Life after B. Tech.

In this post I would like to search the answer to the question that stresses most of the third year students pursuing B. Tech. or equivalent degree.

Before proceeding, I would like to thank my students whom I had taught physics for a brief period of 4 months in Agra, India. This was after my graduation from IIT Kanpur and prior to joining Stanford University. I was seriously short on money at that time. I consider those 4 months to be one of the best times of my life. Now its been almost 3 years and most of those students have entered third year. And it is from their emails that I find the motivation to write this post. Of course, even if you were not my student, this post might help you in general.

B. Tech: Bachelor of technology. Over three hundred thousand students take the IIT JEE test every year. Plus there are uncountable number of other government private universities which churn out bachelors of technology at a much higher rate than the job market could actually absorb. The very first (slightly irrelevant) question is that why do so many students choose engineering?

The answer is not hard. India is a poor country. Jobs and means of livelihood are hard to come by. After the end of License Raj in 1990's, a lot of private companies opened up their back offices in India. That was also the time when the internet was being explored. (Read: Dot com bubble) The software industry was rising and with companies such as Infosys and Satyam, engineers were suddenly somehow more in demand. So getting a bachelors degree had suddenly become a sure ticket to a job. A stable job, a stable marriage, a stable life. Those were, for instance, precisely my reasons when I sat for IIT.

Indian society has certainly romanticize the exam to some extent. I remember the day I scored a good rank in state exam, they printed my photo in the newspaper. As much as I enjoyed the publicity, I did not know what specifically I had achieved. Plus in my society, atleast where I grew up, everyone has an opinion about your career. The Mishras and the Sharmas would gladly pay the 10 rupee bill to see your exam result at the cyber cafe.

Plus a child at such a young age will most probably not know what he or she is best for her career. The things a youth fancies strongly such as dancing, sports, or arts, the society discourages them the most.

Some of them, indeed, are genuinely interested in the courses and enjoy math or physics or chemistry. Some however have no clue and are there just to be there. Some are motivated by the poverty of their parents, the others due to lack of options.

Nevertheless, once a student joins college, he loves it. He enjoys the freedom, the company of new friends, internet, porn, and video games. The first two years are probably the best years of their adult life. They experience love. They make girl friends and boy friends, some of them over the internet in some other country.

But the past, it seems, comes back to haunt them once the third year is about to finish. The same society which led you to the gates of college asks for returns on the investments it has made on you. You become a cheque which should be cashed in less than a year.

And thus begins the search for options.

I list down below the options that you can pursue at the end of your bachelors. I will then further rant upon each of these, the main focus being on higher education. This is by no means a comprehensive list. In fact the harsh truth is if you choose any of these path, unless you really like it, chances are very bleak that you will become famous. So the best thing to do is to find what you really like and do it. Yet, probably, it is more rational not to do so.

Anyways, click on the individual links to get further information.

a) Job
b) MS, MTech
c) Public Sector Exam
d) IAS
e) MBA
f) Back to family business

g) Meditation.

h) If none of the above suits you well, find what you like and do it.

It is my hope that this post will answer some of the common questions that I have received in the past. The information is plenty on the internet and if you are willing to help yourself, you will be able to help yourself. I just want to make my contribution.

And to my students: Remember what we discussed in my last lecture: "This world certainly needs good engineers, good scientists and good teachers, but what it needs more is a good human being. A good friend, a good son, and a good partner."

Good Luck!

Comments are welcome. Any further information or any other links that you think the readers might find helpful are most appreciated.

Book Review: Three Cups of Tea

Rating: 5 out of 5

Three Cups of Tea is an exceptional story of Greg Mortenson, an avid mountaineer who fails at climbing the K2 and nearly gets himself killed on the descent. He survives, thanks to his porter and the people of Korphe village, and for his life remains indebted to them. He promises to repay them by building a school for their children.

Upon returning to the US, with only a concrete objective but zero resources, he writes hundreds of letters to various millionaires, and celebrities. Not surprisingly, 579 of his 580 never get a response, except a hundred dollar check from Tom Brokaw, the famous NBC TV journalist, who I had the honor of seeing when he spoke at Stanford. Greg later meets Jean Hoerni, who gives him sufficient money to get his first school started.

From there begins one of the greatest tales, I have ever heard or read. Of a single man, powered solely by his ambition, in one of most dangerous war zones on earth. As chance (you may read God) will have it, Greg Mortenson goes on to build many schools and live dozens of breathtaking adventures.

To me, personally, this book spoke on many levels.

Historically, this man was there in Pakistan and Afghanistan, during the Kargil "Conflict", 9/11, both the Iraq and the Afghan war, and Dick's search for Weapons of Mass Destruction. He meets interesting people like Donald Rumsfeld, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Musharraf's pilot offers him occasional helicopter rides.

As a story tale, its backdrop is exceptional and depicts, in their full glory, the beautiful Hindu Kush mountains, the Khyber Pass, NWFP, post 9/11 Afghan etcetera; places I can be sure I will not be able to visit in this life.

Mortenson's character, too, seems unreal for his unimaginable adventures: lost in the glaciers - sleeping on the ice, kidnapped and almost getting killed in northern Pakistan, Tea with the Taliban, and hiding in a truck underneath dead goat's skin while escaping into Afghanistan.

Lastly, the book speaks on a philosophical level. It gives hope, inspiration and meaning. I won't go into the details for this part. This, in my belief, is a personal experience and you will need to read the book for it. But I am sure you'd agree if you did.

Give this gem a try, you will not be disappointed.

- Mayank

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When your heart speaks, take good notes. - Judith Campbell

The Solution: Education and India's tour to Pakistan

I was working my way through the difficult assignment when the cellphone rang. Two expletives dripped from my filthy mouth as I reached out to look at the number and decide to take the call. The number was not displayed and I assumed it was an international call. I picked it up expecting to be greeted by a familiar Indian voice. The caller said "Hi, this is Ajmal (name changed). Thanks for the number". "Hi, ...", I said with a feeling not known to me. "This is the first time I am talking to someone actually sitting in Pakistan." I said, still trying the absorb the weight of my words. "Yeah, same here, but your voice is very familiar."

This was an applicant to Stanford University and sought some answers regarding the admission procedure. The conversation was not very long but at the end of it, I paused for a moment ... came out of my house and sat in the park. A perfect example of over-reacting to a situation.

I bring up this point to fit the missing piece in my blogs thus far. My previous post "The terrorist god" made me realize how unworthy element of this society I am. As many commented, I simply found solace in form of human-god and vent my rage on it. It irked me as a writer but I took the point. I should try to point some solutions. These solutions are pretty idealistic, will never be adopted in this real world but if you ask me, this is what I have to offer.

Education. This is my solution. As much as the media believes in it, war on Pakistan is not the solution. It never was, it never will be. If we go to war at this moment, we would have given terrorists exactly what they want... A cause to hate Indians.

We should try to glimpse over the total situation. Why does Pakistan, or rather some rogue elements from Pakistan are so desperate to sail across the Indian Ocean and kill innocent people. to spray bullets on people with whom they never even shared a conversation. People who have life stories very akin to their own, of poor parents and a to be married sister. At this moment, we should look back and ask ourselves how come a nation so close, which shares language, rivers, food and culture with us is so hostile that even the cold winds from mighty Himalayas fail to cool them down.? Or is it really so? Do you really think that if Injamam-ul-Haq scores a double century, I wouldn't clap? or people in Pakistan don't admire Madhuri Dikshit?

My point is that a major portion of Pakistan doesn't hate India. This perception may be wrong as I have never been there and, except for a few occasions, never had a chance to talk to the actual residents. But I can't easily believe it.

Can we fight this war with bullets? The first task before one goes to war is to identify the enemy. Who are we fighting against? Is it the Pakistan army? And if we go to war, will we not reap seeds of hate one more time, will we not give winds to the dowsing flames of anger?

Isn't Pakistan our enemy? My answer is: No, I am no enemy of Pakistan, as a nation, for it is not an enemy of mine. Pakistan is not a terrorist nation but rather the most severe victim of it in disguise. Think about this, how uneducated the people have to be so that they can be easily convinced that this world is materialistic and irrelevant, and rather by killing the 'kaafirs', they would serve the 'Allah' and will be rewarded in after-life. If only one could see the difference between wrong and right, for which education is necessary, if not sufficient. The extremists will find it extremely hard to recruit an educated mind, one which can evaluate the consequences of one's actions and smell the reek of personal interests.

We should have programs in school which extend the hand of prosperity, of love to our neighbor. Exchange programs in each school which take students from Indian schools to Pakistan and vice-versa. If as children, we see that people in the other side of border are not demons but humans like us and feel a similar warmth in their society, perhaps the seed of anger will die out with time.

This is precisely why I believe that the Indian team should visit Pakistan. I am not afraid of their security for if I were to randomly choose 11 Indians for a Pakistan trip, the safest would be the cricketing 11. The terrorists will never attack the cricketers since that would cost them the support of the entire society...and would ban any sort of cricketing tournament in Pakistan for a long long time. Security is thus not my concern. The next argument is that by not sending the team, we should covey a strong message to Pakistan. My point is that by continuing the tour, we would have sent an even stronger message. Terrorism can not be bigger than our cause for prosperity and that's the message our team will convey when we play in Islamabad, and Karachi, and Lahore. That we are not your enemies, we never were... and when it comes to terrorism, you are a victim bigger than us. Our children, for the most part, can't and won't be misled to holster AK-47 and carnage people of another nation.

Education is the solution to all. A rational mind can differentiate between interests of his own and of others. We should rather open up NGO's to set up schools in villages of Pakistan like we do in Indian villages.

If there is one solution to terrorism, it is unity through education. The war against terrorism will be hard to fight with bullets. Atleast the history seems to suggest that. The more we ban trade and commerce with Pakistan, the more we isolate ourselves from it, the more we will demonize our neighbor. It is dramatically incomprehensible to believe how big a difference one fictional line, the border, created by the British Empire can inflict between the two nations.

The Terrorist God

Before you start reading please be assured that the views in this blog are solely of the author and it is not my motive to hurt your beliefs and sentiments. If you believe ardently in god, please don't read further for I am still your friend and want to remain one.

The city of Mumbai, financial capital city of India is under the greatest of attacks. Even as I write this blog from the comforts of my apartment, their are many who are still struggling against flying bullets with their lives on stake. Many have just experienced the greatest trauma of their lives and for many fate has taken a U-turn.

21 grams, the weight of a human soul. So much in 21 grams. A lifetime of relations, emotions, hopes and expectations. Think of this: if you lose your dear one in a blast, or rather, if I lose my dear little sister or am shot down as a hostage, will you if you knew me as a dear friend or family ever recover? Will the cliche 'Resilient Mumbai' provide enough solace to you? Will you move on with your life saying that 'yeh sab to chalta hi rehta hai' (This is a daily routine now.)

What causes these attacks? Who are to be blamed? Politicians, Pakistan, Muslims?... The answer is very complicated. It is a mixture of so many tales, the clash of ideologies, political greeds and what not but I for one believe, in our list we should always include: our dear GOD.

I have no grievances in saying that throughout history, most wars have been fought in the name of the religion. It is thus my conclusion that Religion is the biggest murderer of all times. I say: FUCK Islam, FUCK Hinduism equally - for terrorists have no religion. (VHP played a key role in the Malegaon blasts). I am neither afraid to say: FUCK GOD as well. Yes you read it correct and I am in my senses. Many will wonder what balls I have not to be afraid to say this. My line of argument is simple: I am more afraid of bullets and hand-grenades than God. The mere fact, that the reported number of cases -till date- in which God came down to earth to save innocent people from flying bullets has been zero, strengthens my argument. And the reader will agree that this number will remain zero, always. Apparently God was extremely busy during these attacks. He always has been.

In the past, yes certainly he has come down to earth to save people whenever there has been bad demons around. But always too wary of publicity, he has taken caution in speaking only through the ears of men, never for itself. If you have read Ramayana, do you have ever once felt that it contains all the elements necessary for an epic novel. Ideal son, Bride being stolen, Protagonist Ram's heroic efforts and the happy-ever-after ending. Have you ever in Mahabharata, questioned the role of Krishna if he acted like a God or a cunning war strategist. Have you ever thought that a lot of stories in our Puranas such as the one of Manu and the boat appear/originate in biblical stories as well.

Quoting Late George Carlin: If this fucked up world is the creation of a supreme, all-capable divine being than I for one am not impressed with his work. I say 'his' because GOD, if there is one, has to be a man because no woman has or will fuck things up so badly.

Even though the article is shaping out as that, I am not pissed off by GOD. No matter what I write or how vehemently I deny his existence, the truth is he still may be around. But I do believe this that in this world, atleast before I die: I am on my own. If a bullet is targeted at me, no GOD has or will save my ass.

We as humans came up with this "idea" of God in order to rule over the masses but it is time we move on. Let us as a society convince ourselves for once and for all that there is no GOD. He may be around but whatever we believe in- is indeed a human creation. And thus should have a credibility equal to that of Superman and Shakti-Man. If you have a set of beliefs, that OK. You are free to believe whatever you believe in but for -GOD's sake- literally, keep them with yourselves. Please atleast not stigmatize a whole section of people, many of which are actually nice, with one word 'Muslim' to find a passage for our rage. And as a Muslim, it is your responsibility too to act sensibly for a fired bullet knows not the color of skin or the religion one follow.

Secondly, as a country lets get united and not forget the attacks as we always do. It is because we forget them and feel proud in "Chal Padi Mumbai" (Mumbai back on track) that the terrorists are fearless, now more than ever. Rather, try to be the change you want to see in the world by taking a step, even if small, by contributing in the right direction. I leave this to the reader to figure out how to help the inefficient government and the country in this grave situation of National Emergency. Some suggestions include: donating blood, money, reporting suspicious activities and getting involved in the coming days as to how Govt. deals with this situation.

Common' India, we have a glorious future ahead - only if we can overcome our domestic social and political hurdles. We have for a long time now believed in the philosophy of divide and rule, of caste, creed and regionalism. We have been slow in embracing Muslims as an integral part of Indian society and Muslims have been slow to embrace India too.

Lets get united as Indians and flush these bastards out. For though you may not have lost a relative or friend today, someone has. And you might.

-Mayank


P.S: If it pissed you off, do write a comment but think again over what I have written.

Big Game 2007: Hail Stanford Hail!

Dear All,

I write this mail today in a state of complete eutopia. All my life I
have wanted to be there and feel the heat. And at IITK this wish has
been granted but partly. Today was one of the most sensational days I
have had till date. Every time, I come out of this state of cloud
number nine, I feel this was it..I just experienced the most happiest
moment in my life..but then there is always next time. Today was
different. If God appears right now and grants me a wish, it surely
will be to go few hours back in time to live those moments which I
think I already lived perfectly.

Enough said, what was it? It was the evening of a really over-hyped
event in the history of College Football in US, the traditional
Big-Game where Stanford fights Berkeley. It is the last game of the
season and thus the last for many players too which adds to the
emotional drama. The preparations begin a week ago itself and the week
is known as Big-game week. The effect can be felt in classes too with
professors discussing it. The importance can be gauged by various
facts like the game is broadcasted over ESPN and many alumni's take a
week off and hold Big-game meetings.

Switching to the statistics, Stanford has not had won a game since
2001. We (me and shahi) have been going whole season to support
Stanford and they have not won one in the newly constructed billion
dollar stadium. But then those mathematicians solving probability
aloof on their benches are not always fools. There is always a finite
probability of a miracle taking place. That is the beauty of sports
where everything is largely unpredictable.

I shall describe the match now. If you are really pressed for time
or/and feel that I am writing junk, you can skip to the video that I
have uploaded on youtube.

The match begins 4:00 pm and we enter 2:45. Tattoos, goggles and some
other stupid things for free. The atmosphere is extremely enthusiastic
and by all standards meets my enthu level. The stadium is as if the
gladiator is being shot :) The band performs, the planes fly over the
stadium, the fireworks takes place and the game begins. So be it.

The very first quarter and Stanford scores in first five minutes. I am
excited too because only few times Stanford has scored. We are into
the lead 7-0. Few minutes later berkley scores and the score equals
7-7. Into the second quarter, Stanford scores a field goal followed by
their and we lead 13-10 once again.

Stanford goes into the half time with the lead. The crowd is
sensational, on its feet. They are crazy because this is not what one
would expect from Stanford who has'nt won a game in the season but
one. and I am praying god, please ..please, let this be the day. I
shall not ask for anything more..Stanford comes in and is putting its
heart out, one can feel it in their diving efforts and superb defense.
Into the third quarter and we score one more....wow...stanford leads
20-10...ohh,,my, the crowd is out of control now. Shahi has seen a
match in Eden but has never heard such a roar from the crowd....The
chants of "Who sucks?, Cal Sucks?!", "Go, Stanford, Go!"
and "Bring home the axe" are still so fresh in my ears.

The last quarter and we are 20-10. For the first time, we start
realizing that we might win it. We reach the 10 yard line but miss a
baby chance to score a field goal. Fuck them!!. On the other hand, Cal
is as desperate as Australia losing to Zimbabwe, converts his chance
lead reduces to 7, the score being 20-13. Last 5 minutes and I am on
my seat. Silent, nervous and excited. The 'axe' is so close. Everyone
can feel it. Last 2 minutes and the ball is in our possession. But
then the tragedy happens, the quarterback fumbles and the ball is now
surprisingly in their possession. Cal now have a super chance, their
last for sure to tie the game. They run, put all their energies and
take the ball to 10-yard line. 1:45 minutes and the last pass, the
most crucial play of the game. Cal just need 10 more yards. They
throw, the crowd is stunned as they have a player into the end
zone...he catches the ball, Cal roars but then he drops it....Ohho, he
dropped it...he dropped it...We have won...Only 1 minute to
go..Definitely we have won..We have won the axe!.

After we won, the whole crowd moved to the centre of the stadium and
the public was just speechless...as if their wildest dream has just
come true. The axe is presented and the stanford anthem is sung. For
the first time, I feel that heat!!. I have had adrenaline rushes and
kicks in the past but this was unique. It was like watching a live
recording of Remember the Titans. From now on, I shall always remember
this day. I was there!

Ofcourse, the inability of words to describe a real time event and my
incompetency with english language might not express that feeling but
it was awesome.

Hail, Stanford, Hail!. Thee our alma mater.


Watch the video, it speaks for itself. I kept the camera on all the
time. At 1:25, me and shahi will also appear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi6xfWMy8C4

Comments invited.

Yours
:(!)

Sourav and the child in me

As I entered through the gates of my school on that breezy autumn morning, I sensed a difference in the air. I couldn't smell it precisely but I could tell that today was different. I inquired and the rumor was out. A celebrity was scheduled to visit us. After hours of anticipation and moments before the lunch break, a banner was raised: "Welcome Sourav". (He wasn't popular as Dada at that time, I guess). Entered Ganguly in his Black Leather Jacket, fine spectacles and a mustache, took up the stage and started talking: "I feel very happy to be here. This reminds me of my school days when I...." and with a large beep sound, the loudspeaker of our school gave up on him. Our School, ST. George's College, Agra had just provided Dada a glimpse of what lay ahead in life for him. Starting that moment, he always had to speak out loud to make his voice heard. It was way back in 1998 and I remember it as clear as yesterday. Sourav-mania was at its peak and I was a child.

Its 2008 and Dada has retired-cum-forced to make way for the future generations. Its hard to resist the temptation to write a tribute to this flamboyant batsmen, brave(est) captain, sloppy fielder and a passionate bowler.

Of all the cricketing moments that I will remember, there is one that has perhaps frozen in every Indian's mind for as long as they live. The day Ganguly decided to enter the world of modeling and let go his T-shirt to expose the hairy chest.
When? The Natwest Trophy final.
Where: The holiest of holy cricket grounds, The Lords.
Why? Ask Dada.

It is indeed an emotional moment for a lot of people. Especially the lot like me which grew up watching them. We won and lost together, shared joy and grief together, caught and dropped every catch together. Let me take a step backwards and try to give you my insight into what exactly happens when a great player retires. When Ganguly retires, the mind is clogged with a lot of questions. We feel sad for the fact that we will never see Dada on field, coming out on a spinner and hitting a clean six over long on. But that's not why we are actually sad.

When a player retires, our mind takes a pause to ponder over some questions we normally don't think about. It is an unconscious signal sent by the brain reminding us that the time flies and that you are growing.Our schedules today are apparently so busy -or so we like to call it - that we find lesser and lesser time for ourselves. It is in that moment when we remind ourselves that a time comes for everyone -even if he is of Ganguly's stature- when he has to pass the baton to the youth. Our youth is now and it is our time to dream but that it will not be forever.

Secondly, it reminds us of our past when we used to be happy simply because we were kids. I used to be a kid too. As I grew up there was a sudden change in the attitude of people towards me. With each passing year my friends and family made me realize, though rather unconsciously, that I was not a child anymore.. I started to realize that what I did was no longer my business alone anymore. My opinions on family matters were sought and I was confronted with expectations. Expectations... All I have done since I have "grown up" is to ensure that I am fulfilling expectations of my parents, relatives and friends.

Childhood is naive and innocent. A recent Stanford study in the Psychology department claims that altruism comes naturally to kids. From the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

It is important to take timeout for oneself and do an introspection is to where is my life going and what have I achieved thus far. When Ganguly retires, our mind puzzles us with such questions and not having answers to them, we feel sad. But then this all lasts a moment or two for after that we get involved in our "busy" daily schedules again. So much in a single moment.

A lot has been written and a lot will be written. Cricket will go on. Players will come and make their mark, some even better than Ganguly. But I doubt if ever anyone will have to prove his mettle so many times. I should honestly admit that I have not been an ardent admirer throughout his career. It seems unreal when I think back that only few years ago we used to have heated discussions with DADA* over how Ganguly was useless and should be kicked away, literally. But then he fought back, he always has.

With this I bid adieu to Sourav. The child in me will always remember him. But then the child will fade away...




P.S.: When Ganduly was leaving from our school, we quickly went to our classrooms and some students from the window started screaming, Sourav gaddha, Sourav gaddha. They were kidding ofcourse but I am sure no one said that yesterday when he retired.

DADA* = Priyank Upadhyaya. A dear friend from undergrad.

America, Obama and India

Tuesday, Nov 4, 2008 might not be remembered for long but right now it seems the most historic day in my life. The United States of America is on the verge of making a very important decision; a decision which will affect all of us, from Iran to China, Iraq to India. It has been the longest election campaign in the history of the United States. Having followed the election from within the country, for the first time, and having access to the local news, I find it hard to study for my midterm tomorrow while the nation chooses its 44th President. As America continues to struggle for its dominance in this global world, its crucially important that we (they) make the right choice.

George Walker Bush, is arguably the most unpopular president till date failing in many of his strategies but he has successfully conveyed an important message...that a president should be chosen very wisely. No wonder that the media is speculating the biggest turn out ever. Nearly 15 million people have already cast their votes. In many states, the early/absentee voting is already comparable to the turn-out in 2004 Bush-Kerry election. One thing that I don't understand though: why is such an important election on a Tuesday, a working day?. Working people are expected to cast their votes either before or after work. No wonder that a turn-out of 63% in such an educated nation is being called historic!

Talking about the candidates, Senator Barack Obama from Illinois and Senator John McCain from Arizona have put up a commendable campaign... a fierce fight that will be remembered for a long time. John McCain, a Vietnam War Hero, having spent 5 years as P.O.W. has showed, at the age of 72!, an unimaginable determination and will.... Barack Obama on the other hand is one of the most exceptional human being of recent times. Think of this: A black person with "Hussein" as his middle name is contending for the White House...the "white" house.

In the opinion of many, including me, Obama is just one day away from writing history. The country where liberalism is more preached than practiced will, probably, show tomorrow that the United States of America is indeed a great country, certainly greater than mine. Being an Indian, I know for sure that his story was not possible in India where we fight our own people from different states...A person from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar is tagged as a "North Indian" and in a country so fond of castes and creeds, is treated with worst of racism. The pledge "All Indians are my brothers and sisters" seems just a meaningless phrase, today more than ever. Despite her heroic efforts in bringing the congress party together and winning a surprise election, Sonia Gandhi was denied the Prime Minister position. Reason, she had foreign roots!. Barack Obama's father was a Kenyan. Period.

The greatness of this country lies in the very fact that it embraces with all its hearts, people from all over the world. In my country, talent alone doesn't matter. What also matters is your caste, language and demographic location. As a very witty dialog from one of my favorite bollywood movie Swades: "jati us cheez ka naam hai jo kabhi nahin jaati", (Caste is a tag that never leaves you). In the US, we believe that all men are created equal. (This is not a sexist remark, the same being true for women!)

Leadership is a term we hear often about in our daily lives. A tag given to anyone who does anything from false talking to social work. Barack Obama raised 300 million$..roughly 1$ per resident for his election campaign. Mind you that this money was not raised forcefully like its done in many states in Bihar (India)...where people are forcefully asked to give money for Lalu's rally....give and Live peacefully. Here, old and young, male and female, black and white, wrote 5$, 10$ checks, out of their own will to ensure that the campaign was not short of money. Because they firmly believe that this money for his campaign was an investment, an investment that will reap benefits indirectly. In India, we follow Mamta Banarjee and Raj Thackrey. One can never make up for the huge loss that the West Bengal will have to endure because of Mamta. A campaign that had solely political motives and will have repercussions for decades. Tell me honestly, as an industrialist, will you be willing to open a plant in West Bengal in the current scenario? Look at Narendra Modi on the other hand, the very next day the TATA's declared they were moving out of Bengal, he grabbed the opportunity. Such should be the vision of a leader. Industry means occupation and attracts more industries thereby sparking a chain of development, education and social upliftment. In Mumbai, Bhojpuri Industry is considering moving out of Mumbai. Its a 200-crore rs. (40 million$) industry goddammit! Think of how many jobs it brings to the city and the state!

I have not lost all hope in my country though neither am I a young kid simply amazed by the glitter of the western world. The midnight of August 15, 1947 gave birth to two nations, namely, India and Pakistan. And in the same sixty years of independence, while India is starting to be recognized as an emerging global power; the mere existence of our neighbor is in question. We are for sure the largest democracy in the world and contrary to everyone's expectations, we have survived. I am proud of my nation, no doubt. But I do believe that we have the potential to be better. We still have a lot of 'home'-work to do.

Ofcourse, I have no right to criticize the leaders of my country when I have left it to its shatters and for the time being, on its own. Criticizing something is easy, what is difficult is to search for the root cause of the problems and strive for its cure. My friends and family always ask me if I will ever return to India. My answer to them is this: I, hopefully, will...but not before I have learnt my lessons from this great country which has shared with me an opportunity to make India great as well.

-Mayank

Disclaimer: The views in this article are solely of the author. His motive is not to hurt anyone's sentiment but to freely express his views, to exercie his fundamental right.

PS: The author is thankful to Shrey Shahi for healthy discussions and as a motivator to read newspapers daily.