has taken its toll on me . I very well feel the pressure of work building on me. Nowadays its become very formal, and all my activities including my dressing style has changed a lot. I never saw a formal shirt in my shelf all through my college days and now its only formal shirts and pants. Most of my class mates have got settled into good jobs, each of them facing their own changes in life. Dinesh has got into India Interacts, and has scaled to new heights. The Express had his name published in its paper a couple of days back, as he was the pioneer in starting the Roof top Film Festival. He has had some wonderful experiences since he joined work in that company. There is lots more for him in store. Well Fenn and I have joined the same company and we are having a great time together. Fenn as usual with his blank looks and his deep so called thoughts irritates me sometimes to the core. But we guys are used to that usual stuff and iam now least bothered about what ever he does. He carries his LKG bag when he is in office as he did in college. Some of the staff even asked him and were even curious as to what he had in his bag. I think it will take some years for him to change, or even may not happen.

Sitting at work

Its been ages I have logged into my blog. Had my project going on and then my exams were on. 24/7 I was busy with my work. After all my tight work I finally got some break to breathe some fresh air. College got over and I was thinking as to what to do. Thought of many things but finally I came across some job opportunities. One such job was this instructional designer’s offer in an IT firm. At first I thought that this was something out of my field. But then when I heard the job profile I wanted to give it a try.

Well now I thank God for making me to take up this job. It is very interesting and deals a lot with my subject. This is a very new and an up coming industry as we deal with e-learning. We basically cater to the people working in the ships and in the port. Writing articles and building study modules for them is our key objective. I hope this goes on fine and I will look to build a career in this field

Mama I’m Leaving You

SOME OF THE MEMORABLE MOMENTS DURING OUR COLLEGE DAYS


FIRST DAY OF COLLEGE
LAST DAY OF COLLEGE
It seemed that I just joined my master’s degree a fort night ago, but all of a sudden it’s all over now. I am afraid that I may not get to see those best days of my life. We had our farewell a couple of weeks ago and as I was busy with my projects I could not write about it. These 2 years of my stay in mcc was an awesome experience which taught me the essence of life. Life took its most wonderful turn and destiny had to say “this is your gift, my son ‘looking at my friends whom I meet there. I was granted with the best of everything, with no want I lead a carefree life. Now that my college days are coming to an end, I feel that life took me in and now has driven me out. Much more than words that can express and emotions that can be felt. Mcc was my mother, and so I say’ Mama I’m Leaving You’. Times gone by seem to be like a dream, and now the reality of life seems to be eating me up. I like to talk about my life and friends, about the whole concept called MCC.

Itch {Krishna): The tallest and the most wanted guy (mostly among the girls) in my class. He was the first person whom I made friends with. We have been together at all times but hardly spoke to each other in class. It was kind of a un usual thing, but we preferred it that way. I stayed with him for a nearly a year having a typical mcc party every night at his roof top house. Now off course things have changed a lot coz we had to become serious about our lives.

Dinesh: Never understood him for nearly a year. But now I know what real friendship is which I learnt from him. A very nice character and a good person to get along with. A good judge of character and never hesitates to teach others if some one approaches him. ill be missing u a lot dude. I wish you a promising future coz I know that you work hard to achieve what you desire in life.

Fenn: The ultimate friend. It’s not easy to understand his life coz its all confusions, I guess even he does not know that. I like to pull his legs always. He is allways ever willing to help you at all times (except if no girl wants him at that time) .A very prayerful person who seeks God at all times.

I want to tell about all my class mates but I am a bit lazy for that. Deeps ( Deepa ) is one person whom ill be missing a lot. Missed her a lot during the last few days and during the farewell as well. She is my best friend I made among the girls. Well there is Rachell, the Journalist but a little stupid at times. A very sweet person. She always wanted to become a journalist. I admire her language skills a lot. Ruth, is one person whom I became close all of a sudden. We had no reasons to become such close friends, but again destiny played its part and now I thank mcc which gave me the opportunity to meet such a lovely person like her. Soumya, her Mallu accent attracted me. Nice friend, very charming person. Juby. Levin, Korean, Peep, Kushi, Sara, Tanya, Snhea, Meena, Janice, Sai, Andrea, all are too good a people for me to loose. But thanks to the new media which keeps all of us connected. Sundar, a very down to earth person, like to crack jokes and associate himself with cinema. A movie freak in short. He will surely become a successful director. Sharanya is one person ill never and I never can for get. I loved her so much and I still do. I've tried to talk to you and make you understand, but all seemed to be in vain. Its not the words I want to hear from you nor it's not that I want you not to say, but if you only knew, how much I loved you, you would never say no to me.
I know life has much more to say, this is not the end, but just a beginning of a new era. Its time to step into the world of reality, I have to hunt for a job and earn a decent living. Have lots to achieve in life. I know that ill succeed soon.

Discovered a new skill

My interests are rooted deep in music as I have been learning it from my child hood days. As I grew up, I found a new liking towards ad making, in creating new things, coming up with new ideas and so on. I joined a course related to that and did my visual communication and now I am going to complete my master’s in communication as well. Being a communication student I felt the necessary to be a good designer and learnt that art by gaining some knowledge in those software’s also. Lately, inspired by rachel’s articles that I read in the news paper’s, I took up writing seriously and I felt that I could excel in that field. Now being a copy writer, I think I can take up some chances to do a bit of serious journalism. The time is ripe and not too far, that any time my hands could hold that pen.

But apart from all this, I UN earthed a new potential within me. We had to conduct a PR campaign as a part of our project work during our third semester. So we decided to do it on books. This was a ten day event which was held in different parts of the city in many schools and colleges. Though, this was not my first such experience, I had done some organizing part before, I was totally clueless as to what to do to go about this event. With the help of my faculties we managed to conduct this campaign which turned out to be a huge success. I was a part of the designing and the publicity committee too. We got a lot of appreciations from many for the designing of our publicity materials, which boosted our confidence a lot. And for the publicity, there were a number of sleepless nights, planning and executing the things to make this event a grand success. Arranging the events, distributing press releases, contacting sponsors, corresponding with people, when I sit back and thing of all these things, I really wonder as to how we did it. Though this was a group effort, every one contributed in their own ways.

The recently concluded four day film festival called the ‘24FRAMES’ conducted by us at the MM preview theater was yet another display of good, smart event managing. Ten days before the festival, we came up with the plan of starting a film club and conducting a film festival. Fstop was the name of the club which all agreed on , then started the venue hunting, contacting sponsors, designing publicity materials, organizing the event, finalizing on the movies to be screened, deciding the schedule for those four days(we had the event for four days) , arranging the guest speakers(we planned to have some interactive sessions everyday). This ensured another lot of sleepless nights for us. But we enjoyed in what ever work we did, putting our heart and soul into these works, we ensured that this event turned out to be a huge success.

More than six news papers had written about our festival. There were many sponsors sponsoring our event. Many people even from other countries attended the film festival. 

All these things, when I gave it a thought, I felt a new potential which I discovered lately within me, hiding, which I could make effective use, if given an opportunity. I felt that I could never work in a group. But I did all these things with my friends. We worked together tirelessly, complementing each other, helping out in things we knew, encouraging others when they were down, coordinating with all, we could make this a grand event. Well in the near future, I have decided to do event managing and please let me know if any one who needs any guidance or help to do their events. Contact me to do an event for you or your organization.

The third day

Thats me from the third right . It was the moment of my life. Never expected that i will be sitting there.

F-Stop entered the third day on a high note. There were articles of our event in the De can Chronicle and the Rajasthan Patrika. DC had a color picture of the event in it. News today too had a good write up about the festival. Added to this we had a pretty decent crowd coming in , though we started the day with just about 7of us. It was a bit gloomy and dull in the morning when I meet just itch and smitha in the theater when I went in at 9 (the first show is to shown at 9) but then as the day progressed we had some people coming in. Added to the top class movies which have been screened in the last two days like Amma ariyan, Charulatha, where is my friends home, Casablanca, The Legend Of 1900 and so on, today was yet another day of specialty with the screening of “The Pickpocket” and “ Mathrubhoomi”. This movie, “ Mathrubhoomi” really stirred up my spirit , as it was a soul stirring film with a strong story line underling the evil that’s hogging around in our society even today in many places. A story of a young innocent girl who is sold to a family by her father in the name of marriage who eventually gets trap in the hands of some UN human men, drastically desperate to sleep with a girl and never realise what real love is. A girl been raped by a whole village. Pickpocket was just another great film completely different to Mathrubhoomi with its vivid kind of characters in the movie. A classic attempt made by the director.

The third day has come to an end and slowly the curtains are drawing near. But it has been three full days of entertainment and cheer fun .

The F-STOP Sega Continues

The second and the third day did see some fabulous movies screened at the ‘24frames’ film festival. Some finest movies like “Where is my friend’s home”, “Charulatha” “Amma ariyan”. The directors of these movies showcased their brilliance in this form of art. But the unfortunate thing was that not many were gifted with a chance to attend this festival. I can say that those who have missed this great chance of watching these rare master pieces of classic art in the visual form have missed something big in life. Satyajit Ray’s portrayal of Charulatha in his movie was beyond words, still keeps me wondering as to why he has to adapt to such a complex way of showing his characters. Charulatha , if miss taken a bit will end up like just a normal girl in search of lust .The interpretation of love in the most beautiful way ever expressed but not revealed to all. In short, I can say that ‘Love in parables ‘. The story revolves around Charulatha, whom the director shows as a faithful wife, but has fallen in love with her brother-in-law. Amma ariyan was another good treat to watch with the artistic hands of John Abraham, the director proving that he was a man of class. So far so good, the fest has turned out to be a huge success and iam very proud to be a part of the event.

The unveiling of ‘F-STOP’

Actress Rohini addressing the gathering at 24 Frames, the film festival hosted by F-stop, Department of Communication, MCC, on 14th March, 2007 at the M.M.Preview Theatre, Kodambakkam. College Principal Dr V J Phillip( second right) looks on.

It was a grand inauguration for our film club and our film fest on the 14^Th of March. The much eagerly waited day for the students (but it did not look like) of the department of communication arrived, when the clock struck 9, we were awaiting the arrival of our principal and the coordinator. As usual the chief guests arrived around 9.30 after which the principal cut the ribbon unveiling the F-stop club. He had a close look at the things which we had made for the fest and our HOD was explaining the events and the happenings of the club. Soon after the principal arrived it was Gautam Bhaskaran and followed by actress Rohini. She inaugurated the fest by lighting the lamp .

The day one was a pretty good show as we had some crowd coming in, at all parts of the day. Thanks to our sponsors the US pizza and Kolkata chats who had some decent food for the students through out the day. The highlight of the day was the screening of Casablanca. This beautiful movie based on the life of a woman captured the hearts of many. The Legend Of 1900 set up a perfect example for a good quality cinema. The dialogues in Casablanca were simply amazing and the story line combined with excellent cinematography revealed that cinema was the revelation of some finest thoughts molded into reality.

The main test for the day came when we broke for lunch. Some usual early on confusions after which we then decided to go and eat in a hotel near by. Peep wanted get into the a/c section of the hotel when there was a heated argument as to how much will it cost and what to have. Ruth and soumya had some breath taking moments when we all left that place after lunch when they were still there not sure whether we paid the bill or not. (Plans of peep guys and not me). But we had some gala time there in the restaurant.

Our mam considered it a very successful day for her. Some nice movies were screened with some useful speeches by the chief guests. On the whole, it was a wonderful day

My First Press Conference

There is always a saying that hard work pays. It always pays off in due season. After all the hard work and running about for our film festival we conducted a press conference at the press club in mount road. The meeting was supposed to start at 11am and we were not very sure if any news papers would ever turn up for the event. Only at 9 in the morning we realized that the press release was not yet ready. Then we had Rachel at our rescue, she typed the press release in just about 10min and after all the early morning confusion we rushed from Palavanthangal to reach numbakkam station at 10. Forgot to mention we went hunting for a net café to take printouts of the press release on our way to palavanthangal station. . As usual, the morning (peak hours, office goers) we could not board the train and I almost fell at one point. So then we reached numbakkam station , and as we reached mount road (thought we would reach there in time) adding up to our misery, all the traffic were blocked and there was a huge political rally(like not to mention the name of that party which was causing nuisance to the public). But thanks to Rachel she was familiar with the route to the club. It was my first experience, I have not attended any press conference before this, a bit of nerveness and excitement too and I wanted to get on to the stage very badly. To much of our dismay we had more than 8different reporters form different news paper organizations that had come. I, with a laptop with me I sat on the stage along with Dinesh, Itch and two of my juniors too. Dinesh started the meet with his opening talk followed by others.

I spoke with Mr. V . Pugazenthi, senior reporter, Dinakaran.. Though a bit of nerve ness creped in , I managed to gather some confidence and spoke. All the big news papers, like Dinamalar, Dinakaran, Rajasthan Patrika came. Also Maalai Sudar, reporter Balamarugan came. Maalai Sudar is the sister concern of News Today (Rachel is working for News Today). A reporter from Vartha had also come. It was a big day for us packed with excitement and anxiety. This will be our first step towards success because we managed to pull the attention of the media and not mention the fact that we had a write up about our event in the Hindu and the Express the previous day. Our HOD was very pleased with the response we had from the media and hope we have the same from all the colleges in the city whom we have invited for the event.

The main highlight of the festival will be the inauguration of the event by actress Rohini. We do have some eminent speakers like Gautam Bhaskaran, film journalist, The Hindu, Hariharan, Director , LV Prasad film institute, Ramakrishna, Regional manager, NFDC and Sudhish Kamath, Film maker(The Four Letter Word). Some of the finest films ever made will be screened like “Wages of Fear”, “Amma Ariyan”, “Not one Less”, “Casablanca”, “Charulatha”, “Pick Pocket” and many more such films.

F – STOP Showcasing the finest and brilliant thoughts molded to reality

I am very much privileged to have studied in the Madras Christian College in the Communication department as I was part in the forming of the first film club for students in the department. To make this clear for my readers, We are planning to start a film club called the ‘ F-Stop’ which will be conducting many film screenings in and around the city. The main objective of this club is to promote classic cinemas, a rare collection of movies which are not often screened even in many prestige’s film festivals. We will be showcasing some of the finest movies made from all over the world.

After much of planning and hard work, we finally decided on this club with the guidance of our lectures who helped us in making this dream project come through. As the inauguration of our film club we will be conducting a four day film festival under the name ‘24FRAMES’(this is the biggest film festival of its kind conducted by any student group so far) held at MM theater, kondabakkam high road, from 14^th march to 17^th march 2007(Wednesday to Saturday ) .

A Sensitive Issue

Children are the future citizens of our country. But the biggest question which now arises is that what is in store for them? How will their future be?

When a cup of tea costs 2 rupees (minimum in a tea shop near the road side) the government has allotted 300 rupees as a monthly salary for a degree holder under the new act and that the person should not have worked for the past 5 years. Leave aside the formalities and the corruption that goes with it. This situation is worse if a person has not completed his degree (Rs.150 for a 10^th standard student and 200 Rs if completed 12^th). Will this satisfy the basic needs of a person? When I asked a person whom I meet at the employment exchange (saw him standing from 6 in the morning till noon), he said with much of a frustration “sir I am not able to take this further”. It costs me about 10 Rs, each time I come here. How will this 300 be enough for me to live?

When the government is taking so many steps to give employment to our youth, why is there so much of a restlessness among the today’s youth. This problem, however may not be in light because it is the candidates only from the private colleges that are been employed on an average in good reputed firms. Even they, many of them have not been able to get into the best companies. Why is this happening to us and our children while we claim that we live in a land of opportunities?

The main reason for this is the non proper functioning of our government colleges. No proper facilities in many of the colleges. Moreover now a days these government colleges have been coined as “a set of useless rags” (sorry to use such harsh words) by many MNC companies and even our own Indian firms. People mostly belonging to the low income category level only opt for this option. This was not the case when we look back 15years down the lane when there were only government college, hardly were there any private college at that time and people used to compete to get into these colleges.

We do have the potentials and the resources in our country, in fact the best in the world. But the saddest part is that no one realize‘s the fact that we have these resources. Its time for us to wake up to the fact that we are missing something great and big if we don’t start using these opportunities. I hope the government takes necessary steps in providing good, state of the art facilities in our government colleges and by reducing the fees structure in the private colleges.

Our Alumni Meet’07

It was a very memorable day, especially for our batch as this was the first such meet that was been held by the department of visual communication since the time we had left the college. On Saturday, the 24^th at the examination hall, when I was eagerly waiting for that time (it was supposed to start at 12.30 but it started at 1) I was stuck with my documentary project work and had not slept for the past 4days. But with great difficulty I made up my mind to attend the program because I wanted to meet my old friends as it had been almost 2years since I meet some of them. As usual with my wearing thoughts (me in my own dream land) I left home late and reached nmbakkam station only at 12. Added to my frustration I heard that there was an accident (a lorry was hit by a train) and all the trains were running late.

Well I thought I would reach late and so I did reach there at about 12.45. When I was nearing the hall the usual roar from the guys standing at the entrance (it had not started at that time) with an ever pleasing smile from Blessy mam at the entrance welcoming everyone. They started with a prayer as usual at about 1 followed by a small speech by the chief guest. Then it was party time (guys know what that was) with real good briyani (side dish) to follow that. After lunch and all the chit chatting while eating, was some good entertainment by our juniors who performed plays and dances. We were enjoying our talk with each other though not very keen on what was going on, the guys were with a bang of noise and ragging the little ones out there. The best came when each one of us had to introduce our self’s to our juniors ,when I noticed that things had not changed much from our college days with each one having their own problems while facing a crowd(though it was just like a family gathering) . The program was overall good except for the bad choice in the venue.

I personally felt that mrc would have been a better choice than the examination hall. Here, with all sides closed the audio system was so bad that we could hardly hear anything. Over shadowing these things, I had just one thing in mind that was to have fun with my friends and enjoy every second out there. I knew that moments like this will never come back and so I wanted to make full use of that. I got to spend a lot of time with my friends after a long gap. Well everything had to come to an end, when it was 6 and getting dark, I knew that it was time to part each other. All of us had a good gala time, a bit emotional at times as well and some unforgettable moments, we shared.

I like to thank Blessy mam for making this happen and my juniors for taking the effort in organizing things to perfection (except the audio system), but hats off to you guys, as I was able to see all my friends, most of them had come and we had some wonderful time together which I will cherish all my life and hope this continues in the years to come.

Does an ad need an ad??

I had to write an ad for a product or a company in my CA today for my documentary paper. As I was wondering what to do this idea crossed my mind. Well, I thought, I could share my views with you and know your thoughts about my way of looking at things.

Topic: advertisement for an advertising agency:

A young man, very simple looking person, wearing a white shirt and a black pant, walks into an office. After a few seconds he opens the door and comes out dressed like an executive with a huge crowd standing outside the office awaiting his arrival with journalists and photographers also waiting to get a glimpse of him.

The concept behind this ad is that, when the client comes to this agency the world will fellow them. It says that it will make you a successful person in what ever field the clients wants to excel in.

Any one is free to post your views or comments about this ad.

Selling an intercom to a trappist Monk

As I am into my final semester and in my last few days of college life there has been many well known companies coming in to recruit students for their organizations. One such company which came to our college was Crystal, an advertising agency. They conducted a written examination for us in which many students from the visual communication, the English department and from our department too, had gone to attend the interview. By the grace of God I was short listed by the company and was called for an interview to their office which is situated at t-nagar. There was not much that I had to speak as they were not too keen in listening to me, but they gave me a situation and wanted me to write an article on that. I was in a spot of bother when I heard that I had to sell an intercom to a” Trappist Monk “it sounded to be a difficult task at first, but then when I gave it a thought, I felt I could do it with ease. Well this is what I offered them with……

Selling an intercom to a trappist Monk

Selling intercoms now days in this competitive world is no easy joke. Talking of selling an intercom to a trappist monk is far beyond one’s imagination. It not only requires skill but also the apt facility to meet the requirements of the Monks. It needs careful planning and thought so as not to disturb the norms and sentiments of the Monks. A company trying to sell intercoms to such people should do so with due respect to their religious sentiments and vows taken by the trappist Monks.

Considering all the above, I think the company should look into a new method that would not only preserve their religious values but at the same time sell their product successfully. Though difficult, this can be done by conceiving a new method.

Since conversing is the main hurdle that these Monks face, they are definitely at liberty to use their hands and this will be an advantage to them. Any number of instruments could be located at various convenient places or rooms or work stations as the case may be. A monitor type of a screen should be fitted to every instrument with a key board type of facility attached to it. The ringing tone will be the same but the only difference will be that there will be no verbal communication taking place. As soon as an intercom rings, the Monk who picks up the hand set will not have to verbalize a “hello” but will have to type it out which will reflect on the screen of the caller. Thus conversations can go on without conversing yet the purpose being fulfilled. This will not only relieve them of tensions but also solve the problem of conveying what they want. Work will go on as smoothly as normal life, no delay in work being done nor will work be hindered. Messages could be conveyed easily, quickly and smoothly.

What a remarkable way of changing life for a Trappist Monk – yet maintaining all their religious standards - And For No Extra Cost.

This is my passion

My first and foremost interest in my life is to become a complete musician. As I hail from a family full of musicians I was brought up in that atmosphere where I could feel the presence of music where ever I went. My grand father Mr. k .Joseph was very much instrumental in influencing me in music. He is my guru as I was brought up under his watch full eyes and I learned most of my things from him. He was an electrical engineer and worked as a director in AIR. But he had learnt music from his mother who was then a great musician at her time and had learnt to play the piano. He has been playing that instrument now for the past 70 odd years and still has that magical touch whenever he places his hands on the keys.

I learnt my music from him and I have finished my 6^th grade in piano playing from the Trinity College of music (London). Music means a lot to me now as it feeds me as I am teaching it to some children and also gives me a feel that I am able to share the little bit of knowledge that I have to others. Initially I was forced to learn music by my parents but now I thank them for forcing it on me. Music is an art and can not be bought for money. Many people mistake it to be a kind of entertainment (off course it is entertainment to its fullest) but try to mint money in the name of music. It is my companion in times of my loneliness.

Life is a blank page. And every one of us has got to write something on it. Well I have written the art within my self, the love in me, my compassion towards music in my life’s beautiful page. I thank my grand father and my parents for helping me to script a beautiful verse in the pages of my life

Un noticed tears

After all the hick up’s and laziness I rushed to college thinking I would be late for class today. However I reached there on time just to find out that no classes were conducted today as all the lecturers had gone to attend a programme. Annoyed a bit I returned home but got a call on the way asking me to attend a discussion headed by a young dynamic lady from Bangalore. Driven by curiosity I went there but much to my dismay I found just two people sitting around a small table and chatting with each other. One was the lady from Bangalore Miss. Mano Das, chairman of JNU union ( Jawaharlal Nehru University). She is also the member of the CPI-ML (Communist party of India – Marxist Leninist) party.

She is a very simple person and after all the formal introduction we sat down to discuss about some of the burning issues happening in our country.

Why was the police not questioned even after so many complaints given by the public of Nathari village about their missing children . She said that there was no enquiry into the case. If at all an inquiry was held the concerned officer would be suspended for just a few days or transfered elsewhere. Where has our right to freedom gone? And in Nathari, where the case was taken up, after nearly 2 years, not even a single FIR had been filled in the police records where more than 50 children went missing. The police have recovered only just about 20bodies so far. I am afraid that big guns may be involved in this. The serial killings of children in Noida revealed a "butcher-like precision" in the chopping of 20 bodies, of which 11 have been identified as that of girls .Businessman Mohinder Singh Pandher, who along with his servant Surendra, had allegedly sexually abused the children before murdering them. What a cruel act this is. These people should be stoned to death in front of the public.

Well there were many such topics that came up during the discussion including the “goody, prestigious, religious” image that overshadow the politics that play a very important roll in my college. The sexual harassment by a lecturer from the viscom department had been on for the past 2 years which went UN noticed, like speaking to deaf ears by the college authorities.

At the end it was a fascinating and a exciting experience for me as this was the first of its kind that I had been too. Hopefully I will participate in many more such events and keep my self informed about the happenings in and around my place that I can do my fullest I can for my society I live in.

Farewell to Susan mam

It was in August 2006 that we had to say our final words to our head of the department Dr. Susan as she was resigning and moving on to Anna university when we had a farwell function for her. It was then when I first thought of writing something on my own as I wanted to write a peon on her. And this is how it goes……

Oh dearest of our dearest,

The most respectable and knowledgeable

Sweet and calm

The backbone of our department

Our dear Susan mam

We may not be eligible for Oscars

But we were privileged to have

The maker of the Oscar, herself

In the midst of us.

A touch of a mother’s hand on our brow,

When we were restless and tossed.

A word from you asking what’s wrong,

When we thought no one noticed

Our silent tears.

A hand on our shoulder when we felt,

Like the world was over.

The care and love that you showed

Despite our short comings

Those sparkling eyes,

That attractive beautiful face,

Those precious words,

Full of knowledge and wealth.

The birth place of love,

And the store house of knowledge

That enthusiastic stride and

That cheerful talk,

These things will never be forgotten,

You were a great leader,

An excellent teacher,

A powerful lecturer,

A profound orator,

And a well respected scholar

Missing you is not just a word to be said,

But an emotion to be felt.

Now that you will not be near us

To guide us and cheer us in our journey of life,

We all have just one word to say

With our eyes filled with tears,

Adieu dear man - - - we miss you

And we will miss you for ever. .

My Golden Days

It was in the year 2002 that I was wondering “what am I doing in this world “, having no clue as to what so ever after I had got the least percent of marks in my higher secondary exams. My parents had high hopes on me as I was the only child in the family. They wanted me to do my engineering or my medicine (usually everyone thinks like that I guess) and at a particular point of time I thought that I would not fulfill their exceptions and not even enter college. It was then when I met a friend (my close buddy at school ) who was studying his visual communication in srm college. I was very much influenced by him and I thought I could take up this course as well. After this was when my real hunt for a college began and I went to almost all the colleges in this city. By the grace of God and the influence used by my grandfather I got into the most wonderful, exciting, awesome, prestigious, beautiful college in the country. And that’s my MCC – The Madras Christian College. I call this as “my college” is because it has become my home now for the past 5 “short” years and I still love every moment I spend here.

My graduation there had mixed experiences, my ups and down’s, good times and bad times, but for me everything seemed to be right as I saw it as the land flowing with milk and honey. I term these 5 years of my stay here in mcc as “short” because never had I wanted to leave the premises and even after these years it is just like another day for me.

I was completely a different person when I did my vis com here, new set of an atmosphere, new friends and a new life style all together. Slowly I gathered my own group of friends as usual the regular college attitude , bunking class, coming late, sitting in the gutters (mcc is famous for that) doing anything possible under the sun to have fun. Vijai , jaga, satish, Johnson, sorna, magesh, roydon, ben, peep, mosses and all my classmates , the unforgettable guys . We were the first batch in the college after they started this course (so we had a lot of freedom).

After my three days (three years there seemed to be like three days for me) stay in mcc I felt that I was going to miss something in life as I had to leave the college , but thanks to destiny which brought me back to my sweet home to do my post graduation in communication in that very same year. Now these two years I feel is the turning point in my life as I learned many things. I have no words to term this as this is a new experience for me I never had in those past 3 years. My lectures, my friends everything seemed to be giving a new dimension to my life. Itch, fenn, dinesh, peep, deepa, mia, ruth were all very close friends with me.

As the curtains are drawn and as the day comes to an end and as I am coming to the final last days of my college life I see not a dull picture but bright and prosperous days ahead of me , a completely molded person by the careful hands of my lecturers . A million thanks to mcc for making me what I am now. The only things I will miss are those “late lazy mornings, foot board travel, late attendance, long intervals, sharing canteen foods, late night chats, some misunderstandings (many a times with fenn itch, deepa, dinesh), correcting friends for exams, struggle for marks, mass bunk, fresher day and farewell. I can say that college life is nothing but heaven.

At last iam done

Hello everybody.

At last it is 12:11am now 7 th of feb 2007 that i have created my blog. I am so glad that i did this after much of struggle...

Still not sure as to what i should post on this blog, I am starting my new episode as a “blogger “.

Well thanks to my dear friend Dinesh who encouraged me to do so as he too started a few days back. .

I fell that this blog will give me an identity in this competitive world