The End Of An Era......

For a generation brought up on a heavy dose of Delhi Belly and Rock star, the soft melody of "main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" maybe a faint memory but nobody can probably ever shake of the nostalgia evoked by the original swashbuckler - Dev Anand. Very few are aware that his performance in "Guide" was voted as one of the 10 all time best performances of all times by
the Hollywood Producers Guild. Kaala Pani , Johnny Mera Naam , Hare Rama Hare Krishna were just a few of his cult hits. Such was the adoration he commanded that for the past 20 years , inspite of failing to deliver a hit , he was continuously funded by several wealthy NRI fans of his so that Dev saab could die with his boots on. Forever Young Forever Remembered , An Icon , A Legend ....

The Increasing Relevance Of Extempore .....

It has been noticed in this year`s Campus Drives that the emphasis given to Extempore Based Rounds has immensely increased thus giving a clear indication that it is going to be one of the most vital ingredients of a candidates screening in the future. The realization of the same , at an early stage , can help a student fare much better in the actual recruitment drive.Thus , from the first year itself {of whatever vocation} , start speaking correct grammar , enrich your vocabulary and improve your fluency.......

The Magnitude Of The Power Of The Net .......

10559954 - The official number of hits on YOUTUBE in a week on the latest craze "Why This Kolaveri Di". The sheer magnitude of the Internet has taken an otherwise Normal song to International heights.

TRENDS AT CAMPUS - AN OVERVIEW !!!!

Ever since the arrival of the first Campus this season on the 9th of July {AMDOCS}, some patterns have been visible in the methodolgy of conduction of the Campus drives. An innovation in the past couple of years introduced by Companies like CSC is the Emphasis on Extempore {in the CSC drive they term it as JAM - Just A Minute} whereby the ability to spontaneously express oneself as well as command over communication is tested. The importance of the Technical round has increased especially in context of Companies like TATA MOTORS {One of our students successfully cleared a 78 minute Technical + 26 minute HR round}. The IT Honchos - TCS , INFY , WIPRO , ACCENTURE have toughened their Aptitude Tests a bit on the whole while a few have given direct clearance to the Top 5 of Every branch for a direct Personal Interview.

Chnages in CAT pattern - Cosmetic. Period.

So here was a "Jor Ka Jhatka" that the CAT convenor for the year seems to have given the MBA aspirants. A harmless interview on this year's cat -the proverbial "dheere se lage". I am referring to the changes in CAT-11 unveiled recently.

But is it really "Jor Ka Jhatka"? Not really. Here is why.

Ok !! Lets focus on similarities

** CAT remains a computer based test. :-) Well it would not have been otherwise. Would it?

** It still has 60 Questions. So no surprises there.

** It stays an objective type questions on Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. So if you have been preparing for CAT - relax you are still on the right track.

** In fact, they have announced 5 extra minutes (thats after they added 15 min to the historical time of two hours, two years back). It is now a 140 Min. test.

So what is the bombshell about? Here are the changes and their implications

** The test now comes in a two sections package - instead of three sections earlier.

So instead of three sections of 20 qs. each you will now face two sections of 30 Qs. each. Doesn't make a bit of a difference - does it? You have exactly the same number of questions as earlier and roughly the same time (in fact more).

** The two sections now are Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) and Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR).

This should mean that in terms of design what has been done is that the earlier section of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) has been divided into two halves (approx. 10 qs from each section) & each of them has been merged with the other two, respectively. If this interpretation is right, there is hardly any change from the earlier pattern.

** The two sections will now be TIMED sections. You will get exactly 70 minutes to negotiate each section.
Now for a person preparing for CAT and wishes to take a balanced show at it - this also does not make much of a difference. Think about it - if you have been preparing for last year's CAT pattern - you were most probably following a strategy of giving each of the three sections 45 min each. so what would you do if you were told that there will be now two sections of 30 qs. each. You would distribute the time of the third section equally among the other two. The timed sections are equivalent to you following the same strategy by default. That's all.

So then - does this new patter makes any difference at all? Yes, it does. Here is my take.
It takes the sheen away from those performers who used to take uneven time for these sections. There are a few students who try and cut down time from one section and give more time to one other section to maximise their scores. They will feel the heat as there strategy has been killed.

At a macro level - this change should help non-engineers as most engineers try and finish off the language section quicker so that, they can spend more time with the mathematical sections. This helps them score better overall. This may not be possible now.

But honestly, I think even this is not true anymore. From the time CAT became a computer based test, it provides an average of two minutes per question - which is fairly comfortable time to attack a test of the level that CAT is. So any additional time given to a section does not really mean better score in that section.

So friends, I think the changes in the CAT should rattle only those performers who carry this fact in the mind that it has changed. Otherwise the changes appear only cosmetic. Stay focussed. All the very best. 

THE SLAYING OF THE ASSASSIN .........

With the highly efficient operation conducted by the US Military , with help from
the Navy Seals , The curtain finally fell on the life of the world`s most dreaded and
notorious man - Osama Bin Laden. The Mastermind behind the 9/11 attack was the
symbol of terrorism & evil in the world and it is a moment of relief for the entire
human race to see the end of an era of bloodbath conducted by Laden. Even thogh
the War is still very much on against terror , but a crucial battle has been won.
Long live humanity !!!!

THE RELEVANCE OF AMUL !!

With the termimg of the dashing and dynamic 41 year old youth icon, Rahul Gandhi, as a Amul Baby by the octogenarian Kerala CM, one comes to realize how deep the Brand has got embedded into the Common Indian Psyche. Generations have grown up eating and watching , on hoardings , the UTTERLY BUTTERLY DELICIOUS Delicacy. It is a perfect example of a product having effortlessly sneaked into the mindset of the common populace and also speaks volumes on their part of the maintaining of the immaculate quality which has been unmatched. Long Live AMUL !!!!

LAST MAN STANDING !!!!

Anna Hazare Has Single Handedly Demonstrated What The Valour And Single Minded Integrity Combined With Unflinching Honesty Can Do. To Have Made A Dent , Though A Very Small One , In The Seemingly Impregnable Fortress That Is Corruption India , Itself Speaks Volumes That The Old Urdu Couplet Still Holds True "Aasman Mein Bhi Chhed Ho Sakta Hai , Ek Pathar Toh Tabiyat Se Ucchhalo Yaaron".

The Great Unifiers....

A unique sense of camaraderie and unison pervades the nooks , streets and corners since the past few days in eager anticipation of the much awaited showdown between the two continental giants in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup`2011. Cricket is one of the three strong unifiers in the country , the other two being war and festivals. Be it Diwali or Eid or Christmas or an India - Pakistan Class , on the green field or the battlefield, the vibes in the air are palpable. As someone very aptly noted "The Most Notable Facet Of The Indian Populace Is The Fact That Their Souls Are Essentially Simple And Uncorrupted". JAI HO......

ENGLISH COMMUNICATION - THE THREE VERTICES....

Paradoxical it is to. Amongst the three pillars of English Communication i.e.
Grammar , Vocabulary & Fluency , which is the one that is most vital ?
Whether it is Error free Grammatical Command which matters most or
a richly garnished & impeccable vocabulary which is prominent or flawless
fluency which in crucial ? No doubt all three are very important and desirably
one should establish command over all three but it would be really interesting
to know which one should be conquered first !!!!

WIKILEAKS EXPOSURES , A QUESTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY ?

With all the diatribe being directed at the Government in the light of the facts
brought out by Wikileaks , it is appalling to hear and see the responses emnating
from the Treasury benches. "I neither accept or deny these charges" is the
intellectually brilliant {Pun Intended} statement furbished by the honourable
finance minister whereas the Prime Minister Has rather gleefully washed off his
hands of the whole issue. It poses a serious question reagrding the actual onus
of accountability in running a National Government.

When ‘less words’ turn ‘more eloquent’!

1. When the wife comments to a well dressed husband, “I know now what are you upto”?
2. On appraisal time the Boss warns the employee, ” to deserve is the criteria and not to desire”
3. After the interview the interviewer tells the interviewee, “ the profiles need to have congruence”
4. The fiancée after having good time with would-be-bride tells, “I wish the marriage set ups need a rethinking”
5. Father tells the young daughter who scored less marks, ‘ it is time to real life teachings than academics”
6. The minister comments spontaneously to a controversial plea, “ it draws my attention”
7. When an irritated father on property sharing issue threw the ‘keys’ at the daughter and the ‘purse’ at the son
8. When the American says, “ take free wheat but use our transportation”
9. When the teacher admonished the strong student he commented, “I know now what to do”
10 When the Boss reacts after a patient hearing from the marketing officer on his failure to achieve the big target, “I have now to rethink”.
11. The sister tells the brother,’ my friend adores you” the brother retorted, because I concur with ‘his’ idea on you.
12. The disguised beggar asks for alms from the master of the house and the master gives him one rupee coin instantly without a grumble. The beggar profusely thanks him that now he is the owner of one hundred rupees as he has won the prize from his friend on winning the worst miser.
13. The husband said’ I spent a vigil night yesterday because of mosquitoes” singing around his ears. The wife commented that she could have a comfortable sleep because the ‘mosquito’ near her did not disturb her with the snoring, the whole night.
14. The mother-in-law wanted to have dinner with son; but the daughter-in-law wanted to have the dinner with the son (the husband). However, in the melee the sister took advantage to dinner with all of them to which all agreed. she brought her boy friend and he took the opportunity to propose to her. The brow-beaten mother could not eat the dinner.
15. The wife said she was happy that she could get her selection of sari and the husband said he was happy that he could get his selection of the suit. But both were unhappy thereafter that none considered the others choice.
M.S.kumaran

OPEN CAMPUS - A UNIQUE COLLAGE OF CAMARADARIE !!

Yesterday while at a family dinner , a close relative , who co - incidentally is
also heading placements at a city Engineering College , casually informed me that
he hosted an open Campus during the day of an American Software firm called
CONVERGYS wherein students from approximately thirty five Engineering
Colleges from Indore participated , rather competed , with each other for the
two hundred odd selections which took place. Close to thirteen hundred students
strived with and against each other`s aspirations for close to seven hours going
thorugh rigorous rounds and getting a feel of what exactly is campus recruitment.
Boys and Girls from distinctly diverse backgrounds converging for a common purpose
and in the process unknowingly building up bonding is a good example of a competitive
process leading to co-operation.

Ego Vs. Will.

Should ‘ego’ be ruling over ‘will’?
‘Ego’ is blind while ‘will’ is vision. Ego is reactive and instantaneous. It is a flash out of rage and the forward view is marred by dizziness. While it is reactive it generates further reaction and not a solution. It doesn’t open a path for you but confuse you with splinters of paths and misguide you to look for a way out.
There is a saying that one has to come out with many lies to substantiate one lie and similarly ego misfires relentlessly to make the other person bewildered and astounded. It often creates dirt and stains in the mind. One is prompted to strive in negatives and unreal imaginations. Ego distances you from sensibility and wisdom. You may turn blind to intelligence and commonsense. Egoism enjoys in a perverted pleasure which is painful to the victims. It is like the cat which plays with the incapacitated mice. Cat derives more pleasure in watching the fight for safety of the mice in the death trap.
Ego lives in a misjudged self-identity with attitude of stubbornness, obstinacy, selfishness and blatant disregard for reconciliation. It travels in a single route not ready to relent to reality. It hides in an aura of its own and professes everything else outside its periphery is meaningless and deserves to be fumed with neglect. It ,if compelled, agrees to reality with sarcasm and reluctance. Egoistic persons normally gets derailed fast disintegrate in anger and frustration. Even if ruined such people hardly repent and agree to honour the truth. Ego is like a volcano and engulfs its victims under its lava. It leaves behind the victim with wound and sour, ever to think vice fully and in disdain.
In contrast, ‘will’ is sane and sensible. There is coolness and patience. Will implies thinking and response are thought provoked. It relies on its inherent strength. It is like a spring with its multiple out wings drooping with its sprinklings of knowledge and wisdom. In ‘will’ there is exposure and transparency. It is instinctive and hence not whimsical. ‘Will’, with its power of openness and broadmindedness can be relied upon. There is enthusiasm, courage, enrgy and punch in its approach. It tends to enlarge its area of knowledge with inquisitiveness and urge to know better wide and in depth. There is an underlining sense of endurance and tolerance which adores the personality with a nature of reconciliation. It is endorsed with quality of pragmatism with its magnanimity to live to the reality and truth and submit to it with apology if required. While ‘will’ propagates self-pride, it honor’s others pride and their standpoint. It belies animosity and hatred and always maintains a policy of ‘give and take’ and ‘forgive and forget’. ‘Will’- full action represents determination and commitment. The word will upholds confidence, involvement and passion and takes the personality into great heights. ‘Will’ also signifies contribution and implies a challenging attitude to face and overcome problems and hindrances. It reflects clarity of purpose and promise a process of ongoing and achievements. It denotes an arrow like speed and penetration and adopts a well- focused approach. It is blessed with vision about future and a forth righted attitude to achieve the ends.
It is desirable that we avoid a dirty bath in ‘ego’ but instead have a smooth go in purity with the ‘will’. When look for a compromise in conflict is the will of ‘will’,’ego’ tries to live on with the conflict with its denial attitude. A flooded outburst of water will destroy creations while smooth flow of water would help to cleanse the paths. Let us burry the ego and move with a will to forge a bright path towards the future.

M.S. Kumaran

WOMEN`S DAY : SOME THOUGHTS

It indeed is an indicator of a sea change in the paradigm of the world towards the
fairer of the gender`s that we are actually acknowledging the relevance of the
day in a very constructive perspective. As the world inches forward in being
more and more equal oppurtunity provider , some sectors such as IT and Education
are already employing a huge percentage of female professionals which gives us
a glance of the times to come. Also endearing is the increasing number of women
professionals who have beautifully balancing work and home.
KUDOS TO WOMEN POWER !!

National Games Anyone ? ? ? ?

Amidst all the hoopla surrounding India`s Blasphemous Tie against England and brouhaha
about the Cricket World Cup in general , the 34th edition of the Indian National Games
went almost unnoticed. Conducted at Ranchi , Dhanbad and other Cities of Jharkhand from the 12th - 26th of February , the Games recerived minimal media coverage and elicited the barest public interest , if any. In fact the only highlight of the Games was that The Indian Criket Cpatain was there at the Inauguration Ceremony. It puts a big question mark on the sanctity of the conduction of such events in a scenario where even the people of the state it is being conducted in are not inclined towards viewing them. Just for the record , The Services Team topped the medals tally again followed by Manipur. Provides us some genuine food for thought !!

Vicissititudes of democracy in India

Vicissititudes of democracy as projected in India
Democracy is like the flow of a river. As long as it is gentle it flows with a pat on the bed and give coolness to the banks. History depicts civilizations and cultures formed, nourished and flourished on their banks. Similarly, democracy is expected to conduct smoothly taking into account of peoples’ welfare, freedom and prosperity.
Rivers, however, when flooded are atrocious and ruthless. They loose their sight, understanding, identification, contributiveness and utility destroying every thing that fall on their path whether good or bad, useful or useless or valuable or valueless. Democracy often gets subjected to frustration when it turns like flooded river and throws out the cardinal principles and practices of serving the people.
India is presently facing a similar situation. More than 60 years of its implementation, the system has been losing its path, focusing and application in view. It has been encroaching into side sleuths and into artificial perforations which are causing destruction to the strong walls of the banks and convert everything into slush and mud.
The political parties are losing their probity and poise and are turned into a species of their own nurturing a tendency to grab every thing glittering. They are suffering a certain kind of political cataract losing in appreciable attitudes and in a democratic approach. ‘Horse Trading’ has been the play of the day and the cohesion of the parties are broken the citadel of the strong houses of the parent political parties shaded with self interest dominating the common interests. There are now all kinds of snakes and insects penetrated into these political houses eating its own share of flesh and blood leaving the organisation weak and vulnerable to sickness and deformity. Innumerous regional parties have sprung up like beetles in the garden to live on the honey and fragrance of the flowers. They exploit the innocence of the public and build their pleasure-huts upon their poverty and helplessness.
Corruption disguised as mosquitoes sucks the blood of the ordinary people day and night when the politician stays behind the net enjoying monarchic joy oblivious of forums of functions and parliament and assemblies. They have their own sand hills converted into fortresses and live protected by their cocoons and the so-called caucus. They snore like Alsatians as if to save the public but in disguise protect their own homes and houses. They create shrieks allover the work place like a mouse pretending to be working hard and never loose to grab everything for self and spoil the balance to let none to live on, on the remnants. We have our bureaucratic cockroaches and insects to live on spills causing nuisance to public while clinching on to patience for their survival.
The scandals involving huge money slandering are the handy works of the combined political and bureaucratic power blocks and they are no worse than leaches and tapeworms. The black money accumulated at the behest of these power blocks are pivotal for the slow growth of the economy of the country and these power blocks continue to grow the black money day-after-day as they are habituated in the enjoyment of the plundered wealth.
Clubs and sickles, bows and arrows, lanterns and ladders elephants or oxen and hands and lotuses are immersed in mud and all look like same and nobody is saner than the other while compete themselves to be worse than the other as suckers and plunders. They have been behaving like hungry wolves living on the lion’s prey. The current conservative political leadership is parasitic and has lost all the credentials to be the servants of the people.
However, we have now our youth power on the threshold on whom we can bestow our hopes who can take over the struggle of economic freedom and emancipation. We have to now initiate a new freedom struggle to save ourselves from the burden of the yokes of the ‘mafia’ now active with political support. The youth know their priorities now as they have been the sufferers so far at the instance of the abattoirs of political system in the country. There is now better transparency among our youth and they have experienced the glass houses of the erstwhile politicians whose lips and fingers had marks of bloodstains on them. They have their professional remedy with them to save the country from this bankruptcy.
Our country has its inherent strength to grow tarnishing all the blockades and the youth can definitely give a better leadership and to take the country into its original path. The duty of the electorate now is to strengthen the hands of the youth to clean the dirt away and bring the glory back.

M.S.Kumaran

Union Budget-2011-12

Union Budget-2011-12
Budget is an estimated or planned receipts and expenditure account for the ensuing year. It is not a policy statement.
There is no question of sitting for a judgment with regard to certain aspects of the Budget. The evaluation has to be consisted of the following factors:
The Economic Analysis
Agricultural
Industrial
Technological
Educational
Public Health
Transport
Scientific Development
National Defense and Security
Research and Development
The political Analysis
The Financial Analysis
Social Analysis
Prior to the evaluation we need to understand that the Budgets are not policy statements of the Govt. but however, project the design of the future policies which might be involved- an overview of the shape of things to happen or plan to happen.
Let us make a financial assessment of the Budget:
Total Revenue Receipts Rs. 9.32 Trillion - 2011-12
Total Expenses: Rs. 12.58 Trillion- 2011-12
Total Plan Expenditure: Rs. 4.41 Trillion- 2011-12
Fiscal Deficit: Rs. 7.67 trillion- 2011-12
5.1% of GDP (2010-11)
4.6% of GDP (2011-12)
3.5% of GDP (2013-14)
Revenue Receipts:
Gross Tax Receipts: Rs. 9.32 Trillion -2011-12
Non-tax Revenue Receipts: Rs. 1.25 Trillion - 2011-12
Corporate Tax Receipts: Rs. 3.6 Trillion – 2011-12
Customs revenue: Rs. 1.52 Trillion (2011-12)
Factory Gate collection: Rs. 1.64Trillion (2011-12)
Service Tax Receipts: Rs. 8.20 Billion (2011-12)
Indirect Taxes: Rs. 113 Billion (2011-12)
Market borrowing; Rs. Rs. 3.4 Trillion- 2011 -12(planned)
Revised/Actual borrowing 2010-11
Rs. 4.47Trillion (3.45 Planned)
Disinvestments: Rs. 400 Billion (51%-Govt.Holding)

Distribution –Expenses (Budgetary Plans)
Subsidies:
Total provision: Rs. 1.44 Trillion -2011-12
Food Subsidy: Rs. 605.7Billion -2011-12
Fertilizer: Rs. 500.0 Billion -2011-12
Petroleum: Rs. 550.0 Billion-2011-12
Revised:
Food: Rs. 606 Billion
Fertilizer: Rs. 550Billion
Petroleum: Rs. 384 Billion
State runs Oil Retailers: Rs. 200.0 Billion Cash Subsidy
Tax Proposals
Standard Rate of Excise Duty: 10%
Service Tax : 10%
Iron Ore export duty 20%
Nominal Excise Duty on 130 items: 1%
(Essential commodities exempted-Basic food, fuel, Gold, and silver)
Peak Rate of Custom Duty: 10%
Agro Machinery-custom duty; 4.5% (earlier 5%)
Service Tax on hotel charges above Rs.1000/- 10%
Service Tax on air Travel- Domestic: Rs.50/-
Service Tax on Air Freight-International; Rs.250/-
Service tax on Higher classes-Inter national; 10%
Personal Income Tax
Exemption Limit: Standard: Rs.180000/-
Senior Citizen: Rs. 2.50 Lacs. (60 years)
Senior citizen: Rs. 5.0 Lacs. (80 years)
Income tax Rates:
Normal Rates:
Income Slab Tax Rate
Upto180000 Nil
180001 to 300000 10%
300001 to 500000 20%
500001 upwards 30%
10% surcharge if Income exceeds Rs. 1000000/-
3% Education cess on income inclusive of surcharge
The surcharge is only on the amount in excess of Rs. 1000000/-
Rate on senior citizens: For Women:
Upto Rs. 240000/- Nil Upto 190000/- Nil
240001 to 500000 10% 190001 to 500000 10%
500001 to 800000 20% 500001 to 800000 20%
80000000 upwards 30% 800000 upwards 30%
Policy reforms enunciated:
To create infrastructure for debt funds.
Liberalize FDI Policies
Tax-free Bonds for 300 Bills Range for Infrastructure build up
Food Security Bill to be introduced for 2011-12
Mutual Fund to have Foreign Investments with SEBI’s permission.
FII limit increased to $20 Billion by 5 Years.
Independent set up for Debt Management.
GST introduction through out the country
A new Companies Bill.
The Budget as such is growth oriented both in the Rural Sector and at the Industrial sector. It is apparent that there are no specific measures to contain inflation. It might be due to the fact the inflation will have its play for sometime more as one has to pay the price for progress and development. With the growth in the employment ratio the Purchasing Power Parity on the increase hence a certain amount of inflation will have to be sustained. Probably this might be the reason that the Finance Minister is keeping silence on this front.
It is not a political populace Budget and therefore there can be criticism from the political front. It is possible that the Budget do not make any reference to the foreign Black money held by Indian citizen owing to International commitments to unearth the same.

M.S.Kumaran

FACE OF THE BUDGET

The Union budget has been a bag of mixed fortunes and disappointments. There are neither big ticket reforms nor populist adventurism. It could be called as a lacklustre exercise in futility. The aam aadmi has been given a raw deal except some lollipops here and there. It could be a budget of hope for India Inc. while the budget is anti-aam aadmi. Some would hail it as growth oriented; land mark piece would – be- legislation augurs well for high growth etc. but devoid of reforms.

The Finance Minister vehemently claims that the Fiscal Deficit has been brought to 4.6% of the GDP. He is excessively optimistic about the inflation being brought to 5% which is really unrealistic. The long way to conquer inflation is to shore up agricultural productivity. The FM seems to subsidize the farmers to produce more and subsidize the consumers to consume more which is totally paradoxical. Pranabda’s Optimism prevails against Pessimism. He thunders that the Economy has achieved 6% to 8% GDP growth which finds a mention in the world capitals. Some of the people tend to think that Pranabda has done a highly commendable job while the common man has been deprived of his bare minimum necessities of life such as employment opportunities and easy to access articles of daily life. The heavens would not have fallen down if he had taken some measures to arrest or rein in the demand pull galloping inflation.

The aam aadmi might have some sort of apprehensions in his mind in the form of some questions which he wants to address to Pranabda who is the chief trouble shooter of the UPA II^nd. Hence it would be long haul for him to get the answers. Could any body mitigate his doubts? Please…….

The doubts are as follow……..

1        Does this budget fuel galloping demand pull inflation?

2        Does this budget stress on growth?

3        Does this budget meet the inflation concerns?

4        Is the growth target achievable?

5        Is this budget for reforms or mid-term poll oriented?

6        Where does the money come from?

This budget generates no sense of excitement across the country. How do you rate this budget?

ο   Excellent      

ο   Good   

ο   Average     

ο   Bad

Please do post your comments. Your kind gesture of goodwill will be highly appreciated.

P.A. VARGHESE

I am from Hindi Medium

English is a big deal in a country where it is a secondary language. Yet, this is not the best excuse NOT to learn it. In the same way having a Hindi (or any other language) background is not the best excuse for not working hard on English!

‘Sir, I am from Hindi Medium’, comes with much humility from the student who feels bogged down by the presence of ‘English Medium’ candidates competing against him in the MBA-Entrance race. The other day, this guy from my morning CAT-11 batch shared with me his frustration about not being able to do much progress with reading comprehension.

So I decided to make him see the real picture. I posed a few questions which now I wish to pose again for all those who are reading this.

1) *Is having a Hindi Study background a sin? (And even if it is, how does it matter?)

2) *Does belonging to Hindi Medium mean that you are dumb?

3) *Have you never come across English even once in your life before?

As my student tried answering these questions, he also realized that this was exactly how he was looking at it. And he needed to change the attitude first before he practically started working on his English. Before spilling out my share of gyaan on how to work on your English, I want to tell you my dear students that somehow you are dearer to us than those who have an English medium background. The reason is that you are more open to learning and don’t suffer from complacency (self-satisfaction) about Verbal Ability. Always remember:

1) * Hindi Study background DOES NOT mean that you are less intelligent than those belonging to English Medium.

2) * If you deal with English just like the way you deal with a tougher subject, you can still master it.

3) * English requires something that any other difficult subject does: PRACTICE!

4) * Everything seems difficult at first. It gets manageable ONLY by spending more time with it and paying more attention to it.

Yet, you don’t have to believe me. Instead, believe in a logic. I shall give you my own example here. I am not an engineer, have no other technical degree. Till last year, I used to be a freelance writer who wrote mainly website content of consumer goods and services or scripts for walk-throughs and corporate films. A company asked me to write their technical content including their product/service portfolios. This company creates several softwares for e-business and websites; designs websites with high-end technology facilities and increases traffic on client websites through social media marketing and search engine optimisation. My first reaction was a big NO. I am not a trained technical writer. I have no certificate or degree in instruction design (one level up of technical writing). There was no way I was doing it.

But the company CEO made me start working with him. He said I don’t need any technical degree to write their website content or edit their technical documents. I started with simple re-writing and grammar corrections of their content. Steadily, I started asking questions like : Is Ajax a software or a framework? How does PHP programming different from Zend? A few questions were obvious, some stupid, others intelligent. Yet I ASKED THEM. I didn’t shrink from the thought of making a total fool of myself. Today, I am confident I can edit any part of their content, technical or non-technical.

So what’s my point? My point is that a year before, technical writing seemed to me the way English seems to all of you from the Hindi medium background. And just as I refused to give up and kept writing, you need to do that too. That’s because unless you do, you can never think of crossing this language hurdle ever in your life.

I would suggest that you too start with some basic practice. This includes solving all the grammar concepts/exercises and get your doubts solved. I would say start with Subject-Verb Agreement. Do the following on a regular basis:

1) * Read a few English pieces from newspaper or concepts books aloud for 15 minutes daily. Why? So that you improve your pronunciation and develop a comfort level with English speaking.

2) * Read two RC passages in a day, even if that takes you half a day. Find out word meanings, write them. Solve questions, find out why a few went wrong. Analyse your progress.

3) * Write a Daily Journal. Write in English how you spent a day, what you did, where you went etc. Get it checked from a VA faculty at CHEM. Pay attention to the corrections made. Then next day, write the day’s work again. Track your progress. Then read that piece over and over again. Then keep your notebook aside and now repeat what you read from it. Next time when someone asks you to tell your daily routine, you will easily answer that in English.

4) * The above point also means that once you learn to speak ‘rehearsed’ matter confidently, it will boost your confidence manyfolds and then you will be prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Makes sense?

5) * Pick an easy English novel or a non-fiction. Try to finish it in a week’s time. Write a summary of it and get it checked by a VA faculty.

6) * Create your own sentences from the words from the wordlist. Maintain a notebook. Revise old words weekly and read at least 10 new words daily. ( Also read my blog: A twist in the wordlist tale. )

7) * Learn to love English. When you love something, you don’t get bored with it, you truly enjoy it.

Sounds difficult? You are not mistaken. So now I want to tell you how I, as a sixth-grader learnt to comprehend Sanskrit. At first when we came across Sanskrit in school, we were dead sure that even if we cram the shlokas, we will never be able to comprehend the Sanskrit passages. But our dear teacher Mrs Neeti Dwivedi gave us a rule: It’s a language. Lets start with basics and then the way you learnt Hindi, you will learn Sanskrit too. Six months after she said this, I found myself easily comprehending Sanskrit passages. How did I do it? I just followed three simple rules, that you may now follow if you want to learn English:

1) READ: Read aloud in that language. Try to make sense by breaking bigger sentences.

2) WRITE: Write regularly in that language. At times, a quotation you liked or simply a small paragraph in that language.

3) LISTEN: Listen things in that language. In case of English, watch one Hollywood movie (not the Hindi-dubbed) in a week. Download English songs. Watch motivational English videos online. Watch English news channels.

Why should you do this?

1) * You want to compete in MBA-entrance race. No B-school in this country has MBA course books in Hindi or any regional language. How will you understand them?

2) * You want to have good communications skills. Speaking good Hindi is not enough, you must be able to speak in English too.

3) * You want to be like that smart English-speaking guy or gal who looks so confident.

I am not saying this is easy. But that doesn’t mean you must not attempt it. This process is going to frustrate you, bother you, leave you sleepless and restless. It would be like a dark tunnel on a railway track. You won’t see much unless you go half way through it. Then you shall see a beam of light entering it and then before you knew it, you would be out of it as a winner. So get set and get started. For queries, we are always there to help you. Feel free. Speak to us. Share your problems. We promise to help you. God Bless.

muktimasih@yahoo.com

Do comment on what you feel about what I wrote. Feel free to share your problems, apprehensions even insecurities here.

Group Discussions and the Expectations of the Companies

It is a talent developing, ability enhancing and an instinct espousing exercise that are inculcated in students where their communication and knowledge skills are tested.

It helps to identify you with qualities of dimensional leadership and moderation application. The features high-lighted for better GD performance is:

1.  Confidence 

Self- confidence, assertiveness, involvement and determination develops your confidence. The determination of the mountaineer, the fighting spirit of the captain of a ship on a troubled ocean or the nerve-taking decisiveness of a pilot is examples of showing confidence.

2. Content

Understanding the subject and forming of an opinion on  the same and present the ideas with proper analysis and with insight into the pros and cause and clarifying them with reasoning and substantiation and possibly with examples or analogues where in other words one needs to be conscientious of the topic and with the inside feelings of same.

3.  Competitiveness and contribution.

The Spirit of competition, applying lateral thinking articulating fresh thoughts, attributive positive critical expressions and availing the delight of the appreciation by the group will add to the GD presentation.

4.  Enthusiasm

Alertness, energy, punch, and stress with consistent powerof expression and conviction need to be maintained. Voice modulation and application of various connectors should be adopted. We need to be conversant with practice of using methods of WPM and ERP to grab opportunities for expressing our views.

5.  Assertiveness

Expression of facts with a strong will and conviction is essential in vocal presentation. The points dealt with need to be of substance and could be corroborated with facts and figures. While quoting data and information one needs to take care to give reference of sources. 

6. Thought process

Full concentration and a sustained mind-set will help initiate Comprehensive and cohesive thought process. The expressions will therefore be spontaneous and meaningful.

7. Speaking and Listening

Both these features are equally important. A speaker will project fresh points and give dimension to the discussion while listening will help him to add value to others points ensuring proper interventions.

8. Body Language and Eye-contact.

An alert and straight posture will add to your participation. The hands should be free, the feet on the ground having the eye-contact maintained properly while speaking as well as listening are the points to be noted. Along with verbal expression non-verbal communication need to be effectively implemented.

9. Group Skill and Peoples Handling.

One must remember that GD is a group activity where Individual is measured. Group consideration is valuable as the participant should act a speaker as well as as a listener too. Interventions should be at the right interjection of the expression like when the speaker is at the verge of PR(E). One should take care not to interfere and cut other’s point While should be considerate allowing others to speak.

10. Communication

GD is after all a test of your communication skill. What should be said and how should be said and what way it should be projected will depend on your selection. While all the qualities discussed above are relevant for making an effective communication, the other points to be noted are such that, one should maintain clarity and completeness of expression, proper fluency and flow, and grammatically error-free with right pronunciation. Long pauses and repetition of words should be avoided. Humbleness and humility will be added qualities. The communication need to be absorbing and receptive. The facial expression should bemaintained soft and cheerful.

While on the subject it is imperative that one should observe certain Don’ts.

They are:

• casualness and callousness
• Hasty and speedy expression
• Dominance and Superiority
• Obstinacy and Cavalier attitude
• Nervousness and passiveness
• Wavering with thoughts and repetition of words
• Personal criticism and extreme stand
• Reacting and repulsive
• Parasite approach and blunt expression
• Lacking in focusing and direction
• Ignorance avoidance
• Aggressive gesticulations and extending arms and Reluctance and delaying tactics and non-stop-speaking.

The GD actually reveals your personality and the eligibility to be selected.

LOST IN TIME

Thinking back on the time gone by.
Wondering exactly where things went awry.
Detesting that I just could not see
That I am the one who brought this affliction upon me .

Desiring so much to just move on ,
Wanting so badly for the pain to be gone.
Hoping endlessly that I could just forget you,
Realizing at last , nothing you said was ever  true.

Quietly  questioning why it had to be me;
Did I really deserve your cold cruelty ?
Sitting alone with my thoughts tearing me apart,
Why did you aim your arrow straight at my heart ?

What does CAT-2010 results say - first view

 

So CAT-10 results have been declared. Many journalists asked me the other day - what is your analysis of these results? So, what should be my answer? This is what I think

First, The results are on expected lines. No major surprises. 
This statement surprised many students - specially those who had followed various post CAT analyses and were expecting a different outcome (at least for themselves). Some of them were in for some real shock.

I have met at least five students after the results, who expected very poor results, based on all the analysis they had heard, read & believed. Quite sadly, they are now sitting with 97-98+ percentiles and they have not applied to some important B-schools assuming a much poor show for themselves. 

On the other hand there are quite a few who did not perform as well as they expected themselves to. The list includes

A very bright girl who took test series of three leading coachings and I know that she took each of those tests quite diligently

A consistently bright boy who had been the star performer this year. It was widely believed that he would undoubtedly crack the CAT this year.

Many, who believed that they just needed to clear cutoffs of their weaker sections - rest will be taken care of by their strength areas.

However, cold blooded as it may sound, this is not new neither surprising. 

I wish to attract your attention to what I had written immediately after CAT2010 here. Every CAT-10 aspirant must read it and propagate it to their junior batches to help them prepare better, because I believe that you can now relate to this post better.

Second, it strengthened my belief that consistent and steady prep works to get you selected.
As a matter of pride, I had four with 99.5+ percentiles & two top scores of Indore sitting besides me the same day as results were announced. Just look closely at these students and you find that they were quiet workers who were consistent & sincere at their preparations. They cut through the hype around them, were focussed and worked through their weaknesses as they cruised through their preparations.

"CAT is one exam where it is quite possible that you deserved a selection but you might not make it. However, it is extremely rare that you did not deserve (ie did not prepare well for) it and still you cracked it."

So next time some "Gyani" tells you that he/she cracked the CAT in a couple of months by simply appearing in some test series - simply ignore the advice.

Third, Yet again the results set to rest, the theory that getting IIM calls requires work experience. Believe it or not out of eight odd students that I met on day-1 with 98 plus percentile - just one had work experience (one year).

By IIM's own criteria as published on their official sites - the weight to work experience is approx. 5%. In fact many give more weight to tenth and twelfth results.

All fresh graduates - remember you can crack the CAT. Just ensure that you give yourself some time and regular effort. Somehow, this is not a test to be cracked with a super human effort in a couple of months.

More than anything it establishes the importance of performance in 10th and 12th class. Students in our area often spoil their future by too much focus on IITJEE prep and hence compromising on their high school and higher secondary results.

Fourth, Engineers seem to be ruling the charts.
However, it needs mention that somehow not many non-engineers in our area seem to carry the patience to live through the steady and often torturous grill that they require to bear for performing. Their graduation and school studies generally never exposed them to the required tenacity levels.

Of course, there are bright exceptions to this and so take my statement with a pinch of salt.

End Note :
Since CAT is now a CBT (Computer Based Test) - I appeared in the CAT after almost 15 years from the last time when I was myself an aspirant. It was satisfying to achieve a 99.1 percentile despite the fact that my academic head had categorically asked me to focus on the verbal ability part of the test. Damn him, I could have achieved a 99.9 had I focussed on Quanta (which by the way is my known strength.)