Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Kudos to Mr Ashish!!!

He sets a paradigm for todays engineers …It’s always a great feeling to read the success stories and there is a lot of learning too….

Here is his story.....

At 27, he leads a team of 25 people including MBAs though he himself doesn't have a postgraduate appellation to his name yet, and manages an offshore research centre for a telecom client of the company's. Ashish Mehta, B.Tech (Civil) from the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay is one of the brightest brains at Gurgaon's knowledge process outsourcing firm Evalueserve.
Mehta has got two promotions since he landed his maiden job at Evalueserve in June 2004 and was given the leadership and best team award for July-December 2007 for Business Research Division 3. Mehta's engineer father was as an executive engineer - a transferable job - with the Rajasthan government.
This meant that the young boy attended 11 schools across the desert state. Mehta joined IIT-Bombay because his sibling was there and he could keep an eye on him.
But after some time in college, it was the other way round, he quips. Civil Engineering wasn't Mehta's choice, he says.
But according to his all-India rank in the IIT-Joint Entrance Examination, he had the option of either this or Aerospace Engineering. "Aerospace Engineering didn't have much scope in India," he says.
And he says he didn't have any dream branch in mind.Therefore, he settled for Civil Engineering.
After four years of digging concrete and swelling soil, Mehta was "determined" that he didn't want to work in the core sector. Why? "Because there's not much innovation happening in the sector in India.
I was looking at a managerial, a consulting role. Among all the companies coming to the campus, Evalueserve was the best - in terms of compensation, leadership and the job profile they offered," says Mehta, now Group Manager, Business Research Division.
Evaluserve shortlisted about 45 of the 250 students who applied for the six positions on offer, Mehta recalls. Mehta was among the 15 who faced COO Ashish Gupta in the second round of interviews that stretched to midnight.
"The questions were tough. It was a stress interview.
He (COO) had a bottle of mineral water and he asked what the probability was that this water had a molecule that was present in a dinosaur. For two minutes I was clueless.
I thought I wouldn't make it. I said, 'Can you elaborate?' That gave me some time to think.
I said, 'Let's assume, there were so many dinosaurs. We have 70 per cent water in our body; take that for animals as well.
And you know two-thirds of earth is covered with water. The amount of water has remained the same.
Divide the amount of water in the dinosaurs' bodies with the total amount of water on earth. That gives you the probability.
'" The interview result came at 1 or 1.30 am and Mehta broke the good news to his parents at 2 am. The work in his division includes browsing through Reuters, Bloomberg and DialogPRO databases, raking information from companies' websites, analysing facts and figures, and interviewing people.
This includes travel as well. "In business research, 60-70 per cent of the work is through the desk or secondary research (company sites, internet, online databases)," says Mehta.
A foreign multinational telecom company tasked them with studying the IT solutions requirements of Indian BPO companies. We interviewed people in those companies.
We took a sales workshop for the client on how they should go about it (seeking business here)," Ashish elaborates. Being a team leader, Mehta not only assigns the work, designs questionnaires and helps members overcome roadblocks, he also signs their previous day's time reports and takes three or four of them out to tea every day.
This is a way for team bonding, cross-pollination of ideas and pre-empting speed breakers. "It's very, very important, one, to understand if any personal issue is affecting an employee's work.
Two, to try and find solutions to a structured problem. Otherwise, we'll function like machines.
" One of the luxuries -- if you count the health benefits, petrol (and money) saved - in Mehta's job is that he walks to work and back. He resides with his software engineer wife, a 10-minute walk from his Unitech Cyber Park office in Sector 39.

Congarts on ur accolades!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Alchemist --- Review

Firstly, Alchemist is the one who practices Alchemy, that is believes if a metal is heated for many years, it would free itself of all the properties and the left would be the “Soul of the world”.

The novel is all about Santiago, Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams about finding a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And leaving off all the way to Spain literally following his dream, where he meets many messengers (Crystal merchant, Camel driver, English man, Alchemist) who with their association point him in the right direction and most importantly encourage the boy towards his destination.

It is motivational and an exciting read that burst with confidence. The essence where in very simple;” Anything & Everything is possible as long as you want it to happen”.The main message to the readers is that "when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true". Overall it is a brilliant piece and a must read I would say.

This is my first attempt to writing review for the novels :)Hopefully I do it for every other book I read.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Happy Ugadi!

Happy Ugadi to all my Telugu frens And Happy Gudi Padwa to all my Marathi Frens.

Well...My day started with preparing Ugadi Pachadi, Yeah I made it for the first time and it came out well. Check out my recipes blog [:)]

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Happy Womens Day!!!

Happy Women’s day to all the women in the world!!!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Hmmm....

I am crazy about getting my ear pierced. It's kinda driving me nuts… I wanna get it done ASAP. But I am scared about the after effects and pain during the process…

I have been busy off lately....and still amidst of exploring the services offered in Singapore…I know I wouldn't be getting a service where in they do pierce without pain [:(]. I just don't wanna to mess it up like the last one…that mark is still visible…I had done it with one guy in Commercial street, Bangalore…with my dear fren Prathyusha's commendation…He did it with a gold needle…It was hell lot of pain. Initially it was good…but then in an attempt to change the studs, it got infected and day by day the pain worsened….So I had to remove it and leave it like that to heal…that's how it ended. This time I don't want all that to happen…so taking time to find out the best possible service which also provides after-care….which is very important.

I have 2 options with me now…B- Dazzles, 77th street. May be down the week, I will get it done in the best place. The only problem I see now is I wanted some place where in they can do it with yellow gold…but then as of now…I didn't find any…..B-dazzles guys do with sterilized steel or white gold. Lets see....

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Jodhaa Akbar ---- Review

It’s one other magnum opus by Ashutosh Gowarikar, passionate love story of Rajputhani princess Jodhaa and Mughal emperor Akbar. Though it was a lengthy film, I basically haven’t felt though, I was totally into it (Most of the films I go & live the character…that’s a different thing). The war, drama, and the romance…is just amazing. The sets were awesome; it totally takes into that epoch. It’s such a beautifully made movie and worth a watch. The costumes and jewelry are worth a mention…they were most fabulously made, Hats off to the designer Neeta Lulla, tanishq and most importantly the craftsman behind it. Great work!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Yeah…my second valentine’s day with my better half, best half I would say….As per my dear husband, every day is special for us…but then these kind of days are there to express n show ur dear ones how much u care and love for them…this is what I feel…
I like to be pampered a lot on these kinda days…And yeah the day started, wishing at 12, with a lovely gift (Diamond studs)….they are Awesome! Thank you dear.

But then as it is a Thursday, we did sleep early at 12.30 and woke up by 8, rushed to offices….I couldn’t manage to reach home before 9pm  I usually have tcon every Thursdays with my US client, I didn’t wanna miss as I had to clarify few things. But then Inspite of me waiting till 8.30, that guy didn’t join the call… neways I managed to come home by 9…and yet another surprise, yummy Black forest pastry…bunch of red roses…. Lovely evening…Thanks Jey! We had a nice Italian Pizza and reached home late. It was a great day all in all.

Well…I still remember that funny valentine’s day back in India, when I was in Wipro... I got a call from the tower security saying that there is some parcel for me…I was like whosssss that n that too parcel to office…I was like…what’s the name? He said it correctly and the strange thing was even the employee number (99639) was mentioned on it…I was like yeah its me…I went to collect….One of my frens piyush accompanied me…, ahhhhh I was surprised to see it was a flower Bouquet…and then realized it was Valentines day too…we were like who’s this? Who sent it…and finally by the end of the day found out….that dumb head did write my employee number along with my name …with which we could guess…

And now Its time for me to get back and do little bit of study…As it is I told Gaurav that I will be taking it seriously and do study daily…I will keep up my promise.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Vital tips which every one of us should try n implement!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti depressant. ---- I do :)
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Record your late night shows and get more sleep. :)
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to____ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's - - Energy , Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did in 2007. ----I will have to
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives. ----- I should do this
8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake. ----I do :)
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts. ----- Except drinking water I do everything :(
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid. ---- I don’t eat bf at all :(
14. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
15. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
16. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. ----I truly believe in this
17. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
18. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. :)
19. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
20. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. ---very much true.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice bed sheets, don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. -----My all time policy
22. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
23. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
24. Forgive everyone for everything.
25. What other people think of you is none of your business.
26. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time. ----very much true
27. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. ----I stay in touch with all my frens
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. ----I do
29. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. ----True
30. The best is yet to come. ----I believe in this very strongly
31. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. :)
32. Do the right thing! :)
33. Call your family often. ----I do

Monday, February 4, 2008

Boring, yet relaxing weekend...

One of the boring weekends I ever had…Friday I had been to suntec and had some Japanese food…just chicken rice…and yeah had food poisoning very badly.  So, complete rest over the weekend…didn’t step out of the home. But then its good to rest once in a while…right na? relaxed, had a comfortable & relaxed weekend. Watched almost 5-6 movies… (Beta & Harry potter series)…and today again back to same old office…but this week is good to work…just three days and longgg weekend…Chinese new year . This time I got to tell all my working frens back in India that I will be getting a 4 day long weekend and guys ready to be envious of me…

Monday, January 28, 2008

Hongkong trip

Yeah I was thinking of penning it down about our Hongkong trip, but then as always I was caught up with my all time exertion…I know this is just an excuse…but then truly speaking I hardly had any time…well let me set off…

It was a breathtaking trip on the whole…and that's the reason I just wanna post it unlike my other trips which I set aside postponing …they were good too…but then this one is remarkable :)

We started off early morning, our flight was at 6.30 which was very frenzied morning for us…we reached Hongkong at 11am in the Hongkong international airport, It was unpleasantly cold and thank god the hotel guys have arranged a coach for us without much of waiting….…the airport was pretty far-flung from the Hongkong city. Hongkong basically is divided into Hongkong Island, Kowloon, Lantau Island, new territories and some more…So that was an predictable journey and it took us around close to 1hr from airport to the Hongkong island…At the first sight itself I fell in love with Hongkong…It was such a scenic beauty, picturesque place …Awesome it was:)

Day 1:
=====

We had a superb continental lunch in the hotel itself…then took little rest and headed to Lantau island, took the cable car ride to Lantau island…and this one is worth a talk about…the 35 min cable car ride was tremendous…though it was bloodcurdling in the beginning….then the view was simply amazing….and yeah it wasn't straight ride…there were many ups n downs…and finally arrived at the Lantau island to see the marvelous Tin Tan Buddha…the Ngong ping village is fabulous…with such a pleasant environment…with all kinds of shopping and outlets from Starbucks to all kinds of restaurants. It was freezing and yeah we just spent sometime there and back to the hotel.

In the evening we had been to central & Wanchai for shopping. Hongkong is a shopping paradise and that too for the branded freaks like me…I loved shopping in central, Wanchai, Tshim Sha Sui & Nathan road.

From central we headed to Tshim Sha Sui to view the Symphony of lights but then we missed by just 10 mins…bad luck  but then we didn't regret as we got the awe-inspiring view of the hongkong from the new world center. It was such a romantic situate…The view was simply superb, Also been to Times Square…from there been to Ladies market and yeah that was again great as people said…OMG there were almost all brand's fake. Enjoyed shopping in ladies market, though didn't get to buy much of stuff :( By the time we returned it was very late and we were exhausted too…and not that hungry too as we had so much in Ngong Ping….so got the takeaway from Mc…Omg I was wondering…if I haven't started eating nonveg…food would have been a real problem like before.

Day 2:
=====

We thought of waking up early but then it was already 9…and as it is the weather was like that…had breakfast from Java mama and hired a cab to Ocean Park which is the major attraction in Hongkong and one of the largest ocean parks in the world. As it was in the same island (Hongkong), it just took us 20 mins and we were there….and yeah it was worth seeing…the pandas, dolphins, sea lions and the most amazing rides. But then I didn't go to all the rides…I didn't had partner  my dear husband was like u go and I will wait here… so couldn't go in many rides… but then the highlight in ocean park is again the "Cable car"…OMG I was literally scared to death…it was almost 40 mins ride one-way and that too it was not a straight one…such an slanting…up n down ride from the low land to high land…one side mountains, the thick forest and the other side sea… such a small cable car that we couldn't deviate from the surroundings…hongkong to say in short is tall buildings, cable cars, subways, trams & shopping.

From Ocean Park we headed to the peak tower which is located at the Victoria gap. The tram is the most quick and scenic way to arrive at the peak. I would say it is the best way to experience the Hong Kong's nature which gives a spectacular view of the city. Boarding the 100 year old tram, which takes to 552 meters above the sea level was exciting and the ride to the peak with takes a solid 45 degree angle was one of the must do things in hongkong… And the sky terrace offering a stunning 360-degree panoramic view across the Hong Kong, the brand new Sky Terrace is a picturesque spot one should never miss. And yeah not to miss the Madam Tussads at the peak, though there were not bollywood stars unlike other places…but then it was worth seeing. I guess guys who have seen my pics would know how it was…few statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Angelina Jolie, Einstein and many others were excellently made. Enjoyed in the peak till twilight, the awesome view of Hongkong…couldn't stay there longer as it was freezing…

From there we headed to Tshim Sha Sui to view the Symphony of lights between the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The show does create an all-round vision of colored light, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronized to music and voice-over that celebrates the diversity of Hong Kong.

After which comes my favorite and memorable freak out in hongkong, the "Aqua Luna" ride, is an experience not to be missed. I njoyed the ride across the Victoria harbor, the unrivaled views of Hong Kong's harbor from a stunning vantage point. OMG it was simply superb!!! It was such a romantic n relaxing getaway for 1 hr….such an out of the world ecstasy, both of us on the cruise, a glass of wine…stars up above…the experience was simply awesome. That’s the end of day2

Day 3:
=====

We started early in the morning been to Wanchai to the golden bahunia square, It is the Hong Kong's emblem.…It was a worth seeing attraction…and then just wandered along Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and returned to the hotel, packed up and started off to Disney land finally….My all time favorite and I was obsessed to see it. Had fun…met all the Disney characters, got some Mickey toys…played several games…n few rides as well…didn't had time for the laser show though…

From Disney land, we were off to the airport and did some shopping in the airport:)and boarded the flight at 8.30pm ….that’s the end of our trip..:)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Happy Republic Day!

A very Happy Republic Day to all my fellow Indians.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!!!

Wish all of you out there A Very Happy & blooming New Year...May this New Year bring lots n lots of happiness, bliss & fun. Wish all our dreams come true this year.

We just got home from dinner, this eve we did celebrate with one other couple Nagesh & Swapna. It was fun, been to Clarke and most importantly I didn’t miss the count down this time too…I love that. Guess wt? We ordered the dinner at 11.30 and he served at us 1.30 am[:(] isn’t that too much? well...that's Clarke...

This year being the key for my career, I have to give my GMAT test; hopefully I should be getting a good score. So wish me loads and loads of luck [:)]
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