Finally it is IIM over IAS for my son

And finally it is IIM, Ahmedabad for my son!

Years ago I had written a blog IAS or IIM. That was when my son was pursuing a 5 yr. law course from NLIU, Bhopal. The young blood in him was cajoling him to join the civil services and serve the nation. He was serious and we as parents were confident.

While the first attempt in 2010 was just a try, the next 2 attempts were done in all sincerity even while he worked in a PSU. And sure enough, he cleared the UPSC Mains 2012 and appeared in the interview in March 2013. We were truly disappointed when his name did not figure in the list of first 200.

That’s when he decided to sit for CAT. And Voila! In the very first attempt he qualified for IIM Ahmedabad, Shillong, Trichi & Gurgaon & also Ranchi.

And mind you good things also come in battalions! The very same week, UPSC announced the additional 2012 list, where my son’s name figured prominently.We now eagerly await the call letter- just to know the posting.

However, he is all set to join IIM, Ahmedabad. No hard feelings. Just a play of destiny, as we all put it!

His desire to serve the nation still reigns supreme. And why not! Have not Azim Premji, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Kumarmangalam Birla, etc. made the nation proud?

So it's okay, dear life! We have absolutely no regrets.Also, my husband and I are very proud of our son who did not let the setback affect his confidence. He took it as a challenge and proved it those who had  jeered at him.

Anyway, congrats to all who made it to civil services! And best wishes to others who are young, ambitious and endowed with high dreams.

Undoubtedly, there is enough room for everyone at the top. I suppose, we just need to be more objective and open when our dream world comes crashing down.

And I suppose, we should not give up. For we really never know what is in store for us.
So, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!

It's September now. Just 3-4 days ago, my son received a notification from UPSC. His rank happens to be 1051 and has been allotted Railway Protection Force. There is also an asterix sign against his name which states that he can still improve his rank.
Fair enough, he has in all 3 chances more. Thus, my husband and I leave this now for our son to decide.
Whatever, there is a strong message that it is never the end of the world. Something always works out-   either  immediately or after a few years. Just have patience.

Dig all 17ft.-My New Year Resolution

First and foremost, I wish all my readers a Very Happy, Prosperous and a Peaceful New Year.May all your dreams come true.

The year 2008 ended with an unpleasant note. The massacre of 26/11, and then most recently the death of Swapnika, the acid victim. My silent tribute to all the dead. May their souls rest in peace.

This all has propelled me to take up a cause and work arduously in my own way. For instance, fill the world with a good thought, like some nice fragrance? Success does not come easily I realise. But then I can always try.

That reminds me of a story my daughter told me recently when she came back home after her P.G. exam. It seems, her professor and guide Dr. Narkeesh gave the budding physiotherapists a piece of advice the day they all submitted their thesis. In fact, he had a special word for each one that day. Something, very important I must say. To my daughter he said, " You work hard 99% and then you give up. And unfortunately, the results lie in that last 1%. " To explain better, he told her of a story. It goes thus-

There was once a poor man. He had a dream, in which God himself appeared. The Almighty told him to go to a certain place in the forest and dig. Next day the man went to the same spot and started digging. When the travellers asked him questions, he told them that he had been instructed so. Many felt he was foolish. They told him so and went their way. The man dug on. He happened to strike water at a certain depth. He continued. By now he had almost dug 16 feet.He was now tired and without any hope for he really found nothing. Besides, the jibes of those passing by had begun to have effect on him.He felt himself a big fool. In desperation, the man threw away his pick-axe and walked back home in utter misery. Just then, a passer-by came along. He saw water as well as the pick-axe. The man felt that if he dug more he would probably get more water. And so he began digging further.

Just as he had reached 17 feet, he heard a sound of metal. He peeped inside out of curiosity. And there lay a pot of gold coins. The man was jubilant. He hurriedly collected the coins and went home.

And so the second man gained where the earlier one gave up.

As my daughter narrated this story, I was reminded of my own mistakes. Hadn't I often given up at the most crucial juncture? Had I been more optimistic, I am sure I would have reached somewhere today. There must be many like me who have called 'quits' after a small failure or a set-back. In fact, there are many who have taken to alcohol or worse still committed suicide.

I am glad, My daughter has taken the advice in the right spirit. I plan to improve too. Even if it is a bit too late. Who knows like Abraham Lincoln I may make some difference in this world? And so I am going to follow the advice of Dr. Narkeesh even if he is much younger than me.

Thank you Dr. Narkeesh. Also, a big thanks to all my teachers who taught me.