Infosys campus visit

                    On 25th of August, a group of more than 150 people from my college (Sona College of Technology), went to Infosys as an industrial visit. This post is about IT students' campus visit to Infosys, Bangalore.

My stay at hostel:

                          We had planned to depart at 3 am on 25th August. Since my home was far away from the college and there would not be sufficient transport facilities around the midnight, I went to the college hostel the previous day at 10 pm and stayed there in my friend, Vignesh's room. The stay in the hostel was a bit strange to me; everyone using laptops/desktops for browsing, playing games or listening to music; people walking in the corridor with mobiles in their hands; funny talks and many more scenes.

Departure:

                         On the day of our departure, almost everyone reached the college by 3:15 am. A group of 41 students (32 girls and 9 boys) and 2 staff from IT department departed the college campus sharp by 3:34 am in the bus (owned by Lakshmi Vilas), which we had booked. Unfortunately, no one had brought songs in pen drive and so, we couldn't listen to good songs. But, then, we watched the film titled 'Naan ee' (நான் ஈ). Some of us (including me) were sleeping in the bus (as we had waken up so early).

Infosys:

                                  After having refreshment at Krishnagiri and breakfast at Hosur, we shifted to another (Karnataka registered) bus in order to reduce the bus fare by minimizing the tollgate charge. The driver of that bus drove very fast and harsh. Holding breath, we were keenly looking for Infosys. By the time we reached Infosys, it was 9:12 am. But, they said that they couldn't let us in without the whole college assembling. The CSE department had departed the college only around 6 am and said that they would be reaching only after 10:30. Then, upon request, the Infosys organizers let the IT students and MCA students (who had already assembled by the time we reached Infosys) in.

The campus:

                                The campus was full of green plants and trees. There were many magnificent buildings. Seeing the surroundings of the campus, mind was very pleasing. We could see trees and buildings on all the directions. Then, after refreshment, we were made to sit in an auditorium, which also had a balcony. Some of us sat in the ground floor whereas the rest were sitting in the balcony. 

Presentation: 

                               There were 6 colleges including AVS Engineering College, Paavai College of Engineering, participating in this campus visit program. First of all, they asked our expectations in that program. One or two students from each college told their expectations, whereas 6 students represented Sona College. The entire session was co-ordinated by a person called 'Dattatreya'. Several other speakers also addressed on various topics. Time passed away so quickly and around 1:20, we were taken for lunch. After lunch and photographs, we went back to the auditorium.

Interactive sessions:
                                 In the afternoon, there were 2 small interactive programs. Initially there was a story matching contest (by re-arranging the given sheets of papers) and then there was a group discussion, in which four people from each college were allowed to participate. I was one among them. Later, the do's and don'ts of a group discussion were listed. After that, the Curriculum Vitae structure and the most common interview questions were discussed. Finally, after writing feedback, they gave us the email ids of the volunteers, who co-ordinated the event. After the completion of the sessions, we came out of the campus by taking photographs all the way through.

Return back:
                                While returning back, after changing to Tamil Nadu bus, one of my professors, Mr. Ilanchezian and I kept discussing regarding various things for more than an hour till we reach Krishnagiri for dinner. After dinner, I went to the front side of the bus and slept till we reach the college. By the time, we all land in the college campus, it was 11:50 pm. I stayed in Vignesh's room in college hostel and returned back to my home the next day morning around 6:30 am.

"Campus visits definitely teach everyone something new"

My visit to Golconda fort

Preparation:                  
                      I had booked train ticket to return on 11th July, to Salem from Hyderabad (where I went for my summer research fellowship). I had completed my project and report work on 9th July. So, I decided to visit Golconda fort on 10th July. As usual, I noted down the guidelines to reach the fort from IIIT, where I was doing my fellowship project, by seeing google maps.

Travel:
                   There was no direct but to Golconda. Since, the buses were much crowded, I reached a place called 'Shekpet Nala' through mini taxi, which is one of the famous modes of transport in Hyderabad. I was charged Rs. 10. Then, when I inquired auto to go to Golconda from Shekpet, they asked for Rs. 70. Neglecting them, I started walking towards the bus stop. Then, an auto-man asked me whether I was going to Golconda fort. When I replied in positive, he said that he would take me there for Rs. 20. I accepted. He dropped me in a place called Tolichowki, got Rs. 10 and asked me to get another auto from there, which will cost another 10 rupees. I did as he said and reached Golconda finally.

The fort:
                By paying the entry fee of Rs. 5, I entered the fort. The fort is like a big city, with many ups and downs, rocks and building structures. I could see a temple, olden day jail, etc. When I was walking alone, I saw a long, but thin, snake crawling in the walls. Though the snake was at a distance, I was a bit scared and vacated that place instantly. On one side of the fort, the people are doing poojas by killing goats and cocks.

Departure:
                    The fort consists of several steps to reach on to the top for enjoying the city's beauty. I couldn't go all along the top at a stretch, as it was panting. So, I sat on the rocks in between several times. After enjoying the olden structures, I boarded a bus to reach Mehdipatnam (one of the famous bus stands in Hyderabad) and from there, I reached IIIT at 2:30 pm, as I had to pack my things for returning to Salem, the next day.

"Whatever may be the modern structures, people still like olden structures also"

My Charminar visit

                 During my stay at Hyderabad for Summer Research Fellowship, I went to Charminar. This blog is about my visit to Charminar.

Departure:

                       On the previous day of my visit, with the help of Google Maps, I found that there is no direct bus for Charminar from IIIT(Gachibowli). I had to go to a place called Lakdikapul first and from there I should go to Charminar in another bus. After having my breakfast in the IIIT bus stop, I boarded a bus for going to Lakdikapul. In the first bus, after buying the ticket, I told the conductor in Hindi that I don't know the stopping. He said that he would intimate me on reaching Lakdikapul.

Me at Lakdikapul:

                           After reaching Lakdikapul, I asked so many people, where would the bus towards Charminar stop. But, everyone replied that they don't know. With some assumptions (from the Google Maps), I reached a bus stop. I was stopping there so long. But, the bus towards Charminar didn't come for a long time. After inquiring many people, I was said that I was standing in the right stopping only. Moreover, the language was also a problem for me. மொழி தெரியாமல், வழி தெரியாமல், விழி பிதுங்கி நின்றிருந்தேன். At last the bus came when it was about 45 minutes since I reached the stop.

Charminar:

                            Somehow, I reached Charminar around 10 am. The entry fee was Rs. 5 per head. Charminar is like a multi-storied building with steps having spiral structure. Each step differs in size. Thank God, we were not restricted to take photographs there. After going to the top, one could see all the 4 sides surrounded by streets. A security person was explaining about the architecture in Telugu to a family. Even I listened to him, but I couldn't understand much as I didn't know Telugu.

Mecca Masjid:
                           My mom had asked me to buy a pair of pearl bangles. So, after having my lunch, I inquired about the bangles in 3 to 4 shops and then bought a pair. Then, I went to Bhaghyalakshmi temple, which is immediately next to Charminar. Later, I went to Mecca Masjid, which is just opposite to Charminar. I had been into a Mosque for the first time in my life, on this day. I could see many doves coming to eat the grains that are being spilled in the Masjid by the pilgrims.

Golconda fort:
                           It was just 3 pm, by the time I see all these. Then, I decided to go to Golconda fort. After waiting for more than an hour, a bus towards Golconda came. After reaching Golconda, it was 5 pm and I was really very shocked to see the crowd and the traffic jam. Since, I need to travel a long to IIIT, I didn't enter Golconda fort. I reached Mehdipatnam (One of the famous bus stands at Hyderabad) in an auto and then reached IIIT through a bus from Mehdipatnam.

"It's always better to go out by knowing a language which is familiar to the people living there"

My visit to Birla Temple and Birla Planetarium

                          It was too boring for me at IIIT, Hyderabad when I went for an internship during my second year summer vacation. My mom was insisting me to go somewhere out, especially to the Birla Temple. So, I have decided to go on a Sunday.

Preparations:

                     On June 9th, with the help of google maps, I found out the guidelines for going to Birla Temple from IIIT and also found that Birla Planetarium is very close to the temple. I have decided to go there the next day ( Sunday, 10th June, 2012 ).

Starting of my journey:

                         After asking the location of the bus stop to one of the securities of IIIT, I went to the stop. A bus came in 10 minutes. With a little hesitation whether or not the bus will go to Birla Temple bus stop, I boarded and asked ( while standing in the steps ) a person ( a policeman ), who was sitting in the first row of the bus, whether the bus will go to Birla temple. He replied in positive and asked me to sit next to him in action. I did so.

Bus ticket:
                        That policeman asked me something in Telugu. I said that I don't know Telugu and Hindi. He asked me where actually I am going, in English. I said that I am going to Birla Temple. When the conductor came and asked for the ticket, that policeman himself told "1 Birla Temple" and I gave a 10 rupees note to the conductor. When the conductor asked for 2 more rupees ( as the ticket was 12 rupees ), the policeman translated it for me, though I understood the words of the conductor. The policeman asked the conductor ( in Telugu ) to intimate me on the bus reaching Birla Temple stop.

On the way:
                        On the way I could see a vehicle sweeping the road and the other one pouring water to the plants in the median, at 7:30 am. The policeman informed me that he is going to alight and added that my stopping is 5 stops next. He also informed the driver to intimate me on reaching Birla Temple and alighted the bus. On reaching the stop, the driver and the conductor intimated me and I alighted.

At Birla Temple:
                    Finally, after asking the route from 3 people, I reached Birla Temple. There, the temple is wonderful. The whole building is made up of crystals. After admiring at the architecture, I entered and worshiped Lord Venkateshwara. As soon as I came out after my prayer, I could see a view of Hyderabad as if it's seen from a 6 or 7 storied building. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to take mobiles or cameras inside. I also saw a lake with some fountains and the morning breeze ( around 8 am ), pleased me. Though, I know that the temple's beauty is much more reflected during the night time, I couldn't stay that long. Here are some pictures of Birla Mandir obtained from the internet.

At Birla Planetarium:
                       After returning back from the temple, I had my breakfast in a nearby hotel and went to the Birla Planetarium which is next to the temple. But, the ticket counter to enter the planetarium had not been opened at 9:45. Many people, including school students, were curiously waiting for the counter to open. Everyday there are shows ( in Telugu, Hindi and English ) at the planetarium, among which the shows in English are at 11:30 am, 4 pm and 6 pm. A science museum is also located inside the planetarium itself. After opening of the counter around 10:45 am, I got the tickets for both the planetarium show ( at 11:30 ) and for the science museum.

Science museum:
                      I remember, when I was a kid, I have been to a Science museum at Bangalore. With full of curiosities, I entered the museum at 11 am. There were many instruments each depicting a science experiment. I just had a overview of what are available in the museum and the time was 11:33. I rushed to the planetarium. I was asked to switch off my mobile and I did it. The show had started. But, then, some other people who came late and I were taken inside a dark room. Later they took into the theater where the show was held. Due to the darkness, I couldn't move and I was standing still. I could see 2 small dots ( as stars ) in the side wall. After some time, I was guided and asked to sit in a vacant place.

A visit to the Solar System:
                        After sitting and leaning back, I could see a number of stars and objects in the ceiling of the doom shaped theater. Starting from Mercury till Neptune, each and every planet were described in detail along with some videos and an illusion of what one would see, if he/she is landing in that particular planet. Being a lover of Space Science since my childhood, I enjoyed the journey to the Solar System. After a 45 minute travel in the solar system, I went back to the Science Museum.

Pictures of Birla Planetarium

Back to museum:
                         Some of the experiments which I liked were, the depiction of Pythagoras theorem, optical illusion experiments, density and refractive index variation of water with change in temperature, periscope to see the happenings at the 1st floor from the ground floor, etc. Some people were taking notes of whatever they see. Simply saying, Science Museum is place for enjoyment for kids, knowledge zone for students and entertainment zone for others. Later, I also happened to see a skeleton of a Dinosaur. Here are some pictures of Birla Science Museum.