NMIMS : The Start, Journey and The Destination

This one is going to be a very long read.. so bear with me on this one !

It all begins in the final year of engineering. A zeal for doing an MBA, a desire to get into the top notch B-School, a dream to study hard and feel the grind. There z where all the inner flames ignite. Then I came to know that its not very easy to get into the so called top B-Schools of our country. The IIMs, XLRI, FMS, MDI, NMIMS, SP Jain, JBIMS etc. are an eluded dream for many. Discovered that the modus operandi should be gearing up for the upcoming CAT. Prepared for CAT and other exams with my college schedule. With most of my friends gearing up for GRE and TOEFL, me and a few others were vying for something different - The CAT.

It came finally. Gave it. And we came out of the examination hall just to know that the paper had leaked and there would be a re-examination. Didn’t know what to feel at that time. Such a hot shot exam getting leaked and cancelled ?

Gave NMIMS’ exam too. The results came out. Didn’t qualify for the cut off by just 3 marks. Ouch, that pinched badly. Then came CAT re-exam. But so did my college semester exams. Had lost the touch with the CAT curriculum by then. Did okay with it. Scored a pathetic 85 percentile in it. End of the road for 2004 admissions.

Then came Satyam and many other companies and I cracked almost all of ‘em and got into Satyam hoping for my L&T offer letter (which never came). But I decided to go for Satyam and earn some bucks while gaining respectable experience, brand backing, and corporate world exposure.
But the way I am, I never worked hard. The result – CAT result of 92 percentile. Not good enough for the top B-Schools. NMIMS too missed by a decent 6 marks. Gave CET, missed JBIMS by around 4 marks. Scored 99.13 percentile in MAT but was of no use.

End of season 2006 admits. Not going to B-School as yet.

After the disasterous season last year....

What to do next ? Continue working, try switching company ? Study again for CAT n Exams ? Give GMAT ?

The resolution – Give it one more shot. The final one. Else go for GMAT and then to USA or UK as last option. But MBA has to happen!!!

Then came CAT 2006. Hired a special cab with a friend to go 15 kms for the exam centre. Did not want to take any risks.

Went good. The after analysis showed that I might land up atleast one call from IIM and the other B-Schools were sure.

Then came Jan 2nd,2007. The results had something else to say. Said – “Pritesh Shah you ve scored a meager 82 percentile!!”. Couldn’t believe that stuff. All hopes go to vain. Would get no calls on that kind of score. Three days go by. Expecting the next round of results. NMIMS. The college that has missed me by whiskers everytime. Checked the result with a lot of superstitions and panic. MADE IT. Clear by almost 7 marks. Voillaa… but the merit rank was 1094 out of the 33,000 people who appeared. Good but not good enough. GD PI would decide my fate later.

The other results in the mean time were all negative.

People have multiple calls and hope to convert atleast one and take final admit.

Here I was with just one call and needed to convert it badly. Had been performing well in GD PIs everytime but this time everything was at stake.

The GD PI dates were declared. I started studying. Spent weekends in the office studying for various stuff and making my resume. Had to prepare answers to questions that could be asked at the interview. Had prepared a complete file of questions and probable answers. Took help from many people in the software industry to help me with my sops and all. Prepared technical stuff, read about formula 1 history (my passion), read about Michael Schumacher (my role model), read about Satyam revenues, its performance as compared to other companies, quarterly growth figures, guidance, EPS, market performance, etc. They could ask me anything at PI.

The D-Day came. Reached NM college at around 7.30 am. Stood outside it, took a deep breath. There I go. This is it. It can’t get better. If I make it here, its gonna be life, else slog it out in the IT industry. Went in. Settled down. Saw around. Everybody looked as equipped as me. First came the GD.

The topic was “Its high time Indian Organizations should be truly socially responsible”. Given 2 minutes to think/jot down. Took a deep breath and gathered all my courage to start the GD. And voilaa.. it worked. I started the GD and everybody listened. Spoke for about 1.5 mins. Half the battle was won here. The GD went smooth. I chirped in with a around 5-6 entries and made valid points.

Then we were asked to wait for the PI. My number came pretty soon. Waited outside the PI room with 5 other candidates. There came my turn and I entered in with all my confidence.

(I would always want to remember this interview in my life coz it would be leading me into a new world, a completely different sphere of life, will be giving me a dream shot at my career.)

Two Panel members : one male (about 35 years) and one female(about 30 years).

The interview went in very smooth and the best ever. With expected questions being posed at me.

It was the time for the results. The D Day was 10th of March.
The agonizing and nail biting wait was finally coming to an end. But again, the results got delayed. The new notice said that the results would come out on 15th. It sure was heartbreaking. Couldn’t wait anymore. But I had no other alternative.

Then came 15th March, 2007, 5.00 pm. Was working in the office and at the same time refreshing the results screen every 2 minutes to check if the results have come. Then the results were finally uploaded at around 5.10 pm. I saw the link and went to a nearby cyber café because I did not want to check my results from the office PC (Superstition)!! On the way hundreds of thoughts crossed my mind. What if I don’t get through? Will it be one more year? Will it be GMAT now? Would I continue with IT? Was my interview good enough? What would be my final rank? Will I be in the top 200 and make it to the MBA core programme? Or would i have to settle for other programmes ?

Just before I entered the café, I thought and decided; everything had gone fine. The results have to be fine. Clicked the link. Entered by roll number and date of birth. And there in front of me lay my result. MERIT No. 175. It took me two long minutes to digest that I had made it. And was offered confirmed admission to the core MBA programme. Didn’t want to wait there. Saw the admit letter and logged off. Called up all my near ones and informed them.

Finally made it. It was hard to digest it easily because these top schools were eluding me since long now. But there I was. On the top of the world. On cloud nine. A super jump of around 920 ranks after the written was no ordinary stuff. It proved that my GD PI was bang on target. Later on I realized that mine was one of the highest jumps of ranks that took place for those who got confirmed admissions.

Party time. Went Baroda for the weekend and resigned the day I came back to office. Everybody was happy. So was I.

Paid my fees on 2nd April, 2007 and confirmed my seat.

And here I am. Raring to go. Waiting to feel the hot chill of NMIMS, Mumbai.

NMIMS… here I come…!!
Lets Rock !!!

Check vital stats bout the cool insti here - > http://www.nmims.edu/

The CAT.....

NO. Am not referring to the slim, sly and stray animal that managed to form an image of itself in your mind.

An academician or for that matter any graduate with a brief information about the leading open entrance tests would be quick to form a different image of the CAT. Like its living counterpart, it is witty, it is quick and it is stray (it can’t be tamed very easily!!!). Unlikely, it is a dream to bell the cat for almost two lakh aspirants every year. Its associated with hard work, determination, time management, goal setting, patience, adaptability, dreaming big, risk management, taking up responsibilities and many more things. The Common Aptitude Test as it is uncommonly called, is a test of all the above mentioned qualities. It’s rated as one of the toughest exams in the world. All right, it is conducted to filter people for the admissions to premier B-Schools of the country like the IIMs. But what one misses is the way the exam tests a person. If you are clearing it, you are already a manager. No? I will tell you how.

If you clear it and manage to get a call from the IIMs, it means you have the all the potential to become a future manager.
You are a great time manager. Managing time across various sections and ensuring a cut off in each section is not a cake walk. You need to be strict about timings.
You are patient. The problems do not give way to the solutions. One needs to think, calculate and wait till the solution arises.
You take calculated risks. Guessing blindly is not a game here. Otherwise we would have at least 5 percent lucky people clearing the CAT every year just by the grace of lady luck. If you are guessing, it is an intelligent guess and it means you are taking a chance of getting it wrong and loosing important marks. There are negative marks and nobody knows prior to the test how many negative marks would be deducted per question.
You are adaptable to changing scenarios and flexible. The CAT changes its structure and difficulty every year. There are more surprises packed in it than the similarities carried forward.
You are very analytical and logical. These are the basic areas of test. So you have to be great at it all.
You can maintain your calm and perform to your best under adverse conditions. That’s what the D-day is all about.

So all in all, the IIMs already take the cream layer from amongst the aspirants. No wonder they get paid the highest later.
So are you still thinking CAT s an intelligent person’s cup of tea? It is for those who are smart and are born with some inherent management skills. The rest the B-Schools will take care of. Ready to fly high? Take the CAT. Am taking one. And I hope to tame it.

CBZee - The Machine

CBZ – CeeBeeZee as they call it. One bike that turns all faces, the bike that revolutionized the Indian superbike market. Armed with deadly looks and equally good engine to gel with it. Surely a masterpiece, a legend!

It was a dream to own one since I saw the first CBZ advertisement on the TV. Two guys, two stunning beauties riding away at dawn. The ad was backed by some great background score. But somehow I could not get one till now. Not till late though.

I took a old-new CBZ on Saturday, 23rd September, 2006. It’s a 2001 make, clocked somewhere around 14,000 kms. Maybe the odometer has been played with, nevertheless, its engine is intact and very responsive.

I was a bit apprehensive about the condition of the bike initially, but that was just until I picked up the reins in my hands. The engine came to life in one strong kick. And voila, that firing was awesome. No signs of a tired engine. The engine gunning and raring to go like a new baby ! Next was the time to check the pick up and the drive. Again with the same apprehension I stepped down on the gear lever to the first – smooth transition from neutral – and released the clutch slowly complimenting it with a slow, calculated accelerator twist. And there it took up, within a second I had to pull it up to second, then the third and then came the cruise at fourth. It was awesome riding this machine at this speed with the tacho reading 5000 rpm, the bike was cruising. No signs of rattling, no signs of mis-firing. There I was going, the wind caressing my hair. Then came a lovely stretch of tarmac with no intrusions. I tried to increase the speed to check the full potential of the black babe. It raised its hood, the hydraulic fork suspension at the front responding and I started to accelerate. At 6000 rpm and further the speed started stagnating a bit at around 70kmph. And then came the fifth shift and the tacho fell to 3500-4000. What was more, the mean machine sprang to life accelerating again. The speedo started to touch 90-95kmph. The bike was still responding to the twitch of the accelerator. Alas ! Potholes. That brought an end to the short speed trip.

The bike was equally good while cornering at 40kmph (with a pillion). Took a slant turn at around 40kmph on one of the smooth turns which are rare to see. Slanted at almost 45 degree and at this speed, the bike didn’t move an inch out of the path intended for it. So stable, so rooted to the ground. Never felt so confident with any other bike. It was like Rossi at Monza !!

And the bike z even better when you have a fairer sex as a pillion. The slanting, sporty seat gives an envious riding and sitting position. The pillion tends to slide towards the driver. And who would mind that!!?? Atleast, I wont.

This is one bike that you would cherish driving all your life. At 12.8ish bhp @ 8000 rpm, u just have to drool over it. In simple, non-technical language, it’s a deadly beast under your control. Too sexy ! A must have for any bike enthusiast. I have one now and am in love with it!!

Are you thinking about the mileage ???? Well, I really don’t care. And for that matter, I would never have gone for this monster. Its about living your dreams, and sometimes it can’t just get better.

Will keep posted about my future experiences with my sexy babe as I call it – The CeeBeeZee!!!

Some other features :

The CBZ has a TPFC( Transient power control) system for quick acceleration; a feature which is used on some of the most advanced cars. It has a Tachometer which displays the engine rotation speed & a Tripmeter too. The Hydraulic Vibration Dampers incorporated in the handlebars ensure that the ride is smooth. The Air Injection System injects fresh air into exhaust port to meet the emission norms.CBZ has Zero Crank Case Evaporative Emission which is an advanced pollution control feature & was the first of its kind in India. It has Adjustable Rear Shock Absorbers which provide extra comfort & can be easily adjusted into 5 positions.

From the tech - books : (courtesy : mouthshut.com):

Engine- 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled, OHC
Displacement- 156.8CC
Acceleration- 0-60 Kmph in 5 sec
Type of brakes: front- Disc type, rear- Drum type( 130mm diameter)
Maximum power- 12.8 PS @ 8000 rpm
Maximum speed- 100 KmphSuspension ( front)- Telescopic hydraulic fork( rear )- Swing arm with hydraulic damper; 5 step adjustment
Tyres: Front/Rear- 2.75*18-42P/ 100/ 90*18-56P
Clutch- ManualClutch secondary- Multi plate wetFrame- Tubular single cradleFinal drive- Roller chainDimensions- 2100*755*1130mm
Wheel base- 1335mm ;
Ground clearance- 160mm ;
Kerb weight- 130kgFuel tank- 12.5 l ( 2.0 l in reserve)


N.B : The tech-specs might vary and are purely based on my experience.

18 till I die!!

Who is not afraid of getting old? Precisely everyone. Is it because of the problems associated with the declining abilities of the human body to endure our physical lives or is it just because of some cosmetic reasons and the avarice for a healthy and sound social life that everyone craves for? The envious spark of youth that spreads the charm around is what keeps people enticed to stay young – forever.

There are many myths and many realities governing the youthfulness of an individual. Biologically a human being has to grow old and has to advance in age. But the today’s disc – generation wants that they remain youthful throughout their lives. This is because they want to keep performing and keep achieving more of what they are currently doing. A materialistic world where a professional gain means a sigh of achievement and to achieve this, be it any profession (ranging from a rock star to being a football player), requires endurance and longetivity.

But does the present generation understand what it means to be youthful or the clichéd “18 till I die” phrase?
No. The current perception of being youthful is to look good no matter how you feel physically or mentally. Today, the superstars or the glitterati as they are called look good by investing hugely in all sorts of artificial improvement therapies and surgeries – be it botox or liposuction, u name a problem, you’ll have a solution. Almost everybody harbors the same aspiration but they want to party all night, consume alcohol for that social status, rock to a new band playing in the city all night and smoke their lungs away. So is this really a fight to be youthful or just killing the advancing age that is conquering the person before it actually should due to wrong indulgences.

In essence, being youthful is more about being stable mentally and physically, realizing that the body keeps on changing its needs as the age progresses. And this all can be achieved without the artificial methods that are resorted to today. Our ancestors have long been giving high importance to Yoga as the ultimate truth to life and being content mentally, emotionally and physically. The world all over is starting to accept Yoga as the panacea for well being and healthy living. But it’s strange to note that in the very country where its rooted blindly wants to ape the western culture. (though one of the aspects of the same aping could be consumerism and high spending power that today’s generation has). But a small investment of even 1 hour a day in the simplest of exercises can work wonders on any soul. Then why wait for a sermon? Why wait for a doctor? Why wait for the great cardiac arrest? U don’t have to join expensive gymnasiums or spas to be fit, neither do you have to purchase expensive fitness accessories for the same. It just has to be a simple jog, cycling, swimming, walking, meditation or yoga, as it suits your needs and lifestyle. One just needs to act upon it and the age-old priceless principles of longetivity will be yours - forever. And a healthy body will harbor a superior mind and a glowing appearance unmatched by any other cosmetic/technique. And life will be beautiful.

It’s a proven fact that the western people are aging faster than anybody else, then why ape them blindly and still hope that you will lead a better, youthful and energetic life ahead? It’s a pity to know the way the myth about aging is being shouldered by today’s generation.

But whatever the case maybe, it is a human tendency to be healthy and sound throughout their lives and the clichéd phrase “18 till I die!” holds good for everyone. Though the contexts may be different!

A reality check

A reality check to track yourself in this techno savvy IT/corporate world that we breathe in...
I wake up with an expectation of a better day to eventually find that the day was as bad as yesterday....

I spend the weekend relaxing (read sleeping!) and doing nothing useful (read productive!) and then come the monday blues... i somehow slog and carry my ever growing frame on my expensive bike to the confines of the place where i earn my bread butter (read pizzas and pastas!).... its made sure that there is not a molecule of fresh air inside because the central air cons are biologically perfect... i cling on to my desktop and i cannot proceed till i dont see my mail box.... god helps if that stops functioning (it can wreak havoc, you see!).... see some forwards and some pictures.. some reality bites (serious mails, which i dont forward!)... then come some task assignments.... but mastering the art of procrastination does not take time.... then i go for a heavy breakfast (breakfast is the most important meal of the day!)... i come back all charged up and ready to work.... just then somebody drops in and we go for a coffee break and savour the exotic coffee of the dispenser installed... once again i come back determined to start off with work... i start keying in some lines of code and finish up some task.. and voila.. its time for lunch.... i cant skip lunch everyday... and then i despise the cafeteria food for its quality and low standard.... yet complain about the pricing.... well, its time to finally work but my stomach is too full for my grey cells to start churning out business for my company... but anyway, job is job! ... within no time its time for that exotic coffee break again... and then come the evening snacks (need a refrehser now atleast, been working the whole day!) ... high time that i really worked on something now... but its really getting late for the dinner party that i have in the eve... i guess i would have to cancel that.. have so much of work to do... and then i start hitting the keyboard and the mouse franatically and look as if the entire business is on my once well (read gym) made shoulders... it gets a bit late finishing up that work... and i finally deliver only to find that it still needs to be better... i get into a gloom, i criticize, i feel this is not the right place for me, i feel nobody understands me.. (i even cancelled my evening commitments... didn't i ?)... i drag myself back to my sleeping abode (its only sleeping that i do here... ) .. have some maggi... and get into a deep slumber soon... hoping that i will change tommorrow and it will be different....

teet - teet -teet - teet (my cell-alarm tone...) goes the first reception for my morning ears...only to figure out that its been snoozed five tiems and i am late.... need to rush, need to finish up things, need to prove myself to my boss, need to keep commitments, appraisal z coming....

and the life goes on...