Ankit and I are heading for Pune in the first weekend of Oct for Sudeep's birthday... there still are hiccups that need to be overcome, but I'm sure I'm gonna make it there. When there's a will, there's a way... and this time round, there is more than will. It's gonna be a small meeting with Thax and Sudeep... about 24 hours in the train and almost the same time with them.
Ha ha, what has it come to... these were chaps who were always within shouting range... for 4 years... 4 long years that now freaking seem so short. The road of life has moved on and moved on real fast. An 850 kilometer trip for 24 hours, there was a time when I would have considered it stupid... a waste... I guess perception changes, for there's nothing in the near future that I'm looking forward to more.
I knew it would change, I thought I was ready for it... but it sure has ended up hitting me hard. I'm good at mailing, I'll keep in touch, it'll be the same... that's what I had thought... shit, I was so wrong... all the mailing, all the phone calls, all the sms in the world aren't even close to being an equivalent. Keeping in touch through mailing lists, scraps, nah, all crap... they're no substitutes. It's probably a bit psychological too... yes, there were those who I didn't meet for weeks on end... but at least I knew that if I wanted to, I could... maybe I really took them for granted.
Yes, there are those I've lost touch with... so soon... and they've just disappeared... All you guys... I hope you're happy... I hope you find what you're looking for... I hope we can meet again someday...
Goyal wrote in a mail and mentioned the Khetri trip... and memories just came tumbling forth... all those trips, all that fun... the first trip to Dhaba... there was that song we had sung all the way... "bas yaadein reh jaati hain"... life sure moved on quick... sometimes I feel I was left behind...
Love you all...
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Saturday, September 18, 2004
The intellectual kinds...
Don't be misled by the title... this is about BOSM and I guess the title will be clearer as I move along.
I wanted to hook on to the point Goyal mentioned regarding the fairness of BOSM scheduling. I'm assuming that Goyal actually meant the fairness of the draw. Putting the draw in such a way such that the BITS team always reaches the semis is quite unfair. I agree... In fact, I must say Dilee really tried to force his way through for impartial draws and did quite a good job of it last year, I'm not sure how things are turning out this time around.
This actually reminds me of something his person said to me a little before OASIS sometime... in my second or third year... (names are not important)... she said, "unless you are of the intellectual kind, I'm sure you'll agree that it is an unsaid rule for departments and clubs to help BITS teams." I had very politely told her then that I was definitely of the intellectual kind. If the BITS teams messed around with one of the rules, they'd obviously be disqualified.
Anyways, coming back to BOSM, it's the captain of the BITS team that makes the draw, he's the one who decides the seeds. And to tell you the truth, he's the only one who's qualified enough to do it. You really can't give it to a body like BOSM Controlz 'coz they'd have no experience... who's playing well, who is not, which looks like the better team, which team should be given a higher seed... how many matches would you able to fit, should you go for a pool or a knockout... all these decisions need to be taken and it is only the captain of the team that can. He is the one who has to be fair and the onus should fall on him.
To be unfair in such a situation is incredibly easy... I know team A and team B are better than the BITS team... I put them in the same half of the draw and put the BITS team in the other half... that simple...
To ensure that there is no scope for unfairness also is very simple... you just need the will to do it... you have a public drawing of the lots, you call a representative from each team and draw the lots in front of them. Yes, the BITS team might very easily get a shoddy deal... but then, that's part of the game...
I remember last time, after the ValD, this chap from COEP had come up to me, shook my hand and said, "Thanks man, for everything... last time we were a little annoyed with the way things were done but this time, it's been really fair... the best 4 teams reached the semis, the two best teams reached the finals, really good..."
I don't really know why he thought he needed to thank me for doing my job right (is that what it has come to these days?) but what I felt at that moment was easily worth all the BOSM medals... maybe some of the captains need to think about that...
My favourite BOSM memory is from a match that I lost... winning isn't everything, is it?
I wanted to hook on to the point Goyal mentioned regarding the fairness of BOSM scheduling. I'm assuming that Goyal actually meant the fairness of the draw. Putting the draw in such a way such that the BITS team always reaches the semis is quite unfair. I agree... In fact, I must say Dilee really tried to force his way through for impartial draws and did quite a good job of it last year, I'm not sure how things are turning out this time around.
This actually reminds me of something his person said to me a little before OASIS sometime... in my second or third year... (names are not important)... she said, "unless you are of the intellectual kind, I'm sure you'll agree that it is an unsaid rule for departments and clubs to help BITS teams." I had very politely told her then that I was definitely of the intellectual kind. If the BITS teams messed around with one of the rules, they'd obviously be disqualified.
Anyways, coming back to BOSM, it's the captain of the BITS team that makes the draw, he's the one who decides the seeds. And to tell you the truth, he's the only one who's qualified enough to do it. You really can't give it to a body like BOSM Controlz 'coz they'd have no experience... who's playing well, who is not, which looks like the better team, which team should be given a higher seed... how many matches would you able to fit, should you go for a pool or a knockout... all these decisions need to be taken and it is only the captain of the team that can. He is the one who has to be fair and the onus should fall on him.
To be unfair in such a situation is incredibly easy... I know team A and team B are better than the BITS team... I put them in the same half of the draw and put the BITS team in the other half... that simple...
To ensure that there is no scope for unfairness also is very simple... you just need the will to do it... you have a public drawing of the lots, you call a representative from each team and draw the lots in front of them. Yes, the BITS team might very easily get a shoddy deal... but then, that's part of the game...
I remember last time, after the ValD, this chap from COEP had come up to me, shook my hand and said, "Thanks man, for everything... last time we were a little annoyed with the way things were done but this time, it's been really fair... the best 4 teams reached the semis, the two best teams reached the finals, really good..."
I don't really know why he thought he needed to thank me for doing my job right (is that what it has come to these days?) but what I felt at that moment was easily worth all the BOSM medals... maybe some of the captains need to think about that...
My favourite BOSM memory is from a match that I lost... winning isn't everything, is it?
Four days at the Gym G.....
BOSM turned nineteen the day before yesterday amidst rains and a very dull inaug. It was all too boring or I guess I just miss the number of participants Bansal had been sucessful in getting in or maybe it is one of those psentisemite feeling that creeps in with the number of inaugs we have witnessed.They are so regular and strereotyped and its not just about BOSM. Whatever the Inaug turned out to be a damp affair both literally and figuratively.
The exhibition match was between BITS and COEP. Boy one of the things I miss in inaug since the first year is a good inaug match. Something like Loyola v/s. SBMJC. Neways the match seemed totally one sided and BITS won comfortably (that too with Shetty as the captain and Karthik,ex-captain, not playing.) The only match till now where BITS has looked like a good team was against SRCC where they actually ruled the first half. After that they soon ran out of steam and then SRCC took control. The reasons were many. Match was payed at 9:30 in the morning under scorching sun and the first change was that kid from Maharastra. I know if you have the skills and all physique does not matter but for gods sake the kid is about Bansal in height and cannot take a lap shot even. So poor was the BITSian bench strength that the five players couldn't take a much needed change. The worst was BITS v/s. Vaish Coll., Rohtak (funny story though, they believe that an OPEN meet is where anyone can come and participate and Debo wanted to know the Jats view on Australian Open.) You had to see BITS play to believe. They were pathetic and even though the opponents were mostly cricket players BITS struggled to make a good job of it. The couldn't catch the ball. They couldn't pass around. In short they sucked.
The match of the tournament so far was however SBMJC v/s. BRAC (defending champs.) I didn't see most of the match due to BOSM Quiz (man I missed Rahul in the elims... had you been there we could have qualified this time.... lots of tennis) Bansal did and guess what, the captain of BRAC did actually dunked in one match. When I last saw the scores it was 50-40 in favour of BRAC but SBMJC cracked the last quarter and won it. Man they sure do rock. Anyways we had better things to do then. Like going to the dhaba.
One of the questions that comes to my mind during BOSM is whether GSu's statement that BITS should compete against colleges other than the engineering ones. I mean BITS fares well against such colleges or atleast puts up a fight (like SRCC though its not an engg coll.) I mean they should compete against colleges where people have stuff to do other than just sports. Rst of the colleges send in pros. I know one cannot defend that statement but somehow I get that feeling and I don't know why. Also is it fair to have scheduling done in a way that BITS reaches atleast the semis of all events. I guess that the scheduling thing requires al lot of guts. Rahul would be able to answer that one.
BOSM quiz btw, I struck up a nice conversation with this guy from Thadomal, Mumbai and had a nice time in he quiz. He knew a lot and it was fun at the quiz with both of us answering a lot of questions and winning stuff. We actually answered the T-shirt question together but since he went up first he was given the prize :(. But then in the end it was nice fun and I guess thats what BOSM is all about.
About tennis. BITS getting into semis depends on two teams who are out of the tournament. Some tie break ka funda. Will keep you updated on that front. The best performance however comes from the football team who has won two matches 5-1 and 8-0 with our very own Sam scoring the goal of the tournament from somewhere near the half line. That's all for today. Chow!!
The exhibition match was between BITS and COEP. Boy one of the things I miss in inaug since the first year is a good inaug match. Something like Loyola v/s. SBMJC. Neways the match seemed totally one sided and BITS won comfortably (that too with Shetty as the captain and Karthik,ex-captain, not playing.) The only match till now where BITS has looked like a good team was against SRCC where they actually ruled the first half. After that they soon ran out of steam and then SRCC took control. The reasons were many. Match was payed at 9:30 in the morning under scorching sun and the first change was that kid from Maharastra. I know if you have the skills and all physique does not matter but for gods sake the kid is about Bansal in height and cannot take a lap shot even. So poor was the BITSian bench strength that the five players couldn't take a much needed change. The worst was BITS v/s. Vaish Coll., Rohtak (funny story though, they believe that an OPEN meet is where anyone can come and participate and Debo wanted to know the Jats view on Australian Open.) You had to see BITS play to believe. They were pathetic and even though the opponents were mostly cricket players BITS struggled to make a good job of it. The couldn't catch the ball. They couldn't pass around. In short they sucked.
The match of the tournament so far was however SBMJC v/s. BRAC (defending champs.) I didn't see most of the match due to BOSM Quiz (man I missed Rahul in the elims... had you been there we could have qualified this time.... lots of tennis) Bansal did and guess what, the captain of BRAC did actually dunked in one match. When I last saw the scores it was 50-40 in favour of BRAC but SBMJC cracked the last quarter and won it. Man they sure do rock. Anyways we had better things to do then. Like going to the dhaba.
One of the questions that comes to my mind during BOSM is whether GSu's statement that BITS should compete against colleges other than the engineering ones. I mean BITS fares well against such colleges or atleast puts up a fight (like SRCC though its not an engg coll.) I mean they should compete against colleges where people have stuff to do other than just sports. Rst of the colleges send in pros. I know one cannot defend that statement but somehow I get that feeling and I don't know why. Also is it fair to have scheduling done in a way that BITS reaches atleast the semis of all events. I guess that the scheduling thing requires al lot of guts. Rahul would be able to answer that one.
BOSM quiz btw, I struck up a nice conversation with this guy from Thadomal, Mumbai and had a nice time in he quiz. He knew a lot and it was fun at the quiz with both of us answering a lot of questions and winning stuff. We actually answered the T-shirt question together but since he went up first he was given the prize :(. But then in the end it was nice fun and I guess thats what BOSM is all about.
About tennis. BITS getting into semis depends on two teams who are out of the tournament. Some tie break ka funda. Will keep you updated on that front. The best performance however comes from the football team who has won two matches 5-1 and 8-0 with our very own Sam scoring the goal of the tournament from somewhere near the half line. That's all for today. Chow!!
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Reliving yesteryears...
BOSM starts today back in Pilani... and from what I hear, it's been raining. Maybe it's a tradition or something, but I remember there being rain before at least 3 of my 4 BOSM inaugs. There always is a struggle scheduling matches on the tennis courts, we wish the clouds would part for just a moment, that the heaven's won't open up till the last point is played. And everytime, the clouds listen to us... and the matches finish on time.
Four BOSMs and I must say it's been fun... and I'd probably give anything to be back there in Pilani right now... the excitement on inaug day... as you watch outstis practice... silently making mental notes of any flaws you might notice... "hmm... he struggles on a deep backhand... shit, forehand serve return is good... forward movement is slow... nice volley..."
There's a team spirit, a camaraderie, as you stand with fellow BITSians... knowing they feel exactly the way you do... that they're gonna get up at 6 the next morning with you... the day you've practised for before tests is finally here... standing there you realize that what you read somewhere was perhaps right... that it's about taking part and not winning... at that moment, winning is the last thing on your mind...
It's a momentary feeling... and it doesn't last long... the traditional baski match happens and while you're watching them play... you're actually somewhere else... you're on the tennis courts mentally wishing you didn't have to wait all night to play your first match... you see yourself hitting the winning shot a thousand times before you actually do...
The match is at 7 in the morning... and the only people on the court are the two teams... does it matter that there is no crowd... hardly... even if there were a thousand people, you won't notice them... all you see is the guy in front of you... this is the moment you've been waiting for... the moment you'll miss when you're sitting in Bangalore typing in a blog...
The match begins and you'd do anything to win... you'll play up on your opponents weaknesses, you'll even mentally psyche him out if you can... you find out he has a pulled muscle in his legs, you'll make him run around... you'll see him grimace, you'll feel victory is near... a sprained wrist and you'll get him to volley... because you want to win... because you know he'd do the same to you... because you know that he understands... because you know that when it ends and you shake hands, it will all be forgotten... there will be no grudges, you'll part friends...
Because you know that if someone asks you about the match 10 years later, the first words out of your mouth would be... "He had a sprained ankle and shit, he still fought so hard..."
Four BOSMs and I must say it's been fun... and I'd probably give anything to be back there in Pilani right now... the excitement on inaug day... as you watch outstis practice... silently making mental notes of any flaws you might notice... "hmm... he struggles on a deep backhand... shit, forehand serve return is good... forward movement is slow... nice volley..."
There's a team spirit, a camaraderie, as you stand with fellow BITSians... knowing they feel exactly the way you do... that they're gonna get up at 6 the next morning with you... the day you've practised for before tests is finally here... standing there you realize that what you read somewhere was perhaps right... that it's about taking part and not winning... at that moment, winning is the last thing on your mind...
It's a momentary feeling... and it doesn't last long... the traditional baski match happens and while you're watching them play... you're actually somewhere else... you're on the tennis courts mentally wishing you didn't have to wait all night to play your first match... you see yourself hitting the winning shot a thousand times before you actually do...
The match is at 7 in the morning... and the only people on the court are the two teams... does it matter that there is no crowd... hardly... even if there were a thousand people, you won't notice them... all you see is the guy in front of you... this is the moment you've been waiting for... the moment you'll miss when you're sitting in Bangalore typing in a blog...
The match begins and you'd do anything to win... you'll play up on your opponents weaknesses, you'll even mentally psyche him out if you can... you find out he has a pulled muscle in his legs, you'll make him run around... you'll see him grimace, you'll feel victory is near... a sprained wrist and you'll get him to volley... because you want to win... because you know he'd do the same to you... because you know that he understands... because you know that when it ends and you shake hands, it will all be forgotten... there will be no grudges, you'll part friends...
Because you know that if someone asks you about the match 10 years later, the first words out of your mouth would be... "He had a sprained ankle and shit, he still fought so hard..."
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
To conclude...
I think it's been enough... we should conclude...
1> Hypocrisy in all forms is pathetic. One should have the courage to be true to himself and the world.
2> The decision what you wanna do with your life, how large a priority you want money to have, is a very important one. People should give it a lot of thought.
3> No one has any right to judge any such decision taken by someone. If a person decides to go after money, well, it's his decision. We wish him all the very best!
4> We are entitled to our point of views (extreme or moderate) and we'll keep blabbering!
1> Hypocrisy in all forms is pathetic. One should have the courage to be true to himself and the world.
2> The decision what you wanna do with your life, how large a priority you want money to have, is a very important one. People should give it a lot of thought.
3> No one has any right to judge any such decision taken by someone. If a person decides to go after money, well, it's his decision. We wish him all the very best!
4> We are entitled to our point of views (extreme or moderate) and we'll keep blabbering!
50 overs ahead...
Yes Goyal, money can buy me a hockey stick but not make me enjoy playing with it. But then, why would I buy a hockey stick? I'll buy a pizza coz I know I'll enjoy eating it!
You said "money can buy you all things in life other than happiness"... such a cliched line.
Suppose there's someone who's real good at painting... but c'mon seriously, unless you make it really big, you're gonna be struggling all your life. He has graduated from an enginnering college, has a good degree. So, he had a decision to take... gus it all and start painting, try and make it big... or take up the software job.
Suppose he decides to paint, gus the job... maybe he makes it big... but maybe he doesn't... if he does, great, his belief paid off... if he doesn't... oops... he's a failed painter... he spends the rest of his life worrying about rents and bills, his child's education, the welfare of his family...
Suppose he decides that he's gonna plan out his life... he's got enough years ahead of him, he's gonna plan it... yes, he enjoys painting but money also matters... he decides he's gonna take up the job... work hard at it for the next 10-15 years of his life... he'll still paint in his free time coz he enjoys it... and if he enjoys it, he'll also find time for it too... inspite of his busy schedule... then, one day, when he has saved enough, when he thinks he has assured his own financial security... and that of his family... he'll say I've had enough... and start to paint... maybe he'll succeed, maybe he'll fail... in both cases, he'll still be ok...
There are 50 overs ahead of you... is it wrong to save your wickets (money in this case) so that you can slog in the end. Particularly, because in real life, there aren't just 2 fielders outside the circle in the first 15 overs. Afridi made the fastest century but he also failed many times. You have only one life... can you afford to fail?
You said "money can buy you all things in life other than happiness"... such a cliched line.
Suppose there's someone who's real good at painting... but c'mon seriously, unless you make it really big, you're gonna be struggling all your life. He has graduated from an enginnering college, has a good degree. So, he had a decision to take... gus it all and start painting, try and make it big... or take up the software job.
Suppose he decides to paint, gus the job... maybe he makes it big... but maybe he doesn't... if he does, great, his belief paid off... if he doesn't... oops... he's a failed painter... he spends the rest of his life worrying about rents and bills, his child's education, the welfare of his family...
Suppose he decides that he's gonna plan out his life... he's got enough years ahead of him, he's gonna plan it... yes, he enjoys painting but money also matters... he decides he's gonna take up the job... work hard at it for the next 10-15 years of his life... he'll still paint in his free time coz he enjoys it... and if he enjoys it, he'll also find time for it too... inspite of his busy schedule... then, one day, when he has saved enough, when he thinks he has assured his own financial security... and that of his family... he'll say I've had enough... and start to paint... maybe he'll succeed, maybe he'll fail... in both cases, he'll still be ok...
There are 50 overs ahead of you... is it wrong to save your wickets (money in this case) so that you can slog in the end. Particularly, because in real life, there aren't just 2 fielders outside the circle in the first 15 overs. Afridi made the fastest century but he also failed many times. You have only one life... can you afford to fail?
Does nothing else matter??
I am against both Rahul but will come back to it after sometime. Sometime back Rahul wrote a intro for me and I guess I will do the same for him. Rahul is this person with moderate views and believes fiercely that a person has his/her own views and that they must be respected at all cost. Its thier own life after all. But then I guess I am an extremist and have very strong opinion on most subjects. But then I don't want to force them down anyones neck. I am just expressing my own views here. If anyone agrees its ok and if not it still is.
Now coming to the point. I am against both the points Rahul mentioned below, more against hypocrisy. But then I also don't feel that people leaving thier disciplines just for money are doing the correct thing. I don't say that money is not important. Without that I wouldn't be here typing in this post. But then the question remains, is it all that matters? Money can buy you all things in life other than happiness. It can get you the stuff to play hockey but it can't make you enjoy it. Do you not think that you would regret not having done what you wanted to once you think over stuff at some point in your life? Would you rather not follow your dreams?
If you are not enjoying it please don't do it. But do you think money should be the sole reason of not enjoying your job? I agree financial security is a major concern. And I am not judging anyone beacuse he or she made a choice. Who am I to judge? But I am just suggesting that they should also consider what they would be losing out on. I once had a lesson in Hindi which said something like "Its only the person that dives deep who comes up with a pearl. Someone who sits at the shore doesn't know that joy." But then I guess its not an ideal world. The priority given to money is not wrong. But don't you think the priority should be given a bit more thought. And I know it seems like I am saying all this because I want to appear cool. But please believe that this is not the case. This is something I believe in.
By the way tomorrow is engineers day. Here's saluting Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarava and all other engineers who have helped India become self dependent in technological areas. Hats off to you all. Also guys this blog is getting like a dialogue between me and Rahul. I know people are busy but you all could atleast post comments.
Now coming to the point. I am against both the points Rahul mentioned below, more against hypocrisy. But then I also don't feel that people leaving thier disciplines just for money are doing the correct thing. I don't say that money is not important. Without that I wouldn't be here typing in this post. But then the question remains, is it all that matters? Money can buy you all things in life other than happiness. It can get you the stuff to play hockey but it can't make you enjoy it. Do you not think that you would regret not having done what you wanted to once you think over stuff at some point in your life? Would you rather not follow your dreams?
If you are not enjoying it please don't do it. But do you think money should be the sole reason of not enjoying your job? I agree financial security is a major concern. And I am not judging anyone beacuse he or she made a choice. Who am I to judge? But I am just suggesting that they should also consider what they would be losing out on. I once had a lesson in Hindi which said something like "Its only the person that dives deep who comes up with a pearl. Someone who sits at the shore doesn't know that joy." But then I guess its not an ideal world. The priority given to money is not wrong. But don't you think the priority should be given a bit more thought. And I know it seems like I am saying all this because I want to appear cool. But please believe that this is not the case. This is something I believe in.
By the way tomorrow is engineers day. Here's saluting Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarava and all other engineers who have helped India become self dependent in technological areas. Hats off to you all. Also guys this blog is getting like a dialogue between me and Rahul. I know people are busy but you all could atleast post comments.
Money matters
Just to avoid misinterpreting Goyal again, I'll put an if condition here...
I'm not sure what you're against, Goyal... is it leaving your education behind for monetary reasons... or is it leaving it behind for monetary reasons and not admitting what the reason is... if it's the second one, this post can be ignored... I agree hypocrisy in any form is pathetic. But if it's the first one, here goes...
----
What's wrong in leaving your education behind for purely monetary reasons? I mean, money plays an important part in our lives, if some chap decides he wants to pursue a path that gives him faster and greater financial security, that's his decision... who are we to question it?
When I say you're not enjoying it, I also encapsulate the disenchantment coming in because you're not getting enough money... because you aren't saving enough for the future, or because you don't feel your education will lead you to a job that gives you enough money for the material comforts you want.
I know... it's really great to follow your dreams... but this is not an ideal world... not everyone is sure to be successful in what they do... so sometimes, you have to take the safer way out... it is a very personal decision. And neither you nor me has any right to say whether it was right or wrong...
I know it's really cool to say money doesn't matter... but the truth is, in this world, it does... and if someone decides to leave what he enjoys for money, it's sad, but it's his choice. It's not because he'll enjoy keeping the dosh stashed away... it's because he believes he'll enjoy the security money gives him more than the job he left. He prefers to do something that he doesn't enjoy now and make money out of it (so that he can grow old in comfort) than go and play hockey (to give an example) and face a potentially uncertain future.
Money matters, it's as simple as that... different people give it different priority... no one's right and no one's wrong....
I'm not sure what you're against, Goyal... is it leaving your education behind for monetary reasons... or is it leaving it behind for monetary reasons and not admitting what the reason is... if it's the second one, this post can be ignored... I agree hypocrisy in any form is pathetic. But if it's the first one, here goes...
----
What's wrong in leaving your education behind for purely monetary reasons? I mean, money plays an important part in our lives, if some chap decides he wants to pursue a path that gives him faster and greater financial security, that's his decision... who are we to question it?
When I say you're not enjoying it, I also encapsulate the disenchantment coming in because you're not getting enough money... because you aren't saving enough for the future, or because you don't feel your education will lead you to a job that gives you enough money for the material comforts you want.
I know... it's really great to follow your dreams... but this is not an ideal world... not everyone is sure to be successful in what they do... so sometimes, you have to take the safer way out... it is a very personal decision. And neither you nor me has any right to say whether it was right or wrong...
I know it's really cool to say money doesn't matter... but the truth is, in this world, it does... and if someone decides to leave what he enjoys for money, it's sad, but it's his choice. It's not because he'll enjoy keeping the dosh stashed away... it's because he believes he'll enjoy the security money gives him more than the job he left. He prefers to do something that he doesn't enjoy now and make money out of it (so that he can grow old in comfort) than go and play hockey (to give an example) and face a potentially uncertain future.
Money matters, it's as simple as that... different people give it different priority... no one's right and no one's wrong....
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Leaving your education behind...
This was actually gonna be a comment on Goyal's post... but then ended up becoming too long... so, I figured I'd rather post it...
I don't see what the fuss in not leaving your education behind is about... if, after 4 years of studying, a person realizes he's not gonna enjoy himself stuck in this field for the rest of his life, he has every right to leave. The choices most people make about their first degree in India are hardly based on what they're interested in... there's a bit of peer pressure to it, there's a little what everyone thinks would be good for him, there's a little monetary consideration, but mostly it's the fact that he isn't really sure what he's be good at, what he'd enjoy... career counselling is non-existent in this country, he doesn't know what the job will involve... he loves fiddling with wires so he decides to be an Electrical Engineer... but he doesn't make the cut off and ends up with Chemical... or if he does get into it, he finds out that it's not about wires anymore but some silicon chip... what's wrong with him decided to pursure other interests?
I mean, think about it, out of a 900 batch at BITS, how many got first choice? What is wrong with them saying, this sucks, it's not what I wanted, I've had enough... and even if they do get first choice, what wrong in them realizing they made a mistake and deciding to change streams? Personally, if I hadn't made a Comps dual, I'd have left Civil far behind anyways... that's a fact... and there's nothing wrong in that... I don't like designing structures why should I spend my life doing it? Just because I shouldn't leave my education behind? As far as I know, education is for my benefit, and not the other way around. In fact one of the reasons I joined BITS with a Civil degree was because everyone told me the environment there would help me in leaving my education behind, change streams if I wanted to...
The reason can be anything... it can be that I'd rather sit under an AC instead of surveying outside on site... or just the fact that I think there are greater opportunities here... or maybe that I enjoy coding... whatever it is, the point is, education is the means to an end... if it doesn't take me to the end I want, I have every right to pursue what I want, take a 180 degree turn if need be.
You're lucky Goyal, you've found your goal in life sciences... there are many who haven't... and they have every right to keep on searching... even if what they're looking for is a pot of gold... even if they plan on leaving the road they're on completely... even if it means "leaving [their] education behind"...
I don't see what the fuss in not leaving your education behind is about... if, after 4 years of studying, a person realizes he's not gonna enjoy himself stuck in this field for the rest of his life, he has every right to leave. The choices most people make about their first degree in India are hardly based on what they're interested in... there's a bit of peer pressure to it, there's a little what everyone thinks would be good for him, there's a little monetary consideration, but mostly it's the fact that he isn't really sure what he's be good at, what he'd enjoy... career counselling is non-existent in this country, he doesn't know what the job will involve... he loves fiddling with wires so he decides to be an Electrical Engineer... but he doesn't make the cut off and ends up with Chemical... or if he does get into it, he finds out that it's not about wires anymore but some silicon chip... what's wrong with him decided to pursure other interests?
I mean, think about it, out of a 900 batch at BITS, how many got first choice? What is wrong with them saying, this sucks, it's not what I wanted, I've had enough... and even if they do get first choice, what wrong in them realizing they made a mistake and deciding to change streams? Personally, if I hadn't made a Comps dual, I'd have left Civil far behind anyways... that's a fact... and there's nothing wrong in that... I don't like designing structures why should I spend my life doing it? Just because I shouldn't leave my education behind? As far as I know, education is for my benefit, and not the other way around. In fact one of the reasons I joined BITS with a Civil degree was because everyone told me the environment there would help me in leaving my education behind, change streams if I wanted to...
The reason can be anything... it can be that I'd rather sit under an AC instead of surveying outside on site... or just the fact that I think there are greater opportunities here... or maybe that I enjoy coding... whatever it is, the point is, education is the means to an end... if it doesn't take me to the end I want, I have every right to pursue what I want, take a 180 degree turn if need be.
You're lucky Goyal, you've found your goal in life sciences... there are many who haven't... and they have every right to keep on searching... even if what they're looking for is a pot of gold... even if they plan on leaving the road they're on completely... even if it means "leaving [their] education behind"...
Friday, September 10, 2004
Comfortably Numb....???
There are a few images that always leave deep impact on your minds and will always flash in front of you throughout your life. There was a picture of a tiny hand tightly clutching a cross from amongst the many Belsan pictures Rahul had sent. For a moment I was speechless. I could think of nothing else and and was praying silently without realizing it. Maybe even searching for answers. Why?? Why kids?? Why innocent kids??
I couldn't help thinking about the countless families that were destroyed. The many inconsolabe parents who had lost a kid. The stunned kids inside who were clueless about whatever happened. The kids at home in an endless wait for their parent. The young minds which will always be imprinted with the image a terrorist killing thier friends. The explosion. The countless bodies. The blood. The screams. And then I was questioning God and in a way the terrorists. Why kids? What had they done to you? Why innocent people who do not know the difference between a "terrorist" and a "freedome fighter"?
How many more Hitlers? How many more Gujrat riots? How many more WTCs? How long will we stay Comfortably Numb?
We really do suck.......
I couldn't help thinking about the countless families that were destroyed. The many inconsolabe parents who had lost a kid. The stunned kids inside who were clueless about whatever happened. The kids at home in an endless wait for their parent. The young minds which will always be imprinted with the image a terrorist killing thier friends. The explosion. The countless bodies. The blood. The screams. And then I was questioning God and in a way the terrorists. Why kids? What had they done to you? Why innocent people who do not know the difference between a "terrorist" and a "freedome fighter"?
How many more Hitlers? How many more Gujrat riots? How many more WTCs? How long will we stay Comfortably Numb?
We really do suck.......
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