Random thoughts

Random thoughts – Independence Day (15^th August 2010)

On the very same day, last year I was here. It was a different experience then. As Anirudh put it, on our way back, 24hrs of the Independence Day well utilized! That was quite a while back! Things have really changed now… back then I was the known-unknown. People at the VSOE knew that there was a fellow coming from Chennai; had released some newsletter and went back. I knew Malathi and Anitha, and I met Dr Padmaja and Dr Bindu to give them a copy of the newsletter (I was very confused between Dr Padmaja and Dr Sridevi at that time). I hardly remember any interaction with Prathima and other staff here.

Today was better. I knew almost everyone at the school and many at the SVYM function. From a visitor, I have grown to be a volunteer and a friend in this place. I have participated in the discussion in the Recreation Committee meetings and to have some extent influenced the way the event was organized. The interaction with Dr MAB was as insightful as any of the earlier ones. The discussions on Independence vs. Swaraj and Equality vs. Equity were thought-provoking. These followed by the visit to Mysore made the day even more exciting. Prathima, Sophia and Sumalatha were there all along. Some eating, shopping, window-shopping, again eating and the long travel back made up our trip. I have had a really great time with them, especially Prathima. She has been one of my best friends here and is like anyone else. But the simplicity and openness to suggestions and ideas just puts her one step beyond. Another new place, another new friend… this surely is one thing I am always happy about – I find a friend everywhere (not in everyone though). It was yet another memorable day for me here. Not because of the work but thanks to the people around…

Yet another Independence day, yet another year. Life seems to be running fast, a cause for concern. So much to do, so less time to do. I am almost always caught up in a fix where I really find it difficult to strike a balance between 'productive work' and friends. Is it always a trade-off? I just can't find the answer. Nevertheless, either way I choose I still have the satisfaction of doing justice to one of my prime interests. Well.. eventually I would find the balance I just hope I don't run out of fuel before that. This entry I am sure ran all over the place and hence the title 'random'. This was supposed to be about the people - people who guide and people who befriend.

--buddi

I Discover Myself

I Discover Myself

SVYM, My Experiences - 3

I am 6 months old now. As always – it has been a great journey so far. I can’t help it, that’s always the first line. 6 months already… I just can’t believe it, time seems to have flown by. I still have an entry to be posted three months back (editing going on, no need for it anymore). It is only these incomplete blog entries, bookshop bills and travel tickets flying around and a heavy bag of memories which give me a feel of the 6 months.

I have learnt a bit, traveled a lot and enjoyed the most. Some special moments – removal of stitches on the toe, “Room Clean” to “Clean Room” (RC2CR) Program, “spherical” balls of dough for chapatti, clinical trials of lady’s finger and potato deep fry, lunch invitations, pumping fists and cartwheeling (attempt) in computer lab after the success of a program, preparations for ERB (Online coursework :P), a six over the cover in the evening cricket match (ball went missing), diving with kids in water canals (unfortunately the water was only knee deep), long drives to Hosahalli, Pi day question paper, high fives after scoring the goals (short fives with Anup and Pranav), the unexplainable theatre (oops.. it’s a tent!), the frustrated kick which left the toe in pain for 10 days, students laughing at my jokes (happens pretty frequently), science club, midnight birthday parties, innumerable snack sessions, sleep inducing ‘resource person’ talks (should consider attending more of those), surprise trip to Trivandrum on friend’s birthday, trips to Siddapura & Thirunelli, “bad at eating” talks with Malathi, the 30min sleep after the posters preparation slog, Beatrice & Virgil, everyday walks (out of boredom, excitement, frustration), the new pairs of shoes for football, yes / no thinking sessions, 4 days when I did nothing, photography trials, phone calls running into hours … on and on.

Yes, they were 6 long months - flooded with thoughts and memories, every moment offering something to learn. I keep telling people about this place and would continue to. People have been very helpful and share their experience with me. While it has been difficult to get into the system (roles, rules and expectations), it had been an even greater challenge to gain acceptance from people. During my stay at IIT, I have been made villain many a times because I raise questions (places which taught science didn’t encourage questions) and talk about ‘actual’ work. This place has been more kind on me; people take questions and dig for answers. Few of my interactions with Dr MAB have been memorable. There have been situations where I couldn’t decide or talk straight to people. From the indefinite thoughts and discussions, I learnt that no person can be bigger than the organization itself.

There are several things a good room and a beautiful countryside can’t provide, we need people around. Dr MAB and Dr Sridevi have been very helpful all the way. Every time I walked into Dr MAB’s office with a question/doubt, I have come out laughing at myself. Foolish Praveen went with a silly doubt! Hours or sometimes days of thinking haven’t given me answers anywhere close to that of Dr MAB. His friendly nature and strive for perfection have been great inspirations. While Dr MAB gave me a chance to explore my work, Dr Sridevi has given me the chance to run wild in anything I could think of (ERB, Database, GIS ...). Living with my constant overshoots of deadlines, I still wonder how she keeps her cool. Everyone here, in their own way, has influenced my life. I would only belittle their influence by a ‘Thank you’, so no attempts.

In October 2009, I confessed to a friend that I didn’t know where I was heading and wanted some time to clear my head. And so I came to SVYM to learn about NGOs and simultaneously plan for future. I haven’t chosen this over my career, this is my career. I just hope to continue in this domain for a long time to come, there is no turning back. Here or somewhere else.. Wherever!

These months have been my most creative and productive after school. I have started enjoying myself a lot, a childhood which I once enjoyed in school. I Discover Myself.

--buddi