How ‘Smart’ is your ‘Network’?

‘Smart’ is the new buzz word in these days. Smart phone to smart cities, smart kid to smart guy! Our lives have become smart even without our intentions or efforts. Now the question is How smart are we and our network? Our smartness depends on our intelligence and the way we tackle the day to day challenges in an efficient way. It’s a born gift and can be improved with surrounding society and proper education. Not everyone who holds a smart phone is smart. Sometimes your smartness depends on your smart network.

The evolution of Smart Phone: This year ‘Nokia’ which is the first one to develop the GSM technology is celebrating 150 years of its existence, which also continued the dominance in handset manufacturing till recent years. Though India entered late in to the cellular technology, it adopted very fast and now it is one of the biggest markets after China globally. Our generation also grew with the technology. I still remember my first cell phone a bulky Nokia 3110 (see figure) with which we can only talk and text messages (Rs.8/- for outgoing call and Rs.4/- for incoming call!). Later on handsets/SIMs/networks changed (see figures) so quickly due to the rapid development of technology and changing tastes of consumers. Then came the ‘Smart Phone’ with which you can do all your office/personal/entertainment works along with normal functions of phone smoothly, effortlessly and effectively that it almost replaced PCs/Laptops. Some of the high end smart phones are having configurations better than CAD workstations with which we worked 10 years ago!

Smart Network: What is smart network? Don’t Google, where you will get varieties of definitions. My concept of smart network is different. After thorough study (research?) of different kinds of people and their networks, I found that our individual or personal smart network depends on our contacts (read phone numbers) and their smartness. Very simple! If you consider me, a professor who’s majority of contacts are fellow colleagues (past and present), students, and their parents apart from relatives, friends and neighbours. Let’s consider a ‘Techie’ who’s major contacts will be various clients, colleagues (past and present). Similarly if you consider a doctor/surgeon, whose major contacts are patients, fellow doctors/surgeons, pharmacists etc. You can extend the same to a home maker, student, plumber, painter, contractor, retailer etc etc. Now our smart network comprises of the number of contacts having smart phones (let’s say smart contacts) out of our total contacts in our smart phone.

How to quantify our smart network: To find out whether any contact in our phone is having a smart phone or not, ‘Whatsapp’ app is one of the best sources available in smart phone. The number of Whatsapp users surpassed even the ‘Face book’ users. Last few years the number of Whatsapp users increased exponentially. Also it is the easiest way to find how many number of our contacts using Whatsapp a.k.a our smart network. The following are the simple steps which anyone can find using their mobile smart phones

Step 1: Open the Whatsapp and in ‘chats’ mode click on the + button on top right side as shown in the figure below.

Step 2: Once you click the + button, you will find a screen as given below, from which you can find the number contacts having Whatsapp app which confirms they are using a smart phone. In my smart phone the number is 684 contacts.

Step 3: Now find the total number of contacts in your phone as shown below.

Step 4: Calculate the percentage of your smart network as given below.

That means approximately 70% of my contacts are using smart phones. Still some of my contacts using smart phones and may not have installed Whatsapp. The chances are very rare. This is one observation to find the penetration of smart phones. The percentage depends on type of person and his/her profession. I would like to study further ‘on what factors the percentage depends’ like the profession, age, region, and gender.

Interesting? Find your ‘smart network’ percentage and revert back along with your profession, age, area and gender! Watch this space for more!!

THE CITY OF JOY - REVISITED

I am from a developing city (Visakhapatnam), my family is now at Hyderabad and I am working in Bangalore! Of course I was born in Nagpur! I also worked in Bhubaneswar for a short period.

Recently I had an opportunity to roam all major metros within a short span of time on official work. After finishing our official work at Pune and Mumbai, I along with my senior colleague landed in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata by 11:00 pm. We surprised to see long queues for prepaid taxi service controlled by Kolkata police, while the branded taxi service counters were empty. Even international travelers were seen in the long queues and none of them even tried the other services. I looked at my colleague, he glimpsed to stay in the queue only. Suddenly there was a commotion at the counter and two passengers were shouting at each other for a place near the counter. I wondered whether we were in airport or bus stand. After few minutes the counter was temporally closed due to shortage of taxies. Few people left our queues and lined up for other branded taxi services. Again I looked at my senior colleague, still he signaled me to wait as we were in different queues. Finally we got the taxi slip by paying Rs.350/- and boarded the taxi assigned to us. 

First I didn't like the ‘yellow taxi’ with diesel stinking smell inside. Even though I came to Kolkata several times before, I still don’t have the complete idea of the city. All those were sightseeing trips with family, everything arranged by travel agents, we never felt the pain and the perspective was different. I asked the driver, how much time it will take to reach Alipore (Taj Bengal), he simply said 45 to 60 minutes. At night 00:20AM that too nearly empty roads, 45min means a long journey. Then Rs.350/- is nothing, even an Auto Rickshaw in our cities will charge more. The same situation in Bangalore/New Delhi/Hyderabad will cost you not less than Rs1000/-, of course with a neat AC car. These types of cars also available in Kolkata. But in other cities, there is no other option for common man. You have to cough up more in the name of development. Then I understood why all preferred yellow taxi which is also safe! I also observed on all taxies ‘NO REFUSAL’ caption prominently painted (see picture) means the taxi driver should not refuse to a passenger whenever the taxi is on the road. It’s a great service to the common man, who usually gets exploited in all major cities. But in Kolkata, I observed the common man is always protected. Transportation, Food, Accommodation and Clothes are always cheap in Kolkata when compared to any city in India! The public transport fares in Buses, Trams or even Metro are peanuts when compared to Bangalore. The common man is protected in the Kolkata system. You can see Love, Care and Humanity in all aspects; there is no looting in the name of development. The high class people also happily utilizing the facilities, as I observed the queues near prepaid taxies. 

The next day, we asked the receptionist to arrange a taxi by 7.00AM, then he suggested ‘Sir, just walk for few feet to the left of the hotel, you will get plenty of taxies with normal fares, If I call them here, they will charge more!’ What an advice! Is it honesty or injustice to his profession? I call it as ‘being human’ Here people won’t cash your situation! Just recalled the same situation in Pune, where we have to cough up extra Rs.200/-. We roamed around the city with those yellow taxies as per meter reading, once the meter showed Rs.41/- when I am searching for that one extra rupee, the driver said, Rs40/- enough. Have you ever paid below Rs.100/- fares for taxies in any other cities? The poor, middle class are protected from exploitation by public and private transport systems.

Another small but clear indication of differences among these cities. A ‘Sweet Pan’ in Pune costs Rs.20/- where as in Kolkata it costs Rs.10/- only. The best and affordable food available for all kinds of people in ‘Haldirams’. Of course KFCs, McDonalds are also there.

Really those two days, I have seen a different world, which I never thought of in a metro city like Kolkata. I have seen the ‘Love, affection, care and the human touch’ which we are missing in the so called developing/developed/metro/mega cities. That’s why long before the famous author and historian Dominique Lapierre called Kolkata as ‘The City of Joy’. The people of ‘The City of Joy’ and their tragedies will move you, but their faith, generosity, and most of all, boundless love will lift you, bless you, and possibly change your life. Yes the people live here with ‘Joy’! It certainly changed my perspective on several aspects. 

Finally, when we reached the airport and waiting for our Bengaluru flight, we were informed by the ‘Haldirams’ vendor about the yesteryear popular heroine ‘Moon Moon Sen’ who smoothly rejected our request for snap, but allowed to do so, once she came to know that we are from Andhra Pradesh and reminded her about her legendary Telugu film ‘Siri Vennela(1986)’ by well known Director K.Viswanadh. Bengalies won’t disappoint you! 

Vision as a Catalyst

     What is vision ?

·         Vision enhances organizational excellence and effectiveness.

·         It enhances the commitment of employees towards organization.

·         It helps employees move in a specific direction in which the organization is intending to move. 

     What is Vision statement ?

·         Vision statement is the highest order of goals that takes the organization to the tipping point.

·         It is for long term that can transform the organization and keeps it different from others.

      Why Vision ?

·         A vision statement serves as a catalyst.

·          It plays a pivotal for the success of any organization.

·          It should be clear, crisp, simple and straight and above all jargon free.

·          It must energize employees to contribute their best.

      Importance of Vision:

Vision without action is a daydream.

Action without vision is a nightmare.

                    - Japanese proverb

     GITAM University Vision

·         To become a global leader in higher education.

     Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering

·         To evolve into and sustain as a Centre of Excellence in Technological Education and Research with a holistic approach.

      VIT University Vision

·         We at VIT University will impart futuristic technical education and instill high patterns of discipline through our dedicated staff, who shall set global standards, making our students technologically superior and ethically strong, who in turn shall improve the quality of life of the human race.

     INFOSYS Vision

·         We will be a globally respected corporation.

    WIPRO Vision

·         To be among the top 10 IT and Business Process Outsourcing Services

     Reliance Vision

·         Through sustainable measures, create value for the nation, enhance quality of life across the entire socio-economic spectrum and help spearhead India as a global leader in the domains where we operate

    Alliance University, Bangalore Vision

• To be a world-class University that nurtures talent and catalytically transforms the lives of millions through excellence in teaching, research, service and community development. To uphold a commitment to shaping lives through scholarly teaching and learning, and that which contributes to an equitable and holistic transformation of society at large

    My Vision

·         To achieve Excellence in Academic Administration, Teaching, Training and Consultancy

    What is your Vision ?

Role of Principal/Direcor/VC in Building Institutions to Global Level

Prologue:

When I first joined as a Principal of MITS Engineering College, Rayagada, Odisha I don't know anything about academic administration. When I confessed the same thing to the interviewing board, they assured me "Gopinath, you will learn everything here unlike your previous assignment, where you have to build your own road". I started learning by restructuring, reforming, regulating various institutes starting from scratch to achieving national and global accreditation and achievements. I am indebted to all those managements for giving me the opportunity with abundant trust on my abilities.

I would like to share (from my experience) what is expected from an academic administrator which may be useful for future aspirants!

Role of an Academic Administrator: 

The role of an academic administrator (Principal/Dean/Director/Vice Chancellor) is to provide effective leadership for the Institute/University with focused approach towards development of faculty and staff, teaching-learning material, facilities, developing and managing administrative policies. Involve in strategic planning, developing, administering and management of all UG, PG, Doctoral programs. To implement administrative regulations with exercise of independent judgment and subject to periodic review on the basis of results achieved. Prepare the Institution/University to achieve and maintain National (NBA, NAAC) & International Accreditation (ABET) criteria.

The responsibilities of a Principal/Dean/Director/VC also include

• Administer and lead the faculty and academic resources to ensure that educational excellence is maintained at the best level.

• Promote a proactive teaching philosophy and academic culture & environment to ensure an enriched learning experience for all students and a fulfilling academic career for all faculty members

• Lead academic research and consultancy undertaken by faculty to ensure that the Institute/University achieves a strong reputation in selected academic fields of interest.

• Provide leadership to the College/University Academic Councils (CAC) or Senate and provide information to all the stakeholders.

• Effectively allocate and manage academic resources and promote an environment that directly contributes to faculty and student’s success.

• Collaborate, develop and nurture partnerships with public and private-sector Industries including the other universities (Indian and Foreign)

• Foster the growth of a multicultural community that promotes understanding and collaboration across cultures, nationalities, beliefs and religions.

• Supervise staff for performance review, grievances, and disciplinary actions.

• Motivate the students and staff to ultimately serve the society

Bhubaneswar Musings

Picture Story

Surprised to see an unusual picture! He is neither ‘Modi’ nor 'PK' nor Dhoni!! He is one of the most common men of India. He was our watchman at residence in Bhubaneswar. His name was ‘Sahebo Patro’. Why he is here? Read the story.

Sahebo was a disciple of ‘Guru Purnananda’ and every day evening he recites the slokas through books with a special modulation such that they can be heard even passerby our street. This was a regular welcome tune by the time I reach home from college. 

OK. OK.. what is the story??

One day I observed he was struggling to read the verses, but tempo continued. Curiously I asked him “is there any problem in reading”. “No problem ‘babu’(He affectionately calls me like that) I simply hold the book as a customary practice, I can recite all the slokas without the book” he replied. He also added “But now-a-days I am unable to see clearly the distant objects, persons and managing somehow”. I understood that he needs some ‘eye check-up’ and certainly he might need spectacles even considering his age (he may be 70+). He might have got ‘cataract’ also. We do regular ‘eye check-ups’ for all ‘our’ near and dear. But who will take care of him. Very poor person.

Then I decided to help him. I could not do any service to my both grandfathers (Maternal and Paternal) as my paternal grandfather expired before my birth and I enjoyed my best times with my maternal grandfather as a child, but by the time I was grown up, he was no more. 

“Mousa (we usually call him like this) get ready, we will go to ‘eye testing’ this Sunday” I told him the previous day. With amusement and shock he said “I am not having that much money babu”. “Don’t worry about that” I told him and took him for ‘Eye Check-up’. The Doctor who himself a disciple of ‘Satya Sai Baba’ took nominal fee and informed me that, Mousa was having very high power (-3.5 both eyes) and cataract also started, which needs to be operated after full growth. Based on the prescription I arranged reasonably good quality spectacles and now you can observe a smile on his glowing face! He started again with full vigor in reciting the slokas!!
You may ask, ‘why this story here sir’? Yes, I never tell or canvas my services to society. But once my (Ex)colleague and good friend (Mr.Satya Prakash Dash)  advised me, to use social media to propagate such information as some of our friends may be inspired to do such good works. 

Also I need to mention here about my inspiration from The ‘Times of India’ ‘I LEAD INDIA’ campaign which tells about helping those people around you like ‘Domestic help’, watchmen, security guards, drivers, office boys, paper boys, milk suppliers etc. I have read so many success stories in ‘TOI’ about providing help(No need to spend money, your valuable time only required) in ‘opening a bank account’ (now the pradhan mantri jan dhan yojana), ‘getting a janata insurance’, getting ‘adhaar card’, 'voter card’ ‘creating awareness about various government welfare schemes’ ,'swachh bharat' to mention few. 

To serve the sky is the limit. Let’s Start from our surroundings !!

Review of 'An Idiot, Placements And IntervYou' (English)

Just I want to share my views after reading this book 'An Idiot, Placements And IntervYou' by Toffee

Ordinary Book but I have some reservations!

Overall below average book. It seems the author is 'inspired' by Chetan Bhagat and the 'Idiot' came in title itself. I am a professor and regularly gift books(self help kind) for all my top performing students to encourage and inspire them. This time while selecting such books, this title was noticed by me in Flipkart and without any hesitation I ordered. Once, I have gone through the book, I felt I did a grave mistake. The author intention is good, the methodology and techniques to crack Quant, GD and PI are good. But the way he want to tell the readers is absolutely wrong.
After reading this book, any student aspirant can assume like this!

1. One need not be regular in studies, even a lazy person who realizes at the end can achieve miracles ( this sends a wrong signal to the lazy persons who are a majority in this world )

2. One needs to sip VODKA whenever he/she is in trouble. Thanks to 'Three Idiots' The trend started by them!

3. One can achieve success by shortcuts! I could have given five stars, if the above three are eliminated (even though it may be true with the author himself) which gives a wrong signal to the future aspirants!! Flipkart also should not encourage this type of stuff !

How International Cities are built?

This is a typical parking bay in a suburban Bangalore gated community complex, where you can see a mini-India. Metro or International cities are not built by hatred but by acceptance beyond region, religion, caste, community or language. More you accept more you grow!!