JOBS & CAREERS
 


Welded to success
Courses in welding technology promise bright career prospects, writes Shariq Majeed

Welding has been established as one of the major and reliable fabrication techniques for manufacturing various types of equipment like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, process columns, storage tanks, boilers etc. It caters to the needs of prominent industries like fertilisers, refinery, petrochemical, process, nuclear, aerospace, ship building etc. Proficiency and training in welding technology plays an important role in this era of technological advancement.

Executive advantage
In the present day knowledge economy a successful career truly depends upon how fast one assimilates new knowledge, skills and thoughts. No qualification, even if it is from an Ivy League institution anywhere from across the world, is an eternal passport to success in life and business. Academic qualifications, at best, serve as an entry point in business. Subsequently, everyone has to face challenges requiring capability and skills beyond what has been taught in schools and colleges. The world is all performing and delivering consistently.

Careercature
Sandeep Joshi


Sir, In view of global uncertanities, tsunami and nuclear threats, I don’t think I am in a position to answer your question about where I see myself in the next five years.

Career Hotline
The writer is a noted career expert and director, Career Guidance India (CARING). Please send in your queries with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: The Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers @tribunemail.com 


Instructional Design

Coaching right 

A balanced blend

Work hard, work smart
We are living in an age of competition. Those appearing in final exams know that top class careers belong to those who exceed in a competitive examination. Bright careers in civil services, medicine, engineering, management, army, and the banking sector go to the hardworking candidates. As thousands of candidates appear for a handful of vacancies, there is need to have a foolproof plan to succeed in your goal. Always remember that nothing is impossible if you make a sincere effort.

Brush with beauty
The health and beauty industry in India is worth more than $ 4 billion and is growing at the rate of 20 per cent per annum. Make-up artistry, which is very much a part of this industry, is one of the several lucrative career options that this industry offers to youngsters with a creative bent of mind. There are numerous make-up tricks that can take away years from someone's looks. 

Cell courtesies
Technology has undoubtedly ushered in a new era in the field of communication. At the click of a button we are connected to people sitting in any remote corner of the world. Mobile phones help us to stay connected anywhere, anytime. Most of us don’t step out of our homes without our trustworthy mobile. In fact, our dependence on mobile phones has increased so much that today it is more of a necessity than a luxury. It is highly relevant in business where the size of the world has shrunk drastically.

Placement Platform 
IIM Lucknow scores a perfect 10

Final placements at IIM Lucknow concluded on a high note last week with a total of 528 offers being made for a batch of 366. This is the largest graduating batch to be placed across all IIMs, till date.

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Popular opinion not always right
In an era when democracy is in vogue, this may not be a politically correct statement, but never forget to cross-check even a view held by many members of the masses. At the arrival of Vibheeshana on the Indian coast, the Vaanara leaders thought it best not to admit him into their ranks. Rama, after ascertaining the views of Sugriva, Angad, Sarabha, Jambavan, Mainda and Hanuman, gave asylum to Ravana’s brother in keeping with his reputation as ‘sharanagath vatsal’ (protector of the ones who surrender). Vibheeshana proved instrumental in Rama’s win.

Fortnightly Quiz-383
No Escape from Nature’s Fury























 

Welded to success
Courses in welding technology promise bright career prospects, writes Shariq Majeed

Welding has been established as one of the major and reliable fabrication techniques for manufacturing various types of equipment like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, process columns, storage tanks, boilers etc. It caters to the needs of prominent industries like fertilisers, refinery, petrochemical, process, nuclear, aerospace, ship building etc. Proficiency and training in welding technology plays an important role in this era of technological advancement.

With an explosion in industrial and infrastructure growth in the country in the recent past the demand for skilled and knowledge-oriented welding engineers has increased rapidly. Today, the prospects of placement of welding technologists are very bright and the demand is much more than the supply.

Scope

This field has immense scope. Even during recession period projects worth about Rs 25,000 crore in this field were completed. Welding being a highly specialised field, skilled and technical manpower would be needed in the time to come. Various industries like automotive, aerospace, nuclear, processing and other general fabrication industries will require graduates with specialisation in welding engineering. With India all set to emerge as a major manufacturing hub globally, welding engineers have a bright future ahead.

Rural Technology developments and entrepreneurship based on welding technology are the other options available to graduates in this field.

Courses

Students can join the three-year B.Tech in welding technology or B.Tech with specialisation in welding technology at SLIET after completing two-year certificate course (after Class X) or a two-year diploma in welding technology. The students have to clear the All India Entrance test for getting admission to these courses. The courses in welding technology are approved and recognised by AICTE, New Delhi.

Placement and remuneration

After completing the course engineers are absorbed as engineering trainees by companies. The companies impart rigorous, shop floor training, varying from six months to a year, to acquaint the trainees with their specific manufacturing operations. After completing their training with a company the trainees are elevated as engineers, where their work profile includes managing and maintaining the manufacturing operations of the company.

Graduate Engineer Trainees (GET) are usually offered a pay package in the range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.2 lakh per annum.

"Welding engineers passing out from the institute have been placed in fabrication and construction industry units with good pay-packages and their professional growth has also been excellent", says Pradeep Gupta, head, department of training and placement, SLIET, Longowal.

"Mahindra & Mahindra, Godrej & Boycee Mfg. Co., L&T Surat, SKH Metals, Cimmco, Cheema Boilers, Essar, ISGEC Yamunanagar, Punj Llyod etc. are the regular recruiters of SLIET graduating welding engineers for the past 12 years. In ISGEC Yamunanagar itself more the 30 welding engineers from SLIET are working as GETs to AGM positions and likewise others are working with almost the topmost welding/fabrication oriented industries in India and abroad', adds Gupta.

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Executive advantage
Ronesh Puri

In the present day knowledge economy a successful career truly depends upon how fast one assimilates new knowledge, skills and thoughts. No qualification, even if it is from an Ivy League institution anywhere from across the world, is an eternal passport to success in life and business.

Academic qualifications, at best, serve as an entry point in business. Subsequently, everyone has to face challenges requiring capability and skills beyond what has been taught in schools and colleges. The world is all performing and delivering consistently.

While there are no cast in stone do's and don'ts for a great career, yet, one must adhere to some basic tips to enhance one's career.

Be known for at least one core competency

Each domain of management whether it is marketing and finance; branding and positioning; production and engineering; commerce and law or such like, offers myriad specialisations. No one can truly acquire dominant knowledge in each. To make a mark in one's career, it is imperative to be known for authoritative domain knowledge not only within the boundaries of the company one works in, but also in the industry segment

Build interface with the industry and academics

To build a great career it is important to find time to interface with the industry segment and the academics as a thought leader. This interface will impart much needed ingredients of growth. Besides, this also establishes one's credentials both within the company and outside.

Public speaking skills

Perception can be more important than reality. In fact, in the present day scenario perception is the reality. Moreover, those who anchor and present to the stakeholders of the business internally and externally draw higher attention to their business. For someone aspiring for a great career, communication and presentation skills become important as the higher you move up, the more of an impact these have. Those who present and speak with confidence and conviction also win the hearts and minds of their audience.

Cross functional knowledge

Generally, accountants are confined to accounting, lawyers to law and engineers to technology since they derive comfort in their respective areas. Businesses today require an integrated knowledge. No one specialisation by itself can take one to the top for an enduring rise. It is important that one begins to acquire knowledge beyond the confines of one's academic specialisation. In the present day reality, one needs to acquire a good blend of knowledge in the domains of information technology, legal and finance as businesses are getting highly regulated and globalised.

Think out of the box

There are no set rules for running any business. There are no fixed assumptions either. The success of any enterprise indeed depends upon its appeal to both customers and investors. Following an assembly line approach to business builds no differentiators. In the present day buyer's market, differentiators are very important. Creative thinking and imagination can help build brand advantage. For a bigger share of the wallet, one needs to go beyond logic and rationale.

Deliver beyond the targets

Those who constantly strive to deliver higher value and higher results, stand to get higher rewards. In the age of merit, companies will always promote those who deliver more than the targets. For a constant rise in career, one has to respect the targets as one respects the Bible.

Prepare for higher responsibility

Entrepreneurs need internal business leader. Those executives who help in the cause of saving the time of the promoter and seniors would always get preference in promotions and elevations.

Be a team player

There is no room for solo players in an organisation. Team work and inter-personal relationships play an important role in making of one's career. Even if one has a higher intellect, yet, one could end up as an assorted player, if one is not a team player 9.

Groom your successor

Those who hold on to their position by holding information to themselves do not grow both hierarchically and intellectually. Others, who build their second in command, will get placed in a higher position as they have built next someone who could take over their role.

The writer is Managing Director of head hunting firm Executive Access

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Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra
The writer is a noted career expert and director, Career Guidance India (CARING). Please send in your queries with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: The Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers @tribunemail.com 
Instructional Design

Q. What exactly is instructional design? What qualifications does it require?

— Latika Valia

A. The global need for customised e-learning packages has opened up a host of exciting new career opportunities for instructional designers. And with ID services being farmed out from UK and US to India, it is emerging as one of the fastest growing fields in India.

Instructional designers draft the blueprint for a whole multimedia project -- from determining the educational design and content of the project to deciding how to present it to the target audience.

As an ID you will work closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to organise information in such a way that the learner can easily comprehend it.

Be prepared for extensive brain storming sessions on pre-design activities such as content design, analysis of context, content and learner needs. While teaching and training skills are desirable attributes, it goes without saying that you need excellent communication skills in English with a good understanding of web-based training. No wonder the field is dominated by journalists and teachers.

As a trainee ID, your main responsibility is to implement design specifications. You can also work as an integrator, animation or graphic artist or visualiser.

Today the need for IDs is being felt in corporate training institutes, in the public sector as well as in educational institutes.

In his/her previous avatar the role of an ID was restricted to designing curricula for instructional books or manuals. The new age ID, however, is much more tech savvy and offers consultation in fields ranging from educational TV, computer-based teaching, instructional video, business training and multimedia to print media and classroom design.

Starting out as a trainee ID, you could rise to the level of e-learning project manager and eventually a consultant.

Although there are a number of formal courses in ID, many courses are actually run by e-learning companies. As lots of global e-learning projects are outsourced to India, companies have their own in-house learning departments as they feel the need to constantly hone their designers' skills.

There are lots of useful websites on the subject. To start off, look at: www.elearningguild.com; www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/, www.e-learningguru.com/articles.htm, www.clarktraining.com

However, training to be an instructional designer is not easy. Over and above your core training, it could take anywhere from six months to two years to get a clear understanding. And even then, there's no end to learning in this field. You need to upgrade your skills and keep abreast of new developments in the field.

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Coaching right 

Q. Although I have not won many awards, I am very fond of sports. I can't bear the thought of a desk job. Can I become a sports instructor? Will I need to train?

— Ranvir Kalra

A. Sports coaches and instructors teach the skills and techniques of a particular sport or a few related sports to beginners as well as to professionals. They chalk out training programmes that will help develop sportsmen to their full capacity and keep them in peak form at the right time. Team coaches have the additional responsibility of molding their players into an effective unit. These days they use audio-visual equipment as instructional aids and work closely with the team manager in selecting potential players for a particular team.

As a coach you could work in a gymnasium, sports and fitness centres, sports clubs, schools, colleges and as in-house coaches for corporate teams. Those involved in professional sports are likely to travel extensively to specialist training facilities, competitions and matches all over the country and abroad.

Full-time jobs for coaches are relatively few as professional sport has become extremely competitive and coaches tend to be judged by the results. However, there are lots of opportunities for administrative and related work. Others are self-employed and conduct coaching classes for sports enthusiasts and as personal trainers.

If you can take on the role of a motivator, look good and always be in a pleasant mood, you could be a personal trainer for the rich and famous.

National coaches are hired by governing bodies of various sports, professional sports clubs and educational institutions supported by both public and private sector undertakings and local sports authorities.

All said and done, opportunities vary from sport to sport. Professional sports like tennis, hockey, cricket and football have a tradition of employing professional coaches. However, of late swimming, table tennis, badminton, athletics, martial arts and even snooker have also come into the forefront.

If you enjoy playing a game and don't want to be confined to a mundane desk job, this is a great opportunity to keep active and in touch with the sport while maintaining your own fitness and in the process help budding players blossom into tomorrow's Tendulkars, Milkha Singhs, Amrit Rajs, Geet Sethis or Vishwanathan Anands!

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) offers courses in Sports Coaching at its various branches:

SAI, Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala.

SAI, NS South Centre, University Campus, Bangalore. SAI, NS Eastern Centre, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata.

SAI Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education, , Gwalior (Deemed Univ). (www.lnipe.net)

The selection procedure for admission to these courses includes tests in general knowledge, theory of main sports, practical test and interview.

Besides SAI, many institutes and universities impart sports education for coaches at the undergraduate and postgraduate-levels (Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in Physical Education: BPE/BPEd/BPES and MPE/MPEd/MPES).

You could look at some of the following:

Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences (IGIPESS) (affiliated to Delhi University), B-Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi (www.du.ac.in)

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A balanced blend

Q. I have heard that the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore is launching a bachelor's programme. Is this true?

— Tushar Pandit

A. Yes, the Indian Institute of Science, a premier institution of higher learning with a strong century-old tradition of research, is opening its portals to undergraduate students by launching a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) Programme.

A balanced blend of core science and interdisciplinary topics, the programme will serve as a launching pad for research and doctoral studies in cutting-edge areas in science and technology. The graduates can also look at attractive career opportunities in academia and industry.

The major disciplines offered in this undergraduate programme are biology, chemistry, environmental science, materials, mathematics and physics.

Students majoring in any of these disciplines will also take courses in engineering, humanities, and inter-disciplinary areas for a well-rounded learning experience.

The inaugural batch of 110-120 students kicks off from August 2011 and will graduate in July 2015.

Eligibility: Plus II (with physics, chemistry and maths) in first division (60%) or equivalent grade (pass class for SC/ST). Those taking the Board exams this year can also apply.

Admissions will be based on merit in the following national exams: KVPY-SA-2009 (selected as fellows), KVPY-SB (appeared in 2010), KVPY-SX/SB+2 (appeared in 2010), IIT-JEE (appearing in 2011), AIEEE (appearing in 2011)

AIPMT (appearing in 2011)

Hurry, the Application Deadline is March 31, 2011.

You can apply either offline or online (: www.iisc.ernet.in/ug)

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Work hard, work smart
D.C.Sharma

We are living in an age of competition. Those appearing in final exams know that top class careers belong to those who exceed in a competitive examination. Bright careers in civil services, medicine, engineering, management, army, and the banking sector go to the hardworking candidates. As thousands of candidates appear for a handful of vacancies, there is need to have a foolproof plan to succeed in your goal. Always remember that nothing is impossible if you make a sincere effort.

Sane selection

Though a large number of books and correspondence courses of all kinds are available, only the ones providing quality material should be preferred. Those dealing with latest techniques and material are the best. Expert paper setters often take questions from model question papers and websites. So check model question papers and websites.

Always make compact notes in an orderly manner. Small and precise ones instead of the lengthy and elaborate ones are the best for learning and revising.

Right scheduling

Prepare for GK and test of reasoning papers on a regular basis. A suitable time-table helps a lot. Learn and revise your notes regularly. Remember that a human brain forgets what is memorised within 48 hours. So revise what you have learnt within that time limit.

To secure a good rank always reserve time for final revision. Give sufficient time to each subject.

Relax your schedule three days before the exam. Revise everything in a relaxed mood during that time.

Counter distractions

Make preparation in a comfortable way. Some prefer studying in bed. But one can't study in bed as it is a place that gives subliminal messages for sleep. Some prefer studying in the living room. Even that causes distraction. So prefer a place where you are likely to face least distraction. Concentration is a must for proper study. Paste-positive messages in your study area. This will uplift your mood and spirits.

Stay positive

Many learners keep repeating that their memory is weak. Some say they can't clear a competitive exam. Such messages when repeated again and again sink deeply into the subconscious and cause a negative influence. So just relax. Breathe deeply. Auto-suggest yourself time and again "I've a sharp memory…I learn things easily…I retain in my memory whatever I learn…I am successful in whatever task I undertake…" When backed by emotions, these words can do what no one else can do for you.

Wish others well

Research has shown that candidates often feel jealous of others while competing. It is harmful. So never feel jealous of others. Jealousy puts you down by making you anxious. Instead wish others well. That will make you cool and calm and you will then be able to concentrate better.

So you are all set in order to do well in the competitive exam. Now stick to your decision with a firm will. Decide that come what may you are going to succeed. You should not only work hard but work smart. 

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Brush with beauty
Ravi Mittal

The health and beauty industry in India is worth more than $ 4 billion and is growing at the rate of 20 per cent per annum. Make-up artistry, which is very much a part of this industry, is one of the several lucrative career options that this industry offers to youngsters with a creative bent of mind. There are numerous make-up tricks that can take away years from someone's looks. This is achieved by choosing the right colours of eye shadow and the right texture of foundation. The beautiful actresses of our time can look ageless with the right make-up or like old ladies due to a disastrous choice of colour. To accomplish the ideal bridal look, to be able to accentuate one's best features or to wear the appropriate seasonal make-up, it is important to be informed and prepared. Professional make-up artists are the right people for this job and are more in demand than ever before.

Eligibility

This industry welcomes even those who have not been able to complete their formal education due to some reason. Those with Plus II qualification can get admission to short-term courses in make-up artistry and increase their chances of getting a good break in this industry. Most of the courses are of short duration e.g the course at Make-Up Studio Training Center is of approximately 40-day duration and covers everything - from basics to advance levels of make-up artistry - within this time span.

Job prospects

As a make-up artist, you will have a rewarding job with flexible hours. Beauty is a flourishing business these days as everyone has become looks conscious. Most of the beginners start as assistants with establishes make up artists and after getting sufficient experience and exposure one can work as a freelancer. Hindi film industry produces almost 150 movies a year thus offering plenty of work opportunities for well-trained make-up artists. Some of the famous names in the industry who have Bollywood divas fighting over them are Mickey Contractor and Pompy Hans. Magazine artists like Shubhash Vegal of Harper's Bazaar and Jackie Gido of Elle have also made it big in this industry. Other areas of work where make-up artists are highly in demand are advertisements, magazines, modeling agencies, music videos, runway shows, salons and spas, theatre and television.

Remuneration

Top make-up artists can earn almost Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 for a single sitting. Even students from reputed institutions can expect to kick start their career with an approximately monthly salary of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 after finishing the course.

The writer is Managing Director of Make-Up Studio Training Centre (MSTC), New Delhi 

Techniques used

Working in the beauty industry requires constant updating of trends and styles that are in vogue and techniques change according to the look that one wants.

The film industry is famous for bringing in the best make-up trends but some film makers have gone a step ahead in making movies like Paa, starring Amitabh Bachchan as the child suffering from Progeria which makes him age before his time, Kamal Hassan in Chachi 420, or Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands. The magic of prosthetics played a major role in making these characters a reality. Prosthetics and air brushing are some of the techniques that professional make up artists use liberally to create different looks. 

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Cell courtesies
Ragini Gulati

Technology has undoubtedly ushered in a new era in the field of communication. At the click of a button we are connected to people sitting in any remote corner of the world. Mobile phones help us to stay connected anywhere, anytime.

Most of us don’t step out of our homes without our trustworthy mobile. In fact, our dependence on mobile phones has increased so much that today it is more of a necessity than a luxury. It is highly relevant in business where the size of the world has shrunk drastically.

While mobile phones are a blessing for professionals, if not used appropriately, they can be highly annoying and disruptive. It is extremely important to practice good etiquette in terms of mobile phone usage at work place. Improper use of a mobile phone not only reflects badly on the professional concerned but also on the organisation.

A vital feature of the mobile phone is its ring tone. Choose ring tones wisely since the phone may ring at any place and time. As professionals we should restrain from putting ring tones of songs and jarring music. Such ring tones are not only distracting and disturbing but also spoil the work environment of an organisation. A ring tone minus any lyrics is the most appropriate for a work place.

Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the nearest person when talking on a mobile phone. No matter how quietly we speak people standing too close to us are forced to overhear our conversation.

While talking on the phone be considerate to the people around by keeping the voice low and tone unemotional and even. Arguing or using abusive language is viewed as a very poor cell phone etiquette.

Carrying out a conversation on speaker phone may be convenient while driving but the same should not be done in office. Putting a person on speaker phone and that too without his knowledge is disrespectful to both him and those sitting close. During a meeting it should be ensured that mobile phone is switched off or at least put on the silent mode. Putting the phone on vibrator and leaving it in pocket or table is as annoying as listening to a ring tone since it can be heard by other participants. Also, even if it is on silent, do not leave the phone out on the table during a meeting.

Answering, making calls, or sending and reading text during a meeting should be avoided at all costs. Develop a habit to leave mobile phone at the desk with the ringer turned off. Meetings are part and parcel of any business and more than often don’t last for more than an hour. Moreover, since clients and colleagues are used to it, one can’t lose business by being away from the phone for such a short time. Another option is to update voicemail message informing the caller of the meeting and assuring that the call will be returned.

In the event that there is absolutely no choice but to take a particular call during a meeting, have the courtesy to excuse yourself and leave the room discreetly.

Similarly business lunches are meeting for conducting business and mobile phone etiquettes should be followed there also.

Prior to sending texts to either a client or a senior ensure that it is a suitable mode of communication for them. However, a telephonic conversation should be preferred over sending a text for informing about the postponement or cancellation of an appointment.

Take permission before touching someone else’s phone. With the advancement in technology, phones these days are like mini computers and hold a lot of personal information. Personal calls at work place should be kept to minimum. However, in case these are unavoidable choose an empty room or step out for a while to have the conversation. 

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Placement Platform 
IIM Lucknow scores a perfect 10

Final placements at IIM Lucknow concluded on a high note last week with a total of 528 offers being made for a batch of 366. This is the largest graduating batch to be placed across all IIMs, till date.

The offers made include 70 pre-placement offers, 213 lateral offers for higher entry placement, and 245 offers during the final placement week.

A total of 206 companies participated in the placement process this year. Among the key recruiters were Accenture, Avendus Capital, Capgemini, Citibank, Kraft Foods Cadbury, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, KPMG, McKinsey and Co., PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Tata Administrative Services and The Boston Consulting Group.

Deloitte made 24, ICICI Bank 22, Procter & Gamble 16, Cognizant 15, Axis Bank 10, while Hindustan Unilever extended eight offers.

Consulting firms made their presence felt in a big way in the placement process with 82 offers. This year also witnessed the participation of 53 first-time recruiters such as Amazon, BMGI, Bloomberg, Comviva, Coromandel, Deutsche Post DHL, Ford, Fujitsu Consulting, Google, HP, IndusInd Bank, JFS, Lenovo, Microsoft IDC, Nereus Capital, Panasonic, Planet M, Star CJ, Subros, Tally Solutions and The Nielsen Company among others.

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Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Popular opinion not always right

In an era when democracy is in vogue, this may not be a politically correct statement, but never forget to cross-check even a view held by many members of the masses. At the arrival of Vibheeshana on the Indian coast, the Vaanara leaders thought it best not to admit him into their ranks. Rama, after ascertaining the views of Sugriva, Angad, Sarabha, Jambavan, Mainda and Hanuman, gave asylum to Ravana’s brother in keeping with his reputation as ‘sharanagath vatsal’ (protector of the ones who surrender). Vibheeshana proved instrumental in Rama’s win.

The common belief is that a public woman is only after money. The Buddha had arrived at Vaishali and all the nobles wanted to offer him lunch, but the Compassionate One accepted the invitation of Amrapali, the best dancer in the city.

“Name your price for surrendering the privilege of being the Buddha’s host and we will pay it in gold,” the nobles offered. Rejecting their offer, Amrapali fed the Lord and later joined the Sangha.

Accepting the common opinion that woman are weak (abala-without strength), Mahisha thought a boon to die at the hands of a woman would ensure immortality. To illustrate a woman’s immense strength (sabala-with strength), Goddess Durga killed this buffalo-bodied demon.

A lamp can only be lit with oil is the common perception. The oil-sellers thought so too. They refused to donate some oil to Shirdi Sai Baba to light his lamps. But to their surprise, Baba did the needful with water.

In the temple in Sauron village, saint Naraharidas met a seven-year-old boy. “He is the evil-incarnate,” an astrologer had said at his birth. He was notorious for being the ‘killer’ of his mother and foster mother. Naraharidas took him under his care, named him Rambola and educated him. He later became famous as Tulsidas.

Men can’t keep away from women as bees can’t stay away from flowers, right? Upagupta, a follower of the Buddha, proved this wrong. Despite the beautiful Vasavadatta, an accomplished dancer in Mathura, beckoning him, he stayed away from her till she was rich and beautiful.

After Vasavadatta was wrongly exiled and stoned for killing a sculptor, Upagupta took the then desolate and wounded woman to his monastery and later introduced her to the Buddha who granted her peace of mind.

Populism may not always be the right choice.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com 

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Fortnightly Quiz-383
No Escape from Nature’s Fury

1. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck north-eastern Japan recently, triggering a devastating 10-m high tsunami in its wake?

2. How many Indians feature in the latest Forbes billionaires list?

3. Which oldest institution of higher learning in the USA was recently ranked as the world’s top university?

4. Which term describes the withdrawal of the life-support system to a brain-dead person in a permanently vegetative state?

5. In which year did the Dalai Lama come to India after a failed uprising in Tibet?

6. By what name is the Tibetan New Year known?

7. Where are the Akshardham temples situated in India?

8. Which Indian fast bowler took a hat-trick in the 1987 cricket World Cup by bowling three New Zealand batsmen?

9. Who is the only player to have scored 2,000 runs in cricket World Cups?

10. Name the two players to have played in six cricket World Cups.

Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 382: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Sahil Kumar, class VI-A, Arean Public High School, Saloh, tehsil and district Una (Himachal Pradesh), Pin Code - 177209

Second: Dushyant Dhariwal, Roll No 16, class VII, St Mary’s Convent School, Khanouri Road, Narwana (Haryana) Pin Code – 126116

Third: Ruchi, class VIII, SA Jain Vijay Vallabh Public School, Circular Road, Ambala City, Pin Code – 134003

Answers to quiz 382: Major Mitali Madhumita; China; Anant V Pai; Hyderabad; 1886; Infinity; Lady Antebellum; Tripoli; Coal India Limited; Stumpy

Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address.

Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place on the letter/postcard to facilitate the delivery of the prize money.

Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com

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