Follow Through

Spring Fest’s 50th Edition came to a (grand) conclusion at 2200 hrs on 25th January 09. I would not exactly describe it as grand – because the finishing of SF was a complete mess.

Aficionados of any sport would know the importance of a follow through in the perfect execution of a shot. If the follow through is not there – the shot is a mess. The SF organizers need to learn a lesson or two from the sporting domain. The 2nd & 3rd days saw the event at its peak with the like of KK and India Jazz Suites gracing the stage. By the final day, however, SF seemed to have run out of steam. All the enthusiasm and tempo had died down.

SF Team needs to sit down, look back and analyze the four days of the festival. Their job is not yet completed. Again the question of follow through. They need to ask themselves hard questions – why some things went wrong when they shouldn’t have. Why were events not conducted on time? Why were timings changed so frequently? Why did the crowd go out of control at times? Did they require 170 odd volunteers – could they have done a better job with smaller team of more dedicated volunteers – and given them something more than just a (worthless) certi(ficate)? Which events saw enthusiastic participation and which ones saw only scanty participation? Could they have had the events in a better order? They need to brainstorm now, ask their batchmates for suggestions and pass on not only what they already knew but also what they learned to the junior batch.

Let us not look at making SF bigger and bigger in numbers. Let us try to bring in some more quality into it – do the necessary trimming wherever required and look at making brand SF even bigger.

Looking forward to an even (bigger) better Spring Fest in 09.

Let the Spirit of Youth Triumph!!

Why no Mass Bunks?

One of the major differences that has come from changing my college is that I have had to attend more classes in IIT than I used to in DCE.

Have I become more sincere?
Or is it mere coincindence that I attend more classes in IIT.

I thought about it and concluded that the difference was due to the absence of mass bunks in Kgp.

Isn't that a good thing?

Good or bad - atleast I do not like the complete absence of mass bunks in Kgp. Although, one can always bunk classes as an individual, the fun factor goes away. Moreover one would lose his/her attendance for the class.

Probably I am being a bit nostalgic, but I really miss the mass bunks that we used to have in DCE. Mass bunks are a part and parcel of college life in Delhi University. You may consider it to be a subset of the jugad culture that exists there. The absence of such a culture as well as the stringent IIT system has made it almost impossible for mass bunks to happen. College Festivals would have been a reason for mass bunks in DCE. In IIT, the festivals have been made to coincide with weekends. Again, we would bunk when we disliked a particular professor. But here, almost all professors are so well qualified that a guilty feeling creeps whenever we think of mass bunking. Tutorials which we always bunked at Delhi are almost never bunked here in Kgp because we are marked during the Tutorial classes. Plus the over-competitive environment has made it very difficult for the students to work as a team towards a common goal.

Oh! how I wish, the IIT system would be a little considerate of the students! Or the students who wish to attend classes a little considerate of their fellow students! However, kintu, parantu, all hope is not lost. I appeal to all Kgpians to join hands in reviving (if it was ever there) or atleast bringing some hint of a mass bunk culture in the IIT system. Some human element in the very stringent IIT system!!

Virtual Reality Kgp

I must confess that time and again I am and will be regressing back to IIT, Kgp, JEE and related topics. This is because these have formed a major part of my life in the past 3 years and continue to be so.

So what is it that I call 'Virtual Reality Kgp'?

Or to be more precise, why do I use the adjectives 'Virtual' & 'Reality' to describe Kgp?

What is 'Virtual' in Kharagpur?
Kharagpur does exist, doesn't it?

Well, Kharagpur does exist. More specifically, an IIT exists in Kharagpur. But in the eyes of the Kgpians, the world does not exist.

Nonsense??

I do not know. Whatever little I have been able to gather from my little experience in Kharagpur, what I have realise is this - Kharagpur does not (want to) know the real world outside. They have created a virtual world governed by tempo, fundas and tradition. They seem to be unaware of the fact the the government is spending crores on IITs which could well have been used for the welfare of the poor & backward.

Kya Bakwas kar raha hai?

You might feel that I am a pessimist, a sceptic, but the truth is IITians not just in Kgp are wasting away the resources that they have at their disposal. A large chunk of IITians are ending up in non-technical professions because hamne tho classes attend ki nahi thi. Hamein tho apna CV banana hai. Even if I am a 6 pointer, I will end up in a good job because 5 point someone says so.

My dear IITian, I don't think any software giant is going to recruit you because you are a good dramatist or a guitarist. Or for that matter an electronics recruiter is going to take you because you were an inter-IIT participant

No, no, no - you are getting it all wrong. I will be my own boss. I will have a start up of my own and earn crores. Very well then. How are you going to have a product without any technical skills?

I do not know why but (most) IITians have a very narrow outlook. That is why you rarely find an IITian reaching the levels that many engineers abroad do. And a big culprit here is the JEE.

Scrap the JEE

What? Why? How? Isn't it a time tested means of getting the best analytical brains in the country? Moreover, how else do you select good candidates?

Rubbish.

All JEE has done is churn out JEE problem solvers who cannot think in a straightforward and simple manner. My suggestion would be to bring in the time-tested and good old Board Exams to select the candidates. You will get more complete individuals with less people precipitating into drug addicts and alchoholics. But they won't have those analytical skills that a JEE cracker has, would they? Ask a 9 ptr or a 10 ptr in IIT what analytical skills has he used to get his grades? Hard work and smart work. Those two skills even a 95%er possesses. Moreover, the problem of the skewed gender ratio would be solved to a great extent.

Radical views?

I do not know. Most successful engineers in India are non-IITians.

Why is it so?

Because the IITs and the IITians are in a dream world of their own which I would call 'Virtual Reality'

Touch Typing

What is touch typing?

Typewriting in which the fingers are trained to hit particular keys. Typist can read and type at the same time. (S)He need not look at the keyboard. A touch typist knows the location of the keys through muscle memory.

Why should you touch type?

• It is ergonomically better. Fingers are not strained while typing
  
• You can concentrate more on your work than on the keys while touch typing
• Maximum use is made of your 10 fingers. Hence typing is very fast
  

How to touch type?

Touch typing involves placing eight fingers in a horizontal row along the middle of the keyboard(the home row) and having to reach out for other keys. Most computer keyboards have a raised dot or bar so that the typist can feel them when his fingers are on the home row.

It is recommended that you download a software such as SeSType or Typing Master and follow the instructions given there. SeSType is a freeware and focuses on accuracy whereas Typing Master focuses more on rhythm. It usually takes 1 to 3 months to learn touch typing depending on the effort put in & the grasping capability of the individual.

Typewriter vs Computer Keyboard

You could also join some typing classes in your neighbourhood where they might teach you on a typewriter. Typewriter has the advantage of having the different rows of keys at different heights. So it is easier to feel and type on a typewriter for the beginner. One might graduate to the computer keyboard after some time and then finally to the laptop. Laptop keyboard offers the best speed because of the proximity of the keys. However, it is upto the individual to decide what sort of keyboard to choose depending on his/her comfort level.

Accuracy vs Rhythm & Speed

Again it is upto the individual whether (s)he wishes to go in for accuracy or rhythm & speed. Both have their advantages & disadvantages. One point to be kept in mind though is that the more inaccurate you are the more backspaces you have to press and as a result your speed goes down. Again, accuracy comes when your rhythm is good. So both the aspects are more or less inter-related. A balance is what is required

781

What image does 781 evoke in your mind?

It is very likely that 781 evokes different images for different people. 781 may mean different things for different people.

But for me - 781 is the Blueline bus that plies between 'पालम गाँव' and 'नई दिल्ली रेलवे स्टेशन '.

Travel in a Blueline bus is unique in many ways & unlike any other mode of transport.

The Crowd

781 is not crowded much when compared to the likes of '764', '604' & '729'. In fact, it is very comfortable to travel in the morning hours on this particular route.

The Seat

Getting a seat depends on a number of factors. Among them, the primary ones are

• Proximity of seat you wish to have to the exit door
• Gender
• Ability to block co-passengers
• Swiftness

The Purse

I have never been pick pocketed on a Blueline. Non - Delhites must be wondering - 'So what?' 'Try travelling with a thick purse on a Blueline - फिर देखो (Then see)'.

If a pick pocket finds the risk vs gain factor in his favour, it is very likely that you may end up without your purse or some pockets of your trousers/purse.

Ladies' Seat

If a fellow finds a seat empty, the temptation to sit is very high. One might categorise people into four categories based on the 'temptation to sit'

• Those who don't grab an empty seat on the left side of the bus
• Those who grab the seat but have the grace to empty it whenever required
• Those who grab an empty seat & (immediately)(pretend to) fall asleep
• The very obstinate kind 'बैठ गए थो फिर फेविकोल का जोड़ है' (They do not wish to get up once they sit regardless of the circumstances)
  

Bus Stop

Blue lines have a very peculiar system. If you are a regular passenger, then chances are 'कि आपको आपके घर से कंडक्टर बुला लाएगा'. (that the bus will wait at your residence)

If you are waiting at a request stop, the bus will stop if you stand in the middle of the road and signal it to stop.

If you are waiting at a regular bus stop, well then as I said in a previous post BLNT (Better Luck Next Time).

Safety

Blueline buses are the safest places in Delhi!

What has happened because of Blueline buses is really sad. A large percentage of accidents though have taken place on routes where competition for the buses is high or where traffic rule implementation is lack-lustre.

Tickets

It doesn't matter whether you have a paper ticket or not, what actually matters is - have you paid the right amount to the conductor. It is very difficult to travel ticket less on a Blueline unless you are a very smart & seasoned traveller.

The Blueline Bus 781 had been a kind of lifeline during the 3 years of my stay in Delhi. In some ways, it became a part and parcel of my life. One realises the value of such things only later on.

Although there are some deficiencies in the system, some aspects stand out such as the ticket collection system, the entry-exit system & the common sense with which people apply themselves (only at times though!)

Blueline Zindabad!!!!!!

What it takes to crack JEE

If you are in the age group of 16 to 19 years and an Indian national, chances are that you might be preparing for either Engineering or Medical Entrance Exams. Among those exams, I guess JEE is the one which is well - let us say hyped up a lot. Till two years back, it was supposedly the most difficult exam to crack. At least now, it isn't. So what does it take to crack JEE. Let us list them down.

Intelligence?

Preparation? (aka Coaching)

Confidence?

Family Support?

What is it that separates a fellow who has cracked JEE & one who hasn't. Having cracked JEE not once but twice ;) I can say with confidence that you must add one more factor to this list

Luck

This is an often overlooked factor when an aspirant goes to give the JEE. No matter how good your preparation may be, no matter how much ever intelligent you may be - I think no IITian can deny having luck on his side on the day of the JEE. He may have made his share of silly mistakes - that everyone does. But without good luck, (s)he would not be in IIT.

You have to be in your best frame of mind & in good mental as well as physical health. If the question paper has more questions from a topic which you are very good at, you have luck on your side. On the other hand if the questions are from the topic you hate the most, well then - Better Luck Next Time(BLNT)

Then comes

Intuition

In the limited time of 6 hours one has to solve a mammoth 130 odd questions, which is very exhausting mentally. Here comes the role of intuition. Leaving out certain sections due to lack of time, preparing topics that by chance is asked thoroughly in the paper & a few odd guesses here and there it is all intuition.

Confidence? Important but not imperative. I guess luck & intuition automatically result in a confident aspirant. If you don't have them on your side, then as I said BLNT.

Family Support? Well if it is about letting you do a late night or leaving you till the exam centre on the day of the exam - lots of books & all, I guess it really counts. But if its about pressuring you to give JEE for the heck of it - I guess it doesn't help much.

Intelligence? Nah, JEE is very much trainable. The very intelligent may be (rotting away?) outside IITs. All you need is some luck & a little a bit of intuition. Coaching, intelligence & preparation are all secondary

Best of LUCK!

5 reasons to join the IAF

You might ask why am I writing about the Indian Air Force??

Firstly, I have spent 18 years of my life watching this wonderful organisation function

Secondly, I saw 'Rang de Basanti' & 'Lakshya' yesterday - that too - back to back!! ;)

Thirdly, I guess I owe it a lot!

5. Travel

With frequent postings in the Indian Air Force, one has to travel a little, whether you like it or not. Those having an inclination towards travel & wanting to see different places, I guess the IAF is the best place to be in.

Accomodation is not a problem with an Air Force Station wherever you go.

The Mess offers good quality food at a very cheap rate - & the best part is - the cleanliness.

I guess very few in Kgp have travelled as much as I have - from Kaziranga National Park to Kanyakumari in the far south, travelling to places gives a broader perspective of life. One gets to know the culture of various places - all in all - it is real fun.

4. Fitness

Well!! Firstly, only fit people are taken in the IAF. And then with Gymnasiums & Sports Complexes in all the Stations, one doesn't have to struggle to remain fit. Remaining fit is a way of life in the IAF.

3. Campus Life

Social gatherings for new years, farewells etc. etc. is very common. It is actually one of the best parts of life in IAF. किसी प्रकार का कोई टेंशन नही है - पीस ही पीस है [No tension whatsoever - all peaceful].

Although you are supposed to be ready for anything anytime, the job is generally quiet peaceful with a fixed 0730 to 1400 hrs or so & then PT thrice a week or so. It is much like life in a University Campus with protocols of course.

2. Free Medical Treatment

I don't think anybody knows this better than me. Having been hospitalised twice and getting free medical treatment for my acne + regular eye & dental checkups, I don't think such good & selfless service one can get anywhere else. No issues - nothing. Hats off to the doctors in the Indian Military!!

1. Pride

The glamour of the IAF has faded a bit with globalisation and all. But I guess, with the revised Pay & Promotion structure & global recession, the IAF is back in the reckoning.

In my opinion, this has to be the No. 1 reason!