tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37914971607605366882024-03-14T03:45:12.776+05:30The Economics of LifeAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-63670156804632382702010-05-04T12:09:00.001+05:302010-05-04T12:11:00.077+05:30We can afford to laugh..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_Bbhw9oQI/AAAAAAAACyw/DFbeTR9MdUg/s1600/15533_168968102259_45955827259_3366526_6767382_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_Bbhw9oQI/AAAAAAAACyw/DFbeTR9MdUg/s320/15533_168968102259_45955827259_3366526_6767382_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467301151315435778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_BXOchyCI/AAAAAAAACyo/SCDd_F1D_oM/s1600/11264_199575007259_45955827259_3616070_6017534_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_BXOchyCI/AAAAAAAACyo/SCDd_F1D_oM/s320/11264_199575007259_45955827259_3616070_6017534_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467301077409974306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_BStzUIoI/AAAAAAAACyg/Loq6xVoEtGc/s1600/7235_143739007259_45955827259_3146582_2833967_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/S9_BStzUIoI/AAAAAAAACyg/Loq6xVoEtGc/s320/7235_143739007259_45955827259_3146582_2833967_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467300999927702146" /></a>Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-7238555098255623412010-02-26T17:47:00.002+05:302010-02-26T17:53:55.551+05:30Day 0 all over againRewind.. 15 months back, all the fresh ambitious grads sat for the summer placements. It was a roller coaster ride. Some of them went on to succeed in their endeavours and half of us face the prospect of going through the process one more time. And with 6 days to go before the big day, <br /><br />There are butterflies in the tummy,<br />A sense of apprehension, <br />A sense of pressure. <br />I have seen three processes inside out<br />And I still dread being a part of it.<br />My heart says Aal izz well,<br />My brain says anything can happen.<br />But then I say to myself<br />I shall come out of it better or stronger<br />And I have nothing to lose.<br />The stay here has been rich,<br />Its time to attain closure.<br />Like the 6 terms in IIMB have,<br />Even this shall pass away.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-15219265180504374032009-12-25T23:51:00.006+05:302009-12-26T00:12:07.321+05:30Two States<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SzUFs4Fkc2I/AAAAAAAABiY/WGlcceyb9a8/s1600-h/two_states.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SzUFs4Fkc2I/AAAAAAAABiY/WGlcceyb9a8/s320/two_states.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419243995138388834" /></a><br />If you think, this is gonna be a serious discussion about Telangana, then this is the wrong place. This is about two IIMA grads Ananya and Krish in CHetan Bhagat's latest book titled "Two States".<br /><br />Well, I liked the book for reasons more than one and reasons beyond the purview of this blog. :) It is a satirical account of a love story making a mockery of the various castes and states and religions by putting on line the Punjabis and the Tamilians. Tamil is pronounced as "Thamilla". Your tongue needs to twist to the correct degree to get that right. Of course, it is not easy to be a Tamilian. Sorry Jiggs. <br /><br />So coming to the book. Ananya and Krish met in IIMA in the mess line. Everyone on campus had hots for this girl and Krish bold her over by his naive nature. They soon became best friends and when Krish 'confessed' there love story began. Soon, she started parking at his place and they had a great time. Then came the placements, where he proposed to her in the middle of an interview. Amidst all the confusion in his life, he barged into the HUL interview and proposed the girl. This is something none of us can dare to attempt. Both got what they wanted and coincidentally placed in Chennai. <br /><br />Ananya's family is a traditional one, where they value education and caste more than any other virtue. On the other hand, Krish's mom is only concerned about the dowry that she is going to get on her rather over qualified son's marriage.<br /><br />Now began the whole story of them convincing their parents which forms the crux of the story. They go through lot of compromises, adaptions and shit to get approal from everyone. I shall leave that to the readers to find out how the story unfolds. But here are some of the wittiest lines that one can get out of the book. <br /><br />Ananya to a potential bridegroom," Let me put it this way. If I were to give a virginity test, I am sure I will not top it." This sent me rolling and laughing my ass of. <br /><br />"when you are part of a couple, you dont realise how cheesy your affections are to the outside world"<br /><br />"In an Indian love mariage, by the time everyone gets on board, one wonders if there is any love left."<br /><br />And how can I forget Krish's fantasy - "Operation Beach Passion"<br /><br />Its a light read as all Chetan Bhagat books are. One which I can relate to. Watch out for Krish's dad. You want to believe that he is the most important character in the book.<br /><br /><br />"P.S. : I miss the sex"Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-38408527451025422602009-12-18T12:53:00.004+05:302009-12-18T13:02:51.953+05:30Pics Pics Pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SysuunK6V3I/AAAAAAAABhM/FdR8IAHixaU/s1600-h/DSC03281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SysuunK6V3I/AAAAAAAABhM/FdR8IAHixaU/s320/DSC03281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416474355166762866" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SysuFGufO9I/AAAAAAAABhE/LidgszyPvFI/s1600-h/1+(45).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SysuFGufO9I/AAAAAAAABhE/LidgszyPvFI/s320/1+(45).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416473642082974674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Sysvz4KbXlI/AAAAAAAABhU/IqUcoOgrqQ4/s1600-h/IMG_4832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Sysvz4KbXlI/AAAAAAAABhU/IqUcoOgrqQ4/s320/IMG_4832.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416475545139109458" /></a>Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-16977539874466533572009-12-16T23:27:00.003+05:302009-12-16T23:31:01.097+05:30From Unmaad 09 v1 to v2.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Sykf7SUq_oI/AAAAAAAABgw/Qe3M8RkbcPM/s1600-h/Treat+081.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Sykf7SUq_oI/AAAAAAAABgw/Qe3M8RkbcPM/s320/Treat+081.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415895130281016962" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SykgF8yDNpI/AAAAAAAABg4/7Q1XolWtpXE/s1600-h/culcom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SykgF8yDNpI/AAAAAAAABg4/7Q1XolWtpXE/s320/culcom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415895313477219986" /></a>Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-85988540635090839622009-12-16T14:14:00.006+05:302009-12-16T16:20:42.817+05:30One for the year<span style="font-style:italic;">Unmaad 2009 v1:</span> The Spirit if India was alive and kicking at IIM Bangalore as we celebrated Unmaad keeping aside all the shit that was happening in the world. The sponsorship had dried up, and people realised the worth of each penny. But K K was too hard to resist and no wonder why. He enthralled us all with a breath taking performance. I missed the Unmaad L square as I was in a dry run.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Final Placements 2009:</span> Speaking of dry run, I come to my next big thing at hand. The final placements for the batch of 2009. It was a horror show as we saw the effects of the crisis take its full toll on the batch. The job became tougher and longer owing to the market conditions. Nevertheless, it was an experience worth living and hopefully cherishing in a few years.. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Morgan Stanley, Hong Kong: </span>Yaay!! my first trip abroad!!And the person who was always there was Rahul Bajaj!! (Chuck the rahul out.. :) We had loads of fun in Hong Kong, roaming around, shopping, cooking food, the Macau trip, gambling all night and getting a DB employee to join IIMB.. :P What say Bajaj!!The two months away from home made me so so fall in love with India.All the thoughts of Reema telling me about exchange and how intern changes your opinion came right back.. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Back to B:</span> Yes indeed! I opted out of exchange. It was a culmination of various reasons. Term 4 was fun to begin with. A new batch of students coming in, the whole dunking and hoax week, the recruitments for the clubs, the treats the parties et al.. But none gave more pleasure than receiving that certificate from the Director. :) The academics were now a mundane job but the time I had spent with my friends new and old was just memorable. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Term 5:</span> I write term 5 because, if I had to choose one term where I "came of age", it would be that. It was shitty, it had pressure, it had responsibility. And I am glad, all of them were delivered. Unmaad happened, not without pain, but this time the Unmaad L square drove all of it away. The biggest compliment was when a professor called me and said that he was glad his student organised all of it. The rain gods were on our side and India didnt qualify for the champions trophy semi finals. Everything fell in place. <br /><br />Phase 2 of term 5 is the insomnia period. The summer placements were much different from the finals experience, it was a lot tougher, a lot more people to be managed and now I know what Vibhu must have felt like in term 3. It was an experience that i will carry along in everything I do. <br /><br />Phase 3 was academic phase which is better left unsaid.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Amar Bhaiya's wedding:</span> Finally, my dear bhaiya is married and I am so glad he is. It was tonned of fun being a part of the celebration. I wish him all the best ahead.. :) I will put up the pics as soon as i lay my hands on them..<br /><br />And after so much.. there is still a month to go.. Picture abhi baki hai mere dost.. <br /><br />Aim: Look Below :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Syin9WeVBqI/AAAAAAAABgY/jIglRBnhg4Y/s1600-h/is+the+plate+clean...JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/Syin9WeVBqI/AAAAAAAABgY/jIglRBnhg4Y/s320/is+the+plate+clean...JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415763224359667362" /></a><br />What a year 2009 has been. A quick count on the fingers shows that I was part of 2 Unmaads, 2 placement processes (one of senior and other of junior batch), one quick dirty live project, one summer intern of my own, one new country, three academic terms, 2 academic awards, two first cousins biting the dust and amidst all this, lots of fun. Hoping for a great finish to the year..<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Special mentions:</span> Sukrut, PDM, Mayur, Kapoor, CEO, Vikas Bansal, DD, Chusli, Sahay, Vibhu, Purvi, Aishwarya, Kshitij, Aditi, Ganesh, Jyothsni, Tushar, Deepthi, Hari, Lintu, Sid, Pappu, Mak, Rishov, Pulkit, Rajat, Prakhya, Saikat, Ladha, Mario, Vicky, Abdul, Oleti, Mande, Banka, Rawale ......Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-46014287708721929252009-08-05T17:59:00.004+05:302009-08-05T18:08:47.056+05:30The long wait and the ecstasy...361 days of staying away.. <br />270 long minutes of searching eyes..<br />48 very short hours of ecstasy..<br />10 days of chit chat..<br /><br />And now time for a long wait again..Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-90358239142275692962009-06-11T17:27:00.002+05:302009-06-11T17:29:49.892+05:30About Akshay, Macau....For 21 years now, I have inevitably spent my summers at Hyderabad, my hometown. Be it the internship or the summer classes, everything brought me home. But, second term into IIM Bangalore gave me the first chance to spend a summer outside home. In fact, I was destined to spend my summer at Hong Kong interning at Morgan Stanley (read the post below for further details). I was excited as hell, not just because I pulled off a decent summer intern, but also because I was the last of the six (read as KAPAAG for who know it) to step outside the country. And after a yearlong grind at the dungeons of Bangalore, I finally arrived at Hong Kong.<br /><br />From the very first look of it, the infrastructure was impressive. The airport express, that took me to Kowloon, and the cabs that took me home, were all too luxurious for a first timer. The service apartment itself provided quite a few amenities. I was glad that I didn’t have to clean it, change bed sheets, or in short live like I do in hostels. I intuitively knew, being as lazy as I am that I will not have to clean clothes for most of my summer. So, with all the mundane and boring routines out of the way, I had two things to figure out. The first being how to survive, and the second, how I could make my stay adventurous. The survival part was sorted out soon, as we decided to go with a mix of ready to eat, cooked and of course dining out. <br /><br />In terms of adventure, the first good thing that happened to us was Mr. Akshay Jain. People do wonder who the guy in my pics is. Sometimes, a sadist and sometimes vulgar, but he was always cheerful and humorous. <br /><br />• He had absolutely no love for his parents till the point in the plane where he said, I don’t hate my parents so much.<br />• He must have tried everything Hong Kong had to offer, from raw fish to seahorses to salmons <br />• He loved spending money (he wanted to spend every cent of the 14000 dollars that he was earning more than us)<br />• He had a huge fetish for this IIMB girl, after lots of up and downs<br />• His current market value stands at INR 5 million (a very cheap buy)<br /><br />The only event that was close to thrilling was our visit to Macau. I have often read about volatility and all the fin stuff, but the Macau experience gave me a taste of it. I was up 250 bucks, down a grand and a half and then up 3 grand and finally ended up with 1.5. The game was fascinating, the dealers noteworthy and the entire experience addictive. In a way it gave me a world full of lessons of stop losses, entry and exit levels that I could not have learnt back in school. The Venetian was beautiful and the singer on the boat awe inspiring. <br /><br />Overall, I think Hong Kong was worth a visit but not something I would want to do again and again (except the night at Macau). I had a good time interning and now keeping fingers crossed for the outcome.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-72185263490732007612009-05-30T18:56:00.003+05:302009-05-30T21:55:48.890+05:30The Summer of 2009...Coincidentally, as I think of how to pen my thoughts, I remember that for some reason I had posted The Summer of 2008 last year around the same time. That time I was filled with mixed emotions of leaving a place so dear to me for four years but at the same time embarking on something I have always wanted to do.. which in a certain way was a step up in the ladder to success... <br /><br />Fast Forward one year.. History repeats itself.. The Pico from IITM is still alive and kicking.. Somehow people here have caught the name, the name I am so dearly in love with. But it just does not end with the name. I had one glorious year at IIMB. Sometimes I was cynical about the place. Very much I should say in the first term.. but then I got in line with the people, with how it is outside your comfort zone.. And then I felt so much better handling it and using it to my advantage. If I look back, I have always been the player catching up.. Catching up in skills, talent and whatever many consider an art.. But for the first time, I feel the pinch.. To stay ahead.. And when today, I heard about some of my colleagues cracking it at BCG (hearty congratulations to them), I felt.. its time to stop running and take stock of whats in the plate. So, here I go with one of the longest I would have ever written.. So, pardon me for the boredom.<br /><br />I arrived in Hong Kong with loads of expectations, the first time in a corporate environment, the first time in a bank and the first time outside my country. It was not difficult to settle in. I must say that for a first timer, I got out of the currency syndrome, of trying to convert everything into INR, rather quickly. Being with the favourite of all Bajaj did help.. :) Ask him about others, and you might get some strong words.. Yeah.. So back to me.. The trading floor overwhelmed me.. But the pressures of the declining industry and a bad economic slump were weighing on my shoulders. I did not know how to think. Whether this was an experience to learn or to just crack PPO. I can say the two paths might be different and the black box never reveals what is the path treading both. But at first I chose the road oft travelled. To crack it and lead a life of luxury. But somewhere down the line, I felt this is not what I would do. I have some luxuries not to be so desperate.. I can do as I want. With the time, with the floor, with the money. I am 22 yrs and barely broken out of the cocoon of the IITs and the IIMs. <br /><br />The flow of random thoughts continued within my head for about 7 weeks in which I worked as I was told to, but more importantly spoke to people who matter and decide where I want to head after this. I enjoyed quite a bit of Hong Kong and only glitch was the black lining in the sky.. I lived on the 15th floor, worked on the 38th floor and travelled below the earth's surface. I seemed to have forgotten the where the ground was for a moment. The skylines beautiful and the city dazzling. Enjoyed my first salary to the core. And the icing on the cake was Macau, an artificial Venetian and the Vegas of the east.. A night of one of my other firsts gambling.. So there was much awaited experience of being abroad.. under the pressure to deliver.. <br /><br />But then came Anusmaran, which I think was the most eventful evening I have had here.. I played football in the rain, had good Indian food and met people whose experience was more than my age. But the best thing that could happen to me was the 2005 batch people. They were in a similar situation that I think my batch would be on the back of the bad 2004 season. But now, everyone is well settled in. And it would seem as if everything was rosy then. But the fact remains, one can reach any place he wants.. he just needs the desire to reach there. And when I heard today morning and seen my friends delighted, I was thinking, it is sure good to get a PPO and make your life simpler. But this is life and the only way to win it is to keep running.. However fast you are the tortoise will find its way slowly and steadily.. <br /><br />I am reminded of a dialogue from Om Shanti Om : <br />"itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai<br />ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai"<br /><br />I am starting to believe in it.. <br /><br />Will come back with a much more jolly post sometime soon. :)Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-9540645298832633242009-05-01T05:51:00.006+05:302009-05-01T06:09:58.413+05:30Moët et Chandon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SfpDgASK8wI/AAAAAAAAA7k/UrHJzYrEpiE/s1600-h/800px-Mo%C3%ABt_et_Chandon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SfpDgASK8wI/AAAAAAAAA7k/UrHJzYrEpiE/s320/800px-Mo%C3%ABt_et_Chandon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330647326057493250" /></a><br />Straight from wiki and straight out of pleasure of the past night!!<br /><br /><br />Moët et Chandon (pronounced [moɛt‿e ʃɑ̃ˈdɔ̃]), or Moët, is a French winery and co-owner of the luxury goods company Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. Moët et Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers and a prominent champagne house. The company holds a Royal Warrant to supply champagne to Queen Elizabeth II. Moët et Chandon was established in 1743 by Claude Moët, and today owns more than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of vineyards, and annually produces approximately 26,000,000 bottles of champagne.<br /><br />History<br /><br />Foundation<br /><br />Moët et Chandon began as Moët et Cie (Moët & Co.), established by Épernay wine trader Claude Moët in 1743, and began shipping his wine from Champagne to Paris. The reign of King Louis XV coincided with increased demand for sparkling wine. Soon after its foundation, and after son Claude-Louis joined Moët et Cie, the winery's clientele included nobles and aristocrats.<br /><br />Moët began business with Madame de Pompadour in 1750. She continually supplied the Royal Court at Compiègne with Moët's champagne. Also in 1750, Moët began establishing business in Germany, Spain, Eastern Europe, and colonial British America. In 1792, on Claude Moët's death, grandson Jean-Rémy Moët assumed control of Moët et Cie, and expanded the business buying the vineyards of the Abbey of Hautvillers, where Benedictine monk Dom Perignon perfected double-fermentation for creating champagne.<br /><br />Moreover, the Moët surname was prestigious before the winery's establishment; King Charles VII ennobled brothers Jean and Nicolas Moët (Claude's ancestors) in 1446.<br /><br />Into the 19th century<br /><br />The company truly attracted a loyal international following after it initiated an account with Napoleon. Jean-Rémy, who had become mayor of Epernay in 1802, met Napoleon in 1804. Within the new guest houses at Moët's headquarters on 20 rue de Champagne, Napoleon I and his entourage were lavishly dined and wined. Historian of champagne Patrick Forbes wrote: "everybody who was anybody in Europe was passing through the Champagne district en route from Paris to the Congress of Vienna and they all wanted to visit the celebrated champagne maker. ... His 10 years in the Napoleonic limelight had made him the most famous wine-maker in the world and orders for his champagne began pouring in with such profusion that he hardly knew how to fill them." In appreciation for Jean-Rémy's generosity, the Emperor of the French gave Jean-Rémy his, Napoleon's, Officer's cross of the Legion of Honor. In honor of Napoleon, Moët later in its history dedicated its Brut Imperial to him.<br /><br />After his connections with Napoleon, the company of Moët contained a portfolio of prominent figures which encompassed Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Emperor Francis II of Austria (Napoleon's father-in-law), the Duke of Wellington, Madame de Staël, Queen Victoria, and the Prince Royal of Russia (later to become emperor of Germany) among many more. Sales durign the 1820s are believed to have been on average 20,000 bottle annually. Leadership of the company changed in 1832 when Jean-Rémy retired and left the company in the hands of his son Victor Moët and son-in-law Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles. As M.Chandon became incorporated into the company as co-owner, the name was officially changed that same year to "Moët et Chandon." Following the introduction of the concept of a vintage champagne in 1840, Moët marketed its first vintage in 1842. Their best-selling brand, Brut Imperial was introduced in the 1860s.<br /><br />The Marne Valley fell under the ownership of Moët et Chandon in 1879, expanding the company's operations. The introduction of more flavorsome grapes from Cramant, Le Mesnil, Bouzy, Ay, and Verzenay also followed. As expansion grew, so did the employee count. At the time, about 2,000 people were under the employment of Moët et Chandon and a type of "social security" was formed which gave free medical attention, housing assistance, pensions, maternity benefits, sick pay, and free legal aid. Job holders included cellarmen, cork cutters, clerks, vineyard farmers, tinsmiths, needlewomen, basketmakers, firemen, packers, wheelwrights, and stableboys. Sales in 1872 are reported to have been at 2,000,000 bottles and at 2.5 million by 1880, while consumers continued to consist of the upper social hierarchy.<br /><br />Milestones in the 20th century<br /><br />During World War I, France suffered much destruction. Moët et Chandon lost the offices and guest houses, where Napoleon I had stayed, to bombing raids. After the war, the company re-established its position in the market by introducing the Dom Pérignon brand of vintage champagne in the late 1920s. The introduction of the Dom Pérignon label set a trend in which many other champagne houses came to introduce their own premium label of champagne intended to surpass their regular vintage champagne. Nevertheless, it was Dom Pérignon which came out to be the most successful brand. Dom Pérignon was recognized by connoisseurs as the most perfect champagne available, and was also the most expensive on the market. During World War II in which France fell under occupation of Nazi Germany, business was negatively affected. However, due to the modernization of operations within the firm, it managed to recover well. The goals of fairness and efficiency were emphasized in all aspects of production, from the installation of new wine presses to a comprehensive system of work incentives.<br />Headquarters in Épernay.<br /><br />Count Robert-Jean de Vogüé, a prominent figure in wine purchasing, became the leader of Moët et Chandon in the 1950s. Transformed from a family-owned business into a Société Anonyme (or corporation), Moët et Chandon under de Vogüé gained great success and an expansion rate never before experienced. In 1962 it became the first champagne house to be listed on the French stock market. That same year, the company acquired full rights to France's oldest wine maison and main competitor of Moët et Chandon, Ruinart Père et Fils. Another rival wine house, Mercier, was taken over by 1970. Soon afterwards Moët et Chandon purchased an interest in Parfums Christian Dior, the first out-of-winery investment by the company, which was soon taken over by Moët. The company took a milestone step in 1971 when it merged with the cognac producer Jas Hennessy & Co. to create Moët-Hennessy. The decision was made as a result of a 1927 statute which limited the champagne growing region to 34,000 hectares. De Vogüé believed that the supply of land under cultivation (less than 25,000 hectares) would be exhausted by the demand for champagne by 2000. Thus it seemed logical to merge with Hennessy who could supply diversification and a stable future for Moët. Together, both houses grew greatly financially and were able to, as a group, "stimulate the growth of their interests abroad."<br /><br />In 1973, the company launched Domaine Chandon, a winery subsidiary in California. The company undertook its final merger; with Louis Vuitton, a prominent luxury goods purveyor whose goods remain renown as status symbols. This final merger gave birth to the largest luxury group in the world, Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton (LVMH), netting over 16 billion euros in fiscal 2004. In 2006, Moët et Chandon Brut Impérial issued an extremely limited bottling of its champagne named "Be Fabulous", a special release of its original bottle with decorative Swarovski crystals, marking the elegance of Moët et Chandon. Also in 2006, Moët et Chandon illuminated the Statue of Liberty on its 120th anniversary.<br /><br />In 2007, the company opened its Grand Vintage 2000 European Launch at the Musée de l'homme in Paris<br /><br />In 1973, the then Moët-Hennessy company founded Domaine Chandon, an outpost winery in the Napa Valley. It was the first French-owned sparkling wine venture in the United States. The fine dining restaurant etoile is situated at the winery.<br /><br />Domaine Chandon in Australia was established in 1986 at Green Point, Victoria.<br /><br />Pronunciation<br /><br />Moët is frequently mispronounced. Common mispronunciations include "mow-ee" and "mo-way". The correct pronunciation is "mo-wett".Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-57012752177153972472009-03-07T12:08:00.005+05:302009-03-07T12:24:46.412+05:30Did you say defensive??Hibernation!!! Yes, for the first time, I can say I went into one... The only difference being that sleep was the most elusive thing for those 6 days that were spent inside the "Yoga Hall". The work was fun, but what was more fun was the precursor to it. A new team to work with, a new rapport shared and better than most teams I have been in. <br /><br />Nights and nights spent in dry runs and planning out what has to be done. But all this while, no one realised the amount of time you have spent with people you never knew before. The epitome of this came when three of us had a bash at "<span style="font-style:italic;">Purple Haze</span>". That night had almost everything. Music, beer, India (Pathan Brothers) kicking some ass, stationary, fart and crowd. That is one of the most awesome times I have spent here at IIMB. <br /><br />Back to work, the jargon that was created by all of them was just hilarious. I will just leave with a glimpse of what all was made.<br /><br />1) Maardaar......<br />2) Defensive (Dunno for how long)<br />3) The PoC between place and control (everyone knows it has to be ceeti.. )<br />4) And the Venn diagrams created by Sid Sen.. Dude post it in the comments..<br />5) Love Bites!!! (I cannot know and say how and when that happened)<br /><br />There we go.. A perfect time.. and a cheerful ending yet to savour..<br /><br />-ControlAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-87925880254350906092009-01-10T09:42:00.003+05:302009-01-10T09:55:33.161+05:30The importance of being earnest...Staged in one of the best theaters in the country, was one of the most famous plays of Oscar Wilde, "<span style="font-style:italic;">The Importance of being Earnest</span>". Set in the late Victorian era in England, the play is filled will silly humour and the pretentious outlook of the people of London. The play has a couple of fictitious characters, used more as a mechanism to escape out of your town to meet your girl friend. It is a satire, as most of them are, on the Victorian era and the whims and fancies and hypocrisy of the people back then. <br /><br />The artist group performing, Evam, is one of the best in the country with its home in Chennai. The performance I think was not upto the mark yesterday, with lots of dialogues fumbled and props misplaced. But overall, it was a delightful play and a continuation of the fun spree that I have been having this week.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-10427047285802360042009-01-02T12:34:00.002+05:302009-01-02T12:37:04.476+05:30Networking...One of my firsts is this.. A blog post in a train.. Upgraded from sleeper to AC 3 tier was a surprise for someone who didn’t have his ticket confirmed. And these kids next to me are so amazed at what I am doing with the laptop. Innocent lads…<br />So here we go.. Term 2 at the dungeon was one of the most demanding yet most rewarding term. The highlights of the term go something like these. First came the results of term 1. I secured 3.77/4.00, and stood third in the institute. For my summer interns, I got recruited by Morgan Stanley, Hong Kong. Way to go baby.. But there was something in this term which was missing last term. To start with the negatives, I was careless (to be read as carefree), lazy, and most of all a sleepy head. But that’s where the negatives end. <br /><br />So positives.. People associate MBA with “networking”. I had some experience of what it means and how people develop. The best comment I thought I received was from Vibhu saying, “Strangely, Pico is very good at maintaining PR.” That took my feet off the ground to be honest. I deliberated over it for quite a while. I knew there were people who would agree with what Vibhu said. But I sure know a couple who would strongly disagree with him. And that’s where my dilemma started. I knew that personally I am a very good listener, a quality emphasized by me and as I got to know by everyone as one of the most important. But when it comes to speaking, barely will anyone know me. Even the closest pals do not know what is going through my mind. May be I am that kind. <br /><br />As I was thinking about it, it struck my mind that there is something I was doing wrong. A good communication, though requires a good listener, cannot be a one way traffic. When someone feels the confidence to confide in you, he also expects you to say something back. And that’s where I was going wrong again and again. I always wait for someone to come and speak. Seldom happens that I approach someone. Moreover, time is an issue people at IIMB often battle with. <br /><br />So, after Vibhu told me that, I started my way to actually develop PR. I speak to people wherever I find them; have a little informal conversation, which may be helpful to both. And boy it felt good. I knew a lot more people, it developed perspective and I was more comfortable and happy with my position and presence at IIMB. I was never a superstar anywhere, but to have my own identity, rather for anyone to have his own unique identity, is very important. The number of seniors and colleagues, I know are at least two fold to what was last term. <br /><br />But then, everything has its costs. Interacting with people here meant I had a lot less time to interact with people whom I have known for years, and even lesser time for academics, which is so valuable at a place like IIMB. At this juncture, I realize that the topic for one of my presentations was to remove grades from the IIMB system. Now, that was tough. But yeah, to round off networking, it was a good term for doing that. I did that. <br /><br />Last topic for this post is the placements at IITM. The markets out there are very bad. It is so scary that people doubt why they had put so much effort go get into such a prestigious institute. But, seldom do people realize that it is the best chance to take a risk out of campus. They have an opportunity to go back to college for post graduation and any risk will not have a negative NPV. I am glad that Purvi and Kshitij are placed for the time being. I so wanted to be in Chennai, but sometimes, what you want need not happen. I got the diary for the next year. I hope to revert back to writing next year, an art which I seemed to have lost here. It just takes a gesture to remind me of that. And now the art shall be honed for the good. Well a diverse post I must say. A rant more than anything else. But enough to start off a week at home and the base for many more posts around new year. .<br /><br />Now since I am late posting this.. Wish you a happy new year. Have a great year ahead everyone...<br /><br />-AnkitAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-90238294471025327052008-12-18T03:47:00.004+05:302008-12-18T15:29:19.108+05:30Chivas Regal!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SUl7SVpsS2I/AAAAAAAAANs/HBmaVoKmCqg/s1600-h/chivasregal.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DVY_aWN-04/SUl7SVpsS2I/AAAAAAAAANs/HBmaVoKmCqg/s320/chivasregal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280887593048492898" /></a><br />Another one of my firsts!! A senior back from Singapore. A junior stuck amidst a pile of assignments. And in the room was lying a bottle of Chivas Regal. As smooth as it comes, it was a delight especially when I had a whole night's work ahead of me. It gave me enough energy and satisfaction to stay awake. <br /><br />Chivas Regal is a premium Scotch whisky produced by Chivas Brothers in Aberdeen, Scotland, founded in 1801. The Chivas brand's home is Strathisla Distillery at Keith, Moray in Speyside, Scotland.<br /><br />Chivas Regal whiskies are blended in a distinctive house style of a mellow, honeyed flavour.<br /><br /> * Chivas Regal 12 Year Old: Blended from whiskies matured for at least 12 years. A smooth whisky with a honeyed, mellow taste.<br /> * Chivas Regal Gold Signature 18 Year Old: Blended from whiskies matured for at least 18 years. Chocolate and orange notes, some citrus and spice on the nose and a full, fruity, citrusy and spicy palate, with sherry notes to finish.<br /> * Chivas Regal 25 Year Old: Created using whiskies aged at least 25 years; available only in limited quantities with a retail price of c$300. The blend has tasting notes of apricot and peach.<br /><br />The Australian rap group, The Hilltop Hoods, mention Chivas Regal in their song What A Great Night (DNR). "Chivas Regal you rock the house...".<br /><br />American singer/songwriter Kelly Clarkson pays tribute to the drink on her latest album "My December". The song "Chivas" is a hidden track which can be found after the song "Irvine." Clarkson wrote the song on bar napkins on the same night, before going for a concert by Los Angeles based band Metal Skool where she was famously seen drinking Chivas Regal, in a popular YouTube video when the singer was brought on stage to sing with the band.<br /><br />Edward Norton, in the film American History X, refers to Rodney King as having been "hopped up on Chivas regal and PCP" during the time of his famous beating given by the Los Angeles Police in 1991.<br /><br />Rappers The Beastie Boys also mention Chivas Regal in their song "Brass Monkey," with the line, "We're offered Moet we don't mind Chivas, wherever we go with bring the Monkey with us!"<br /><br />The brand is also mentioned in Scottish rock band The Almighty's song Bandaged Knees from their second studio album Soul Destruction.<br /><br />American singer/songwriter Tom Waits mentions Chivas Regal in his song "Downtown" from the album Heartattack and Vine. "Drinkin' Chivas Regal in a four dollar room."<br /><br />In the film and book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter S. Thompson (Raoul Duke) orders a bottle of Chivas Regal from room service whilst staying at The Flamingo. Chivas was a favourite spirit of Thompson's and was fond of a beverage he called a 'Snow Cone' which was Chivas Regal poured over crushed ice.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-20608666518079648362008-12-16T15:21:00.004+05:302008-12-16T19:55:27.839+05:30Cheering for India, Sec C and MS...Flash!!! And it was all gone. Disappeared into thin air.. The immense hype pre summers could not sustain post them. No one remembers where you going, and where they themselves heading. Though this may arise a year down the line, this very month when the laterals start, we are free from it for the moment. Well mailing the New Hire Pack sent by Morgan Stanley will be the last step before I go for my summers. <br /><br />The last three weeks have been dull and actionless (in the insti). The lazy bones have taken charge of me, and sleeping has been given priority number one. This week, with 5 submissions lined up for Friday, its gonna be just the opposite. Some exciting stuff in Marketing and Operations. But I have never enjoyed anything at IIMB as much as working on the Quant assignment. The inputs from the so called <span style="font-style:italic;">dada pardada</span> of IIMB were absolute rubbish. The constraints were horribly wrong and the answer quite unbelievable. <br /><br />The basketball match, in which I played, and the futsal tournament of Section C, were just phenomenal. It was an experience to savour. With everyone cheering for their sections. One sport which beat the section spirit is the girls cricket. The ever famous Dakait took an early flight from Singapore, just to watch the matches. Way to go dude!!! <br /><br />Last but not the least, India at its cricketing best. Sehwag, Gambhir, Sachin or Yuvraj. Name it, and they have delivered. 387 was no mean task with two instances of Pakistan (1999) and Australia (2001) still vivid in my memory. Sachin had to make a statement. He is sure not bowing down anytime soon. The pic of the 35 year old, jumping in the air as if a debutant has scored a century in his first match, was what made my day. Only if everyone had such passion in what they do!!<br /><br />11 Days to go.. Hyderabad calling..<br /><br />P.S. Watch out for my new blog.. Rediscover yourself. A by product of my marketing project.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-57358266811765941632008-11-21T19:16:00.006+05:302008-11-22T10:12:15.521+05:30Ground reality of D-DayDreams, Ambitions and Passion. These are the three things that everyone entering the halls of an IIM would bring with them. The expectations of their friends and family, the responsibility of being the nation's brightest talent and the pressure of competing with the best in business makes people work like they have never before and they will never after. But to all this persistence and hard work, there lies an riskier albeit easier alternative to get through the IIMs with the least effort and the best rewards. This is the summers. Summers offers one way to everyone to get the best campus placements (fair to assume most have the same goal), with two months of hard work and a fair bit of luck (here is where the risk is high; the luck part). People come in, make others look fools to be slogging their asses off, get the best interns, a PPO and party even harder later. Obviously, the stakes associated with the summers are then very high. And all the fiasco and conundrum that take place is an experience worth living through.<br /><br />The day one enter the portals of IIMB, he is told about the summer placements four months down the line. In fact, even before coming here, I was told that IIMB places huge importance on resume building, which I believe is not an inch away from the truth. The amount of time spent on making the same deed look better, attractive and finally amazing is more than all projects combined till date. Now, that is some effort to put in. This year was an exceptional mix of economic depression, bigger batch size and a more experienced batch. The placement committee might have had little trouble making the corporates believe that these are some of the best resumes floating around in the country, but the competition within to get the Day Zero offers was a building volcano waiting to erupt. I personally, completely neglected the academics, for the first time gave my mid terms without bothering to open the book (no need to say i fared badly), spent a hell lot of time to brush up my basics and get ready for action on Day Zero. There is a whole lot that happens before that, but that can be discussed sometime down the years. <br /><br />Cometh Day Zero. People with 15 16 17 shortlists waiting to get into the process and enter the their most preferred company. Some were lucky to do so. And some not so. I was out of the process in half an hour, which was a big relief and reward to all the hard work over the past one month. But there were others who were made to survive anxious moments and some who couldn't make it on that day. There were some lucky ones who got much more than expected, and there were some immensely good guys who left Day Zero empty handed. There were people who shifted focus from consults to I banks, rather unwillingly and some accepted offers from bankrupt companies. But none there was willing to accept that it was just a summer placement, me being no exception. It was not just the career at stake, it was the pride of being the best among India's best. It was about proving to yourself and others that you deserve all the glory you yearn for. It was all a myth. <br /><br />The real glory for me came to stand by your friends who after a number of interviews go into the room hoping to get an offer from the next one. It lies in you being there before them to show the world that nothing differentiates you from your colleague. It is one time, if any, to show that there was solidarity in you, and the center of the human body, was still beating hard as it was when you were going into that room. It lies in the thank you that your friend says when he gets an offer. For me, it was the biggest takeaway from the process. I made friends, and I stood by people when they needed it the most. You need not worry what the others are doing. You need not complaint that the others are not there. All you need is compassion and empathy. The very hyped up Day Zero may break the hearts of many. But make the bonds of friendship so much more stronger. <br /><br />Well, I think it is time to throw the heavier stuff out of the window, and tell some of the most cranky things that happened during those five days. It could be a certain someone asking a girl to lift her pants up (literally dude, get a life) or it could be the same girl praising someone else's pink tie and it could be us who just embarrassed the poor lad. It could be the end reward for someone getting clicked with all the girls of the class, or it could be the red ass you carry out of MDC, which stamped the delight of everyone on your success. All these stored in pics and memories. The process for me was highly memorable, and I think I am glad I was there. <br /><br />The summers are over and I am suffering with Sleeping Sickness. I am looking for a cure to it and some enthusiasm to come close to my performance in term 1. Right now I am miles away. But things will change. Now it will be Ankit Part 1 all over again. The dreams, ambitions and passion is still there. And bigger and better than before.<br /><br />Good Night and Good LuckAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-78016847112525973162008-10-13T23:55:00.003+05:302008-10-14T00:08:18.167+05:30A dry L squareAn insider's perspective:<br /><br />Think of IIMB, and the only stressbuster that comes to mind is L square, the fortnight party organized by the Culcom. There is music, there is alcohol and there are friends.. This is one night at IIMB that I would not want to miss.. To put it in a candid way, this is the only thing I like about IIMB, among all the glamour and hype associated with it. But come October, a distinguished personality made his presence felt and alcohol was not to be seen on the campus. Not to mention, the numerous smokers who are deprived of cigarettes. <br /><br />IIMB has suddenly lost its USP, of being the most open and outgoing of all IIMs. The open culture of Bengaluru formerly known as Bangalore has certainly played its role in building the brand IIMB. But last night was one of the saddest in my fourth month stay here. You could browse through all the status messages of all the seniors, and they would read: "A dry l square", "Alas, no more fun", "IIMB lost". There ere alumnus out for the post meredian dinner and everyone was surprised that there was no alcohol.<br /><br />Times have changed. But this might not stay for long. The more you restrict it, the more people yearn for it. So lets see what snaps first. <br />For now, a dry l square echoes in all the walls of IIM Bangalore.Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-89840159303066132092008-10-12T23:36:00.004+05:302008-10-12T23:46:58.057+05:30Back to the DungeonOne week at home and thats all. Barely managed to pull myself out and come to Bengaluru, for yet another of the stressful semesters. This being one of the most important as it has a big role in shaping the careers. The summer placements which require intensive preparation and with the job market down, it doesn't get tougher. So, been reading books like Hull, Roy and for the first time, reading the newspapers every single day. Resume, for a fresher is so very difficult. I had to slog it out 7 days and nights in a row to gather content worthy enough to be sent to the likes of DB and Goldman Sachs. <br /><br />Well, the tempo is rising, and having sidelined the academics completely, this is time for me to pull up my socks. L square party in the back ground is not the very best of time to do the same. But been a very eventful two weeks. Been speaking to friends on a much more regular basis, not paying much attention to acads, and becoming more and more social. Much the same as what happened at IIT. <br /><br />We are done with our business fest, and there is a queue of tests lined up for the next week. The motto of this sem though, seems to be to take it as it comes. Much unlike what it was the last sem, where I was prepared for it whenever it came. But thats how you live with it. Now, waiting for the shortlists to come and by God there are a couple of companies I so desperately want to get to. But time is the only way to find it out.<br /><br />Right now, I am stuck in this dungeon, between the profs and the companies and the books. Hope the sandwich becomes delicious one month from now.<br /><br />Signing off<br />Good night and Good luck<br />AnkitAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-36472057283137033312008-09-26T14:10:00.004+05:302008-09-26T14:26:59.276+05:30So much more to life...Drop by drop the oceans fill...<br />And when I see the enormous number of drops I missed,<br />I always feel,<br />The ocean could have been much bigger, <br />The ocean could have been much bigger..<br /><br />But then says someone that the greed doesnt end with the ocean,<br />And when I see the enormous wants I have,<br />I always feel,<br />More wants could have been fulfilled,<br />More wants could have been fulfilled..<br /><br />One after one the number of friends increase..<br />And when I see the number of friends I missed,<br />I always feel,<br />The friendship could have been stronger,<br />The friendship could have been stronger..<br /><br />One among all could be the someone special..<br />And when I see the enormous distance,<br />I always feel,<br />It could have been so much more special,<br />It could have been so much more special..<br /><br />I think I have missed out on so many things..<br />But when I see all I missed out on,<br />I always feel,<br />Life could not have been better,<br />My life could not have been better..<br /><br />AnkitAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-85835545173840850792008-09-22T16:47:00.004+05:302008-09-22T17:25:36.969+05:30And pass away.. It did..Come June 23... Enter IIM Bangalore, one of the most reputed universities to be founded on the Indian soil. High hopes and full of doubts and apprehensions. Little did I know how the first term was gonna be like. The first week saw the biggest hoax that was played on me (us). For confidentiality agreements, the details shall not be disclosed here. The Outbound gave me my first tryst with adventure sport, or the likes of it. That was the first time, i realised the importance of team work. I thought that laid a solid foundation for the way ahead. <br /><br />June 30.. Start the classes. And here comes the first shock. Placards placed in front of all seats. And my name, right there in the first row. For the first time, I was sitting in the first row of a class. Classes seemed to be boring at the start of the sem. But that changed as the semester progressed and everyone was getting into the groove. Some courses like Quantitative methods and Managing organizations were mundane and boring. But, Financial accounting and BGS were much more interesting and fun. The courses I mean. Not the classes necessarily. <br /><br />Cul com selections. That day was a comedy of errors that I will never forget. But as it went. I selected a safe option for term 1. The party at Legends of Rock was just mind blowing. The songs we sang. The whisky in hand. And everyone dancing around. It was one of the rare nights at IIMB that I will remember. L square parties were mere specks in front of it. Thank you Cul Com.<br /><br />My claim to fame in the first sem came when my hand was the sole one raised in the class for studying accounting. I got a new name there. A square. As everyone in the campus are starting to call me by that name, the momentum for Pico also seems to be high. I have an attachment towards Pico but A square doesn't seem bad. Lets see. Then came a time when I was down. But that would spoil the post here. So that would be taken up later. <br /><br />August 4.. Mid terms.. I performed decently well to be modest and that laid claims for me being DML. Well, everyone who scores qualifies for that, its to be seen where I land up and who bags the prize. The following two weeks were the most peaceful weeks where I slept as much as I could. <br /><br />Then started the ad hoc race to the end terms. The last weekend saw me prepare five presentations in 3 days and the night out reading the Reliance report for the end terms was an experience like never before. Amidst this came the mail, "Even this shall pass away." And then the fall of Lehman Brothers, Meryl Lynch, AIG and Morgan Stanley raised doubts over the summers. But that we will take it as it comes. The end terms were mostly a smooth ride except the last one hour which I in hindsight think that I could have done better. I have no regrets about them. Awaiting the results now. <br /><br />And finally, I am out of the tense and compact place back to the safe havens of home. Having delicious food and for first time in months sleeping without alarm clocks. Much more fun to come. <br /><br />Signing off. <br />Good night and Good luck.<br /><br />AnkitAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-54225829925589690822008-09-11T20:42:00.003+05:302008-09-11T20:44:57.625+05:30Even this shall pass awayOnce in Persia reigned a King<br />Who upon his signet ring<br />Graved a maxim true and wise,<br />Which, if held before the eyes,<br />Gave him counsel at a glance,<br />Fit for every change and chance.<br />Solemn words, and these are they:<br />"Even this shall pass away." <br /><br />Trains of camels through the sand<br />Brought his gems from Samarcand;<br />Fleets of galleys through the seas<br />Brought him pearls to match with these.<br />But he counted not his gain<br />Treasures of the mine or main;<br />"What is wealth?" the king would say;<br />"Even this shall pass away." <br /><br />In the revels of his court<br />At the zenith of the sport,<br />When the palms of all his guests<br />Burned with clapping at his jests;<br />He amid his figs and wine,<br />Cried: "Oh loving friends of mine!<br />Pleasure comes but not to stay;<br />Even this shall pass away." <br /><br />Fighting on a furious field,<br />Once a javelin pierced his shield;<br />Soldiers with a loud lament<br />Bore him bleeding to his tent;<br />Groaning from his tortured side,<br />"Pain is hard to bear," he cried,<br />"But with patience, day by day,<br />Even this shall pass away." <br /><br />Towering in the public square,<br />Twenty cubits in the air,<br />Rose his statue, carved in stone,<br />Then, the king, disguised, unknown,<br />Stood before his sculptured name<br />Musing meekly, "What is fame?<br />Fame is but a slow decay<br />Even this shall pass away." <br /><br />Struck with palsy, sere and old,<br />Waiting at the gates of gold,<br />Said he with his dying breath;<br />"Life is done, but what is death?"<br />Then, in answer to the King,<br />Fell a sunbeam on his ring,<br />Showing by a heavenly ray,<br />"Even this shall pass away." <br /><br /> Theodore TiltonAnkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-3975653101001412642008-09-06T22:47:00.003+05:302008-09-07T00:19:20.595+05:30Mast KalandarMO to Mast Kalandar.. Something which was very abrupt and surprising. But which was one of the best things that happened to me here. Went out with 11 of us and had a ball of a time. The food was good. Over that Rahul (humara bajaj) was made the guinea pig. It was fun. Swati's bday treat, the awesome parathas, the mouth watering pasteries and to cap it all some lovely songs. You sometimes feel nice to know about new people.. For instance Bajaj.. for someone.. I know him much better after the dinner, may be still not know him.. But its just that you can gauge someone so much more better after one healthy conversation with him/her.. People say cigarettes and drinking makes lots of friends. I realised its not that but a common rapport in this case singing was very helpful..<br /><br />Coming back to Mast Kalandar. I think these have the best combos available. Finger licking dal with stuffed parathas leave the heart wanting for more. I recommend the Cheese Spring Onions and Sinful Punjabi Paneer to all of you who havent tried it yet..Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-8680242575772286612008-09-05T10:25:00.002+05:302008-09-05T10:42:47.821+05:30The Regulated Regulator<div style="text-align: left;">Well well well.. The course I thought was the most fart and useless in the curriculum, has turned out to be the most interesting of the lot. To be frank, partially it attributes to the sense of his grading, its more so that I have started enjoying his classes so much that I even participate in them. Yeah I know its not a big deal.. But its something new to me.. ANd the prof with his whacky quotes, election campaign in class and the double meant sentences, makes it so lively that not a single soul in the class is asleep.. Now thats a big thing for a prof to hear.<br /><br />Coming to the lecture by Mr. Rajeev Chandrashekhar, an honourable MP in India, it was something different from the normal ppts that everyone seems to put these days. It was a talk.. A talk on a one to one basis. A talk in simple language. And a talk that everyone could relate to. Now, that for me is a good speaker. I for instance was never lost during the entire talk. It was enlightening and it was useful. It also made me think if I want to become a policy maker. But yeah, the answer is no; atleast temporarily.<br /><br />He spoke about how regulation was meant to be an autonomous body but how it has been politicized and filled with corruption. He said we didnt need regulations but needed implementation of the regulations. He defended that we needed oversight of the govt and the public of these authorities, so that the erroneous decisions being taken by these so called regulators are taken care of and dealt with strictly. Its high time that educated people like you and surprisingly me be more vigilant and take more responsibility towards improving the country, albeit with the bank balances we may establish in the future.<br /><br />I need to rush now.. But there is so much to write. Will continue this later.<br /></div>Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-2071200450178501892008-08-30T19:11:00.003+05:302008-08-30T19:16:38.566+05:30The Maximizer60 days, 17 exams, 6 courses, 5 assignments... This is what it took me to get the max score and deliberate about the losses. As it goes, the pleasure attained from obtaining a good is much much lesser than the pain felt by losing it. And this has been my story at IIMB so far.. 9/10, 14/15, 19/20, 80/88.. Scores by no means a mean achievement.. But scores that left me wondering.. If only I had done that... And today, for that, the lady luck was on my side.. i took a decision.. and it paid off.. It was the first exam I maxed.. and hope for many more to come.. :)<br /><br />Hail Stats..<br /><br />Good night and Good luck..Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791497160760536688.post-14943409473737220452008-08-27T22:10:00.004+05:302008-08-27T23:55:38.302+05:30The Ovarian lottery<div style="text-align: justify;">Its been long since I visited this place.. And I see a dull picture with the same stagnant old posts. Yeah, IIMB keeps me busy as it will do for the next 25 days, this might well be the last post before the term ends. So, let me start with some good things. My mid terms went reasonably well, and I am happy with the consistency in my performance. The latter half of the term is more challenging, and I am gearing up to it, this being the bbye to all the whims and fancies and distractions for the next 3 weeks. Thats the resolution I have taken.. :)<br /><br />Well, today we had a talk by Manish Sabharwal, the founder of <a href="http://www.teamlease.com/">Teamlease</a>, a human resource supplier in the country. He was one of those charismatic speakers, who knew how to keep the audience intereted in the lecture, with some whacky quotes and some sensible correlation. Not to mention that I felt there were traits of Dhirubhai Ambani in him, a very ambitious man, he had simple logic to his business, make profits, have fun and develop the country. And indeed no one can argue against this line of thought. But what one could argue is the means by which he has started. May be wrong, but regulations cannot be broken. Like Dhirubhai Ambani, who worked through the system to rise up to become one of the most powerful men in the country, this man started a business against a regulation hoping that it will change. Well, he might argue that there is nothing wrong with it, imagine what will happen if everyone started doing the same. The regulations will lose their meaning. But him being successful, is one thing that I took a lot of insipiration from. One quote from him, "Development with inequality of income is absoultely fine, as long as the poverty is on te decline and we are moving towards equality of opportunities." Not all blessed with the winning ticket in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ovarian lottery</span>, and for those who are not, we need to given them a chance. Let me stop at that.<br /><br />The last two days have been horrible in terms of academics, and the nauseating feeling I got up with today. But things will change; they have to change if any meaning has to come out of this effort to reach the place, where I so earnestly want to be. The distance is just killing now. As it goes, "I will do what I can do, without worrying about the results."<br /><br />Signing off from here..<br />Good night and Good luck..</div>Ankithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12717513361302944970noreply@blogger.com0