Wonder Y ? Thats because, its was where my journey began. My dreams of making it big in TCS started in Trivandrum (and for reasons best known to me, ended there). The unforgettable 2 months, which I still describe as my most memorable days in this Tata institution, marked my first in many aspects - My first job, My First salary, My first trekking trip - add that to the culturally diverse batch, (from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, in a literal way of speaking) the T80 Batch. A second chance to relive the experience - PRICELESS.
As a faculty, it was a whole new experience. Working and dining alongside those who handled the ILP courses for me, getting salutation from all the batches when I walk pass them and another chance to meet Colonel-Nair - not as a bumbling trainee, but as an equal. In fact, I was glad that a few full time faculty members recognized almost immediately. I did note a few changes in their training methodology, though.
Who would ever expect the ever-ebullient Mr.Alpha to turn into a Task master. I vividly remember the discussions we used to have with the faculty (including Mr.Alpha) when I was a trainee. They urged us to take weekend trips and learn more about Kerala and Trivandrum. In fact, some even helped us arrange Conveyance and drew up sightseeing plans. Now its the exact opposite. Trainees are made to come to labs, even on sundays. In fact, the entire training programme has become so serious that the Fun and Frolic that ILP-Trivandrum was so synonymous with, has vanished.
The trainees were working day in and out. Sometimes, even at 3 in the morning in their labs. I pitied their plight. Everyday, when I take up a training session, the whole class was so glum that it resembled a Funeral. A considerable part of the class was spent in instilling optimism and lifting their sagging spirits. I could empathize with them and feel the pressure they were going through. Who could blame them, when the dubious TCS scoring system fails 80% in the exit test. In fact, a few light hearted beings couldn't tolerate this and quit the company, halfway into their training programme. I personally feel that the training programme must tune and motivate them to do well in their future assignments. Not crush and sap their First-Job-Enthusiasm.
I made myself well known with trainees. Some of them, even now, update me of the progress in their careers. Its nice to get such a role in the twilight of my TCS career. I should make a special note of the accommodation provided to me by the company. It was top notch. I stayed in a 3-star hotel - Hotel Ginger. It had almost everything extra I could think of. A plasma TV with all cable channels, a Refrigerator, 24 hr A/C. and a free gym. I didn't like the cafeteria of the hotel. All items either didn't have any taste or were priced too high for its worth. But, there were a lot of multi-cuisine restaurants nearby. So, it wasn't an issue at all.
I spent a blissful 4 weeks in Trivandrum. Played badminton in the evening; spent a few hours practicing my new floating technique in the swimming pool - I even gave some tips to some who were surprised by my technique - every weekend; visited a few beaches nearby; spent an evening at the Pub with Karthik, a fellow faculty member and an interesting character as well. And finally, I can ever forget those charged up moments while cheering India on to their win against Australia in the CB finals. You definitely wouldn't like to hear the way I was cheering them, though..... :p
Now here I am sitting in Sonex Towers with the 'Learning and Development' division, eagerly waiting for my US Visa Interview. Hope to post again on the back of a successful interview.
And for those have who attended the TCS training at Trivandrum, this should be an appetizer.
P.S - I couldn't sneak in my camera inside the premises. So, thats the best I could click.
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