If life slaps you, you should punch it back

If life slaps you, you should punch back - This is the thought which came to my mind when I came to know about my friend completing his PhD in solid state physics. For those who dont know -

"Solid-state physics, the largest branch of condensed matter physics, is the study of rigid matter, or solids, through methods such as quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetismand metallurgy. Solid-state physics considers how the large-scale properties of solid materials result from their atomic-scale properties. Solid-state physics thus forms the theoretical basis ofmaterials science, as well as having direct applications, for example in the technology of transistors and semiconductors."

The reason why this thought came to me was for the fact the person who did completed his PhD was not allowed to sit in the chemistry paper of his Pre Engineering Test, and his whole effort of two years were gone waste. His dreams were shattered. But some how, we all knew he is not the person who will give up, and we were true. We all get unlucky at times but our efforts never get wasted.

When Edison repeatedly failed in his invention of a light bulb, after finally succeeding, he said "I know of a thousand ways how not to lit a bulb". Failure is the only step to success, and there are no shortcuts. I feel everyone should put in the efforts to be successful. At least you will not regret in the end. I always see complains that our hard work is not payed off, but honestly if we see deep within we all know why we failed. It may not be important for the world to know that you are wrong the only person who should realize this is you and the revolution will happen within you. The point is we should not live in denial, acceptance of our issues is the first step towards improvement.

Its important to believe in yourself if you are really depressed get some energy from your family, friends and colleagues and pump up your dreams again. The dreams are like small plants, you need to nourish them, care for them and make them grow big and strong. So that they get so deep routed that nothing can break or shake them and your actions are driven by your dreams.

We cannot grow bigger than our dreams. So dream big work hard and enjoy the ride..... :)

A natural Project manager

One of the key things in my office is considered to be the project management. The project management consists of the following

Defining the Scope

Identifying the resources

Define the plan

Execution

Testing & Delivering

No this blog is not about technical project management.

A book mentioned “humans by very nature are project manager”. Strange enough but I was able to understand this by carpenters work. We had this requirement of book shelves and Computer table for which we were looking for a carpenter. And we met Ravinder; Ravinder was a confident lean carpenter with promising voice. He approached us for taking this project. We elaborated the requirement.

Defining the scope

Once we finished Ravinder reiterated our requirements one by one – So you need a Bookshelves, Computer table. Then he took each one of them and started understanding our requirements and proposed few designs. Once we agreed on the design, he drew the sketch of the furniture and how will they look like in the end and we agreed.

- Basically this is a clarification of scope

- Agreement on the common understanding of the requirement

Identifying the resources

The agreement on the scope put the discussion to what are resources required. He clearly mentioned based on the discussion I will need these raw materials and two people. These two additional team members will only be required in last two days. The basic resources need to be in place before I kick start the project.

- Since the scope was clear and a good experience Ravinder was able to identify the effort and resources

- Also he has clear vision what material needs to be available when

Defining the plan-

We got a clear cut plan from the carpenter that the computer table will be deliver the day 2 and the almirah will be delivered by the end of day 3. On day 2-3 there will be three members on the job. The first member will finish the table and the two will make the readiness for the Book Shelves.

- There was clear plan and agenda defined for every day

- This agenda was also shared with the other two team members and also the deadline was shared.

Execution-

The execution started, there was substantial progress which was made on the day 1, Ravinder continuously updated us about the work and review the progress. On day 2 two more team members joined the project and started working. They had clear definition of the scope and were working independently. Obviously the initial design was already discussed with them. All the team members reviewed their work with Ravinder once they finished a milestone.

- Progress and status updates were shared with the end customer (us)

- The team members were clear for there scope and were able to deliver there work.

- There were regular meetings for reviewing the tasks completed.

- Ravinder gave us the updates which we wanted to listen, after compiling the inputs from the team.

Testing & Delivering

The table and almirah was delivered on time and as per the expected cost. This wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent planning and competency of all the people involved.

Once all of this was completed, I started thinking that the human mind is a natural project manager. Otherwise this excellent project execution wouldn’t have been possible. We need to learn this from the people who don’t even know what a PMP course is. The point is what really a matter is how well you know your job and how diligently you perform them. By doing this you get better and better everyday.

Its about a person for whom i thought I cannot live a day without

All my life I have been thinking that my dad is indispensable and nothing is there which can affect him
but things changed when I start growing up.I saw him getting weaker day by day in front of my eyes as the age was the
significant factor which I can easily see in his face.It pains you a lot when you see your dad who was your childhood super hero getting weaker.
And one fine day you know that he is no more in this world with half of wishes unfolded ,without seeing the happiness of the life after the interval ;the happiness you get once you are retired and your sons are capable enough to serve you.
On this day today I get reminded of a incident ,
On Feb 2002 the mobiles were in and like any other spoiled college going guy I wanted it .I was fascinated by something so handy that can be your style statement like the rich guys of the college.
I asked my dad to buy it for me ..the worth of that Nokia mobile was 3600/- Rs and I told my dad that I can manage with a second hand mobile but I need to buy it.
He told me ok we will get it for you ,I was excited about it .He worked extra hours to fulfill the wish of his son and to be a good father which he always was.
I got that mobile and I used to give him a call every day with that mobile ,than at one night i got a call from my home that dad is not well and I need to rush back to home.
I prayed the whole way to all the possible Gods i remember to make him perfect again .The time I reached there he was no more ...it was 13 march night 2002
My Mom a week after this told me that dad cried a lot by my words of adjusting with a second hand mobile ,as he thought that he passed his complete life using second hand things and adjusting .He doesn't want that to happen to his son.I felt sinking inside after hearing all this and i realized that how much he loved me and i didn't understood his love .
Today Sep 2006 I am working with the company of which i bough that second hand mobile that is Nokia ,I have been given a very decent position in my company where the basic perks means the latest handset of Nokia .I buy handset and change them .i guess God has done some justification with me by making me capable to fulfill my dads wishes that i don't buy second hand things anymore .Today I am to late to show my dad what i have achieved ,but every part of his there in me ..i feel him as my strength I just want to say to him that "Papa aapne jo diya chahe woh first hand hai ya second wo pyaar se diya and i am proud to have that whatever i have achieved could never been possible without those second hand things.The meaning and importance of the gifts is way more than the price value".