College Gate

I have written many ‘Gyan’ articles. But let me try something real. So decided to write on most important years of my life between 2006-2008. During this I did my MBA and got into ThomsonReuters. I would be indebted to all my ICFAI mates including faculties for this article. What should I give the name for this write-up? This era is of monkey-Gate, slap-Gate, and porn-Gate. Tempted to cash in with Gates. I am a big fan of Indian movies. They are keeping film names on super hits songs. So thought let me try that gimmick too. Naming this as ‘College Gate’ as it belongs to one of the hit song from Kannada movie Paramatma. I don’t know how many pages I will be able to write on this. My mind is saying not possible to write in single page. Those two years has changed my life, thinking and gained lot professionally & personally. So felt to capture those good memories. Here we go…!!!.

I was working in small company. One fine day decided to take MBA full time course. Which university? It was a major decision to be taken. At that time, Bangalore and Vishveshvariah university entrance test was over. I could have gone in for management seat in those universities. Fortunately, decided to do MBA course from ICFAI National College at Malleshwaram Bangalore.

Got the application from college and applied. They called me for interview. Mr Govinda Sharma took the interview. He was a nice person. He asked about interest and hobbies. I did not know there exist difference between interest and hobbies at that time.

Suraj: Sports and reading. Listening music.

GS: What kind of reading?

Suraj: Fiction and non-fiction in Kannada and English.

GS: Which is your favorite book in Kannada?

Suraj: All novels based on Chitradurga Fort from Ta Ra Su.

GS: Which one you liked most?

Suraj: Durgasthamana. (Did not get the names it has been 2-3 years since I read those but in time remembered this one)

GS: What do you mean by Durgastamana?

Suraj(monoluge): oh no. Is this guy is not going to leave me.

Suraj: Astmana means setting down. Durga means fort. But story revolves around the rulers and their times. It is all about politics to gain power and how it ends in Chitradurga fort. GS was enjoying this conversation.

GS: Who is your favorite author in English?

Suraj: Among Indain Authors RK Narayan and Internationally Sidney Sheldon.

GS: Why do you like RK Narayan?

Suraj: Lots of philosophy is involved in his write up. Also, he portrays common mans feelings in genuine manner.

GS: Can you give me example?

Suraj: Sir, in one of the book, I think in ‘Sampath’, he talks about job satisfaction. Once Mr. Sampath wanted to go other side of the city. He chooses Tanga as his mode of transport.  He approaches one of the Tanga. Tonga guy ask for 8 anna’s. Sampath felt it was higher than normal fare. It is only 6 anna’s. He was in a hurry does not want to get into conversation and accepts to pay demanded amount. He sits in Tanga. After few meters, Tanga guy tells how the rates have gone up and feeding horse has become difficult. So could you please give me one more anna’s. Sampth got angry. He says I am paying you more than normal fare and still you want more. I will get down, stop the Tanga. Tanga guy replies do not get angry sir. I am doing my duty. Please do not ever accept the offer in first instance. Unless, I crib for more money, I won’t get the satisfaction of doing my task. This is how RK Narayan explains about job satisfaction. It is funny but at same time bit of reality too.

He did ask me about few of the current issues and we had a nice discussion. Finally the interview was over. They asked me to come and join from next day. They also told me that Pre-MBA classes are already going on. But I needed time for two more days to wind up my current job. But finally joined college.

To be Continued........!!!!!