Delft - 3 years and counting

This post is going to be a bit narcissistic and self congratulatory. About a year and half ago, I was sure my stay in Delft would be less than 2 years. But like the saying goes "Man proposes god disposes" I am still here counting the years. For me personally it has been a wholesome ride, with bits of all emotions competing with each other to come up with a motley of reactions that i am pretty much proud of. Not that all the decisions i made in the last 3 years have been on the spot, but its sure has been an interesting journey. If NITT made me a man, in delft i have fermented into a better man hopefully. I did spend a forgettable 3 months in Oberhausen, Germany. Through out the journey, i made a few good friends, and sadly lost a few. There have been some great moments in Delft till now. I am just listing a few,

1) It has to be the Leiden half marathon. The beginning of the end of mota Sriram, the process is still going on. But finishing Leiden half marathon was special. A great feeling and something to cherish.

2) Surprising my parents for their 30th anniversary. Went to india after a gap of two long years, without their knowledge, reached home and surprised mom. A great feeling. But will never do again.

3) Seeing Dennis Bergkamp Score!! Dream come true. I saw DB10 score, rather place ball into the net with utter ease - another moment to cherish.

4)   Of course the best of it all - graduating with a masters to be Ir.Sriram Ragav - I love engineering, every aspect of it. It is extrapolation of common sense and I am good at it. And graduating in trying circumstances, is something sure to be proud of.

5) The two week vacation in Canada. A wonderful experience.

6) Getting my first salary. The feeling was wonderful. The thought that I could be financially independent did have a cathartic effect on my mind.

7)  Applied transport phenomena!! - Just a validation that I do know my chemical engineering basics and my GATE score was no fluke.

8)  Making masala dosa.;)

9)   My ice breaker in toastmasters. Never knew, i could actually make people laugh.

10)  India winning the world cup.

Hopefully there would be many more of such memorable moments. There have been a few not so great moments. But they are too close to my heart to share. I do hope that the rest of journey here is also as interesting. .  

Its a cake walk mister!!!

"It is actually the beginning. The beginning of what could turn out to be really gargantuan, if it proceeds in the right envisioned direction. For all the effort, the disappointments, graying hairs, social discouragements, broken relationships, this deal could answer for itself without a word being spoken. Getting the contract to set up the data base management system and revamp the online existence of one of the biggest restaurant chains of the country is by no means an economy changing project, but still a project that could kick start the slagging corporate career of a small company.  Getting the deal was by no means a cake-walk. The biggest bottleneck for this was to make the hard-nosed archaic financial director of the hotel chain to change his outdated beliefs of quality of work being directly proportional to the time spent in the market. Thanks to their budget cuttings and penny pinching, we were one of the few who could actually complete the job within their shoe-string budget." Thinking silently, he kept moving ahead.

The thoughts never eased out as he looked out though the rear view mirror of his hatchback and the anticipation started clouding his judgement. Though the agreement has been verbally reached, nothing concrete has been signed in paper yet. Add to that, the last conversation he had with the manager was rather discouraging. He had literally invested the future of his company in this project and turning back would be accepting the defeat. With an eye on the clock, he sped through the motorway. All the fears of being the lone ranger, the heretic whose blinding belief of individualism and making the mark in providing services in a cut throat business environment seemingly dissolving, and scores of other drivels started testing his patience and loads of doubt started creeping in. Thankfully to distract his thought process, over the top structure of the hotel started at him intimidatingly, mocking his small stature literally and figuratively. He parked the car, in a tight corner to perfection along the marked lines, as if passing this test of precision would give an added leverage in tougher battles facing him. His self assured stance and a impeccable suite brilliantly made up for the conflicting inner demons and radiated an assuring self-confident persona.

He charmed his way to the reception, smiling and making the beautiful lady blush, at the same time carrying a tone of professionalism. He nonchalantly wiped off the sweat that started dripping down his forehead. As he waited for a person to receive him at the reception, he could feel the butterflies swamping in his well worked-out belly. Another young lady approached with a sweet artificial smile and guided him into the offices of the hotel. " Unfortunately, our financial director is not in today. I will take you to his deputy." He could not believe his luck. He wanted her to repeat it once more to be sure of what he was hearing. It was a sweet sound of music to his ears. He wanted to give that lady a tight hug, insipte of the fact  that she had noticed his wedding ring. She led him into a small room that was lit brightly. The desk resembled a small bridge that had been steam rolled by a heard of mad elephants. He knew he had found his scapegoat. "Pleased to meet you. Unfortunately my boss met with an accident and all the responsibility has fallen on me. I would like to conclude this deal as soon as possible. We have an audit coming up soon. This would be the first thing I do as the acting financial director." "You have nothing to worry here as you are dealing with a pro. I have been in this situation several times before. Its a cake walk mister!! " He beamed vibrantly hoping to sign his first substantial deal.