What I remember about IIMA – the significant stuff – the walk to Lal’s to buy cigarettes. Interesting – that I did the walk many times a day with several of you when I never smoked! My worst class – the 0.5 credit class in computer programming. Got a C-. 

 

And yet I have spent the last 40 years working in basically IT & Telecom. Goes to show – you cannot predict the future. Now my passion is trading in the stock market and once again I am trying to predict the future. I guess you cannot teach an old dog new tricks!

 

Came to America after a brief stint in Mumbai in 1997. No one told me that going to Wisconsin in January was a bad idea – landed there in January in a snowstorm and -20 C degree weather. Yes, we learned a lot at IIM but no one taught me to research the weather in Wisconsin (no internet then) and why I chose it over sunny California when I had admission there. Ah, the Mid West USA – it builds character they say. Never went back in winter – lesson learned!

 

Have spent most of my 40 years in Washington DC suburbs enjoying the beauty of northern Virginia and Shenandoah. DC is a button down power centric city not as exciting as New York. However, it has a southern genteelity as it is the beginning of the North- South divide in the US. Best part I like – its very green – deer in the backyard - and unlike Europe - all the Smithsonian Museums are free!

 

My high points. Living the American life being a Soccer (football) coach for my son, Shiv and daughter, Trisha for 10 years. Yes, I was as good a football player in India as I was a programmer at IIM. America does give you chances to try new things. 

 

My wife Kavita, is a Delhi girl, who focused on bringing up two great kids in hyper competitive DC. Both are/were at University of Virginia and yes, they both did engineering. Remember the Society of prevention of cruelty to Non – Engineers at IIM. I must have sent subliminal messages not to study economics. Shiv is going to Yale this year for his MBA. Life goes full circle.

 

I visit India about every two years. Its wonderful to see some of you in Gurgaon/Delhi. Sorry will not be there for the reunion. Enjoy! And Live the moment and try not to predict the future!