A rocking evening for a great cause....

On Sunday, we celebrated third annual day of AksharBharti (AB) at Pune. Akshar Bharti is an NGO which works for underprivileged kids from remote areas providing them with a set of various books. It is an initiative to nurture the reading habits in children between age group 5-15 years. We had various kids activities like preparing scientific toys, quiz based on general knowledge and some presentations for their teachers in the morning session. The evening session came with a rocking fun having the Avdhoot Gupte and Troop for supporting the noble cause. It was a fantastic eve for volunteers as well, as the program was a big success and we got to tune and dance on the AVG songs rhythm :)

It's been a great time for me being with AB since last 2 years. We set up a few libraries in various regions like Bhor, Yamagarwadi, Dhankavdi, Yeravada Jail, Hinjewadi etc. some of them with Cognizant and some with IBM. Every time I went for a library set up, it gave me a unique experience and showed a new side of a life. It's really a great learning being with kids, understanding their background, dealing with their issues, spending the most amazing time of your life with them and most importantly observing a smile on their face and knowing the reason behind it is you...believe me, it's an experience which I really can't express in words. Every new chapter of AB brings a new story for me and I always keep on waiting for such new things. You can get it's more information on www.aksharbharati.org

One more cool poem

This one I got while surfing on net.... Truly beautiful poem with a great thought..

Who are you to judge me,
Based on the way I look,
Do you always judge a story,
By the cover of the book?

Who are you to judge me,
By the way I dress and what I wear?
Who are you to judge me,
By the way I wear my hair?

Who are you to judge me,
By the things you imagine I do?
When you don't bother to figure out for sure,
What exactly is or isn't true...

That's my point,
You're no one at all,
You judge me for one reason,
So you can feel tall...

You judge me because you want to,
And because it makes you feel better inside,
Because my imperfections aren't yours,
But your flaws won't always hide...

I'm my own judge,
And you're your own too,
So judge yourself,
And the things that you do...

Because I'm tired of being judged,
By people who think they know me,
Who refuse to judge themselves,
Because they aren't as perfect as they could be...

Me, an interview and a job....

The increasing number of pages in accent shows the end of so called recession and people start to look for a change. I have given many interviews in last 2 years and every time there are some similarities, silly questions as well as the intelligent phrases.
Lets experience such an interview :)

Interviewer : Yes, come in. Tell me something about you miss.
Me : I am Madhuri etc, etc, etc....
In mind : Are dear, you have that whole CV in front of you, Read it, why are you letting me to explain the things again and wasting your and my time???


Interviewer : So why do you want to change your current organization?
Me : Well, my current job is good and people are co-operative but I want some more challenging work to do
In mind : Actually the thing is, it's very difficult to get a good hike in my old company. Even after the appraisals, it would be quite less. Changing the job is a better option.

Interviewer : What do you like about out organization and what is the thing that makes you to come and join us?
Me : Well, I feel you have lots of good projects covering a large set of domain. It would be a challenging and great experience to join etc etc...
In mind : Hmm.. I have already taken today's leave, so in the available time I thought lets try giving 2, 3 more interviews..and your office is quit near to my home..better option.
Also in the mid summer why to roam in 40' temp, better to sit in AC and give an interview...
Now could you please start with the technical questions???

Interviewer : Hmm yes, we do have a lots of challenging work over here. So where do you see yourself in the next ten years?
Me : Well, in next ten years, I see myself managing a project and people independently. Expand my competencies and acquire maximum knowledge in my work area.
In mind : Hehe what a question...I don't even know what I'll be doing in next 10 hrs and you are talking about 10 years man!!! For sure in next 10 min I'll be watching myself out of this cabin if you don't start with the technical questions now...

Interviewer : OK then lets start with the technical questions now...blah blah blah
Me : blah blah blah....
In mind : hmmm have i tried it? 7 security layers hote hai ya 8? hmmm not sure ek new create kar dete hai.... blah blah blah...
(Meanwhile I observe the office and get an idea about what package I can ask...)

Interviewer : hmm What's your current package?
Me : Well my ctc is ....LPA and other facilities include...etc etc...
In mind : are yaar...achha package hota to would not have taken a leave and come here for an interview...

Interviewer : What package you are expecting?
Me : I believe in challenging work and my preference is doing the work I like to do...However as per my knowledge and experience, I expect ... LPA etc etc.
In mind : kyu aise questions puchte ho bhai? If I say more, you will tell me how your company pay structure is and as per my experience, how can my salary be less than what I expected....If I say less, you will be happy and give me the expected offer!!!

Interviewer : When can you join us?
Me : In two months after completing my notice period.
In mind : Hmmm need to think, when should I drop this bomb on my manager and schedule all the kt activities...

Interviewer : OK, we will let you know in one or two days..
Me : Glad to meet you Sir.
In mind : huh...finally it's done...abe gadhe inta pakaya atleast ek cup chai to de deta....