Changing face of farming
Field of promise and potential
Rural management

Market experts have termed rural India as the future of Indian business and the corporate world’s efforts to reach this huge but fragmented market have opened the gates of various opportunities for urban as well as rural masses.

The growth of promising Indian rural market has captured the attention of important business houses around the world and several big names are entering this huge untapped market. The newly proclaimed FDI in multi-brand retail has also come as an excellent news for global business players.

Agriculture nowadays is no longer a poor man’s profession. Factors like globalisation and liberalisation have also stimulated the pace of transformation. Even in the present context, agricultural sector hires more than 65 per cent of the national workforce and lends a handsome 23 per cent to the GDP.

Scope

The new-generation agriculturalists are open to using technological advancement to increase their profits. Many government initiatives like MNREGS and minimum support prices for various agriculture products have also ensured that a healthy amount of income is in the hands of the rural people. There is no scarcity of job opportunities for urban youth as well in this sector. In sectors like FMCG, automobile, retail, research and advertising, there are numerous prospects which are available at various levels in major companies operating in the rural markets.

Rural BPOs are among the emerging sectors for rural masses. These ITEs (IT enabled services) companies are setting up their bases in the hinterlands as the cost of setting up a BPO unit is somewhat lower. Another reason that has fascinated these companies to set up their establishments in rural zones is the easy accessibility of workforce in villages.

The entry of national and local brands in rural areas provides employment opportunities to people there. To exist in these markets, companies are coming up with some money-spinning business models. All these factors have opened the floodgates of job prospects for those interested in making a career in this field.

Education and training

The growing requirement of skilled professionals in these markets has led to the growth of rural marketing as a subject and now it is taught in almost all major management colleges in the country. Degree and diploma courses in rural management are being offered by numerous management institutes in the country.

The most popular among these are MBA in Rural Management, Master of Rural Management (MRM), Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Rural Development Management, and Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Marketing. Admission to these courses is done through all-India entrance tests followed by group discussion and personal interview. The minimum qualification to appear for these tests is graduation, or equivalent degree, from any recognised institute.

Remuneration

A fresher passing out from any rural management institute can expect somewhere around ~8,000 to ~15,000 salary per month. With ample experience, one can expect higher pay packages. Many agencies, run by big corporate houses, offer attractive packages, including some extra allowances like house rent and medical expenses. Independent rural managers, running their own NGOs, draw rich dividends in terms of money, popularity, and prestige.

— With inputs from Shailaja Vij Manocha, Prof. of Marketing of ERA Business School

Changing with the times Agriculture has been the mainstay of the economy of Punjab for a long time but the genral perception now is that it is not a very paying profession. But the progressive farmers of the state have walked an extra mile to diversify and add to their incomes. Gone are the days when farming used to hinge on traditional tools and was dependent on weather gods and was limited to a few crops. Today, it has changed its face and has other allied activities like horticulture, industrial farming, fish farming, and organic farming as its lucrative off-shoots. Here are the success stories of some such heroes of the fields: Cashing in on cotton Gagan Nagpal of Dhaban Village near Abohar, is a farmer with a difference. Having chosen agriculture as a career after completing high school education in 1986, Nagpal and his progressive methods of farming have become role models in the cotton belt of Abohar and Fazilka. Keeping a track of the latest technologies in this field and being at the forefront of innovation has helped this cultivator carve a niche for himself by increasing cotton yield in his farm. Sharing his journey to success, Nagpal says, “This has been a very challenging journey for me. Cotton being a pest-prone crop was a major concern for farmers a few decades ago. Conventionally, grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop. But in spite of using huge amount of pesticides , it was difficult to save the crop from pest attacks leading to socio-economic tension among cotton farmers. The use of new pesticides not only created environmental havoc but also developed insecticide resistance in bollworms of cotton. I used the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to deal with this challenge. IPM is a technique whereby the friendly insects are protected so that they can feed upon the harmful insects and in this way the pests are managed. We also made a shift from chemical insecticides to bio pesticides and bio fertilisers to combat the immunity the pests had developed”. Adopting a progressive stance by using new methods in his farms has yielded excellent results for Nagpal over the years and this he says is what makes his profession so exciting. “Whether you are a management executive or a farmer, if you want to succeed in your profession then you have to keep your mind open for change and new developments”, he says while sharing his mantra of success. Herbal cure Another offshoot of back-to-basics is the renewed interest in growing medicinal plants organically. Increase in the number of diabetes patients, problem of obesity and an increased awareness about health have created a huge market for medicinal plants. Judging the scope of this market at the right time is what has given a new meaning to farming for Surinder Singh from Kartarpur. He is a name to reckon with as far as medicinal plants are concerned. He became aware of a market for medicinal plants when he himself started looking for cures for his ailments. “I went to Palampur and later on to Chandpur and brought seeds from there, and planted Stevia plant in a 4-canal plot next to my home and after a few months of consuming the leaves realised that it could cure diabetes. Soon the benefits of this plant were there for everyone to see and the demand rose”. Today his small farm has a premium and comprehensive range of organic medicinal plants in plant or seed form like Stevia, Sarpgandha, Ashwagandha, Jatropha, Nepali Shatavari, Vermicompost and Medicinal Herb Powder. “I try every plant and seed for at least 2-3 years on different soils and conditions to eliminate any chance of risk for the users”. “The rewards are there for all of us to see. Today, my whole family — my wife, my son and my daughter-in-law help me in this business. This is something I will pass on as a legacy to them. When patients walk out of my farm hale and hearty, I feel I have received my reward.” Thus, if you have a flair for being close to Mother Earth, go back to basics and script a flourishing career in farming. — GC

Beyond the sickle and plough

With courses in medicine, computer, management, engineering, finance and accounting and law remaining the top choices for students over the past several years, not many youngsters opted for a career in fields related to the agriculture sector. However, with jobs becoming scarce in the popular fields, more and more people are gravitating towards agriculture as a career option, making it modernised and a metaphor of change and innovation.

Job profiles

Farming and growing crops is not the only choice once you have armed yourself with a degree in this field. Different agricultural universities recruit agricultural postgraduates for different post from concerned field of specialisation. Following are some of the positions which are generally advertised by agricultural universities: Plant Pathologist, Agro-meteorologist, Economic Botanist., Research Engineer, Agronomist, Scientist. Other posts are Asst. Scientists, Asst. Professors, District Extension Specialists, Assistant Plant Pathologist , Assistant Bacteriologist, Asst. Botanist, Asst. Soil Chemist, Asst. Economic Botanist, Asst. Fruit Breeder, Asst. Seed Research Officer, Asst. Seed Research Officer, Junior Entomologist, Asst.Breeder, Junior Breeder, Junior Agronomist, Asst. Vegetable Botanist, Seed Production Assistant, Assistant Research Scientist, Assistant Plant Physiologist.

Qualification for all above posts is a doctorate/ master’s degree. However, for some posts experience in concerned field is required and for Assistant professor and other teaching post, candidate should be NET qualified.

Research and technical

If you are interested in research, you can also choose career under Indian Council of Agricultural Research and become an Agricultural Research Scientist (ARS).

The recruitment to these posts is made through ARS/ NET examination conducted for Scientist post and lectureship that comprises a Preliminary and Main examination and a subsequent interview.

ICAR has better option for graduates, postgraduates and for doctorate degree holders. Bachelor degree holder can apply for a technical post in concerned discipline. Also some technical post of level of T-5 (Technical Officer) is better option for postgraduate and above the Technical(T-5) post like T-6 and subject matter specialist in Krishi Vigyan Kendras are better opportunities for Ph.D degree holders.

You can also apply for the post of a Research Scientist in organisations in the private sector. There, your services may also be utilised in the laboratories in private labs. The desired qualification required for this purpose is of doctoral level i.e. a Ph.D.

State agricultural departments

One can become an Agriculture Development Officers (ADO). The post is equivalent to that of the Block Development Officers (BDO). Recruitment to these posts is made on the basis of an examination conducted by public service commission/concerned department.

Seed companies

You can join seed companies as Seed Officer, Scientist (Breeding, plant protection etc.), and technical and other field jobs. Besides these, job opportunities also exist in the areas of farm management, land appraisal, grading, packaging and labelling. Both in the public and private sectors jobs are also offered in the field of marketing and sales, transportation, farm utilities, storage and warehousing etc. — Gauri Chhabra

Getting in

The first step is to complete a three or four year bachelor’s degree in agriculture being offered by many universities and top engineering colleges in India (as agricultural engineering). Many state universities in India also offer graduation in agriculture. The eligibility to get into this field is Plus II with science subjects. Admission to most of the graduate programmes is on merit basis though entrance examinations are often held for a master’s course wherein the eligibility is having a bachelor’s degree in science or agriculture. 

Career Hotline
FPM programmes
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com

Q. I’ve done MCom and have worked for two years. I now wish to pursue research in the field of management from a prestigious institution. Could you please tell me where such programmes are offered? — sumeer panchal

A. Doctoral programmes (PhD) in management and related disciplines are offered at some premier B-schools like the IIMs, ISB, BITS Pilani, IITs, IIITM (Gwalior), FMS (DU), ISM, Jharkhand, NMIMS, XIM, Symbiosis, IMI, ICFAI etc. These are also offered at several other universities that offer MBA programmes.

The programmes are ideally suited for the academically inclined who have some professional experience, intellectual curiosity and discipline, which are the prerequisites for any scholarly inquiry.

They are ideal for those who wish to go into teaching, advanced research or training as well as for those looking at consulting or post-research benefits abroad. Termed as Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM), they introduce students to major functional and general management areas and provide a thorough understanding of the concepts and theories underlying management practices. The first two years of the doctoral-level FPM at the IIMs are devoted to course work and the rest to qualifying exams followed by dissertation work. The selection committee will assess your suitability for research work based on your portfolio and performance in the interview. Consistently good academic record, professional accomplishments, research interest etc are of particular importance.

I am stuck in an uninteresting course

Q. Since I managed to get a decent percentage in the Boards and had won medals in dance, I got admission to BA (Hon) Economics in PU. However, despite hardwork my performance in college is pathetic. I barely manage to scrape through most of the papers. I find the course very dry and uninteresting. Subjects like linear algebra, statistical methods and economic history seem academic and pointless (Eco in school was so scoring and interesting). I am very depressed. What should I do at this stage? — jaspreet

A. only a few of us realise that success at college requires a level of skill that we have not yet acquired. Note that I’m using the word “skill”, not “brains” or “intelligence”. Effort alone is not enough. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.

If you’ve got admission to a reputed college, it is safe to assume that you are smart enough to be there and have the basic intelligence required to succeed.

Like many students what you lack is the set of skills necessary to put that intelligence to study at college. Strangely, while we are taught all kinds of subjects at school, the critical “how to study” bit is invariably ignored. And just like swimming or bicycling, these skills don’t come naturally. A few lucky ones get it right, while the rest try to figure it out through trial and error. Universities in the West offer special study skills seminars and courses.

Good study skills and habits are not just relevant to school and college these are also transferable to most other aspects of our lives. This kind of mental training is also what most employers look for when hiring new employees.

A valuable transferable skill you’ll learn at college is the ability to think and effectively apply yourself to new tasks and situations. And you’ll acquire this gradually as you study seemingly impractical subjects like calculus and game theory.

Economics is a fascinating subject, but you will discover its beauty only if you delve into its depths. You may not end up as an economist but the mental gymnastics required in such courses will be very helpful in the “real” world. Therefore each time you open your text book or notes, solve a mathematical problem or prepare for a class assignment, you are getting ready for the real world. Remember, education is the most portable asset you’ll acquire. It will go wherever you go.

If you haven’t developed a reading habit yet, do so right away. Try to read as extensively as possible. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Besides being s pleasure, it broadens our vision, enhances our imagination, and makes us judicious in our thinking.

Is maths necessary for environmental science course?

Q. I am a student of Class X. I am very keen to pursue a career in the field of environment. Can you please tell me what subjects I should opt for in Class XI and XII to pursue this subject in college? Is maths necessary for this field? — ankita johri

A. If you wish to pursue BSc Environmental Sciences, then you will have to opt for the PCB (physics, chemistry, & biology) stream in Plus II with perhaps an exception that may require you to have maths as well. However, most of these are terminal courses, in the sense that they don’t offer much by way of job opportunities. You will have to top it up with an MSc Environment Sc/Biology subsequently.

Students interested in Environmental Science must possess a genuine love for nature. They must be good communicators and tech savvy to scale the career ladder. Related skills such as the ability to define problems, gather evaluate and analyse data are also very essential if you want to get into this field. Along with this it is very important for you to decide which sector appeals to you the most and where your interests lie. Speak to professionals in the field and also browse through the Internet for more info.

On the other hand, for a BE/BTech in Environmental Engineering, you need to have maths as a subject at the Plus II level.

cat: common errors to avoid
Don’t trip in CAT chase

The countdown for this year’s CAT examination has begun and lakhs of candidates are making last minute preparation for this coveted test. A good score in CAT opens the doors to the top league B-schools. This test, however, is different from most of the examinations that a majority of the test takers have written in school/college and many times some last-minute goof ups derail the students’ dreams of getting into a good B-school. Here are some of the major errors that CAT-takers can make and how these can be avoided:

Having a pre-decided target

Unlike most other exams, CAT gives relative ranking in terms of percentile. You, therefore, should not set a target in terms of marks to be scored or questions to be attempted.

If you set a target of a minimum number of marks that you want to score, then you can be under pressure if you fail to reach the same in case of a tougher paper, and be complacent in case of an easier paper. Hence, set no target in terms of attempts or score. Attempt as many as questions as you are sure of. Keeping an open mind in this matter is the best approach.

More attempts don’t mean more marks

Since there is negative marking, the belief that more attempts will invariably get more marks is a dangerous one. Attempting more questions using elimination techniques is ok but blind and wild guessing is clearly a no-no.

Excessive focus on one area

Each of the two sections in CAT includes two areas: section 1 includes Quant and DI while section 2 includes Verbal and Logical Reasoning. Focusing too much on your favourite area in a section may mean less time available for the other area. Plan to divide your time in proportion to the number of questions in the two areas. Further, since each area is likely to have a mix of easy and difficult questions, focusing more on any one area will result in loss of scoring opportunities in the other.

Getting stuck on a question

You may lose the battle of CAT if you spend too much time on one or more questions. This typically happens when you are strong in some subjects/chapters and you believe that you should be able solve almost every question from this topic. It is a good idea to have an ‘exit time’ of about 2.5 minutes for every question attempted. If you are not close to the answer by this time limit, just skip it. Control your ego.

Not scanning the paper

Attempting the questions sequentially without scanning the paper may result in you missing out on the easy questions. See all questions to know the paper structure and identify the easier questions and attempt it first.

Attempting all questions from a set

When attempting sets in DI/LR or RC passages, don’t attempt all the questions of a particular set/passage, since all questions may not be almost equally difficult or easy.

Giving up after the first section

Do not judge your performance in the Quant section by your number of attempts. If you attempt fewer questions, it could also be due to your slot having higher difficulty level.

Further, less number of attempts may not mean that you have done badly since ‘equating’ will ‘moderate’ the scores and take care of higher difficulty levels. Hence don’t get demoralised thinking that you have done badly in the first section and lose your confidence. Till the last second of the second section is over, believe that you will crack it.

Paying attention to rumours

Since CAT will take place for about a month in 40 slots having different papers, if you go by the number of attempts others have made or difficulty level of paper reported by earlier test-takers and plan your strategy accordingly, you can get into trouble since the paper in your slot could be of a different difficulty level. Write CAT without having any pre-conceived notions and with an open mind.

Lastly, do not discuss specific questions if you have taken CAT — it could put you behind bars.

— With inputs from Ulhas Vairagkar, Director, Triumphant Institute of Management Education (TIME), New Delhi

 scholarship roundup
Research opportunity in France

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and AgenceNationale de la Recherche (ANR), France, have made a joint call for research proposals for collaborative research. In India, on behalf of the Department of Science & Technology, Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research, IFCPAR (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of RechercheAvancée, CEFIPRA) invites pre proposals from the Indian scientists / researchers under DST-ANRMoU.

Study subjects: The areas of research for this call are: a) Neurosciences b) Engineering Sciences (Sub-areas: Material Science, Chemistry, Intelligent Transport System and Energy)

Eligibility: The Indian researchers can apply in accordance with DST rules. The joint proposal shall be written in English. Pre-proposals submitted to only one side will not be eligible. All applicants must fulfill national eligibility rules for their research grant application.

Duration: Three years.

Details: The finally selected full proposals will be funded in India by DST and in France by ANR. ANR pays the travel expenses of the visiting French researcher in India as well as his/her accommodation, and per diem allowances. Correspondingly, DST pays the travel expenses in France of the Indian researcher as well as his/her accommodation and per diem allowances as per CEFIPRA norms.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation criteria of the ANR and DST are:

* Scientific quality and innovativeness of the research plan

* Added value of the Indo-French research collaboration

* Feasibility of the research plan

* Sscientific merits and results of the French and Indian researchers/research teams

* Support for careers of young researchers.

Based on the scientific evaluation, national ranking, and consensus reached through discussions, both DST & ANR will select the pre-proposals for the submission of full-proposal.

How to apply: The Indian researchers can send the pre-proposal (in single MSword file) by e-mail to proposal-at-cefipra.org.

Deadline: October 23, 2013.
Check out: www.cefipra.org

MBA scholarship in Singapore

Nanyang Business School, NTU is offering scholarship for applicants seeking admission to the full-time MBA programme at the school. Eligibility: Open to international students. Selection is based mainly on merit, and to a certain extent financial consideration

n You should not be on paid employment or accept paid employment or concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary or top-up allowance during the prescribed period of the award

Details: Coverage of tuition fees for up to 3 trimesters (12 months) only.

Duration: One year.

How to apply: Online.

Deadline: Applications opens in October each year and closes in end March the following year.
Check out: www.admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/scholarships

Fedbank scholarships

Fedbank Hormis Memorial Foundation invites applications for scholarships for students of Medicine (MBBS), Engineering (BE/BTech), Agriculture (BSc), Nursing (BSc) and MBA. Students studying in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra are eligible for these scholarships.

Number of scholarships: 20 in each discipline of which one seat will be kept aside for a physically challenged student .

Details: Selected students will be reimbursed 100 per cent of the tuition fees as per the fee structure for seats allotted in the Government quota in Govt., Aided and Self-financing colleges, subject to a maximum of Rs 1,00,000 in a year up to the normal completion of course.

Eligibility: The student should be of Indian origin and studying in the state of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra in any of the Govt./Aided/Self-financing colleges duly recognised by any of the Universities in India.

The student should have secured admission under Merit List during the academic year 2013-14 in the respective course.

Family income of the student should be below Rs 2.50 lakh per annum.

How to apply: Application can be downloaded from www.federalbank.co.in. Filled in applications should be sent to

Head - CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility Cell (CSR), Federal Towers, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala - 682031.

Deadline: October 31, 2013. Check out:

csr@federalbank.co.in

campus calling: dav college, jalandhar
Renaissance of research

Over the past few years while many cried hoarse about education being sans creativity. But there have been institutions that have slowly and silently tread unfamiliar grounds. These have addressed subtle concerns and shaped a new generation, besides setting a cycle of enrolment, education and employability. In a new series J&C takes a look at some such institutions in the region that have made a difference.

The global flavor in education today calls for honing an aptitude and skills for research. DAV College, Jalandhar is one such institution that has blended tradition and technology to bring about a major shift to scientific research.

New paths of learning

Education has undergone a cultural shift with focus on research and hands-on approach. Over the past few years, the college has undergone a facelift in the departments of chemistry, physics and bio technology, political science and Punjabi.

A number of major research projects sanctioned by the UGC are being carried on, inculcating a research-oriented and problem-solving attitude amongst the students.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has set up a separate Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to give a boost to this subject area. DAV is one of ‘star colleges’ identified by DBT owing to its continuous focus on improving critical thinking and ‘hands on’ experimental work in the cutting edge-technologies needed for modern biological studies at undergraduate level in life sciences.

A slice of student life

Apart from academics, the students are motivated to be involved in socially useful, activities. Sports is an integral part of the curriculum. The college has been holding the centerstage of the Indian sports for the past six decades by producing as many as 17 Olympians and over 100 players who have represented India in international sporting events.

Learning and earning

With its focus on research and hands-on learning, the institution aims to bridge the gap between the industry and the academia and continue to take rapid strides in the direction. The Training and Placement cell is bridging this gap by skilling students for the job market. Managed by a dedicated team with active members who arrange placement drives by inviting reputed companies like Infosys, Genpact, IBM-Daksh, WNS, HDFC Bank, ICICI Prudential Insurance etc, the cell has helped students to get placement.

Besides, the college is also offering several career-oriented programmes like Food Science and Quality Control, Communication Skills, Insurance Management, Data Care Management and Mass Communication & Video Production. — Gauri Chhabra

 

From the Principal’s desk “Our aim is to come up with a holistic and universal educational system that includes up-to-date technology and contemporary methods to impart world class education to every student. For the furtherance of this objective, the college has built a comprehensive database (physical as well as virtual) for documenting and classifying the research work done by students and teachers.” — Dr B.B Sharma

STAR COURSES Out of the several undergraduate and post graduate courses being run in the college, the Post-Graduate Department of Chemistry acts as a dynamic centre for research. The emphasis is to give a broad coverage of most common branches of chemistry in keeping with the inter-disciplinary nature of the subject today. The department, has been recognised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, New Delhi, under its “Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (FIST)” scheme, and a grant of ~ 41,90,000 was sanctioned to purchase equipment, setting up Departmental Computer Lab, Departmental Library and Renovation of Teaching Labs. The department admits students to a three-year BSc and two-year MSc programmes in chemistry. The Department has helped and guided a large number of students, who have become nationally and internationally reputed medical doctors, engineers and scientists.

field in focus: computer hardware
Master the hardware of success
This is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations
Aakash Chaudhry

A career in IT, no doubt is among the most high-paying jobs at present and is full of opportunities. The pool of talented computer engineers working in IT companies of the USA and Canada shows that IT can take a person to higher levels. Numerous IT companies from India employ huge number of computer professionals in their Indian and overseas offices.

A career in IT can be chosen depending upon the interest of a candidate. Those who love programming and coding should go for software engineering and those who prefer networking and system administration, can opt for hardware engineering.

IT sector is quite broad in terms of employment and job options. Roles can be diverse for computer engineers in the IT sector, but their primary role is to apply the knowledge of mathematics and science to design and develop software to be used by clients or users.

Computer hardware involves working with the combination of different physical parts of a computer. Networking involves linking a group of two or more computer systems for the purpose of sharing information and data.

The professionals associated with the discipline of research of computer hardware and developments of computer network are known as hardware and networking engineers. They also design and supervise the process of manufacturing and installation of hardware. The presence of Indian and foreign IT majors in the country has created a lot of scope for youth in this sector.

Getting in

A science background at Plus II level is preferred for students willing to enrol in different degree and diploma courses. Reputed training institutes, colleges and universities offer programmes on hardware.

For networking, a degree or diploma in computer science, electronics, electrical and telecommunication is required. Recent surveys have revealed that the electronics and hardware sector in India is expected to grow above the $60 billion mark. Computer Hardware and Networking is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations.

Training ground

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing is India’s premier centre for research, development and training of computer hardware technologies. In addition to this, there are a number of private training institutes that offer training and job assistance to the hardware and networking aspirants.

Remuneration

In the public sector agencies, the starting salaries of Hardware and Networking experts is ~8,000 to ~25,000. However, private sector salary is relatively higher. Besides salary, there are several perks available to employees. Remuneration of a hardware and networking expert may reach up to ~50,000 to ~60,000 depending upon qualification and experience. Those who are running private consultancy also have good returns.

— The writer is Director, Aakash Educational Services Ltd.

Institute watch

List of Hardware-and Networking Institutes in India:

* Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).

* GT Computer Hardware Engineering College, Gujarat.

* Indian Institute of Hardware Technology, Uttar Pradesh.

* Onix Academy, Tamil Nadu.

* Indian School of Networking & Hardware Technology, New Delhi.

* Jetking.

* Mindware Technical Organisation, Delhi.

* ATLANTUS, Delhi.

* APTECH Training Institute.

* Grey Matter Systems Pvt. Ltd, Pune.

Where you can work

* Hardware and Networking professionals can find employment in both the public and private sector. Hardware developing companies are the the favoured place for most of the hardware engineers.

* They can seek employment in corporate houses, industries, public sector undertakings etc.

* All public and private sector banks, financial institutions, school and colleges also require the service of Hardware and Networking experts.

* Besides, they can be self-employed by starting their own hardware assembling firm. One can also run consultancy to develop hardware according to the requirements of the clients.

* Teaching in technical educational institutions is also a very good option. 

course cruising
Design courses

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is inviting applications for four-year bachelor programmes in leather, accessory, textile and knitwear design. 

Eligibility: Plus II from a recognised Board of Education

All aspirants applying to NIFT must possess working knowledge of English language.

All aspirants applying to NIFT must possess basic computing knowledge and skill as applied to operating system, word processing, text editing, spread sheet, data base application, presentation as well as net surfing abilities

How to apply: Candidates can apply online at www.nift.ac.in or https://applyadmission.net/nift2014
Deadline: Last date of Online Registration January 10, 2014
Check out:
http://www.nift.ac.in/

M.Tech in chemical engineering

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Rae Bareli, is inviting applications for admission to a two-year M. Tech. programme in Chemical Engineering for the session commencing from December 2013 (Academic Session 2013-14).

Eligibility: B.Tech/B.E. degree in Chemical or Petrochemical Engineering with a first class or minimum 60 per cent marks or 6.0 CPI (55 per cent marks or 5.5 CPI for SC/ST students) in the qualifying exam and a valid GATE score.

Shortlisted candidates based on their GATE scores and other academic credentials will be called for an interview. Final selection list will be made based on the performance in interview, GATE score and previous academic performances aggregately.

How to apply: Admission forms can be filled up online. The print out of online application duly signed along with demand draft and necessary enclosures should reach at the following address:

The Assistant Registrar (Academic Affairs) Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Ratapur Chowk, Rae Bareli, U.P.-229316, India
Deadline: October 31, 2013 for online applications and November 4 for applications sent by post.

PGDM programme

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi, is inviting applications for admission to two year full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management

Eligibility: At least a three-year bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline recognised by AlCTE.

Students appearing for the final examination in 2014 can also apply.

How to apply: Online. All applicants can visithttpV/lbsim.ac.in/ and download the application form from the website. These forms shall be duly completed and sent along with a Demand Draft of the specified amount.
Deadline: December 10, 2013
Check out: www.lbsim.ac.in.

Culture of freedom catches on
Ritu Mehrotra

Each one of us can recollect getting conscious while writing answers in an exam on sensing that a teacher was watching us from behind. Even the right answers seemed to be wrong because one would get scared. What if I am writing a wrong answer and the teacher gets to know it? Well, the scenario at workplace is more or less similar. Many employees are hesitant to talk in front of their superiors and are reluctant to voice their opinions because they are not sure of what they will say and what kind of reaction it would elicit from the boss. Hierarchy shakes their confidence.

With more and more companies realising the importance of more open interaction with employees, things have changed for the better at workplaces now in India.

Earlier it seemed that a rigid decorum had to be maintained during regular working hours with higher authorities but now even the top execs are ready to loosen up a bit in front of their employees in order to bring out the best in them.

However, the decorum is not completely thrown out of the window, more stress is laid on innovation of ideas which can only result from a ‘free’ work environment.

The protocols are still maintained but the kind of mindset the employees have pertaining to their seniors has evolved to a great extent.

The change has become more perceptible as the Gen Y workforce is looking to work in organisations that allow freedom to express opinions, freedom to differ with the management, freedom to raise questions or voice innovative ideas, and most important freedom to individual working style.

Companies are acknowledging the significance of autonomy at workplace. In this era of competition nothing gives businesses an edge over others than innovation of strategies and ideas. And innovations do not flourish under pressure or restraint.

Seniors are aware of the fact that even a normal free- flowing discussion with a junior level colleague can bring up a bright idea for business development. But what if the co-worker has been pondering on an idea and assumes that it was not good enough to be shared because he fears being ridiculed or questioned for thinking. The idea which could have laid the foundation for better future achievements dies a quiet death. To avoid such situations and not to lose on ingenious ideas companies are encouraging interactions between the high level authorities and other employees.

Boss, a co-worker and companion

Companies are adopting the idea of encouraging the employees to interact more and more with the authorities, in order to make them comfortable and also establish the fact that even the top-line managers are one of them and won’t bite if spoken to.

Companies are increasingly establishing practices like interactive sessions on particular weekdays where employees are allowed to present their viewpoints on topics relevant as well as non-relevant to work and meetings with managers to freely talk about the botherations at work.

Now, in the transforming work scenario companies are devising activities to help the employees overcome the inhibitions pertaining to bosses and workplace by easing out the ways to reach out to the management.

Organisations have shifted their focus to employee issues at a large level to make themselves aware if an employee is actually excited about his work or is just dragging himself to office. This has become a greater concern for the employers as it affects the productivity of the entire workforce, thus negatively influencing the overall growth of the firm.

Every organisation these days is very clear about the fact that what can support them in the long run are ideas and not hierarchy. Ideas thrive when people are voicing their opinions, top-of-the-head ideas, irrational viewpoints without dreading criticism and mockery.

With the ever increasing attrition rate and stress levels shooting up, it has become a mandate for organisations to ensure the sustenance of a happier staff working for them. A sense of freedom should prevail among the colleagues. To be a successful individual, manager and team leader it is not only essential to bring innovations in personal excellence, but also, encourage and assist others in every aspect of their work.

More time for leisure, innovation

In order to keep pace with the changing work life culture, companies are striving to provide a healthy work-life balance to its employees and incorporate the culture of “freedom at workplace” to the optimum level.

Many renowned corporations believe in allotting the employees a decent amount of time span in which they are free to follow their passions other than work, which gives way to innovation, productivity and rejuvenation of employees and establishes a win-win situation.

Ideas and innovation can stream in from anywhere. Casual interactions among colleagues, interactive sessions with managers and weekend games at workplaces can be organised to establish an environment where employees can work with a liberated and free mindset, devoid of all inhibitions and presumptions. Companies now swear by the fact that employees have to be encouraged to take decisions and should be made a part of the organisation in order to retain them.

They now work towards making leaders and appreciating victories and eliminating the fear of delivering failures or being shouted down by seniors. This will, as a result, empower them to contribute to the firm's development.

— The writer is VP global HR and talent management of Bristlecone

Indians most committed 
Survey shows highest level of employee commitment in India

India leads the bandwagon in employee commitment globally, with 50 per cent of workforce being totally committed to their job, according to a recent survey. “Highest levels of employee commitment is in India (50 per cent totally committed), Indonesia (43 per cent) and Malaysia (34 per cent),” according to Workforce Index survey ‘Employee Engagement and Retention’ by Kelly Services.

However, the lowest level of commitment was found in Hong Kong (15 per cent), Thailand (20 per cent) and Singapore (22 per cent), according to the report by the global workforce solutions provider.

“There is a big challenge for employers in managing the on-boarding of new recruits so that they are productive and integrated well into the organisation. Simply changing jobs does not make for contented employees, and a big factor is the way managers and supervisors handle the transition,” Kelly Services India Managing Director Kamal Karanth said.

The report further revealed that across APAC, an average 64 per cent of those who changed jobs in the past 12 months were happy in their new positions.

On the other hand 75 per cent of Indian employees are happy with their new job, it pointed out.

The report said to gain some experience in a particular field, staying at a position within a company is vital and the lowest rates of job-change were in India (33 per cent), South Africa (21 per cent), Puerto Rico (30 per cent) and Indonesia (31 per cent).

“A key indicator of employee satisfaction is the willingness of an employee to recommend their employer as a preferred place to work. About 28 per cent of those in APAC region feel they would recommend their employer to other colleagues,” it added.

About 38 per cent globally feel that personal fulfilment is the key factor influencing job choice across all generations followed by personal growth or advancement (29 per cent).

Compensation or benefits ranked third as the most important at 26 per cent as a key factor influencing job choice, it pointed out.

There are many employees who are in a constant state of disquiet and spend a considerable amount of time considering other job options.

“The trend is evident across all regions. However, the most active job-scanners are in America (53 per cent) . — PTI 

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Trust your lieutenants

Once a talented and dedicated junior has been spotted, it is vital that the boss gives him space to function. With the junior’s blossoming, the organisation and the product will grow.

King Shahu, grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji, appointed Baji Rao I — at the age of 20 — as the Peshwa. Despite his young age and detractors in court, Shahu allowed Baji Rao to lead the Maratha forces into 36 battles and make the Marathas a formidable force in the country.

Hari Singh Nalwa, a general in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army, was an inspiration to his soldiers. During the siege of Multan, a wheel of the cannon broke when victory was in sight. So his men — one by one — supported the cannon on their back even if it meant that the back-fire would kill them. In the Battle of Jamrud, the Afghans designated 50 men to surround and kill Nalwa. The Sikhs won the battle, but lost their general. “I have lost my most loyal warrior,” said the Maharaja.

According to Chhatrapati Shivaji, the only man who could free the Kondana fort from the enemy was Maratha Commander Tanaji Malusare. Climbing up a steep cliff with the help of iguanas, Tanaji led the forces to victory. On his death, Shivaji said, “The fort has been won but the Lion (simha) is dead.” The fort was renamed Simhagad after Tanaji.

On the banks of the Godavari lived hermit Madho Das. When an intruder dared to disturb his meditation, he asked, “Who are you?” Guru Gobind Singh replied, “I am who I am. You know who I am.” Madho fell at the guru’s feet and was rechristened Banda Singh Bahadur. After the death of the 10th Sikh guru, Banda led the Sikhs to the razing of the towns of Samana and Sirhind that had harboured the murderers of the guru and his sons.

Mahatma Gandhi was an inspiration to industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla. After the death of his second wife, Gandhiji advised Birla not to marry anymore. Birla was made the first chairman of the Harijan Sevak Sangh on Bapu’s suggestion. In 1931, Birla represented the Indian business community at the second Round Table Conference in which Gandhiji represented the Indian National Congress. Birla believed in ‘ahimsa’ and took up the ‘charkha’ in his mentor’s footsteps. But the two had their differences. While Gandhiji believed in economic growth by developing cottage industries in villages, Birla advocated large-scale industrialisation.

After crowning his pupil Chandragupta as the Mauryan Emperor and neutralising his enemies, guru Chanakya went back to teaching and writing the ‘Chanakyaneeti’ and the ‘Arthashastra’.

Boss, only when you couldn’t do it all yourself did you employ juniors. Now, let them function.  — Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

work station
Not an ‘open and shut’ case
Khushwant S. Gill

The modern office, which took shape in the 20th Century, was designed to be a place of openness, teamwork and cross-creativity. The idea behind moving from separate offices to one or two wide open spaces was to get everyone working together, with the least amount of hierarchy and the maximum amount of transparency.

The idea was great and for some time it seemed to work perfectly well. After all, many organisations like newspaper offices had since long adapted to open working spaces. A busy, hustling newsroom, with its need for instant communication, cooperation and impromptu meetings, is a perfect example of a successful open office.

But, apart from certain professions where you need to work in close proximity, is the open office space the ideal office layout? Increasingly, it’s becoming apparent that this ergonomic solution is not necessarily the best when it comes to 21st Century workspaces and workstations.

Being someone who does his best work in solitude, I’m obviously biased towards more private offices. But discounting this personal bias, let’s look at a typical open office. There are desks, workstations and cubicles scattered all around a cavernous hall; people are constantly moving between the workstations. If this is not distraction enough, then think of the noise level.

In a previous age, there were just a few landlines scattered among the desks and cubicles. Today you have landlines, cell phones, computers and all manner of electronic gadgets. The collective beeps, pings, conversations and ringing are enough to make it all sound like a marketplace at peak time.

And what about the openness and casual intermingling that was supposed to happen when everyone worked together. Research shows that people tend to get more self-conscious while chatting in front of a large number of other people and keep their interactions at a minimum. It all comes back again to the coffee room or water cooler group where there is more of a sense of privacy. Frankly, if I’d have something to say, I would wait for a break or saunter over to the break room, No sense in sharing your thoughts with half the work floor.

However. the people who benefit the most from this arrangement are the ones who seek the most help in their work from their co-workers. They seem to perform better. “Can you do this”, “and could you help me with that” become all too common when you share the same space.

Watching TV the other day I hit upon a perfect solution. The world’s best sound and speaker company has recently come up with ‘noise cancelling headphones’. These headphones go in your year and allow you to choose absolute silence, or at the flick of a switch, let the noise of the outside world come in, or even listen to music. So in an instant you can hear perfectly well what your boss or someone in you vicinity is saying and then tune off and then concentrate on your work. Now, only if you could make people around you disappear and appear at will! Maybe in a holographic future. For right now, the noise cancelling headphones should do just fine.

— The writer is an Organisational Identity and Personnel Development Consultant