Why we need a Mentor?

Back in 2002 after completing his 10+2 with very poor grades, Poor Guy was struggling what to do next?

• He had not scored enough to get admission in regular college
• He was not having good friends around to discuss about career options
• He reached out as many as relatives, friends and family members he could to get the insight

No Luck, Poor Guy had no clue what is next?

Typical lower middle class family situation where you have no financial support to invest in your career, you can’t even think about setting up any kind of businesses and pressure to earn and support your family financially asap. His parents supported him and told they will try their best to help financially. He was free to plan his career with emotional support from parents. Year 2002, all discussions were about computers, programming, websites, data entry and internet. Poor Guy had no idea what is this nonsense everybody talking about. He started visiting computer institutes enquiring about course, related career options and most important part Course Fee.

No one suggested him anything, he was exploring the world based on the little information he gathered from newspaper, radio and tv. He managed to enroll himself for a 3 years computer program (2 hours daily class, 1 time payment of Rs. 20000 and rest monthly installments). Monthly installment was not a big deal as he can do any job to earn but 20K (1 time payment) was a big deal. Somehow his parents borrowed 20K to support him.

For first year he worked as an insurance agent and gave private home tuitions to pay the fee but he was not getting much time for studies. Spending 1 year in a computer institute gave him fair idea about software and hardware. His hard work, networking and interpersonal skills paid him back. He got an opportunity to work as computer lab support staff in same institute. He was little hesitant due to his limited belief system (belief that he is not good in English communication) but he had no better choice so picked the opportunity up.

Are you puzzled? So far there is no match between the title of the article and the content. I have to explain the past story before I take you to the mentor.

He performed really well, learned tools and tactics in next 2 years. He got promoted to a faculty from a lab support staff. He started earning little extra, earned a lot of respect from students and fellow faculties. After successful completion of the course he joined their as full-time faculty. His trained students were getting placed in top MNCs and sooner he realized he should also give a try but he couldn’t. Again due to his limited belief system.

• He is not having degree from regular college
• He has poor academic grades
• Of course English communication is another hurdle

Though he was very close to the head of the placement cell but he never asked for any help from her (Would be Mentor).

Let’s call Head of placement cell as Mentor Mam as later she became the Mentor of the poor guy unknowingly. Mentor Mam who is so kind, having decades of industry experience and travelled across the world saw the Poor Guy.

Mentor Mam – “Beta Why don’t you try for MNCs, you are a good fit as per industry need”

Poor Guy – “Maaaam, I am good here, it’s OK”

Mentor Mam – “Alright as you wish”

— Mentor never force the Mentee, They create the situation and wait for right time to act.

—After few days—

Poor Guy – “Mam, I wanted to try for MNCs but I am not eligible  ”

Mentor Mam – “with smile, Who told you? Have you ever you tried?”

Poor Guy – “No Mam, but they will not even short list my profile..blah ..blah..blah”

Mentor Mam – “Tapped his shoulder and whispered the magic words, Beta you can do it”

She gave 2 weeks to prepare, you have to attend the off-campus drive of 3rd top Indian IT MNC. Poor Guy was dam sure it’s gonna be total waste of time and nothing else.

He was technically sound, had good amount of industry practical experiences. Probably Mentor Mam smelled the lack of confidence, limited belief system and narrow mindset. She gave few instructions to follow him for next 2 weeks to fix non technical problems. Day before the off-campus drive she whispered another set of magic words. “Go attend all the rounds of interview and don’t worry about result“.

There is another life lesson story how poor guy reached to the interview venue? On the way 3 times he decided to quit, not to attend the interview and go back to home. let me skip that for now.

Poor Guy reached to venue by 9:00 AM and result was declared by 8:00 PM after a day long rounds of interviews. Long story in short, there were total 300 candidates participated in off-campus drive. Out of 300 hundred only 5 candidates were selected including Poor Guy.

Poor Guy is no more poor, Mentor made him rich.

How did you survive all rounds of interviews and made it to the final? I asked.

He replied the magic words “Beta You Can Do It”.

Mentors are Magician.

Mentors are like GPS, They guide you, They re-route you, They show the best route, They can tell which road has more traffic or accident prone area, They suggest you to slow down, They explain you when to pedal and when to apply the brakes. Again Mentors are Magician.

Thanks for your time. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

www.linkedin.com/in/jaijeetpandey

तुमको हिंदी आता?

अक्सर आपने देखा होगा कुछ लोग बहुत ही आसानी से अनजान लोगों से घुल मिल जाते हैं। खासकर पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट में सफर करते समय, वे पारंगत होते हैं किसी भी टॉपिक को पकड़ अपनी बात शुरू करने में।

आज मेट्रो में कुछ ऐसा ही देखा, लेकिन तथ्य ठेस पहुंचा सकते हैं आपको। 

मेरे सामने वाली रो में 3 नार्थ ईस्ट के लड़के बैठे थे, ज्यादातर लोग अपने कान में डिब्बी लगाए अपने अपने फ़ोन को घूर रहे थे। मेरी नजर उन लड़कों पर इसलिए पड़ी की अभी अभी उन्होंने अपनी सीट एक वृद्ध महिला को आफर की थी, हालांकि महिला नही बैठी उन्हें अगले ही स्टेशन पर उतरना था। 18-20 वर्ष उम्र रही होगीे उन लड़कों की और इस उम्र के लोग सीट कम ही आफर करते हैं सो ध्यान जाना लाज़मी था। तभी श्याम वर्ण के एक उत्तर भारतीय सज्जन वहां आ कर बैठे। अभी मेट्रो का दरवाजा बंद ही हुआ था कि उन्होंने लड़को की तरफ देखते हुए अपना पहला सवाल दागा।

तुमको हिंदी आता?

उनमे से एक लड़के ने जवाब दिया।

हाँ जी।

दूसरा सवाल - थोड़ा थोड़ा आता? 

फिर से उसी लड़के ने जवाब दिया।

बहुत अच्छे से आता है।

तीसरा सवाल - क्या करते हो दिल्ली में?

दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी में पढ़ाई कर रहे हैं।

चौथा सवाल - कौन से कंट्री से हो आप लोग? 

ऐसा लग रहा था जैसे रैपिड फायर राउंड चल रहा है। लेकिन उन लड़कों ने संयम नही खोया और जवाब दिया।

हम लोग इंडियन हैं और सिक्किम से हैं।

जनाब इतने पर भी नही माने और बोलने लगे तुम लोग दिखने में नेपाली लगते हो, इंडियन नही लगते।

ऐसा सुन एक लड़के ने आपा खो दिया और पूछ बैठा, क्या आपको पता है भारत में "गंगटोक" कहाँ है?

जनाब ने हंसते हुए कहा "नहीं"

अब सवाल पूछने की बारी लड़को की थी।

दूसरे लड़के ने पूछा - आप कौन सी कंट्री से हो?

ये सुनते ही जनाब तमतमा गए और कहने लगे तुम मुझे देख कर और मेरी भाषा सुनकर समझ नही सकते कि मैं इंडियन हूँ?

एक लड़का बोला - नहीं, आप तो मुझे साउथ अफ्रीकन जैसे दिख रहे हो। और जहाँ तक भाषा की बात हमारी हिंदी आपसे बेहतर है।

जैसे को तैसा!

जनाब झेप गए, दूसरी तरफ मुँह घुमा लिया और बड़बड़ाने लगे, शक्ल तो नेपाली जैसी ही है ना।

अगर नज़रंदाज़ कर दें जैसा कि अक्सर लोग करते हैं तो ये कोई बड़ी बात नही मानी जायेगी।

जरा सोचिए आपके दिल पर क्या बीतेगी जब कोई आपको आपके ही देश में पूछे कि आप कौन से कंट्री से हैं? लोगों को अपने ही देश की जानकारी नही और बकवास करने का मौका नही चूकते।

NCERT के हर किताब के पहले पन्ने पर संविधान की प्रस्तावना लिखित है, लेकिन लगता नही की कभी किसी ने पलट के भी देखा है, मतलब समझना तो दूर की बात है।

लड़को की हाज़िर जवाबी से उस इंसान का मुंह तो बंद हो गया। लेकिन जरूरत है उस जैसे हर विकृत मानसिकता वालें लोगो तक संदेश पहुंचाने की।

पहले तोलो फिर बोलो।

No Excuses Please

Patriotism – Everyone has their own definition of patriotism. People may call themselves patriot just changing the profile pic of FB and WhatsApp account on the special occasion of Independence day or Republic day. Some feels sacrificing life for country is the real patriotism, there are some professions as a symbol of patriotism. 

Patriotism for NRI community – These people are physically away but mentally and emotionally attached to their birth place. I met and discussed patriotism with 100s of NRI’s during my stay in United States. They are very close to their country, they feel proud when India win cricket matches, they celebrate all Indian festivals, They loved to see try-color on Empire State building. It’s common to see a North Indian celebrating Ugadi and Onam, a South Indian family dancing on Punjabi folk.

But I found them unanswered when I asked “What you are doing about society you left back? Did you get any chance to help them?”

Answer was "We are helpless what best we can do from here is Donation”. No doubt NRIs are donating to NGO’s but they are not sure if it’s reaching to right people.

During My Journey I met with Mr. Ghanshyam Singh an IT professional settled in Boston (United States), born and brought up in Varanasi, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh regarded as the spiritual capital of India. I asked the same question to him but got very different answer this time. I asked, are you running any NGO? Do you have political connection? Are you donating to local parties? Answer was a big NO. Then what exactly you are doing man? He doesn’t seems to be helpless, he found many ways to help the society back in India without and excuse with the help of his like-minded friends.

GhanShyam Singh and his like-minded friends formed a self-funded team named as “Sri Gandhi Alumni”, I repeat Self-Funded.

The team has accomplished following so far since last many years and trying their best for betterment of society back in India

• Team has helped 1000s of freshers explaining the current job market trends, required trainings and getting them jobs.
• Team has established a local library with used books for.
• Team has inspired and actively involved in plantation. Now people have started planting trees on the occasion of their birthdays.
• Team started conducting competitive exams for 10th class students and distributed prizes to winners and consolation prizes to all participants out of their pockets.

So True – Where there is a will there is a way.

Ghanshyam himself is admin of many WhatsApp groups related to Jobs and career challenges.

A great example of patriotism serving their loved ones even from long distance. The best part is Instead of making noise, he is simply taking actions.

The meaning of patriotism I learned from him revolve around the word “Respect”, “Protect” and “Act”.

• Respect – Respecting your people, culture, language, food, country
• Protect – Protecting your border, religion, environment, ecosystem, economy, society
• Act – If your acts helps your people to grow, to spread good name world wide, to educate next generation.

If we decide we can find 100 ways to serve our nation irrespective of our visa-status, location, financial health or physical health. 

Just need a mindset.

रिकशे वाला

एक सेहतमंद महिला का घर बस स्टॉप से बामुश्किल 1 किलोमीटर था, फिर भी रोज दोपहर वो बस से उतर कर तीन पहिये वाले रिकशे से घर तक जाती थीं।

वैसे तो यह उनका निजी मामला था लेकिन फ़िर भी हिम्मत करके हमने एक दिन पूछ ही लिया।

मैडम अगर बुरा न माने तो एक बात पूछ सकता हूँ?

हाँ हाँ कहिये।

मैडम आपका घर बस स्टाप से इतना करीब है, आप अगर चल कर जाएं तो आपकी सेहत भी ठीक रहेगी और पैसे भी बचेंगे। रोज रोज आने जाने में क्यों पैसे खराब करती हैं?

जवाब लाजवाब था।

जी जनाब! एकदम सही फरमाया आपने, रोज के तीस रुपये खर्च होते हैं और महीने के लगभग 1000 ₹।

और मैं जान बूझ कर ऐसा करती हूँ। वो लोग दिन भर मेहनत करके रोजी कमाते हैं भीख नही मांगते, कुछ रुपयों के लिए कीच कीच नही करते, पसीना बहाते हैं। ऐसे में अगर हम लोग सक्षम है तो क्यों ना अपरोक्ष रूप से उनकी मदद करें।

मेरे पास कोई जवाब नहीं था, सिर्फ उन लोगों का चेहरा आँखों के सामने घूम रहा था जो लोग महंगे रेस्टोरेंट्स में 500 ₹ का टिप देने में गर्व महसूस करते हैं लेकिन सब्जी वालों से 5 ₹ के लिए भी लड़ मरते हैं।

वाह रे समाज!

----------------------------/

अपने लिए तो सब जीते हैं, मजा तो दूसरों के लिए जीने में है।

Cigarette Break!

Smoking is injurious to health but not the Cigarette break. 

Believe me or not but...

• I have seen people getting promoted after dedicated cigarette breaks
• I have seen deals worth millions getting closed over cigarette breaks
• I have seen long lasting friendship as an output of cigarette break
• I have seen startup getting build and collapsed over cigarette break

...

...

 Feel free to add your experiences with cigarette breaks hashtag

#motivation hashtag#life hashtag#happy hashtag#truth hashtag#passion hashtag#mindset hashtag#people hashtag#education hashtag#corporate hashtag#knowledge hashtag#challenge hashtag#employee

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6448131331665776640

Too Much Celebration!

He was delighted to get his first job in his dream company and he was like he is done.

First Year
He spent very first year of his career partying, getting familiar with corporate culture , buying all basic dreams and corporate trainings. End of first year he realized what he was earning is not enough for all needs. He was bold enough to ask his manager during appraisal meeting about his hike. Manager - You are doing exceptionally well. And as you know organization has already invested a lot this year for your trainings so don't expect much but we will try our best. He left the meeting room with just a piece of appreciation.

Second Year
Second year he worked hard, day/night, holidays/weekend, to meet the client and reporting manager's expectation.

Manager during second appraisal - You are a quick learner and did excellent last year. You just need to improve your interpersonal skills and try to be a team player. I have added your name to the list of onsite aspirants for next year.

He left the meeting room with mixed feelings. 

Third Year

Third year he received many awards and customer appreciations and he was dead sure about his first onsite visit in coming year. He learned to manage his needs with limited income. He sacrificed all his dreams actually. 

He got used to with daily routine, enjoying hours on coffee with team mate, staying late in office, working in weekends. Despite knowing the fact that fresher's are getting more what he was receiving in his paychecks.

Just before appraisal meeting of this year he learned that his reporting manager has moved out of organisation and project is getting closed in 4 weeks.

After appraisal he was promoted to next level (First promotion after 3 years) with minimal hike. 

I know this is not what he expected from his dream company and situation goes on and on for years.

Can you relate the story with someone?

Here problem is not with Corporates, it's with Candidates, it's with me and you who are busy in too much celebrations for too long.

क्या आपको भी हिंदी बोलने मैं शर्म आती है?

बहुतों को आती है इसलिए सोचा आपसे से भी पूछ लूँ। पिछले 7 वर्षों में अमेरिका के अलग अलग राज्यों मैं रहने का मौक़ा मिला, दुनिया भर के लोगों से बातचीत कर उनके संस्कृति के बारे में जाना। किसी को भी ये बताने की ज़रूरत नहीं पड़ी की मैं हिंदुस्तान से हूँ जहाँ की राष्ट्रभाषा हिंदी है। नमस्ते, शुक्रिया, आप कैसे हैं?, जैसे आम बोलचाल वाले शब्द बोलना उन लोगों के लिए आम बात है। कुछ लोग तो उत्तर और दक्षिण भारत में भी भेद कर सकते हैं, फिर भी “आप कैसे हैं?” बोलने से नहीं चूकते हैं क्यूँकि उन्हें अंदर की बात का अंदाज़ा नहीं है। 

जब विदेशी आप के राष्ट्रभाषा का सम्मान करें तो इससे अच्छी बात कुछ हो सकती है भला? मेरी आँखें उस समय खुली की खुली रह गयीं जब मैंने नेपर्विल ( शिकागो का उपनगर जो illinios राज्य का एक शहर है) के पब्लिक लाइब्रेरी में मुंशी प्रेमचंद की “गोदान” और “ठाकुर का कुआँ” देखी। पहले तो यक़ीन ही नहीं हुआ, मैंने अगले २० मिनट मैं पूरी की पूरी लाइब्रेरी खंगाल डाली। नेपर्विल लाइब्रेरी मैं हिंदी का एक पूरे का पूरा सेक्शन था , सब कुछ तो था वहाँ किताबें, पत्रिका, सीडी, ब्लू-रे, इत्यादि।

बहुत ही अच्छा लगा वो सब देखकर। यक़ीन ना हो तो इस लिंक पर क्लिक करके देख लें http://southasia.typepad.com/…/wonderful-public-libraries-o…

इससे पहले भी मैं कई अमेरिकी राज्यो के लाइब्रेरी मैं जा चुका था लेकिन कभी हिंदी की किताबें नहीं देखी थीं। आपको जान कर ख़ुशी होगी की और भी कई अमेरिकी राज्य हैं जहाँ पत्राचार हिंदी और अंग्रेज़ी दोनो माध्यम में होता है।

अभी पिक्चर ख़त्म नहीं हुई है, हज़ारों उदाहरण हैं। आपको रूबरू करवाते हैं प्रोफ़॰ डॉ॰ रॉफ़ल इयान बाबू से जो मेल्बर्न (ऑस्ट्रेल्या) के एक विश्वविद्यालय में हिंदी के प्रफ़ेसर हैं। 

https://twitter.com/iawoolford

दुःख तब होता है जब उन भारतीयों से मिलता हूँ जिन्हें हिंदी भाषा से दुर्गन्ध आती है, ख़ासकर उनसे जो ख़ुद हिंदी भाषी राज्यों से सम्बंध रखते हैं, वहैं पैदा हुए, खेले-कूदे, पले-बढ़े। आप एक क्या दस भाषाएँ बोलिए, लिखिए। लेकिन हिंदी से नफ़रत क्यूँ।

आज हिंदी दिवस है, आजादी मिलने के दो साल बाद 14 सितंबर 1949 को संविधान सभा में एक मत से हिंदी को राजभाषा घोषित किया गया था और इसके बाद से हर साल 14 सितंबर को हिंदी दिवस के रूप में मनाया जाने लगा।

हिंदी सरल नहीं है इसलिए कई स्कूल मैं ऑप्शनल बना दिया गया है। हमारे देश के कुछ ख़ास तबके के लोगों को अंग्रेज़ी कीड़े ने काट खाया है और उन्हें हिंदी गँवार लगने लगी है। हिंदी की हालत बद से बदत्तर होती जा रही है जहाँ लगभग 77% प्रतिशत लोग हिंदी पढ़ते, बोलते, लिखते और समझते हैं।

क्या कोई हल है इस समस्या का?

फ़िलहाल आप सभी लोगों को हिंदी दिवस के ढेर सारी शुभकामनायें।