IMAGE MASTI
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR, IMA
The challenges that life throws at you, makes you explore the untouched facets of your own personality and there is nothing more intoxicating than challenging your own limits. This is what made me come to IMA. As a newborn has to be carefully cradled and moulded into a fine young adult, so is the way IMA has to travel. I envision IMA as the best banking institute across the face of the globe in the coming years. I see the world emulating us and trying to achieve the
benchmark set by us.
As I entered IMA on June 16th, I was reminded of a bee hive buzzing with activity. The energy flowing through the aircould charge up any dead battery and get it working- and why not, that’s what the youth is about. The youth- you, are an asset to the nation. I view you as self actualized people- knowing the right from the wrong, understanding what commitment can do to an organisation on a whole and to you at an individual level.
I want the Pos of IMA to grow and blossom into human beings the world can envy, to take the nation to the horizonsnever explored or experienced. I am confident that you- together can make all the difference in the world.
As every journey of thousands of miles, begin with the first step, I am here to take those first few steps with you.
All the Best…!!!
Brig. Pradeep Singh Siwach
benchmark set by us.
As I entered IMA on June 16th, I was reminded of a bee hive buzzing with activity. The energy flowing through the aircould charge up any dead battery and get it working- and why not, that’s what the youth is about. The youth- you, are an asset to the nation. I view you as self actualized people- knowing the right from the wrong, understanding what commitment can do to an organisation on a whole and to you at an individual level.
I want the Pos of IMA to grow and blossom into human beings the world can envy, to take the nation to the horizonsnever explored or experienced. I am confident that you- together can make all the difference in the world.
As every journey of thousands of miles, begin with the first step, I am here to take those first few steps with you.
All the Best…!!!
Brig. Pradeep Singh Siwach
A Brief Introduction of Our Director
Brig. Pradeep Singh Siwach is an M.Sc. in Defence studies from Chennai University and MMS from Osmania University. He is currently enrolled for PhD in Management at Osmania University. Brig. Siwach has served in the army for 34 years. Prior to joining us at IMA, he was the Head of Faculty at Tri Service College of Defence Management. He has presented research papers on strategic management and HRD subjects in reputed seminars and journals. You can reach him with all your queries and problems at pradeep.siwach@manipalu.com.
We welcome you sir.
On behalf of all PO s at IMA
We welcome you sir.
On behalf of all PO s at IMA
FROM THE EDITORS DESK
On a wet & melancholy Sunday morning, I was walking past the Hussain Sagar. The ancient & somewhat stale wind blowing from the west made my walk even more calm & tranquil. At intervals, a lonely bird sang, cleaving the almost engulfing silence. It was then I heard the murmur… Periodic yet prominent. It rose… I knew I was getting closer to the source, it sounded like voices rising in unison. I was really curious…early in the morning, what is exactly
happening out there? And then I saw them… In the middle of the Sanjeeva Reddy Park, they all stood in somewhat ill-formed rows, with their posh & expensive cars waiting for the respective privileged masters, outside the park. The Corporate honchos of Hyderabad…business tycoons, Executives of big MNCs…charismatic, powerful & almost embarrassingly rich, …guess what were they doing? Believe me…they were laughing! Yes… they were… a big, hearty laughter… at regular intervals. Their old & seasoned voices tore through the silence of the park as they laughed…. echoed almost. ‘The corporate laughter’ or ‘the laugh therapy’ they call it. They say, a hearty laughter for 10 minutes early in the morning helps to control the regulation of hormonal flows… thereby calms down the ever jangling corporate nerves, provides them peace… the most craved-for feeling these days. Here at IMA, probably we all can understand what those people were trying to do. We too feel the pinch… don’t we? Clichéd days go by, with the elements of pressure piling up on our young shoulders. Assignments, presentations, exams, long unending hours at IMA… no time for ourselves... to think, to ponder over the time we’re going through. It’s all too systematic, too stagnant. We all want the weekend to come… we all crave for relief. Even then, we have lots of work in the weekends as well. Where’s the way out? So here we are! Presenting you a new fun-pill, the new edition of IMAge…. The ultimate laugh-riot. You will find
your stress melting away…as you indulge in the fun & the frolic. IMAge will be our own laughter therapy.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have worked really hard to make this concept a humour-filled reality. My sincere gratitude goes to Debarti Dutta, the co-ordinator of IMAge and all the executive board members. A special thanks to Pritam Kar for helping out in the proof reading process and of course, Jagdeshwar Rao Senapathi who takes care of the online edition of IMAge. This thanksgiving session will be incomplete without thanking our own Raghu Sir
for helping us out in writing the Highlights of “Indian Banking Conference, 2008” at ISB, Hyderabad.
At the end of it all, it’s a collective effort and it will give us enormous happiness if this edition lights up your face with a hearty smile. Laughter is undoubtedly the best medicine and the greatest prize for us.
Happy reading.
Chiranjibi Dipti Ranjan Panda
happening out there? And then I saw them… In the middle of the Sanjeeva Reddy Park, they all stood in somewhat ill-formed rows, with their posh & expensive cars waiting for the respective privileged masters, outside the park. The Corporate honchos of Hyderabad…business tycoons, Executives of big MNCs…charismatic, powerful & almost embarrassingly rich, …guess what were they doing? Believe me…they were laughing! Yes… they were… a big, hearty laughter… at regular intervals. Their old & seasoned voices tore through the silence of the park as they laughed…. echoed almost. ‘The corporate laughter’ or ‘the laugh therapy’ they call it. They say, a hearty laughter for 10 minutes early in the morning helps to control the regulation of hormonal flows… thereby calms down the ever jangling corporate nerves, provides them peace… the most craved-for feeling these days. Here at IMA, probably we all can understand what those people were trying to do. We too feel the pinch… don’t we? Clichéd days go by, with the elements of pressure piling up on our young shoulders. Assignments, presentations, exams, long unending hours at IMA… no time for ourselves... to think, to ponder over the time we’re going through. It’s all too systematic, too stagnant. We all want the weekend to come… we all crave for relief. Even then, we have lots of work in the weekends as well. Where’s the way out? So here we are! Presenting you a new fun-pill, the new edition of IMAge…. The ultimate laugh-riot. You will find
your stress melting away…as you indulge in the fun & the frolic. IMAge will be our own laughter therapy.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have worked really hard to make this concept a humour-filled reality. My sincere gratitude goes to Debarti Dutta, the co-ordinator of IMAge and all the executive board members. A special thanks to Pritam Kar for helping out in the proof reading process and of course, Jagdeshwar Rao Senapathi who takes care of the online edition of IMAge. This thanksgiving session will be incomplete without thanking our own Raghu Sir
for helping us out in writing the Highlights of “Indian Banking Conference, 2008” at ISB, Hyderabad.
At the end of it all, it’s a collective effort and it will give us enormous happiness if this edition lights up your face with a hearty smile. Laughter is undoubtedly the best medicine and the greatest prize for us.
Happy reading.
Chiranjibi Dipti Ranjan Panda
From the mouth oF the Co-OrdinatOr
A big hello to all the readers and a grand welcome to the third edition of Image... better known as the Masti Edition.
I would like to start off with a hearty congratulations to team IMAge for bringing out this edition, as it required special efforts on everyone's part – owing mainly to the various other tests and activities that took up a lot of our time here at IMA over the last 2 months. I would also like to thank each and every one of the students at IMA for some really amazing articles. The articles
included in this edition are sure to keep you glued to the magazine. While there are great stories and funny poems, there are also “Masti” facts about IMA, details on great places to hang out while at Hyderabad and brilliant artwork. This edition is sure to strike a chord with every IMA student as it brings forth issues close to our hearts while making an attempt to ensure that good humor prevails. If you want to know what I am talking about then let me just hint at the
joke on the never ending lunch line – hidden somewhere in this edition – for you to find, read and laugh over.
Lastly, yet most signficantly, I have to thank Dr. Baishali Mitra for her unending zeal and enthusiasm in helping us bring out this edition. She was truly one of the pillars of support for the IMAGE team. Thank you Madam.
Dear Readers, before I sign off let me congratulate the winners of the IMAGE contest Winners for the last edition and remind all of you that we have contests galore for you to indulge yourselves this time around too. IMAge, the Masti Edition, has truly been an amazing experience for me and I hope that each one of you has a rocking time whenever you pick this edition up.
Bye Bye, Cheers, & Happy Reading.
Debarati Dutta.
I would like to start off with a hearty congratulations to team IMAge for bringing out this edition, as it required special efforts on everyone's part – owing mainly to the various other tests and activities that took up a lot of our time here at IMA over the last 2 months. I would also like to thank each and every one of the students at IMA for some really amazing articles. The articles
included in this edition are sure to keep you glued to the magazine. While there are great stories and funny poems, there are also “Masti” facts about IMA, details on great places to hang out while at Hyderabad and brilliant artwork. This edition is sure to strike a chord with every IMA student as it brings forth issues close to our hearts while making an attempt to ensure that good humor prevails. If you want to know what I am talking about then let me just hint at the
joke on the never ending lunch line – hidden somewhere in this edition – for you to find, read and laugh over.
Lastly, yet most signficantly, I have to thank Dr. Baishali Mitra for her unending zeal and enthusiasm in helping us bring out this edition. She was truly one of the pillars of support for the IMAGE team. Thank you Madam.
Dear Readers, before I sign off let me congratulate the winners of the IMAGE contest Winners for the last edition and remind all of you that we have contests galore for you to indulge yourselves this time around too. IMAge, the Masti Edition, has truly been an amazing experience for me and I hope that each one of you has a rocking time whenever you pick this edition up.
Bye Bye, Cheers, & Happy Reading.
Debarati Dutta.
READER’S FEEDBACK AND RESPONSES
Feedback: A good work done by the team and is more informative and educative. Wishing the team all the best in their future endeavours.
J. Raghu (Faculty, IMA)
Response: Thank you Sir. Your active participation and the feedback will propel us to work harder.
Feedback: Good Work. A coloured copy next time would be great. Try making the next issue more entertainment oriented. Pranabjit Sahoo (Section: H)
Response: Well Pranab, feedback well taken. Hope you will enjoy the ‘Masti’ edition which definitely has loads of fun and entertainment in it. As for the coloured copy, we’re working on it and hopefully our next will be coloured! Enjoy reading.
(A lot many like Pranab want to see a colored magazine)
Feedback: A praiseworthy initiative. Hats off to you people on your time management skills. It’s really amazing how you people take out time from your hectic schedule for the magazine. Keep it up.
Anjali Bharti (Section: B)
Response: Hey Anjali, thank you. I am glad that you appreciate our efforts. Do keep pouring in your suggestions and comments. They keep us motivated. Happy reading!
Feedback: General knowledge + Technical knowledge + English + Inspiration + Management + Eustress + Entertainment +Love = IMAge. Must Include:- computer related articles for awareness of IT
Vishal Chourasia (Section: H)
Response: Wow! Now that’s called creativity. We will try to include an IT section next time. Since this is a ‘masti’ issue, we’ve focused more on light articles. Keep giving in your ideas.
Feedback: First of all, I want to congratulate you for your best efforts. We should include more creative articles and more useful information about banking technology being used these days.
Anil Kumar Singh (Section: G)
Response: Thanks Anil. We’ll try to include some such articles. It will be great to get some articles from you on the stated aspect. Hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Feedback: Good initiative. Continue publishing regularly. Include a ‘message’ or ‘SMS’ section if possible where people can write short messages for specific person or group, section or IMA as a whole.
Anonymous!
Response: First of all, we would like to know who you are! Thanks for that input. I think it will be fun writing for each other. We would really appreciate if you could write the first message and put it across to us!
J. Raghu (Faculty, IMA)
Response: Thank you Sir. Your active participation and the feedback will propel us to work harder.
Feedback: Good Work. A coloured copy next time would be great. Try making the next issue more entertainment oriented. Pranabjit Sahoo (Section: H)
Response: Well Pranab, feedback well taken. Hope you will enjoy the ‘Masti’ edition which definitely has loads of fun and entertainment in it. As for the coloured copy, we’re working on it and hopefully our next will be coloured! Enjoy reading.
(A lot many like Pranab want to see a colored magazine)
Feedback: A praiseworthy initiative. Hats off to you people on your time management skills. It’s really amazing how you people take out time from your hectic schedule for the magazine. Keep it up.
Anjali Bharti (Section: B)
Response: Hey Anjali, thank you. I am glad that you appreciate our efforts. Do keep pouring in your suggestions and comments. They keep us motivated. Happy reading!
Feedback: General knowledge + Technical knowledge + English + Inspiration + Management + Eustress + Entertainment +Love = IMAge. Must Include:- computer related articles for awareness of IT
Vishal Chourasia (Section: H)
Response: Wow! Now that’s called creativity. We will try to include an IT section next time. Since this is a ‘masti’ issue, we’ve focused more on light articles. Keep giving in your ideas.
Feedback: First of all, I want to congratulate you for your best efforts. We should include more creative articles and more useful information about banking technology being used these days.
Anil Kumar Singh (Section: G)
Response: Thanks Anil. We’ll try to include some such articles. It will be great to get some articles from you on the stated aspect. Hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Feedback: Good initiative. Continue publishing regularly. Include a ‘message’ or ‘SMS’ section if possible where people can write short messages for specific person or group, section or IMA as a whole.
Anonymous!
Response: First of all, we would like to know who you are! Thanks for that input. I think it will be fun writing for each other. We would really appreciate if you could write the first message and put it across to us!
HigHligHts of indian Banking ConferenCe – 2008 at ISB, HyderaBad
On 13th of June 2008, The Centre for Analytical Finance (CAF) hosted the Indian Banking Conference - 2008 at the Indian School of Business. Many senior bankers, financial experts, academic researchers, top officials and business heads from major Public, Private & Foreign banks operating in India & last but not the least, a good number of students from IMA Hyderabad participated in that conference.
The banking fraternity was represented by the RBI, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Citigroup India, NABARD, Canara Bank etc. The theme of the conference was “Economic & Social responsibilities of Indian Commercial Banks and the possibility of a Healthy Compromise”. The Conference promised to address India’s changing role
in the new exciting banking landscape, and explore the myriad of opportunities that are evolving in this sector. Are there ways for the Indian commercial banks to achieve both objectives: performance and social responsibility? This was the question the Conference aimed to find answers to. It consisted of two panel discussions and a special address.
The first panel discussion on “Competitiveness of Indian Commercial Banks” had an eminent panel comprising Mr. OP Bhatt, Chairman, State Bank of India; Mr. PJ Nayak, Chairman & CEO, Axis Bank; Mr. Sanjay Nayar, CEO, Citigroup India and Mr. Joydeep Sengupta, Director, McKinsey & Co. The panel addressed several concerns such as how the performance of Indian banks compare to their global counterparts, what is the role of the Indian banking sector in the Indian economy at large, what are the concerns of the public sector banks, why does private sector have an edge, how do new banks compete with established banks, should banking be ownership neutral etc.
“Banks do not exist in vacuum. They make a large contribution to the country’s GDP growth, meet the demand of the growing middle class, contribute to infrastructure spending, and reach out the semi-urban and rural areas”, said Mr. Bhatt. He also stated that although public sector banks serve a number of social & macro-economic objectives like financial inclusion, agricultural lending, Govt. debt, stock market operation etc, but they are suffering from lower valuation. It is happening because of lower asset quality, lower productivity etc. “Public sector banks are inferior to their private counterparts in terms of customer service, proactive sales, world-class
operations etc. This is due to issues like inability to attract and retain best talent, union issues, and finally the ownership and operational issues,” he said.
Mr. Nayak shared his ideas that how the new private banks have gained significant market share by using technology for operational efficiency, superior sales & distribution channels and creation of mass outreach ATM services etc. In conclusion, he remarked that different ownership types have lead to different operation model, and it remains to be seen which business and operation model is most conducive to the Indian banking climate.
“Where does India want to take the banking sector as a whole?” was the question posted by the third panelist, Mr. Nayar. His presentation emphasized on the ‘scalability’ issue and its importance for foreign banks in India. He said “after food & fuel, the greatest shortage in India is Finance”. Foreign banks face many constraints like higher tax rates, no access to Govt. wallet, capital raising problems, regulatory framework for home & host countries etc. These things stand as barriers & obstruct their way to play an active role in the Indian financial industry.
Mr. Sengupta shared with the audience some of his research findings about how the sector has performed, how competitive it really is and finally the role of regulators and policy makers. “Indian banks have provided high returns to shareholders over the last few years. It is also serving the economy in terms of value creation and employment generation. The sector has improved on capital allocation, resulting in lower NPAs. However it still performs poorly in areas like access to finance. The loan concentration is limited to the four metros”, he pointedout.
During the second panel discussion on “Social Responsibilities of the Indian Banking Sector,” panelist Rajesh Chakrabarti, Assistant Professor of Finance at the ISB said that the social responsibility in the banking sector implies “stability, planned growth and equitable distribution of credit and growth of small industries and farming”. He also explained the barriers for wholesale financial inclusion like physical assess, eligibility, affordability etc.
Mr. Vijay Mahajan, Chairman, BASIX elaborated the main factors to assume financial inclusion like: private ownership, professional management, no cap on interest rates, commitment to local areas & also to focus on local community. He emphasised that “banks should be socially responsible, beyond the normal CSR, because banks are special and a high leverage businesses, and the deposits come from large number of small people. The failure of one bank can lead to system wide reverberations”, he explained.
Mr. K.G. Karmakar, MD, NABARD emphasized on the policy changes for the priority sectors, the need to redefine the role of rural money lenders, need for setting up Rural Credit Bureaus etc.
V.R. Das, Executive Director, R.B.I felt that deposit account is the gateway to financial inclusion & the approach is to connect people. The second thing he stressed on was the usage of multiple channels to expand outreach.
One of the highlights during the Conference was a special address on ‘Indian Banking Sector Reforms’ by Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Chair of Committee on Financial Sector Reform, Planning Commission; and Eric J Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago.
Some of the recommendations he shared with the audience were –
i. Share credit information more widely
ii. Expedite the process of creating a unique national ID number with biometric identifications
iii. Encourage the local private banks since they have a good knowledge of the locality
iv. Increase the scope of foreign banks so that they can reach the masses
v. Allow liberal use of banking correspondents
vi. Liberalize interest rates that institutions can charge, ensuring credit reaches the poor
vii. Offer priority sector loan certificates to all entities that lend to eligible categories in the priority sector Throwing some light on the macro-economic frame work, Professor Rajan said, “Don’t expect the RBI to do magic.” He said that we expect too much from the RBI, and have innumerable and irreconcilable mandates. Thus the RBI is moving from one objective to another. “My suggestion to the RBI is to do one thing well at a time,” he said. The conference was concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Prof. M.R. Rao, Dean, ISB.
Special thanks to Raghu sir for his co-operation & guidance
The banking fraternity was represented by the RBI, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Citigroup India, NABARD, Canara Bank etc. The theme of the conference was “Economic & Social responsibilities of Indian Commercial Banks and the possibility of a Healthy Compromise”. The Conference promised to address India’s changing role
in the new exciting banking landscape, and explore the myriad of opportunities that are evolving in this sector. Are there ways for the Indian commercial banks to achieve both objectives: performance and social responsibility? This was the question the Conference aimed to find answers to. It consisted of two panel discussions and a special address.
The first panel discussion on “Competitiveness of Indian Commercial Banks” had an eminent panel comprising Mr. OP Bhatt, Chairman, State Bank of India; Mr. PJ Nayak, Chairman & CEO, Axis Bank; Mr. Sanjay Nayar, CEO, Citigroup India and Mr. Joydeep Sengupta, Director, McKinsey & Co. The panel addressed several concerns such as how the performance of Indian banks compare to their global counterparts, what is the role of the Indian banking sector in the Indian economy at large, what are the concerns of the public sector banks, why does private sector have an edge, how do new banks compete with established banks, should banking be ownership neutral etc.
“Banks do not exist in vacuum. They make a large contribution to the country’s GDP growth, meet the demand of the growing middle class, contribute to infrastructure spending, and reach out the semi-urban and rural areas”, said Mr. Bhatt. He also stated that although public sector banks serve a number of social & macro-economic objectives like financial inclusion, agricultural lending, Govt. debt, stock market operation etc, but they are suffering from lower valuation. It is happening because of lower asset quality, lower productivity etc. “Public sector banks are inferior to their private counterparts in terms of customer service, proactive sales, world-class
operations etc. This is due to issues like inability to attract and retain best talent, union issues, and finally the ownership and operational issues,” he said.
Mr. Nayak shared his ideas that how the new private banks have gained significant market share by using technology for operational efficiency, superior sales & distribution channels and creation of mass outreach ATM services etc. In conclusion, he remarked that different ownership types have lead to different operation model, and it remains to be seen which business and operation model is most conducive to the Indian banking climate.
“Where does India want to take the banking sector as a whole?” was the question posted by the third panelist, Mr. Nayar. His presentation emphasized on the ‘scalability’ issue and its importance for foreign banks in India. He said “after food & fuel, the greatest shortage in India is Finance”. Foreign banks face many constraints like higher tax rates, no access to Govt. wallet, capital raising problems, regulatory framework for home & host countries etc. These things stand as barriers & obstruct their way to play an active role in the Indian financial industry.
Mr. Sengupta shared with the audience some of his research findings about how the sector has performed, how competitive it really is and finally the role of regulators and policy makers. “Indian banks have provided high returns to shareholders over the last few years. It is also serving the economy in terms of value creation and employment generation. The sector has improved on capital allocation, resulting in lower NPAs. However it still performs poorly in areas like access to finance. The loan concentration is limited to the four metros”, he pointedout.
During the second panel discussion on “Social Responsibilities of the Indian Banking Sector,” panelist Rajesh Chakrabarti, Assistant Professor of Finance at the ISB said that the social responsibility in the banking sector implies “stability, planned growth and equitable distribution of credit and growth of small industries and farming”. He also explained the barriers for wholesale financial inclusion like physical assess, eligibility, affordability etc.
Mr. Vijay Mahajan, Chairman, BASIX elaborated the main factors to assume financial inclusion like: private ownership, professional management, no cap on interest rates, commitment to local areas & also to focus on local community. He emphasised that “banks should be socially responsible, beyond the normal CSR, because banks are special and a high leverage businesses, and the deposits come from large number of small people. The failure of one bank can lead to system wide reverberations”, he explained.
Mr. K.G. Karmakar, MD, NABARD emphasized on the policy changes for the priority sectors, the need to redefine the role of rural money lenders, need for setting up Rural Credit Bureaus etc.
V.R. Das, Executive Director, R.B.I felt that deposit account is the gateway to financial inclusion & the approach is to connect people. The second thing he stressed on was the usage of multiple channels to expand outreach.
One of the highlights during the Conference was a special address on ‘Indian Banking Sector Reforms’ by Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Chair of Committee on Financial Sector Reform, Planning Commission; and Eric J Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago.
Some of the recommendations he shared with the audience were –
i. Share credit information more widely
ii. Expedite the process of creating a unique national ID number with biometric identifications
iii. Encourage the local private banks since they have a good knowledge of the locality
iv. Increase the scope of foreign banks so that they can reach the masses
v. Allow liberal use of banking correspondents
vi. Liberalize interest rates that institutions can charge, ensuring credit reaches the poor
vii. Offer priority sector loan certificates to all entities that lend to eligible categories in the priority sector Throwing some light on the macro-economic frame work, Professor Rajan said, “Don’t expect the RBI to do magic.” He said that we expect too much from the RBI, and have innumerable and irreconcilable mandates. Thus the RBI is moving from one objective to another. “My suggestion to the RBI is to do one thing well at a time,” he said. The conference was concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Prof. M.R. Rao, Dean, ISB.
Special thanks to Raghu sir for his co-operation & guidance
SportS Update
CRICKET
i. Australia had a 2-0 series victory in the West Indies with a hard-fought 87 run win in the third and final test.
ii. Rajasthan Royals defeat Chennai Super Kings in the finals to win the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League launched by BCCI.
iii. England defeated visitors New Zealand in the Test Series.
iv. Pakistan won ODI tri-series held in Bangladesh by defeating INDIA in the finals.
v. 3 match ODI series between Sri Lanka and West Indies was won by West Indies 2-0 as third and final match was abandoned due to heavy rains. S.Chanderpaul was adjudged Man of the Series.
TENNIS
i. Rafael Nadal wins French Open successively for fourth time by decimating Roger Federer in the finals in straight sets. The Spaniard equalled John Bjorg’s record of 4 consecutive French open titles.
ii. Womens' Singles Final was won by Serbian Ana Ivanovic against Dinara Safina of Russia.
HOCKEY
i. Argentina beat India 2-1 in a keenly contested final to take home their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Both the Argentine goals came through Mario Almada, while Sandeep Singh netted for the Indians.
FORMULA 1
i. Ferrari leads the constructors table with 73 points after Canadian GP which was won by Robert Kubica of BMW Sauber.
i. Australia had a 2-0 series victory in the West Indies with a hard-fought 87 run win in the third and final test.
ii. Rajasthan Royals defeat Chennai Super Kings in the finals to win the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League launched by BCCI.
iii. England defeated visitors New Zealand in the Test Series.
iv. Pakistan won ODI tri-series held in Bangladesh by defeating INDIA in the finals.
v. 3 match ODI series between Sri Lanka and West Indies was won by West Indies 2-0 as third and final match was abandoned due to heavy rains. S.Chanderpaul was adjudged Man of the Series.
TENNIS
i. Rafael Nadal wins French Open successively for fourth time by decimating Roger Federer in the finals in straight sets. The Spaniard equalled John Bjorg’s record of 4 consecutive French open titles.
ii. Womens' Singles Final was won by Serbian Ana Ivanovic against Dinara Safina of Russia.
HOCKEY
i. Argentina beat India 2-1 in a keenly contested final to take home their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Both the Argentine goals came through Mario Almada, while Sandeep Singh netted for the Indians.
FORMULA 1
i. Ferrari leads the constructors table with 73 points after Canadian GP which was won by Robert Kubica of BMW Sauber.
GUpshUp
(REMEMBER THE ADVT OF THAT WASHING SOAP)
Sharad Pawar is in dressing room when Deepika Padukone comes there
Sharad: Ohho, Deepika Ji, aiye aiye Lejiye aapka dhoni taiyaar hai
Deepika: Ye nahin wo (pointing towards yuvi)
Sharad: Lekin aap to har baar wo wicket keeper wala...
Deepika: Leti thi... Par jab 6 ball pey 6 chakkey milein to koi ye kyun ley, wo na ley
Sharad : Maan gaye...
Deepika: Kisey?
Sharad: Aapki parkhi nazar aur super sixer, Dono Ko...
Sharad Pawar is in dressing room when Deepika Padukone comes there
Sharad: Ohho, Deepika Ji, aiye aiye Lejiye aapka dhoni taiyaar hai
Deepika: Ye nahin wo (pointing towards yuvi)
Sharad: Lekin aap to har baar wo wicket keeper wala...
Deepika: Leti thi... Par jab 6 ball pey 6 chakkey milein to koi ye kyun ley, wo na ley
Sharad : Maan gaye...
Deepika: Kisey?
Sharad: Aapki parkhi nazar aur super sixer, Dono Ko...
Blunders in business
What has communication got to do with business??? If you say nothing – you gotta be kidding me! Blunders made in businesses, are seldom forgiven by the market and what’s more, you might make yourself a laughing stock because of a simple mistake like a faulty translation. Sounds farfetched? Read on.
i. Parker Pen Company had developed and promoted in USA, the first reliable fountain pen that did not
stain people’s shirt pockets while carrying them. The company used the tagline ‘Avoid embarrassment –
Use parker Pens’. When the company decided to enter South America and translated the promotion line
into Spanish, they got a response that was different than what they had anticipated. The Spanish word
for embarrassment also means pregnancy. Parker Pens were being promoted as contraceptives!
ii. A museum is Japan had a gem of a message advising the patrons in English to “Refrain from taking
photographs and reproducing.”
iii. Ford introduced a low cost truck – ‘Fiera’ in South America. It kept wondering about the low sales till it
came to know that ‘fiera’ meant ‘ugly, old woman’ in Spanish.
iv. Toyota’s MR2 sold well in many countries except France. MR2 often pronounced as ‘merde’ means
‘human waste’ in French!
v. Hotels across the world have also contributed a fair share to communication bloopers:
‘Please leave your values at the front desk.’ (Paris)
‘You are respectfully requested to take advantages of the chambermaids.’(Tokyo)
‘For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day-care centre on the first floor.’ (Moscow)
‘The manager has personally passed the water served here.’ (Acapuleo)
‘The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time, we regret you will be unbearable.’ (Bucharest)
Hilarious isn’t it? But this has cost hundreds of dollars to the companies that have mis-communicated. So what
do all the young managers do? Stick to the saying:
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself!”
i. Parker Pen Company had developed and promoted in USA, the first reliable fountain pen that did not
stain people’s shirt pockets while carrying them. The company used the tagline ‘Avoid embarrassment –
Use parker Pens’. When the company decided to enter South America and translated the promotion line
into Spanish, they got a response that was different than what they had anticipated. The Spanish word
for embarrassment also means pregnancy. Parker Pens were being promoted as contraceptives!
ii. A museum is Japan had a gem of a message advising the patrons in English to “Refrain from taking
photographs and reproducing.”
iii. Ford introduced a low cost truck – ‘Fiera’ in South America. It kept wondering about the low sales till it
came to know that ‘fiera’ meant ‘ugly, old woman’ in Spanish.
iv. Toyota’s MR2 sold well in many countries except France. MR2 often pronounced as ‘merde’ means
‘human waste’ in French!
v. Hotels across the world have also contributed a fair share to communication bloopers:
‘Please leave your values at the front desk.’ (Paris)
‘You are respectfully requested to take advantages of the chambermaids.’(Tokyo)
‘For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day-care centre on the first floor.’ (Moscow)
‘The manager has personally passed the water served here.’ (Acapuleo)
‘The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time, we regret you will be unbearable.’ (Bucharest)
Hilarious isn’t it? But this has cost hundreds of dollars to the companies that have mis-communicated. So what
do all the young managers do? Stick to the saying:
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself!”
Humorous Quotes
The world is divided into people who do things, and people who get the credit.
i. The best way of preventing milk from getting sour is to keep it in the cow.
ii. God is known as man’s best friend because he gives no advice, never tries to borrow money, and has no
in laws.
iii. A barking dog barks while barking.
iv. Where were you born? In a hospital. Why? Were you sick?
v. Don’t make your guests feel at home. If they wanted to feel at home, they would have stayed at home.
vi. I was in the army. My wife sent me nagging letters. I couldn’t enjoy the war in peace.
vii. Speak well of your enemies. Remember – you made them!
viii. Nothing is impossible for a man who doesn’t have to do it himself.
ix. Why do women live longer than men? They have no wives.
x. There’s no fool like an old fool. You cannot beat the experience.
i. The best way of preventing milk from getting sour is to keep it in the cow.
ii. God is known as man’s best friend because he gives no advice, never tries to borrow money, and has no
in laws.
iii. A barking dog barks while barking.
iv. Where were you born? In a hospital. Why? Were you sick?
v. Don’t make your guests feel at home. If they wanted to feel at home, they would have stayed at home.
vi. I was in the army. My wife sent me nagging letters. I couldn’t enjoy the war in peace.
vii. Speak well of your enemies. Remember – you made them!
viii. Nothing is impossible for a man who doesn’t have to do it himself.
ix. Why do women live longer than men? They have no wives.
x. There’s no fool like an old fool. You cannot beat the experience.
Life in iMA…
It all starts in the morning when I accidentally bump into my alarm just to find out there are only 15 min left for the BUS to leave! With all the roomies and neighbours to adjust in one bathroom (their bathrooms being under repair most of the time) and finish with the daily chores, learning the principles of being mutually beneficial, I get ready! Then there is race... race to reach the bus. As soon as the driver sees me approaching the bus.....he leaves. Damn! There are still 5 min left! After centuries I finally find a rickshaw crawling along the road side seeming to be the last of its kind, a very rare scene. And to my relief it’s empty. God I love you so much! But
suddenly there is a mad rush I see a crowd approaching really fast towards this "rickshaw".... in case I forgot to mention I am not the only one who missed the Bus. Then managing to convince the "riksawwalla" to take us to the academy ,telling him the directions and not to forget the bargaining of the sky rocketing prices had made me believe I can overcome any hurdle in life as far as "rickshaw" is concerned! So while attempting to make a world record we, i.e.10 in a "rick", manage to reach the Academy... on time! Phew!! Oh sorry not yet I forgot about the queue for the breakfast. Sometimes it leaves us all fasting instead of breaking it. NO people in IMA love to eat.... the food is over in this case!! We rush to the class rooms as soon as we enter there is our professor standing and I listen someone calling my name and the CR saying "ABSENT"!!!
"But Sir!!" "No sorry I can’t help you are expected to be in class at sharp 9". Thanks for reminding me that!! Sheesh.. The lecture goes on and you keep blaming yourself even though I am physically present here, with all the difficulties I had to go through, I am officially absent!! Bohoo..everthing is fine for sometime but after a while my stomach starts hurting , remember I couldn't have my breakfast.. But it’s just 2nd lecture. I wait. Keep myself patient, clam!! Then the thing I've been waiting for "its 12:40". I rush up and what I see reminds of this females soft voice telling me "aap katar mein hain ,kripaya pratiksha karein".Well I have lunch obviously can’t afford to miss that!! We continue with the rest of the lectures and come back all weary .The dinner is better, we have it peacefully... as the Sun God after all does spare us for a while!! The night is usually spent studying or making a project and waking up ending having to use the laptops as a pillow is not a rare sight to see in IMA.... But at the end its the zeal and energy what we share with our friends and determination is what makes us keeps going all the way... at least till now!
suddenly there is a mad rush I see a crowd approaching really fast towards this "rickshaw".... in case I forgot to mention I am not the only one who missed the Bus. Then managing to convince the "riksawwalla" to take us to the academy ,telling him the directions and not to forget the bargaining of the sky rocketing prices had made me believe I can overcome any hurdle in life as far as "rickshaw" is concerned! So while attempting to make a world record we, i.e.10 in a "rick", manage to reach the Academy... on time! Phew!! Oh sorry not yet I forgot about the queue for the breakfast. Sometimes it leaves us all fasting instead of breaking it. NO people in IMA love to eat.... the food is over in this case!! We rush to the class rooms as soon as we enter there is our professor standing and I listen someone calling my name and the CR saying "ABSENT"!!!
"But Sir!!" "No sorry I can’t help you are expected to be in class at sharp 9". Thanks for reminding me that!! Sheesh.. The lecture goes on and you keep blaming yourself even though I am physically present here, with all the difficulties I had to go through, I am officially absent!! Bohoo..everthing is fine for sometime but after a while my stomach starts hurting , remember I couldn't have my breakfast.. But it’s just 2nd lecture. I wait. Keep myself patient, clam!! Then the thing I've been waiting for "its 12:40". I rush up and what I see reminds of this females soft voice telling me "aap katar mein hain ,kripaya pratiksha karein".Well I have lunch obviously can’t afford to miss that!! We continue with the rest of the lectures and come back all weary .The dinner is better, we have it peacefully... as the Sun God after all does spare us for a while!! The night is usually spent studying or making a project and waking up ending having to use the laptops as a pillow is not a rare sight to see in IMA.... But at the end its the zeal and energy what we share with our friends and determination is what makes us keeps going all the way... at least till now!
10 places to visit in Hyderabad
i. Café Mocha (Road No. 7, Banjara Hills) – Undoubtedly one of the hippiest place around and my personal favorite. The place has everything going for it – the ambience, the food, the coffee, the crowd etc.
ii. Prasads (Necklace Road) – Do what you like. Eat, shop, watch movies, play, flirt…
iii. Alleygator (3D road, Secunderabad) – The best gaming parlour in Hydereabad. A good place to have your parties too.
iv. Café Coffee Day – the original coffee with first centers. Great place to laze around for hours especially at Kauveri Hills.
v. Minerva (Somajiguda) – Good food, great service
vi. Durgam Cheruvu (Jubilee Hills) – ‘Breathtaking’ is the word for the artificial park. Positioned ‘uncomfortably’ on the western side of the Secret Lake.
vii. Runway Nine (Medchal Road) – Have’nt been there but looking forward too. Go-carting is the top attraction apart from food, games, movies and stuff.
viii. 10 Downing Street (Begumpet) – The swankiest pub in the town, one of the most happening places. The food is good and so is the crowd especially the ladies nites on Wednesday!
ix. Hyderabad Central (Punjagutta) – It defines the new age multiplex mall. The biggest mall around.
x. Eat Street (Necklace Road) – Great concept to have your favorite fast food besides the lake and road passing through it.
ii. Prasads (Necklace Road) – Do what you like. Eat, shop, watch movies, play, flirt…
iii. Alleygator (3D road, Secunderabad) – The best gaming parlour in Hydereabad. A good place to have your parties too.
iv. Café Coffee Day – the original coffee with first centers. Great place to laze around for hours especially at Kauveri Hills.
v. Minerva (Somajiguda) – Good food, great service
vi. Durgam Cheruvu (Jubilee Hills) – ‘Breathtaking’ is the word for the artificial park. Positioned ‘uncomfortably’ on the western side of the Secret Lake.
vii. Runway Nine (Medchal Road) – Have’nt been there but looking forward too. Go-carting is the top attraction apart from food, games, movies and stuff.
viii. 10 Downing Street (Begumpet) – The swankiest pub in the town, one of the most happening places. The food is good and so is the crowd especially the ladies nites on Wednesday!
ix. Hyderabad Central (Punjagutta) – It defines the new age multiplex mall. The biggest mall around.
x. Eat Street (Necklace Road) – Great concept to have your favorite fast food besides the lake and road passing through it.
Faculty and I
When my faculty talks about his subject, he is – Omniscient
When I do the same, I am – Chatter box
When he tries to know everything that goes on in the class, he is – Concerned
When I try to know the same, I am – Noisy
When he is absent from the class, he is - busy or ill
When I am, I must’ve been on a – date
When he chats with his colleagues, he is – Exchanging Ideas
When I chat, I am – Gossiping
When he takes extra classes, he is – sincere with his work
When I ask for extra classes, I am – Too Inefficient
When he takes a long time to solve a problem - he is being thorough
When I do the same - I am slow
When I do the same, I am – Chatter box
When he tries to know everything that goes on in the class, he is – Concerned
When I try to know the same, I am – Noisy
When he is absent from the class, he is - busy or ill
When I am, I must’ve been on a – date
When he chats with his colleagues, he is – Exchanging Ideas
When I chat, I am – Gossiping
When he takes extra classes, he is – sincere with his work
When I ask for extra classes, I am – Too Inefficient
When he takes a long time to solve a problem - he is being thorough
When I do the same - I am slow
Café MoCha
Café Mocha, originally known as Coffees and Conversation is the place to be if you are in a lookout for more than just a cup of coffee. Their deserts, drinks, snacks and hookahs are simply divine. And don’t worry, their hookahs are fruit flavoured with no tobacco content. In a décor that resembles a Cairo lounge, lamps and dim lighting, the waiters are dressed to the theme as is the music being played. The menu gives you as many options as articles in a newspaper. My favorites being the utterly sinful positive layer chocolate cake, The Vertigo and The Chocolate Avalanche is a devilish combo of chocolate and coffee ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate bits, chocolate sauce and almost every form of chocolate on the planet. For people who don’t have much of a sweet tooth, there is a plethora of snacks, pita and fries to choose from. Now switching to the drinks bit, the Mocha shake is the best for people who like cold coffee. One can even try
the Black Forest Shake – a blend of coffee, cream and chocolate, or an equally amazing Oreo Cookie Shake. Their house blend Cappuccino is good for those who prefer their cup hot and steamy and of course, the classic Latte. And for those without a caffeine rush, I would suggest Country Lemonade, Berry Blast and Tropical Smoothies out of the huge range of thirst quenching coolers. Café Mocha has also introduced a buffet lunch on Sundays for Rs.300/- from 12 noon to 3 p.m., where one gets to literally gorge on lavish offerings of pasta, crepes, rolls etc.
Café Mocha is an ideal weekend gateway after a long hard week at work. Even though one might have to wait before getting seated, but trust me fellas….. Café Mocha is worth the wait.
Address: #8-2-574/B, Road no. 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Phone #: +91-40-23350133/44
the Black Forest Shake – a blend of coffee, cream and chocolate, or an equally amazing Oreo Cookie Shake. Their house blend Cappuccino is good for those who prefer their cup hot and steamy and of course, the classic Latte. And for those without a caffeine rush, I would suggest Country Lemonade, Berry Blast and Tropical Smoothies out of the huge range of thirst quenching coolers. Café Mocha has also introduced a buffet lunch on Sundays for Rs.300/- from 12 noon to 3 p.m., where one gets to literally gorge on lavish offerings of pasta, crepes, rolls etc.
Café Mocha is an ideal weekend gateway after a long hard week at work. Even though one might have to wait before getting seated, but trust me fellas….. Café Mocha is worth the wait.
Address: #8-2-574/B, Road no. 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Phone #: +91-40-23350133/44
Two ShorT STorieS
Jesus and Satans’ Contest
Jesus and Satan have an argument as to who is the
better programmer. This goes on for a few hours until
they come to an agreement to hold a contest, with
God as the judge. They set themselves before their
computers and began. They typed furiously, lines of
code streaming up the screen, for several hours
straight. Seconds before the end of the competition, a
bolt of lightning strikes, taking out the electricity.
Moments later, the power is restored, and God
announces that the contest is over. He asks Satan to
show what he has come up with. Satan is visibly
upset, and cries, “I have nothing. I lost it all when the
power went out.” “Very well, then,” says God, “Let us
see if Jesus fared any better.” Jesus enters a
command, and the screen comes to life in vivid
display, the voices of an angelic choir pour forth from
the speakers. Satan is astonished. He stutters, “B-bbut
how?! I lost everything, yet Jesus’
program is intact! How did he do it?” God chuckles,
“Everybody knows Jesus saves.”
The Pope’s Golf Game
The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal
from Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. “Your
Holiness,” said one of his Cardinals, “Mr. Netanyahu
wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show the
friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish
and Catholic faiths.” The Pope thought this was a
good idea, but he had never held a golf club in his
hand. “Don’t we have a Cardinal to represent me?” he
asked. “None that plays very well,” a Cardinal replied.
“But,” he added, “there is a man named Jack Nicklaus,
an American golfer who is a devout Catholic. We can
offer to make him a Cardinal, then ask him to play Mr.
Netanyahu as your personal representative. In
addition, to showing our spirit of cooperation, we’ll
also win the match.” Everyone agreed it was a good
idea. The call was made. Of course, Nicklaus was
honored and agreed to play. The day after the match,
Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope
of the result. “I have some good news and some bad
news, your Holiness, “ said the golfer. “Tell me the
good news first, Cardinal Nicklaus,” said thePope.
“Well, your Holiness, I don’t like to brag, but even
though I’ve played some pretty terrific rounds of golf
in my life, this was the best I have ever played, by far.
I must’ve been inspired from above. My drives were
long and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful,
and my putting was perfect.
With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous.”
“There’s bad news?” the Pope asked. “Yes,” Nicklaus
sighed. “I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes.”
Jesus and Satan have an argument as to who is the
better programmer. This goes on for a few hours until
they come to an agreement to hold a contest, with
God as the judge. They set themselves before their
computers and began. They typed furiously, lines of
code streaming up the screen, for several hours
straight. Seconds before the end of the competition, a
bolt of lightning strikes, taking out the electricity.
Moments later, the power is restored, and God
announces that the contest is over. He asks Satan to
show what he has come up with. Satan is visibly
upset, and cries, “I have nothing. I lost it all when the
power went out.” “Very well, then,” says God, “Let us
see if Jesus fared any better.” Jesus enters a
command, and the screen comes to life in vivid
display, the voices of an angelic choir pour forth from
the speakers. Satan is astonished. He stutters, “B-bbut
how?! I lost everything, yet Jesus’
program is intact! How did he do it?” God chuckles,
“Everybody knows Jesus saves.”
The Pope’s Golf Game
The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal
from Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. “Your
Holiness,” said one of his Cardinals, “Mr. Netanyahu
wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show the
friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish
and Catholic faiths.” The Pope thought this was a
good idea, but he had never held a golf club in his
hand. “Don’t we have a Cardinal to represent me?” he
asked. “None that plays very well,” a Cardinal replied.
“But,” he added, “there is a man named Jack Nicklaus,
an American golfer who is a devout Catholic. We can
offer to make him a Cardinal, then ask him to play Mr.
Netanyahu as your personal representative. In
addition, to showing our spirit of cooperation, we’ll
also win the match.” Everyone agreed it was a good
idea. The call was made. Of course, Nicklaus was
honored and agreed to play. The day after the match,
Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope
of the result. “I have some good news and some bad
news, your Holiness, “ said the golfer. “Tell me the
good news first, Cardinal Nicklaus,” said thePope.
“Well, your Holiness, I don’t like to brag, but even
though I’ve played some pretty terrific rounds of golf
in my life, this was the best I have ever played, by far.
I must’ve been inspired from above. My drives were
long and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful,
and my putting was perfect.
With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous.”
“There’s bad news?” the Pope asked. “Yes,” Nicklaus
sighed. “I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes.”
Car Names ExplainEd
AUDI - Always Unsafe Designs Implemented
BMW - Bought My Wife Brutal Money Waster Break My Window
BUICK - Big Ugly Indestructible Car Killer
DODGE - Drips Oil, Drops Grease Everywhere
FORD - First On Recall Day First on Rust and Deterioration
GM - General Maintenance Great Mistake
GMC- Garage Man’s CompanionGot A Mechanic Coming?
HONDA - Had One Never Did Again
HYUNDAI - Hope You Understand Nothing’s Drivable and Inexpensive...
MAZDA - Most Always Zipping Dangerously Along
PONTIAC - Poor Old Neanderthal thinks It’s A Cadillac
TOYOTA - Too Often Yankees Overprice This Auto
VOLVO - Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object Vehicles of Low Velocity Owners
BMW - Bought My Wife Brutal Money Waster Break My Window
BUICK - Big Ugly Indestructible Car Killer
DODGE - Drips Oil, Drops Grease Everywhere
FORD - First On Recall Day First on Rust and Deterioration
GM - General Maintenance Great Mistake
GMC- Garage Man’s CompanionGot A Mechanic Coming?
HONDA - Had One Never Did Again
HYUNDAI - Hope You Understand Nothing’s Drivable and Inexpensive...
MAZDA - Most Always Zipping Dangerously Along
PONTIAC - Poor Old Neanderthal thinks It’s A Cadillac
TOYOTA - Too Often Yankees Overprice This Auto
VOLVO - Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object Vehicles of Low Velocity Owners
StreSS management – Quiz
Do you handle stress well? Try our health quiz to test your stress levels and read tips to help manage stress and improve your health.
1. You're in the 8 items or less express lane at the supermarket and you notice someone ahead of you has over 12
items in their basket. You:
A. Call for the manager
B. Don’t let it bother you
C. Complain under your breath to the person behind you
2. You know exactly which situations make you feel stressed:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Sometimes
3. The amount of stress you experience in a difficult situation is influenced by:
A. Your thoughts and feelings
B. Your behaviour
C. All of the above
4. You prepare yourself for stressful situations in advance by rehearsing how you will handle them:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Sometimes
5. Your average day always includes time for exercise and fun:
A. Never – you don’t have the time
B. Always
C. Only on weekends
6. Your boss tells you off. You are upset and you:
A. Tell yourself you probably deserved it
B. Yell back
C. Wait till you both calm down then talk to the boss about it
7. You were planning a weekend away with a friend who rings you at the last minute to cancel. You:
A. Hang up in a rage
B. Try and organise someone else to go with you
C. Go out and drown your sorrows
8. When things go wrong you tend to think:
A. ‘This is a disaster – I can’t cope’
B. ‘This is a challenge I can meet’
C. ‘I’m out of here!’
Answers
Give 10 points to the questions if you have marked 1B, 2A, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6C, 7B, 8B.
Give 7 points to the following items if you have marked 1C, 2C, 3A, 4C, 5C, 6A, 7C, 8C.
Give 0 points to the following items if you have marked 1A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7A, 8A.
Scores
0-20 : You tend to bottle things up until you reach exploding point. Try talking about your worries before they get
too big to handle. Make more time in your life for relaxation and develop some strategies to let off steam
constructively.
25-55: You talk about what’s stressing you out but often not to the person who can most help. Try rehearsing
situations that are stressful for you and imagine yourself handling them more confidently. Avoiding situations that
you find stressful only works to a point. Take on achievable projects at home or at work that will build your sense of
confidence and achievement and develop your problem solving and goal setting skills.
60-80: You are a good stress manager. You know what your stress triggers are and you are able to handle them
when they arise.
1. You're in the 8 items or less express lane at the supermarket and you notice someone ahead of you has over 12
items in their basket. You:
A. Call for the manager
B. Don’t let it bother you
C. Complain under your breath to the person behind you
2. You know exactly which situations make you feel stressed:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Sometimes
3. The amount of stress you experience in a difficult situation is influenced by:
A. Your thoughts and feelings
B. Your behaviour
C. All of the above
4. You prepare yourself for stressful situations in advance by rehearsing how you will handle them:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Sometimes
5. Your average day always includes time for exercise and fun:
A. Never – you don’t have the time
B. Always
C. Only on weekends
6. Your boss tells you off. You are upset and you:
A. Tell yourself you probably deserved it
B. Yell back
C. Wait till you both calm down then talk to the boss about it
7. You were planning a weekend away with a friend who rings you at the last minute to cancel. You:
A. Hang up in a rage
B. Try and organise someone else to go with you
C. Go out and drown your sorrows
8. When things go wrong you tend to think:
A. ‘This is a disaster – I can’t cope’
B. ‘This is a challenge I can meet’
C. ‘I’m out of here!’
Answers
Give 10 points to the questions if you have marked 1B, 2A, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6C, 7B, 8B.
Give 7 points to the following items if you have marked 1C, 2C, 3A, 4C, 5C, 6A, 7C, 8C.
Give 0 points to the following items if you have marked 1A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7A, 8A.
Scores
0-20 : You tend to bottle things up until you reach exploding point. Try talking about your worries before they get
too big to handle. Make more time in your life for relaxation and develop some strategies to let off steam
constructively.
25-55: You talk about what’s stressing you out but often not to the person who can most help. Try rehearsing
situations that are stressful for you and imagine yourself handling them more confidently. Avoiding situations that
you find stressful only works to a point. Take on achievable projects at home or at work that will build your sense of
confidence and achievement and develop your problem solving and goal setting skills.
60-80: You are a good stress manager. You know what your stress triggers are and you are able to handle them
when they arise.
Was it so?
This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy in US!!!
A few years ago, Prime Minister Mori was given some basic English conversation training before he visits
Washington and meets president Bill Clinton...
The instructor told Mori Prime Minister, when you shake hand with President Clinton, please say 'how r u'.
Then Mr.Clinton should say, "I am fine, and you?" Now, you should say 'me too'. Afterwards we, the translators
will do the work for you."
It looks quite simple, but the truth is...
When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said "Who r u?" (Instead of "How r u?")
Mr Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:
"Well, I'm Hillay's husband, ha-ha..."
Then Mori replied "me too, ha-ha..".
Then there was a long silent in the meeting room.
A few years ago, Prime Minister Mori was given some basic English conversation training before he visits
Washington and meets president Bill Clinton...
The instructor told Mori Prime Minister, when you shake hand with President Clinton, please say 'how r u'.
Then Mr.Clinton should say, "I am fine, and you?" Now, you should say 'me too'. Afterwards we, the translators
will do the work for you."
It looks quite simple, but the truth is...
When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said "Who r u?" (Instead of "How r u?")
Mr Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:
"Well, I'm Hillay's husband, ha-ha..."
Then Mori replied "me too, ha-ha..".
Then there was a long silent in the meeting room.
IMA MAstI trIvIA
Masti Facts:-
1) Popular hangouts of IMA’ns
Heritage Fresh
The Juice Wala
Nariyal Pani wali Gali
Terrace
Not so popular, but nevertheless some more hangouts of IMA’ns
Computer Lab
Library
2) IMA has made life heaven for many. Some of them are
Xerox Stores- Profit up 300%
The Juice Wala- Profit up 500%
Laptop companies especially “Dell”
Heritage Fresh & Reliance Wellness
3) IMA has become the only academy where men are hotter than women. Thanks to the cooler provided at the
women’s hostel, which keeps them cool.
Masti MCQ’s:-
1) Which section has got the biggest impact of studying ethics & CSR?
a) B
b) F
c) Both
d) None
Answer- C (That’s the reason why B conducted the “Social Drive” and F organised the “Blood Donation Camp”)
2) Which amongst the following has the biggest “line”?
a) Railway ticket line
b) Telephone bill line
c) Electricity bill line
d) IMA lunch line
Answer-D (The funny thing is in the first three options when your number finally comes, the person at the
counter leaves saying “It’s lunch time” and in the last option when your number finally comes, the person at the
counter leaves saying “Lunch time is over”.)
3) Which is the most popular word/sentence in IMA?
a) Please...
b) Are you getting it?
c) Yama...
d) Aree baba
e) Suppose uh….
f) All of the above
Answer-F (Because if there is an option “All of the above”, most of the times it’s correct)
Masti Short questions:-
1) Which section will get Corporate as the specialization?
Answer- Section I
2) Which section won’t be placed in rural areas?
Answer- None
3) What is the future of IMA’ns?
Answer- BPO, Now don’t panic. BPO here means Bank Probationary Officer
1) Popular hangouts of IMA’ns
Heritage Fresh
The Juice Wala
Nariyal Pani wali Gali
Terrace
Not so popular, but nevertheless some more hangouts of IMA’ns
Computer Lab
Library
2) IMA has made life heaven for many. Some of them are
Xerox Stores- Profit up 300%
The Juice Wala- Profit up 500%
Laptop companies especially “Dell”
Heritage Fresh & Reliance Wellness
3) IMA has become the only academy where men are hotter than women. Thanks to the cooler provided at the
women’s hostel, which keeps them cool.
Masti MCQ’s:-
1) Which section has got the biggest impact of studying ethics & CSR?
a) B
b) F
c) Both
d) None
Answer- C (That’s the reason why B conducted the “Social Drive” and F organised the “Blood Donation Camp”)
2) Which amongst the following has the biggest “line”?
a) Railway ticket line
b) Telephone bill line
c) Electricity bill line
d) IMA lunch line
Answer-D (The funny thing is in the first three options when your number finally comes, the person at the
counter leaves saying “It’s lunch time” and in the last option when your number finally comes, the person at the
counter leaves saying “Lunch time is over”.)
3) Which is the most popular word/sentence in IMA?
a) Please...
b) Are you getting it?
c) Yama...
d) Aree baba
e) Suppose uh….
f) All of the above
Answer-F (Because if there is an option “All of the above”, most of the times it’s correct)
Masti Short questions:-
1) Which section will get Corporate as the specialization?
Answer- Section I
2) Which section won’t be placed in rural areas?
Answer- None
3) What is the future of IMA’ns?
Answer- BPO, Now don’t panic. BPO here means Bank Probationary Officer
verses SECTION
In a class exercise, four parameters were given around which a story had to be constructed. This group consisting of Arya, Aradhana, Mohan, Garima, Gaurav, Sapna, Subhransu, Priyanka and Swati, beautifully carved out a poem. Following were the parameters and then follows the poem.
Character – A recent graduate, Setting – A party, Time – Early spring, Situation – Someone who has failed in love
There was once a guy
Who was very shy
Men thought there was nothing he cared
But there was a secret love he didn’t share
The look of her face made him forget time,
The sparkle in her eyes made him forget life.
He completed college,
Though with only some knowledge.
So in spring they had a graduation party,
And there was this girl he had found so pretty
Spring was the season,
Love was the reason.
Come hell or high water,
There was nothing that would matter
Her looks so beautiful,
The guy became very cool.
He walked to her with a rose,
His heart, full of hope
He loved her so deeply,
But proposed so meekly
She stared at him with her lovely eyes,
And her answer pierced him like ice
The rejection was something he couldn’t take
And he thought that he would break.
But looking at the spring sky,
He thought he’d give life another try
Character – A recent graduate, Setting – A party, Time – Early spring, Situation – Someone who has failed in love
There was once a guy
Who was very shy
Men thought there was nothing he cared
But there was a secret love he didn’t share
The look of her face made him forget time,
The sparkle in her eyes made him forget life.
He completed college,
Though with only some knowledge.
So in spring they had a graduation party,
And there was this girl he had found so pretty
Spring was the season,
Love was the reason.
Come hell or high water,
There was nothing that would matter
Her looks so beautiful,
The guy became very cool.
He walked to her with a rose,
His heart, full of hope
He loved her so deeply,
But proposed so meekly
She stared at him with her lovely eyes,
And her answer pierced him like ice
The rejection was something he couldn’t take
And he thought that he would break.
But looking at the spring sky,
He thought he’d give life another try
Examination
It’s a beautiful imagination
Examination! Examination!!
At IMA, three months of valuable education,
Recently, gave birth to our examination,
And, no matter what so ever was initial
sensation,
Lastly, it all ran into a frustration.
God knows them who created this fashion
But examination is prevalent in every nation.
It gives us the sensation, hard enough to mention
The tension created, postpones our navigation.
At the end of 1st trimester examination,
I hope most of you enjoyed at Majestic Station.
Anyway, examination is the ladder to the aim
That all of us loudly claim.
But as they arrive near all try to avoid fear
Something
Examination! Examination!!
At IMA, three months of valuable education,
Recently, gave birth to our examination,
And, no matter what so ever was initial
sensation,
Lastly, it all ran into a frustration.
God knows them who created this fashion
But examination is prevalent in every nation.
It gives us the sensation, hard enough to mention
The tension created, postpones our navigation.
At the end of 1st trimester examination,
I hope most of you enjoyed at Majestic Station.
Anyway, examination is the ladder to the aim
That all of us loudly claim.
But as they arrive near all try to avoid fear
Something
Your Life Costs MuCh
Our birth is our opening balance
Our death is our closing balance
Our prejudices views are our liabilities
Our creative ideas are our assets
The heart is our current asset
Soul, is our fixed asset
Brain is our fixed account
Thinking is our current account
Achievements are our capital
Characters and morals are our stocks in trade
Friends are our general reserves
Values and behaviour are our goodwill
Patience is our interest earned
Love is our dividend
Education is our brands
Knowledge is our investments
Experience is our premium account
The aim is, to tally the balance sheet accurately
The goal is, to get the best-presented accounts award.
Our death is our closing balance
Our prejudices views are our liabilities
Our creative ideas are our assets
The heart is our current asset
Soul, is our fixed asset
Brain is our fixed account
Thinking is our current account
Achievements are our capital
Characters and morals are our stocks in trade
Friends are our general reserves
Values and behaviour are our goodwill
Patience is our interest earned
Love is our dividend
Education is our brands
Knowledge is our investments
Experience is our premium account
The aim is, to tally the balance sheet accurately
The goal is, to get the best-presented accounts award.
Zindegi ye Zindegi
,
, , ,
.
Boy Friend,
Girl Friend ,
,
.
Home Sickness ,
Girl Friend
.
,
Girl Friend - ,
…..
,
AC .
,
.
,
Gym
.
McDonalds, PizaaHut ,
-
.
…..
Work Relation ,
.
Professional ,
Social .
, , ,
.
Boy Friend,
Girl Friend ,
,
.
Home Sickness ,
Girl Friend
.
,
Girl Friend - ,
…..
,
AC .
,
.
,
Gym
.
McDonalds, PizaaHut ,
-
.
…..
Work Relation ,
.
Professional ,
Social .
Long Way to Go
Long Way to Go
My journey is long
But my speed is slow
That’s why I know
I’ve a long way to go
I chose the path seldom one would take
And everybody said you’re making a big
mistake
For it had obstacles which continued to
grow
But I kept running because my heart said so
Initially the target seemed difficult to attain
And all my efforts were going in vain
I realized I had to increase my pace
As I was running to win the race
But I got tired and fell on the way
Saw many going ahead & away
My legs had taken up some pounding
I couldn’t run so I started crawling
But they say God is a great leveller
Even to a tired traveller
Steep slope was the way ahead
And those who were running wounded their head
So I attained my goal, thanks to God
Because if he sent the devil, he also sent a sword
But that’s not the point where I take rest
As life is a mystery, a continuous test
My journey is long but my speed is slow
That’s why I know I’ve a long way to go
That’s why I know I’ve a long way to go.
My journey is long
But my speed is slow
That’s why I know
I’ve a long way to go
I chose the path seldom one would take
And everybody said you’re making a big
mistake
For it had obstacles which continued to
grow
But I kept running because my heart said so
Initially the target seemed difficult to attain
And all my efforts were going in vain
I realized I had to increase my pace
As I was running to win the race
But I got tired and fell on the way
Saw many going ahead & away
My legs had taken up some pounding
I couldn’t run so I started crawling
But they say God is a great leveller
Even to a tired traveller
Steep slope was the way ahead
And those who were running wounded their head
So I attained my goal, thanks to God
Because if he sent the devil, he also sent a sword
But that’s not the point where I take rest
As life is a mystery, a continuous test
My journey is long but my speed is slow
That’s why I know I’ve a long way to go
That’s why I know I’ve a long way to go.
Idea
Idea stems out from the imaginative power,
Perhaps to create a knowledge shower;
Things from old & new concepts,
Brought together to bridge real life facts;
Sometimes crazy & at times silly,
But comes from the beautiful mind as a lily;
Ideas are the creation of mind,
So always be kind & thankful to your mind;
Practical experiences & faults are in it,
It may be wrong somewhere while somewhere it may
fit;
So, let all of us think more & more,
To make the mind’s
Perhaps to create a knowledge shower;
Things from old & new concepts,
Brought together to bridge real life facts;
Sometimes crazy & at times silly,
But comes from the beautiful mind as a lily;
Ideas are the creation of mind,
So always be kind & thankful to your mind;
Practical experiences & faults are in it,
It may be wrong somewhere while somewhere it may
fit;
So, let all of us think more & more,
To make the mind’s
The Colours.....
….. And there it ends. Then… all set… old Parker
in hand,
I sat down to write a romantic poem……
Writing from a far-off land, my friend,
Reorganize the old hand? The melting words!
Does it still rain at your place?
And the wind gently caresses the hair. Does it?
And the earthly smell, sensuality….?
I see the pedestal broken… and the dreams
scattered. “Distance never increases between a
couple of trees.”
With time, their roots meet, underneath.”
And I still stand erect, my friend, stand strong,
My mirror hasn’t betrayed me yet.
The collage of broken dreams, the creator,
And a hypocrisy called love. Mercy… romantics.
….. And there it ends. Then… all set… old Parker
in hand, I sat down to write a romantic poem…
I dig up the old wounds…..to let the fresh blood flow.
The purifier. Flowing river drowns the melting words,
I take up my brush… to fill the canvas with colours
again,
You are not welcome the shades of grey. The shadows
Of my dreams. Paint me red. The crimson- crave.
It’s long since I saw the blue hills, the crystal rivers,
The winding roads carpeted by fallen leaves. They all
Call me again. My old friends. My love.
Colours of the world…. Come down to me again.
Let me live….. a butterfly…. five days of eternity.
Under the deep blue skies I stand. Alive again.
Raindrops pour in…. the sound echoes in my world.
The end of ennui. The times of love.
I feel the caressing hand…. as I paint my world.
….. And there it ends. Then… all set… old Parker in
hand, I sat down to write a romantic poem...
in hand,
I sat down to write a romantic poem……
Writing from a far-off land, my friend,
Reorganize the old hand? The melting words!
Does it still rain at your place?
And the wind gently caresses the hair. Does it?
And the earthly smell, sensuality….?
I see the pedestal broken… and the dreams
scattered. “Distance never increases between a
couple of trees.”
With time, their roots meet, underneath.”
And I still stand erect, my friend, stand strong,
My mirror hasn’t betrayed me yet.
The collage of broken dreams, the creator,
And a hypocrisy called love. Mercy… romantics.
….. And there it ends. Then… all set… old Parker
in hand, I sat down to write a romantic poem…
I dig up the old wounds…..to let the fresh blood flow.
The purifier. Flowing river drowns the melting words,
I take up my brush… to fill the canvas with colours
again,
You are not welcome the shades of grey. The shadows
Of my dreams. Paint me red. The crimson- crave.
It’s long since I saw the blue hills, the crystal rivers,
The winding roads carpeted by fallen leaves. They all
Call me again. My old friends. My love.
Colours of the world…. Come down to me again.
Let me live….. a butterfly…. five days of eternity.
Under the deep blue skies I stand. Alive again.
Raindrops pour in…. the sound echoes in my world.
The end of ennui. The times of love.
I feel the caressing hand…. as I paint my world.
….. And there it ends. Then… all set… old Parker in
hand, I sat down to write a romantic poem...
Talk abouT Women
Call a woman a kitten, but never a cat,
You can call her a mouse, cannot call her a rat.
Call a woman a chicken, but never a hen!
Or you surely will not be her caller again.
You can call her a duck, cannot call her a goose,
You can call her a deer, but never a moose,
You can call her a lamb, but never a sheep,
Economic she likes but you can’t call her cheap.
You can say she’s a vision, can’t say she’s a sight,
And no woman is skinny, she’s slender and slight.
If she should burn you up, say she sets you afire,
And you’ll always be welcome, you trick old liar.
You can call her a mouse, cannot call her a rat.
Call a woman a chicken, but never a hen!
Or you surely will not be her caller again.
You can call her a duck, cannot call her a goose,
You can call her a deer, but never a moose,
You can call her a lamb, but never a sheep,
Economic she likes but you can’t call her cheap.
You can say she’s a vision, can’t say she’s a sight,
And no woman is skinny, she’s slender and slight.
If she should burn you up, say she sets you afire,
And you’ll always be welcome, you trick old liar.
TEAM IMAGE
From left (Rashi Jain, Abhinav Kashyup, Chiranjibi D.Panda, Vishal Chaurasia, Parikshit Kapila, Varun Sharma, Reshma
Menon, Anand Jhamnani, Victor Chen, Anubhuti Jain, Ayan Kumar Das.)
IMAge Team Members
Editor- Chiranjibi D. Panda
Co-ordinator- Debarti Dutta
Executive Board Members- Abhinav Kashyup
Anand Jhamnani
Anubhuti Jain
Ayan Kumar Das
Parikshit Kapila
Rashi Jain
Reshma Menon
Varun Sharma
Victor Chen
Vishal Chaurasia
Menon, Anand Jhamnani, Victor Chen, Anubhuti Jain, Ayan Kumar Das.)
IMAge Team Members
Editor- Chiranjibi D. Panda
Co-ordinator- Debarti Dutta
Executive Board Members- Abhinav Kashyup
Anand Jhamnani
Anubhuti Jain
Ayan Kumar Das
Parikshit Kapila
Rashi Jain
Reshma Menon
Varun Sharma
Victor Chen
Vishal Chaurasia
FRONT PAGE: IMAGE
Includes an ‘open to all’ CONTEST... It’s a battle...the battle for being the best!!!So are you still waiting or what???
Put in your entries fast......
From the Editor’s desk
Dear colleagues,
While I write this article, I feel more than privileged to share my views with all the readers of “IMAge”. I take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues who bestowed upon me this opportunity. I extend a note of thanks and gratitude.
Every one of us left our sweet homes for a voyage, a voyage for a successful career. We came here, started to know each other, made friends and saw both good and bad times together. Amidst all the brain storming sessions, presentations and assignments, we were left with no time for ourselves. A pool of talents lied within untouched and unaware. Then we brought the IMAge.
“IMAge- Imagination Unleashed”, a touch of originality. The best place to portray the original you. With the successful launch of our section magazine and the encouragement we received from our peers and facilitators, we decided to take it a step further and make it big. It started as a class magazine and was limited to our section, but its success made it go long way. Now it’s for IMA.
The IMAge entails the collective efforts of all the potential contributors. The editorial team consists of a pool of talented individuals who I need to personally thank. I extend my sincere thanks to
Sub-editor Prateek Mathur
Co-ordinator Varun Sharma & Shruti
Design & Layout Souvik Mukherjee, Jaspreet Singh, Rahul Singh
Executive Board Divya Sivaram, Garima Anand, Shubhangi, Debarati Dutta, Sweta Jagadish, Gurdeep Singh, Bright Sam Verghese, Jagjeet Singh, Tejinder Singh, Dhananjay Kumar.
From the first editorial meeting to the final compilation, my colleagues were patient, supportive and above all highly enthusiastic. And the magazine that you behold, exhibits the exuberant efforts by all the contributors and the team. I was so delighted in compiling this magazine.
My heartfelt thanks to my colleagues for contributing diverse articles. In spite of this, all the articles could not be published. My sincere apologies to all, and I hope that the same zeal and enthusiasm is shown by all in the forthcoming issues. We would appreciate your opinions and suggestions, so please feel free to send them across at and visit http://www.imagemagazines.blogspot.com/.
With regards
P. Salila
While I write this article, I feel more than privileged to share my views with all the readers of “IMAge”. I take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues who bestowed upon me this opportunity. I extend a note of thanks and gratitude.
Every one of us left our sweet homes for a voyage, a voyage for a successful career. We came here, started to know each other, made friends and saw both good and bad times together. Amidst all the brain storming sessions, presentations and assignments, we were left with no time for ourselves. A pool of talents lied within untouched and unaware. Then we brought the IMAge.
“IMAge- Imagination Unleashed”, a touch of originality. The best place to portray the original you. With the successful launch of our section magazine and the encouragement we received from our peers and facilitators, we decided to take it a step further and make it big. It started as a class magazine and was limited to our section, but its success made it go long way. Now it’s for IMA.
The IMAge entails the collective efforts of all the potential contributors. The editorial team consists of a pool of talented individuals who I need to personally thank. I extend my sincere thanks to
Sub-editor Prateek Mathur
Co-ordinator Varun Sharma & Shruti
Design & Layout Souvik Mukherjee, Jaspreet Singh, Rahul Singh
Executive Board Divya Sivaram, Garima Anand, Shubhangi, Debarati Dutta, Sweta Jagadish, Gurdeep Singh, Bright Sam Verghese, Jagjeet Singh, Tejinder Singh, Dhananjay Kumar.
From the first editorial meeting to the final compilation, my colleagues were patient, supportive and above all highly enthusiastic. And the magazine that you behold, exhibits the exuberant efforts by all the contributors and the team. I was so delighted in compiling this magazine.
My heartfelt thanks to my colleagues for contributing diverse articles. In spite of this, all the articles could not be published. My sincere apologies to all, and I hope that the same zeal and enthusiasm is shown by all in the forthcoming issues. We would appreciate your opinions and suggestions, so please feel free to send them across at and visit http://www.imagemagazines.blogspot.com/.
With regards
P. Salila
The Co-ordinator speaks out.......!!!
Greetings!
Here, at this time it gives me immense pleasure to bring out the second edition of IMAge – Imagination unleashed. Introducing IMAge was sizeable, exceptional and an assiduous task. But this time the challenge was even more titanic. As the daily activities in the academy caught pace and the plethora of presentations made life pretty miserable, it really needed an extraordinary effort from the team to get things done simultaneously.
Hence I thank the entire IMAge team and everyone who contributed to this months’ edition for the superlative effort. And also the last month team for the tremendous support that they provided us with.
This month the team has tried its best to bring you an immensely piquant anthology of:
· NEWS – ICICI, IMA & current affairs
· A dedicated ‘Sports Section’
· A rendezvous with an interesting personality – Steve Jobs
· A place to visit in Hyderabad
· A vocabulary capsule
· An open to all Contest and feedback section
· Some attention-grabbing write ups and of course ... a lot of FUN.
The idea while designing the contents of the issue was to come up with a constructive compilation which not only provides the readers with important inputs but also leaves an unwavering impression. Inside the magazine, every feature is added to make it edifying, as well as appealing.
I have to make a special note of the participation from the entire IMA. I mean it was an overwhelming experience to see the flurry of articles coming as soon as the bell was rung. Although this made sieving all the more difficult but the outcome was always going to be an exceptional one.
Therefore, no matter what or how much do I say to put across that how proud I am to be a part of this wonderful team, it would be an understatement. It’s only when I look back that I can recognize the learning that I underwent in the process of bringing out just one edition. Hence I would like to take this moment to wish the future caretakers of this baby (IMAge),............’ALL THE VERY BEST’.
We really appreciate the feedback for the last edition, since it helped us a long way in designing this months’ issue. So for the benefit of the next months’ team, this time we are also keeping a feedback box at the academy wherein you can drop a hard copy of your feedback.
Signing off, I would like to say that IMAge intends to bring together the small IMA family that we have here. If we deliberate on it, we do not have a long time to share at this place. But it is what we learn in this excursion that will make a difference in our lives. So let’s make it an interactive session where we can strive to learn and have fun. And we already have a strong foundation called IMAge.
Have a wonderful time reading and all the best for the contest!!!
Varun Sharma
Co-ordinator
Here, at this time it gives me immense pleasure to bring out the second edition of IMAge – Imagination unleashed. Introducing IMAge was sizeable, exceptional and an assiduous task. But this time the challenge was even more titanic. As the daily activities in the academy caught pace and the plethora of presentations made life pretty miserable, it really needed an extraordinary effort from the team to get things done simultaneously.
Hence I thank the entire IMAge team and everyone who contributed to this months’ edition for the superlative effort. And also the last month team for the tremendous support that they provided us with.
This month the team has tried its best to bring you an immensely piquant anthology of:
· NEWS – ICICI, IMA & current affairs
· A dedicated ‘Sports Section’
· A rendezvous with an interesting personality – Steve Jobs
· A place to visit in Hyderabad
· A vocabulary capsule
· An open to all Contest and feedback section
· Some attention-grabbing write ups and of course ... a lot of FUN.
The idea while designing the contents of the issue was to come up with a constructive compilation which not only provides the readers with important inputs but also leaves an unwavering impression. Inside the magazine, every feature is added to make it edifying, as well as appealing.
I have to make a special note of the participation from the entire IMA. I mean it was an overwhelming experience to see the flurry of articles coming as soon as the bell was rung. Although this made sieving all the more difficult but the outcome was always going to be an exceptional one.
Therefore, no matter what or how much do I say to put across that how proud I am to be a part of this wonderful team, it would be an understatement. It’s only when I look back that I can recognize the learning that I underwent in the process of bringing out just one edition. Hence I would like to take this moment to wish the future caretakers of this baby (IMAge),............’ALL THE VERY BEST’.
We really appreciate the feedback for the last edition, since it helped us a long way in designing this months’ issue. So for the benefit of the next months’ team, this time we are also keeping a feedback box at the academy wherein you can drop a hard copy of your feedback.
Signing off, I would like to say that IMAge intends to bring together the small IMA family that we have here. If we deliberate on it, we do not have a long time to share at this place. But it is what we learn in this excursion that will make a difference in our lives. So let’s make it an interactive session where we can strive to learn and have fun. And we already have a strong foundation called IMAge.
Have a wonderful time reading and all the best for the contest!!!
Varun Sharma
Co-ordinator
Something about ICICI
· ICICI Bank Launches new line of Credit Card on the American Express® Network
ICICI Bank, India’s second largest bank and American Express, one of the world's leading financial services companies, announced the launch of the “ICICI Bank Ascent American Express® Card”. The card offers customers a powerful value proposition of accelerated rewards and exclusive privileges for the sophisticated, affluent Indian consumer. They also introduced the ICICI Bank Business Ascent American Express® Card designed exclusively for entrepreneurs who will benefit from the Business Advantage Programme featuring attractive savings on business related expenses.
The ICICI Bank Ascent American Express Card comes with a comprehensive rewards programme that offers up to 6% of the value of transactions on the card. ICICI Bank and American Express have partnered with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Yatra.com and Provogue to create a world class rewards programme and attractive year long privileges to card members. The card also offers a personal concierge service, comprehensive travel insurance and the American Express SelectsSM programme providing exclusive discounts and privileges to card members in India and when travelling overseas.
· ICICI Bank Opens New York Branch
ICICI Bank Limited (NYSE: IBN), inaugurated its New York branch in midtown Manhattan. This is consequent to the bank’s approval from the U.S. regulators to commence operations as a Federal branch in New York City. The New York branch, subject to applicable guidelines, will offer a suite of banking services including working capital, acquisition finance, trade service and treasury solutions to corporate and savings products to qualified individuals.
·ICICI Bank enters Germany
Launches Call Money account “HiZins” at 4.75 percent interest.
Frankfurt: ICICI Bank UK PLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited (NYSE: IBN), is entering the German market, with its Frankfurt branch being launched today at Mainzer Landstrasse 69-71, Frankfurt am Main. The branch is a member of the Association of German Banks. This offering leverages ICICI Bank’s technological capabilities and cost efficiencies to create a superior value proposition and serve customers through Internet (http://www.icicibank.de/) and telephone banking. It will also focus on serving corporate businesses with significant Germany-India linkages.
Coinciding with the inauguration, ICICI Bank UK PLC has launched a call money account product “HiZins” with an interest rate of 4.75%. This would be a no frills savings account with withdrawals available on a daily basis, and no restrictions on the amount that can be deposited. The customers will be served through a call center that will be located in Germany.
ICICI Bank, India’s second largest bank and American Express, one of the world's leading financial services companies, announced the launch of the “ICICI Bank Ascent American Express® Card”. The card offers customers a powerful value proposition of accelerated rewards and exclusive privileges for the sophisticated, affluent Indian consumer. They also introduced the ICICI Bank Business Ascent American Express® Card designed exclusively for entrepreneurs who will benefit from the Business Advantage Programme featuring attractive savings on business related expenses.
The ICICI Bank Ascent American Express Card comes with a comprehensive rewards programme that offers up to 6% of the value of transactions on the card. ICICI Bank and American Express have partnered with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Yatra.com and Provogue to create a world class rewards programme and attractive year long privileges to card members. The card also offers a personal concierge service, comprehensive travel insurance and the American Express SelectsSM programme providing exclusive discounts and privileges to card members in India and when travelling overseas.
· ICICI Bank Opens New York Branch
ICICI Bank Limited (NYSE: IBN), inaugurated its New York branch in midtown Manhattan. This is consequent to the bank’s approval from the U.S. regulators to commence operations as a Federal branch in New York City. The New York branch, subject to applicable guidelines, will offer a suite of banking services including working capital, acquisition finance, trade service and treasury solutions to corporate and savings products to qualified individuals.
·ICICI Bank enters Germany
Launches Call Money account “HiZins” at 4.75 percent interest.
Frankfurt: ICICI Bank UK PLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited (NYSE: IBN), is entering the German market, with its Frankfurt branch being launched today at Mainzer Landstrasse 69-71, Frankfurt am Main. The branch is a member of the Association of German Banks. This offering leverages ICICI Bank’s technological capabilities and cost efficiencies to create a superior value proposition and serve customers through Internet (http://www.icicibank.de/) and telephone banking. It will also focus on serving corporate businesses with significant Germany-India linkages.
Coinciding with the inauguration, ICICI Bank UK PLC has launched a call money account product “HiZins” with an interest rate of 4.75%. This would be a no frills savings account with withdrawals available on a daily basis, and no restrictions on the amount that can be deposited. The customers will be served through a call center that will be located in Germany.
IMA in March
March saw a pretty happening month at the IMA. On one side where the schedules became hectic, the nights became sleepless and assignments started to show effect, the other side also brought some respite in the form of Holi holidays. The students capitalized fully on a well deserved three day break by visiting their sweet homes, organizing exciting trips. Many went to enjoy the picturesque pulchritude of Vizag, some also preferred to take the opportunity to pay homage the deity at the Tirupati Balaji, however some insomniacs also decided to treat themselves with some unruffled sleep at their hostel rooms.
The early part of the month witnessed a Cricket tournament organized by the students. While ‘Section – A’ came on top in a gripping final, the spirit of participation from all sections was the most pleasing factor.
Although a small test on MCO and IT tried to play the spoilsport but all in all, the month gave a glimpse of the romance that lies ahead. So with the spirits held high, we welcome APRIL!!!!!
Find of the month:
This small section is dedicated to recognize an exceptional effort put in by Surya Pratap Dash (Section – A), who mesmerized the entire IMA by putting together a team building presentation having the effects if the movie CHAK DE – INDIA.
Well Done Surya!!!!!!
The early part of the month witnessed a Cricket tournament organized by the students. While ‘Section – A’ came on top in a gripping final, the spirit of participation from all sections was the most pleasing factor.
Although a small test on MCO and IT tried to play the spoilsport but all in all, the month gave a glimpse of the romance that lies ahead. So with the spirits held high, we welcome APRIL!!!!!
Find of the month:
This small section is dedicated to recognize an exceptional effort put in by Surya Pratap Dash (Section – A), who mesmerized the entire IMA by putting together a team building presentation having the effects if the movie CHAK DE – INDIA.Well Done Surya!!!!!!
Current Affairs – An Overview
The deadlock on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) signed be
·RBI lets Singapore banks to open branches in India
tween India and Singapore has finally lifted. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday granted license to two Singapore banks - DBS and United Overseas Bank (UOB). In turn, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has approved a full bank license to State Bank of India (SBI) with privileges to establish up to 25 outlets, including ATMs and offer full range of financial services. This makes SBI the first Indian bank to get a qualifying full bank (QFB) status in Singapore. The license will enable the country’s largest bank to kick off retail operations in Singapore. DBS, Singapore’s largest bank, has received RBI clearance to open another eight branches in the country. UOB has received the RBI nod for opening its maiden branch in the country in Mumbai.
·Subprime exposure hits ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank is reported to have taken a hit of $263 mn because of its exposure to the subprime crisis.
Following is an educative excerpt explaining the subprime effect on Indian Banks:
a. Why are Indian banks hit?
The Indian banks are hit because they have exposure to derivatives like credit default swaps and credit-linked notes. There is a mark-to-market loss on these instruments when markets are in turmoil.
b. Why they invested in CDS and CLN?
The return was higher. It was also an opportunity to participate in the funding of big overseas acquisitions.
c. How it works?
Foreign bank that lends to an Indian co. for an acquisition buys CDS from ICICI. CDS is like an insurance against which ICICI earns a premium. For the foreign bank, the credit risk is transferred from the Indian firm to ICICI. In CLN, the bank not only sells protection but also buys bonds from the foreign bank.
d. What subprime changed?
Liquidity dried up and CDS premia surged, reflecting a rise in the cost of protection. ICICI and other banks had to make a provision on CDS and CLN, since the premium they earned was less than the market rate. This is similar to a provision on bond when interest rate goes up. While we are reeling under our entry into the subprime mess, Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman (USA’s Reserve Bank) has opined that bank write-downs may be overdone. This is because banks are marking their securities against an index that suggests the losses will be 32 times worse than the actual loss.(05-03-2008).
·New MSS ceilings
Remember the Market Stabilization Scheme?
The MSS scheme, which was launched in April 2004, entails the issue of treasury bills and dated securities to absorb excess liquidity arising from significant foreign exchange inflows. The issuance of MSS bonds drains out liquidity from the system and stems Rupee appreciation.
The cap for market stabilisation bonds for 2008-09 at Rs 2.5 lakh crore is significantly higher than the originally budgeted amount of less than Rs 1 lakh crore for 2007-08.
The provision for interest payments on account of these bonds has gone up to Rs 13,958 crore as against Rs 8,351 crore in the revised estimates (RE) for the current fiscal. The originally budgeted amount for such interest payments in 2007-08 was Rs 3,700 crore. The interest payments have been calculated with an estimated 8% rate for such bonds.
The receipts from borrowings under MSS are being held as cash balance in a separate and identifiable account with RBI. These receipts are not available to meet any expenditure of the government, other than repayment of treasury bills or dated securities issued under MSS.
While MSS is a part of the total public debt, the interest payment is accounted for in the budget. The outstandings under the MSS amounted to Rs 1,61,058 crore as on January 18, 2008. There has been a steady increase in MSS outstandings as reflected in the significant build up of liquidity overhang since August 2007.(12.03.2008)
·India to develop 6 multi-modal airport hubs
o India will soon have multi-modal airport hubs across its landscape, similar to the one proposed at Nagpur.
o They will be developed in six metros to cater to not only commercial airlines but also to cargo airlines. They will have MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities.
o The proposed places where these will be established are: Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kokata and Guwahati.
·Regional stock exchanges in limelight again. Why?
o There is a rising interest in regional stock exchanges because of new FDI norms that allow foreign investments up to 49% in stock exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations, with a cap on single investment, direct or indirect at 5%.
o One more reason is the ‘corporatisation of exchanges.’ This allows them to be run like any other company. They exist and operate to earn profit.
o The interest evinced by Nasdaq (the largest electronic equity securities trading market in the US) to partner with Ahmedabad Stock Exchange and the German multinational bank Deutsche Bank’s attempt at owning about 5% stake in the Delhi Stock Exchange are examples of this trend.
·Tatas clinch the Jaguar deal – Jaguar Land Rover deal
o It is a $2.3 bn all-cash deal. Under the deal Ford would pay about $600 mn towards the pension liabilities of Jaguar-Land Rover employees and Tata Motors would continue to source motors from Ford.
o However, the cost of the final deal is expected to be about $3 bn because this price of $2.3 bn just covers the price of brands, assets and technology know-how. A big part of the additional cost would go for engine and component supply.
· Some more salient features of the pay award announced by the Sixth Pay Commission
o It has liberalized the conditions relating to pension payment. So far, only when a service of not less than 33 years is put up by an employee, is he eligible for full pension. Now the Commission recommended that soon after 20 years of service, the employee will be entitled for full pension.
o It has increased the limit on gratuity payment also from Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakhs.
o These recommendations are expected to benefit about 38.41 lakh pensioners. The increased payment to pensioners will result in an additional expenditure of Rs. 1,365 crores per annum.
· Inflation worries for government
o Inflation has touched an 11-month high of 5.92%; much beyond the comfort zone of 5% tolerated by the RBI. This is the third consecutive week that the WPI based inflation has breached the 5% mark.
o This has prompted the government to immediately announce some fiscal measures, as the scope on monetary front appears to be limited.
o It has announced a slew of duty cuts – customs duty cuts on edible oils and rice. While the customs duty on rice has been slashed to nil from 70%, duties on all crude and edible oil imports have been reduced from the present level of 75% - 52% to 20% and 27.5% respectively.
o The government appears to be thinking about introducing export duty on steel.(21.03.2008).
· New Prime Minister for Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf administered oath to Syed Yousaf Gillani as Pakistan`s 25th Prime Minister here today, a day after challenging the US-backed leader`s authority by freeing judges detained under Emergency Rule.
· Ravi Kant Sharma, a senior Indian policeman, has been found guilty of murdering Shivani Bhatnagar, a journalist of the Indian Express newspaper.
In January 1999, Shivani was found strangled in her flat in the capital, Delhi. Mr Sharma and three others found guilty of the murder are due to be sentenced on Thursday. After Ms Bhatnagar's death, Mr Sharma absconded before giving himself up in September 2002. The case created a sensation when Mr Sharma's wife accused a late former minister of having a relationship with the journalist.
·RBI lets Singapore banks to open branches in India
tween India and Singapore has finally lifted. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday granted license to two Singapore banks - DBS and United Overseas Bank (UOB). In turn, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has approved a full bank license to State Bank of India (SBI) with privileges to establish up to 25 outlets, including ATMs and offer full range of financial services. This makes SBI the first Indian bank to get a qualifying full bank (QFB) status in Singapore. The license will enable the country’s largest bank to kick off retail operations in Singapore. DBS, Singapore’s largest bank, has received RBI clearance to open another eight branches in the country. UOB has received the RBI nod for opening its maiden branch in the country in Mumbai.
·Subprime exposure hits ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank is reported to have taken a hit of $263 mn because of its exposure to the subprime crisis.
Following is an educative excerpt explaining the subprime effect on Indian Banks:
a. Why are Indian banks hit?
The Indian banks are hit because they have exposure to derivatives like credit default swaps and credit-linked notes. There is a mark-to-market loss on these instruments when markets are in turmoil.
b. Why they invested in CDS and CLN?
The return was higher. It was also an opportunity to participate in the funding of big overseas acquisitions.
c. How it works?
Foreign bank that lends to an Indian co. for an acquisition buys CDS from ICICI. CDS is like an insurance against which ICICI earns a premium. For the foreign bank, the credit risk is transferred from the Indian firm to ICICI. In CLN, the bank not only sells protection but also buys bonds from the foreign bank.
d. What subprime changed?
Liquidity dried up and CDS premia surged, reflecting a rise in the cost of protection. ICICI and other banks had to make a provision on CDS and CLN, since the premium they earned was less than the market rate. This is similar to a provision on bond when interest rate goes up. While we are reeling under our entry into the subprime mess, Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman (USA’s Reserve Bank) has opined that bank write-downs may be overdone. This is because banks are marking their securities against an index that suggests the losses will be 32 times worse than the actual loss.(05-03-2008).
·New MSS ceilings
Remember the Market Stabilization Scheme?
The MSS scheme, which was launched in April 2004, entails the issue of treasury bills and dated securities to absorb excess liquidity arising from significant foreign exchange inflows. The issuance of MSS bonds drains out liquidity from the system and stems Rupee appreciation.
The cap for market stabilisation bonds for 2008-09 at Rs 2.5 lakh crore is significantly higher than the originally budgeted amount of less than Rs 1 lakh crore for 2007-08.
The provision for interest payments on account of these bonds has gone up to Rs 13,958 crore as against Rs 8,351 crore in the revised estimates (RE) for the current fiscal. The originally budgeted amount for such interest payments in 2007-08 was Rs 3,700 crore. The interest payments have been calculated with an estimated 8% rate for such bonds.
The receipts from borrowings under MSS are being held as cash balance in a separate and identifiable account with RBI. These receipts are not available to meet any expenditure of the government, other than repayment of treasury bills or dated securities issued under MSS.
While MSS is a part of the total public debt, the interest payment is accounted for in the budget. The outstandings under the MSS amounted to Rs 1,61,058 crore as on January 18, 2008. There has been a steady increase in MSS outstandings as reflected in the significant build up of liquidity overhang since August 2007.(12.03.2008)
·India to develop 6 multi-modal airport hubs
o India will soon have multi-modal airport hubs across its landscape, similar to the one proposed at Nagpur.
o They will be developed in six metros to cater to not only commercial airlines but also to cargo airlines. They will have MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities.
o The proposed places where these will be established are: Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kokata and Guwahati.
·Regional stock exchanges in limelight again. Why?
o There is a rising interest in regional stock exchanges because of new FDI norms that allow foreign investments up to 49% in stock exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations, with a cap on single investment, direct or indirect at 5%.
o One more reason is the ‘corporatisation of exchanges.’ This allows them to be run like any other company. They exist and operate to earn profit.
o The interest evinced by Nasdaq (the largest electronic equity securities trading market in the US) to partner with Ahmedabad Stock Exchange and the German multinational bank Deutsche Bank’s attempt at owning about 5% stake in the Delhi Stock Exchange are examples of this trend.
·Tatas clinch the Jaguar deal – Jaguar Land Rover deal
o It is a $2.3 bn all-cash deal. Under the deal Ford would pay about $600 mn towards the pension liabilities of Jaguar-Land Rover employees and Tata Motors would continue to source motors from Ford.
o However, the cost of the final deal is expected to be about $3 bn because this price of $2.3 bn just covers the price of brands, assets and technology know-how. A big part of the additional cost would go for engine and component supply.
· Some more salient features of the pay award announced by the Sixth Pay Commission
o It has liberalized the conditions relating to pension payment. So far, only when a service of not less than 33 years is put up by an employee, is he eligible for full pension. Now the Commission recommended that soon after 20 years of service, the employee will be entitled for full pension.
o It has increased the limit on gratuity payment also from Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakhs.
o These recommendations are expected to benefit about 38.41 lakh pensioners. The increased payment to pensioners will result in an additional expenditure of Rs. 1,365 crores per annum.
· Inflation worries for government
o Inflation has touched an 11-month high of 5.92%; much beyond the comfort zone of 5% tolerated by the RBI. This is the third consecutive week that the WPI based inflation has breached the 5% mark.
o This has prompted the government to immediately announce some fiscal measures, as the scope on monetary front appears to be limited.
o It has announced a slew of duty cuts – customs duty cuts on edible oils and rice. While the customs duty on rice has been slashed to nil from 70%, duties on all crude and edible oil imports have been reduced from the present level of 75% - 52% to 20% and 27.5% respectively.
o The government appears to be thinking about introducing export duty on steel.(21.03.2008).
· New Prime Minister for Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf administered oath to Syed Yousaf Gillani as Pakistan`s 25th Prime Minister here today, a day after challenging the US-backed leader`s authority by freeing judges detained under Emergency Rule.
· Ravi Kant Sharma, a senior Indian policeman, has been found guilty of murdering Shivani Bhatnagar, a journalist of the Indian Express newspaper.
In January 1999, Shivani was found strangled in her flat in the capital, Delhi. Mr Sharma and three others found guilty of the murder are due to be sentenced on Thursday. After Ms Bhatnagar's death, Mr Sharma absconded before giving himself up in September 2002. The case created a sensation when Mr Sharma's wife accused a late former minister of having a relationship with the journalist.
Not So Easy!!!
How quick can you find out what is so unusual about this paragraph?
“It looks so ordinary that you would think that nothing is wrong with it at all and in fact, nothing is. But it is unusual. Why? If you study it and think about it you may find out but I am not going to assist you in any way. You must do it without coaching. No doubt if you work at it for long, it will dawn on you. Who knows? “
Go to work and try your skill!!!
Find out the answer on the SECOND LAST PAGE.......!!!!!!
“It looks so ordinary that you would think that nothing is wrong with it at all and in fact, nothing is. But it is unusual. Why? If you study it and think about it you may find out but I am not going to assist you in any way. You must do it without coaching. No doubt if you work at it for long, it will dawn on you. Who knows? “
Go to work and try your skill!!!
Find out the answer on the SECOND LAST PAGE.......!!!!!!
In The Lap of Nature – A Trip to Vizag
Endless sea, high rising hills, winding trekking paths, clouds touching the horizon… Whoa! Was it a dream?
15 IMA enthusiasts embarked on a journey of helluva masti. It was our trip to Vizag. Though not many of us were supportive of the idea of the Vizag trip the excitement got the better of us. With the sole motive of having a blast, we began our adventure the moment the station master flagged the green signal at the Hyderabad station.
We were a diverse group, people from varied backgrounds, people from different geographic locations & varied interests but with one goal- enjoying ourselves to the hilt. The ice broke in the train itself through antakshri. As the night began to fall, under the starry sky, we talked our hearts out about almost everything. Even the sleepy eyes could not damper our spirits as we woke up charged with just a few hrs of sleep.
As we touched the soil of Vizag, our first view was of the mountains touching the sky, clouds kissing their peaks. It was a breathtaking sight. After lunch we took a ferry ride; sailing in the ocean was exhilarating. The waves bouncing up and down excited our senses and we savored the vastness of the sea. Post the ferry ride, we reached Rishikonda beach. It was a full-moon night and the sea was in midst of its high tide. We went into the sea to befriend the waves. After a tiring but a fruitful day at sea we retired for the day.
The next morning we left for the Arakku valley where we explored the Borra caves. We climbed the rocks with an unbounded zeal to reach and feel the warmth of the waterfall. It transported me to my childhood reminding of the Campty fall in Mussoorie. It seemed that the cold water trickling down through the rocks washed away all signs of tiredness in us.
Next destination in Arakku valley was a garden. We found our cosy corner- a tree house and had a gala time capturing those moments forever on the roll. These tree houses, known as “Machans” were made to protect the hunters from the wild animals.
On our way back to Vizag, we hired open jeeps and whoa!! The experience of going through the winding paths of the hills and the air fiercely brushing against us as we hung out of our jeeps was simply exhilarating. The other places that we visited were submarine museum and Kailash giri. The trip to Vizag left us refreshed and charged up. The mountains inspired us to reach the heights and the ocean to go beyond the limits to touch the horizon. And of course, it has bounded me even better with my friends, my buddies at IMA!
15 IMA enthusiasts embarked on a journey of helluva masti. It was our trip to Vizag. Though not many of us were supportive of the idea of the Vizag trip the excitement got the better of us. With the sole motive of having a blast, we began our adventure the moment the station master flagged the green signal at the Hyderabad station.
We were a diverse group, people from varied backgrounds, people from different geographic locations & varied interests but with one goal- enjoying ourselves to the hilt. The ice broke in the train itself through antakshri. As the night began to fall, under the starry sky, we talked our hearts out about almost everything. Even the sleepy eyes could not damper our spirits as we woke up charged with just a few hrs of sleep.
As we touched the soil of Vizag, our first view was of the mountains touching the sky, clouds kissing their peaks. It was a breathtaking sight. After lunch we took a ferry ride; sailing in the ocean was exhilarating. The waves bouncing up and down excited our senses and we savored the vastness of the sea. Post the ferry ride, we reached Rishikonda beach. It was a full-moon night and the sea was in midst of its high tide. We went into the sea to befriend the waves. After a tiring but a fruitful day at sea we retired for the day.
The next morning we left for the Arakku valley where we explored the Borra caves. We climbed the rocks with an unbounded zeal to reach and feel the warmth of the waterfall. It transported me to my childhood reminding of the Campty fall in Mussoorie. It seemed that the cold water trickling down through the rocks washed away all signs of tiredness in us.
Next destination in Arakku valley was a garden. We found our cosy corner- a tree house and had a gala time capturing those moments forever on the roll. These tree houses, known as “Machans” were made to protect the hunters from the wild animals.
On our way back to Vizag, we hired open jeeps and whoa!! The experience of going through the winding paths of the hills and the air fiercely brushing against us as we hung out of our jeeps was simply exhilarating. The other places that we visited were submarine museum and Kailash giri. The trip to Vizag left us refreshed and charged up. The mountains inspired us to reach the heights and the ocean to go beyond the limits to touch the horizon. And of course, it has bounded me even better with my friends, my buddies at IMA!
Sports Section: War on the playground......!!!
· 2008 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships
a. Singles – Men
Sixth-seeded American Andy Roddick captured his 25th career ATP singles title and second trophy in three weeks with a 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-2 victory over unseeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in one hour and 55 minutes at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday. Roddick, who didn't lose his serve in five matches this week, hit 22 aces to extend his perfect record to 4-0 against Lopez.
In what was arguably the most exciting two weeks in the 16 year history of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, the tournament saw not one, but both, long-standing champions lose their crowns as first Justine Henin and then Roger Federer fell to early defeats.
a. Doubles – Men M Bhupathi/M Knowles beat M Damm/P Vizner 7-5 7-6(7)
a. Singles - Women
Elena Dementieva came out on top in the all-Russian final beating Svetlana Kuznetsova to win the Dubai Championships. Eighth seed Dementieva came from a set down to claim a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory. The victory marked the ninth WTA title for Dementieva. The 26 Year old Russian was appearing in her first final since winning at Moscow in October last year. For second seed Kuznetsova, it was her second loss in the finals at Dubai. She was beaten by Justine Henin in 2004.
Serb Ana Ivanovic came into the 2008 Pacific Life Open with the added pressure as the No. 1 seed and, at the end of the fortnight, rightfully finished as the last woman standing. She claimed her first trophy in Indian Wells with a 6-4, 6-3 win over No. 2 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in Sunday’s final, relegating the Russian to runner-up status for the second straight year.
· CANARA BANK WTA BANGALORE OPEN 2008
· Singles – Final
Serena Williams defeated of Patty Schnyder 7-5 6-3 to win the her first singles title of the season by winning the final of the Canara Bank WTA Bangalore Open tennis championship.
· Doubles – Final
S Peng(CHN) / T Sun(CHN) beat Y Chan(TPE) / C Chuang 6-4,5-7,10-8
· European PGA tour Tournaments: Ballantine's Championship
Ireland's Graeme McDowell emerged victorious in a play-off with India's Jeev Milha Singh to win the Ballantine's Championship. The 28-year-old McDowell claimed his third European Tour title and first since winning the 2004 Italia Open in a play-off.
· Indian Probables announced for Women’s Hockey Olympic qualifier
Indian Women Hockey Federation have announced a list of 22 probables for the women's hockey Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in Russia. Seasoned forward Mamta Kharb will lead the team while defender Suman Bala will be vice-captain. Only the winners of the tournament will make it to Beijing in August.
· Rice breaks 200m IM World record (Swimming)
Australia's Stephanie Rice broke the women's 200-metre Individual Medley world record clocking 2 minutes 8.92 seconds at the Australian Olympic swimming trials in Sydney. The 19 year-old trimmed 0.80 seconds from the record set by China's Wu Yan Yan 11 years ago and 2.5 seconds off her own personal best.
· Ribery penalty spoils Beckham’s big day
David Beckham's 100th international ended in defeat at the Stade de France in Paris on Wednesday as England were beaten 1-0 by France in a friendly. Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery got the only goal from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. The 32-year-old Beckham started the match to become only the fifth English player in 136 years of international soccer to achieve a century of appearances for his country.
· Levon Aronian of Armenia Amber chess tournament
Levon Aronian of Armenia won the Amber Blindfold and Rapid chess tournament after two easy draw with Hungarian Peter Leko. The Armenian finished with 14.5 points. India’s Viswanathan Anand finished overall tied sixth. The World Champion played out two draws with Loek Van Wely of Holland in the 11th and final round of the competition. Anand finished with 11 points to tie for the sixth spot with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine.
· Sehwag makes memorable an otherwise ordinary match
Virender Sehwag scored the fastest triple century in the history of test cricket in the first test match against South Africa at Chennai. It is the second time that the Delhi southpaw has crossed the 300 figure. The Match, however, ended in a draw.
· FIFA agrees to adopt new WADA code
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has signed an agreement to adopt the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) revised drug-testing code. The agreement was reached after Blatter met the new head of WADA, John Fahey, at the FIFA's headquarters in Zurich. The new code allows more flexibility in the penalties imposed on athletes. FIFA is expected to ratify the code in full at its annual congress in Sydney in May. The code comes into force in January 2009.
· Raikkonen wins Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen cruised through to a Malaysian Grand Prix win at Sepang on Sunday. Raikkonen seized the win by finishing ahead of BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica and McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.
a. Singles – Men
Sixth-seeded American Andy Roddick captured his 25th career ATP singles title and second trophy in three weeks with a 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-2 victory over unseeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in one hour and 55 minutes at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday. Roddick, who didn't lose his serve in five matches this week, hit 22 aces to extend his perfect record to 4-0 against Lopez.
In what was arguably the most exciting two weeks in the 16 year history of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, the tournament saw not one, but both, long-standing champions lose their crowns as first Justine Henin and then Roger Federer fell to early defeats.
a. Doubles – Men M Bhupathi/M Knowles beat M Damm/P Vizner 7-5 7-6(7)
a. Singles - Women
Elena Dementieva came out on top in the all-Russian final beating Svetlana Kuznetsova to win the Dubai Championships. Eighth seed Dementieva came from a set down to claim a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory. The victory marked the ninth WTA title for Dementieva. The 26 Year old Russian was appearing in her first final since winning at Moscow in October last year. For second seed Kuznetsova, it was her second loss in the finals at Dubai. She was beaten by Justine Henin in 2004.
a. Doubles – Women C Black/L Huber beat Z Yan/J Zheng 7-5 6-2
· Indian Hockey Team Out Of Olympics
Santiago: For the first time in 80 years, India's dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0 in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at the prince of Wales Country Club. Eight time gold medallists India, who needed to win the six-team competition to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, failed to make it to the Olympics.
· Loeb wins in Mexico for third successive year
Santiago: For the first time in 80 years, India's dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0 in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at the prince of Wales Country Club. Eight time gold medallists India, who needed to win the six-team competition to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, failed to make it to the Olympics.
· Loeb wins in Mexico for third successive year
France's Sebastien Loeb won Rally Mexico for the third year in a row on Sunday to cut Mikko Hirvonen's championship lead to a single point. The 34-year-old Citroen driver, chasing his fifth successive world title this season, beat Australian Chris Atkinson by one minute 6.1 seconds.
· Torres named player of the month
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was named the English Premier League player of the month having scored seven goals for the 'Reds' in the last four weeks. The award comes on the back of the Spaniard’s hat-trick in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over West Ham United. In his 25 appearance in this season, Torres has so far scored 18 goals and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expect him to continue with the same form throughout the remaining season.
· Federer beats Sampras in an exhibition match
Current world number one Roger Federer defeated former number one Pete Sampras 6-3, 6-7, and 7-6 in an exhibition match in New York. The 26 year old is just two short of Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles but was coming off a first-round loss in Dubai. It was the fourth time the two had played an exhibition, with Federer having won two out their previous three matches.
· Gebrselassie opts out of the Olympic’s Marathon
Marathon World record holder, Haile Gebrselassie says he will not run in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of the city's air pollution levels. Gebrselassie suffers from asthma and missed the 2007 London Marathon because of the problem. The 34-year-old expressed that he would try to qualify for the 10,000m event in Beijing. Gebrselassie has set 26 world records during his career.
· Hamilton wins Australian Grand Prix
McLaren star Lewis Hamilton stamped his name on the 2008 formula one season when he led the Australian Grand Prix from start to finish. It’s Hamilton's fifth victory in just 18 Grand Prix starts.The 23-year-old Briton blasted away from pole position and won by 5.4 seconds from the BMW of Nick Heidfeld and the Williams of Nico Rosberg, who claimed his first podium.
· PACIFIC LIFE OPEN
Third seeded Serb Novak Djokovic assumed the role of spoiler on Sunday in Indian Wells, preventing Mardy Fish(who stunned Roger Federer in the semi finals) from completing his dream run at the 2008 Pacific Life Open as he defeated the unseeded American 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in the men’s final.
· Torres named player of the month
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was named the English Premier League player of the month having scored seven goals for the 'Reds' in the last four weeks. The award comes on the back of the Spaniard’s hat-trick in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over West Ham United. In his 25 appearance in this season, Torres has so far scored 18 goals and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expect him to continue with the same form throughout the remaining season.
· Federer beats Sampras in an exhibition match
Current world number one Roger Federer defeated former number one Pete Sampras 6-3, 6-7, and 7-6 in an exhibition match in New York. The 26 year old is just two short of Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles but was coming off a first-round loss in Dubai. It was the fourth time the two had played an exhibition, with Federer having won two out their previous three matches.
· Gebrselassie opts out of the Olympic’s Marathon
Marathon World record holder, Haile Gebrselassie says he will not run in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of the city's air pollution levels. Gebrselassie suffers from asthma and missed the 2007 London Marathon because of the problem. The 34-year-old expressed that he would try to qualify for the 10,000m event in Beijing. Gebrselassie has set 26 world records during his career.
· Hamilton wins Australian Grand Prix
McLaren star Lewis Hamilton stamped his name on the 2008 formula one season when he led the Australian Grand Prix from start to finish. It’s Hamilton's fifth victory in just 18 Grand Prix starts.The 23-year-old Briton blasted away from pole position and won by 5.4 seconds from the BMW of Nick Heidfeld and the Williams of Nico Rosberg, who claimed his first podium.
· PACIFIC LIFE OPEN
Third seeded Serb Novak Djokovic assumed the role of spoiler on Sunday in Indian Wells, preventing Mardy Fish(who stunned Roger Federer in the semi finals) from completing his dream run at the 2008 Pacific Life Open as he defeated the unseeded American 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in the men’s final.
Serb Ana Ivanovic came into the 2008 Pacific Life Open with the added pressure as the No. 1 seed and, at the end of the fortnight, rightfully finished as the last woman standing. She claimed her first trophy in Indian Wells with a 6-4, 6-3 win over No. 2 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in Sunday’s final, relegating the Russian to runner-up status for the second straight year.
· CANARA BANK WTA BANGALORE OPEN 2008
· Singles – Final
Serena Williams defeated of Patty Schnyder 7-5 6-3 to win the her first singles title of the season by winning the final of the Canara Bank WTA Bangalore Open tennis championship.
· Doubles – Final
S Peng(CHN) / T Sun(CHN) beat Y Chan(TPE) / C Chuang 6-4,5-7,10-8
· European PGA tour Tournaments: Ballantine's Championship
Ireland's Graeme McDowell emerged victorious in a play-off with India's Jeev Milha Singh to win the Ballantine's Championship. The 28-year-old McDowell claimed his third European Tour title and first since winning the 2004 Italia Open in a play-off.
· Indian Probables announced for Women’s Hockey Olympic qualifier
Indian Women Hockey Federation have announced a list of 22 probables for the women's hockey Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in Russia. Seasoned forward Mamta Kharb will lead the team while defender Suman Bala will be vice-captain. Only the winners of the tournament will make it to Beijing in August.
· Rice breaks 200m IM World record (Swimming)
Australia's Stephanie Rice broke the women's 200-metre Individual Medley world record clocking 2 minutes 8.92 seconds at the Australian Olympic swimming trials in Sydney. The 19 year-old trimmed 0.80 seconds from the record set by China's Wu Yan Yan 11 years ago and 2.5 seconds off her own personal best.
· Ribery penalty spoils Beckham’s big day
David Beckham's 100th international ended in defeat at the Stade de France in Paris on Wednesday as England were beaten 1-0 by France in a friendly. Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery got the only goal from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. The 32-year-old Beckham started the match to become only the fifth English player in 136 years of international soccer to achieve a century of appearances for his country.
· Levon Aronian of Armenia Amber chess tournament
Levon Aronian of Armenia won the Amber Blindfold and Rapid chess tournament after two easy draw with Hungarian Peter Leko. The Armenian finished with 14.5 points. India’s Viswanathan Anand finished overall tied sixth. The World Champion played out two draws with Loek Van Wely of Holland in the 11th and final round of the competition. Anand finished with 11 points to tie for the sixth spot with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine.
· Sehwag makes memorable an otherwise ordinary match
Virender Sehwag scored the fastest triple century in the history of test cricket in the first test match against South Africa at Chennai. It is the second time that the Delhi southpaw has crossed the 300 figure. The Match, however, ended in a draw.
· FIFA agrees to adopt new WADA code
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has signed an agreement to adopt the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) revised drug-testing code. The agreement was reached after Blatter met the new head of WADA, John Fahey, at the FIFA's headquarters in Zurich. The new code allows more flexibility in the penalties imposed on athletes. FIFA is expected to ratify the code in full at its annual congress in Sydney in May. The code comes into force in January 2009.
· Raikkonen wins Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen cruised through to a Malaysian Grand Prix win at Sepang on Sunday. Raikkonen seized the win by finishing ahead of BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica and McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.
· World champion Stoner wins in Doha
World champion Casey Stoner won the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix in Doha, the opening race of the 2008 season, and the first ever to be held at night under floodlights. The Australian crossed the line first ahead of Spanish pole sitter and debutant Jorge Lorenzo. The Ducati rider finished the 22-lap race in 42:36.587 seconds. Dani Pedrosa of Italy finished third.
I Love to Fight
It's amazing how quick the things can change,
Sometimes putting you in situations, nothing but strange.
The most annoying thing may be to start from the scratch.
But the good things will show that you're really on for a match.
Very seldom you get to know that the time is right.
But sometimes when you are in the grey, the other side has all the light,
It's challenging when you are a neophyte,
but it’s all about who clings on to the opportunity tight.
It's exciting when you come to know of your inner might,
which will keep you up and your chances bright.
My definition of 'CHANGE' is 'a chance for the power to ignite'.
I am a champ and I just love to fight.
A Vocab Capsule
· Banal (adj) : Very common and therefore boring.
(Syn) : Insipid, Vapid, Bland, Lifeless, Flat, Dull, Hackneyed, Watery, Trite
(When asked about the reason for his absence, he made a banal excuse of fever.)
· Tenuous (adj) : Thin, rare, slim, easily damaged
(Syn) : Weak, Shaky, Feeble, Vague
(We were only able to make a tenuous connection between the two robberies.)
· Eulogy (Noun) : a speech of praise, written praise.
(Syn) : Accolade, Commendation, Encomium, Panegyric, Exaltation
(Today, everyone sings eulogies of Sonia’s leadership skills.)
Did you know these Phrases....???
· ‘Gift of the gab’ - Fluency of speech
· ‘To prostitute for’ - To put to unworthy or wicked use
So after spending a significant amount of time here at IMA, all of us must’ve realized the importance of being a ‘Good Speaker’.
So either you are already blessed with the ‘Gift of the gab’ or you improve upon it.
And as we graduate from this place, having developed a particular skill set, we need to make sure that we never ‘Prostitute our talent for’ any unethical reason.
(Syn) : Insipid, Vapid, Bland, Lifeless, Flat, Dull, Hackneyed, Watery, Trite
(When asked about the reason for his absence, he made a banal excuse of fever.)
· Tenuous (adj) : Thin, rare, slim, easily damaged
(Syn) : Weak, Shaky, Feeble, Vague
(We were only able to make a tenuous connection between the two robberies.)
· Eulogy (Noun) : a speech of praise, written praise.
(Syn) : Accolade, Commendation, Encomium, Panegyric, Exaltation
(Today, everyone sings eulogies of Sonia’s leadership skills.)
Did you know these Phrases....???
· ‘Gift of the gab’ - Fluency of speech
· ‘To prostitute for’ - To put to unworthy or wicked use
So after spending a significant amount of time here at IMA, all of us must’ve realized the importance of being a ‘Good Speaker’.
So either you are already blessed with the ‘Gift of the gab’ or you improve upon it.
And as we graduate from this place, having developed a particular skill set, we need to make sure that we never ‘Prostitute our talent for’ any unethical reason.
Meet Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios
Hello Readers!!For those of you who don't know me, my name is Steve Jobs. Here, as I've got the opportunity to introduce myself to you, I feel honoured to find a place in such a creative initiative as 'IMAge'. So today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal, just three stories.
The first story is about connecting the dots. Before I was born, my biological mother decided to put me up for adoption. She strongly believed that I should be brought up by college graduates. Although my parents to be, were not that educated but she relented a few months later only when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.
17 years later, I did go to college. But I naively chose a very expensive college (Reed College) which was draining all of my working-class parents’ savings. After six months, I couldn’t see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and how college was going to help me figure it out. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was scary at that time but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Now I could begin attending to the classes that interested me.
It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on.
Let me give you one example. Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. So I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.
None of this had any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it’s likely that no personal computer would have them. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.
Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.
My second story is about love and loss. I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parent’s garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected,
But i was still in love with what I did. And so I decided to start it all over again.
I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.
During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the world’s first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful
and loving family living together.
I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was an awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You have to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it.
My third story is about death. When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I'll be dead soon has been the most important tool for me to make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, pride, fear of embarrassment or failure etc. just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan which clearly showed a tumour on my pancreas. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of incurable cancer, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumour. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed those cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. So I had
the surgery done and I am doing absolutely fine now.
This was the closest I've been to facing death. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept.
No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination that we all share. Sorry for being so dramatic, but it is quite true.Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what is it that you truly want
to become. Every other thing in life is secondary to it.
When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with some neat tools, skilful handwork and great notions.
Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you are about to graduate from IMA, to begin a new career in Banking, I wish the same for you.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish!!!
Thank you all very much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)