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Guarding the Borders
Sweet dreams!
Streamlining the supply chain
Make the world your stage
Missing elements in an MBA
Food for Thought
Career Hotline
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Guarding the Borders
Last week, another exciting career option opened up for young women with spunk and a sense of adventure. Brandishing AK47s, holding grenades, and attending drills at 3 a.m., 32 uniformed BSF women constables began their first posting along Punjab’s border with Pakistan. The Border Security Force — India’s first line of defence along the international borders — has raised its first batch of women constables and there are now plans to recruit about 700 women to be posted across all 14 BSF battalions along this border.
Unlike the armed forces that only employ women in the officer ranks, paramilitary forces like the Central Reserve Police Force and the Central Industrial Security Force, and now the BSF, have mahila battalions and there are plans to increase this number. So, if you would like to don a smart uniform, hold a gun in your hand and patrol mountainous terrain, desert areas or coastal stretches, you can also take up a job where duty may mean sitting on camel or horseback or marching on foot keeping a keen vigil of the All in a day’s work
While guarding the national borders is primarily the responsibility of the defence services, there is a special paramilitary force that is responsible for safeguarding the borders, and protecting the life and property of those living in border areas. This is the Border Security Force (BSF), which — as the name suggests — is a paramilitary service created for safeguarding the borders, and for the purpose of collection of intelligence reports and the prevention of smuggling and infiltration. This service protects the lives and properties of citizens, ensures and maintains law and order in border areas, prevents smuggling and ensure the maintenance of civil discipline during peace. The Border Security Force also performs an important role during war times, as was seen during the Kargil War. This involves protection of vital installations, such as airfields and bridges against enemy raids. The BSF holds ground till the main forces arrive and assists the army in maintenance of lines of communication. Tasks during war time include:
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Holding ground in less threatened sectors Take your pick
There are two main branches of the BSF: The General Duty Service Branch deals with work relating to the protection of the borders against external aggression including infiltrations, while the Technical Branch is mainly entrusted with the task of maintaining the vehicles, buildings, and also the communication set-up in the service. The signals arm of the BSF plays an important role, keeping communications lines open and passing on vital information to senior officials at all times. There is also a medical branch that provides medical facilities to BSF troops. The total strength of the BSF is approximately 180,000. Nearly, one third of the BSF is deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, in counter-insurgency operations, while large numbers patrol the north eastern and western borders. While for many years women had a restricted role in the BSF, today with the recruitment of the first batch of 32 women constables they too can look forward to another rewarding career.
Getting in
If you are inspired by the heroic deeds of the men in uniform, are young, energetic and adventurous, young men and women can join the paramilitary forces. But it is not easy getting into the BSF. You have to fulfill a list of prerequisites in terms of physical fitness and mental aptitude. While a graduation degree is the minimum requirement for a sub-inspector or assistant commander’s post, with Class X or XII pass you can apply for the post of a constable and assistant sub-inspector. Those applying for the technical branch need to be graduates in science. Those with BSc (physics, chemistry and mathematics) and above education qualification with the electronics stream are deputed for appointment in the rank of assistant commandant (technical) after they undergo Battalion Signal Officers Course. A matric with three-year diploma in radio and TV technology, electronics, telecommunication, computer, electrical or mechanical engineering from a government recognised institution or 10+2 or intermediate or equivalent with physics, chemistry and mathematics, and 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics from a recognised board can apply for the post of assistant sub inspector (radio mechanic), while those with ITI qualifications are eligible for the post of head constable.
Fitness matters
For all posts, meeting the physical fitness criteria of height, weight and chest-size is vital. As in the defence forces, there are strict physical standards for BSF personnel too — height 165 cm for men and 157 cm for women, weight 50 kg for men and 46 kg for women with some relaxation in age for SC/ST/OBC, ex-servicemen and other regional categories. Physical and mental health should be good and knock-knees, flat foot and squint in eyes and colour blindness are not permitted. Both men and women who meet the physical standards are put through a physical efficiency test. There is also a written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Those who qualify the written test and physical efficiency test have to face an interview board and take the medical test. The interview is undertaken to gauge the candidate’s psyche, aptitude, mannerisms and etiquette. The interview board also assesses loyalty and dedication to the cause of the nation. Preference in selection is given to outstanding sports men and NCC cadets who have outstanding record.
Trained to perfection
Directly recruited officers, non-gazetted officers and jawans undergo training for 21 weeks at the Border Security Force Academy in Takenpur (Madhya Pradesh). Thereafter, they have to undergo professional training in subjects like Border studies, Border problems, prevention of trans-border crimes and international law. BSF personnel also undergo specialised training in counter insurgency and commando type training at Training Centre, Meru Camp, Hazaribagh, and at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics, Indore, for sharpening shooting skills. The BSF has two training institutions for communications personnel too. The Signal Training School, Delhi, trains radio mechanics and cipher personnel while the Signal Training School, Bengaluru, trains communication personnel operating various communication systems in the force. Assistant commandants and company commanders, who are recruited directly, are given rigorous training in the respective police academies. They are taught various skills like shooting, driving, controlling riots and mountaineering. After successful completion of training, these officers are put on ‘general duty’, which apart from normal field duties also involves administrative responsibilities. Managerial and administrative responsibilities increase with seniority and promotions Besides the three above-mentioned training institutions, there are five training schools for special training in motor transport. To maintain a high standard of functional efficiency and road worthiness of the motor transport fleet in the force, the Central School of Motor Transport was set up at Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, to conduct training in fleet management as well as driving and maintenance of vehicles, motor vehicle mechanic course and auto electrician course. The National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) that breeds service dogs, trains dogs and their handlers for BSF and other central and state police organisations. The dogs are trained in basic obedience, narcotics and explosive detection, tracking, guard duties and patrolling. It is interesting to note that many of the BSF awards have been won by these four-legged professionals who have helped the service make seizures of hundreds of crores worth of narcotics and in bomb detection!
Not a dull moment!
Life in the BSF is certainly not dull, as there are new adventures every day. While defending the borders along with the Army and checking infiltration, the BSF also performs duties in many parts of the country and abroad in places such as Kosovo and Bosnia with the UN mission. Moreover, starting with a salary as constable of around Rs 5,000-10,000 with allowances, one can go upto Rs 20,000 and moving up the ranks to commandant with a salary bracket of Rs 37,000-67,000. Of course, those who enter these services have to be prepared for the occupational hazards implied in the service, including risk to life — particularly during times of civil commotion, riots and other exigencies. But for those who have quick reflexes, presence of mind and a liking for a disciplined lifestyle and challenging outdoor duties, a career in the BSF can also provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction to an individual, with a sense of having served one’s country in times of various crises and natural calamities. (The writer is a career expert)
Peace time
During the Gujarat riots, personnel went all out to restore amity and brotherhood . They were`also called out to help during the Gujarat quake and Tsunami.
During peace time, it promotes a sense of security in border areas, prevents trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India and prevents smuggling and other illegal activity.
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Sweet dreams!
A website called Kickstarter.com is making it possible for people like this to raise sums ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars to fund anything that captures the imagination of Internet users with a little money to spare. It worked for Emily Richmond, a 24-year-old living in Los Angeles who plans to sail solo around the world for two years. She has raised $8,142 from 148 people who will receive rewards such as Polaroid photos from the trip, an origami sailboat or a telephone call when Landon Ray, who runs a marketing software firm called SendPepper.com, gave $500 after showing his five-year-old daughter Richmond’s video promising to keep donors updated by blog and send rewards such as a coconut mailed from a far-flung port. “I thought this was a perfect learning experience for my daughter,” Ray said, adding that he also dreamed of sailing the world himself, so it was partly about living vicariously. Ray also plans to use his sponsorship as a marketing tool. Many of the projects on the site are by filmmakers, musicians, artists and writers. Project creators set a time limit and a target. If they don’t reach it, they get nothing. Jason Bitner’s pitch for $7,500 to pay for post-production of a documentary about the small Midwestern town of La Porte, Indiana, was so popular it raised $12,153. The film is about an archive of portraits by a photographer who died in 1971. Bitner came across boxes of the pictures in the back room of a diner and has published a book. The film features interviews with the subjects 40 or 50 years later. “This film is very much about community,” Bitner said. “We decided early on we wanted to do community-based funding, sort of crowd-sourced things.” About a third of his 149 backers were friends and family. Others include residents of La Porte but also people from as far afield as Jonathan Scott Chinn, who is seeking $16,500 to make a short comedy-horror film called “Always a Bridesmaid,” said the site was an efficient “creative marketplace.” “You’re given the opportunity to make your pitch, and if it’s really interesting, it will take off,” Chinn said. Independent singer-songwriter Brad Skistimas, 26, has been using the Internet for eight years to promote his one-man band Five Times August. He used Kickstarter to raise $20,000 to finance his new album “Life As A Song,” due out October 13. Donations amounted to pre-orders of the album, giving fans early access as well as additional material such as handwritten lyrics, photos and, for $1,000, dinner with the singer. It’s a great way to get involved with fans,” Skistimas said. “I was marketing to my own fans, so I said ‘If you guys want more music from me, now’s a great time to help me out.’” Kickstarter co-founder Perry Chen said around $500,000 had been donated in the four months since it was launched, with more than 60 percent of projects achieving their goal. Until now the site has charged no fee, but from mid-September it will charge 5 per cent of funds donated to successful projects. Chen said so far there had been no scams that he knows of, though plenty of projects simply don’t take off. “The model works really well to prevent any type of misbehavior because the people who fund these projects; there’s always a core group of the person’s social network,” he said. “Those are bridges people will work very hard not to burn.”
— Reuters
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Streamlining the supply chain
Modern Vidya Niketan (MVN) Business School has partnered with the BRASI School of Supply Chain Management, Toronto, for the first-ever AICTE approved supply chain management course with international internship. Course: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in marketing, finance, HR and operations Duration: Two years Eligibility: Bachelor degree in any discipline, preferably with more than 60 per cent marks and work experience Fee: Rs 5.5 lakh for full course. If a student is unable to visit Canada, around Rs 2 lakh would be refunded to the student. Location: Faridabad Programme starts: October 12, 2009, limited seats This course includes a visit to Canada, a free laptop and international exposure with training by a top professional institute in the picturesque city of Toronto for six weeks. PGDM students from MVN Business School will have a great edge with excellent prospects for global placements over other institutes due to their high-end training by BRASI that would include: n
Intensive classroom training on: - Supply chain & logistics management - ERP software users - Certification n
Plant visits: The educational plant visits include companies like TOYOTA, HONDA, Rubbermaid, Castrol, and other leading international organisations, practicing supply chain innovation, Lean, JIT and Six-sigma. Number of plant visits will be subject to scheduled tours. n
Sightseeing in and around the Greater Toronto Area, including day visit to Niagara Falls and 30,000 Islands Cruise. According to Varun Sharma, president, MVN Educational Society, “Supply chain and logistic management forms the backbone of all industries and holds an extremely high importance in the services and there is a huge global demand for supply chain personnel. It is a sunrise sector in India and many big players will be soon entering in this sector that would be a big generator of jobs for the management graduates”.
— TNS
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Make the world your stage
The Indian Film & Theatre Academy (IFTA) has invited applications for admission to a six month diploma programme in acting.
The programme aims to cover all aspects of theatre, television and film acting. The syllabi includes sessions on voice and speech, body, movement, emotions, expressions, improvisations, facing the camera, outdoor shoots lip sync and dubbing. The course shall conclude with a course production in the form of a telefilm or a play which would be produced by the students. It begins on November 5, 2009, at India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Faculty comprises of leading luminaries of the film & theatre world and ex-students of the National School of Drama. For enquiries, call on 011-26868877 after 2 pm or send an e-mail to IFTA at iftanewdelhi@gmail.com Selection: Admission would be based on auditions to be held in the last week of October at India Habitat Centre, Lodia Road, New Delhi-110003. Placement: IFTA provides placement to all students. Ex-students are well placed with leading production houses in Mumbai and Delhi. Scholarships: Shanti Devi memorial Freeship available to a talent financially weak candidate. Seats: 20 The application form is priced at Rs 170. No form would be issued on cash payment. Forms would be available by mail only. Candidates should send a demand draft with a covering letter needs to Robin Batra, Director, IFTA, C-317, Saket (Golf View) New Delhi-110017 by courier or registered post. Last date of receiving DDs is October 16, 2009.
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Missing elements in an MBA
The harsh reality is that most of the 2,000 MBA schools in India are running on 20-40 per cent placements. And during and after campus, most MBA students appear in at least three-six interviews but often fail to get a decent job. Why is this happening? Of course, there are larger issues of student input quality (anyone who can spend Rs 5 lakh can get an MBA/PGDM degree without any entry level selection criteria) and education quality (most run-of-the-mill colleges spend less than 5 per cent of their revenues on actual academic delivery!), but that doesn’t help students who have already enrolled. Here is what these students can do now: To find out why our MBAs are not employable, Elements Akademia, a chain of finishing schools, conducted an intensive nation-wide research amongst the CEOs, HR heads of more than 40 companies from various verticals, 60 MBA / PGDM colleges across 12 cities and more than 3000 students and MBA aspirants. This research brought us face-to-face with some startling revelations. It showed that the current education system in India has an inherent flaw in that it often offers degrees but not jobs. The industry needs certain skills beyond the AICTE/University curriculum before it can hire a candidate. However, the academia continues to teach what it has been teaching for many years (70% of MBA faculty in India have little or no quality industry experience) versus teaching the key skills industry needs. This results in today’s classic paradox: Corporate world continues to have jobs but keeps complaining that there are not enough “employable” candidates. And students keep complaining of lack of jobs despite degrees. Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink… Elements has been trying to organize seminars on this subject in many Tier II cities where this gap is widest and we recently organised a similar one in Chandigarh at the PHD Chambers of Commerce. Our research – and inputs from industry and academia representatives in the seminar - suggests that the gap between industry requirement and academic curriculum was mostly in the nine areas of: n
Attitude: Often students say no to target based jobs, or have unrealistic first salary expectations or have pre conceived notions about sectors like Insurance. n
Big picture thinking: Most students from Tier II Business schools are unable to grasp big picture business issues. n
Business communication: English is usually very poor, since most students hail from Tier II and III towns. n
Grooming/personality/confidence: Due to lack of exposure, students find it difficult to fully articulate their views and are often not presentable to clients. n
Corporate exposure: Knowledge of what’s happening in the industry and understanding of real world corporate requirement is missing. n
Domain knowledge: Practical skills in Marketing, Finance, IT, Operations and a deep knowledge of core concepts is completely missing. n
Sales and customer service: While most entry-level jobs involve either Sales or Customer Service, most students lack practical, street smart skills on it. n
Basic managerial skills: Critical skills like Accountability of results, ability to work in teams, openness to feedback etc. are missing. n
Ethics: Companies immediately reject candidates if they have the slightest doubt on character. But often students try to bluff in interview to act smart. The good news is that these skills can be taught. But it requires a concerted attempt and a very structured scientific process. For example, on something so basic as English, there is no evidence to suggest that simply hiring an English trainer for two months can actually improve the level of English of MBAs. Some polishing perhaps yes, but the students can still not do intelligent conversations with the hiring companies in English. We require a scientific and rigorous process like the 160 hour English curriculum followed in many top BPOs which is proven to improve spoken English levels by at least 50 per cent on a Nasscom scale. MBA colleges need to adopt these. Similarly, attitude change happens but requires understanding of the brain-based learning model. Our brain’s Limbic system – responsible for behavioural changes - learns only through constant motivation, extended practice and regular feedback. So a 10 minute story telling based pedagogy by an inspirational faculty – when continued every day for six months – can bring about a change. But not one off pedantic lecturing criticising the students. When this is done right, results are brilliant. Prof Khurshid Ali, director, Business School of Delhi, and former vice-chancellor of NAAC Accredited A+ grade University of Kashmir, said, “We decided to embed a formal employability course to make all our 400 students more employable. It has been a fantastic experience. In the last confidential survey, 100 per cent of students found their training good or excellent. The commitment of at least 50 per cent improvement in English on Nasscom scale is also unique. 25 per cent training was delivered by IIM alumni or faculty, significantly improving our industry interface”. (The author is CEO of Elements Akademia and guest faculty at
IIM-Lucknow)
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Food for Thought
Most corporate employees do not get enough time for workouts to keep themselves fit even when there is an increase in lifestyle diseases, a survey by Assocham said. According to a survey conducted on 500 corporate employees, while about 50 said they have worries about their future health, the rest have either no concerns or are ignorant about what their health condition would be in the coming
years.
It reveals that 48 per cent of the respondents were “sometime fearful” about their future health. Thirty seven per cent of them are “not at all fearful” and 12 per cent are totally ignorant for their future health conditions. “Only 3 per cent of corporate staff is worried about their future health since majority of them is hardly able to spare resources beyond meeting their daily needs and the absence of any affordable health services provided by corporates to majority of its employees,” it said. Quoting the findings, Assocham secretary general DS Rawat said, “In terms of physical fitness, 37 per cent of the employees hardly have any time to exercise. While 25 per cent of respondents said they do physical workout devoting less than one hour a week, 24 per cent exercise for 1-3 hours a week and 9 per cent exercise for 3-6 hours a week.” Only 5 per cent regularly exercise for more than 6 hours, the survey said.
Beautiful people have bigger pay packets!
Being good-looking really does have its advantages, especially when it comes to a person’s pay package, for a new survey has found that beautiful people earn more than their ugly workmates. And, the difference is not slight. In fact, attractive men and women earn as much as 15 per cent more than the worst looking person in their office. Economists James Andreoni and Ragan Petrie, who carried out the study wrote that this happens even though beautiful people contribute just as much as other workers. “We find a beauty premium even though beautiful people contribute, on average, no more or less than others,” the Daily Mail quoted them, as stating. “Attractive people make more money than middle attractive people, who in turn make more money than unattractive people,” they added. The researchers found that the reason why attractive people get paid more is because employers ‘expect’ them to behave in a particular way. “The beauty premium is not due to the actions of attractive people, but seems to be due to the expectations of how attractive people will behave,” the research stated. As a part of their study the researchers studied three groups of subjects who were rated according to general perceptions of physical attractiveness. They noted that while 38 per cent of attractive subjects were judged as looking helpful, only 18 per cent of ‘middle attractive’ and only 5 per cent of unattractive were thought to be the same. They also noted that such people are more popular and successful. — Agencies
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Career Hotline
A. Unlike any other form of creative writing, writing a screenplay is a complex and multi-layered affair. The key to writing a screenplay lies in finding the story and shaping it in a visual context, understanding and articulating the visual component and translating what you see on to the page. A new language, it takes some learning and once learnt, continual practice and honing. To de-mystify the process, a good course will give you a hang of the tools. A good dialogue is a window into the soul of the film’s characters. It must sound real. The audience should feel as if it is witness to a very natural interplay between the characters. Therefore, the screenplay outlines every spoken, visual, behavioural, and linguistic element required to tell a story. While some are full-time programmes of six-twelve months duration, others are part-time and short-term offerings. The National Film Development Corporation Ltd (NFDC) plans to conduct a Screenwriters’ Lab 2009, a two-part workshop in association with Binger Filmlab at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November. Film & Television Institute of India, Pune (www.ftiindia. org), University of Mumbai, offers a diploma in Urdu script writing and translation. Bharatiya Vidyapeeth University, School of Performing Arts, Pune offers a certificate course in script writing for theatre (and TV serials of one-year duration. Livewires, Mumbai, also offers a certificate in direction and script writing (www.livewires.co.in). Other institutes are:
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Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA), Andheri (W), Mumbai Website: www.zimainstitute.com n
Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods International, Mumbai Website: www.whistlingwoods.net n
School of Broadcasting & Communication, Andhakshi Building, 37, Gilbert Hill Road, Nr Bhavans College, Andheri (W), Mumbai-400058
Recessions cyclical, IT is here to stay
A. It is true that if the US economy sneezes, India’s IT sector is bound to catch a cold because Indian companies earn more than 60 per cent of their revenues from the US. But these (recessions) are cyclical things that shouldn’t worry you overly. The Indian IT sector which has been witnessing 30-40 per cent year on year (YoY) over the last four years will continue to shine regardless, albeit a little less brightly. In fact, the big issue looming large over IT companies is the availability of quality talent. India requires a 2.3 million–strong workforce by 2010 and fears a potential shortfall of nearly 0.5 million qualified professionals. So, don’t worry — software engineering will continue to be one of the fastest growing occupations for the next decade at least. In fact, employment of computer software engineers is and is projected to grow “much faster than average”. There are two types of computer software engineers: computer applications software engineers and computer systems software engineers. Computer software engineers are employed in a wide variety of industries since every business requires unique computer software and systems, but approximately 30 per cent computer software engineers work in computer systems design and related services. Other industries for computer software engineers include software publishers, government agencies, computer manufacturers and electronic equipment manufacturers. Computer software engineers are employed in almost every industry due to the proliferation of Internet, e-mail, and other communications systems, which is expanding electronics to engineering firms that are traditionally associated with unrelated disciplines. Engineering firms specialising in building bridges and power plants, for example, hire computer software engineers to design and develop new geographic data systems and automated drafting systems. Computer software engineers are truly needed in every field and industry. This need has led to a great number of job openings for these professionals. To be eligible for one of the thousands of computer software engineer positions, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science or software engineering. For more complex jobs, a postgraduate degree in computer information systems or computer applications and advanced certifications are required.
Reaching for the sky!
A. Aeronautical engineering is all about the design, construction and maintenance of commercial as well as military aircraft and even satellites, spacecraft and missiles. It includes the study of fluid dynamics, material science, structural analysis, propulsion and electronics. Technologically speaking, this is one of the most advanced branches of engineering. At the bachelor’s level, the course would cover the study of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics, material science, structural analysis, propulsion, acoustics and electronics. You can further specialise in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion, structures, celestial machines, acoustics and guidance and control systems. Yes, you do need to be good in studies as well as in math to pursue this as well as any of the advanced fields of engineering. Moreover, if you want to be an astronaut, a mere BTech won’t suffice. So, you must enjoy studying to be able to pursue higher studies. But if you are passionate about a field and find it interesting, the urge to study will automatically arise. Remember, success is 99 per cent perspiration and 1 per cent inspiration. It’s just a matter of developing a good study habit. And it’s never too late to begin. Besides the IITs, BE, BTech courses in aeronautical and aerospace engineering are offered at several institutions in the North: n
Punjab Engineering College (PEC), (deemed university), Chandigarh-160012 Eligibility: 10+2 with English, physics, chemistry and maths as subjects Selection: AIEEE scores Website: www.pec.ac.in n
National Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dehradun Course: BTech (aeronautical) Eligibility: Class 12 (PCM) n
Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering, A 191, Mahipalpur Extn, Rd No. 4, Lane No. 8, National Highway–8, New Delhi-110037 Website: www.iiae.net n
JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth (deemed university) Website: www.jrnrvduniversity.com n
Amity University, Noida Website: www.amity.edu n
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial College of Aeronautics, opposite Sanganer Airport, Jaipur-302011 However, from July 2009, IGNOU has introduced a four-year BTech in aeronautical engineering. Do check out the details on their website, www.ignou.ac.in
Cracking the Civils
A. The Civil Services Exam fundamentally differs from the university-type exams. Ideally, you should start preparing for the Mains even while preparing for the Prelims. At least, study the syllabus, browse through a few topics that are common to both exams and start making notes. In any case you must begin studying for the Mains soon after you finish your Prelims. At the max, give yourself a week’s break to recharge batteries. No excuses thereafter. Get down to the job in dead earnest. You may well ask, “why should I start preparing, when the Prelims results have not been declared” or “what if I don’t make it and the whole exercise goes waste?” Convincing arguments and, in fact, most get cracking only in August once the Prelims results are out. But don’t forget you will have already wasted a month and a half, in which time you could have easily prepared for one optional subject. Also, if you make it through the Prelims, this time will have been well utilised. More so, if your second optional happens to be a new one. Keep abreast with new developments in the country and abroad by regularly scanning national, financial and international dailies and magazines. At the end of the day remember preparing for this exam requires planned effort, and time.
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Happiness @ work
A good boss is one who encourages the enthusiasm of his juniors.
“You want to compete with me? May you succeed!” Krishna blessed him and agreed to play second fiddle to the Kuru prince. In 1979, stylish Indian cricketer Gundappa Vishvanath pulled out of the playing XI just to allow TE Srinivasan to play for the South Zone against Pakistan. “When I scored a century in that match, no one was happier than Vishy,” recalls Srinivasan. Even while records credit him with six out of the eight goals India scored in the 1936 Olympic final, hockey wizard and captain Dhyan Chand claimed credit for only three in his autobiography. Such a team man he was! Who wouldn’t want to be led by such leaders? — Sai R. Vaidyanathan This column appears weekly. The writer can be contacted at
svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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Last week, another exciting career option opened up for young women with spunk and a sense of adventure. Brandishing AK47s, holding grenades, and attending drills at 3 a.m., 32 uniformed BSF women constables began their first posting along Punjab’s border with Pakistan. The Border Security Force — India’s first line of defence along the international borders — has raised its first batch of women constables and there are now plans to recruit about 700 women to be posted across all 14 BSF battalions along this border.
Work leaves no time for workouts
The BSF has been deployed for counter insurgency and internal security duties and in times of natural disasters. 
Chris Waddell wants to climb Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair; George Del Barrio wants to make a film in Cambodia; Jeff Edwards wants to write a book about a science fiction writer: they want you to fund their dreams.
Supply chain and logistic management forms the backbone of all industries and holds an extremely high importance in the services and there is a huge global demand for supply chain personnel. A specialised course results in excellent prospects for global placements in this field.
BRASI has specialised training centers in USA and Canada managed by the highly qualified, experienced and industry professionals who conduct top quality globally recognized international training programmes in supply chain, logistics and project management, communication and leadership training with software users certification programs in SCM, ERP and SAP in line with latest industry practices and business concepts. Detailed information of BRASI is available on www.brasi.org 
Are you an MBA looking for a job? Have you applied in multiple companies but don’t seem to get selected? If you are repeatedly meeting a roadblock in your quest to hunt for that dream job, you may be unemployable!
Q. I am pursuing a diploma in electronics and communication engineering. I want to do a course in script writing (movies) or story writing, preferably in or around Mumbai. Please guide.
— Mahip Singh
Q. I will be completing my Class 12 (science) this year. Everyone around me is planning to go in for information technology. But my family members say that IT will be badly hit with the recession in the US. Since I don’t even know what exactly software professionals do, I am getting very confused. Please help.
— Yogesh Ahuja
Q. I am in class 12 (PCM). I want to become an astronaut. I am not very good at studies. Is it necessary to be good in studies or math for becoming an astronaut? I would be very grateful if you could please suggest a few colleges for aeronautical engineering in North India.
— Punit Sodhi
Q. This is my first attempt at the Civil Services exam. I’m quite sure I will be able to clear the Prelims. My only worry is that I’m working and I don’t know when I should start preparing for the Mains.
— Jagriti Sharma
“In the choice between my huge invincible army and an unarmed me, why did you choose the latter?” Krishna asked Arjuna before the Mahabharata war began. “You have the ability to fight all these princes alone. I too wish to attempt the same,” replied Arjuna.