A New Beginning...

It was 9:00am, and not a normal Wednesday morning. The clouds were unleashing themselves. I struggled to look at the speedometer through the foggy helmet visor. Racing at 80 kmph on Old Mahabalipuram Road(OMR), I had reached one of the biggest corporate hubs in India. I parked my bike, took a visitor’s pass and headed to the 7^th floor of Tidel Park. A quaint, mellifluous music filled my ears while I was in the elevator. It was a recorded Carnatic classic and it helped me to relax. Considering the unrelenting weather, I very much needed it. 

I was rather excited than nervous to join a company which has so long been regarded as a part of the Big4 brand across the world. I was joining Ernst & Young as an Intern and the few times I had been to this office for attending my interviews, I fell in love with it. Now I was going to be a part of it. I could put Ernst & Young on my resume and on my Facebook timeline!!

As I stepped off the elevator, a huge glass door, opened automatically inviting me into the 56,000sqft(OMG!!) office. As I walked in briskly, I went straight into the restroom, looked at the mirror, stroked my head, setting my hair to a neat fold. I took a long breath and muttered to myself- “Be confident”. I shrugged my shoulders while adjusting the bag I wore. I walked to the reception, cleared my throat and with as expressionless a face as possible, told the lady- “I’m joining today”. She directed me into a room full of other new interns, as I feigned a smile and thanked her. Little was I to know my sober morning would soon change into a wonderful experience.

I took my seat amongst my peers and exchanged greetings. For a dark day, the lightings were rather dim. But I liked the ambience. The interior designing, wall designing, floor carpets, statuettes, relics, antiques and the Air conditioning left me speechless leaving no scope for imagination. It was all there…It looked more like a 5star hotel. And the silence!! I could hear my own breath and it was beginning to annoy me as I didn’t bring my headphones either. Just when I was wondering whether to start a conversation, the guy opposite me with a bold voice blurted: “Anyone for Indirect Taxes(IDT)?” Everyone looked at him and at everyone else. No hands were up. I spoke up- “Anyone for Transfer Pricing?” Two hands raised slowly. “Oh good. You know what that’s all about?” And that was enough for the others to pick up.

Turned out we had a great time after all. The IDT guy ended up being the entertainer of the decade. He was unbelievably funny and amusing. I giggled, guffawed, snorted and cried. My stomach was aching from too much laughter. He had the whole group in splits with his quick wit and sense of humour. The voice modulations, intended puns and healthy sarcasm was simply amazing. Not to mention I was afraid of uncontrollably laughing too loud. And he involved each and every one present, in his jokes. If he was a stand-up comedian he would just come out top-of-the-class. Even otherwise, his general knowledge was rather specific as he would use technical terms in the purview of almost every topic we chose to discuss on. Be it about eyesight, or food, or books, he just knew something about everything under the sun. The Induction process we were subjected to went through without much ado and we went home rather sooner than expected. My first day at Ernst & Young was over.

Flash forward five days later:

We get to know a lot more people and friends. Also we all have flashy ID cards(No more visitor's passes), laptops, and keep spinning on rolling chairs, pretending to be the stereotyped corporate employees even though we don’t really have any work. The most important place at office for us is the cafeteria. The meals provided there are really awesome(piping hot and home-like), and it found a regular eater in me. While me and the others hangout at the cafeteria for coffee breaks and gossip talk regularly, the IDT guy works his head off(He got working already). I know I’ll most probably be neck-deep in work during the next few months, but once in a while we all like to catch up with the “stand-up comedian”.

 

P.S:  IDT, Transfer Pricing are various service-lines in which EY provides services. We are all interning in such different lines.

Sherlock

One look at you, and he'd tell you, you'd been shopping for marshmallows at the new grocery that opened a week ago with your pestering sister from South London for whom you bought a pink bracelet from the shop opposite to keep her quiet...

Ask him how he knew it and he'd say- "I merely observed, and from what I observed, I deduced everything. When I've eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how mad it might seem, must be the truth."

"Sherlock Holmes", the fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has surely turned into much more than a figment of a man's imagination and creativity. He has become a phenomenon, turning heads and spurring thoughts for arguably one of the best detective stories of all time.

What started off as short stories in the late1800's has now grown exponentially into a racy, rapturous, edgy, keep-the-viewer-guessing serial. And when I watched it, I just couldn't stop. I've had instances when my mom would shout "You're on your own for dinner unless you come out now" and I would just sit in front of the computer watching and thinking-"What will Sherlock do next?" without having the slightest regret of helping myself to cold idlis/chappatis with hardly sufficient side-dish, after everyone else in the house had slept.

For people like me who haven't read the original book, the serial is sure to make you go berserk about the character. His eccentric pursuits, ridiculous antics, method of perceiving, pattern of deducing, impeccable memory, observant experimenting, and flawless prediction, make him very admirable as a unique individual.
Benedict Cumberbatch has indeed pulled off the role with élan and ardour. His portrayal of the world's only 'consulting detective' has managed to convince even the most critique of all. And as for his favourite companion, the more sophisticated, etiquette-oriented, and sensible "Dr.John Watson", Martin Freeman has done justice to the role he portrays.

Throughout the series, other than the heavy English-accents, you find a modern flavour to the stories. John and Sherlock both own blogs which they use in their own way, which has now found its way into reality! Check it out:

http://www.thescienceofdeduction.co.uk/

www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk/

Such innovative additions increased the surprise quotient and exceeds the expectations of the audience.What made this one stand apart from the other serials is that the sequential flow of scenes were impeccable.Each scene had something important in it which made sense at the climax, and that element of suspense kept the viewers want more.

And out come the memes showcasing its popularity:

Another honorable mention goes to the villain of the series aka James Moriarty who was absolutely amazing. Probably he was one of the more admired characters than most others. You can relate him with Heath Ledger's "Joker". Both acting-wise as well as the role played.

Awaiting the third season due in October...

My Dream Birthday!

Birthdays are “your special days” as propagated by my primary school teacher and you can do good things or mistakes and get away with sweet words likewise. That's only if you're still in primary school.

"Teenagers...Bah !! Getting up late and going to bed late. Where from they learn these??"- will be the thought of most, if not every parent. However on 5th July,2013 which was my 19th birthday, I did wake up early to the tunes of the Suprabhatham and Sahasranamam. My Parents were overjoyed at this sudden change. My dad softly told my mother- "Make semiya payasam." And still wearing the quite familiar diplomatic look he turned to me and said- "Bathe quickly, we need to go to the temple."

Being the good boy I am(I really am), I did my morning chores and was waiting for my mother to place the kungumam on my new Louis Philippe two piece suit. My parents were especially happy for exceeding their expectations on my birthday. And as custom has it, they shelled out a few currency notes(the favorite custom of every Tambrahm kid).

Donning my new apparel and walking with a self-infused style, I felt great, thinking to myself-"It can't get better than this". I was wrong.

Moving on, the most integral part of not just birthdays, but human life are friends! From my school till Chartered Accountancy, I've made a lot of friends. Heck, I've made friends in the exam hall, but umm...not for those reasons "why you make friends in the exam hall". I've had a healthy relationship with all I've met, and for my increasing social circle, it's a boon and a relief.

So I had to undergo this course called "Orientation" in my institute which was compulsory and lasted 5 days, and on my birthday was the last day of the course. Its not often one gets to memorize 58 different names of people within 5 days. I got acquainted with each one of them and suddenly became inseparably close with a lot of them. We got along like old friends with a sense of deja vu and bonded like never before. They celebrate like pirates with joy and happiness for the smallest things possible. It was my birthday and you needn't ask...I was mobbed and given the infamous "birthday bumps" which usually included you being lifted on all fours and receiving forceful blows on your buttocks from uncountable legs, some of them twice/thrice.

This orientation course mostly taught us soft-skills like personality development, corporate behavior, and communication tips and involved more activities and practical sessions than the cliched boring theory classes. It seemed like this was what we all wanted, everyone participated and what followed was fantastic. The laughing, playing, singing, dancing, shouting, clapping, cheering, jeering, acting, teasing, complimenting, sharing, caring, debating, embracing, jumping, posing, and pure rejoicing will be something etched in our hearts forever.

As if it didn't seem enough, the chaotic enjoyment continued in the Lunch-breaks. Hardly anyone ate their own lunch completely. Everyone would eat some of each other's food, like a buffet. I haven't seen sharing be this simple...even the staple rice wasn't spared! This was something I marveled at. Everyone had nimble fingers snatching one another's lunch, and their mouths were no less swift! Being a fast eater myself I had a huge competition in front of me.

In those 5 days we discovered talent like beat-boxing, tap-dancing, mimicry,etc.; learned stuff like woman empowerment and other youth-based topics, and went to the Marina beach and a nearby McDonalds, where we took innumerable photos and videos. That's how close we were. We still talk and chat a lot through the internet but I'd rather be with them. They are paradise !!

As my birthday neared its end, our course had breathed its last. Teary-eyed and hopeful of meeting each other again, we bade each other farewell and went to our respective homes. I had a surprise waiting for me planned by my brother who was leaving to Dehradun to pursue his dream of becoming an Army Officer. Needless to say I had chocolate cake over my face and I witnessed another round of photography in my house. This was how my day got better. I think this birthday will remain one close to me....the very thought of it makes me nostalgic!

P.S: If you're wondering how I survived the birthday bumps, the professor(person with the tie) intervened like a guardian angel and freed me and saw to it that it didn't repeat the rest of the day. Thank you Anantharaman sir !! _/\_

P.P.S: Semiya payasam literally vermicelli kheer is a South Indian sweet-dish that I had two cups of and it tasted heavenly.

The Child In You...

When you are young, you wish to be older just so you get to drive a car, or get a spouse, or sport a French beard. However when you are older you wish to revert into that 3-foot tall epitome of innocence and mischief, ironical as it may sound, it is solam veritatem (ie) only the truth!! We wish to re-enter our childhood and relive those cherished memories. Much as I was reminiscing this in my mind, it struck me-“What if I am a child now??”

Or at least what if I pretend I'm an 8-year old, greeting everyone with a very bubbly and hearty smile. There is an effervescing energy that brims within, and no, people won't think I've lost it. It provides the listener with warmth and comfort and creates a friendly environment, in which he feels secure. Informality is often misconstrued as degradation of professionalism. It is indeed sad to experience this many a time. Being sombre doesn't make me perspicacious, nor does being indefatigable make me jejune. There is a difference between being childish and childlike, and I am talking about the latter. 'Why am I telling this?’ will be your next question. What I’m trying to say is there is a child in every one of us, and not expressing it does no one good. It is a sort of imprecation brought upon himself if one chooses not to. Throughout one’s schooling and college one sees vigour, passion, and an undying fire to accomplish. That really changes after you move into your later 20s!! That is as far as I have heard. I’m hardly 19, and my very own IT Training class resembles the scene of our parliament(A catnap is sure not to elude you)!!

Few days ago I saw my friend studying a book which he otherwise calls his ‘pillow’. It was called “The Companies Act, 1956”...some 600-odd sections with alphabets swarming in every page. I don't blame him calling it his pillow. The task is horrendous! The only incentive being discovery of some exquisite English. I questioned him how he studies it?? He merely shows me a notebook in which he had written some notes. “Charts, tables and boxes purport easy understanding of the subject”-he quipped. I call these charts and tables the child in us-'simple and elementary'. Once we bring them out it makes our lives easier and much, much better and uncomplicated.

I’ve often come across this situation many a time:

I was writing an exam. I was confident and started attempting the questions one after the other. One question was very familiar but the answer eluded me. I underwent an ephemeral phase of intense anxiety and self-distress, cursing myself for forgetting the answer. Finally, I remembered the correct answer and let out a loud whoop of relief.
YEESSS !!!!

I’ve vented my exhilarating feel with the whole class. No-one writes for a few seconds, All the eyes staring at me. I’m particularly proud and happy with myself and write the answer with a huge grin on my face. The others take a minute to realize the atmosphere is back to normalcy, some smiled(including the invigilator) while others took a few seconds off to observe my sudden behaviour, and others, partly disturbed continued writing at their established pace.

 I never meant to disturb anybody. I did it for my own satisfaction, and it didn’t harm others. In fact one of my exam mates told me I actually made him laugh by my action and relieved him much of his exam tension. Experiences like this make you live like a child.

Thus my dear reader-"Stay eager, stay expectant, stay excited, like a child. Be fervent and creative, but don't overdo it. There's again a difference between being enthusiastic and being hyper. The former makes you exude confidence. Never ever be callous, be phlegmatic at times when keeping your cool makes you a winner and be fresh, sportive, and keep smiling-It costs nothing !!

National University of Juridical Sciences – A Pandora’s box inside a hornet’s nest

Just as I had finished my lunch and sat down on the computer on a fine day to browse the internet and have my daily dose of Facebook, I heard a “BLOOP” sound suggesting there was a person wanting to chat with me. Reading the name I was excited to reply back and got ready to occupy myself for the next 30 minutes busy chatting about things that would best remain between close friends. But it wasn’t a “Hello”, or a “Hi” which needed reciprocation....It was a long message of around 20 lines.

I immediately sat up straightening my back thinking it must be something interesting, for he writes like a hardcore English enthusiast. But the first sentence I read got my eyebrows tilted in agitation. A very close, dear friend had dropped out of one the premier law schools in India. My friend, one of the most knowledgeable persons in the country (people who know him would agree)is a quintessential gentleman, a lad who is outspoken, and outstanding in his achievements. It would be an understatement to say that he is a stickler to discipline. He commands respect from all and is a conservative chap with rational ideas, thus making people around him both young and old admire him in an ardent manner. He is a crowd puller and a whiff of fresh air at times when people would yawn. 

As I reached the bottom of the text I had received, I was aghast, shell-shocked and clearly appalled. The reason as to why he had quit was rather unbelievable. My poor friend had experienced a sort of hell during his stay at Kolkata. Especially at the boys’ hostel where he was supposed to stay. It seems it was a veritable den of drugs and beer, where abusive language was common sight, and some boozers had turned the boys hostel into their exclusive fiefdom!! The management was hapless and the wardens were inept and lethargic.

When he embarked to report these to the Principal, he was stopped by the registrar in a somewhat bureaucratic fashion (where a people’s complaint would never reach the person to whom it is addressed to). The registrar of the university tried convincing him, even while acknowledging that his own students were lumpen and maculate. My friend could not withstand it for much longer and submitted his papers stating that he no longer wished to be a part of their fraternity. It took me some time to finish reading it. I didn’t even reply as I was speechless.

Again, I heard the “BLOOP” sound. He was asking me if I was still there. Now I replied-“Pick up your phone” while dialing his number. It had been so long since I had spoken to him and yet I could make out the familiar “HelloOo” he used to begin with during the countless other phone-talks we used to have. I reciprocated the greeting in a rush and spoke to him for a long time. He told me that he was repeatedly being asked to smuggle and buy his seniors bottles of beer, packets of cigarettes, and packets of marijuana all under the pretext of ‘ragging’!! 

How can all this happen inside the premises of the so-called 3^rd best Law school in India?? And imagine that you have to take assistance from your senior(who puffs away, does drugs and boozes to his heart’s content) to complete a project during one of your semesters for which you will be graded. And that is not all, there is a Students Association which seems to be very strong(very bad also) and it decides which students to send for extracurricular activities. So if you refuse to abet them, then sorry you’ve missed your chance to participate(let alone represent the college) in anything.

Life was as worse as hell for my poor friend who cried, shed tears, and prayed to God why this was happening to him, for he had strived and worked as hard as he could for two years and passed his Common Law Admission Test(CLAT) with flying colours securing a commendable All India Rank !! For a person such as him he deserves the best and I wish people would join me in his fight against committing crimes and acts opposed to public policy in the name of ragging!! In his own words-“There is complete Lawlessness in a Law School”!!

The Customary Toast...

Greetings Dear Readers,


To tread a new path is an adventure, an exciting and zealous feeling. Every person in this world has had some experience that he has worth rendering as a definitive, or even a life changing one. Those who can't think of one solely haven't delved much into such an experience, or hasn't the time to do so. In this fast-paced world of dynamic emotions and activity, I portray my few instances with the daily human, it being worth remembering. It would be very encouraging to corroborate my writing with your reviews providing food for improvement and amelioration. Here's to a new beginning, a new facet of my life...


Here's to a new Adventure...

 P.S: I'm very much a teetotaler...the picture is just chumma only(For an illustrative way of saying CHEERS!!)