Chennai - City with Soul

Spending six weeks at Chennai for my RBI induction training was one of the most wonderful chapters of my diary. People from other parts of the country come here with many preconceptions, about the linguistic differences, culture, food etc. Honestly speaking, so did I! But while I write this, all of these have turned into some of the most memorable experiences of my life. From the quintessential Tamil language to the peculiar Hindi accent to the local delicacies, there are so many things which give an altogether different feel while being here. Experiencing this great culture and living in it certainly add more spice to the recipe of life!

The city is gifted with some beautiful places to visit. While the panorama and tranquility of Marina beach resembles some poetry in motion, the serene and mesmerizing sights by side of The East Cost Road literally leaves you spellbound. Express Avenue and Phoenix are good examples to know how the city has been catching pace with the modern world and transforming itself into a new-age metro. However, it is the culture of the city that goes beyond the scenic attractions and developmental rhetoric.

Food is a real allurement here. Eating at Sarvana Bhavan and Murugan Idli Shop is a treat you must give to yourself. Note that the types of chutneys served outnumber the types of delicacies! The food is so much immersed into the culture that you get even Dominos Pizzas flavored with local cuisines. For the coffee lovers, this is the best place to caffeinate. Sipping local filter coffees at roadside vendors is more pleasurable than even at Starbucks.

Did I forget T-Nagar gold market? One of the most happening markets you may ever visit. People’s fatal attraction towards gold and the appetite to purchase are unbelievable. The market has gold-stock enough to fund an entire bailout package for Lehman Brothers!

Fun apart, the most striking feature of the city is the excellent establishment set-up. From wide and clean roads to state of the art government hospitals to surprisingly good public parks, it has almost everything that you expect in a well managed city. Don’t know whether it is a political will or a motivated bureaucracy or perhaps an enlightened society, but the city clearly sets itself apart with decent institutional set-ups and public welfare arrangements.

Yes the city is different, in more ways than one. But being different itself makes it special. Unlike other metros, there may be few late night parties and Metallica concerts, but it is the art, music and cultural heritage that generously fill up soul in the city. More than anything else, I liked the city for the cross cultural dynamics I enjoyed here. Often we hear about India being a diverse nation yet unified with common values. The city of Chennai reinforces that notion of unity in diversity. Chennai, thank you for giving me some really wonderful memories that I will always cherish. Will miss you!

(Views are personal!)

RBI Grade B Officers Exam - An Approach

Hello all,

Thank you for choosing to read this article. Through this write up, I attempt to give some insights which may help you in preparing for RBI Grade B Officers exam. Below are my brief introduction and scores.

Education: BE, MBA

Work-ex: Grade A Officer at SEBI, PO at Union Bank of India

Attempt: 1^st

Scores: Prelims - 137/200

            Mains –    (1) English – 79

                            (2) Economic and Social issues – 60

                            (3) Finance and Management – 65

                               

                            Mains Total – 204/300

    Interview – 42/50

                               

                            Grand Total – 246/350

       

    All India Rank – 1

I presume that you are already aware about the exam pattern, hence I will straightaway discuss about the sources and strategy I followed for each phase.

(1) Prelims: A lot of people take prelims too casually. Some start preparing for mains even before appearing for prelims. Unless you are very good at GA and aptitude, this approach is better avoided. In fact, prelim is a very competitive phase where out of lacs of candidates, rarely 1500-1800 get shortlisted for the mains. So ensure that you are well prepared for the prelims.

Strategy:

The biggest challenge of prelims exam is the GA section of 80 marks. So I will focus a little more on it. As this section has 40% weightage, meticulous preparations are required. Honestly speaking, it is more difficult to build up a GA base in a limited time than to say, learn some reasoning short-cuts. The most common problem faced by aspirants is the inability to convert GA reading into scores. The real problem here is, picking up competitive exam magazines and random GA material just as the exam is announced, and straightaway start mugging everything up usually do not give productive results. GA is something which cannot be built in a day, a week or a month. It is a regular process that one should continuously pursue. Newspaper reading should not be a compulsion but a habit! Also, the approach of reading should be issue-based-learning rather than mere remembrance of probable GA questions. Newspaper reading should be supplemented with reading articles on finance and economy, watching television news and debates etc.

Also, it is advisable to read and understand Indian financial system in general and banking system in particular. Try to follow and analyze a variety of issues and events happening in financial system of India and all over the world (QE and its impacts, IMF quota reforms, problems faced by PSBs, BASEL studies etc). Such an approach of knowing less-and-less-of-more-and-more than knowing more-and-more-of-less-and-less helps you maximize your attempts and score in GA section. Also, such holistic way of reading may indirectly help you in some GA questions where even if you don’t know the correct answer; you can eliminate some options and make a better guess.

While writing the prelims paper, keep a score in mind. Last year the cut-off for general category was 126/200. Ideally, a target of say, 140+ may be set to be on a safer side. Preference of sectional attempts is entirely subjective and should be decided taking into consideration individual strengths and weaknesses.

Sources:

GA – One good financial newspaper everyday (ET, BS, Mint are good. I personally prefer Mint. However, it is up to your reading taste as to which newspaper to follow), complete reading of economy section from www.mrunal.org, random reading of banking awareness questions from Google and most importantly, continuous reading of all publications of RBI web-site. Browsing Pratiyogita Darpan during the last week before the exam will be helpful to brush up everything. This should suffice for prelims.

Mathematics – As the section is almost same as other bank exams, R.S.Agrawal is the most credible source to prepare. Focus more on DI, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time and Distance. Since the section consists of only 30 marks and may involve lot of calculations, try to score maximum in a set time period and move on to the other sections instead of wasting time for just few more marks.

Reasoning – Like bank exams, reasoning is of high level. No specific book needs to be followed but regular practice of CAT reasoning material of good national coaching institutes will help a lot. Since this section consists of 60 marks, fair amount of practice will be required if you are not already good at it. Sitting arrangements, analytical reasoning and syllogism need to be thoroughly prepared.

English – It comprises of just 30 marks, but can be extremely helpful in scoring as level of the section is very moderate. If you are good at reading comprehension and have sound grammar fundamentals, a score of 25+ is quite possible. A book on English Grammar by S.P.Bakshi can be handy.

  

(2)  Mains: Although it takes some efforts to go through prelims, the real exam starts here.

Strategy:

Mains is considered to be the most difficult part of the entire recruitment process. In fact, this is the phase where thorough understanding of subjects is required, which is only possible through extensive preparations. One positive thing about RBI mains is that it offers you sufficient time to think, frame and write your answers. Therefore, utilize the ample time you will get to articulate your answers lucidly and coherently.

The most important thing (and ironically the most neglected too) is developing good writing skills. Aspirants read rigorously, make daily notes, do economic data by heart and what not! However, little or no efforts are made in improving writing skills. This is where I feel, the problem lies. Let us not forget that the paper checker will not read what is there on the mind but will read what is written on paper. So it is as much important to be expressive and articulate as it is to be informed and aware. It is advisable to spend 75% efforts on subject reading and 25% efforts on writing practice. Practicing writing can be done by writing blogs on current affairs, participating in online debates among peers or by simply writing previous papers. Supplement your writing practice sessions by simultaneously following some well written magazines and editorials. It will help you develop a language which can fetch maximum marks. Take an example. Compare “If the prices keep rising, RBI will not lower policy rates” with “Persisting inflation may compel Central Bank to hold policy rates”. More or less, both the statements communicate the same thing. But the selection of words and the way of expression make the later one more effective. Therefore, make all attempts to ensure that you write your answer with the best ‘choice of words’.

One more important thing is the length of the answers. RBI clearly mentions in how many words the answers need to be written. It also communicates that mere superficial knowledge and excessively long answers may attract deduction of marks. Keeping this in mind, ensure that the answers are succinct, well thought out from different angles and are insightful. Stay away from writing polemical statements about the role of Government or policies. Keep a balanced and rational view and show-case your answers with logic and data.

Lastly, handwriting also plays some role in scoring well. While not much can be done to improve handwriting in a short span, all you can do is write answers neatly and make optimum use of space available. Making your answers appear good can certainly add 3-5 marks per paper to your final score!

Sources:

English – English generally contains questions which are moderately difficult and hence can be attempted. One important feature is the essay which contains 40 marks. Subject of the essay is generally related to current affairs or economic policies. Therefore, it is important to appear for the paper with fair understanding of the subject as well. Letter writing and précis writing are also important questions. It is better to go through various types of letters and practice précis writing as knowing the technicalities can definitely lift your score up by 5-10 marks. Ideally, one should aim a score of 70+ in this paper. No special books need to be study, essay writing can be prepared from editorials of newspapers and magazines, letter writing can be studied from English text-books and précis writing can be practiced online.

Economic and Social Issues – E&S I is the most challenging paper to score. Considering the subjectivity of the answers, it is generally not very easy to score high in this paper. Anything above 55 would be considered a fair score. Many books are available in the market for this subject. Indian Economy by Mishra & Puri, Indian Economy by Dutt & Sundaram are quite good. It is better to use both the books as some chapters are explained well in one and some in the other. More than mugging up economic data, it is advisable to get conceptual clarity in this subject. However, it is always good to support the answers with relevant facts and figures. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh is also widely read, but I found it very elementary and it can just be used as a start up reading by those who do not have a finance or economics background. Apart from this, regular reading of articles on socioeconomics from Economic and Political Weekly, The Economist, Project Syndicate, Frontline or Yojana can give some good insights and help in framing the answers better.

Finance and Management – F&M does need a little more preparation for those who do not belong to management or finance background. However, the level of the paper is set in such a way that level playing field is maintained among all streams of aspirants. For the Finance part, Financial Management by Khan and Jain is a standard book. But there is no need to read the entire book and only chapters which are included in RBI syllabus need to be read. For Management part, Principles of Management by P.C.Tripathi and P.N.Reddy is a good book. One thing to be kept in mind that this paper is repetitive in nature, so take reference from previous years papers and get a detailed idea. Anything beyond 60 is a decent score for this paper.

Normally the cut-off for mains to be called for interview ranges around 170-175 for general.

(3)  Interview: On a personal level, I found the interview phase of RBI the most difficult. Although a lot can be written about interview and yet nothing concrete can be concluded considering the subjectivity of interviews, few peculiar things about RBI interview I enlist below.

-      RBI panel is normally very cordial but they will grill you without you even realizing it. Therefore, it is utmost important to go with thorough preparation and a positive mindset.

-      RBI does not mind giving extremely low scores in interviews. In fact, average scores hardly used to be 20-25, and people getting even 0 in some cases. So interview needs to be taken very seriously to get the final selection.

-     Attire should be formal. Make sure you look calm and composed. Listen to every single word asked by the interviewer and try to be as normal as possible even in the most stressful minutes.

-   The language you use and your choice of words certainly make a deep impact on your performance. It is advisable to take up a couple of mock interviews just to get the momentum going.

-      Questions may range from your background to your work profile to current economic issues. So make detailed study of everything you have put in the bio-data form to be filled in before appearing for the interview.

Some final words. . .

RBI Grade B Officer is not just an exam, it is a journey. It takes almost one year for completion of the entire recruitment process. It not only tests your aptitude, subject knowledge and personality, it also indirectly tests your patience, perseverance, ability to absorb stress and sincerity. It is always a dream of anyone having interest in financial sector to get final appointment for this prestigious post. Lacs of candidates appear but eventually hardly 80-100 make it. While there are a variety of factors that play a role in your journey, what I personally feel is that it is your involvement and passion that help you traverse this steep learning curve. The more you become passionate about it, the closer you get to know what is expected from a central banker and you start becoming that way. Keep this spark of passion and involvement alive and enjoy the entire journey. As Ben Bernanke puts, “If your uniform isn’t dirty, you weren’t part of the game.” So work hard, stay positive and good things will happen to you.

Thank you.:)

-         Madhav Joshi

What it takes to get to Rajdhani?

What it takes to get to Rajdhani?

Not for PM aspirants...:)

It doesn't matter whether or not you believe there is God, it also doesn't matter whether there is existence of a spiritual realm where the God dwells and governs the entire universe. What really matters is – The Karma (not to be confused with Dharma). It reminds me of the words said in a film My Name Is Khan, “If you do good deeds, good things will happen to you.”This is because God is an invisible force which looks after each and every element of the universe. Different religions have given different names and attributes to this invisible force but ultimately the almighty is one, and is for all, irrespective of the religion, race, wealth or anything.“What it takes to get to Rajdhani?” is a story which attempts to show the existence of this invisible force in this real world. It’s the story of a boy named Aditya who stays at Rajkot, a district of Gujarat and is supposed to catch Rajdhani Express from A’bad to get to Delhi for his joining meeting at Philips, where he has recently got job after competing his studies.

Date: 25^th May, 2010

Time: 0610 hrs, [at home]

“Adi, beta wake up. It’s already 6. You will get late.” Mumma said putting her hands on my head.

“Mom, I was awake till 4 am, let me sleep. I am feeling tired and just can’t open my eyes.” I tried to persuade her for allowing me to sleep more.

“Okay do what you want. But make sure you leave from here before 11 am. I am checking your bag again to make sure everything is okay and I haven’t forgotten anything.” she said and left the room.

After she went, I completely lost in deep sleep. I was extremely tired since I had worked till 4 am to prepare a PowerPoint presentation of business plan which I was supposed to present at Philips corporate office at Delhi. I was asked to come to Delhi with another new joiner named Samir, fresh MBA like me who hailed from Surat.  We had decided to meet at Ahmedabad railway station at 3:30 pm. I was supposed to travel from Rajkot to A’bad to catch Rajdhani express at 4 pm. It was the time of summer, vacation time, so there was heavy rush in almost all means of travelling, but thanks to Philips, we both could manage (afford rather!) to purchase VIP quota tickets of Rajdhani just before a couple of days from its departure. Getting tickets of Rajdhani in summer vacations, that also just before 2 days is as lucky as going on a date with the most beautiful girl of your college in a five star restaurant and she paying the bill!!

I was in eternal sleep and suddenly my cell phone rang. The volume of the ringtone was so loud that I almost fell down from the bed as if I had a 440V electric shock. I picked up the cell phone to check who the hell was calling this early. As I checked, it was Samir, Sam’s call.

“Moron have you completed the presentation or not?” I heard an atrocious voice of Sam.

“Sam, you should have started my morning with a better word, like good morning.” I replied struggling to get up from the bed.

“Welcome to corporate world Mr.Aditya. Today your friend is calling you moron and you have a problem. Tomorrow your boss will call you early in the morning and tell – you rascal, have you finished the assignment or not?” Sam replied.

“Screw your boss; screw your corporate world damnit. Anyway, the presentation is almost completed. I was working till 4 am.” I replied.

“What? ALMOST completed? What does it mean? Adi, people get fired in Philips for ‘almost completed’ presentations.” Sam got extremely angry as if I had proposed her girlfriend.

“Calm down Sam, I just need half an hour to complete it. I want to give it the final touch – the Adi touch, which will create magic before the VP.” I said smiling and came out of my room.

“Ok, but make sure your ‘Adi touch’ doesn't cost us our jobs. Anyway I have arrived at A’bad early in the morning and I am staying at my Uncle’s home. Make sure you reach railway station by 3:30 pm.” Samir said and hung up the call.

I entered into the kitchen and found my mother preparing my breakfast with fervor. She was so excited as if her son was going to participate in Olympics.

“Beta, your bag is ready. You have bath, get ready and then have breakfast. I have made your favorite aloo-paratha with curd.” Mom said with a smile.

“Thanks Mom. I will miss you.” I went to her and hugged her tight.

“Love you beta, you have made all of us proud. Once you come back from Delhi, we will start searching for a girl.” She said in excitement.

“Why? Did our maid went away?” I tried to crack a joke.

“Stop it Adi. I am not talking about a maid. I am talking about a girl for you to get married. You are turning 24.” Mom said while managing her hair.

“But Mom, don’t you think it’s too early?” I replied.

“You are a kid; you don’t know what is early and what is late. I will handle this matter.” Mom replied as confidently as if she was the President of USA. Every Indian mother thinks that her Son is smarter than all, but at the same time, she thinks that he is dumber than her. Cute!

I had bath and got ready. Then I had aloo-paratha made with all love from my mother. I prepared the presentation after that, gave it final touch. It was the time to leave. I took blessings from God, Mom and Papa and stepped outside home to start the first ever professional journey of my life. 

Time: 1100 hrs, [at Indian Travels office, Rajkot]

“Good morning Sir. How may I help you?” A gorgeous looking receptionist girl asked me as I entered the Indian Travels office.

“Can you give me a ticket to A’bad of any Volvo leaving from here before 12?” I replied.

“Sorry Sir, all the buses till evening are full.” She replied.

“OMG, WTF, WTH.” I mumbled all these words to myself. I felt as disappointed as if Deepika Padukone had rejected my marriage proposal !!!!

“Listen mam, I need to reach A’bad before 3 pm at any cost. Please arrange something for me. I am ready to pay double amount also. I work with Philips and I need to catch Rajdhani at 4 pm from A’bad to reach Delhi office by tomorrow morning.” I told her intensifying my efforts to get the ticket.

“Sorry Sir, we work as per our policy and I am not allowed to give you ticket even if you pay double or even more.” She replied promptly, indirectly she communicated, “Money or the ability to make it doesn't impress anyone around here.”

“Ok mam, can you adjust me near to the driver seat? Or any other empty seat available in bus?  See, I really need to catch up your bus before 12. I have already inquired in other travel offices and all of them are running full. You are my only hope.” I tried to convince her as if she was the Last Samurai who could save me from the demons. I was getting anxious since I had a meeting with the Vice-President who was coming from USA and he would surely fire me for bunking the meeting.

“Sorry Sir, there is no provision as such. As I already told you, we need to work as per our policy.” She said and got busy with her desktop. She tried to show me that she was busy as if she was preparing the union budget !!!!

“OMG, what should I do now? How will I get to Rajdhani?” I asked myself. I checked the watch, it was 11:30 and there was no availability of a Volvo which could get me to A’bad in 3 hours. I tried to hire a personal taxi also but no success. There was some strike going on by the taxi-drivers community against the government for fuel price hikes. Damn  you OPEC !!!!

Luck was testing me very badly. Finally I thought to take a calculated risk. I hired an auto and went to the nearby government bus station. There I found a bus for A’bad which was about to start. I stepped into the bus and took a window seat. It was 11:50 and the bus started to run. “Thank God, I found something.” I said to myself. Normally, a government bus takes around 4 hours to reach A’bad bus station, but since I have to get down at Paldi which arrives 15 minutes earlier, it should take 3 hours and 45 minutes from now, I thought.

Now if my calculations go right, I will be at Paldi around 3:35 pm and from there if I take an auto, it will take 15 minutes to get to the railway station. So I should be at Rajdhani at 3:50 pm, 10 minutes before the departure. But the biggest question is, "what if these calculations go wrong??”

I was busy in the analysis of various options which I could try to get to the Rajdhani as early as possible. Suddenly the cell phone rang. It was Samir.

“What’s up Adi? Have you entered A’bad or not?” Samir asked.

“I have just come outside Rajkot, touched highway. Sorry but because of non-availability of Volvo, I had to take up a government bus.” I replied.

“What? Have you gone nuts? I don’t think you will reach in time. You loser, don’t you know how important it is to be present in the meeting? VP will fire you damnit.” Samir was again getting angry on me.

“But what to do Sam, I had no other option. I tried to hire a private taxi also but the drivers were on strike.” I tried to give him explanation as if he was the Chief Justice.

“Ok, let me think. See if you can make it to Rajdhani in time, then it’s cool. But in case you miss the train, what other options do we have? Buses will not do, since we need to show our faces to VP by tomorrow morning at 9 am.” Samir said.

“Figure out something Sam, I don’t want to get fired from my 1^st job just because of coming late.” I sought his help like he was a great management consultant.

“Ok, let me inquire for flights. You may get a flight at night which will land up at Delhi by tomorrow early morning. But if you come by flight, HR will sue you for violating travelling policy.” Sam replied.

“I will take care of HR, don’t worry. Just book a ticket for me of any flight which lands up at Delhi by tomorrow early morning.” I replied.

“Ok, let me try. By the way, I got your mail with the presentation which you had sent me in the morning. Nice presentation chum, ‘Adi touch’ works, and works big time. I will really miss your company if VP fires you.” Sam laughed and cut the call.

Time: 1300 hrs, [somewhere on the highways]

Almost an hour passed and my eyes got closed during the time because of the extreme tiredness. As I woke up from sleep, I came to know that the bus crossed Chotila and as per my calculations, things were going cool. I took my cell phone in hands, I saw an SMS from Sam.

"I have inquired all the air travel agencies. All the flights are running full. Now you should do only one thing – P R A Y."

I got more tensed after reading the SMS. Yes, the bus was running okay, as per calculations, but there was a tolerance of just 10 minutes to get to Rajdhani. If the bus got late even by 10 minutes, I would have to come back home and start updating my CV.

I closed my eyes to give peace to my mind but what happened next took the soul out of my body. The bus suddenly stopped in the middle of highway. I stood up and asked other passengers what happened. I got to know that there was a puncture and the driver would take half an hour to fix it with the help of some passengers. Damn, the last thing I wanted was a puncture in the bus!!

Time: 1400 hrs, [standing on road, seeking for help]

I came outside the bus and started seeking for another bus or a private vehicle which can help me get to Ahmedabad. 15 minutes passed and nothing happened. I was getting frustrated. Five more minutes went and I felt that it was impossible to catch the train.

Suddenly the driver came and announced that the puncture was fixed and bus was ready to start. Since I had no other option, I stepped inside the bus and took my seat. Five more minutes went but the bus didn't start. I asked the driver and he said, “Some ladies have taken their children for urinal so we have to wait for them to come back."

“This is just crap. These children are peeing on my job. Start the bus man; I have to get to Ahmedabad as soon as possible.” I told the driver with anger in my voice.

The bus got started finally but the puncture incident mixed with the urinal show of children actually wasted 30 minutes. I was having 10 minutes tolerance so going with the calculations; I would have been late by 20 minutes, only 20 minutes !!!!

Time: 1500 hrs, [on bus, praying!!]

The cell phone rang and it was Samir again.

“Where are you Adi? I am just entering the railway station.” Samir said.

I described the whole incident to him.

“OMG, you are surely going to miss the train. Ask the driver to run the bus fast. I am going to inquire about the status of train’s departure. You know our trains always run late. So, you still stand with a chance.  Call you after sometime.” Sam tried to console me and hung up the call.

By my surprise, the bus stopped again. I got extremely angry and checked what happened. An old man aging more than 60 stepped into the bus

“This man was standing in the middle of the highway and in need of help.” Said the driver.

“But you cannot stop the bus like this man.” I replied angrily.

“Calm down young man, I am sorry if I troubled you.” The old man said politely and sat next to me.

“It’s okay, doesn't matter. I am not going to catch it anyway.” I mumbled.

“What happened?” Asked the old man.

“Mind your own business Sir; I don’t share my problems with strangers.” I replied arrogantly.

“Oh, ‘the typical corporate arrogant’, good going young man.” The old man said with a smile.

“Hey wait, how do you know that I work with a corporate? I never told you.” I asked him with surprise.

“Blackberry, it’s because of Blackberry in your hands. Young men of your age usually don’t have Blackberry phones unless they work with a corporate.” The old man replied.

“Very keen observation, great Sir. And I am sorry for the arrogant replies.” I told him.

“It’s okay. By the way, I am Mr.Lamba.” The old man gave me his hand to shake.

“Aditya, Aditya Joshi.” I shake handed.

“It seems you are in a problem, aren't you?” Mr.Lamba asked.

I told him the entire story in next five minutes.

Time: 1530 hrs, [on bus, where else?]

“As per your calculation, you will reach the railway station at 4:10 pm considering the bus is running fast, but you have missed an important presumption to make in your arithmetic.” Mr.Lamba said.

“What is that Sir?” I asked.

“What about the traffic jam? This is Ahmedabad young man.” Mr.Lamba made a big point here.

Before I could react any further, Sam’s call came.

“Sorry Adi, the train is on time. It will depart on its scheduled time at 4 pm. I tried to talk to the manager and requested him to delay the train but he refused. Wish you luck Aditya.” Samir said in disappointment and cut the call.

I started sweating and my frustration was so clear that even an insane could notice it.

“Yes, do what I said. After 15 minutes. Exactly, you got my point now. Thank you." I heard these words as Mr.Lamba talked to someone on his cell phone and then he looked at me.

“See Aditya, let me do something for you. Its 3:40 pm and within ten minutes, we will reach Sarkhej crossing. I am calling my driver who lives there only and fortunately my car is also with him. I will drop you to the railway station in my car. We will take the by-pass route of highway so we don’t have to face any traffic. If my calculations work, you will be inside the station at 4:05 pm. Just hope the train starts 5 minutes late.” Mr.Lamba told me and called his driver to reach Sarkhej crossing within five minutes."

“Thank you Sir. You have given me a new hope.” I said with a smile on my face which was disappeared in the urinal of those children.

The Sarkhej crossing came and we both got down from the bus. The driver was ready as he was asked to be. He immediately started the car and increased its speed.

Time: 1550 hrs, [on Mr.Lamba’s car]

“So, what have you studied Aditya?” Mr.Lamba asked me as the journey started.

“I am an Electrical Engineer, after that I did MBA. I have recently completed MBA and got job at Philips.” I replied.

“Great. By the way, I am also a Mechanical Engineer. I am a retired government officer.” Mr.Lamba replied.

“Oh I see.” I replied and we both smiled. When two strangers meet and later when they come to know that they both are Engineers, they feel close to each other, just because they know that both of them have got the same mental assaults and have gone through the same horrible phase of four years of their lives.

Time: 1605 hrs, [Ahmedabad Railway station]

“So Adi you are lucky. The train is still there, I can see it from here.” Mr.Lamba pointed.

“Thank you very much Sir. I will always remember your help. If you hadn't been there, I would have never reached in time.” I replied.

“My pleasure Son, this is my visiting card. Do call me after coming back from Delhi.” Mr.Lamba said giving me his visiting card and the driver stopped the car exactly opposite to the gate.

I stepped out of the car and thanked Mr.Lamba as well as the driver who drove as good as Michael Schumacher to drop me to the station.

I ran hastily and the railway station clock shown 4:05 pm time. Suddenly I heard an announcement on the loudspeaker.

“Passengers travelling to Delhi please note that 9874 up, Rajdhani express will leave from Ahmedabad station at 4:15 pm. The train is delayed by 15 minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience."

 “Wowie...” I told myself after the announcement and became very happy. I started searching my bogie and after crossing 4 bogies, I saw Samir standing at the door waiting for me, like Simran was waiting for her Raj to come !!!!

“Here you go chum, finally you have made it. Congratulations.” Sam said as if I had won the Olympic race, but to be honest, it was nothing less than winning the Olympic race for me.

Finally we went inside the train.  As soon as we entered the bogie, all eyes started staring us as if we were big time rapists who should be stoned to death. As we just took our seats, we heard the whistle. Finally, Rajdhani was on its way to Rajdhani.

As the train started, I shared the whole incident with Sam, about how Mr.Lamba helped me to get to Rajdhani.

“You should meet him after coming back from Delhi.” Sam said.

“Yes, I surely will. Hey, here is his visiting card.” I replied and took his visiting card out of my pocket and what we read in the visiting card really took both of us by surprise.

Mr.Satish Lamba

B.E. Mech.

Retired Divisional Manager – Indian Railway

Contact no # 9XXXXXXXXX

“OMG!! Sam, this man is the retired divisional manager of Indian Railway. Hey wait, while we were on bus, he talked to someone on his cell phone. He was telling someone like - Yes, do what I said. After 15 minutes. Exactly, you got my point now. Thank you.

May be I and Sam got the answer why Rajdhani was delayed by 15 minutes !!!!

Well that was it. That was how I got to Rajdhani in time. But that wouldn't have been possible without the help of Mr.Lamba. From that day on wards, I really started believing in God. We often talk about stories that God sends his angles to help the human beings, some people believe it, some don’t. As I have told earlier, God is nothing but an invisible force which governs the entire universe. Some way or the other, he helps you to get your way. Some people call this force as Krishna, some call it as Allah, while some call it as Jesus. For me, God is the force that sent Mr.Lamba, for me God is the force that sent that driver. This is the force which we call it as  ‘the soul of universe’. It keeps us helping on, and on, and on; provided we also do good deeds and help others.

Thank you.:)