Santosh's Blog, page 49

Social Influencer – Interview with Sarath Babu

Have you come across a person who fits to a figure of speech, “Jack of all trades, master of none“? A person generalist but not a specialist! I have come across one, Mr. Sarath Babu who is a blogger, poet, reviewer, news correspondent, marathoner and so on. I take a liberty of calling him as a ‘Social Influencer’ with a difference of not being just a generalist but also specialist in the task he handles. I have known smiling Sarath over a year as a book reviewer, latest one he reviewed was BUGman. 

 

Sarath Babu

Interviewer: Good afternoon, Welcome! If I had a play a game with you titled, ‘Guess Who?’ Whom would I discover? 

Sarath Babu: Good afternoon, You would find a writer in me. There isn’t any specific writer as such there is an influence by many authors from the early age. Authors’ I have liked from time to time which varies from Tamil novelists to English Greats.

Interviewer: How did the interest of reading books began? 

Sarath Babu: I got to start reading books as a kid. I do not know the real reason as to how it captured my interest. I started reading comics initially which later turned into novels and classics. I use to go to nearest old magazine/book shop (this was in late 80’s) and buy up all I could. At times, I had bought books for Rs.50 or Rs.100 which were considered a huge amount those days and I use to finish all the books in a week’s time, though I have promised my mom back then that I would keep it till my annual holidays (which usually ranged between 45-50 days)ended. At times I had to earn the money through helping mother in her house hold chores (smiles). But she never declined my plea to buy books. In nutshell, parents and teachers were supportive in nurturing this habit (smiles). 

Interviewer: Former President of India sent an appreciation for the collection of your poems. Could you brief on the poem ‘nature’ that was pointed by the President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam?

Sarath Babu: The collection of poems I had sent to the President was written by me while I was working with TCS for 4 years and had penned them during my night shifts. Unfortunately I had given it to one of my senior most colleague who yet to return the book (smiles). All I have with me is the appreciation letter from the President. (Since these poems were around 100 in numbers, it is literally not possible for me to remember or recollect)

 

Sarath Babu

Interviewer: Congratulation for the appreciation and feat of success. Why and how did journey with Star Vijay TV began?

Sarath Babu: (smiles ear-to-ear) Thank you! STAR Vijay TV is known for its quality of the programs and were the firsts to introduce Live Shows/Reality Shows in Tamil which was replicated by many other channels and when I saw their advert to join them, I did not give a second thought. I applied and got selected too. It began in 2013. It is continuing till date though the Digital Media Head has changed. I share a good rapport with the Digital Media team there. I feel it is my honor that thy follow me (they follow just 69 personalities among some 1 Million+ followers they have)

Interviewer: You have been versatile in roles and opportunity. What would be your last role to play before you say adieu?

Sarath Babu: I have not decided on that yet. I will continue doing these activities and may be adapt to the changes from time to time. I feel this is similar to a software professional role where one needs to constantly update his/her knowledge to stay afloat in the market. 

Interviewer: What would be your one liner about social media? 

Sarath Babu: Social media can be ethical way to grow. 

Interviewer: Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. Wishing to interview you again and best wishes for a career as a ‘Social Influencer’. 

Sarath Babu: Thank you too!

Mr Sarath Babu can be reached at : Social Influencer

(Interviewer is the author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

 

 

CTS Career – A Little Push: Interview with Priscilla Florence Persis. S

Dear Readers, Today we have pleasant Priscilla Florence Persis. S, campus hired & employee at CTS. She is here to share her experience on CTS campus drive and career ahead.

(Interviewer is the author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

Interviewer: Good morning Priscilla. Tell us about yourself.

Priscilla: Good morning ! I hold a graduate degree with IT as a specialisation. I’m presently working at Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), Chennai from 28 June 2016. I have two elder sisters and one elder brother. Being the youngest, I was pampered and motivation to be self-reliant came because of my sisters. One of them is HR and another one is a Project Manager. While pursuing Bachelors degree my sisters persuaded me to take up Java certification courses. After being on board at CTS I realised the importance of little push my sisters gave to complete Java courses. It’s easy to give up! (smiles)

Interviewer: Yes, I agree with you on that ‘little push’. Let’s move to our next question, why did you choose to apply for CTS?

Priscilla: Initially, I didn’t choose but rather it choose it (laughs). Just kidding! I had over 25 rejections with three offers from start-ups in between these rejections. I was never to settle for anything less hence the hunt continued. CTS was my 26th drive. I saw several rejections because of two reasons – firstly I perceived aptitude doesn’t need training but rejections from first few companies for inability to clear aptitude test was a good indicator to rework. And, secondly I took training to equip from training staff and faculty of department.

Interviewer: Yes, I also believe that training wouldn’t make you a bad person. Your persistence effort has paid off. What were the different rounds conducted?

Priscilla: (smiles) Yes, I agree. There were four rounds.

Group Discussion
Aptitude
Technical Interview
HR

I was fairly good at technical courses but aptitude need that ‘little push’. Department of training and IT were very helpful.

Interviewer: That ‘little push’ seem to have worked. What is/are your take away from the process?

Priscilla: I realised that training and self-mode preparation could actually make difference to one’s success. I wish never to neglect any sort of learning in near future.

Interviewer: What are your suggestions for future aspirants?

Priscilla: ‘Making Mandatory brings discipline and makes life easier.’ Training and continuous learning is the way to career development. Because companies are focused on their requirements. People with good programming, logical and analytical skills will always have opportunities. Lately companies are looking for self-mode preparation people  during training period. There might not be trainers for every component of technologies. One would need to study new framework by themselves. It’s going to be very competitive and challenging! (smiles)

Interviewer: Thank you Priscilla for sharing some interesting insights on changing paradigm. I hope it will help the readers and aspirants. Wishing you a great life and career with CTS.

Priscilla: (smiles) Thank you too!

International Stammering Awareness Day: Story of Pravin

There isn’t any definite reason, why I’m like this? This fear engulfed me may be because of the expectations of others to be normal like others. Either people like me used as a caricature for fun or allowed to doubt on our existence. People are impatient and a city like Mumbai time is a game! I often hid in a closet of fear, shame and vulnerable to open up. Coming out was difficult!

Pravin Medinikar

We don’t laugh at blind or say, hey you’re blind. Why don’t I get treated in the same way? I’m here to look out for empathy and its a basic right for any fellow. With maturity, I realised that its mind to fight out. Self-awareness and self-acceptance is beginning to a change. The more I disclose, the lighter it feels. The only a way is to show that ‘I’m a stammer.’ Quiet time to introspect was all that I needed. I realised that self-esteem was low, speech therapy practice was regularly irregular and quit early in any attempt. These often led to delay in decision. Self-introspection gave a hope to be a perfectionist and this quality led to overcome stammering challenge. I had lost a lot, didn’t want to loose further. All I needed was the right programme and right hands to grow.

***

People play with alphabets to make a word
Word can make or break the maker 
Come lets play word game

Alphabets are many but there is one outlet
Outlet can make you smile or shook you off 
Come lets play game of quietness 

People love making word but I loved breaking word
Play of words or words to play
Come lets play game of breaking 

A play that I often liked was hide and seek 
Hide was best and seek was scary 
Come lets play game of hide  

Sometime words played with me and sometime people’s word
Neither play of words nor people with words was my world  
Come lets play game of acceptance 
***

The story Mr Pravin Medinikar is covered as a part of International Stammering Awareness Day, 22 October 2016. 

He underwent a McGuire programme to overcome the challenge and he can be reached at Facebook.

(Writer to the piece of article is author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

Three other articles on same theme were covered earlier. The links to the article can be found here:

Vowel: My Love & Saviour
&
Pillow: My Love

Youngest Book Reviewer

(BUGman authors’ are thrilled and happy to receive the book review of BUGman. Shreyas B Joshi 6th Standard RNS Vidyaniketan School read BUGman twice and wrote the review). 

Overview: BUGman cubicle life and beyond its an interesting book about the work of software engineers its about technical subject how IT members work and how is the management of the companies all these things we can learn through this book. One of the author is my uncle Sachin Kodagli and his friend Santhosh Avvannavar. The book editor is Rajashree Ghosh and Proof Readers are Prasanna Desai, Shilpa Patil, Bharath Kumar and Jeevan. Because of all these members contribution now this book has achieved a great success and now the book is available at Flipkart, Amazon, Paytm and many more.

Shreyas Joshi with Sa(chin) Author of BUGman

The book  has classified chapters as weeks (Week 0 to Week 6). Week 0 – introducing Sa and Sa as two characters as they are the authors respective names, Sachin and Santosh. In this week each one has his story, for example Santosh conveys that grading doesn’t tell ones appearance but talent shows everything were as Sachin conveys that grading is important this helps students to benchmark and get to know about their weaknesses.

Week 1-“Identifying Einsteins”, this means identifying the candidates who are more intelligent. In this week we are going to learn what are the different positions that the company is planning to hire. The team in which Sachin and Santosh are working has Mr.Murthy as their head, whom Santosh dislike. We learn about framework and other technical skills. As Murthy tells in the meeting to take more candidates for the new project junior, senior and architect positions.

Week 2 -“Pantry talkies”,which means the candidates who talk about their families and friends. As Santosh is working from home after the lunch Murthy dials sachin and tells I will join you after five minutes and he asks Santosh to join us because there is a meeting all of a sudden. Santosh dislike unplanned meetings. In this meeting, Murthy enquiry on the status of  CV’s  that were to be shortlisted.

Week 3-“TGIF and weekend work”, on friday Santosh says in excitement thank god its friday (tgif) cannot wait for the weekend. But hardworking Sachin reminds on the hiring task. Sachin inquired do you know three new joinees are going yo join our interview panel. Santhosh asked out of curiosity who are they? Rahul, Tina and Anjali! Three new characters join the fun of BUGman. Murthy discuss on the CV’s and  updates that HR has sent few more on the initial phone screens. Around 6-8 for junior and senior positions and 4 for architect role.

Week 4-“The Day”, Saturday the hiring day for the CV’s. On a lighter note, Santosh asked Sachin whom do you think Rahul loves Tina or Anjali. A quick pat comes from Sachin, “We can get to know by getting the wedding invitation from one of them.” Another such moment when the interview has begun, Santosh asks for the candidate, Which college have you graduate from ? So the candidate replies, Malla Appa Putta Pakka College at Kadukol. Santosh says to himself, why do people keep such funny name? For the next question on training, the candidate tells he underwent training from a centre called Roopam training center at Kadukol to which Santosh says to himself I think this is company of a saree manufacturing. In this chapter we get to know about what are the possible questions in the interviews we need to always carry the resume to the interviews. In the interviews they check the basics, Communication Skills, Automation and Authors views are important here.

Week 5-“Short Listing”, its a Tuesday morning Santosh is back after using his comp off as well some of the team members. Murthy has sent a mail requesting for all the data on the candidates interviews for the Saturday event according to the interview panel they have selected some for junior and some are on hold. For the senior QE three are not selected, one is on hold and one is selected. For an Architect position one is selected and one is not. It’s late Thursday evening; Sachin and Santosh are busy having their usual chat session while having snacks. The shortlisting process was over and everyone seems to be happy.

Week 6 -“Onboard and Fun”, HR (Sandy) in a discussion program with Murthy and Reena. They decided to keep the induction after two weeks. The induction day there were sessions from Sachin and Santosh on overall QE processes with pizzas on the menu for the team.

This is a very interesting and amazing book.  I felt there are jokes and seriousness this book tells a lot about the IT companies and about people management. I have read this twice and this has triggered an interest to know about technical subjects.

I thank Sa & Sa for giving us a very interesting book. You both are my inspiration, write many more books in the future.

Thank you!

by

SHREYAS B JOSHI

 

International Stammering Awareness Day: Story of Rishabh

The story Mr Rishabh Panchamia is covered as a part of International Stammering Awareness Day, 22 October 2016. 

“Problems in life are like graudation, one need to pass it.” 

Rishabh

As my feet runs holding breathe to see the movie from the beginning including titles. Siren of school didn’t attract me in the same way. Why they didn’t run? One problem can halt the life or its thinking of the problem that brings the tasks to halt. But I didn’t know where the problem came from? I had won ‘Best Poem Reciting’ competition at junior school. A reciter became mum! I don’t remember how it all began, but it began.

I was asked to answer a question by a teacher. I tried hard to mutter a word but they didn’t spell magic and a tight slap was the result. Tears rolled through like a water fall that fond comfort in mam’s arm. Though the teacher was apologetic on knowing the fact, that now known as a ‘I’m a stammerer.’ After several years seated on a chair, I wonder, why do teachers ask questions? Even if they had to ask, why do they expect a quick response? Can’t they wait to hear? After all, I’m not a Superman!

This questioning didn’t just stop in classroom but continued at home. During coffee table conversation with parents and relatives that often me divided rather than added to the circle because they didn’t have patience to hear me through. Why would people take pie out of my mouth? After all, I’m not a supersonic jet!

Rishabh

Change is expected to bring change in ones’ lives! Personality development is mantra of colleges to make us a warrior. I was asked to make a presentation to the class. I couldn’t progress more than ‘aaa’ sound. I was starred as if a animal is kept in a cage.

Students’ like me could escape from several situation that demands talking but one place its very challenging, viva-voce! Such opportunity examiners enjoy, I was indicated that I need to specialise the lab once again by repeating the lab examination the next year. I felt insulted and humiliated to the core for my inability to answer or speak up! I’m slow in something, aren’t we all in something?

Oh creator, why did you create us different?

This difference has led us to be different

Oh creator, you made man and woman to multiple 

This multiplication has caused division 

Oh creator, you gave will power to mankind 

This power has lost patience 

Oh creator, you made all human

This human has turned some animal

Oh creator, why did you create us different? 

***

 

About Me: Rishabh Panchamia, Diploma in Civil Engineering, dreams to be interior (bathroom) designer. He has passion for Snooker and dreams to be a national champion. He believes in ‘never give up!’ attitude. He was a stammerer and appeals to ‘normal’ people to be patient if they come across a stammerers. He also appeals stammerers to be open about the challenge because the way to get out of fear is face it. One might be knocked down but victory is not far. He underwent a McGuire programme to overcome the challenge and he can be reached at Facebook.

(Writer to the piece of article is author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

Three other articles on same theme were covered earlier. The links to the article can be found here:

Vowel: My Love & Saviour

&

Pillow: My Love

Join us in the mission and spread the love of word

Photography : An Interview with Arvind

Dear Readers, Today we have ever-smiling Arvind and he is here share his love towards photography and future aspirations.

(Interviewer is the author of BUGman)

 

Arvind Ravishankar

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself

Arvind: Hi! I’m presently pursuing 1st year B.E. Computer Science at JSS, Bengaluru. I love Photography, Sarcasm, and Cricket (all rounder). I chose CSE because of interest towards Robotics and coding. I want to be a good engineer with hands-on experience and  wants to acquire knowledge that could be from anywhere.

Interviewer: How did photography began?

Arvind: (grins) Dad gifted a cam and that was beginning. I love to cover Sunrise, Sunset and nature.

AG47

Interviewer: All thanks to your dad for triggering interest. How would your friends describe you?

Arvind: Yes, I’m very grateful to dad. My friends would say, ‘I’m a funny guy!’

Interviewer: Let me take the liberty of calling you, ‘Funny Fellow’. Which is your dream company?

Arvind: My own company (smiles). I like to be independent and be an individual contributor. I think one should follow their heart.

Interviewer: You were part of BUGman book launch. Could you relate to BUGman book as afreshman?

 

AG47

Arvind: (Thinks) Not completely at moment but in future I might. As some part of the book might be relevant as I progress in studies and career.

Interviewer: Thank you for the honest feedback. What is/are principles of your life?

Arvind: ‘Help people in anyway’ and ‘Be happy with whatever you get and have.’

Interviewer: These are beautiful and positive thoughts! Thank you for time and appreciate your support. Wishing you a great life and career ahead.

Arvind: Thank you too!

AG47

 

 

 

Arvind can be reached at arvind_ravishankar  (AG47) on Instagram

 

 

Tech Mahindra Career: Interview with Anitha A

Dear Readers, Today we have amicable Anitha A, a campus recruited candidate. She is here to share his experience on Tech Mahindra campus drive, how she succeeded and life at Tech Mahindra.

(Interviewer is the author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

Anitha Aruljothi

Interviewer: Welcome! Tell me about yourself ?

Anitha: Hello all, I am Anitha completed final year in 2016 from Electronics and Communication background. Currently I am working in Tech Mahindra in automotive domain. It’s been good old two months and enjoying the work environment here.

Interviewer: It’s good to hear that you are enjoying the work. Why did you choose to apply to Tech Mahindra?

Anitha: (Smiles and thinks) Initially, I was not interested to explore the career in Tech Mahindra but after some research on the profile offered; their objectives, vision and the projects that me curious and wanted to give it a try. That was how I landed up in Tech Mahindra. To be more specific this company has many verticals which means it has got different projects apart from IT domain, like Aeronautics (company has signed a pact with Russia for BOEING manufacturing as part in Make in INDIA), Mechanical domain (MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA) and various others. It’s big open ocean for several to swim (smiles).

Interviewer: What were the different rounds conducted? Could you also share your experience on training phase?

Anitha: Ya sure! Apart from the initial interview process which is being conducted every year, I would like to throw some more points on the process which are followed after getting into the company.

Firstly, in order to get early date of joining the company will send you modules containing  basic C programming, DBMS, RDBMS, Software engineering, Software testing, UNIX and HTML. A contest will be conducted at various locations and one needs to clear it in order to have advantages which would be like allocation into project at early stage itself. For those who doesn’t clear the contest has to undergo initial training from beginning which was specified in the modules along with extra algorithms.

Secondly, they may even select students based on the engineering background and provide them an opportunity to work related to that field. Before that they will conduct an interview process either one to one or through telephone.

Thirdly, one should grab the opportunity to showcase ourselves at any given point of time, you never know when it might turn out be in your favour.

Interviewer: It looks like a big contest out their to make next move. What is /are take away from the process?

Anitha: It is! I’m glad to have cleared the contest (smiles). At each stage I learnt so many things. Even during training period learnt how to utilise the time. If one wish to learn anything new should go ahead and ask people working in office for the support or help. Instead of sitting idle we could at least watch them work.

Interviewer: Any suggestions for future aspirants?

Anitha: I believe that, “No job is big or small at the end all that matters is what we have learnt, where we are, and what we will be years from now”

Interviewer: Thank you very much for the valuable time and information. Wishing you a great career ahead with Tech Mahindra. 

Anitha: Thank you too!

He Who Dreams – Cover Page

Your Dreams: click here

Get your dreams delivered on 29 August : click here :)

“Easiest thing man has learnt is to find faults and toughest thing is to appreciate” Biography of a common man, Mr. N. K. Chaudhary who has converted into a network of 40,000 artisans creating beautiful rugs on 7000 looms, spread across 600 villages of India. He is regarded as the Gandhi of the carpet industry. Inspiring story of Jaipur Rugs.

Little light from lantern

Little hope to light

Little gift from God

And the Story of a Common Man is born

Little faith from fate

Little drop of faith

Little faith built family

And the Story of a Common Man is born

Little in search of love

Little love from lovable

Little love built dreams

And the Story of a Common Man is born

Make a Mark: Lenin Veera Pandiyan

“Nothing comes easily to mankind, one need to sweat the brow to make a mark”

Lenin Veera Pandiyan

My name is Lenin Veera Pandiyan and I choose IT as a graduate studies. During studies, I received an opportunity (through referral) to do an internship at TCS, Trivandrum. I realised referral does make a difference in learning and growing. This gave a lead to associate with 360i Technologies as a part-time developer later during academics. I was in good terms with seniors’ and one among them who was a Microsoft student partner. Seeing the positive impact on personal and career perspective, I made an application for Microsoft student partner program along with 100 other students. I was one among ten to be selected to the final round. I made it to the top as a ‘Microsoft student partner’ and the association was till the graduation.

It was just an association but at 360i Technologies exposure was great because I worked  from the scratch to develop an app (similar like share it app) in assistance with a friend. Some of the apps that I developed are available Blackberry store ; Opera Mobile store & Microsoft.  I never tried to borrow or buy a project that is often seem easiest way to do so. These all have led to begin a career at Infosys . This was all possible because parents trusted on my decision. Management and teachers of the institution supported that lead to begin a career.

Digital Literacy Program

Because the date of joining was a year from the selection, I did to use the time for meaningful work. During this period I continued to work with 360i in possible tasks such as developer, assisting them in marketing/sales and exploring with new projects. This association led them to visit my graduate college to recruit juniors.

Lenin with Dr. G Nammalvar

During leisure time I associated with a NGO to help the agriculture students to understand the technologies and ways to connect to the need. This has lead to meet Dr. G Nammalvar who was into organic farming. I had never known him prior but interest to associate and bring a required change lead to know him. Glad to have met him who was humble and down to earth. He passed away in 2013. After this I covered three schools under digital literacy programme to induce the interest to learn the technologies.

My team lead & Manager was a good mentor who encouraged to observe and practice (hands-on). This form of learning as a fresher was encouraging. Under his guidance and nurturing helped me to be a good performer and that effort got me a Insta Award . Apart from technical contribution I involved in employee engagement. I also got to learn French (smiles). After the training at Mysore I was posted at Hyderabad.

Organic Farming

I joined other two clubs – cycling and eco. My earlier experience of organic farming came handy. We have quarterly events that invites people who would like to showcase their organic products. Later I joined CSR Mamta club which runs a school for slum children.

I’m not a hero on screen
I’m not a warrior at LOC
I’m not a fighter in a ring
I’m not a __________
But I’m a person to ‘Make a Mark’

Lenin Veera Pandiyan can be reached at Youtube and Facebook.

(Writer to the piece of article is author of She: Ekla Cholo Re & BUGman)

He Who Dreams

Your Dreams @ #HeWhoDreams