Cloud computing
Be on Cloud 9
With approximately 1,00,000 jobs on offer by 2015 in this field, cloud computing is the right choice
Gauri Chhabra

Cloud Computing is the latest buzz that is growing bigger everyday. Cloud Computing is a pay-per-use computing service. In simple words, imagine your company has a website that has a number of users interacting with each other. The website is hosted on a server. Imagine these users start interacting with their friends and their friends start interacting with their own circle of friends and it grows wider. Success knocks at your door and suddenly you have customers clamoring for you. Now, you need extra server space to cater to the increase in traffic which might require extra costs and might not be instantaneous. Cloud Computing comes to your rescue. You can place all your software and code on the cloud server for a fee. Thus, it gives you three distinct advantages. It is scalable, instantaneous and cost effective. It is like paying for the taxi and your meter starts only when you use it, you do not have to busy the entire taxi. Besides, the hardware cost is reduced and you can concentrate on software. In a nutshell, you are trying to ‘de’ connect the applications and the hardware.

What is cloud computing?

In technical terms, cloud computing marks a paradigm shift from computing being a product that is installed inside a company’s premises to being a service delivered over the Cloud. It makes life easier for people and organisations dealing with huge amounts of data and information. Today institutions, both government and private, invest a great deal in maintaining servers to store that information. However, not all of this data is accessed frequently. This results is underutilisation of available services and unnecessary costs. Cloud computing uses remote servers to store and maintain data for clients who can access it when they need to. You don’t need software or a server for this; all you need is an internet connection. The server and email management software is on a ‘cloud drive’ on the internet and is managed by service providers like Yahoo, and Google.

The building blocks

The 3 ways to Cloud compute, each offering a different level of user flexibility and control are:

Software as a Service (SaaS): Allows users to run existing online applications

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Allows users to create their own cloud applications using supplier specific tools and languages

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Allows users to run any applications they please on cloud hardware of their choice.

Getting in

To land yourself in a Cloud Computing job you can either go for a BTech (CS and IT) or BCA and then go in for a certification. You should be skilled in writing ‘cloud-ready’ applications. While coders use frameworks such as .net and programming languages such as Java to create applications for traditional IT, writing cloud applications will require newer frameworks such as SpringSource and Ruby on Rails.

Already working in the IT field: In case you are already an IT professional, you can leverage your skills by getting certifications in the field. Larger cloud computing technology providers and vendors, such as IBM and Microsoft, as well as independent training organisations such as Cloud School and Learning Tree, typically offer these programmes. Top cloud certification programmes include:

• IBM Certified Solution Advisor — Cloud Computing Architecture
• IBM Certified Solution Architect — Cloud Computing Infrastructure
• Microsoft Learning
• Google Apps Certified Deployment Specialist
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• Certified Cloud Professional (CCP)

Skill set

The skills required are communication, team building, problem solving and a keen eye for security and adaptability to look at the consumer and provider’s side of the cloud.

Where are the jobs?

Cloud computing offers a multi-pronged pathway in the following job profiles:

• IT pros with specific cloud skills: In case you go in for a certification in specific cloud computing skills such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) expertise or Google App Engine development skills, you can get a job with companies that have already committed to any of these specific cloud service providers. Typically, you would be doing a tactical job for newly formed groups within IT departments. You would be responsible for configuration, to development, to operations positions.
• IT admin who have knowledge of cloud architecture: You may also work as a Network engineer for a big organisation where your core responsibility is to design and develop a network that offers constant and secure connectivity to its cloud-based mission critical solutions. Cloud architects seek people who can define the cloud — from business requirements to the actual cloud deployment. These jobs tend to be with companies that are yet to define their path to the cloud and need some assistance in doing so. They may be defining the use of the existing private and public clouds, or perhaps building clouds from the ground up.

Cloud Marketing Manager: As with other sectors, those with a penchant for marketing and sales can team it up with an MBA and can start a career in creating and identifying a need for Cloud Computing in business houses.

The road ahead

Cloud computing came with a mixed response. While some hailed it because of the ease of computing and cost effectiveness, there are others who feel that it might sound a death knell for IT engineers as it hinges on virtualisation and automation. However, certain categories of engineers will continue to be in demand and many more jobs could be created to offset the loss in maintenance and the number of jobs in application development for the cloud will increase.

According to a study by EMC and Zinnov Management Consulting estimates the total cloud market in India is expected to touch $4.5 billion by 2015. It expects the private cloud market, where the infrastructure is operated for specific companies, to create 100,000 IT jobs by 2015. It also warns that companies are currently under skilled in addressing cloud computing implementations. It is becoming harder for firms to find people when filling up positions that require particular skill sets related to cloud. Most of the companies just outsource to specialised cloud computing firms or they start training some of their own employees.

Salary levels are quite impressive. An entry-level professional, perhaps with 5-6 years of experience, can earn around Rs 12-19 lakh per annum; while a mid-level executive can get around Rs 20 lakh. People with 10-15 years of experience can hope to get Rs 30 lakh or more.

— The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

smart strategy: surviving the first week in a new job
Smooth transition
If you are wondering about do’s and don’ts in a new workplace, try these tips
Manav Lalotra

No matter if you are a fresh graduate or a senior management person — everyone is anxious about the first week at work. One day prior to the joining day, you keep everything aside and prepare for the next day. You plan to utilise the first day as a productive day and make the best impression in the manager’s as well in other people’s mind.

However, it is very unlikely to get hold of everything related to your job description in a week’s time. The planning for the time has to be done in a way to ensure a seamless transition to the new job. Panic and speculation should have no place in your planning. It has to be calm and comforting so that you can be up fresh next morning and head towards a new start. Let’s look at some pointers, which can make the first few days at new job manageable and in most cases enjoyable as well!

The joining day

Do your homework: Read the letters shared by the new employer thoroughly and follow the instructions. You must be required to adhere to some directives in terms of documents to be carried, dress code at work, time of reaching the office and the schedule of the day. Ensure that you do not miss anything which is of importance. If in case, you do not have all the necessary documents required to be furnished on day 1; do make a note of that beforehand and share with the person you meet the next day at the time of joining.

The travel to work: Make sure that you reach the office on time for your very first day at your new job as the first impression is a lasting (if not last) impression.

Know whom to ask for: Make sure that you know the name of the person and correct designation of the person you have to report to. It’s always advisable to keep your recruiter aware of your whereabouts so that he/she can coordinate for you from within the new organisation. Also give a call to the person concerned to inform that you have reachd the office.

Respect the security procedure: The supervisors of bigger organisations take security very seriously and they may command passport size photographs from you or may have their own services. Do not get hassled if you are made to wait for some time at the main door to process the access and ID card or if your bags are frisked. This is a normal security process to ensure safety and security of people and property.

The Week ahead

Meeting people: In the first few days of your job, the main objective is to leave an impression that will play an important role in giving a boost to your career in the future. Since being new at work is a different and difficult task, you would look like an amnesia patient who does not recognise anyone. You would be unfamiliar with the workplace environment and you have to tackle all matters with the best possible efficiency of your personality and treat your co-workers politely. You might be someone else in personal life (introvert, aggressive, talkative, shy, reserve), but you have to adhere to these tips in order to survive the first week’s barrier.

Make notes: Make extra effort to memorise the faces, names, and role/designations of your colleagues. You should be observant and try to study the nature and mood of people around at your workplace. If you forget someone’s name initially, it will be ignored. However, if you repeat the same mistake after a couple of weeks, it might work against you and affect your relationship- building efforts. If you are attentive, you will observe that after a couple of weeks on job, you have become aware of every person at your work place.

Know your organisation: These days, most of the organisations have an internal Knowledge Management System, which has detailed information on its organisational structure, business model, important people, role chart, policies and procedures etc. Do ensure that you spend substantial amount of time in your first week in gaining as much information possible on these aspects.

Make friends: This is the most important part of the first few days at work. Majority of the people who quit jobs in first week of joining itself find it lonesome and disconnected. You spend a substantial amount of time at workplace and if you do not have anyone to spend some relaxing time with, it becomes all the more difficult to survive. In first few days, you will have time to go for tea at the café or the recreation room. Use this time to connect with people at the workplace. You can connect the most with your teammates and have good discussions over lunch. You can exchange ideas and obtain important and valuable inputs about your work that can put you on a path of success.

 

Be ready to introduce yourself Always introduce yourself as being shy or too haughty are going to work against you. You have to tell about yourself in terms of your designation and the nature of your work in the department. When introducing yourself, you should have full knowledge of what you will say and be confident of the information that you provide. Being hesitant while speaking will create a bad first impression, so you have to be confident and straightforward in answering every question posed by others.

— The writer is managing a German Subsidiary for an Engineering Services company as Business Manager & Financial Controller

Career Hotline
How can I get employed in construction companies?
Pervin Malhotra

Q. I am a student of BBA and have another year to finish my graduation. There are not many openings available and I need to work to supplement my family income and pay off the loans. How can I get employed in construction companies? — Vikrant Prasad

A. The construction industry offers placement opportunities to people who enjoy working outdoors, travel places, use their basic academic qualifications and common sense to find solutions, based on the first principles. Training is, of course a must, and one must be prepared for continuous ongoing training to keep up with the latest developments

One solution could be to join a six-month certificate programme in Construction Supervision offered jointly by CIDC & NIOS. This programme admits students (18 years and above with Class X or higher education).

Offered through distance/open learning mode, the programme will give you a basic foundation in construction techniques. You could join this programme, while pursuing your ongoing educational programmes and thereafter join a construction project or go in for advanced professionals programmes offered by CIDC etc.

For more details, you could visit CIDC website at www.cidc.in. After successfully completing these programmes, you could join the construction industry and aspire to become a Project Manager of even rise to higher positions.

Job scope for MSW

Q. I have done Master’s in Social Work and have Certificate in Disaster Management. I am at present pursuing a Diploma in Nutrition and Health education, please suggest some better options. What else can I do for a good and permanent job in teaching sector in the same field? — sp Nayak

A. With your qualifications, you can look at openings in any of the leading NGOs operating in the Disaster Management or Child Development sector, besides government and UN agencies operating in this field.

For teaching at the university level, you need to clear the UGC NET or your State-level Eligibility Test. But even until that happens, you can contact relevant institutions in your vicinity where you can start teaching as a visiting faculty.

What are the options in biotech?

Q. I am a student of Class XII and I have taken physics, chemistry and biology combination. I want to do some research related work in the field of biotechnology. I am confused whether to pursue BSc or BTech in biotechnology. What if I don’t get into BTech Biotech? Should I do my BSc in microbiology/biochemistry and then MSc in biotechnology? — Mahendra Kushwaha

A. Biotechnology is an integrated subject which utilises knowledge from several disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, maths, physics, chemistry and engineering etc. So you can choose from several options after Class XII BSc, BE/BTech and Integrated MSc/MTech courses in Biotech can be undertaken straight after Plus II.

However, you can do your MSc Biotech even after doing your bachelor’s in any of the life sciences (biology, biochemistry, microbiology, zoology), pharmacy, medicine, veterinary science and agriculture etc.

If you are keen on research, you can then go for PhD and even post-doctoral research.

Sales or marketing?

Q. I have been working in automobile sales for the past one year after doing my MBA in Marketing. I am not sure whether I should stick to sales or head for marketing. — Kumar Vij

A. Well, Sales and Marketing are two related but at the same time, very different functions. So you need to peg your decision not just on the basis of your aspirations, but also on taking stock of your skills and competencies.

If you’re a driven, extrovert, assertive, target-oriented person, you should stay put say in sales for a few more years before contemplating change.

On the other hand, if you’re a creative, thinking, detail-oriented person, you may probably have the makings of a marketing person. In which case, you could definitely move into marketing sooner.

email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com

Be indispensable
It’s not a difficult to be indispensable and the dividends are tremendous. Just try to be like the trim tab and the rest will follow automatically
DC Sharma

It is not unusual to find that in some organisations even some senior persons are ignored or sidelined, while those in junior positions have their say and perform important duties. The latter category is of the indispensable employees. The former ones might have a senior post, but they carry little worth for the organisation.

The indispensable employees in a company seem “shock” proof or immune to job insecurity. These people are genreally ready to weather any storm. They always advance, and do a lot for the organisation. They realise that all businesses need the best work possible from their employees. As a result, the company simply can’t seem to survive without them.

Simple mantra

It may seem difficult, but the fact is that anyone can become indispensable. The magic mantra here is to simply learn to be like a trim tab. Trim tab is a marvel of engineering. Though just a minor spare part in a big ship, it is the only one that determines the ship’s course. A tiny second rudder attached to the big rudder, it’s the one that moves the steering wheel which operates the rudder.

Like the tiny trim tab, be determined to contribute your best to your organisation. And when you stay polite and firm in behaviour, and day-to-day dealings, things will start changing. No matter what role you play, your contribution can make a noticeable difference. Simply focusing upon how you can add value to your role and contribution and do things in a better way, by making minor adjustments and improvements, you can prove your value and worth to your seniors and win their confidence.

Willingness

Learn to be like the “can do” people. Such employees rarely turn down an assignment. They always give their best despite rejections that threaten them. But such challenges threaten just initially. Their faith that challenges improve one’s functional abilities makes them bold and strong.

Listen patiently

To be indispensable, you need to be willing to listen whatever good comes your way. That will develop the quality of patience in you. This patience will sharpen your communication skills and your business skills will improve for the better. You will see how peacefully you will start expressing yourself in small, short understandable sentences.

Stay focused

In workplace interactions, the difference of opinion is bound to occur. To be indispensable, just learn to stay focused on issues and remain impersonal. Thus you naturally stick to your work objective. Always keep your team with you and get maximum cooperation as efficiency and capability are of no use if you don’t have the cooperation of your team.

Stay fit

To stay indispensable you have to develop good health. Good health will keep you ready to take up challenges always. By being helpful to others you will develop energy and passion for doing your own job too. The frequently extended cooperation from your own team would encourage you all the more.

Be loyal

Loyalty is a rare virtue with an indispensable employee. But this does not mean that you have to agree with the boss even when he is wrong. Be bold enough to differ but politely and respectfully. Expressing one’s different view this way rather adds to one’s value and worth all the more.

field in focus: forestry
Try the forest route
Vipan Guleria

New areas of jobs have emerged in the field of forestry with the dawn of the modern world. Traditionally, forests are managed by the foresters who are recruited after doing their graduation in science. But in the recent past various courses have been started in the country with an objective to meet the need for trained manpower in the field of forestry research, watershed management, forest-based industries, NGOs, state forest department, Indian forest services, climate impact studies, plantation jobs rural management, management jobs in NABARD, Environment management etc.

Scope

Unlike British management where the forests were managed to meet the demand of wood in western world, the modern forestry is applied in the field of management of forest, forest protection, wildlife studies, wood utilisation, environment protection and understanding “the adivasis or banvasi” who live in the forest and are dependent on them. For all this one has to study silviculture, forest management tribology, forest mensuration, agroforestery, forest soils, forest insect and pest studies and forest products and their utilisation.

World has started trading carbon just like the stock exchange, therefore, in future the need may arise of the experts who can ascertain the carbon storage in different activities that involve trees shrubs and herbs.

Salary range

The scientific jobs giving good remuneration with the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission. A principal scientist gets around Rs 1-1.5 lakh per month salary whereas, new incumbent can get around Rs  40,000-50,000 per month. Similarly, senior forest officer at the rank of the conservator of forest gets around Rs 1-1.5 lakh per month based upon his seniority. A new incumbent in Indian Forest Service i.e divisional Forest Officer gets around Rs 50,000-60,000 per month.

Forestry graduates and post graduates working in different private organisations are getting much higher salaries than their counterparts in governemnt organisations.

Many states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir Orissa and Jharkhand etc have made forestry as the basic qualification for recruitment in the state forest services. The state forest officer at the rank of Range Officer gets around Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month at the beginning their career.

Qualifications

A student of science after passing Plus II in science stream (non medicial, medicial, vocational agricutlure) can join four year BSc. forestry (Hons) degree after passing a qualifying test organised by various institutes and ICAR.

Students of science and engineering can directly join the state forest services and Indian Forest services (IFS) cadre after doing BSc./B.Tech through national enterance test similar to the civil services exam.

Postgraduate course in forest management can be done after doing graduation through the common entrance test of Indian Institute of Managenment (IIM).

Indian Forest Service test is based on GK, English, and two optional subjects viz. forestry, agriculture, botany, zoology, civil engineering, mathematics etc.

Skill set

One should have the scientific aptitude to understand the forest, ecology and tribal living in the forest. Above all a research mind is very important to work in the field of forestry.

Apart from this one should have good knowledge of finance management. The incumbent should be a good decision maker and exertive in the field as long distance walking is required in the difficult areas. He should have good leadership qualities.

 

Institute watch Dr Y S Parmer University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan www.yspuniversity.ac.in Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi www.iari.res.in Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana ludhiana.nic.in/html/punjab_agri_univ Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar http://www.hau.ernet.in Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal www.iiifm.ac.in Anand Agriculture University, Anand, Gujarat www.aau.in G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar www.gbpuat.ac.in Forest Research Institute, Dehradun www.icfre.org University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal www.uuhf.ac.in College of Horticulture & Forestry, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Jhalawar Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Forest college and research institute, Mettupalaym, Tamil nadu http://www.tnau.ac.in

— The writer is Senior Scientist Forestry , Dr Y S Parmer University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan

field in focus: the spa industry
The wellness zone
Usha Albuquerque

With the stresses and strains of our fast moving everyday life, and greater awareness, most people are realising the importance not only of looking good, but feeling fit too. This is the mantra of the modern generation. As more and more people start looking at the mirror a little closely, pampering their bodies and getting into shape is not only good for the body, but good business too.

The rising affluence has seen the increased willingness of larger numbers to spend on beauty products and services such as massages and spa treatments. With large numbers of women entering the workplace, the need to appear well groomed and attractive has assumed greater importance, not just for women, but also for men. Moreover, as complexities of modern living leave little time for personal grooming, more and more people are turning increasingly to professionals for treatments that enhance and maintain their body and looks. This has resulted in a burgeoning of beauty products and beauty treatments, turning beauty and wellness into a Rs 11,000 crore industry with more than 2,500 spas catering to both men and women, not only in the large metros, but also expanding to smaller towns and cities.

Today’s beauty treatments include not only the regular hair, facials and beauty treatments but also a variety of new specialisations such as nail art, aromatherapy, make-up art, as well as spa treatments, massages and so on.

Starting with the Kerala massages and the hot oil treatments and the traditional Ayurvedic spas using herbs, the therapies now include a blend of western and eastern practices being offered for rejuvenating the face and body. There are a number of natural treatments such as heat therapy, mud wraps and baths, salt exfoliation, body wraps, reflexology as well as a number of massages techniques administered for curing diseases, rejuvenating the skin as well as for losing weight. There are also treatments such as aroma therapy which involve giving therapeutic and rejuvenating massage using essential oils. The aroma therapist must also know how to prepare the oils, methods of extraction and blending techniques, and their use for different purposes. Other treatments gaining popularity are Thai and Swedish massage therapies.

Moreover, now the trend has extended into the tourism sector with practically all top hotels and resorts offering a variety of relaxing beauty treatments and wellness therapies as an added benefit for their customers. The Ananda Spa located in the mountains of Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead as a destination spa with several others now adding to the list. Even airports and shopping malls have become new venues for rejuvenation offering services such as foot massage, shoulder and back massage and often with it, the sales pitch for the gizmos that can transport you temporarily to nirvana!

Getting in

A career in Spa therapy does not require any specific formal educational qualification, but being a specialist skill, it does require not only professional expertise but also a great deal of practical training to gain proficiency. Anyone with an interest in this field can administer such treatments once they are trained in the therapy being offered. Several training schools for beauty and hair care courses have also started training in spa therapies. Most require no particular academic qualification, although a Plus II or at least a Class X level qualification is preferred.

The duration of the courses varies from institution to institution, and also depends on the area of specialisation. Most courses also include hair styling and beauty therapies along with spa therapies and massage treatments. There could be classes in anatomy, physiology, hygiene, infection control, chemistry, and other technical and business-related courses. Business-building classes could include professional ethics, sales techniques, and more.

While there are no standardised certification programmes for spa therapy in India, many of the spas also conduct internal training programmes for their personnel before allowing them to practise their skills on customers.

 

The Future According to the Spa Association of India, the Indian spa industry with over 2,300 spas generates around $400 million annually. It is estimated that over 700 spas are expected to open in the next five years and would, therefore, require trained manpower and professional training institutes for the purpose. As yet there are no training institutes licensed to provide certified training programmes but it is expected that this will come into force in the near future. Today a large number of international players are entering the country to provide such services and expanding their facilities through franchises in metros and large cities. The growth of the industry has also caught the interest of private-equity and venture-capital investors who are funding expansion plans of businesses in the segment. The wellness and wellness tourism summit 2013 held in India recently underscored the emerging travel category of wellness tourism, which has explosive potential in India. Most of the well-established luxury hotels and resort chains in India market their properties with a strong spa component, incorporating India's unique cultural and wellness heritage. With the boost being given by the Ministry of Tourism and the growing economy and young generation of high earners, the spa industry is well poised for rapid expansion.

— The writer is Director Careers Smart Pvt Ltd., New Delhi

How to draft an effective resume

Resume is your first introduction to your prospective employer and hence it should be drafted with utmost care. Here are some ways in which you can make an impression with your resume:

Must do

The first line should be your name. The reader should know the identity of the person he's going to read about. Like when you meet a person the first thing you do is to introduce yourself. Then highlight your education/work experience in reverse chronological order . Include contact address. Permanent address, Current address. Include your email address. Use a more formal email address. Include your phone number.

Use simple level heads: Education should suffice as compared to Academic Experience/Qualification. List all activities particularly those that reflect your abilities. The heads should be crisp and should give the gist of what you want to say. Promote your attitude and performance, for example leadership, or if you were rewarded for attendance and punctuality. List and highlight quality accomplishments. Let's not say you were part of a school choir unless you performed at a high-end level.

Begin each line by an action verb: Like organised, led, calculated, taught, served, trained, tutored, wrote, researched, inventoried, created, designed, drafted, edited. The first line should be your name. Larger than the largest font used in body Write a detailed sentence on your extra-curricular, and not just list it.

Things to avoid

Be sure to not leave gaps. Avoid using decorative fonts. Don’t use black or gray shaded backgrounds. Exclude titles Mr., Mrs., Ms. Don’t make your resume a decorative material. Remember it’s a promotion of your personality!

— With inputs from Adarsh Khandelwal, Co founder of Collegify

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Prod at each step

As humans seek incentives to act, great missions cannot materialise by themselves. Constant goading by others or by one’s own self is required to see a job through. Demon King Tarakasur defeated the gods and drove them from heaven. Helpless, they went to Lord Brahma who guided them to seek Kamadev’s help in getting Parvati and Shiva married. But the plan fell flat on its face as Shiva burnt Kamadev to ashes and left Parvati desolate.

Parvati, after years of meditation, got married to Shiva. Then, the gods approached Shiva again. This time, the Lord obliged and out of his six sparks was born the six-headed Kartikeya who killed Tarakasur.

To keep Mukunda steadfast on the path of God, a sadhu gave him a divine silver amulet. On the day it vanished, he met his guru, Yukteswar, who told him to get a university degree. Then, Yukteswar initiated him as Paramahansa Yogananda and told him to go to the US to spread Indian spiritualism.

When Karna, brought up by a charioteer family, approached Dronacharya to teach him the Brahmastra, he refused as it was “only taught to royalty”. So he went to Parashurama in the guise of a Brahmin and learnt it from him. When he had mastered the science of arms, Karna entered the military tournament at Hastinapur and caught Duryodhana’s eye. For his skills, Duryodhana crowned him King of Anga.

When Indra, the chief of gods, came to ask for his celestial armour, Karna sought the infallible Shakti from him in return to kill Arjuna.

On the 17th day of the Mahabharata war, Karna reasoned that Arjuna had survived so long in the war on account of his charioteer Krishna. So he got his charioteer replaced with King Shalya for his final duel with Arjuna. The numerous curses on him, the desertion of Shalya, his chariot’s wheel getting stuck in a bog and Krishna’s presence on the other side resulted in Karna’s death. Hemu was a grocer’s son at Rewari. To catch Sultan Islam Shah’s attention, he supplied a large amount of grains to the royal army. Then he went to Agra and presented himself before the Sultan who made him superintendent of bazaars. By giving excellent inputs, he became the secret service chief.

On the Islam Shah’s death, his support to the new Sultan, Muhammad Adil Shah, got him a minister’s post. Seeing his military cameos, Adil Shah made him Commander. On Humayun’s death, Hemu made his move. He marched towards Agra and Delhi and crowned himself as King Vikramaditya. But for a chance arrow that blinded him in the Second Battle of Panipat, Hemu could have rewritten history. To make the horse drink, you’ll have to take it to the water.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

book shelf
Business sense

BIG — Business India Guru By K.P. Shashidharan and Sunil Kumar Gupta Sterling Publishers (P) Ltd. Pages: 288 Price: Rs 599.

BIG-Business India Guru is structured to act as a business advisor-cum-facilitator — an authentic compilation of essential business informatics and critical inputs for entrepreneurs from across the globe. This book is intended to benefit those who believe in India’s incredible growth story and its potential and have a genuine professional business interest in India. It is good for investors domiciled in India, non-resident Indians, foreign nationals, institutional investors and multinationals who look for investment opportunities in one of the largest and fastest growing world economies. BIG is also a valuable knowledge resource and info-guide for students, academicians, teachers, accountants, auditors, business practitioners and consultants who are actively associated with business administration, management, law, finance, economics, accounts, audit, costing and similar allied disciplines.

Scrupulous attention has been given to organise and present the relevant statues, rules and procedures along with systematic and accurate facts culled from the best available knowledge resources, with the latest updates from the web site of the relevant authorities. In most of the cases the appropriate government departments or authorities are cited to bring credibility, authenticity and accuracy of information and data. To provide international perspective, reliable online information resources, such as The World Factbook, which is the website of the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (www.cia.gov), World Bank, IMF and UN resources, have been consulted and cited.

The authors’ efforts are oriented towards empowering the investing community and the associates to familiarise them with the fundamentals of initiating business in India.

High Expectations Are The Key To Everything By Michael Bergdahl. Jaico. Pages:163. Price: Rs 225

Great expectations

All of us deal with challenges in our lives that interfere with the achievement of our goals. Why is it that some people always seem to land on their feet, while others get crippled under the weight of life's obstacles? In almost all cases both individuals started out with similar capabilities and resources. So what's the difference? Professional business speaker, turnaround specialist and author Micahel Bergdahl ventures to give an answer to these questions through his personal example. Those who succeed approach problems as opportunities and are driven by a can-do attitude. Moreover, they have high expectations. They face every challenge with the belief that they will succeed in the end. In this inspirational book, Bergdahl explains how he and his wife. Sheryl, overcame adversity and achieved their goals in life, and explains how anyone can do it too — how You can overcome life’s challenges, how you can control your own destiny and reach your full potential.

course cruising
Rural development courses

Distance Education Cell of the National Institute of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, Hyderabad , has invited applications for admission to the following courses for academic year 2014-15.

Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Sustainable Rural Development

Eligibility: The minimum qualification for admission to the programme is graduation in any discipline from a UGC- recognised university. Those who are in the final year and expect to complete all the requirements of graduation before enrolment date are also eligible.

Apart from fresh graduates, the development personnel working in:

• Rural development, agriculture (and allied sectors) and education sectors.
• NGO/cooperatives/finance and banking organisations.
• Corporate sector under corporate social responsibility. Faculty of various development disciplines, rural development, economics, political science, gender studies, management, agriculture and other allied disciplines from universities, colleges, training institutions like State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs), Extension Training Institutes (ETIs), KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVKs), Agriculture Education, Research and Training Institutions can also join the course.

Check out: www.nird.org.in

Design courses

Raffles Millenium International (RMI) invites applications for admission to two-year advanced diploma from RCHE (Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore) & three years degree programme from RCDC (Raffles College of Design & Commerce, Australia).

Eligibility: The applicants should have passed Plus II from any recognised board with 70 per cent in English and 65 per cent in aggregate. Students appearing for Plus II examination in March, 2014 can also apply for provisional admission.

For IGCSE, A level within minimum 3 subjects, English compulsory as one.

The RMI Entrance Exam will take place before each intake, followed by a personal interview.

How To apply: The application form is available at an RMI institute near you. You may send your request at rmidelhi@educompraffles.com mentioning subject as “Application Form” and your details with contact number. Once completed, it should be submitted along with required documents mentioned in the application form and Cheque/ Demand Draft of Rs 2500 in favour of “Educomp Raffles Higher Education Ltd”, or by Cash.

Intakes: - January/April/July/October

Deadline: December 30, 2013.

Check Out: www.raffles-millennium-delhi.com

campus notes
Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak

Literature is a silent revolution: Shirish

Though we are touched or influenced by many incidents, literature happens only when something stirs a writer’s psyche. Good literature helps in understanding life in all its facets and is necessary for society as it creates space for humanity.

This was stated by well-known Hindi author Urmila Shirish in a ‘Dialogue with Author’ programme organized by the Department of Hindi at MDU recently.

In a lucid talk-cum-interaction with students, the writer explained the source of her creative endeavours and threw light on the creative writing process. She said her stories were inspired by real people and events.

“Literature is a tool of empowerment, of understanding and of protest…It is a silent revolution,” she observed. The litterateur also replied to the queries of the students.

Prof Rohini Agarwal, Head, Department of Hindi, maintained that literature was a creative extension of feelings and emotions. “A literary piece not only provides the readers with an objective vision about life and society, but it also gives them the courage to question the age-old mindset and conventional approach,” she asserted.

Business academic awards

Prof Narendra Kumar of Commerce Department at MDU, former IMSAR director Prof H.J. Ghosh Roy and Dr Sanket Vij, Associate Professor, BPS Women’s University, Khanpur Kalan, have been felicitated with Best Business Academic of the year award-2013 at the 66thAnnual Conference of the All-India Commerce Association held at Bangalore University, Bangalore recently.

The joint research paper of Dr Narendra Kumar, Dr H.J. Ghosh Roy and Dr Sanket Vij on the topic “Role of Commerce Education in Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Inclusive Growth — A Case Study of National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development” was adjudged the best research paper and awarded gold medal. Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj presented the medal and merit certificate to the academicians.

National seminar on education

The need to galvanise the education system by tailoring it to the requirements of the present era was emphasized by experts at the national seminar on “Challenges to Teacher Education in the Era of Globalisation” organised on MDU campus recently.

The two-day national seminar was organised by the Department of Education of the university in association with All-India Teachers’ Educators Association (AITEA).

Delivering the keynote address, noted educational consultant Prof S.P. Malhotra observed that ensuring quality education was of utmost importance in this era of globalisation. He stressed the need to develop world-class teacher-education institutions in the country.

Educationist Sarla Chahal, the chief guest, maintained that curiosity was the key to education and inculcating a habit of reading was must to expand the mental horizon.

She exhorted the participants to seek inspiration from the life, times and contribution of eminent academician and late President Dr S. Radhakrishnan.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof Hemant Lata, noted that real education is a combination of “gyan” (knowledge) and “karma” (action). She called for inculcation of spiritual values in education.

Prof Indira Dhull, Dean, College Development Council, gave an overview on the state of teacher-education, especially at the host university. Organising secretary Dr Neeru Rathee proposed the vote of thanks.

— Contributed by Sunit Dhawan

Scholarship roundup
Fellowships in Netherlands

RNTC is offering fellowships for developing countries’ students. RNTC’s Fellowships are available for professional journalists, programme-makers, broadcast trainers and managers.

RNTC Fellowships are unlike NFP fellowships Partial: they cover the course fee (up to 50%), not the costs for travel and accommodation. The fellowships will be awarded on academic and professional merit.

Eligibility: RNTC’s Fellowships are available for professional journalists, programme-makers, broadcast trainers and managers coming from the following countries (a combined NFP list and low-middle-income countries according to the World Bank criteria).

Details: RNTC Fellowships cover the course fee (up to 50%), not the costs for travel and accommodation.

Duration: Broadcast Journalism: for three months,

• Broadcast Management: 2-week course
• Facts & Formats: 4-week
• Inside International Justice: 2-week and a one-week
• Multimedia Journalism: 12-week Broadcast Journalism course
• Multimedia Journalism & Water: 3-week
• Online Journalism: 6-week course
• Radio/TV Journalism: 12-week
• Training the Trainers: 6-week
• Using Media for Development: 2-week
• Online Journalism: 6-week

Check out: www.rntc.nl/RNTCfellowships

newsboard
CBSE National Financial Literacy Test

In a bid to make its students economically more aware and educate them on the current fiscal scenario, the Central Board of Secondary Education in association with National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), Mumbai is going to hold the National Financial Literacy Test (NFLT).

Meant for students from classes VIII to X, pan India, the National Financial Literacy Test (NFSE) is India’s first national-level test to measure the level of financial literacy and basic knowledge among school students. This test is the first step to build a nation which not only understands the value of money but also has the right knowledge and skills required for taking responsible financial decisions.

The test is scheduled for January 12, 2014 and is a bilingual (Hindi and English) test comprising of 75 questions analyzing the basic concept of finance & business. Speaking about the test, CBSE Chairman, Vineet Joshi said, “In today’s day and age it is important to educate the next generation on economics. Fiscal knowledge plays such an important role in our lives that crucial decisions depend on it. This test would help children study in this direction and understand economics better.”

Fortnightly quiz 453

dream debut

1. In which year did Arvind Kejriwal win the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership for his contribution to the enactment of the Right to Information Act and for his efforts to empower the poor citizens of India?

2. Which anti-apartheid leader is known as ‘Gandhi of South Africa’?

3. Which Indian state has been accorded special status under Article 370 of the Constitution?

4. Name Japan’s royal couple that was on a visit to India recently.

5. When is World AIDS Day observed?

6. What is India’s ranking for doing business in the latest Forbes list?

7. In which state is the historic Mughal Road, also known as ‘Nimak road’, situated?

8. What is the mascot for the 2014 Football World Cup?

9. How many wickets fell on the second day of a Ranji Trophy match between Himachal Pradesh and Kerala recently?

10. Which Indian batsman has made five one day international centuries so far this year?

— Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 452: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Dushyant Dhariwal; Class X; St Mary’s Convent School, Khanauri Road; Narwana; Pin Code - 126116

Second: Ishani Mohan; Class VI (Maples); St Thomas School, Civil Lines; Jagadhari, district Yamunanagar; Pin Code - 135003

Third: Aditya Kalia; Class VI-B; Sri Aurobindo School of Integral Education, I-A, Sector 27-A, Madhya Marg; Chandigarh; Pin Code - 160019

Answers to quiz 452: Magnus Carlsen; Sachin Tendulkar and Dr CNR Rao; Bharatiya Mahila Bank; Angela Markel; INS Vikramaditya; Fifty; November 19; Sachin Tendulkar and Mother Teresa; Prithvi Shaw; Virat Kohli

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