My Ambigram

My SSB Experience

I finished my Engineering and applied for Indian Navy under University Entry Scheme (UES) for the post of Navy Officers in the rank of Sub-Lieutenant – Course July 2010.

My Service Selection Board interview was held at Bhopal. We were supposed to report Bhopal Railway Station by 2.30pm.

Day 0 - Reporting:

As scheduled, I reached the railway station by morning. Similar to me, I got many friends who completed their engineering and came for SSB. So we grouped together (all from Tamil Nadu) because of language barrier. We reported by 2.30pm at Bhopal Railway Station – Platform No.1. A group of 100 students in batch were brought to Bhopal Military Centre – Indian Army by a bus. We were asked to take rest till 4.20pm. The day 0 is meant for reporting and certificate verification. We assembled at Selection Central Hall (33 SSB-Navy) at 4.30pm. An introductory speech was given by Commander and also gave the entire schedule for next 5days. They also allotted a room (6 members per room- too spacious and much comfortable like 2star hotel), chest no (an identity number engraved on a cut coat where we were supposed to wear all official timings)

Day 1  (Initial Screening)

The reporting time at SCH is 6.30am. Before which we have to finish our bathing and breakfast. The breakfast will be available in mess between 5.45am to 6.30am. Accordingly we have to wake. In my batch, there are totally 147candidates appeared (many were absent). The first test was Intelligence test where 2 tests were conducted consisting aptitude, logical etc). The second test was Picture Perception Test where a blurred picture will be displayed for 30 seconds and we need to write a own story for 3mins). Followed by it, a Group Discussion about that story what we have written. A total of 15 members per team was conducted. Initially they gave chance for everyone to post their view. After that the discussion become hot. Many people (especially from North India) dominated. However whoever convince their view and arrive at the final solution will be notified. We need not describe the exact picture which was displayed. We can say what we perceive and so its called Picture Perception Test.

After test, they asked us to assemble again by 2.30pm for results declaration. Those who got selected in today’s rest have to retain for the next 4days and rest of the candidates can return. Transportation and Dearness allowance were given. After lunch, we assembled at SCH for results. Thank God!, I got selected and asked to retain for next 4days. We were given new rooms and chest number.

Day 2 (Psychology Test)

Today s psychology test. Sharply by 7am, the test starts. The first one is Thematic Apperception Test (12 pictures will be shown for 30seconds at the interval of every 3mins where we have to write a story based on picture in that gap. The twelfth picture is a blank screen where one has to write his own story based on 11pictures). The second test is Word Assertion Test (60words will be displayed at the interval of every 15seconds. One has to write a sentence containing the meaning of that word). No extra time will be given at last. The third test is Situation Reaction Test (where 60 questions will be given and asked us to write the reaction for that situation in 90minutes). The last test is the Self Description Test (five paragraphs need to be written. Its about what your parents, teachers, friend think about you, what you think about you and finally, how you want to be). Some of my colleagues had Interview today (Interview will be scheduled on Day2 or 3 or 4) based on their chest number.

Day 3 (Ground Task Day 1/2)

We were asked to assemble at large ground where Ground task will be held by 6.30am. Among total 35candidates, 5groups of 7each were distributed. Every group will be having GTO (Ground Task Officer). The first task is Group Discussion I and II. Two GDs longed for 30mins each were conducted. For the first one, the commander will give two topics. Out of which we can select any one (Remember group cohesion will be checked while selecting the topic). For second GD, one topic will be given where we have to speak mandatory. GTO will be watching all our activities individually either directly or indirectly. The next one is Military Planning Exercise. A large map will be explained by the GTO initially. Later a situation will be given to every individual. We have to go through for 5mins. After that, we need to arrive at the solution for the situation individually through pen and paper. After that, a group discussion for common arrival of the decision is required where everyone is expected to put forth their own ideas. The next one is Group Task. We will be given enough instruments and a load in a hurdled area. With the given norms, we have to cross the hurdle (totally 5) in the given span of 45mins. At all stages, the GTO will be watching and any discrepancy if noted, then GTO will order to start from the initial point. The next test is Half Group Task where only half the total member of group will be participating and handle the same task. In group tasks, everyone has to come up with their ideas intelligently to handle the situation. The next test is Lecturate. We will be given 4topics before a minute for preparation and asked to give lecture infront of our group members and GTO for 5mins. The next test is the Snake Race. A large snake like object (weighs heavily) have to be carried by 5groups such that we have to cross 5hard hurdles in group. While negotiating hurdles, the snake has to be carried atleast by 3members. Likewise there are many norms (previously it will be explained by GTO) such that one among 5 will be coming first in that race. With these test, the Ground Take for Day 1 is over. I had Interview with the President (of SSB). Normally interview will be conducted among the President, the Deputy President  or the Interviewing Officer. My interview longed for 90mins.

Day 4 (Ground Task Day 2/2)

We assembled at the same ground for the ground task day 2. The first test toady is Individual Task. A total of 10 task will be numbered based on its difficulty is first explained by GTO. In the span of 3minutes, we are expected to complete all 10 tasks. The next task is Command Task where one will be assumed to the Commander. He has to command two people from his group to handle a hurdle. 5mins time will be given. Our performance will be appraised. The next test is Final Group Task where the same hurdle of Group Task will be assigned and asked to perform again. The ground tasks end here for that day.

Day 5 (Conference and Results)

We were assembled at SCH. Closing address was given by Interviewing Officer. Later every person is supposed to enter Conference room. The conference room contains a single chair for us to make our seat. In front of the person, a group of 10members will be sitting (The President, The Deputy President, The Interviewing Officer, The Psychologist, The GTOs). All will be wearing Navy Uniform. To my knowledge, everyone is in the rank above Commander.

Food & Environment: 

Bhopal Military Centre is really a good place with widespread land for conducting military activities. The room which was provided were adequate (more than enough) and common toilets (very neat) with hot water facility. We were supposed to be woke up by 5.30 in the morning. Every room will have speakers which will start singing at 5.30 (like a weird alarm). Even we had to rush for breakfast or other activities, the bathrooms were never overcrowded. Morning breakfast timing is 6.30 to 7.15. You will be given bread, butter, boiled egg and oats. No other option. For lunch it was variety and heavy and dinner will be really awesome with non-veg (Pure veg also avbl).The dineer closes by 8.30 pm and lights of the entire military basin will be switched off by 9.30pm.

In the leisure time, you are allowed to go around (not outside the boundary) the place and take your time. Sports like badminton, volley ball, basket ball, foot ball are also allowed.

If you are so desperate about joining defense, then give 2-3 tries of SSB (if you dont get into first). Because the GTO (Ground Training Officer) are trainied to select the appropriate candidate. Thats why there are so many ground test. They really wanted to see how capable are you. If you are over-capable or under-capable, results are same. But dont give up.

Wish you all the best!

The Big “Black Star”

Before I use the word big to denote worries, I have to define it. To say about big, I can think about the sun, stars, galaxies and the Universe. Astrologically, every celestial bodies have their escape velocity which means the ability of objects when injected from its surface can escape from it by opposing gravitational attraction.

For instance, the escape velocity of Earth is 11.2 km/s.

The escape velocity mainly depends on radius of celestial body and the mass.

Now consider a celestial body having its mass and radius, such that its escape velocity is greater than 300000000 m/s, then even light cannot escape from it. It appears to be a “Black Star”.

Analogically, when someone has problems, hewanted to share it with their friends. So his worries got divided. For some reason, those worries will become big and big and too heavy. It is attaining the state that those worries cannot escape from him even when his friends are nearby. Instead, those friends simply grew up worries without their knowledge and expect him to share. Those friends are too young to see him as “Black Star”. They are too ignorant to see that his worries have grown up tremendously and so he cannot share even if he desire.

Birth Right is for All!!

Fact sheet says that globally there are 14million life forms. Of which only 10% has been described by science so far.

Invasion of human and his depredations made the extinction rate 40,000 (approx) times higher than the background (during last 200 million years, about 100 species became extinct in each century).

A disappearing plant can take with it 10-30 dependant species such as insects, higher animals and even other plants.

We may already be losing 100 species a day.

Human species now use 40% of planet’s annual net photosynthesis production.

The exploitation of natural resources by human should be limited. Poaching, hunting and deforestation should be considered as alarming acts. All biodiversities must be protected and enhance its growth. THE WORLD NEED TO ACT QUIKLY TO COUNTER THE EROSION OF SPECIES.

Human thinks that all natural resources was made for him. Human is a social animal. Like the human as a species (sapiens), we have 14million species. The natural resource is for all the organisms. As the civilization grows, the need grows and it starts with utilization of resources and ends with exploitation.

Global warming, Ozone layer depletion are primarily caused by CO2 gases where human plays a prime role.

Other environmental threats such as recent Gulf disaster (Oil leak), Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Three Mile Island disaster, Bhopal’s Union Carbide India Ltd disaster are also accelerating the species erosion.

Reference: The Hindu, Thursday, May 27, 2010 -- Editorial

Wanna enjoy my Childhood ma!

The source of the image is
http://files.myopera.com/pypykutesmiles/blog/painting_children_childhood_kjb_Don.jpg
© My Opera

Amma, I don’t want to go to school.

I am just a child, Ma. I want someone to tell me stories and teach me. I want to watch tadpoles and butterflies and know what they eat, where they sleep. I want to climb a hill and catch a cloud to see what it is made of.

I want to wait with my hands in the stream and feel the fish swimming.

I want to run with the puppies, sing with the birds, and play with paper-boats in the rain.

I want to lie down on the soft green grass and hear the wind whisper.

Only then I want to learn more about them from the printed word.

Only after my imagination is fired, my thirst to know more has begun, a seed of ‘Why?’ is planted in my brain.

Amma, I feel trapped in the prison-like classroom. I feel my spirit slowly weakening with the monotonous teaching. Often, when I ask a basic question our teachers say, “No time for all that. Let us finish the syllabus.”

I get tired of studying just for marks without pausing to truly understand.

I want to go to the museum with my classmates and hear my teacher explain the stories of the artefacts.

I want plenty of nature trips where real Biology classes would be held.

I want to see colourful videos of volcanic eruptions and deep-sea dwellings.

I want our whole school to visit together the historic and cultural places in my city.

I want to learn astronomy after looking through a telescope once.

I don’t want to just read them in my textbooks; I want to see, hear, touch, smell and taste whatever I can. I want to experience.

Why can’t the school make at least one such trip every year?

And, I cannot stoop down anymore to carry my school sack. My back is ready to break. Why should I carry all the books everyday? Why can’t we have only two subjects per day? Or, why don’t we have lockers like in the Western schools? And, why should I squeeze in that over-crowded auto?

But, Amma, growing up no longer seems to be fun. I see only more of homework, winter projects, summer classes, weekly tests, monthly tests, quarterly, half-yearly and annual exams, external competitive exams, more tests, more competitions, more pressure, more stress…

When can I sing, paint, dance, swim, or cycle?

When I can just play cricket or even hide-and-seek?

What happened to that minimum sleep that you always say a child needs?

Why should I always study, study?

Amma, I am scared of increasing atrocities by untrustworthy teachers, ragging-raving seniors, acid-loving nuts, perverted adults…

Ma, right now, I don’t want to be a doctor, engineer or anything else.

I just want to feel safe and secure, play and learn without any stress before I become an adult like you.

I only want to enjoy my childhood, Ma.

© The Hindu

This article is published in The Hindu on Op-Ed page

IDEA from Black to White

The existence of black money in most of the rich people’s asset is glooming. This black money mainly affects the economy of the country. Due to this black money, “Rich become richer and Poor become poorer”. This lack of enhancement of economy indirectly affects every citizen of the country. Due to this black money, people were exempted to pay their taxes. Though there are several Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to unveil the existence of black money, it has been very hard to abolish. Using the new concept of establishing the plastic money under “One Man One Card” system, the possibility of abolishing becomes high. The system not only abolishing the black money but also makes one’s money safer.

The process can be achieved by unique ‘Authentication and Transaction System (ATS)’ along with ‘Personal Accessory Card (PAC)’ using uniquely recognizing human based physiological Biometric technology. Our Authentication system uses iris recognition technology since it has more security and high-resolution images of the irides of an individual's eyes. This Personal Accessory Card is accessible all over the world as similar to the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) technology. The PAC contains Biological data of a person and capital details. The ATS is installed in public places for the ease of accessibility. This ATS should have been connected all over the world through networking in order to access the database of the particular person and the transaction can be done using this system. The bio-data and capital details can be collected for all citizens and a separate database can be created and must be governed by an Organization under the Government of the country. Bio-data contains person’s name, address, iris identification image, unique identification number and blood group. As the system security involve biometric technology, the safety and security is more concerned. Due to this system, cooperated by all senates, the abolition of black money can be done in the converting ‘the currency to the plastic money’ step itself. Also the money becomes more accessible for all citizens thereby indirectly increase the growth rate of country due to proper tax-paying and transparent transactions thereby providing no room for bribe and corruption. But the implementation process duration is too long and depends on the cooperation of all governments and the citizens. Since the process includes involving every citizen in latest technology, awareness and exposure about the technology should be propagated.

Aliens will live in our EARTH

Every incident that is happening at a particular time where time span is very minimum (1/∞) in the universe can be considered to be frame. A particular incident will happen at a particular time all over the time which can be considered to be the frame. For e.g., consider the every incident that is happening in the world is photographed and that photograph is what I call as frame. Every incident at a particular time need to be photographed not at the interval of one second but at the interval of second. For any process to occur, the entire universe including all galaxies must travel from one frame to another. This process of switching over to one frame over the other is called “Positive Frame Travelling” i.e., we are travelling or going forward to the future. Sound good! How about travelling in “Negative Frame Travelling”, which is highly impossible because it literally means that we need to travel “to the past”. Have u ever hear of the word TO THE PAST? Well! Some extraneous energy or power is driving us to move forward from one frame to another frame. Those extraneous energy or power, which had no nomenclature and hence let us leaves to the God.

Technology every day grows exponentially leads to lots developments. However we restrict ourselves that the development in technology should be only on market based and not on intelligence based. But this restriction sometimes needs to be broken in order to find some truths. How about the development of famous machine called “Time Machine” which will make you travel to any year or age you want. This can be regarded as high end technology. Suppose if the technology of frame travelling especially negative frame travelling is determined, then anyone can go to past. Could this be possible? I hope Yes!! There is a place in the globe called AREA 51- A secret Military Operations place of the United States of America. This area is very famous for the existence of extra-terrestrial life called alien. Some Un-identified Flying Objects (UFO) were seen and recorded in the area. You may get lot of results regarding it when you surf.

If we talk about alien, many questions may arise. What are they? Where do they come from? How could it travel to the Solar system especially the Earth? What sort of business is that doing in this undeveloped globe? What is the vehicle it is using to travel here?

Let me make assumptions where it will fit all the questions. I call Alien which literally means that Unknown thing or a foreign thing as the Highly Evolved Living Organism. It is not coming from other part of the Universe but from our Own Earth. It is not travelling across several light years to come-up here but travelling to cross some time frames to reach the present universe. It may be coming to see their ancestors (we). It is using the vehicle which we call as “Time Machine” to reach this present world.

We are the ancestors or that alien. As I said earlier, alien are the highly evolved human which uses the high end technology of time machine to travel to this time frame. So, the alien was formed. The human was Evolved. But in present world, we are still undeveloped human. The human was evolved in the same earth. You can find them after several thousand or million years.