25 Oct 12

      25 October 2012 - Exam time is catching on as we are grappling with studies, apprehensions and a changing weather (last being the best of all). Actually, assignments-presentation combo is, in itself, pretty lethal BUT such a narrow gap between mid-term and finals have actually jacked us up nicely. As the generation ## would put it, "Free time ka 'feel' hi nahin aaya." Anyways, nothing can be done with this at this stage; so why crib!

       Well, this is also the time when we find all 20 sessions per subject/topic getting over one by one. It is nice to see attendances (in case of most of us) touching 100% in almost all subjects. Even though it has been a result of the positive stress related to threat of getting downgraded, some of us would actually like to think and pray and imagine and visualise a situation wherein all those students attaining 100% in all subjects in a trimester (I am not one of them though!) get some incentive like, say an additional grace of 05% in next trimester.That is to say that if, because of some reasons (though highly unlikely for such students), they fail to attain 80% attendance in the very next trimester, they may not be downgraded till they hit 75% unlike all others who would have their grades getting partially evapourated at 80% itself (5 v/s 4 permissible bunks). I mean this is just a thought and there could be many better ideas; adding a grade, though laughable, being one such radical idea.

                               I had mentioned about an unpleasant incident involving some smart (too smart, in fact) colleagues of ours. Today, the chapter was finally closed (hopefully) with one of the smarties making an ass of himself. Goes to prove the adage that lies have no standing!

                                         Gave my car for servicing and finding the clutch plate a bit unreliable, I insisted on a change despite works manager advising me to carry on for a while. I would never take chances, especially so when all eyes are set on ERA RIDE to Ladakh next year. That brings me to the information that I am still waiting for a response to the initial proposal. I shall share the news as and when it lands up at my end. BTW, it is heartening to know that we already have SIX volunteers for the expedition!

(An actor and now a fellow student and a buddy, Manoj is one of the Ladakh aspirants)

                     I am not very sure whether I shall be posting again before the month end. So, as an interim, I take this opportunity to wish all students of EBS (both batches) all the best as also to the faculty (they also need strength to absorb a few shocks here and there)!

                 

                        ALL THE BEST GUYS; Make EBS proud!!

19 October..... another week comes to close!

               THE THIRD WEEK OF OCTOBER draws to a close today. Well, it has been a pretty mixed week with all sorts of things happening around and amidst us. To start with, some of my colleagues were shocked to see this mug of mine of Monday! Do I look that horrible? All that I had done was to shed a few grams of weight by getting my crop trimmed and this was after an unsuccessful attempt to shed some ounces from elsewhere. At this age, weight only comes in; seldom goes away...... may be so because of our personalities that turn magnetic after 40!! 

                I dedicate this post to the community of responsible people called CRs or Class Representatives. This community is supposed to be one shot solution for anything and everything that may  go wrong inside the classroom. No wonder then that this is how the bag of our beloved CR looks like.....

 

(All these assets form part of the survival kit of a CR)

                           So, from IT related issues to AC, from markers to duster, from lists to announcements, they remain the only pit stop. While it is logical for the faculty to look in CR's direction whenever any such issue comes up, the student community, in a typical way, shouts out their names as and when anything is required (before the faculty can complete the statement of requirement). Well, that is the way some humour gets added and the resultant laughter does shake a few who may be in a slumber at that moment. And while carrying such assets (after getting the same issued from the PGP office) may appear to be a simplistic task, our CR has to protect these assets from other CR who may not hesitate in poaching as when an emergent situation arises!

               There has been a spurt in assignments, of late. It is, thus, natural for students to carry the pending tasks back to EBS. May be that such a practice will teach them how to carry work home from office in future. For me, it is a sin whether you carry tasks to the class or you carry work home from your office. Anyways, as of now, have a look- see....

(Sweating time......fully absorbed!)

 

(CHEPO is a tool; a powerful resource in the hands of students!)

                          Finally, one faculty member did try and put some light into our heads. It was a small, sharp talk about the attitude and stance that some of us have, unfortunately, taken after joining the EBS. I hope and pray that some good sense would prevail now that students have given their commitment to the faculty.

                      Time to move on and have a glimpse into the days gone by since 15 October....... 

(A home-made Kachori from Kanpur is something that she could not resist; nor me, in fact)

(From Kachoris to Revadis, she has been shelling all such yummy treats..... look at the beneficiary in the background)

(In casuals a few moments back and in more acceptable attire just before the beginning of the presentation.... students have their own exchange programs and supply chains) 

(You do not need a wi-fi when you can play games stored on your own console)

(Look at the sincerity, last few words of a call while others are in the process of settling down for the class as a faculty walks in)

(Poor guys.... how tired, how exhausted!!) 

(This post stands dedicated to this community)

                  Some of us were in a kind of shock when we were introduced to a unique way of assessment today. Having been a faculty myself, all that I can say (as much out of my own experience as out of sheer common sense) is that it is something that is better strictly avoided!

                 There was a negative incident towards end of the week. While a student was naive enough to post a controversial post somewhere on FB (before removing it), there were a few gladiators who tried to en-cash on the 'opportunity' in the most despicable manner. Two years is a long time and it is with time that we would be able to identify people with unusual characteristics like these. May people grow out of all this!

                   As the week comes to a close, there is plenty of action lined up for everyone.... the upcoming Dandiya Night at the EBS!

                                             Keep rocking, guys!

15 Oct 12

                         15 Oktober 2012.... They say that  22% more people have heart attacks on Mondays when compared to the average of other six days. Well, they must be pretty accurate. A weekend full of indulgence and sinful binges, when followed by an eye-opening Monday, would naturally make anyone's heart sink for a while. The luckier ones live on to have another binge the following weekend but the lesser fortunate guys just get hit! In any case, a heart attack no longer means necessary death (that is the good news) though life would never be same after that.

(Heart Attack or no heart attack, Monday forces you to do this)

(Thank God there are some First Aids like this available or else, a Monday could always be fatal!)

                   Fortunately, we all remained intact on this beautiful Oktober day. Weather had got a bit warmer suddenly, over the weekend, but things began to settle as the day chugged along. Needless to say, our ever freezing classmates, N and S, were at their wits ends while many others joined the chorus. The poor AC had to be switched on and off intermittently.

                       The CAT exam is on and our school lifts looked more impressive than before and rightfully so...

( Forget the photography part; just see the value added to the journey in a vertical plane)

(But then you have idiots who spoil the show!)

                       A few results were declassified today and as it happens with results, a mixed bag kind of a feel could be felt across the students. Our mid term has just got over and like a hungry wolf, the final exam is already staring at us. Now, whether we stare back or look elsewhere, the wolf would live on and attack us at the right moment. But as of now, the major concern of the students is yet another change that has come to haunt us!  We were supposed to be meeting the wolf on 29th of this month but I believe, the fresh rendezvous is going to be on 01 November or so. Under normal circumstances, such a push to the wolf would bring cheers to students, situation here is different. 

                       You see, majority of the students are from outside Delhi/NCR. That implies a substantial time required to travel to and fro from their respective native places during the upcoming festival season. Now, since the grapevine indicates change in the dates (and also that our preparatory session will also have organised classes), there are genuine apprehensions in the minds of such students about their ability or inability to visit their families during some of the most auspicious days of the year. There are also some gossips about school restarting on a Thursday or Friday (after Diwali) instead of a much liked Monday. While we do assume that management will help students spend quality time with their families, no clear cut inputs have been received till now. The most desired communication is awaited and I hope that someone clarifies the issue soon.

                                   Another bug bear is the fact that our foreign language classes have not started yet. The delay could  easily be attributed to us for not having given the choice in time. But the fact remains that someone, up the chain, could have got it extracted from a mob that we are. After all, when pending documents (MAT and degrees) had to be procured from the students, an innovative method had been applied. A similar action would have  been in order. Unfortunately, it is gone with the wind. So, with this trimester, we stand to lose 20 sessions of Foreign Language unless we consider English to be a foreign language in the same category. Yoga sessions have dried up too, surprisingly!

                                   Before I close for the day, let me share a good news with you all. I forwarded the proposal, for the bike ride to Ladakh next year, to the Director today. Now, lets wait for the outcome, keeping our fingers and toes crossed!!

                                        TC and GN!!

13 Oct 12......Phew!! gone with the wind! I hate it but this is the occupational hazard. I  started writing this blog at 0430h today and did finish it by 0730. And just at the end, while I was editing it, one wrong click and all the junk (of a work) that had been created during those three beautiful morning hours, became a history! Well, any amount of alertness and skill can not avert certain disasters. And it has not happenend for the first time nor does it happen frequently. Disheartening? yes! But WTH! Here, I am again...Life has to go on!!

                          Talking of 0400/30h, that is when I get up everyday. I have been an early riser, more so because of our spoilt brats (pets). Traditionally, on a normal day I would use 0430-0600 slot for writing but since my joining EBS, this slot has usually been taken up by assignments and related work (writing? yes, technically, at least). You see, three of us, among EBSians of our batch, have different issues in life. In pure practical needs, instead of families looking after us, we have families to look after (fair enough) and that means time and effort that needs to be given that side, leaves no time for studies and related work. So, while exams are on, it is OK to sit and study whenever at home but on a normal day, there is no time for the same. So, this early morning slot of 90 minutes comes to my rescue. I use it gainfully for assignments and presentations. And the best part is that once pets are back and I am through with morning routine, there is no one to distract me. Even ever bugging Facebook does not have many notifications to throw on us at that hour of the day. BTW, more pressing engagements at familial front also mean reduced participation in extra curricular activities in the school.

                          Getting up early also gives the luxury of feeling and sensing the cool breeze that hangs around at that hour. Believe me, it is different from what we find once the sun comes up and city wakes up only to pollute itself further. The present spell is also the time for the weather to change and there is no time better than early morning to feel the change happening at the daily basis. It is definitely nippy in the morning though I still go out in my shorts. This, however, reminds me of the nip that certain students feel inside the class room. With a very low tolerance for cool air, the AC gives them such a chill that they, left to themselves, may freeze even in the month of June...

(Youngsters have warmer blood but here are two of our outliers..... but look at the positive aspect- the bonding brought about through a common stoll that covers both of them)

                                             I had written about some lapses by us, the students, in my last post. But what is really worrisome is the fact that a few of us are yet to realise the importance of the days we are spending at EBS. The other day, we were having a casual chit chat over a cup of tea when I asked a friend  about it. And what he told me was nothing short of a shock. As per him, and unfortunately, for many others who think like him, obtaining the PGDM degree itself would be enough! Someone, in a formal environment and even at the cost of repetition, needs to tell them about the ticket value of this degree; about the fact that it will take them to a PI under normal conditions and a job at the most; that interviewers take no time to gauge the real worth of a candidate; also that even once you manage to get into a job, it would be their hard work, duly backed up by some solid knowledge, that will make them sail ahead; and that beyond a certain point (which happens to be very close to start itself), degree loses its impact unless and until professional acumen is there to back it up.At least some of us actually need a session or two with professional psychological counsellors, say at the cost of one or two yoga sessions! I strongly feel the need because when we look at cost of this course (i.e to their parents) in pure monetary terms, it is close to ₹ 50,000 per month (including fee). That translates into a financial equation of ₹ 12,00,000 (lower limit as per a conservative estimate). And more than anything else, it would be the reputation of the school at stake.....! 

(SHOCKED? ........ well, that is the fact!!)

                           So while you all have the right to enjoy yourself and make your youth memorable, you must neither lose sight of the goal nor must you forget the cost factor involved! Have a ball guys but follow a 'work hard - party hard' approach rather than ' hardly work- party hard' one.

                            This post, like the previous post, is getting serious. So, lets change the texture a bit. Lets have some glimpses of brighter things at EBS...

(The most important gain for me has been the addition to my acquaintances' list (gone up by 100+) and, of course, my new friends. No wonder then that a HALO appears in the background when you are with them........ and do not forget to take note of the protecting charm of our blog. She has managed to jump in at the last moment here!)

 

(There is never a dull moment when this celebrity is around; no wonder then that we call her our melodrama queen)

(This pyramid may look pretty shaky in its present shape but believe me, the glue that they have in their hands, will make them stick around with one another  for rest of their lives!)

                              There is one अन्नपुर्णा in our group. Aish or Ice as she is known and BomB as we call her, always brings two tiffins in her bag. One that carries breakfast, is openend during tea break and we all polish it off with not more than 5% of total food going to her. The story is repeated during lunch time and again she does not get more than 10% of the contents. And she does it happily and in fact invites the whole bunch of our group to share her food. And then when everything has been eaten by everyone else, she simply walks up to the counter and buys herself a plate of Chana Bhatura. But the trend of consumption remains similar and on an unusually good day, she gets to eat one bhatura out of the two. Needless to elaborate further as to how much does she love her food! Such an arrangement has many advantages; firstly, her mom is happy that her tiffins get emptied in the school, thus, implying the fact that their daughter has been eating well (alas!); secondly, we all feel blessed savouring all those yummy home made south Indian dishes.

(And they are looking up to find out where the bird, that was on the plate a few moments ago, has gone! Or is it that they are looking towards heavens, asking for more.)

                      While writing about sharing of food and meals, let me share an interesting thing about the same. I, for one, have always been a person who likes to eat in peace and with dignity (i.e, whenever and where ever it is possible). But scene on our lunch table is always the same...... as someone opens a lunch box, all others attack the same. After a couple of minutes, it is actually the owner (of the tiffin) who becomes a scavenger as he/she tries to pick up whatever is left out of their lunch box. People like me who buy the thaali from the cafe, generally get  spared but then it is not unusual to see our shirts and trousers getting soiled during such processes. BTW, for ₹40, thaali is pretty well served. The only fall out of this blog has been the fact that no papadum has been served to me for past two weeks or so!! Another occupational hazard or result of spilling my secrets in public?

{Abhinav and self sit across the aisle (it is now more of a fixed seating pattern that class has started to follow). And we have got so accustomed to each other's presence that absence of one, if and when, really bugs the other guy)

(Probability of sun rising from west one day is not an absolute zero but probability of  finding Ankit without his backpack is an  absolute zero. Look at the concern in his eyes as a friend tries his bag, and mind you, only for a moment)

(He is a cool cat who is very creative. But there are times when a cool cat also loses its cool..... he is so upset after reading the headlines in the paper that he is now fighting hard to keep his cool. Yes, he is meditating. ......... who said he is dozing off?)

(This is third innovation in a row; the first being cooling off with beer instead of switching on AC and second one (though not very hygienic) was sharing the sleeping space to share cost of running an AC. This one, however, is different. I, however, will never try this....... who will control the mouse that lives inside every laptop!)

( I have safeguarded my eyes all these years but sudden switching of gears after joining EBS is likely to change all that. I was just trying Naudie's glasses when Bhumil clicked this pic. But when following menu  is served for eight hours a day........

(......... the effects can be safely predicted, especially when I am across 40 already)

( How much I hate all these Mews, Sigmas and figures!)

( I would have been happier doing this instead..... picked from Czia's book)

         An input that may help plan ...... this projector in our classroom is nearing the end of its (bulb's) useful life. You can spot a few spots in the lower left portion of this pic. And that is a firm indication for the things that are about to happen.....

(There are numerous white spots towards left bottom of the screen and many such spots can be seen on the wall, well outside the projection screen)

     And I end today's post with this beautiful video that goes as my salute to all my friends at EBS...... Thanx for dragging me back to my college days, guys!

 C U all on Monday, the 15th!

October 2012 continues

        Hi all, Before I resume this blog, it is pertinent to mention that this blog, courtesy your support, has been gaining popularity! It is, therefore, a kind of a must that we protect it from evil. So, here it is ...... our protection against the evil; our own Exorcism through this Ouija Board!!

May we stay protected........Ameen!

11-das-12 (11/10/2012).......Some break after a real long time, or at least this is how it feels. Finished a presentation today....... 'चीरहरण ' as we all refer to presentation on this particular subject. One may, superficially, see only a great sense of humour in the faculty concerned but deep down, it is evident as to how much interest that gentleman takes in the presentations being made by us. Also, while the element of humour is always there, his questions and comments are always relevant and reflect the fact that he has been really involved with our work. Needless to say    that for a heavy slot, like 1545 to 1730, he remains the best bet too since his style keeps you awake! Great to have such guides!

                

                  And let me also make a mention of one of the faculty who has a temperament of a fighter pilot....cool, calm and unmoved! Yep, he is teaching us Economics (lesser I write about the subject per se, better it would be...!!). If calmness can inspire anyone, he would be the best bet. While handling such a drab subject, the patience that he has with our questions, both genuine and not so genuine, is remarkable. No wonder he commands a kind of respect that he so well deserves. I am sure most of us admire him for his humility, his calmness  his patience, positive attitude and, of course, for his grip over the subject.

                There are times when we crib over a cup of tea or while having a break (actually, the time and location is immaterial) and it may also so happen that we may be right for a moment but then there are also times (rather there is a need to have such moments) when we must also do some introspection and reflect on the issues objectively. While we all enjoy and have good times and we expect EBS to do or not do a certain thing in a particular way, we must also remember our responsibilities as a team member and a citizen of the country (at least). Like in one of the earlier posts, I had written about the muck in the class and had also highlighted the fact that everything was cleaned up the next morning (issue there was an unclean classroom at 0830 in the morning), there is a reason to give a thought to our own role in the whole thing. All the muck, unfortunately, had been generated by us in the first place. With each classroom having its own trashcan and corridors having such bins too, the density of such containers is pretty high as per our national standards. And still if we can not use the bins and litter the place, who exactly is to be blamed?

 

(Well, whatever may be the time of the day, this muck under someone's seat is simply shocking!)

( And a couple of hours later, we can see some more addition to the junk under the fortress)

                    And then the crib we have about the wi-fi....... I have already touched upon the fact. But while wi-fi may go away, what do we do about such stalwarts?

(Obviously, the lit up screen shows the lesson that is being discussed and there is someone busy on his/her laptop, navigating through some video game!)

                           And for the ease of better understanding.......

(Unfortunate but that is how it is at times!)

                                       And some of us are so bloody tired that we do this when others sit and learn the subject. But if we still have energy for our cellphones, I am sure we could do better.....

 ( He has joined by choice; his parents have paid for his choice..... who went wrong and where?)

                                                  And then there are a few victims; victims who actually want to study but then their folks have a knack of calling up at the wrong times... and these guys would pick up the call just because incoming calls are free! Ha, ha..

(With class on, books open and stationery flying around, this (otherwise dedicated) girl is trying to answer a call)

(And this buddy of ours still had his pen in his hand when the call came in)

                                     And this one is with a twist..... on the neat and clean wall that supports the screen and where our attention remains focused (i.e. when not playing video games or attending calls), some one had this great idea. Come on great person, you need to be saluted for such an unusual way of destroying the property and aesthetics of the class. OR is there a need to have a small board inside the class so that enthusiasts can stick their notices? 

                             

(What s spoil this!)

  

                                       Another example of a similar folly is as below. While some idiot has done it, it does not really require a genius to clean it up ...... look at this projection screen........

                             

(Some desperate artist has done this art on the screen. Mercifully, it was someone NOT from our batch because we have simply inherited it. )

                         
 Time to go. May good sense prevail......shall catch up later !! 

Nau-Das-Barah

Nau-Das-Barah, I mean 09 Oct 12/Tuesday....Lo ji, mid term is over with FA exam today though the stress is still there with MM presentation and MM Assignment coming up in next 48 hours. But before I take you back into the campus, one update about the things beyond or at least out of the campus. I had mentioned about Triple Riding episode in my last update (please see above).... just have a look how technology is taking the same bunch places...

(Enjoying immunity from inflation)

                ..... and if the boys were getting penalised, how could girls remain behind?

 (EBS believes in equality........ no discrimination!!)

              In the meanwhile, life goes on. A few boys decided to compete with girls (notionally) by cooking something akin to a meal on day and see the mess......

(Not an easy task this!!) 

                      Fortunately, the good sense prevailed and the very next time, they landed up at a retired army officer's joint to have some finger lickin' meals...

(Have heard of other things doing it but dead chicken ko sar par charh ke bolte pehli baar dekha hai..... and look at the poor ol' Colonel!!)

                     A peep into  some innovative method to save on operating cost of the ACs in a PG/hostel.

 ( May be saving some bucks but better think of some more socially acceptable way!!)

               Time now to enter the gates. The stress of studies and exams does not stand a chance when buddies gather over a cup of coffee or a meal (of course, sans Fumigation)...

 ( Happiness; situation irrespective!)

 (It is not everyday that you get to pose with (1) Miss Freshers and (2) unofficial sponsor of our grub..... who is who? Anybody's guess!)

(Today is Bhuvan's Birthday.....had this yummy cake that was cut in the parking!! May HE shower his blessings on the birthday boy!)

              Lets walk in....... today was FA exam. One thing that we have now started to lump  is the sense of timing! It has been happening all this while and today was no exception...

(The gates to exam hall were only opened 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the exam....... repetition that irritates and that too just before the exam!)

                            Time now to have a serious thought about a vital aspect of examinations. Our exams, courtesy an overflowing house, are held in Seminar Hall (our roll numbers always take us there)..... and now the problem there lies in the kind of furniture that is simply unsuitable for exams and such sessions. Imagine, in a typical exam, we carry a calculator, at least two pens, scale, pencils, erasers and of course the question paper, the answer sheet and a rough work sheet. Now, whatever permutations and combinations one may work out, a platform, that is no more than six inches by eight inches, can not accommodate all this stuff unless and until we plans to create a shelf where things can simply be piled up. And I have not even counted the wrist watch, lucky charms and own hands!! Now, when time is short, as it is usually, it looks funny when students  struggle to keep things on the chair. There is an never-ending symphony of instruments and papers flying all over the place. While the positive side of all this is the fact that such an activity makes our abdomen muscles stronger (when we lunge forward to catch a flying object or pick up something that has simply decided to take a walk) but we would lose CGPs in the process. The following pic is only a demonstration sans pressures and disgust that invariably creep in....

( High time administration did something to accommodate a bigger family rather than make us do aerobics and acrobatics during exams)

                     These display boards are the latest additions and lemme confess that these are pretty useful. The aesthetics, however, need a bit of fine tuning since printastix look shabby and wavy...

(A useful addition that demands a bit of refinement)

                              Time now to get on with the ppt and assignments.....adieu!!