TCS Interview Experience with solutions and aptitude material batch 2014 - 1

TCS Interview Experience with solutions and aptitude material

Oct 28^th, 2013
Venue – Prof Ram Meghe Institute of Technology and Research campus, Amravati.
Reason – Campus Drive of TCS.


It was a big day for many of PRMITians. The day which was going to make a massive difference in the coming years to come. From a perspective of career. Of life. Of relations and of aims. TCS arrived for campus drive and yes, it was ‘The Dream Company’ for many of us; including me.

While we were busy cleansing our eyes from ‘eye boogers’; Suhas Sir, a TCSian, gave us information about TCS and why they came here. He gave a small presentation where we tried our best to control yawning. And following it, he asked if we have any query. And with this our slumber was gone. Remember always try to fire a query when they ask for. This gives us a chance in getting the limelight. Luckily I asked the right question (courtesy – Sanket Chandak) and he literally praised me for this question. I thought everyone would clap for me. But no one did!! Then he also said that if you want to face the interview, be bold and talk, communicate. I got the advantage there. Voila!!


We were on campus from 8 am in the morning. No grain of food consumed. Stomach was as airy as the distance between the nucleus and electrons in a molecule. But energy was sustained. The first batch was of Mechanical department. Many of them went awestricken to watch the difficulty level of questions. But after they were out of the exam hall, and when we get to know about the answers we realized that paper wasn’t that tough though.Next batch was of five toppers from the respective branch for verbal section; yes, they conduct verbal section separately for toppers. And thereafter, students of Electronics & Telecommunications and Information Technology attended verbal and aptitude test.


We mugged questions and answers that were confronted by Mechanical guys and then EXTC-IT guys. It took minuscule time to realize that both papers were identical. Astonished and happy instantaneously. Noted down all the answers that were memorized by our friends. On hand. On leg. On neck. We turned real-life Ghajini. We were up and ready for the test. More or less like ‘satva-pariksha’! We were shifted to Open Source lab of CMPS Department. Felt tensed!

I was advised by many friends to give a glance through all questions in first 2 – 3 minutes. You will find at least 10 questions that can be solved within 30 seconds duration. I decided to do the same. Always double check your strategy before going to such tests.


Entered my CT reference number and password. Instructions were provided before the actual test. Read all instructions. And there it was Section A: Verbal part. It was a cakewalk. Easiest part! I wrote down the whole formal e-mail with some basic inputs using keywords given by them. Then was the turn of the aptitude section. As suggested by my dear friends I checked every question. I realized I was confronting a very tough test. For a second it felt like the dreams watched for years are on the verge to extinguish. No repetition of questions. Very long in length. Hard to interpret. Brainstorming. And it was as simple as understanding Quantum Theory in Particle Physics.


I was solving one question after another. It was very hard to stabilize yourself when you know that none of the questions is repeated from the 1800 questions solved in practice. That intense pressure. It was feeling as I am at the abyss of Mariana Trench. But remember tough time never last too long, tough person does. So always be prepared to face such circumstances. And handle the stress. A serene mind has the answers to all questions. Trotting through all questions swiftly I solved 24 out of 30 questions. Time was over and the paper was automatically submitted. I was much tensed and later got to know I am not alone! The paper was no closer to the papers of TCS from the past. Thank you Youvraj Taneja, Aditya Gole, Aditya Sharma and Mayur Ingole who helped us and co-ordinated very well. Thank you guys!


The results were supposed to be declared at 1930 hours on our college website. We all were on hold. It was very sturdy. Tense 2 hours. Nervousness compiled with anxiety. I was more curious while opening my college website than I use to while booking a tatkal ticket on IRCTC website. Around 1945 I received the call from Sangram Dandge Sir. May be it was the best call till date. He said that I have successfully cracked aptitude test and convey everyone through message that result will be uploaded on the college website in next 30 minutes. I was on cloud nine. I was like Buzz Lighter, who using his boosters comes up straight from the abyss of Mariana Trench to deep space Horse Shoe Nebula shouting – ‘Infinity and Beyond!!’ The kind of aptitude test that we appeared was no easier. But this was not the end. Many of my close friends could not crack it. Felt very bad. Only 68 out of 390 appearing students cleared the test. And out of which 38 were from computer science; my branch. The happiness was not the optimum, for obvious reasons – not all beloved friends will be there at Shegaon and I have been yet to clear technical round, human resource round and managerial round of filtering. But instead of thinking about all the stuff, I decided to concentrate on preparing necessary documents and certificates. I reviewed my resume. Again an 11^th hour decision that helped me making to TCS. I took a print out of the report, which I submitted to EnablingBiz, a Delhi based company on topic ‘A comprehensive guide to planning a website’s structure and information architecture.’ A wise decision indeed!!

------

Oct 29^th, 2013Venue –Amravati Railway Station.
Reason – Departing to SSGMCE, Shegaon.

We were up early in the morning and were at the Amravati Railway Station. Me, Pratik Malviya, Sanket Chandak, Ojas Kale, Kshitija Taywade and Ajinkya Bansod settled down in train and the train departed.We tried to mug up every necessary and expected question and then its answer. The books were working as ‘Navneet's 21 apekshit prashnasanch’ or ‘Diamond Publications’. I somehow managed to read the basics of C, C++, Data Structure and Computer Networks. And there we were at Shegaon Railway Station.Very soon I departed from the station to my home and dressed up for the interview. Meanwhile, all other friends collectively reached our destination Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering, Shegaon.So, we were finally in Shegaon. Right at the same location, we were supposed to be. This was a very familiar place for me. The faces working at the college were memorable. The buildings were household. The ground was. I have seen things changing here. I was part of this ecosystem for almost 12 years. Like yesterday I was here. And BOOM!!! Back to same place. That too for potentially the biggest achievement of my life till date.


Interview process started and each one of us was getting the call. At first the panels were trying to wrap up EXTC and Mechanical guys. For CMPS guys six rooms were allotted. So that we can be assaulted with the power of spearhead questions. I personally was not mentally prepared for the interview in peak hours. I had read technical questions and HR questions a week ago. Was not enough confidence to crack interview to any close proximity.


Four of my friends Pratik, Ojas, Chandak and Ajinkya received the first call from the interviewer. It was fun to see their faces elaborated with tense lines over the forehead and the face-palm expression. With a blink of an eye, they were off to interview. Like yawning, anxiousness too is contagious! I learned it that day. I turned anxious. I was on knelt.


I was mentally retarded as billions of calculations were assimilated in my brain. It was turning out to be a big bang for me. But then instead of gulping down all the knowledge which was decorated in front of me in the form of books; I decided to stay calm and stabilize my conscience.


Next minute I received calls for my interview. It was my turn. I can easily see the mischievous laugh on everyone’s face. I was confident. Unambiguous in my mind. Mentally steady. And prepared! Many friends wished me Good Luck. I was standing outside room no 3 for my turn. Throat was dry as if I had come running straight from the Sahara desert. Legs were pumping harder than my heart. In nervousness I chewed lip’s skin to the depth that new red skin layer was visible. Collar of the first ever shirt was itching. New shoe was biting. Socks were engraving. Even beautiful girls in the aisle were not appealing anymore. Ghanshyam Kalmegh – my college mate cum project member came out of room and very soon I replaced him.

I knocked the door. “May I come in, Sir?” with the noblest sound possible on earth. As I entered there was a dynamic personality sitting. AC was running. But I was still feeling the heat. He bolstered himself comfortably on a chair.
The battle has begun.

Vipul Navandar Sir being a good TCSian is also a great person. He took my technical interview for TCS 2014 batch.

With a grin on his face, he welcomed me saying, “Hello Sanket, watching your photo you see me a bit older.” I smiled and replied, “Sir, I was in hurry while taking the photo and in preparation of TCS placement drive I missed to groom.”

The first question came lashing towards me, “As I can see you have mentioned something on about international blogger. What is it?”
Bingo! The best opportunity I was given to confirm my entry to the next round. The only easier question than this could have been – Sanket, what is your name?
It was like asking a kinder garden – Do you know ABCD? With a big smile I replied, “Sir, I am an international blogger. By the time I last checked my blog was read by 5100 readers. And of which most readers are international, like Canada, China, UK, Germany, and France and most of America. Only 40% of them are from India. I am very passionate about writing.”

(He tried searching my blog on the net, but due to spelling mistake it didn’t show up! Then I asked him if I can type address for him. It was my heroic entry and I typed my blog address in the address bar. My heart pounded with the proud. Then I explained him everything related to blogging. What kind of scripts I used. How I connect it to all social network platforms and stuff.  Thank you very much Google for providing a service like Blogger.)

Next question came in no time, “Do you only follow your blogs? You like reading other technical blogs?” Over this I reverted him, saying, “I do follow other bloggers as well. A few days ago I checked the Gartner’s report on next big technologies that will drive world in 21^St Century. They mentioned Mobility, cloud, touch-less commanding and many more. Cloud is part of this list from last four years.”

I guess he was impressed and then next question fired, “Very good! Why you went to Pune? You have mentioned here.”
Interview cannot get better than this; I turned more confident with this question, “Sir, it was a two day training workshop held under many big institutions and universities, like IUCAA (Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics), TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Vigyan Prasar. It is a national level campaign, named ‘Eyes on ISON’, under which we were trained with many different activities related to astronomical phenomena. And then all those who attended the training were supposed to train and take a workshop in our respective districts. So, when I came back to Amravati I presented a presentation at the Shivaji Science College on topic ‘Solar System and Beyond’. Dignitaries from five districts came there and attended the workshop. I worked as a resource person for them in this division.”


More impressed, “Appreciative! Who are your partners in your project?” asking this he shifted his glance from resume to me.
I had a big grin on my face, “Coincidently Sir, my project members Pratik Malviya and Ghanshyam Kalmegh were interviewed by you already. And they both are my project member. We are currently working on SMS Notifier project. And as they have already cleared our whole project. You have a clear idea of our project. Pratik is working on the database and Ghanshyam will take care of code behind. I am developing interface.”

Leaning himself on back of chair he asked, “Who decided their roles?”
With a smirk I answered, “Sir, in our college first 15 topper students are nominated as project leader and they choose their members for final year project. Thus, I became leader. So, I appointed Pratik as a database manager and Ghanshyam as a programmer. We even have one more member; sorrowfully she couldn’t make it to technical.”

With plain face, he asked, “Why Ghanshyam is a programmer? He is also good in database.”
It was a surprise question, after thinking an arcsecond I replied, “Sir, Ghanshyam is good in database as well. But Pratik on the contrary is weak in programming; same as I am. But I am also fine in the database. So, combining with Pratik, I can compensate the lack in the database together.”

(Always remember try to praise as many and as much classmate as possible in the interview. Take their name. This shows you are person with team spirit and you want the right person to promote. This also shows that you do not judge a person blindly. You observe them and deploy).

Again impressed, “Very good! Will you work if you are deployed in testing?”
This question means I am selected for technical, now I would be giving straight answers only.
With hesitation, I replied, “I always wanted to be a part of enterprise level development project Sir. That would be fine.”
In anguish voice he asked, “But if we did not appoint you there. Then? And why development?” his voice tensed.
I composed myself, “Sir, I have a nature embedded in me to take new challenges in daily life and accomplish it. And I think being part of development thing can endow me with those challenges. But if I am appointed as tester then maybe I might get subjected to routine work with no new challenges to accomplish. I will not mind at all, even if I am deployed in testing. I will happily accept your offer for testing.” A completely diplomatic and safe answer. God knows how I gave it.

Intensity of voice raising, “We do not want any person who is not flexible and not willing to go in a technology because he does not want to.” (Here his sound pitch increased. Even in small 6x6 rooms his sound echoed. This was a direct question to me.)
My action to stimuli, “I am flexible. I will work under any condition that the company wants me to.”
Then he backfired, “We do not want anyone who will not respect our decision.”
I replied instantaneously, “I will follow all your instructions Sir.”One more from his warhead, “We want someone who will give his 120%.”I resisted saying, “I will give my 150% Sir.” "You must me aware of how the market is." by action to stimuli, "I am very much aware of it Sir."

(This was the stress interview that I just underwent. Rapid fire questions. One after another. You always need to take care of it. One wrong answer and you are flunking. The every question he asks you needs to interpret it as ‘DO YOU WANT A JOB?’ and you turn out as a bull. Your neck must be locked to move only in a vertical direction – YES!)


A surprised compliment came from Vipul Sir, "You have so many good qualities. We can put you anywhere. Why only programming?" This was more like we are travelling in a general compartment of Howrah-Mumbai train and someone by himself offer his seat. My reply, "Thank you Sir for the compliment. I will be more than happy to work in more challenging domain."

He seems satisfied now. I do not want to face further questions. So before he asks I asked him one question, “Sir, I want to show you one of the studies that I conducted for a Facebook competition. May I?"In affirmation he said, “Go on!”

Very happily I opened my file and showed him the report on ‘A comprehensive guide to planning a website’s structure and information architecture’ and continued, “Sir, a few months ago I participated in a FB competition on the subject ‘A comprehensive guide to planning a website’s structure and information architecture’ organized by EnablingBiz, Delhi a work from home job.”

(Use proper words. Mention that it was a work from home job. I am showing him my study and whole 4 pages print out which I took prior night.)

I continued, “I was shortlisted till the interview stage for this competition, but as I was not from Delhi; I was not shortlisted for the job. I perform some study on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). In this we try to bring our webpage up in results which are shown in search engines.”

(Always be relevant to the topic and precise. Don’t puke everything out unless and until he asks.)


Yuppie one more question, “Tell me about SEO?”
(Another BINGO!)
My straight vertebral column a.k.a. backbone got more aligned to a chair and I said, “Sir, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Search engine like Google have very complex algorithms. But even they can be fooled. Most of the search engines try to browse the keywords that are typed by the user to search. If a user wants to search ‘xyz’ then a search engine browses whole internet and count number of times ‘xyz’ appears on a webpage. The one with highest numbers is shown first. But it doesn’t mean that you type ‘xyz’,’xyz’ repeatedly. Type this keyword in the title of webpage, then in starting of content and then somewhere in the middle and then at the end. I have used this technique for my blog. I also used labels at the end of every blog.”


Here comes the last question of my technical interview, “Very nice. Now this is all about your extracurricular. Write a swap function without using third variable.”
Triple BINGO! I realized that my interview is finally over. I wrote the program and he not even saw it.“Show the same in your HR-MR interview.”

Did I really hear the right words? He straightaway told me that I am selected for HR-MR. Woohoo!! I was not even supposed to wait for the shortlisted names list. I said him Thank You and open door for him while he was going outside.Oh My Goodness! He just directly approved me from TR and now I will be heading directly to MR-HR. Amazing. Beatified! Felicitous!

If someone would have asked me for my interview experience I would have remembered just one dialogue of Aamir Khan from Andaj Apna Apna - Hona kya tha? Unka ek ek sawal humare do do jawab, sawal ek, jawab do, sawal ek jawab do, sawal jawab, sawal jawab, sawal jawab...chup lambi khamoshi.

Few students were kept on hold after TR. Then we had a small pre-placement talk. Here the company told us about them. How they work? Their values. Ethics. And a bit about our post and pay scale. Initial Learning Program and stuff!! All things were happening so casually. The location pre placement talk was holding was the same place where I won three different competitions during my school days and use the same platform to give speeches in school functions. It was more like a nostalgic visit to old times. And this whole time I was carrying my Happydent smile.

Remaining interview, my resume and all other advices in my next blog.
Stay tuned!! Subscribe via email. Like FB page.
Second part - http://sanketthodge.blogspot.com/2014/02/tcs-interview-experience-with-solutions.html
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TCS INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE WITH SOLUTION OF BATCH 2014 BLOG PART - 2

If you have any query then don't hesitate to mail me - sanketthodge@gmail.com
Will be happy to help!! :)



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Keywords: amravati, shegaon, PRMIT and R, ssgmce, TCS, interview experience, technical interview, hr interview, mr interview, tcs aptitude test, passout batch 2014, 2014 batch, tata consultancy services

SGBAU overleaped Guinness World Record

(Please let me remind you that this is a mockery write-up; merely a work of fiction. It has nothing to do with the result been declared lately on 15^th March, 2013 by Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University (SGBAU). And even in case you find it contemptuous then please write me at sanketthodge@gmail.com.

I will feel glad if you just enjoy it and spread the smile.

Thank you.)

Amravati, 15th March, 2013: Today on evening around 5:30 pm the third year engineering students of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University finally took a sigh of relief as soon as the press note was successfully uploaded to SGBAU’s official site after whooping 87 days. This was taken as a shock by all the students of third year engineering students, as none of them were expecting it. From the sources of PTI it was informed that it was a routine event of uploading press note and then mark sheet. It has nothing to do with the immense tension that was being felt by university officials from students.

But our inner sources have confirmed that SGBAU officials were actually willing to jolt down their name in the Guinness Book of World Records in domain of taking 'The most time in declaring the examination result'. After asking the honorable vice chancellor if they were planning for this attempt they said “It is a complete non-sense. We can NEVER do this; that so at the sake of students’ future. It’s ridiculous. I completely disagree with this.” But against this a person who don’t want to be named said that this was actually an attempt to bring SGBAU in limelight which as per their analysis might attract more companies and in turn more campus recruitment.

When asked about the students about their reaction we got some much unexpected reactions. One student claimed that “SGBAU is knowingly doing this. They are jealous of our talent. And they are feeling awe of aspirants like us, as someday their position might be grabbed by us.” When asked about his SGPA score we got to know that he is part of old percentage system and is working hard to clear his third year subjects from prolonged eight years. Another student seems very agonizing “I am student of PRMIT and R. And we are facing the same situation every semester. The result of our batch has always been declared late. They have always got our batch to have experimented on. Be it first semester or fifth semester. I just hope the same thing won't happen in the final semester, else we would be missing our joining dates.”

The wrath was clearly visible. But this has not been the ONLY case. After digging out past the time domain between examination and the result declaration date it has been found that same attempt has been made before this as well. Last was also with the same batch when their fourth semester result took 86 days in the declaration. Students are dreaded that same thing might happen with upcoming semester results.

But SGBAU is yet to declare Electronics and Telecommunication third year students’ result and this can be one of the reasons which can assist register SGBAU in Guinness Book of World Records without any contempt from media and student.

After contacting Guinness World Record headquarter at Hanover Square, London, UK we got to know that such applications are not accepted. We got there reply as “We do welcome this new approximation from India and find this genuine application eligible. But the hurdle is the result of some branches is declared and some are pending. We won’t make any exception to this rule. Though India is the biggest market for us after US and UK. We can’t lose our grip there.” But Limca book of records seems very fascinated on this concept. From the inside sources it has been confirmed that very soon CEO of Limca Book of Records shall make an endeavor to SGBAU.

As soon as this news was leaked it resulted into a sudden outburst of numerous educational organizations. They have said that this might inversely harm the students’ career and the already eminent suicide, unemployment and poverty rate might go higher. After asking how unemployment, poverty, suicide and SGBAU’s this attempt are concerned for each other they said they are yet to analyze it.

But SGBAU still has chances they might make to Guinness Book. SGBAU’s official website http://www.sgabu.ac.in has been hacked millions of times. BSNL ISP has shown up that SGBAU site has been attacked more often than Google and Indian Army websites. The technical department of SGBAU stated that this might be the conspiracy of China. As the Chinese government feels them as a threat to educational progress in their country and all Chinese talent might be stagnated in SGBAU.

With all these happenings SGBAU is already in the news. A stiff competition is already in proximity from Pune University and Nagpur University as well. By the time of mailing article for printing press Electronics and Telecommunication’s result was yet to declare.

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Keywords: amravti, engineering, fifth semester, guinness world record, PRMIT and R, sant gadge baba amravati university, sgbau

Evergreen Tour - I

While writing any blog or write-up the head-freaking share for anyone always sticks at initiating it and rearing it. But fortunately I don’t have to put any as such efforts to baffle my mind for same. All readers know it’s about my industrial “picnic”. If you read my previous blog we were supposed to be standing on Kesari’s headquarter. But our pick-up point changed to Dastur Nagar by then.

Day 1

October 04, 2012:

Aditya, Mayur, Me, Piyush, Tejas, Pratik, Ojas and Jitesh @ Dastur Nagar

Alarm rang horrifyingly. But for first time it wasn’t irritating one...but felt dulcet. It was showing time 0606 hours Thursday, 04 October. Finally the most anticipated day arrived; for me, my friends, to some extent our family members, our neighbours, to very little extent their home members, milk-man [as our share was no more required for 8 days proficiently to show-off Infosys visit], paper-man also to distant relatives as they were in futile expectation that we might bring something for them from south India.

Adrenaline hormone was at the extremum calibre for me. Packing was done prior night. Necessary phone calls were ended. Unnecessary clothes were well packed in closet. Just last check-up was required. And acted.

Pratik M was supposed to see-off me to Dastur Nagar’s pick-up point. As usual he was punctual and I was about to get ready. But this was the only instant he didn’t mind as it was not college time; more significantly he was not part of tour [regrettably]! I texted everyone to be there by 0800 hours but I myself left by 0830 hours.

Hit the point; stupefied to see that almost every girl was present. Some with family, some with friends, and some alone, some still refurbishing their dress to make sure she look prettier than others. Guys were mere in number.One-by-one everyone arrived.

Their name goes this way-Akansha, Amrita, Ashwini, Divya, Kalyani, Kanchan, Mrunal, Pooja S & M, Rasika, Shrutika, Sonam, Sunaxi, Sneha, Abhishek K & K, Aditya, Archie, GirishKumar, Jay, Jitesh, Mayur, Ojas, Piyush, Pranav, Pratik V and Tejas J. We were accompanied by Himanshu Sir, Burgate Sir, Deshmukh Madam and Khabiya Madam; our respected teachers.

Everyone’s respective luggages were surfaced in bus’s cargo cabinet. Interim time few friends were introducing our classmates to their parents. Chaos was so loud that if we were taken to 1400 A.D then Christopher Columbus might have redirected to India instead of misrouting himself to America...apparently there would have been lesser the continents to study in Geography by today.

Enough of oneirism. So, bus was luggaged. Everyone was in bus. Seated. Smiling. Air castle-ing of what may happen in next 8 days. Hi-5ing. Winking. And finally jilting their parents/friends/brothers/sisters/relatives [neighbours were not present; so got a reason for not bringing anything for them].

Abandoned for Nagpur by Shiv Travel’s Pinkline, 44 seater. It was 0945 hours by then. Professors sit in forepart. Girls were following them and “chengdi” of boys were undermentioned. First 30 minutes went on like pin-drop-silence. Because it was first time Section A and Section B of Computer Science and Engineering, 3^rd year were together on akin venture. Some were confronting each other for first time. But slowly atmosphere started getting a bit balmier and girls popped with “antakshari” [a game in which one group starts with a specific song and next group has to find the song with the same words with which their song ends. If that group don’t remember any such song then they are levied with a due known as “bhendi”]. In this every girl in India is like Mrs. Prodigy; they can do PhD in same. So, we guys pushed it [trying to use the stack’s pop-push theory]. But realised that is useful only to score in exams and not in opposition. They convinced all of us and we were up for game.

It shouted with song- aacha sila dia tune mere pyar ka. And shaggy game were trotting. Guys were singing all the modern song and on the contrary girls were having those old hindi melodramatic Shah Rukh Khan, Yash Raj, DDLJ sort of boring song. The best moment among them was when we were directed with “ha” [ha] in the end we were starting with “halkat jawana” and if “la” [la] were levied then our song was “life ki naughty kahani”. Everyone knowing the fact that both are same songs...and girls were in no position to oppose us to any extent. Fun continued and we had a small breakfast halt on some “kailash da dhabba” kind of place and continued on our itinerary.

By 1330 hours we were on Nagpur railway station. Our train was on 1420 hours. Ample of time were procurable for all of us to settle down and breathe some extra oxygen. This time was utilised by us to allot seats to the pals. Have lunch. Take a look to huckster’s good. Ogling. And some fun!

Our train Mysore Express was late by barely 10 min which was equivalent to before-time for Indian Railways.

I was in S2 coach co-affiliated with Jay, Abhishek and Archie. Girls were in S3. Few of us were in S6 and remaining in S10. All were spread throughout the train so randomly that if some terrorist group asked us to hijack train and demand some ransom we could have done that effortlessly [that’s what my naughty mind thought]. Everyone attained their seats and train departed. In no time we passed Sevagram, Chandrapur, Ballarshah and AirTel posted a message- Namaste! AirTel welcomes you in AP. We were in Andra Pradesh. Roaming service was ON.

Me and Vinchu

From there protruded the terminology that was no less than foreign language for all of us. We called it “jalebi” [shape of sweet edible that resembles the words of that language] language; it was telugu. Only word I was familiar with was “ra” means friend.

With every arcsecond, every second, every minute every passing hour we were confining to our terminus. But we were on huge tenterhooks. A suspense that was more powerful than the nuclear bomb bombed upon us by Principal on our industrial tour stand [for more reference visit my previous blog]. Our Infosys visit was planned on 6^th October. But due to Kaveri river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu the bandh was harbingered. And it was on same day. So, Infosys invalidated our visit a day prior to our departure. I was in quandary to when, where, whom and how to tell everyone. I know many of us were coming because of same rationality. It would have been like an earthquake; even higher than 26^th December, 2004’s Indonesian on Richter scale. It was very arduous to wield the situation. Because it was me only who dealt diplomacy with Infosys. So, even if I don’t divvy any section of decision making committee about logistics of Infosys and neither do I shall drink a single drop of water from Kaveri River ever in my life; I was supposed to be responsible for cancellation of confabulation. I was needed an underwent steering then. Someone who can make everyone understands about the playscript and considerations. I headed to Himanshu Sir for same. And he told me to tell everyone all truth regarding it! I was worried. Vexed. Concerned. Was machinating myself for the questions I might face. Answers I need to give [more harder than I ever did in my vivas]. More preferably; diplomatic answers. "Ghuma-firake" wale. At first I started it from S10 boys compartment; Tejas, GirishKumar, Piyush and Mayur. They blasted-off the seats. Rejoiced. T20 World Cup was ongoing. Many people might considered it India winning it. I was happy. Then S6. Boys; Aditya, Ojas, Jitesh, Abhishek, Pranav and Pratik. Same scenario. I went cavalier.

S3. Girl’s compartment Mrunal, Ashwini, Sunaxi, Shrutika, Kanchan, Akansha, Divya and Pooja S. I stepped in. I was aware that this won’t be that easy. It was like battlefield. Fearfully conquering one by one compartment. Reached the topographic spot. Re-planned my logistics. Revised expected questions and my answers. Tactics were done. Foes were playing cards. I took a deep breath. Was willing to puke everything at once. Giving no time to their Central Nervous System to think and reply the stimuli that my words caused in their eardrum. I puked out everything in no less than 5 seconds. It was fast-forward [that also 200x] for many. Mission accomplished! But it was the silence before the hurricane [even harsher than Jupiter’s Great Red Spot]. I crucified hydrogen bomb on them. I thought everyone in that compartment was defeated. Everyone went numb. Dull. Dumb. Obtuse. Speechless. I did my job. Ready on my starting line which ended on my coach...S2. Was about to tell my conscience Get...Set...Go. Then instead of hearing gun-fire; some chivalry hit me. Sanket asaa kasa..?? Apna Mysore ka jat ahot..?? Industrial tour kadhi ahe mag..?? Shewti ahe ka..?? Udya kai karayacha..?? Aj rahnar kuthe ahot..?? Pudhache tickets kadhlet ka..??

These were surely more interrogations that I was expecting and in-return prepared for. And now my mind went numb. Dull. Dumb. Obtuse. Speechless. This time they did their job.

Analyzing each question I started answering one by one. I was vulnerable. But slowly everything was calming down. New civilizations were resettling in same surface area. Flora and fauna was blossoming. Blooming. Enriching [I was the nurseryman at last]. They settled down. It was the period of ceasefire. Diplomatic talks were going. Some treaties were signed. And finally peace was established. They were ally now.

Next mission was another group of girls in same coach. Kalyani, Amrita, Sonam, Puja [very nice friend circle I shall always respect] accompanied by Rasika and Sneha in another compartment. I was experienced now with better tactics to use. But these opponents proved to be weak...they hardly raised any questions and I moved to S2; guys coach Archie, Abhishek and Jay. No big deal. They were okay with that. Thus my missions were accomplished. Was willing to shout Ahoo!! Ahoo!! Ahoo!! [But thought that it won’t be healthy for me to do so in public; idea dropped]

1530 hours

All were preparing to have a sweet nap by now. Everyone was in their Bermudas, 3-4^th and sweatpants. Heat was tense [thanks to not-so-great Indian Railways’ ventilation system]. Everyone was tired. Retarded. And was drowsy. I spread down my bed-sheet. Assured my luggage is well placed, made pillow of my jeans. As per my knowledge all were snoring.

1730 hours

Two hours completely wasted. Output was-am still decelerated. I hardly saw any of mine crushes in my dream. Nap wasn’t satisfactory. With no second thought I set my berth and departed. Headed towards guys’ coach. The battlefield was well flourishing by now. Trade was blooming. Edibles were passing to others. Curves were visible on lips. Smiling everywhere. They asked me to have some. But so early trade with ally was not good. So, I didn’t have it and kept marching to S6, gathered them all and then pointed to S10. Girish did brought a big wooden casket amidst; Nagpur Orange. All of us did enjoy it to fullest. Girish was having great knowledge of how to choose a sweet orange over a sore one. Expect him everyone’s tongue turned sore. We asked him to choose all succeeding oranges for us and we enjoyed them with great taste.

Then we played the best cards’ game I ever played in my lifetime. It was-Good Morning, Professor. It names suggest to be pathetic but believe me or not; it wasn’t. It’s all fun is basically in its rules. Game was like everyone is distributed cards equally. With everyone’s turn he places his card without flipping it. If there two persons who consecutively place same card number then specific action were assigned to it. For Ace all have to place their hands on the cards that were dumped by everyone. And the one placing his hand last was considered out and all cards were given to him. Similar way if two consecutive Jacks were placed then all have to shout Good Morning, Professor; for Queens all have to bow down and for two consecutive Kings all have to salute. It was a harebrained game but all fun lies in the action to stimulus of our body. Many times it happened person doing two actions at once like saluting and saying Good Morning, Professor or saluting and bowing down as well. The laughter was so loud even aliens could have found humans [SETI would be gratified; only problem was that sound don’t travel in space]. That game continued for next two hours. Then we had our dinner and were spatting on useless topics from all over the world.

Meanwhile in girl’s coach smiles were spreading. One of our friend Sonam’s father parcelled them with the great hotel-food dinner. Kalyani explain me about the entire scenario. They were carrying parcel. Firstly they feel weird of how to tell everyone about the dinner stuff. No one was attentive of it. And secondly none of them ever talked prior to it to anyone of other girls. But somehow they made jugad of giving their share to them. We guys were deprived of this fun.

YES!!! We are in Bangalore

In our domain we shift ourself to another game. Teen Patti on 1 Re table basis. It was the first time I was playing. We all settled down to play 10 games. It started. I was completely awestrucked. I won 4 straight games. Thus pulled in 16 Rs. This was my first occasion. I was happy. But lose all next 6 games. Finally Pranav was posted with 14 Rs of mine and I guess 5 Rs was won by Piyush. Instead of taking them in cash alternatively we decided to have some junk-food. Bluff was also one of them [even known as Challenge]. Game continued.

2210 hours

I was done by now. Feeling drowsy. Stuffed with all tasty dinner that my friends brought. As decided I was placed in girls’ coach to sleep. Girls’ demanded that they need someone for their accompaniment. One who can handle their tantrums. One who is trustworthy. Handsome. Smart. Cool. And all such adjectives. And I was the solely one to fulfil all these needs. Henceforth, I was now sleeping beside the girls’ compartment. Only guy down the aisle. Was about to sleep but then Mrunal, Ashwini and Shrutika came and we elapsed our gibberishes. We talked about all the fun that took place it boys coach and explained the game. Whereas, remaining girls were doing the things that I never thought they can do or might do. In college I saw everyone to be decorous, well-mannered, and studious but realised that they are hellions in turn. Can’t public the things they were doing.

I called-up Ojas to accompany me; more significantly was feeling awkward. We both explicated the Good Morning, Professor game. Not letting second hand of clock to step forward everyone gathered in one compartment. On one berth was Oja, Ashwini, Me, Sunaxi and Akansha. And on our front berth was Mrunal, Divya, Kanchan, Pooja and Shrutika. The game was taking pace and all of us laughing like hell completely forgetting that we were in public place. Clock tickling past 2300 hours. Our laughs turning into roars now. But in the whole movie an unwanted person was introduced. Mr. TC [Ticket Checker a.k.a. Ticket Taker]. Watching all of us he said something in his maternal language. We all were like-aaaaaa!!! Did you said anything?? Do you want to play with us?? But sir we don’t have space!! Can you wait for next turn?? But his facial expressions clearly conveyed us that he was not willing what we were considering. Then in his telugu-hindi accent he said-yaaa pe taaj khelna mana hai! Baki logo ko taklif ho rahi hai.

We suddenly bend our faces in his respect as if he is the supreme person of India. We packed everything and said him sorry. Not with perfunctory politeness. But to kick-off him. He was off. And we were up with same game. After an hour or so same villain was now re-introduced [this was even worse than Harman Baweja’s re-introduction is Victory after Love Story 2050. Atleast to save ourself we can avoid going to theatre but it was not possible here.] This time he was more tensed. BHe was with better Hindi words that we did interpret. And ameliorate converting power. In that time I tried reading his name-plate. The name was so long that even an eon would have been insufficient to read [but not larger than-Prabhakarna SriPalaWardhana Atapattu JayaSuriya LaxmanSivramKrishna ShivaVenkata RajShekhara Sriniwasana Trichipalli YekyaParampeel Parambatur ChinnaSwami MutuSwami VenuGopala Iyer; a film character from movie Dhamaal]. I felt like hypermetropic. But this time we turned a bit serious. A wisdom-man woke us up. And we were on respective berth by 0130 hours. More importantly Sunaxi started feeling unconscious. Bid everyone good night.

Day 2:

October 05, 2012

Scarlet Sky

0515 hours

I was up. Check out if all are fine. Felt hunky-dory. Gave a look outside the window. The eastern horizon was layered with scarlet colour. Sun was yet to rise. And on the west stars were still visible; twinkling. I was witnessing this for first time. It was very impressive. My hands automatically entered in my college-sack and in dark find way to my camera. Took some photos and they found out to be satisfactory. Again went to my berth and slept.

My luggage was still settled in S2. Went there and had jibber-jabber with Jay, Abhishek, Archie, Rasika and Sneha. Same instant saw some people shouting my name. I was like-haaaa!!! Am I that famous?!?! But those were my insane S10 berth friends. Foiled!!

I landed-down on platform. We all started o in engine’s direction. Amazed to see it was not there. We kept on thinking that may be diesel engine will guide us from here. We all were facing same direction. With our back; facing train. Then Mayur heard train whistle. There was no train expect our on that station. We back-faced our self and dreadfully run towards it. Our train was leaving. In early morning people are supposed to go on jogging...but we were running faster than Usain Bolt. He was for silly Gold Medal and us for our luggage, friends and those 7000 bucks we paid to Kesari Tour and Travels. Someway we all caught it. Hushing. Gushing. Breathing hastily we settled down on my berth. Drank water and cardiogram seems to be normal.

After some time went back to S6 to survey. They were up and running. We all joined them. Had some fun and went on with jabbering.

1200 hours

Almost everyone was in S3 now. Not because girls were there. But because Ojas’s power-plug was borrowed by me to charge everyone’s mobiles. The strain was clearly visible on eyes that everyone was putting to see who end-up with their charging and we go there. Meanwhile Jay and I checked the PNR status of our advancing journey to Mysore. It was clear. And tickets were confirmed.

1400 hours

Bangalore City was visible by now. Multi-storey buildings. 4 lane roads. Everything under renovation. Refurbishing.  I asked permission from Himanshu Sir to get a photo under the yellow coloured “Bangalore City” board. I seeped same in everyone’s billions of neurons. And everyone followed me.

Bangalore arrived and as planned all of us headed straight towards that board. Luckily base was available for my camera [happy to see I will be in photo]. Set camera on 10 second timer. 10...9...8... and our cheese smiles turned into awful one. Our train was heading away from us. We were still willing to have that photo. But what about train? What if it was gone? I forced everyone to hold-on for next few seconds. Shutter blinked and we run faster than ever in our life. Not even giving second thought all climbed in the most approachable coach. Climbed it. Rushed to go to our coach from inter-connected way. But found out to be unavailable. We mistakenly jumped into General Coach of train. Then all pitty girls instead of waiting for next station and changing our coach; at the same instant jumped out and climbed in next coach. We were in right coach. We were doing nothing except watching each other’s facial expressions. Our breaths were calming down and with that speed of the train as well. Later get to know train were positioning it. Again we boys were out of train. But not our counterpart. Mistakes are often done to not repeat. But we were repeating it again...and it consequences were visible on our tour.

The rampart moment when train was departing!!!!

Again same thing happened. Train departed and everyone rushed-in. This time we wasn’t grinning. Situation turned tense. We lost our one friend on platform-Tejas. Strained. Distorted. Sieving the situation to handle it. Girish and Piyush said they saw him climbing up the train. But not certain. We gave this news to Himanshu Sir. And he called the basis culprit of this accident. It was none other than Me. I was scolded by him. Called on the carpet. Very soon train stop somewhere in middle of route. Abruptly I jumped on the tracks. And start marching towards the last coach. It was me who was supposed to so. I saw no-one following me. This made me aware I am alone responsible. Climbed general coach and dig out all compartments. But they were lacking the thing; my friend- Tejas. This was one of the worst feelings I had in my lifetime. I thought of not going back into my coach.Got down of that coach. Channelized towards my destination.

In lieu of climbing from S2 I raised from S1. I know interrogation was on my way. What to do next?? Should we talk to TT?? Or dial 139 [they won’t even understand my language either]?? Or catch another train back to Bangalore?? All hypotheses were being analyzed. Consternation was visible. Trotting; I reached the end of S1. My eyes meet a familiar physique. I tapped his back and found to be Tejas [my expression did dreaded Tejas]. Thus I was able to breathe with ease now. He and I get along to our coach.

The atmosphere was happy now. Everyone was happy. This certainly was a great sigh of relief for me. Himanshu Sir. Burgate Sir and all our mates.

Things got back to normal. And by 1630 hours we were in Mysore. Yes! Finally we are in Mysore. A place we were waiting to reach since last a month. We brought the bacon home.

In India going in another state is more often like going to another country. Completely distinct language.Different cuisines.Rituals.Customs.Wardrobe.Attitude.Call rates.Even petrol prises.

We were in Mysore, Karnataka!!

[In train while protruding I witnessed a phenomenon. Almost two coaches were reserved by some students. Each time I was surpassing them they were astounding me. All of them were talking...but all with hand gestures.They were dumb and deaf. Sadly! Every time I was crossing them they were continuously talking. They were in action all the time they were awake. Having more topics to spat upon. I was carrying a chocolate pack with me. The thought of giving that to them. But postponed it for the morning. And when I get back to them for same. They were all gone. Missed a great opportunity to let themselves explain, to hear their unsaid words, to feel them and be among them. I was left with nothing else but regret!]

Previous blog on tour:

Route from an idea to Bangalore!!

This blog continues here:

Evergreen Tour - II

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Keywords: fun, industrial tour, infosys, institute, kesari, meghe, professor, ram, research, technology, spark program, one day, mysore, bangalore, ooty, coorg, amravati, bangalore, coorg, dastur nagar, fun, industrial tour, jaipur-nagpur express, mysore, ooty, PRMIT and R, train, bangalore, coorg, golden temple, karnataka, mysore, natural park, white water rafting