Rohit's Weblog

So much hullaboo, atleast in BSchools, about importance of the rural consumer, supplying to the farthest mile and managing agriculture, there is a even in a course in Agri Business management in the premier BSchools in India. If we keep aside the fact that it is just another avenue to get admission into the placement process of these institutes, the scope for ‘rural’ is admissibly pretty huge. Companies have so many more people to ‘sell/dump’ to.

It actually got me wondering my experiences in a village. No Hyderabad is not a village by any standard but I did spend considerable amount of time( all summer vacations during school) at my maternal grandparents place in a village. It is called Eedara, pretty close to Nuziveed( famous for its mangoes) and in the Krishna District of AP.  I have seen this village grow from a place with two telephones in whole village to 2g connectivity now. My grandfather, a kind man also happens to be the head of the village. I did enjoy the privileges of being popular as his grandson Apart from surviving the daily 6-8 hr power cuts in sweltering summers in the region I did have my share of experiences and fond memories of the place.

Though I cribbed a lot during those days about not being able to join summer camps in cities where all my friends were having a gala time, I really am happy looking back that these were the days that put me out of competition and out of the rat race. It unintendedly ended up being my pit stop while growing up (My habit of rationalising the past ). Nevertheless, these pit stops were too much fun. Aim practice with Airguns, Seven stones, cricket with local village kids, injuries while swimming in the pond, sleeping on the terrace, ghost stories, superstitions, catching chickens, goli-soda(local refresher), local goddess temples, mango orchards – too many awesome memories.

The region in itself had its own peculiarities. Mundane things but stood out strikingly for a Hyderabadi

Everyone loves the ambassador car. There is a doting affection to the car and people sing praises of its comfortable seating, suspension, ability to maneuver in terrains and the status symbol it is thanks to its political usage.

A lot of people want to be a symbols of status even at the cost of being clones. White transparent shirt, gold chain, transparent shirt pocket with Rs500 currency note visible( Now it is 1000 I guess) – Get the drift??

Telugu movies are the favorite pastime for 6 yr old to a 60 yr old. Everyone has an opinion on every movie and it is just crazy how 60 year olds discuss particular scenes of movies, the clothes the heroine wears and ‘punch’ dialogues with as much animation as a teenager does.

I might be stereotyping but apparently it makes people more acceptable. Something I do not agree completely with but interesting thought to ponder over.

Randon finishing statement – Before you go ‘all in’, make sure you can get out.

Apart from the usual “Are you from India?? ; Mumbai or New Delhi ; Oh Slumdog Millionaire, Jamal ; Hindustan – Shahrukh Khan and Namastes” we did have some really unique conversations or statements which stood out for me in the trip.

1. At taksim( the party street of Istanbul)

Random short guy(RSG) : Can I have a light?

Varun(handing over his polka dotted lighter) : Sure. Hi

RSG (As he lights his smoke) : hi! Where are you guys from? First time here?

Varun(Handing over his polka dotted lighter) : India. Where are you from?

RSG : CYPRUS. Came here two days back. Staying at a hostel. Really like Istanbul. Have been travelling around Europe. Have been partying here.  Do you guys wanna go to a club? I am going there

Nishi( Suddenly all attentive because of the word ‘party’) : Sure! Lets go

RSG : I know this amazing place which has crazy parties. I will take you there.

Varun and Me( with our usual skepticism ) : we prefer to look around. We will see if we want to join

RSG : No no. lets go. its an amazing place. I will take you.

We didn’t go. An hour later another guy comes and has exact same conversation. And he too was supposed to be from CYPRUS

( This is apparently a scam where these guys are paid to lure tourists and they get a cut for the entry fee into the club)

This is one side of Turkey. But we met two middle aged men in Antalya(South of Turkey) who actually made us respect Turkey a little more

2. In a small coffee shop in Antalya having live music upto late in the night

Coffee Shop Owner (when we asked for something to eat late in the nite) : Go down the road and get fresh baked stuff from patisserie. It is cheaper and as you are students you can spend less and also get it and eat here.

Varun : Why don’t you sell them at a higher rate here?

Coffee shop owner : Its not always about business my friend

( Varun almost had tears in his eyes )

Also a part of the conversation on the compulsory 15 month military stint mandated for all Turkish men at the age of 20. He said people with disabilities and gays need not join the army and there was a huge discussion on how do you test a person whether he is gay. Anyone knows?

3. Cab ride back to airport in Antalya

Cab driver : “I am a Muslim myself but I think what they teach in fundamental Islam is very wrong. Most of Islam is liberal but unfortunately they don’t run governments. The major problem I have with Turkish education is that Islam is a part of the curriculum and there is no mention of any other religion anywhere in the whole education system. People are made to believe that there is only one religion. And one unfortunate interpretation of this as propagated by a selfish few is that it is ok to kill a person who doesn’t follow Allah for the sake of Allah. I get really angry when I think about this and you will need to excuse my language”

Do we need opinions if we have our own?

Done with my MBA and a month of wholesome travelling. Though I ended up in a job which expects me to travel every week, it can never be the same as travelling for the sake of just travelling! Before I end up becoming even more lazy at my holiday stint at home and start writing depressing weight loss equations I thought I should recollect the memories of my trip in this space.

The idea of going to Turkey came mainly from a friend who did a two month internship in Istanbul. Looking back now I am super thankful and also super jealous of the fact that he did his internship there. Having traveled in Europe quite a while back and attributing most of the worldly wisdom to the travel it was high time I saw more of the wonderful world. Wanted to share a few random memories I have of this nation

Istanbul (especially the Sultanahmet region) looks like a place right out of the Arabian nights. Home to the biggest trade zone in Roman Empire and also to the Ottoman Empire, now it is a traveller’s delight. Be it food, music or people there is an esoteric exoticism which is inherent to the whole experience.

Blame it on the bad sex ratio in IIMs or just the exoticism attached to travel, I found the average attractiveness of the women in the place was way too high by any standards. Mostly modern, some women still elegantly sported the scarfs which they managed to make a fashion statement. It was also interesting to the see the various patterns and utilities like cellphone holder these scarfs had. Got me thinking about whether it is oppression or so systemic like a pagdi to a sardar that there is not much really you need to complain about.

This actually takes me to a distinct memory of the nation which actually is the story of the cities. This is one of the most liberal Islam cities that I have heard of. It is the first time I got a chance to know a little more about the religion or Prophet Muhammad. Strangely enough the Topkapi Palace has a ‘stick’ which is apparently the actual Staff the Moses used to part the sea( really strange). Not just because I heard of Moses only in the bible but also because the staff looks so ordinary. Compare it with the complicated and cool ornaments/weapons Hindu Gods have

The Turkish people are very pleasing and inviting. I have found the most convincing salesmen in Istanbul. Starting from museum guides to restaurant stewards to shopkeepers, they just know how to sell! They become you friend, your guide, your philosopher etc just to sell you one more item. We had a lot of interesting conversations which surely we BSchool students can take a leaf out of. Also to the ladies who are visiting – beware or be aware of the guaranteed flirtatious comments from the Turkish men.

And Turkey is surely a paradise for meat eaters and dessert lovers. Travels help me a lose a few pounds but this trip it was only a + even after so much walking. Lot of other interesting experiences that i want to write about in detail and I will because I am jobless for a few weeks before I become a corporate slave

Not to forget the trip had its share of goof ups and surprises. From ending up in the wrong airport to miss a flight on one end to managing to see the pyramids in Giza during our transit in Egypt our trip had its share of ups and downs. And of course thats what makes the travel special.

Random finishing line : If you want to soak in the colors, do wear shades

Disclaimer : The following post is remotely connected to alco’ugh’aholism. I am no expert. I don’t drink. i have tasted everything and got drunk only once. But hopefully observed enough to form opinions.

Alcohol is an excuse. Its an excuse to let world see through the veneer with which we hide our insecurities. Its an excuse to give the world a sneak peek into the burning hidden expressions. It is not that alcohol has some chemical combination which lets it all pour out. Its an excuse to pour out everything you wanted to say and this very fact bemuses me. The only time I was drunk also I knew everything I was doing very clearly. There was nothing that ‘under the influence’ which led me to do things that I would not to do if I was sober.

Its funny how a complete ecosystem is created in a ‘sitting’. People are more receptive, more open, less judgemental and of course more ‘naughty’. Receptiveness to naughtiness also is higher. Hypocrisy at some level?

If we are not able to face our and others self while sober or we are ashamed of it, then I am not sure if alcohol is performing the act of a temple or confession box. I feel sorry for this. Its a dependency we are living with and giving it the name of a social habit. Having said that i am not so anal about it. Its a good excuse to meet. Good excuse to talk. Good excuse to resolve fights. Apparently Harivansh Rai Bacchan’s glorification ‘Madhushala’ calls it the only place where more friendships happen than fights. And we need reasons to celebrate.

Remembered a video I watched of a man I respect speak about this drunken act. Lets see if it gets you high enough to think about it.

I started loving one line summaries. Now that I found an ‘apparent’ calling which needs you to synthesize information. And when it is about looking at things in retrospect it is just even more fun. I could so make this post into a framework and say it in a way which can be read and understood by the people having the coolest lifestyles and toughest jobs

World saw a lot in 2011 – Anna, Egypt, Warald cup champions from India, Dhoni’s shaven head, djoker becoming serious, another “dubuk”( I like that sound for a sinking economy), telangana demands, what happens when wiki leaks and on and on…

Then what did I see ( Been a Bschool grad whom travelling eluded) ?? – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Varanasi Marketing the FMCG way, a company which taught the world how to sell, a part of a team which helps people ‘sell’ themselves( We call it finding their fit/making their careers/getting placed), beautiful people by face and by heart, personal personality etc confusions, the ever so present career choice making (this one included some really big risks), myself clamoring for some peaceful time, elections(my own), the usual success and failure

<<Clearly I am not good at summaries. So let me bore you a little more if you chose >>

Am again at my coolest muse – Career. Giving gyaan is so much more easy than doing stuff. One day I am telling my juniors why someone should pick up something as a career choice and next day I am trying to picture myself in difffffferent roles.( For first time the Gandhiji sweet story makes sense). Realized I could sell. And that opened up a host of choices( atleast in head – from headhunter to FMCG marketer to retail owner to a consultant ) A consultant sells his ideas and as my first line says giving gyaan is kinda easy. So I am choosing this ‘easy’ lifestyle where you know life just tiptoes on the balance of work. But in true consultant style – What you ‘define’ as life matters . So consulting is where I will be. This means a lot of PPTs, lot of clients, lot of frequet flier miles, lot of working hours and a lot of talking in the future!

BSchool gives you people to compete with. What it also gives you a chance to meet some of the most amazing people. Life is more peaceful when it is less judgemental. Was truly gifted with more people closer to heart in and out of Prabandh Nagar( Hindi for mgmt colony – our location in Lucknow). Great friends in short times and short travails. Oh whattay high!

Time, Self, Sleep, Leisure, Travel, Photography, Tennis, TV, Hyderabad, Icecream, Sambhar, Gult movies – Are some old friends who deserve a lot more attention from me. High time I started getting back to each of them.  I really miss you guys. You mean a lot to me.

Lost my first election. Let me blame it on democracy. Its called the external locus of control. But I am really happy I contested for something I believed in. Some learnings and ‘findings’ which I desperately needed. Could I ask for more?

Ate so much of Awadhi food. Learnt so much about Singa land. Got good at interviewing(not getting interviewed). Learnt marketing pretty well. Broke a few rules. Made some. Got a hang of cases( Not beer cases – still not entered that category ).

Hope you guys learnt much more during the last one year( No RGgiri in this one). Hope 2012 brings and end to all that you want to end and calls for a new beginning. Its all Maya or Mayan??

PS - Everyone has a place in this world, Placements take time

PPS – I generally write the year end post after a night out on 31st. Guess this time I wanted to make it more boring.

I always believed that few things are ingrained in a person. Whatever the situation – however difficult or easy he still has a characteristic reaction to it. I thought this was something awesome about people that there is some connect to their a hypothetical ‘inner-core’ which is impenetrable. Digging deeper to get to the core I found this Freudian theory which says all our psychology is built on first 5 years of our life – Id, Ego and SuperEgo and their dominances and precedences are built during this time.

But realisation is much more fun than education. That is what I have realised Changes can happen to the strongest of values, beliefs and principles. And it is good that they can be changed because nobody is perfect ….EVER. And this need not be a very unsettling thought also. I am sure nobody knows or will ever know what their impenetrable inner core is. It is like the concept of God. A strong belief that He is there is as powerful as the God Himself.

Don’t pay too much attention to the title. Its a name of a course I chose as an elective where we are taught how change happens and how we should manage it. Powerful yet limiting. Its a tribute to its existence.

Superficial changes are easy to notice. Changes from being a morning person to a what is a morning person, from the gyan taker to gyan giver, from a cheerful I can handle it attitude to a focused I want to handle it attitude – Some boring and interesting changes. But something somewhere has surely changed, dont know where.

Kurt Levin applied to real life -

Unfreeze change freeze – the circle of life

Back to my writing world and I actually have a lot to write about. Nothing substantial.

Few things happening around which are seemingly irritating, a few things that are happening to me which are helping me learn and a lot more random things. 4 more months to go in an IIM, a long corporate career after that(hopefully), lot of friends on the verge of getting married- an uncertainty that has plagued our innocence

The irritating stuff first. I sometimes keep wondering if the world is going forward or backward. I am no expert on deciding what is forward or backward. Its all Karma to do that( another topic for a late night discussion). A little off topic but apparently there is a silent revolution of ‘slow food’ and ‘slow cities’ starting in the west to counter the crazy rat race. Sounds interesting for interest’s sake. But this is not something I am really bothered about. INTOLERANCE. I was in the belief that the world was moving towards a more openness looking at article 353 and Sunny Leone in Big Boss 5. But in quite a contrast, I saw a rally protesting the use of ‘Lakshmi Bombs’( Context – Lakshmi bombs were these super cool Diwali crackers which every child took pride in when he used to light it of the candle) These bombs apparently were the in things even when my dad was a kid. And suddenly people realised that it was against the Hindu religion to burn them and are protesting against it!. Now if a religion can be moved on such flimsy lines, where is the question of belief? Nevertheless I decided to blame the media. Whatever.

Things around me. BREAKING RULES IS NOT COOL. Che Guevera was not a hero because he broke rules. I agree the system is bad( Blanket Statement) but how does breaking the rule help??? Steve Jobs CHANGED the rules of the game. He did not break them. I find it quite amusing when my cousin proudly proclaims how tactfully he copied in exam in front of a family audience. #Iamnotoldyet

Random finishing statement -

Its ok to be a Soup Boy( now that atleast you are famous), but atleast try to be a non-vegetarian one.!

I just realised how crazy my present is . So restless, so impulsive, so much driven by action.