I & 3 letter words
Somehow I have an infatuation with 3 letter words. Yes, 3 letter words, you read it right, especially those that begin with I. 20 years back, when I was in school, IIT was more than a dream, it was an obsession. It was like, its going to be IIT or nothing. Do or Die. I remember the Test Papers of Agarwal Classes and Brilliant Tutorials. The Irodovs, the Hallidays and the Morrison & Boyds. It was crazy. Finally one did get to the IIT. Kanpur was a cool 4 years of B Tech. Then in 92 one joined the Corporate world. Suddenly, I felt missing something in life. And one was back to IIT for M. Tech. With another dream. Another 3 letter word. Another I.
Somehow Kanpur and growing up in the cow belt made one feel that if any job in India is a dream job that is of the IAS. Yes, many friends and relatives and even the Interview Board for the IAS examination questioned me – how could you let the Nation’s investment into your training at IIT go waste. But then Dreams are Dreams. And was lucky enough to have survived in the madness of the IAS exam to get through. Since 95, have been living the dream. Through Good times and through pretty bad and desperate times. Have seen a lot – from the insurgents and the greenery of Nagaland to the dirty politics, riots and poverty of Uttar Pradesh. And yes, always thought how relevant IIT education was to Administration. The fundamental law of Governance in our country is the Law of Inertia – nothing moves till a force is applied!!!
After a dozen years of life in the IAS, one landed up in Hyderabad, by chance in 2006, to a beautiful lush green and serene campus called ISB for a 2 week course. One of the best places to train and relax. Felt instantly in love with the Institution. Interacted with the students, faculty and the dean to get to know more about the course and how to get in. Staying in the campus during April exposed me to the fun the guys were having. Suddenly one felt younger. And yes, I have been craving for getting back to school, one more time and to study Business Management. The desire came from within, to get to see the Private Sector, the Corporate world and how life is. Not to mention the big bucks salary announcements every year and the desire to earn money in life, which one is denied in the Government. And yes the clinching issue was the 3 letter word – ISB and the I!!!
So after 2 years of dithering, on a rainy day in August end, I was a bit low, and felt like chucking the IAS job, one went to mba.com and registered for GMAT. Last date for ISB was Sep 15 and was lucky to get a GMAT appointment on Sep 13. So 2 weeks of Princeton Review and Official Guide and scores of practice tests from torrent downloads and elsewhere, one managed a 710. ISB essays and application including recommendations was completed on Sep 14. And Bingo, made the deadline.
ISB was nice to have invited me for the Interview in Delhi on Oct 15. Was good friendly chit chat. And then the long wait on Nov 20. Pagal Guy thread was interesting and it felt great to get to know a diverse set of wannabes. Guys bustling with energy and confidence unlike the dull and weary company I have at work in Government. Felt younger. Was at times, feeling will ISB chuck me on account of me being too old!! But then the mail did come at 2033 hours on 20th Nov and yes I felt I am in the Class of 2010.
A lot has happened since then. Being part of the ISB yahoogroups makes one feel one knows a lot of future classmates. After the initial euphoria the process of getting to ISB begun. First deadline was Dec 5 and 2 lakhs deposit. Government is yet to approve my study leave. Was worried as to what if its not approved and I end up loosing my 2 lakhs deposit. Am yet to make up my mind as to if I can come back to Government after ISB or will I chart out a new career for myself in 2010. The Economic crisis is making things worse. Many friends and well wishers advise that its not wise to chuck a cushy, safe and secure job like the IAS in these times. I know these times will not last for ever. But for me if I have to be at ISB, it is now or never. Anyways, so made a special request to ISB for extending the 5 Dec deadline. And yes, they agreed. So the dilemma continues. And so does the journey.
Which 3 letter I word its going to be, ISB or IAS!!!!
