Happy New Year-2012!!!

Dated: 01.01.2012

“Day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different… “– Definition for life...

A new day and a New Year and like all I have my own resolutions… A few of them are unrealistic, a few of them are unpractical, a few unimaginable and the rest handful of them realistic, practical and achievable.

Irrespective of the list, one thing which I want to make sure this year is to list down the good, the bad and the rest of the things in my life and keep a note of everything. I wish to update this blog more often with all the good things that happen in my life and the rest will be in my personal HDD storage ;) I have very less backup space on my HDD and the blog space is unlimited and hence I expect happiness to overshadow the sorrows!

Just before I rush to 2012, I would like to recall some of the things that happened in the year passed by. I had never imagined that I would be spending a whole year outside India and away from family, but it has happened. Amsterdam has made me a better person in every aspect, I suppose. I have grown one more year and hopefully become a little wiser.

The trip to India in March, 2011 was one of the highlights of the year. I tried to meet most of my friends and was able to spend some quality time with them. This trip had some memorable moments, but also had one sad moment which I wish never happened. But then, life gives surprises and we are sometimes helpless. Life has to move on…

Work wise, it’s been very enriching and smooth. I am placed in a pretty good shape and I hope the trend continues in the coming year. It has been both enjoyable and challenging but I am happy that the things have gone well in the year as a whole. It did have its own down sides, but I guess at the end of the day you have to look at the bright side.

The club cricket was excellent and I had my moments and also proud to be a part of the champion team. We won the league this year and I imagined it would me my last season of cricket. But as things stand today, I think I will be playing one more season. Fingers crossed.

I also became a little health conscious and joined the gym. Unlike the last 3 months, the first 3 months I was pretty regular. This will be one of the priorities in the coming year as well & hope to do better to get into shape. J Guess this is one common resolution of every person ;)

I also had some wonderful, relaxed Holiday’s within Europe. Holiday at Terschelling Island, Visit to the famous tulip garden – Keukenhof, Visit to Rotterdam. Apart from Netherlands, I also visited Norway, Denmark and had a nice holiday in between the serene beauty and grace of nature. The most wonderful experience was however the trip to Swiss. After all the hype that the place carries, it was worth a trip for the adventure sports.

Few glimpses which still gives me goosebumps :

Sky diving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E679BJG-Pg&context=C3dd10f5ADOEgsToPDskIMARulXDK1BfcIFp2Yk5_Y

Canyoning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NskXpw-oLiQ&context=C33da9e6ADOEgsToPDskLdEeKXJdO5RcUMKqcQnMcC

Paragliding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqFVs_Uf5Ag&feature=context&context=C33da9e6ADOEgsToPDskLdEeKXJdO5RcUMKqcQnMcC

Apart from all the above, the routine of the week was almost constant: Work from Monday to Friday and then Friday evening was always fixed for a movie. Thanks to the unlimited pathe pass ;) I have watched the highest number of movies in 2011. I am sure this will grow in the coming year... :)

2011 was also the year where I have received the highest number of wedding invites… Many of my friend’s are married and a few are already scheduled in the first half of 2012.

As much as I liked being in 2011, I am already geared up and looking forward to 2012. Hope the year becomes a better one than the year just passed by…

Happy New Year-2012!!!

Appearance !!!

How important is your first appearance? It’s a question for which there are lot of answers or may be you can hardly get the right answer. I am just penning down my experience here, which might be true in some cases and may be otherwise in rest of the cases.

I have lot of friends in my life and hardly anyone who hate me once they start speaking to me and interacting with me. But what about those who just end up analyzing things from just my appearance? Is it right on their part to just come to a conclusion about a person without even knowing him/her closely and deciding how he/she might be? Not correct in my sense, specially because sometimes people don’t appear the way everyone wants them to be and for some God has not given that pleasant looks which otherwise would convert to make them a better "looking" person. I don’t know where do I belong, but the way the things have turned up it’s a mixed feeling till now.

I grew up with the same friends from my nursery till my 10th Std. So most of them were with my growth and they already knew how I was... But things were quiet different starting PUC. Some of my classmates from school continued college in the same institution, but there were also many people who joined our college. Now, how do you feel when you see a person with dark complexion, grey hairs and most of the time Red-eyes, with a good built? Scared?? I was just describing myself here.... J just recalling those days I remember some of my friends back then were scared, and little apprehensive about my looks and behavior. But then after sometime, when everyone started interacting things settled down and thankfully they knew that I am a more friendly person J

2 years just flew off and then I had to again go out for my engineering, and this time almost everyone were new to the college and every face was new to each other. The guys trying to look for some pretty and good looking faces and the girls trying to find a handsome hunk among the good looking set of people!!! Every person had their own perceptions of every other person. And in my case, the same old story repeated once again... People thinking that I would be rude, not so friendly person and many things which I don’t want to point out. J Thankfully, after some days and months later people slowly knew what kind of a person I am. Some I think continued to have the initial perceptions correct according to them, and many realized that I was indeed a friendly person... J and the rest is history!! J J

A saying which I read recently struck me – “Always remember that you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression!!” How true is this? I can proudly say that I have proved it wrong… In fact, I can safely assume that I have never impressed anyone in my first appearance. It was always the subsequent ones that made the difference… J

Things have of course changed with time…Or may be people think I am really old enough to have grey hairs. J Hope the “looks” prove to be good when it matters the most... Fingers crossed J

4 Years!!!

Hi All,

Another day, Another TGIF.... But Today's TGIF is a little different than all the TGIF's that we have had in the past 4 years... by the EOD, we would be completing 4 years of a great beginning in our professional Career...

It’s my duty, honor and privilege to remind my fellow batch mates of July 23rd, 2007 - we have completed another cycle. A Cycle of 4 years... which started 8 years back, when we all joined the professional course with dreams which most of us never dreamt of...

Let’s rewind our lives 8 years...When we all joined the engineering colleges, the beautiful unmatchable days of our lives!!!

Has anything changed for me?

Many things... and fortunately most of the changes were for good. As it’s always the case, Change is inevitable, but what’s within our control is to manage and adapt to the change. Have I been successful? Yes, to an extent.

What changed first?

As always like every one of us, I had my own fears on what was in store for me, doubts on my own abilities as I had to stay away from home to face the dreadful world. But a small part of me also said, Go ahead, the supreme power above will manage it for you. And as it ended up, he did manage it well ;)

At the end of 4 years, I was in another comfort zone, I had made loads of friends with whom I enjoyed to the extent and at the same time learnt a lot of things... Engineering college was the turning point of my life. At that point, I thought nothing in life could be better. But then it was all over, and another change was waiting for me....

What followed?

What followed was another change, Change called "Infosys" and as I mentioned with every change we have the same feeling that follow. The apprehension and a little confidence.

When I joined this institution, I still had doubts on my ability to survive. The doubts were growing with each day of the first few days at infosys during the training, whatever I attempted was a failure. At one point of time, I had almost thought that the only way forward was to get out. But again, one small part of me also said, he has pushed you till here, he will push you a little more... but only if you wish to... and as it turned out, at the end of 4 months of the "Intense" training, I was successful.

Again these 4 months were enough to make myself get into another comfort zone. The environment that this great institution gave me was simply the best. The exposure that I got in those 4 months, the feeling of happiness, the feeling of Infosys, nothing in this world can match it...

What then followed was another change, a minor one. Infy ready Software Engineer at Mysore campus and the best holiday that i can ever dream of. The royal bench made sure I was comfortable in every possible way. It lasted for not 1 or 2 but for complete 6 months. Those were the days, when I reached office not before noon, just to enjoy the beauty of Infosys and left back home after completing exactly the stipulated magic 9.15 hrs at the campus J

But then, Change was waiting for me. I was moved into production and started working with ABN AMRO account. A set of new people, new work and again the fear and a little confidence. It changed with time, I was happy to learn, happy to enjoy, happy to make myself count and happy to make myself comfortable.

Was it the end?

Not at all, I had to undergo another change, a good one.

Change of location, change of continent and i reached, Amsterdam. With a new challenge, a new opportunity and a new environment, it’s more than a year here and guess what; I am as comfortable as ever ;)

But with comfort what i am expecting is another "Change"... and what’s that? Only time will tell...

Did these changes "change" anything in me?

Yes, every change in my life up until now has helped me grow. At every change, I have gained more and lost less (including the extra kilos J), I have learnt more, I have made more friends who value for who I am and I hope that the "Process" continues...

And to end the note, as I have said in my "Yearly" mails before- "Infosys" has given me more reasons to be happy than sad, and hope the journey continues...

Wishing everyone the best "change" in life.

Signing off from Amsterdam,

Yours truly,

Devidas S Maller.

Emp No- 89337.
Time: 2:00 AM CET J

A journey of a lifetime...

Prologue

A nice sunny beautiful Saturday morning, I opened my eyes in sub- consciousness of my sleep hearing some news which was not very pleasant. I got startled and sat up in a second and concentrated on the news. The reporter concluded, “Right now we are getting the images from the crash spot in Mangalore”. Some name... “For times now’”. I switched on the TV and put times now, and I could not believe the sight I saw. The morning had already become an unexpected one with the Plane crash news in Mangalore. The Air India flight from Dubai had crashed. Feeling very sorry for the people and thinking how severe the crash was, made me wonder how life can end with a full stop.

Out of all the imaginations my mind just reminded me of my flight tickets and I was suppose to travel in 2 days to Mumbai then to Amsterdam via Dubai, and come to think of it, this would be my first flight of lifetime. Trying to be strong and unaffected by the news, I continued the day with usual chores and then the packing of the bags.

I left to Madikeri that evening to meet my parents and then plan for my onsite travel. It was decided that my parents would come with me to the airport to see me off. I called almost all the relatives and friends and informed about my travel, and everyone wished me luck and few advices too followed. I took them all locked it well in my head and then returned to my room in Mysore. Spending my last night at the room, thinking how fast the time had passed by… then packing my bags, checking if I had all the required documents for the travel, Visa formalities was on the priority list. After I felt that it was all fine, I slept off feeling a little unusual that it would be my last night at Mysore for at least few months.

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Chapter 1: My First Flight.

Date: 24^th May 2010

I am scheduled to leave to Bangalore and catch a flight to Mumbai for my Visa formalities.

My parents reached Mysore at 10:00, I went to office to bid goodbye to few of my friends and Colleagues. It was a bright sunny day, and I was excited, tensed and a little uncomfortable as I was still not convinced that I was traveling out of India for few months. Moreover it was the first time I would be going somewhere other than southIndia, Mumbai – The land of Dreams.

At last after few hiccups and tense situations I and my parents left Mysore at 12:00noon. The flight was to leave from Bangalore at 04:19. I had heard that we need to be in the airport at least an hour before the departure. The optimistic plan which I calculated would get me to Bangalore by 3:00; I never knew how far is the Airport from after reaching Bangalore so I thought I would reach by 3:30. The journey was good, calling few more close friends to inform I have started my journey. The situation started becoming tense only when we were nearing Bangalore and the time was already 3:20, and then after another 10 mins drive, I couldn’t control asking the driver how far is the airport. The reply was very cool; another 27 kms which is like another half an hour journey and that meant I would reach the airport not before 4:00. And Bangalore has been creating history with its traffic, which meant few signals and few slow moving traffic which was making the journey little longer. The Air Conditioner in the tata sumo was no longer making me stay cool, I was getting tense min by min, but I just couldn’t show that as I was sitting with my parents. The driver said, I will make sure I will drop you exactly at 4:00 in front the airport and he did keep his promise. At 4 he made sure I was getting down from the Cab. I did not have more time and no more time for extra emotional moments to bid goodbye to my parents. I hurried near the entrance, I had kept my tickets and the passport ready, showed it to the security, got into the airport and then I had no clue what to do. I just turned back and waved to my parents and signed them that they can leave and everything was ok. Then I checked where I should be heading to next, saw jet airways signboards and went near the counter. The time was 4:10, at the counter he confirmed my ticket and gave me the boarding pass and then he said “Sir, kindly hurry up… already boarding for the flight has started”. Hurry up??? Fine... But where the hell should I go??? L I was in a bizarre situation, my first flight and it felt like I was acting in a bollywood movie. I ran towards the escalator and then the long queue for the security check. Thankfully it did not last long, and I was on my way out of the security check and was taken into a nice jet airways bus which took us near the flight. The flight looked great from outside, I checked the ticket and then step by step walked into the flight and I could see nice cushioned seat. I asked for my seat number, the not so beautiful air-hostess showed me the way back. And then I was surprised to see the seats placed like our bus, 3 on each side. Frankly, the space between seats is little less, there is no push back’s unlike our posh Volvo buses and moreover had a small passage which made more difficult for the people. I was told that the handbags should not weigh more than 7-8 Kg’s, but every passenger who entered had made sure they had at least 7 Kg’s.

I looked at the time, and it was exactly 4:20. I quickly called my mother and informed that I am sitting inside the flight and everything was ok. After assuring & reassuring her that everything was fine and smooth, I switched off my cell.

I was looking around to see the people rushing to their seats one by one and was thinking how different things can be. The 2 seats next to me on the right was empty, and around I could find all kinds of people, a lady sitting diagonally in the front reading a book very seriously, few gentlemen behind speaking loudly about their trip, a young couple talking to each other who were sitting cozily diagonally behind me, few children running here and there blocking the path for others. And then I saw to my left, a man who looked uncomfortable but very stylish trying to push the seat backwards and seeing others very sheepishly. He was also holding a book, which was more for showing others that I have bought it for reading during the flight. After few tries he realized that the seat is not a push back and then he rested himself without much action and started looking around. That is when I realized that this guy was traveling for the first time as well. Another nice gentleman with a good smile on his face came near me and said that he was asked to take the seat in my row, I left him in.

Then there were few announcements in the flight, the air hostess showed some safety measures and asked us to tighten our seatbelts. Just when I was to tighten mine, an airhostess came near and said she would take the seat next to me. I allowed her in, the man on her right was very happy and so was I, she sat in the middle. Her name was priya. Just when the flight started to move, I looked at her, she smiled and I told her that this was my first flight. She was very kind, told me to relax and then started explaining each step. She told me exactly when the flight would move to the main runway, and then said relax now, the flight is about to take off. My first take off, the flight which was moving slowly suddenly gained speed and then a tilt up and then the take off, I felt a little dizzy and a swirl in my stomach and in sometime everything was normal. It was a successful takeoff. Priya left the place and went about her normal work.

I was just thinking of certain things which I had to do in Mumbai, realizing that I will be landing in Mumbai in an hour or so, then thought about my parents who might have reached my sisters place by that time and many such things. There was a round of refreshments on its way, and we had to pay for it. The gentleman next to me was furious; he was telling me that service is bad, as we had to pay for what we need! J I couldn’t reply anything but just replied with a smile. The rest of the journey was good, nothing special and I did not realize how fast the time passed by.

The time was 5:40, and the announcement said, please get ready for the landing, we are landing in Mumbai airport at 5:50, 5 mins ahead of scheduled landing time. The seat next to me remained empty, we tightened our seat belts and then the flight started moving down slowly. It felt a little different when the flight was moving down. A little head ache, pain in the ear and it felt like no pressure in the stomach. But it was all fine, except when the wheels touched the ground with a screech. The flight was so fast that I remembered the Mangalore crash for a moment and imagined how people inside would have felt. The man sitting next to me was trying to apply brakes himself; he was looking out of the window and was even more scared. Then another hard screech and the flight slowed down and then I felt I was safe. I came out of the terminal, saw the time it was 6:05 and I was in Mumbai. J I switched on my phone, called my mother and told I have landed safely. My first ever flight.

I collected my baggage and as I came out of the airport, I called my college friends, Amit prabhu and Vaman nayak; both had agreed to come to pick me up. Amit had already left office and said would reach in 20 mins time, and vaman would take around an hour. In sometime I saw amit coming near the airport, we were meeting after almost 3 years, and he had not changed much unlike me. We sat chatting until vaman nayak joined us and then we all left to my guest house.

Amit had taken leave the next day and vaman would meet us near his office. We planned where and how to meet and then both of them left to their place after having dinner in a near by restaurant.

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Chapter 2: Mumbai meri jaan.

Date: 25^th May 2010.

I had to reach VISA office at 8:00 in the morning, so I got up early, took a taxi and went to the VISA office only to find that the office open’s only at 10. I came out and roamed a little near the park and then walked along to reach the Victoria terminal. I saw how Mumbai was on a morning. It was busy, and when I mean busy it is absolutely crowded, people are crazily going all over the place, I was wondering if everyone knew what they were actually doing. I had called amit and he asked me to take a taxi to Gate way of India and then we would meet there. We both went there and then amit showed and explained me the place and then took me the way terrorists had planned. We visited a nice irany café where we had our breakfast and then headed back to the VISA office.

The real shocker was when the security told me that my name was not in the list for the day’s appointment. Somehow I convinced him to check once again. He spoke to the lady inside and said that I was not in the list. I asked him to allow me speak to the lady. She explained me that I had booked an appointment in another office and that issued only short term Visa. I then explained the situation; I had my flight toAmsterdam that very night and asked her if somehow she can consider my application. She asked me to wait until everyone finishes, I was a little relaxed, prepared the documents and then after everyone were done, went in and submitted my documents. She said I would get the stamped VISA in the evening around 4:00 PM.

Vaman had by then joined amit and after sometime, vaman left for his office. I and amit started for some shopping. Amit showed me some streets of Mumbai; I had to buy few things which I did on the way during our street visit. Vaman had promised us that he would join us for lunch and so we met and had a nice and heavy lunch. I went back and then got the Passport with the VISA stamped.

I had few formalities to be completed to get my flight tickets. I had called up my brother in law whose office was near and thus I was able to do the scanning and some e-mails to my HR. It would not have been an easy task if I had not gone to his office. All thanks to him, finally at around 7:30 PM I had my travel itinerary in my hand.

We started from his office and then went to Victoria terminal; bavaji had to catch a train, so it left me and amit waiting for vaman to come from his office. We met and then amit left to his place as it was a bit far off. I and vaman planned to go in the Mumbai train back to my guest house.

And I need to describe this, Mumbai trains are crazy. It was an unbelievable experience and if I was alone I am sure it wouldn’t have been possible for me to get down in Kurla. Every person wants to reach his place as soon as possible. Each one is tired after his whole days’ work. Each one is tired, but gather strength to get into the train, travel with the crowd and reach their destination. I thought to myself that I would never ever travel in Mumbai trains in my life.

Once we reached near the guest house, vaman was kind enough to stay with me until my departure to the airport. I had my flight at 4:35 AM, but I was supposed to reach the Mumbai International Airport by at least 1:00 AM. I freshened up, packed my luggage and then left from the guest house. On the way, bid good bye to vaman and then set off to the Airport.

I saw Mumbai only for a day; and it was quite an experience. I am sure if I was alone I wouldn’t have completed all the formalities that day. Thanks to amit and Vaman who helped me and guided me throughout the day, took good care of me and made me remember some beautiful instances from our college days. It was a day well spent, though I felt I couldn’t do much because I had to finish my VISA formalities first. And just when I was wondering all these, I had reached the Mumbai international airport from where I would be moving out of the country. First time ever.J

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Chapter 3: Up in the Air!!

Date: 26^th May 2010

Totally unknown place, crowded with people holding huge baggages and I was one of them. I was feeling lost, not knowing what was the formalities. I managed to get into the airport. I had to go to some remote terminal where the Emirates flight check- in was placed. Somehow got there and then went along the queue to get my boarding pass. The person in the counter handed me 2 boarding passes, one Mumbai-Dubai and another Dubai-Amsterdam. I checked-in the luggage and was left with one small hand baggage. I was told to fill an immigration form and then head towards the counter for the immigration check.

I filled the form and then went along others to reach the counter. My turn came and I was in front of a guy who saw me and then the passport some 2 times, then checked my boarding pass and then handed it back to me after clearing my passport back after a immigration stamp on it. I wasn’t sure if that was all, so I was looking at him unconvincingly and then I smiled to go ahead. At that moment he stopped me again, asked me to hand over the passport again and then looked at it in detail. He then started asking me questions. He asked me from where I came, where I actually live, why I was traveling to Amsterdam, what was my qualification, which college I studied, which company I worked for and few more questions followed. I answered all his questions with complete information. He was then convinced and then handed over the boarding pass and the passport back to me. Before I left, I wanted to clear off the air, so I told him that this was my first time outside India and I did not know about any of the procedures. So that’s the reason I was looking at him apprehensively. He just gave a nice smile and told that’s alright, have a good flight. I thanked him and then went ahead for the security check. It was another hell of a thing, I had to take of my jacket, my belt, had to keep my mobile phone, wallet, hand baggage and everything on a tray and had to head towards a security guard who checked in every possible way and then told me to go ahead. I then took all my things back and started wearing it again. J After a while I was done and then had to head towards the departure terminal. The airport inside looked awesome in itself. It was nothing less than a mall. It had almost everything. I checked the time and it was just 2:30. I had plenty of time until my flight; I had to somehow pass the time. I tried roaming around the airport as much as possible and then sat in place for sometime. I was feeling restless. And as it was to happen and as I had imagined, my mother calls me at 3:30 getting up from her sleep to enquire if everything was ok. I had told her that I would be switching off the phone and she had told me that she would still give a try and check if it was on. I knew her and that’s the reason I had kept it on. I was happy to speak to her again assured her and reassured her that everything was fine and then asked her to go to sleep.

Somehow the time passed and it was time for us to board the flight. I entered the flight and again I had not got the window seats, the emirates flight was huge and I mean really huge, one row had some 11 seats. The flight was full and the journey began. J The flight was really posh and well maintained. There was a monitor in front of me; it had games, TV series, movies, tour guide etc. I was just settling down looking at everything. The flight was about to take off and I remembered the flight take of experience again. It was a similar experience this time as well, I felt a little dizzy and then everything was normal. Then the breakfast arrived. I had it and then dozed of for the rest of the flight. We were landing in Dubai at 6:30 AM and we landed at the expected time. It was a nice and smooth landing. I went out of the flight and walked through the terminal exit. I had to head towards my next flight which was at 8:30 and that meant I had 2 hours time in which I again had to pass through security check. I had to walk for at least 1.5 kms to reach the terminal from which I would have my next flight.

The Airport is well maintained and very very huge. I was very sleepy and was feeling a bit tired as well. I was still trying to roam around a bit and then checked out a nice rest room. I went in to wash my face, was looking around and then thought why not take a shower itself. I did exactly that, took a nice hot water shower and then changed into some washed clothes. It made me fresh and I got my energy back. JIn sometime the terminal was opened and we all went in. we could see the flights and this was the first time I was looking at a flight so closely. The flight was I guess double the size of the normal domestic flight which I had traveled. I went into the flight and sat on my seat. I was very sleepy and was waiting for the flight to take off. By now I was experienced enough and this time the take off was good. I was anyways feeling sleepy, so I just made myself comfortable and then slept for a good 3 hours time. At around 11:30 or so, the lunch came in, I started watching the movie “Up in the Air” as I had my breakfast. The movie was good, I enjoyed it, and by the time I was done with it the flight was nearing the destination. The flight was on-time and we landed in the airport at exact 1:25 as scheduled. But the flight took its own time to reach the terminal. I was out of the airport after the immigration stamp at the counter at around 2:15 or so. I had to call someone who could pick me. Suraj had agreed and I had to wait for him to come as it was a weekday and it meant that he is still in office J after a nice wait for 2 hours he came, we went around got the special photo for the IND appointment, got the sim card for the mobile and then headed outside the airport.

We took a taxi to reach his place and the “taxi” was a Benz S-class and was so comfortable that I was already feeling thrilled. The car was speeding at 140 kms per hour and we never felt that it was as fast. Like all the bollywood movie scenes when the hero lands to the new country and sees around with great astonishment, I felt the same and was looking out and enjoying the beauty of the place and the nice ride. Both ended as we stopped near suraj’s place and got the taxi receipt. It read 30 euros, which is like 1800 for the 10 kms we traveled, but believe me it was all worth the money and in any case who cares, I was to get it reimbursed.J

The journey actually ended after I updated the facebook with my new status “Landed in Amsterdam”J

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Epilogue

Some dreams are seen in the sleep and some when you are awake. In those, some dreams get realized and some remain as a dream unrealized. But sometimes there are realities which feel like dream, but they are not meant to be... And I was living one of those unseen dreams.

It’s been 3 months already since I landed in this beautiful place, Amsterdam. Everything that is close to my heart is back in India, my family, my friends and many more things and I miss them all very dearly. But I am happy here because this real dream has given me an opportunity to realize some of the dreams I have seen back in India.

The journey has just begun and it feels great,

Targets are yet to be reached and I am confident about it,

Expectations are high and I am sure I will meet,

With this, a new journey has begun and I am up for it…

The Poem was not meant to be a poem, it just came with the flow and now, I love it

3 Years!!! :)

Hi All,

Good morning... Congrats for completing another year of work life and still surviving in it ... Cheers.. We have all completed 3 years of working life...

As always, its time to recall the good old times, cherish those times again for a min or two... and then again get back to our normal schedule... J

And as part of the tradition, it’s my pleasure to pen down a few things which I want to share with you all on this yet another special day of my life.

Dated: 23rd July 2010:

Today, its 3 years since we have started one of the exiting journey of life... For some it may have been good, for some it would have been not so good. But personally it’s been very much satisfying... If someone had asked me 5 years back, where I would be in next 5 years... I would have stared at them with a blank face. But I am happy it’s a little different today… I am sure the foundation has been laid for a good decent and a happy future. Frankly, I have not achieved much in last 3 years other than some good and nice friends and few satisfying moments at work.

I want to just look back what I meant when I said Foundation has been laid for a good future. Every person in my opinion should see from where he/she actually came into existence, in what kind of environment he/she was bought up, where he is today due to his efforts in his life and then think whether he/she has got what they actually deserve.

From where I came into existence- A tricky question, even I don’t know and I am sure most of you might not know much about it in your own lives. Why do I say so? It’s simply because we were not in our own senses. Everything that happened around us was taken care by our parents. We were ignorant of the happenings and the way things were going on in our lives. When we were carefree, our parents took care of us taking all the pain and difficulties to live their life and responsibility to bring us up.

What kind of environment I was bought up – A very clean, healthy, decent environment. My parents made sure I was getting the best of the lot. Good education, Good food, good “scolding” teaching me lessons of life. They did everything possible and spent their life in bringing me up in the best possible way. Every small thing was taken care. I wanted everything that was beyond our limits, but they provided the best within their limits without second thought. It was not the best of the best, but it couldn’t have been better. And may be those little things have helped me become a better person today.

How things were for me- Now, imagine this- A person having no idea what his future would be, totally careless about the most important thing- studies and scoring good marks. Spending time in totally useless things, always wasting time. That was me, and it did not mean that I was very bad at things I did, but I was not the best. Now when it mattered the most, I got the best ranking in entrance exam – 18027/38000 J J The way I see it today, there were as many people behind me as in front of me. I feel that was really the best thing that happened.

Everything that happened after this is like a fairy tale- a happy one. I joined the engineering college and had to stay away from home. This is when I realized the real value of life. Being away from home made me realize how much I missed my parents, how much I love and care for them, and it bought in me a sense of responsibility. College life was great and the best was the 3^rd year.

To cut a long story short, I was lucky enough to end up getting placed at Infosys at the end of 3^rd year.

I have tried to recall only the best of the worst situations as shortly as possible, and for some it might feel, it was most comfortable life that I have had. It wasn’t actually the case, there are lot of things that has happened in last 25 years of existence. But no complains, it’s been a pleasure.

And what has happened after I joined infy? Nothing much actually, it has been a smooth ride until now, it had few manageable speed breakers as well. Now like every other person, I work for a living. What do I mean by living? Living means having a life, better than what you had experienced before.

Now has infy helped me earn this living? In 3 letters- Yes...

This company has made me achieve some of the unimaginable dreams of my life. One such small dream was achieved recently and I would like to share this with you all.

It was just close to 3 years at infy, more than that, it was only close to 2 years in ABN account. But I was one of those lucky guys who got this opportunity to travel onsite to Amsterdam, Netherlands. And travel onsite meant I was going to earn more than what we generally used to. It meant I will have opportunity to spend something extra than regular. I sent my first salary from onsite to my parents and clear off the debt. And then I knew that there would be considerable amount left with my parents. Now my mother’s long lasting dream was to get a Refrigerator for home, my father’s small dream to get a LCD TV for home. I told them, this is the right time to get it. And it so happened last week that they have got a LCD TV, and a two door Refrigerator. It was a happy moment for my parents and a very proud moment for me. My mother was explaining me how the new fridge is and how good the quality of images in TV is, over the phone. I could feel the happiness and was feeling happier here in Amsterdam. The next day she calls and continues to explain more abt it. She had actually put the pulav into the top door of the fridge which was the freezer instead of the below compartment of the fridge. She was laughing uncontrollably explaining the situation and how they struggled to heat the pulav and eat it. J Sad that I am far away from them when I should be with them during such small happy moments. But I guess for people like me, we need to sacrifice something to get something better. I definitely do not want the same happiness to continue, I would like to be back home when such small and beautiful things happen in my life.

Now getting off the sentimental mode, It’s been 3 years at Infosys and I feel extremely proud and happy the way the company has treated me as an employee. I am all geared up to continue for another year here at infosys….

"Infosys" has given me more reasons to be happy than sad, and hope the journey continues…

Wishing everyone a nice day and a happy year ahead. All the Best.

Signing off from Amsterdam,

Yours truly,

Devidas S Maller.

Emp No- 89337.

Time: 2:00 AM CET J

Life wouldn’t have been the same!!!

I had not put any effort or whatsoever to get a seat into engineering. I had no hopes at all. I had scored an average (if I may call it) 69% in the Board and a ranking of 18027 in my entrance. With this kind of results you actually have to stop dreaming and try to get what is within your reach. I was just 18 Years old and hardly had any worries about the future. I had enquired in a college from where I can pursue a Bachelors degree in Science. It was not such a bad course to join, I know many great people who have done wonders after getting this degree. But still at the back of my mind (you can read it as my parents mind), I (they) wanted me to get an engineering seat.
The counseling for the seat selection was still 20 days ahead and in the meantime I was all by myself. That night I finished my dinner and was watching some serial (Saas-Bahu types :) ) on TV. At 10:45PM suddenly one of my uncle from Bangalore calls me up and informs that there is some seats for people who are from GSB(Gowda Saraswath Brahmin’s) in Canara engineering college and one of our relatives had the counseling that day and had got the seat. He also said that there were still some seats left, and I better go there and enquire personally the next day itself, so that I may have a chance and might get the seat too. My cousin advised me to take the required certificates, Marks sheets and the photographs which would be required. Within 15mins I took out all my marks sheets and certificates etc and was ready to go. I called up my cousin in Mangalore at night and informed him that I will be reaching the next day morning by 9 in the morning.
I got up at 5:00 am and left to Mangalore. Reached Mangalore at around 9:30. Had my breakfast and started to CHS association to find out about the seats available. To my surprise there were quite a number of seats available for all the branches. I was told that I can select the branch, pay the token advance amount of 20k and confirm my seat. I called up my father and told him the situation, as my cousin who was working in a bank, he made quick arrangement for the money (from his own pocket :) ) and the next morning I was back at CHS association to complete the formalities and confirm the seat. I came back home the next day still not able to digest the fact that I had actually got a seat in an engineering college.
The problem started when I started thinking how good the college is. When I started going through the prospectus, I came to know that the college was 2 years old and mine will be the 3rd batch. All sort of confusion started creeping in, but I guess this was what I deserved or rather, did I? :) Who cares… when I think now about those few days which changed my future, I am really thankful to everyone who were involved directly or indirectly in those few days. :) :) :)

Today wherever I am, whatever I am and whatever I will be in the future is just bcoz of those few people who made such a difference in my life.

My Life

I don’t know how I was when I was a child. I don’t know how I behaved, how good I was or how bad I was, how cute I was or how clumsy I was. How much people liked me, or how much they hated me. I don’t remember certain incidents where I have felt joyous or felt bad. I can take this as the first stage of life where I was ignorant of my own self. This stage occurs in everyone’s life. The transformations that occur in this stage because of the influence of the world and environment around you make a big difference on your future. Though I don’t remember exactly what happened around me I am very sure whatever happened was simply the best and nothing better could have happened for me.



Then was the second stage when I started behaving in such a way that I did not care for others, dint mind hurting people (mainly my family and friends) dint think twice in whatever I did. I just wanted myself to be happy no matter what happens to the world around me, I did not realize I had somebody who loved me, somebody who hated me, somebody who would do anything to keep me happy, or someone who just thought about me. I sometimes thought may this be last day of life. This is a very crucial stage where if I was NOT handled in the right way, I definitely would have gone the Wrong way :) and I guess my parents and sister have done everything right for me. They never objected to whatever foolish things I said or the things that I asked them to do for me. My Teachers and friends made me realize what was good for me and what was not.



But there was a time in life when I got my senses, when I could understand what people thought about me, how I behaved, what I meant for them, and what they meant for me in my life. It’s a fantastic thing. When you are clear about your thoughts, life has a lot more interesting things in store for u. I feel I am lucky enuf to have gone thru this phase in my life, and in my opinion I m going through the stage even now. I realized god has sent us down here, with a purpose. The purpose may be anything. No one knows it exactly, than God himself.

Surprisingly, I actually had started thinking!!! The thoughts were so random that even I wondered what was going around. But then it only helped me develop myself from an ordinary person to something very special. Sorry if I m exaggerating, But I think I m simply the best. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I am not that arrogant to think only I am the best. But yes I m one among the best. Ahhh!!! There it goes - another random thought… :) :) :) sorry about that!!!

To go on to say a little more about the things I thought.
1) My Parents: I used to think may this be my last day. Now I realize that I have responsibility. They have struggled their whole life to bring me up; my parents have taken care of me extremely well. Wherever I am today, it’s only because of them. They scolded me; they corrected me when I was wrong. There might have been times when I was not in sync with what they thought, but at end of the day what they thought was what was best for me. No person can give back what their parents have done for them and it’s the same case with me too. I just pray to god to give me strength and courage to help me keep them happy, now and forever.
2) My Sister: My sister is 9 yrs elder to me and we share very little bondage what actually some siblings have between them. It was mainly because of the age difference. When she was thinking what was good for me and was taking care of me, I was almost beating her up and scolding her as I was just not in my own senses. Now that I have realized the fact, she is already married and leading her life. Though I don’t have any regrets on this, I just sometimes think it would have been better if she stayed with me for another 2 years before her marriage.
3) My Teachers: They have influenced me as much as my parents. The reason I say that is because I have spent most of the time in school and college than in my house. So whenever I was going wrong or not doing what was correct “socially” these teachers were the ones who corrected me, guided me and shown me the right path which has lead me to reach where I am today. The teachers I had when I was in nursery to the lecturers in my engineering, each one has given me the right advice and put into my brains the best of information which was essential for my future.
4) My Relatives: There are a few people among my relatives who have influenced me in my life. I respect them immensely and would just thank god who has given me such wonderful people. These are people who have taught me what a “Family” means. I just can’t explain in words what they mean to me. I am very tempted to pen down the names, but I am just afraid if I loose even one name, it might create some kind of bitterness between us. That’s how families are… You just can’t help it!!!
5) My Friends: Now this category is the best part of anyone’s life. And mine I think is something very special. I have had everything found in different people. There are friends who like me for who I am, some like me for the way I am, some hate me for what I am, some friends who are jealous of me etc. And similarly I have also had some people who I respect a lot for the way they are, some I have a lot of concern, some friends whom I envy a lot. Only category I don’t have is the hate part. If I sit back and think for a moment I cant recall anyone whom I hated, there might have been situations where I have fought with some, but that was momentarily and forgotten in a short time. I am very grateful to some who have actually taught me what is life, what is the value of life, how we can be more than what we actually are…and the list goes on… Thanks to all those who have been a part of my life. Hope they continue till my last breath.

I don’t know my future. But the way things have come along till now, I am very sure and hopeful that things can only get better from here. Hope my future “Family” adds more value and meaning to my life. :) :) :)
I just pray to god to give what is best for me to make my life better.

P.S: The above things are just thoughts which have crossed my mind from last few years of my life which I could recall in last few days. There are many such things and events that will be coming along in my future blogs.

College that changed “me”...

Canara Engineering College, Bantwal. – I owe a lot to this college. I will not forget the moments I spent here, I still recall each n every event that made my life better and some moments which could have been better. Below I am just recalling those wonderful days and some of the events which changed me.

September 21^st 2003: I am getting ready to leave my house to pursue my Engineering degree. My parents are uncertain abt my life. I myself not sure what is in store for me. Holding a suitcase and a bag in my hand I left my home after praying to god and taking my parents blessings. Alone, started my journey towards an uncertain world.

I Reached “MY” college around noon. I entered thru the hostel gates looking at the hostel, Just then aditya and his father got down along with me and we started walking down the road as I started speaking to them. Came to know that he had already got the room booked and had found a roomie. Somehow a thought started running in my mind, who will be my roomie n more importantly where will be my room. As I entered the hostel block, I had to go and meet “PD” - our hostel warden. He gave me a form to fill and asked me to select a room and he gave a list of rooms which were still unoccupied. I went around searching a room which I thought was suitable for me. Met another Batch-mate none other than our own Abhay manjeshwar with his family trying to select a room. Finally I selected room no- 202.

I was cleaning my room I saw a boy passing in front of my room. I called him and introduced myself to him. He introduced himself as Umesh Kamath. Then I met Sadanand Kamath his roomie, Akshay Aithal his college classmate. All 3 from Thirthahalli. I also met Shivprasad, Akshay`s roomie. Then I had this privilege to meet Pradeep Shenoy and his roomie Vaman Nayak. Felt good that most of them were speaking Konkani – My mother tongue. The day passed well, we all speaking with each other and thinking abt the ways to escape fro getting ragged. We all went together to the mess which looked like a heaven for me. People won’t believe it, but that day I had the dinner which tasted very good. As the day ended and I was sleeping on my bed lot of things going in my mind. First time away from my house, away from my parents, away from my place, far off, came to do my bachelors in a college which was in a jungle to be precise. :) Somehow I felt a little uncomfortable thinking all this but still I slept nicely on the new “kurl-on” bed.

September 22^nd 2003: The orientation program: I got up early, went on to brush my teeth wishing Good morning to few who were awake. Had a nice bath and was getting ready and then there was a knock at the door. I opened it n there he stood along with his brother, Subramanya T M my roomie :) both were extremely tired and by the time I went to pradeep`s room and was back, they had locked the door from inside and were sleeping. I tried my best to wake them up but was successful only after 10 mins when my roomie came and opened the door for me.

We all went to the mess had our breakfast and then started walking towards our college to attend the orientation program in the seminar hall. We had each member of the management speaking about the glory of “Canara institutions”. :) Though we were just the 3^rd batch of this engineering college we were made to feel that we had done the right thing by choosing the college. And to put it in a better way I did not have any other better choice than Canara Engineering College for the 18027 ranking I had scored in the entrance exam.

After the round of introductions and speeches and the welcoming from the seniors we had some snacks to eat and we were shown our way to the classrooms.

From there we all were taken for a trip showing us all the labs etc. After this, we were free for the rest of the day.As i was coming back from the college towards the hostel I could see someone waving the hand out of the ambassador car and trying to call me. I couldn’t recognize who it was as I did not know anyone. Suddenly the car stopped and two people got down and came towards me. Suddenly I remembered it was Abhay`s parents whom I had met the previous day. His “mother” couldn’t control the tears in her eyes, somehow controlling herself, she told me to take care of her child and to be good to him. I agreed and told them there was no need for them to worry about anything. I remembered my mother and I had tears in my eyes as I thought of her. I walked back to my room, with all mixed feelings. Another day passed, met few more people from my batch and some people from the seniors. Got to know more about my new roomie. That’s it for the second day.

September 23^rd 2003: First day of college: The “classes” were supposed to begin on this day. After the breakfast we were off towards the college building. I saw so many people around, some getting late for the classes were running; these were basically our seniors, and some speaking to each-other in a carefree way most of these belonging to our batch :)

I reached my classroom. Our class had the door from the back and I had to walk towards the front of the class. A new beginning and I wanted to sit in the first bench :) I still remember many in the class turning and looking at me as I walked towards the front and this was obvious because of the way I looked. A dark guy with grey hairs and a laptop bag in the hand looked more like the lecturer than a student. :) But then I knew pradeep and vaman in the class. Pradeep was sitting in the first bench and I sat beside him. We were supposed to have the class at 9 in the morning, but we were free for the first hour. I thought in my mind that I indeed had entered engineering. I just turned around and started introducing myself to people seated behind me, Just then a guy gets up, goes straight back, closes the door comes to the front of the class and starts “ hi Friends, We have to be together for the next four years, so lets introduce ourselves and get familiar to each other. Let me start – I am Ashwin Shenoy, I studied in Canara institution my whole life right from 1^st STD to 2^nd P U C and now again joined Canara. I am from Mangalore itself”. I saw some people quietly getting up from their places and walking out of the class. I also wanted to do the same thing as I was afraid of facing the crowd, but then gathered some courage to sit where I was, admiring the way ashwin had taken this initiative. Frankly, I don’t remember many people in between who came and introduced themselves because I was trying to think what will I say when my turn comes. I wanted to appreciate ashwin for what he was doing, but then I was too scared. :) My turn, I went up looked at everyone staring at me :( I was nervous like anything, but I had to say something so I started “Hi friends, this is Devidas S Maller from beautiful place of coorg district, Madikeri, I studied throughout my life in madikeri itself right from 1^st STD to 2^nd PUC” … No reaction from anyone, I continued “thank you” and I ran back to my seat. :) Then some more people came gave their intro, went back. Each one coming up saying their name, where they studied and the place they belong to. I don’t remember anybody else, but then how can I ignore this girl. Bhavya bekal comes up from her seat and starts “First of all, I thank ashwin for taking this initiative and introducing the whole class. I am Bhavya Bekal from Mangalore. I studied in Canara P U College, Nice to meet you all”. And all the while I was thinking “SHIT” I had to say this before her. :( Another few more intros and then we had some few mins free before the start of our class. I don’t remember who came for the class. Guess it was upadyaya sir for Physics. The usual classes were started, again with intros before the start of each subject. Another beautiful day had passed, met more people from our batch, also almost the whole 2^nd floor in the hostel. Met people in the neighboring room, room no -201, both mallus. – Vipin nair and vibin o Balakrishnan from kerala. :) This was the first 3 days of my unforgettable 4 years.

Its 5 years since all this has happened. Time really flies; it brings along with it some beautiful moments, some sad moments some mixed moments. All these moments were in my engineering life. This was just the sweet introduction that I experienced.

One year up and Still going strong.... :)

This was written keeping in my mind the ppl in our training batch...

23rd July 2007- One year since…
A day when I had to change myself from student life, the fun I had, the freedom I had, –To- something which is called “The Corporate Life”. I was joining “Infosys Technologies Limited”. But something different was in store for me and my batch. It was like we had changed our college and have joined a new one, where we all were new. The new ‘Toughest’ semester had begun with our new ‘Principal’ I mean the “HR” introducing us and making us aware of the new rules and regulations of the “College” and courses etc...

The first one week was great, we just had the induction sessions from morning till evening and then I and my roomie went on the cycle exploring the wonderful Blore DC. The way the first week had gone by, we had this thought that Professional life is so easy. But the Real courses started from the 2nd week. We had to undergo ‘Regression’ sessions on all the subjects which we had during our engineering, what we had studied in 4 years (A repeat for the people who had done engineering in Computers and for others it was new subjects), was covered well and finished within 2 months. We had the regular module tests and then the compre exam. I remember the day when we had our compre Hands On (Practical’s basically) which will be cherished throughout my life. Naah!!!! Don’t get me wrong here… I remember that day not because of the exam but that day it was Kailash Kher at the infy campus who was simply Rocking. Though we had our important exam on Monday (Compre exam), we had no choice but to forget everything and enjoy the show. The best part was, I and some of my friends got a chance to meet him, speak to him and take pic`s with him. Hmmmm … we had got a motivation to study well for the exam, though I don’t want to tell how well the exam went on… :P

We were expecting our main stream which would decide our future at Infosys and elsewhere. i.e., which platform we all will be trained. Everybody was expecting the stream to be either Java, Dot Net, but the best news came to us that we will be trained in “Mainframes”. Though I had not expected anything like java or dot net, I was scared, the only reason being that I had only heard about mainframes 2 or 3 times in my engineering. :) Nothing more nothing less… :) We were lucky to have the best trainers for this course, I would thank each of them … I know I used to think “Y these people are giving us such tough times” But today after one year I can just thank them because those tough times have made our life easy now … The training was indeed a wonderful, unforgettable, included fun, enjoyment, tough times etc... I have had this opportunity of meeting some of the best people, made some best friends, friends for Life… Also I thank the almighty for giving me the strength to complete it successfully.

We all were shifted to different DC`s after our training, I was lucky to get into Mysore DC. Like the first week of induction, here too I had this opportunity of exploring the Mysore DC… Not for one week but for “5 Full months”. :P :P It really took me 5 months to explore it… n god had given me all the time in the world… I was on “Bench” for 5 months. It was a gr8 time… I almost loved being a “Software Engineer” :) But every good thing has an end... and so did my bench... I was shifted to “IVS”(Testing projects) from “BCMD”(development projects) two months back...now I am enjoying the “Testing” times... :) Hope I have some “Development” in my life soon :P .

My heartfelt thanks to each one of those who has made my life easy... Wishing everyone a great success and a wonderful life filled with happiness and fun…. Enjoy. Keep smiling and Keep in touch… Cheers.

P.S: I did not get time to cover everything what I thought… wanted to write more… May be some other time... :)

2 Years back !!

Dated : 5th June 2008.

Two Years Back – 5th June 2006.

A Dream company for most people in India, A Company where every software engineer dreams to be in. Yes, “Infosys Technologies Limited” had come for the campus placements to our college “Canara Engineering College, Mangalore”.

With not much of a hope I gave the written test as I had done for a few other companies. Then the results :) :) the most awaited part and believe it or not, out of 450 odd people from 7 engineering colleges in the region, only 35 got shortlisted .HR told it was an Average performance from all. The names were called one after the other which included students from other colleges and then the names from our college. 34 names were already called and then the 35th name …”Devidas S Maller”. Yes mine was the last name in the list. God!! , how lucky I was :):) but wait, I had to clear one more round.

My interview was at around 5.30 in the evening which went on well, this was the case in other companies also but none of them called my name in the final list. We all gathered in a room where the names of the people who were finally selected were to be announced. When I heard my name between all the others I felt I was the luckiest person in the whole world. I, for a moment, closed my eyes thanked GOD one more time and then there was hugging each other, congratulating each other .The Best Moment Of MY life. :):)

Another interesting thing was that I had not told my parents that I had a campus interview that day, I had to call them up to inform about my selection. I tried calling my home again and again but no one would pick the call. I was waiting to inform my parents first, before I could spread the news to my other friends and relatives. Somehow I was feeling very bad that I had not told my parents that I had the campus interview, but a deep sense of satisfaction was there within me because for all the previous companies I had informed them but only to disappoint them at the end of the day.

But today was different, again I called up home. It was 9.30 pm. My mother picked the call. I just had to tell her the news but before that I had to ask her where she was from evening. And the answer was “Temple”, it was then I realized why I was selected today and not any other day. Then I told her the news and all I could hear was my mother screaming with happiness and telling my dad about the news. :) :) I guess this was the moment for which I was waiting for a long time. I was happier for the reason that I made my parents happy , I had tears in my eyes, may be for the first time, these tears had come out, because of joy and happiness.

One Year Back – 5th June 2007.

We had our last day of engineering. We had our project lab which was scheduled from 8.00 am to 11.00 am. But the sad part was it went on till 2.00pm, the reason being our project was not up to the mark. But I did not mind the delay or the scolding’s from the external because this was the last day of the wonderful four years of my life. This day was one of the worst days in my engineering life. Just as my group came out of the lab, we were thinking whatever happened had happened; we just have to enjoy the rest of the day. We were exhausted as we did not sleep the night before, and had to take rest but there was no sleep in my eyes.

After lunch we went to the hostel and explained the horrible experience we had in the lab. After that I went to the college cyber. As I was thinking this was one of those days which had nothing good for me, I opened my mailbox to see a mail from, yes “Infosys Technologies Limited” asking me to join the company for the training from 23rd July 2007.

Same day one year ago Infosys made be the happiest person, one year later again I was happy because of Infosys. :) :) Today it is not those happy days because I miss my college, my friends and all the fun I had. :( :( Hope to get some good news from Infosys by the End of Day. :) :)