Category: Chronicles

Searock Sheraton

September 19, 1992
Hotel Searock Shereton
Mumbai

Dinner at Dum Pukht Restaurant, one of the finest dinner I have ever had. I do not know if it was the magic of the evening, the company I had or the fact that just a little while back we had decided to get married to each other. I was wearing white silk saree with blue border, adorned with a sparkling necklace and a ring in my finger which he gave me and the song playing (tonight I celebrate my love for you) was perfect for the evening. We sat and talked for a long time and the next few days of togetherness just flew by. Its been 15 years and yet it still feels like yesterday.

Happy birthday love 🙂

How not to get called for an interview

Take a stock resume + cover letter – send it unedited. This is what I received today -absolutely as it is

Sir/Madam,

I am a MCA. I will be much pleased (include the core of Cover Letter here). Here by I do attach a copy of my resume for your kind reference.

Core part of a Cover Letter.

· To work in a globally competitive environment on challenging assignments that shall yield the twin benefits of the job satisfaction and a steady-paced professional growth.

· To work efficiently and effectively as well as grow with a prestigious organization in field of production, maintenance, and designing. So as to achieve self realization and accomplishment of organizational goals.

· Seeking a challenging and satisfying career in Web Application Development environment.

· To work in a creative and challenging environment using cutting edge technologies where i could constantly learn and successfully deliver solutions to problems.

· To develop my career as a Software Engineer where I will be a valuable team member, contributing quality ideas and work for an organization where there is an ample scope for individual as well as organization growth in Software Design and Development.

· To be an excellent software professional and move into higher technology areas which provide an environment to improve my technical and analytical abilities.

· To be in a position in a result oriented company that seeks an ambitious and career conscious person where acquired skills and education will be

The letter was not signed, a resume was attached and sent. The girl had above average marks, so I presume she is not dumb but what made her think that a company would even consider her as a probable candidate -specially when there are several 100 resumes that compete with her.

Recruitments and Entertainment

“I would be kind enough to you, if you please send me the details to get posted in your prestigious  company.”

This came in my mail today, what makes it more entertaining is that it is not from a fresher, but from an experienced programmer. We are recruiting and the ad that went out asked for programmers with one year plus PHP experience.

Why I wont buy Wipro Furniture again!

It was end January 2007. We had almost finalized on Godrej computer chairs for the new office when the representatives from Wipro Furniture visited us. He made a presentation, very impressive. We went to the showroom – he had what we were looking for and they cost just as much as Godrej. He promised delivery of the chairs in 5 weeks which was good enough for us. Our architect liked the shape of Wipro chairs better than Godrej chairs and that was another reason we decided about going with Wipro. The Wipro Manager told us to place the order in March so that the chairs directly reach our newly constructed office which was expected to be ready by April 25th.

13 March 2007, we placed the order to Wipro and gave an advance amount. Then waited.

Around 15th April I called up Wipro to ask for the position of delivery. “It will be delivered on time, Madam” I was told. I felt reassured and waited.

20th April -“the chairs will take a few more days mam” -these things happen, so I said ok.

28th April -the chairs still not there. They will be surely delivered by 12th I am told. I get a mail from the company person

Dear Madam,

This has reference to your order for Wipro Comfort chairs.

We are very sorry for the delay from our end.

Your chairs will reach your office on 12th May. The delay is because of the heavy congestion in the Malaysian Port.

Please bear with us till that time.

Ok, I said, atleast they are committing in writing. Now it must come in by 12th May.

12th May arrived and still no chairs -phones not being answered. Finally I am told that they will take some more time – no time committment given. 25th May – my office is ready to be occupied, I called up and threatned the dealer and he agreed to send replacement chairs till the ones we ordered arrive. The replacement chairs come and they are basic chairs.

We waited for our chairs while these replacement chairs took a toll on our backs. Finally on 26th May I got an SMS from Wipro Branch Manager saying ” Dear Madam, FYI – Your chairs had been despatched yesterday. Will reach Nagpur in 3-4 days. Rgds,Branch Manager Wipro Ltd”

02 June 2007 another SMS

” Material has reached transporters godown at WADO willl bill it from our godown and send it to you Rgds, Branch Manager Wipro Ltd”

03 June 2007 I followed up for chairs I get another SMS -this time from the Dealers (V R Sales)
” Sorry madam, I couldnt pik up your cal shal give you cal within an hour. Chairs can nt be delivered today. Thank You.

More wait!!!

Finally, the chairs arrive as we eagerly waited for them to be unpacked and assembled. Two chairs rolled out – then two more and we notice they are all badly damaged. The handles were scratched, some of the seats torn, and the shaft of the chairs looked used.

Wipro sent us used and damaged chairs!! Not just that, the Wipro Branch Manager refused to admit (indirectly through dealer – he never got on phone with me) that the chairs were used and insisted that they got damaged in transport.

I refused to take delivery of these damaged and second hand chairs, and asked my advance back. The dealer VR sales on his good will gave the refund of advance amount finally.

I ended up ordering Godrej E-sense Chairs, the chairs were promply delivered within 3 weeks, are in good condition and of an excellent quality.