Nostalgia?

Here is a forward i received...

From Chukku Kaapi to Cappuccino
This blog was written because I was left with no work to do after coming back from Café Coffee day today. I always feel that blogs are written by people who have nothing else to do, but write blogs. And blogs are written for people who have nothing else to do, but read blogs. So if you have nothing else to do, continue reading.

Café Coffee Days in my life!!! I can't believe it. Six, seven years back I would never have imagined that such a day would occur in my life. Café Coffee day is supposed to be a place where high class people who didn't know how to spend the money they had, go. But now I am there... I have changed a lot since my school days.

As I said in my previous post, I never talked in English till the end of my 12th standard. May be in my primary school we talked in English a little bit... (Since girls were there in my primary school we used to talk in English... Mostly it was the "You go girl." "Miss this boy no... he is stealing my pencil miss" and "Miss this boy is pinching me miss" type of pathetic English.). Till I went to college, I never read an English newspaper. I never knew who Sidney Sheldon was. I never saw English movies. "Star movies" was considered adult material at home. I never talked to a girl. I don't feel that I missed anything...But still because I didn't have such experiences, I had to adjust a lot when I traveled beyond Cornigela, my place.

Born in Cornigela, an ordinary conservative town, even Chennai took a lot of time for me to adjust. My home town was too cool. You could watch movies for 15 Rs. in an AC theatre. You get the best food at lowest prices. You can drink water wherever you want and it doesn't affect you. Girls never wear T-shirts or Jeans. You can see girls in half-sarees. And there were a lot more things that were cool to me...My first costly experience as far as I can remember was my first Pizza.

In my 12th standard holidays I had my first Pizza. We, a group of 5 friends went to a bakery. It was around 7 p.m at night. We ordered our first Pizza (only one because it costed so much - 20Rs!!!). As the Pizza arrived one of the guys started using his hand to take out a piece. "Ley" ....The others shouted... "asingam pannatheylae. Fork kudupaanga"... We got 5 forks for eating one Pizza. Everybody tried taking out a piece with the fork. Nobody was successful. Stupid forks... As we were trying different methods, two girls came in, and took the table adjacent to ours. They seemed to be from the so called high class families in Cornigela. They ordered a Pizza. We were still trying to eat ours. Their Pizza arrived in their table. Unable to find a solution, we looked at them for one. One of the girls took out a piece with her hand and started eating it. Damn stupids we were!!! But what do we do now?? We can't go back to the hand-intake method... We are brave!!! Luckily for us the power went off... Forks were put down and everybody started picking a piece with the hand. Our sole aim- finish it off before power comes back!!! Unlucky for us, power came back immediately... We had a piece each in our hands... The girls started laughing... People around us realizing what had happened too joined them...We promised we would never eat Pizzas again. But we all did.

The first change in lifestyle for me occurred in Chennai. Chennai was completely different. Watching a movie for Rs.40 was a one time life experience for most people in my village. I had to adapt to such things since I had to be a part of the group. Otherwise you feel let out. My habits started changing. For example, you look into the glass before drinking water to check whether it is clean. I went to my first Coffee Pub in Chennai. I remember saying some time back "Loosu paya thaan Coffee publa poi mukkaa manineram wait panni oru black coffeeya 50 Ruba kaasu kuduthu kudippaan" - I did it...

If Chennai was difficult for me, how easy would be an MBA school? I was dumbstruck with the culture... The Hi's and the fundoo English speaking guys were all a great change, though I had expected it. There is a sense of hollowness when you say a Hi to somebody here. In Cornigela a smile was enough to say what you feel. There is real sense of belonging in a smile. I miss it - a smile without a Hi.

Here is an example to show how my family mindset is different from the mindset here. At the end of the first term when I went home, I showed quite a few photographs to my parents. In one photograph there was a guy who had his arms around a girl's shoulder. My mother asked me whether they were in love. I said "No". But even today she doesn't believe me. She still feels that they are in love!!! If only she comes here(...

The mind works mechanically here - after you crack a joke you do what they call high fives!!! When you meet a person you ask something like "What's up buddy?"- Only God knows how you are supposed to answer for such a question!!! You say "Excuse me" after a sneeze - What big mistake have you made to say that?? When you are ready to sacrifice ethics for grades and see even your closest friend as a competitor in group discussions, how much difference will that Excuse me make? Pretty difficult to adjust!!!

Even Café Coffee Days and costly dinners sometimes hurt. Daily my father takes a bus to reach home from his office because taking an auto would cost him Rs.30. He walks a kilometer daily from the bus stop to my house. When I think of that and the fact that I am spending Rs.50 for a Chocolate Fantasy, I feel uneasy. Definitely it is not a matter of money. The fact is that I somewhere in my heart feel that this is not really who I am...The fact that I have changed a lot hurts... I want to be the same myself, but I am unable to do so.

Started listing down a few things that have changed in my life. The left column is a list of things that were part of my life before I entered college. And the right are those that I came to know/were a part of my after I entered college.

I wish I go back to school and be the same guy I was. I know I can't. But I want to do it and live the same life all again.

Leo da Mirci once said, "I love what I do because I do only what I love".

If only following something is as simple as saying something!!!

My take?

I come back to my room in despondence after an RMD class and find this mail in my inbox. Another one of those forwards, oozing out nostalgia and making the mordern urban lifestyle look like hell. I could so easily have escaped into this surrealism of reflecting on the days gone by; innocence lost and simple pleasures abstained. But instead i sat down to write a blog post. Yes, i am one of those jobless individuals who write blogs targeting similar species. To begin with, childhood always seems so much fun; full of new things to discover, a world to explore, simple joy to be gained out of the most ridiculous acts and moments of pure ecstasy. No wonder we go nostalgic and would give anything to warp time and get back to those carefree days. But were they really carefree? You had fears even then, you had worries and you had pain. Of course, on hindsight after an experience of more than 20 years in this unforgiving world they pale into atomic insignificance. You feared the dark, you were afraid of your maths teacher or whoever it was, you hated going to school (i did), you worried about crossing the street that had a growling dog prowling and you were terrified when you did something wrong like breaking a vase. Then they were mortal fears. They tore you apart with terror and agony.

My point is simple. Enjoy life as you experience it. The past always looks so much full of fun and innocence. But in leaning too much into it you might just miss the pleasures that life throws you now. I still savour insignificant moments like in college me and karthi used to stop by a potti kadai to buy lays and cool drinks on our way home every evening like a ritual or when me and kandha created our first presentation ( a review of the film kushi ;)). I still remember the elation and joy when it poured cats and dogs in coimbatore and our school got cancelled or the first time i met paddu at karthi's house when it was dusk and i had accompanied him from college. But then i also enjoyed the tasty food at dhaba express i had in chennai with paddu last year or the bloody mary i had with arjun a couple of weeks back at residency or the numerous post cs escapades to boomerang poring over the menu on what to eat or the unlimited beer at cts annual day. To me all of them were fun - total and complete. Either kalan or pizza, pal ice or choco chip, afghan food or dosai, i enjoyed all these moments equally and would continue to do so. So no regrets in growing up!

Trust Mclaren to rev it up!

Just when it seemed that the plot was secure and the story finalised, Mclaren gave that final jolt that twisted the drama out of shape and cluttered the slowly building expectations. Kimi scorched the tracks at valencia sending shock waves through the other teams and possibly causing a panic reaction. Mclaren have been good on pace but have been frequently outpaced by renault and honda during testing. And when it appeared that they were not the favourites , at least for the early part of the season, kimi set a time so far ahead as to completely throw all predictions into disarray. So my predictions for sakhir 1. kimi , 2. alonso 3. schumi may after all come true atleast partially...lets wait and watch

Countdown to sakhir: the desert lies waiting...

As i write this piece the countdown clock in formula 1's home page says there are 18 days 19 hours 35 minutes and 20 seconds left for the big day at sakhir. Well, the excitement starts much before that. At least a couple of days before.

2005 was the year that changed the f1 landscape. It was the year when the f1 rainbow lost a bit of its red hue. Shock for many, surprise for some and pure excitement for a few others. Renault had a pleasant surprise. McLaren were a frustrated lot. And the big reds were left with the realisation that they too could falter. As for the others, Toyota were pleased but not contented. Honda were dejected. Williams - dont wanna talk about them.

Renault did their homework well and were clearly the best car on the track in australia. Fisi with a little aid from the weather man secured a surprising victory. But the man who drew attention was the fiery spaniard who showed a lot of potential in 2004. If there is someone whose drive i enjoyed the most in 2004 apart from kimi it was Alonso. He was talented, fast and unpredictable. Somehow i took an immediate liking and rooted for him even when renault had no fire power to deliver victories. The most amazing stunts would come at the start when renault with its suprior traction would wind through the traffic and take the lead, although for a brief period. Come 2005, however, alonso was a completely different man. He had the fire power and the confidence. As he surged from the back of the grid to secure a podium down under, he made his intentions clear. He would take his first victory of the season the very next race and hold on to the top of the podium for quite some time. It was obvious that f1 was heralding a new champion - at least for me.

Kimi. The flying finn. The iceman. If ever there was a charcter in f1 u could write a drama around, it had to be kimi. Kimi gives f1 what it needs - sheer speed and daring. Inspite of my rooting for Alonso, i just couldnt help admiring kimi in 2005. He was there setting the pace and making others look at bullock carts. He overtook at will, cut the curbs like a bullet and showed what on-the-limit driving was all about. Had only Mclaren held. There was literally no contest between him and alonso whever he was leading. The contest was purely between him and the machine.

Kimi and alonso overshadowed everyone else in 2005. Yet Schumi had his moments. Rare ones. Imola springs to my mind always. To me that and suzuka were the best races of 2005. Oh man! Hope there are more of Imola this season between the three of them.

To me 2006 is all about these three guys. The clash of the trio will form the highlight come this march. The first race will set a lot of speculations straight. Honda and button - they have been setting an impressive pace, but i want to see them on actions and then talk about their chances.

the scenaio is murky before the start of 2006..
Will shumi be back with a bang?
Will alonso get renault's unflinching support?
the kimi - motoya rivalry - one of them is going out next season
Barri - button rivarly - barri is tired of playing second fiddle
will bridgestone bridge the gap with michelin
will toyota get more wins
will button get his first win?
and above all will mclaren hold??

well i am ready to make predictions only for sakhir. Here goes..

1. Kimi
2. Alonso
3. Schumi

seems very contrived. I dont expect all three to end on the podium but these guys are my best best as of now. Honda might spring a surprise and so can toyota. Lets wait and watch

DEMYSTIFYING THE KHARE MODEL

(Excerpts from the seminal work of Raju at the Spirited Sociology Conference, 2006 @ Indian Institute of Management Bangalore)


"I am so happy to make such a big contribution. As the model gets accepted more and more I am sure my name will go down in history as the person who initiated it" - Mr. Vengat K

"The thing I like about it is its quick and efficient. I am able to leverage my capabilities better” - Mr. Nathan

"The model simply rocks. I don’t know what I was doing so long without it”, Mr. Raju


This article discusses about the new revolutionary Khare model that is sweeping IIMB like a storm. Throughout the article instances of usage of the model by the core group at IIMB has been provided to give a more practical insight.

BACKGROUND

The khare model is a recently evolved concept and is rapidly catching the attention of quite a few people. Pioneered by Mr. Vengat Krishnaraj , an investment banker from IIMB the model is being tweaked and perfected by a core group of three at IIMB. The model is so named after a PGP2 called Gaurav Khare in iimb, a spirited individual whose modes of preparing for the exams were legendary. Soon after he joined IIMB in mid 2005, Mr. Vengat observed the high levels of efficiency, innovation and success that Mr. Khare's practice was giving him and so decided to replicate it. He then standardized the framework and created what came to be known as the 'Khare model'. The core group was established a couple of months later to implement it and show the viability. Now the core group is beginning to see the implications of the model for B-Schools all around India.


WHAT IS IT?

The Khare model basically takes basic concepts from sociology, psychology and biology to create a framework for individuals to reach a higher plane aided by the intoxication of spirits. The model tries to provide a standardized platform for individuals to excel, bust their stress and solve problems while having a ball of a time.

IMPLEMENTATION

The most touted benefit of adopting the 'khare' model is the flexibility of implementation. Individuals can choose to implement in a thousand different ways customizing it their needs and preferences. However for gaining the maximum benefits we recommend the following approach to implementation,

Step 1: Choose the right time for implementation
Individuals frequently blindly jump into implementing it and end up being worse off. The worst that can happen is a bad hangover and a bad day but don’t forget the huge opportunity missed. We recommend Fridays or Saturdays or both if you are really into it. Choose any time after 11 for that is when the implementation can proceed smoothly without disruptions.

Step 2: Stock the right amount of supplies
Many a time individuals rush into implementation without taking enough care to stock the right amount of supplies needed for it and end up getting stranded mid way. This is not the right way to proceed. Just-in-time supplies may be fine but make sure you get them just in time.

Step 3: Create the right organizational structure
The model thrives when it is compatible with the organizational structure. We would recommend an organic type of structure with things strewn about and chaotic. The core group found that this results in the maximum satisfaction for the stake holders.

Step 4: Choose the right implementation style
The core group has identified five different implementation styles for the model. However organizations can structure it and customize it in thousands of different ways.
a. Minimal (Short and mild)
b. Case Approach (medium and moderated - ideal for problem solving)
c. Reckless Approach (unlimited and can turn dangerous but gives maximum satisfaction)
d. Desperation (Also called the last few drops approach - when resources are scarce)
e. Fun approach (some where between reckless and case - goes best with a movie or any other entertainment)


TOOLS

There are countless tools available for implementation. The core group continues to implement it on the "Vodka" platform. However any other spirit is equally acceptable. However the core group found that several pretend tools are beginning to proliferate the market. In fact during the last implementation, Mr. Nathan was severely criticized for buying a "Breezer" which was near useless for implementing the model. The core group in fact is seriously considering expelling Mr. Nathan for apart from several foolish decisions, he has been accused of placing his own benefits above that of the group. Only time will tell.
There are some instances when a variety of tools will make the implementation more enjoyable. This is essentially true when the implementation is sponsored by a third party. In fact, Mr. Raju had the opportunity to revel in one such occasion (block party) and found the experience "quite enthralling" (in his own words)

PITFALLS

What are the possible pitfalls that an organization may face while implementing this model. Following are some of them but they are more due to wrong implementation rather than the model's weaknesses.
1. Missing the 8.30 classes - mostly happens after a reckless or fun implementation.
2. Physical injury - might happen during the early implementation phases
3. Incoherent babbles - actually fun - weak individuals tend to get affected more. In fact, Mr. Nathan in the core group is known for getting affected every time the model is implemented but, "It is just an extension of me and I’m used to it" , he says.

FINANCIALS

If there is one thing that is often thrown against the model it is the cost involved. The cost of implementation is quite variable and can range anywhere from 100 Rs to 5000 Rs. This cost variability is due to the customizability of the implementation process. The model provides intangible benefits difficult to capture. However research has revealed that productivity increases by at least 20% and creative thinking and innovations dramatically rise. Further other rewards like self satisfaction, sense of over achievement and ability to counter danger head-on are difficult to measure but very important. Being an investment banker himself, Mr Vengat feels that the models ROI is quite high but difficult to put a number on.

CONCLUSION

The report was given just to provide a superficial insight into the Khare model. For knowing about this further contact any member of the core group whose addresses are given below.

Mr. Raju tyagarajs05@iimb.ernet.in
Mr. Vengat vangatk05@iimb.ernet.in
Mr Nathan josephn05@iimb.ernet.in

The ultimate Dream come true!!!!

Alonso in McLaren in 2007!!!!
Hope Montoya gets the boot!!!
Kimi and alonso ..side by side...GOD!!!!!i want 2007 now!!!