An IIT-IIM question

Ok, this is provoked by the following article by a juvenile loser at indiatimes
Should IITians keep away from IIMs?

What bull crap?! Im not even certain what issue is being raised here:

People opting out of placements to pursue unconventional careers?

IITians opting for management careers after BTech?

IIMs and recuiters preferring IITians?

Whatever the intended subject is, the article is just plain ignorant and pathetic. It empathises with people who got left behind in the rat race, and cites trivial and hollow arguments against those who are on top (read IIT-IIM 'hotshots')

The first issue is not even about IIT. Its about people pursuing their dreams. If Gaurav wants a degree in management to set up a music company, what right has anyone to object? The author does not even understand that Satyajit does not want to become a footballer, but to manage a football club. Both guys wanted to learn management, had business models in mind, and were chasing money and success like everyone else. So why the hell should they give up their IIM seats for someone else - who couldnt do better at CAT - to pursue a run-of-the-mill professional career? India needs entrepreneurs and big thinkers like these guys, not more Area Sales Managers, or BPO Team Leaders.

As for the argument against IITians opting for careers in management, I beg to ask : How many people are certain of the best job and career choice for them in class 10? The decision to prepare for IIT is made at that age, with peer pressure, parental pressure and to ensure some financial security. I have some issues with that, but no way can the choice to join an IIT be held against someone at a later point in their life and career.
Besides, MBA is not an extension of BComm or CA as people with the 'right background' claim. Its about business, management, money, fame, power...
There is no reason why an engineer, or a doctor, or a commerce student, or anyone else - should not want to do an MBA. An IITian can want to run a business, or be a manager. Why must all IITians must remain in labs or technology firms as 'functional specialists'?

And finally the 'he-bwoke-my-toy' crib about IITians being preferred by IIMs and recruiters. My simple, if somewhat arrogant, response to that is : Its the best education one can get in this country. IITians are academically sound, independent, strong performers and most of thsoe who opt for mgmt careers have damn smart personalities as well. Also - people dont realize this - IIMs dont actually 'prefer' IITians. If anything, they limit the no of IITians they admit to maintain a 'proper mix' in the batch. And the competition for those limited 'IITian seats' is tougher than it is for 'other seats'. These cry-babies should be thankful!

If I'm a recruiter, and have to choose between someone with an 'IIT-IIM' pedigree and someone else, who would I choose? Who is most likely to have higher calibre?
These guys have been thru two gruelling tests - JEE and CAT, and two rigorous courses, competing with the best in the country and emerging successful. They have a sound technical background with undoubted analytical and problem-solving ability, and soft skills I can easily ascertain as a recruiter. And i'm not a philanthropist - I'm a businessman who needs the best gladiator on my side to perform for my bosses and our shareholders.

If anyone has any problem with any of the above, I do not wish to entertain dubious arguments that support the weak. Its about the survival of the fittest. An IIT degree and an IIM degree are hard facts - proof of fitness, and not questionable arguments or emotional 'reasons'. Find your 'fact of fitness'!

Reference :Those who grudge IIT-IIM grads their sucess and feel they are overpaid, might want to read my take in this post

Leading by example

Today's Hindustan Times carried the headline "Sonia says she resigned because it was the right thing to do"

I paused to think about it, and felt something between approval and admiration.

Before anyone crucifies me for making political statements on this blog, allow me to clarify. I am not a fan of Sonia Gandhi. In fact I have grown up supporting the BJP and belong to the school of thought which believes that a person of Italian origin leading a country of a billion would be an embarassment.

However, credit must be given where it is due. She is talking about 'doing the right thing'. The statement suggests the presence of a conscience, a degree of self-respect and the courage to stand up for principles. These values have absent in our polity for a while now. Leaders have displayed shameless opportunism, greed for power, and no concern for anyone or anything other than their personal interests. I do not remember recent political 'leaders' doing anything that inspired trust or respect. This woman, for the second time now, has assumed the moral high ground and taken the wind out of the Opposition's sails, and has set examples for others to follow. A good leader must be trusted to 'do the right thing', because they have the power to mislead masses. Its refreshing to see an Indian political leader talking about 'doing the right thing' and backing it up with action.

There will be people who will dismiss this as a political gimmick. Maybe it is. I dont care. At least she is saying what I like to hear and thats a good first step. If she or anyone else, actually believes in these values, and supports statements like this with action, that will serve to restore some of faith that we have lost. But that is a future issue - the expectations, given our past, are much lower today.

I thought the BJP and NDA got a raw deal in the last General Election. After everyone predicted a landslide victory for the 'India Shining' people, it was a rude shock to see the Congress win. It felt like a mistake - an injustice - that had to be undone. But now its fairly clear that the country is moving ahead on its own and as long as the Govt is not a decelarator, its not very important who rules. In fact, the BJP seems to be falling apart and has been disappointing in their performance as Opposition.

Having said a few good words about Sonia Gandhi, I also want to write about the disgust I feel for the way sycophants in the Congress idolise her. At the start, she wasn't much more than the widow of an assasinated PM, who in turn rode into Parliament on an emotional wave, following the assassination of his mother. I dont understand why all 'leaders' in the Congress worship this family. It gives them an air of 'royalty', even though they are leaders in a democracy.
But I admire Sonia for what she has done. And the Govt is doing well. Alls well that ends well.

No apologies

To: A few special friends of Y2K

When the bonds started to form, it all seemed perfect... forever...
We promised, between friends, there would be 'No apologies. Ever'

But things have changed - and so have you and I
We both made mistakes - we know it yet we deny

We ought to say sorry for small things that went wrong
The ego gets in the way, and for times like the old we hopelessly long

Straight from the heart, today I say
I hope things work out, and for a better future i pray

Luv ya all. Always.
Smoochy/Nik