Monday, May 25, 2009

Gotta Be Somebody

What are we but some of our experiences - Anonymous

Who is this Anurag anyway?

During school, Anurag was regarded as a dark horse. He was someone who would not give up even when all the chips were down.
He is attracted to mystery. Any puzzles/problems given to him would surely be solved, even if it means endless hours of effort.

Some of his friends regard him as an Encyclopedia. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge has helped him learn a little about everything. He is always ready to help anyone who approaches him.

Recently, Anurag was the President of ISTE, Student Chapter in his college. ISTE is responsible for organizing events like aptitude tests, group discussions etc. which are aimed at the overall development of the students. President means a bloated ego, right? Wrong!

Anurag would rather be 'near' the proverbial spotlight than be in it. There's an adventurous side to him too. He'd like to grow old without having any regrets about things he could've done. He'd rather do them!

Ethics and principles are very important to him. Although he doesn't sow it, he cares a lot about honesty and scruples. Conscience is a small voice in your head that says, "Dude, we could get caught. Better not do it." That puny voice utilizes a million amplifiers in his head. So, he stays away from things that might pluck at his conscience.

In case you thought that this character sketch was a wee bit... sketchy, here's a list of adjectives that Anurag thinks apply to him:

Audacious, amiable, bold, caring, calm, daring, friendly, frank, inquisitive, methodical, polite, sincere and understanding.

Note: The list is by no means exhaustive!

Also, he likes to boast a lot. He can sing his own praises day in and day out. Yet, he feels embarrassed if someone else appreciates his talent. Why? There is probably a screw loose somewhere in the enigmatic machine that is his brain.

(This article is written in the third person. I apologize, but I felt it easier to describe myself as seen from the eyes of a third party.)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Leader of Men

After the elections results are finally out, I'll resist the temptation to say "I told you so". Not because of any scruples, but because I didn't. Nobody did!

No one had any idea who would form the government this time around. There were genuine concerns over Mayawati finally fulfilling her dream and plunging this country into a horrendous nightmare.

What with only 44% voter turnout in Mumbai, the nightmare seemed liked becoming a reality. LK Advani, Mayawati, The Left Front...there was no one who was actually close to the public. The Congress itself was a mess trying to put together a non-existent alliance. Those concerned about the future of the country must have spent sleepless nights. I assure you, I wasn't one of them.

This time the elections were not about selecting the right candidates, it was about selecting those who would do the least damage. Irrespective of its notorious past (Bofors, Emergency etc.), the Congress this time was closer to the public's heart. Yeah, prices had risen, but they would have anyway. Yeah, there was recession, but it was handled superbly by the government. Although its allies kept threatening to destabilize it, the government stood firm on its ground. I'm talking about the Nuclear Deal. No, I don't know what it contained but if Manmohan Singh was ready to sacrifice his government for it, I would back it no matter what.

That's the whole point! Manmohan Singh may be one of the silent types but still he is a great leader. Leading by example. He does not ask anyone to obey his orders. He politely requests them on National TV to lend him their support. Better than Narendra Modi (or even LK Advani) who gain popularity by catering to the peoples' baser instincts...like xenophobia, religious discrimination etc.

These elections are not a victory for the Congress, they are a victory for democracy. Voter turnout was less. Those who did not vote should keep their mouths shut when the government makes any silly decision. After all, you had a choice, you made the wrong one. GTH!

Cheers to the Great Indian Democracy!

There's no government like no government! - Anonymous

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Take a Bow

I never thought I'd be writing this post. But now, the end is near.

In the week 27th April - 1st May, I organized SYNERGY 2K9. The name was given to the otherwise boorish sounding ISTE WEEK last year. President Aashish Aggarwal and VP Anurag Saxena had come up with a unique name for a mini tech-fest consisting of five events in a span of three days. Mr. Kapil Goyal, a notorious teacher from the Mechanical Department had said it was impossible. "In your face, KKG!" was our triumphant response at the end of three days.

Fast forward to 2009. I had already proved myself with ISTE WEEK (See: Tears in Heaven). The name Synergy was going to become a fixture every year. Planning was in full flow. And then it hit me. My last contribution to college. My last hurrah! After dedicating three years of my life to ISTE, it was finally time to say goodbye. I felt heavy. No more events, just spend some time peacefully as a regular, ordinary student. But the path chosen 3 years ago did not let me return to mediocrity. SYNERGY 2K9 was destined to happen.

This time around, all technical events. The list:

  • Tech Yard

  • Web Hunt 2.0

  • Bravado - The Corporate Quiz

  • Bit Fighters

  • Gladiator's Arena

We had an event from every discipline. From Mechanical to Computers. But something was missing. Electronics! There could be no robot making or circuit designing because frankly, ISTE in our college is a cash-strapped society. Our budget did not allow us the luxury of thinking about ICs or bread boards. We all were confused. And then- There was Light!

Tech-Chat was the answer to our prayers. Something that was loved by all...students as well as teachers. All applications duly signed and approved, all material bought. And so began the last dance.

The week preceding the events, I had gone to Ambala to place the order for the prizes. Nothing can be more embarrassing than selecting the trophy you are going to be presented with at the valedictory ceremony. I blushed but placed the order anyway.

In the prize distribution ceremony, I was where I had always wanted to be - on stage as an anchor. One last time!

May 1st 2009, 1545 IST: It was finally over. The name of the new President had been announced. Now was the time to be alone. ISTE had been my everything in college. I ran a lot less behind girls than I ran for events and meetings. It was fun, no doubt!

ISTE helped me salvage some pride. In a desolate middle-of-nowhere college run by a capricious management, it had given me hope. I used to think joining MMEC, Mullana had been the biggest mistake of my life. It wasn't. Whatever work I did, it benefitted me and my fellow students. I came in contact with talented individuals who were all ready to bring about a change in college.

The winds of change are blowing harder than ever. I just hope that the foundations of the college do not crumble under the pressure.

And now, I'm gone! In July, a new batch of students will arrive. And I'll be just a memory...fading away into ignominy.

Goodbye ISTE, it was worth every moment!

Be the Change you to see in the world. - MK Gandhi

Friday, May 01, 2009

The Quest

In college, one of the things i discovered were WebHunts. These were tidy little sites which could fry anyone's brains.
The simplest was:
www.freestuffhotdeals.com/hacker/1.html

Once I was addicted, there was no looking back. I solved Klueless, Notpr()n and a lot of the like. The concept is simple, get to the next page by solving the clue given on the current page. Sounds easy, right. It isn't!
And then, I had one of those bizzare ideas. Why don't I create a WebHunt of my own?
ISTE's Synergy 2K8 proved the perfect platform for its launch. I don't know if it will be available anymore, but here's the link:

http://return.of.moriarty.googlepages.com

I got a lot of positive criticism (Why diidn't you make one earlier? was the most common question).
Fast forward to February 2009... Planning for the eagerly awaited Synergy 2K9 had started. And another WebHunt was forming in my mind.
Voila, WebHunt 2.0 was launched:

http://istemullana.googlepages.com/webhunt

GooglePages is going to migrate soon to Google Sites. And probably the WebHunt will be destroyed.
But, it was fun while it lasted!!
You can try the WebHunts whenever you like, and if you really get stuck...you know where to find me.