Timer(s) ticking....

D (My first Manager here for 2 odd months): Hey P(r)akash Good Morning (people here hardly spell the letter ‘r’, you can just see my ears bleeding, when they utter Pakkassh.. ok don’t ROFL now)

Me: Hey Very Good Morning… watsup? How are you doing?

D: Heard you are flying back to Bangalore? *Goodness me, he still remembers my homeplace. Hail Bangalore!*

Me: *News has spread. Nice* Nope, I have resigned and yet to decide on my return!!

D: Hey, that’s bad. You are very good; XXXX (encrypted customer I work for) would miss you and eagerly want you to come back. Anyways, I owe you a drink and lunch, you decide the date :-)

Me: Ohh.. Thanks a ton for your words. *pakku elated as its from those typical “Chinese” manager *

Well, the countdown has begun for my return to des. Unfortunately, for now it has two counters. I foresee myself singing “ye jo des hai mera, swades hai mera” from the “Indian Airlines” flight on one of those days. When yours truly has chosen freelance consulting, thyself have to bear the travel cost. That’s when your “desh-bhakthi” rises to the peek and you choose the official country carrier for obvious reasons.

Right after I decided to take up work in Singapore, I had to convince myself that since this being a long-term assignment (which I purposefully cut-short), I should not go nostalgic enroute. No “Miss you” mails or “home-sick” mails, sky-rocketing calling card bills or depressed moods. To a certain extent I have achieved it. But still, I am humane and an emotional one at times. I missed

- my HONDA – everytime I had to take MRT(Metro rail), I dreampt of button-start and Vrrroooommmmm....

- riding over the relatively empty stretch of Mysore Road. For me 100 kph is “Dhoom” like. I may be fanatic about sporty bikes, but not so “speed-savvy”

- frequent visits to temples *pakku hasn’t stepped into a single temple in SG for past 7 months- bad signs*

- random shopping at malls, marathalli, commercials and wheresoever. The result of which, for the past 7 months have not bought any apparel, but for a few from KL.

- P3A Hangouts near Brigades, Richmonds. Needless to say, what I missed all through these days from those places. You gotchaa!! Whatttt!! … I was mentioning about ”Corner House”…and not those charismatic damsels... huhhh pervert minds

- Proficient hair-cut!!! Not that I portray any style statement from my hairs, but haircut saloons in SG.. huhh

- “Forceful” get-together partys within P3A. Well.. the way P3A is behaving these days, wonder if I really missed it

- Gifts-Shopping. I love this part!!! It is always exciting when you shop for that exclusive gift for your dear ones. And when pakku things of doing it, the recipient is truly special :-)

- Needless to mention, missed quite a few close-in friends. Well, for an introvertish, not-so-easily-mingling-guy, a handful of them is more than enough.

Above all, missed “Sri Skanda Kripa”(my home) and family. It is as if uttering “yahiii pooch liya hotaa, saansein lethe ho pakku”

*due to some critical urgent work, had to cut short my post.. else I missed a LOT*

Bhoota Kola - Essence of Tuluver

Few months ago, when my parents decided that we would perform “Bhoota Kola” at our hometown near moodabidri, I was very excited. Hence postponed the dates to last week of December, speculating that I would take Xmas and NY holidays to attend this function which was organized by us. The last time, we had done that was 20 years ago. I don’t remember much as I was only a small kid then. But, what I remember, pakku was damn afraid of the proceedings and had slept midway through it.

Now, when the D-day has come, I am miles away from my family, trying to get each and every minute detail like food menu (only Veg), invite card, people attendance blah blah, to pacify myself that I am indeed an integral part of the happenings. I am seriously missing being part of such an occasion. And I know, my folks in hometown are missing a bit more, after all “kinniyayae” (tulu word for the pampered last son of the family) is adored by everyone hehehehe.

As the days fly for the final showdown (29 night-30 morning), I am getting a bit more enthufied and cursing circumstances which has made me stay back in Singapore. Anyways, hope it goes on smoothly and the villagers/relatives/well-wisher prayers are answered satisfactorily and on a selfish note, praying for a bit more blessings/wishes for our family. Above all, “Sarve janaaha Sukhino bhavantu”

Few details on “Bhoota Kola” accumulated from web.
*****************************************************

Bhoota Kola is a form of 'Bhuta Aradane' or worship of holy spirits , widely followed in South Canara & parts of Kerala.Bhoota or Daiva is a holy spirit and Bhoota Kola is all about paatri ( impersonator ) also called as 'Nalke' in tulu, getting possessed by holy spirit. It is a worship which starts after the dusk and can go on till the early morning.In short to sum it up, Bhoota Kola is system of rituals,social gathering, miraculous healing of ailments and solutions to problems.

The holy spirit is also known as 'Daiva' or ‘Bhoota’. Mostly this is relevant to few families which have been following this for hundreds of years. Such families might have a small temple like structure built which is known as 'Bhootada Gudi'. These families rely on the holy spirit to shower them with good fortune and protect them from the evil.

Traditional attire

The (person who represents) bhoota is dressed in a red blouse and trousers. The make-up is the most important thing while the bhoota is being readied for the pooja. Normally red, black, yellow, blue and white are the colours used to decorate the face of the bhoota. As they begin painting the lines on the face of the bhoota, the traditional songs or the paddanas are sung. The stories related to the bhootas are recited and the bhoota is finally ready for the show.

Fronds of coconut and areca trees, wild flowers, bamboo shoot are an integral part of the attire of the bhoota. But with the changing times, ornaments made of gold, silver, bronze and other materials have replaced the older materials.



The mask

The mask worn by the bhoota is perhaps the most important aspect . The bhoota is a symbol of great power and violence. The mask of the bhoota is worshiped in temples. The mask is decorated with gold and silver ornaments and is worshiped according to the rituals.

Some masks are that are made of areca fronds are temporary and discarded after the worship. The masks for Panjurli, Kalkuda bhootas are made of iron and areca fronds while those of Ullalti, Kadamanittaya, Rakteshwari, Juwadi and Malaraya are made using iron and other metals.

Body beautiful

Normally bamboo or cane sticks are used for the body, and areca and coconut fronds are used as attachments. The shape of the body varies from semi-circle, triangle or rectangle. The shape depends on the spiritual significance of the bhoota.

The behaviour

The bhoota involves itself in a great many ‘miraculous acts,’ like rolling on the fire. As it get's closer to possession of the spirit tempo depth increases. A typical costume is a gown made of palm leaves and a big nimbus like structure called "ani" made of palm leaf and decorated by few ornaments.

Though Bhoota Kola is not a public event,it is common for the neighbours from surrounding places to gather at the house where it happens. Few come for pure entertainment & few seeking solution to their problems.After the possession of the holy spirit the paatri answers questions fired at him by the gathered people, mostly such questions on nagging problems & difficulties faced by them. The Holy Spirit answers them by providing solutions to their problems.

Its pouring "all animals"

During the time when we were studying our Bachelors, then CM of Karnataka, SM Krishna, had once stated that “Bangalore would be Singapore in 5 years time”. This statement came, after his official visit to Singapore. In response to that, local MP of Bangalore Ananth Kumar, had ridiculed by responding “modlu bengalooru naa mangapura thara maadi” (Please make Bangalore atleast look like Mangapura). *Mangapura is a town near Tirupathi - not sure of the correct name*

SM did try his best to make Bangalore, a better livable city, lest the unknown forces stopped him to continue with his good work. Bad luck to we bangies!!

Today, as I write this, I have worked/lived in both the places. It is been seven good months in SG. And never did I feel that this small-but-wonderful city/country lacked the infrastructure for good comfy living for even expats like me. Such is the quality of its design. Truly wonderful! Unfortunately or fortunately, due its size it can only grow vertically.

Many a times while strolling inside the malls, we cannot estimate the number of levels below the ground level. Yet, we would not feel that. Courtesy, the architecture, lighting and obviously chill AC. Always felt that this country has the best rainwater disposal and sanitary system.

Until this week though!! Singapore and Malaysian border has recorded the highest rainfall in over 50 years. Result of which, we see roads clogged with rainwater. Some places, traffic crawls. Residents are complaining. Expats are feeling the delay in the rush-hours. MRTs(train service) are on time but not the bus service. Finally, we can see cracks in infrastructure. Yep, I am still based out of Singapore – worlds most expat friendly country.

The situation may not be worse, but it aint rosy either. Being an expat, I can still complain, for I pay the income tax to the federal government, for every penny I earn. Well, the situation is not so worse, that any individual would complain, but its worth to take note. When we desis, see the little-clogged roads, we utter -"If the same rains had slashed in bangalore/Mum, we would have had Emergency Leave announced. Shucks, we need to work here."

Luckily unlike bangalore, every clogged road counts for the bureaucrats here. And, they respond in a flash. No wonder they say “Singapura”

Due to huge rains and mushy-mushy weather, Xmas weekend was a homely affair. Sometimes relaxing at home is a bliss.

SV, enjoy the bang weather and postpone your party until I am back. This time only at Leela or Taj, no let-offs. And all you guys having long vacation, enjoy maadi :-)

pakku

Kabul Express

Yesterday night, happened to watch “Kabul Express”. I wanted to watch this movie not because it’s a product of YashRaj banner, but for Johnny baby and the cute american damsel(which was the highlight in trailors).

As it turned out to be, it was quite an interesting 100 odd minutes. Well, interesting as there were no bollywood masala or songs or larger-than-life image portrayal of actors. More than John or Arshad warsi aka circuit, it was director kabir khan’s movie. Very challenging and risky attempt which could reach the metro mass but not the greater part of rural India!!

Yashraj’s banter with “drift-from-conventional-story-telling” foray continues. Aditya chopra may not be happily smiling to the bank with KE collections as he did with Dhoom-1, but worth a risk.

All through the movie, I was a bit disappointed with John. I felt he did not quite do justice to his journalist Suhel Khan role. He was awesome in patches, esp when he talks of the secularist Indian Muslims. Still, I felt the director did not give enough space to portray his mettle.

Albeit, I adore the risk-taking capacity of John. Not many people in the industry would have dared to accept KE, even before “Yashraj” name got attached to it. But, for aamir may be. I have to accept aamir in this front atleast.

Aamir khan, after the stupendous success of “Lagaan” had said, I visualized Lagaan when ashutosh narrated the story. Johnny baba has the same capacity. He has truly come out of “jism”-kind of movies. He may not be a great actor. But, with movies like Dhoom, Baabul, KE, he surely wants to perfect the art. Moreover, I feel he is down-to-earth, honest guy who believes in himself. I see a hard-working person in him, who was just a clerk in one of the choota-motaa companies and within years grown upto this stature, thanks to gladrags. Hope he carves himself to be a wonderful actor in coming years, by his sheer acting skills

Well well well, I havnt changed my loyalty from SRK to Johnny. Somehow, SRK lacks that instinct. He is more of Chopras and Johars chocolaty hero, than a risk-taker. I wonder if he would have done “Swades”, if Ashutosh would not have attained stardom with “Lagaan”. Still, I love him, for he is SRK.

Else, movie is a perfect symposium for showcasing “after-9/11-Afghanistan”. American lass looks gently cute and with her accent sounds sweet. Arshad warsi comes up on his own, with his accurate comical timing. But, the movie is quite slow and there is not much suspense all through.

On a closing note- junta over the lunch-table started commenting on relationships. I was silent all through but after some moments with a firm voice “guys.. we may have negative thoughts about an individual for whatever wrong they would have done to you, but still what makes you get along with them in the same tempo is the wonderful nice moments of your life spent with them in the past, which can even shatter your –ve feelings”. People around never continued with the discussion, I just could not know if I said something really heavy or was it totally out of context. Still contemplating!!!

Merry Christmas to all of you, Enjoy the long weekend!!!!

Pakku

Funny guy..

Last few days, my “dear” company had asked me to tag along in a process called “Technical Interview”. Yep, you guessed it right. This is the ordeal where a moron like me would be cosily sitting in a 15 degrees monitored AC enclosure, trying hard to “fevicol” himself to the warm jacket, and imitates to judge the other person sitting miles (never know if they are taking the call in the rest room.. sometimes the speaker “flushes”) away in an hour or two. Well, if the candiadate belongs to the “male” species, my fella interviewer would see me noting down points to every concept answered. If it’s “fe”-prefixed species, I would be sketching her face by virtue of her voice. (Hang on you P3A pervert minds, it was just words)

Yesterday, after the official hours my colleague mailed me the profile of the candidate to be INT’d. First glance at the attachment, my eyes popped out. Any guess? You guessed it wrong! There wasn’t any Kangana Rawat’s jpeg in the attachment. But, the profile was very known. I knew the candidate personally from past 2 years. But, was not in touch with him for the past 5 months. The worst part was he knew that I was working here.

The dead brain cells in me woke up like a phoenix and an ultimatum was passed to my fellow interviewer that

“My name would be Rahul in the Interview”, with a firm voice.

“Why Rahul?”. quipped back my colleague SK

“arre samjha kar yaar, KKHH mein SRK kaa naam Rahul tha”

SK had stars over his head. No they wernt his Citibank Internet banking password (how I wish I could decrypt it!!)

Conducting an interview for a person sitting in India can be very educational. You can try as many accents of the language you know. If he understands what actually I am trying to convey, yippie, mera soft skills zindabad!!

Some transcripts of the Interview:

Scene 1:

SK: Can you brief me about the technical framework at client place ABCD

Candidate: Hey SK, come on mann, you know the technical framework there *me zonked*

SK: Excuse me…

Candidate: Hey SK, I know you have worked on that project after I left

SK: %(@%^#$&*@^&*@^*#@ Let me learn some more from you. Can you please elaborate on the project? *pakku ROFL*

Scene 2:

SK: *Some very very advanced technical question*

Candidate: SK, I knew you would ask this question.
*me seriously laughing the heck out, seeing SK’s expression*

SK: You are well-prepared then, can you answer it.

As the Interview, went through for almost 2 hours, he could not recognize my voice thanks to my changed name and waddever accent.

Scene 3:

Rahul aka Pakku: Mr.Candidate, do you have any questions for us?

Candidate: I don’t. Actually, I know your project completely.

Rahul aka Pakku: *abe saala. FBI mein tha kya?* That’s great. So what do you expect from us?

Candidate: Nothing. My friends work there, I know what to expect.

Rahul aka Pakku: *arre.. no wonder some girl was spying us ;-)* Okie

Now you would understand why I became Rahul. If he knew I was pakku, he would have started asking about my personal story for sure and ended with umpteen questions on nightlife in Singapore. Huhh

As aish would term it, he was a “Funny guy”…

Down the memory lane..

Yesterday, reading SV’s excitement about his return from US, retraced my memory cells back to those lovely days. Memorable days they were and remain so eternally.

Right after my first year in professional field, I started dreaming of flying overseas. My manager, whenever an opportunity was there, rightfully pushed me through the queue. But, the first one was a bitter experience. I was literally shattered when I had to cancel my US visa appointment on my manager’s behest. Feeling the disappointment in me, she just said “Don’t worry… age is with you, you will get umpteen” (not actually remember the words, but it meant so)

Thanks to her, the whole team got another chance within two months of the above episode. When we did return back after 3 months, we were just enthufied to the core. Especially me, because I was carrying that elusive lucrative goodies from my client. (Fortunately, I never opened it, yep, fortunately)

Ecstatic I was about my return from the land of opportunities, had informed all my close-in friends to such detail as even the flight timings. SingAir – SFO to Singapore to Bangalore – 10 pm – Oct 16 2004. I was so kiddish those days, sometimes boast myself as US-return within my family(as if I had stayed there for aeons). ohh ghosshh.. how childish could I have been !!!

The return wasn’t a pleasant sight though. We had to go begging for a trolley in the arrival lobby, which resembled an indoor market. An international flight passenger was deprived of trolleys to carry out their luggage. After almost 1.5 hours, we got a trolley thanks to conventional bribing. Also courtesy the long delay, all three of us did not have to undergo that “traditional” customs exercise.

Two years have flown by, and have taken few overseas journeys, but none can overtake the joy of my US return. It was the people around; people back home, professional experience and joy of having flown over pacific which made it special. Now, as I plan my return trip to bangalore, am more worried about my future, family, dollars and thyself. Seriously!!!

Sometimes, responsibility can take the sheen out of such trivial (?) things, which would sound more enticing years back.

SV.. have a pleasant trip and get ready for the serpentine queue of your pending treats.. kyoon kii, Don vaapas aa raha hai..

Trapped ..

Gone by weekend had just the right ingredient of fun and relaxation. While, Sunday relaxed on the couch, Saturday was quite an affair. Our account manager had arranged for a team gettogether followed by a sponsored dinner. Yep, for a change :-)

As decided, junta turned up as per the Indian standard time in Singapore. After, a round of moral-boosting talks by our “dear” manager, we were let out to spread the “wings”. Nearby stall in Expo, showcased the Xmas sale of Nike products. We just barged in ala sniffer dogs.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the “Nike” style of shoes I was looking for. My colleague just got too frustrated, looking at my rejection rate. Finally, stopped advising and just walked away from my view. Too much of requirements 

Dejected, came out of the show and then saw a huge influx of people getting into one of the Expo stalls. Our Boss got too excited, and we heeded to his excitement, by just following him like a herd. After all, he was treating us!!! *sarcastic smile*

There was this huge serpentine queue, which we followed, followed and followed. And, finally we saw people greeting us as though we had come to marriage party. Excited we were that an expatriate is getting so much attention, we just went in to the huge huge complex..just like an indoor cricket stadium.

Along the pathway, I could hear people singing and waving, but actually couldn’t quite understand what they were saying. Well, when you have a cute gal asking your whereabouts, you ignore the mass. There was this maybe 20000 – 25000 crowd assembled in one single place. Yep, in Singapore!! It can be considered as a benchmark for how huge gatherings are to be held smoothly. Every person was taken care of, till he settled down in his seat.

The hall was an acoustic wonder. Huge huge display screens portrayed the proceedings in the centre. The whole crowd was in sync, like waves. I had never seen such a huge crowd, live. And just when I thought that the “Singapore Idol” was performing, I was in for a major shock.

The crowd was singing the praise of their GOD. I just could not believe myself that I had fallen into the trap. Me being a proud hindu, just could not withstand my prescence there. I am not against any religion; neither do I practice it in open. But, I have a strong belief in what I believe. Frustrated, just could not find any place to exit. Moreover, coming out of such a huge gathering in the middle, was just not the clever thing to do.

Fortunately, I could track the gal who led us to our seats. Somehow, I got to convince her that, we had reached the wrong place and we were not of that sect. Considerate she was, we came out of the assembly from backdoor. Yippie!!! Thank GOD, bacchh gayaee!!

Signed off the day with an awesome dinner retreat punctuated by a soothing margarita. Quite an eventful weekend it was.

Moral of the story: Never follow your manager ..hauahahahahaha

Have a nice week ahead.
pakku

Tere bina...

Allah Rakha Rahman aka A.S Dileep kumar, ARR, is one such musician who is more of a magician kinds compared to those typical Bollywood music directors. At the start of 2006, if he rocked India with Rang De Basanthi, now its time for Guru.

And this one from Guru, is just another masterpiece. A true salute by one maestro to the another, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan saab. My playlist just rotates endlessly for this classic...

Dum dara Dum dara mast mast dara

Dum dara dum dara mast mast dara

Dum dara dum dum oh hum dum

Bin tere kya jeena

Tere bina beswaadi

beswaadi ratiyaan. Oh sajna

Rookhi se rookhi re

kaatore kaate katena

Na jaa chaakri ke mere na ja

Southen pukaare

saawan aayega toh poochega,

na ja re

Tere bina chaand ka sona khota re

peeli peeli dhool udaawae jhoota re

Tere bina sona peetal

Tere sang keeka peepal

Aaja katena ratiyaan

Dum dara Dum dara mast mast dara
Dum dara dum dara mast mast dara
Dum dara dum dum oh hum dum
Bin tere kya jeena

ARR, you are truly a magician..

Pa TV...

*On a comical note*

Last night chatting with “Rupen" Murdock, Pakku TV came into discussion.. He was more keen on getting it back on air. Well.. as you all know, my maiden venture had to be shelved down after my return from Nederlands, due to lack of time. Actually, this was the official reason given to viewers. Frankly, we had run out of funds, good mandira-like anchors and above all no company wanted to advertise in our channel. Very unfair!!

Back to Rupen!. Now, this guy was ready to fund, but not full-fledged one. So being the CEO cum anchor cum sound technician cum teaboy of the channel was elated. As a first step forward, felt like doing a national coverage on the new Domestic Violence Law cum Act (DVL) , introduced by the GREAT lady of our era, chowdhary saab oopss sorry Ms.Renuka chowdhary (whilst she take offence for a man calling her by a different name and put me in tihar jail)

Revamped Pakku TV (Pa TV) on its first coverage on the raging issue at New Delhi:

*Pa TV crew finds smart looking lass*
Pa TV: madam.. madam.. ek minute hum Pa TV se hai

Lassie: tho.. mein kya karoo??

Pa TV: *abe saali muft mein tumko TV coverage mil raha hai… phir bhi akhadthi hai* Madam..aap DVL par kuch apna opinion kehna chahthi hai…

Lassie: haan.. waise tho maine law padii nahin hai .. lekin yeah maloom hai ki, agar mujhe mera mard saalon baad achhaa nahin laga .. mein usse andar karke uskaa bank balance le sakthi hooo..

Pa TV: *yeh teriii tho*.. thanks madam.. aapkaa vichaar bahut naek hai…

Bangalore:

Pa TV: akkaoo.. naavuu Pa TV inda bandiddivi..

Lady: oye.. ninge naan akka naa.. kalachhkooo..

Pa TV: sorry madam.. madam ee hosa DVL bagge nim prathikriyae..

Lady: nan husbanduu modlluu cat thara iddaa.. eegaa rat aagbittidaane.. Renuka madam gee Jai

Pa TV: *ammao nim pada Xerox kodii* thanks madam

Damsel in Mangalore:

Pa TV: *jaevoo porlluu ullala* andaee.. onjii nimishaa (*ghossh she is awesome* juss a second lady)

Damsel: haan .. panlae (Yes.. tell me)

Pa TV: posaa DVL bagge eeerna anisikae daadae ( What is your opinion on the new DVL law?)

Damsel: The law is good if the loopholes are fixed immediately. Moroever, the law should be publicized more in rural areas, where the major population is..

Pa TV: *aailaa.. she speaks awesome English..shall I ask her number* Thanks madam for your diligent response.

*as always mangies are intelligent ;-) *

Chennai

Pa TV: *semma HOT figure daa* Excuse Me.. madam oruu kelvii kaeklaamaa.,.

Lady: naa parlour poonuu.. konnjoo seegram pannungaa

Pa TV: *addii paavii..enna simran naenchiyaa* Madam.. what do you think about the new DVL ?

Lady: dei naayii.. tamil paesadaa.. illa konnudivae.

Pa TV: mannichinga madam.. ungaall DVL patthii konja sollavingla..

Lady: law nalla theriyadhu.. law introduce pannodanaae en veeatae purshan pomblae aaittaa.,.. naa aambalae aaittae.. Renuka madam valzgheee *After introduction of the law.. my hubby became a woman and I became a MAN..Jai Renuka madam*

Pa TV: *andavaa..* nandri madam

Hyderabad

Pa Tv: madam..kaaliga unte konchem time kaavali. Mi tho konchem matladaali?

Lady: sare

Pa Tv: DVL act gurinchi mii abhiprayam enti * What do you think of the new DVL act?*

Lady: Naaku daani gurinchi peddaga emi theliyadhu, naku thelisindhi matram nenu maa husband salary account ki nenu owner annadhi matrame ..*I don’t know much about that.. Only thing I know is, I am the account holder of my husbands salary account*

Pa Tv: *devudaaa* thanks madam

Singapore:

Pa TV: Good Morning Madam. Can we have some time of yours?

Gal: Yep..Is this LIVE coverage ?

Pa TV: *No madam..but we will make sure you go LIVE by tonight ;-)* No.. What do you think of DVL?

Gal: Its very good.. abhi toh meraa BF mere pe fida hain.. hamaarii shaadi hone ke baad wohh aisaa hii rahegaae..pakki *wild laughter*

Pa TV: thanks madam

So this will be the MASALA NEWS for today….

Pa TV CEO cum cleaner will exclusively air his comments on this deadly devastating law at the earliest. Keep watching so that I can increas my 4 digit salary :-)

Finally an ad on Pa TV.. dhoti-clad guy demoing the new "Sona Detergent" :-(

More than just a game...

*Composed during random hours*

After a gruelling six months of work in our clients’ place, we get to find out that they do have a “recreation club” within their IT building (note, it is not a huge sprawling campus as we see in western countries). May be our client thought of keeping this place away from people like us. So, there is a separate elevator to this place. We were shocked to notice this first.

Let me decelerate your thoughts about Recreation Club, as this is just a rooftop floor, which houses a home theatre system, huge HD plasma TV and DVD system. You can also find a few indoor games like chess etc., But, the most enticing thing was the prescence of fooseball table (albeit, Chinese one).

Buoy, don’t I get excited by just thinking of fooseball. No brownie points to guess, what our POA was. Attackk!!!! Of the half-a-dozen junta, not many had played this game before. Only thyself and a senior personnel had played it before. As it needs four people (doubles), I had to convince two others to get into it. Well…when yours truly starts talking about his Turn-Ons, the herd follows.

I adore fooseball as it is totally todo with reflex action and one of those indoor games, which lets you come out of your mental stress. Specifically, when all four are relatively fast and competent. Craziness of playing in high reflex action filled environ can be attributed to my love for “gully” cricket.

Two teams started playing with a combination of experienced and relatively novice. Myself teamed up with Smita (senior colleague). First few days, was a cakewalk for us, as the experienced guy in the opposite team was finding it tough. Although, it was two years (last played with kothi in US) I played, the eternal touch had not gone from my wrists.

There was this shot, which I could hit from one end of the table to the opposite goalpost within a flip of eyelash, which would make all the difference. People were just stunned!!! Smita termed it the “Powershot”. Yep, it was. With defense as tight as the Italians and a forward as good as the brazilians, myself and Smita made winning a habit. Yep, a habit.

This is when ignorance creeped in (esp with me). Upcoming games saw me experiment too much with my shots, but as always the “powershot” would have the final smile. But, winning margins decreased and there was a sense of urgency from either side to finish the game.

As days passed on, games became very tightly fought. And the invincible fooseball duo of pakku-Smita started losing in patches. It became more frequent going on. The excellent cross-angled shots of Smita were blocked. “Powershots” couldn’t find the goalpost, all the magic of dribbling or passing faded.

Last week, on the penultimate day of Smita’s departure from Singapore, we lost all the games. And, as left early on the last day, couldn’t send her off with a winning smile. It was made more evident when she quipped “Prakash, we lost yesterday”, as she left from office.

Going ahead, found a new guy, novice in fooseball. But, the worst of it all, I had lost that “magical” touch. And finally, today worst had to come. The scoreline read 0-10. Pakku had miserably failed. It was as though all the GODs wanted the scoreline to read 0-10. As if, the goalpost was blocked for us.

Now, late in the night, I am not able to digest that scoreline. Against an opposition which is Indian-Media like (GODs when succeed, on failure Dogs) scoreline speaks much more than numbers. I am playing innumerable virtual games in my mind. Inventing new passing, dribbling, “powershots” just to get myself back to winning habit.

A game played for max 15 mins after-official hours has made me think so much. Yesterday night, could not chat with my friends properly. Consequence of which, saw abrupt closure of messenger, catalysed with random dinner.

I am just waiting for the clock to tick 6.30 pm today. For a change, on startup I will be a minnow…. I don’t mind!!!! Bring it on....

Update at 5 pm-Wed, Singapore: The scoreline reads 10-5, 10-8, 7-10, 10-9, 10-4. Bingo!! Bulls Eye!! After all, Winning is pakku's passion.

Dual Personality.. nayyy

Pakku: *bang on the shoulder* Good Morning buddy!
Prakash: Very Good Morning. I am sorry, but I don’t know you!

Pakku: Hello.. I am you
Prakash: whatever.. but I am Prakash, I cant be you…

Pakku.. forget it buddy.. it is already 11 am, lets talk to my phunty!!!
Prakash : No..I want to revalidate my deliverable…

Pakku: What… why the heck is testing team for?
Prakash: Code should always be bug-free…

Pakku: Give me a break…
Prakash: Excuse me…talking to an unkown girl is termed flirting..

Pakku: *wild laughter* talking to unknown people is socializing…
Prakash: May be.. but why only phunty..

Pakku: heeeeeeee
Prakash: You blabber so much.. get lost let me work now…

* After lunch *

Prakash: *On phone with team in KL* blah blah blah
Pakku: dude.. its already 3.. chalo lets go and play fooseball for an hour..

Prakash: Duffer.. iddiottt why did you come back again…
Pakku: when did I leave you? huahahahahah

Prakash: Ok.. lets go after 30 mins and cum back in 10 mins
Pakku: Bingooo!!!! lets go after 10 mins and play for 30 mins..

Prakash: !(@%%#*&@#^#@()*@#&()*#@&)

*After Office.. *

Pakku: you did not speak properly to phunty today…
Prakash: I hope my manager does not call me at night for any production issue..

Pakku: dude…uggghhh ur such a ….. forget it…

*Inside a busy buzzing shopping mall*

Prakash: Wowww…
Pakku: what…

Prakash: Xmas decorations are too good in this mall..
Pakku: &^)&^&^@&@(&*@#)*(@

Pakku: uuummmmm!!!
Prakash: Finally…you agree with me….

Pakku: Excuse me.. *naughty voice* Did you see her ?
Prakash: Whom?

Pakku: *frowning* damsel shopping in front of us..
Prakash: ohh..cute smile haaann..nice

Pakku: *phatt on the head* abbe saale.. dhakkann…uskii aagee peechae dekh.. uskii kamarr dekh…
Prakash: argghhh..

Pakku: chal… her boyfriend is nowhere to be seen.. lets converse with her..
Prakash: I need to buy groceries for home.. byeee

to be continued......

Professional Ethics....

Hopefully, my thoughts in this post would not be about what I studied (?) in “Professional Ethics” (do not remember the subject name properly) during my BE. This is one of the few subjects I remember from my BE curriculum. Simply because, the “phenomenal” internal marks I got without studying. My BE mates would elaborate more on this *wild laughter*

Studies over, enter the professional bandwagon. True to what I learnt in BE, joined a company which had (yep, it is past!!) ethics in its core. No, I would not want to elaborate on what ethics is. Please google if unknown. Later on fled to different types of firms, exposed myself to variant flavours of organizational values.

Few weeks ago, desipundit aired tons of blogs on how employees are fleeing companys and how the firms’ bottomline is hit. Fireballs flew to and fro, with each taking their own firm stance.

Coincidentally, one of my friend and colleague at work, resigned during the same time. Contrary to what desi MNCs publicise about their ethics, people blah blah.. he was shabbily handled. It was not that he wanted to fly-off, he respected all the norms, still he had to undergo sleepless nights. Courtesy, his own organization, where he religiously worked for more than 3 years. More on this episode in coming days *very early, believe me :-) *

All the fuss is created/invented when a member of the family*buzzword in any induction program* plans to call it a day. I truly understand the pain an organization takes to employ a worthy candidate. But, sometimes not much effort is put on to maintain the resource *yeah, after recruitment the subject is a resource*. He squanders around in an arena of ambiguity. Well, it may not be the case for everyone here. But, for some people, from whom I have heard, seen, it is like this. Albeit, know people who are content with what they are and their association with their long-time firm.

My dad worked for a single company for more than 35 years. And on his last day at work, I could feel his emotions. Jeeju still works for his first company for almost 15 years (well, you never quit your own company..hehehe) No wonder my jeeju attributes me with monkey (3 changes in 4 years). But, in a generation which breathes “Love your work, not your organisation”, how can one substantiate the motive of working in a company, just for the heck of “not-changing” and without any concrete reasons to stick there.

Well.. I am not advocating people should hop. Am a perfect example of what I missed out, thanks to career change. But, the positive shades overshadowed the negativities (Did it?). Also, I may have to answer lot of HR questions on my frequent changes. I would have been crushed in these interviews. But, at the end of the day, if I am able to convince my prospective employer about my technical thirst, values, I would raise a toast for myself.

People would attribute changing a company to be easier than sticking with a company. Well, for me it is not true. Joining a new company is entering a new world. I need to prove my worth to the new breed of people. I need to authoritatively demonstrate that my work is much more valuable than my CTC. To build comfort-level at work in any multi-national would be a very critical task esp., in consulting role.

All said and done, I want to settle down. I want to seriously stick to my dream company. As job hoppers ridicule the opposite as “Long-time employees are dead logs”, I want to be a dead log. I want to face a HR Int Q: “What motivated you to stay there for X (2 <> 6) years?” Reply back with valid reasons for aeons.

No, am not confused. Neither am I in an ambiguous state, thinking, what went wrong!!! Just wanted to pen down my thoughts as I pondered over this, enroute to my workplace.

As I wrap-up this post, my brain cells are formulating those magical (?) words to be etched onto an email subject “To” my reporting manager. Just got to decide if it is “I love thy organization” or “Moving On…..”

Enjoy your week ahead..

pakku

My Behavioral Interview

No, it was not that typical test of behavior in front of the would-be brides’ family. As a matter of fact, am totally averse to sitting (either the girl or guy) in front of a huge family and being invigilated by them.

The crux of the post is this new type of an Interview, which I had to undergo last week for a multi-national. They call it the behavioral Interviewing. This was the first of its kind till date, the term atleast(for me). Unlike the traditional HR interviews, this is more todo with “the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation."

Not sure, if companies in India have adopted this off late. When my consultant called me up to congratulate on my successful technical round, I was in for a shock the next moment.

Consultant: Mr.Prakash..*I feel so old when they prefix Mr.* Your next round will be a Behavioral Interview from *so and so* on *so and so*

Me: *trying to dig into every damn utilizable cells (do I have any?) in my brain* uhh.. haaann .. yeahh… errr okie

Consultant: If you need more details, please “Google”. All the Best *Grrrr.. as if it was a great advise *

For a moment, I was puzzled. Had heard of video conf, HR, “n” rounds of Tech, who can forget the great aptitude written tests of the mighty "I". When ‘googled’ for the term, I was in for a little shock. Few links portrayed as though this Int was taken for candidates required for big decision-making posts. Then, was a bit relieved as it was pretty usual in commonwealth nations.

More reading specified the candidate had to be well-prepared before he takes it up. I had this naughty smile, when I read those lines. My thoughts went back to after-BE days, where preparation to any interview call was catalysed with late-sleeping and early morning revision of the Quants formula or QA terminology.

Now, pakku is mature(?) and doesn’t believe in preparation. Yep, I believe in spontaneity in any interview. That’s where the true intelligence of any individual shines (and believe me, sometimes nosedives to such an extent even the huge beach towels cannot cover your face)

So, finally when I did take up the interview, it wasn’t a pleasant one. Spontaneity in “behavioral” interview may only work to a certain extent. But, what saved me was my prior experience esp., Singapore- the mighty APAC workex.

Well guys, its no rocket science either. You just have to take up the STAR approach – Situation/Task, Action, Result. Aint it zzzzzimpppple!!

*wild laughter* Now.. get back to work !!!!!

Have a nice working week ahead…
pakku

About e-greetings...

Early nineties were when the popularity of greeting cards shone to max. During Christmas or New Year, Indian Postal department made sure that the greeting cards reached the destination appropriately on time, provided the sender gave them enough days to reach the destination.

Riding on this success - “Archie’s" stretched its business to birthdays, wedding, anniversary, blah blah. After all, it was a billion dollar market considering the population at stake. Just when the business hit the peak, we had the internet boom.

Internet/Cyber cafes started sprouting as mushrooms in every cosmo/cities/towns. People got a faster, reliable, more varied ways of communicating their feelings via e-greetings. Now if the services being offered are free and above that the sheer variety of customized e-cards at disposal, made every tech-savvy individual go for it. After all in a fast paced life, it seemed the right thing. Well, it was/is not the same situation in villages though.

After my first onsite travel, I came back home right on time for my birthday. Those were the times, when my online friends were the max. There was this individual T (profile name) who used to chat, but hadn’t met or known personally. T had sent a birthday greeting, which I could not view on my special day. It was not the ignorance, but just slip of time amidst luncheons, party's etc.

The next day when I got to check out the e-card, it was truly a pleasant surprise. Pleasant, as it was from an individual who hadn’t even seen me and for the matter inside it.

As we all know, e-portals send out a "Seen" acknowledgement mail to the sender when the receiver opens the greeting link . Later in the day, what followed was a barrage of statements from T. T had to convey her thoughts and emotions on the greeting sent. She took the whole episode of me viewing the greeting on a later day as a big issue. This is what she had to convey:

- Not all people in this world remembered my birthday before hand. It’s the warmth a person shared, which made them remember the day amidst all the other tensions in life.

- Above all tensity, they care to send a greeting, that too a customized one to suit the year and the day specially. * Believe me, customizing an e-card is the most time-consuming*

- And how she took extra efforts to send to the mail ID which I frequented most often.

- Any IT pro may forget to take bath, but he won’t let the "Unread Mails" counter to grow.

The message was clear, it was a birthday card and it had to be relished on the special day, whilst, it lost its significance. Just as I tried to argue on what I thought was a trivial stuff, which was being ripped across unnecessarily, T had to say more to it. The extra-validation of my mail address when T did not receive the "seen" acknowledgement of the card on the same day, the complaint T lodged using the e-card number with the portal, the bad shady feelings which cropped into her mind made me succumb to what I then felt was a simple but valid comment.

Now, neither I am in touch with her nor T knows where I am. But, sometimes strangers teach something simple but very effective.

Two years later, the same episode repeats but for the "thrashing" part. As they say history repeats itself. For only this time I was on the receiving end *sob sob*. And believe me, it hurts..